Chap. 3. the. 3. Diuision.
Unto M. Bucers authoritie I could here oppose men of as great authoritie, yea the autho∣ritie of all the reformed Churches, which shal also be done afterwarde. And if there were nothing to oppose but the worde of God, which will haue the Sacraments ministred simplie, and in that since∣ritie that they be left vnto vs, it is enough to make all men to couer their faces, and to be ashamed, if that which thy shall speake be not agreeable to that simplicitie.
The reasons which M. Bucer bringeth I will answere, wh〈1 line〉〈1 line〉ch in this matter of crossing are two: first that it is auncient, and so it is in deede: For Tertullian maketh mention of this vsage.* 1.1 And if this be sufficient to proue the goodnesse of it, then there is no cause, why we shoulde mislyke of the other superstitions and corruptions which were likewise vsed in those tymes. For the same* 1.2 Tertullian sheweth that they vsed also at baptisme to taste of milke, and honie, and not to washe all the weeke after they had ministred baptisme.
These be but wordes without proofe, Crossing in that maner and forme, that we vse it, verie well agréeth with the simplicitie of the worde of God. If it doe not so, shewe any worde agaynst it.
Your answere to that reason is very base, for it is not onely auncient, but it hath continued, and béene generally receyued: which you allowed before as a sufficient reason for Godfathers. As for milke and honie, the vse of them was neyther continued long, nor yet generall: and therefore the reason of them, and of the other is not lyke.