Wesley Corpus

2. However, they teach that “all these seven confer grace ex opere operato, by the work itself, on all such as do not put an obstruction.” Nay, it is not enough that we do not put an obstruction. In order to our receiving grace, there is also required previous instruction, true repentance, and a degree of faith; and even then the grace does not spring merely ex opere operato: It does not proceed from the mere elements, or the words spoken; but from the blessing of God, in consequence of his promise to such as are qualified for it. Equally erroneous is that doctrine of the Church of Rome, that, “in order to the validity of any sacrament, it is absolutely necessary the person who administers it should do it with an holy intention.” For it follows, that, wherever there is not this intention, the sacrament is null and void. And so there is no certainty whether the Priest, so called, be a real Priest; for who knows the intention of him that ordained him? And if he be not, all his ministrations are of course null and void. But if he be, can I be sure that his intention was holy, in administering the baptism or the Lord’s supper? And if it was not, they are no sacraments at all, and all our attendance on them is lost labour. 3. So much for the sacraments in general: Let us now proceed to particulars:-- “Baptism,” say the Romanists, “may, in case of necessity, be administered by women, yea, by Jews, infidels, or heretics.” No; our Lord gave this commission only to the Apostles, and their successors in the ministry. The ceremonies which the Romanists use in baptism are these : Before baptism, (1.) Chrism; that is, oil mixed with water is to be consecrated. (2.) Exorcism; that is, the Priest is to blow in the face of the child, saying, “Go out of him, Satan!” (3.) He crosses the forehead, eyes, breast, and several other parts of the body. (4.) He puts exorcised salt into his mouth, saying, “Take the salt of wisdom.” (5.) He puts spittle in the palm of his left hand, puts the fore-finger of his right hand into it, and anoints the child’s nose and ears therewith, who is then brought to the water.