Sphragis (Σφραγίς, seal,) a name given in the ancient Church to baptism. Being rather uncommon as applied to baptism, it has occasioned some error among learned men, who often mistake it either for the sign of the cross, or the consignation, and the unction that was used in confirmation. The imposition of hands in ordination was called σφραγίς (consignation) and σταυροειδὴς σφραγίς (consignation in form of a cross), because the sign of the cross was made on the head of him that was ordained. See Bingham, Christ. Antiq. bk. 4, ch. 6, § 12; bk. 12, ch. 1, § 4.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More