A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his church,¹ to signify, seal, and exhibit ² unto those that are within the covenant of grace,³ the benefits of his mediation;⁴ to strengthen and increase their faith, and all other graces;⁵ to oblige them to obedience;⁶ to testify and cherish their love and communion one with another;⁷ and to distinguish them from those that are without.⁸