Quest. Wilt thou be baptized in this faith?

Ans. 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?

Ans. 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, Everliving God, whose most dearly be loved 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.

Then shall the Minister ask the name of each Person to be baptized, and shall sprinkle or pour Water upon him (or, if he shall desire it, shall immerse him in Water), saying:

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 forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who 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.

Then may the Minister conclude with extemporary Prayer.

CHAPTER II

RECEPTION OF MEMBERS

1500. Form I

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 persons who seek fellowship with us on profession of faith into

a preparatory membership; 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 own responsibility, as having previously entered this holy fellowship and 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 to them a cause for thanksgiving to God that they were led into this fellowship.

Then, addressing the Persons seeking Admission, 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 purpose, 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 things contrary to the teaching of God's 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 grace in the ministry of the Word, and the private and public worship of God? Ans. I am so determined, with the help of God.

No objection being offered, the Minister shall announce that the Candidates are admitted, and shall assign them to classes.

Then shall the Minister offer extemporary Prayer.

501. Form II

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 only those who are "planted in the house of the

Lord 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 the 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 properly recommended, come seeking admission. 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. 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: