542 MORALS AND DOGMA.
These Mysteries were divided into two parts ; the first styled the Mass of the Catechumens; the second, the Mass of the Faithful. The celebration of the Mysteries of Mithras was also styled a mass; and the ceremonies used were the same. There were found all the sacraments of the Catholic Church, even the breath of confirmation. The Priest
of Mithras promised the Initiates deliverance from sin, by means of confession and baptism, and a future life of happiness or misery. He celebrated the oblation of bread, image of the resurrection. The baptism of newly-born children, extreme unction, confession of sins, all belonged to the Mithriac rites. The candidate was purified by a species of
baptism, a mark was impressed upon his forehead, he offered bread and water, pronouncing certain mysterious words.