by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the holy Spirit 5. This is shed forth abundantly on us in Jesus Christ 6. In the partaking of Salvation in this Spirituall washing and spirituall renewing we are justified by the Grace of God 7. And being justified by free grace we are made Heirs and have hope of eternall life or according to the hope of eternall life O that we could in this clear discovery of the eternall God behold his Testimony in this place in the clear light and wisdome of the eternall Spirit for then we should not look so low as we do upon earthly and carnall observations of the things of God and especially of the Baptisme of the eternall Spirit the onely Baptisme of the new Testament but then we should look upon it as it is the work of all power in heaven and earth according to its first institution and then we should see the glorious effects of it fulfilled in the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the holy spirit then we should see the new birth brought forth in souls by this spirituall washing the work of God alone in the operation and renewing of his Spirit or wrought by his spirit in us Here is declared the true Gospel-washing even the saving of souls from sin and all uncleannesse here is the great Gospel-promises fulfilled with a witnesse even opening a fountain of pure living water and pouring it forth upon the barren wildernesse and the dry ground the barren dry and unfruitfull ground of unbelievers are by this Spirituall washing made the Garden of the Lord and being trees of the Lords planting they are watered every moment and refreshed and comforted with the streams of that river that makes glad the City of God This is the true washing that washeth away the fiâ—thines and polluâ—ions of the sons and daughters of Zion coming forth from that eternall fountain the Lord of Hosts who dwelleth in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem making his people a fit habitation for himself to dwell in by washing away their filthinesse in the pure waters of the Spirit of life flowing out from the Lord God and from the Lamb whose habitation they are in the Spirit and spirituall washing Here is the work of all power in heaven and earth in saving souls by spirituall washing and this onely is suitable to the Commission of Christ Mat. 28. spirituall washing or baptising in which we are made partakers of the name nature of God being by the presence of the eternal Spirit in us washed renewed regenerated sanctified and cleansed from our own filthinesse sin and pollution which is contrary to God and all appearances of God in Spirit Here is the great Gospel-work of saving creatures from their sin and all iniquity by the love kindnesse and mercy of the Lord Jehovah and here is the way also set forth in which the Lord Jehovah saveth souls from sin it is by spirituall washing and spirituall renewing of them by the work of the eternall spirit and O that we were more sensible of the glorious work of all power in heaven and earth manifested in us in washing and cleansing us from all sin and uncleannesse and bringing forth the pure and divine nature in us which work is of the Lord alone and not of man who is as nothing and vanity it self The Baptism or washing of the New Testament is not like those carnall legal figurative and typicall washings c. which were administred either by Moses or John in which the substance of the great things to come were figured out or declared to come after But the substance it self goeth forth in the Baptisme or washing of the New Testament this washing is to purpose for in it and by it we are washed and saved from our sin and this is the substantiall and onely washing of all washings Eighthly we have another clear Testimony of the true and spirituall washing the onely Baptisme of the New Testament 1 Pet. chapter 3. verse 21. the words are these The like figure or example whereunto Baptisme doth also now save us not the putting away the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience toward God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ c. Here we have the true Baptisme of the New Testament set forth and the people taken off from all outward washings not the washing of water 1. Here the Apostle declares the saving of Noah and his family in the Ark from drowning by water v. 20. and now he tells them of another kind of saving and this is by water of which that was a signe or example or this is an example of that c. Baptisme doth now save us but is it water-Baptisme that doth save us now no saith he not the washing of the filth of the flesh what then why the answer of a good conscience but whereby is the answer of a good conscience brought forth not by water-Baptisme but by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Here is a clear allusion to the Resurrection of Christ and to the power and vertue thereof for then Christ received all power in heaven and earth for the accomplishing this great work of spirituall Baptism or washing and so the power and vertue hereof doth baptise souls into the goodnesse of God cleanse and purifie their Consciences and so the answer of a good Conscience is brought forth in them by vertue of Christs Resurrection by virtue whereof soules are washed and cleansed from an evill and corrupt Conscience whereby all men are naturally defiled by sin and evill The like testimony of spiritual Baptisme or Washing we have declared Heb. 10. 22. in v. 20. the Apostle describes a new and living way by whom we do enter into the holiest place even the presence of the infinitely holy God and in this 22. v. he declares how it is that we doe draw neer unto God in this new and living way it is by having our hearts sprinkled from an evill conscience and our bodies washed with pure water So here we see how the answer of a good Conscience is brought forth it is by being sprinkled with pure water but our earthly waters will not nor cannot bring forth such effects in us it is onely the waters of the Spirit that can doe this that river of pure water of life that John saw Revel 22. 1. and this is the onely water that washeth sprinkleth and clenseth hearts spirits souls consciences and bodies from all evill sinne filthinesse and uncleanenesse of the whole man Thus I have faithfully declared the true Gospell baptisme as I have received from the Lord agreeable to the word written in the Scriptures and also the eternall Word written in the hidden man of the heart the two great Witnesses of God in the World And now I know this clear truth of God revealed in the clear light and wisdome of the Eternal Spirit will not with many opposers as it hath already throw mens carnal understanding of the Baptism of
A CRYER IN THE VVILDERNESSE OF ENGLAND Declaring the Baptisme of the eternall Spirit to be the onely Baptisme in Christs Kingdome Published in Gospel-light according to the word written in the Scriptures and the eternall word written in the hidden man of the heart for satisfaction of those who are satisfied with truth alone By Edward Punch of Carisbrook in the Isle of Wight Who is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ because it is the Power of God to salvation Acts 13. 41. Behold ye despisers and wonder and perish for I work a work in your dayes a work which you shall in no wise believe though a man declare it unto you 1. Cor. 12. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptised into one body whether Jews or Gentiles whether bound or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit Acts 11. 16. Then remembred I the word of the Lord how that he said John indeed baptised with water but ye shall be baptised with the holy Spirit Acts 1. 5. LONDON Printed by T. M. for Richard Moone at the Seven Stars in Pauls Church-yard near the great North doore 1654. To all true Saints in England and elsewhere who are really partakers of Spirit-Baptisme in the Lord JESVS who is the way into the possession and injoyment of eternall grace and glory in the Lord JEHOVAH FRiends in the truth He that hath set his hand to the Plough and looketh back is not fit for the Kingdome of God And I must here declare unto you that Gods Kingdom that he will bring forth in these latter dayes is another manner of building and work than the world or Churches under Antichrists raign doth think of for God is now pulling down the old building that man hath been setting up this many hundred years and O friends I would advise you not to stand looking back upon the old building in Antichrists Kingdome but with the Apostle look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwells righteousnesse Let us who are of the day go toward Zion with our faces thither-ward for looking back hinders seeing what is before us Let us look unto the new Jerusalem the City of the living God that cometh down from God out of heaven and let us not so much as take any notice of the old heavens wherein men would ascend up to God for God hath not bid us look after the old but the new and hath bid us rejoyce for ever in the things that he will create and he hath told us that he that stands upon the Throne makes all things new And this is a clear truth that all the Churches and Church orders of men as they call it are yet in Babel they are all in confusion one with another amongst themselves One saith here is Christ and another saith there is Christ one for one way another for another way one for one order another for another order one interprets Scriptures one way another another way one saith one thing is truth and another saith another thing is truth and many cry out against the clear truth and would if it were possible hinder that from appearing And now how can you imagine that the Churches are out of Babel and yet still in confusion in darknesse and mistakes Christs first coming brought divisions into the world but now it shall bring peace among all Luke 12. 51. Isa 11. Consider a few particulars wherein it doth appear that Babylon is not yet fallen but standeth still even to this day 1. When God brings forth his great work in the latter dayes The wolf and the lamb shall dwell together in peace c. but now we are far from such a disposition for those who look like lambs and are so for ought I know they cannot dwell together in peace and love but are at great difference as well as the lamb and wolf but persecution shall come to an end in the latter dayes and not continue as before therefore look not for such a time now to come 2. In that day the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord but it is now full of ignorance of the Lord as all carnall principles and doctrines of men do witnesse with their works and actions 3. In that day God will get his people a name and a praise in all lands where they have been put to shame but yet they are a reproach in all Lands therefore that day is not yet come 4. In that day God will turne to his people one pure language wherein they shall all serve him with one consent and God will give them one heart and one way the Lord shall be one and his name one c. But none of this is to be found for we see even among those that praise God there are many languagues and they serve God according to their knowledge or ignorance in many wayes and there is no consenting together therefore Antichrist is not yet destroyed so we are yet in the wilderness in Babel Egypt and Sodom where our Lord was crucified c. and as the great difference was between open profannesse and a forme of Godlinesse so now it is between the forme and the power of godlinesse Therefore the loftinesse of man is not laid low nor the Lord alone exalted 5. The promise is that in that day the peace of Gods people shall be great but now it is not so for our divisions are now great and our peace little with men then none shall disturbe nor make them afraid but now there are many disturbers even against the cleare truth Therefore Antichrist is not yet destroyed but doth oppose Christ in Spirit and so Babel or confusion is still present therefore not the new heavens and new earth the worke of God in this world as is cleare by many witnesses 6. When Babylon is fallen the kingdomes of the world shall become the kingdomes of the Lord and of his Christ this must needs be in another manner of way then before for all Nations are at Gods disposing still even in the highest of Antichrists raign But we see not this yet fulfilled for the kingdomes of the world are still as they were men are unrighteous unholy without love pity and compassion to their fellow Creatures as they were some have thousands of Gold and Silver and others want food and raiment c. This does not look like the righteousnesse of God in the new heavens and new earth but like the unrighteousnesse of men in the old tyrannical cruell and oppressing kingdome of Antichrist this looks not like the love of Christ but like selfe-love c. as in the Epistle of James Consider farther the Church of Christ was to be droven into the wildernesse of Antichrists kingdome during his reigne and the outward Court of the Temple was given to the Gentiles during Antichrists reigne and I hope you know what this is therefore take not that unto your selves that is given to the Gentiles
during Antichrist's reigne for you have no example so to doe For the Jewes never set up visible worship nor ordinances in any time of Captivity either in Egypt the Wildernesse Babylon or else where but in Jerusalem the place of worship So let us who are the Lords building within waite for the spirituall Jerusalem comming downe from God out of heavens which God will send forth with visible worship and ordinances such as pleaseth him and not as man pleaseth And as we desire of friends to be the habitation of God through the Spirit so let us desire to be more acquainted with the Baptisme of the Spirit which consists in spirituall washing purifying and cleansing our souls and spirits from all filthinesse of flesh and spirit that so in it we may be made partakers of eternall Righteousnesse purity and Holinesse of God and so builded up together an habitation for God and a Temple for the living God to dwell in through the presence of the eternall Spirit in us in spiritual washing and spirituall burning the true and onely Gospel purifying So I rest wishing the day of God may come upon us all that may burne up all our drosse and tynne and may wash and purge us from all our Idols that we may worship God in spirit A few words to every Reader in general Kind Reader consider a few things in Love BE sure those Ordinances you doe owne and set up in your highest affections be of God and not of man for if they be of man then they cannot stand in the day of Triall when God brings them to triall by the Truth 2. Take heed of setting up Ordinances in the kingdome of Antichrist in spirituall Babylon Egypt or Sodome least it be found that you have noe Command nor Example for your soe doing See Rev. 11. 3. Looke that your Administrators be right in their Calling and Qualifications according to the true patterne of the primitive Administrators both in your Ministry and Ordinances least being tried by the word they should be found liars take heed I say of crying up your selves and waies to be Apostolicall least the truth should prove you lyars Rev. 2. 6. 4. Consider this well that the pure way of Gospel-worship that is truly spiritual will never come out of Antichrists kingdome principles doctrines nor traditions but consider that the bright day of Gods comming in spirit shall destroy the foundation and whole building of the man of sinne and mystery of iniquity 5. Trust not to the old building of man in Antichrists kingdome in these dayes wherin God is rooting up and pulling downe the foundation and whole building of the old heavens and old earth and God is also about to bring forth new heavens and new earth wherein dwells Righteous the work of God alone in which day the Lord alone shall be exalted and the loftinesse of man laid low 6. Look well to your Principles Rules and ends for and in whom you do act in those things you call Ordinances beware of self and ignorant zeal you have heard there is a zeal and that for God too that is nâ—t according to knowledge 7. Look not so much at outward forms as at inward principles look to the inward and hidden man of the heart if that be right in the sight of God then it shall be well with you for ever and you shall never be finally deceived 8. Beware of setting up the bounds of your love to the brethren under any form or opinion whatsoever but let your love be equally unto all where you do see the appearance of Christ in Spirit and power from on high this is the way for peace unity and love among true Saints 9. Look not for the true way of visible worship and ordinances that are truly spirituall and of God to be established in the world till God hath made his people of one heart and when God makes them all of one heart which shal be when they are all taught of God then they shall be all of one way and great shall be their peace then they shall all rest in quiet dwelling places for ever and none shall make them afraid 10. Consider when the way of God is clearly revealed in his people and they endued with divine life and power to walk in it then all by-paths and wayes that are not of God shall be destroyed thrown down and quite forgotten the old heavens and earth shall be remembred no more nor no more come into their minds Isa 66. But now we see there are many wayes in the world even amongst those that professe to know God one cryes up one way another another way a third another way c. But let us remember the command of Christ who saith Many shall come in his name c. Many shall say here is Christ or there is Christ but go not after them If ye consider these three Testimonies of these latter dayes whereby Christs coming shall be manifested unto all who are partakers of his light in spirit and life then you may easily discern the coming of Christ and his light and brightnesse from the false lights and wayes of Antichrist the places are these Isa 11. 9. Matth. 24. 27. 2. Thess 2. 8. 11. As every one doth walk in his own light and thinks his light best generally so take heed you do not imitate Antichrist to confine others to walk in your light Take heed of sitting in the Temple of God it is proper onely to God alone to rule our Consciences and spirits of men â—nd whosoever doth assume this Prerogative doth apparently declare himself to be an Anticrhist who doth oppose himself against God and doth exalt himself above God as in 2 Thess 2. 4. and set in the Temple of God even his people 2. Cor. 6. 16. 12. Take heed of mistaking the coming of Christ now in these dayes wherein Antichrist shall be destroyed lest you should imitate the old Scribes and Pharisees and so instead of being friends of Christ and of his people in his Spirituall coming you should prove the greatest enemies to Christ in his spirituall coming in his people as the old Jews were 13. Take heed of slighting refusing or undervaluing the pure and spirituall waters of life the onely fountain of comfort to spirituall souls and beware you set not up any form or outside ordinances to oppose the clear administration of the Spirit which is truly spirituall for God will assuredly famish and make lean all your empty forms Idols and shadows that you set up to oppose the substance as in the room thereof for the Kingdome of heaven is not outward shews but inward Substances Righteousnesse Peace and Joy in the Spirit 14. Beware in having any hand in slaying of the Witnesses of God that do prophesie though but in Sackeloth lest their resurrection affright you and strike you with terror For consider though they shall be slain yet they shall ly dead but a little while and again when
God puts the Spirit of life in them then they shall affright all those that dwell upon the earth beware then all those that do live upon earthen principles Doctrines Forms Customes and Traditions of men they shall be all affrighted with a witnesse therefore look to it well that the dispensations you live under be of God and not of man for God will destroy all things below himself though never so excellent and highly esteemed of man So I conclude wishing that we may all live in love now one to another seeing love shall continue to Eternity and let us consider what a low thing it is for believers to live contrary to that which is their life and in which we are all one body and members in particular which is Love A brief description of the particulars contained in this Book 1. The Testimony of John the Baptist concerning his Baptisme and the Baptisme of Christ that was to follow 2. The Testimony of Christ concerning John Baptist and wherein he was greater and lesser then those that went before him and those that followed after him 3. The Testimony of Christ concerning his own Baptism declared in the Commission and in other severall places and what it is 4. Severall dispensations in which God hath manifested himself unto his people at severall times the last being wholly Spirituall 5. That the Baptisme of Christ is to baptise men into the name of God according to the Commission and not into water and what the name of God is into which we are baptised according to the Commission Matth. 28. 19. page 13. laid down in seven particulars 6. Severall Testimonies from the clear word of truth how the Nations come to be partakers of the Baptisme of the Spirit in the Apostles ministry which doth clearly agree with the Commission wherein it doth clearly appear that Christs Baptisme was and is Spirit-Baptisme 7. Twenty four Objections for Water-Baptisme answered wherein it doth appear plainly that Water-Baptisme iâ— no more in force now than other Ceremonies KInd Reader observe that I had said nothing in publick if men had let the the truth alone and walked as their light was and waited upon God for further discovery of truth but when I hear and see men so publickly oppose the clear truth I cannot but speak the things I have seen and heard in witnesse to the truth God having made me a witnesse not man A Cryer in the Wildernesse OF ENGLAND Declaring the Baptisme of the Eternall Spirit to be the onely Baptisme in Christs Kingdome revealed in Gospel-light according to the word written in the Scriptures and the Eternall word written in the hidden man of the heart for satisfaction of those that desire to be satisfied with Truth alone THE best way to reconcile differences in the things of God is to lay aside all humane and traditionall Doctrines of men and look exactly into the testimony of the word of God alone that being an infallible Rule that whosoever follows it in the light and wisdome of the Eternall spirit they cannot erre And God having taught me not to depend upon man whose breath is in his nostrills but to look unto the Lord a-alone whose work alone it is to bring forth the new Creation I desire therefore not to stand looking back upon the old building in the Wildernesse of Antichrists Kingdome after so long and generall Apostafie from the purity of the first Churches in the Apostles times But my desire is with the Apostle to look for new Heavens and a new Earth according to the promise of God Even such Heavens and Earth where the righteousnesse of God doth dwell and not such righteousnesse as men sets up by their humane Wisdome and Counsel I doubt not but these are the dayes wherein God will bring forth the clear light of truth that hath been hid many generations and let men set up what they will or what man can set up yet nothing shall stand in the bright day of Gods coming in spirit in these latter dayes but the purity holinesse and righteousnesse of God which is suitable to the new heavens and new Earth the work of God alone And now among many other things in controversie in our dayes I find a great deal of difference about Baptisme and all for baptising with materiall water some for Infant Baptisme and others for baptising believers And I have if God hath given me understanding in the mystery of the truth searched to find out the right way of Baptisme and I can find neither of these to be the way of Gospel-Baptisme neither can I find by the Testimony of the word of truth that there is any water Baptisme at all to be used by way of Command in the pure spirituall Kingdome of Christ But that water Baptisme was at an end in respect of the command of it when Christ was glorified and came in spirit as all other Ceremonies Types and Figures were And I can find no other Baptisme in Christs Kingdome to be in force but the Baptisme of the Eternall spirit and this I affirm to be all and the onely Baptisme in the Kingdome of Christ And to go about to set up any other Baptisme in Christs Kingdome is all one as if men should set up any other Ceremony all which will alike prove humane and traditionall not spiritual nor of divine Institution and for the proof hereof I shall lay aside all the Judgements interpretations and opinions of men who do casually understand the Scripâ—ures and refer my self and all others for the triall of this tâ—uth unto the testimony of the word of God alone and so fâ—r as any do see the word in the light of God so far they can beliâ—ve it really and no further And that we may see this to be clear truth from the testimony of the word alone that the Baptisme of the Eternall Spirit is the onely Baptisme in Christs Kingdome Let us consider the testimony First of John the Baptist Secondly of Christ And thirdly of the Apostles in their preaching and writing to the people with the Objections of men also for water Baptisme and the answers against it from the clear testimony of the word and not from men in these and severall other particulars according to the word I shall as God enables me proceed in this Discourse for the help of man is vain in the things of God First then we will begin with the Testimony of John the Baptist himself who was the author of water Baptisme and see what he saith for his own Baptisme which was water and what he saith of Christs Baptisme which is Spirit First in Generall we will observe one thing that John declareth and it is this that he was sent to baptise with water Iohn 1. 33. Now let all our water-men in England or in all Nations come forth with their strong reasons and bring one witnesse in the word of truth that saith from Christ that ever he sent his Apostles to baptise
Spirit and that we may not be mistaken in the great mystery of God opened in the Commission and so with the world and carnall Church understand the Baptisme of the eternall Spirit to be meant of materiall water Let us consider the difference between being baptised into materiall Water and of being baptised into the name of God or Father Son and Spirit First then it will be good to know and consider well what the name of God is that so we may see and know what we are baptised into when we are baptised into the name of God who is the true eternall nature or being declaring himself to the sons of men by severall names and titles weak creatures not being able to apprehend God who is infinite in all whatsoever he is but through such severall discoveries First then let us consider whatsoever name is ascribed unto God in Scripture it is suitable to the nature of God as appears clearly Secondly And let us observe this also in our following discourse that as the name of God is suitable to himself who is onely good so our name is also suitable unto our nature which is corrupt and evil First then the Scripture declares the name of God to be light and this is the nature of God God is light and in him is no darknesse at all 1 John 1. 5. here we see the name and nature of God is light it is contrary to the nature of God to have any darknesse at all in him And that we may the more clearly see into this mystery of our partaking of the name of God let us see also what our own name is of our selves Ephes 5. 8. we have our very name and nature described Ye were sometimes darknesse here is our name and very corrupt nature even darknesse it self we are filled in our hearts and minds with darknesse yea thick darknesse so that our very name is derived from it And now see what a change here is when we come to partake of the name and nature of God which is light then we are called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord hath named according to his promise Isa 62. 2. now we are light in the Lord heere is our name given us of the Lord. And herein is our happinesse to Eternity that as we are light in the Lord so God is and will be our light to eternity Rev. 21. 23. 22. 5. as he hath promised Isa 60. 19. 20. The Sun shall be no more thy light by day neither for brightnesse shall the Moon give light unto thee for the Lord shall be to thee an everlasting light thy God thy glory c. and thus we are baptised into the name of God which is light the Spirit being as refiners fire in us burning up and destroying our darknesse and blindnesse and bringing forth the light of God in us and translating us into the light of God in the new Creation creating light in us and so we are no longer darknesse but light in the Lord and so God changeth our name and nature from darknesse to light and we beholding in the light of the Lord the glory of the Lord 2 Cor. 3. 18. are changed into the same image or name or likenesse of the Lord not from any thing of our selves but by the Spirit of the Lord who is the Spirit of burning and of brightnesse in us and thus light is sown for the righteous and it springs up in them Secondly as God is called light so he is called love God is love 1. John 4. 16. Here is the very name and nature of God meeting in one and the same principle even love and as we may read the name of God and his nature to be love so also we may read our own name in our own nature principles and actions to be enmity it self Col. 1. 21. Ye who were sometimes Enemies in your minds hath he reconciled c. we are of our selves in our corrupt nature Rebellious and Stubborn against God yea our minds are set on evill works fulfilling the lusts of the flesh c. Eph. 2. 3. Tit. 3. 3. And we being baptised into the name and nature of God which is all one love infinite love this love of God wrought in us by the operation of the Spirit of love it is so hot and strong in us that it burns up and destroys our enmity that is in us in our old nature and it changeth us into the very love of God which is his nature and so we come to be partakers of the divine nature and so the new nature or Creation is brought forth in us and as we do grow up more and more in the love of the Father in the same nature so our enmity in our old nature is destroyed with the very corrupt nature it self for that which is enmity cannot be reconciled but must be burned up and quite destroyed by the fire of the Spirit in the Spirit Baptisme and thus we may see already there is infinitely more in the Baptisme of Christ then as we do imagin when our minds are fixed upon a little cold water in a River there below the Firmament and that the Baptisme of Christ is suitable to all power in heaven and in earth which is onely able to burn up and destroy our enmity and bring forth a principle of Divine love in our souls which all the angels in heaven and all the men on earth are never able to do but onely he who createth all things anew that are new indeed and this is not done but by an infinite power wrought by him that worketh and none can hinder Thirdly the name of God is wisdome for Christ is called the wisdome of God Prov. 8. and Christ and the Father are one and as God is called in Scripture The onely wise God Jud. 25. now the name and nature of God is wisdome and God is infinite in wisdome and it is impossible there should be any folly or ignorance in God but now our name is foolish we are of our selves fools and our very wisdome is foolishnesse with God nay our wisdome is enmity against God and these two cannot stand together but the one must destroy the other and when we are in the Baptisme of the Spirit made partakers of the wisdome of God then the spirit burns up and destroys our wisdome that is earthly fleshly carnall and divelish and brings forth a principle of divine wisdom that is from above and so we come to live and dwell in wisdom and wisdome lives and dwells in us so that we because wise to salvation the wisdome of God is now brought forth in us and Christ is made of God unto us wisdome and Christ is the wisdome of the Father and all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge are hid in him and Christ living in us the treasures of divine wisdome are opened in our souls and spirits and we are the children of wisdome and wisdome is
the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength Isa 26. 4. c. In this also the name and nature of God is one The Lord is onely strong and mighty yea strength it self and be alone can work and none can let him Isa 40. But our name is quite contrary God hath called us by our names as we are of our selves nothing vanity and our works nothing we are compared to the weakest things as Grashoppers a drop of water a small dust of a ballance perishing creatures our strength as grasse the flower of the field c. Isa 40. But when we are baptised into the name of God which is power from on high then our own weaknesse rules us no longer but the power of God who is infinitely stronger that takes place in our souls and spirits and the Spirit of God being the Spirit of power brings forth a principle of divine power in us the fire of the eternall spirit is stronger than the opposite fire of Lust stubbornesse sin and rebellion that is in us and the fire of the spirit being unresistable and an unquenchable fire it burns up destroys quencheth and quite puts out the opposite fiery strength that it meets with in our spirits which is but weaknesse it self in respect of the strength of the eternall spirit in us And thus in the Baptisme of the spirit which consists in power from on high we are changed from our own name and nature which is weaknesse nothing without strength c. into the name of God now we are strong and powerfull and can do all things through Christ that strengthens us who before could do nothing of our selves and now God hath destroyed our weapons who are carnall and weak and have pulled down our strong holds of sin the world and Devil 2 Cor. 10. and God hath cast down our imaginations and self-exaltations against God his appearances in spirit and it is indeed proper onely unto God in spirit and power from on high to throw down all our own power and strength that exalts it self against God by his power alone for no lesse power can do it and it is proper also unto God to bring forth a principle of divine power in us and to indue us with weapons from on high that so we may be able to fight the good fight and to stand in the day of triall for we can stand by no lesse power than the power of God and thus we are baptised into the Name and Nature of God which is power from on high Seventhly The name of God is mercy pity compassion c. Exod. 34. and this is agreeable to the nature of God it is as naturall to God to shew mercy pity and compassion as it is proper to the Sun to give light the Scripture doth clearly witnesse to this truth too and every soul that hath obtained mercy of the Lord can witnesse the Lord to be a God full of mercy pity and compassion unto him But now if we look upon our own name and read it in Scripture and in our old and corrupt nature we shall find it to be quite contrary to the name of God for we live in wrath Envy and malice hatefull and hating one another Eph. 2. 2 3. Tit. 3. 3. our very name is Envy and Envious c. But when we come through the mercy of God to be partakers of the Baptisme of the Spirit and are baptised into the name and nature of God which is mercy c. then our envy wrath malice and hatred is destroyed and we are made partakers of the name and nature of God then we are filled with mercy pity and compassion And as we were before envious and hatefull against the truth and all that followed it in sincerity proud lofty and hard-hearted toward our fellow creatures now we are quite changed in our hearts minds and natures now we are kind mercifull full of pity and compassion toward all men willing to do good unto all even from bowels of mercy and compassion within us Now we are humble and lowly in heart and of a meek and quiet Spirit suitable to the nature of our Father that is in heaven and thus the Baptisme of the Spirit brings forth the new nature in us Mat. 5 and makes us mercifull as our heavenly Father is mercifull Much more may bee said concerning the Baptisme of the Spirit given forth in a Commission by him who had all power in heaven and earth but this brief discovery of this clear truth I doubt not but it is sufficient to satisfie those that see truth in its own light Even those that have the two great witnesses to witnesse unto them and to confirm them in the truth which is the word written in the Scriptures and the eternall word written in their hearts and minds by the Spirit of the living God which Spirit is the onely witnesse within them revealing the true ministry in them of that word that is written in the Scriptures without them And without this eternall word written in the hidden man of the heart we are never able to understand the mystery of the word written in the Scriptures but till we have the witnesse in our selves we shall Antichrist like carnally understand the Scriptures And now in conclusion of this point I desire all men seriously to consider in their own Consciences which they do think is most suitable to all power in heaven and earth to give out a Commission to baptise men into the name and nature and image and likenesse of God or into materiall water which was but a figure of good things to come and a fore-runner of the substance as the authour himself of it doth clearly testifie as before is witnessed But I know as flesh and bloud cannot inherit the Kingdome of God so neither can corrupt and carnall Principles in the heart of man receive the clear and bright discoveries of God in spirit till the principles of Antichrist the man of sin and mystery of iniquity be quite destroyed out of the hearts and minds of men for so far as men are carnall so far they will worship the Gods of the earth And this will be till the God of heaven have famished them all which will be in his clear and bright coming in spirit power from on high Zep. 2. 11. 2 Thes 2. 8. But now we proceed to the next part of our Discourse which is to shew the testimony of the word how the Nations came to be partakers of the Baptisme of Christ and that it doth appear to be spirit-Baptisme and answers clearly to the Commission of Christ to his Disciples Mat. 28. wherein it doth clearly appear that Christs Commission to his Apostles was as we have before declared to baptise men into the name of God or Father Son and Spirit and not into materiall water as men do carnally understand it First we have a clear testimony in the 11 Chapter of the Acts of the accomplishing of this great
that so we should serve sin no longer Let us once more briefly consider of the words of the Apostle here V. 3. Those that were baptised into Jesus Christ were baptised into his death therefore not into materiall water for the death of Christ with the power and vertue thereof is not nor cannot be materiall water therefore the Baptisme here spoken of cannot be meant of materiall water V. 4. We are buried with him by Baptisme into death therefore not into materiall water for death and water is not one but by vertue of our being baptised into death with Christ so as Christ was raised by the glory of the Father so we should walk in newnesse of life by vertue of our partaking of the power of Christs death and resurrection in this spirituall Baptisme which consists in power from on high V. 5. The Apostle concludes it must so follow for if we have been planted together in the likenesse of his death we shall be also in the likenes of his Resurrection and here let us observe what he before called baptising into Christ baptising into his death buried with him into death by Baptisme now he calls planting together in the likenesse of his death c. but materiall water cannot plant us into the likenesse of Christs death which is in effect the destroying of sin therefore the Baptisme here cannot be materiall water but it is the Baptisme of the Spirit which onely is able to destroy sin and all evill in us and to bring forth the image and likenesse of Christ in us in our new birth and so we see the Commission was fulfilled in changing people from their own name and likenesse and to bring forth the name and likenesse of God in them 3. Again we have another Testimony of the great effect of Spirit Baptisme upon the Corinthians 1 Cor. 6. 11. v. 9 10. the Apostle reckons up severall works of the flesh that raigns in those that shall inherit the Kingdome of God v. 11. he tells them that some of them were such and he also tells them how they came to be changed but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God Here was the work of all power in heaven ad earth wrought upon poor sinfull souls that were full of all abominations and all filthinesse of flesh and Spirit and this was done by washing sanctifying and justifying in the name of him who had all power in heaven and earth given unto him for this very work that souls might be washed cleansed sanctified purified and justified and here is the spirits work also in this great and mighty change wrought in those Corinthians in the name of the Lord Jesus and in the spirit of our God Here is a Testimony of the coming forth of the word spirit of eternal being even from the bosome of eternall love and kindnesse pity and compassion for the eternall God of poor wretched sinfull creatures and here the word and spirit of eternal being coming forth in power from on high is implyed about this great work of wonder in washing cleansing purifying sanctifying and justifying poor undone souls that ly wallowing in their own blood and filthinesse What think ye O ye that have any love to the truth Here you may see a washing but not with material water but a washing in the pure river of water of life clear as Crystall coming forth from the Fountain of all life and sweetnesse and this water is onely able to wash cleanse and sanctifie souls and spirits from all sin and filthinesse of flesh and spirit We can ascribe nothing at all unto materiall water in this great work of washing cleansing sanctifying and justifying of souls in the presence of the infinitely righteous pure and holy God but we do ascribe the whole work hereof unto the mighty God in the Baptism of the eternall Spirit which consists onely in power from on high in spirituall washing in the pure river of living water which continues in us a well of water springing up unto eternall life and I could wish with my whole heart that those who professe to know God would not undervalue the Baptism of the eternall Spirit and set us a poore and beggerly element in the room of so glorious a Baptisme that consists in all power in heaven and earth but now we proceed to the next Testimony Fourthly the next testimony of creatures being baptised into Christ is Gal. 3. 27. For as many of you as have been baptised into Christ have put on Christ The baptisers of our times as they say they are do quite crosse the witnesse of the word here for the Apostle saith here that as many of them as had been baptised into Christ had put on Christ but they say none must put on Christ that is professe Christ first and be baptised in materiall water afterward but the Apostle saith no such thing here though this were the practise of Johns Baptisme and used afterward as we shall shew more hereafter when we come to answer objections but to observe a little from the words 1. The word saith they were baptised into Christ therefore not into water 2. As many as were baptised into Christ had put on Christ but all that were baptised in material water had not put on Christ no not in those very times Simon Magus for example c. But now we shall observe what it is to be baptised into Christ and what it is to put on Christ which is the effect of being baptised into Christ those that are baptised into Christ are baptised into the power of Christs death and Resurrection and so our sin evill is destroyed by the presence of the power of Christs death in us and a new life is brought forth in us by vertue of Christ living in us And Christ living in us is in all his divine appearances in Spirit and life Christ living in us in the glory of the Father brings forth in us a principle of divine love light wisdome power righteousnesse holinesse purity truth faithfulnesse c. and thus as we have declared before we are baptised into all the divine appearances of Christ in Spirit and so by vertue of being baptised into Christ in all his goodnesse being that fountain of fullnesse of divine treasures in whom God will make creatures partakers of his own name nature I say by vertue of being thus bapsed into Christ we do really put on Christ in his manifestations in light and love by vertue of being baptised into Christ we do really put on Christ in his manifestations in light and love by vertue of being baptised into Christ we walk in the light of Christ and thus we shine forth in the light of God among a crooked perverse people among whom we do live and likewise we do live in the love of Christ this love doth appear unto all men thus we
fulfill the Law of Christ to do as we would be done unto and so living in the love of Christ a principle of divine love is brought forth in us and from this love within us we walk in love unto all and are filled with Kindnesse Pity Bowels of Compassion Humblenesse of Mind meeknesse of Spirit c. unto all our fellow-creatures And Christ being the true way into the possession and injoyment of all the goodnesse of the eternall God and we being baptised into Christ we are partakers of the true and eternal salvation in the true way the Father hath opened for creatures to possesse his love and goodnesse in unto eternity and in this Baptisme we are taken up into God and so we live above all the wayes of this world in Christ and in him in the Father in spirit the onely true way into all happinesse and the onely happinesse to eternity and Christ is also the truth and we being baptised into Christ are made partakers of the truth as it is in Jesus but those who are baptised in materiall water may still live in error for all this but those who are baptised into Christ who is the truth they live in the truth walk in the truth act in the truth and speak truth yea they that put on Christ in truth and are clothed with truth righteousnesse holinesse purity syncerity c. as with a Garment And so as Christ is so are they in this world and so every one that is baptised into Christ have put on Christ and so do appear in the likenesse of Christ in the new Creation the work of God alone in spirit and power from on high Fifthly We have another clear testimony of the Baptisme of the spirit the onely true spirituall washing in Eph. 5. 25 26. and how it is wrought according to the Commission of Christ Mat. 28. the words are these Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the Church and gave himself for it that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word Here is a clear testimony of the accomplishing the Commission of Christ upon those people that belonged to his church 1. Here is Christs love to his Church 2. Here is the effect of his love he gave himself for his Church And 3. Here is the end why he gave himself for his Church or people and that is that he might sanctifie and cleanse it 4. Here is the means whereby this is done it is with the washing of water by the word And now the end of all is that it might be presented unto himself a glorious Church without spot or wrinckle or any thing like spot or wrinckle but holy and without blame And now that this great work of washing sanictfying cleansing and purifying the Church of Christ may be accomplished the end of his redeeming it now he was risen and had finished the great work of redeeming his Church now all power in heaven and in earth is given unto him for the reforming of his Church And now Christ having received all power in heaven and earth for the accomplishing this great work of sanctifying and cleansing his Church that this may be done he gives his Apostles a Commission to Go teach all Nations and in this ministry Baptise them into name of Father Son and Spirit and so as instruments sprinkle the name of God upon them and dip them into the pure river of water of life which is onely able to sanctifie and cleanse them that so they might be holy and without blame in the presence of God and of the Lamb who is undefiled Now this is the means whereby Christ sanctifieth and cleanseth his Church with the washing of water by the word now the word being the ministration of the eternall Spirit and given forth in all power in heaven and earth though unto weak creatures Yet the word they preached being the ministration of the Spirit and all power in heaven and earth being present in their ministry they are made instruments in the hand of God for the accomplishing this great work of sanctifying and cleansing souls with the washing of living water by the ministry of the word of life This was that administration that God had declared by the Prophets long before that should be accomplished in the latter dayes as in Isa 35. 6. In the Wildernesse shall waters break out and streams in the Desart v. 7. And the parched ground shall become a pool and the thirsty land springs of water c. And chap. 41. 18. I will open rivers in high places and fountains in the middest of the vallies I will make the wildernesse a pool of water and the dry land springs of water c. and chap. 44. 3. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty and flouds upon the dry ground I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thy Offspring See also Ezek. 16. 8 9. and chap. 36. 25 26. and cap. 47. with Joel 2. and severall other places that God did declare by his Prophets that should be fulfilled unto us in Gospel-times which is the ministration of the Spirit as saith the apostle 1 Pet. 1. 12. c. This is the way that the onely wise God is pleased to pour out the fountain of living waters upon his people in these latter dayes even in the ministry of the word this is the way God will sanctifie wash and cleanse his people with the washing of water by the word Now this dispensation of God being mighty it brings forth mighty effects in the world upon the Sons of men for the power of God being present in this Gospel ministry it makes his people willing in this day of his power it is mighty through God to throw down the strong holds of sin to turn men from darknesse to light and from the power of the Devill to God In this Ministry God doth by his mighty power bring forth the new nature in his people and makes all things new in them and God in this ministry enters into an eternall Covenant with his people to be their God for ever and they to be his people to Eternity In this ministry of the word through the operation of the eternall spirit God brings forth a principle of power to believe in him alone and trust in him alone and God doth by this ministry take off his people from all dependence upon creatures and creature-excellency and sets them upon the rock of ages in whom is everlasting strength In this ministry God doth enter into an evelasting Covenant with his people and give them a new heart and Spirit according to his promise and pour clean water upon them and make them clean and wash them from all their filthinesse and this is the onely water of the Gospel and the onely washing of the new Testament but Gospel-washing is an outward and carnall or legall washing as carnall creatures do imagine And thus we see
once commanded yet no Ceremony is still in force for all Ceremonies ended in respect of the command of them when the Substance came 2. Whatsoever was not a command in Christs Kingdome is not still in force because not a command in Christs Kingdome and water-Baptisme was not a command in Christs Kingdome but a fore-runner of it as is clear by severall Scriptures therefore it is not still in force if you look John the Baptist will tell you in severall places that it was a fore-runner of Christ he being the minister thereof and going before Christ Objection 7. The Baptisme of John was from heaven and the counsell of God and they that resisted it resisted the counsell of God against themselves Answer 1 I grant this to be a clear truth being observed in its time and place but observe all the Mosaicall Laws Ceremonies shadows types and figures were once the commmands of God and those that obeyed them not but resisted and refused them they died without mercy under two or three witnesses but when it was all finished and the ends for which it was ordained were accomplished and the fullnesse of time come that the substance was present which had been figured out in them then the Apostle calls them beggarly rudiments and asks the Collossians why they were subject to them Colos chapter 2. 2. As those that resisted Johns Baptisme in its time did resist the counsell of God then so these do now resist the counsell of God that do deny the Baptisme of the Spirit it being that administration of God that is spirit and life and the very substance of what was figured out before And if they resisted the counsell of God that did resist an outward and bodily washing which was then appointed of God to go before the substance what manner of counsel do they resist that do resist the Baptisme of the eternall spirit coming forth from the eternall God in all power in heaven and earth which think you hath greatest power in it the foregoing figure or the present substance Consider of this you that say there is no spirit-Baptisme now is not this denying the power and setting of a form Ob. 8. That place Mat. 28. 19. Where Christ gives his Disciples Commission to teach all Nations baptising them c. must be meant of water-Baptisme for without water no Baptisme An. 1. There is no other Baptisme besides water or else John was out when he bears witnesse of another Baptisme that should come after his Baptisme and that it should be administred by another manner of person than he was Mat. 3. 11. I indeed saith he do baptise you with water but there is one that cometh after me that is mightier than I be shall baptise you with the holy Spirit and with fire So here you see all Baptisme is not water there is some fire-Baptisme too 2. If the word of truth did not bear witnesse to another kind of water and washing by water besides our earthly waters then you had some ground for this conceit but the Scriptures and spirituall souls that are partakers of the true spirituall washing purifying and baptising in the strength of all power in heaven and earth such souls can with the word written bear witnesse to another manner of Baptisme and washing than any earthly washing in earthly rivers I have already in the former part of this discourse born witnesse to this true and Spirituall washing I will onely here cite some witnesses of the written word that prove clearly another kind of water and of washing then mens washings are in earthen fountains Psal 46. 4. Ezeck 16. and cap. 47. Isa 35. and cap. 44. 3. John 4. 14. John 7. 38 39. 1 Cor. 12. 13. Rev. 22. 1. 17. Isa 55. 1 2. Now consider if you could make it appear clearly by the Word that there were no other Waters but our earthly waters and no other washing but our earthly washing then you might also affirm there were no other Baptisme but with materiall Water but till you can prove this by the witnes of Truth we cannot believe the Baptisme in Matt. 28. 19. Can be earthly Water or earthly Washing or earthly Baptisme but heavenly Water heavenly Washing heavenly Baptisme suitable to power from on high Object 9. Water Baptisme is a command of Christ from Matth. 28. 19. Go teach all nations baptising them c. Here is water Baptisme given by command from Christ and so we doe follow it upon this ground Answ 1. Though I have already declared what the Commission is yet I shall also answer to this Objection in several particulars First there is not one word of materiall Water spoken of in this place but the Commission was to Baptise them into the Name of God or Father Son and Spirit nor no where else that I could yet see by Commission from Christ Therefore not material Water for the name of God is not material water neither is this Baptisme material Water 2. Your interpretation is quite contrary to the nature of the Commission for materiall Water doth not suite with all power in heaven and earth that being but an outward washing but all power in heaven and earth do accomplish an inward and spiritual washing and clensing from sin and all uncleannesse which outward washing could not do therefore outward washing is contrary to the nature of Christs Commission as it is contrary to the name of God and all power in Heaven and Earth 3. Water Baptisme suites not with a dispensation that is wholly spirituall but belonged to a precedent dispensation that had passed before in Johns time of whom he was the right Administrator and we never read of any that was sent to Baptize with Water but John as he declares he was let all Water-men in England come forth with such a word from Christ or his Apostles John 2. 33. and I will believe it that they were sent by command from Christ to baptise with material water 4. Water Baptisme is contrary to the kingdome of Christ which is within all Believers that are Believers indeed and Christ would not give his Apostles a Commission to practise that which was contrary to his kingdome or that was no part of it for Water Baptisme was a legall washing and that which went before that spirituall administration which Christ and John also calls the kingdom of God and of Christ Matt. 3. Mark 1. 15. therefore Christ would not give his Apostles Commission to set up a shaddow in the room of the substance for the kingdome of Christ is wholy spiritual and comes not with outward shews or observations But it consists in righteousnesse and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit and it is not brought forth in Saints by any outward observations Neither doth it come unto them in with by or through any carnal outward or legall ordinance as washing or the like but in power from on high wrought within them by all power in heaven and earth and now a