REFORMED CHURCH. VJ
time an inordinate disposition of the parts of the soul, and a corrupt habit. That there is a difference between the nature itself into which man was created, which exists even after the fall, and remains a creature of God, and original sin; therefore, that there is a difference between corrupt nature, and the corruption which is inherent in nature, and by which nature is corrupt : that no one but God alone can separate the corruption of nature from nature itself; that this will manifestly be done in the blessed resurrection, because then nature itself, which encloses man in this world, will rise again without original sin, and enjoy eternal felicity; that the difference is as great as between the work of God and the work of the devil ; that this sin did not invade nature in such a manner, as if Satan had created any evil substantially, and commixed it with nature, but that concreate and original righteousness was lost : that original sin is an accident ; and that by reason of it, man is, as it were, spiritually dead before God : that this evil is covered and pardoned by Christ alone : that the seed itself from which man is formed, is contaminated with that sin : that hence also it is, that man receives from his parents depraved inclinations and internal uncleanness of heart.
VII. On Baptism. That baptism is not simply water, but that it is water taken by the divine command, and sealed with the Word of God, and thus sanctified : that the virtue, work, fruit, and end of baptism, is, that men may be saved^ and admitted into the Christian communion. That by baptism victory is offered over death and the devil; remission of sins; the grace of God ; Christ with all his works ; and the Holy Spirit with all his gifts ; and eternal blessedness to all and every believer. Whether faith be given to infants, also, by baptism, is a question too deep to be solicitously enquired into. That immersion in water signifies the mortification of the old man, and the resurrection of the new ; that therefore it may be called, the laver of regeneration ; and the true laver
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