1 THE RITUAL. Baptism. strength to have victory, and to triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF BAP- Amen. TISM TO INFANTS. The Minister, coming to the Font, which is to be DEARLY BELOVED: Forasmuch as all men Then shall the Minister say, Almighty and everlasting God, who of thereby the renewing of the Holy Ghost; baptisms, figuring and by thy well-beloved Son Jesus Christ gavest commandment to thy holy Apostles to go into all the world and disciple all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: We beseech thee, that of thine infinite mercy thou wilt look upon this child: wash him and sanctify him; that he, being saved by thy grace, may be received into Christ's holy Church, and being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in love, may so overcome the evils of this present world, that finally he may attain to everlasting life, and reign with thee, world without end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O merciful God, 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 thee by our office and ministry may also be Grant that whosoever is dedicated to endued with lastingly rewarded through thy mercy, O heavenly virtues, and everblessed Lord God, who dost live, and govern all things, world without end. Amen. dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his Almighty, ever-living God, whose most regard, we beseech thee, our supplications. Sanctify this water for this holy sacrament; most precious side both water and blood, and grant that this child, now to be baptized, may receive the fullness of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then shall the Minister address the Parents [or Dearly Beloved: Forasmuch as this child a al Do you therefore solemnly engage to ful ! fill these duties, so far as in you lies, the their whole family may be united to our Lord being your helper? Hear the words of the Gospel, written by St. Mark. [Chap. x, 13-16.] They brought young children to Christ, that he should touch them. And his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Then the Minister shall take the Child into his And then, naming it after them, he shall sprinkle or pour or, N., I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then shall the Minister offer the following prayer, the people kneeling: O God of infinite mercy, the Father of all the faithful seed, be pleased to grant unto this child an understanding mind and a sanctified heart. May thy providence lead him through the dangers, temptations, and ignorance of his youth, that he may never run into folly nor into the evils of an unbridled appetite. We pray thee so to order the course of his life, that by good education, by holy examples, and by thy restraining and renewing grace, he may be led to serve thee faithfully all his days, so that, when he has glorified thee in his generation, and has served the Church on earth, he may be received into thine eternal kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty and most merciful Father, let thy loving mercy and compassion descend upon these, thy servant and handmaid, the parents [or guardians] of this child. Grant unto them, we beseech thee, thy Holy Spirit, that they may, like Abraham, command their household to keep the way of the Lord. Direct their actions, and sanctify their hearts, words, and purposes, that | Lord Jesus Christ in the bands of faith, obedience, and charity; and that they all, being in this life thy holy children by adoption and grace, may be admitted into the Church of the first-born in heaven, through the merits of thy dear Son, our Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. Then may the Minister offer extemporary prayer. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF BAP- DEARLY BELOVED: Forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin; and that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and they that are in the flesh cannot please God, but live in sin, committing many actual transgressions; and our Saviour Christ saith, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God:-I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous goodness he will grant to these persons that which by nature they cannot have; that they, being baptized with water, may also be baptized with the Holy Ghost, and being received into Christ's holy Church, may continue lively members of the same. Then shall the Minister say,- 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 persons; that they, coming to thy holy baptism, may also be filled with thy Holy Spirit. Receive them, O Lord, as thou hast promised by thy wellbeloved Son, saying, Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: so give now unto us that ask: let us that seek, find: open the gate unto us that knock; that these persons may enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy heavenly washing, and Hear the words of the Gospel, written by St. John. [Chap. iii, 1-8.] There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Then the Minister shall speak to the persons to be baptized on this wise : Well Beloved, who have come hither desiring to receive holy baptism, you have heard how the congregation hath prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouch safe to receive you, to bless you, and to give you the kingdom of heaven, and everlasting life. And our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised in his holy word to grant all those things that we have prayed for: which promise he for his part will most surely keep and perform. Wherefore, after this promise made by Christ, you must also faithfully, for your part, promise in the presence of this whole congregation, that you will renounce the devil and all his works, and constantly believe God's holy word, and obediently keep his commandments. Then shall the Minister demand of each of the persons to be baptized: Quest. Dost thou renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow nor be led by them? Answ. I renounce them all. Quest. Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only-begotten Son our Lord; and that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; that he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; that he rose 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 forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and everlasting life after death? Answ. All this I steadfastly believe. Quest. Wilt thou be baptized in this faith? Answ. Such is my desire. Quest. 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 endeavor so to do, God being my helper. Then shall the Minister say: O merciful God, grant that all carnal affections may die in these persons, 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 triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen. Grant that they, being here dedicated to thee by our office and ministry, may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded, through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live, and govern all things, world without end. Amen. Almighty, ever-living God, whose most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood; and gave commandment to his disciples, that they should go teach all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; regard, we beseech thee, our supplications; and grant that the persons now to be baptized may receive the fullness of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. * The one universal Church of Christ. Then shall the Minister ask the name of each | cause for thanksgiving to God that they Person to be baptized, and shall sprinkle or pour Water upon him (or, if he shall desire it, shall immerse him in Water), saying: Water N., I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then shall be said the Lord's Prayer, all kneeling. Our Father who 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 for give us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us: and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. were led into this fellowship. Then, addressing the Persons seeking Admission on Probation, the Minister shall say: Dearly Beloved, you have, by the grace of God, made your decision to follow Christ and to serve him. Your confidence in so doing is not to be based on any notion of fitness or worthiness in yourselves, but solely on the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, and on his death and intercession for us. That the Church may know your pur pose, you will answer the questions I am now to ask you. Have you an earnest desire to be saved from your sins? Ans. I have. Will you guard yourselves against all Then may the Minister conclude with extem- things contrary to the teaching of God's porary Prayer. Reception of Members. word, and endeavor to lead a holy life, following the commandments of God? Ans. I will endeavor so to do. Are you purposed to give reverent attendance upon the appointed means of FORM FOR RECEIVING PERSONS INTO THE grace in the ministry of the word, and in CHURCH AS PROBATIONERS. Those who are to be received into the Church as Probationers shall be called forward by name, and the Minister, addressing the Congregation, shall say: DEARLY BELOVED BRETHREN, that none may be admitted hastily into the Church, we receive all persons seeking fellowship with us on profession of faith into a preparatory membership on trial; in which proof may be made, both to themselves and to the Church, of the sincerity and depth of their convictions and of the strength of their purpose to lead a new life. The persons here present desire to be so admitted. You will hear their answers to the questions put to them, and if you make no objection they will be received. It is needful, however, that you be reminded of your responsibility, as having previously entered this holy fellowship, and as now representing the Church into which they seek admission. Remembering their inexperience, and how much they must learn in order to become good soldiers of Jesus Christ, see to it that they find in you holy examples of life, and loving help in the true serving of their Lord and ours. I beseech you so to order your own lives that these new disciples may take no detriment from you, but that it may ever be the private and public worship of God? Ans. I am so determined, with the help of God. No objection being offered, the Minister shall then announce that the Candidates are admitted as Probationers and shall assign them to classes. Then shall the Minister offer extemporary Prayer. FORM FOR RECEIVING PERSONS INTO THE CHURCH AFTER PROBATION. On the day appointed, all that are to be received into the Church shall be called forward, and the Minister, addressing the Congregation, shall say: DEARLY BELOVED BRETHREN, the Scriptures teach us that the Church is the household of God, the body of which Christ is the head; and that it is the design of the Gospel to bring together in one all who are in Christ. The fellowship of the Church is the communion that its Members enjoy one with another. The ends of this fellowship are, the maintenance of sound doctrine and of the ordinances of Christian worship, and the exercise of that power of godly admonition and discipline which Christ has committed to his Church for the promotion of holiness. It is the duty of all men to unite in this fellowship; for it is only those that "be planted in the house of the Lord" that "shall flourish in the courts of our God." Its more particular duties are, to promote peace and unity; to bear one another's burdens; to prevent each other's stumbling; to seek the intimacy of friendly society among themselves; to continue steadfast in the faith and worship of the Gospel; and to pray and sympathize with each other. Among its privileges are, peculiar incitements to holiness from the hearing of God's word and sharing in Christ's ordinances; the being placed under the watchful care of Pastors; and the enjoyment of the blessings which are promised only to those who are of the Household of Faith. Into this holy fellowship the persons before you, who have already received the Sacrament of Baptism, and have been under the care of proper leaders for six months on Trial, come seeking ad mission. We now propose, in the fear of God, to question them as to their faith and purposes, that you may know that they are proper persons to be admitted into the Church. Then, addressing the Applicants for Admission, the Minister shall say: Dearly Beloved, you are come hither seeking the great privilege of union with the Church our Saviour has purchased with his own blood. We rejoice in the grace of God vouchsafed unto you in that he has called you to be his followers, and that thus far you have run well. You have heard how blessed are the privileges, and how solemn are the duties, of membership in Christ's Church; and before you are fully admitted thereto, it is proper that you do here publicly renew your vows, confess your faith, and declare your purpose, by answering the following questions: Do you here, in the presence of God and of this Congregation, renew the solemn promise contained in the Baptismal Covenant, ratifying and confirming the same, and acknowledging yourselves bound faithfully to observe and keep that Covenant? Ans. I do. Have you saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Ans. I do. Will you cheerfully be governed by the Rules of the Methodist Episcopal Church, hold sacred the Ordinances of God, and endeavor, as much as in you lies, to promote the welfare of your brethren and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom? Ans. I will. Will you contribute of your earthly substance, according to your ability, to the support of the Gospel and the various benevolent enterprises of the Church ? Ans. I will. Then the Minister, addressing the Church, shall say: Brethren, these persons having given satisfactory responses to our inquiries, have any of you reason to allege why they should not be received into Full membership in the Church? No objection being alleged, the Minister shall say to the Candidates: We welcome you to the communion of the Church of God; and, in testimony of our Christian affection and the cordiality with which we receive you, I hereby extend to you the right hand of fellowship: and may God grant that you may be a faithful and useful member of the Church militant till you are called to the fellowship of the Church triumphant, which is "without fault before the throne of God." Then shall the Minister offer extemporary Prayer. The Lord's Supper. [Whenever practicable, let none but the pure, unfermented juice of the grape be used in administering the Lord's Supper.] [Let persons who have scruples concerning the receiving of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper kneeling be permitted to receive it either standing or sitting.] [No person shall be admitted to the Lord's Supper among us who is guilty of any practice for which we would exclude a Member of our Church.] ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. The Elder shall say one or more of these Sentences, during the reading of which the Persons appointed for that purpose shall receive the Alms for fo the Poor: LET your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. [Matt. v, 16.] |