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

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.

Ι.

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 whether 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.