Ti 1^/ T I ^ ^ c2 •.::: .55 ,^ 3 ^ -a J5 *.^ 15 ■ •«» t-i a. *S5 |Z5 o ^ 5 ^ M <'j "n: ^ Ph CO 1^ ■ Ph l! S '^^ tvk o 2- ^ % -o 0) s ^ ^ i <^ Ql \ A W EXPLANATION OF THE OFFICE FOR THE PUBLIC BJPTISJI OF INFJNTS;. ASD OF THE ORDER FOR THE CONFIRMATION OF THOSE WHO ARE COME TO YEARS OF DISCRETION. IN THE CATECHETICAL FORM, FOR THE USE OF TEACHERS, IN SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES, VHEN PREPARING YOUN'G PERSONS TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE BISHOP. ^RI By Mrs. n^ R I M ME R. LONDON: PnnC€*l for T. Longman, and G. G.J. aacl J. Robinsoin, inPatcTi- Kofter-rowj and J. Johnson, in St. Paul's Churck-yard. MDCCXCli ( iv ) utmoft perfe£lIon of the Chriftian chara6ler ! AM may you enjoy every bl effing annexed to the ^ Chriftian Covenant till you are called to. receive: the glorious rev/ard of a well fpent life !. I have the honour to be,. Madam, Your Royal Highnefs's moft obliged, moft obedient,, and moft humble fervant, , SARAH TRIMMER. May J, J79i» AN r6 ♦ N EXPLANATION OFFICE FOR THE PUBIIC BAPTISM OF INFANTS. B MINISTRATION PU.BLIC BAPTISM OF INFANTS. INTRODUCTION. Jdy Baptism is meant an outward wafhing by dipping or plunging in water, or fprinkling with it, to exprefs an inward wafhing of the foul from >. iVater^ having a natural property of cleanfmg^ was antiently ufed,'both by Jews and Gentiles^ as a facred rite to fignify inward purification \ and the Jews baptized all thofe who were received as members of their church. John the Baptift, whowasfentas t'le forerunner oHX^Q Mejfiah^ to prepare the way for the reception of the gofpel, adminiftzred the B apt ifm of Repentance in the river Jordan. He wafhed with water thofe who profeiled to repent of their former fms, and were defirous of becoming members of the kingdom of v.- ^ ■-. T * I M I N I S T R A T I O !i^. %- or THE PUBLIC BAPTISM OF INFANTS. EXPLANATORY qjJ E S T I O N S. What is meant by Baptifm? What is one of the natural properties of water ? How was it anciently ufed both by Jews and Gentiles ? "Who did the Jews always baptize ? What did John the B^ptifi do as the foreruniicr of t\\Q Mefah ? What Baptifm did he adminifter ? Where did he baptize ? Who did he wafh with water } B 2 Whit r 3 ] of Heaven ; in token that the fins they had for- merly committed were forgiven them, and that they were prepared to be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Our Saviour commanded his difciples to baptize after his afcenfion all who were willing to enter into the kingdom of Heaven, or to embrace his reli- gion ; and he made it a Sacrament generally nccejfary to fahation ; never to be omitted where there was a pollibility of receiving it. The way in which our Lord ordained the Sa- crament of Baptifm is thus related by St. Matthew, Christ, after his refurrecflion, having his eleven Apoftles with him (the whole original number excepting the traitor Judas), he faid unto them, Go ye therefore^ and teach all nations^ baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost ; teaching them to obferve all things whatfo- ever I have commanded you. And^ lo^ I am with you alway^ even unto the end of the world. To be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, undoubtedly means, to enter into covenant tuith the Holy Trinity — to ac- knowledge thefe Three to be One God — to re^ nounce^ for the fake of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the Devil, and all his works, &c. — to believe all the articles of faith relating to each — and to do whatever the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, require. From [ 3 ] What was John's Baptifai a token of? Did our Saviour commanJ his difciples to baptize any perfons after his afcenfion into hea- ven ? What did he make BaptiHTi ? Did he mean to leave any, v/ho wiPned to become members of his kingdom, at liberty to o?nh being baptized, if they thought proper ? Who has given an account of the manner in which our Lord ordained this Sacrament? When did he ordain it, before his death, or after his re- furre6tion ? Who were prefent when he ordained it ? What did he fay to the eleven Apoflles ? Who were they to baptize ? In what name were they to baptize all nations ? What were they to teach them ? How long did our Lord promife to be with them ? What is meant by baptizing in the name cf the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost ? What do thofe in fa6l acknowledge, who are bap- tized in this name ? What fhould they renounce for the fake of the Father, the Son^, and the Holy Ghost ? What do 'they hind themfelves to he^ lieve? Ought not every perfon y/ho has been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, to be very cautious how they believe any thing contrary to the dc6lrine of a Trinity I B 3 What [ 4 ] From our Lord's expreflion, Lo^ I nmzvlth you^ even unto the end of the iv or Id^ we may infer, that in every age, wherever the minifters of Chrift*s church adminifter the outward and vifihle fign in baptifm according to his divine ordinance, Christ will be prefent ; for he could not intend to confine the expreffion to his Apoftles, who died long before the end of the world. HUBRIC. Tin people are to he admonijhedy that it is mofi con* venient that Baptifm fiould not be admini/fered but upon Sundays and other Holy'days,^ when the mojf number of people come together: as well for that the congregation there prefent may teflify the receive tng of the?n that be newly baptized into the number efChrfl's church j as alfo becaufe in the Baptifm cf Infants^ every man prefent may be put in remem^ Ira nee of his own profej/ion^ made to God in his Baptifm. For which caufe alfo it is expedient that Baptifm be adminijlered in the vulgar tongue. Ne* verthelefs {if neceffity fo require) children may be baptized upon any other day. And note^ That there fijall be for every male-child to be baptized^ two godfathers and one godmother : and for every female^ one godfather and two godmo- thers. When C 4 ] What may we infer from our Lord's exprti- flon, Z.5, 1 am with you always^ even unto the end of the world? Can it be fuppofed that he meant to confine to the Apoftles the promife of being prefent zvith them as his minijicrs in the Sacrament of Bap- tifm ? Did our Lord mean to fay that the Apojiks would live to the end of the world ? Did they not all die? Could all nations receive Baptifm during the fhort lives of the Apoftles ? Was it not likely that there would be many in different nations after their deaths, who would be glad to be received into the kingdom of Heaven, the church of Chrift, upon the terms of the covenant ? Is it not likely then that the comm'Jfton and the promife were de- defigncd for all Chriftian minifters ? What days are named in the rubric as the moji proper for the adminijiration of Baptifm? What reafons are given for this ? What is the firft reafon given for this ? What is the fecond reafon ? What is the third reafon ? What is expedient in order that Baptifm may be properly underftood ? How many godfathers and godmothers muft every male child or boy have ? How many muft every female or girl have ? B 4 Where r 5 3 IFhen there are children to be baptized^ the parents /hall give knowledge thereof over mght^ or in the morning before the beginning of morning prayer^ to *~ the curate. And then the godfathers and godmo- ther s,^ and the people vjith the children^ muji he ready at the font^ either immediately after the laji leffon at morning prayer^ or elfe immediately after the lajl lejjon at evening prayer^ as the curate by his dlfcre- iion fnall appoint, And the prieji coming to the font (which is then to be filed with pure water) and Jianding there^ f) all fay ^ Hath this child been already baptized or no ? EXPLANATION", As there are many privileges belonging to Chrif^ iians^ it is right that Baptifm fhould be admi- niftered publicly^ in order that the members of the church may know infants a<5lually are, by Bap- tifm, entitled to thefe privileges ; that they may tellify or bear witnefs, if there fliould be occafion to afcertain it. All Chriftians of the church of England are regiftered in the parifh books. Too many perfons in thefe days are thoughtlefs of the Chrijiian Covenant \ the being prefent at chriftenings is a very likely mean to remind them of it. But they ought to go with ferious minds, and not make the day of an infant's new birth unto righteovfnefs [ S ] Where muft the godfathers and godmothers be ready with the children ? At what time muft they attend ? What muft the font be filled with ? What queftion is the prieft to afk when he comes to the font ? EXPLANATORY qUESTIONS. Why fhould chriftenings be adminiftcred pub- licly? Is any account kept of chriftenings ? Where are Chriftians of the church of England regiflered ? Is it not very proper that people fhould aiiend chriftenings for another reafon? What kind of dif- pofition of mind ihould they go with ? Should the day on which an infant receives a new birth unto righteoujnefs be mad^ a day of idle merriment? 1$ B 5 there [ 6 ] right cDufnrfs a day of idle merriment. There is caufe for joyfulnefs^ and it is proper for relations and friends to meet together on the occafion j but kt thsm never forget the purpofe for which they meet. By the vulgar tongue^ in which Baptifm is to be adminiftered, is meant the language commonly fpoken ; the vulgar tongue in this country is Eng- UJh, In' Roman Catholic countries, whatever may be the language of the nation, this facrament is adnfiiniftered in the Latin tongue. The cuftom oi hsLv'wg goclfathers znd godmothers to anfwer for infants was introduced in the firft ages of the church. The defign of them is, firft, to give fecurity tothe church that the baptized in- fant (hall not apojlatixe or leave the church of Christ, in order to embrace any other religion; on which account they are 'called y«r^f/Vj. Se- condly, godfathers and godmothers are to be as mo^ nitors to thofe they anfwer for, if they a6t contrary to their Chrijlian profejfion^ or do not learn the Catechifm, &c. on which account they are called witnejfes : and they are called godfathers and god- mothers on account of their being injlrumental to the new hifth of infants by anfwering for them. According to one of the canons or rules of our church, no perfon lliculd be admitted godfather or godmother who had not received the Sacrament of the LordV Supper, The [ 6 ] there any caufe for joyfulnefs ? Is there any impro- priety in relations and friends meeting together at chriftenings ? What fhould all of them remem- ber ? What tongue is the Sacrament of Baptifm to be adminiftered in ? What is meant by the vulgar tongue? What is the vulgar tongue, or the language commonly fpoken in England? In what language is Bapti{hi ufually adminiftered in Roman Catholic countries ? When was the cujlom of having godfathers and godmothers introduced ? What was the defign of them in the firji place ? What are godfathers and godmothers on this ac- count? What was t\\Q deftgn of them in the fecond place P What are they on this account ? Why are they called godfathers and godmothers f Who are excluded by one of the canons from be- ing godfathers and godmothers? What are the canons ? B 6 At [ 7 ] The FONT fignlfies a ftoiie or marble vefTel ivith water In it for baptifm. The Apoftles and primitive Chriftlans baptized in ponds and rivers, and in any place which had water convenient : but afterwards, when churches were built for Chriftian worfhip, fonts were fet up at the entrance of them, to figni fy that the 5^- crament of Baptifm is the way of admijfton into the Chriftian covenant \ and ^Mtxy parifli church has now 2ifont, into which is put, when any one is to be baptized, pure water, that is, clean water with- out any mixture whatever. At this font the perfon to be baptized is to be prejentei\ and'it is not neceflaryfor anyone to be baptized any more than once ; for which reafon the minlfter enquires whether the child has been al- ready baptized Or no. If the godfathers, &c. anfwer noy he goes on with the ceremony. To repeat Baptifm is needlefs, becaufe it is the way of entering into the Chrijlian covenant. OFFICE. Dearly beloved, forafmuch as all men are con- ceived arid born in fin, and that our Saviour Chrift faith. None can^enter into the kingdom of God, except he be regenerate and born anew of water g and C 1 ] -At what place in the church is public Baptirm adminiftered ? What is a font ? Where did the Apojiles tlXxA primitive Chrijii am baptize ? What did Chriftians do when they had churches built for their worfhip ? Why were the fonts fst up at the entrance of their churches i Has every pariih church 2, font? Is there water conftantly in it ? What water is to be put into it for the purpofe of baptizing ? What is meant by pure water ? Is it neceflary for Baptifm to be repeated ? Does the minifter make any enquiries when die child is prefented ? Why is it needlefs to repeat Baptifm ? What does the prieH: here fay of all men ? What does he remind the congregation of a? fpoken by Christ ? What does he befeech the congregation to ^o ? What [ 8 ] and of the Holy Ghoft j I befeech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jefus Chrift, 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 Ghoft, and received into Chrift's holy Church, and be made a lively member of the fame. EXPLANATION. This IS z preface addrefled to all the congregation prefent, pointing out the necejfity of regeneration^ or a new birth ^ and the nature of it. This preface agrees with the anfwers in the Church Catechifm refpe61:ing the outward viftble ftgn^ and the inward Jpiritual grace. Our Lord, in his difcourfe with Nicodemus^ a Jewijh rulery faid, Ferily, verily^ I fay unto you^ except a man be bo7'n again he cannot enter into the kingdom of God — and except a man be born of water^ and of the fpirity he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. When our Lord meant to enforce any important truth he introduced it with faying. Verily^ verily^ I fay unto thee \ from his ufmg this expreilion when teaching the do6lrine of regeneration^ we may be certain that the new-birth is abfolutely necejfary for every one who enters into the Chriftiaa cove- nant. That [ 8 ] What are they to call upon God the Father to grant ? What does he fay that is which by nature the infant cannot have F Where does he fay the child by nature cannot be received? What is this beginning of the office for Baptifm? What does this preface point out ? What is meant by being regenerate? With what part ef the Church Catechifm does this preface agree ? What did I tell you our Loild faid in his dif- courfe with Nicodemus ? What was Nicodemus ? What dk did our Lord fay ? What expreffion did our Lord commonly ufe when he meant to enforce any important truth ? What may we be certain of from his ufing this expreflion, when teaching the doctrine of rege-^ neration f What [ 9 3 That every one who feeks to become a Chriillan may have an opportunity of being born of water and of the fpirit, our Zorrt? gracioufly ordained the Sacrament of Baptifm. So that all may have whzi by nature they cannot have^ that is, a new birth un- to righteoufnefs^ and admittance into the church of Christ. They may be baptized vi^ich water and the Holy Ghost, the minifter ufing the outward ftgny and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for his fake, and through him, beftowing the /«- ward and fpirltual grace^ the Baptifm of the Holt Ghost. The baptifm of water is vifthle^ but the baptifm of the Holy Ghost is inviftble ; the manner of the jirJtviQ can perceive. The perfoii brought to be baptized is waJJjed or fprinkled with vjater ; the outward fign is applied to his body-y but how the Holy Ghost a6ts upon the fouly or fpiritual nature^ we cannot tell; for, as our Saviour, in his dif- courfe with Nicodemus, obferves. The wind blow^ eth where it lijiethy and thou hear eft the found thereof^ hut canji not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth ; fo is every one that is born ofthefpirit : both are incomprehenftble to human reafon. It is very wonderful to think of a new birth unto righteoufnefs ; but, inftead of marvelling at it, or calling in queftion the truth of it, faying, as Ni- codemus [ 9 ] What did our Lord gracioufiy do to give every cne who feelcs to become a Chridian an opportunrty of being born agairi ? Can all^ then, obtain that which by nature they cannot have? Uloat cannot they have by nature? How may they obtain the yitiv b'lrih^ and acln'it^ tame into the Chrijiian covenant ? What muft the minifter (\o ? What will the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ do? Who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ? Is the baptifm of water v'lfible ? Can we per- ceive the manner of the baptifm of water ? What is done to the perfon prefented to be baptized ? What is the v/ater that is applied to his body? Is the baptifm of the Holy Ghost v'lfible? Cannot we perceive honxj the Holy Ghost a£ls upon the foul^ ov fpiritual nature ? What did our Saviour obferve in his difcourfe with Nicodemus ? Can any one tell exa6lly where the wind comes from, or where it goes to, from any particular place ? Why not ? If no one can fully comprehend Vi'hat happens continually in the world, can they expe6t to comprehend the operation of the Holy Spirit on the fouls of mankind ? Is it not truly wonderful to think of a new birth unto righteoufnefs ? Should we call in cjueftion the truth of it? To f 10 ] coJemus did, How can this thing be ? let us give credit to our Lord's aflertion, who declared that he f pah what he knew^ and tejiified what he hadfeeny and then we fhall believe that, though in a natural way^ the infant to be baptized cannot he born again, he may be horn again^ or become a new crea- ture^ in ?i fpiritual fenfe ', and a new creature he certainly will be if the Holy Spirit is imparted to him ; for no child of Adam can have that by nature y it is the gift of God for Jesus Christ's fake. As there is fo great a difproportlon between the parties in the Chriftian covenant, one being no lefs than the great Creator and Governor of the univerfe, the other the child of Adam^ of a na- ture defiled with fin, the minifter begins the fo- lemnity (f Baptifm with an exhortation to prayer^ entreating all who arc prefent to call upon God in behalf of that infant, that he may be born again^ may be received into Christ*s churchy and made a lively member of the fame, or have the fpiritual life of a child of God communicated to him. OFFICE. f 10 ] To what fhould we give credit? What did our Lord declare ? If we credit our Lord's afTertion what fhall we helieve ? Shall we not believe that, though a child cannot in a natural way be horn again,, he may be born again, and become a new creature^ in a^/- ritual fenfe P What may every one be faid to be to whom the Holy Spirit is imparted ? Why may fuch a one be confidered as a ncw creature P VVhofe gift is the Holy Spirit ? Who are the two parties in the Chrijllan cove- nant? Is there zny proportion between one Gvezt Almighty God and a whole race of creatures made originally out of the du/i of the earth P If thoufands and millions of fuch creatures are not worthy all together to be put in th^ fmalleft degree of compa- rifon with the Supreme Being, in what light muft we confider a poor little helpJefs infant P What ought the Sacrament ofBaptifm to begin with then? Does the minifter exhort the congregation to join with him in prayer in behalf of the infant? What does he entreat them to pray for in its behalf? What is meant by being made a lively member f Read t " 1 OFFICE. Then fhall the prieft fay, Let us pray. Almighty and everlafting God, who of thy great mercy didfl: fave Noah and his family in the ark from perifiiing by water, and alfo didfl fafely lead the children of Ifrael thy people through the Red Sea, .figuring thereby thy holy Eaptifm j and by the Baptifm of thy well-beloved Son Jefus Chrift in the river Jordan didfl fan6tify water to the myf- tical wafhing away of fin ; we befeech thee for thine infinite mercies, that thou wilt mercifully leok upon this child', wafli him and fan6lify him- V^ith the Holy Ghofl, that he being delivered from thy wrath, maybe received into the arkof ChriflV church j and being ftedfafl in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in charity, may fo pafs.the waves of this troublefome world, that finally he may come to the land of everlafling life; there to reign with thee world without end, through Jefus Chrift our Lord. Amen. EXPLANATION. It is very aflonifhing to read in the Bible the hiflory of the ^oody and of the pajfage of the children cf Ifrael through the Red Sea* Thefe inftances of Gop's C " 3 Read the prayer which the prieft fays after the preface. Who does this prayer firft mention as having been faved by water ? What were Noah and his family faved in ? Who ^\{^ does the prayer mention as having b^tn faved by water ? How were the Ifraelites faved ? What does the prayer intimate to have been figured by thefe deliverances ? How does it fay water vi2iS fan^ified for the pur- pofe of Chrijl'ian Baptifm P What is God in this prayer befought to do ? For what purpofe is God befought to look mer' cifully upon the child^ to wajh him and fan£iify him with the Holy Ghost ? » What is Christ's Church called ? What waves is the infant to pafs in the ark of Christ's Church? What will he come to \i\itfafely pofs the waves of this trouble fome world? Is it not very aflonifhing to read in the Bible the hiftcry of Noah' s food ^ and of the pajfage of the Ifraelites through the Red Sea P What is the mention [ I* J GoD*s mercy are very properly mentioned in the Office of Baptifm, in order to ftrengthen our faith in the efficacy of the tvater of Baptifm ; for if God made the water of the food inftrumental to the faving o^ Noah and his family^ on their fhewing their faith by going into the ark^ he can certainly make the water of Baptifm a token and pledge of his fending the Holy Spirit to cleanfe infants from the original defilement of human nature 'j and others from the guilt of perfonal fins who fhew their re- pentance zndfaithhy coming to be baptized. Our Lord Jesus Christ was himfelf free from original and perfonal fin : he was the Son of God, and filled with the Spirit of God from the time of his being born into the world ; but we read in the New Teftament that he fubmitted to be baptized of yohn in the river Jordan, When he prefented himfelf the Baptijf faid to him, I have need to be baptized of thee^ and comefl thou to 7ne ? And J Esvs faid unto himy Suffer it to be fo now^ fir thus it become "h us to fulfil all righteoufnefs : then he fuffered him ; and as foon as he came out of the wO" ier^ he faw the heavens opened^ and the Spirit like a dove defending upon him ; and there came a voice from heaven^ faying^ This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleafed, Christ was baptized, as he himfelf faid, that he might fulfil all righteoufnefsy or that he might, as thtfecond Adam, do every thing God required to [ 12 ] mention of thefe deliverances in the Office of fiap- tifm likely to do ? What did Noah and his family fhew by going into the ark, on God's telling them that he was going to bring zjiood upon the earth? What did God make inftrumental to the faving of them, when all the wicked znd unbelieving inha- bitants of the world were drowned P Cannot God alfo make water injlrumental in cleanfing from fin thofe who fhew their repentance and faith by de- firing to enter into the Chrijlian covenant by the Sacrament of Baptifm ? What was our Lord Jesus Christ free from ? What is meant by original fin ? How was Christ free from original fin ? What is meant by perfonal fm? How was Christ free from perfonal fm? What did htfubmit to, not with (landing he was free both from original and perfonal fin P What did yohn fay when Jesus offered himfelf to be baptized ? What did our Lord reply ? What did he fee when he came out of the water r What was heard ? For what purpofe did Christ fay he was bap- tized ? What may we fuppofe he meant by fulfil- tng all righteoufnefs P What f «3 ■] to be done for the expiation of the fm of the firji Jdam ; and fet an example of all that was proper for his members to do. The vifibh defcent of the HoLY Ghost upon him was a tokm and pledge that the water of Bap- tifm wzs fa?i£iified or ordained of God for the myf- tical wdjhing away of fm\ or, in other words, to be an outward and vifible fign of an imvard and fpi- ritiial grace ; and it was alfo a token and pledge that Baptifm by water fhould ht followed by the Baptifm ofth. Holy Ghost. From many texts of Scripture we may under- ftand th^t the'Baptifm of the Holy Ghost confifts in an inward ivaJJnng or cleanfing from fn^ a deli- liver ance from everlafiing death ^ 2ifanSfification or making holy^ and a communication of fpiritual life U the foul, A baptized perfon then is wafhed from the de- filement brought upon human nature by Jdam*s fm ; he is delivered from the wrath of God, or the penalty of everlafiing death ; he \%fan£iified or made holy, and received into the Church ^Christ to be faved from the deftrudion which will fall on the wicked, as Noah was faved in the ark, and the Ifraelites in their pafTage through the Red Sea, And if he commuQS fledfajl in faith, or in the belief of all that the Scriptures teach concerning God and Christ, znd the falvation of mankind, if he remains joyful in hope of everlafiing life, and rooted C 13 3 What was the v'lfible defcent of the Holy Ghost upon him, as they^towiAoAM, a/^.^^wand pledge of to mankind ? What do you underftand by water being fan^ified for the myjiical ivajhing away of fin ? Is it the nature of water to wajh away fin? Of what was the vifible defcent of the Holy Ghost a token and pledge befides i\iQ fan£llfication of water^ for the myflical wajhing away of fin ? What may we underftand the Baptifm of the Holy Ghost to confift in? What is a baptized perfon waflied from ? What is he delivered from? What is he made ? Into what is he received ? For what purpofe is he received into the Church p/* Christ? What is he required to continue Jleadfaji in F What is the faith that he is to be ftedfaft in ? What is he required to remain joyful inP What is he to be rooted in ? What is meant by being rooted C in C 14 ] rooted hi charity^ or conftantly ftriving, from a real love of his fellow creatures, to do them all the good he can, he will pafs the waves of this worldy or the troubles and trials of human life, with fafety, as Noiih pafTed through the waves of the flood, and will finally come to the land of everlajling life^ the kingdom of heaven^ there to enjoy the bleflings of immortality. OFFICE, Almighty and immortal God, the aid of all that need, the helper of all that flee to thee for fuccour, the life of them that believe, and the refurredtion of the dead ; we call upon thee for this infant^ that he coming to thy holy Baptifm, may receive remif- fion of his fms by fpiritual regeneration. Receive him^ O Lord, as thou haft promifed by thy well- beloved Son, faying, Afk, and ye fhall have ; feek, and ye fhall find; knock, and it fhall be •pened unto you : fo give now unto us that afk ; let us that feek find ; open the gate unto us that knock; \^2X this infant m2i^ enjoy the everlafling benedi£lion of thy heavenly wafhing, and may come to the eternal kingdom which thou haft pro- mifed by Chrift our Lord, Amen. 6 EXPLANATION. [ H ] in charity P If he is thus J}edfa/i in falth^ joyful in hope^ and rooteciin charity^ what may he expe6t to pafsfafely? What do vou underftand by the zuaves of this world? Has not a good Chriftian as much reafon to hope that he fhall pafs fafely through the {roubles of this mortal life as I^oah had to hope he fhould efcape, when all the wicked inhabitants of the world were drowned by the flood; or the Jfraelites that they fhould pafs fafely through the Red Sea ? Where will the good Chriftian finally arrive? VVhat is meant by the land of everlajling life ? What will he enjoy there ? What is God called in the beginning of this prayer ? Who is he faid to be the aid and helper of? What is he faid to be of them that believe ? What do the congregation pray that the infant may receive ? On what account is God entreated to receive the infant? What did God promife by his beloved Son ? What do the congregation pray that the infant may enjoy ? What do they pray he may come to ? C 2 What r 's 3 EXPLANATION. * Having entreated God to blsfs the outward vi- Jiblc fign^ the ixjater of Baptijm^ the prieft in this prayer calls upon God, in the name of all prefent, to impart to the child who is prefented for Baptifra the inward and fp'irltual grace. This grace^ or undefrved favour ^ confifls in re- mitting or forgiving 2i\\ that \sjinfid in his nature, fo that he may be dead unto fin^ and granting him re- generation^ or a new birth unto right eoifnefs^ through the merits of Christ^ which may be confidered as a refurre6lion unto life. The Scriptures give the greateft encouragement to hope that the prayers offered in behalf of the in- fant prefented for Baptifm will be granted; for our Lord fald, Seek^ and ye fh all find \ knock^ anditfhaU he opened unto you \ and thofe who go to be baptized feek remiffion of fins, and a new birth unto righte- cufnefs ; th^y folicii to have the kingdom of hea- ven opened unto them, and Baptifm is the way which Christ himfelf appointed for entering into the kingdom of heaven j and as the bencdiSiion or blejf- ing ,on ivater^ as the outward and vlfible ftgn in Baptifm, was univerfal ai;d everlajling^ being de- fio-ned for all nations^ even to the end of the world, .\vc may reafonably hope that ev£ry one who feeks admittance into the kingdom of heaven finds it, and [ 15 J What does the pried, in the name of all prc- fent,. call upon God to do in this prayer ? What does thi^; grace confifl: in ?~ If all that \sftnful in his nature is remitted ov put awoy^ what may he be faid to be ? In what light may a 7tcw birth unto righteoufui-fs- be confidered I Do the Scriptures give any reafon to hope that the prayers offered for the infatit who is prefented will he granted F What did our Lord fay? Do thofe who go to be baptized y^v/^ any thing ? IVhat do th^y feek P Do they folicit to have any place opened to them ? What ivay did our Lord appoint for entering into the kingdom of hjaveny or becoming tneinlers of it ? What reafon have we to think that every one vjhofeeks fhallyfw^remiffion of fins ; and that all who kncck^ or who endeavour to come into the kingdom of heaven by the door^ that is, by the appointed way^ fliall gain admittance-; and that all who ufe the outward vifible fign^ the C 3. water r i6 j and partakes of the heavenly wajhmg, the 'inward ^ndfpiriiual grace, (o as ever after to be clear irom the original d fikment brought upon human nature by Jdam\ fin. Infants indeed can neither feek for themfelves or knock for thcmfdvcs ; but when they come to the w^Q of their rrafm they will fiirely r^yWr^ that, through the kindnefs of friends in anfwering for them, they h^\'Q found admittance into the church of Christ. OFFICE. Then Jhall the people Jiand z//», and the prieji /hall Hear the words of the Gofpel wi^itten by St. Mark, in the tenth chapter, at the thirteenth verfe. They brought young children unto Chrift, that he ihould touch them j and his difciples rebuked thofe that brought them. But when Jefus faw it, he was much difpleafed, and faid unto them, Suf- fer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them riot ; for of fuch is the kingdom of God. Verily I fay unto you, Whofoever fhall not re- ceive the kingdom of God as a little child, he fhall not enier therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blefled them. Jfter r i6 ] water ofBapt'if?n^ according to Christ's holy in- ftitution, fhall partake of the heavenly wafnlng f What do you underftand by the heavenly zuajh- ing? Can mhnts feek for themfelves and knock for them- f elves ? When they are come to the ufe of their reafcn^ what will they do if they refle61: properly on the p: ivilegis and advantages of early Baptifn ^ What is written in the tenth chapter of St. Mark\ Gofpelj beginning at the thirteenth verfe .? Who were brought to Christ? For what piirpofe were they brought ? How did our Lord's difciples behave on this occafion? Was Christ pleafed with them ^ What did he fay in refpe^: to letting the children come unto him ? What did he fay concerning the kingdom of hea- ven? When the children were brought what did he do ? C 4 Do C '7 ] . Jfter the Gcfpel is read^ the minijler Jhall make this brief exhortation upon the words of the GofpeL Beloved, ye hear in this Gofpel the words of our Saviour Chriil:, that he commanded the chil- dren to be brought unto him ; how he blamed thofe that would have kept them from him ^ how he exhorteth all men to follow their innocency. Ye perceive how by his outward gefture and deed he declared his good will toward them; for he em- braced them in his arms, he laid his hands upon ihem, and blefTed them. Doubt ye not therefore, but earneftly believe, that he will likewife favour- ably receive this prefent infant^ that he will em- brace him with the arms of his mercy, that he v/ill give unto hijn the blefllng of eternal life, and make him partaker of his everlafting kingdom. Where- fore we being thus perdiaded of the good will of our heavenly Father towards this infant^ declared by his Son Jefus Chrift, and nothing doubting but that he favourably alloweth this charitable work of ours, in bringing this infant to his holy Baptifm, let us faithfully and devoutly give thanks unto him, and fay, EXPLANATION. Young children could not of themfelvesy^^i to be among the number of our Lord's difciples; but when they were brought to him, while he was upon r 17 T Do not thefe word? and a£^tons of the Saviour of the world afford grecit comfort ? Did not they plainly exprefs his good will towards infants ? Could thofe infants who were carried to our Lord have become his difciples if their friends had not taken them to him ? Could our Lord have received them with more kindnefs than he did if they had gone of them- felves ? Did not he approve the conduct of thofe who brought them ? Did he not blame thofe who would have kept them from him ? Is there not the greateft reafon to believe that he will favourably receive every infant who is brou2;ht to him ? Will our Saviour embrace in Kis arms thofe who are brought to him in baptifm ? What is there reafon to hope he will embrace them with? What is there reafon to hope he will give them? Being perfuaded that Christ allow- eth the charitable work of taking infants to be baptized, what fhould thofe who are prefent at a chriftening do I C 5 Hasi r 18 ] upon earth, he received them with the utmoft kindnefs, and propofed them as patterns to thofe who wifhed to become members of the kingdom of Heaven. Our Lord is no refpe£fer ofperfons ; he has faid that in every 7iation thofe v^ho are baptized ftiall be accepted by hiniy even to the end of the world. In- fants make a confiderable part of every nation ; there can then be no doubt but that \\q favourably receives thofe which are prefented unto him in Bap^ iifm-y that he will embrace them with the arms of his mercyy give them the blejjing of eternal Ife ; and make them partakers of his everlajling kingdom ; or admit them into his churchy and give them a (hare in the bleffings he purchafed for all men, if their parents have them baptized, with a view of ob- taining for them the benefits and privileges of the Chrijlian covenant. Thofe who bring infants to be baptized fliould call to mind the privileges to which they them- felves were admitted in Baptiim, which will in« cline r 18 J Has not he faid that thofe of all naticns who are baptized (hzW hQ didmiitt^ into his kingdom, even to the end of the world? Do not infants make a confiderable part of every nation ? Do not great numbers of mankind die in their infancy ? Caa there be any doubt then of Christ's favourable reception of thofe infants uho are brought to be baptized ? Is not there the greateft reafon in the world to hope that, on the contrary, he will e?n^ brace them with his mercy^ though he is no longer upon earth to embrace them in his arms', that he will admit them into his church, and make them partakers of his everlafting kingdom, if their pa- rents have them baptized with a view of obtain- ing for them the benefits and privileges of the Chrif-^ tian covenant P Have not all who aflemble at the Baptifm of aa infant, and who are fully perfuaded of the good- will of God the Father and the Lord ]t^s Christ tow.irds it, ample caufe faithfully and de- voutly to give thanks to God ? What fhould thofe who bring infants to be bap- tized, and indeed all who are prefcnt, call to mind ? C 6 K^w [ 19 ] clfne them faithfully and devoutly to give thanks unto GoDj and fay, OFFICE. Almighty and everlafting God, heavenly Fa- ther, we give thee humble thanks, that thou haft vouchfafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace and faith in thee: increafe 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 everlafting falvation, through our Lord Jefus Chrift, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit now and for ever. Amen. EXPLANATION, God's having vouchfafed to call us to the know- ledge of his grace and faith is an unfpeakable blefT- ing; and the more v/e know of grace and faith the more reafoii v/e fhall find to adore his divine goodnefs : the increafe of them depends upon the aid of the Holy Spirit in opening our under- ftandings when we ftudy the written word of God, and therefore we pray that God will increafe our our faith and knowledge. The Holy Spirit is abfolutely neceilary for the nev/ birth, and there- fore [ 19 ] How ftiould they give thanks ? For what does the prieft, in the name of all prefent, return thanks to God our heavenly Fa- ther? What does he entreat God to do. further for them ? What does he pray in behalf of the infant ? Is it not a blelUng beyond the power of words to acknowledge fufficiently that it has pleafed God to call us to the knowledge of his grace? Suppofe he had determined to give us the bleiling of a new birth unto righteoufnefs^ and other fpiritual bleJftn'gSj without letting us know any thing about them, could we havc been fo happy in this flate o^ dark' nefs as we may now be by the light of the goJpelP Is it not likely that the more we know of God's grace^ and the faith which is acceptable to him, the happier v/e ihall be ? On what does the increafe of [ 20 J fore the congregation prays to God to give his Holy Spirit to the infant, that it may be born again to a new and fpiritual life ; in confequence of which it becomes through Christ what it eould not be through Adam^ an heir of everlajiing life. But though the Holy Spirit is beftowed at Baptifm, Chriftians are not to depend entirely on the illumination of the Spirit, they muft ufe their own diligence. Two things are required of perfons to be bap- tized. Repentance and Faith. The Repentance required of a perfon to be bap- tized confifts in a refohition and vow to renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanity of this wicked world, and all the fmful lufts of the flefh ; and it muft be founded upon the hope of obtaining remijjion of fins ^ or that his fins may be forgiven, and that he may be cleared from the guilt and defilement of fin for Christ's faice. The Faith required of a perfon to be baptized is a wiUingnefs to believe every thing that the WoRD; of God makes known; and to "y/^it; obedience to every thing that God has commanded. This faith is founded upon zfirm perfuafon that, on thefe con- ditionSy [ w ] _ oi fptr'ttual knowledge and fit tb depend? Can it be- thought we can underftand divine things as well by our own underftanding alone as by the aid of that Holy Spirit who infpired the facred writ- ings, and who is the very Spirit of God ? Why •does the prieft, in the name of all prefent, pray God to give his Holy Spirit to the infant? What does it become by being born again ? What do you underftand by an heir of everlafting life? Are we in ftudying the Scriptures to depend entirely on the illumination of the Spirit? What are we to ufe ? How many things arc required of perfons to be baptized ? What are they i In what does the requifite Repentance conCiii ? On what hope muft this Repentance be founded? What is meant by retnijjion offms P What is the requifite Faith ? Upon what is it founded ? Are [ 2T ] dltionsj he fliall be made by Divine mercy a mem* ber of Christ, a child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of Heaven. As repentance and faith 2xz both required^ and the child, on account of its tender age, is not abis to perform i\iQm^ the prieft, addrefTing himfelfto the godfathers and godmothers^ reminds them of what they have prayed for^ and of what they mull promife in the child *s name. OFFICE. Dearly beloved, ye have brought this Child here to be baptized, ye have prayed that our Lord Je- fus Chrift would vouchfafe to receive hi7n^ to re^ leafe him of his fms, to fandlify him . with the Holy Ghoft, to gi\e him the kingdom of heaven,, and everlafting life. Ye have heard alfo that our Lord Jefus Chrift hath promifed in his gofpel to grant all thcfe things that ye have prayed for : which pro- mife he for his part will moft furely keep and per- form. Wherefore after this promife made by Chrift, this infant muii alfo faithfully for his part promife by you that 2Lrt his fureties (until ^^xome of age to take it upon himfelf) that he will renounce the devil and all his works, and conflantly believe God's holy word, and obediently keep his com- mandments. This C 21 3 Are infants capable of this repentance znA faith P Are they able to perform the baptifmal promif^ and vow ? To whom then does the minifter addrefs himfelf when he declares what is required of perfons to be baptized ? V/hat docs he remind the godfathers and gocl^ mothers of as the defign of their coming ? What does he remind them of having prayed for? What promife does he remind them of? What does he fay Christ will furely do ? What does the prieft fay the infant muft pro- mife on his part ? By whom muft the child make the promife ? When [ 22 ] This exhortation ended, the prieft fays, I demand therefore, Doft 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 defires of the fame, and the carnal defires of the flefli, fo that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by them? The godfather and godmothers anfwer, I RENOUNCE THEM ALL — the anfwer which the child would undoubtedly make if capable of un- derftanding the Chriftian covenant ; for it is rea- fonable that thofe who enter into covenant with God iliould have the fame friends and ene?nies as he has; and furely every one who is not hardened in fin would gladly renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanity of this wicked world, and all the fmful lufts of the flefh, fo as not to fol- low or be led by them, on condition of being made a child of G on ^ an heir to the heavenly inherit ancey and a partaker of the gift of the Holy Spirit. — No one that refle6^s properly could continue dec^l in trefpaffes and fins^ who could have a new birth unto right eoufnefs ; and every young perfon, who has been brought up according to the principles of the Chriftian rehgion, will find reafon to rejoice that they had friends to anfwer for them before they were capable of anfwering for themfelves. The [ 22 ] When the exhortation is ended what does the prieft demand of the godfathers and godmothers in the iirft place ? What do they anfwer ? In whofe name do they promife and vow to renounce the devil and all his v/orks, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous defires of the fame, and the carnal de- fires of the ilefh, fo as not to follow or be led by them? Do not the godfathers and godmothers make the vcr^ anfwer which the infant would make if capable of underftanding the Chrillian covenant? Do you now think that, if you had been capable of underftanding the conditions of the Chrijiian covenant^ you ftiould have anfwered as your godfathers and godmothers did? If you had not been already bap- tized, and were convinced of the neceflity of a new birth unto righteoufnefs, which would you now doy continue dead in trefpa[fes and fin^ or feek for the new birth in the Sacrament of Baptifm? If you were fenfible that you could not become a member of Christ, a child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven, without renouncing the devil, the world, and the flefli, what would you be ready to do ? Are you glad or forry that, by having friends to anfwer for you, you have been in covenant with God feveral years fooner than you otherwife could have been ? What t 23 ] The minifter then demands, In the name of the child, Doft thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven ;^nd earth? And in Jefus Chrlft: his only begotten Son our Lord ? And that he w2ls conceived by the Floly Ghoft ; born of the Virgin Alary; that he fufFered under Poncius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; that he went down into hell, and alfo did rife again the third day; that he afcended into heaven, and fitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; and from' thence fliail come again, at the end of the world, to judge the quick and the dead? And doft thou believe in the Holy Ghofl- ; the holy Catholic Church ; the communion of Saints ; the remiffion of fins ; the refarre6lion of the flefh.; and everlafting life after death ? To this they fhould make the anfwer which the child would doubtlefs make itfelf, if capable of ftudy- ingthe Scriptures by which thefe articles are revealed. ALL THIS I STEDFASTLY BELIEVE. Without 2^ftedfaft belief in God the Father AU mighty no one who is come to the ufe of reafon could expert to be made a child of Gq-d, Without 2. fledfajl belief in Jesus Christ, the only Son ofGoD, no one could expert to be made 2l ?nember of his churchy or to have him for their Lord. Without 2,Jledfafi belief m the Holy Ghost no one could expedl fan^if cation^ or afliftance from him. Without [ 23 ] V/hat are the next queflions which the prieft puts to the godfathers and godmothers P With what part of the Church Catichifm do thefe queflions agree ? Do you belie ."J in God the Father Almighty^ Maker of heG'ven and earth ? If you could have known at your haptlfn what you now do, would you have profeflbd this belief? Do you now believe the different articles of the Apcftles Creed which relate to Jesus Christ the only Son of GoD the Father, and ^z^r Lord ? If you were going to be baptized nffWy would you profefs this belief? Do you now believe in the Holy Ghost, and in all the following articles of the Creed ? Would you profefs )Our Jiedfaji belief in them? Would any one who has fyfe and reofon^ and who wlflied to become a child o/'God, difbelieve what he has plainly revealed in Scripture ? Would any one who wifhes to be a member of Christ's churchy and to have Christ for their Lord, refufe to believe what he and the Holy Ghost have re\ealed concerning him ? Without a ftedfaft belief in the Holy Ghost can any one expedl to be fan^lifed and helped by him? W^ould you profefs to believe in the Holy Gkost then ? Without f 24 ] Without a Jledfajl belief in the Holy Catholic Churchy he. no one could expert to partake of the privileges of the Chtijlian covenant. The prieft then demands of the godfathers and godmothers to anfwer for the infant whether it is willing to be joined by the Sacrament 9/ Baptifm to thefociety of Chrijlians P OFFICE. Wilt thou be baptized in this faith ? If the infant was capable o{ knowing the extraor" dinary privileges belonging to a member of Qhrist, a child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven, it would doubtlefs anfwer as the god^ fathers and godmothers do. OFFICE. THAT IS MY DESIRE. The prieft then demands of the godfathers and godmothers to anfwer for the child's keeping the con" ditions of the Chrijlian covenant. OFFICE. Vnit thou then obediently keep God's Holy Will and Commandment, and walk in the fame all the davs of thy life ? The [ H ] Without a belief in the Holy CatkoUc Churchy and the Communion of Saints^ can any one hope to partake of the privileges of the Chrijiian covenant? Without a belief m the refu^-re^ion of the dead^ and the life everlafling^ can any one expe(5l to be raifed to^ life of everlafting happinefs ? Do you believe all the articles of the Chrijiian faith? If you had not been baptized, would you now make the fame profeflion as your godfathers and godimthers made in your name ? Do you think that repentance and faith are fuf- flcient without obedience ? Can any one expe£b to be taken into a covenant even with t\\Q\T fellow - crratures^ without promifmg to fulfil the conditions of it ? Has not God a ftill flronger claim to our obedience to his moji Holy Will and Commandments? Does [ 25 ] The infant, if fenfible that it could not be ad- mitted to Jl^are the privileges of the Chriftian co- venant, without -promifmg what is required of all who are admitted into it, would furely anfwer, as its fponfors do, OFFICE. I WILL. You fee then your godfathers promifed nothing for you but what, if you had been fenfible of your own natural Jiate^ and the benefits of the new birthy you would have promifed for yourfelf. When the godfather?, he. have in the child^s name promifed the three things required, Repent-, ance^ or renouncing fin, Faith^ or belief in the Articles of the Chriftian Faith, and Obedience to God's Holy Will and Commandments, — the mi- nifter fays the following prayqr, to every claufe of which the people fay Amen. OFFICE. O merciful God, grant that the old Adam in this child imy be fo buried, that the new man may be raifed up in bim. Amen. Grant L 25 i Does God command any thing but what is really moll for our own interefV, and the good of our fellow creatures ? If you had not been baptized, and were afked whether you would obediently keep GoD*s Holy Will and Commandments^ what an- fwer would you make ? Did your godfathers and godmothers promife and vow any thing in your name which you ought not, and which you would not willingly have anfwered for yourfelf if you had been fenfible of your natural Jlate^ and the neceility of a new birth P Are you glad you had friends to anfwer for you ? What three things do godfathers and godmo- thers promife ? Read the prayer which follows their promife A vow. and vow What does the minifler pray may be buried in the infant f What does he pray may be raifed up in the infant? D What Grant that all carnal aiTcdtions may die In hirriy and that all things belonging to ttie Spirit may live and grow in him. Amen. Grant that he may have power and (Irength to have victory, and to triumph againll the devil, the v/orld, and the fiefh. Amen. Grant that whofoever is here dedicated to thee by our of&ce and miniury, may alfo be endued \Vith heavenly virtues, and everlallingly rewarded through thy mercy, O blelled Lord God, v.'ho doft live and govern all things, world v»'ithout end. Amen. EXPLANATION'. The eld Adam -ilgBihes ibe -finful nature derived U om i\\c firjl man, . Thofe who are baptized are coiifidered as ^yhig unto fin ^ or as having this fin- ful nature die , ani as being hurled with CmnsT. The new man ^'gniiies the regenerate nature de- rived from the ficcnd Adam^ the IjOKD from Hea- ven. By carnal afe^iorii are meant too great a love for the hody^ aiid the things that fnjiain this mortal life ; and for thofe pleafures which are enjoyed by means of the outiLord fenfes, 1. •'J^hi^gs hekngi'ng fo the "^riRiT are thofe virtues <*A v»r\cri the BolV Sp5Rit iTiClines th'e hearts of ■bUdrtn ofGoD when they are led by him. Every [ 26 ] What does he pray may die in the iuf(T^tt ? What does he pray may live aid grouj up in the infant? What does he pray that the infant may hr.vc power AV'Ajlrength to do ? What does he pray that all baptized perfons may be endued with \ How does he pray they may be rewarded ? Have thev a natural rizht to be fo rewarded ? What is meant by the old Adam? XVhat is fuppofed to become of this fmrul nature in Bapufni? Would not every one wilh to have^ this fmful nature buried? WliatMS meant by the mzv mt^nP Is it not very defirable to have the fpiritual nature derived from the Son cf God grow up in him ? W^hat are meant by corned affePaons? Would any ,one wifh to have carnal affeciions grow up to Ipoil his regenerate nature? What are meant by things h.elmging to the Spi- RiT ? Would not every one vvilh to have fpiritual virtues grow up in them ? D 2 Have [ 27 ] Every one of the human race, even after they are born again unto a new and fpiritual Ufe^ have three enemies to ftruggle with, the Devil^ the Worlds and the Fief) : though every one who is baptized re??9unces them, he cannot avoid their temptation ; becaufe it is the will of our heavenly Father that his children fhould prove their obedience by refilling temptation. But he will not fufFcr them to be tempted above what they are able to bear — he will, with the temptation^ nriake out a way to ^-^^^ unhurt, and give t'aem fpiritual frength to come offvi(^oriousy and to triumph over their three fpiritual enemies. To be dedicated to God fignifies to be given up to God to do his Holy Will. Whoever is dedi- cated to God in Baptifn has, befides his earthly parents, a heavenly Father. Our heavenly Father endues his children with heavenly virtues ^ he inclines them to goodnefs by his Spirit ; and if they willingly pradife thofe virtues which the Spirit fuggefts, God will, through his infinite mercy, for the fake of Christ, (v>/ho in human nature pra6tifed thofe virtues) reward them with everlafting happinefs, the fame as if their difpofttion to virtue had originally proceeded from their own goodnefs. Having [ 27 ] Have thofe who are born again in Bapcifm any enemies \.o flruggle with? What are thefe enemies ? Cannot thofe who have renounced the Devil, the World, and the Flefh, avoid their temptations ? Why not ? Will God fufter his children to be tempted be- yond what they are able to bear ? When he fuffers them to be tempted in order to try their y^/V^ and obedience^ what will he do for them, if they are faithful and obedient? How will they come ofF? Over what will they triumph ? What is meant by being dedicated to God ? What Father have thofe who are baptized, befides their earthly father ? What does our heavenly Father endue his children with ? What does he incline them to by his Holy Spirit r If they willingly pra6life thefe virtues, and fol* low thefe good inclination?, what will God do? Is not this a moft wonderful inftance of hig in- finite goodnefs and mercy? D 3 After [ 23 ] Having prayed God to change the finful na- ture of the child, the minifler repeats the follow^ ing prayer. OFFICE. Ahnighty everliving God, whofe moft dearly beloved Son Jefus Chrift our Lord, for the for- givenefs of our fins, did Ihed out of his moft pre- cious fide boih water and blood, and gave com- mandment to his difciples, that they fliould gc^ teach all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghoft; regard, we befeech thee, the fupplications of thy congregation ; fandify this water to the myftical wafliing away of fm: and gf-ant th-dt this child now to be baptized therein, may receive thfe fulnefs of thy grace, and ever remain in the num- ber of thy faithful and cleft children, through Je- fus Chrift our Lord. Amen. EXPLANATION. We read in St. John's Gofpel^ thr.t when our Saviour hung dead upon the crofs a foldier pierced his fde, and there came out blood and water^ to intimate (as our church fupp* fes) that mankmd are to be faved through Christ by wa- ter znd blood', the Water of Bapiifm^ the Blood of thf Redeemer, If [ 28 ] After havinn; prayed God to clian^e th^ finful natuie of ths child, v/hat does the mliiiii:cr re- peat ? V/hit dii our LoRO fiicd out of hfs moft pre- cious fide I Wh-at cominandrsient dkl he r^ive to his difci- ples ? What does the pricf}, In the rame of hhr-f-If and all prefent, bw'fiiech GoD iofirMify? V/hat does he bcfcech hhn lo j^rani ih»t the In- fant may ncelve ? In what part of Scripture do we read an ac- count of water and blood coming out of our Lord's fide ? How did it happen ? What is this circumftance of blood and water flowing from his fide undei ftood to intimate ? By what JVater and Blood are mankind to be faved ? D 4 In [ 29 ] If Christ had not comniandcd his apojlles to baptize in the narTie of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, they would have had no autho- rity to do it J Baptifm would not have been a Sa- crament', but, having commanded h\s firjl mintjlers to baptize in this manner all nations^ there is the ftroij^-eft reafon to believe he defigned the fame form of words to be ufed as long as the Chriftian covenant fhall continue in force, namely, to tht end of the world. All who are prefent at a chriftening fhould pray to'GoD to blefs the ordinance of B apt fm^ becaufe it concerns that body of v^'hich ^\it\y Chriftian is a member. Water cannot o{ Itfelf ^7-^^ awayy?« ; it can only wafh it away myflkally^ that is, in a fecret^ hidden ivayy which we cannot fully comprehend. The water of Baptifm being confecrated or fet apart for a holy purpofe^ and fanSiifed of GoD for the end defigned, is an outward vifihle fign that God, re- garding the infant as a member ^Christ's body^ on account of Repentance and Faith, and the pro- mife of Obedience, cleanfes it from the gu:lt of fm for his fake ; and it is alfo a pledge or token to offure the baptized perfm that he is regarded of God as regenerate or horn again to a life of righteovfnefs. The fulnefs of the grace of God fignifies fuch a /bare of God's favour^ and fuch a meafure of the Holy Spirit, as may be neceflary for the bap- tiicd [ 29 ] In whofe name were the difciples commanded to baptize ? If Christ had not commanded it, would they have had authority to do it ? Would Baptifm have been a Sacrament if any other but Christ had ordained it ? Why not ? As Christ did or- dain the Sacrament^ and commanded his firji tn'i^ nijiers to baptize in this rnanner all nations^ is there not reafon to believe that he defigned all fu' ture mlnijlers fhould baptize, and ufe the fame form of words in Baptifm to the end of the world ? What fhould all who are prefent at a chriften- ing pray God to do t Why fhould they thus pray ? Can water of itfelf^ in a natural way^ wafh away ftn? Can it reach Xht foul? Can it cleanfe difpirit? Is there any human creature without 2.fcul or Jpnt? In what way alone can water wafh away fm ? What is meant by the word myflkal? What is water the outward fign of when it is confecrated or fet apart for the holy purpofe of Bap- tifm, znd fanillfied of God for the end defigned ? Of what is it a pledge F What is that fulnefs of the grace of GoD which is prayed for in this prayer ? As long as he is full of the grace of God will D 5 he [ 3° ] tlzed perfon to continue dead unto fin, buried wic^^ Christ, and alive unto righteoufncrs. Faithful and ele£i children fignify thofe people who keep their part of the Chrijiian covenant^ for thefe have an eternal inheritance referved for them in the heavenly kingdom of God, and a fhare in the privileges of his children on earth, particularly the aid of the Holy Spirit, and a right for Christ's fake, as his inemher^ to call God their Father. office, ^Ih IS prayer ended^ the pri?Jl JJjall take the child inty his hands J arid Jlmll fay to the godfathers and god" mothers^ Name this child. jind then naming it after them, (if they /J:all certify hi?n that the child may well endure it) he- JJ; all dip it in the water difcree*ly and xvarily^ fiyi^g^ N. I baptize thee in the name of the Father^ «nd of the Son, and of the Holy Ghoft. Amen.. But if they certify that the child is weak^ i( Jhall fuffice to pour water upon it, faying the far ef aid ' words* fXPLANATIOK. he not be dead unto fm, and alive unto rlgbte- oufnefs ? Who are meant by faithful and el::cl children? \Vhat have thefe refer ved for thcrj in heaven ? \Vh:.t have they a fnare of upon earth ? What are the grcatell cf thcfe privilegrs? Vv^hat does the prieH: do afrcr hnin^ prayed Got) to fan:rify tiae walcr ot Bjpiif.n ? ^Vhat docs he fay to the eodfathers and crod- mothers ? Whatcocshe fav v.^l'.en he baptizes the infant? D 6 U f 31 ] EXPLANATION. As our climate is not a hot one, and infants are likely to get cold by dippings the cuftom has been changed in the Church of England from a perfua- iion that, provided water is ufed in Baptifm as an outward and vifeble ftgn^ the quantity is immaterial. Without the fpiritual grace not all the rivers in the world, nor even the oceart itfelf, could wafh away the originaLdefilemmt of human nature ; with i\\Q fpiritual grace a drop of water ^ accompanied by Repentance and Faith, will be efficacious. The name which is given to a child at its Bap- tifm is called its Chrijiian name, becaufe it was given him when he was made a Chriftian. By the name which his godfathers and godmothers gave to him the new Chriftian is received into the Church of Christ, or among the members of Christ on earth. The having a Chriftian name given him fignifies that he profeiTes to be a difciple ofQnRiST, to own him for a Lord and Master, and live as his gofpel direcSts. The Chrijiian name Is alfo a ftgn by which the Chriftian fliould be reminded that he was born again in Bapiifn to a life of righteoufnefs, made a member of Christ, and as fuch a child of God by adoption and grace. By adoption and grace are meant being taken into favour with God^ of his own free mercy, through [ 31 ] Is it common now to dip children P Why is it omitted ? If water has not a natural property to wa/h away Jin^ but its being in/irumental to it depends entirely on the blejftng of God, is it not reafonable to think that he can give as much efficacy to tl ftngU drop as to a river or even an ocean of water ? What is that name called which is given to an infant at Baptifm ? By what name is the new Chriftian received into the Church of Christ ? What is meant by his being received into Christ's Church ? What does his having a Chriftian name fignify ? What elfe fhould the Chriftian name of every perfon ferve as a fign to remind him oil What is meant by adoption and grace ? Could any one born the child of wrath become a child of [ 3'- ] through Jesus Christ, fo as to be owned by him as his children. To thofe whom he adopts Go& gives his fatherly prote^flion from TpiriLual and temporal evils, and provides all things needful both for their fouls and bodies : he alfo gives them fatherly corredion when they a6l contrary to his commandments, lends a favourabb ear to their prayers when they repent, and provides an et^jrnal inheritance for them in the kingdom of heaven, if they continue obedient. In the Sacrament of Baptifm th-? children of Jldamy born in fm, and under the "jurath cfGon^ are called into God's favour, and reconciled to him as members of Christ, and made by adoption and grace what they were not by nature^ Children of God. They are cl^Jlcd or chofen to bs heirs of glory after t\-\Q refurrefiion of the dead ; but it dill reniaifts uith them to make their calling and elec- tion fare, by continuing ftedfaft in faith and obe- dience j if tht:y renounce any of the articles of the Chriftian faiih they depait from their covenant, and if they prove difobedient child-en, and refafe to be guided by the Spirit of their heavenly Fa- ther, tliey cut themfclves ofF fr ;m Christ's body, and will be caft oit'as corrupt members. , When the child, on account of its being bap- tized in the name of the Father, Son, and iloLY C 32 J r^f'Goii any other vvife than by adoption and grace? From what does God protev^t: thofe whom he adopts as his children ? What does he provide for them ? V/hat does he give them when they depart from? their duty ? What does he do when they repent ? What will he do if they contitwe obedient^ Are the children of Jdam, as iminhers of Christ, reconciled to God in the Sacrament of Baptifm ? What are they made by adoption a 'id grace P Whr.t are they ele^cd or chofcn to be ? Is there any thing remaining for iksm to do ? How are they to make their calling and eltdion Jure? What will they do if they reiicunce any of the 2rticles*of the Chriflian faith ? What will they cut themfelves ofF from if they prove dijobedient children ? What will God do to thofe who continue in cifobedience ? When the child has been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, in [ 33 ] Holy Ghost, is concluded to be received by Christ, as his member^ fanSiified by the Holy Spirit, and made the child of God by adoption and graccy the minifter, in the name of himfeif and all Chriftian people who may be prefent, fays, OFFICE. We receive this child into the congregation of Chrlft's flock, and do fign him with the fign of the crofs, in token that hereafter he fhall not be afhamed to confefs the faith ofChrift crucified, and manfully to fight under his banners, againft fin, the world, and the devil, and to continue Chrift's faithful foldier and fervant unto his life's end. Amen. EXPLANATION. By this form the minifter exprefles the confent of himfeif and thofe who are prefent, and indeed of all the members of the eftablifhed church, to admit the new Chriftian into their fociety^ and to a participation of the benefits which Chriftian people are entitled to on earth by the laws of the land, which are many. He alfo, in the name of himfeif and all Chrif- tians, acknowledges the baptized perfon to be among the number of thofe whom they are bound to lQ%e and ajft/i in a more efpecial manner for their f 33 1 in what relation may we conclude it to ftand to Christ ? By whom may we conclude it to be jan£iified ? What may we conclude it to have become by adoption and grace ? What does the mlnifter then, in the name of himfelf and all Chriftians who may chance to be prefenr, fay? Where does he fay they receive the child ? What docs he fign him with ? What is the fign of the crofs a token of? What is he to confc-fs who is fo figned ? What is he to do under Christ's banner? Againft whom is he to fight? What is he to continue ? What does the minider exprefs by this form ? Are Chriftian people entitled to any privileges by the law of the land ^ What does the minifter in the name of all Chriftians acknowledze? For whofe fake are Chriftians hound in a more efpecial manner to af[ifi one another ? What [ 34 I their Saviour's fake^ who commanued all his followers to love om another as he had loved them. The ^\gx\ oFthe crofs is a token to the child that he is a difciple of the Saviour who laid down his Jife for mankind ; and that it is his duty to confefs his faith in Christ crucified. Our Lord, be- fore he left the world, faid io \\% difciple?, Who- ■focver Jhall he, afnamed of me-, and of my vj:rds^ in this ftnful generation,^ of him alfo fhall the Son cf Man he ajhamed when he jhall come in the glory of his Fa^ ther^ and all the Holy Angels vuith him, Whofever fiall confefs me before men^ him ivill I alfo confefs ^^- fore my Father which is in heaven. It is no uncommon thing, in this gerreration or age^ to fee people afjained of their Chrijlian profef- fion U they chance to be in company with f coffer i who turn It into ridicule. On thefe occafions they fhould call to mind our Saviour's words, and think how they will be able to bear the fhame of being expofed as imfuithful ferua'nts before Gon and the Holy Angels, St. Peter was once tempted to deny his Lord; but no foonsr was he reminded of his fin than he wept bitterly to think that he could be fo bafe and fa mean as to difhonour that Mafter who was about to lay down his life for his fervants. The Chriftian life is compared to a warfare^ and Chriflians iofoldiers^ becaufe they have power- ful [ 34 ] What did Christ command his followers to do? What is the fign of the crofs a tden of to the baptized perfonf What is he bound as a d'lfciple to confefi F Then he is not to keep iiis Chriflian profedion zfecrety is he ? What did our Lord, a little before he left the world, (dy concerning thofe who fhould be QJhamed of him ? What did he fay of thofe who fhould confefs him? Is it a common thing in this generation to fee people ^/j^;w^i of their Chr'tjiian profsffion? What ihou]d they call to mind on thefe occalions ? What fhould they think f If they are afhamtd and afraid to bear the fcofFs of ignorant, wicked people on earth, how. will they bear to be expofed as unfait}^ fidJervanU before God and the Holy Angels, Do we read in Scripture of any difciple who was tempted to deny his Lord? What did Peter do as foon as he was reminded of his fin ? What did he iveep for ? Have not all equal caufe to zveep bitterly for denying or being ajhamed of a Lord who has laid down his life for his fervants? What i? the Chriflian life compared to ? What are Chrifiiam compared to? Why [ 3S ] ful enemies to ftruggle with. Christ, in allu- fion to this warfare, is called their Captain^ be- caufe he is the guide or leader to falvation. By his life, fufFerings, and death, he, as z fecond Adatn^ fulfilled all righteoufnefs, and obtained redemption for the whole race of mankind, and falvation for all who w\\\ follow him, or copy his example. By his gofpel he inftrudts his foldiers in their duty; by his Spirit he arms them for the combat, and affifts them in fubduing their fpiritual enemies} and if they fight manfully he will finally condu6l them to a heavenly kingdoin which he has gained for them : and when they are figned with the ftgn of the crofs they are enlifted as it were under Christ's banner^ they fubmit themfelves to his command^ and engage to ftrive againft the devil, the world, and the flefh, that they may not reign over them inflead of Him who is their rightful Lord and Mafter. In refpe6l to human affairs, every foldier who deferis to the enemy is reckoned a traitor ; and every one who refufes to fight under a good commander, or yields himfelf a fiave to the enemy, is deemed a coward: how much more are they traitors and cowards who defert from the Captain of their Sal^ vationy and yield themfelves flaves to Satan, the world, and the fief) f Whoever confiders the value of the prize for which he contends, and the fupport he fhall have, will [ 35 ] Why are Chriflians compared tofoldiers? What is Christ called in allufion to the Chriftian warfare? Why is he called their Captain P What did he obtain by his fuffcrhigs for all mankind ? What did he purchafe for thofe who will follow him ? What does the Captain of their Salvation do by his Go/pel? What does he do by his Spirit ? If Chriftians jf^/?/ manfully^ what will their Cap^ tain do ? When baptized perfons are figned with the fign of the crofs^ are they not enlijled^ as it were, under Christ's banner? To what do t\\ty fub mi t themfelves ? What do they engage to do ? In human affairs what is every foldier reckoned who deferts to the enemy ? What is every one reckoned who refufes to fight under a good commander, or who yields himfelf 2ijlave to the enemy ? What are thofe then who defert from the Captain of their Salvation^ and who yield themfelves y/^-y^^ to Satan^ tha world, and the fieJhP What will thofe do who confider the value of the prize for which they fight in the Chriftian warfare? What [ 36 ] Will furely fght manfully , that is, as a human •creature redeemed from everlafting death, and made a child of God, Jhoiild and h enabled to fight. The prize is no lefs than everlafting Ufe and happi- Tisfs in heaven ; but whoever wiiLes to gain it muft continue Christ's faithful fervant unto the end of their life, for to fuch only has he promifed the €rQwn. Thcfe are the words of our great Com- mander, delivered fmce he took po/Teffion of his kingdom. He thai overcmneth jhall he clothed in white rai- ment^ and J will conffs his name before ?ny Father •which is in heaven. — To him that ovcrcometh wilt I grant to fit with me in my throne, evm as I alfo overcame, and am fat down with 7ny Fat u er on his throne. — God Jlmli wipe avjay dl tears from their eyes, and there Jhall he no more death, neither fr- row nor crying, neither Jlmll there be any tnore pain^ for the former things are pafj'cd away. — Behold 1 iome quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to every man according to his work. Happy will thcfe be who at the clofe of life can lliy with St. Paul, / have fought a good fght, I have fnijhed my coufc , henceforth there is laid up for me a croivn of righUo'fnefs^ which- the' Lord, the righteous judge, f)all give me at the laft day, and not to me only, hut to all them alfo that hue his appearing. Hav ing [ 35 ] What is to be underftood hy fyhting ma^ifuUyP What is the prize for which Chriftians are to ili-ht manfully, und:rr the coinnand and protection <'f the Captain of their Salvation, againil: the Devily the zv:rld^ and iht Jiejl:) P What muft thcfe who wiih to gain it continue t-o the end of their lives ? Has not our great Commander, fmce he took pciTfiTion of his kingdom, c.ive.i great encourage- ment to hhfelJiefS -^ndfervants to continue faithful till death f What has he prcmired to hirn that overcometh his fpiritual enemies ? V7hat does he iay G >D will dof Will it not be a mod happy flate to get into a world in which there will be no more /i^rrczt), ttars, ov paiuy ^ov efidlcfs. ages? What does our Lord proniife to bring with him^ HovV will he reivard ■every 7nan^ What did St. Paul i^iy a little before be died? Will not thofe be happy who at the clofe of life can fay the dime ? To whom did St. Paul fay i z fervant and 3. foldier- of Jesus Christ, and that, as fuch, he is to crucify the old man, and abolijh the whole body offm. To L 39 ] Is there not all the reafon In the worfd to believe that God does his part m the Sacrament of Bap- tifm? What do we underftand to be God's part? What is the outward fign :\ni\ pledge of this Inward :in6fpi ritual grace P What fhould that Faith, which leads parents to have their children baptized, godfathers and god- fjiothers to anfwer for them, and ether people' io be prefent at chriftenings, incline them all to be- lieve ? If they bdisvc all thi?, what may they do?' Has every human creature zfreedvn of will? What is it poffible then that the new creature^ cleanfed from the defilement of original fen^ and born again of water and of the Spirit to a life of righteoufnefs, may neglect to do when he comes, to the ufe of his underftanding ? What is it poiTible he may through inattention forget ? E 3^ How [ 40 J To crucify the old man^ and to abolifh the whole body of fin, is to endeavour to fubdue and mortify tvt'cy corrupt inclination, and to ilrive to root it out of his heart. If he indulges fin he cannot be a partaker of the benefits of the death and refur- redlion of Christ ; he will lofe his title to the heavenly inheritance promifed to him, and pro- voke his HEAVENLY Father to difmherit him and cafl him off. It is therefore an a»£l of Chrijiian charity to im- plore God to give his early grace to the baptized infant, that he may grow up in habits of piety and virtue, which will greatly lefTen his labours, In crucifying the old man and ahoUJhing the body of fm^ and preferve him from becoming a devoted Jlave to Satan, Jfter the Tha7ikfgiving^ all fianding up^ the priefi Jhall fay to the godfathers and godmothers this Ex- hortation following. Forafmuch as this child hath promifed by you, ^iVfureties, to renounce the devil and all his works, to believe in God, and to ferve him ; ye mufl re- member that it is your parts and duties to fee that this infant be taught, fo foon as he fhall be able to learn, what a folemn vow, promife, and profef^ fion, he hath here made by you. And that he may [ 40 ] How fhould he crucify the old jnan, and utterly aholijh the whole body of fin ? What fliould he endeavour to fubdue^ mortify^ and entirely root out P If he indulges or gives way to fm can he expe£t to partake of the benefits of Christ's death and re- furreSlion ? Is it not an a£l of Chrf/lian charity to entrezt God to give his early grace to the baptized infant, that he may grow up in habits o( piety and virtue ? What will thefe early habits greatly leilen ? What will they prove a means ofpreferving him frmf What follows the Thankfgiving in the ofEce of Baptifm? What do children promife by their fureties ? If godfathers and godmothers promife thefe things in the name of a child^ what is it their duty io fee to? E 4 In [ 41 J may know thefe things the better,, ye (hall call upon him to hear fermons, and chiefiy ye (hall provide that he may learn the Creed, the Lord's prayer, and the Ten Commandments, in the vul- gar tongue, and all other things which a Chriftiaa ought to know and believe to his foul's health; and that this child may be virtuoufly brought up to lead a godly and a Chriftian life ; remembering always, that Baptifm doth reprefent unto us our profeilion, which is, to follow the example of our Saviour Chrift, and to be made like unto him j that as he died and rofe again for us, fofhould we, who are baptized, die from fin, and rife again un- to righteoufnefs, continually mortifying all our evil and corrupt afFedtions, and daily proceeding in all virtue and godlinefs of living. Then Jhall he add^ and fay ^ Ye are to take care that this child be brought to the bifhop to be confirmed by him, fo foon as he can fay the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, in the vulgar tongue, and be further inftrucled in the Church Catechifm fet forth for that purpofe. EXPLANATION. This exhortation is defigned, Firft, To remind godfathers and godmothers of the promife and zmv they folemnly made in the child's [ 41 ] • In order that the infant may know thefe things better than many of their fureties are capable of teaching them, what fnould godfathers and godmo^ thers frequently call upon thofe whom they have aufwered for to do? What £iouId they ch'ieRy provide for ^ What is meant by the fouFs health ? Can that foul be faid to be in health which is in danger of everlajling death ? Is not that foul in health which is in the ivay of iverlajling life? Is not that foul in the zuay of everlajling life which is virtuous and godly ? What is the exhortation to godfathers and god-' mothers defigned for in the firji place? E 5 What r 42 ] chird*s name, which lays them under an obh'ga- tion to fee that he h properly inJiruSled to fulfil it. Seeondly, This exhortation points out the par- ticulars in which young Chrijlians fhould be in- Jlru6ied^ that they may be able to fulfil the promife and the vow made in their najne when they come to years of difcreti on. As godfathers and godmo- thers are not conftantly with their godchildren, and may not be able, for want of a good educa- tion, to explain the principles of the Chriflian reh'gion to them, they are diredled to fee that they are taught the Greedy the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments ; the hrft of.thefe con- tains all the Articles of the Chriflian Faithy which they profefTed in the child's name to believe y the ^ fecond aflifts them in the way of praying to their heavenly Father ; and the third teaches them what thefe Commandments particularly are, in which they have promifed that they ftiall ivalk. Thirdly, This exhortation explains, in very hw words, what a godly and Chriflian life is, which demands the particular confideration of thofe who are virtuoufiy brought up ; for the beft inftrudion will avail but little, unlefs young perfons remember, that is, always keep in mind, with a defire to lead a godly and a Chriflian life, that the Sacrament of Baptifm^ which they re^ ceived in their infancy, reprefents the Chriflian profeffion, or what every one profefles who caU themfelves [ +» ] What obligation do they lay themfelves under by making a promife and vow in the name of a child!' What does this exhortation point out in the/e^ cond place? What particulars fliould young Chrijiians be in- ftrufted in to enable them to perform the promife and vow made in their name ? Why are godfathers and godmothers directed tc» Jce that the children are taught the Creed, 5vc. What does the Creed contain ? What does the Lord's Prayer put children in the way of doing ? What do the Commandments teach them? What does this exhortation explain in the third place ? Is it not a matter of great confequence to know and confider what a godly and a Chrijiian life is ? Will the mere knowledge of duty be fufficient? What does this exhortation intimate that young perfons (hould always remember or keep in mind? Is it fufficient if they merely remember fo as not to forget their duty ? What defire fhould accompany this remem" Irance ? What [ 43 1 themfelves Chriftians ; which is, to follow the ex- ample of our Saviour Christ, and to be made as lih unto him as human frailty will admit of: that as he died and rofe again for them, fo (hould thofe who are baptized die from fin^ and rife again unto righteoufnefs ; die from fin by continually mor^ tifying or killings as it were, their corrupt and evil inclinations, that is, whatever inclinations have a tendency to corrupt the mind by dejiropng virtue and cherijhing vice-, and rife to righteoufnefs, fo as daily to proceed, or to improve from day to day, in all virtue and godlinefs of living, under the guid- ance of the Holy Spirit, whofe aid will be granted if they pray for it. OFFICE. It is certain by God's Word, that children which are baptized, dying before they commit adlual fin, are undoubtedly faved. EXPLANATION. If properly improved it will be found a great advantage and bleffing, both in refpe6l to the af- fairs of this life and of that which is to co?ne, to have been born of Chrijlian parents and baptized in infancy. The laws of the nation give many privileges to Chrijiians which others have not. No unbaptized 4 perfon [ 43 ] What fiiould they remember in refpecSl to the Sacrament ofBapttfm? What does every one profefs who calls hLmfelf a Chr'ijVian ? If Christ died and rofe againy what (liould thofc who are baptized do ? How can they die iofm? What are meant by corrupt and evil inclinations?^ How can they 7-iJe unto right eoufnefs ? Whofe aid muft they have to enable them to die unto fm and rife unto righteoufnefs ? How are they to obtain the aid of iKe Holy Spirit I If the law of the land gives privileges to Chrif* tians which others cannot enjoy, is it not an ad^ vantage C 44 ] perfon can obtain poffeffion of an eftate by inherit* ance, for all children who are chriftened are re- giflered in the parifh books, and if their names cannot be found there the lawfulnefs of their birth is difputable, and the next heir, if he has been baptized^ may obtain the inheritance from him. Children baptized in infancy are dedicated to God before they are capable of being te?npted by the three fpiritual enemies of mankind ; they are born unto righteoufnefs, cleanfed from the defile- ment brought upon human nature by the fm of the firft man; and there is no doubt but that, if they die in ikir infancy^ they are riceived by their Sa* viouR into hit btavenly kingdom. Great allowances will doubtlefs be made for thofe children who, having carehfs parents and furetiesy are negieSfed^ and fuffered to grow up ig" norant of the terms of the Chriftian covenant j but they will not be excufed if other opportunities are afforded them of learning their duty. Happy C 44 ] vantage to be born of Chr'ijllan parents who take care that their children are baptized in their in- fancy ? Would it not be a fad thing to lofe a good eftate for want of being chriftened and regiftered in the pari/h book ? Is it not a great blefling for children to be dedi- cated to God before they are capable of being tempted by the Devil^ the Worlds and the Flejh? Is it not a great blejfing to be cleanfed from the defilement of original fin, and become a child of God in early infancy? Is there not the greateft reafon to believe that God, who is fo good as to admit infants into covenant with him for their Sa- viour's fake, will admit them into heaven for his fake, if they die without having committed aflual fin ? Is there not reafon to believe that the Sa- viour who faid, Suffer little children tu tame untQ me^ and forbid them not^ will receive thofe to him- felf who have been baptized according to his holy inftitution ? Suppofe children whofe lives are fpared have carelefs parents and fureties^ do not you think Goi> will gracioufly make allowance for their ignorance ? Suppofe they (hould chance to be fent to a fchool where there are teachers willing to inftrud: them in the Creed^ the Lord's Prayer^ and the whole of the Church Catechijniy will they have the fame excufe for ignorance then ? Suppofe they are taken^ to. £ 45 J Happy are they who, as their uiiderftantling ripens, and they become capable of learning their duty, and of committing fm, have good parents ijxd friends to train them up in the way they Jhould go/ and thrice happy are they who yield their minds to be guided by the Holy Spirit in the way of holinefe, and who feize with pleafure every opportunity of learning their duty, and pra^lifing it to the beft of their knowledge j fuch children ;is theCe the Holy Spirit will alTurcdly ajjtjfy Iheir Saviour will conftantly embrace with the arms of his mercy^ and their heavenly Fathebl will cuxuliiually behold with benignity and lo^e."-^ Such children will increafe in true mifdorn as they grow inflature \ they will htjirengthened to avoid thtfins and follies of childhood and youthy will gain. an early acquaintance with the TVord of God, and they will learn the way to obtain immortal hap- pinefs and a heavenly inheritance, while others of the fame age, negledful of the religious inftruc- tions which arc offered to them, and unmindful of the Chrijiian coyena7it, are daily contracting habits of vice, and wafting their be/i days in the Idle purfuit of fugitive pleafures, which give no lafiing^ [ 45 ] to church by any perfon whatever to hear the fer- vice read and fermons preached, will it not be the fame to thern as if their parents and fiireties took them ? Have not moft children in this country fome or other of thefe advantages ? As there certainly are in the world many care- lefs parents, fhould not thofe children efteem them- felves happy who are blefled with fiich as earneftly endeavour to train them in the tvay wherein they Jhould go ? To what fhould they yield their minds f What fliould they feize with pleafure? What fhould they do befides learning their duty ? Who will ailift fuch children as thefe ? What will their Saviour do? How will their heavenly Fa- ther behold them ? What will fuch children in- creafe in ? What will they hcjlrengthened to avoid? What will they gain an early acquaintance with ? What will they learn the way to obtain? Which is moft to the advantage of a child^ do you think, to lavail itfelf of the opportunity of receiving good inftruftion, or to negled it ? Which will be the beft for them in the end, to contract good habits or had ones? Which will be produ<5live of the moft lajling happinefs^ to wafte their beft days in the idle purfuit of pleafures, which ufually flee away and difappoint their expectations, or at beft afFord no lajling fatisfaSlion to the mind^ or to em- ploy thcfeafon of childhood in learning thofe things which, if pra6lifed, will fee u re an eternal inherit- ance [ 46 .3 • hji'mg fatisfa^lion to the mind, but end in vanity and vexation of fpirit. If you purfue the former courfe you will by the age of fourteen be qualified for Confirmation^ which, I hope, you will earneflly defire ; and, led on by this hope, I Ihall now explain to yo\i the Office {<;>i Confirmation. t 46 3 cnce in hsaven^ and plcajitres which will know no Do you think you (hall wifli at a proper age to ratify and confirm in your own name the promife and vow which your godfathers and godmothers made at youx baptifm ? T H £ X H P< AN EXPLANATION ORDER OF CONFIRMATION, LAYING ON OF HANDS VFOS THOSE WHO ARE BAPTIZED AMD COME TO YEARS OF DISCRETION. INTRODUCTION. 1 N your Baptlfm you died unto fin^ and were born again unto righteoujnefs ; the defilement of original fin was walhed away, and the Holy Spirit was communicated to you as a principle of fpiritual life. Care has been taken by your parents and teachers that you fhould be made acquainted with all the particulars requifite for you to know, before you are brought to the bi(hop to be confirmed. You have learnt the Crecd^ the Lord's Prayer^ and the Ten Comrnandments ; and have been fully in- ftrucled in the Church Catechifm : you have been called upon to hearfermons^ and to learn all things neceflary for a Chriftian to ^now and believe for his foul's he-alth : you have been (as I truft) religioufly and virtuovfy brought «/>, and underftand what a godly and a chrifiian life is. But the years that are pafied are to be confidered as the infancy of your fpiritual as well as of your natural life^ becaufe you have hitherto relied upon your parents and others for applying the means of grace to the improvement of your mind^ as well as for furnifhing and applying to your body the ne- ceilaries for fupporting the natural life. A 2 Through ( 4 ) Through the tender care of your parents and teachers you have been kept out of the way of dangerous temptation ; their maturity of under- Handing has fupplied the defe(5ts of yours ; atid you have had little to do but to follow their direc- tions : but the time is coming when your entrance into the world will expofe you to many tempta- tions ; your fpiritual enemies will frequently af- fail you, and you will be called upon, as zfoldier of Jesus Christ, to fight manfully againjl the JVorld^ the Flejh^ and the Devil \ on v/hich account it will be proper for you to furniih yourfelf with arms to refift them : but, above all, you have occafion for a larger fupply of divine grace^ which will be given to you at the time of your Confirmation, if you go with a willing mind to ratify the promife and vow made in your name at your baptifm. " Our Lord himfeif, who, as xhtfecond Jdam^ fulfilled all righteoufnefs, did not enter into the wildernefs, the place of temptation, before he was prepared for it by the defcent of the Holy Spirit ; and the Apoftles, though endued with baptifmal grace, and though cheered and encouraged by their Mafter's prefence, were timorous and fearful, till flrengthened and confirmed by the Holy Ghost; but from that time we find they were fearlefs and undaunted, not to be moved or fhaken from their faith by any apprehenfions either of prifons or death." 4 The ( 5 ) The Holy Ghost defcended upon the Apof- tles on the Day of Pent ec oft ^ and fat upon each of them under the appearance of cioven tongues like as of fire; and they were infplred by the Spirit to inflitute the Rite of Confirmation, which proved a mean for obtaining to all upon whom they fo- lemnly laid their hands the gifts and graces of which they flood in need ; fo that, though Co?fr^ mation is not a Sacfament^ as it was not exprefsly ordained by Christ hi?nfelf it is to be confidcred as a divine infiitution approved by him. Confirmation was called by the Apof^ics lafing en of handsy becaufe they laid their iiands on all whom they confirmed. THE r 6 ] T H K OaDER OF CONFIRMATION, O R LAYING ON OF HANDS VPON THOSE AVHO ARE BAPTIZED AND COME TO YEARS OF DISCRETION. WhenfoeveY the Bijhop Jhall give knowledge for chiU dren to be brought unto him for their Confirmatiofty the curate of every parijh Jhall either brings or fend in writing with his hand fubfcrihed thereunto^ the names of all fuch perfons within his parijh as he Jhall think fit to be prefented to the Bijhop to he confirmed. And if the Bijhop approve of them^ he Jhall confirm them in manner following, EXPLANATION. IJISHOPS in the Church of England are the higher order of clergy, who a6t as fpiritual overfeers in certain diftricts called diocefesy each of which con- tains a number oi parijhes. It is the office of a Bifhop to fee that the clergy of his diocefe perform the ordinances of the church in a proper manner, and alfo to confirm thofe who, having been before baptized^ and are come to years [ ^ ] EXPLANATORY QJJ E S T I O N S. W HAT is meant by Confirmation ? What is the Bifhop %o do vvhcn he defigns to lipU a Cgnfirm^iion ? What are Blfljops in the Charch of Englan^^r^ and y^ them, doubt that they were really commi (Honed by the Son o/GoBy and infpired by the Holy Spirit ? Are [ «4 3 are needlefs to thofe who have the written word publiflied and preached in a language they all underjland-^ therefore the Bifhop does not implore Almighty i^oii to fend fuch extraordinary gifts as thefe to the perfons who come to be confirmed by them, but thofe which are called the ordinary giftf of the Spirit^ which all Chriftians fland in need of> namely, I ft. ThQ fpirit of wifdom and underjlanding. By this gift their reafon is enlightened fo as to be able to difcern wherein true wifdom lies, and they are preferved from falling into the errors and miftakes in fpiritual things, which are common among fuch as rely entirely on the natural powe?'s of their own minds, or the reafonings of other, human beings. 2dly. The fpirit of counfel and ghvftly ftrength. By this gift they ar€ taught how to apply what they learn from fcripture, fo as to adl as becomes the children of God in every relation of life, and are enabled to refift and overcome the temptations of the devil, the world, and the flefh. 3dly. The fpirit of knowledge. By this gift they are enabled to underftand the truths of divine re- velatio7Jy C 14 ] Are the gift of tongues^ prophefylng^ &c. neceflary now ? Why not ? Does the Blfhop pray God to fend thefe ex^ traordinary gifts on thofe who are confirmed by him ? What does he pray for inftead of them ? What is the firji gift of grace he mentions ? What is enlightened by the fpirit of wifdom and tinderjianding? What is reafon enlightened to do? What are thofe apt to fall into who rely entirely on the natural power of their own mindsy or the reafon- ifigs of other hu?nan beings? What will preferve us from thefe errors and miftakes? Is it not likely that the Spirit of Goo fhould be the moft capable of aflifliiig us in underftanding fpiritual things? Is not the fpirit of wifdom and underftanding a moft defirable gift ? What \s t\iQ fecond gift of grace mentioned by the Bifhop ? What are Chriftians taught by the fpirit of counfel? Is it not defirable for thofe who are children ofQoD to underftand his word, and to apply it properly to themfelves ? What will the fpirit of ghoftly ftrength enable Chriftians to do ? Is it not very defirable to have fuch afliftance ? V/hat is the third gift of grace the Bifhop men- tions ? What are Chriftians enabled to do by the fpirit [ IS J velatlon^ as far as is neceflary for their comfort here and their happinefs hereafter, 4thly. TYiQ fplr'it o^ true godlmefs. By this gift they may be enabled to follow the example of our llejjed Redeemer, and live a life of hoUnefu 5thly. The fpirit of holy fear, which will pre- ferve them from prefu?nptuous fins, or from doing any thing in defiance of God*s commandments. Though each of thefe gifts are called the Spirit^ you are not to fuppofe them to proceed from dif- ferent fpirits ; they all come from the Spirit of God, and will be continued to thofe who keep to their promife and vow; but will be withdrawn from thofe v/hoJJtght or fet no value upon them. Then all of them (who are to be confirmed) kneeling in order before the Bijhop, he /hall lay his hands upon the head of every one fever ally ^ faying^ Defend, O Lord, this thy child [or this thy fervantl with thy heavenly grace, that he may con- tinue [ IS 3 fpititcf knowledge? Is it not very defifable to b« able to underfland all that is neceflary for us to un- derhand of thefe important things? What is the fQurth gift of grace the Bifhop mentions ? What are Chriftians enabled to do by ^t fpir'it of true godlinefs? As the profeflion of Chriftianity requires Chriftians to follow the exam- ple of their bhjfed Redeemer^ and lead a holy life^ is it not very defirable to be enabled by a divine gift to do fo ? What Is the fifth gift of grace the Bifhop men- tions ? What will the fpirit of godly fear preferve them from ? What is meant by prefumptuous fms P Muft they not be very ofFenfive to God? Are there not in the world many temptations to commit prefumptuous fins ? Is it not very defirable to be preferved from the commiflion of them ? From whom do all thefe gifts of grace proceed ? To whom will they be continued? From whom will they he withdrawn? Is it not a great mark of folly to flight or under- value fuch ineftimable gifts? B B^CPLA- [ .6 ] finue tKne for ever : and daily increafe inthy Holy Spirit more and more, until he come unto thy -cverlafting kingdom, jftmn, EXPLANATION. The defence of GoTi's heavenly grace^ or his cfpecial favour, and the daily increafe of the Holy Spirit, that is of the gifts before prayed for, and whatever others they may fiand in netd of, are the henefts to be hoped for from Confirmatiorj, v^hen rightly admlnftered to p^rfons property prepared. The right way of adminiftering it muft doubtlefs be that which the apoftles pracSlifed, and which the Bifhop follows, laying on of hands accompanied with prayer. After this folemn laymg on of hands^ the Bifhop, addreffinghimfelf to.thofe on whom he has laid his hands, fays. The Lord be with you. To which they reply. And with thy Spirit. After which (all kneeling down) the whole con- gregation join together with the minifter in faying tlie Lord's Prayer. Our Father which art in heaven, Sec. 6- ' "** * " Thi? [ i6 3 EXPLANATION. . With what does the Bifhop,,when he lays on Kis hands, pray the Lord to defend his fervants ? For what purpofe does he befc^ech the Lord. to do this? What are the benefitsao be hoped for from Confirmation ? What is to be underdood by the increafe of the Holy Spirit? Can thofc perfons who are not pro^jerly prepared, and who are indif- ferent and though tlefs, of the nature and defign of this- holy inftitution, expert to {hare thcfe benefits? Is it not prefumptuous to kneel down under a pretence of praying for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, when the mind is perhaps entirely occiu pied with the outward ceremony of the Sifliop laying on of hands ? What does the Bi/hop fay after the folemn lay- ing on of hands ? What do thofe who have been confirmed reply ? What is done after this ? Does not the Lord's Prayer make a very proper part of the ©ffice for Confirmation ?" B 2- What t 17 ] This ended, the Bi (hop fays the fallowing Cotle3 in the names of himfelf and all prefent, in behalf of the perfons confirmed. OFFICE. Almighty and everliving God, who makefl us •hoih to will and to do thofe things that be good and acceptable unto thy Divine Majefty\ we make our hjmble fupplications unto thee for thefe thy fer- vants, upon whom (after the example of thy holy apoilles) we have now laid our hands, to certify them (by this fignj of thy favour and gracious goodnefs towards them. Let thy fatherly hand^ we befeech thee, ever be over them ; let thy holy Spirit ever be with them; and fo lead them in the knov/lcdge and obedience of thy word, that in the end they may obtain eyerlafting life, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Jmen, EXPLANATION. God is faid to make us both to will and to do thofi things that be good^ becaufe we cannot do any thing that is good without following the di(Slates of his Holy Spirit ; our will is free^ and we may fol- low the dictates of the Holy Spirit, or yield to the temptation of the Devil, the world, and the Hefh ; but we (hould Jirive and pray that we may be conjiantly led by the Spirit. By this prayer it appears that the Bifliop does not expe£t thofe he has confirmed to place their de^ pendance on the ceremony of the laying en of his bands^ [ 17 ] What comes after the Lord's Prater? What Is God here fald to make us both to will and to do ? After whofe example does the Biflion here fay he confirmed thofe who came to him I What does he profefs to have intended to certify by laying on of hands in imitation of the apoftles ? What does he pray may be ever over them ? Whcit docs he implore God to do ? Why is God fald to make us both to will and to do thofe things that are good and acceptable to his divine Majelty ? Hov/ is our will? What may we follow if we choofe it ? What may we vield to if we choofe it ? Then the Holy Spi- RIT leads us into good, or makes us v/ill and do what is good when we choofe to be led by him ? What fhould we conflantly ftrive and pray for ? What may we judge from the Bifhop's calh'ng upon the congregation to join v.'ith him in fup- plicatin^ Almighty God to fend the fpiritual B 3 grace, [ .8 } hati^^Aor he calls upon the congregation to join with him in fupplicating Almighty God to fend thdXfpiritual graccy of which the laying on of hands is no more than an outward fign \ and to befeech him to keep thefe his confirmed children all their days under his fatherly care; to let his Holy Spirit be ever over them ; and to lead them in t\iQ knowledge and chedieme of his wordy that in the end they may obtain everlajiing life through Jesits Christ. The Bifhop then fays the following prayer in behalf of himfelf and the whole congregation. OFFICE. O Almighty Lord, and everlaftlng God, vouch- fafe, we befeech thee, to direct, fan£lify, and go- vern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments, that through thy moft mighty prote(3:ion, both here and ever, we may be preferved in body and foul, through our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift. Amen. After this the Biflicp finifhes the office with a folemn bleffing. The bieJnng of GoD hhi^ucuTy^ the Fathxr> the t 18 1 grace, of which the laying on of hands is ito moro^ than the outward fign ? Does he not plainly acknowledge that the lay- ing on of hands will avail nothing unlefs God's fatherly care or good providence^ and his Holy Spirit, attend thofe who are confirmed through, life? What do the Bljhop and all the people prefenf^ and among the reft thofe newly confirmed^ befeech God ta vouchfafe to do? To what end do they pray to be dire^edy fanSiified^ and governed^ both In heart and body ^ in the ways ofQoD's lawSy and in the works of his Commandmenti ? Can thofe who have folemnly promifed to keep God^s Holy JVill and Commandments^ and lualk in the fame all the days of their life^ expeft to be preferred both in body and foul, unlefs they conform both \nfoul and body to thofe Laws and Commandments ? Can any one do io who is not dire^ed, fanBifed^ and go* verned by the Almighty Lord and Everlast- ing God ? What will he direil and faniJify by his Spirit and govern by his Son ? With what does the Biftiop finifli the office of Confirmation ? In whofe name does he pronounce the bleffing? -[19 ] tfieSoNy and the Holy Ghost, be upon you, and remain with you for ever. Amen. EXPLANATION. This blefllng is a very proper corjclufion of the. folemnity, becaufe thofe who have been confirm- ed are to confider themfelves as folemnly devoted to the fervlce of God the Father. ; to the hum- hie imitation of God the Son in his human nature; and to the guidance of God the Holy Ghost, or, in other words, to lead a. godly and a Chri/iian life: to enable them to do fo, no fpiritual grace or gift will be withheld which they ftand in need of and carneftly pray for; but they muft not depend upon the continuance of thefe gifts and graces without the concurrence of their own defires and cndeavoui's. END OF THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION* A PR AY Tilt [ ao j A PRAYER BEFORE CONFIRMATION, To be ufed by thofe who are p^reparing for it. By Mr, N E L S O N. Most merciful God, by whofe gracious pro- vidence I was born of Chriftian parents, and early dedicated to thee in holy baptifm, make me thoroughly fenfible, I befeech thee, of thy infinite goodnefs, in beftowing upon me the blefTed pri- vileges of being made a member of thy church, a child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven. Grant, O Lord, that by the afliftance of thy grace I may carefully and zealoufly perform all thofe conditions, upon which thou wert pleafed to vouchfafe to me fuch ineftimabie benefits j that I mayconftandy refift the Devil, and all thofe temp^. tations by which he feeks to deftroy me 5 that I may renounce all co/etous defires of honour, riches, and pleafure, and all thofe evil cuftoms and maxims of the world, which alienate the mind from the love of God ; that I may mortify the inordinate appetites of my own corrupted mindj that I may believe all thy holy revelations, and keep thy blefTed will and commandments all the days of mylife. And I 21 J And now, O Lord, that I am about to renew the folemn vow made in my name at my baptifm, and pubh'cly in thy prefence to ratify all thofc things 1 then promifed by my fureties, I befeech thee to enlighten my mind with the knowledge and underftanding of that folemn engagement I then made, and am now about to confirm ; in- fluence my will and all the faculties of my foul heartily and fmcerely to perform it. Let not the many fins that I have committed deprive me of the afliftance of thy Holy Spirit, which I now ex- pert .to receive; but on my true repentance vouchfafe to pardon them for my Saviour's fake, and grant that I may.be enabled to mortify and fubdue all evil inclinations, and withftand temp- tation for the time to come. And, fince without thee I am not able to pleafe thee, pour thy Holy Spirit; into my heart, that, by his holy infpirationj I may think thofe things which be good, and, by his merciful guidance, may perform the fame, through Jefus Chrift our Lord, in v.'hofe blefied'? name and words I conclude my Imperfedl peti*- tions, faying. Our Father, &c. A FRAYEH i 22 ] A PRAYER AFTER CONFIRMATION, Which may be faid while others are confirming, and may be added to the Evening Prayer by the perfon who has been confirmed. 'Blessed and praifed be thy holy name, O Lord, for thefe frefii fiipplles of grace which thou haft been pleafed to communicate to me. Blefled be thy name for thofe comfortable af- furances thou haft given me of thy favour and goodnefs towards me. BlefTed be thy name for that privilege thou haft now beftowed upon me of approaching thy holy table, and of ftrengthening and refreftiing my foulhy partaking there of the body and blood of Chrift. Increafe in me, O Lord, more and more the gifts of thy Holy Spirit^ that I may be wife for eternity; and make.it the chief bufmefs of my life to .pleafe thee in all my adlions ; that I may love and fear thee above all things, that I may be juft and righteous hi all iiiy dealings, and ready to 'communicate to the neceflities of others; that I rhd-Y keep a conftant watch over myiclf, (o as not to exceed the bounds of temperance aad fobriery. Grant, O Lord, that my corrupt nature may -daily be renewed aad purified by the Holy Ghoft ; that i 23 ] that no danger may fright me from my duty; that no pleafure may make me carelefs and negligent in the performance of it; and that, under the moft heavy afflidions, I may be entirely refigned, and fubmit to thy holy will and pleafure. Let thy Holy Spirit, O Lord, fo guide and govern me through the whole courfe of my fhort life in this world, that I may not fail to obtain eternal life in the world to come, through Jefus Chrift our Lor^ Amen, The end. N. B. An Addrefs to Young Perfons after Confirmation, by the prefent Bifliop of Landaff, fliould be put into the hands of every one who ratifies their baptifmal vow ; and after that fome cafy, plain Treatife on the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Mr. Waldo's Eflay on this important fubje