in the place of circumcision, and is now what that institution formerly was.

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him, through the faith of the operation of God. Col. ii. 11, 12.

In what light are Circumcision and Baptism to be considered?

1. As seals of spiritual blessings and outward privileges.

Seals are intended for the confirmation or attestation of the agreement entered into by the parties who use them. In this case Baptism vouches the truth of God for the performance of the promises made in his word.

He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of faith. Rom. iv. 11.

2. As a sign of regeneration.

So many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death. Rom. vi. 3.

As Christ died for our sins, so we should die unto sin. As many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Gal. iii. 27.

Is it right to baptize children?

Yes, certainly; infants were admitted members of the Church, under the law, by circumcision, which was the only rite of admission, either for children or adults. Baptism is the only ordinance in the Christian Church, whereof children can partake; they must therefore be admitted to it, otherwise the dispensation of the gospel must be more limited than that of the law. Children are certainly as capable of receiving the blessings, and fulfilling the duties required of them now, as under the Jewish

economy.

The covenant made with Abraham was,

I will be a God to thee and to thy seed. Gen. xvii. 7.

The promise of the Gospel is,

To you and to your children.

Acts ii. 39.

Jesus says, speaking of children whom he invited to come to him,

Of such is the kingdom of God, i. e. the gospel church. Matt. xviii. 4; xix. 14. Mark x. 14.

The Apostles baptized whole households, which we

And when she was baptized, and her household, &c. Acts xvi. 15.

And was baptized, he and all his, straightway. Acts xvi. 33. The child of a believing parent is said by St. Paul to be holy, which could only he, by its being dedicated to God in baptism.

But now are they holy. 1 Cor. vii. 14.

Infant baptism prevailed universally in the early ages of the Church, a circumstance which cannot be accounted for but by admitting its existence in the times of the Apostles with the Divine sanction.

Who ordained Baptism?
Christ himself.

Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them. Matt. xxviii. 18, 19.

He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved. Mark xvi. 15, 16.

Did our Lord himself baptize?

No.

-Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples. John iii. 22. 26; iv. 1, 2.

What is Baptism called in the Catechism?

A sacrament, which formerly meant a military oath to be faithful, but which we understand to be "An outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace." (See the concluding Chapter.)*

Words, precepts, and promises are liable to be forgotten; therefore, in condescension to our weakness, God has vouchsafed to represent the most considerable points of religion in visible ceremonies, that we may the more easily understand the things represented, and keep in our minds a remembrance of the things signified. Thus sacrifices were appointed to Adam, circumcision to Abraham, and various significant ceremonies to the Jews.

"What is the outward visible sign or form in Baptism?

"Water; wherein the person is baptized " In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Why are we baptized in the name of the Father, Son, ana Holy Ghost?

To show that we believe in, and rest for salvation on

In order to comprise all that is said on Baptism in a single view, the

the work of the Holy Trinity, dedicating ourselves to the service of the Father as our Creator, the Son as our Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost as our Sanctifier.

What does water represent to us?

The cleansing of the soul from sin by the blood of Christ, and its renewal by the influence of the Holy Ghost. Water is used to purify us, and it is therefore a very proper emblem of these purifying and refreshing influences of the Gospel.

Then will I sprinkle clean water, and ye shall be clean. Ezek. xxxvi. 25. 37.

But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified. 1 Cor. vi. 11. "What is the inward and spiritual grace ?"

"A death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness." We were dead in trespasses and sins in our natural state; in our regenerate state we should be alive unto righteousness. We should retain no love for sin, and whenever we feel it rising within us, we should strive against it, and pray to God to enable us to conquer it.

How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Rom. vi. 2.

For he that is dead is freed from sin. Rom. vi. 7.

Likewise reckon ye yourselves to be dead unto sin. Rom. vi. 11. By whom the world is crucified unto me. Gal. vi. 14.

What do you mean by a new birth unto righteousness ?

Receiving a new and divine nature totally opposed to the corrupt nature we derived from Adam. The hearts and affections of those who are thus born again are set upon God, and their constant desire is to please and obey him.

Which were born not of the will of man, but of God. John i. 13. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John iii. 3.

You hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses. Eph. ii. 1. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Eph. iv. 23, 24. Being born again-by the word of God. 1 Pet. i. 23.

That we being dead to sin, should live unto righteousness. 1 Pet. ii. 24.

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin. 1 John iii. 9.

Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world.

1 John

Do all baptized persons partake of this inward grace?.

to the prayers offered for them at their baptism; but the outward sign will not profit those who live and die without the inward grace.

Circumcise, therefore, the foreskin of your heart. Deut. x. 16. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved. Mark xvi. 16. Abraham was circumcised after he became a believer; Ishmael was circumcised, who probably never believed; and Isaac was thus initiated into the Church when he was only eight days old, and of course before he believed.

The belief here required is a personal application to Jesus. It is not enough to confess him with our mouth, but our hearts must also be influenced, (Rom. x. 9,) otherwise our faith will be of as little avail as that of Simon Magus.

Then Simon himself believed also, and was baptized. Acts viii. 13.

Peter said to him-Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right with God. Acts viii. 21.

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized? (viz. Cornelius, and his family.) Acts x. 44. 47. Circumcision is that of the heart. Rom. ii. 25. 29.

In Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. Gal. vi. 15.

"What is required of persons to be baptized ?"

"Repentance, whereby they forsake sin and Faith, whereby they steadfastly believe the promises of God made to them in that Sacrament."

"Why then are infants baptized, when by reason of their tender age they cannot perform them ?"

ner.*

"Because they promise them both, viz. repentance and faith, by their sureties," (or sponsors,) who are called upon to see that the children be brought up in a religious manAs persons in any agreement are bound by the engagements of their representatives, and receive the benefits of the contract; so in the baptismal covenant, children promise repentance and faith by their sureties, "which promise, when they come to age, themselves are bound to perform."

Article 25.-In such only as worthily receive the same, the sacraments have a wholesome effect or operation.

All baptized persons do not partake of the blessings attending baptism, because they do not all repent and believe. For man having broken his baptismal promise to

God, God is freed from the performance of the promises he made at baptism to man.

What does the Catechism say we are made in baptism?

Members of Christ, children of God, and inheritors of the kingdom of heaven.

What is it to be a member of Christ?

It is to be united to him, as the branch is to the vine, and as the members are to the body, Christ being the head. It is to be a member of his church, which is his body.

-The church which is his body. Eph. i. 22, 23.

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Cor. xii. 27.

This union is obtained by faith in Christ, and in baptism we make a profession of it, and receive the outward sign of it.

Yield your members as instruments of righteousness. Rom. vi. 13.

What is it to be a child of God?

It is to be adopted into his family, treated as a son, and to be trained up for his kingdom.

If his children keep not my law. Ps. lxxxix. 30, &c.

As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God. John i. 12.

As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Rom. viii. 14.

I-will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Cor. vi. 18.

Be ye followers of God, as dear children. Eph. v. 1.

Behold what manner of love-to be called sons of God. 1 John iii. 1.

Every one that loveth is born of God. 1 John iv. 7.

What is it to be an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven?

It is to have a title to the kingdom of heaven, founded on the promises of God, in Christ Jesus, to his children; and, after death, to obtain possession of the inheritance. Come, ye children of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you, &c. Matt. xxv. 34. John xiv. 2, 3.

go to prepare a place for you. The unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor.

vi. 9.

If children, then heirs-heirs of God. Rom. viii. 17.

The heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant. Gal. iv. 1.

Who hath begotten us again to an inheritance, &c. 1 Pet.