The law unsealed

Fifthly. No Sacrament is of, and from it self valid, but its validity and efficacy is from the Covenant and Promise, whereof it is a Sacrament; and so it is a seal to none but to such as are in the Covenant, and keep the condition of it, to them it sealeth the benefits promised, though absolutely and simply it seal the truth of the conditional promises: and so it may be said conditionally to Seal, to all the Members of the Church, the Truth of what is promised upon such a condition; as for example, The Tree of Life sealed this Truth, that who stood in perfect ⟨p. 56⟩Obedience should have Life, but it did not seal to Adam, that he should have Life▪ except upon condition of his perfect Obedience; the like may be said of Circumcision, Baptism, &c.

Sixthly. Hence every Sacrament doth suppose a Covenant, and the Receivers entry into the Covenant, to which the Sacrament that he receiveth relateth: so that we come not to the Sacrament properly to enter into Covenant with God, but first the Covenant is entered, and then the Seal is added, as Genes. 17. First, God entered into Covenant with Abraham, and then the Seal of Circumcision is added as a confirmation thereof.

Seventhly. No Sacrament giveth any new right which the Receiver had not before; only it confirmeth the right he had before; he hath access to the Sacraments upon the account of his external right.

Seventhly. No Sacrament giveth any new right which the Receiver had not before; onely it confirmeth the right he had before; he hath access to the Sacraments upon the account of his external right.