A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

4. This is one Advantage more, That the great Mysteries of godliness are laid before our Eyes in some visible Rites, and so have greater force to excite the mind to serious Consideration. When God will condescend to give us help against our Infirmities, it must be by the Senses, by which all knowledge comes into the Soul: Now Feeling, Smelling, Tasting, seem not so fit for this; as being more gross, and conducing to the welfare of the Body; but Seeing and Hearing convey Objects to the Understanding, and therefore are called the Senses of Discipline and Learning. Now the Covenant is made by words, which strike the Ear; but the Seals by visible things set it before our Eyes, and as the Apostle saith, Christ is Crucified among us, and evidently set forth, Gal. 3.1. The sight doth in a ⟨p. 199⟩more lively manner stir up the mind than the bare Hearing. Washing from Sin doth fitly represent to us, and raise thoughts in us about the Sanctification of the Spirit; and so in a lively manner excite us to expect this benefit.

4. This is one Advantage more, That the great Mysteries of godliness are laid before our Eyes in some visible Rites, and so have greater force to excite the mind to serious Consideration. When God will condescend to give us help against our Infirmities, it must be by the Senses, by which all knowledg comes into the Soul: Now Feeling, Smelling, Tasting, seem not so fit for this; as being more gross, and conducing to the welfare of the Body; but Seeing and Hearing convey Objects to the Understanding, and therefore are called the Senses of Discipline and Learning. Now the Covenant is made by words, which strike the Ear; but the Seals by visible things set it before our Eyes, and as the Apostle saith, Christ is Crucified among us, and evidently set forth, Gal. 3.1. The sight doth in a ⟨p. 199⟩more lively manner stir up the mind than the bare Hearing. Washing from Sin doth fitly represent to us, and raise thoughts in us about the Sanctification of the Spirit; and so in a lively manner excite us to expect this benefit.