The Explication.

*THere is a double washing in Baptisme: externall, which is by water: and internall, which is by the bloud and spirit of Christ. The internall wash∣ing is signified and sealed by the externall, and in the lawfull use of Baptisme is joyned therewith. Now this internall washing is of two sorts: [ 1] *The washing of bloud, which is our remission of sinnes, and justi∣fication for the bloud-shed of Christ. [ 2] *The washing of the Spirit, which is our renu∣ing by the holy Ghost. Both these are at once together performed. Wherefore, To be washed by the bloud of Christ, is to be justified, and to receive remission of sins for the bloud of Christ shed on the Crosse for us: To be washed by the holy Ghost, is to be regenerated by the holy Ghost; which regeneration is an alteration and change of evill inclinations into good, which is wrought by the holy Ghost in our will and heart, that we may have an hatred of sinne, and contrariwise, a purpose to live accor∣ding to the will of God.

That this two-fold washing from sins, is signified by the Sacrament of Baptisme, is apparent by these places of Scripture:*John preached the Baptisme of amendment of life, for remission of sinnes. But yee are washed, but yee are sanctified, but yee are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Likewise, in that we are said by baptisme to die, and to be buried with Christ, and to put off the body of sinfull flesh, and put on Christ. Wherefore Baptisme is a Symbole and signe of both washings, or of both benefits (namely, both of remission of sinnes, and amendment of life) not on∣ly because this Sacrament hath some similitude and correspondence with both: but also because these two benefits are ever joyned together, and neither can be with∣out the other. For except Christ wash us, we have no part in him; and, He which hath not the spirit of Christ is none of his. Now, our justification,* which is a washing by the bloud of Christ, and our regeneration, which is a washing by the holy Ghost, differ in this; that justification is finished perfectly in this life by imputation; as it is said, There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus:* but regeneration, or the mutation of our evill nature into good, is not perfectly accomplished in this life, but begun only; yet so, that the beginning thereof is truly in all the godly, and is felt of all that are turned unto God, even whilst they are in this life: because all the godly have a true desire in their will and heart to obey God; so that they are greatly grieved for their other defects.