XXIII - To whom Sacraments appertaine

Col. 2.11, 12 WE confesse and acknowledge, That Baptisme appertaineth as well to the infants of the faithfull, as unto those that be of age and discretion; Rom. 4.11. Gen. 17.10. Mat. 28.19. And so we condemne the errour of the Anabaptists, who deny Baptisme to appertaine to children, before that they have Faith and understanding. But the Supper of the Lord we confesse to appertaine onely to such as be of the houshold of Faith, and can try and examine themselves, as well in their Faith, as in their duties towards their neighbours. Such as eat at that holy Table without Faith, 1 Cor. 11.28, 29. or being at dissension and division with their brethren do eat unworthily. And therefore it is, that in our Churches Ministers take publike and particular examination of the knowledge and conversation of such as are to be admitted to the Table of the Lord Jesus.