The whole body of Christian religion, by Hieron. Zanchius. Translated out of Latine by D. Ralph Winterton.

DOCT. VII. That the power and vertue of Baptisme lasteth for ever.

ALthough we come unto the Sa∣crament of Baptisme but once: Yet we believe that the thing it self of the Sacrament, and the power and vertue thereof lasteth for ever, that is, our ingrafting into Christ, and so the participation of his benefits the wash∣ing away of sins, and regeneration, which every day is more and more perfected in us by the holy Ghost. For the Apostle saith, thatb 1.1 Christ hath cleansed the Church with the wash∣ing of water by the word,c 1.2 that he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle.d 1.3 And the bloud of Iesus Christ cleanseth us [eyery day] from all sin. And there∣fore we think that the faithfull and believers being content with the Sa∣crament of Baptisme once received, ought dayly, to be put in mind there∣of, and recall it to their memorie: as

also, into whom they are Baptized, and what God hath conferred upon them by Baptisme; and again, what they likewise have promised unto God: That we may be all every day more and more confirmed in our faith, and grow up together in our communion with Christ, and be made more studious and diligent in the performing of our dutyes. Neither is Baptisme ordained for the remissi∣on either of Originall sinne onely, or the sinnes of our life past; but also for all the sinnes of our whole life: As our plucking out of the water is a signe of new life, not for one day onely, but for all the dayes of our life, according to the saying of the Apostle,a 1.4 We are buried with him by Baptisme [for ever] into death, that, like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk [for ever] in newnesse of life. We were but once washed outwardly with water; but the bloud of Christ is an everliving spring which dayly washeth and cleanseth us from all sinne.

Notes

• b 1.1

  Ephes. 5.26.
• c 1.2

  27.
• d 1.3

  1 Ioh 1.7.
• a 1.4

  Rom. c. 4.