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 "We would have the General Convention, by a frank and public declaration, plant itself on the broad platform laid down for us so distinctly in the Heavenly Doctrines, and briefly hinted at in this Memorial. We desire especially [and this is the particular thing they ask] that the Convention cease to claim for itself any special prerogative—any special right to the Christian name or ordinances, or any special efficacy in the latter when administered by its own officials; that it frankly admit that these ordinances are equally valid, efficacious, and significant when reverently administered by Christians of whatever name or creed."

In reply to this specific request, the committee in their report say:—

"We are not aware that the Convention has claimed any exclusive right to the Christian name or ordinances, or any exclusive efficacy in the latter when administered by its own officials." "The Convention imposes no rules and no restrictions . . . in regard to the administration of the sacraments." "Nearly all of the ministers strongly recommend those who come from other religious bodies to the New Church to be baptized [even if they have been baptized before], because they believe it will be of great spiritual use." "It is true that 'baptism by a minister of the New Church' is required of all candidates for the ministry." "It is believed that baptism in the New Church is not too great and solemn an act by which one may put himself into association with those who acknowledge the Lord in his Divine Humanity." "We can see that it is a