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. Then the Priest shall say. We receive, &c. 157. * Here the Priest shall make a Cross upon the Child's forehead. The ancient custom was to make the cross on the child's forehead with the thumb. No water should be used. 158. Then shall the Priest say. Seeing now, &c. Although all direction for the disposal of the child is omitted, it stands to reason that the Minister must give back the child, and care should be taken to give it to a sponsor, and not to a nurse. 159. Then shall be said, all kneeling; Our Father, &c. 160. Then shall the Priest say. We yield Thee, &c. 161. Then, all standing up, the Priest shall say to the Godfathers and Godmothers this Exhortation following. Forasmuch, &c. 162. Then shall he add and say, Ye are to, &c. 163. It is certain, by God's Word, that Children which are baptized, dying before they commit actual sin, are undoubtedly saved. 164. To take away all scruple concerning the use of the sign of the Cross in Baptism; the true explication thereof, and the just reasons for the retaining of it, may be seen in the xxxth Canon, first published in the Year MDCIV. THE MINISTRATION OF PRIVATE BAPTISM OF CHILDREN IN HOUSES. 165. The Curates of every Parish shall often admonish the people, that they defer not the Baptism of their Children longer than the first or second Sunday next after their birth, or other Holy-day falling between, unless upon a great and reasonable cause, to be approved by the Curate.