Canon VIII.

Canon VIII.

That Hebrews ought not to be received unless they have been converted
in sincerity of heart.

Since certain, erring in the superstitions of the Hebrews, have thought
to mock at Christ our God, and feigning to be converted to the religion
of Christ do deny him, and in private and secretly keep the Sabbath and
observe other Jewish customs, we decree that such persons be not
received to communion, nor to prayers, nor into the Church; but let
them be openly Hebrews according to their religion, and let them not
bring their children to baptism, nor purchase or possess a slave. But
if any of them, out of a sincere heart and in faith, is converted and
makes profession with his whole heart, setting at naught their customs
and observances, and so that others may be convinced and converted,
such an one is to be received and baptized, and his children likewise;
and let them be taught to take care to hold aloof from the ordinances
of the Hebrews. But if they will not do this, let them in no wise be
received.

Notes.

Ancient Epitome of Canon VIII.

Hebrews must not be received unless they are manifestly converted with
sincerity of heart.

Hefele.

The Greek commentators Balsamon and Zonaras understood the words "nor
to baptize their children" to mean, "these seeming Christians may not
baptize their own children,'" because they only seem to be Christians.
But parents were never allowed to baptize their own children, and the
true sense of the words in question comes out clearly from the second
half of the canon.
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