Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

And he also adds, "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."

What a beautiful and solemn ceremony! We pour water on the child, in token of Christ's inward washing; and we sign the cross upon his forehead, in token that henceforth he shall become a valiant Soldier in Christ's army, and a faithful Servant in His household.

And now that this little one is baptized, is admitted into Christ's Church, and is enlisted into His army, as it were, a few more words only are needed to complete the Service.

The Minister calls upon the People to unite with him in prayer and praise-" Seeing now, dearly beloved Brethren, that this child is

regenerate, and grafted into the body of Christ's Church, let us give thanks unto Almighty God for these benefits, and with one accord make our prayers unto Him, that this Child may lead the rest of his life according to this beginning."

There is one expression here which needs explanation. We declare that the child who has been baptized is now regenerate. Certainly this cannot mean that his heart and nature are changed; for Scripture does not lead us to expect so great a change at Baptism. But it means rather that the Child is now placed in a high and holy condition. He is not, as he was before baptism, "a child of wrath;" but he is now "a child of grace." He is grafted into the true Vine. He is brought within God's covenant. He is placed under the influence of the Holy Spirit, within the very arms of Christ. This is what we mean, when we speak of the Child as regenerate. heart and his nature are not changed; but his condition is immensely changed; and he has been received into God's family.

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We now offer up the Lord's Prayer, which is

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especially suitable for this occasion, when we come to God as our Father, bringing our Little One to Him.

And then we put up another Prayer, thanking God for having regenerated the Child, brought it near to Himself, and numbered it among His adopted ones. And we further beseech Him to grant, that the Child may die unto sin, and live unto God, crucifying the old man (or the old nature), and leading such a holy life, as becomes one who is now an heir, or inheritor, of heaven.

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The Service closes with a few farewell words to the Sponsors, telling them what their duty is; namely, to remind their Godchild how solemn a vow has been made for him; and to see that he is instructed in the Christian faith, and brought up to lead a godly and a Christian life.

They are further charged to take care that the child is prepared for Confirmation at the proper age.

I trust you will feel it good to have had your attention called to this Service.

It is good for Parents to know what it is they pray for, when they bring their children to be baptized, and how great the blessings are which belong to this ordinance.

It is good for Sponsors to see what a solemn and important duty theirs is, that they may in future come in a more devout and prayerful spirit. Believe me, it is not a mere form, but a most responsible and useful office that they undertake, and one that may prove to be a great blessing to the child for whom they stand.

And it is good for us all to be reminded of our Baptism-what sacred vows we have made, and to what a high standing we have been raised. We have been dedicated to Christ. We have been sworn in, as it were, as His soldiers. We have been numbered

among His people. What manner of persons then ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness! Truly, if we are living an ungodly or a careless life, great will be our condemnation. For how shall we escapewe who have been baptized-we who are Christians by profession-if we neglect so great salvation?

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CHAPTER II.

THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION.

OUR Church is not content with receiving Infants into the number of her Flock; but she also provides that, when they reach a sufficient age, they should be brought to the Bishop, to be confirmed and blest by him.

At Baptism their Godparents made certain promises for them; and now having arrived at years of discretion, they are required to come forward, and declare with their own mouth their willingness to abide by these promises.

In order to prepare them for this Ordinance, a Catechism has been drawn up, which contains instruction on those subjects which are especially needful for all who are to be confirmed.

And now let us look into the Confirmation Service, as we have it in our Prayer-book.