PUBLIC CONSECRATION OF CHILDREN. The service should be performed in the church except in cases of necessity. The child is to be presented by its parents or guardians. When the child has been brought to the Altar, the following preface shall be read: JESUS said unto his disciples, "Suffer 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. DEAR FRIENDS: By bringing this child to the Altar, you express a desire that all the holy influences of the church may surround him from his earliest youth, that he may be consecrated to the service of God and Jesus Christ and our common humanity, that when he arrives at a proper age he may avow himself a disciple of our Lord, and that you may have strength faithfully to perform your duty towards him, as Christian parents; I demand therefore, Will you faithfully and earnestly exhort this child to renounce the hurtful vanities of this world, with all covetous desires of the same, and carnal desires of the flesh, so that he may not follow nor be led by them? Answer. I will. Min. Will you instruct him in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ? Ans. I will. Min. Will you exhort him to keep God's holy will and commandments, and to walk in the same all the days of his life? PUBLIC CONSECRATION OF CHILDREN. Ans. I will. Then shall the Minister take the child in his arms and say to the parents or guardians— Name this child. Then naming it after them, and either dipping it into the water, or sprinkling water upon it, he shall say: I baptize thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Let us pray. Almighty and ever blessed God, by whose providence the different generations of mankind are raised up to know thee, and to enjoy thy favor forever; grant that this child, now dedicated to thee by our office and ministry, may be indued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly saved through thy mercy, who dost live and govern all things, world without end. We beseech thee to enable thy servants who are intrusted with the care of this child, to perform their duty faithfully; give them wisdom to be |