A Manual of the Rudiments of Theology

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Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2014 - 238 pages
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1830 edition. Excerpt: ... Sect. VIII.--Art. XXVI. OF THE TJNWORTHINESS OF THE MINISTERS, WHICH HINDERS NOT THE EFFECT OF THE SACRAMENT. Although in the visible Church, the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometimes the evil have chief authority in the ministration of the Word and Sacraments; yet forasmuch as they do not the same in their own name, but in Christ's, and do minister by his commission and authority, we may use their ministry, both in hearing the word of God, and in receiving of the Sacraments. Neither is the effect of Christ's ordinance taken away, by their wickedness, nor the grace of God's gifts diminished from such, as by faith, and rightly, do receive the Sacraments ministered unto them; which be effectual, because of Christ's institution and promise, although they be ministered by evil men. Nevertheless, it appertaineth to the discipline of the Church, that inquiry be made of evil ministers, and that they be accused by those that have knowledge of their offences; and finally being found guilty, by just judgment, be deposed. The occasion of this Article, was the public scandal given by the enormous vices of the Roman Clergy; so that some persons being much thereby offended, revived the opinion of the Donatists, that personal sins of the minister invalidated the Sacraments. Now as ministers are men, we must distinguish between them and their office; and if they be properly authorised, as they exercise their functions not in their own, but Christ's name, we may use their mi r nistry. Christ said to his disciples," The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat, observe and do therefore whatever they bid you, but do not after their works, for they say and do not ." Neither is the efficacy of the Sacrament itself taken away by it; for as all...

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