130 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF THE [1785 



works of their flesh, and their earthly affections, and raising their 

 minds to heavenly things. But we must receive God's promises as they 

 be generally declared in Holy Scripture, and do his will, as therein 

 i; expressly directed; for without Holiness of Life no man shall be 

 saved. 



12. Of Obtaining Eternal Salvation only by the Name of 



Christ. 



They are to be accounted presumptuous, who sa)', that every man shall 

 be saved by the Law or Sect which he professeth, so that he be diligent 

 to frame his life according to that law, and the light of nature. For 

 Holy Scripture doth set out unto us only the Name of Jesus Christ, 

 whereby men must be saved, 



13. Of the Church and its Authority. 



The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, 

 wherein the pure word of God is preached, and the sacraments are duly 

 administered, according to Christ's ordinance in all things necessary 

 and requisite : And every Church hath power to ordain, change and 

 abolish rites and ceremonies, for the more decent order and good gov- 

 ernment thereof, so that all things be done to edifying. But it is not 

 lawful for the Church to ordain anything contrary to God's word ; nor 

 so to expound the Scripture, as to make one part seem repugnant to 

 another; nor to decree or enforce anything to be believed as necessary 

 to salvation, that is contrary to God's holy word. General Councils 

 and Churches are liable to err, and have erred, even in matters of 

 Paith and Doctrine, as well as in their ceremonies. 



14. Of Ministering in the Congregation. 



It is not lawful for any man to take upon him the office of public 

 preaching, or ministering the Sacraments in the Congregation, before 

 he be lawfully called, and sent to execute the same. And those we 

 ought to judge lawfully called and sent, who are chosen and called to 

 this work by men who have public authority given unto them in the 

 congregation, to call and send Ministers into the Lord's vineyard. 



15. Of the Sacraments. 



Sacraments ordained of Christ, be not only badges or tokens of 

 Christian men's profession : but rather they be certain sure witnesses, 

 and effectual signs of Grace, and God's good will towards us, by the 

 which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but 

 also strengthen and confirm our Faith in him. 



There are Two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the 

 Gospel, that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. 



