A37046:392
The law unsealed
The law unsealed: or, A practical exposition of the Ten Commandments With a resolution of several momentous questions and cases of conscience. By the learned, laborious, faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. James Durham, late minister of the Gospel at Glasgow.
Glasgow: printed by Robert Sanders, 1676
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
In sum, the Word offereth Christ and his benefits, the Hearer accepteth him, on the Terms on which he is offered, and consenteth; both these are supposed to precede the Sacraments, though (as we may see in the Jailer, Acts 16. and others) it may be but for a very short time; yet in the order of Nature at least, they are Prior, and then come the Sacraments, which have in them, 1. a clear view of the bargain, that we may close distinctly, and know what we attain, 2. A solemn Confirmation on Gods side of the Covenant, and the particular offer he therein maketh. 3. A furthering of us in part, and helping us to believe, and a conferring of something offered. 4. A comforting of those upon whom the Blessings are conferred. 5. The Receivers solemn and public engaging to God, that he shall observe and make use of all these; the Fifth may be looked upon, as the Second in Order.
In sum, the Word offereth Christ and his benefits, the Hearer accepteth him, on the Terms on which he is offered, and consenteth; both these are supposed to precede the Sacraments, though (as we may see in the Jaylor, Acts 16. and others) it may be but for a very short time; yet in the order of Nature at least, they are Prior, and then come the Sacraments, which have in them, 1. a clear view of the bargain, that we may close distinctly, and know what we attain, 2. A solemn Confirmation on Gods side of the Covenant, and the particular offer he therein maketh. 3. A furthering of us in part, and helping us to believe, and a conferring of something offered. 4. A comforting of those upon whom the Blessings are conferred. 5. The Receivers solemn and publick ingaging to God, that he shall observe and make use of all these; the Fifth may be looked upon, as the Second in Order.
We may come now to consider the Faults we are guilty of in reference to the Sacraments. And first in general, then more particularly in reference to Baptism and the Lords Supper: We shall not speak to those faults common to Papists and others, which are more Doctrinal, such as Errors about the persons who may Administer them, as that Women may Administer Baptism, &c. But we shall speak to those that are incident to us in our practise.