commanded that all should be baptized, and has connected the blessing of
salvation with this sacrament. [Matt. 16:16] Those who despise it and
refuse to be baptized, cannot be saved. But if any person should desire
baptism and be unable to obtain it, he would not on that account be
lost. It is not the lack of baptism, but the despising of baptism that
condemns.

Baptism is to be administered by the pastor. But if there should be
extreme peril of death before a minister could possibly arrive, any
member of the Church may baptize. Such lay-baptism, however, should
afterwards be announced in church, and be declared valid.

WHO ARE TO BE BAPTIZED.

The command of Christ to "make disciples" includes "all nations." All
those persons, therefore, who are willing to become disciples are to be
baptized; namely, adults who have received the proper religious
instruction and profess faith in Christ, and children whom competent
sponsors present for baptism.

INFANT BAPTISM. Infants should be baptized at a very early age, and thus
be received into God's covenant as His children. Since they cannot be
instructed before baptism, they should be carefully instructed
afterwards [Matt. 28:20] and be brought up in the nurture and admonition
of the Lord, [Eph. 6:4] so that they may always remain faithful and
obedient children of God.

SPONSORS answer the questions for the child at its baptism, and promise
to see to it that the child is properly instructed and trained in the
Christian religion. Sponsors must themselves be members in good standing