Page:The Parson's Handbook - 2nd ed.djvu/185

 CHAPTER VII

The parson is ordered by the first rubric to admonish the people ‘that it is most convenient that Baptism should not be administered but upon Sundays, and other Holy-days,’ for the excellent reasons that a congregation should be present to testify to the receiving of the newly baptized into the number of Christ’s Church, and that those present should be reminded of their profession. But ‘if necessity so require’ baptism is allowed upon any other day. The time of the Sacrament is fixed for Mattins or Evensong, immediately after the last lesson. By Canon 68 the clergy are bound, under pain of suspension, to christen any child after the last lesson on any Sunday or Holy Day, if the parents (being parishioners) desire it, and give ‘convenient warning.’

The desire of the Prayer Book to make much of this holy Sacrament is therefore clear, and is against the modern custom of making the service practically one for the private baptism of children. If the people are ever to be taught the importance of Holy Baptism, the clergy must obey the Prayer Book better.

Solemn Baptism. We will, therefore, first consider a really public service, Solemn Baptism, what has 169