A04463:502
Certain sermons preached before the Queens Majesty, and at Pauls crossCertaine sermons preached before the Queenes Maiestie, and at Paules crosse
Certain sermons preached before the Queens Majesty, and at Pauls cross, by the reverend father John Jewel late Bishop of Salisbury. Whereunto is added a short treatise of the sacraments, gathered out of other his sermons, made upon that matter, in his cathedral church at SalisburyCertaine sermons preached before the Queenes Maiestie, and at Paules crosse, by the reuerend father Iohn Ievvel late Bishop of Salisburie. Whereunto is added a short treatise of the sacraments, gathered out of other his sermons, made vpon that matter, in his cathedrall church at Salisburie
London: printed by Christopher Barker, 1583
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Again, whether the infant be signed with yt sign of the cross, or be put into the water once ⟨image 142⟩or thrice, whether one or two or three, or more be Godfathers, or witnesses of the Baptism, it maketh nothing to the virtue of the sacrament, they are no part thereof: without these, baptism is whole and perfect. Hereof Gregory saith, In una fide nihil officit consuetudo Ecclesiae diversa. 1The Faith being one, the diversity of customs hurteth nothing. Christ left no order for the use of these things, neither did by his word or example require them. The Church of God hath liberty to dispose herein, as may be most •itting for decency and godliness.
Againe, whether the infant be signed with yt signe of the crosse, or be put into the water once ⟨image 142⟩or thrise, whether one or two or three, or more be Godfathers, or witnesses of the Baptisme, it maketh nothing to the vertue of the sacrament, they are no part thereof: without these, baptisme is whole and perfect. Hereof Gregorie saith, In vna fide nihil officit consuetudo Ecclesiae diuersa. 1The Faith beeing one, the diuersitie of customes hurteth nothing. Christ left no order for the vse of these thinges, neither did by his word or example require them. The Church of God hath libertie to dispose herein, as may bee most •itting for decencie and godlines.
- 1Greg. lib. 1. Epist. 41.
Some make doubt of those infants the children of the faithful, which depart before baptism, whether they be saved or not. What, shall we say that they are damned? It is a hard matter, and too curious for man to enter into the judgements of God: his mercy is infinite, and his purpose secrete, He showeth mercy unto those, upon whom he will have mercy. Who can appoint him, or set him an order what he shall do: It is not good, nor standeth with Christian reverence to be contentious and busy in searching out, or reasoning of matters, which the wisdom of God hath hid from our knowledge.