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 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?

Answer. All this I steadfastly believe.

Wilt thou be baptized in this faith?

Answer. Such is my desire.

Wilt thou then obediently keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of thy life?

Answer. I will endeavor so to do, God being my helper.

Then shall the Minister say:

O Merciful God, grant that all sinful affections may die in these persons, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in them. Amen.

Grant that they, being here dedicated to thee in holy baptism, 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, regard, we beseech thee, our supplications; and grant that the persons now to be baptized may receive the fullness of thy grace, 1 The one universal Church of Christ.

and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and beloved children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then the Minister, asking the name of each Person, shall baptize him, saying:

N.,

I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then shall be said by the Minister and people, all kneeling:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on 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

¶ 513. Form for Receiving Persons into the Church as Preparatory Members

[The use of this form is discretionary with the minister.] Those who are to be received into the Church as Preparatory Members may be called forward by name, and the Minister, addressing the Congregation, shall say:

DEARLY BELOVED BRETHREN, that none may be ad

mitted 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. Inasmuch as they should 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 as Preparatory Members, 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 on the gracious promise of God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us.

That the Church may know your purpose, you will answer the following questions:

Have you an earnest desire to be saved from your sins?

Answer. I have.

Will you guard against all things contrary to the teaching of God's Word, and endeavor to lead a holy life, following the commandments of God?

Answer. I will endeavor so to do.

Will you give reverent attendance upon the appointed means of grace in the ministry of the Word, and in the private and public worship of God? Answer. With the help of God, I will.

The Minister shall then welcome the Candidates as Preparatory Members, and may assign them to classes.

Then may the Minister offer extemporary Prayer.

514. Form for Receiving Persons into the Church from Preparatory Membership

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, 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 end of this fellowship is the salvation of men and the establishment of the kingdom of God upon earth. As helps thereto the Church is charged with the maintenance of sound doctrine and of the ordinances of Christian worship, and with the exercise of that power of godly admonition and discipline which Christ has committed to her for the promotion of holiness. The duties of those united in this fellow

ship are to continue steadfast in the faith and practice of the gospel; to promote the peace and unity of the Church; to labor for the spread of love and righteousness; and by word and deed to bring others into the fold of Jesus Christ.

Into this holy fellowship the persons before you, who have already received the sacrament of Baptism and have been under instruction in the doctrines of Holy Scripture as taught by the Methodist Episcopal Church, 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 Persons seeking 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 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?

Answer. I do.