SECT. XLVIII. Of Baptism.

Quest. WHat doth Baptism represent to you?

A. Two Washings: 1. The Washing of our Justification, which consists in the Forgiveness of our Sins. 2. The Wash∣ing of Regeneration, which consists in our being renewed spiritually by the Holy Ghost.

Q. Are those Graces communicated by Baptism, Ex opere operato, as they speak in the Schools, by Page  123 the thing done? that is to say, by the bare Action of the Sacrament, wiihout the disposition of him that receives contributing thereunto?

A. No, But by the power of the Holy Ghost in them who have Faith and Repen∣tance: for as it was not the blood of the Hei∣fer that purified the Conscience, neither is it the Water of Baptism, but the Blood of Je∣sus Christ that cleanses from Sin: and there∣fore Baptism is called, 1 Pet. 3.21. A figure, which saves us, not the putting away the filth of the flesh, says the Apostle, but the answer of a good Conscience towards God, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Q. Why then are Children baptized which are not capable of Faith and Repentance?

A. Because, having an interest in the Co∣venant, they ought also to receive the Sign thereof, Acts 2.38, 39. Be ye baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the Remission of sins; for the promise is unto you, and to your chil∣dren. But these Children when they come to Age must apply to themselves the Promise made to them in Baptism, or else the Sacra∣ment will serve only to aggravate their Con∣demnation.