28.19 though encluded 3. It is not said he that is not baptized shall be damned as he that beleiveth not 4. Simon Magus beleeved Philip preaching the Gospell and was baptized with water sure in the name of the Lord Jesus and yet not saved Acts 8.13 So that some farther baptizing is there meant so that all hitherto if there were no more to be added to it would be too weak to prove baptizing with elementary water to be still in force Besides against this might be objected That All our Fathers were under the cloud and were all baptized to Moses in the cloud and in the Sea 1 Cor. 10.1.2 Yet but only those that came out of Egypt with Moses passed through the Sea and the following Generations were not carried in their persons back again to have the Sea againe divided and be lead through but as they were of them and one and the same Church and kept these wonders in beleeving remembrance they were also baptized unto Moses brought to acknowledge him a man of God and those Gods Lawes that were given by him and so did there rejoyce in God Psal 66.6 As in a like businesse the same is said Hos 12.4 Even so it might be said that the baptizing with water at the beginning accompanied with those miracles and visible gifts of the Holy Ghost did baptize the Nations unto the acknowledgment of Jesus to be the Christ But that the after generations that come to the same faith and so are of the same Church are interessed in what was done to them and in beleeving remembrance of those wonders are baptized unto the acknowledgment of Jesus to be the Christ and so rejoyce in him according to that 1 Cor. 3.22 23. And though this be true usefull and of force in some respects yet the truth is it is of no force to deny the use of elementary water in baptizing to be included in the Commission given by Christ but rather strengthens the acknowledgment of it and now to shew that water is included let it bee considered 1. That the instructing with the Word the work of the Holy Ghost in the heart and the sanctifying afflictions to such gracious helpfulnes was never called baptizing or baptisme till the outward ordinance of baptizing with water was first given and then they are so called As after the giving the ordinance of Circumcision the work of grace in the heart by word or affliction was called Circumcision and not before So the ordinance of Circumcision whence that gracious work had such a denomination was an ordinance to continue till compleated in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ And likewise the ordinance of baptizing with water whence the work of grace in the heart by Word Spirit and Afflictions hath had such a denomination as baptisme is to continue till it be compleated in the glorious and visible appearing of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of the Saints when also will be the end of the world mentioned in the promise and not before As for Gods working on the peoples hearts in leading them through the Sea to bring them to acknowledge Moses to be a man of God c. That was no outward ordinance given to the people to use but Gods own work upon them and yet not called by the name of baptizing till the ordinance of baptizing with water in the name of Christ was in use which confirmes the continuance of that ordinance till Jesus Christ come again as is shewen p. 5.6 2. Our Saviour would not speak as a Barbarian to his Disciples for those led by his spirit would not so speak 1 Cor. 14.15 to 19. Now baptizing with water was that which they had been acquainted with and the other not yet so fully understood by them Now though there was more in his words which the Spirit in his comming gave them to understand John 14.26 Yet that which they did understand should not be in his words in giving such a commission to them is derogatory to our Saviour to imagine Pro. 8 6 7 8 9. And 3. The word baptizing is cleare to be after used for baptizing with water when water is not there mentioned and that not only when baptizing is spoke of as distinct from preaching the Gospel that is preferred before it 1 Cor. 1 1â—.17 But also where the distinction is not in such a manner exprest Acts 2.38.41 8.12 13.16 16.15.33 18.8 And 4. These three former considered and found true then the Apostles practise in discharge of their Commission besides preaching Gospell baptizing with water in the name of the Lord Acts 8.36 10.47 Yea. and John Baptist also baptizing with water doth with the former proofes clear it up and evidence that elementary water is to be used in this ordinance of baptisme and is included in the Commission Mat. 28.19 And also in the promise Mark 16.16 But now how much or how little water or in what manner or how much dipped or washed is left in some measure to conveniency necessity and safety in the judgment of the Church there being no precept nor plain and evident example for it True we find two examples where water enough was of going into the water and comming out of the water but we find no mention either that they stripped themselves to goe in or how farre they went in or how much they were dipped or washed being in Yea of our Saviour it is affirmed he was praying when he came forth and as he was praying the Holy Ghost descended on him Mat. 3.16 Luke 3.21 22. And it being a custome in those Countries for many to goe bare-legged and to wear Sandals they might goe in to the knee But neither their going in nor comming forth was their baptizing For Jesus when he was baptized came straightway out of the water Mat. 3.16 Mark 1.9.10 And as for the Eunuch Philip as well as he went downe into the water And then Philip baptized him and then they came both out of the water Acts 8.38 39. But no mention of the stripping of either or their cloathing againe bâ—â— of the Spirit taking away Philip so soon as they came out of the water whicâ— implyes no such stripping besides elsewhere it rather appeares that for others water was commanded to be fetched Acts 10.47 48. So that dipping or washing with water is enough most probable the head or face but I will here for beare the reasons for that enough is said before of this pag. 8 9 10 To shew that in profession of Jesus to be the Christ to baptize any of Adams race that refuse it not with water professedly in the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost is the performance of the outward ordinance of baptisme and one so baptized is outwardly and once baptized indeed Nor can the addition by the Baptizer of some humane inventions make the ordinance null as is aforesaid 2. For the second thing considerable viz. Vpon
Israel of God indeed Exod. 19.4 8. And this work is since baptising in use called a baptising unto Moses and so gives us to understand That baptising into Christ signifieth A bringing into such an acknowledgement of him as at first said Namely 1. To bring in to the understanding and acknowledgement of Jesus to be the Christ the Son of God the Gift of God the man the Mediator That having once dyed for our sins and risen for our justification and offered himself a sacrifice to God hath obtained redemption and received spirit to send forth and so is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world the Saviour of the world the Prophet and Mediator of the new Testament Joh. 4.10 42. and 6.62 69. 1 Joh. 5.1 19 20. 2. In that understanding and acknowledgement of Jesus Christ to cleave to him in faith and love and so to depend on him and yeeld to him for teaching guidance comfort preservation c. Joh. 6.68 69. 1 Pet. 1. ver 21. 3. In that understanding of and adhering to Christ to be wrought on to more onenesse with and conformity to him and imitation of him 2 Cor. 3.3.18 Ephes 5.1 2. And so is this baptising a washing with or plunging or putting into Christ and so into union and fellowship with Christ yea and with the Members of Christ Rom. 6.3 4 Gal. 3.27 Col 2.12 with 1 Cor. 12.13 So that in this baptising into Christ it 's plain by Scripture There is First An ingrafting or putting into Christ by spirituall evidence and power effecting faith in and love to Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1.21 1 Corinth 1. verse 30. Secondly A washing with his blood or in his love commended through the blood of Christ in which he washeth and cleanseth from their sins Rev. 1.5 Zach. 13.1 Rom 5.8 10. Tit. 3.4 5 And that both in respect of the guilt of sin in conscience Act. 10 43. Rom. 5.1 1 Cor. 6.11 as also in respect of the corrupt disposition in nature Ephes 5.26 Tit. 3.4 5 6. Thirdly A sprinkling with the vertue of his blood 1 Pet. 1.2 Heb 12 24. and that both in respect of speaking peace and freeing from the law of sin and death Heb. 12 24. Rom. 7.4 5. and 8.2 as also of sealing to the day of redemption Ephes 4.30 And all this is contained in being baptized into Christ Compare 1 Cor 10.1 2. with Rom 6.3 2 For the second thing What this Baptisme comprehendeth in it and it appeares by that already said That it containes in it An ingrafting into Christ and Vnion with him and Conformity to him And so a Being cloathed with him and under his Government and protection Rom. 6.3 Gal. 3.27 And so it is evident that it comprehends in it 1 All that Circumcision did formerly for testifying the faith or righteousnesse of God for admission into the family of Christ for instructing to spirituall Circumcision and spirituall Circumcision it selfe with all Son-like priviledges appertaining thereto And hence the Apostles affirming beleivers compleat in Christ takes away all that might be objected for want of Circumcision saying In whom yee are also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sinnes of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ buryed with him in Baptisme wherein also you are rison c. Col. 2.10 11 12. with Phil. 3.3.10 2. The whole scope of the Comission given by Jesus Christ to the Apostles for discipling with word and water for admission into the family of Christ in the name of the Father and the Sonne and the Holy Ghost instructing in the wayes of God and his presence with them therein as appeares by comparing Mat. 28.19 20. with Mark 16.15.16 Luk. 24.45 46 47 Act. 26 17 18 22 23. 3. The new Birth it selfe that is from above of water and the spirit it being the same mentioned in Baptisme Rom. 6.3 4. Gal. 3.27 Col. 2.12 13 14. That is set forth Iohn 3.3.5 Rom. 5.8.10 Tit. 3.4 5 6. 4. It containes in it all that was typed out in the washings cleansings and purifyings in the Law by which men were fitted to come to and partake of the holy things as Temple Altar Sacrifices c. Levit. 15.31 22.6 2 Cor. 30.17.18 So in this baptizing or washing are men made meet to enter the Kingdome c. Ioh. 3.3.5 Col. 3.12.13 2.12.14 1 Cor. 6.10.11 5. It containes in it the Sealing or marking to the day of Redemption which was typed in that sprinkling Exod. 12.7.13 Ezek 9.4 Ephes 4.30 6. It containes in it that very work in discovery of emptinesse and vanity reproving vaine confidences leading to selfe-deniall and dying to earthly and fleshly desires conteuts c. all by displaying the excellencies of Christ So that in yielding up thereto men are preserved raised and quickned And in offence taking thereat and rebelling ther-against men perish and in passing through this work men come into Christ and are baptized into him 1 Cor. 10.1 2. And such as stumble and rebell are overthrowne as the Egyptians in the Sea Pro. 1.22 23 24. Ezek. 24.9.13 Joh 3.19 20 21. Phil. 3.3.9.10 Rom 6.3 4. 7. It hath in it that hope that will as Noahs Ark carry above all waters in temptations and troubles 1 Pet. 3.22 Mar. 16.16 In a word to be baptized into Christ is to be made in him and partaker of the benefit of his death and resurrection and conformed to him so as one be indeed dead to sinne selfe world and alive to God through Jesus Christ And so Baptisme is indeed that fore-mentioned work of Grace in a Beleiver comprehending all that aforesaid 3 For the third thing Why or upon what occasion this name Baptisme is put upon this work of God and how long it hath been so called And this appeares in Scripture to be from an outward ordinance given by God for baptizing with water in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as a testimony of the truth of the Gospell preached and an instruction to submission to Christ confessing of him and waiting for spirituall baptizing into Christ from him And since that ordinance given the worke of grace in the heart hath been so called In the beginning the work of God in the heart was called Faith or a seeing the promises afar off being perswaded and embracing them and confessing thâ—mselves strangers Heb. 11.1 2.6.13 And these withall under their tuition and joyned with them in profession were called sonnes of God Gen. 6 2.4 And those that were upright or through amongst them were called righteous or just Heb. 11.2 4. 2 Pet. 2.7 but not Israel But after Jacob had with weeping and supplication prevailed with God and was by him called Israel and a people come forth of him or by proseliting brought in to him Hos 12.4 Gen 32.28 Then all of that Family were called Israel Israelites and the house of Israel Though they were also still called the sonnes of God
that it al the way appeareth that since the ordinance of baptising with water was given from heaven the name of baptisme was put on the preaching the Doctrine of the Gospell Yea surely however the word baptizing is oft used for baptizing with elementary water in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ yet its hard for any to shew and prove that the word Baptisme in any place doth not enclude also baptizing or instructing with the word which is likewise a spirituall water Was not their comming to his Baptisme a comming to hear and be instructed by him as well as to be baptized with elementary water Math. 3.7 And was not their being baptized with the Baptisme of John a being instructed by him as well as being baptized with elementary water how else came that fruit of it that in hearing Christ they justified God Luke 7.29 But to proceed a little farther Sixthly One end and efficacy of Baptisme yea the end is affirmed to be wrought by the Word or Doctrine of the Gospell as the instrument and medium displaying the name of the Lord and so our Saviour said to his Disciples John 15.3 Ye are clean through the word that I have spoken to you And so the Apostle saith to beleevers 1 Cor. 6.11 Yee are washed yee are sanctified yee are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God And is not the setting forth Christ in Gospell preaching affirmed to be for such ends Acts 3.26 and 14.15 and 17.30 31. and 26.17 18 22 23. So that its clear That the Word or Gospell is one medium of baptizing and by which Baptisme into Christ is effected and encluded in the name of Baptisme and so called as other mediums or means are yea to say no more but as the truth is the plain and full preaching the Gospell setting forth Christ and him crucified is the chief the most necessary profitable and constantly usefull of all outward means for baptizing into Christ and so into his death c. as appears by the plain evidence of Scriptures By this faith Rom. 10 14.17 By this the Spirit received Gal. 3.1 2 3 5. In this the power of God extended Rom. 1.16 and through this the Baptisme is by Spirit effected 1 Cor. 6.11 Acts 26.18 And the receit of this testimony hath present blessing and future hope 1 Thess 2.13 2 Thess 1.10 Yea Paul that blessed God and counted it great grace that he preached Gospell to many yet thanks God that he baptized few with water 1 Cor. 1.14 But I shall for bear to say farther of this medium 2. Water elementary water to be applyed by being dipped or plunged in or washed with as a testimony of the truth of the Gospell taught in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ which also is the name of the Father and the Son and the holy Ghost That it is to be in or rather into that name is evident by the Commission given by Christ Mat. 28.19 and the practise of John Baptist the fore-runner Acts 19.4 5. and the Apostles and followers of Christ Acts 3.38 and 10.48 and the end which is for baptizing into Christ Rom. 6.3 That it was with elementary water is evident Mat. 3.11 16. Mar. 1.8 Luke 3.16 Joh. 1.31 3. and 3.22 23. Act. 8 36.39 and 10.47 48. That it be by dipping in or washing with is evident by the Word and all the places cited But how often to be dipped or washed whether the whole body or what part and how much or in what manner there is no plain and expresse type either by command or example and the word baptize signifies washing as well as dipping and is so used in evangelicall writings though also there be another word rantizing used for rensing besides that at which it aimeth and to which it instructeth even the main businesse is called washing Rev. 1.5 and sprinkling Heb. 12.24 1 Pet. 1.2 A baptizing into Christ into his death so as one be risen with him and have put him on through the faith of the operation of God Rom. 6.3 4 5. Coll. 2.11 12 13 14. Gall. 3.26 27. Now precisely to limit an outwaard businesse to a certain measure where the spirit hath left freedome to necessity safety and conveniency is to streighten the wayes of the Lord more then himself hath done which is much to be reproved with that in Job 4.17 But this that one be baptized with water by being put in or under water by dipping in it or washing with it as a Testimony of the truth of the Gospell report and so in the name of the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost This is an ordinance of the Gospell A Medium of baptizing into Christ And being professedly done in the name of the Lord it is verily outward Baptisme and an ordinance of the Lord whether it were done by a Minister of the Gospell or any attendant of such Yea and though it be very evill and sinfull in him that administreth it unholily and mixeth mens Traditions with it and evill also in such as accept and approve thereof Yet if the baptizing be as is said the Baptisme is Baptisme still and the evils of men and not the Lords Baptisme to be repented of As may also be seen in that former and first outward Ordinance given for testifying the truth of the Gospell and admitting into the Family of Abraham even Circumcision that did precede Baptisme I suppose it will be confessed by all to be a wrong and an exceeding evill end that Jacobs Sons had in perswading the Shechemites to Circumcision c. Gen. 34.13.17 c. Yet when good old Jacob cursed their cruelty and murder in killing them he faulted not the Circumcision of them but intimately acknowledged it in that he saith They digged downe a wall or houghed the Oxe Which implyes that had they not been slain they had been one People with them and a defence and help Gen. 49.5 6. And if there could have been an errour in respect of the persons acting then surely it might have been in the Shechemites circumcising themselves Gen. 34.24 Or in Zipporah circumcising her child in her Husbands presence Exod. 4.25 Yet was that true Circumcision And for distemper of mind dissembling in word and blasphemy while one is exhorting to acting or using any Ordinance of God it is grossely evill I am sure and to be reproved and repented Yet the dissembling of Jacobs Sonnes Gen. 34.13 c. nor the blasphemy of Zipporah did not make null Circumcision then used Exod. 4.25 26. And for time whereas Circumcision of the home-born should have been on the eight day after birth yet by occasion being neglected by some neere thirty eight years Yet was their Circumcision then approved of God himselfe Josh 5.5.9 And indeed if any corruption of manners in Administrators could make null such an Ordinance of God done outwardly or professedly for or according to his command Then Circumcision used by them that worshipped Baal
what grounds this ordinance of baptizing with water in the name of the Lord is to be administred And this appeares in the Commssion with the ground thereof Mat 28.18 19. And the Tenor of the Gospel John 3.14 15 16 17. Mark 1.16 with the residue of scripture to be these viz. 1. The certainty given in the Gospel of a peace reconciliation and redemption wrought by Jesus Christ in his Death Resurrection and Sacrifice offered to God for all men and his good will to have it made known and tendered to thema ll This is the ground both of preaching Gospell to them 1 Tim. 2 4-7 And of baptizing any of them with water Acts 18.8 1 Cor. 2.13 15.4 as is already shewne in pag. 14 15 16. And he that hath not certainty in this runs at an uncertainty in his ministration which Paul would not in any thing 1 Cor. 9.26 2. The perscription of such as are to be baptized with water to be subdued or brought into or under the instruction or tuition of such as have accepted the Doctrine of the Gospel and make profession of it which men of understanding and at their owne dispose be not nor can be so judged till they be found willing to heare and to be instructed in the Doctrine of the Gospel Mat. 3. John 4.1 2. Acts 8. 18.8 But children not come to the use of understanding are so and so to be accounted from the gracious providence of God putting them in the Family and into the charge and under the care and tuition of such whether by birth or other providenciall way Gen. 17.12 13. Acts 16.15 But of this more anon 3. The command of Jesus Christ in his Commission given to his Disciples to goe disciple all Nations baptizing them baptizing being both with word and water neither to be prest violently and where the tender of the Gospel is not rejected the baptizing with word and water are of the same extent And so the report of the Gospel the work of God in putting under the uition of such as have accepted and doe professe the Gospell and the command of Christ to disciple all Nations baptizing them is the ground and bottome upon which this baptisme is to be administred As for such as are to be baptized to confesse their sins and professe their faith it is good in such as are come to the use of understanding before they be baptized Yet though it be an encouragement it is not the ground and to them that think it so it is but partiall and fallible But that set down before is the Ground and whole and constant and sure to administer one as will yet more clearely appear anon 3. For the third thing considerable viz. To what ends this ordinance of baptizing with water is to be administred and that is 1. To be an outward and sensible Testimony of the truth of the Gospel preached both in that there in affirmed to be already done by Christ for men and also in the hope set forth therein for beleevers and so of the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost set forth thereby Jesus his giving this ordinance to be administred is a testimony of his faithfull mind and the truth of the faith and Gospel given to preach And so when John preached the Gospel baptizing and preaching the baptisme of repentance for the remission of sinnes Mark 1.3 4. He is said to have truly baptized with water as witnessing verily the truth Acts 1.5 And so as all the Scripture Moses the Law and all Types foregoing so all the ordinances of the Gospel doe testifie of Christ John 5.39 to 44. Rom. 3.21 1 Cor. 11.26 As Abraham received the signe of Circumcision as a seale of the righteonsnesse of the faith he had c. that he might be the Father Abraham his receiving the sign was not simply his being circumcised for so were all his family but his receiving that or dinance to administer as a seal of the righteousnesse of the faith it s not said which all he circumcised had nor of the truth of his own beleeving but of the righteousnesse of the faith that is the Gospel God preached to him which he had to preach to his Family and so to be a sensible testimony that he might be the Father of all that beleeve Gen. 15. 17. with Rom. 4.11 Even so also the Apostles received this ordinance to testifie withall to such an end and so it is given as the Medium of discipling in the Commission Mat. 28.19 2. To receive into Gods Family or the Family of Christ or Abraham and so to engage the baptized to yeild up to and wait on God in the acknowledgment of his great name and observance of all his ordinances and the things he hath already commanded by Jesus Christ to his Apostles And so as Circumcision discipled into Abrahams Family and bound to the Law after given by Moses baptisme disciples into the same family of God and binds to beleive and observe the sayings and commands of Christ fore-given in the Gospel and this is cleare in the Commission Mat. 28.19 1 Cor. 1 13.-15 And in that baptisme is into his name and no other 3. To set or lay before them the hope that is set forth in the new Testament confirmed by the death of Christ for his baptizing them with the Holy Ghost and so sending forth spirit to teach and write his sayings and Law in their hearts Mat. 3.11 Acts 1.4 5. Luke 24 46 to 49. c. as pag. 11.12 And so by witnessing the truth of the Gospel accepting and engaging them into the Family of God and setting such hope before them they may disciple them that so in beleeving they may throughly repent and lay hold on Christ and therein receive remission of sinnes and spirit to lead a new life And thus is this baptisme unto repentance and to be received for the remission of sinnes Mat. 3.11 Mark 1.4 Acts 2.38 Neither as some vainly glosse it causaliter that it should cause it nor declaratively as if it did verily declare remission of sinnes received But as a Medium of comming into Chrrist that in beleeving it may be received And these are the ends of administration and not such as in which this ordinance is made like the Types of the Law to have a sensible and visible figure or resemblance of Christ in the manner of his death and resurrection and conforming us to him for which no word that conformity being the work of his Spirit by word and afflictions 4. For the fourth thing considerable viz. Who are the subjects capable of this ordinance of being baptized with water in the name of the Lord and so may have it administred to them And that is expresse in the command and commission given by Jesus Christ to the Apostles Mat. 28.19 To be all Nations that were not fore-discipled and refuse not in the tender of the Gospel to them