The Genevan Book of Church Order

First, let the church diligently consider that the minister which is to be chosen[a] be not found culpable of any such faults which St. Paul reprehends in a man of that vocation,[b] but contrariwise endowed with such virtues, that he may be able to undertake his charge, and diligently execute the same. Secondly, that he distribute faithfully the word of God, and minister the sacraments sincerely,[c] ever careful not only to teach his flock publicly, but also privately to admonish them;[d] remembering always, that if any thing perish through his default, the Lord will require it at his hands.[e]

a. Acts 1:21-23; 13:2-3; 14:23

b. 1 Tim. 3:2-7; 2 Tim. 2:5-6; 4:5; Ezek. 33:7; Jer. 3:15; John 21:17; Isa. 62:6; 1 Cor. 9:16, 19-23

c. 2 Tim. 2:2, 14-16, 23-25; 2 Cor. 4:1-2,17; Matt. 26:26; 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 1:17-18, 21-24

d. Acts 20:28,31; 2 Tim. 4:2

e. Ezek. 3:18-21; Ezek. 2; 1 Cor. 9:16

Of Their Office and Duty

Because the charge of the word of God is of greater importance than that any man is able to dispense therewith;[a] and St. Paul exhorts to esteem them as ministers of Christ, and disposers of God's mysteries;[b] not lords or rulers, as St. Peter says, over the flock;[c] therefore the pastor's or minister's chief office stands in preaching the word of God, and ministering the sacraments.[d] So that in consultations, judgments, elections, and other political affairs, his counsel,[e] rather than authority, takes place.

And if so be the congregation, upon just cause, agrees to excommunicate, then it belongs to the minister, according to their general determination, to pronounce the sentence,[f] to the end that all things may be done orderly, and without confusion.[g]

a. 1 Cor. 9:16; Acts 6:2, 4; Luke 12:14

b. 1 Cor. 4:1; 2 Cor. 4:1-2, 5,7,10

c. 1 Pet. 5:2-8; 2 Cor. 1:24; Matt. 20:25-26

d. Matt. 26:26ff.; 28:19-20; Mal. 2:6-7; 1 Pet. 4:10-11; Acts 3:2-3, 5; 16:10, 17; 1 Cor. 1:17ff.

e. Acts 20:28; 2 Cor. 4:2, 5

f. 1 Cor. 5:1ff.

g. 1 Cor. 14:33, 40

The Manner of Electing the Pastors and Ministers

The ministers and elders at such time as there wants a minister, assemble the whole congregation,[a] exhorting them to advise and consider who may best serve in that room and office. And if there be choice, the church appoints two or three, upon some certain day, to be examined by the ministers and elders.

First, as touching their doctrine,[b] whether he that should be minister have good and sound knowledge in the holy scriptures, and fit and apt gifts to communicate the same to the edification of the people. For the trial whereof, they propose [to] him a theme or text to be treated privately, whereby his ability may the more manifestly appear unto them.

Secondly, they inquire of his life and conversation, if he has in times past lived without slander [scandal], and governed himself in such sort, as the word of God has not heard evil, or been slandered through his occasion.[c] Which being severally done, they signify unto the congregation, whose gifts they find most excellent and profitable for that ministry: appointing by a general consent, eight days at the least, that every man may diligently inquire of his life and manners.

At the which time also, the minister exhorts them to humble themselves to God by fasting and prayer,[d] that both their election may be agreeable to his will, and also profitable to the church. And if in the mean season anything be brought against him whereby he may be found unworthy by lawful probations, then is he dismissed and some other presented. If nothing be alleged upon some certain day, one of the ministers, at the morning sermon, presents him again to the church, framing his sermon, or some part thereof, to the setting forth of his duty.

Then at afternoon, the sermon ended, the minister exhorts them to the election, with the invocation of God's name,[e] directing his prayer as God shall move his heart. In like manner, after the election, the minister gives thanks to God,[f] with request of such things as shall be necessary for his office.

After that he is appointed minister, the people sing a psalm and depart.

a. Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; Acts 1:15-26

b. 1 Tim. 3:2,6; Titus 1:9

c. Rom. 2:19-24; Jam. 1:26-27; 1Sam.2:17,24; 1 Tim. 5:17

d. Acts 13:3; 14:23; Luke 2:37

e. 1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17; Matt. 9:37-38

f. 1 Thess. 5:18; Col. 4:2; Eph. 5:20; Phil 1:3

Of the Elders, and as Touching Their Office and Election

The elders must be men of good life and godly conversation,[a] without blame and all suspicion; careful for the flock, wise, and, above all things, fearing God: whose office stands in governing with the rest of the ministers, in consulting, admonishing, correcting, and ordering all things appertaining to the state of the congregation. And they differ from the ministers, in that they preach not the word, nor minister the sacraments. In assembling the people, neither they without the ministers, nor the ministers without them, may attempt anything. And if any of the just number want, the minister, by the consent of the rest, warns the people thereof, and finally admonishes them to observe the same order which was used in choosing the ministers.

a. Num. 11:16ff.; Acts 14:23; 16:4;20:17ff.; Rom. 12:8; Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Cor. 12:28; Jam. 5:14; 1 Pet. 5:1-3

Of the Deacons, and Their Office and Election

The deacons must be men of good estimation and report,[a] discreet, of good conscience; charitable, wise, and finally adorned with such virtues as St. Paul requires in them. Their office is to gather the alms diligently, and faithfully to distribute them,[b] with the consent of the ministers and elders; also to provide for the sick and impotent persons; having ever a diligent care, that the charity of godly men be not wasted upon loiterers and idle vagabonds.[c] Their election is, as has been before rehearsed in the ministers and elders.

a. Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 3:8-13

b. Rom. 12:7-8

c. 2 Thess. 3:10-12

Of Teachers or Doctors

We are not ignorant that the scriptures make mention of a forth kind of ministers left to the church of Christ, which also are very profitable, where time and place do permit. But for lack of opportunity, in this our dispersion and exile, we cannot well have the use thereof; and would to God it were not neglected where better occasion serves.

These ministers are called teachers or doctors,[a] whose office is to instruct and teach the faithful in sound doctrine, providing with all diligence that the purity of the gospel be not corrupted, either through ignorance, or evil opinions. Notwithstanding, considering the present state of things, we comprehend under this title such means as God has in his church, that it should not be left desolate, nor yet his doctrine decay for default of ministers thereof.

Therefore to term it by a word more usual in these our days, we may call it the order of schools, wherein the highest degree, and most annexed to the ministry and government of the church, is the exposition of God's word, which is contained in the Old and New Testaments.

But because men cannot so well profit in that knowledge, except they be first instructed in the tongues and human sciences (for now God works not commonly by miracles), it is necessary that seed be sown for the time to come, to the intent that the church be not left barren and wasted to our posterity; and that schools also be erected, and colleges maintained, with just and sufficient stipends, wherein youth may be trained in the knowledge and fear of God, that in their ripe age they may prove worthy members of our Lord Jesus Christ, whether it be to rule in civil policy, or to serve in the spiritual ministry, or else to live in godly reverence and subjection.

a. Eph. 4:11; 1 Cor. 12:28

The Weekly Assembly of the Ministers, Elders, and Deacons

To the intent that the ministry of God's word may be had in reverence, and not brought to contempt through the evil conversation of such as are called thereunto,[a] and also that faults and vices may not by long sufferance grow at length to extreme inconveniences;[b] it is ordained that every Thursday the ministers and elders, in their assembly or consistory, diligently examine all such faults and suspicions as may be espied,[c] not only amongst others, but chiefly amongst themselves, lest they seem to be culpable of that which our Saviour Christ reproved in the Pharisees,[d] who could espy a mote in another man's eye, and could not see a beam in their own.

And because the eye ought to be more clear than the rest of the body,[e] the minister may not be spotted with any vice, but to the great slander of God's word, whose message he bears: therefore it is to be understood that there are certain faults, which if they be deprehended in a minister, he ought to be deposed: as heresy, Papistry, schism, blasphemy, perjury, fornication, theft, drunkenness, usury, fighting, unlawful games, with suchlike.

Others are more tolerable, if so be that after brotherly admonition he amends his fault: as strange and unprofitable fashion in preaching the scriptures; curiosity in seeking vain questions; negligence, as well in his sermons, and in studying the scriptures, as in all other things concerning his vocation; scurrility, flattering, lying, backbiting, wanton words, deceit, covetousness, taunting, dissolution in apparel, gesture, and his other doings; which vices, as they are odious in all men, so in him that ought to be as an example to others of perfection,[f] in no wise are to be suffered; especially, if [it] so be that, according to God's rule, being brotherly advertised,[g] he acknowledge not his fault and amend.

a. Rom. 2:19-24; Ezek. 36:22-23; Isa. 52:5

b. 2 Tim. 2

c. 1 Cor. 5

d. Matt. 7:3; Luke 6:41; Rom. 2:17-24

e. Matt. 6:22-23; Luke 11:34

f. Matt. 5:13; Mark 9:50?

g. Matt. 18:15-17; Luke 17:3; Jam. 5:16, 19-20

Interpretation of the Scriptures

Once every week, the congregation assembles to hear some place of the scriptures orderly expounded.[a] At which time, it is lawful for every man to speak or enquire, as God shall move his heart, and the text minister occasion; so it be without pertinacity or disdain, as one that rather seeks to profit than to contend. And if [it] so be any contention arise, then such as are appointed moderators, either satisfy the party, or else if he seems to evil, exhort him to keep silence, referring the judgement thereof to the ministers and elders, to be determined in their assembly or consistory before mentioned.

a. 1 Cor. 14:1ff.; 1 Thess. 5:20; Eph. 4:29; 1 Cor. 12:28-31

When the congregation is assembled at the hour appointed, the minister uses one of these two confessions, or like in effect, exhorting the people diligently to examine themselves, following in their hearts the tenor of his words.

A Confession of Our Sins, Framed to Our Time, out of the 9th Chapter of Daniel

O Lord God, which art mighty and dreadful, thou that keepest covenant, and shewest mercy to them that love thee and do thy commandments:[a] We have sinned; we have offended;[b] we have wickedly and stubbornly gone back from thy laws and precepts.[c] We would never obey thy servants the prophets that spake in thy name,[d] to our kings and princes, to our forefathers, and to all the people of our land. O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee;[e] unto us pertaineth nothing but open shame, as it is come to pass this day unto our miserable country of England; yea unto all our nations, whether they be far or near, through all lands, wherein they are scattered for the offences that they and we have committed against thee,[f] so that the curses and punishments which are written in thy law[g] are now poured upon us; and thou hast performed those words wherewith thou didst menace us and our rulers that governed us, in bringing the same plagues upon us which before were threatened. And yet notwithstanding, both they and we proceed in our iniquity, and cease not to heap sin upon sin. For they which once were well instructed in the doctrine of thy gospel, are now gone back from the obedience of thy truth,[1] and are turned again to that most abominable idolatry,[h] from the which they were once called by the lively preaching of thy word. And we, alas! to this day, do not earnestly repent us of our former wicked ness, neither do we rightly consider the heaviness of thy displeasure.[i] Such is thy just judgment, O Lord, that thou punisheth sin by sin, and man by his own inventions,[k] so that there can be no end of iniquity, except thou prevent us[l] with thy undeserved grace.[m] Therefore convert us, O Lord, and we shall converted;[n] for we do not offer up our prayers trusting in our own righteousness,[o] but in thy manifold mercies. And although thou hast once of thy especial grace delivered us from the miserable thraldom of error and blindness, and called us many times to the sweet liberty of thy gospel,[p] which we notwithstanding have most shamefully abused, in obeying rather our own lusts and affections,[q] than the admonitions of thy prophets;[r] yet we beseech thee once again, for thy name's sake,[s] to pour some comfortable drop of thy accustomed mercies upon us; incline thine ears, and open thine eyes,[t] to behold the grievous plagues of our country, the continual sorrows of our afflicted brethren, and our woeful banishment. And let our afflictions and just punishments be an admonition and warning to other nations among whom we are scattered,[2] that with all reverence they may obey thy holy gospel; lest for like contempt, in the end, like or worse plagues fall upon them.[u] Wherefore, O Lord, hear us! O Lord, forgive us! O Lord, consider and tarry not over long! but for thy dear Son Jesus Christ's sake, be merciful unto us, and deliver us.[x] So shall it be known to all the world, that thou only art the selfsame God, that ever showeth mercy to all such as call upon thy holy name.[y]

a. Neh. 1:5; Job 9, 38-40; Ps. 24, 76, 77:10ff., 139

b. Ex. 20:6; Luke 7:47

c. Gen. 3:6-19; Rom. 5:12ff.; 1 John 1:8-10; Ps. 32:5; 106:6ff.

d. Lev. 26; Deut. 28; Jer. 26:4-6, 29:19; Neh. 1:6-11

e. Ps. 11:7; Jam. 1:13; Job 4:17-19; 9:1ff.; 25:4-6

f. Ps. 89:10 ; Jer. 26-27

g. Lev. 26:14ff.; Deut. 27-30

h. 2 Pet. 2:20-22; Prov. 26:11; Heb. 6:4-6; 10:26-31

i. Ps. 19:12-13; Deut. 31:16ff.; 29:20; Ezek. 5:5-11

k. Rom. 1:18ff.

l. Isa. 65:1

m. Eph. 2:5

n. Ps. 85:4; Jer. 31:18

o. Titus 3:5; 2 Tim. 1:9

p. Gal.4 & 5:1ff.

q. Gal. 5:13-21

r. Zech. 7:8-14

s. Ps. 23:3; 25:11

t. Ps. 71:1ff.

u. Matt. 11:20-24; 12:41; Luke 10:13-16

x. John 16:23-24

y. Ps. 103; 108:4, 136

Another Confession for All States and Times

O eternal God and most merciful Father, we confess and acknowledge here, before thy divine majesty, that we are miserable sinners,[a] conceived and born in sin and iniquity,[b] so that in us there is no goodness.[c] For the flesh evermore rebels against the spirit,[d] whereby we continually transgress thy holy precepts and commandments, and so purchase to ourselves, through thy just judgment, death and damnation.[e]

Notwithstanding, O heavenly Father, forasmuch as we are displeased with ourselves for the sins that we have committed against thee, and

do unfeignedly repent us of the same, we most humbly beseech thee, for Jesus Christ's sake, to show thy mercy upon us, to forgive us all our sins, and to increase thy Holy Spirit in us: that we, acknowledging from the bottom of our hearts our own unrighteousness, may from henceforth not only mortify our sinful lusts and affections,[f] but also bring forth such fruits as may be agreeable to thy most blessed will; not for the worthiness thereof, but for the merits of thy dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ,[g] our only Saviour, whom thou hast already given [as] an oblation and offering for our sins, and for whose sake we are certainly persuaded that thou wilt deny us nothing that we shall ask in his name, according to thy will.[h] For thy Spirit does assure our consciences that thou art our merciful Father,[i] and so lovest us thy children through him, that nothing is able to remove thy heavenly grace and favour from us. To thee, therefore, O Father, with the Son and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. So be it.

a. Rom. 3:9ff.; Ps. 14:1-3

b. Ps. 51:5

c. Rom. 7:15-25

d. Gal. 5:17

e. Rom. 2:1ff.; Jer. 3:23-25; Isa. 40:7

f. Col. 3:5ff.; Rom. 6:1-7; Eph. 4:20-24; 5:3-5; 1 Pet. 2:11

g. Rom. 5:1ff.; Heb. 9:14; Eph. 2:16ff.

h. John 14:13-14; 16:23; Matt. 7:7-12; Jam. 1:5-7

i. 1 John 3:24; Rom. 8:9-17, 37-39

This done, the people sing a Psalm all together, in a plain tune; which ended, the minister prays for the assistance of God's Holy Spirit, as the same shall move his heart, and so proceeds to the sermon; using after the sermon this prayer following, or suchlike.

A Prayer for the Whole Estate of Christ's Church

Almighty God and most merciful Father, we humbly submit ourselves,[a] and fall down before thy Majesty,[b] beseeching thee from the bottom of our hearts, that this seed of thy word,[c] now sown amongst us, may take such deep root, that neither the burning heat of persecution cause it to wither, neither the thorny cares of this life do choke it, but that as seed sown in good ground, it may bring forth thirty, sixty, and an hundred fold, as thy heavenly wisdom hath appointed. And because we have need continually to crave many things at thy hands, we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, to grant us thy Holy Spirit[d] to direct our petitions, that they may proceed from such a fervent mind as may be agreeable to thy most blessed will.[e]

And seeing that our infirmity is able to do nothing without thy help, and that thou art not ignorant with how many and great temptations[f] we poor wretches are on every side enclosed and compassed, let thy strength, O Lord, sustain our weakness, that we being defended with the force of thy grace, may be safely preserved against all assaults of Satan, who goeth about continually like a roaring lion, seeking to devour us.[g] Increase our faith,[h] O merciful Father, that we do not swerve at any time from thy heavenly word, but augment in us hope and love, with a careful keeping of all thy commandments, that no hardness of heart,[i] no hypocrisy, no concupiscence of the eyes,[k] nor enticements of the world, do draw us away from thy obedience. And seeing we live now in these most perilous times,[l] let thy Fatherly providence defend us against the violence of all our enemies, which do everywhere pursue us; but chiefly against the wicked rage and furious uproars of that Romish idol, enemy to thy Christ.[m]

Furthermore, forasmuch as by thy holy apostle we are taught to make our prayers and supplications for all men,[n] we pray not only for ourselves here present, but beseech thee also, to reduce all such as be yet ignorant, from the miserable captivity of blindness and error, to the pure understanding and knowledge of thy heavenly truth, that we all, with one consent and unity of minds,[o] may worship thee our only God and Saviour; and that all pastors, shepherds, and ministers, to whom thou hast committed the dispensation of thy holy word,[p] and charge of thy chosen people,[q] may both in their life and doctrine be found faithful, setting only before their eyes thy glory; and that by them, all poor sheep which wander and go astray, may be gathered and brought home to thy fold.

Moreover, because the hearts of rulers are in thy hands,[r] we beseech thee to direct and govern the hearts of all kings, princes, and magistrates to whom thou hast committed the sword;[s] especially, O Lord, according to our bounden duty, we beseech thee to maintain and increase the honourable estate of this city,[3] into whose defence we are received, the magistrates, the council, and all the whole body of this commonwealth: Let thy Fatherly favour so preserve them, and thy Holy Spirit so govern their hearts, that they may in such sort execute their office, that thy religion may be purely maintained, manners reformed, and sin punished according to the precise rule of thy holy word.[t]

And for that we are all members of the mystical body of Christ Jesus,[u] we make our requests unto thee, O heavenly Father, for all such as are afflicted with any kind of cross or tribulation,[x] as war, plague, famine, sickness, poverty, imprisonment, persecution, banishment, or any other kind of thy rods, whether it be calamity of body, or vexation of mind,[y] that it would please thee to give them patience and constancy, till thou send them full deliverance of all their troubles. And as we are bound to love and honour our parents, kinfolks, friends, and country,[z] so we most humbly beseech thee to show thy pity upon our miserable country of England,[4] which once, through thy mercy, was called to liberty, and now for their and our sins, is brought unto most vile slavery and Babylonian bondage.

Root out from thence, O Lord, all ravening wolves,[a] which to fill their bellies destroy thy flock.[b] And show thy great mercies upon those our brethren which are persecuted, cast in prison, and daily condemned to death for the testimony of thy truth.[c] And though they be utterly destitute of all men's aid,[d] yet let thy sweet comfort never depart from them, but so inflame their hearts with thy Holy Spirit, that they may boldly and cheerfully abide such trial[e] as thy godly wisdom shall appoint.[f] So that at length, as well by their death as by their life,[g] the kingdom of thy dear Son Jesus Christ may increase and shine through all the world. In whose name we make our humble petitions unto thee, as he hath taught us.

Our Father which art in heaven, etc.

Almighty and ever living God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to grant us perfect continuance in thy lively faith, augmenting the same in us daily,[a] till we grow to the full measure of our perfection in Christ,[b] whereof we make our confession, saying,

"I believe in God," etc.

a. 1 Pet. 5:6

b. Num. 16:22; Deut. 9:18; Josh. 7:6

c. Matt. 13:3-8

d. Luke 11:13; Rom. 8:12-17; Jam. 5:16; 1 John 5:14; Rom. 12:11-12; Wisdom 9:17-18

e. 2 Cor. 3:5; John 15:5; Phil. 2:13

f. Ps. 40:12-13,17; 1 Pet. 1:6

g. 1 Pet. 5:8

h. Luke 17:5

i. Ps. 95:7-8; Heb. 3:7ff.; 4:7

k. 1 John 2:15-17

l. 1 Tim. 4:1ff.; 2 Pet. 3:3ff.; 2 Tim. 3:1ff.; Jude

m. 2 Thess. 2:1ff.; 1 John 2:18; Rev. 13, 17

n. 1 Tim. 2:1ff.

o. Rom. 15:6; 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:3

p. John 21:15-17; Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 9:16ff.; Mark 16:15

q. 1 Pet. 5:1-3

r. Prov. 21:1

s. Rom. 13:4; John 19:11

t. 1 Tim. 1:3ff.; Jam. 1:18ff.

u. 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Rom. 12:4-5

x. Jam. 5:13-15

y. 2 Cor. 1:6ff.; Heb. 13:3

z. Ex. 20:12

a. Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:29

b. Ezek. 34:1ff.; Rom. 16:17-18; Phil. 3:2,18-19

c. Heb. 13:3; Rom. 8:36; Ps. 44:22

d. John 16:33

e. 1 Pet. 1:7

f. Acts 2:23; Matt. 10:35ff.; Luke 21:12ff.

g. Rom. 14:7-8

a. Luke 17:5

b. Eph. 4:12-16

Then the people sing a Psalm, which ended, the minister pronounces one of these blessings, and so the congregation departs.

The Lord bless you and save you; the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be merciful unto you; the Lord turn his countenance towards you, and grant you his peace.[a]

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. So be it.[b]

a. Num. 6:24-26

b. 2 Cor. 13:14

It shall not be necessary for the minister daily to repeat all these things before mentioned, but beginning with some manner of confession, to proceed to the sermon; which ended, he either uses the prayer for all estates before mentioned, or else prays, as the Spirit of God shall move his heart, framing the same according to the time and matter which he hath entreated of. And if there shall be at any time any present plague, famine, pestilence, war, or suchlike,[c] which are evident tokens of God's wrath; as it is our part to acknowledge our sins to be the occasion thereof, so are we appointed by the scriptures to give ourselves to mourning, fasting, and prayer, as the means to turn away God's heavy displeasure. Therefore, it shall be convenient that the minister, at such time, not only admonish the people thereof, but also use some form of prayer, according as the present necessity requires, to the which he may appoint, by a common consent, some several day after the sermon, weekly to be observed.

c. Lev. 26:14ff.; Deut. 28:15ff.; 1 Kings 8:33-40; 2 Sam. 21

The Order of Baptism

First note, that forasmuch as it is not permitted by God's word, that women should preach or minister the sacraments; and it is evident that the sacraments are not ordained of God to be used in private corners as charms or sorceries, but left to the congregation, and necessarily annexed to God's word as seals of the same;[5] therefore the infant which is to be baptized shall be brought to the church, on the day appointed to common prayer and preaching, accompanied with the father and godfather. So that after the sermon, the child being presented to the minister, he demands this question:

Do you present this child to be baptized, earnestly desiring that he may be engrafted in the mystical body of Jesus Christ?

The answer: Yes, we require the same.

The minister proceeds:

Then let us consider, dearly beloved, how Almighty God has not only made us his children by adoption,[a] and received us into the fellowship of his church; but also has promised that he will be our God, and the God of our children, unto the thousandth generation.[b] Which thing, as he confirmed to his people of the Old Testament by the sacrament of circumcision,[c] so has he also renewed the same to us in his New Testament by the sacrament of baptism;[d] doing us thereby to wit, that our infants appertain to him by covenant, and therefore ought not to be defrauded of those holy signs and badges whereby his children are known from infidels and pagans.[e]

Neither is it requisite, that all those that receive this sacrament have the use of understanding and faith; but chiefly that they be contained under the name of God's people:[f] so that remission of sins in the blood of Christ Jesus does appertain to them by God's promise. Which thing is most evident by St. Paul,[g] who pronounces the children begotten and born, either of the parents being faithful, to be clean and holy. Also our Saviour Christ admits children to his presence, embracing and blessing them.[h] Which testimonies of the Holy Ghost assure us, that infants are of the number of God's people; and that remission of sins does also appertain to them in Christ. Therefore, without injury, they cannot be debarred from the common sign of God's children. Neither yet is this outward action of such necessity, that the lack thereof should be prejudicial to their salvation,[i] if that prevented by death, they may not conveniently be presented to the church. But we (having respect to that obedience which Christians owe to the voice and ordinance of Christ Jesus, who commanded to preach and baptize all without exception),[k] do judge them only unworthy of any fellowship with him, who contemptuously refuse such ordinary means as his wisdom has appointed to the instruction of our dull senses.

Furthermore, it is evident that baptism was ordained to be ministered in the element of water,[l] to teach us, that like as water outwardly does wash away the filth of the body, so inwardly does the virtue of Christ's blood purge our souls from that corruption and deadly poison wherewith by nature we were infected:[m] whose venomous dregs,[n] although they continue in this our flesh, yet by the merits of his death are not imputed unto us,[o] because the justice of Jesus Christ is made ours by baptism.[p] Not that we think any such virtue or power to be included in the visible water or outward action (for many have been baptized, and yet never inwardly purged),[6] but that our Saviour Christ, who commanded baptism to be ministered, will, by the power of his Holy Spirit, effectually work in the hearts of his elect[q] (in time convenient) all that is meant and signified by the same. And this the scripture calls our regeneration,[r] which stands chiefly in these two points:[7] in mortification (that is to say, a resisting of the rebellious lusts of the flesh), and newness of life, whereby we continually strive to walk in that pureness and perfection wherewith we are clad in baptism.

And although we in the journey of this life are encumbered with many enemies,[s] which in the way assail us, yet we fight not without fruit. For this continual battle which we fight against sin, death, and hell,[t] is a most infallible argument that God the Father, mindful of his promise made unto us in Christ Jesus, does not only give us motions and courage to resist them, but also assurance to overcome and obtain victory.[u]

Wherefore, dearly beloved, it is not only of necessity that we be once baptized, but also it much profits oft to be present at the ministration thereof; that we being put in mind of the league and covenant made betwixt God and us,[x] that he will be our God, and we his people, he our Father, and we his children,[y] may have occasion as well to try our lives past as our present conversation, and to prove ourselves, whether we stand fast in the faith of God's elect, or contrariwise have strayed from him through incredulity and ungodly living;[z] whereof if our consciences do accuse us, yet by hearing the loving promises of our heavenly Father (who calls all men to mercy by repentance),[a] we may from henceforth walk more warily in our vocation.

Moreover, you that are fathers and mothers may take hereby most singular comfort, to see your children thus received into the bosom of Christ's congregation, whereby you are daily admonished that you nourish and bring up the children of God's favour and mercy, over whom his fatherly providence watches continually.[b] Which thing, as it ought greatly to rejoice you (knowing that nothing can chance unto them without his good pleasure),[c] so ought it to make you diligent and careful to nurture and instruct them in the true knowledge and fear of God.[d] Wherein if you are negligent,[8] you do not only injury to your own children,[e] hiding from them the good will and pleasure of Almighty God their Father, but also heap damnation upon yourselves, in suffering his children bought with the blood of his dear Son, so traitorously (for lack of knowledge) to turn back from him. Therefore it is your duty, with all diligence, to provide that your children, in time convenient, be instructed in all doctrine necessary for a true Christian,[f] chiefly that they be taught to rest upon the justice of Christ Jesus alone, and to abhor and flee all superstition, Papistry, and idolatry.[9] Finally, to the intent that we may be assured, that you the father and the surety consent to the performance hereof, declare here before God and the face of his congregation, the sum of that faith wherein you believe, and will instruct this child.

Then the father, or in his absence the god-father, shall rehearse the articles of his faith; which done, the minister exhorting the people to prayer says in this manner, or suchlike, kneeling:[10]

Almighty and everlasting God, which of thy infinite mercy and goodness hast promised unto us that thou wilt not only be our God, but also the God and Father of our children: we beseech thee, that as thou hast vouchsafed to call us to be partakers of this thy great mercy in the fellowship of faith,[a] so it may please thee to sanctify with thy Spirit,[b] and to receive into the number of thy children this infant, whom we shall baptize according to thy word,[c] to the end that he coming to perfect age, may confess thee only the true God,[d] and whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ, and so serve him, and be profitable unto his church in the whole course of his life;[e] that afterthis life is ended, he may be brought as a lively member of his body unto the full fruition ofthy joys in the heavens,[f] where thy Son our Christ reigneth, world without end. In whose name we pray as he hath taught us:

Our Father, etc.

a. Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 4:4-7; Eph. 1:5; 2:18-19

b. Gen. 17:7; Ex. 20:6; Deut. 7:9; Isa. 59:21

c. Gen. 17:7ff.; Rom. 4:11

d. Col. 2:11-12; Gal. 3:27; Acts 2:38-39

e. Acts 10:47-48

f. Acts 2:38-39; 1 Cor. 7:4

g. 1 Cor. 7:14

h. Mark; 10:13-16; Matt.; 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-16; Ps. 22:9-10

i. Rom. 4:10; Gal. 3:1fff.; Gen. 15:6; 17:12

k. Mark 16:15-16; Matt. 28:19

l. Matt. 3:11; 1 Pet. 3:21; 1 John 5:6,8; 1 Cor. 10:1-4

m. Eph. 2:1ff.

n. Rom. 7:5ff.

o. Rom. 4:1ff.; Gal. 3:1ff.; Ps. 32:1-2

p. Rom. 6:3-6; Gal. 3:27

q. Acts 2:41-42; 13:48

r. Eph. 2:1ff.; 1 Cor. 12:9-11; Rom. 6:3-6; Col. 2:12-13

s. 1 Pet. 5:8; Luke 22:31; Job 7

t. Rom. 5:3-5; 1 Pet. 1:5-7; Jam. 1:2-4; Eph. 6:10-18

u. 1 Cor.; 15:57-58; Hos. 13:14; Heb. 2:14-15; Job 19:25ff.

x. Deut 6:1ff.; Josh. 1:8

y. Jer. 31:33; Heb. 8:8-12

z. Eph. 4:22ff ; Col. 3:8ff.; Heb. 13:9

a. Ezek.; 18:21-22; Acts 11:18; 2 Pet. 3:9; Deut.; 4:29-31; 6:1ff.

b. Matt. 18:12-14

c. Matt. 6:25-34; Luke 12:6-7

d. Deut. 4:9; 6:7; 11:19; Eph. 6:4

e. 1 Sam.; 2:22-25; 2 Kings; 2:23-24

f. Gen. 18:19; Deut. 32:46

a. Gal. 3:26-29; 1 Pet. 1:5; Phil. 3:9; Rom. 3:22; 4:11-17

b. 2 Cor.; 5:17ff. ; Rom. 8:14-17; Eph. 2:18-22; 3

c. Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38-41

d. Rom. 10:9-10; John 17:3

e. Rom. 12:1; 1 Cor. 12 ; 2 Thess.; 5:11

f. 1 Cor. 2:9; Rom. 6:22; Titus 3:7

When they have prayed in this sort, the minister requires the child's name, which known, he says:

N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.[a]

a. Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38-41

And as he speaks these words, he takes water in his hand and lays it upon the child's forehead: which done, he gives thanks as follows:

Forasmuch, most holy and merciful Father, as thou dost not only beautify and bless us with common benefits, like unto the rest of mankind, but also heapest upon us most abundantly rare and wonderful gifts,[a] of duty we lift up our eyes and minds unto thee, and give thee most humble thanks for thy infinite goodness, which hast not only numbered us amongst thy saints,[b] but also of thy free mercy dost call our children unto thee, marking them with this sacrament as a singular token and badge of thy love. Wherefore most loving Father, though we are not able to deserve this so great a benefit, (yea, if thou wouldst handle us according to our merits,[c] we should suffer the punishment of eternal death and damnation), yet for Christ's sake we beseech thee, that thou wilt confirm this thy favour more and more towards us, and take this infant into thy tuition and defence, whom we offer and present unto thee with common supplications, and never suffer him to fall to such unkindness, whereby he should lose the force of this baptism,[d] but that he may perceive thee continually to be his merciful Father, through the Holy Spirit working in his heart, by whose divine power he may so prevail against Satan, that in the end, obtaining the victory, he may be exalted into the liberty of thy kingdom.

a. Eph. 2:1ff.; 1 Pet. 2:9-10; Hos. 2:23; 2 Pet. 3:13-14

b. 1 Pet. 2:9-10; Eph. 2:19-22

c. Rom. 2:1ff.; Jer. 3:24-25; Isa. 40:6-7; Luke 17:10

d. 2 Cor. 6:16-18

The Manner of the Lord's Supper

The day when the Lord's Supper is ministered, which commonly is used once a month, or so oft as the congregation shall think expedient, the minister uses to say as follows:

Let us mark, dear brethren, and consider how Jesus Christ did ordain unto us his Holy Supper, according as St. Paul makes rehearsal in the 11th chapter of the First Epistle to the Corinthians:

I have, says he, received of the Lord that which I have delivered unto you, (to wit) that the Lord Jesus, the same night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, saying, Take ye, eat ye, this is my body which is broken for you; do ye this in remembrance of me. Likewise after supper, he took the cup, saying, This cup is the new Testament or covenant in my blood, do ye this so oft as ye shall drink thereof, in remembrance of me. For so oft as ye shall eat this bread and drink of this cup, ye shall declare the Lord's death until his coming. Therefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink the cup of the Lord unworthily, he shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. Then see that every man prove and try himself, and so let him eat of this bread and drink of this cup; for whosoever eateth or drinketh unworthily, he eateth and drinketh his own damnation, for not having due regard and consideration of the Lord's body.

This done, the minister proceeds to the exhortation.

Dearly beloved in the Lord, forasmuch as we are now assembled to celebrate the holy communion of the body and blood of our Saviour Christ, let us consider these words of St. Paul, how he exhorts all persons diligently to try and examine themselves before they presume to eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For as the benefit is great, if with a truly penitent heart and lively faith we receive that holy sacrament (for then we spiritually eat the flesh of Christ and drink his blood,[a] then we dwell in Christ and Christ in us, we are one with Christ and Christ with us), so is the danger great if we receive the same unworthily, for then we are guilty of the body and blood of Christ our Saviour, we eat and drink our own damnation, not considering the Lord's body; we kindle God's wrath against us, and provoke him to plague us with diverse diseases and sundry kinds of death.

Therefore if any of you be a blasphemer of God,[b] hinderer or slanderer of his word, an adulterer, or be in malice or envy, or in any other grievous crime: bewail your sins, and come not to this holy table, lest after the taking of this holy sacrament, the Devil enter into you as he entered into Judas,[c] and fill you full of all iniquities, and bring you to destruction both of body and soul.

Judge therefore yourselves, brethren, that you be not judged of the Lord; repent yourselves truly for your sins past,[d] and have a lively and steadfast faith in Christ our Saviour, seeking only your salvation in the merits of his death and passion,[e] from henceforth refusing and forgetting all malice and debate,[f] with full purpose to live in brotherly amity and godly conversation all the days of your life.

And albeit we feel in ourselves much frailty and wretchedness, as that we have not our faith so perfect and constant as we ought, being many times ready to distrust God's goodness through our corrupt nature,[g] and also that we are not so thoroughly given to serve God, neither have so fervent a zeal to set forth his glory as our duty requires, feeling still such rebellion in ourselves, that we have need daily to fight against the lusts of our flesh;[h] yet, nevertheless, seeing that our Lord has dealt thus mercifully with us, that he has printed his gospel in our hearts,[i] so that we are preserved from falling into desperation and misbelief; and seeing also he has endued us with a will and desire to renounce and withstand our own affections,[k] with a longing for his righteousness and the keeping of his commandments, we may be now right well assured, that those defaults and manifold imperfections in us shall be no hindrance at all against us, to cause him not to accept and impute us as worthy to come to his spiritual table. For the end of our coming thither is not to make protestation that we are upright and just in our lives,[l] but contrariwise, we come to seek our life and perfection in Jesus Christ, acknowledging in the meantime, that we of ourselves are the children of wrath and damnation.[m]

Let us consider, then, that this sacrament is a singular medicine for all poor sick creatures, a comfortable help to weak souls, and that our Lord requires no other worthiness on our part, but that we unfeignedly acknowledge our naughtiness and imperfection. Then to the end that we may be worthy partakers of his merits and most comfortable benefits (which is the true eating of his flesh, and drinking of his blood),[n] let us not suffer our minds to wander about the consideration of these earthly and corruptible things (which we see present to our eyes, and feel with our hands) to seek Christ bodily present in them, as if he were enclosed in the bread or wine, or as if these elements were turned and changed into the substance of his flesh and blood.[11] For the only way to dispose our souls to receive nourishment, relief, and quickening of his substance, is to lift up our minds by faith above all things worldly and sensible,[12] and thereby to enter into heaven, that we may find and receive Christ, where he dwells undoubtedly very God and very man,[o] in the incomprehensible glory of his Father, to whom be all praise, honour, and glory, now and ever. Amen.

a. John 6:56-57

b. Gal. 5:19-21

c. John 13:27

d. Matt. 3:10-12; Titus 2:11-14

e. Acts 4:12; Gal. 2:16-21

f. 1 Pet. 2:1; 1 Cor. 14:20; Eph. 4:1-3,; 25-32

g. Rom. 7:15-25

h. Gal. 5:17

i. Heb. 8:10-12; Jer. 31:33-34; Isa. 59:21

k. Rom. 7:15,; 19-20; Phil. 1:6

l. Luke 18:9-14

m. Eph. 2:3; Luke; 5:31-32

n. John 6:55-58

o. 1 Tim. 6:14-16

The exhortation ended, the minister comes down from the pulpit, and sits at the table, every man and woman in likewise taking their place as occasion best serves: then he takes bread, and gives thanks, either in these words following, or like in effect:

O Father of mercy, and God of all consolation, seeing all creatures do knowledge and confess thee as Governor and Lord,[a] it becometh us, the workmanship of thine own hands, at all times to reverence and magnify thy Godly Majesty: first, for that thou hast created us to thine own image and similitude;[b] but chiefly that thou hast delivered us from that everlasting death and damnation,[c] into the which Satan drew mankind by the means of sin, from the bondage whereof, neither man nor angel was able to make us free;[d] but thou, O Lord, rich in mercy and infinite in goodness, hast provided our redemption to stand in thy only and well -beloved Son, whom of very love thou didst give to be made man,[e] like unto us is all things[f] (sin excepted),[g] that in his body he might receive the punishments of our transgression,[h] by his death to make satisfaction to thy justice,[i] and by his resurrection to destroy him that was author of death;[k] and so to reduce and bring again life to the world,[l] from which the whole offspring of Adam most justly was exiled.[m]

O Lord, we acknowledge that no creature is able to comprehend the length and breadth, the depth and height, of that thy most excellent love,[n] which moved thee to show mercy where none was deserved;[o] to promise and give life where death had gotten victory;[p] to receive us into thy grace when we could do nothing but rebel against thy justice.[q] O Lord, the blind dullness of our corrupt nature will not suffer us sufficiently to weigh these thy most ample benefits;[r] yet, nevertheless, at the commandment of Jesus Christ our Lord,[s] we present ourselves to this his table, (which he hath left to be used in remembrance of his death until his coming again),[t] to declare and witness before the world that by him alone we have received liberty and life;[u] that by him alone thou dost acknowledge us thy children and heirs;[x] that by him alone we have entrance to the throne of thy grace;[y] that by him alone we are possessed in our spiritual kingdom,[z] to eat and drink at his table;[a] with whom we have our conversation presently in heaven;[b] and by whom our bodies shall be raised up again from the dust, and shall be placed with him in that endless joy, which thou, O Father of mercy, hast prepared for thine elect, before the foundation of the world was laid.[c] And these most inestimable benefits, we acknowledge and confess to have received of thy free mercy and grace, by thy only beloved Son Jesus Christ:[d] for the which therefore, we thy congregation, moved by thy Holy Spirit,[e] render thee all thanks, praise, and glory, for ever and ever.

p. Matt. 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-29

a. Rev. 5:13

b. Gen. 1:27

c. Eph. 2:8-12; Gal. 1:4; Gen. 3:15

d. Acts 4:12; Heb. 1:4-5; Rev. 5:1-4

e. John 3:16

f. Heb. 2:17

g. Heb. 4:15; 7:26-28

h. 1 Pet. 2:24; Isa. 43:25 ; Isa. 53

i. Matt. 3:17; 17:5; Rom. 5:8-10

k. Heb. 2:14

l. John 6:50-51

m. Gen. 3:22-24; Rom. 5:12

n. Eph 3:18-19

o. Eph. 2:8-12

p. John 6:33; 17:2-3; Eph. 2:1-7

q. Gen. 6:5; Rom. 3:9-18; Isa. 64:6; Ps. 5:9; 14:1-3; Rom. 7:14

r. Matt. 16:13-17; 1 Cor. 2:14; Luke; 11:33ff. ; Matt. 10

s. Matt. 26:26-28; Luke 22:17-20

t. 1 Cor. 11:23-26

u. John 8:32,36; Gal. 5:13

x. Rom. 8:14-17; 1 Pet. 1:3-5; Eph. 1:5

y. Eph. 2:18; Heb. 4:15-16

z. Matt. 25; John 14:1ff.; Luke 12:32

a. Luke 22:14-20; Rev. 2:7,17

b. Phil. 3:20; Eph. 2:6

c. Eph. 1:4; Rev. 13:7-8

d. Rom. 3:20 ; Eph. 2:8-12; Titus 3:4-7

e. Rom. 8:15

This done, the minister breaks the bread, and delivers it to the people,[a] who distribute and divide the same amongst themselves,[b] according to our Saviour Christ's commandment, and in likewise gives the cup.[c] During the which time, some place of the scriptures is read, which does lively set forth the death of Christ, to the intent that our eyes and senses may not only be occupied in these outward signs of bread and wine, which are called the visible word; but that our hearts and minds also may be fully fixed in the contemplations of the Lord's death, which is by this holy sacrament represented. And after the action is done, he gives thanks, saying:

Most merciful Father, we render to thee all praise, thanks, and glory, for that thou hast vouchsafed to grant unto us miserable sinners so excellent a gift and treasure, as to receive us into the fellowship and company of thy dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord;[a] whom thou delivered to death for us,[b] and hast given him unto us as a necessary food and nourishment unto everlasting life.[c]

And now we beseech thee also, O heavenly Father, to grant us this request; that thou never suffer us to become so unkind as to forget so worthy benefits; but rather imprint and fasten them sure in our hearts, that we may grow and increase daily more and more in true faith,[d] which continually is exercised in all manner of good works,[e] and so much the rather, O Lord, confirm us in these perilous days and rages of Satan,[f] that we may constantly stand and continue in the confession of the same to the advancement of thy glory,[g] which art God over all things blessed for ever. So be it.

The action thus ended, the people sing the 103rd Psalm, "My soul, give laud," etc, or some other of thanksgiving: which ended, one of the blessings before mentioned is recited, and so they rise from the table, and depart.

a. Matt. 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26

b. Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor. 10:16

c. 1 Cor. 11:23-26; John 13, 14

a. 1 Cor.; 10:16-17

b. Rom. 4:25

c. John 6:55-58

d. Luke 17:5

e. Gal. 5:6

f. 1 Tim. 4:1-3; Eph. 6:12 ; 2 Pet. 3:3

g. Matt. 5:13-16; 1 Pet. 2:9, 12

To the Reader:

If perchance any would marvel why we follow rather this order than any other in the administration of this sacrament,[13] let him diligently consider, that, first of all, we utterly renounce the error of the Papists; secondly, we restore unto the sacraments their own substance, and to Christ his proper place. And as for the words of the Lord's Supper, we rehearse them not because they should change the substance of the bread or wine, or that the repetition thereof, with the intent of the sacrificer, should make the sacrament (as the Papists falsely believe), but they are read and pronounced, to teach us how to behave ourselves in this action, and that Christ might witness unto our faith, as it were with his own mouth, that he has ordained these signs for our spiritual use and comfort. We do fi