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CHAP. VI. (Book 6)
Whether any other but a Minister, lawfully called and ordained, may administer the Sacraments, Baptisme and the Lords supper.
THe Socinians and the Erastian Crutch-maker before mentioned, so plead against the necessity of Ordina∣tion, that they held it lawfull and free to gifted per∣sons not ordained, not onely to preach, but to ad∣minister the Sacraments whether they extend this to women as well as men, I know not. Peradventure they will borrow from the Pagans those shee priests whom Gellius out of Cicero, cals Antistitas, not Antistites, or happilie they hold with the old Pepuzians, that women may both preach and administer the Sacraments, at least, if they may not speak in the Church, (because that is forbidden, 1 Cor. 14. 32. although some are so bold as to restrict that prohibition to married women, where∣of they think they have some colour from the context) that yet they may both preach and administer the Sacraments in private places. And if there be no more necessary to one that preacheth or ministereth the Sacraments, but onely gifts and abilities, how can they avoid to allow gifted women, as well as gifted men to performe these holy things?
But it is justly held by the reformed Churches, and ordered in the Directorie of Worship agreed upon by both Kingdoms, and mentioned also in the late Confession of faith, chap: 27. that neither Baptisme nor the Lords Supper may be dispensed by any, but by a Minister of the Word lawfullie ordained. Nay (say the soundest Protestant writers) not upon pretence of whatsoever necessitie be it among Iews, Turks, Pagans, or to children dying, or the like.