M. Let us now enquire. 1. What a Sacrament of the Covenant of Grace is. 2. Whether our crossing be not such.
I. The Romans used the word [Sacraments] for an external obliging covenanting ceremony: especially for the Act of soldiers ceremony by binding themselves to military relation and fidelity to their captains. A Sacrament of the covenant of grace is an outward visible Act or ceremony; by which we oblige our selves in covenant to Christ as our Saviour, promising fidelity ⟨p. 73⟩and by which we are told by Christs ministers, that his Grace is signified which is given by his Covenant.
The Catechism indeed saith [It is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, given to us, ordained by Christ himself, as a means whereby we receive the same, and a pledge to assure us thereof.]
But it's obvious to any man of reason, that the words [Ordained by Christ himself] signify not a Sacrament as such, but [as Divine] distinct from humane. Else it were impossible for man to be guilty of making false humane Sacraments: If they should make more, just such as Baptism and the Lords Supper, they would be no sinful Sacraments, if none be Sacraments but Christs.
If there be all these things, there is a Sacrament of the Covenant of Grace falsely instituted by man. 1. If there be an outward visible sign. 2. If both the purchased and conveyed Grace of the Covenant of Christ be signified by it. 3. And so signified as to be an instituted means of conveying it. 4. If it be a sign obliging the covenanting person to his Covenant duty. 5. And if thus it be a symbol, or badge of the Order professed.
I. The outward visible sign is crossing, or the transient Image of a Cross, made by one that acteth as a Minister of Christ by his pretended Commission, and received in his forehead by the baptized.
II. The thing signified is both the work of Redemption purchasing grace, and grace given by that purchase: Both these are fully expressed Can. 30. [The holy Ghost by the mouths of the Apostle did honour the name of the Cross, so far that under it he comprehended not only Christ crucified, but the force, effect and merits of his death and passion, with all the comforts, fruits and promises which we receive or expect thereby:
M. Let us now enquire. 1. What a Sacrament of the Covenant of Grace is. 2. Whether our crossing be not such.
I. The Romans used the word [Sacraments] for an external obliging covenanting ceremony: especially for the Act of soldiers ceremony by binding themselves to military relation and fidelity to their captains. A Sacrament of the covenant of grace is an outward visible Act or ceremony; by which we oblige our selves in covenant to Christ as our Saviour, promising fidelity ⟨p. 73⟩and by which we are told by Christs ministers, that his Grace is signified which is given by his Covenant.
The Catechism indeed saith [It is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, given to us, ordained by Christ himself, as a means whereby we receive the same, and a pledge to assure us thereof.]
But it's obvious to any man of reason, that the words [Ordained by Christ himself] signifie not a Sacrament as such, but [as Divine] distinct from humane. Else it were impossible for man to be guilty of making false humane Sacraments: If they should make more, just such as Baptism and the Lords Supper, they would be no sinful Sacraments, if none be Sacraments but Christs.
If there be all these things, there is a Sacrament of the Covenant of Grace falsely instituted by man. 1. If there be an outward visible sign. 2. If both the purchased and conveyed Grace of the Covenant of Christ be signified by it. 3. And so signified as to be an instituted means of conveying it. 4. If it be a sign obliging the covenanting person to his Covenant duty. 5. And if thus it be a symbol, or badge of the Order professed.
I. The outward visible sign is crossing, or the transient Image of a Cross, made by one that acteth as a Minister of Christ by his pretended Commission, and received in his forehead by the baptized.
II. The thing signified is both the work of Redemption purchasing grace, and grace given by that purchase: Both these are fully expressed Can. 30. [The holy Ghost by the mouthes of the Apostle did honour the name of the Cross, so far that under it he comprehended not only Christ crucified, but the force, effect and merits of his death and passion, with all the comforts, fruits and promises which we receive or expect thereby:
