On Baptism.

I. Whereas there is reason to fear that the principles on which the ordinance of baptism ought to be dispensed in this Church are not sufficiently understood, and that there is not sufficient uniformity of practice in regard to this ordinance on the part of the various ministers, it is overtured by the Presbytery of Southland to the Synod to take this matter into consideration, with a view to make clear the principles and practical rules by which the ministers of this Church snould be guided in this matter.

II. Whereas the subordinate standards of our Church authorise the administration of baptism only to those who profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him, and to such as are members of the visible Church; whereas the directory for the public worship of God states that baptism is not to be administered in private places or privately, but in the place of public worship, and in the face of the congregation; and whereas there is reason to believe that the aforesaid requirements are not uniformly carried into practice throughout the Church; it is overtured by the Presbytery to the Synod to take the premises into their consideration, and give such deliverance anent the same as shall secure uniformity of practice in the administration of the ordinance of baptism throughout the Church.