178. Then shall the Priest say, We yield Thee, &c.
179. Then, all standing up, the Minister shall make this Exhortation to the Godfathers and Godmothers. Forasmuch, &c.
The final exhortation in the Office of Public Baptism was probably omitted here by an oversight, and should be used.
180. But if they which bring the Infant to the Church do make such uncertain answers to the Priest's questions, as that it cannot appear that the Child was baptized with Water, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, (which are essential parts of Baptism,) then let the Priest baptize it in the form before appointed for Publick Baptism of Infants; saving that at the dipping of the Child in the Font, he shall use this form of words. If thou art not, &c.
It seems very difficult, if not impossible, to combine properly the Office for Public Baptism with that for the reception of infants brought to church after having been privately baptized. But if it must be attempted (and in large parishes it is difficult to avoid it), the Office of Public Baptism should be used, with the interposition (immediately after the reception of the infants then baptized) of the inquiries and certificates of the children privately baptized, and of their reception into the Church. The Office of Public Baptism can be taken up again at the words, 'Seeing now, dearly beloved brethren,' and continued to the end.
THE MINISTRATION OF
BAPTISM TO SUCH AS ARE OF RIPER YEARS,
AND ABLE TO ANSWER FOR THEMSELVES.
181. When any such persons, as are of riper years, are to be baptized, timely notice shall be given to the Bishop, or whom he shall appoint for that purpose, a week before at the least, by the Parents, or some other discreet persons; that so due care may be taken for their Examination, whether they be sufficiently instructed in the Principles of the Christian Religion; and that they may be exhorted to prepare themselves with Prayers and Fasting for the receiving of this holy Sacrament.
The duty of giving notice to the Bishop is not laid upon the Curate, but upon the parents, or some other discreet persons. He is not therefore bound to give such notice.