1. The meaning of the word. It is certain, that the word _sacrament_ is not to be found in scripture, though the thing intended thereby, is expressed in other words; and, for this reason, some have scrupled the use of it, and choose rather to make use of other phrases more agreeable to the scripture mode of speaking: But, though we are not to hold any doctrine that is not founded on scripture; yet those which are contained therein, may be explained in our own words, provided they are consonant thereunto. The Greek church knew nothing of the word _sacrament_, it being of a Latin original; but, instead thereof, used the word _mystery_; thereby signifying, that there is in the sacraments, besides the outward and visible signs, some secret or hidden mystery signified thereby. The Latin church used the word _sacrament_, not only as signifying something that is sacred; but as denoting, that thereby they were bound as with an oath, to be the Lord’s; as the Psalmist says, _I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments_, Psal. cxix. 106. and God, by the prophet, says, _Unto me every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall swear_, Isa. xlv. 23. The word Sacrament was used, indeed, by the Romans, to signify that oath which the soldiers took, to be true and faithful to their general, and to fight courageously under his banner; but the primitive Christians signified hereby, that, when they were called to suffer for Christ, which was, as it were, a fighting under his banner, they did in this ordinance, as it were, take an oath to him, expressing their obligation not to desert his cause. Now, since this is agreeable to the end and design of a sacrament, whatever be the first original of the use of the word, I think we have no reason to scruple the using of it, though it be not found in scripture: Nevertheless, Christians ought not to contend, or be angry with one another about this matter, it being of no great importance, if we adhere stedfastly to the explication given thereof in scripture.[52] 2. We shall now consider the nature of a sacrament, as described in one of the answers we are explaining. And here, (1.) It is observed, concerning it, that it is an holy ordinance, instituted by Christ. What we are to understand by an ordinance, and its being founded on a divine institution, which is our only warrant to engage therein, has been before considered; and, indeed, every duty that is to be performed by God’s express command, which he has designed to be a pledge of his presence, and a means of grace, is a branch of religious worship, and may be truly styled an holy ordinance. Now, that the sacraments are founded on Christ’s institution, is very evident from scripture. Thus he commanded his apostles, to _baptize all nations_, Matt. xxviii. 19. and, as to the sacrament of the Lord’s supper, he commanded them to _do_ what is contained therein, _in remembrance of him_, Matt. xxvi. 26, 27. compared with 1 Cor. xi. 24, 25.