The Ministration of Baptism to Be Used in the Church [With Poems Added from The Temple 1633. The Public and Private services for Baptism are treated separately; the same poems may appear in both. The poems may be assigned to a narrator, to be called The Poet.. The poems may also be read by the Curate, congregation or private worshipper. The poems may be read by one person, antiphonally or groups. (Links within the text may be used or omitted.)] It appeareth by ancient writers that the sacrament of Baptism in the old time was not commonly ministered but at two times in the year: at Easter and Whitsuntide. At which times it was openly ministered in the presence of all the congregation [public prayer]: which custom (now being grown out of use) although it cannot for many considerations be well restored again, yet it is thought good to follow the same as near as conveniently may be. Wherefore the people are to be admonished that it is most convenient that Baptism should not be ministered but upon Sundays and other holy days when the most number of people may come together, as well for that the congregation there present may testify the receiving of them that be newly baptized into the number of Christ's Church, as also because in the baptism of infants every man present may be put in remembrance of his own profession made to God in his baptism. For which cause also, it is expedient that baptism be ministered in the English tongue. Nevertheless (if necessity so require) children may at all times be baptized at home. Public Baptism When there are children to be baptized upon the Sunday or holy day, the parents shall give knowledge overnight, or in the morning afore the beginning of Morning Prayer, to the curate. And then the godfathers, godmothers, and people with the children must be ready at the font either immediately after the last Lesson at Morning Prayer, or else immediately after the last Lesson at Evening Prayer, as the curate by his discretion shall appoint. And then standing there, the priest shall ask whether the children be baptized or no. If they answer, No: then shall the priest say thus. DEARLY beloved, forasmuch as all men be conceived and born in sin, and that our Savior Christ saith, None can enter into the kingdom of God, except he be regenerate and born anew of water and the Holy Ghost: I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous mercy he will grant to these children that thing which by nature they cannot have, that they may be baptized with water and the Holy Ghost, and received into Christ's holy Church, and be made lively members of the same. The Poet recalls the importance of Baptism in later life: H. Baptisme (I). Then the priest shall say. Let us pray. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, which of thy great mercy didst save Noe and his family in the ark from perishing by water, and also didst safely lead the children of Israel thy people through the Red Sea, figuring thereby thy holy Baptism, and by the baptism of thy well-beloved Son Jesus Christ, didst sanctify the flood Jordan and all other waters to the mystical washing away of sin: We beseech thee for thy infinite mercies, that thou wilt mercifully look upon these children, sanctify them and wash them with thy Holy Ghost, that they being delivered from thy wrath may be received into the ark of Christ's Church, and being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in charity, may so pass the waves of this troublesome world, that finally they may come to the land of everlasting life, there to reign with thee, world without end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Poet reflects on the purity of childhood: H. Baptism (II). ALMIGHTY and immortal God, the aid of all that need, the helper of all that flee to thee for succor, the life of them that believe, and the resurrection of the dead: We call upon thee for these infants, that they coming to thy holy Baptism may receive remission of their sins by spiritual regeneration. Receive them (O Lord) as thou hast promised by thy well-beloved Son, saying, Ask and you shall have; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. So give now unto us that ask. Let us that seek find. Open the gate unto us that knock; that these infants 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. [Alternate: H. Baptism (II) may be used here instead.] Then shall the priest say. Hear the words of the Gospel written by Saint Mark in the tenth chapter. AT a certain time they brought children to Christ that he should touch them, and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was displeased, and said unto them, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for to such belongeth the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, whosoever doth not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And when he had taken them up in his arms, he put his hands upon them and blessed them. After the Gospel is read, the minister shall make this brief exhortation upon the words of the Gospel. FRIENDS, you hear in this Gospel the words of our Savior Christ, that he commanded the children to be brought unto him; how he blamed those that would have kept them from him; how he exhorteth all men to follow their innocency. You perceive how by his outward gesture and deed he declared his good will toward them. For he embraced them in his arms, he laid his hands upon them, and blessed them. Doubt not ye therefore, but earnestly believe, that he will likewise favorably receive these present infants, that he will embrace them with the arms of his mercy, that he will give unto them the blessing of eternal life, and make them partakers of his everlasting kingdom. Wherefore we being thus persuaded of the good will of our heavenly Father toward these infants, declared by his Son Jesus Christ, and nothing doubting but that he favorably alloweth this charitable work of ours, in bringing these children to his holy Baptism: Let us faithfully and devoutly give thanks unto him, and say. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks, that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace and faith in thee: Increase this knowledge, and confirm this faith in us evermore. Give thy Holy Spirit to these infants, that they may be born again, and be made heirs of everlasting salvation; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. Then the priest shall speak unto the godfathers and godmothers on this wise. WELL-BELOVED friends, ye have brought these children here to be baptized; ye have prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to receive them, to lay his hands upon them, to bless them, to release them of their sins, to give them the kingdom of heaven, and everlasting life. Ye have heard also that our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised in his gospel to grant all these things that ye have prayed for; which promise he for his part will most surely keep and perform. Wherefore after this promise made by Christ, these infants must also faithfully for their part promise by you that be their sureties, that they will forsake the devil and all his works, and constantly believe God's holy Word, and obediently keep his commandments. The Poet, recalling his sins, offers his Repentance. Then shall the priest demand of the godfathers and god mothers these questions following. DOST thou forsake the devil and all his works, the vain pomp, and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, the carnal desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by them? Answer. I forsake them all. Minister. Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth? And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son our Lord, and that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, that he suffered under Poncius 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? Answer. All this I steadfastly believe. Minister. Wilt thou be baptized in this faith? Answer. That is my desire. As confirmation The Poet describes the act of Faith. Then shall the priest say. Mark 10 O MERCIFUL God, grant that the old Adam in these children may be so buried, that the new man may be raised up in them. Amen. Grant that all carnal affections may die in them, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in them. Amen. Grant that they may have power and strength to have victory, and to triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen. Grant that whosoever is here dedicated to thee by our office and ministry, may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live and govern all things world without end. Amen. The Poet considering his state relative to those about to be baptized, as a monologue aside: Grace. ALMIGHTY everliving God, whose most dearly beloved Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood, and gave commandment to his disciples that they should go teach all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost: Regard, we beseech thee, the supplications of thy congregation, and grant that all thy servants which shall be baptized in this water, may receive the fullness of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. The Poet reads or sings The 23rd Psalme. Then the priest shall take the child in his hands, and ask the name, and naming the child, shall dip it in the water, so it be discreetly and warely done, saying. N. I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. And if the child be weak, it shall suffice to pour water upon it, saying the foresaid words. N. I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then the priest shall make a cross upon the child's forehead, saying. WE receive this child into the congregation of Christ's flock, and do sign him with the sign of the cross, in token that hereafter he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight under his banner against sin, the world, and the devil, and to continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto his life's end. Amen. Then shall the priest say. SEEING now, dearly beloved brethren, that these children be regenerate and grafted into the body of Christ's congregation: let us give thanks unto God for these benefits, and with one accord make our prayers unto Almighty God, that they may lead the rest of their life according to this beginning. Then shall be said. OUR Father which art in heaven, etc. Then shall the priest say. WE yield thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it hath pleased thee to regenerate this infant with thy Holy Spirit, to receive him for thy own child by adoption, and to incorporate him into thy holy congregation. And humbly we beseech thee to grant that he being dead unto sin, and living unto righteousness, and being buried with Christ in his death, may crucify the old man, and utterly abolish the whole body of sin, that as he is made partaker of the death of thy Son, so he may be partaker of his resurrection. So that finally with the residue of thy holy congregation, he may be inheritor of thine everlasting kingdom, through Christ our Lord. Amen. At the last end, the priest calling the godfathers and godmothers together, shall say this short exhortation following. FORASMUCH as these children have promised by you to forsake the devil and all his works, to believe in God, and to serve him: you must remember that it is your parts and duties to see that these infants be taught so soon as they shall be able to learn what a solemn vow, promise, and profession they have made by you. And that they may know these things the better, ye shall call upon them to hear sermons. And chiefly ye shall provide that they may learn the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments in the English tongue, and all other things which a Christian man ought to know and believe to his soul's health; and that these children may be virtuously brought up to lead a godly and a Christian life, remembering alway that baptism doth represent unto us our profession, which is to follow the example of our Savior Christ, and to be made like unto him, that as he died and rose again for us, so should we which 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. The minister shall command that the children be brought to the bishop to be confirmed of him, so soon as they can say in their vulgar tongue the articles of the faith, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, and be further instructed in the Catechism set forth for that purpose, accordingly as it is there expressed. [Optional: The Poet may read or sing The Elixir.] Of Them That Be Baptized in Private Houses, in Time of Necessity [by the Minister of the parish, or any other lawful Minister that can be procured]* * added in 1604 The pastors and curates shall oft admonish the people that they defer not the baptism of infants any longer than the Sunday or other holy day next after the child be born, unless upon a great and reasonable cause declared to the curate, and by him approved. And also they shall warn them, that without great cause and necessity they [baptize not children]* at home in their houses. And when great need shall compel them so to do, that then they minister it on this fashion. * changed in 1604 to: "procure not their children to be baptized" First let them that be present call upon God for his grace and say the Lord's Prayer, if the time will suffer. And then one of them shall name the child, and dip him in the water, or pour water upon him, saying these words. * * This rubric changed in 1604 to: First let the lawful minister and them that be present call upon God for his grace and say the Lord's Prayer, if the time will suffer. And then the child being named by one of them that is present, the said lawful minister shall dip it in the water, or pour water upon him, saying these words. N. I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. And let them not doubt but that the child so baptized is lawfully and sufficiently baptized, and ought not to be baptized again in the church. But yet nevertheless, if the child which is after this sort baptized do afterward live, it is expedient that he be brought into the church to the intent the priest may examine and try whether the child be lawfully baptized or no. And if those that bring any child to the church do answer that he is already baptized, then shall the priest examine them further. By whom the child was baptized? Who was present when the child was baptized? Whether they called upon God for grace and succor in that necessity?* With what thing, or what matter they did baptize the child? With what words the child was baptized? Whether they think the child to be lawfully and perfectly baptized? * This sentence changed in 1604 to: "And because some things essential to this sacrament may happen to be omitted through fear or haste in such times of extremity; therefore I demand further." And if the minister shall prove by the answers of such as brought the child that all things were done as they ought to be, then shall not he christen the child again, but shall receive him as one of the flock of the true Christian people, saying thus. I CERTIFY you, that in this case ye have done well and according unto due order concerning the baptizing of this child, which being born in original sin and in the wrath of God, is now by the laver of regeneration in Baptism, received into the number of the children of God, and heirs of everlasting life: for our Lord Jesus Christ doth not deny his grace and mercy unto such infants, but most lovingly doth call them unto him, as the holy gospel doth witness to our comfort on this wise. Time permitting the Poet remembers his H. Baptisme (II). AT a certain time they brought children unto Christ that he should touch them, and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was displeased, and said unto them, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for to such belongeth the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, whosoever doth not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And when he had taken them up in his arms, he put his hands upon them and blessed them. After the Gospel is read, the minister shall make this brief exhortation upon the words of the Gospel. FRIENDS, you hear in this Gospel the words of our Savior Christ, that he commanded the children to be brought unto him; how he blamed those that would have kept them from him; how he exhorted all men to follow their innocency. Ye perceive how by his outward gesture and deed he declared his good will toward them. For he embraced them in his arms, he laid his hands upon them, and blessed them. Doubt ye not therefore, but earnestly believe that he hath likewise favorably received this present infant, that he hath embraced him with the arms of his mercy, that he hath given unto him the blessing of eternal life, and made him partaker of his everlasting kingdom. Wherefore we being thus persuaded of the good will of our heavenly Father, declared by his Son Jesus Christ toward this infant: Let us faith fully and devoutly give thanks unto him, and say the prayer which the Lord himself taught, and in declaration of our faith, let us recite the articles contained in our Creed. Here the minister with the godfathers and godmothers shall say. OUR Father which art in heaven, etc. Then shall the priest demand the name of the child, which being by the godfathers and godmothers pronounced, the minister shall say. DOST thou in the name of this child forsake the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all the covetous desires of the same, the carnal desires of the flesh, and not to follow and be led by them? Answer. I forsake them all. Minister. Dost thou in the name of this child profess this faith, to believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son our Lord, and that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, that he suffered under Poncius 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 he shall come again at the end of the world to judge the quick and the dead? And do you in his name believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the remission of sins, resurrection, and everlasting life after death? Answer. All this I steadfastly believe. The Poet looks to his H. Baptism (I) for reassurance and forgiveness. Let us pray. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks, for that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace and faith in thee: Increase this knowledge, and confirm this faith in us evermore. Give thy Holy Spirit to this infant, that he being born again, and being made heir of everlasting salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, may continue thy servant, and attain thy promise; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the same Holy Spirit ever lastingly. Amen. Then shall the minister make this exhortation to the godfathers and godmothers. FORASMUCH as this child hath promised by you to for sake the devil and all his works, to believe in God, and to serve him: you must remember that it is your part and duty to see that this infant be taught, so soon as he shall be able to learn, what a solemn vow, promise, and profession he hath made by you. And that he may know these things the better, ye shall call upon him to hear sermons. And chiefly ye shall provide that he may learn the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments in the English tongue, and all other things which a Christian man ought to know and believe to his soul's health. And that this child may be virtuously brought up, to lead a godly and a Christian life, remembering alway that baptism doth represent unto us our profession, which is to follow the example of our Savior Christ, and be made like unto him, that as he died and rose again for us; so should we which 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. The Poet as expression of faith in God recites (or those present sing) The 23rd Psalme. And so forth, as in Public Baptism. But if they which bring the infants to the church do make an uncertain answer to the priest's questions, and say that they can not tell what they thought, did, or said in that great fear and trouble of mind (as oftentimes it chanceth) then let the priest baptize him in form above written, concerning Public Baptism, saving that at the dipping of the child in the font, he shall use this form of words. IF thou be not baptized already. N. I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Editor's Note: These 2 services of Baptism for George Herbert edition may take some time to perform. They work as a computer page to show the relationship of some poems to the liturgical expressions and theological ideas of the Elizabethan Age. To actually use this as a service, some liturgy may have to be abbreviated or cut, depending on the purpose of the service and the number of poems used. Other BCP Services for GH Introduction to BCP (Temple Version) Holy Communion (1559) for GH Morning Prayer (1559) for GH Evening Prayer (1559) for GH Burial Service (1559) for GH Commination against Sinners (1559) for GH Ordinations (1552) for GH Return to George Herbert & The Temple Home Page. Related Links to Richard Hooker and the Book of Common Prayer. To give thanks and credit to those who created the Elizabethan Book of Common Prayer (1559) for the Internet: Return to 1559 Book of Common Prayer Return to Book of Common Prayer Home Page Web author: Charles Wohlers
[With Poems Added from The Temple 1633. The Public and Private services for Baptism are treated separately; the same poems may appear in both. The poems may be assigned to a narrator, to be called The Poet.. The poems may also be read by the Curate, congregation or private worshipper. The poems may be read by one person, antiphonally or groups. (Links within the text may be used or omitted.)]
It appeareth by ancient writers that the sacrament of Baptism in the old time was not commonly ministered but at two times in the year: at Easter and Whitsuntide. At which times it was openly ministered in the presence of all the congregation [public prayer]: which custom (now being grown out of use) although it cannot for many considerations be well restored again, yet it is thought good to follow the same as near as conveniently may be. Wherefore the people are to be admonished that it is most convenient that Baptism should not be ministered but upon Sundays and other holy days when the most number of people may come together, as well for that the congregation there present may testify the receiving of them that be newly baptized into the number of Christ's Church, as also because in the baptism of infants every man present may be put in remembrance of his own profession made to God in his baptism. For which cause also, it is expedient that baptism be ministered in the English tongue. Nevertheless (if necessity so require) children may at all times be baptized at home.
When there are children to be baptized upon the Sunday or holy day, the parents shall give knowledge overnight, or in the morning afore the beginning of Morning Prayer, to the curate. And then the godfathers, godmothers, and people with the children must be ready at the font either immediately after the last Lesson at Morning Prayer, or else immediately after the last Lesson at Evening Prayer, as the curate by his discretion shall appoint. And then standing there, the priest shall ask whether the children be baptized or no. If they answer, No: then shall the priest say thus.
DEARLY beloved, forasmuch as all men be conceived and born in sin, and that our Savior Christ saith, None can enter into the kingdom of God, except he be regenerate and born anew of water and the Holy Ghost: I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous mercy he will grant to these children that thing which by nature they cannot have, that they may be baptized with water and the Holy Ghost, and received into Christ's holy Church, and be made lively members of the same.
The Poet recalls the importance of Baptism in later life: H. Baptisme (I).
Then the priest shall say.
Let us pray.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, which of thy great mercy didst save Noe and his family in the ark from perishing by water, and also didst safely lead the children of Israel thy people through the Red Sea, figuring thereby thy holy Baptism, and by the baptism of thy well-beloved Son Jesus Christ, didst sanctify the flood Jordan and all other waters to the mystical washing away of sin: We beseech thee for thy infinite mercies, that thou wilt mercifully look upon these children, sanctify them and wash them with thy Holy Ghost, that they being delivered from thy wrath may be received into the ark of Christ's Church, and being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in charity, may so pass the waves of this troublesome world, that finally they may come to the land of everlasting life, there to reign with thee, world without end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Poet reflects on the purity of childhood: H. Baptism (II).
ALMIGHTY and immortal God, the aid of all that need, the helper of all that flee to thee for succor, the life of them that believe, and the resurrection of the dead: We call upon thee for these infants, that they coming to thy holy Baptism may receive remission of their sins by spiritual regeneration. Receive them (O Lord) as thou hast promised by thy well-beloved Son, saying, Ask and you shall have; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. So give now unto us that ask. Let us that seek find. Open the gate unto us that knock; that these infants 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.
[Alternate: H. Baptism (II) may be used here instead.]
Then shall the priest say. Hear the words of the Gospel written by Saint Mark in the tenth chapter. AT a certain time they brought children to Christ that he should touch them, and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was displeased, and said unto them, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for to such belongeth the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, whosoever doth not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And when he had taken them up in his arms, he put his hands upon them and blessed them.
After the Gospel is read, the minister shall make this brief exhortation upon the words of the Gospel.
FRIENDS, you hear in this Gospel the words of our Savior Christ, that he commanded the children to be brought unto him; how he blamed those that would have kept them from him; how he exhorteth all men to follow their innocency. You perceive how by his outward gesture and deed he declared his good will toward them. For he embraced them in his arms, he laid his hands upon them, and blessed them. Doubt not ye therefore, but earnestly believe, that he will likewise favorably receive these present infants, that he will embrace them with the arms of his mercy, that he will give unto them the blessing of eternal life, and make them partakers of his everlasting kingdom. Wherefore we being thus persuaded of the good will of our heavenly Father toward these infants, declared by his Son Jesus Christ, and nothing doubting but that he favorably alloweth this charitable work of ours, in bringing these children to his holy Baptism: Let us faithfully and devoutly give thanks unto him, and say.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks, that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace and faith in thee: Increase this knowledge, and confirm this faith in us evermore. Give thy Holy Spirit to these infants, that they may be born again, and be made heirs of everlasting salvation; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Then the priest shall speak unto the godfathers and godmothers on this wise.
WELL-BELOVED friends, ye have brought these children here to be baptized; ye have prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to receive them, to lay his hands upon them, to bless them, to release them of their sins, to give them the kingdom of heaven, and everlasting life. Ye have heard also that our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised in his gospel to grant all these things that ye have prayed for; which promise he for his part will most surely keep and perform. Wherefore after this promise made by Christ, these infants must also faithfully for their part promise by you that be their sureties, that they will forsake the devil and all his works, and constantly believe God's holy Word, and obediently keep his commandments.
The Poet, recalling his sins, offers his Repentance.
Then shall the priest demand of the godfathers and god mothers these questions following.
DOST thou forsake the devil and all his works, the vain pomp, and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, the carnal desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by them? Answer. I forsake them all. Minister. Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth? And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son our Lord, and that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, that he suffered under Poncius 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? Answer. All this I steadfastly believe. Minister. Wilt thou be baptized in this faith? Answer. That is my desire.
As confirmation The Poet describes the act of Faith.
Then shall the priest say.
Mark 10
O MERCIFUL God, grant that the old Adam in these children may be so buried, that the new man may be raised up in them. Amen. Grant that all carnal affections may die in them, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in them. Amen. Grant that they may have power and strength to have victory, and to triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen. Grant that whosoever is here dedicated to thee by our office and ministry, may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live and govern all things world without end. Amen.
The Poet considering his state relative to those about to be baptized, as a monologue aside: Grace.
ALMIGHTY everliving God, whose most dearly beloved Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood, and gave commandment to his disciples that they should go teach all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost: Regard, we beseech thee, the supplications of thy congregation, and grant that all thy servants which shall be baptized in this water, may receive the fullness of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Poet reads or sings The 23rd Psalme.
Then the priest shall take the child in his hands, and ask the name, and naming the child, shall dip it in the water, so it be discreetly and warely done, saying.
N. I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
And if the child be weak, it shall suffice to pour water upon it, saying the foresaid words.
Then the priest shall make a cross upon the child's forehead, saying.
WE receive this child into the congregation of Christ's flock, and do sign him with the sign of the cross, in token that hereafter he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight under his banner against sin, the world, and the devil, and to continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto his life's end. Amen.
SEEING now, dearly beloved brethren, that these children be regenerate and grafted into the body of Christ's congregation: let us give thanks unto God for these benefits, and with one accord make our prayers unto Almighty God, that they may lead the rest of their life according to this beginning.
Then shall be said.
OUR Father which art in heaven, etc.
WE yield thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it hath pleased thee to regenerate this infant with thy Holy Spirit, to receive him for thy own child by adoption, and to incorporate him into thy holy congregation. And humbly we beseech thee to grant that he being dead unto sin, and living unto righteousness, and being buried with Christ in his death, may crucify the old man, and utterly abolish the whole body of sin, that as he is made partaker of the death of thy Son, so he may be partaker of his resurrection. So that finally with the residue of thy holy congregation, he may be inheritor of thine everlasting kingdom, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
At the last end, the priest calling the godfathers and godmothers together, shall say this short exhortation following.
FORASMUCH as these children have promised by you to forsake the devil and all his works, to believe in God, and to serve him: you must remember that it is your parts and duties to see that these infants be taught so soon as they shall be able to learn what a solemn vow, promise, and profession they have made by you. And that they may know these things the better, ye shall call upon them to hear sermons. And chiefly ye shall provide that they may learn the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments in the English tongue, and all other things which a Christian man ought to know and believe to his soul's health; and that these children may be virtuously brought up to lead a godly and a Christian life, remembering alway that baptism doth represent unto us our profession, which is to follow the example of our Savior Christ, and to be made like unto him, that as he died and rose again for us, so should we which 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.
The minister shall command that the children be brought to the bishop to be confirmed of him, so soon as they can say in their vulgar tongue the articles of the faith, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, and be further instructed in the Catechism set forth for that purpose, accordingly as it is there expressed.
[Optional: The Poet may read or sing The Elixir.]
* added in 1604
The pastors and curates shall oft admonish the people that they defer not the baptism of infants any longer than the Sunday or other holy day next after the child be born, unless upon a great and reasonable cause declared to the curate, and by him approved. And also they shall warn them, that without great cause and necessity they [baptize not children]* at home in their houses. And when great need shall compel them so to do, that then they minister it on this fashion. * changed in 1604 to: "procure not their children to be baptized" First let them that be present call upon God for his grace and say the Lord's Prayer, if the time will suffer. And then one of them shall name the child, and dip him in the water, or pour water upon him, saying these words. * * This rubric changed in 1604 to: First let the lawful minister and them that be present call upon God for his grace and say the Lord's Prayer, if the time will suffer. And then the child being named by one of them that is present, the said lawful minister shall dip it in the water, or pour water upon him, saying these words.
And let them not doubt but that the child so baptized is lawfully and sufficiently baptized, and ought not to be baptized again in the church. But yet nevertheless, if the child which is after this sort baptized do afterward live, it is expedient that he be brought into the church to the intent the priest may examine and try whether the child be lawfully baptized or no. And if those that bring any child to the church do answer that he is already baptized, then shall the priest examine them further.
By whom the child was baptized? Who was present when the child was baptized? Whether they called upon God for grace and succor in that necessity?* With what thing, or what matter they did baptize the child? With what words the child was baptized? Whether they think the child to be lawfully and perfectly baptized? * This sentence changed in 1604 to: "And because some things essential to this sacrament may happen to be omitted through fear or haste in such times of extremity; therefore I demand further."
And if the minister shall prove by the answers of such as brought the child that all things were done as they ought to be, then shall not he christen the child again, but shall receive him as one of the flock of the true Christian people, saying thus.
I CERTIFY you, that in this case ye have done well and according unto due order concerning the baptizing of this child, which being born in original sin and in the wrath of God, is now by the laver of regeneration in Baptism, received into the number of the children of God, and heirs of everlasting life: for our Lord Jesus Christ doth not deny his grace and mercy unto such infants, but most lovingly doth call them unto him, as the holy gospel doth witness to our comfort on this wise.
Time permitting the Poet remembers his H. Baptisme (II).
AT a certain time they brought children unto Christ that he should touch them, and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was displeased, and said unto them, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for to such belongeth the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, whosoever doth not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And when he had taken them up in his arms, he put his hands upon them and blessed them.
FRIENDS, you hear in this Gospel the words of our Savior Christ, that he commanded the children to be brought unto him; how he blamed those that would have kept them from him; how he exhorted all men to follow their innocency. Ye perceive how by his outward gesture and deed he declared his good will toward them. For he embraced them in his arms, he laid his hands upon them, and blessed them. Doubt ye not therefore, but earnestly believe that he hath likewise favorably received this present infant, that he hath embraced him with the arms of his mercy, that he hath given unto him the blessing of eternal life, and made him partaker of his everlasting kingdom. Wherefore we being thus persuaded of the good will of our heavenly Father, declared by his Son Jesus Christ toward this infant: Let us faith fully and devoutly give thanks unto him, and say the prayer which the Lord himself taught, and in declaration of our faith, let us recite the articles contained in our Creed.
Here the minister with the godfathers and godmothers shall say.
Then shall the priest demand the name of the child, which being by the godfathers and godmothers pronounced, the minister shall say.
DOST thou in the name of this child forsake the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all the covetous desires of the same, the carnal desires of the flesh, and not to follow and be led by them?
Answer. I forsake them all. Minister. Dost thou in the name of this child profess this faith, to believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son our Lord, and that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, that he suffered under Poncius 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 he shall come again at the end of the world to judge the quick and the dead? And do you in his name believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the remission of sins, resurrection, and everlasting life after death? Answer. All this I steadfastly believe.
The Poet looks to his H. Baptism (I) for reassurance and forgiveness.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks, for that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace and faith in thee: Increase this knowledge, and confirm this faith in us evermore. Give thy Holy Spirit to this infant, that he being born again, and being made heir of everlasting salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, may continue thy servant, and attain thy promise; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the same Holy Spirit ever lastingly. Amen.
Then shall the minister make this exhortation to the godfathers and godmothers.
FORASMUCH as this child hath promised by you to for sake the devil and all his works, to believe in God, and to serve him: you must remember that it is your part and duty to see that this infant be taught, so soon as he shall be able to learn, what a solemn vow, promise, and profession he hath made by you. And that he may know these things the better, ye shall call upon him to hear sermons. And chiefly ye shall provide that he may learn the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments in the English tongue, and all other things which a Christian man ought to know and believe to his soul's health. And that this child may be virtuously brought up, to lead a godly and a Christian life, remembering alway that baptism doth represent unto us our profession, which is to follow the example of our Savior Christ, and be made like unto him, that as he died and rose again for us; so should we which 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.
The Poet as expression of faith in God recites (or those present sing) The 23rd Psalme.
And so forth, as in Public Baptism. But if they which bring the infants to the church do make an uncertain answer to the priest's questions, and say that they can not tell what they thought, did, or said in that great fear and trouble of mind (as oftentimes it chanceth) then let the priest baptize him in form above written, concerning Public Baptism, saving that at the dipping of the child in the font, he shall use this form of words.
IF thou be not baptized already. N. I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Editor's Note: These 2 services of Baptism for George Herbert edition may take some time to perform. They work as a computer page to show the relationship of some poems to the liturgical expressions and theological ideas of the Elizabethan Age. To actually use this as a service, some liturgy may have to be abbreviated or cut, depending on the purpose of the service and the number of poems used.
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Related Links to Richard Hooker and the Book of Common Prayer.
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Web author: Charles Wohlers