8. In what sense is the word " exhibit" used in our standards in reference to this subject ?
Compare Con. of Faith, Chap. XXYIL, Sec. 3, and Chap. XXVIII., Sec. 6, and L. Cat. Q. 162.
This word is derived from the Latin word " exhibeo," which bore the twofold sense of conveying and of disclosing. It is evi-
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dent that the term " exhibit" has retained in our standards the former sense of conveying, conferring. As in medical language, " to exhibit a remedy" is to administer it.
9. What is the common doctrine of the reformed churches as to the relation of the sign to the grace signified ?
The reformed confessions agree in teaching that this relation is, 1st, simply moral, i. e., it is established only by the institution and promise of Christ, and it depends upon the right administra- tion of the ordinance, and upon the faith and knowledge of the recipient. And, 2d, that it is real, that is, when rightly adminis- tered, and when received by the recipient with knowledge and faith they do really, because of the promise of Christ, seal the grace signified, and convey it to the recipient, i. e., the recipient does receive the grace with the sign.
This doctrine, therefore, includes, 1st, the Zuinglian view, that the outward visible sign truly signifies the grace. And, 2d, that they are, as ordinances of God's appointment, seals attached to the promise to authenticate it, as the natural phenomenon of the rainbow was made a seal of God's promise to Noah in virtue of the divine appointment. 3d. That as seals thus accompanying a divine promise by divine authority, they do actually convey the grace they signify to those for whom that grace is intended, and who are in a proper spiritual state to receive it, "as a key con- veys admission, a deed, an estate, the ceremony of marriage the- rights of marriage." See Turrettin, L. XIX., question 4 ; Conf. Faith, Chap. XXVII. ; L. Cat., questions 162, 163 ; Cat. Gene., sec. 5th, de Sacramentis ; Conf. Faith of the French Church, arti- cle 34 ; Old Scotch Conf, section 21.
10. Wliat is the design of the sacraments ?
1st. That they should signify, seal and exhibit to those within the covenant of grace the benefits of Christ's redemption, and thus as a principle means of grace edify the church, Matt, iii., 11 ; Gen. xvii., 11, 13 ; 1 Cor. x., 2-21 ; xi., 23-26 ; xii., 13 ; Kom. ii., 28, 29 ; iv., 11 ; vi., 3, 4 ; Gal. iii., 27 ; 1 Pet. iii., 21.
2d. That they should be visible badges of membership in the church, to put a visible difference between the professed followers
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of Christ and the world, Gen. xxxiv., 14 ; Ex. xii., 48 ; Eph. ii., 19 ; Conf. Faith, Chap. XXVIL, section 1.
11. What is the Romish doctrine as to the efficacy of the sac- raments ?
In consistency with their view of the relation of the grace sig- nified to the sign, (see above, question 6,) they hold that the sac- raments, in every case of their legitimate administration, convey the grace- they signify to every recipient not opposing a positive resistance, not depending upon the faith of the receiver, but ex opere operato, by the inherent grace-conferring virtue of the sac- rament itself. The external action of the sacrament they hold to be the sole active and proximate instrumental cause in conferring the grace of justification.
" By the sacraments all true righteousness is commenced, or having been commenced, is increased, or having been lost, is re- stored/'— Coun. Trent, Sess. 7, Prooemium, and canons 6, 7, 8 ; Bellarmine de Sacram. 2, 1.
12. How may this doctrine be disproved f
That the sacraments have not the power of conveying grace to all, whether they are included within the covenant of grace or not, or whether they possess faith or not, is certain, because —
1st. They are seals of the gospel covenant (see below, question 14). But a seal merely ratifies a covenant as a covenant. It can convey the grace promised only on the supposition that the condi- tions of the covenant are fulfilled. But salvation and every spir- itual blessing is by that covenant declared to depend upon the condition of faith.
2d. Knowledge and faith are required as the prerequisite con- ditions necessary to be found in all applicants, as the essential qualification for receiving the sacraments, Acts ii., 41 ; viii., 37 : x., 47 ; Kom. iv., 11.
3d. Faith is essential to render the sacraments efficacious, Horn, ii., 25-29 ; 1 Cor. xi., 27-29 ; 1 Pet. iii., 21.
4th. Many who receive the sacraments are notoriously without the, grace they signify. Witness the case of Simon Magus, Acts viii., ,9-21, and of many of the Corinthians and Gaiatians, and of .the .majority of nominal Christians in the present day.
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5th. Many have had the grace -without the sacraments. Wit- ness Abraham, the thief upon the cross, and Cornelius the centu- rion, and a multitude of eminent Christians among the Society of Friends.