pleased to indulge me with it. If my eyes are under every trial, and enable me so to walk kept waking, may my meditations be comfort-in thy faith and fear, that I may at last be reable and useful to me. ceived into thy heavenly kingdom, through the Pity my weakness, merciful and heaven-merits and mediation of thy Son Jesus Christ, ly Father, and hear my imperfect petitions, our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen. through our Lord Jesus Christ, who was once a man of sorrow, and is still touched with the feeling of our infirmities; to whom, as our merciful High Priest and powerful Intercessor, be glory for evermore.

Amen.

A Prayer to be used by an Old Person. O GRACIOUS Lord, my maker and my preserver, I give thee thanks for the long continu ance which thou hast granted me in this world, in order that I may be the better prepared for

A Prayer to be used on the Death of a Friend. another. Enable me by thy grace to make a

(By Mr. Merrick.)

right use of the time afforded me, and give me a true and deep repentance of the sins which I have committed. Support me by thy help under the infirmities of age, keep me from covetousness, and fretfulness, and from all unreasonable fears, and cares. Give me that degree of ease and health which thou seest most convenient for me; wean my affections and desires from the things of this life, and keep me continually prepared for death; through Jesus Christ. Amen.

O ALMIGHTY GOD, who dost not willingly grieve the children of men, but in thy visitations rememberest mercy, teach me by thy grace to bear the loss of that dear person whom thou hast taken from me with patience and resignation, and to make a right use of the affliction which thy fatherly hand hath laid upon me. Thou hast given, and thou hast taken away blessed be thy holy name. Make me thankful, O Lord, for the comforts and blessings which I still enjoy; and sanctify to my soul all the sufferings, which in the course of this mortal life thou shalt appoint for me. Let the death of friends and relations help to O MOST just and holy Lord God, who keep me always mindful of my own mortality. bringest to light the hidden things of darkAnd grant, that by thy grace I may here ap-ness, and by thy just and wise providence dost ply my heart to wisdom, and may hereafter by bring sin to shame and punishment; disapthy mercy be received into that everlasting pointing the hopes of wicked men; visiting kingdom, where all tears shall be wiped from all faces, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Hear me, O merciful Father, for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

A Prayer for a Person condemned to die. (From Dr. Inet.)

their sins upon them in this present life, that thou mayest deter others from the evil of their ways, and save their souls in the day of judg ment; O Lord, in mercy look down upon this thy servant, who now is before thee to confess A Prayer to be used by a Person troubled in others. He with sorrow and shame confessthy justice in making him a sad example to

Mind.

eth it would be just with thee, should death ALMIGHTY GOD, who beholdest with com- eternal be the wages of his sins, and everlastpassion and mercy the weaknesses and frailties ing sorrow the recompense of his iniquity. He of us thy sinful creatures; look down on me, has, we confess, O Lord, despised thy mercy, I beseech thee, and deliver me, if it be thy and abused thy goodness, and has therefore no blessed will, from the distress of mind under reason to expect any other than to be made an which I labour. Strengthen my judgment, and everlasting sacrifice to thy justice. When thou inform my understanding, that I may rightly hast, by the ministry of thy word, and the inknow my duty; and grant that I may act on terposition of thy providence, called him to all occasions, and in every circumstance of life, repentance, he has slighted thine admonitions. in the manner most acceptable to thee. Par- O, how just therefore would it be now in thee don my secret sins and infirmities, and preserve to disregard his cry, in this day of trouble, me from all wilful neglects and offences. If when distress and anguish are come upon him! thou seest it consistent with thy glory, and He confesses that he hath hardened his heart, with the everlasting welfare of my soul, fill me notwithstanding all thy importunities to him with that fervency of affection towards thee, to repent and live; that he has still gone on and with that measure of spiritual comfort and from one wickedness to another, eagerly re. assurance, which may preserve my mind in a peating the works of darkness, and even hatframe of cheerfulness and composure. But iffing to be reformed; that he has notoriously trouble and bitterness of mind be more expe-broken his baptismal vows, and given encour dient for me, continue to me both this and all agement to others to blaspheme our holy faith, other afflictions which thou seest most condu-and that on these accounts he has nothing to cive to my future happiness, and grant that I expect but that thou shouldst deal with him acmay bear them with patience and resignation. cording to his sins, and reward him according Let thine Holy Spirit direct and support me to the multitude of his offences. But thou, Ŏ

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God, hast been pleased to declare, that with | A Prayer of Preparation for Death. thee is mercy and plenteous redemption; that O ALMIGHTY GOD, Maker and Judge of all thou desirest not the death of a sinner, but ra- men, have mercy upon me, thy weak and sinful ther that he should repent and live. Thou creature; and if by thy most wise and righteous hast so loved the world, that thou gavest thy appointment the hour of death be approaching only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth towards me, enable me to meet it with a mind in him should not perish, but have everlasting fully prepared for it, and to pass through this life. O, let not him whom we are now com- great and awful trial in the manner most profimending to thy mercy, for ever perish and be table for me. O let me not leave any thing lost. Have compassion upon a miserable sin- undone which may help to make my departure ner, who owns he deserves eternally to die; safe and happy, or to qualify me for the highand let him find mercy in his distress. Par- est degree of thy favour that I am capable of don, we earnestly entreat thee, his wilful and attaining. Pardon the sins which I have comhis heedless follies, his errors, and his crying mitted against thee by thought, word, and and notorious sins; particularly that for which deed, and all my neglects of duty. Pardon he is now to die. O Lord, thou God of mer- the sins which I have committed against my cy, who art abundant in goodness, have pity neighbour; and if others have wronged or on the work of thine own hands. Bury his offended me, incline my heart freely and fully sins in his grave, and, however they may rise to forgive them. Cleanse my soul from all its up in this world to disgrace him, let them ne- corruptions, and transform it into the likeness ver rise up in the next to condemn him and of thy Son Jesus Christ; that I may behold whatever he suffers here, let him hereafter be thy face in glory, and be made partaker of in the number of those whose unrighteousness thy heavenly kingdom. And, O merciful Fais forgiven, and whose sin is covered. How-ther, give me that supply of spiritual comfort, ever men, in the execution of justice, and to which thou seest needful for me in my present deter others from being guilty of the like wick-condition: and grant that, when my change edness, may kill his body; let neither his bo- comes, I may die with a quiet conscience, with dy nor his soul be destroyed in hell, but be delivered from eternal condemnation, for the a joyful hope of a blessed resurrection; a well grounded assurance of thy favour, and sake of Jesus Christ, who died to save sin- through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

ners.

Amen.

Amen.

THE MINISTRATION

OF PUBLIC BAPTISM OF INFANTS.

TO BE USED IN CHURCHES.

The people are to be admonished, that it is most convenient that baptism should not be administered but upon Sundays and other holy-days, when the most number of persons come together; as well for that the congregation there present, may testify the receiving of them that be newly baptized into the number of Christ's church; as also because, in the baptism of infants, every man present be put in remembrance of his own profession made to God in his baptism. For which cause also it is expedient that baptism be ministered in the vulgar tongue. Nevertheless (if necessity so require) children may be baptized on any other day.

And note, That there shall be for every male child to be baptized, two godfathers and one godmother; and for every female, one godfather and two godmothers.

When there are children to be baptized, the parent shall give knowledge thereof over night, or in the morning before the beginning of morning prayer, to the Cu

| rate. And then the godfathers and godmothers, and the people with the children, must be ready at the font, either immediately after the last lesson at morning pray. er, or else immediately after the last lesson at evening prayer, as the Curate by his discretion shall appoint. And the Priest coming to the font (which is then to be filled with pure water,) and standing there, shall say,

Q. HATH this child been already baptized, or no?

If they answer No, then shall the Priest proceed as fol

lows:

DEARLY beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin, and that our Savi

After the Gospel is read, the Minister shall make this

our Christ saith, none can enter into the king-in. And he took them up in his arms, put his dom of God, except he be regenerate and born hands upon them, and blessed them." anew of water and of the Holy Ghost; I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous mercy he will grant this child that thing which by nature he cannot have, that he may be baptized with water and the Holy Ghost, and received into Christ's holy church, and be made a lively member of the same.

Then shall the Priest say,

Let us pray.

brief exhortation upon the words of the Gospel. BELOVED, ye hear in this Gospel the words of our Saviour Christ, that he commanded the children to be brought unto him; how he blamed those that would have kept them from him; how he exhorted all men to follow their innocency. Ye perceive how by his outward gesture and deed he declared his good will towards them; for he embraced them in his arms, he laid his hands upon them, and blessed them. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who of thy that he will likewise favourably receive this Doubt ye not, therefore, but earnestly believe, great mercy didst save Noah and his family in present infant; that he will embrace him with the ark from perishing by water, and also didst the arms of his mercy; that he will give unto safely lead the children of Israel thy people him the blessing of eternal life, and make him through the Red Sea, figuring thereby thy holy partaker of his everlasting kingdom. Wherebaptism; and by the baptism of thy well-be- fore we being thus persuaded of the good will loved Son Jesus Christ in the river Jordan, of our heavenly Father towards this infant, didst sanctify water to the mystical washing declared by his Son Jesus Christ, and nothing away of sin; we beseech thee for thine infinite doubting but that he favourably alloweth this mercies, that thou wilt mercifully look upon charitable work of ours, in bringing this infant this child; wash him and sanctify him with the to his holy baptism, let us faithfully and deHoly Ghost, that he, being delivered from thy voutly give thanks unto him, and say,— wrath, may be received into the ark of Christ's church; and being steadfast in faith, joyful ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, heavenly through hope, and rooted in charity, may so Father, we give thee humble thanks that thou pass the waves of this troublesome world, that hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of finally he may come to the land of everlasting thy grace and faith in thee: increase this life, there to reign with thee world without knowledge, and confirm this faith in us everend, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. more. Give thy Holy Spirit to this infant, ALMIGHTY and immortal God, the aid of heir of everlasting salvation; through our that he may be born again, and be made an all that need, the helper of all that flee to thee Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth for succour, the life of them that believe, and with thee and the Holy Spirit, now and for the resurrection of the dead; we call upon thee ever. Amen. for this infant, that he, coming to thy holy baptism, may receive remission of his sins by spiritual regeneration. Receive him, O Lord, as thou hast promised by thy well-beloved Son, saying, Ask, and ye shall have; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. So give now unto us that ask; let us that seek, find; open the gate unto us that knock; that this infant may enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy heavenly washing, and may come to the eternal kingdom which thou hast promised by Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the Priest stand up, and shall say, Hear the words of the Gospel written by St Mark, in the tenth chapter, at the thirteenth verse:

Then shall the Priest speak unto the godfathers and godmothers in this wise:

DEARLY beloved, ye have brought this child here to be baptized; ye have prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to receive him, to release him of his sins, to sanctify him with the Holy Ghost, to give him the kingdom of heaven, and everlasting life. You have heard also, that our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised also in his Gospel, to grant all these things that ye have prayed for; which promise he for his part will most surely keep and perform. Wherefore after this promise made by Christ, this infant must also faithfully, for his part, promise by you that are his sureties, that he will renounce the devil and all his works, (until he come of age to take it upon himself,) and constantly believe God's holy word, and obediently keep his commandments. I demand therefore,

"THEY brought young children to Christ, that he should touch them; and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is DOST thou, in the name of this child, rethe kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, nounce the devil and all his works, the vain Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous God as a little child, he shall not enter there-desires of the same, and the carnal desires of

the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow nor be faithful and elect children; through Jesus led by them?

Answ. I renounce them all.

Minister.

Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then the Priest shall take the Child into his hands, and shall say to the godfathers and godmothers,

Name this child.

Dost thou believe in God, the Father Al-And then naming it after them (if they shall certify him mighty, Maker of heaven and earth?

And in Jesus Christ his only-begotten Son, our Lord? And that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin Mary; that he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; that he went down into hell, and also did rise again the third day; that he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; and from thence shall come again, at the end of the world, to judge the quick and the dead? And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic church; the communion of saints; the remission of sins; the resurrection of the flesh; and everlasting life after death? Answ. All this I steadfastly believe.

Minister.

that the child may well endure it,) he shall dip it in the water discreetly and warily, saying,

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

Amen.

But if they certify that the Child is weak, it shall suffice to pour water upon it, saying the aforesaid words,

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

Then shall the Priest say,

WE receive this child into the congregation of Christ's flock, and do sign him with the sign of the cross, in token that hereafter he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight under

WILT thou then be baptized in this faith? his banner, against sin, the world, and the Answ. This is my desire.

Minister.

WILT thou then obediently keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of thy life?

Answ. I will.

Then the Priest shall say,

O MERCIFUL God, grant that the old Adam in this Child may be so buried, that the new man may be raised up in him. Amen.

Grant that all carnal affections may die in him, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in him. Amen.

Grant that he may have power and strength to have victory, and to triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen.

devil, and to continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto his life's end. Amen.

Then shall the Priest say,

SEEING now, dearly beloved brethren, that this child is regenerate and grafted into the body of Christ's church, let us give thanks unto Almighty God for these benefits, and with one accord make our prayers unto him, that this child may lead the rest of his life according to this beginning.

Then shall be said, all kneeling,

OUR Father which art in heaven; Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation;

Grant that whosoever is here dedicated to thee by our office and ministry, may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlasting-but deliver us from evil. Amen. ly rewarded, through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live and govern all things, world without end. Amen.

Then shall the Priest say,

WE yield thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it hath pleased thee to regeneALMIGHTY and everlasting God, whose rate this infant with thy Holy Spirit, to remost dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the ceive him for thine own child by adoption, and forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his most to incorporate him into thy holy church. And precious side both water and blood, and gave we humbly beseech thee to grant, that he, becommandment to his disciples, that they should ing dead unto sin, and living unto righteousgo and teach all nations, and baptize them in ness, and being buried with Christ in his death, the name of the Father, and of the Son, and may crucify the old man, and utterly abolish of the Holy Ghost; regard, we beseech thee, the whole body of sin : and that as he is made the supplications of thy congregation; sancti- partaker of the death of thy Son, he may also fy this water to the mystical washing away of be partaker of his resurrection; so that finalsin; and grant that this child now to be bap-ly, with the residue of thy holy church, he tized therein, may receive the fulness of thy * Here the Priest shall make a cross upon the Child's grace, and ever remain in the number of thy forehead.

IN HOUSES.

The Curate of the parish shall often admonish the peolonger than the first or second Sunday next after their ple, that they defer not the baptism of their children birth, or other holy-day falling between, unless upon a great and reasonable cause, to be approved by the Cu

rate.

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

FORASMUCH as this child hath promised by you his sureties to renounce the devil and all PRIVATE BAPTISM OF CHILDREN his works, to believe in God, and to serve him; ye must remember that it is your parts and duties to see that this infant be taught, so soon as he shall be able to learn, what a solemn vow, promise, and profession, he hath here made by you. And that he may know these things the better, ye shall call upon him to hear sermons; and chiefly ye shall provide that he may learn the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, in the vulgar tongue, and all other things which a Christian ought to know and believe to his soul's health; and that this child may be virtuously brought up to lead a godly and Christian life; remembering always, that baptism doth represent unto us our profession; which is, to follow the example of our Saviour Christ, and to be made like unto him; that as he died, and rose again, for us; so should we, who are baptized, die from sin, and rise again unto righteousness, continually mortifying all our evil and corrupt affections, and daily proceeding in all virtue and godliness of living.

Then shall he add, and say,

Ye are to take care that this child be brought to the bishop, to be confirmed by him, so soon as he can say the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, in thevulgar tongue, and be further instructed in the Church Catechism set forth for that purpose.

It is certain, by God's word, that children which are baptised, dying before they commit actual sin, are undoubtedly saved.

To take away all scruple concerning the use of the sign of the cross in baptism; the true explication thereof, and the just reasons for the retaining of it, may be seen in the XXXth Canon, first published in the year MDCIV.

First, let the Minister of the parish (or, in his absence, any other lawful Minister that can be procured,) with them that are present, call upon God, and say the Lord's Prayer, and so many of the collects appointed to be said present exigence will suffer. And then, the Child being before in the form of Public Baptism, as the time and named by some one that is present, the Minister shall pour water upon it, saying these words:

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

Then all kneeling down, the Minister shall give thanks unto God, saying;

ful Father, that it hath pleased thee to regenWE yield thee hearty thanks, most mercierate this infant with thy Holy Spirit, to receive him for thine own child by adoption, and to incorporate him into thy holy church. And we humbly beseech thee to grant that as he is now made partaker of the death of thy Son, so he may be also of his resurrection; and that finally, with the residue of thy saints, he may inherit thine everlasting kingdom, through the same, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

And let them not doubt but that the Child, so baptized, is lawfully and sufficiently baptized, and ought not to be baptized again. Yet, nevertheless, if the Child, which is after this sort baptized, do afterwards live, it is expedient that it be brought into the church, to the intent that, if the Minister of the same parish did himself bap tize that Child, the congregation may be certified of the true form of baptism by him privately before used.

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