TO THE MOST REVEREND FATHER IN GOD, CHARLES, BY DIVINE PROVIDENCE, LORD ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, PRIMATE OF ALL ENGLAND, AND METROPOLITAN. MY LORD, IN seeking a patron for the Volume now presented to your GRACE, it was natural that I should address myself to one, to whom, though already under deep obligations, I had found, by experience, that it was not painful to be a debtor. There seemed too to be a propriety in placing under your GRACE's protection a course of Sermons, preached before that body, to my connection with which I primarily owe my introduction to your GRACE, and the distinguished honour of an ap pointment as one of your Domestic Chap lains. For the readiness with which my request to that effect was acceded to, I have now to renew my acknowledgments; and publicly to express my sense of your GRACE's kindness and condescension, in permitting the following Work to appear under the sanction of a name, which cannot but ensure it a favourable reception, in the first instance, from those, whose judgment must finally decide upon its merits. With unfeigned sentiments of duty and respect, I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your GRACE'S most obliged and most obedient servant, WILLIAM VAUX. October 6, 1826. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY observations on the general presumption, Entrance upon the more particular inquiry, what those benefits are. inquiry will be conducted, with respect to both Sacra- ments. Of the nature of the rite of Baptism; of the natural significancy of the action, which constitutes its material part; and of the limitation of that significancy to its particular purposes, by the words of institution, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them. Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that On the most important texts of the apostolical Epistles, But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are jus- I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he |
