A04463:503
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.
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.
Some make doubt of those infantes the children of the faithfull, which depart before baptisme, whether they be saued or not. What, shal wee say that they are damned? It is a hard matter, and too curious for man to enter into the iudgements of God: his mercie is infinite, and his purpose secrete, Hee sheweth mercie vnto those, vpon whom hee will haue mercie. Who can appoynt him, or set him an order what hee shall do: It is not good, nor standeth with Christian reuerence to bee contentious and busie in searching out, or reasoning of matters, which the wisedome of God hath hid from our knowledge.
Yet, if any would fain be resolved: he may thus safely reason. It is true, that children are borne in sin, and that by the sin of one man death hath entered into the world, and that the ⟨image 143⟩reward of sin is death: but who knoweth if God have forgiven them their sin? Who is his Counsellor, who knoweth his meaning? Our children are the children of God. He is our God, and the God of our seed. They be under the covenant with us. The soberest way is to speak least, and to leave them to the judgement and mercy of God.
Yet, if any would faine bee resolued: hee may thus safely reason. It is true, that children are borne in sinne, and that by the sinne of one man death hath entred into the worlde, and that the ⟨image 143⟩