Question 91

Do the Sacraments certainly save all that partake of them?

No. They that were rejected of Christ could say, We have eaten and drunk in thy Presence,^a

Are they then effectual by any Virtue in themselves?

No. For bodily Exercise profits little,^b

Do they of themselves confer Grace?

No. For if thou be a Breaker of the Law thy Circumcision is made Uncircumcision,^c

Is the Thing signified of greater Consequence than the Sign?

Yes. For Circumcision is that of the Heart, in the Spirit, and not in the Letter,^d

Doth the Efficacy of the Sacraments depend upon the Minister?

No. For who is Paul, and who is Apollo, but Ministers by whom ye believed?^e

Doth the Goodness of the Minister invigorate the Sacrament?

No. For Philip baptized Simon, who yet was in the Gall of Bitterness,^f

Doth the Badness of the Minister invalidate the Sacrament?

No. For Judas was number’d with us, and obtain’d part of this Ministry,^g

Doth the Efficacy of Sacraments depend upon the Blessing of Christ?

Yes. Lo I am with you always,^h

And upon the working of the Spirit?

Yes. For it is the Spirit that quickneth,ⁱ

And are they effectual to those only that by Faith receive them?

Yes. He that believes, and is baptiz’d, shall be sav’d,^j