means of pardon or justification; _but they
are means of grace, like the Word of God, and seals of grace to all
worthy recipients_. They have _an intrinsic efficacy_ by virtue of the
truths symbolically represented by them, and an _additional specific
efficacy_ in virtue of their peculiar nature, in connexion with the
influence of the Holy Spirit, to awaken, convert and sanctify the soul.
The distinguished Lutheran divine, _Dr. Baumgarten_, speaking of adult
receivers of these ordinances, thus expresses his view: "The sacraments
stand in the same relation to these influences, (namely, those of
covenant grace,) as does the _Word of God_. Hence they are also called
the visible word of God, _verbum visible;_ because the _offer_ of their
reformatory, changing and restoring influence is universal, and reaches
every recipient of these ordinances; but its actual communication and
full effect take place only in those, who permit themselves to be made
susceptible of it." [Note 19] In regard to children, however, he with
equal propriety adds, that the blessings which baptism confers on them,
are bestowed irrespectively of any action of their own.

These sacraments, however, do not necessarily prove the existence of any
particular progress in the work of conversion, or any definite state of
mind, except, a general disposition to seek the Lord, which is implied
in the willingness to attend on these ordinances. They cannot therefore
be the condition of pardon or justification.

These influences, like those of the truth, may be resisted, and depend
for their success on the disposition of the recipient; they do not act
_ex opere operato_. The _special_ influence of the sacraments, so far as
known, is the same in kind_ as that of the truth.

_That the sacraments are not_ IMMMEDIATE _conditions of pardon or
justification_, is evident, from a multitude of considerations.

1. If the sincere reception of the sacraments actually secures pardon
or justification _per se, immediately_, without the intervening
instrumentality of a living faith, then faith is not the only condition
of justification as the scriptures teach, but we are justified either
by faith, or by the sacraments, and then there will be _three conditions
of justification_, faith, baptism, and the Lord's Supper! For thousands
receive the eucharist sincerely, who are unregenerate, and have not a
living faith.

2. Because no sinner is morally qualified for pardon, until he has