now to be baptized, may receive the fullness of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the Minister address the Parents [or Guardians] as follows:

Dearly beloved, forasmuch as this child is now presented by you for Christian baptism, you must remember that it is your part and duty to see that he be taught, as soon as he shall be able to learn, the nature and end of this holy

sacrament.

may

know these

And that he things the better, you shall call upon him the to give reverent attendance upon appointed means of grace, such as the ministry of the Word and the public and private worship of God; and further, ye shall provide that he shall read the Holy Scriptures, and learn the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Catechism, and all other things which a Christian ought to know and believe to his soul's health, in order that he

may be brought up to lead a virtuous and holy life, remembering always that baptism doth represent unto us that inward purity which disposeth us to follow the example of our Savior Christ; that as he died and rose again for us, so should we, who are baptized, die unto sin and rise again unto righteousness, continually mortifying all corrupt affections, and daily proceeding in all virtue and godliness.

Do you therefore solemnly engage to fulfill these duties, so far as in you lies, the Lord being your helper?

Ans. We do.

Then shall the People stand up, and the Minister shall say: Hear the words of the Gospel, written by St. Mark, (Chap. x, vs. 13–16.)

They brought young children to Christ, that he should touch them. And his disciples rebuked those that brought them; but when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom

of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Then the Minister shall take the Child into his hands, and say to the Friends of the Child:

NAME THIS CHILD.

And then, naming it after them, he shall sprinkle or pour Water upon it, or, if desired, immerse it in Water, saying:

N., I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Then shall the Minister offer the following prayer, the People kneeling:

O God of infinite mercy, the Father of all the faithful seed, be pleased to grant unto this child an understanding mind and a sanctified heart. May thy providence lead him through the dangers, temptations, and ignorance of his youth, that he may never run into folly nor into the evils of an unbridled appetite. We pray thee so to order the course of his life, that by

good education, by holy examples, and by thy restraining and renewing grace, he may be led to serve thee faithfully all his days, so that, when he has glorified thee in his generation, and has served the Church on earth, he may be received into thine eternal kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty and most merciful Father, let thy loving mercy and compassion descend upon these, thy servant and handmaid, the parents [or guardians] of this child. Grant unto them, we beseech thee, thy Holy Spirit, that they may, like Abraham, com-, mand their household to keep the way of the Lord. Direct their actions and sanctify their hearts, words, and purposes, that their whole family may be united to our Lord Jesus Christ in the bands of faith, obedience, and charity; and that they all, being in this life thy holy children by adoption and grace, may be admitted into the Church of the first-born in heaven, through the merits of thy dear Son, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.

Then may the Minister offer extemporary prayer.

Then shall be said, all kneeling:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

II. THE MINISTRATION OF BAPTISM TO SUCH AS ARE OF RIPER YEARS.

DEARLY BELOVED, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin; and that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and they that are in the flesh can not please God, but live in sin, committing many actual transgressions; and our Savior Christ saith, except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he can not enter into the kingdom of God: I beseech you