A treatise of the sacrament of the confirmation wherein is shewed the necessary spirituall profit, and excellencie of this sacrament. Composed by W.R.

OF THE NECESSITIE , SPIRITVALL PROFIT , AND EXCELlencie of the Sacr ent . of Confirmation .

CHAPTER . I. How it is certaine , that the Sacrament of Confirmation is necessarie , or not necessarie : and how it is doubtfull .

EVERY thing that is necessarie , is necessarie to some end or purpose . Now there bee two ends , to which one may thinke that Confirmation is necessarie : The one is Salus , ( as diuines Two ends to which Confirmation may bee thought necessarie speake ) that is , Christianitie or Saluation : The other is Perfectio Salutis , that is perfection or Complement of Christianitie or of Saluation ; For as in our corporall life , wee bee first Children , and after perfect or compleate men : So in our spirituall life wee bee first Children and ( as S. Peeter speaketh , Like Infants 1. Petr. 2. new borne , weake and imperfect , and after by spirituall growth and strenght we become perfect and compleate Christians .

And as there are these two ends , to which it may bee thought that Confirmation is necessarie : So also there are two kinds of necessities Two kinds of necessitie . by which likewise it may bee thought that it is necessarie to either of them ; For some things are necessarie ( as Phylosophers and diuines speake ) necessitate medij , as a necessarie meanes , because it is the onely meane to attaine vnto such an ende ; So is a ship necessarie to trauell by Sea , food for to liue , and the like ; Other things are necessarie necessitate praecepti by necessitie of precept or commaund , which are not simply necessarie of them selues , but onely because they are commaunded ; So to fast in Lent , to communicate at Easter , and the like , are necessarie to Saluation , because they are commaunded by the Church .

Now certaine it is and vndoubted , Confirmation not necessarie as a necessarie meane to Saluation . that Confirmation is not necessarie necessitate medij , as a necessarie meane to Saluation , because it is not instituted by our Sauiour as a necessarie meane to saue vs ; For as Saint Thomas and diuines S. Thom. 3. q. 65. ar. 4. teach , in this sort three onely Sacraments are necessarie : to witt , Baptisme to all , and Pennance to euery one that after Baptisme falleth into mortall sinne , and Order in respect of the whole Church , for where there Prouerbs . 11. is no Gouernours the people will fall ; And in like manner certaine it is , that Confirmation is necessarie necessitate medij , But necessarie as a meane to the perfection of Saluation . as a necessarie meane to the perfection or Complement of Christianitie or Saluation for to become a perfect or compleate Christian ; For as Baptisme is by Christ instituted as a necessarie meane to Saluation or Christianitie , so as none can bee saued or bee a Christian , if hee may bee baptized , and will not : So is Confirmation instituted by him , as a necessarie meane to the perfection of Christianitie or Saluation , in such sort as none can attaine to the perfection or complement of Christianitie or Saluation , if hee may be confirmed and will not , And therefore Without Confirmation hee s●all neit●er haue the Cha●a●●er of a Souldiet of Christ , nor the Sacramentall grace of Confirmation . Saint Cornelius Pope and Martyr in Eusebius l. 6. Histor. c. 35. saith of Nouatian the Hereticke , who had not bene confirmed : Which ( Confirmation ) hee hauing not receiued , how I pray you had hee the holy Ghost ? The like saieth , saint Clement , saint Fabian and others hereafter related chap. 3. Likewise saint Thomas . 3. p. quaest. 72. artic. 6. As none obtaineth the effect of Baptisme without the desire of Baptisme : So none obtaineth the effect of Confirmation without the desire of Confirmation ; And Cardinall Bellarmin l. 1. de Sacrament . c. 22. expressely saith , that The Eucharist , Confirmation , and Extreme Vnction Confirmation , necessarie meanes ad bene esse . are necessarie , necessitate medij ( as necessarie meanes ) ad bene esse ( to the perfection of a Christian ) supposing Gods institution . Also necessarie to the Sacramental grace thereof .

In like manner it is certaine , that none can haue the Sacramentall grace of Confirmation , vnles hee bee confirmed , because this Sacrament is instituted as a necessarie meane to giue the Sacramentall grace aunswearable vnto it ; Which what it is wee shall see in the 8. Chapter . Wherefore wisely and piously aduised Sotus in 4. d. 11. qu. 2. art. 1. Marke diligently , that the desire of receiuing the blessed Sacrament doth not suffice to giue the Sacramentall grace thereof . For it is a generall Rule common to all Sacraments , that the degree of grace which aunsweareth to the Sacrament , is never giuen unles the Sacrament bee actually receiued : And therefore Admonition of Sotus to bee noted of Priests . Parishpriests are much to bee admonished that they omit not for any light cause to giue the Eucharist to sick persons thereby depriuing them of that degree of grace : And it is euident in Baptisme : For though with Contrition and desire of Baptisme , a man may so farre attaine to the effect of Baptisme , as hee hath remission of his Sinnes , yet neither doth hee attaine to that degree of grace , which Baptisme of it selfe giueth , but onely to that degree which is aunswerable to his Contrition : neither receiueth hee the Character of Baptisme , nor full pardon of all the paine due to his Sinnes , as hee should do , if hee were actually baptized : And in like sort hee that hath no effectuall desire to bee confirmed , receiueth no effect at all of this Sacrament ; And hee that What they want that are not confirmed . desireth it , but yet is not actually confirmed , neither receaueth the Character , nor that Sacramentall grace due to this Sacrament , but that onely which is answeareable to his vertuous desire . And Confirmation beeing thus necessarie necessitate medij , as a necessarie meane to the bene esse , or the Complement and perfection of a Christian , and also to receiue the Character and Sacramentall Grace of this Sacrament , euery pious and vertuous Christian seeth , how much hee ought to desire it , and how loath hee should bee to want it , though there were no Commandement at all to receiue it : And much more , when hee shall see , that it is also necessarie necessitate praecepti , as a thinge Confirmation necessarie necessitate praecepti . commaunded , which I will proue in the Chapters following , against some who call it in question or deny it ; And first I will proue it out of the generall Custome of Christs Church euen from her first beginning .

CHAPTER . II. That it was the generall Custome of Christs Church euen from her beginning , that Christions should bee confirmed .

ALbeit Christ , in the time of his mortall life , did not giue the Sacrament Why Christ did not giue the Sacrament ●f Confirmation in his life time . of Confirmation ; because ( as saint Thomas saith . 3. p. qu. 72. art. 1. ) in this Sacrament is giuen the Fulnes of the holy Ghost which was not to bee giuen before Christs Resurrection and Ascension , according to that of S. Iohn . 7. The Spirit was not yet giuen , because IESVS was not yet glorified . Neuerthelesse did hee both institute this Sacrament , as hee did all the rest , and also as saint Fabian Pope and Martyr saith Epist. 2. On Mandate Thursday : ( As our Predecessors receiued of the Apostles and they haue left to vs ) hee Christ taught to make Chrisme . taught them to make Chrisme : and also hee expressely commaunded his Apostles , that they should tarry in Ierusalem Luc. vls . till they were indued with power from high , that is , till they had receiued that spirituall strenght , which is giuen by this Sacrament : For this is that power or Strength whereof hee meant , as wee shall see hereafter .

Now after his Ascension , Grace of Confirmation first giuen on whit sonday . vppon the day of Pentecost or Whitsonday , hee bestowed vppon his Apostles and disciples , in a miraculous and extraordinarie manner , and in an abundant degree , the grace of this Sacrament , without the Sacrament it selfe ; For ( as the holy Fathers See infra cap. 8. and diuines teach ) that grace which was then giuen them , was the grace of the Sacrament of Confirmation ; So that the grace of this Sacrament was bestowed vppon the Church of Christ , euen at that very time when shee was perfected and accomplished , and when Christs lawe was published and proclaimed by the Apostles in Ierusalem vnto all nations , ( as Act. 2. saint Luke speaketh ) vnder heauen ; Or rather , the grace of this Sacrament was giuen to the Church of Christ for to perfect and accomplish her , and to giue her courage for to publish and proclaime Christs lawe . And thus wee see , that Christ confirmed his disciples ; Now lett vs see , that the Apostles and holy Bishops theire Successors , did the like to theire followers .

Not long after this , and assoone as the Apostles had vnderstood , that the Samaritans , The Apostles care to giue Confirmation . had bene baptized by Philipp the Deacon , straightway they sent two of the cheefest Apostles , saint Peeter and saint Iohn , of purpose to confirme them , thinking that a iourney worthy of such greate personages ; Who ( saith saint Luke , Act. 8. ) did impose their hands vppon them , and they receiued the holy Ghost : In like manner saint Paul S. Pauls care of the same . was carefull to enquire of Christians , whether they had receiued the holy Ghost , and when they answered that they had not , hee imposed hands vppon them , and the holy Ghost came vppon them : Actorum 19. Both which places the holy Fathers and Diuines doe vnderstand of the Sacrament of Confirmation . And hereby wee see , both the Custome , and the greate care the holy Apostles had to confirme the Christians , lett vs see the like of the holy Bishops theire Successors .

Saint Denis Schollar to the Apostles in his Booke de Ecclesiastica The same in S. Denis his time . Hierarchia cap. 2. describing , what was done to one in those times , that was Christened , saith : And the Priests taking him that is Baptized , deliuer him to his Godfather who brought him thither , and togeather with him putt vppon him a garment , beeseeming the puritie of one that is baptized , and so attyred they leade him againe to the Bishop . Hee signing the man with diuine designing ointment , maketh him partaker of the most holy Communion . For that perfecting ointment maketh him so perfected , notable with the fragrant smell of sweete odour . And Cap. 4. Euen to him who is consecrated with the holy misterie of regeneration , the inunction of ointment giueth the comming of the holy Ghost . Behold , how they that were Christened , were anointed with diuine ointment of the Bishop , and thereby receiued the holy Ghost .

Tertullian also , not long In Tertullian his time . after the Apostles time , writeth thus ; l. de Baptism . Then going from the Lauer , wee were anointed with a holy ointment according to the auncient discipline . Whence Christ is called of Christ of Chrisme . Chrisme , which is ointment , which gaue our Lord his name : And , l. de Resur . c. 7. and l. 1. contra Mart. hee hath these wordes : The flesh is anointed , that the Soule may bee consecrated ; the flesh is signed , that the Soule may bee fenced : the flesh by imposition of hands is shadowed , that the Soule by the Spirit may bee illuminated . Loe , how those that were Christened , were also anointed with holy Chrisme and that according to auncient discipline ; and that theire flesh was anointed , signed , and shadowed by imposition of hands , that theire Soule might bee fensed , consecrated and illuminated by the Spirit .

S. Cyprian Epistola ad Iubaian ; In S. Cyprians time . Therefore because the Samaritans had receiued a lawfull and ecclesiasticall Baptisme , they were not to bee baptized againe : but that onely which wanted was done by Peeter and Iohn , that praier beeing made for them and hands imposed vppon them the holy Ghost might bee inuocated and poured vppon them : which now also is done with vs , that who are baptized in the Church , bee offerred to the Prelates of the Church , and by our power and imposition of hands , they may attaine the holy Ghost , and bee signed with our Lordes marke . In which wordes hee plainely saith , that the Apostles confirmed the baptized Samaritans , and that the Prelates of the Church in his time did the same .

The Councel of Eliberie , which was held toward the At the end of the time of persecution . end of the persecution of the Primatiue Church , thus ordaineth Conc. 38. They that trauell by Sea a farre of , if a Church bee not neere , a Christian may baptize a Catechumene in extremitie of sicknes : but so , as if hee recouer , hee bring him to a Bishop that by imposition of hands hee may bee perfected . Of the like lawe or decree make mention S. Cornelius , saint Hierome , and others whose wordes shall bee related ; And thus wee see the Custome and care of the primatiue Church in her time of persecution vnder Heathen Emperors , for confirming of those that were Christined . Now lett vs see her like custome in time of Calme vnder Christian Emperors .

Saint Hierome , who liued In S. Hieroms time . soone after the foresaid time of persecution , Dial. contra Lucifer . writeth thus in the person of a Luciferian : Art thou ignorant , that this is the Custome of the Churches , that hands bee after imposed vppon them that are baptized , and so the holy Ghost bee inuocated ? Doest thou aske where it is written ? In the Acts of the Apostles . And if Custome of all the world . there were no authoritie of Scripture , the consent of all the world to this part would bee as good as a precept . And saint Hierome answereth in the person of a Catholicke : Surely I doe not denie , that this is the Custome of the Churches , that the Bishop make a progresse into small townes for to impose hands vppon those , that haue bene baptized by Priests and Deacons for the inuocation of the holy Ghost : But what a matter is it , that thou wilst abuse the Lawe of the Church . Lawes of the Church for herefie ? Behold , how by the Confession , both of Catholicks and Hereticks , it was in saint Hieroms time a Lawe and Custome of the Church , and of all the world , that the Bishop should confirme those , who had bene baptized by Priests or Deacons , and that this is that which weeread the Apostles to haue don in their Acts. S. Prosper schollar to S. Austin S. Austins time . in his 34. sent. gathered out of S. Austin , hath these wordes : Christs name is from Chrisme , that is , from anointing . For that end is euery Christian sanctified , that hee may knowe hee is partaker , not onely of Priestlie and Princelie dignitie , but also is made a wrastler against the Diuill ; And the like wordes hath saint Austin . Tra. 33. in Ioannem . And. l. de Eccles. dogmat . 52. & habetur de Cons. d. 4. C. Si qui , hee doth appoint , that those that are conuerted from Heresie : Bee confirmed and strengthned by imposition of hands and Chrisme , bee admitted to receiue the Eucharist .

S. Isidor , who was Schollar to S. Gregorie the greate , In S. Gregories time . l. 2. de off . c. 15. writeth thus : And there was at that same time mysticall vnction onely in Kinges and Priests , because Christ was figured , whence euen the name is deriued . But after that our Lord the eternall King and Priest , was anointed of God his heauenly Father with mysticall ointment , now not onely Priests and Kinges but all the Church is All the Church . consecrated with the ointment of Chrisme , because it is a member of the eternall Priest and King .

Rabanus l. 1. de Instit. Cler. c. 30. Last of all the holy Ghost is giuen of the Bishop by imposition of hands vnto the baptized , that hee may bee strengthned by the holy Ghost to preach vnto others the same guifte .

Author de vnctione Chrismatis in Saint Cyprian : Now in the holy Church , is holy Chrisme made with other ointments for to sanctifie the purchased people , to bee partakers of the dignitie and name ; The fulnes of this grace is poured vppon all Catholicks that as Christ is All Catholicks . called of Chrisme , in that God hath anointed him with the oile of singular excellencie : So also , whosoeuer are partakers of him , may bee partakers both of the ointment and name . More Fathers might bee alleaged , but these may suffice to knowe , that it was the generall Custome of the Church euen from the beginning , that Christians beeing baptized , should bee confirmed of a Bishop . And seeing that Custome ( as Diuines and Lawyers Custome bindeth as well as a Lawe . teach ) is a lawe not written , and bindeth aswell as a written lawe doth , it is euident , that by this generall Custome , Christians in times past were bound to bee confirmed . Now lett vs see , that some of them expressely say , that there was also a lawe of this .

CHAPTER . III. That there was a Lawe or Commandement in the Church of God , that Christians should bee confirmed .

SAint Clement Pope and Successor to saint Peeter , Epistola , 4. writeth thus : All must make hast without delay to bee regenerated to God , and after Christians must bee confirmed . to bee signed of the Bishop , that is , to receiue the Seauenfold grace of the holy Ghost , — Because otherwise Not a perfect Christian without Confirmation . hee cannot bee a perfect Christian , nor haue place among the perfect , if hee remanie so , not vppon necessitie , but through negligence and his owne will , as wee haue receaued of saint Peeter and the rest of the Apostles haue taught according to the Commandement of our Lord . In which wordes hee seemeth to say , that it is a commandement of Christ , that Christians should bee confirmed : of which opinion are absolutely diuers greate diuines , as Scotus in 4. d. 7. q. 2. Richardus 16. art. 5. Thomas Walden l. 2. cap. 3. Sotus lect. 2. de Confir . and others ; and of the same mind ( for time of persecution ) are Durand Gabriell , Marsilius , Turrecremata , and also Filliucius tract. 3. c. 2.

S. Fabian Pope and Martyr Epistola 2. hauing said ( as before is related ) that Christ taught the Apostles to make Chrisme , and that it is to bee renewed euery yeare , addeth : These things wee receiued of the Apostles and theire Successors , and wee commaund The Apostles commaunded the making of Chrisme . them to bee obserued of you ; and a litle after : The Apostles taught these thinges that the old Chrisme should bee burnt , and suffered it not to bee vsed aboue one yeare , and commaunding thaught that wee should vse the newe and not the old ; And surely if the Apostles did make such commaundement touching Chrisme , which is but the matter of this Sacrament , it is most likely , that they made some Commaundement touching the Sacrament it selfe .

Saint Cornelius also Pope ad Martyr in Eusebius l. 6. Histor. thus writeth of Nouatian , who afterwardes became an Hereticke : In the bed where hee Laie , being sprinkled with water , hee was baptized : but recouering of his sicknes neither had hee the other things which according to the Canon of A Canon of the Church to be confitmed . the Church hee should haue , neither was hee signed of the Bishop with our lords marke , which hauing not receaued , how I praie you had hee the holy Ghost ? Wherein hee seemeth to auouch , that it was a Canon of the Church , that Christians beeing baptized , should bee singned , that is confirmed , of the Bishop , and that for want thereof , Nouatian had not receaued the holy Ghost .

Theodoret. l. 3. Fab. speaking of the Nouatian Hereticks , Holy Fathers commaund Confirmation . followers of the foresaid Nouatian , saith : They giue not holy Chrisme to those whome they baptize , wherefore the holy Fathers haue commaunded , that those who out of this Heresie are vnited to the Church , bee anointed ; Behold a plaine Commaundement of the holy Fathers , that Christians bee anointed with holy Chrisme . And the same confirmeth saint Petrus Damianus , Ser. 1. de Dedicat. Eccles. in these wordes : The Decretalls and The Decrees of Fathers for Confirmation . Constitutions of holy Fathers doe decree , that the vertue of this Sacrament ( of Confirmation ) is not to bee differred after Baptisme , least that the deceitfull aduersarie find vs vnarmed ; Saint Hierome , also in the wordes before cited expressely saith that it is a lawe of the Church ; And of this opinion are many graue diuines as Alensis , saint Bonauenture , Paludanus , Siluester , and others ; And as Maldonate saith , q. 2. de Confirm . The Example of the Apostles and so generall Custome of the Church , hath taken place of a precept ; And of the same opinion are , or ought to bee all they , who either say , that Confirmation is commaunded , as Bellarmine l. 1. de Sacram. c. 22. for they must at least meane , that it is commaunded by an Ecclesiasticall precept : or say , that it is a veniall Sinne not to bee confirmed euen without contempt , as Nauar. Man . c. 22. num. 9. Caietan . verb. Confirmatio , No sinne is where no precept is . Victoria lib. var. resol . c. 10. and others , because no sinne can bee , where there is no Commaundement . And much more the Canonists , who ( as wee shall hereafter report out of Paludan . in 4. d. 7. ) doe say , that it is a mortall sinne not to bee confirmed when one may .

Moreouer , seeing there is an Apostolicall precept of August . l. 2. de visit . infirm . c. 4. Nec praetermittendum est illud Iacobt Apostoli preceptum . Infirmatur quit &c. beeing anoiled when one is sicke , deliuered by S. Iames chap. 5. why shall wee not thinke also , that there was an Apostolicall precept of Confirmation , at least in time of persecution ? because two ends of this Sacrament doe then take place , to witt , to beecome perfect , and compleate Christians , which end holdeth euen in time of peace , and also to haue spirituall strength and armour to professe Christs faith , which is more proper for time of persecution ; And who beeing to goe to a daungerous Combat , and may haue sure Armor , Confirmation more necessarie in persecution then extreme vnction at death . and will not , exposeth himselfe to daunger of beeing killed : Besides , more Christians fall from theire faith in time of persecution then in time of sicknes or naturall death . If therefore extreme vnction were by the Apostles commaunded to them that are in daunger of naturall death , why not Confirmation to those that are in daunger of violent death by persecution ? Vnlesse we will thinke , that the Apostles had lesse care of Christians when they are in greater daunger , then when they are in lesse . But this Ecclesiasticall precept of Confirmation , which wee haue proued out of the expressie sayings of some Fathers , lett vs also proue out of diuers other sayings of theirs .

CHAPTER . IIII. That there was an Ecclesiasticall precept of Confirmation , proued out of diuers other sayings of the holy Fathers .

SAint Cyprian l. 2. Epistola 1. ad Ianuar. It is necessary Confirmation necessarie . ( saith hee ) that hee who is Christned , bee anointed , that hauing receiued Chrisme , that is , vnction , hee may bee both the anointed of God , and haue the grace of Christ in him .

Saint Melchiades Pope Epistola ad Episc. Hispan ; inserted in the Canons de Consecr. d. 5. But these two Sacraments ( Baptisme and Confirmation ) Confirmation not to bee separate from Baptisme . are so vnited , that vnlesse it bee by reason of death , they may not bee parted , and the one may not rightly bee giuen without the other — Againe — If the benefite of Regeneration suffice for them , that are readie to die ; yet the helpe of Confirmation is necessarie Necessarie . for them that are to liue .

S. Vrban Pope and Martyr Epistola , ad om . Christianos Christians must bee confirmed . related in the Canons loco cit. All the faithfull after baptisme must receaue the holy Ghost , by imposition of hands of the Bishop , that they may bee full Christians .

The Councell of Laodicea , Canon . 4. 8. The baptized Must bee confirmed . must after baptisme receiue most holy Chrisme , and bee made partakers of the holy kingdome .

Saint Pacian Epistola . 3. How hath your people the holy Must bee confirmed . Ghost , whome an anointed Priest doth not signe ? The like had saint Cornelius aboue cited .

Saint Cyrill Cathechisme 3. mystag . Hauing receiued this Not properly Christians without Confirmation . guift of holy Chrisme , you are rightly called Christians , making true the naming in the regeneration ; For before this grace was giuen you , you were not properly worthie of that name , but going forward , you are come so farre , as you are made Christians .

The Councell of Orleans Cap. 3. cited in the Canons loco cit. Hee shall neuer bee a Not Christians . Christian , vnlesse hee bee anointed with Episcopall Confirmation .

And why should these holy Councells and Fathers say that Confirmation is necessarie to Christians , that Christians must bee confirmed ; that without death Confirmation is not rightly separate from Baptisme : that without Confirmation wee are not full Christians , not properly Christians , and simply not Christians , vnlesse they thought , that Confirmation was at least necessarie by necessitie of precept ?

Moreouer , saint Leo , Epistola S. Leo bewaileth want of Confirmation . 73. al. 75. greately bewaileth , that in a place the hallowing of Chrisme had failed , which thing was to bee bewailed in England for many yeares ; And the Sea Apostolicke hath bene so loath , that Christians should want Confirmation , that sometimes shee hath giuen leaue to Priests to confirme for want of Bishops , albeit many graue Diuines thinke , that such power cannot bee giuen to Priests ; And likewise , in times of Interdict , when shee forbiddeth to minister extreme vnction , yet shee forbiddeth not Confirmation , no more then Baptisme or Confession : which argueth , that shee thinketh Confirmation to bee more necessarie then extreme vnction .

To the former sayings of Fathers wee may add , that Hugo de sanct. Victore ( related by saint Thomas 3. p. q. 72. art. 8. ) affirmeth . It would Daunger to die without Confirmation . bee most daungerous , if one should depart out of this life without Confirmation ; And though saint Thomas add , that hee should not bee damned without contempt ; yet neither doth Hugo say , that it were daungerous to die with contempt of Confirmation , but without Confirmation , which insinuateth a necessitie of Confirmation it selfe ; Neither perhaps doth saint Thomas there take Contempt so strictly , as it is distinguished from negligence , both for that wee shall say hereafter , as also because him selfe there saith : This is natures intention , that euery one that is corporally borne , doe come to perfect age ; And much more it is Gods intention to bring all thinges to perfection ; Gods intention that wee bee confirmed . wherevppon it is said Deutr. 32. Gods workes are perfect ; And therefore this Sacrament must bee giuen to all ; And if it bee Gods intention , that euery one bee confirmed , and that euery one must bee confirmed , this argueth , that euen negligence of this Sacrament is daungerous , as wee shall see more hereafter Cap. 6.

CHAPTER . V. That in England Christians are bound to bee confirmed by an expresse Commaund of diuers Prouinciall Councells .

ARchbishop Peckham in a Prouinciall Councell held at Lambeth Anno 1271. made this decree : Manie Expres Commaund of Confirmation in England . rashly neglect the Sacrament of Confirmation ; which damnable negligence wee resisting , doe decree , that none bee admitted to the Sacrament of the bodie and blood of our Lord ( except at the point of death ) vnlesse hee haue bene confirmed , or iustly hindered from receiuing Confirmation : In which decree I note , that not contempt of Confirmation , but euen rash negligen●e that is , grosse negligence Euen negligence of Confirmation damnable . thereof , is counted damnable ; likewise , that it commaundeth to receiue confirmation vnder a greate punishment , to witt , of not receauing the blessed Sacrament , which is a certaine signe that it commaundeth it vnder mortall sinne . And this Priests must not communicate those that will not bee confirmed . decree , that Priests might better remember it , is putt into the Rituall or Sacramentall of Sarum ; where also the Priest is appointed to commaund the Parents , that they carry theire Child to the Bishop if hee come with in seauen Miles of them .

Stephen also Archbishop of Canterburie in a Prouinciall Councell at Oxford Anno 1230. commaundeth , that Priests doe often admonish the People for Confirmation of their Children after Baptisme ; And Linwood l. 1. de Sacram. iter . C. Ignorantia : relateth these wordes of an other Prouinciall Canon . Fiue Sacraments ( debent ) must bee receiued of all Christians , to witt Baptisme , Confirmation &c. Wherevppon Linwood saith : They must bee Must of necessitie bee confirmed . receiued of necessitie , as appeareth by that word ( Debent ) ar. de cel. Miss. C. exparte .

And besides these expresse Generall Custome of England to bee confirmed . Canons , there was such a generall Custome in England of beeing confirmed , that as D. Saunders l. de Schism . testifieth , it was accounted infamous not to haue bene confirmed before one was seauen yeares old : And ( as before wee said ) a generall Custome bindeth as well as a lawe ; So that in England there bee two strong bonds to bind Catholicks to bee confirmed , to witt , Prouinciall Canons , and generall Custome ; Neither lett any thinke , that these Canons or Canons of the Church of England not abrogated . Custome , are abrogated by this long Non-vse , or discontinuance in time of Schisme . For besides , that these Canons were confirmed againe in a Prouinciall Councell held by Cardinall Pole in time of Queene Mary , and this Custome then renewed with such ze●e of English Catholicks , as in some places the Church could not conteine D. Saunders de Schism . the People that flocked to the Bishop , that hee was faine to confirme in the Church-yard , and to bee defended by armed men from the presse of the people . Besides I say this , it is not mere Non-vse or not practise for want of the case of the lawe ( as was here in former times for want of a Bishop ) that doth abrogate a lawe , as all Diuines and lawyers agree , but it must bee a positiue practise against the lawe , when the case of the lawe is . But in England heretofore hath bene a mere Non vse of the said Canons ad Custome , for want of a Bishop by whome men might bee confirmed , and no positiue practise or discontinuance of all or of the greatest part of Catholicks , when there was meanes to bee confirmed ; wherefore howsoeuer Catholicks in other Countries bee not bound to bee confirmed by any Ecclesiasticall lawe , because perhaps they , by a contrary custome haue abrogated the lawe , euen when the case of the lawe was , and meanes were to bee confirmed , yet in England they are bound vnder mortall sinne to obserue this lawe of Confirmation , as well as they are bound to obserue other Ecclesiasticall lawes , of communicating at Easter , confessing ōcea yeare , hearing masse on holydayes , abstayning from flesh on forbidden dayes , fasting on Fridayes , and the like , to witt , when they can obserue them without theire notable preiudice or daunger ; And in the same manner , Priests are bound not to giue the blessed Sacr ent. to such as are notably negligent in this point , vnlesse it bee at the hower of theire death , because the foresaid Canon as well bindeth Canons of Confirmation mo●e bind ●ow then in Catholicke times . Priests to this , as it bindeth laicks to the other ; yea the foresaid Canons haue more reason to bind now then in Catholicke times , by reason that wee not onely liue in persecution , but also because wee liue amongst Protestants who contemne this Sacrament , with whome by our deed , that is , by our grosse negligence thereof , wee may seeme to consent : And ( euen as they graunt , who say there is no sinne not to bee confirmed ) a man may sinne herein mortally by reason of scandall if so hee behaueth himselfe , as hee giueth suspition of contempt ; And thus much for the necessitie of Confirmation out of the generall Custome of Gods Church , out of the Churches lawe thereof , out of the holy Fathers , and out of the Prouinciall Constitutions of the Catholicke Church of England . Now lett vs heare the opinions of Diuines and Canonists .

CHAPTER VI. The necess●tie of Confirmation proued by the authoritie of Diuines & Canonists .

FIrst , all agree , that it is a Mortall Sinne not to bee confirmed of contempt . mortall Sinne , not to bee confirmed vppon contempt of the Sacrament , and the holy Councell of Trent thus speaketh of the contempt of extreme vnction . Sessio . 14. cap. 3. Neither can the contempt of so greate a Sacrament bee without greate sinne and iniury to the holy Ghost ; And doubtlesse the same is of the contempt of Confirmation : And though contempt strictly taken bee more then negligence , for as Sotus in 4. d. 7. q. vn . art. 8. What Contempt is properly . saith ; Contempt , as the word soundeth , is to make no account of athing , and to reiect it as if it were nothing , yet in this matter they seeme to confound it with grosse negligence ; First , because such a formall contempt of a Sacrament , can scarce fall into the mind of a Catholicke , who beleeueth it to bee an Instrument of grace ; For how can a man , that contemneth not grace , contemne an Instrument of grace ? Secondly , because not onely our foresaid Prouinciall Canon doth expressely say that grosse negligence of Confirmation is Grosse negligence damnable . damnable , but also some others doe expresse them selues , that in this matter by contempt , they meane grosse negligence . For thus writeth Linwood vppon the foresaid Canon l. 1. tit . de sanct. vnct . C. Confirmationis ; Where one may bee confirmed , and will not , such negligence falleth into Contempt . For to neglect , and to contemne in a manner are equall ; For albeit in theire natures they bee different , as is gathered 20. d. Si decreta . Yet sometimes the Canons vse these wordes indifferently as noteth Card. and Archid. de Electione C. Cup●entes verb. Contempserit in 6. And here note , where negligence riseth of ones fault , as that beeing monished and induced by his Curate to goe to Confirmation , hee will not but neglecteth to bee confirmed , while hee hath meanes of a Bishop who can and would confirme What negligence of Confirmation worse then Contempt . him , then such negligence is compared , not onely to contempt , but also to deceit . Ar. C. vnic. in fin . de concess. praebend. in Clem. Et faciunt ●ot per Io. And Gloss. fin . de Appellat . C. Ab eo . l. 6. Marke Here , what negligence of Confirmation , Linwood accounteth not onely contempt , but also worse . Angelus also verb. Confirmatio saith out of Paludan : That hee s●meth to When is contempt , of Confirmation . contemne , when hauing sufficient opportunitie , without any reasonable cause doth not receiue this Sacrament ; And the same hath Tolet. l. 2. Instruct . c. 24. and addeth l. 7. c. 3. That it were contempt ( of Extreme When of Extreme Vnction . Vnction ) when the time beeing of Extreme Vnction , and occasion offered of receiuing it , not to receiue it , as wee ( saith hee ) said of Confirmation ; And the Gloss . de Elect. C. Cupientes in 6. Make Heere no difference beetweene contemne and reglect , though otherwhere there seeme to bee , 20. D. Si , decreta : Thus they expound , what they meane by Contempt , when they say , that Crosse negligence accounted contempt . Contempt of Confirmation is damnable , to witt , grosse negligence thereof .

Secondly all agree , that so Mortall Sinne in scandall of Confirmation . to neglect to bee confirmed , as thereby scandall is giuen , and suspition of contempt of Confirmation , is mortall and damnable ; See Suarez . to . 4. d. 38 sect. 1.

Thirdly diuers Diuines expressely affirme , that grosse or notable negligence of not beeing confirmed ( especially in time of persecution ) is a mortall sinne ; For thus hath Manipulus Curatorum tract . 3. C. 5. If there bee opportunitie to Grosse negligence of Confirmation mortall Sinne. receiue this Sacrament ( of Confirmation ) euery one must receiue it , and if hee omitt it without iustcause , hee sinneth mortally vnlesse hee receiue it . Sotus also in 4. d. 7. q. vn . art. 8. writeth thus : There followeth another doubt not to bee contemned , whether there bee any precept of Most Diuin●s say Confirmation is commaunded . Confirmation : to which most of the Doctors answer affirmatiuely as Richardus , Durandus , Paludanus , Siluester ; And againe . Richardus , Marsilius , Paludanus say , that as often as there is commoditie of a Minister to confirme , if a man may commodious●y receiue this Sacrament , then not Grosse negligence is mortall Sinne. onely the contempt , but euen the grosse negligence it selfe , which is cause that the Sacrament is not receiued , is mortall Sinne , And Victorellus in l. 2. Toleti c. 24. cit. saith : that , Petrus Sotus lect . 2. Durandus and Richardus d. 7. thinke , that not onely contempt , but also notable negligence to bee a mortall sinne , for the Commaundement of the Church : Fillucius tract. 3. c. 2. If in any place there bee necessitie Especially in time of persecution . of professing the Faith , wee must say , that there euen now this precept ( of Confirmation ) doth continue and bind , because hee should rashly expose himselfe to daunger of falling ; Angelus verb. Sacramentum ; Sacraments of necessitie are Baptisme , Confirmation , Eucharist , Penance , and Extreme Vnction ; Of the same opinion ought all Diuines to bee , who say , that it is a sinne to neglect to receaue this Sacrament , which most Diuines doe say . And besides those aboue named , Sotus loco cit. saith : Where one may bee commodiously confirmed , Sinne not to bee confirmed - it were Sinne not to receiue this Benefite of God ; And againe : It is sinfull negligence to deferre this Sacrament beyond that age ( of 12. or . 14. yeares . ) For the right order is not to receiue the Eucharist before Confirmation , as was the Custome in the primatiue Church ; And Bellarmin l. 1. de Sacram. c. 22. Who neglecteth to receiue this Sacrament , sinneth . For if there bee a Sinne not to receiue this Sacrament , there is a precept thereof , and if there bee a precept , the breach thereof is a mortall The breach of a precept in a matter of moment is a mortall Sinne. sinne , because ( as well saith Suarez loco cit. ) it is in a matter of moment ; And howsoeuer one may probably denie , that there is any generall precept of Confirmation in the vniuersall Church which bindeth euery one , or that such a precept bindeth vnder mortall Sinne , partly because it is abrogated by contrary Custome , partly also because it Greatnes of punishment argueth a mortall Sinne. was not imposed vnder any greate punishment , no Diuine can reasonably denie , that there is a speciall precept thereof in England , and that it bindeth vnder mortall Sinne , by that which hath bene said aboue ; And agreably to that which hath bene said of the negligence of people to receiue this Sacrament , Angelus and Siluester verb. Confirm . and others say : that notable negligence of Bishops in Mortall Sinne in Bishops not to confirme . not confirming , is a mortall Sinne in them , which also Tolet. insinuateth li. 5. cit. c. 4. And thus much for Diuines .

As for the opinion of the Canonists say it is a mortall Sinne not to be confirmed . Canonists in this matter , thus writeth Armilla verb. Sacra . The Sacrament of Baptisme , Confirmation , Communion , Penance , and Extreme Vnction according to the Canonists ( as writeth Paludanus 4. sent. d. 7. ) are necessarie , that is , vnder precept , so that who can receiue them , and will not , doth Sinne mortally . Thus wee see , by the testimonie of Armilla and Paludanus , what is the generall opinion of Canonists , and by the Confession also of Sotus , what is the generall opinion of Diuines , In dubijs tutior pars est eligenda . whose opinion it is securest to followe , especially seeing , there is so litle labour to receiue this Sacrament , and so greate good gotten by it , as shall hereafter appeare .

Moreouer , sith ( as is before said ) all agree , that not to receiue this Sacrament vppon contempt , is a mortall Sinne , how can hee , who considereth the giuer , the excellencie of the gifte , the greate profit himselfe may reape thereby , and also the greate need hee hath thereof , especially in time of persecution , bee not thought to contemne Whence wee may gather a contempt . the gifte , and also such a giuer , if hee receiue it not , when hee may conueniently ? For if all would condemne him , who refuseth a precious gift , which a Prince hath at his greate cost prouided for him , and which is both honorable , profitable , and needfull to him , and no way incommodious ; what shall wee thinke of him , who refuseth the Sacrament of Confirmation , which Christ hath prouided for him at the price of his pretious blood , which is most honorable to him before God and man , most profitable to his Soule , and no way painfull , or troublesome for him to receiue ? And the like I say of the Eucharist and extreme Vnction .

If any obiect , that if not to care to receiue a Sacrament , were to contemne it , then not Difference beetweene Confirmation and Orders and Matrimonie . to care to receiue the Sacr ent . of Orders or of Matrimonie , were to contemne them : I aunsweare , that Orders and Matrimonie were not instituted absolutely for all , but for such as would ; but Confirmation , Eucharist , and Extreme Vnction , were instituted absolutely for all Christians , and without any reference to theire wills , and Christ inuiteth all to these Sacraments , but to the other two , hee inuiteth onely those that will come ; And it is a farre different thing , not to accept an absolute offer of a precious gifte , or an absolute inuitation to a banquet then to refuse a conditionall offer , or inuitation , onely if one will ; Secondly , euery one is not fitt for Orders , or marriages , no nor capable of them , as women are not capable of Orders , nor Eunuches of Marriage , but euery one is both fitt and capable to bee confirmed that is Christned . Thirdly , Orders and Matrimonie are not necessary necessitate medij ad bene esse or ad perfectionem Christiani , as Confirmation is : Fourthly , Orders and Matrimonie bring with them some temporall difficulties or incommodities , as Orders celibate or single life , and Matrimonie the incumbrances of that State ; For which causes a man may iustly bee presumed not to take them without any contempt , but the like is not of Confirmation , Eucharist , or Extreme Vnction ; And therefore not to receiue these ( especially Confirmation , beeing the complement of our Baptisme which wee haue already receiued ) in all our life , when conueniently wee may , may iustly bee termed a contempt . And perhaps for this cause , because Confirmation is the complement of our Baptisme , and maketh vs compleate and perfect Christians , our Sauiour called it Baptisme with Why Confirmation is called Baptisme . the holy Ghost , saying . Act. 1. You shall bee baptized with the holy Ghost after few dayes .

And this necessitie of Confirmation , which wee haue prooued by the Custome of Christs Church , euen from her beginning , by the testimonie of holy Fathers , by the expresse Commaundement and Custome of our English Church , and by the doctrine of Canonists , and Reasons of the necessitie of Confirmation . most of the Diuines , wee may confirme by reason ; For seeing ( as saint Thomas saith ) it is Gods intention , that wee should become compleate and perfect Christians , and that wee cannot bee such but by Confirmation , seeing , by it is giuen vs strength and armour to resist the enemies of our faith in time of persecution , and that it is temeritie to enter into a daungerous Combat without Armour , when wee may easily haue it : seeing , that Christ commaunded his Apostles not to depart out of Hierusalem till they had receiued the grace of this Sacrament ; seeing also , that so greate commodities come to vs by this Sacrament , as wee shall she we hereafter ; and finally , seeing that all would greately condemne him , who at the time of death would not receiue extreme Vnction , when conueniently hee may ; how can wee not greatly condemne him who ( at least in time of persecution ) may receiue this Sacrament of Confirmation conueniently , and yet will not , seeing hee doth thereby frustrate the intention of God , depriue himselfe of the complement or perfection of a Christian , expose himselfe vnarmed to the darts of the Enemie , aduenture more then Christ himselfe would haue his Apostles to aduenture , hinder himselfe from that State in which the Apostles were putt on Whitsonday , and from greate increase of grace in this world , and of glory in the next , and more neglect the Sacrament of Confirmation , then hee would doe the Sacrament of Extreme Vnction ? And thus hauing seene the necessitie of Confirmation ; Now lett vs see the effects or profits thereof .

CHAPTER . VII . Of the effects of Confirmation common to all that receiue it .

AS touching all other Sacraments , so also concerning Confirmation , there are some that receiue it worthily , and some vnworthily , and in both sorts it worketh someeffects , and of these wee will speake in this Chapter , and in the next of those which it worketh in those that receiue it worthily .

The first effect which it Spirituall affinitie in Confirmation . worketh in all that receiue it , is spirituall affinitie ; this it doth by the institution of the Church , which ordaineth that there shall bee a spirituall affinitie , betweene the Bishop that confirmeth , and the person confirmed and his Parents , and also betweene the Godfather or Godmother , and the partie confirmed and his Parents ; which affinitie is of the selfe same nature , of which that is , which is contracted in Baptisme , and in like sort hindereth Mariage betweene them in whome it is , as that doth .

The second , is a spirituall Characters of a perfect Christian and Souldier . and inuisible Character , which it imprinteth in the Soule of him that receiueth it , and therewith marketh him in the sight of God and his Angells , for a Souldier of Christ , who ex officio , and by speciall profession , is to confesse his faith euen before persecutors . For as in Baptisme there is imprinted in the Soule , a spirituall Character , where with wee are marked for Children or Subiects of God , and in Orders an other , where with they that receiue it , are marked for Christs Officers in his Church : So in Confirmation there is printed the like , whereby wee are marked for Christs Souldiers , who by speciall office and profession vndertake to professe Christs faith euen The confirmed pro●●sse theire Faith ex officio . before persecutors . For as all Subiects are bound to fight for theire Prince , but his Souldiers more especially by theire Profession and office : So are all Christians bound to professe Christs faith , but those that are confirmed , are bound thereto , by theire speciall office of spirituall Souldiers ; And if they continue true Souldiers to theire greate Captaine , this marke will remaine in theire Soules for all eternitie more glorious then any Starre in the The glorie of the Character of Confirmation . firmament , as a perpetuall signe and testimonie that heere in this world they vndertoke to bee Souldiers of Christ , and to professe his name in what perill soeuer : and contrariwise to theire eternall confusion , if they proue Traytors to Christ and his Campe.

The third effect which Confirmation worketh in all that receiue it , is that in the face of the Church and before men , it maketh vs absolute and compleate Christians , and worthy of that name in all respects ; For whereas before by Baptisme wee were but in the State of Children or Childish Christians , by Confirmation wee are putt in State of men or manly Christians . And therefore , as a man better deserueth the name of a man , then a Child doth : So a confirmed Christian better deserueth the name of a Christian , then one who is not confirmed ; Moreouer , Christe name of Chrisme and consequently Christian . though those who are baptized , deserue the name of Christians , so farrefourth as Christian simply signifieth a disciple and member of Christ yet as the name of Christ is deriued from Chrisme , and consequently the name of Christian according to the perfect and entire deriuation thereof from the name of Christ , doth also signifie a Chrismed or anointed disciple of Christ : so the name of Christian according to its complete and perfect signification , doth agree onely to those that are confirmed ; And for this cause saint Cyrill and the Councell of Orleans before cited , said , Supra . C. 4. that men till they were confirmed were not Christians or not properly worthie of that name : And Author de vnct . Chrismatis : As Christ is so called of Chrisme : So all that are confirmed , are thereby made partakers both of an ointment and name . The like haue saint Cyprian , saint Prosper , and saint Austin before cited ; Furthermore , by Baptisme wee are but admitted into the Citie of God , but by Confirmation wee are also admitted into his Campe , and thought worthie to fight for his cause .

And for these effects of Confirmation saint Thomas 3. p. q. 65. art. 4. saith : Confirmation in a sort doth perfect Baptisme ; q. 72. art. 1. In Confirmation a man cometh as it were to perfect age of spirituall life Art. 5. Confirmation is a spirituall growth setting a man forward to a perfect spirituall age : Art. 6. The ex●●●lencie o● one ●ōfirmed ouer himselfe not confirmed . This Sacrament is giuen for a certaine excellencie , not of one man ouer an other , but of one man aboue himselfe as the same beeing a perfect man in respect of himselfe beeing a Child . Art. 10. Therefore As a man ouer a Child . hee who cometh to this Sacrament is held , as beeing yet spiritually weake or a Child : And Art. 5. Hee that is confirmed receiueth power publikely to professe Christs Faith by mouth as it were by office . By which wordes of saint Thomas wee see , both the effects and end of this Sacrament , which is to make strong men in Christ , of weake Children , to perfect that which Baptisme had begun , and to make Souldiers of Christ by office and profession : But now lett vs see the effects , which Confirmation worketh in those that worthily receiue it .

CHAPTER . VIII . Of the effects which Confirmation worketh in those that worthily receiue it .

BVt as for those who worthily receiue the Sacrament of Confirmation , besides the effects spoaken of in the former Chapter , it woorketh The confirmed putt in the State of the Apostles on Whitesonday . many other and more notable effects ; For first it putteth them in the same Estate , in which the blessed Apostles were putt by the descent of the holy Ghost on Whitsonday , though not in that miraculous manner , nor in that high degree ; For ( as is before said ) the Apostles then receiued the grace of this Sacrament Without the Sacrament it selfe . Christ by his power of Excellency ( whereby hee is not tyed to Sacraments ) gaue them the grace of this Sacrament without the Sacrament , and the primities or first fruites of the holy Ghost ; This testifie saint Cyprian and saint Hierome in the words related supra . c. 2. and also saint Melchiades Epistola cit. in these words : What imposition of hands in the confirming of new Cbristians giueth to euery one , that then the discent of the holy Ghost vppon the faithfull people , gaue to all : The same professeth the holy Church in the prayer , which shee maketh ouer them that are confirmed , saying : God who gauest the holy Ghost vnto the Apostles , and wouldst haue him giuen to the rest of the Faithfull by them and theire Successors ; And the same teacheth saint Thomas 3. p. q. 72. art. 7. Christ ( saith hee ) by his power of excel●encie gaue his Apostles the effect of this Sacrament , without the Sacrament , because they receiued the primities of the holy Ghost ; And the same say other Diuines .

Secondly , it giueth habituall Confirmation giueth abundance of grace . or iustifying grace , and in that abundance and plentie , as it is said of the holy Fathers and Diuines to giue the Fulnes of the holy Ghost , and not grace onely , but also the. Seauen gifts of the holy Ghost : For thus speake the Canons And the seauen gifts of the holy Ghost . de Const. D. 5. C. Nouissime : The baptized , is signed in the forehead , that the seauenfold grace of the holy Ghost with all fullnes of Sanctitie , knowledge and vertue , may bee declared to come vppon man . Saint Clement Epistola cit. All must bee consigned of the Bishop , that is , receiue the seauen-fold grace of the holy Ghost . Saint Ambrose l. 3. de Sacram. c. 2. These are the seauen vertues when thou art confirmed . Saint Thomas . 3. p. q. 72. ar. 1 Confirmation is a Sacrament of the fulnes of grace : Againe , this Sacrament is giuen to obtaine the fulnes of the holy Ghost , whose working is manifold according to that Sap. 7. And art. 11. In this Sacrament the seauenfold grace of the holy Ghost , with all fulnes of Sanctitie , and knowledge and vertue cometh to man ; And Sotus in 4. d. 7. qu. vnica art. 7. It is a point of Faith , that this Giueth more grace then any Sacrament except the Eucharist . Sacrament is instituted to giue the fullnes of the holy Ghost , wherevppon it followeth , with greate apparence , that in this Sacrament is giuen a greater and more plentifull degree of grace , then in Baptisme or in any other Sacrament , except the Eucharist & perhaps Priesthood ; This shew the Canons which saie , that by this Sacrament wee bee made full Christians , increase of grace is afforded , and the seauenfold grace of the holy Ghost , with all fulnes is giuen ; And this appeareth in the holy Apostles , who Example of the Apostles . though they had receiued the Sacraments of Baptisme , of the Eucharist , and of Orders , yet were fearefull , till they had receiued the grace of this holy Sacrament , and thereby were endued with strength from aboue ; And as for the Sacrament of Baptisme , the grace thereof seemeth to bee so farre exceeded , by the grace of Confirmation , as the strength of a Child is exceeded by the strength of a man ; For thus saith saint Thomas . q. 72. cit. This Sacrament is giuen to a certaine excellencie of a man aboue himselfe , as the same beeing a perfect man excelleth himselfe beeing a Child . And ib. art. 11. For the greater effect this vnction is re-reserued to the Bishop . The like hath Sotus loco cit. art. 1.

Thirdly , it not onely giueth Confirmation giueth a Sacramentall grace . habituall or iustifying grace , and the seauenfold gifts of the holy Ghost , but also it giueth a speciall Sacramentall grace . For as it is a speciall Sacrament , so also it giueth a Sacramenrall grace , which is a speciall assistance , which God bindeth himselfe to afford to those , who receiue any Sacrament , for to effect that for which hee instituted that Sacrament . And because the end for which God instituted this Sacrament of Confirmation , is ( as is before said ) to become full and perfect Christians , and couragiously to professe his faith , hee doth bind himselfe peculiarly to assist to this end , those that receiue this Sacrament ; This What i● the Sacramentall grace of Confirmation . teacheth Suarez to . 4. d. 34. art. 2. It giueth ( saith hee ) Sacramentall grace , that is a speciall protection of the holy Ghost constantly to hold and professe a liuely Faith ; And seeing a liuely faith includeth , both faith and Charitie or grace , this Sacrament giueth a speciall protection of the holy Ghost constantly to hold both Faith and Grace ; by which alone appeareth , what greate good is gotten by hauing this Sacrament , and what greate losse by wanting it ; The like hath saint Thomas q. 72. ar. 5. In Confirmation ( saith hee ) a man receiueth power to doe those things , that belong to a spirituall fight against the Enemies of the Faith . And Pope Eugenius in Decreto Fidei . By Confirmation wee receiue increase of Grace , and are strengthened in Faith . S. Petrus Damianus serm. 1. de dedicat . In baptisme the spirit is giuen for pardon , here for fight , there wee are cleansed from Sinne , here wee are armed with vertues saint Melchiades Epist. cit. Before the descent of the holy Ghost , the Apostles were terrified euen to deniall , but after his visitation they were armed with contempt of life euen vnto Martyrdome : The same saith saint Gregorie of saint Peeter .

Lastly , Confirmation remitteth Sinne in those who Confirmation remitteth Sinne. haue not culpable ignorance thereof ; For thus writeth saint Thomas q. 72. cit. ar. 6. If any man beeing in Sinne , whereof hee hath no remembrance , or else came not with perfect Contrition : So that hee came not fainedly , hee shall obtaine remission of Sinnes by the grace giuen in this Sacrament ; And the same Sotus in 4. d. 7. q. vn . art. 7. and others say , who teach , that , Attrition thought to bee Contrition is sufficient to come to this Sacrament ; And for these so many and so greate effects of Confirmation saint Denis c. 2. Eccles. Hierar . saith : Confirmation maketh men most Diuine Confirmation maketh men Diuine . and c. 4. calleth Chrisme , a Deifying Ointment ; And the Councell of Laodicea cap. 48. The ointment of Supercelestiall Chrisme , and most holy Chrisme . Chrisme a Deifying ointment . And thus haue wee seene the effects of Confirmation . Lett vs goe to the Prerogatiues thereof .

CHAPTER IX . Of the Prerogatiues of the Sacrament of Confirmation .

THe first Prerogatiue of The name of the holy Ghost attributed to Confirmation . the Sacrament of Confirmation , whereof wee will speake , is taken from the name , wherewith ether it selfe , or the effect thereof generally and vsually signified in the holy Scripture , which is the very name of the holy Ghost , the third person in the holy Trinitie ; For Christ our Sauiour speaking Act. 1. ( as is before related ) of the grace of this Sacrament : which hee would powre downe vppon the Apostles in the day of Pentecost , saith . Ihon indeed baptized with water , but you shall bee baptized with the holy Ghost after these few dayes : And S. Luke Act. 2. relating the performance of this his promise saith There appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire , and they were all replenished with the holy Ghost ; And C. 8. speaking of the Confirmation of the Samaritans by saint Peeter and saint Iohn , hee saith : Who when they were come prayed for them , that they might receiue the holy Ghost , for hee was not yet come vppon any of them , but they were onely baptized in the name of our Lord IESVS : Then they imposed theire hands vppon them , and they receiued the holy Ghost . And when Simon ( Magus ) had seene , that by the imposition of the hand of the Apostles the holy Ghost was giuen hee off●red them monie , saying : Giue ●e ▪ also this power that on whomsoeuer I impose my hands hee may receiue the holy Ghost . Note . 1. How often in so fewe ●ordes the Sacrament of Cō●●rmation or the effect thereof , is called the Holy Ghost . 2. How , euen they , who had beene baptized , are yet said not to ha●e receiued the holy Ghost , till they were confirmed ; And in like manner hee saith Actor . 19. Hearing these thinges , they w●re baptized in the name of the Lord IESVS , and when Paul had imposed hands vppon them , the holy Ghost came vppon them .

Now if it were a singular h●nour to Abraham , and S. Peeter , that God would giue them speciall names beca●se that did both declare Gods speciall fauour to them , and the names did declare theire Excel●encie , because God giues not emptie names . God doth not impose vaine or emptie names , which signifie nothing , as Abr●hams name doth signifie that hee was , Pater multarum gentium and Peeters name that hee was The Ro●ke of the Church , what a Prerogatiue or honour thinke wee is it , to this greate Sacrament , that God would not onely giue it a peculiar name , but also would appropriate his owne name vnto it , at least in it's effect ; For this must needes argue both his speciall fauour towards this Sacrament , and also a peculiar vertue in the Sacrament , and Gods speciall assistance in working of it .

The second Prerogatine is Confirm●tion call●d the Sacrament of Chrisme . taken from that name , which the holy Fathers , Greeke and Latin , haue giuen to this Sacrament , calling it the Sacrament of Chrisme ; For seeing ( as the same Fathers teach ) Christs owne name is deriued from Chrisme , it must needes argue what greate account they made of this Sacrament , in giuing to it that name of which Christs owne name is deriued ; So that the Sacrament of Confirmation hath at least in it's effect , the name of the holy Ghost appropriated vnto it by the holy Scripture , and also the fountaine and origen of Christs name appropriated to it by the holy Fathers , which are as greate Prerogatiues for names as can bee .

The third Prerogatiue is taken from the promise of The grace of Confirmation the greate promise of God . the effect of this Sacrament , which seemeth by Christs wordes Act. 1. to bee that greate wordes Act. 1. to bee that greate and speciall promise of his Father , whereof hee had so often spoaken to his Apostles : For thus writeth saint Luke : Hee commaunded them that they should not depart from Hierusalem , but should expect the promise of the Father , which you heard saith hee by my mouth ; For Ihon indeed baptized with water , but you shall bee baptized with the holy Ghost after these fewe dayes ; Loe how hee calleth the grace of this Sacrament , that greate promise of his Father , which so often hee told them of , And the like may bee gathered out of saint Peeters wordes : Act. 2. And sure it is that that which God the Father so specially promised , and which Christ so often spoake of , is some speciall and singular matter .

The fourth Prerogatiue is Confirmation specially graced with miracles ▪ the greate and continuall miracle , wherewith Allmightie God in the beginning of his Church vouchsafed especially to grace and authorize this Sacrament ; For when the grace of this Sacrament was bestowed vppon the Apostles act. 2. Suddainely there was made a sound from heauen , as of avehement wind comming , and it filled the whole howse where they were sitting . And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire , and it sate vppon euery one of them , and they were all replenished with the holy Ghost , and they began to speake with diuers tongues , as the holy Ghost gaue them to speake ; And Act. 19. When saint Paul had imposed hands vppon some , the holy Ghost came vppon them , and they spake with tongues , and prophecied . Loe with what greate miracles Allmightie God did in the beginning of the Church grace and commend to vs this greate Sacrament , as that at the giuing thereof hee would giue the gifte of tongues and of prophecie : the like gracing of other Sacraments wee find not in holy Scripture ; which perhaps was the cause , why that wretch Simon Magus specially desired to buy the power to giue this Sacrament ; Neither did God onely in the beginning of his Church thus grace this Sacrament with miracles , but also afterwardes ; For saint Optatus l. 2. telleth that when the Donatists cast out of a windowe , a viall of holy Chrisme , there wanted not the hand of an Angell to receiue it , and by the power of God it rested vnbroken among the Stones : Saint Bernard in vita Malachiae , reporteth , how saint Malchus cured a Lunaticke person by Confirmation , and hee greately commendeth saint Malachie , for renewing the most wholesome vse of Confirmation , which had bene for some time intermitted in Ireland . Saint Rembert also curied a blind man by Confirmation , And the like did saint Faro , as may bee seene in theire liues in Surius ; And as the Ecclesiasticall Histories record , The Diuells mouth stopt where the confirmed are ver. the Diuell could giue no answer in presence of confirmed Christians : See Lactant. de ver. Sap. cap. 27. Turon . de Glor. Mar. l. 1. c. 41. Nazian. Orat. 1. in Iul. Prudent . in Apotheasi .

The fifte Prerogatiue is , God appointeth his cheefe Officers for proper Ministers of Confirmation . that the Holy Ghost , as hee appropriated his owne name to this Sacrament ; so hee chose the Apostles and Bishops theire Successors whome hee appointed for Gouernors of his Church , for the proper Ministers of this Sacrament . For whereas other Sacraments besides Orders , can bee administred by inferior Priests , this can bee administred onely by a Bishop , where vppon in our English Why Confirmation called Bishoping . language it is called Bishoping of the proper and peculiar Minister thereof ; For thus defineth the Councell of Florence ; Whereas a simple Priest may giue the other vnctions , this none but a Bishop must giue , because it is read of the Apostles alone ( whose place Bishops haue ) that they gaue the holy Ghost by imposition of hands . The same is to bee seene . De Consec . d. 5. Com. de his , Cap. Man . and d. 4. Conc. Presbiteri . Herevppon the holy Church saith in her prayer after Confirmation : God who gauest the holy Ghost vnto the Apostles , and wouldst haue him giuen to the rest of the Faithfull by them and theire Successors &c. In which wordes the holy Church both saith , that God would haue all Christians to bee confirmed , and also that hee would haue them confirmed by the Apostles and Bishops theire Successors , and doth insinuate as well , that God commaundeth Christians to bee confirmed , as that they should bee confirmed by Bishops . And why God would haue Bishops to bee the proper and peculiar Ministers of this Why Bishops properly Officers of Confirmation . Sacrament : Saint Thomas 3. p. q. 72. giueth two reasons . The one is because men in this Sacrament are made Souldiers of Christs Camp , and to make Souldiers , belongeth onely to the Captaines of the Armie , as Bishops are : and not to inferior Officiers , as Priests bee . An other is , because this Sacrament is to make men perfect , and therefore belongeth to Bishops , who are in State of perfectors and of dispensers of Gods mysteries ; And herevppon saint Melchiades Epistola cit. inferreth , that because Confirmation can bee giuen onely by high Priests , that is Bishops , and Baptisme can bee giuen by inferior Priests , therefore , Confirmation is more to bee reuerenced and esteemed Confirmation preferred before Baptisme . then Baptisme ; And saint Thomas q. cit. addeth : Because this Sacrament is of more efficacie to perfect in good , then Baptisme , therefore it is committed to a more worthie Minister .

The sixt Prerogatiue of The noblenes of the matter of Confirmation . Confirmation is taken from the noblenes of the matter thereof : For whereas the matter of Baptisme is simple water , and of Extreme Vnction , simple oile , the necessarie matter of this Sacrament , is Chrisme , that is a mixt or Compound ointment of oile and Baulme , which is a most precious liquor and rare to bee found ; And ( as Pliny saith l. 12. c. 25. ) to bee preferred before all odours ; And besides this , Chrisme must bee hallowed by a Bishop ; For thus declareth the Councell of Florence : The matter of Chrisme is made of oile , which signifieth the cleanenes of the Conscience , and of Baulme , which signifieth the odour of good fame , hallowed by a Bishop . And as Suarez saith , tom. 4. d. 33. art. 2. It is of necessitie of the Sacrament , that Chrisme bee hallowed of a Bishop , and it is the opinion of all Diuines few excepted ; And in like manner Sotus in 4. d. 7. q. v. art. 2. saith : It is the generall opinion allmost of all , that the mixture of Baulme is of the Substance of the Sacrament ; And it must needes argue a greate dignitie of this Sacrament , that the holy Ghost would require for the necessarie matter of it , so rare and precious a liquor , and also the hallowing thereof by his cheefe Officiers , and Gouernours of his Church .

The seauenth Prerogatiue The noblenes of the part whereon Confirmation is ministred . is , that whereas other Sacraments are ministred in other parts of our bodie , Confirmation can bee ministred onely in the cheefest and highest part thereof , that is , in the forehead : This well noted saint Austin in psalm . 14. in these wordes : Manie Sacraments wee receiue in other and other manner , for some wee receiue with our mouth , other through all our bodie , but because wee blush with our forehead , hee that said who shall bee ashamed of mee &c. Hath sett as it were the very ignominie , and which Pagans deride , in the Seate of our bashfulnes ; Dost thou heere a man insult vppon one that is shameles , and say , hee hath no forehead ? What is it , Hee hath no Forehead ? Hee is shamelesse ? Lett mee not haue a bare forehead , Let the Crosse of Christ couer it . So that wee see that this Sacrament of Confirmation challengeth vnto it selfe by Gods appointment , the cheefest name , to witt the name of the holy Ghost , the cheefest Minister in Gods Church , to witt a Bishop ; the cheefest matter , to witt holy Chrisme ; and the cheefest place of our bodie , to witt the Forehead ; which are greate Prerogatiues , and clearely shewe the greatenes of this Sacrament . Now lett vs see the Ceremonies , which are to bee vsed in the ministration of this Sacrament .

CHAPTER . X. What Ceremonies are required in the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation .

THe first Ceremonie touching The attire of the Bishop when hee confirmeth . the Bishop is , that hee bee attired with a Cope , Miter , Stole and Crosier , as is described in the Pontificall , and appointed by the S. Congregation de Episcopis , And an other Condition is , that the Bishop confirme none but in place of his owne Iurisdiction , and those onely also , who are vnder his Iurisdiction . Piasecius . 1. part . Praxis C. 2. art. 2. Armilla verb. Confirmatio , Tolet. l. 1. c. 24.

As for those that are to bee confirmed , the first Ceremonie Signe of the Crosse . is , that theire anointing in the forehead bee done with the signe of the Crosse , without which signe ( as saint Austin saith ) no Sacrament is rightly made . An other is , that the partie confirmed haue a Godfather or Godmother Godfather . for to instruct the new Souldier of Christ , how hee is to vse his spirituall weopons and armour then giuen to him . And none can bee Godfather or Godmother in Confirmation to any , to whome they cannot bee such in Baptisme , Neither yet may the same bee Godfather or Godmother to any in Confirmation , to whome they were such in Baptisme , but different Godfathers or Godmothers , are required in these different Sacraments ; A third Ceremonie is , that a Stroke on the Cheeke bee A Stroke on the Cheeke . giuen by the Bishop to the partie confirmed , to admonish him thereby , that now hee vndertaketh a profession to beare blowes if neede bee for the profession of Christs faith ; And in Catholicke times there should bee a band of linnen bound about his Forehead for three daies , till the Chrisme were dried , and then his Forehead washed by a Priest , and the washing and linnen cast into the fire .

CHAPTER . XI . What disposition is required in those that receiue the Sacrament of Confirmation .

AS for theire disposition in Soule , First is Disposition in Soule . required , that they haue bene Christened , because Baptisme is the foundation of all Sacraments , and particularly required before Confirmation , because this is the perfection and Complement of Baptisme ; Secondly , they must bee in State of Grace , or at least not guilty of the State of mortall Sinne , because this Sacrament is instituted to increase Grace , not to remit sinne though it doe so sometimes , as is before related out of Saint Thomas ; Thirdly In mind or purpose . one must not receiue it for Curiositie , or that hee may say hee hath bene Bishoped but with a purpose to become a perfecter Christian then hee was before , more couragious in professing of Christs faith , and more thankfull to God , who bestowed this greate Sacrament on the Church ; to Christ who purchased it with the price of his precious blood , and to the holy Ghost who cooperateth with it since it was first instituted , and that without all Exception of persons ; And as for disposition of bodie , it should In bodie . bee receiued fasting , and not onely in the morning , but euen with fasting ouer night .

CHAPTER . XII . How one may knowe whether hee hath worthily receiued the Sacrament of Confirmation .

Seeing that Gods grace is neuer idle , except it bee our fault , but euer like fire , actiue and working , and that the grace of Confirmation , is of Children to make vs men in Christ , and of Ordinarie Christians , to make vs chosen and couragious Souldiers ; If wee consider , what is the difference betwixt a Child Difference betwixt a Child and a man . and a man , and betwixt an Ordinarie man , and a Souldier , wee shall gather whether wee haue receiued the grace of Confirmation or no. A Child therefore looketh onely to things present , a man looketh also to things to come : A Child onely attendeth to pastime and pleasure , a man hath also consideration of profit ; A Child is readie to sell his Inheritance for a trifle or bable , a man maketh more account of his Inheritance ; A Child hath Childish behauiour , a man hath more mature and decent Cariage ; And in like manner , an Ordinarie Betwixt an Ordinary man & a Souldier . man is fearefull , not onely of greate , but also of small daungers , and not onely of true daungers , but also of shadowes ; a Souldier aduentureth vppon Pikes , vppon Canons , vppon breaches , vppon what daunger soeuer preferring the honor of his profession and quarrell of his Prince before his life .

Wherefore if after Confirmation When one hath vnworthely receiued Confirmation . wee bee as Childish in Conditions , as wee were before , thinke as much of this world and as litle of the world to come , as before wee did ; bee as much giuen to vaine pastimes and pleasures , and as litle regard our spirituall profit as before , bee as readie to sell our heauenlie Inheritance for bables or trifles of this world as before wee were ; and finally bee as Childish in our conuersation and imperfections as before : And likewise if wee bee after Confirmation so fearefull of persecutions and troubles for profession of Christs true faith , as wee were before , it is greately to bee feared , that in vaine wee receiued , the grace of this Sacrament ( as saint Paul speaketh , ) or rather haue receiued the Sacrament , but not the grace thereof .

But contrariwise if after wee bee confirmed , wee find When worthely . our selues to thinkelesse of things present , and more of the world to come , of the eternall reward of vertue , and the euerlasting punishment of Sinne , if wee scorne to sell our heauenlie Inheritance for trifles of this world , if wee bee more attentiue to our spirituall profit , and to laie vp treasure in heauen , if our Conuersation towards God and the world bee more discreete , more mature , and graue , wee may iustly hope , that wee haue worthely receiued this Sacrament , and saie with the Apostle : When I was a Child I thought as a Child , but beeing now become a man , I haue cast away that which is Childish ; And the same wee may gather , if like worthie Souldiers of Christ , wee contemne daungers for his Cause , knowing that wee fight vnder a farre greater Captaine , than temporall Souldiers doe , Different cause of temporall and spirituall Soldiers . for a farre better cause , with farre surer hope of Assistance , with farre greater Assurance of victorie , and for a Reward incomparably greater , which neither eye hath seene , nor eare hath heard , nor heart hath conceiued ; which God for his goodnes and the Passion of Christ graunt vs all by this Sacrament to attaine vnto .

FINIS . All Praise to Almighty God .