Reason. Because God can use the same instrument to produce divers and contrary effects, and when he doth this, his glory is the more manifested; because thereby it appeares that the effect doth not depend upon the instrument, but upon God: nor doth this come to passe rashly, or by chance, but is ordered and directed by Gods certaine counsell. Vse. This may serve to direct us, in the time of danger not to looke so much upon the meanes which God useth, as to depend upon God himselfe, who can turne any meanes unto the good of those that are his. Doct. 6. Baptisme is such a meanes of our spirituall salvation, as the water of the flood together with the Arke, was heretofore of the corporall safety of Noah and his family.
This is gathered from verse 21. It is called the Antitype of that water, not because the water was the type of Baptisme, and Baptisme the exemplar of it, but because there is a typicall representative similitude betwixt these two waters. And the similitude consists herein, that as the water of the flood lifted up the Arke and saved Noah and his family in the destruction of the rest, so baptisme strengthning our faith, and lifting up our soules unto God reconciled in Christ, saves us in the mortification of our sinnes.
Reason. Because it is Gods institution. Vse 1. This may serve to reprove those, which make little esteeme of baptisme. 2. To direct us, to seeke this right and proper use of Baptisme together with it and by it, and to apply it unto our selves to our comfort. Doct. 7. The outward baptisme doth not save us of it selfe, but the inward.
This is gathered from verse 21. Not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience.
Reason 1. Because outward baptisme is common to the hypocrites as well as to the faithfull.
2. Because it comes not unto the soule.
3. Because it hath no saving power in it selfe.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, not to put too much trust and confidence in the outward Sacraments, or to relye thereupon, that we are baptized and partake of the Lords Sup-
