something belonging to baptism; thus we say baptismal vow, presents, &c.

BAPTISMAL VOW or Covenant, a profession of obedience to the laws of Christ, which persons in the ancient church made before baptism. It was an indissoluble part of the obligation on catechumens, before they were admitted to the ceremony of regeneration. It was made by turning to the East; for what mystical reasons, is not well agreed on.

BAPTISMAL Presents are in use in Germany, made by the sponsors to the infant, consisting of money, plate, or even sometimes fiefs of lands; which by the laws of the country are to be kept for the child till of age, the parents having only the trust, not the right, of disposing of them. An anonymous author has published a discourse express on this occasion, intitled, De pecunia laetifica.