A64622:7521
A body of divinity, or, The sum and substance of Christian religion catechistically propounded,…A body of divinitie, or, The summe and substance of Christian religion catechistically propounded,…
A body of divinity, or, The sum and substance of Christian religion catechistically propounded, and explained, by way of question and answer : methodically and familiarly handled / composed long since by James Usher B. of Armagh, and at the earnest desires of divers godly Christians now printed and published ; whereunto is adjoined a tract, entitled Immanuel, or, The mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God heretofore written [sic] and published by the same author.A body of divinitie, or, The summe and substance of Christian religion catechistically propounded, and explained, by way of question and answer : methodically and familiarly handled / composed long since by James Vsher B. of Armagh, and at the earnest desires of divers godly Christians now printed and published ; whereunto is adjoyned a tract, intituled Immanvel, or, The mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God heretofore writen [sic] and published by the same authour.
London: printed by M.F. for Tho. Downes and Geo. Badger, 1645
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.
Because it is a public action, and appertaineth to the whole Church; and therefore ought to be done in the presence of the Congregation, by the example of John, Matth. 3. 11, 12. and commanded of Paul, 1 Cor. 11. 18, 20, 22. it being a greater indignity for the Sacraments to be administered privately, then for the civill judgement, which is open and public: That we say nothing of the sacrifices under the Law, which were not so excellent as these; and yet it was not lawful to offer them in private: which reproveth the disorder of the Papists, who turn the Communion into a private Mass, and minister the Lords Supper to one alone, without the presence of the Congregation.
Because it is a publick action, and appertaineth to the whole Church; and therefore ought to be done in the presence of the Congregation, by the example of John, Matth. 3. 11, 12. and commanded of Paul, 1 Cor. 11. 18, 20, 22. it being a greater indignity for the Sacraments to be administered privately, then for the civill judgement, which is open and publike: That we say nothing of the sacrifices under the Law, which were not so excellent as these; and yet it was not lawful to offer them in private: which reproveth the disorder of the Papists, who turne the Communion into a private Masse, and minister the Lords Supper to one alone, without the presence of the Congregation.
But may not the Sacraments be so administered upon necessity; as namely to a sick man ready to depart out of this life?