The 1689 Proposed Book oF Common Prayer: Baptism · The 1689 Proposed Book of Common Prayer: Morning Prayer

The Book of Common Prayer

	The Proposed Book of Common Prayer (1689)

The
Ministration of Publick BAPTISM of Infants to be used in the Church
¶ The people are to be admonished, that it is most convenient
that Baptism should not be administered but upon Lord'. days, and other
Holy-days, when the most number of people come together; as well for the
Congregation there present may testify the receiving of them that be newly
baptized into the number of Christ's Church; as also because in the Baptism
of Infants every Man present may be put in remembrance of his own profession
made to God in his Baptism. For which cause also it is expedient that
the Baptism be administered in the vulgar tongue. Nevertheless (if necessity
so require,) Children may be baptized upon any other day.
¶ And note, that there shall be for every Male child to be baptized
two Godfathers and one Godmother; and for every Female, one Godfather
and two Godmothers. None are to be Sureties but such as either have received
the Communion, or are ready to do it.
¶ Whereas it is appointed by this Office that all Children shall
be presented by Godfathers and Godmothers, to be baptized, which is still
continued according to the ancient custom of the Church, that so, besides
the obligation that lies ore the Parents to breed up their Children in
the Christian religion, there may be likewise other Sureties to see that
the Parents do their duty, and to look to the Christian education of the
persons baptized, in ease of the default or death of the Parents: yet
there being some difficulties in observing this good and useful constitution,
it is hereby provided, that if any person comes to the Minister, and tells
him he cannot conveniently procure Godfathers and Godmothers for his Child,
and that he desires his Child may be baptized upon the engagement of the
Parent or Parents only, in that case, the Minister, after discourse with
him, if he persists, shall be obliged to baptize such Child or Children,
upon the Suretiship of the Parent or Parents, or some other near Relation
or Friends.
¶ When there are Children to be baptized, the Parents shall give
knowledge thereof over night, or in the morning before the beginning of
Morning Prayer, to the Curate. And there the Sureties and the people with
the Children, must be ready at the Font, either immediately after the
last Lesson at Morning Prayer, or else immediately after the last Lesson
at Evening Prayer, (if it may be,) as the Minister by his discretion shall
appoint. And the inister coming to the Font, (which is then to be felled
with pure water,) and standing there, shall say (if the case be in the
least doubtful,
HATH
this Child been already baptized, or no.
¶
If they answer, No: Then shall the Minister proceed as followeth.
DEARLY
beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin, and that
our Saviour Christ saith, none can enter into the kingdom of God, except
he be regenerate and born anew of Water and of the Holy Ghost: I beseech
you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of
his bounteous mercy he will grant to this Child that thing which by nature
he cannot have; that he may be baptized with Water and the Holy Ghost,
and received into Christ's holy Church, and be made a lively member of
the same.
¶
Then shall the Minister say,
Let
us pray.
ALMIGHTY
and everlasting God, who of thy great mercy didst save Noah and his family
in the ark from perishing by water; and also didst safely lead the children
of Israel thy people through the Red Sea, figuring thereby thy holy Baptism;
and after the Baptism of thy wellbeloved Son Jesus Christ, in the river
Jordan, didst appoint Water to be used in this Sacrament for the mystical
washing away of sin; We beseech thee, for thine infinite mercies, that thou
wilt mercifully look upon this Child; wash him and sanctify
him with the Holy Ghost; that he, being delivered from thy
wrath, may be received into the ark of Christ's Church; and, persevering
in faith, hope and charity, may so pass through this present evil world,
that finally he may come to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
ALMIGHTY
and immortal God, the aid of all that need, the helper of all that flee
to thee for succour, the life of them that believe, and the resurrection
of the dead: We call upon thee for this Infant, that he,
coming to thy holy Baptism, may be regenerated and receive remission of
sin. Receive him, O Lord, as thou hast promised by thy well-beloved
Son, saying, Ask, and ye shall have; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and
it shall be opened unto you: So give now unto us that ask; let us that
seek find; open the gate unto us that knock; that this Infant may
enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy heavenly washing, and may come
to the eternal kingdom which thou hast promised by Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶
Then shall the people stand up, and the Minister shall say,
Hear the words of the Gospel, written by Saint Mark in the tenth chapter
at the thirteenth verse.
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 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.
¶
After the Gospel is read, the Minister shall make this brief exhortation
upon the words of the Gospel.
BELOVED,
ye hear in this Gospel the words of our Saviour Christ, that he commanded
the children to be brought unto him; how he blamed those that would have
kept them from him; how he exhorteth all men to follow their innocency.
Ye perceive how by his outward gesture and deed he declared his good will
toward them; for he embraced them in his arms, he laid his hands upon
them, and blessed them. Doubt ye not therefore, but stedfastly believe,
that according to his gracious covenant, he will likewise favourably receive
this present Infant; that he will embrace him with
the arms of his mercy ; that he will give unto him the blessing
of eternal life, and make him partaker of his everlasting kingdom.
Wherefore we being, thus persuaded of the good will of our heavenly Father
towards this Infant, declared by his Son Jesus Christ; and nothing
doubting but that he favourably alloweth this charitable work of ours
in bringing this Infant to his holy Baptism; let us faithfully
and devoutly give thanks unto him, and say,
ALMIGHTY
and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks that
thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace and faith
in thee: Increase this knowledge, and confirm this faith in us evermore.
Give thy Holy Spirit to this Infant, that he may be born
again, and be made an heir of everlasting salvation, through our Lord
Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, now
and for ever. Amen.
¶ Then shall the Minister, speaking to the Congregation, ask,
Who are the Sureties for this child? Then may the Parent or Parents
present the Sureties, if there be any other besides themselves.
DEARLY
beloved, ye have brought this Child here to be baptized; ye have
prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to receive him,
to release him of sin, to sanctify him with the Holy Ghost,
to give him the kingdom of heaven and everlasting life. Ye have
heard also that our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised in his Gospel, to
grant all these things that ye have prayed for: which promise he, for
his part, will most surely keep and perform. Wherefore, after this promise
made by Christ, this Infant must also faithfully, for his
part, promise by you that are his sureties, (until he come of age
to take it upon himself,) that he will renounce the devil
and all his works, and constantly believe God's holy Word, and obediently
keep his commandments.
I
demand therefore,
DOST
thou, in the name of this Child, renounce the devil and all his
works, the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, with all covetous
desires of the same, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh, so that thou
wilt not follow, nor be led by them?
Answer. I renounce them all.
Minister.
DOST
thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth?
And in Jesus Christ his only-begotten Son our Lord?
And that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary;
that he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;
that he went down into hell, and also did rise again the third day; that
he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father
Almighty; and from thence shall come again at the end of the world, to
judge the quick and the dead?
And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholick
Church; the Communion of Saints; the Remission of sins; the Resurrection
of the flesh; and everlasting life after death?
Answer. All this I stedfastly believe.
Minister.
WILT
thou be baptized in this faith?
Answer. That is my desire.
Minister.
WILT
thou then obediently keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in
the same all the days of thy life?
Answer. I will, God being my helper.
¶
Then shall the Minister say,
O
MERCIFUL God, grant that the old Adam in this Child may be so buried,
that the new man may be raised up in him. Amen.
Grant that all carnal affections may die in him,
and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in him.
Amen.
Grant that he may have power and strength, to
have victory, and to triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh.
Amen.
Grant that whosoever is here dedicated to thee by our
office and ministry may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly
rewarded, through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live, and govern
all things, world without end. Amen.
ALMIGHTY
everliving God, whose most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness
of our sins, did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood;
and gave commandment to his disciples, that they should go teach all nations,
and baptize them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost: Regard, we beseech thee, the supplications of thy congregation;
sanctify this Water to the mystical washing away of sin; and grant that
this Child now to be baptized therein, may receive the fulness
of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect
children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶
Then the Minister shall take the Child into his hands, and shall say
to the Sureties,
Name
this Child.
¶
And then naming it after them, he shall pour or sprinkle Water upon
it, or (if they shall certify him that the Child may well endure it) he
shall dip it in the Water discreetly and warily, saying,
N.
I baptize thee In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and o£
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
¶
Then shall the Priest say,
WE
receive this Child into the congregation o£ Christ's flock,*
and do sign him with the sign of the Cross to mind him hereafter
not [to] be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, but manfully
to fight under his banner, against sin, the world, and the devil, and
to continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto his life's end.
Amen.
¶
Then shall the Priest say,
SEEING
now, dearly beloved brethren, that this Child is regenerated and grafted,
into the body of Christ's Church, let us give thanks unto Almighty God
for these benefits, and with one accord make our prayers unto him, that
this Child may lead the rest of his life according to this beginning.
¶
Then shall be said, all kneeling,
OUR
Father which 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.
Amen.
¶ Then shall the Minister say,
WE
yield thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it hath pleased thee
to regenerate this Infant with water and thy Holy Spirit, to receive
him for thine own Child by adoption, and to incorporate him
into thy holy Church. And humbly we beseech thee to grant that he
being dead unto sin, and living unto righteousness, and being buried with
Christ in his death, may crucify the old man, and utterly abolish the
whole body of sin; and that, as he is made partaker of the
death of thy Son, he may also be partaker of his resurrection;
so that finally, with the residue of thy holy Church, he may be
an inheritor of thine everlasting kingdom; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
¶
Then, all standing u the Minister shall say to the Sureties this Exhortation
following.
FORASMUCH
as this Child hath promised by you his sureties to renounce the devil
and all his works, to believe in God, and to serve him: Ye must remember
that it is your parts and duties to see that this Infant be taught, so
soon as he shall be able to learn, what a solemn vow, promise and profession
he hath here made by you. And that he may know these things the better,
ye shall call upon him to hear sermons; and chiefly ye shall provide that
he may learn the Creed, the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments in
the vulgar tongue, and all other things which a Christian ought to know
and believe to his soul's health; and that this Child may be virtuously
brought up to lead a godly and a Christian life; remembering always, that
Baptism doth represent unto us our profession; which is, to follow the
example of our Saviour Christ, and to be made like unto him; that as he
died and rose again for us, so should we, who are baptized, die from sin
and rise again unto righteousness, continually mortifying all our evil
and corrupt affections, and daily proceeding in all virtue and godliness
of living.
¶
Then the Minister shall say to the Parents, if there, or to some of
their near relations,
YOU
have heard now what is your duty: do you promise conscientiously to perform
it?
¶
Then shall he add and say,
YE
are to take care that this Child be brought to the Bishop to be confirmed
by him, so soon as he can say the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten
Commandments, in the vulgar tongue, and be further instructed in the Church
Catechism, and be otherwise duly prepared according to the Charge in the
Exhortation to be made before Confirmation.
WHEREAS	* This paragraph was proposed
the sign of the Cross is, by this office, appointed to be used in Baptism	but not agreed to, but left for further consideration.
according to the ancient and laudable custom of the Church, it is not thereby
intended to add any new Rite to the Sacrament as a part of it, or as necessary
to it; or that the using that Sign is of any virtue or efficacy of itself;
but only to remember all Christians of the death and cross of Christ, which
is their hope and their glory; and to put them in mind of their obligation
to bear the cross in such manner as God shall think fit to lay it upon them,
and to become conformable to Christ in his sufferings.
Yet if there are any who, not satisfied with this Declaration,
shall come some day before they offer their children to be baptized, and
declare to their Minister that they are persuaded in their conscience, that
they cannot without sin offer their Child to be baptized according to the
Form here prescribed, by admitting the sign of the Cross, then it shall
not be used.*
If any Minister at his Institution shall declare to his Bishop that he
cannot satisfy his conscience in baptizing any with the sign of the Cross;
then the Bishop shall dispense with him in that particular, and shall name
a Curate who shall zptize the Children of those in that Parish who desire
it may be done with the sign of the Cross, according to this Office.
The
Ministration of Private BAPTISM of Children in houses.
¶ The Ministers of every Parish shall often admonish the people,
that they defer not the Baptism of their Children longer than the first
or second Sunday next after their birth, or other holy-day falling between,
unless upon a great and reasonable came, to be approved by the Minister.
¶
And also they shall warn them, that without the great cause and necessity
they procure not their Children to be baptized aty home in their houses.
But when need shall compell them so to do, then Baptism shall be administered
on this fashion:
¶
First let the Minister of the Parish (or, in his absence, any other
lawful Minister that can be procured) with them that are present call
upon God. and say the Lord's Prayer, and so many of the Collects appointed
to be said before in the form of Publick Baptism, as the time and Present
exigence will suffer. And then, the Minister shall ask the Parents or
Parent, or the person that presents the Child, "Dost thou,"
&c. [as in Public Baptism], if the exigence will suffer
it; and the sign of the Cross to be used, where the Parents or those that
present the Child are satisfied, otherwise he shall proceed thus:
DOST
thou, in the name of this child, believe the articles of the Christian
faith?
Answer. All these I stedfastly believe.
Minister. Dost thou renounce the world, the
flesh, and the devil?
Answer. I renounce them all.
Minister. Wilt thou keep the commandments of
Christ and persevere in them?
Answer. I will, God being my helper.
¶
The child being named by some one that is present, the Minister shall
pour Water upon it, saying these words;
N.
I baptize thee in the Name of the Father , and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost. Amen.
¶
Then, all kneeling down, the Minister shall give thanks unto God, and
say,
WE
yield thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it hath pleased thee
to regenerate this Infant by water and the holy Ghost, to receive
him for thine own Child by adoption, and to incorporate
him into thy holy Church. And we humbly beseech thee to grant,
that as he is now made partaker of the death of thy Son,
so he may be also of his resurrection; and that finally, with the
residue of thy Saints, he may inherit thine everlasting kingdom;
through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶
And let them not doubt, but that the Child so baptized is lawfully
and sufficiently baptized, and ought not to be baptized again. Yet nevertheless,
if the Child which is after this sort baptized do afterward live, it is
expedient that it be brought into the Church, to the intent that, if the
Minister of the same Parish did himself baptize that Child, the Congregation
may be certified of the true form of Baptism, by him privately before
used. In which case he shall say thus,
I
CERTIFY you, that according to the due and prescribed Order of the Church,
at such a time, and at such a place, before divers witnesses, I baptized
this Child.
¶
But if the Child were baptized by any other lawful Minister, then
the Minister of the Parish, where the Child was born or christened, shall
examine and try whether the Child be lawfully baptized, or no. In which
case, if those that bring any Child to the Church do answer that the same
Child is already baptized, then shall the Minister examine them further,
saying,
BY
whom was this Child baptized?
Who was present when this Child was baptized?
Because some things essential to this Sacrament may
happen to be omitted through fear or haste, in such times of extremity;
therefore I demand further of you,
With what matter was this Child baptized?
With what words was this Child baptized?
¶
And if the Minister shall find by the answers of such as bring the
Child, that all things were done as they ought to be; then shall not he
christen the Child again, but shall receive him as one of the flock of
true Christian people, saying thus,
I
CERTIFY you, that in this case all is well done, and according unto due
order, concerning the baptizing of this Child; who being born in original
sin, and in the wrath of God, is now, by the laver of Regeneration in
Baptism, received into the number of the children of God and heirs of
everlasting life: for our Lord Jesus Christ doth not deny his grace and
mercy unto such infants, but most lovingly doth call them unto him, as
the holy Gospel doth witness to our comfort on this wise.
S.
Mark 10. 13
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.
¶ After the Gospel is read, the Minister shall make this
brief exhortation upon the words of the Gospel.
BELOVED,
ye hear in this Gospel the words of our Saviour Christ, that he commanded
the children to be brought unto him; how he blamed those that would have
kept them from him; how he exhorted all men to follow their innocency.
Ye perceive how by his outward gesture and deed he declared his good will
toward them; for he embraced them in his arms, he laid his hands upon
them, and blessed them. Doubt ye not therefore, but stedfastly believe,
that according to his gracious covenant he hath likewise favourably received
this present Infant; that he hath embraced him with
the arms o£ his mercy; and (as he hath promised in his holy Word)
will give unto him the blessing of eternal life, and make him
partaker of his everlasting kingdom. Wherefore, we being thus persuaded
of the good will of our heavenly Father, declared by his Son Jesus Christ,
towards this Infant, let us faithfully and devoutly give thanks
unto him, and say the Prayer which the Lord himself taught us:
OUR
Father which 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.
Amen.
ALMIGHTY
and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks that
thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace and faith
in thee: Increase this knowledge, and confirm this faith in us evermore.
Give thy Holy Spirit to this Infant, that he, being born again, and being
made an heir of everlasting salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ,
may continue thy servant, and attain thy promise; through the same our
Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy
Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
¶
Then shall the Minister demand the Name of the Child; which being by
the Sureties pronounced, the Minister shall say,
DOST
thou, in the name of this Child, renounce the devil and all his works,
the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, with all covetous desires
of the same, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh, so that thou wilt
not, follow, nor be led by them?
Answer. I renounce them all.
Minister.
DOST
thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth?
And in Jesus Christ his only-begotten Son our Lord?
And that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary;
that he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;
that he went down into hell, and also did rise again the third day; that
he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father
Almighty; and from thence shall come again at the end of the world, to
judge the quick and the dead?
And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholick
Church; the Communion of Saints; the Remission of sins; the Resurrection
of the flesh; and everlasting life after death?
Answer. All this I stedfastly believe.
Minister.
WILT
thou then obediently keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in
the same all the days of thy life?
Answer. I will, God being my helper.
¶
Then the Minister shall say,
WE
receive this Child into the congregation of Christ's flock,*
and do sign him with the sign of the Cross, in token that hereafter
he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified,
and manfully to fight under his banner, against sin, the world, and the
devil; and to continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant, unto his
life's end. Amen.
¶ Then shall the Minister say,
SEEING	*
now, dearly beloved brethren, that this Child is, by Baptism* regenerated,	The words [by Baptism]
and grafted into the body of Christ's Church, let us give thanks unto	are inclosed within brackets, and underscored, and marked as doubtful
Almighty God for these benefits, and with one accord make our prayers	with the letter "Q"; also the following note is written in the
unto him, that he may lead the rest of his life according	margin: "Added lately by the Printer in K.
to this beginning.	James's time."
¶
Then shall the Minister say,
WE
yield thee most hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it hath pleased
thee to regenerate this Infant by water and the Holy Ghost, to
receive him for thine own Child by adoption, and to incorporate
him into thy holy Church. And humbly we beseech thee to grant that
he being dead unto sin, and living unto righteousness, and being
buried with Christ in his death, may crucify the old man, and utterly
abolish the whole body of sin; and that, as he is made partaker
of the death of thy Son, he may also be partaker of his
resurrection; so that finally, with the residue of thy holy Church, he
may be an inheritor of thine everlasting kingdom; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶
Then, all standing up, the Minister shall make this Exhortation to
the Sureties.
FORASMUCH
as this Child hath promised by you his sureties to renounce
the devil and all his works, to believe in God, and to serve him: Ye must
remember, that it is your parts and duties to see that this Infant
be taught, so soon as he shall be able to learn, what a solemn
vow, promise and profession he hath made by you. And that he may
know these things the better, ye shall call upon him to hear sermons;
and chiefly ye shall provide that he may learn the Creed, the Lord's
Prayer and the Ten Commandments in the vulgar tongue, and all other things
which a Christian ought to know and believe to his soul's health; and
that this Child may be virtuously brought up to lead a godly and
a Christian life; remembering alway, that Baptism doth represent unto
us our profession; which is, to follow the example of our Saviour Christ,
and be made like unto him; that as he died and rose again for us, so should
we, who are baptized, die from sin and rise again unto righteousness,
continually mortifying all our evil and corrupt affections, and daily
proceeding in all virtue and godliness of living.
¶
But if they which bring the Infant to the Church do make such uncertain
answers to the Priest's questions, as that it cannot appear that the Child
was baptized with Water, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost, (which are essential parts of Baptism,) then let the
Minister baptize it in the form before appointed for Public Baptism of
Infants; saving that at the pouring of Water on the Child, or sprinkling
or dipping of it in the Font, he shall use this form of words.
IF
thou art not already baptized, N. I baptize thee in the Name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
The
ministration of BAPTISM to such as are of riper years, and able
to answer for themselves.
¶
When any such persons, as are of riper years, are to be baptized, timely
notice shall be given to the Bishop, or whom he shall appoint for that
purpose, a week before at the least, if it can be conveniently done, by
the Parents, or some other discreet persons: that. so due care may be
taken for their Examination, whether they be sufficiently instructed in
the Principles of the Christian Religion; and that they may be exhorted
to prepare themselves with Prayers and Fasting for the receiving of this
holy Sacrament.
¶
And if they shall be found fit, then the chosen Witnesses (the people
being assembled upon the Lord's day, or Holyday appointed) shall be ready
to present them at the Font (unless the Bishop shall direct otherwise)
immediately after the second Lesson, either at Morning or Evening Prayer,
or at some other convenient Time, as the Minister in his discretion shall
think fit.
¶ And standing there, the Minister shall ask, whether any of the
persons here presented be baptized, or no: If they shall answer No; then
shall the Minister say thus,
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 cannot
please God, but live in sin, committing many actual transgressions; and
that our Saviour Christ saith, none can enter into the kingdom of God,
except he be regenerate and born anew of Water and of the Holy Ghost;
I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ,
that of his bounteous goodness he will grant to these persons that
which by nature they cannot have; that they may be baptized
with Water and the Holy Ghost, and received into Christ's holy Church,
and be made lively members of the same.
¶
Then shall the Minister say,
Let us
pray.
(¶
And here all the Congregation shall kneel)
ALMIGHTY
and everlasting God, who of thy great mercy didst save Noah and his family
in the ark from perishing by water; and also didst safely lead the children
of Israel thy people through the Red Sea, figuring thereby thy holy Baptism;
and by the Baptism of thy well-beloved Son Jesus Christ, in the river
Jordan, didst sanctify the element of water to the mystical washing away
of sin: We beseech thee, for thine infinite mercies, that thou wilt mercifully
look upon these thy servants; wash them and sanctify
them with the Holy Ghost; that they, being delivered from
thy wrath, may be received into the ark of Christ's Church; and being
stedfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in charity, may so
pass the waves of this troublesome world, that finally they may
come to the land of everlasting life, there to reign with thee world without
end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ALMIGHTY
and immortal God, the aid of all that need, the helper of all that flee
to thee for succour, the life of them that believe, and the resurrection
of the dead: We call upon thee for these persons, that they,
coming to thy holy Baptism, may receive remission of their sins by spiritual
regeneration. Receive them, O Lord: and as thou hast promised by
thy well-beloved Son, saying, Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye
shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: So give now unto us
that ask; let us that seek find; open the gate unto us that knock; that
these persons may enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy heavenly
washing, and may come to the eternal kingdom which thou hast promised
by Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ Then shall
the people stand up, and the Minister shall say,
Hear the words of the Gospel, written by Saint John in the third chapter,
beginning at the first verse.
THERE
was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. The
same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that
thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that
thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him,
Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot
see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born
when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb,
and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except
a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom
of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is
born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must
be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the
sound thereof; but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:
so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
¶ After which
he shall say this exhortation following.
BELOVED,
ye hear in this Gospel the express words of our Saviour Christ, that
except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into
the kingdom of God. Whereby ye may perceive the great necessity of this
Sacrament, where it may be had. Likewise, immediately before his ascension
into heaven, (as we read in the last chapter of Saint Mark's Gospel,)
he gave command to his disciples, saying, Go ye into all the world,
and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Which also
sheweth unto us the great benefit we reap thereby. For which cause Saint
Peter the Apostle, when upon his first preaching of the Gospel many
were pricked at the heart, and said to him and the rest of the Apostles,
Men and brethren, what shall we do? replied and said unto them, Repent,
and be baptized every one of you for the remission of sins, and ye shall
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is to you and your
children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our
God shall call. And with many other words exhorted he them, saying,
Save yourselves from this untoward generation. For (as the same Apostle
testifieth in another place) even Baptism doth also now save us, (not
the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good
conscience towards God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Doubt
ye not therefore, but earnestly believe, that he will favourably receive
these present persons, truly repenting, and coming unto
him by faith; that he will grant them remission of their
sins, and bestow upon them the Holy Ghost; that he will give
them the blessing of eternal life, and make them partakers
of his everlasting kingdom.
Wherefore we being thus persuaded of the good will
of our heavenly Father towards these persons, declared by his Son Jesus
Christ; let us faithfully and devoutly give thanks to him, and say,
ALMIGHTY
and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks, for
that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace and
faith in thee: Increase this knowledge, and confirm this faith in us
evermore. Give thy Holy Spirit to these persons, that they
may be born again, and be made heirs of everlasting salvation,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and
the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
¶ Then the Minister shall speak to the persons
to be baptized on this wise:
WELL-BELOVED,
who are come hither desiring to receive holy Baptism, ye have heard how
the Congregation hath prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe
to receive you and bless you, to release you of your sins, to give you
the kingdom of heaven and everlasting life. Ye have heard also that our
Lord Jesus Christ hath promised in his holy Word, to grant all those things
that we have prayed for; which promise he, for his part, will most surely
keep and perform. Wherefore, after this promise made by Christ, ye must
also faithfully, for your part, promise in the presence of these your
witnesses, and this whole Congregation, that ye will renounce the devil
and all his works, and constantly believe God's holy Word, and obediently
keep his commandments.
¶
Then shall the Minister demand of each of the persons to be baptized,
severally, these questions following:
Question.
DOST
thou renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanities of this
wicked world, with all covetous desires o£ the same, and all the sinful
lusts of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow nor be led by them?
Answer. I renounce them all.
Question.
DOST
thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth?
And in Jesus Christ his only-begotten Son our Lord?
And that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary;
that he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;
that he went down into hell, and also did rise again the third day; that
he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father
Almighty; and from thence shall come again at the end of the world, to
judge the quick and the dead?
And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholick Church; the
Communion of Saints; the Remission of sins; the Resurrection of the flesh;
and everlasting life after death?
Answer. All this I stedfastly believe.
Question.
WILT
thou be baptized in this faith?
Answer. That is my desire.
Question.
WILT
thou then obediently keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in
the same all the days of thy life?
Answer. I will endeavour so to do, God being
my helper.
¶ Then
shall the Priest say,
O
MERCIFUL God, grant that the old Adam in these persons may be so
buried, that the new man may be raised up in them. Amen.
Grant that all carnal affections may die in them,
and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in them.
Amen.
Grant that they may have power and strength,
to have victory, and to triumph against the devil, the world, and the
flesh. Amen.
Grant that they, being here dedicated to thee
by our office and ministry, may also be endued with heavenly virtues,
and everlastingly rewarded, through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who
dost live, and govern all things, world without end. Amen.
ALMIGHTY
everliving God, whose most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness
of our sins, did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood;
and gave commandment to his disciples, that they should go teach all nations,
and baptize them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost:
Regard, we beseech thee, the supplications of this Congregation; sanctify
this Water to the mystical washing away of sin, and grant that the persons
now to be baptized therein may receive the fulness of thy grace, and ever
remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶
Then shall the Priest take each person to be baptized by the right
hand and placing him conveniently by the Font, according to his discretion,
shall ask the Sureties the Name; and them shall dip him in the water,
or pour water upon him, saying,
N.
I baptize tbee In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
¶
Then shall the Minister say,
WE
receive this person into the congregation of Christ's flock; *and
do sign him with the sign of the Cross, in token that hereafter
he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified,
and manfully to fight under his banner, against sin, the world, and the
devil; and to continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto his
life's end. Amen.
¶
Then shall the Minister say
SEEING
now, dearly beloved brethren, that these persons are regenerate
and grafted into the body of Christ's Church, let us give thanks unto
Almighty God for these benefits, and with one accord make our prayers
unto him, that they may lead the rest of their life according
to this beginning.
¶ Then
shall be said the Lord's Prayer, all kneeling.
OUR
Father which 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.
Amen.
WE
yield thee humble thanks, O heavenly Father, that thou hast vouchsafed
to call us to the knowledge of thy grace and faith in thee; Increase this
knowledge, and confirm this faith in us evermore. Give thy Holy Spirit
to these persons; that, being now born again, and made heirs of
everlasting salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, they may
continue thy servants, and attain thy promises; through the same
Lord Jesus Christ thy son, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity
of the same Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
¶
Then, all standing up, the Minister shall use this Exhortation following;
speaking to the Sureties first.
FORASMUCH
as these persons have promised in your presence to renounce the
devil and all his works, to believe in God, and to serve him: Ye must
remember that it is your part and duty to put them in mind, what
a solemn vow, promise, and profession they have now made before
this Congregation, and especially before you their chosen witnesses.
And ye are also to call upon them to use all diligence to be rightly
instructed in God's holy Word; that so they may grow in grace,
and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and live godly, righteously,
and soberly in this present world.
(And
then, speaking to the new baptized persons, he shall proceed, and say,)
AND
as for you, who have now by Baptism put on Christ, it is your part and
duty also, being made the children of God and of the light by faith
in Jesus Christ, to walk answerably to your Christian calling, and as
becometh the children of light; remembering always, that Baptism representeth
unto us our profession; which is, to follow the example of our Saviour
Christ, and to be made like unto him; that as he died and rose again for
us, so should we, who are baptized, die from sin and rise again unto righteousness,
continually mortifying all our evil and corrupt affections, and daily
proceeding in all virtue and godliness of living.
¶
It is expedient that every person, thus baptized, should be confirmed
by the Bishop so soon after his Baptism as conveniently may be; that so
he may be admitted to the holy Communion.
¶
If any persons not baptized in their infancy shall be brought to be
baptized before they come to years of discretion to answer for themselves;
it may suffice to use the Office for Publick Baptism of infants, or (in
case of extreme danger) the Office for Private Baptism; only changing
the word [Infant] for [Child or Person] as occasion requireth.

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