Believers-Baptism from Heaven and of Divine Institution Infants-Baptism from Earth and Human Invention Proved from the Commission of Christ the great Law-giver to the Gospel-Church With a Brief yet sufficient Answer to Thomas Wall 's Book called Baptism Anatomized Together with a brief Answer to a part of Mr. Daniel Williams's Catechism in his Book unto Youth By Hercules Collins a Servant of the Servants of Christ Luke 7.29 30. And the Publicans justified God being baptized with the Baptism of John But the Pharisees and the Expounders of the Law rejected the Counsel of God against themselves in not being baptized with the Baptism of John London Printed for the Author and sold by J. Hancock in Castle-Alley near the Royal-Exchange 1691. THE CONTENTS CHap. 1. An Introduction Page 5 Chap. 2. Contains the Doctrines Page 8 Chap. 3. That Baptism is Dipping Page 11 Chap. 4. Shewing Believers only are the proper Subjects of Baptism Page 20 Chap. 5. Answer to Objections Page 27 Chap. 6. Natural Inferences Page 63 Chap. 7. Arecital of those Scriptures speaking of Baptism Page 72 Chap. 8. Of great Sufferings undergone for maintaining Believers and denying Infants-Baptism Page 76 Chap. 9. The Book epitomized in comparing Believers-Baptism and Infant-Baptism together Page 81 Chap. 10. The Miscarriage of the German Anabaptists falsly so called examined and the Reproach from thence reflected upon that way removed Page 95 Chap. 11. A brief but sufficient Answer to Tho. Wall 's Book called Baptism Anatomiz'd Page 108 Chap. 12. A brief Answer to a part of Mr. D. Williams his Catechism in his Book unto Youth Page 128 ERRATA In Page 108 114 115. for John Wall read Thomas Wall THE PREFACE Courteous Reader MY desire is that Thou would'st spend one Hour or Two seriously to read this small Book first of all begging of God it may be sanctified to thy Soul Read it without prejudice or partiality and as one that is willing to receive the Truth and entring into another World be like the Noble Bereans search the Scriptures to see whether these Things be so or no Take nothing from Man tho never so Learned and Holy upon trust without trial With what confidence may a Man die when he hath Thus saith the Lord for his Faith and Practice This is all from him that wisheth your Soul's welfare H. C. Water-Baptism Discours'd From St. Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved CHAP. I. IT was God's Command unto the Prophet Ezekiel Ezek. 43.11 to shew his People the Form of his House with the goings in thereof c. Know therefore ye Servants of the Lord as Circumcision was the Door into the Jewish Church which was National so Baptism is the Door into the gospel-Gospel-Church which is Congregational Hence St. Luke saith They that gladly received the Apostles Words were baptized and added unto the Church in number about three thousand Souls Acts 2.41 The Ancients call Baptism * Janua Sacramentorum As Listing is the solemn engaging Sign into an Army so is Baptism into the Church Mr. Baxter Baptism is a sign of entring into the Church Ursinus Baptism is the solemn admission of the Party into the visible Church Assemb Catechism the Gate of the Sacraments because by it we enter into the Church and have Communion with Saints In the Jewish Church they became Members as they were the fleshly or natural Seed of Abraham but now Members of the Gospel-Church as the spiritual Seed of Abraham Now we must not reckon from Abraham unto Christ but from Christ to Abraham If we are Christ's then are we Abraham 's Seed Gal. 3.29 not Christ's because we are Abraham's or our Parents Believers Under the Old Testament Persons became Members of the Church by Generation under the New by Regeneration Baptism is a Foundation-Principle of Church-Constitution Heb. 6.1 2. But the Foundation-Principle of Salvation is Faith in Christ or at least a Profession of it Hence we read Persons were first Converted then Baptized after added unto the Church Acts 2.41 My Intent is to display this Sacrament in its Apostolick Primitive Purity free from the Adulterations of Men a Sin which God charged upon the Learned Jews that they made void the Commands of God by their Traditions O that none of the Learned among the Gentiles especially those of the Reformed Churches may be chargeable with setting up Mens Inventions in the room of Christ's Institutions Mat. 15.6 9. CHAP. II. THis Text He that believeth and is Baptized is a great part of the Commission which is the Foundation and Warrant for all Gospel-Ministers Preaching and Baptizing unto the end of the World ☞ Obedience is to be grounded upon the Majesty of the Commander not the Judgment of the Subject The Architect was rewarded with a bundle of Rods for bringing as he thought a fitter piece of Timber than was commanded by the Roman Consul And it cost a Roman Gentleman his Life his own Father being Judg tho conquering an Enemy being done contrary to his General 's Command Remember Nadab and Abihu It 's worth our noting Here is first Faith then Baptism Therefore to baptize before there be any appearance of Faith is directly contrary unto this unerring standing Rule and doth reflect upon our Lord and Lawgiver as if he spoke rashly and inconsiderately putting that first which should be last and that last which should be first And so in the parallel Text Mat. 28.18 there is first Teaching before baptizing not first baptized but taught first From this part of our Lord's Commission we collect these Truths Doct. 1. It 's the unalterable Will of Jesus Christ who is King and Law-giver to his Gospel-Church that all Persons believe before they are baptized Doct. 2. It 's the indispensable Duty of all true Believers to be Baptized I call it an indispensable Duty because I know no Place where our Lord hath left this to the Liberty of Believers to do it or leave it undone as best pleaseth them Therefore if this be your Lord and Saviour's Will Believers pray obey him In your Prayers you desire you may be enabled to do his Will on Earth as it is in Heaven This is one part of his Divine Will Your Redeemer was willing to be baptized in Blood for your Salvation and will not you be baptized in Water in obedience to his Commission Moreover Christ calls it Mat. 3.15 a fulfilling of all Righteousness I am perswaded should God have commanded some great Thing as was once said to Naaman the Syrian 2 Kings 5.13 it would have been done by many in the Reformed Churches before now How much rather when he only saith Go wash and be clean Or as Ananias unto St. Paul Arise and wash away thy Sins viz. Sacramentally and Symbolically as it is in the Lord's Supper Take heed my Friends you are not guilty of Contempt looking upon Christ's Ordinances as mean low and little things for nothing is mean
the Unity of the Faith and of the Knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect Man unto the measure of the Stature of the Fulness of God Ephes 3.21 Chap. 4.11 12. Infant-Baptism GOD hath not promised all Infants that are Baptized shall be saved But there is no Similitude between Christ's Death Burial Resurrection and Infants sprinkled on the Face But Infants Baptized are not converted and may come into Condemnation But Infants Baptized do not love God and keep his Commandments Therefore Infant-Baptism must be of Men because it 's before Teaching Repenting and Believing But those who baptize Infants baptize Heathens because all are Children of Wrath by Nature before born again Ephes 3.2 But Infant-Baptism hath manifold Contradictions by asserting that Baptism is a Symbol of present Regeneration yet apply it to an ignorant Infant Also that it figures out Christ's Death Burial and Resurrection yet do nothing but sprinkle or pour Water on the Face They separate from Rome as the false Church yet own their Baptism the Foundation-Stone They own the Doctrine of Perseverance in Grace and no falling from it baptizing the Children of Believers as in the Covenant of Grace yet afterwards teach their Conversion and in case of Vnbelief reject them as Reprobates But Infants Baptized come not to the Lord's Supper immediately nor lawfully But the Baptism of Infants cannot be a sign of Regeneration to them Infant-Baptism hath no Command But Infants have none of those confirmed to them in their Baptism But we have not one Example for the baptizing an Infant But Infant-Baptism is no part of God's Counsel appears because Christ nor his Apostles never delivered any such thing Infant Baptism never was sealed by God But in Infant-Baptism the Infant acts no Faith But Infants have no answer of a good Conscience in Baptism But how can any die for Infant-Baptism when it wants the Broad Seal of God's Word for the Authority But God is not glorified in Infants Baptism because none of God's Counsel But to reject Infant-Baptism cannot be against any Person because it is none of the Counsel of God But there is no harmony with the Commission in Infant-Baptism nor with their own Profession which is that Faith and Repentance is required in Persons to be baptized yet confess that Children unto whom they apply it have neither Again that it is a demonstration of a Spiritual Marriage between God and the Believer yet assign it unto Subjects as uncapable of it as a Stock or Stone Moreover that the Baptismal Covenant enters into the Visible Church yet deny Church-Members the Lord's Supper But Infant-Baptism needs but a little therefore it is not according to God's Word But the baptizing Infants at the best is doubtful But it was never delivered as an Ordinance of Christ to sprinkle Infants But to baptize Infants is to change God's Ordinance in the Subject and Manner But such as are baptized on anothers Faith may perish Infants cannot worship God in that Act in Spirit and Truth because not an Act of Judgment and Choice Will and Affection But all who baptize Believers do deny that Infants were baptized Infants know not remember not any thing of their Baptism All Infants baptized are not in the Covenant of Grace Infants Baptism is from Earth and the Counsel of Men. But Infants baptized may be Children of Wrath. But to baptize Infants is to act without a Pattern or Command But all Infants baptized do not receive Remission of Sins But in Infants Baptism the Infant puts forth no Act of Obedience But Infants Baptism hath many namely that Persons may have Regeneration Grace before Vocation and that Persons may be visible church-Church-Members before Conversion Moreover that Persons may be baptized by another's Faith Also making a National gospel-Gospel-Church instead of a Congregational and bringing in a carnal fleshly Seed into Christ's Church in the room of a Spiritual Seed But Infants weep when baptized as if they did dissent Infant-Baptism hath nothing but humane Consequence But all the World cannot affirm any Infants were baptized by the Apostles But all Infants baptized are not living Stones fit for God's House But you cannot repel Satan saying It is written Infants were baptized for it is not written But God may say to those who baptize Infants Who hath required these things at your Hands because God commanded it not But Infant-Baptism must fall because it hath not the Word of God to support it But to baptize Infants without a Divine Command is the way to be made ashamed because no respect to God's Command But the most Holy the most Wise the most Learned never was subjected unto Infant-Baptism But Infants baptized cannot repent or believe examine themselves make no Judgment of things nor take up Christ's Cross Watch nor Pray love not nor watch not over one another cannot be Members of a Gospel-Church Infant-Baptism hath started up several hundred Years since Christ and his Apostles But Infants ought not to be baptized who are only legitimately Holy as all born in Wedlock are and is the Holiness mentioned 1 Cor. 7.14 Infant-Baptism hath not one Promise But in Infant-Baptism all these are frustrated and being applied to an Infant are but Mock-shows and altogether insignificant But Infant-Sprinkling is an inverting the Order and Manner and contrary to the Vsage of the Apostolick Times and End of the Ordinance and is a telling a Lie in the Name of the Lord saying I Baptize when he doth but Rantize But Infant-Baptisme doth introduce many Errors in that it was to take away Original Sin work Grace and Regeneration effect Salvation by the Work done that it was an Apostolical Tradition that Children have Faith and are Disciples of Christ that all Children of Believers are in the Covenant defiling and polluting the Church with false Matter and confounding the Church and the World together introducing many hainous Traditions and Inventions of Antichrist together with it as Gossips or Sureties Bishoping or Confirmation Chrism Exorcism Consignation Lastly It hath made a great deal of Contention in the Church of Christ and stirred up much Hatred Infants baptized are not taught of God nor made Disciples of Christ Then such are greatly Heterodox and unsound who slight and contemn Water-Baptism under pretence of being baptized with the Holy Ghost Then that Argument is of Flesh and not Spirit of Man and not God that rejects Water-Baptism and the Supper as carnal under an ungrounded imagination of the Baptism of the Spirit Then for any to neglect those Ordinances under an imagination those Commands ceased at the end of the Apostles Age are under a delusion If so then the Church-State did not end with the Apostles neither can Ordinances cease for want of Administrators CHAP. X. Contains an Enquiry into the Carriages of the German Anabaptists falsly so called in Luther's Time and the Reproach from thence reflected upon that Way removed THE Matter of Fact which hath caused such a Noise in the
the Name of Lollards Hence we read in Mr. Fox of Lollards Tower commands all sorts to Baptize their Children and to forbear Rebaptization upon the penalty of Pecuniary Mulcts and Imprisonments The second Edict extended to Banishment Confiscation and Death this was five Years after in 1530. Many starved and died in Prison The Duke of Newburgh Anno 1653. banished all the Anabaptists out of his Country who thereupon disperse themselves into the Dukedom of Cleave and Brandenburgh An Abstract of the bloody Edict of the Emperor Charles the 5th of Spain made June 1535. against the Anabaptists or Waldensian Christians and the execution thereof in the Seventeen Provinces viz. COmmanding all Persons to renounce those Perswasions and Practices and refrain the publishing the same by Preaching or otherwise upon penalty of forfeiture of Life and Goods without Mercy The Men to be burnt the Women to be drowned And all that Conceal Harbour and do not in their Places prosecute the Law against them to suffer the same Penalty And that those that discover them to have the third part of their Estates forbidding all Mediation or Intercession upon severe Punishment Many hundreds suffered Death upon this Edict and what his Son Philip made in 1556. Thus you see Christ's Words made good His People shall suffer for Righteousness sake See this Chapteâ— much enlarged in Danvers on Bâ—ptism CHAP. IX Contains an Epitome of this Book in a Comparison of Believers-Baptism and Infant-Baptism together Believers-Baptism GOd hath promised in the Text That all who believe and are Baptized shall be saved Mark 16.16 There is a lively Similitude between Christ's Death Burial Resurrection and Believers being buried in Baptism Rom. 6.4 Believers Baptized are converted and shall never come into Condemnation John 5.24 Believers Baptized love God and keep his Commandments John 14.15 It 's Christ's Command that Teaching Repenting and Believing should precede and go before Baptism Matth. 28.18 19. Those who baptize Believers baptize Christians In Believers Baptism there are no Contradictions attend the practice of it Believers Baptized come lawfully and immediately to the Lord's Supper Acts 2.41 42. Believers Baptism is a sign of Regeneration unto them Tit. 3.5 Believers Baptism hath a Command Mat. 28.18 19. Believers Baptism confirms unto them Justification Remission and Salvation Acts 2. Chap. 22.16 Mark 16.16 We have many Examples for Believers Baptism Acts 8. Chap. 10. Ch. 16.18 Christ was faithful in all his House and St. Paul delivered the whole Counsel of God and so Believers Baptism is a part of God's Counsel Luke 7. Believers Baptism hath been gloriously sealed in the Holy Ghost's coming upon Christ in the likeness of a Dove when he was coming up out of the Water Mat. 3.16 In Believers Baptism the Person baptized acts Faith Acts 8.37 In Believers Baptism the Subject baptized hath the Answer of a good Conscience 1 Pet. 3.16 A Man might comfortably die as many have done in Mentz Holland Germany and the Palatinate for asserting Believers Baptism because it hath God's Word for its Foundation The Publicans glorified God in being baptized with John's Baptism because it was the Counsel of God Luke 7. The Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the Counsel of God against themselves in not being baptized with the Baptism of John Luke 3. In Believers Baptism there is a glorious Harmony with the Commission Mar. 16.16 Believers Baptism requireth much Water as according to God's Word John 3. It 's without all doubt Believers were Baptized To baptize Believers is to keep the Ordinances as they were delivered 1 Cor. 11.2 To baptize Belielievers is no change of God's Ordinance Such as are baptized on their own Faith shall never perish John 10.28 Believers are baptized as an Act of their Judgment Choice Will and Affection so worship God in Spirit and Truth John 4.24 All those who baptize Infants do confess Believers were baptized Believers know and remember when they were baptized All Believers baptized are in the Covenant of Grace Believers Baptism is from Heaven and the Counsel of God Mat. 21.25 Believers baptized are not the Children of Wrath John 3.36 To baptize Believers is to act according to the Pattern and Command of Christ All Believers baptized receive Remission of Sins Acts 2. In Believers Baptism the Person subjects in Acts of Obedience Believers Baptism hath no Absurdities attending it Believers rejoice and shew their full Consent when they are baptized Acts 8. Believers Baptism hath the plain Word of God All the World may affirm Believers were baptized by the Apostles All Believers baptized are spiritual believing Stones fit to be laid in God's House 1 Pet. 2.5 Believers baptized may repel Satan as Christ did saying It is written Luke 4. God will not say unto Believers baptized Who hath required these things at your Hands because it is his own Command Believers Baptism must stand as long as God's Word doth stand Mat. 5.18 To baptize Believers is to have respect unto God's Command the only way not to be ashamed Psal 119.6 The most Holy the most Wise the most Learned Person that ever was in the World submitted unto Believers-Baptism Mat. 3.13 14 15 16 17. Persons baptized believe repent examine themselves make Judgment of things love one another take up Christ's Cross Watch and Pray and have the same care of each others Souls these are fit Members of a gospel-Gospel-Church Believers Baptism hath Antiquity to plead being as old as John Baptist Christ and his Apostles Believers ought to be baptized who have an inherent Holiness wrought by the Holy Spirit Believers Baptism hath many glorious Promises annexed unto it Acts 2.38 39. In Believers Baptism all the holy Ends of it are preserved as to be a sign of present Regeneration dying to Sin burying rising with Christ Answer of a good Conscience a mutual Stipulation and Contract between God and the Party In Believers Baptism by Dipping the Manner and true Administration is preserved the Usage of the Primitive Times retained and the Ends of it manifest Believers Baptism introduceth no Error nor false Doctrine into the World Believers baptized are taught of God and made his Disciples Matth. 28.18 Acts 15.10 If none ought to forbid the Baptism of Water unto those who had been baptized with the Holy Ghost Acts 10.44 45 46 47 48. Christ submitted unto Water-Baptism and ate the Supper with his Disciples who had the Holy Spirit without measure Water-Baptism is to continue unto the End of the World and the Sacrament of the Supper unto the second coming of Christ 1 Cor. 11.26 Mat. 28.19 20. If Christ will have Glory in the Churches throughout all Ages World without end then he must have a Church and Ordinances administred which is the Essence of a Church-Constitution and so cannot want Administrators because Christ hath given Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry edifying of the Body of Christ How long till we all come to
Circumcision therefore cannot be meant God's Ordinance of Baptism but sheweth the great Care God had of his Church that as he fed them miraculously and gave them Water out of a Rock in the Wilderness Baptism signifieth properly plunging in Water or washing by dipping Dr. Taylor 's Rule of Conscience so he did not leave them in the Red Sea but incompass'd them about by his Divine Providence with Water and the Cloud as Persons are encompassed with that Element when Baptized Hence in the 6th place Baptism is explained by the Metaphor of a Garment which the Apostle refers unto when he calls Baptism a putting on Christ Gal. 3.27 As the Servant by his Lord's Livery declares whose he is so the long white Robe of Baptism sheweth us to be the Servants of the Lord Jesus 7. Baptism is not only called a Washing by Ananias and Peter Acts 22.16 1 Pet. 3.21 Tit. 3.5 but the washing of the Soul in Regeneration is held forth in this Symbol and Sign Austin and Paulinus in the 7th Century in England Baptized great Multitudes in the River Trent and Swale Hence saith Mr. Fox there was no use of Fonts then Fox's Acts and Monuments 9 Edit Vol. 1. p. 132. by the Apostle Paul when he speaks of the washing of Regeneration unto Titus Now we know every Faculty of the Soul is washed in the Blood of Christ and every Faculty sanctified by the Holy Spirit not a part of the Faculties but all the Faculties therefore wisely set forth by Baptism wherein not only a part but the whole Body is wash'd and cleansed in Water 8. This is further cleared from the practice of the most pure Apostolick Times 'T is said of our most blessed Lord Jesus That he went up out of the Water Mat. 3.15 16 17. which in common sense signifies He first went down not only to the Water but into the Water and came up out of the Water Of Philip and the Eunuch 't is said Acts 8.36 40. They went down both not only to the Water but into the Water and came up out of the Water if Sprinkling would have done they need only go to and come from it but they knew the Commission could not be answered unless they went down into the Water The Minister is to dip in Water as the meetest Act the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 notes it Rogers on the Sacrament Thus you see the Places where the Apostles Baptized were in Rivers and where was much Water You see their Act and Posture they went down into the Water you see their End was to exhibit and shew forth Christ's Death Burial and Resurection If any should ask Why Sprinkling will not do as well as Dipping I answer 1. Because that is another thing than Christ hath commanded and 't is high presumption to change God's Ordinances Isa 24.5 Tho there was no more virtue in the Waters of Jordan than of Damascus yet Naaman must keep to God's Appointment 2. In so doing we lose the End of the Ordinance which as aforesaid is to shew forth the Death and Resurrection of Christ 3. We must keep the Ordinances as they were delivered unto us 1 Cor. 11.2 'T is a known Maxim to practise any thing in the Worship of God as an Ordinance of his without an Institution ought to be esteemed Will-worship Idolatry And that there is a necessity for Scripture-Authority to warrant every Ordinance and Practice in Divine Worship is owned by Luther Austin Calvin Basil Theoph. Tertul Mr. Ball and in the 6th Article of the Church of England also Bellarmine as Moses was to make all things according to the Pattern shewed him in the Mount. 4. God is a Jealous God and stands upon small things in Matters of Worship Had Moses and Aaron but lifted up a Tool upon the Altar of ruff Stone to beautify it they would have polluted it because contrary to the Command 5. This hath no likeness to the holy Examples of Christ and his Apostles CHAP. IV. Shewing that professing Believers and them only are the proper Subjects of Baptism Which I demonstrate FIrst From Gospel-Precept Our Text saith He that believeth and is baptized Erasmus saith 'T is no where in the Apostles Writings Infants were baptized The parallel Text Mat. 28. is worthy of consideration by way of Division The Commission is Go the Subjects spoken to are his Apostles the Matter of it is to teach and baptize the Extent of it is into all the World not only in hot Countries but in Cold. The Order in this Commission is first to teach 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 then after taught and discipellized to baptize them Therefore to baptize them We meet with no Example in Scripture for baptizing Infants Magd. Hist Cent. 1. L. 2. p. 196. before taught is quite contrary to the Command The words of Institution in whose Name it is to be done is the glorious Trinity in the Name of Father Son and Holy Spirit this must be some great thing which is done by so great Authority Unto this is annexed a glorious Promise of Divine Presence not only to the End of that Age but the End of the World * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and to put us out of all doubt about it 't is back'd with an Asseveration Amen so it shall be Finally here is a Note of Observation Lo our Lord would not have so great a Commission and Promise disregarded therefore saith he Lo that is observe what I have said wherever you find the word Lo Mark or Behold you will always find something very considerable it relates unto in the Context Now in pursuance of this Commission Peter exhorted the Murderers of Christ when they were convicted and cried out What shall we do he saith Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the Remission of Sins and ye shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost 2ly This appears from Gospel-Precedent and Example the Apostles in pursuance of their Commission baptize none else but such Hence John the Baptist tells the Pharisees and Sadduces which came to his Baptism As Isaac was brought forth by the Word of Promise so must we be born of the Word of God which only makes Baptism powerful and effectual Magd. Cent. 5. p. 363. they must first bring forth Fruit meet for or to amendment of Life and not to think the old Argument for Circumcision that Abraham was their Father would give them a right to Gospel-Ordinances It 's not the Faith of Parents gives Children a right to the Seals of the New Covenant but a personal Faith hence Philip would not baptize the Eunuch but upon profession of Faith In a word all the Primitive Churches were constituted and planted upon this Foundation-Principle Heb. 6.1 2. Acts 2.41 Chap. 8.12 Chap. 16.14 Coloss 2.10 Acts 18.8 Rom. 6.4 Gal. 3.26 Acts 19.1 2 3. Ephes 4.4 as
these Scriptures show in the Margent viz. the Church at Jerusalem Samaria Cesaria Philippi Coloss Corinth Rome Galatia Ephesus c. To conclude If the Churches of Christ were so planted and constituted in the Primitive Times they ought to be so still unless any can shew where Christ hath since that altered the Constitution of his Churches 3ly This Ordinance cannot concern Infants but Believers because it 's a testification of the Remission of Sins and Salvation to the worthy Receiver and Subject of it Acts 2.38 Mark 16.16 else why doth Peter promise remission of Sin and the Gift of the Holy Ghost to such And why did our Lord join Faith Baptism and Salvation all in one Verse Baptism is never enjoined as a Means of Remission of Sins and Eternal Life but something of Duty Choice and Sanctity is joined with it in order to the production of the End so mentioned Dr. Taylor but that the Ordinance should be a Pledg to the Believer of those great things We collect as much from Acts 22.16 where Ananias exhorted Paul to arise and be baptized and wash away his Sins that is put that Duty in practice which will be a Confirmation of thy Justification so we understand Peter The like Figure whereunto Baptism doth now save us viz. As the Ark was the instrumental way of God's saving Noah by his Grace 1 Pet. 3.20 Baptism is our Marriage-Ring Military Press-mony our ingrafting into Christ our Badg and Cognizance our Ship our Ark our Red-Sea our putting on Christ Dan. Rogers so Faith in Christ's Death and Resurrection is the way God saves our Souls this being confirmed unto us in the Figure of Baptism as well as at the Lord's Table But what have Infants to do with this who are not capable to take in the Comfort exhibited and held forth in it This is Meat for strong Men not Babes 4ly Believers only must be the Subjects of this Ordinance because it holds forth a Covenant the Subject makes actually with God Hence saith the Apostle Rom. 6.3 Know you not as many as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his Death as if he should say In that Ordinance you did covenant and promise to die unto Sin and live a new Life Therefore saith he how can you that are dead to Sin live any longer therein And this you have profess'd in your Baptism as in the words of the Institution Gossops and Sureties are no where found in Holy Scripture but in the Pope's Decree and Common-Prayer Book Which the Parliament in K. Edward the 6th's time confessed There was no other difference between that and the Mass-Book only a few things left out but that one was in Latin the other in English Fox's Acts Mon. Edit 9. Vol. 2. Book 9. p. 14 15. the whole Trinity gives it self unto the Believer So he dedicates himself voluntarily to the Service of the whole Trinity Father Son and Spirit In all Covenants of this Nature there is required the Information of the Judgment Consent of the Will it must be an Act of Choice As the Eunuch said See here is Water what hinders me to be baptized But none of these things are agreeable to an Infant and as they are not able to enter into Covenant themselves if others do it for them 't is not only Unscriptural but Antiscriptural Can Persons covenant to keep others from Sin when they find it too hard a work to keep themselves 5ly Baptism is a lively representation of Regeneration therefore can only affect Believers The Apostle alludes unto Baptism when he speaks of the washing of Regeneration Titus 3.5 His meaning is that the Ordinance is a lively Badg Symbol and Sign of Regeneration and the New Birth The Apostle to the Colossians Ch. 2.12 tells them That their Baptism did exhibit and shew forth their being dead and risen with Christ through that Faith which was of that Omnipotent Operation which raised Christ from the Dead but no Signs of Regeneration appear in Infants at Baptism that is untruly said Saith the Papist to the Prelat You prove that Sacraments convey Grace in the very Act as we assert for just before Baptism the Child was an Heir of Hell and Child of Wrath but being baptized it is Regenerated and born again as your Common-Prayer Book saith in the Common-Prayer Book after the Child is sprinkled Forasmuch as this Child is regenerated and born again which just before was acknowledged to be a Child of Wrath and an Heir of Hell We say tho God hath promised his Presence in all his Appointments yet we also say Persons are not to be Baptized that they may be Regenerated but to hold forth and signify Regeneration therefore Baptism can no ways affect little Infants CHAP. V. Contains the Answer of Objections Objection 1. FEW Learned Men own this way of Baptizing only a few mechanick poor illiterate Persons I Answer The Apostle saith Not many wise Men after the Flesh are called 1 Cor. 1.24 29. Christ did not ordinarily make use of the learned Rabbies among the Jews to preach the Gospel but rather those who were counted illiterate and ignorant that no Flesh might glory in his Presence God gets the more praise by making use of Babes and Sucklings Christ thanks the Father Psal 8.2 that Divine Things were hid from the Wise and Prudent such as the World so accounted Mat. 11.27 and revealed unto Babes because they would render the Glory unto God while the worldly wise Men would take it to themselves 2. Those who have the most humane Literature are no Rule but God's Word we must follow Paul no further than he follows Christ 3. The Holy Scriptures account no Man truly Wise and Learned but those taught of God and that keep his Commands Psal 111.10 The Learned Pharisees and Expounders of the Law rejected the Counsel of God against themselves in not being Baptized 4. Are there no Learned of this Practice What think you of St. Augustine See Danvers on Baptism p. 60 61 62 63. Many of those born of Christian Parents Basil Gregory Nazianzen Jerom Ambrose Chrysostom Constantine Theodosius Paul and as the Crown of all our Lord Jesus were all these Illiterate and Ignorant Object 2. The Children of Believers are in the Covenant They say the Foederati were to be the Signati therefore ought to have the Seal of the Covenant Baptism I Answer There is but two ways of being in the Covenant Absolutely or Conditionally Let it first be proved the Infant-Seed of Believers are in Covenant then 2ly if so that they ought to be baptized Female Children under the Law had a legal or federal Holiness yet not to be Circumcised No Believer dare say all his Infant-Seed are in the Covenant of Grace absolutely for then they must all be saved but we see Abraham had an Ishmael Isaac an Esau David an Absalom Samuel Sons of Belial c. so that they cannot
Christians 'T is most likely those who baptize Infants baptize Heathens for we are all the Children of Wrath by Nature Eph. 2.3 It is you plead for Baptizing Heathens we plead for Baptizing Believers and Christians Object 11. There is no express Command for Womens receiving the Lord's Supper yet there may be good Consequences to prove it lawful so of Infant-Baptism I Answer Who will say there 's no Command for Women's communicating so long as that stands upon Record 1 Cor. 11.28 But let a Man examine himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Common Gender and so let him eat The Learned do know the original word signifieth Man or Woman The Apostle saith There 's one Mediator between God and Man 1 Tim. 2.5 the word signifieth Man or Woman Gal. 3.28 Male or Female all one in Christ it is the same word with the former in the Original Moreover we read of Women who believed and were Baptized Acts 8.12 so are fitly qualified for the Lord's Table We have also an Example of Women's communicating in Act. 1.13 14. we read Mary and other Women with the rest of the Disciples were altogether And in Act. 2.44 it 's said all that believed were together and in ver 42. these continued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and in Fellowship and in breaking of Bread and in Prayer So that here is a Command and an Example for Womens communicating tho none for Infants Baptism therefore the Objection is false and weak Object 12. Infants are Disciples therefore they may be Baptized I Answer This Objection being grounded on Act. 15.10 11. we shall shew the Occasion and Scope of it and see whether it can prove Infants Disciples or that they ought to be Baptized Some having asserted who came from Judea Vnless a Man was Circumcised he could not be saved Then the Church of Antioch determined that Paul and Barnabas with certain of the Church should go to Jerusalem to the Apostles and Elders concerning this Question which when they came together to consider this Matter Peter rose up and said Why tempt you God to put a Yoke upon the Necks of the Disciples Acts 15.10 This proves not Infants Disciples neither that they ought to be baptized which neither our Fathers nor we were able to bear The Meaning of the Apostle is Why should we impose the Yoke of Circumcision upon the Necks of the Disciples viz. Believing Gentiles which are by no Law obliged unto it this is to bring us unto that Bondage God hath delivered us from Now how this doth prove Infants Disciples and so ought to be Baptized I leave to all judicious Considerers Object 13. Circumcision nor Vncircumcision avails any thing but a New Creature We fear Persons lay too much stress upon Circumstantials not minding the Power of Godliness I Answer Those who lay too much stress upon Circumstantials 't is doubtless their Evil But can any lay more stress upon it than our Saviour who though unspotted yet would not live without it Tho Circumcision be nothing which is abolished is Baptism nothing which is called Righteousness and the Counsel of God and calls it Righteousness The laying the stress of our Happiness upon Christ should not hinder but further Obedience and always doth where the Faith is of the right Kind And whereas the Apostle saith Circumcision avails not any thing it did avail something when God threatned Moses with Death for not circumcising his Son Exod. 4. And when God said Whoever was not Circumcised should be cut off from among the People Gen. 17.14 The Apostle never intended to undermine Gospel-Commands by saying Circumcision nor Vncircumcision avails any thing for in 1 Cor. 7.19 he adds but the keeping the Commands of God What tho Circumcision is nothing because abolished is Believers Baptism nothing which is a standing Ordinance What tho some Jews might lay more stress upon Circumcision than upon the Lord Jesus for Salvation which might be the principal Cause of the Apostle's thus speaking I hope Persons have more charity than to conclude we lay more stress upon Baptism than our Lord's Merits Object 14. If Children may not be Baptized under the Gospel their Priviledg is less than under the Law I Answer The Priviledg under the Law and under the Gospel is the same to Infants as to the Covenant of Grace and as for Circumcision it was indeed a Priviledg to the Jews in comparison of the Heathens but called a Yoke in comparison of them under the Gospel We grant Why should this be esteemed the loss of a Priviledg more than not enjoying literally a holy Land a holy City Temple or Succession of a High Priest and Priesthood by Generation it 's a great Mercy for Children to have Godly Parents having the advantage of a good Education Prayer and good Examples But what benefit can Infants have from Baptism when God never appointed it for them nor made any Promise to them in it but most glorious ones are made to such as believe and are baptized namely Remission of Sins the Gift of the Holy Ghost and Eternal Salvation Mark 16.16 Object 15. The Children of Believers are Holy therefore they ought to be Baptized I Answer By explaining the Scripture upon which the Objection is grounded 1 Cor. 7.14 The Apostle is here giving an answer to a Case of Conscience that is Whether it were lawful for the believing Husband or Wife to leave or depart from the unbelieving Wife or Husband The Apostle in the Negative answers By no means for these Reasons First Now your Children are Holy viz. lawfully begotten in Wedlock but if the Husband leaves the Wife The Greek Preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is well translated to by the Geneva or Wife the Husband every one will count your Children unclean that is Bastards therefore don't part but live together because the unbelieving Husband is sanctified or set apart by God's Ordinance to the use of the Wife and the Wife to the use of the Husband in a matrimonial way 1 Cor. 7.14 This is not an inherent spiritual nor a federal Holiness as some would beg and therefore argue for Baptism this Holiness is a legitimate Holiness And there can be no more concluded because these Children are said to be Holy therefore to be baptized than the Baptizing Zacharias's Bells or Pots in the Lord's House because they are said to be Holy Zach. 14.20 Object 16. All Nations are to be Baptized Infants are a part of the Nation Ergo Infants may be baptized I Answer The Lord Jesus Christ saith Mat. 28.19 20. Go ye therefore and teach all Nations 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Disciple all Nations but that must be first by Preaching and Instructing them in the Principles of the Christian Faith And addeth I cannot be of their mind who think that Persons may be baptized before taught Pool's Synopsis on Mat. 28. Baptizing them c. Never intending any should be baptized but what
Argument now That all who affirm young Children have Everlasting Life which are not Baptized to the taking away of Original Sin shall be Anathemized So in the Fifth Council at Carthage Fifth Council of Carthage in the Year 416. We will That whosoever denieth that little Children by Baptism are not freed from Perdition and eternally saved that they be accursed This was first confirmed by Pope Innocentius and Augustine with Seventy Bishops Had the Pope and Council decreed that the Imputation of Christ's Righteousness unto Children took away Original Sin in the room of their Infant-Baptism it had been much sounder Doctrine MOTIVES First Sincere Obedience to the Precepts gives you a right to the Promises annexed which is Remission of Sin the Gift of the Holy Ghost and Divine Presence for ever 2dly This is Janus Sacramentorum say the Ancients By this Gate you enter into the Enjoyment of all Church-Priviledges which are very great and many Hence Holy David preferr'd one Day in God's Courts more than a thousand in an ungodly King's Palace The Communion of Saints is a blessed Thing but you cannot have this orderly Faith the Foundation-Principle of Salvation but Baptism the Foundation-Principle of Church-Constitution without first being Baptized the three thousand converted Jews were Baptized before added to the Church And in breaking Bread Christ himself was Baptized before he preached and broke Bread with his Disciples 3dly Sincere Acts of Obedience increase Peace in the Soul like a River yea One Act of sincere Obedience is more to God than if we could give him many Worlds Psal 50.8 14. the Peace of God which passeth all Vnderstanding We have heard of some which have died uncomfortably for not obeying Christ in this Ordinance according to their Light Finally By this Act you will obey a most glorious Precept follow a most glorious Precedent have a right to most glorious Promises enter into a most glorious Communion and to conclude you will put in practice an Ordinance which will be a Pledg unto you of Sins Remission your free Justification and your Soul's Salvation a Reward more than enough for our poor Obedience CHAP. VII Contains plain Scriptures for Believers-Baptism which satisfieth the Conscience better than far-fetch'd Consequences MAtth. 3.13 Then cometh Jesus to John to be Baptized Vers 15. And Jesus said Suffer it to be so now for thus it becometh us to fulfil all Righteousness Vers 16. And Jesus when he was Baptized went up straightway out of the Water Acts 2.38 Repent and be Baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ Acts 8.12 They were Baptized both Men and Women Acts 8.36 And the Eunuch said See here is Water what doth hinder me to be Baptized Vers 37. And Philip said If thou believest with all thine Heart thou mayest Acts 10.47 Can any forbid Water that these should not be Baptized which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we Vers 48. And he commanded them to be Baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Acts 22.16 And now why tarriest thou Arise and be Baptized and wash away thy Sins Acts 9.18 And he arose and was Baptized Mat. 28.19 Go teach all Nations Baptizing them in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost Acts 2.41 Then they that gladly received his Word were Baptized Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is Baptized shall be saved Mat. 21.25 The Baptism of John whence was it from Heaven or of Men If we say From Heaven he will say unto us Why did ye not believe him Luke 20.6 But if we say of Men all the People will stone us Acts 18.8 And Crispus the chief Ruler of the Synagogue believed on the Lord with all his House and many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were Baptized Rom. 6.4 We are buried with him by Baptism Luke 7.29 The Publicans justified God being Baptized Vers 30. But the Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the Counsel of God against themselves not being Baptized John 4.1 Jesus made and baptized more Disciples than John Gal. 3.27 As many as have been Baptized into Christ have put on Christ Eph. 4.5 One Lord one Faith one Baptism 1 Pet. 3.21 The like Figure whereunto Baptism doth save us Acts 16.33 And he took them the same Hour of the Night and washed their Stripes and was Baptized he and all his straightway Vers 34. He believing in God with all his House John 3.23 John was Baptizing in Enon near Salim because there was much Water there Heb. 6.1 2. Of the Doctrine of Baptisms called God's Oracle a Principle of the Doctrine of Christ and a Foundation-Principle Heb. 5.14 John 3.22 After these things came Jesus and his Disciples into the Land of Judea and there he tarried and Baptized Luke 3.21 Jesus being Baptized the Heavens were opened Vers 23. Jesus himself being about thirty Years of Age. 1 Cor. 12.13 By one Spirit are we all Baptized into one Body CHAP. VIII Contains an Account of the People of God called Anabaptists their great Sufferings for maintaining Believers-Baptism in opposition unto Infant-Baptism IN the 4th Lateran Council Canons were made to banish the Anabaptists for Hereticks Theodosius and Honorius made and published the following Edict in the Year 413. viz. That the Person rebaptized as well as the Administrator should be punished with Death One Albanus a zealous Minister was put to death with others upon the said Edict At Zurick it was decreed If any presumed to Baptize any that were Baptized in Infancy they should be drowned And that at Vienna many for Baptizing such were so tied together in Chains that they drew the other after him in the River At Roplesteim the Lords of that Place decreed That such should be burned with an hot Iron and bear the base Brand of those Lords in whose Lands they had offended And that through Germany Alsatia and Sweeden many hundreds of this Sect who as they word it defiled their first Baptism with a Second were the third time Baptized in their own Blood Dr. Featly out of Gassius pag. 68 182. Heribertus Lisonius and Stephanus with eleven more Christians were burnt at Orleans in France for opposing Childrens Baptism At Goslar in the Time of Henry the Third several were put to Death for opposing Infant-Baptism Gerardus burnt for opposing the Romish Church in this Point By the Decree of Alfonsus five Men and three Women were burnt at Troys in Campagn Anno 1200. Nineteen Persons condemned and burnt in the Bishoprick of Tholouse Four Monks which were converted from the Romish Religion were by Pope John the 22d burnt for opposing Infant-Baptism At Cremor in Austria many of the Waldenses were burnt for opposing Pedobaptism A pious Woman in Flanders named Peronne was burnt in the profession of this Faith with many more The first Edict of Zurick 1525. five Years after Zwinglius began the Reformation after their own departure from Rome In Edw. 4. and Hen. 8. many of those burnt under