Chapter 10

Blessing of Infants


1a

When the Lord thy God in multiplying blesseth thee, and giveth thee a child in thine own image; thou shalt bring him before the Lord thy God, in His house, or in the assembly of the Elders; and they shall lay their hands upon him, and bless him.

1b

Thou shalt not delay to do it; and though thou be far away, yet shalt thou bring him before he is eight years old:

1c

That the blessing of the Lord thy God may be put upon him; and his heart shall seek to the Kingdom of God, and its righteousness: for of such is the Kingdom.

1d

If he die, yet shall he live therein forever. He shall be thine.

2a

¶ And the child of thy servant also, and of thy bondman, shalt thou bring to receive this blessing:

2b

And the stranger that dwelleth with thee shall bring his child also, to receive his blessing:

2c

For thus shall the power of the Kingdom be a shield unto him, and his heart shall cleave unto its righteousness; that he may be established therein forever.

3a

¶ And whosoever shall bring a child to be blessed; whether it be father, or mother; or master, or mistress; the same shall teach the child this Law to keep it.

3b

Thus shall ye be honored as fathers and mothers in Israel:

3c

But, if ye do it not, and evil befall the child, his blood be upon you.

4

¶ The Apostles, High Priests, and Elders, in their assemblies; and the Priest thereunto appointed in the Temples of God, shall bless with this blessing: for, behold, it is a great sacrament.