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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,

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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 IX.

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. chapter; 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

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"death till he come; that it is of inestimable benefit to strengthen his people against sin; to support hem under troubles; to encourage and quicken them in duty; to inspire them with love and zeal; to increase their faith, and holy resolution; and to beget peace of con“science, 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 of 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 disciples; 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 remembrance of me."

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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 'repeating these words let him give the cup] This cup is

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"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 communi. cants in mind

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Of the grace of God, in Jesus Christ, held forth in 'this Sacrament; and of their obligation to be the Lord's; "and may exhort them to walk worthy of the vocation "wherewith 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, by living “in disobedience to Christ, in neglecting this holy ordinance; and calling upon them to be earnest in making 'preparation for attending upon it, at the next time of "its celebration."

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Then the minister is to pray and give thanks to God, "For his rich mercy, and invaluable goodness, vouch. "safed to them in that sacred communion; to implore แ 'pardon for the defects of the whole service; and to pray "for the acceptance of their persons and performances; "for the gracious assistance of the Holy Spirit, to enable them, as they have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so to "walk in him; that they may hold fast that which they "have received, that no man take their crown; that their " conversation may be as becometh the gospel; that they 'may bear about with them, continually, the dying of the "Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested "in their mortal body; that their light may so shine be"fore men, that others, seeing their good works, may glorify "their Father who is in heaven."

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The collection for the poor, and to defray the expense of the elements, may be made after this; or at such other time as may seem meet to the eldership.

Now let a psalm or hymn be sung, and the congregation dismissed, with the following or some other gospel benediction:

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'Now the God of peace, that brought again from the "dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

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VI. As it has been customary, in some parts of our Church, to observe a fast before the Lord's Supper; to have a sermon on Saturday and Monday; and to invite two or three ministers on such occasions; and as these seasons have been blessed to many souls, and may tend to keep up a stricter union of ministers and congregations; we think it not improper that they who choose it may continue in this practice.

CHAPTER X.

OF THE ADMISSION OF PERSONS TO SEALING ORDINANCES

I. CHILDREN, born within the pale of the visible Church, and dedicated to God in Baptism, are under the inspection and government of the Church; and are to be taught to read and repeat the catechism, the apostles' creed, and the Lord's Prayer. They are to be taught to pray, to abhor sin, to fear God, and to obey the Lord Jesus Christ. And, when they come to years of discretion, if they be free from scandal, appear sober and steady, and to have sufficient knowledge to discern the Lord's body, they ought to be informed it is their duty and their privilege to come to the Lord's Supper.

II. The years of discretion, in young Christians, cannot be precisely fixed. This must be left to the prudence of the eldership. The officers of the church are the judges

of the qualifications of those to be admitted to sealing ordinances; and of the time when it is proper to admit young Christians to them.

III. Those who are to be admitted to sealing ordinances, shall be examined as to their knowledge and piety.

IV. When unbaptized persons apply for admission into the Church, they shall, in ordinary cases, after giving satisfaction with respect to their knowledge and piety, make a public profession of their faith, in the presence of the congregation; and thereupon be baptized.

CHAPTER XI.

OF THE MODE OF INFLICTING AND REMOVING CENSURES.

I. THE power which Christ has given the rulers of his Church is for edification, and not destruction. When, therefore, a communicant shall have been found guilty of a fault deserving censure, the judicatory shall proceed with all tenderness, and restore the offending brother in the spirit of meekness, its members considering themselves, lest they also be tempted. Censure ought to be inflicted with great solemnity: that it may be the means of impressing the mind of the delinquent with a proper sense of his sin; and that, with the divine blessing, it may lead him to repentance.

II. When the judicatory has resolved to pass sentence, suspending a communicant from church privileges, the Moderator shall pronounce the sentence in the following form:

66 Whereas you have been found guilty [by your own con“fession, or by sufficient proof, as the case may be] of the "sin of [here mention the particular offence], we declare 'you suspended from the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, till you give satisfactory evidence of repentance." To this shall be added such advice, admonition, or rebuke, as may be judged necessary; and the whole shall be

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