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CHAPTER XXX.
OF THE UNWORTHINESS OF THE MINISTERS WHICH HINDERS NOT THE EFFECT OF THE SACRAMENT.
"Although in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometimes the evil have chief authority in the Ministration of the Word and Sacraments, yet forasmuch as they do not the same in their own name, but in Christ's, and do minister by His commission and authority, we may use their Ministry, both in hearing the Word of God, and in receiving of the Sacraments. Neither is the effect of Christ's ordinance taken away by their wickedness, nor the grace of God's gifts diminished from such as by faith and rightly do receive the Sacraments ministered unto them; which be effectual, because of Christ's institution and promise, although they be ministered by evil men.
"Nevertheless, it appertaineth to the discipline of the Church, that inquiry be made of evil Ministers, and that they be accused by those that have knowledge of their offences; and finally being found guilty, by just judgment be deposed."—Article XXVI.
I have not been able to find in the Nestorian rituals any authoritative declaration corresponding with the doctrine expressed in this Article; but the confession of the officiating priest of his own unworthiness, and notwithstanding this, the efficacy of the sacraments, which he administers, in such as partake of them aright, as contained in the offices of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, proves their agreement with the teaching of our own Church in this respect. The same inference may be drawn from Mar Abd Yeshua's statement of what is necessary to the validity of a sacrament: "First, a true priest who has attained the priesthood rightly, according to the requirements of the Church. Secondly, the Word and Commandment of the Lord of sacraments, whereby He ordained each of them. Thirdly, right intention and confirmed faith on the part of those who
