Wesley Corpus

This likewise is expressly told you: “It is your part to see that this infant be taught, so soon as he shall be able to learn, what a solemn vow, promise, and profession he hath here made by you. You shall call upon him to hear sermons, and shall provide that he may learn the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, and all other things which a Christian ought to know and believe to his soul’s health; and that this child may be virtuously brought up, to lead a godly and a Christian life.” 8. Can anything then be plainer than what you do not, and what you do, undertake? You do not undertake that he shall renounce the devil and serve God; this the baptized himself undertakes. You do undertake to see that he be taught what things a Christian ought to know and believe. And what is there in this which is impossible? which any serious person may not perform ? 9. If then you that are parents will be so wise and kind to THoUGHTS ON consECRATING CHURCHEs, &c. 509 your children as to wave every other consideration, and to choose for their sponsors those persons alone who truly fear and serve God; if some of you who love God, and love one another, agree to perform this office of love for each other's children; and if all you who undertake it perform it faith fully, with all the wisdom and power God hath given you; what a foundation of holiness and happiness may be laid, even to your late posterity ! Then it may justly be hoped, that not only you and your house, but also the children which shall be born, shall serve the Lord. ATHLoNE, August 6, 1752. 1. It has been a custom for some ages, in Roman Catholic countries, to have a particular form of consecration for all churches and chapels: And not for these only, but for every thing pertaining to them; such as fonts, chalices, bells, sacer dotal vestments, and churchyards in particular. And all these customs universally prevailed in England, as long as it was under the Papal power. 2. From the time of our Reformation from Popery, most of these customs fell into disuse. Unconsecrated bells were rung without scruple, and unconsecrated vestments worn.