VI. It is expedient that no person be introduced to preach in any of the churches under our care, unless by the consent of the pastor or church session.

CHAPTER VII.

OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF BAPTISM.

I. BAPTISM is not to be unnecessarily delayed; nor to be administered, in any case, by any private person; but by a minister of Christ, called to be the steward of the mysteries of God.

II. It is usually to be administered in the church, in the presence of the congregation; and it is convenient that it be performed immediately after sermon.

III. After previous notice is given to the minister, the child to be baptized is to be presented, by one or both the parents, signifying their desire that the child may be baptized.

IV. Before baptism, let the minister use some words of instruction, respecting the institution, nature, use, and ends of this ordinance; showing,

"That it is instituted by Christ; that it is a "seal of the righteousness of faith: that the seed of the faithful have no less a right to this "ordinance, under the gospel, than the seed of "Abraham to circumcision, under the Old Tes"tament; that Christ commanded all nations

"to be baptized; that he blessed little children, "declaring that of such is the kingdom of hea"ven; that children are federally holy, and "therefore ought to be baptized; that we are, "by nature, sinful, guilty, and polluted, and "have need of cleansing by the blood of Christ, "and by the sanctifying influences of the Spirit "of God."

The minister is also to exhort the parents to the careful performance of their duty: requiring,

"That they teach the child to read the word "of God; that they instruct it in the principles "of our holy religion, as contained in the Scrip"tures of the Old and New Testament; an ex"cellent summary of which we have in the "Confession of Faith of this church, and in the "Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Westmin"ster Assembly, which are to be recommended "to them, as adopted by this church, for their "direction and assistance, in the discharge of "this important duty; that they pray with and "for it; that they set an example of piety and "godliness before it; and endeavour, by all the "means of God's appointment, to bring up "their child in the nurture and admonition of "the Lord."

V. Then the minister is to pray for a blessing to attend this ordinance; after which, calling the child by its name, he shall say,

"I baptize thee, in the name of the Father, "and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

As he pronounces these words, he is to baptize the child with water, by pouring or sprinkling it on the face of the child, without adding

any other ceremony: and the whole shall be concluded with prayer.

Although it is proper that baptism be administered in the presence of the congregation; yet there may be cases when it will be expedient to administer this ordinance in private houses: of which the minister is to be the judge.

CHAPTER VIII.

OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S

SUPPER.

I. THE Communion, or supper of the Lord, is to be celebrated frequently; but how often, may be determined by the minister and eldership of each congregation, as they may judge most for edification.

II. The ignorant and scandalous are not to be admitted to the Lord's supper.

III. It is proper that public notice should be given to the congregation, at least the Sabbath before the administration of this ordinance, and that, either then, or on some day of the week, the people be instructed in its nature, and a due preparation for it; that all may come in a suitable manner to this holy feast.

IV. When the sermon is ended, the minister shall show,

"That this is an ordinance of Christ; by "reading the words of institution, either from "one of the evangelists, or from 1 Cor. xi. chap"ter; which, as to him may appear expedient,

"he may explain and apply; that it is to be "observed in remembrance of Christ, to show "forth his death till he come; that it is of inesti"mable benefit, to strengthen his people against "sin; to support them under troubles; to en"courage and quicken them in daty; to inspire "them with love and zeal; to increase their "faith, and holy resolution; and to beget peace "of conscience, and comfortable hopes of eternal "life."

He is to warn the profane, the ignorant, and scandalous, and those that secretly indulge themselves in any known sin, not to approach the holy table. On the other hand, he shall invite to this holy table, such as, sensible of their lost and helpless state by sin, depend upon the atonement of Christ for pardon and acceptance with God; such as, being instructed in the gospel doctrine, have a competent knowledge to discern the Lord's body, and such as desire to renounce their sins, and are determined to lead a holy and godly life.

V. The table, on which the elements are placed, being decently covered, the bread in convenient dishes, and the wine in cups, and the communicants orderly and gravely sitting around the table, (or in their seats before it,) in the presence of the minister; let him set the elements apart, by prayer and thanksgiving.

The bread and wine being thus set apart by prayer and thanksgiving, the minister is to take the bread, and break it, in the view of the people, saying, in expressions of this sort,

"Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the same night

"in which he was betrayed, having taken bread, "and blessed and broken it, gave it to his dis"ciples; as I, ministering in his name, give this "bread unto you; saying, [here the bread is to "be distributed] Take, eat: this is my body, "which is broken for you: this do in remem"brance of me."

After having given the bread, he shall take the cup, and say,

"After the same manner our Saviour also "took the cup; and having given thanks, as "hath been done in his name, he gave it to the "disciples; saying, [while the minister is re"peating these words let him give the cup] "This cup is the new testament in my blood, "which is shed for many, for the remission of "sins: drink ye all of it."

The minister himself is to communicate, at such time as may appear to him most convenient.

The minister may, in a few words, put the communicants in mind,

"Of the grace of God, in Jesus Christ, held "forth in this sacrament; and of their obliga"tion to be the Lord's; and may exhort them "to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith

"6

they are called; and, as they have professedly "received Christ Jesus the Lord, that they be "careful so to walk in him, and to maintain "good works."

It may not be improper for the minister to give a word of exhortation also to those who have been only spectators, reminding them,

"Of their duty; stating their sin and danger,