Question, Who gave you this name?
Answer. My godfathers and godmothers in my baptism. . . .,'

One of the rubrics (“rules,” generally printed in italics - print first used by an Italian) at the beginning of that service in your Book of Common Prayer which is called The Ministration of Publick Baptism of Infants, says that a boy should have . . .

TWO GODFATHERS AND ONE GODMOTHER

and a girl . . .

TWO GODMOTHERS AND ONE GODFATHER

but of course they need not be such hideous frumps as on the blackboard (have you ever seen such hats, and what price Uncle Percy’s moustache?).

A baby should be baptized as soon as possible. Naturally it cannot then understand or speak. So its godparents answer the four questions for it, and also promise that, when it is older, it shall be told what was done for it at the font and what promises were made on its behalf. The godparents are the '“guarantees” or “sureties” that the child shall be brought up as a Christian. So of course each of the godparents must be a baptized Christian; and it is very desirable that each should also be a communicant.

If you look at almost the last words in the Baptism Service you will see that the godparents are told “to take care that the child be brought to the bishop to be confirmed.” At your confirmation you take on yourself the promises made for you at the font. After you have done this, you are responsible for yourself; but until then your godparents guarantee that you are brought up as a Christian.