AN ALTERNATIVE ORDER

FOR THE MINISTRATION OF

PUBLICK BAPTISM OF INFANTS.

GENERAL RUBRICKS

¶ THE Ministers of every parish shall often admonish the people that they bring their children to Baptism as soon as possible after birth, and that they defer not the Baptism longer than the fourth, or at furthest the fifth, Sunday unless upon a great and reasonable cause.
 

In the 1928 book, these rubrics appear before the 1662 rite.

¶ It is desirable where possible that Baptism should be administered upon Sundays and other Holy-days, when the most number of people come together; as well for that 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 it is expedient that Baptism be administered in the vulgar tongue]*. Nevertheless (for sufficient cause), 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. Nevertheless, when three sponsors cannot conveniently be had, one Godfather and one Godmother shall suffice. Parents, if need so require, may be sponsors for their own child provided that the child have one other sponsor. No person shall be admitted to be a sponsor who hath not been baptized.

¶ In the absence of the Priest it is lawful that a Deacon baptize infants.

¶ When there are children to be baptized, the Parents shall give due notice thereof to the Minister of the Parish. He shall thereupon appoint the time for the Baptism, which shall be either immediately after the last Lesson, or after the third Collect at Morning or Evening Prayer; or at such other time as he in his discretion shall think fit.

¶ It is certain by God’s Word, that children which are baptized, dying before they commit actual sin, are undoubtedly saved.

¶ To take away all scruple concerning the use of the sign of the Cross in Baptism ; the true explication thereof, and the just reasons for the retaining of it, may be seen in the xxxth Canon, first published in the Year MDCIV.

* from the 1662 rite; omitted in 1927, restored in Final Draft.

AN ALTERNATIVE ORDER

FOR THE MINISTRATION OF

PUBLICK BAPTISM OF INFANTS,

Which may be used at the discretion of the Minister unless the parents require the use of the Form of 1662.

¶ The Priest, coming to the Font (which is then to be filled with pure water), and standing there, shall say,

HATH this child been already baptized or no?

¶ If they answer, No : Then shall the Priest proceed as followeth

Green Book

BELOVED in Christ Jesus, we are taught in Holy Scripture, that God willeth all men to be saved, for God is love. Seeing therefore that our Saviour Christ saith, None can enter into the kingdom of God, except he be 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 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.

Final Draft & 1928:

BELOVED in Christ Jesus, seeing that all men are from their birth prone to sin, but that God willeth all men to be saved, for God is love: and that our Saviour Christ saith, None can enter into the kingdom of God, except he be 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 living member of the same.

 
¶ Then shall the Priest say, all standing,

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who by the Baptism of thy well-beloved Son Jesus Christ, in the river Jordan, didst sanctify water to the mystical washing away of sin; Mercifully look upon this child. Wash him and sanctify him with the Holy Ghost; that he 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 he may come to the land of ever lasting life, there to reign with thee world without end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or this:

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 receive remission of sin by spiritual regeneration. 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 Priest say:

Hear the words of the Gospel, written by Saint Mark, in the tenth chapter, at the thirteenth verse.

Answer. Glory be to thee, O Lord.

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.

Answer. Praise be to thee, O Christ.

¶ Then shall the Priest read this brief Exhortation upon the words of the Gospel.  

YE hear in this Gospel the words of our Saviour Christ, when he commanded the children to be brought unto him. Ye perceive how he took them in his arms, and blessed them. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever. Doubt ye not therefore, but earnestly believe, that he loveth this child, that he approveth this work of ours in bringing him to Holy Baptism, that he is ready to receive him, to embrace him with the arms of his mercy, and to give him the blessing of eternal life. Wherefore[, we being thus persuaded of the good will of our heavenly Father towards this infant declared by his Son Jesus Christ,]* let us faithfully and devoutly give thanks unto him, and say,

 
Then shall the Priest and people, still standing, say,

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks, for that thou hast called us to the knowledge of thy grace, and to 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.

THE PROMISES.

¶ 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 cleanse him, and to sanctify him. Our Lord 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.
    Ye, on your part, must undertake on behalf of this infant three things: first, that he will renounce the devil and all his works; secondly, that he will constantly believe God’s holy Word; and thirdly, that he will obediently keep his commandments.

I demand therefore,

DOST thou, 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 do.
    Dost thou in his name profess the Christian faith?
    Answer. I do.

Then shall be said by the Priest and the Godparents the Apostles’ Creed as followeth:

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
    And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried, He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
    I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Catholick Church; The Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body; And the Life everlasting. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Priest say,

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 evil desires of the flesh 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.
 

* "be pleased" in Final Draft; "Ye"replaced with "You"in Final Draft.

THE BLESSING OF THE WATER.

¶ After which the Priest shall proceed, saying,

    Priest. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty Everlasting God, for that thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgive ness 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, to whom with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, now and evermore. Amen.

* "Hear, we beseech thee, the prayer of thy people;" in Final Draft.

THE BAPTISM.

¶ Then shall the Priest take the child into his arms, or by the hand, and shall say to the Godfathers and Godmothers,

Name this child.

And then naming it after them, he shall dip it in the water, or pour water upon it, saying,

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

Then shall the Priest 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.

THE DUTIES OF THE GODFATHERS AND GODMOTHERS.

¶ Then the Priest shall say to the Godfathers and Godmothers and Parents this Exhortation following,

YOU who have brought this child to be baptized into the family of Christ’s Church, must see that he be taught the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, as set forth in the Church Catechism, and all other things which a Christian ought to know and believe to his soul’s health.
    See also that he be virtuously brought up to lead a godly and christian life.

    Will you help him to learn and to do all these things?
    Answer. I will, the Lord being my helper.

    Remember always that Baptism doth represent unto us our Christian 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 unto sin and rise again unto righteousness, continually mortifying all evil desires, and daily advancing in all virtue and godliness of living.

¶ Then may follow this Prayer for the Home.

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son did share at Nazareth the life of an earthly home; Bless, we beseech thee, the home of this child, and grant wisdom and understanding to all who have the care of him: that he may grow up in thy constant fear and love; through the same thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

This prayer appears at the end of the Thanksgivings section in the Final Draft.

¶ If the Baptism be administered otherwise than at Morning or Evening Prayer, the Priest shall dismiss those that are gathered together with this blessing:

THE Lord bless you, and keep you: the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, and give you peace, now and for evermore. Amen.

THE MINISTRATION OF

PRIVATE BAPTISM OF CHILDREN
IN HOUSES

AND THE PUBLIC RECEIVING OF SUCH AS HAVE BEEN PRIVATELY BAPTIZED.

¶ The Curates 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 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 compel them so to do, then Baptism shall be ad ministered 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 so many of the collects appointed to be said before in the Form of Publick Baptism, as the time and present exigence will suffer, concluding with the Prayer,

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.

And then, 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, the people kneeling down, the Minister and people shall say the Lord’s Prayer; after which 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 with thy Holy Spirit, 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.

THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

¶ But when no such lawful Minister can be procured, and extreme urgency shall compel, one of them that be present shall name the child, and pour water upon it, saying, N., I baptize thee In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. And then they that he present shall say the Lord’s Prayer. And afterward notice of the Baptism shall be given forthwith to the Minister of the Parish.

¶ And let them not doubt, but that the child thus privately baptized either by the Minister of the Parish, or by some other Minister, or by one of them that be present, is lawfully and sufficiently baptized, and ought not to be baptized again.

THE RECEPTION OF THE CHILD.

¶ Yet nevertheless, if the child, which is after this sort baptized, do after ward live, it is expedient that it be brought into the church, to the intent that, the people being certified that it hath been duly baptized, it may be received publickly into the congregation.

¶ If the child were baptized by any other person, then the Minister who receiveth the child shall satisfy himself that all hath been well done, and according to due order, concerning the Baptism of the child; to which end he shall, if need so require, examine those who bring the child to the church after this manner, inquiring whether the child was baptized with water, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and 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,
    Was this child baptized with water?
    Was this child baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost?

¶ And if the Minister of the Parish did himself baptize the child, or finds by the answers of such as bring the child that the child was baptized with water, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; then shall he not 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, N. ; who [being born in original sin, and in the wrath of God,]* is now, by the layer 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.

Then, all standing up, the Minister shall read the Gospel as follows,

Hear the words of the Gospel, written by Saint Mark in the tenth chapter at the thirteenth verse.

Answer. Glory be to thee, O Lord.

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.

Answer. Praise be to thee, O Christ.

¶ 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 with the arms of 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; 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.

Or this.
 

* These words may be omitted.
"who being born in original sin is now" in the Final Draft.

WE* hear in this Gospel the words of our Saviour Christ, when he commanded the children to be brought unto him. Ye perceive how he took them in his arms, and blessed them. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever. Doubt ye not therefore, but earnestly believe, that he loveth this child, that he approveth this work of ours in bringing him to Holy Baptism, that he is ready to receive him, to embrace him with the arms of his mercy, and to give him the blessing of eternal life. Wherefore let us faithfully and devoutly give thanks unto him, and say,

Our Father, &c.

¶ Then shall the Priest and people, still standing, say,

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, heavenly Father, We give thee humble thanks, That thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the know ledge of thy grace, and to 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 Priest demand the name of the child; which being by the Godfathers and Godmothers pronounced, the Minister shall say,

DOST thou, in the name of this child, renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of this 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.

Minister.

    Dost thou in his name profess the Christian faith?
    Answer. I do.

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.
 

* "You" in Final Draft

"body" in Final Draft

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.
 

Or this.

    Dost thou in his name* promise obedience to God’s holy will and commandments?
    Answer. I do.

¶ Then the Priest 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 Priest say,

SEEING now, dearly beloved brethren, that this child is born again and received into the family of Christ’s Church, let us give thanks unto Almighty 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, the people kneeling,

WE yield thee most hearty thanks, most merciful 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. Amen.

GRANT, O Lord, that, being buried with Christ by baptism into his death, he may also be made partaker of his resurrection ; so that, serving thee, here in newness of life, he may finally, with the rest of thy holy Church, 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 Godfathers and Godmothers.
 

* "in the name of this child" in Final Draft.

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 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 be further instructed in the Church Catechism set forth for that purpose.

Or else this Exhortation in place thereof.

YOU who have brought this child to be baptized into the family of Christ’s Church, must see that he be taught the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, as set forth in the Church Catechism, and all other things which a Christian ought to know and believe to his soul’s health.
    See also that he be virtuously brought up to lead a godly and Christian life.
 

THE Lord bless you, and keep you: the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, and give you peace, now and for evermore. Amen.

¶ 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 Priest baptize it in the form before appointed for Publick Baptism of infants; saving that at the dipping of (he child in the Font, or the pouring of water upon it, he shall use this form of words.

N. If thou art not already baptized, I baptize thee In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

¶ If a child that hath been privately baptized be brought to the church at the same time with a child that is to be baptized, the Priest, having certified the sufficiency of the Private Baptism, shall begin the Order of the Ministration of Publick Baptism of Infants; and in due course shall put (he appointed questions to the sponsors of the children; save that the question Dost thou in his name ask for baptism? be not asked of the sponsors of the child already baptized. Then, having baptized and’ received the child that had not been baptized, he shall receive the child that had been privately baptized. Which done, he shall proceed with the rest of the Order of Publick Baptism.

* These words may be omitted.

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, by the Minister of the Parish, 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, they shall each choose three, or at the least two, to be their Witnesses, who shall be ready to present them at the Font, immediately after the Second Lesson, or after the Third Collect, either at Morning or Evening Prayer, or (if need so require) at such other time as the Minister in his discretion shall think fit.

¶ It is convenient, where possible, that Baptism should be administered upon Sundays or Holy-days, or at other times when the most number of people come together.

¶ 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 from their birth prone to sin, and have committed 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.

* These words may be omitted.

 
¶ Then shall the Priest say, all standing

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]* 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.

Or this.

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, 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 Priest shalt say,

Hear the words of the Gospel, written by Saint John, in the third chapter, beginning at the first verse.

Answer. Glory be to thee, O Lord.

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.

Answer. Praise be to thee, O Christ.

¶ After which he shall say this Exhortation following.
 

* These words may be omitted.

* These words may be omitted.

 
Then shall the Priest and people, still standing, 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 to 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 ever lasting salvation; Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit now and for ever. Amen.

 
THE PROMISES.

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

Question.

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.

Question.

    Dost thou profess the Christian faith?
    Answer. I do.

Then shall be said by the Candidates with the Priest and the Witnesses as followeth

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth :
    And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried, He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
    I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Catholick Church; The Communion of Saints ; The Forgiveness of sins ; The Resurrection of the body; And the Life everlasting. Amen.

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,

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 evil desires of the flesh 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.

THE BLESSING OF THE WATER.

After which the Priest shall proceed, saying,

    Priest. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty that we should give thanks unto thee, O Lord Holy Father Almighty, Everlasting God, for that thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his most previous 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, to whom, with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, now and evermore. Amen.

THE BAPTISM

¶ 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 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.

Then shall the Priest 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.

THE THANKSGIVING.

Then shall the Priest say,

SEEING now, dearly beloved brethren, that these persons are born again, and received into the family 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 time Lord’s Prayer, all standing

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: For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Priest say one of the following Thanksgivings:

WE yield thee humble thanks, O heavenly Father, that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace, and to 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.

Or this.

WE yield thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it hath pleased thee to regenerate these persons with thy Holy Spirit, to receive them for thine own children by adoption, and to incorporate them into thy holy Church. And humbly we beseech thee to grant that they 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 they are made partakers of the deaths of thy Son, they may also be partakers of his resurrection ; so that finally with the residue of thy holy Church, they may be inheritors of thine everlasting kingdom; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then the Priest shall use this Exhortation following; speaking to the Witnesses first.

THE DUTIES OF THE WITNESSES AND OF
THE NEW BAPTIZED.

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 desires, and daily advancing in all virtue and godliness of living.

¶ If the Baptism be administered otherwise than at Morning or Evening Prayer, the Priest shall dismiss those that are gathered together with this Blessing:

THE Lord bless you, and keep you: the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, and give you peace, now and for evermore. Amen.

¶ It is expedient that every person, baptized in riper years, 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.

¶ If it be doubtful whether one that is of riper years hath been duly baptized or no, the Priest shall baptize him in the form here appointed, saving that he shall use this form of words

N. If thou art not already baptized, I baptize thee In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

¶ When an unbaptized person of riper years is in immediate danger of death, or by reason of infirmity cannot be brought to the church, if the Minister be satisfied as to his repentance, faith, and desire to be baptized, then the Order of Private Baptism of Children may be used with such changes as the age of the person to be baptized may require.