Canon
VI.
Concerning
a woman with child,
it is determined that she ought to be baptized whensoever she will; for
in this the woman communicates nothing to the child, since the bringing
forward to profession is evidently the individual [privilege] of every
single person.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon VI.
If a woman with child so desires, let her be
baptized. For the choice of each one is judged of.
Van Espen.
That the reason of the canon may be understood it must
be noted that in the first ages of the Church catechumens were examined
concerning their faith before they were baptized, and were made
publicly to confess their faith and to renounce openly the pomps of the
world, as Albaspinæus (Aubespine) observes on this canon, “A
short while before they were immersed they declared with a loud voice
that they desired baptism and wished to be baptized. And since
these confessions could not be made by those still shut up in their
parent’s womb, to them the thing (
res
) and grace of
baptism could not come nor penetrate.” And altogether in
accord with this is the translation of Isidore— “because
the free will of each one is declared in that confession,” that
is, in that confession he declares that he willingly desires to be
baptized.