An exposition of the tvvo first verses of the sixt chapter to the Hebrewes in forme of a dialogue. Wherein you have a commendation of catechising, also a declaration of the sixe fundamentall principles wherein the Christians of the Primitiue Apostolicall church were catechised. By T.W. minister of the word.

The third Principle: Doctrine of Baptismes.

Abra.

WHat is a Sacrament?

Isaac.

A Sacrament is an outward signe and seale of the couenant of Grace.

Abra.

What doe yee call the Couenant of Grace?

Isaac.

An agreement which God hath made with elect sinners, freely to giue them his Sonne, and with him righte∣ousnesse and life eternall, so they beleeue.

Abra.

How many be the Sacraments of the new testament?

Isaac.

Two onely: Baptisme and the Lords Supper.

Abra.

What is the chiefe vse of these two Sacraments?

Isaac.

To confirme and assure our mindes of our fellow∣ship which we haue with Christ, and all his merits vnto sal∣uation.

Abra.

How many things are required in each Sacrament?

Isaac.

Three: first, an outward signe: secondly, an inward thing: thirdly, an agreement or likenesse betweene the signe and the thing.

Abra.

Shew these three things in Baptisme.

Isaac.

In Baptisme the outward signe is water and wash∣ing: secondly, the thing signified and sealed is Christ, for our iustification and sanctification by his word and spirit: thirdly, the likenes is this, that as water washeth, to the out∣ward cleansing of the body: so the bloud and spirit of Christ washeth to the inward purging of the conscience from dead workes.

Abra.

Shew vs also these three things in the Lords Supper?

Isaac.

First, the signes here are bread and wine, and all acti∣ons about them both in Minister and people: secondly, the thing signified and sealed is Christ, for our further grouth by him in our iustification and sanctification: thirdly, the likenesse betweene signe and thing is, that as bread and wine nourisheth vp our bodyes vnto a naturall life: so the

body and bloud of Christ being receiued by faith nourish∣eth vp our soule to a spirituall life.

Abra.

When are we said to be nourished vp to a spirituall life by the Lords Supper?

Isaac.

When the soule is thereby more and more assured of remission of sinnes by the death of Christ, and of per∣fect iustice by his obedience to the Law, together with a greater mortification of sinne, vnto the quieting of the con∣science, and the greater hope of eternall life.

Abra.

Whence haue Sacraments power to signifie and as∣sure Grace?

Isaac.

First, from the words of Christs ordinance and promise: and secondly, from his holy Spirit which work∣eth by them as hee will.

Abra.

VVho are to be Baptised?

Isaac.

First, Infants of Christian parents: secondly, men of yeares, which first be infidels, and afterwards are conuer∣ted to Christianitie.

Abra.

Who are to approach to the Lords Supper with comfort?

Isaac.

Such as are able and doe endeauour to examine themselues.

Abra.

Of what things must they examine themselues?

Isaac.

Of the truth and measure of sauing graces; faith, hope, and loue: whether we haue these, and with what im∣perfections we haue them.

Abra.

When may one know himselfe to be fit for the Lords Supper.

Isaac.

First, when hee hath some vnderstanding of the principles of Religion and a desire to know more. Second∣ly, when the doctrine of the Lords Supper is in some mea∣sure knowne to him. Thirdly, when one begins somewhat to know his particular sins, and to mourne for the offence of God in them, being sorry hee is so little sorry. Fourthly, when vpon sight & feeling of them, & of his want of Christs bloud and euery drop of it; and of his spirit & all the graces thereof, he can hunger and thirst after these things.

Notes

• Sacraments.
• ••••••gination.