The main principles of Christian religion in a 107 short articles or aphorisms, generally…

Expl. 91. Here we have it expressed, (1) negatively, how the Sacraments do not become effectual, &c. as (1) not from any virtue in themselves; for as the word is a dead letter of it self, so the Sacraments are dead signs; for can it be imagined in reason, that the soul which must live for ever, can be feasted, fed, and nourished to eternal life by a morsel of bread and a sup of wine? (perishing elements), or that the spiritual defilement of the soul can be ⟨p. 157⟩washed off by a few drops of water sprinkled upon the face. (2) Not from any virtue in the Minister, as neither (1) his piety, because this can be no meritorious or procuring cause of a blessing in the Minister; (2) nor his good intention, for then the blessing would not only depend upon the power, but also upon the will of man; but the efficacy of Sacraments depends (2dly,) affirmatively, (1st,) Upon Christs blessing grounded on his own institution and appointment, for he will not be wanting to his own Ordinances. (2dly,) Upon the working of the Spirit, or his application of them to the soul in a spiritual manner, and thereby bringing to the mind of the receiver, (1) the Author of Sacraments, Christ; (2) the impulsive cause, his love; (3) by representing and sealing the righteousness of Christ to the soul; (4) by objective excitation of suitable affections, as love, gratitude. (3dly,) Their efficacy doth depend on the receivers faith, not as a meritorious cause, but as a necessary condition, without which Christ will not bless them.

Expl. 91. Here we have it expressed, (1) negatively, how the Sacraments do not become effectual, &c. as (1) not from any virtue in themselves; for as the word is a dead letter of it self, so the Sacraments are dead signs; for can it be imagin'd in reason, that the soul which must live for ever, can be feasted, fed, and nourished to eternal life by a morsel of bread and a sup of wine? (perishing elements), or that the spiritual defilement of the soul can be ⟨p. 157⟩wash'd off by a few drops of water sprinkled upon the face. (2) Not from any virtue in the Minister, as neither (1) his piety, because this can be no meritorious or procuring cause of a blessing in the Minister; (2) nor his good intention, for then the blessing would not only depend upon the power, but also upon the will of man; but the efficacy of Sacraments depends (2dly,) affirmatively, (1st,) Upon Christs blessing grounded on his own institution and appointment, for he will not be wanting to his own Ordinances. (2dly,) Upon the working of the Spirit, or his application of them to the soul in a spiritual manner, and thereby bringing to the mind of the receiver, (1) the Author of Sacraments, Christ; (2) the impulsive cause, his love; (3) by representing and sealing the righteousness of Christ to the soul; (4) by objective excitation of suitable affections, as love, gratitude. (3dly,) Their efficacy doth depend on the receivers faith, not as a meritorious cause, but as a necessary condition, without which Christ will not bless them.