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Scripture Proofs.

1 Corinthians iv. 1, 2. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Matthew v. 13. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

John vi. 70. Jesus answered them, Have I not chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

Matthew vii. 22, 23. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

The ministers of Christ do not minister their own, but their Master's sacraments, and the Church in receiving them hath respect to Christ himself, and not to them; and therefore she receives them, not so much from the ministers as from Christ, through their hands it is no where said in Scripture, nor is it agreeable to reason, that the efficacy of these holy ordinances should in any degree depend upon the worthiness of those who administer them; and when ministers, who ought to be patterns of righteousness, become examples of sin, the Church has power to inquire into their conduct and may depose them from their sacred office. There is no one point in which the interest of religion is more deeply i

concerned than in the morals and conduct of its ministers, they should not only preach the gospel, but live it too; not only "allure to brighter worlds," but " lead the way; "aud consistency is the only true test of piety, and devotedness to its cause.

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XXVII.

OF BAPTISM.

Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and mark of difference, whereby christian men are discerned from others that be not christened, but it is also a sign of regeneration or new birth, whereby as by an instrument, they that receive baptism rightly are grafted into the Church: the promises of forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption to be the sons of God by the Holy Ghost, are visibly signed and sealed: faith is confirmed, and grace increased, by virtue of prayer unto God. The baptism of young children is in any wise to be retained in the Church, as most agreeable with the institution of Christ.

Q. What is baptism?

A. It is a sign of profession and mark of difference whereby christian men are discerned from others, that be not christened.

Q. What is it more ?

A. It is a sign of regeneration or new birth, whereby, as by an instrument, they that receive baptism rightly, are grafted into the church.

Q. What promises are visibly signed, and sealed thereby?

A. The promise of forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption to be sons of God, by the Holy Ghost. Q. What is to be gained by virtue of prayer to God?

A. Faith is confirmed, and grace increased.

Q. Why is the baptism of young children in any wise to be retained in the church?

A. As most agreeable with the institution of Christ.

Scripture Proofs.

Golatians iii. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

1 Corinthians xii. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.

Acts ii. 38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.

John iii. 5. Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Matthew xxviii. 19, 20. Go ye therefore, and teach al nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

Mark x. 14. Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

St. Peter tells us that "the baptism which saveth us, is not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

XXVII.

OF BAPTISM.

Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and mark of difference, whereby christian men are discerned from others that be not christened, but it is also a sign of regeneration or new birth, whereby as by an instrument, they that receive baptism rightly are grafted into the Church: the promises of forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption to be the sons of God by the Holy Ghost, are visibly signed and sealed; faith is confirmed, and grace increased, by virtue of prayer unto God. The baptism of young children is in any wise to be retained in the Church, as most agreeable with the institution of Christ.

Q. What is baptism?

A. It is a sign of profession and mark of difference whereby christian men are discerned from others, that be not christened.

Q. What is it more?

A. It is a sign of regeneration or new birth, whereby, as by an instrument, they that receive baptism rightly, are grafted into the church.

Q. What promises are visibly signed, and sealed thereby?

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