.
It is convenient, besides adding to the dignity of the Sacrament,
that when it is ministered according to the rubric at Morning or
Evening Prayer, the Priest should be attended to the font by two
or more of the choir, who will hand him the shell, or napkin, or
hold the book when required.

147. If they answer, _No_: Then shall the Priest proceed as followeth.
Dearly beloved, &c.

148. Then shall the Priest say, _Let us pray_.

At the words 'Let us pray,' the general congregation, as well as
those immediately concerned in the Baptism, should kneel, the Priest
continuing to stand.

The Collects, 'Almighty and Everlasting God,' and 'Almighty and
Immortal God,' should be said by the Priest only, the people saying
'Amen.'

149. Then shall the people stand up, and the Priest shall say, Hear
the words, &c.

150. After the Gospel is read, the Minister shall make this brief
Exhortation upon the words of the Gospel. Beloved, ye hear, &c.

151. Then shall the Priest speak unto the Godfathers and Godmothers
on this wise. Dearly beloved, &c.

152. Then shall the Priest say, O merciful God, &c.

In the Book of 1549 the Sign of the Cross was directed to be made
in the water at the words 'Sanctify this fountain of Baptism,'
which correspond to and are in substance restored by the words
'Sanctify this water' in this prayer, introduced in the revision
of 1662. It seems therefore admissible to restore also the act of
blessing which formerly accompanied the words now restored in
substance.

153. Then the Priest shall take the Child into his hands, and shall
say to the Godfathers and Godmothers,

_Name this Child_.

154. And then naming it after them (if they shall certify him
that the Child may well endure it) he shall dip it in the Water
discreetly and warily, saying, _N_. I baptize thee, &c.

155. But if they certify that the Child is weak, it shall suffice
to pour Water upon it, saying the foresaid words. _N_. I baptize
thee, &c.

Whereas in other parts of the offices of Baptism the Minister is
specially directed to ask certain questions of the sponsors, but
is not so directed here, it may be concluded that he is not under
obligation to volunteer the inquiry whether or not the child be
weak; but may baptize in the usual way by pouring, unless the
sponsors request him to baptize by dipping. And practically, notice
of such request should be given previously, in order that proper
preparation should be made.

156.