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 most effective way of expressing belief in the doctrines of the New Church." "The Convention does not attempt in this matter to declare doctrine, but to prescribe a rule; [which rule is, that the Convention will not receive into its ministry, or recognize as worthy to teach the doctrines of the New Church, any one who has not been baptized by a recognized New Church minister.]"

Now, although it does not appear that the Convention adopted this report, it is fair to assume that the majority of those who heard it accept its views and positions; else there would have been a vote of dissent and a corresponding change of policy. Let us, therefore, examine it carefully in the light of revealed truth; for we fully agree with the committee that "there is nothing broader or more catholic than the truth;" and nothing safer, I would add, to stand and act upon.

Some forty years ago, the ordaining ministers of Convention reported that the Lord was no longer with any of the religious organizations of Christendom but the Swedenborgian or New Church; that He had "left" them all, and therefore they had no authority or power to baptize, or to perform any other church duty;" and if they pretended to do so, their baptism was to be regarded and treated as a nullity—utterly invalid and useless—"because we regard baptism into the New Church," said that committee, "as the only real baptism." And the Convention unanimously