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 administred but upon Sundayes, and other Holy-dayes, when the most number of people come together: as well for that the Congregation there present may testifie the receiving of them that be newly baptised, into the number of Christs 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 Baptism be ministred in the vulgar tongue. Nevertheless (if necessity so require) children may be baptised upon any other day.

¶ And note, that there shall be for every male child to be baptised, two Godfathers, and one Godmother : and for every female, one Godfather and two Godmothers.

¶ When there are children to be baptised, the parents shall give knowledge thereof over night, or in the morning before the beginning of morning prayer, to the Curate. And then the Godfathers and Godmothers and the people, with the children, must be ready at the Font, either immediatly after the last Lesson at morning prayer, or els immediatly after the last Lesson at evening Prayer, as the Curate by his discretion shall appoynt. And the Priest coming to the Font (which is then to be filled with pure Water) and standing there shall say, Hath this childe been already baptised, or No? If they answer, no: then shall the Priest proceed as followeth

Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin, and that our Saviour Christ sayth, 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 Christs holy Church, and be made a lively member of the same

¶ Then shall the Priest say.
Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, who of thy great mercy didst save Noah and his family in the Arke from perishing by water, and alsoe didst safely lead the children of Israel thy people through the red Sea, figuring thereby thy holy baptism; and by the baptism of thy welbeloved son Jesus Christ in the river Jordan didst sanctifie water to the mystical washing away of sin: We beseech thee for thine infinite mercyes, that thou wilt mercifully look upon this Child, wash him, and sanctifie him with the holy Ghost, that he being delivered from thy Wrath, may be received into the Arke of Christs Church, and being stedfast in faith, joyfull through hope, and rooted in Charity may so pass the waves of this troublesom world, that finally he may come to the land of everlasting life, there to reign with thee world without end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty and immortall God, the aid of all that need, the helper of all that flee to thee for succour, the life of them that beleeve, and the resurrection of the dead: We call upon thee for this Infant that he coming to thy holy baptism, may receive remission of his sins by spiritual Regeneration. Receive him, O Lord, as thou hast promised by thy wel beloved son, saying, aske, and ye shall have; seek, and ye shall finde; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: so give now unto us that aske; let us that seek finde; open the Gate unto us that knock; that this Infant may injoy the everlasting benediction of thy heavenly washing, and may come to the eternail kingdom which thou hast promised by Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then shall the people stand up, and the Priest shall say.

Hear the words of the Gospell, 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 Armes, 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 Gospell.

Beloved, ye hear in this Gospell 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 earnestly believe, that 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 perswaded 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 worke 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 ever more. 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 Priest speak unto the Godfathers, and Godmothers on this wise.

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 his sins, to sanctifie 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 (untill he come of age to take it upon himself) that he will renounce the devil and all his works, and constantly believe Gods holy word, and obediently keep his Commandments.
 

I demand therefore,

¶ Then shall the Priest say.

    O mercifull 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 carnall 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 ministery, may also be indued 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 forgivenes 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, sanctifie this Water to the mysticall 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 faithfull and elect children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then the Priest shall take the childe into his hands, and shall say to the Godfathers and Godmothers, Name this Childe. And then naming it after them, (if they shall certifie him, that the Childe 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 of the holy Ghost. Amen.

¶ But if they certifie that the chi1d is weak, it shall suffice to pour Water upon it, saying the foresaid Words.

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

¶ Then the Priest shall say.

We receive this Child into the Congregation of Christs flock, and do signe him with the signe 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 Christs faithfull souldier, and servant unto his lives end. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Priest say.

Seing now. dearly beloved brethren, that this child is regenerate and grafted into the body of Christs Church, let us give thanks unto Almighty God for these benefits. and with one Accord make our prayers I 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 Priest say.

We yeild thee hearty thanks. most mercifull Father. that it hath pleased thee to regenerate this Infant with thy holy Spirit. to receive him for thine own Childe 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 righteousnes, and being buried with Christ in his death, may crucifie 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 inheritour of thine everlasting Kingdom, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then all standing up, the Priest shall say to the Godfathers and Godmothers this exhortation following.

Forasmuch as this childe 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 learne, 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 Lords Prayer, and the ten Commandments in the vulgar tongue, and all other things which a Christian ought to know and believe to his Soules health; and that this childe may be vertuously brought up, to lead a godly and a christian life; remembring alwayes 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 righteousnes, continually mortifying all our evil and corrupt Affections, and daily Proceeding in all vertue and godlines of living.

¶ Then shall he adde and say.

Ye are to take care that this childe be brought to the Bishop to be confirmed by him, so soon as he can say the Creed, the Lords Prayer, and the ten Commandments in the vulgar tongue and be further instructed in the Church Catechism set forth for that purpose.

¶ It is certain by Gods word, that children which are baptized, dyeing before they commit actuall sin, are undoubtedly saved.

¶ To take away all scruple, concerning the use of the signe of the Crosse in Baptism; the true explication thereof, & the just reasons for the retaining of it may be seen in ye XXXth Canon, first published in ye year MDCIV.
 

The

Ministration of Private Baptism

of Children in Houses

¶ The Curats 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 holyday falling betweene, unlesse upon a great and reasonable cause to be approved by the Curate.

¶ And also they shall warn them, that without like great Cause, and necessity, they procure not their children to be baptized at home in their houses. But when need shall compell them so to do, then Baptism shall be administred on this fashion.

¶ First let the Minister of the Parish, (or in his Absence, any other lawfull Minister that can be procured) with them that are present, call upon God, and say the Lords Prayer, and so many of the Collects appointed to be said before in the form of Publick Baptism, as the lime and present exigence will suffer. And then the childe being named by some one that is present, the Minister shall pour water upon it, saying theis 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 yeild thee hearty thanks, most mercifull Father, that it hath pleased thee to regenerate this Infant with thy holy spirit, to receive him for thine own childe 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 nevertheles 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 himselfe 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 certifie 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 Childe] But if the chl1d were baptized by any other lawfull Minister, then the Minister of the Parish, where the Child was borne 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 chi1d 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 essentiall 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 chi1d, 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 certifie you, that in this case all is well don, and according unto due order, concerning the baptizing of this child, who being born in originall 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.

    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 earnestly believe that he hath likewise favourably received this present Infant, that he hath embraced him w^th the arms of his mercy, and (as he hath promised in his holy word) will give unto him the blessing of eternall life, and make him partaker of his everlasting kingdom. Wherefore we being thus perswaded of the good will of our heavenly Father, declared by his son Jesus Christ toward 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 don, on 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, & 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 Priest demand the Name of the Child, which being by the God-fathers, and God-mothers pronounced, the Minister shall say.

We receive this child into the Congregation of Christs 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 Christs faithfull souldier and servant unto his lives end. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Priest say.

Seing now, dearly beloved bretheren, that this child is by Baptism regenerate and grafted into the body of Christs church: let us give thanks unto Allmighty God for these benefits, and with one accord make our prayers unto him, that he may lead the rest of his life according to this beginning.

¶ Then shall the Priest say.

We yeild thee most hearty thanks, most mercifull Father, that it hath pleased thee to regenerate this Infant with 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 crucifie 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 inheritour of thine everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then ail standing up, the Minister shall make this exhortation to the Godfathers, and Godmothers.

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 Lords Prayer, and the ten Commandments in the vulgar tongue, and all other things which a Christian ought to know, and believe, to his souls health: and that this child may be virtuously brought up to lead a godly and a Christian life; remembring 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 wee who are baptized, die from sin, and rise again unto righteousness, continually mortifying all our evil and corrupt affections, and daily proceeding in all vertue and godlines of living.

¶ But if they which bring the infant to the Church, do make such uncertain answers to the Priests 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 Priest baptize it in the form before appointed for publick Baptism of Infants: Saving that at the dipping of the child 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.

We receive this child into the Congregation of Christs 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 Christs faithfull souldier and servant unto his lives end. Amen.

† The Priest shall make a Cros upon the chi1ds forehead.

¶ Then shall the Priest say.

Seing now, dearly beloved bretheren, that this child is by Baptism regenerate and grafted into the body of Christs church: let us give thanks unto Allmighty God for these benefits, and with one accord make our prayers unto him, that he may lead the rest of his life according to this beginning.

¶ Then shall the Priest say.

We yeild thee most hearty thanks, most mercifull Father, that it hath pleased thee to regenerate this Infant with 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 crucifie 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 inheritour of thine everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then ail standing up, the Minister shall make this exhortation to the Godfathers, and Godmothers.

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 Lords Prayer, and the ten Commandments in the vulgar tongue, and all other things which a Christian ought to know, and believe, to his souls health: and that this child may be virtuously brought up to lead a godly and a Christian life; remembring 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 wee who are baptized, die from sin, and rise again unto righteousness, continually mortifying all our evil and corrupt affections, and daily proceeding in all vertue and godlines of living.

¶ But if they which bring the infant to the Church, do make such uncertain answers to the Priests 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 Priest baptize it in the form before appointed for publick Baptism of Infants: Saving that at the dipping of the child 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 should be given to the Bishop, or whom he shall appoint for that purpose, a week before at the least, 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 fitt, then the Godfathers and Godmothers, (the people being assembled upon the Sunday, or Holy-day appointed) shall be ready to present them at the Font, immediatly after the second Lesson, either at Morning, or Evening prayer, as the Curate in his discretion shall think fitt.

¶ And standing there, the Priest shall ask whether any of the persons here presented be baptized or No? if they shall answer, No: Then shall the Priest 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 comitting many actuall 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 Christs holy Church, and be made lively members of the same.

¶ Then shall the Priest 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 Arke 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 welbeloved son Jesus Christ in the river Jordan didst sanctifie the element of Water to the mysticall washing away of sin: We beseech thee for thine infinite mercies, that thou wilt mercifully look upon these thy servants. Wash them and sanctifie them with the holy Ghost; that they being delivered from thy wrath, may be received into the Ark of Christs Church; and being stedfast in faith, joyfull through hope, and rooted in charity, way so pass the waves of this troublesome world, that finally they may come to the land of everlasting life, there to raign with thee world without end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    Almighty and immortall God, the aid of all that need, the helper of all that flee to thee for succour, the life of them that beleeve, 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 spirituall Regeneration. Receive them O Lord: and as thou hast promised by thy welbeloved Son, sayeing, 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 finde; open the gate unto us that I knock; that these persons may injoy 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 Priest 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 dost, 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 mothers 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 immediatly before his Ascension into heaven (as we read in the last Chapter of Saint Marks 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 beleeveth 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 your selves 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 perswaded 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 Priest shall speak to the persons to be baptized, on this wise.

Welbeloved, 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 Gods holy Word, and obediently keep his Commandments.

¶ Then shall the Priest demand of each of the persons to be baptized severally, these questions following.
 

¶ Then shall the Priest say.

    O mercifull 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 carnall 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 ministery, may also be indued with heavenly vertues, 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 forgivenes of our sins, did shed out of his most pretious 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; Sanctifie this Water to the mystical washing away of sin: and grant that the persons now to be baptized therein may receive the Nines of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithfull 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 God-fathers, and God-mothers the Name: and the shall dip him in the Water, or pour Water upon him, saying.

N. I baptize thee, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost Amen.

We receive this person into the Congregation of Christs flock, and † do sign him with the sign of the Cros, in token that hereafter he shall not be ashamed to confes the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight under his banner against sin, the World, and the Devil, and to continue Christs faithfull soldier and servant, unto his lives end. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Priest say.

Seing now, dearly beloved brethren, that these persons are regenerate and grafted into the body of Christs 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 Lords Prayer, all kneeling.

Our Father which art in heaven; Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be don 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 yeild 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 everlastingly. Amen

¶ Then all standing up, the Priest shall use this Exhortation following, speaking to the Godfathers and Godmothers 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 duety 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 Gods 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; remembring alwayes 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; soe should we who are baptized, die from sin, and rise again unto righteousnes, continually mortifieing all our evil and corrupt Affections, and daily proceeding in all vertue, 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 [Childe, or Person] as occasion reguireth.