Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 2.djvu/383

Rh His Spirit. Or again, since those tempted to commit it, are either heathen, or members of a sect, which grievously disparages the Sacrament of Baptism, one may hope that they in some measure have done it "ignorantly, in unbelief," through ignorance not altogether their own sin, but in part the sin of those who have taken upon themselves the care of their souls. Otherwise it seems sinning with so high a hand, and so to cut off the very means of pardon and pledge of grace, that one should be horribly afraid for any one who thought of, or had committed it.

A yet more awful view of the case of adults, who receive Baptism wickedly, from worldly motives, and with contempt of 's ordinance, is opened by the analogy of the other Sacrament. As namely, they "who eat and drink unworthily, eat and drink judgment to themselves, not discerning the 's body," there seems much reason to fear that they who receive Baptism unworthily, receive it not merely without benefit, but to their hurt, discerning not the presence of the Holy Trinity, and despising what hath sanctified. I speak not of particular cases, for has in a wonderful manner, for His own glory, made Baptism effectual, when administered in mockery by heathens on a heathen stage, to interest the curiosity of a profane audience, and a Pagan Emperor; and  has put forth His power to vindicate His own ordinances, by making the poor buffoon a