17. What doctrine do the ritualists maintain as to the neces- sity of the sacraments ?
The Eomanists distinguish, 1st, between a condition absolutely necessary to attain an end, and one which is only highly conveni- ent and helpful in order to it. And. 2d, between the necessitv which attaches to essential means, and that obligation which arises from the positive command of God. Accordingly, they hold that the several sacraments are necessary in different re- spects.
Baptism they hold to be absolutely necessary, either its actual reception, or the honest purpose to receive it, alike for infants and adults, as the sole means of attaining salvation.
Penance they hold to be absolutely necessary in the same sense, but only for those who have committed mortal sin subse- quently to their baptism.
Orders they hold to be absolutely nocessary in the same sense, yet not for every individual, as a means of personal salvation, but in respect to the whole church as a community.
Confirmation, the Eucharist, and Extreme Unction are necessary only in the sense of having been commanded, and of being eminently helpful
Marriage they hold to be necessaiy only in this second sense, and only for those who enter into the conjugal relation. — Cat. Bom., Part II, Chap. I., Q. 13.
Puseyites, and high churchmen generally, hold the dogma of
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baptismal regeneration, and of course the consequence that bap- tism is absolutely necessary as the sole means of salvation.
18. What is the Protestant doctrine as to the necessity of the sacraments f *
1st. That the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's supper were instituted by Christ, and that their perpetual observance is obligatory upon the church upon the ground of the divine precept. This is evident (1.) from the record of their institution, Matt, xxviii., 19 ; 1 Cor. xi., 25, 26 ; (2.) from the example of the apostles, Acts ii. 41 ; viii., 37 ; 1 Cor. xi., 23-28 ; x., 16-21.
2d. That nevertheless the grace offered in the gospel covenant does not reside in these sacraments physically, nor is it tied to them inseparably, so that, although obligatory as duties, and helpful as means to those who are prepared to receive them, they are in no sense the essential means, without which salvation can not be attained. This is proved by the arguments presented above, under question 12.
19. What sacraments impress a " character'' according to the Romanists j and what do they mean by that term f
They hold that the effects of the sacraments are twofold, 1st, sanctifying grace, which is an effect common to them all. 2d. The " character" they impress, which is an effect peculiar to three, baptism, confTmiation, and holy orders. This " sacramen- tal character" (from the Greek word xa9aliT19, a mark, or device, engraved or impressed by a seal) is a distinctive and indelible impression stamped on the soul, " the twofold effect of which is, that it qualifies us to receive or perform something sacred, and distinguishes one from another." It is upon this account that baptism and confirmation are never repeated, and that the au- thority and privileges of the priesthood can never be alienated. — Cat. Kom., Part II., Chap. I., Q. 18 and 19 ; Council Trent, Sess. 7, can. 9.
This is an idle conceit, altogether unsupported by Scripture.
C HAP TEH XXXIX,
BAPTISM, ITS NATURE AND DESIGN, MODE, SUBJECTS, EFFICACY, AND NECESSITY.
The nature and design of baptism.
1. How is baptism defined in our standards ?
Con. of Faith, Chap. XXYIII. L. Cat., Q. 165. S. Cat., Q. 94.
The essential points of this definition are, 1st, it is a washing with water. 2d. A washing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 3d. It is done with the design to " signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to he the Lord's."
2. What is essential to the ci matter" of baptism ?
As to its "matter," baptism is essentially a washing with water. No particular mode of washing is essential, 1st, because no such mode is specified in the command. See below, questions 7-17. 2d. Because no such mode of administration is essential to the proper symbolism of the ordinance. See below, question 6. On the other hand, water is necessary, 1st, because it is com- mandecL 2d. Because it is essential to the symbolism of the rite. It is the natural symbol of moral purification, Eph. v., 25, 26 ; and it was established as such in the ritual of Moses.
3. What is necessary as to the form of words in which bap- tism is administered t
It is essential to the validity of the ordinance that it should be administered " in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Grhost." This is certain, 1st, because it is included
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