"To be gazed upon and carried about."
Why is this mentioned?
Because at the time of the Reformation, instead of "taking and eating," many persons thought it enough to be spectators at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in church, or on the processions that were observed in honour of it.
In what persons have "the Sacraments" "a wholesome effect or operation?"
"In such as worthily receive them."
"What Is their effect upon those who "receive them unworthily?"
"They purchase to themselves damnation," i. e., they remain under God's condemnation until they repent.
Article XXVI.
What is the subject of the twenty-sixth Article?
"The Unworthiness of Ministers."
What is meant by their unworthiness?
Their not living in such a way as God expects His ministers to live in.
How does it come that there are unworthy ministers?
Because "in the visible Church the evil are always mingled with the good, and therefore sometimes the evil have chief authority in the Ministration of the Word and Sacraments."
