A brief instruction in the worship of God, and discipline of the churches of…

Besides, God hath appointed that his Ordinances of worship shall be as effectual means as to instruct us in the mysteries of his will and mind, so of communicating his love, mercy, and grace ⟨p. 72⟩unto us; as also of that communion, or intercourse with his holy Majesty, which he hath graciously granted unto us by Jesus Christ. And this as it is sufficiently manifested in the Scriptures quoted in answer unto this question, so it is at large declared in the writings of those holy and good men, who have explained the nature of gospel Ordinances, and therefore in particular we need not here insist much in the farther proof of it. Thus Abraham was instructed in the nature of the covenant of grace by circumcision, Gen. 17.10. which is often explained in the old Testament, by applying it in particular to the grace of conversion, called the circumcision of the heart, Deut, 10.16. Chap. 30.6. Jer. 4.4. as also in the new Testament, Coloss. 2.11. And by the Passover, where the people taught, not only the mercy of their present deliverance, Exod. 12.23, 24. but also to look for the Lamb of God who was to take away the sin of the world, John 1.29. the true Passover of the people of God which was sacrificed for them, 1 Cor. 5.7. how our incision or implanting into ⟨p. 73⟩Christ, is represented and signified by our Baptism, the Apostle declares, Rom. 6.3, 4, 5. as also our communion with him in his death, by the Supper of the Lord, Matth. 26.27. 1 Cor. 11.25. and all these graces which they teach, they also exhibit, and are the means of the communication of them unto Believers. Moreover the experience of all Believers, who have conscientiously waited upon God in their due observance, may be produced in the confirmation of it. The instruction, edification, consolation, Spiritual strength, courage, and resolution, which they have received in and by them, hath been witnessed unto in their lives, and ends; and they to whom these things are not of the greatest importance, do but in vain pretend a regard unto God in any thing whatever.