Certain disputations of right to sacraments, and the true nature of visible Christianity defending…

I shall only here add, that the very sign it self which is the washing of the body by water, doth plainly show that the washing of the soul by the blood of Christ, is the thing signified; and the present actual use of the sign is to signify the presence and actuality of the thing signified. So that I conclude, that there is no Baptism to be administered without a Profession of saving faith and Repentance fore-going, because there is no Baptism ⟨p. 88⟩that ever Christ appointed but what is for the obsignation of Remission of sin which is the consequent.

I shall only here add, that the very sign it self which is the washing of the body by water, doth plainly shew that the washing of the soul by the blood of Christ, is the thing signified; and the present actual use of the sign is to signifie the presence and actuality of the thing signified. So that I conclude, that there is no Baptism to be administred without a Profession of saving faith and Repentance fore-going, because there is no Baptism ⟨p. 88⟩that ever Christ appointed but what is for the obsignation of Remission of sin which is the consequent.

Mr. Blake page 171. reciteth some words of mine containing this Argument, thus: that faith to which the promise of Remission and justification is made, must also be sealed to: Or that faith which is the condition of the promise, is the condition in foro Dei of the Title to the seal: But it is only solid true faith that is the condition of the promise of Remission: therefore it is that which gives Right in foro Dei to the seal] Who would think now but Mr. Blake had given some substantial answer to this and other Arguments, when himself and some others are so confident of the sufficiency of them? His answer is this [To this I have answered, faith is not sealed to but Remission of sins or salvation upon condition of faith; and when I come to speak of the sealing of Sacraments, I shall God willing make this more evident, that the sacrament, quâ seal, immediately respects our privileges not duties] Reply. 1. Is here one word of answer to any real part of the Argument? Is not this answer as little to the matter as if he had talked of another subject. I think it my Duty to say that Ministers of the Gospel do but proclaim to the Church the matter of our common lamentation, and the enemies joy, when some confidently publish such kind of Disputations, and others are satisfied with them. And I must say, if all were such, they should never more be angered with one word of mine, in opposition to their assertions, though they would maintain that the Crow is white.