In our studies concerning the methods of Grace, or the application of the Salvation purchased by Christ, to the sinful race of Adam’s children, we necessarily had to begin with the new-born child.  We noted the first known operations of Grace at the baptismal font.  We traced the infant through the holy influences received at a Christian mother’s knee, and in the nurture of a Christian home.  We followed up through the lessons and influences of the Church’s nursery, the Sunday-school, and from thence into the pastor’s catechetical class.  We have learned that these are the different successive steps in the Way of Salvation.  This is God’s way in the sanctuary.  It begins at the baptismal font, where the child is received as a member of the Church of Christ; it leads through the Church in the house, and through it keeps up a living connection with the Church in the sanctuary.  It is making disciples in accordance with Christ’s plain directions, viz, “baptizing them, and teaching them.”

We have also admitted all along that there may be some who will go through with this whole process and yet not be disciples of Christ at the end.  They wilfully resist the operations of divine Grace, and cast away the pearl.  This class we leave, for the present.  We will consider them further on.

We speak now of those who have been made disciples; who have not resisted the gracious influences of the Spirit of God, working through the sacramental and written Word.  Their minds are enlightened; they know something of sin and Grace and the bestowal and reception of Grace; they have an intelligent understanding of the plan of salvation revealed in the Word of God.  But this is not all.

Their hearts also have been drawn ever nearer and closer to their dear Saviour; they believe in and love the Lord Jesus Christ; they are ready to give an answer to every man that asks of them a reason of the hope that is in them.  In the ardor and fervor of their young hearts’ devotion they can repeat these beautiful words of their catechism and say:  “I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord; who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, secured and delivered me from all sin, from death, and from the power of the devil ... in order that I might be His, live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness.”

Further, they can joyfully say:  “I believe that I cannot by my own reason and strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to Him.  But the Holy Ghost has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me by His gifts, sanctified and preserved me in the true faith,” etc.