Part 48 (1/2)

_Question_.

How many Sacraments hath Christ ordained in his Church?

_Answer_. Two only, as generally necessary to salvation; that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord.

_Question_. What meanest thou by this word Sacrament?

_Answer_. I mean an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace given unto us, ordained by Christ himself, as a means whereby we receive the same, and a pledge to a.s.sure us thereof.

_Question_. How many parts are there in a Sacrament?

_Answer_. Two: the outward visible sign, and the inward spiritual grace.

_Question_. What is the outward visible sign or form in Baptism?

_Answer_. Water: wherein the person is baptized, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

_Question_. What is the inward and spiritual grace?

_Answer_. A death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness: for being by nature born in sin, and the children of wrath, we are hereby made the children of grace.

_Question_. What is required of persons to be baptized?

_Answer_. Repentance, whereby they forsake sin: and faith, whereby they stedfastly believe the promises of G.o.d, made to them in that Sacrament.

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

_Answer_. Because they promise them both by their sureties: which promise, when they come to age, themselves are bound to perform.

_Question_. Why was the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper ordained?

_Answer_. For the continual remembrance of the sacrifice of the death of Christ, and of the benefits which we receive thereby.

_Question_. What is the outward part or sign of the Lord's Supper?

_Answer_. Bread and Wine, which the Lord hath commanded to be received.

_Question_. What is the inward part, or thing signified?

_Answer_. The Body and Blood of Christ, which are verily and indeed taken and received by the faithful in the Lord's Supper.

_Question_. What are the benefits whereof we are partakers thereby?

_Answer_. The strengthening and refres.h.i.+ng of our souls by the Body and Blood of Christ, as our bodies are by the Bread and Wine.

_Question_. What is required of them who come to the Lord's Supper?

_Answer_. To examine themselves, whether they repent them truly of their former sins, stedfastly purposing to lead a new life; have a lively faith in G.o.d's mercy through Christ, with a thankful remembrance of his death; and be in charity with all men.