THE SACRAMENTS.

On this subject the author of the Plea does not pursue the order of the
Platform, in which baptism and the eucharist are discussed separately;
but he unites the two under the caption of Baptismal Regeneration and
the Real Presence in the Eucharist, and enters into some discussions of
the sacraments in general, and then introduces remarks on each in
particular. Whilst we deem a separate discussion of each sacrament
necessary to its proper elucidation, there are certain general views
common to them both, which may with propriety be considered in
connexion. We, therefore, devote some pages to this purpose, under the
head of the _General Nature of the Sacraments_, and reserve the
discussion of each one individually to subsequent chapters. It would
require an extended volume to discuss all the several aspects of this
interesting and solemn subject glanced at by our author. He does not,
however, present in definite lineaments the precise system, which he
attributes to the Lutheran Symbols; and lest we should do him injustice
in endeavoring to present his system in detail, in order to controvert
it, we deem it more Christian and courteous to specify only a few items
of his chapter, and occupy our space chiefly in presenting and
defending what we regard as the doctrine taught in the Word of God on
this subject. This doctrine is also the theory that underlies the
positions of the Definite Platform, and, we suppose, is assented to by
its friends.

The Plea affirms, "The Lutheran doctrine maintains that the Sacraments
have an _intrinsic value; but the Definite Platform seems to regard
them as mere _signs_, which may have a tendency to _promote piety_,
p. 35. On this point we think our author has not clearly presented the
point of difference between the friends of the Platform and the Plea.
We not only admit, but strenuously affirm, that the sacraments have an
important _intrinsic_ influence. The Platform thus describes it:
"Baptism in adults is a means of making a profession of previous faith,
or of being received into the visible church, as well as a _pledge_ and
_condition_ of obtaining _those blessings purchased by Christ_, and
offered to all who repent, believe in him and profess his name by
baptism," p. 30. As to the question, whether this influence is intrinsic
or not, it is not touched in the Platform; although we doubt not its
adherents very generally hold the affirmative. But the real point of
dispute