true unto Christ. Q. Is the Sacrament then an holy Ordinance A. Yes Q. By whom are our Sacraments instituted A. By Christ. Mat. 28. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25. Q. What do you mean by being instituted by Christ A. Appointed and ordained by him Q. What are the parts of a Sacrament A. The sign and the thing signified Q. What are the outward parts of the Sacraments A. The sensible signs Q. Do the signs offer themselves to the Senses A. Yes Q. And offer the things signified to our Faith A. Yes Q. What are the inward parts of the Sacraments A. Christ and the benefits of the New Covenant as the things signified by the outward sensible signs Q What is the use and proper work of the Sacraments A. To represent seal and apply Q. But are the Sacraments of the New Testament signs and seals to all even to unbelievers A. Yes Q How do the Sacrameats seal to all even to unbelievers A. 1. As Circumcision was a Seal of the righteousness of Faith or of the Covenant as well when Ishmael received it as when Abraham received it God is everlastingly true and these are really Seals whosoever recelves them Many persons take the same Physick the operation is not the same the Physick is the same And if we might call the Tree of Life a Seal it retains the nature of a sign though Adam never tasted of it The Rain-bow is a Covenant though there be thousands in the world that never knew it was a Covenant And it is the use and proper work of our Sacraments to commemorate and seal 2. Sacraments are visible Dâ—ctrines Ier. 2. 31. O Generation see ye the word of the Lord. In the Sacraments are written in small Characters what at large are found in the works of God And Faith acts upon these Symbols upon a doctrinal notion as they are teaching Ordinances They testifie as a sign Christs Love as a Seal Gods faithfulness The Word of God is given us that we may believe and that we may be strong in Faith So likewise the Sacraments are given us not only to believe but for our increase in Faith And as the word Jesus Christ is evidently set forth crucified before our eyes so do the Sacraments as the Oracles of God teach us plainly the mysterie of Faith and the way of Salvation 3. The Sacraments are not only signs and Seals but Sanctions and such Laws as we are charged to observe upon pain of Gods wrathful displeasure Which will be more manifest by our comparing the Sâ—craments of the Old and New Testament together Bâ—ptism and the Lords Supper succeeding in the place of Circumcision and the Pâ—ssover For as Baptism and the sprinkling of clean water upon us is to wash off the filth of the Soul that we might be clean so was Circumcision to take away the stony heart out of the flesh and to give an heart of flâ—sh And as the sprinkling of blood was of old a Law in Israel so is the Lords Supper a Sanction of the New Testament to us And as Moses said This is the bloâ—d of the Covenant which the Lord hath made with you here in like manner Christ hath Preached the Gâ—spel doctrine and now he comes to put a Sanction 〈◊〉 this Sacrament This saith he is 〈◊〉 blood of the New Testament which is 〈◊〉 for many for the remission of sins There is this only disparity the sign was 〈◊〉 Blood now Wine now Wine because there is to be no more shedding 〈◊〉 blood then blood sprinkling because Christ our Pâ—ssover was not sacrificed for us So that as to substance the Sacraments of the Old and Nâ—w Testament differ no more than the Old and New Moon which are not two but one and the same All which considered joyntly may sufficiently clear it to us that our Sacraments are not only signs and seals but Sanctions yea Sanctions of the Covenant of Grace or of the New Testament And if he that despised Moses Law died without mercy under two or three witnesses Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified as unholy thing and hath done despite unto the Spirit of Grace For if the Word spoken by Angels was stedfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward How shall we escapâ— if we neglâ—ct so great Salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed to us by them that heard him Especially when we have Jesus Christ thus evidently set forth crucified among us not only to the ear but to the eye by his Word and Sacraments Q. But are the Sacraments effectual to Salvation or savingly applied only by Believers A. Yes Rom. 4. 11 12. Q 93. Which are the Sacraments of the New Testament A. The Sacraments of the New Testament are Baptism and the Lords Supper Explic. Q. Were there other Sacraments under the Old Testament as Circumcision and the Passover A. Yes Gen. 17. 10. Exod. 12. 43 47. Q. Do these remain in use now A. No. Rom. 10. 4 Gal. 5 2 3 4. 1 Cor. 5 7 8. Q. Wâ—at Sacraments hath Christ appointed under the New Testament in the room of these A. Baptism and the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 12. 13. Q. Are these two the only Sacraments of the New Testament A. Yes Q. How doth that appear A. 1. Because when the number of Sacraments were most necessary as under the Law there were but two and therefore ours succeeding in the room of them there can be no more 2. Because these two Seals do fully assure us of all Gods Graces both of our regâ—nâ—ration entrance and ingrafting into Christ and of our growth and continuance in him and therefore we need no more Q. But there are five more added by the Papists as Confirmation Pennance extream Vâ—ction Holy Oâ—ders and Matrimony Are not these properly and truly Sacraments instituted by our Lord Iesus Christ and necessary to the Salvation of Mankind A. No. Q. Why so A. The nature of a Sacrament agreeth not to them 1. Because they are not all proper to the Church but common as Marriage to the Heathen 2. They are not all instituted by Christ as perpetual standing Ordinance 3. They do not consist of an outward sign as Penace and inward Grace 4. The Covenant of Grace is not sealed in any of them Q. But is not Extream Vnction a Sacrament instituted by Christ as a perpetual standing Ordinance when every sick man is enjoyned James 5. 14. to call for the Elders thâ—se standing perpetuated Officers that they may pray over him anointing him with Oyl in the Name of the Lord A. Nâ— Q Why so A. 1. Because the anointing spoken of in S. Iames was frequently omitted by the Apostles themselves in their working of cures and was indifferently either used or
not used by them In the Gospels many such cures are wrought without it and so in the Acts by taking by the hand by embracing Chap. 3. 7. and 20. 10. and by Peter's bare word Chap. 9. 34. and so again verse 40. And by Paul's bâ—re word Chap. 14. 10. and 16. 18. and by his touching linnen cloaths Chap. 19. 12. All which different ways of healing the sick do sufficiently evince that the usage of Oyl as a bare ceremony was not instituted by Christ or any way commanded to be continued by the Apostles or their Successors in the Church even while the gift of healing did continue among them 2. Because that anointing with Oyl in the Name of the Lord was never used on any other design than to demonstrate the miraculousness of the work which was wrought without any contribution of natural means and therefore is not now of any propriety or fitness for use when the gift of miraculous healing is ceased in the Church 3. That anointing was designed on purpose for the recovery of the sick whereas Extream Unction if the coineâ—s of Sacraments have not miscalled it must needs be supposed to be used only as a Vâ—and to those that depart out of this world and then only when it is thought certain that they will die Q. 94. What is Baptism A. Baptism is a Sacrament wherein the washing with water in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost doth signifie and seal our ingrafting into Christ and partaking of the benefits of the Covenant of Grace and our engagement to be the â—ords Explic. Q. What kind of Ordinance is â—ipism A. It is a Sacrament Q. What is the sacramental Element in Baptism A. Water without mixture Q. What are the sacramental actions A. 1. The Ministers blessing and consecrating the Water 2. The right applying of it to the party to be Baptizâ—d diving or dipping him into it or sprinkling him with it Q. How ought the Minister to bless and consecrate the Water A. 1. By opening to them that are present the Doctrine of Baptism and the right institution and use of it what outward Mysteries are signified and sealed up by that outward sign 2. By acknowledging in the Name of the Congregation Mans natural pollution that we stand in need of spiritual washing by giving thanks to God the Father for giving his Son for a propitiation for our sins and appointing his blood to be a Fountain to the House of Israel to wash in and for ordaining this service to be a Sacrament and Seal of so great a mysterie 3. By making profession of Faith in Gods promises in that behalf and praying that they be made good unto the party that is to receive the Seal thereof For as every thing is sanctâ—fied by the Word of God and Prayer so in especial manner the sacramental water in Bâ—ptism is blessed and consecrated by the Word of Institution and Prayer to God for a blessing upon his own Ordinance Q Is the action of diving or dipping essential to the Sacrament Or is there any ground and warrant for sprinkling which is mostly used with us in these cold Countries A. The action of sprinkling water upon the Face of the Bâ—ptized is very warrantable especially upon young Children in cold Countries to whom diving or dipping might be dangerous Q What ground hath the Church for this practice A. 1. Bâ—cause neither dipping nor sprinkling seem to be essential to Baptism but washing and applying water to the body as a cleanser of the filth thereof Ephes. 5. 26. 2. Because as in the other Sacrament a spoonful of Wine is as significant as a whole Gallon so here a handful of Water as a whole River 3. The action of sprinkling bears fit resemblance with the inward grace as well as dipping and hath Authority in the Scripture of truth Read 1 Pet. 1. 2. Heb. 12. 24. where is speech of the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ and the blood of sprinkling speaking better things than that of Abel 4. It is not unlikely that the Apostles Baptized as well by sprinkling or pouring upon as by diving or dipping into Since we read of divers Baptized in Houses as well as others in Rivers Q. Whose Office is it to Baptize A. None but the lawfully ordained Ministers may Baptize Mat. 28. 19 20. Q. In whose Name are we to be Baptized A. In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. What do you mean by Baptizing in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost A. In the Authority and into the Faith Profession and Obedience of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q What is signified sealed and engaged to as to be done on Gods part in Baptism A. Our ingrafting into Christ and partaking of the benefits of the Covenant of Grace Rom. 6. 3. Act. 2. 38 39. Q. What is sealed to on our part in Baptism or what do we engage to A. To be the Lords Rom. 6. 4. Q. Are our ingrafting into Christ partaking of the benefits of the Covenant of Grace and our engagement to be the Lords signified and sealed to in Baptism A. Yes Q. 95. To whom is Baptism is to be administred A. Baptism is not to be administred unto any that are out of the visible Church till they profess their Faith in Christ and obedience to him but the Infants of such as are Members of the visible Church as to be Baptized Explic. Q. To whom is not Baptism 〈◊〉 be administred A. It is not to be administred to any that are out of the visible Church Q What mean you by the visible Church A. The visible Church is a company of people called from all false worships and Religions confessedly to worship the true God according to his Word Q. How long is Baptism to be withheld from them that are out of the visible Church A. Till they profess their Faith in Christ and obedience to him Act. 8. 36 37. Q. Doth Baptism disciple make disciples or members of the visible Church whereof Christ alone is the Head A. Yes Q. But how do you prove that the Infants of such as are member of the visible Church may and ought to be Baptized A. 1. Because to such Infants appertaineth the Covenant and the thing signified 2. Because whole Families were Baptized and there is pregnant probability that there were some Infants among them of those House-holds Acts 16. 14 15 33. Q. But suppose there â— were no Children in those Families how then is it required â—t our hands to Baptize Infants A. Those that plead this plead their own ignorance 1. Because in the Jewish Church this was their custom when Parents came to be Baptized Children came be Baptized also and their whole Family And secondly If there were Children in those Families as that Jewish custom over-ballancing the others groundless
and hereby the sinner honours the equity of the threatning by his tears acknowledging that his blood was due 2. Newness of life Here the sinner acknowledgeth perfect obedience to be still his duty which honors the equity of Gods Commandments Q. But that with all requisite distinctness we may apprehend this great affair let us take a view of some of the most considerable and important causes which concur to the producing this excellent effect the discharge and Iustification of a sinner and state their several interests and concernments in their respective influences upon and contributions towards it because Iustification is a main Article of our Faith and therefore How doth Free-grace Iustifie A. The Free-grace of God is the first wheel that sets all the rest in motion It s contribution is that of a Proegumenal cause or internal motive disposing God to send his Son that sinners believing might be Justified freely by his grace through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ Q. But did not Christ die to render God good to mankind A. Christ died not â—o render God good to mankind he was so eternally but that with the honour of his Justice he might â—xert and display his goodness which contriv'd and made it self this way to break forth into the world Q. How is Christs satisfaction concern'd in our Iustification A. It is doubly concerned in it 1. In respect of God as a Pro-catartick cause which is an external as the Proâ—gumenal is an internal moving cause and is of infinite merit and impeâ—rative power for the sake of which God is reconciling himself unto the world in Christ not imputing their Trespasses unto them 2 Cor. 5. 19. 2. In respect of the Law of Works Christs satisfaction Justifieth us formally as our proper legal righteousness Q. Why do you call it our Righteousness A. Because it becomes imputed to us upon our believing Faith being our Gospel-Title by pleading which we lay claim to all the benefits accruing from the merit of Christs performance to all effects uses and purposes as if it had been personally our own Q. But why do you call it our legal Righâ—â—â—â—â—ness A. Because thereby the Law of God owns it self fully apaid and acquiesceth 〈◊〉 it as in full reparations and amends â—ade unto it for the injury and dishonour râ—eived by the sin of man Q And may we plead this against 〈◊〉 the challenges and accusations of the law A. Yes Q. And is this our legal Righteousness required in the first Covenant that of Works which is thus imputed upon our account wholly without us in our Redemer A. Yes Q. But is our Evangelical Righteousness required in the second Covenant without us as our legal Righteousness required in the old is A. No for though Christ performed the Conditions of the Law and satisfied for our non-performance yet it is our selves that must perform the conditions of the Gospel It is not Christ but we that must repent and believe Q. But there are some that tell us that Christ hath also performed for us the conditions of the Gospel that he hath believed perfectly and repented perfectly and that all is ours what ought we to think of this Opinion A. If we judge of it in its clear consequence it is both absurd and blasphemous as if Christ had a Saviour to belâ—eve in for pardon and life or sin to repent of and sorrow for and mortifie Q. How is this Opinion absurd A. As it supposeth a perfect Saviour to stand in need of a Saviour Q. How is it blasphemous A. As it makes Christ the Son of God a sinner who is God and man Q. How doth the Gospel Iustifie A. As it is the Law of Faith that publisheth and declareth to us upon what terms we shall be Justified Q. And is the Gospel our great Charter and Gods Wâ—rrant under his broad Seal that he that believeth shall not be condemned A. Yes Q. How doth Faith Iustifie A. By vertue of the Law promulgated and publish'd as it is our Evangelical righteousness or our keeping the Gospel-Law which suspends Justification upon believing Q. Doth Faith pretend to no merit or vertue of its own A. No but professedly avows its dependance upon the merit of Christs satisfaction and laies hold on it as our legal Righteousness Q. Nor can it shew any other Title to be it self our Evangelical righteousness but only Gods sanction Law or Decree establishing it who chose this Act of believing to the honour of being the justifying Act because it so highly honoureth Christ A. No. Q. May this be illustrated to us by some apt resemblance A. Yes the Act of believing is as the Sâ—lver but Gods authority in the Gospel-sanction is the Kings Coin or Image stampt upon it which gives it all its value as to Justification Q. Without this stamp could it never have been current A. No. Q. And if God had set this stamp on any other Grace as Love would that then have been current and have Iustified us as Faith doth now A. Yes Q. How doth God Iustifie A. God justifieth in a proper sense two waies First as a Legislator Secondly as a Judge Q How doth God Iustifie as a Legislator A. He Justifies as a Legislator enacting by his Soveraign authority that sweet and gracious Law of the New Covenant by vertue of whose tenor every sinner that believes is Justified from the Guilt of sin from which he could not be Justified by the Law of Moses Acts 13. 39. Q How doth God Iustifie as a Iudge A. 2. As a Judge he may in three respects be said to Justifie a Believer First Forthwith upon his believing God owneth him secretly within himself as a person justified God esteems and approves of him as in that state unto which he hath by believing a Title good in Law an indefeaâ—ible right Secondly At the moment of dissolution God Justifieth as the Judge of all the earth passing a private Sentence and a ward unto everlasting life upon every believing Soul Thirdly But eminently at the last day when the Ancient of daies shall take the Throne and in open Court before the whole Creation by publick sentence for ever acquit and discharge Believers at that great and last Assizes Q. How are works said to Iustiâ—ie A. 6. As they Justifie our Faith or demonstrate before God and man and to our own Consciences that our Faith is not a dead and barren but a true and living one by its fruitfulness in well-doing Q. How doth the Spirit of God Iustifie A. 7. The Spirit of God Justifieth two waies First Directly by working Faith in the heart as the Author of that justifying Grace Secondly Reflexively as he clears up Justification to a Believers Conscience by discovering the truth of Faith by working Assurance and by sealing a Believer to the day of Redemption Q. 34. What is Adoption A. Adoption is an act of Gods free-grace