CHAPTER II.

OF CASES OF BAPTISM.

Sect. 1. The unworthiness of a Minister does not invalidate ordinances.

The following question was proposed by the committee of overtures: viz. Ought such persons to be re-baptized, as have been offered in baptism by notoriously profligate parents, and baptized by ministers of the same description? On this question the General Assembly, after a full investigation, adopted the following determination: viz.

Resolved, That it is a principle of this church, that the unworthiness of the ministers of the gospel does not invalidate the ordinances of religion dispensed by them.-It is also a principle, that as long as any denomination of christians is acknowledged by us a church of Christ, we ought to hold the ordinances dispensed by it as valid, notwithstanding the unworthiness of particular ministers. Yet, inasmuch as no general rule can be made to embrace all circumstances, there may be irregularities in particular administrations, by men not yet divested of

their office either in this or in other churches, which may render them null and void.-But, as these irregularities must often result from circumstances and situations, that cannot be anticipated and pointed out in the rule, they must be left to be judged of by the prudence and wisdom of church sessions, and the higher judicatories to which they may be referred. In such cases, it may be adviseable to administer the ordinance of baptism in a regular manner, where a prophane exhibition of the ceremony may have been attempted. These cases and circumstances however are to be inquired into by the church sessions, and referred to a Presbytery before a final decision.-1790. Vol. I. p. 20.

Sect. 2. Engagements to be required in Bap

tism.

The following question, brought before the Assembly, through the Committee of Overtures, was read: viz. "Whether, besides requiring of parents, dedicating their children to God in baptism, an express acknowledgment of the duties of parents and recommending to them the observance thereof, it should be considered as essential to require also, that they come under an explicit vow or solemn engagement to perform those duties?" Whereupon the Assembly resolved, that an answer to the question is contained, in the directory for public worship of this church, under the head of administration of baptism, which requires an express engagement on the part of the parents.—1794.

Sect. 3. The administration of Baptism by Unitarians invalid.

The committee to which was referred the question submitted by the member from the Presbytery of Harmony, and with the advice of that Presbytery, in the following words: viz.

"A person, who had been baptized in infancy by Dr. Priestly, applied for admission to the Lord's table should the baptism administered by Dr. Priestly, then a Unitarian, be considered valid? reported; and their report being read, was adopted, and is as follows: viz.

Resolved, That this question be answered in the negative; and it accordingly was determined in the negative. In the present state of our country, whilst Unitarian errors, in various forms, are making their insidious approaches-whilst the advovates of this heresy in many cases are practising a system of concealment, and insinuating themselves into the confidence of multitudes who have no suspicion of their defection from the faith, the Assembly feel it to be their duty to speak without reserve. It is the deliberate and unanimous opinion of this Assembly, that those who renounce the fundamental doctrine of the Trinity, and deny that Jesus Christ is the same in substance, equal in power and glory, with the Father, cannot be recog nized as ministers of the Gospel, and that their ministrations are wholly invalid.-1814.

Sect. 4. The children of slaves to be Baptized when presented by their masters.

The committee to whom was referred the following question: viz. "Ought Baptism, on the profes-

sion and promise of the master, to be administered to the children of slaves? reported, and their report being amended was adopted, and is as follows: viz.

1st. That it is the duty of masters who are members of the church, to present the children of parents in servitude to the ordinance of Baptism, provided they are in a situation to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, thus securing to them the rich advantages, which the Gospel provides.

2d. That it is the duty of Christ's ministers to inculcate this doctrine, and to baptize all children of this description, when presented to them by their masters.-1816.

Sect. 5. A similar question answered by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia.

The following case of conscience from Donnegal Presbytery was overtured: viz. Whether Christian masters or mistresses ought in duty to have such children baptized, as are under their care, though born of parents not in the communion of any christian church? Upon this overture Synod are of opinion, that christian masters and mistresses whose religious professions and conduct are such, as to give them a right to the ordinance of baptism for their own children, may, and ought to, dedicate the children of their household to God, in that ordinance, when they have no scruple of conscience to the contrary.-1786. Page 413.

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Sect. 6. The Synod's decision on the duty of Christian slaves, in regard to the Baptism of their children.

It was overtured, Whether christian slaves having children at the entire direction of unchristian masters, and not having it in their power to instruct them in religion, are bound to have them baptized; and whether a gospel minister in this predicament ought to baptize them? And Synod determined the question in the affirmative.-1786. Page 414.

Sect. 7. A person having scruples about infant Baptism may be admitted to Communion.

A letter also came, through the committee of overtures, from Bethuel Church Esq. inquiring whe ther he may be admitted to occasional communion, whilst he has scruples concerning infant baptism.

The letter from Bethuel Church Esq. as overtured, was read, and the motion formerly made, thus amended-That the sessions of the Church of Cambridge be permitted to receive Mr. Church upon satisfactory evidence of his good character, his scruples notwithstanding," was taken up and agreed to.-1798. Vol. I. p. 167, 170.