Christianismus primitivus, or, The ancient Christian religion, in its nature, certainty, excellency, and beauty, (internal and external) particularly considered, asserted, and vindicated from the many abuses which have invaded that sacred profession, by humane innovation, or pretended revelation comprehending likewise the general duties of mankind, in their respective relations : and particularly the obedience of all Christians to magistrates, and the necessity of Christian-moderation about things dispensible in matters of religion : with divers cases of conscience discussed and resolved / by Thomas Grantham ...

Quest. 1. Who is a lawful Administrator, to dispense this Holy Mystery?

Answ. The lawful Administrator is certainly the Pastor of the Church, whose office it is to feed the Flock; who is therefore a Steward of the Mysteries of God, 1 Cor. 4. 1. Paul chargeth none to feed the Flock, (Acts 20.) but those whom the Holy Ghost had made Overseers, who are also called Elders. And the same charge is given to the same sort of Ministers, 1 Pet. 5. This most exactly agrees with the practice of Christ, Mat. 26. and it is wholly without example, that any who were not in the Ministry, did at any time administer this Ordinance; and it cannot be very safe to go in a path where none of the Chil∣dren of God are found to go before us.

Some object the Case of necessity, and that then a gifted Disciple may celebrate this Ordinance. Augustine seems to be of that mind, and alledges Antiquity, * 1.1 saying, We have heard that even Lay-men have given the Sacrament. To this it may be answered, that no neces∣sity can fairly be pretended in this case: for where this Ordi∣nance is practised, it is ordinarily, if not always supposed there is a Church or Congregation, and that some of them are capable to minister in this Service, in respect of Gifts and Qualifications; other∣wise he would not undertake it, or at least ought not so to do. Now if they find a person fit to serve them in this Sacred Ordinance, what lets but that they first elect him their Pastor, and after the example of the Church at Antioch, Act. 13. delegate that power, which as a Church resides in them, that he may be their lawful Minister. If he be not fit to feed them, how can he minister in this holy Service? It is as so∣lemn a Service as any, and requires as great abilities to do it to edifi∣cation, as other services pertaining to the work of the Ministry, and is ordained to feed and nourish the Faith of the Church of God. As for Augustin's authority, it cannot make the thing lawful, and we find not that he refers to any thing said in the holy Scripture on that ac∣count, but is occasioned to speak thus in the case of giving the Sacra∣ment to the sick, lest dying without it, their loss might be irrepara∣ble, especially if they never had received it; for his Opinion is known

to be, that without it they cannot be saved, and therefore pressed the necessity of it also for Infants.

It is alledged, that he that is not an Elder or Pastor may lawfully baptize, and consequently minister at the Lords Table. But the An∣swer is easie; Baptism must be dispensed out of the Church, or where there is only a Disciple and an Instructer, as in the case of the Eunuch, Act. 8. and is warranted by the example of the first Christians; when thousands are to be baptized, there is absolute necessity that many hands be imployed in it, when perhaps there may be few in the Mini∣stry present. Paul was not sent to baptize, i. e. it was not his great work, though he had lawful power to baptize, and did baptize many, Act. 16. 14, 15, 32, 33. though he baptized but few of the Corinthians, 1 Cor. 14, 15, 16. It is no reasoning therefore, that he that is a Disciple only, may baptize; ergo, He that is a Disciple only, may minister the Lords Supper: for let this Argument run, and it will make Ordi∣nation an insignificant Trifle, and every man to have the same power in the dispensation of Ordinances.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Aug. ad For∣tunat.