The other part of Christian questions and answers which is concerning the sacraments, writ[n]…The other parte of Christian questions and answeares which is concerning the sacraments, writte[n]…

137. Question.

But Paul saith, that he was not sent to baptise. 1. Cor. 1. 16.

But Paule sayth, that he was not sent to baptise. 1. Cor. 1. 16.

Answer That that is not to be understood precisely, but by way of comparison, it appeareth by that, that in the self same place he saith, he baptised the house of Stephana, which he would never have done, unless he had been called unto it. Therefore he saith that he was sent that he might specially labour by the preaching of the Gospel to plant Churches, in which he appointed Pastors of whom rather as also of their fellow helpers the Evangelists, all believers (as the matter required) should be baptised. But it appeareth that the old Church especially now when baptism was become more laboursome, used in many things the help of Deacons. But to be short seeing that Baptism is merely one part of the Church ministry, it is rightly administered, ⟨image 99⟩by ministers only that are lawfully called.

Answeare That that is not to be vnderstoode precisely, but by way of comparison, it appeareth by that, that in the selfe same place hee sayth, hee baptised the house of Stephana, which he woulde neuer haue done, vnlesse hee had beene called vnto it. Therefore he saith that he was sent that he might specially labour by the preaching of the Gospel to plant Churches, in which he appointed Pastours of whom rather as also of theyr fellowe helpers the Euangelistes, all beleeuers (as the matter required) shoulde bee baptised. But it appeareth that the olde Churche especially nowe whē baptisme was become more laborsome, vsed in many thinges the helpe of Deacons. But to be short seeyng that Baptisme is meerely one parte of the Church ministery, it is rightly administred,