In Acts xix, 1 to 5, we read that upon certain disciples of Ephesus saying to him, “ We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost; " St. Paul immediately asks them, "Unto what then were ye baptized." What reason must we give for St. Paul thus suddenly alluding to Baptism upon hearing from the Ephesian disciples that they had not received the Holy Ghost? Nothing but his belief that the Holy Ghost is given in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Were not the Ephesian disciples baptized again, when St. Paul heard that they had not received the Holy Ghost? Yes, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Why were the Ephesian disciples again baptized, when they had already been baptized with John's Baptism of Water only ? That they might receive the Holy Spirit by means of Christ's or Christian Baptism. Shew from Scripture that we die unto sin, and are born anew unto righteousness, in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans, vi, 3, 4. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Colossians, ii, 12. What is here meant by being buried with Christ in baptism? That as Christ died and was buried that He might put an end to sin; so are we baptized that we also may die unto (or put an end to) sin. What is likened to the resurrection of Christ, in this portion of Scripture ? Our rising again from a state of sin, unto newness or amendment of life. When ought we to die to sin, and rise again to righteousness? Directly we have been baptized, or as soon as we know right from wrong. Why are we said in baptism to be born again? Because by nature we are born in sin. (See page 9.) What are you the children of by nature? What do you mean by wrath? Anger. Whose wrath, or anger, are you born under? The wrath, or anger of God. Shew from Scripture that you are by nature the children of wrath. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Ephesians, ii, 1, 2, 3. Who is meant by the prince of the power of the air, in this portion of Scripture ? The Devil. In whom is he said to work? In the children of disobedience. Who were the children of disobedience in times past? All of us. When was this? When we were born in sin. What are we made, now that we are baptized? What do you mean when you say you are Children of Grace? That we have been made the Children of God, and His favour rests upon us. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians, iii, 26, 27. How long may we expect the grace or favour of God to rest upon us ? So long as we obey Him. What is required of persons to be baptized ? What are the two things here required? What is meant by Repentance? Forsaking or leaving off sin. What is meant by Faith? Believing things which we cannot see. What is meant by the word "whereby ?" What do the words " "whereby" refer to in this question? To Repentance and Faith. What do you say those must believe, who are baptized? The promises of God. What are those promises? Forgiveness of Sins, the Gift of the Holy In what Sacrament were these promises made? Will God fulfil these promises if we neglect to have No, God will not work without us; we must do our part. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Phil. ii, part 12th verse. Will it be of any use our having been baptized, if we neglect to have Repentance and Faith? No, it will do us no good to use the means of Grace, if we neglect the conditions upon which it has pleased God to give us Grace. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 Cor. vi, 1. THE BAPTISM OF INFANTS. You say that it is required of those who come to be baptized, that they must have Repentance and Faith; Had you Repentance and Faith when you were baptized? Why? No. Because we were baptized in our infancy. Why then are infants baptized, when by reason of their tender age they cannot perform them? (See Catechism.) What are those things that you here say infants cannot perform? Repentance and Faith. Why then are they baptized? Because they promise them both by their sureties. Who are they that promise? The infants. |