Proposed Revision of the BCP (1925): Baptism

The Book of Common Prayer

United States

England

Scotland

The Proposed Revision
of the Book of Common Prayer (1925)

1925

1928

THE MINISTRATION OF

HOLY BAPTISM

The following Office to be substituted for the three Offices now standing in the Book of Common Prayer.

¶ The Minister of every Parish shall often admonish the People, that they defer not the Baptism of their Children, and that it is most convenient that Baptism should be administered upon Sundays and other Holy Days. Nevertheless, if necessity so require, Baptism may be administered upon any other day. And also he shall warn them that, except for urgent cause, they seek not to have their Children baptized in their houses.

¶ There shall be for every Male-child to be baptized. when they can be had, two Godfathers and one Godmother; and for every Female, one Godfather and two Godmothers; and Parents shall be admitted as Sponsors, if it be desired.

¶ When there are infants or other children to be baptized, the Parents or Sponsors shall give knowledge thereof to the Minister. And then the Godfathers and Godmothers, and the People with the Children, must be ready at the Font, either immediately after the Second Lesson at Morning or Evening Prayer, or at such other time as the Minister shall appoint.

¶ When there are Children to be baptized, the Parents or Sponsors shall give knowledge thereof to the Minister. And then the Godfathers and Godmothers, and the People with the Children, must be ready at the Font, either immediately after the Second Lesson at Morning or Evening Prayer, or at such other time as the Minister shall appoint.

¶ When any such Persons as are of riper years are to be baptized, timely notice shall be given to the Minister, 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 NOTE, That at the time of the Baptism of an Adult, there shall be present with him at the Font at least two Witnesses.

¶ And the Minister coming to the Font, which is then to be filled with pure water, shall say as follows, the People all standing.

¶ The Minister, having come to the Font, which is then to be filled with pure Water, shall say as followeth, the People all standing,

HATH this child (or person) been already baptized, or no?

HATH this Child (Person) been already baptized, or no?

¶ If they answer, No: then shall the Minister proceed as followeth.

DEARLY beloved, forasmuch as 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 (or Person) that 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 living member of the same.

¶ Then shall the Minister say,

Let us pray.

ALMIGHTY and immortal God, the aid of all who need, the helper of all who flee to thee for succour, the life of those who believe, and the resurrection of the dead; We call upon thee for this Child (or this thy Servant), that he, coming to thy holy Baptism, may receive remission of sin, by spiritual regeneration. Receive him, O Lord, as thou hast promised by thy well-beloved Son, saying, Ask, arid ye shall have; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. So give now unto us who ask; let us ‘who seek, find; open the gate unto us who knock; that this Child (or this thy Servant) 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.

¶ Or this.

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 Water to the mystical washing away of sin; We beseech thee for thine infinite mercies, that thou wilt mercifully look upon this Child (or this thy servant) ; 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 being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in charity, may so pass the waves of this troublesome 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.

¶ Then the Minister shall say as followeth:

    Hear the words of the Gospel, written by St. 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 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, putS his hands upon them, and blessed them.

¶ Or this.

    Hear the words of the Gospel, written by St. John, in the third Chapter, 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.

¶ Or this.

    Hear the words of the Gospel, written by St. Matthew, in the twenty-eighth Chapter, at the eighteenth Verse.

JESUS came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

¶ When the Gospel from St. Mark is read, the Minister may add this Exhortation:

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 who 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.

¶ Then shall the Minister say:

AND now, we being persuaded of the good will of our heavenly Father toward this Child (or Person) [(this Person) in 1928] declared by his Son Jesus Christ; 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 Child (or this thy Servant), That he may be born again, And be made an heir of everlasting salvation; Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigrieth with thee and the Holy Spirit, Now and forever. Amen. [the 1928 version adds a sidebar, Minister and People to this prayer]

¶ Then shall the Minister speak unto the Godfathers and Godmothers on this wise:

¶ When the Office is used for Children, the Minister shall 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 from 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 Child 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.

DOST thou, therefore, in the name of this Child, renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the sinful desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by them ?

Dost thou, therefore, in the name of this Child, renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the sinful desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by them?

    Answer. I renounce them all; and, by God’s help, will endeavor not to follow, nor be led by them.
    Minister. Dost thou believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith, as contained in the Apostles’ Creed?
    Answer. I do.
    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, by God’s help.

¶ Here the Minister may add the following questions, in which case the two exhortations at the end of the service may be omitted.

    Minister. Having now, in the name of this Child, made these promises, will ye also on your part take heed that he learn the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, and all other things which a Christian ought to know and believe, to his soul’s health?
    Answer. I will, by God’s help.
    Minister. Will ye take heed that this Child, so soon assufficiently instructed, be brought to the Bishop to be confirmed by him?
    Answer. I will, God being my helper.

¶ When the Office is used for Adults, the Minister shall address them on this wise, the Persons to be baptized answering the questions for themselves.

WELL-BELOVED, you have come hither desiring to receive holy Baptism. We have prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to receive you, to release you from sin, to sanctify you with the Holy Ghost, to give you the kingdom of heaven, and everlasting life.

DOST thou renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the sinful desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by them?
    Answer. I renounce them all; and, by God's help, will endeavour not to follow, nor be led by them.
    Minister. Dost thou believe in Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God?
    Answer. I do.
    Minister. Dost thou accept him, and desire to follow him as thy Saviour and Lord?
    Answer. I do.
    Minister. Dost thou believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith, as contained in the Apostles' Creed?
    Answer. I do.

    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, by God's help.

¶ Then shall the Minister say,

O MERCIFUL God, grant that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so this Child may walk in newness of of life. Amen.

O MERCIFUL God, grant that like as Christ died and rose again, so this Child (this thy Servant) may die to sin and rise to newness of life. Amen.

    Grant that all sinful 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.

	Minister.	The Lord be with you.
	Answer.	And with thy spirit.
	Minister.	Lift up your hearts.
	Answer.	We lift them up unto the Lord.
	Minister.	Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
	Answer.	It is meet and right so to do.

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 (or this thy Servant), now to be baptized therein, may receive the fulness of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then the Minister shall say,

IT is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Al-mighty, Everlasting God, for that thy 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 (this thy Servant), now to be baptized therein, may receive the fulness of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful children; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, now and evermore. Amen.

¶ Then the Minister shall take the Child into his hands, and shall say to the Godfathers and Godmothers,

Name this Child.

¶ And then, naming the child after them, he shall dip him in the Water discreetly, or shall 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.

¶ Or then shall the Minister take each Person to be baptized by the hand; and placing him conveniently by the Font, according to his discretion, shall ask the Witnesses the Name; and then 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.

¶ But NOTE, That if the Person to be baptized be an Adult, the Minister shall take him by the hand, and shall ask the Witnesses the Name; and then shall dip him in the Water, or pour Water upon him, using the same form of words.

¶ Then shall the Minister say,

WE receive this Child (or 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 this Child (or this Person) is 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 this Child (or this Person) may lead the rest of his life according to this beginning.

¶ Then shall be said,

OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who 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, for ever and ever. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Minister say,

WE yield thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it hath pleased thee to regenerate this Child (or this thy Servant) with thy Holy Spirit, to receive him for thine own Child, and to incorporate him into thy holy Church. And humbly we beseech thee to grant, that he, being dead unto sin, may live unto righteousness, and being buried with Christ in his death, 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.

¶ And Note, that in the case of an Adult, the Minister shall first ask the questions provided in this Office for the baptism of Adults.

¶ If a Minister cannot be procured, then any baptized person present may administer Holy Baptism, using the foregoing Form. Such baptism should be promptly reported to the parish Authorities.

¶ Then (except in the Baptism of Adults) the Minister shall say to the Godfathers and Godmothers 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, 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 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, and is sufficiently instructed in the other parts of the Church Catechism set forth for that purpose.

¶ The Minister may here add such Prayers taken out of this Book, as he shall think fit.

THE BLESSING

¶ Then the Minister shall add,

THE Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named; Grant you to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ dwelling in your hearts by faith, ye may be filled with all the fulness of God. Amen.

¶ The Minister of every Parish shall often admonish the People that they defer not the Baptism of their Children, and that it is most convenient that Baptism should be administered upon Sundays and other Holy Days. Nevertheless (if necessity so require), Baptism may be administered upon any other day. And also he shall warn them that except for urgent cause they seek not to have their Children baptized in their houses.

¶ There shall be for every Male-child to be baptized, when they can be had, two Godfathers and one Godmother; and for every Female, one Godfather and two Godmothers; and Parents shall be admitted as Sponsors, if it be desired.

¶ When the foregoing Office is used for Adults, the Address to the Godfathers and Godmothers shall be omitted, and the Persons to be baptized shall themselves make answer to the Questions, as follows:

DOST thou renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the sinful desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by them?
    Answer. I renounce them all; and, by God’s help, will endeavour not to follow, nor be led by them.
    Minister. Dost thou believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith, as contained in the Apostles’ Creed?
    Answer. I do.
    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, by God’s help.

¶ When any such Persons as are of riper years are to be baptized, timely notice shalt be given to the Minister; 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 Note, that at the time of the Baptism of an Adult, there shall be present with him at the Font at least two Witnesses.

¶ 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.

¶ It is expedient that every Adult, 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.

PRIVATE BAPTISM

¶ When necessity requires it, in consideration of extreme sickness, then the following form shall suffice.

¶ When, in consideration of extreme sickness, necessity may require, then the following form shall suffice:

¶ The Child (or Person) being named by some one who is present, the Minister shall pour Water upon him, saying these words:

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

¶ After which shall be said the Lord’s Prayer, and the Thanksgiving from the Office, beginning, We yield thee hearty thanks, etc.

¶ But Note, That in the case of an Adult, the Minister shall first ask the questions provided in this Office for the Baptism of Adults.

¶ In cases of extreme sickness, or any imminent peril, if a Minister cannot be procured, then any baptized person present may administer holy Baptism, using the foregoing form. Such Baptism shall be promptly reported to the Parish authorities.

THE RECEIVING OF ONE PRIVATELY BAPTIZED.

¶ If a Child or Person so baptized be afterward brought to the Church, these parts of the foregoing service shall be used:

The Gospel, the Questions (omitting the question Wilt thou be baptized in this faith? and the answer thereto), the Declaration, We receive this Child (or Person), etc., and the remainder of the Office.

¶ It is expedient that a Child or Person so baptized be afterward brought to the Church, at which time these parts of the foregoing service shall be used:
The Gospel, the Questions (omitting the question Wilt thou be baptized in this Faith? and the answer thereto), the Declaration, We receive this Child (or Person), etc., and the remainder of the Office.

CONDITIONAL BAPTISM.

¶ If there be reasonable doubt whether any Person were baptized with Water, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (which are essential parts of Baptism), such Person may be baptized in the manner herein appointed; saving that, at the immersion or the pouring of water, the Minister 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.

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