iritual
caretakers, whose duty it is to see that this child is virtuously
brought up to lead a Godly and a Christian life according to this
beginning. This is the meaning of _Infant Baptism_; and the Church
has always regarded such Baptism as a reasonable and benevolent
work, as is exemplified by her universal practice from the beginning.
The "Mercy to Babes" in the Old Dispensation has not been lost out
of the New, the Dispensation of the Spirit of love, which brings to
all, even to the _infant_, as well as to its parents, God's mercy
which "He promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed
forever." (See NAME, THE CHRISTIAN.)

Inhibit.--Meaning to restrain or prohibit the exercise of the Sacred
Ministry; a discipline exercised by a Bishop for cause. {147}

Innocents, The.--(See HOLY INNOCENTS' DAY.)

I. N. R. I.--The initials of the Latin version of the accusation
placed over our Lord's Head on the Cross, viz.: "Jesus Nazarenus
Rex Judaeorum," and meaning "Jesus of Nazareth (the) King of (the)
Jews." These letters are often used in Church decoration.

Institution, Letter of.--(See INSTITUTION, OFFICE OF.)

Institution, Office of.--The service in the Prayer Book entitled,
"An Office of Institution of Ministers into Parishes or Churches."
Canon 18, Title I of the Digest requires "that on the election of a
Minister into any Church or Parish, the Vestry shall notify the
Bishop of such election, in writing; and if the Minister be a Priest,
the Bishop may, if requested by the Vestry to do so, institute him
according to the Office established by this Church." If the
institution is to take place, the Bishop issues an official letter,
called, "The Letter of Institution," in which he gives and grants
unto the duly elected Rector his license and authority to perform
the Office of a Priest in the parish, stating name and place. The
Rector is then duly instituted according to the service set forth,
either by the Bishop himself, or by a Priest appointed by him, in
which the Letter of Institution is read; God's blessing invoked on
the newly appointed Rector and his work; the keys of the Church are
given him by the Wardens; a sermon is preached on the duties of
Pastor and People by some one appointed by the Bishop, and the Holy
Eucharist is celebrated by the newly instituted Minister. After the
Benediction, it is directed that, the Wardens, Vestry and others
shall {148} salute and welcome him, bidding him Godspeed. By the
w