The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1872-11-09 00:00:00

A "SUBSTITUTE" FOR BAPTISM.

In London, last Sunday, a large congregation filled
St. George's Hall, Larigham-place—much larger than
that usually present at the Rev. Charles Voysey's
service—the increase being apparently due to the public
announcement that "the service of the dedication
and benediction of children would be performed for
the first time, being a substitute for the ancient cere-
mony of baptism." At the left side of the reading'
desk stood a highly respectable-looking young
couple, and on their left a friend held in her arms
a fine male infant, apparently some mouths old.
Godfather or godmother there were none, and the
party stood and knelt by themselves somewhat
apart from the o,ennante of the truit reserved
seats. All eyes were naturally turned upon
them, but the parents did not cease to pay the
utmost attention to their devotions. When the usual
hymns were sung and prayers said, the Rev. C. Voysey
descended from the platform or stage, and taking his
place in front of the parents of the child, commenced
the "Order of Service for the Dedication and Benedic-
tion of Children," composed by himself, and performed
on Sunday for the first time. It should be stated that
it was after the reading of the Second Lesson that the
arvice " was commenced. The latter began with
an exhortation, in which occurred the following pas-
sages
The father and mother of this child now present desire
us to join with them in giving thanks to the Lord and giver
of life for lios preen-ins gift to him for all Ills mercy in
supporting them under their anxieties, and for granting a
happy issue out of much pain and sorrow. they have brought
this child into the congregation of those who love the Led
and trait him, that we may with one accord make our prayers
on his behalf, that he may grow up in health of mind, body,
and estate, and be a blessing to his family, to his country,
and to the world at . . . By this our solemn service,
we would, as it were, dedicate and consecrate this infant's
soul and body to the service of God."
Then followed prayers for the parents and child, with
responses from the choir.
After the singing of a hymn, Ms Voysey turned to
the !ether and mother and asked, • 'What is the name
of this child." The father answered, but the name
was invudible. The congregation 'Pod all this time
and here the " order of service" p -scribes that "the
minister oh,dl take the child in Vs arms "and say cen
tam n words " in the name of ti . congregation." Ac-
cordingly, Mr. Voysey took the :nfant, and resting it
on his left arm, said
We receive this child (naming him) at the hands of his
father and mother, and here with one accord solemnly de-
dicate him to the service of Almighty God our Ileaven,y
Father . May (1.1 hear our pray, r, and make this child •
brave soldier of truth suds! every righteous cause."
The whole congregation responded "Ames," the
httle fellow crying very loudly the while.
The "Benediction" came next. Me. Voysey, s.d-
dr,,,iing the infant by his newly acquired name,
said :-
OWe give thee welcome In the name of the Lord. The
I.or i bless thee and keep thee, the Lord mercifully encom-
pass thy life with Joy and peace. The rues of the Lord he
ever upon thee to {rive thee courage under temptation, and
:to cheer thy heart in the day of thy sorrow," &
At the conclusion of the "Welcome." the congrega-
tion said 'Amen," and then Mr. Voysey gave back
the child to its parents.
The csrtmony ended by the singing of "Glory to
God in the Highest," followed bya hymn of praise and
,
thanksgiving from the revised Prayer Book." The
services of the day were then proceeded with.