Confirmation and restoration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of…Confirmation and restauration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of…

1. We find in Scripture, that Sacraments are not appointed (nor to be used, according to the intent of the instituter) for the conferring of that Grace which men have not in any degree already: but they are, 1. Partly a Solemn Investiture in that which before we had a Fundamental Right to: as the Listing of a Soldier, or the solemnization of Marriage after a firm contract; the Crowning of a King; the delivering possession by a Key, a twig, or turf; the Knighting a man by a sword, &c. This is as to Relative benefits, and Right to Physical benefits. 2. And withal they are by actual excitation of Grace, to Increase the Inherent Grace received, and so to give us more. All this is evident in Baptism it self, where we are to receive both Remission of sins, with right to Everlasting Life, and also an increase of Grace in the Adult: And yet no man at age, is to come to Baptism (to require it) that is not a Penitent Believer already, and consequently that hath not the beginning of special Saving Grace, and somewhat of Christ, and the Holy Ghost; and title to forgiveness, and Everlasting Life. For he is under the ⟨p. 112⟩promise that Whosoever believeth, shall not perish, but have Everlasting Life: and a Papist will grant, that the Votum Baptismi may serve to his Salvation, if he die without it. And the case of Infants is the same, as to these Mercies which are Necessary to their state of life. Their Parents must be Believers, before they Dedicate them to God, and consequently the Child hath the Covenant right before it is sealed. And it is ridiculous in the Papists to damn all Infants, for want of Baptism, and not the Aged; and to make the Votum to serve for the Parent, and yet not for his Child, when yet the Parents Faith must serve to prove his Title to Baptism it self. But to leave these Corrupters, and Innovators; we see now what is to be expected by Confirmation: Not that men that have no signs of Corroborating Grace, should come thither first to receive it; but that such as appear Initially Resolved, Confirmed, and Corroborated, may be (though not by a full and proper Sacrament, yet) Ministerially; 1. Invested into the state of the Confirmed, and their Privileges, which is a higher form in the School of Christ. 2. And may receive yet further Confirmation, and Corroboration by Gods Approbation, and Ordinance.

1. We find in Scripture, that Sacraments are not appointed (nor to be used, according to the intent of the instituter) for the conferring of that Grace which men have not in any degree already: but they are, 1. Partly a Solemn Investiture in that which before we had a Fundamental Right to: as the Listing of a Souldiour, or the solemnization of Marriage after a firm contract; the Crowning of a King; the delivering possession by a Key, a twig, or turf; the Knighting a man by a sword, &c. This is as to Relative benefits, and Right to Phycal benefits. 2. And withal they are by actual excitation of Grace, to Increase the Inherent Grace received, and so to give us more. All this is evident in Baptism it self, where we are to receive both Remission of sinnes, with right to Everlasting Life, and also an increase of Grace in the Adult: And yet no man at age, is to come to Baptism (to require it) that is not a Penitent Believer already, and consequently that hath not the beginning of special Saving Grace, and somewhat of Christ, and the Holy Ghost; and title to forgiveness, and Everlasting Life. For he is under the