ed by law the custom has fallen into disuse.

Baptism, Adult.--(See ADULT BAPTISM).

Baptism, Holy.--One of the two great Sacraments ordained by Christ
as generally (universally) necessary to salvation. Holy Baptism is
the initiatory rite by which we are admitted into the fellowship
of Christ's Religion, admitted into His Church. Baptism is a
covenant made between God and man; of this covenant the Christian
name, which was then given us, is the reminder; reminding us of
our new relationship with God. The grace conferred in Holy Baptism
is threefold, (1) Regeneration, or the New Birth (See REGENERATION);
(2) Admission into the Spiritual Kingdom, or the Holy Catholic
Church, and (3) The forgiveness of all our sins, for in the Nicene
Creed we confess, "I acknowledge one Baptism for the Remissions of
sins." The vows of Holy Baptism are three in number, (1) To
Renounce, (2) to Believe and (3) to Obey. These cover "the Whole
Duty of Man," {30} and it is by the use of the Means of Grace with
diligent Prayer that he is enabled to keep them and to grow into
the likeness of Christ, whose member he is because incorporated
into Him by Holy Baptism. The outward, visible sign or form in
Baptism is water, with the unfailing use of the words, "In the Name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." This effects
a valid Baptism.

Baptism, Conditional.--As Holy Baptism can take place only once in
any individual life, the Church has always been most careful that
it should not be repeated. But it sometimes happens that grave doubts
arise as to the validity of one's Baptism, or the fact of Baptism is
only a matter of conjecture. In such cases the Church has provided
for conditional, or hypothetical Baptism. The form is, "If thou art
not already baptized, (name) I baptize thee in the Name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen." In such a
case if the Baptism has already taken place and was valid, the
hypothetical Baptism passes for naught, but if it were not valid
or had not taken place, the hypothetical Baptism is effective.

Baptism, Infant.--(See INFANT BAPTISM).

Baptism, Private.--The proper place for the administration of Holy
Baptism is in the church, and the Church warns her people "that
without great and reasonable cause and necessity, they procure not
their children to be baptized at home in their houses." But when
need shall compel them so to do, she provides for the emergency by
the service e