Sacraments ordained of Christ be not only badges or tokens of
Christian men's profession, but rather they be certain sure
witnesses, and effectual signs of grace, and God's goodwill
towards us, by the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth
not only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm our faith in him.
There are two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel,
that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord.
Those five commonly called Sacraments, that is to say, Confirmation,
Penance, Orders, Matrimony, and Extreme Unction, are not to be
counted for Sacraments of the Gospel, being such as have grown
partly of the corrupt following of the Apostles, partly are states
of life allowed in the Scriptures; but yet have not like nature of
Sacraments with Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, for that they have
not any visible sign or ceremony ordained of God.
The Sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon, or to
be carried about, but that we should duly use them. And in such
only as worthily receive the same they have a wholesome effect or
operation: but they that receive them unworthily purchase to
themselves damnation, as Saint Paul saith.
XXVI. _Of the Unworthiness 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 judgement, be deposed.