The General Assembly considering, that the two Sacraments, that Christ
hath appointed under the New Testament, _viz. Baptism and the Lords
Supper_, are his Solemn Ordinances, and Seals of the Covenant of Grace
(which is held forth in the Preaching of the Gospel). And that in the use
of them, the Parties receiving them, are solemnly devoted and engaged to
God, before Angels and men; and are solemnly received, as Members of the
Church, and do entertain Communion with her: And that by the Authority of
this Church in her former Assemblies. The private use of them hath been
condemned: As also, that by allowing the private use of the same, in
pretended Cases of Necessity; The Superstitious opinion is nourished, that
they are necessary to Salvation, not only as commanded Duties, but as
means, without which Salvation cannot be attained. Therefore, The Assembly
hereby discharges, the Administration of the Lords Supper, to Sick Persons
in their Houses, and all other use of the same, except in the publick
Assemblies of the Church. And also doth discharge the Administration of
Baptism in private, That is, in any place, or at any time, when the
Congregation is not orderly called together, to wait on the Dispensing of
the Word. And appoints that this be carefully observed, when and where
ever the Lord giveth his people Peace, Liberty and Opportunity for their
publick Assemblies. And ordains this present Act to be publickly Intimate
in all the Churches.
Edinburgh 11 November 1690. _Post Meridiem_ Sess. 24.