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Else why is it not vs••d in Baptisme, as well as at this Sacrament,* 1.1 exc••pt that, with the Idolatrous Papists, we wi••l say that it is of grea∣ter dignitie th••n the Sacrament of Baptisme?
Nay rather seeing that you know the doctrine of the Church to esteeme both the Sacraments of equall digni∣tie (for as much as they proceede from the same autho∣ritie of our Sauiour, and are ordained for the same end, euen to be seales of faith, concerning the promises of saluation vnto vs) Why do you make such an odious obiection; and not rather thinke that this Reuerence is inioyned, without any Papisticall intent? Cannot this sa∣tisfie you, but you will stil exclaime and say, Why is this reuerence done at the receiuing of the Eucharist, except it be with the Idolatrous Papists? I tell you, this is done, not to consent with the Idolatrous Papists, but absolutely to confute them, who cannot but acknowledge, that our Sacrament of Baptisme is a very perfect Baptisme, accor∣ding both to the essentiall matter, and manner, which Christ himselfe ordained. But as for our Sacrament of the Eucharist,* 1.2 they do (as hath bene shewen) vilifie it as common and ordinarie bread and wine. The difference then, as you see, is, not in an opinion, that the Eucharist is of greater dignitie than Baptisme with vs; but because it is of lesse esteeme among the Papists.
Notwithstanding be not offended with me, if that I cannot thinke any of you so irreligious, as not to be wil∣ling to kneele reuerently in holy prayer vnto God, in the time of the Celebration of Baptisme; especially when prayer is vsed to God, to blesse his owne ordinance in the behalfe of the child. Which manner of worship, is so farre from Idolatrie, that the very Infant baptized, if it could speake, would say, that the Adoration, there, is not directed vnto the Element of the water, but vnto God, for his grace vpon the child.
Abridg. Linc. p. 68.
See aboue.