The other part of Christian questions and answers which is concerning the sacraments, writ[n]…The other parte of Christian questions and answeares which is concerning the sacraments, writte[n]…

81. Question.

And is there any more?

Answer. The third kind of figurative sacramental speech is that, whereby the effect of the thing signified is attributed to the outward signs or instruments. So it is said that the tree of life was planted in Paradise, and the tree of the knowledge both of good and evil. And yet was neither life nor knowledge in those same trees, as if thou shouldest call a tree the Ague, which either causeth an Ague, or else driveth it away: but those same trees were only the effectual signs of these same effects. ⟨image 71⟩By the same figure Circumcision is called the covenant whereof only it was a sign, as God him self expoundeth it. Gen. 17. 11. & 14. And that same cup is called the new Testament in his blood. Luke 22. 20. So Baptism is called the washing of regeneration. Tit. 3. 5. So the Church is said to be purged by the washing of water, Ephes. 5. 26. So the outward word which being only the Chariot as it were of the divine power, is in many places said to be the word of life and the incorruptible seed: and to it is attributed, both cleansing and sanctification. So the sacrifices, are in many places called atonements, when notwithstanding the very blood of Goats and Oxen cannot sanctify any. So also the priests themselves are said to sanctify and to make an atonement for sins.