2 The Distribution of them, and words used in the distribution.
3 The Application of the General acts of the ministerial office, Prayer and Exhortation to that particular action.
For the first the Apostle hath taught us that Sanctification, or Consecration is by the word & Prayer. The word is nothing but the words of Institution, which are in Scripture. The Reading of which declares Christs separation of those elements for that use: and our separation of them in his name, for and during that time, for that ordinance. For other words and forms of consecration, we know no need of them, no warrant for them, and believe them of ill original and consequence. Now any one that can read a form, can read the Scripture.
For the distribution of them, It is no further work then every hand can do, what words to use, Our Saviour hath set down, from which we know no need to vary. In using of them can be no errour, in deviating from them indeed there may.
For the Application of Exhortation & Prayer to that act, surely he that can Pray and Preach can do that.
The like is to be said of the other Sacrament, so that a Right∣eous law that all should keep to the Scriptural-institution is enough, we think in that case: And wonder at their fancies, That think of such a special need of a form in those cases, be∣lieving no pretence of necessity, but what depends upon a fancy of a reasonableness to add to the Divine institution in the case of which we cannot be convinced. For God-fathers and God-mothers and Forms of questions to be propounded to them, we understand neither necessity, nor use of them: much less any particular Forms of words (besides those the Scripture gives us) for Consecration, or to be used in the Distri∣bution of the elements in the Supper. The points in dispute can this way come into no dispute that we know, nor any error infused into poeple. It is mens varying from the Institution in this case, which alone hath given advantage to the Envious one to sow tares. If any minister having the elements of bread and wine before him shall read, I The words of Institution as delivered (by the Evangelists, or the Apostle Paul) Then solemnly praying to God, First, That as he had instituted that ordinance, for the remembrance of Christ, The shewing forth of his death, The communion of his body and bloud, &c. So he would at that time bless it to those ends, &c. Pardoning his peoples want of preparation and accepting them in their desires to honour him in his own institutions, &c. Or to that purpose. Then giving the