I have modernized and simplified the language of the Order for the Administration of Baptism to Infants in the 1874 Book of Common Prayer of the Reformed Episcopal Church, incorporating some textual material and rubrics from the unpublished An American Prayer Book (2009) while preserving the original doctrine of the rite.
When Baptism is administered at a stated Service, it shall be immediately after the second Lesson.
When Baptism is administered at a stated Service, it shall be immediately after the second Lesson.
Infants to be baptized must be
presented by their parents, when practicable, and one, at least, of the persons
presenting must be a communicant of this or of some other Evangelical Church.
The
minister welcomes those who have brought children to be baptized. The minister
addresses the congregation.
Here the word
of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in the tenth chapter of Mark's gospel
verses 13-16:
People were
bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them,
but the
disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them,
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the
kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will
not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
And he took the children in his arms, put his hands upon them and blessed them.
We hear in
these words that our Savior Christ commands children to be brought to
him. He rebukes those who keep them from him and he exhorts us
to show childlike trust. The way he welcomes little children and embraces and
blesses them shows his good will toward them. Be assured therefore that he
looks with favor on the dedication of this
child to him. Therefore we pray:
Almighty and immortal God, our ever-present
help in times of need, the life of those who believe, and the resurrection of
the dead; in your abundant mercy, we beseech you to receive this infant now to be baptized: Grant him the forgiveness of his sins, and so
fill him with your Holy Spirit that he may grow in grace and godliness, and
being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in love, may continue
yours forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then the minister says,
You have
brought this child here to be
baptized.You have prayed that our Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ our
Lord, would receive him, forgive him,
sanctify him with the Holy Spirit,
and give him the kingdom of Heaven
and everlasting life:
I ask,
therefore,
Do you sincerely
and without reservation believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith, as
contained in the Apostles' Creed?
Answer. We do.
Do you
acknowledge the obligation, as far as in you lies, to provide, that this child will be brought up in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord, that he
will be diligently instructed in the Holy Scriptures, and that he will be taught the Creed, the Lord's
Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and all other things which a Christian ought to
know and believe for the wellbeing of his
soul?
Answer. We do.
Then the minister says,
Merciful
God, grant that the old Adam in this
child may be buried and that he
may be raised up a new man in Christ. Amen.
Grant that
the sinful desires of the flesh may die in him,
and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in him. Amen.
Grant that he may have power and strength to have
victory, and to triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen.
Grant that
all who are dedicated to you in Baptism, may also be endued with heavenly
virtues, and everlastingly rewarded, through your mercy, blessed Lord, for you
live and govern all things, now and forever. Amen.
Almighty,
ever-living God, your Son Jesus Christ commanded his disciples to go and teach
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit: Give heed, we beseech you, to our supplications, and grant
that this child, now to be baptized,
may receive the fullness of your grace, and ever remain in the number of your
faithful children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The
minister then takes the child, and having asked the child’s name, he baptizes
the child. The minister dips the child in the water, or pours water on the
child, saying
N, I baptize
you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
The minister continues
We receive
this child into the congregation of Christ's Flock. (Here the minister may make the sign of the cross upon on the child's
forehead, if it is desired, and add “and sign him with the sign of the cross. We pray, etc.”)
We pray that he will not be ashamed to
confess the faith of Christ crucified; to fight bravely under his banner,
against sin, the world, and the devil, and to continue Christ's faithful soldier
and servant until the end of his life. Amen.
Then the parents or other sponsors
join the minister in saying this prayer,
We give you humble
thanks, Heavenly Father, that you have led us to dedicate this child to you in
baptism; and we humbly pray that your grace may enable us to bring him up in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our
Saviour. Amen.
Then the minister says,
As
you have promised to bring up this child in the nurture and the admonition of
the Lord, you are to always keep in mind the solemn obligation you have
assumed. Take care that this child is brought up to lead a godly and a
Christian life. Remember
always that Baptism represents to us our profession; which is to follow the
example of our Savior Christ, and to be made like him; that as he died, and
rose again for us; so should we, who are baptized, die from sin, and rise again
to righteousness; continually putting to death all our evil desires, and daily
going forward in all virtue and godliness of living.
In the private ministration of Baptism
this service may be used, or any portion of it, as the minister may think best,
provided that the prayer beginning: with, “Almighty, everliving God, etc.,” to the end of the formula, is used.
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