The Book of Confessions - The Presbyterian Leader

thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces; in judging themselves, (1879)
and sorrowing for sin; (1880) in earnest hungering and thirsting after Christ, (1881) feeding on
him by faith, (1882) receiving of his fullness, (1883) trusting in his merits, (1884) rejoicing in his
love, (1885) giving thanks for his grace; (1886) in renewing of their covenant with
God, (1887) and love to all the saints. (1888)
Q. 175. What is the duty of Christians after they have received the sacrament
of the Lord's Supper?
A. The duty of Christians after they have received the sacrament of the Lord's Supper,
is seriously to consider how they have behaved themselves therein, and with what success; (1889)
if they find quickening and comfort, to bless God for it, (1890) beg the continuance of it, watch
against relapse, (1891) fulfill their vows, (1892) and encourage themselves to a frequent
attendance on that ordinance: (1893) but if they find no present benefit, more exactly to review
their preparation to, and carriage at, the sacrament; (1894) in both which if they can approve
themselves to God and their own consciences, they are to wait for the fruit of it in due
time; (1895) but if they see that they have failed in either, they are to be humbled, (1896) and to
attend upon it afterward with more care and diligence. (1897)
Q. 176. Wherein do the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper agree?
A. The sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper agree, in that the author of both
is God; (1898) the spiritual part of both is Christ and his benefits; (1899) both are seals of the
same covenant, (1900) are to be dispensed by ministers of the gospel and by none other, (1901)
and to be continued in the Church of Christ until his second coming. (1902)
Q. 177. Wherein do the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper differ?
A. The sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper differ, in that Baptism is to be
administered but once, with water, to be a sign and seal of our regeneration and ingrafting into
Christ, (1903) and that even to infants; (1904) whereas the Lord's Supper is to be administered
often, in the elements of bread and wine, to represent and exhibit Christ as spiritual nourishment
to the soul, (1905) and to confirm our continuance and growth in him, (1906) and that only to
such as are of years and ability to examine themselves. (1907)
Q. 178. What is prayer?
A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, (1908) in the name of
Christ, (1909) by the help of his Spirit, (1910) with confession of our sins, (1911) and thankful
acknowledgment of his mercies. (1912)
Q. 179. Are we to pray unto God only?
A. God only being able to search the heart, (1913) hear the requests, (1914) pardon
the sins, (1915) and fulfill the desires of all, (1916) and only to be believed in, (1917) and
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