Question 2nd.—In baptizing,
suppose I should fail to cover the person, say his hands or his face were not
covered, would this neglect be censurable on my part? and how far might I go in
such neglect, and yet the ordinance be accepted of God, and the design of it be
answered?
Answer.—If neglect
arose through carelessness, you would be highly censurable; but if, from
scarcity of water, as is sometimes the case, or from some exertion or unusual
action of the candidate, or a slipping of your own food, &c., &c., you
might not be censurable. God acts upon reasonable principles; and as the
ordinance is “not the putting away the filth of the flesh, but the water of a
good conscience,” God would accept the offering, should such a casualty occur;
but we say to all Elders and Priests, see to it that you bury those who
offer themselves for baptism, and thus cut off all occasion for observations on
this point. (Joseph Fielding, “Questions
And Answers,” in The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 1, no. 4 [August,
1840]:94)