XXV. Of the Sacraments.
Sacraments ordained of Christ be not
only badges or tokens of Christian men's profession, but rather they be
certain sure witnesses, and effectual signs of grace, and God's good will
towards us, by the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only
quicken, but also strengthen and confirm our Faith in him.
There are two Sacraments ordained of
Christ our Lord in the Gospel, that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the
Lord.
Those five commonly called Sacraments,
that is to say, Confirmation, Penance, Orders, Matrimony, and Extreme
Unction, are not to be counted for Sacraments of the Gospel, being such as
have grown partly of the corrupt following of the Apostles, partly are states
of life allowed in the Scriptures; but yet have not like nature of Sacraments
with Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, for that they have not any visible sign
or ceremony ordained of God.
The Sacraments are not ordained of
Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried about, but that we should duly use
them. And in such only as worthily receive the same, they have a wholesome
effect or operation: but they that receive them unworthily, purchase to
themselves damnation, as Saint Paul saith.