that God is the same Mala. 3. 6. Secondly Christ is the same Heb. 13. 8. having given lawes to which none are to add or diminish Thirdly his Ministerie the same 1 Cor. 12. 67. 28. Ephe. 4. 11 12 13. Therefore as wee desire to give to Caesar the things that are Caesars so to God the things that are his Mat. 22. 21. Hee being the Father of Spirits and so the only Author of spiritual worship Jo. 4. 24. He. 12 9. Fourthly the Promises to Beleevers the same Jer. 31. 3. Mat. 28. 20. Rom. 8. 29. 30. 1 Pet. 1. 2. Therefore the Administration the same so long as there remaines any of the members of Christ to be gathered on the earth Rev. 22 18. And if the Q. of Sheba hearing of the fame of Solomon which when shee saw there was no more spirit left in her 1 King 10. 1 2 3 4 5. how much more are we to admire and rest satisfied to see the fulnesse of Christ and the order left in the Gospel Mat. 12. 42. Luke 11. 31. Col. 1. 19. By Edward Barber Citizen and Merchant-Taylor of London late Prisoner for denying the sprinkling of Infants and requiring tithes now under the Gospel to be Gods Ordinance A small Treatise of DIPPING Wherein is clearly shewed that the Lord Christ ordained Dipping for those onely that profest Faith and Repentance I. Proved by Scriptures from the Commission of Christ and practice of the Apostles and Primitive Churches II. By arguments with Answers to some obiectons Psal 119. 130. The entrance of thy word giveth light It giveth understanding unto the simple III. Also a parralell betwixt Circumcision and Dipping Matth. 15. 8 9. IV. An Answere to some Obiections by D. B. This people draweth nigh me with their mouth and honoreth me with their lips but their heart is farre from me But in vaine they doe worship me teaching for Doctrines the Commandements of men THE Lord Jesus Christ in that great Charter of the Holy Gospel Matth. 28. 18. 19. 20. having received all power in Heaven and Earth saith Goe and make Disciples all Nations dipping them in the Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you And lo I am with you alway even to the end of the world And Marke 16. 15. he saith Goe yee into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature he that shall beleeve and bee dipped shall be saved but he that will not beleeve shall bee damned Likewise Luke the 24. 47. he saith And thus it behoveth Christ to suffer and to rise againe the third day and that repentance and remission of sinnes should be preached in his Name among all Nations beginning at Ierusalem now yee are witnesses of these things Thus it is cleare that the Lord Christ commanded his Apostles and servants of the Gospel first of all to teach and thereby to gather Disciples And afterward to dip those that were taught and instructed in the mysteries of the Gospell upon the manifestation of their faith which practice ought to continue to the end of the world Matth. 28. 20. Eph. 4. 5. Heb. 13. 8. Secondly that the Apostles according to this Commission of Christ did alwayes practise Acts 2 36 37 38. Peter lift up his voice and said to the Iewes Let all the house of Israel know for a certainty that God hath made this Jesus whom you have Cruciâ—â—ed both Lord and Christ now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and the rest of the Apostles men and brethren what shall we doe Then Peter said vnto them Repent and be dipt every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sinnes and yee shall receive the gift of the holy Spirit for the promise is to you and to your Children and to all that are afarre off even so many as the Lord our God shall call And with many other words did he testifie and exhort them saying save your selves from this untoward generation Then they that gladly received his Word were dipt And the same day were added unto them about three thousand soules and they conâ—inued in the Apostles Doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and Prayers Againe Acts 8. 5. 6. 12. 37. 38. Then Philip went down to the Citie of Samaria and preached Christ there and the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Phillip spoke hearing and seeing the miracles that he did And when they beleeved Phillip preaching the the things concernâ—ng the kingdome of God and the Name of Jesus Christ they were dipt both men and women againe Phillip said to the Eunuch If thou beleevest with all thine heart thou mayest And he answered and said I beleeve that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and hee commanded the Charriot to stand still and they went downe both into the water both Phillip and the Eunuch and he dipt him Againe it is evident Acts 10. 44. to the 48. that those only that received the holy Spirit by Preaching the Word were dipt in these words while Peter yet spake these words the holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the Word and they of the Circumcision which beleeved were astonished as many as came with Peter because that on the Gentiles also was powered out the gift of the holy Spirit for they heard them speake with tongues and magnified God Then answered Peter can any man forbid water that these should not be dipt which have received the holy Spirit as well as mee And hee commanded them to be dipt in the Name of the Lord. Againe Acts 16. 14. A certaine woman named Lidia a seller of Purple of the Citie of Thyatira which worshiped God heard us whose heart the Lord opened that shee attended to the things that were spoken by Paul And when she was dipt and her houshould shee besought us saying If you have judged me to be faithfull to the Lord come into my house and abide there and she constrained us and verse 30. 31. 32. The Jaylor said Sirs what must I doe to be saved and they said beleeve in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt bee saved and thine houshold and they spake unto him the word of the Lord and to all that were in his house And he tooke them the same houre of the night and washed their stripes and was dipt hee and all his straightway and when he had brought them into his house he set meat before them and rejoyced beleeving in God with all his houshold and Acts 18. 8. the chiefe Ruler of the Synagogue Crispus beleeved on the Lord with all his house and many of the Corinthians hearing beleeved and were dipt Thus it is cleere that the Institutions of Christ as also the practise of the Apostles concerning Dipping was only to administer it upon such and such onely as did manifest faith and Repentance desiring it and this
of dipping as the persons condition and time of circumcision But for infants dipping there is no expresse description of of the persons condition time whereas true dipping which is that one dipping Ephes 4. 5. which is the dipping of repentance for remission of sinnes Mark 1. 4. it is most evidently and faithfully set downe for persons condition and time viz. Persons confessing their sinnes Mat. 3. 6. whereas persons unrepentant are put by Luke 7. 29. 30. And all the people that heard him justified God being dâ—pped with the dippâ—ng of Iohn but the Pharisees and Lawyers reiected the counsell of God against themselves being not dipt of him Persons beleeving Acts 8. 12. 13. 36. 38. Persons penitent Acts 2. 38. Persons that received him and are made Disciples by teaching Matth. 28. 19. Iohn 4. 41. 42. Persons borne againe not of corruptible seed nor by the will of man but of God Iohn 1. 12. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 23. begotten by the word of truth Iames 1. 18. Thus for true dipping there is a certaine time appointed as was for Circumcision Acts 8. 37. yea commanded Acts 10. 48. And he commanded them to be dipt in the Name of the Lord. And 22. 16. And now why tarriest thou so long arise and be dipped and wash away thy sins calling on the Name of the Lord therefore such persons onely are to be dipped who are thus particular described wherein the new Testament is as cleare as the Old and Christ the Mediator of the new Testament as faithfull as Moses the Mediator of the Old So it appeares what subjects are to be dipped whereas if otherwise then is not the New as cleare as the Old nor Christ as faithfull as Moses which to say is blaâ—phemy 3. Againe if the Lord doth make his Covenant of the new Testament with those onely which know him by faith which at the hearing of faith preached doe apprehend and apply the promises contained in the Covenant and not to any by vertue of fleshly generation though the naturall children of Abraham Then not any by vertue of fleshly generation are under the Covenant though the naturall children of Abraham The first is proved Heb 8. 10. 11. For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel After thoâ—e dayes saith the Lord I will put my Lawes into their minde and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people and they shall not teach every man his neighbour And every man his brother saying Know the Lord for all shall know me from the least to the greatest Isai 59. 21. Iohn 1. 11. 12. Eph. 1. 13. Rom. 3. 16. 21. 22. Gal. 3. 26. 2. The second is proved Rom. 2. 28. Matth 3. 9. Joh. 8. 39. Rom. 9. 8. For he is not a Iew that is one outwardly neither is that circumcision that is outward c. Therefore none by vertue of fleshly generâ—tion though the naturall children of Abraham are under the covenant 4. Again if the covenant which the Lord made with Abraham and his seed under the Gospel concerning life and salvation through Christ is meant his spirituall seed and not his naturall then Abrahams spirituall seed under the Gospel are under the covenant of life and salvation and not his naturall 1. The first is true Rom. 4. 11. 12. 13. 16. Gal. 3. 7. 9. 22. 23. 29. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith the same are of the children of Abraham 2. And the second is proved Matth 3. 9. Rom. 9. 7. 8. Gal. 3. 22. And think not to say within your selves we have Abraham to our father for I say unto you that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham Therefore the covenant which God made with Abraham and his seed under the Gospel concerning life and salvation was with his spirituall seed not his naturall From hence we reason thus They onely are to bee dipped and received into the Church of God to whom the covenant doth appertaine But the covenant doth appertaine to the spirituall children of Abraham not the naturall Therefore the spirituall children of Abraham are to bee dipped and his naturall are not till they become spirituall From whence we reason thus againe If the naturall children of Abraham are not to bee received into the covenant of the new Testament by vertue of the covenant made unto Abraham the father of the faithfull and no beleeving Gentile hath the like promise title or priviledge to his naturall children as Abraham had to his then no beleeving Gentile by vertue of the covenant made to Abraham hath that priviledge of the admittance of his naturall children into the covenant of the new Testament by dipping But the first is true Luke 3. 8. Rom. 9. 6. 8. And 4. 13. 16. Now seeing the promise is of the faith that is upon the condition of faith Iohn 1. 12. Acts 8. 37. Rom. 10. 9. 10. Luke 7. 29. 30. Which faith is a living and working faith not dead 2. Iames 17. 18. 21. 22. 23. Without which Condition none are to be admitted into the Covenant of the Gospel though the naturall children of Abraham Matth. 3. 7. 8 9 10. Asts 2. 37. 38. 41. And no beleeving Gentile though never so holy have not that honor or dignitie as Abraham had to be the father of the Faithfull yea of all that beleeve Gen. 12. Gal. 3. 3. 8. Whether Jewes or Gentiles But hath this honor or dignitie onely to be Christs to be the Children of Abraham by faith Gal. 3. 7. 26. So that this Covenant standeth between GOD and man manâ—fested by holy Writ is That as there is but one Lord one Faith and one Dipping Ephes 4. 5. which is the Dipping of Repentance for the Remission of sinnes Mark 1. 4. so there is but one way or entrance into the Covenant under the Gospel so as the Father to wit an Infidell after Convertion is admitted and received a Member into the Church of Christ upon the manifestation of his faith and repentance by Dipping even so his naturall children those begotten after the Parents Convertion and admittance into the Church must come in the same way as the Parent did or else he cannot see the Kingdome of God Iohn 3. 3. Mark 1. 4. Except he die in Infancie or a larger mercy be showne of God then is revealed to us in his VVord Therefore we conclude thus with Deu. 29. 29. secret things belong to the Lord our God But revealed to us and to our children for ever And say with Paul Rom. 11. 33. Oh the depth of Riches both of the wisdome and Knowledge of God how vnsearchable are his Judgments and his wayes past finding out But for his reuealed will Christ saith Iohn 15. 15. That he declared all things which he heard of his Father but he neuer declared Dipping of Infants but forbid it as is proved from the negative part of the Commission Therefore he never
A Small Treatise of BAPTISME OR DIPPING VVHEREIN Is Cleerely shewed that the Lord CHRIST Ordained Dipping for those only that professe Repentance and FAITH 1. Proved by Scriptures 2. By Arguments 3. A Paralell betwixt Circumcision and Dipping 4. An Answere to some Objections by P. B. Psal 119. 130. By EDVVARD BARBER Printed in the Yeere 1641. The Preface To all that love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and his Appearing Ephe. 6. 24. 1 Gal. 8. 9. Matth. 24. 30. 1 Revel 7. 1 Cor. 9. 18. 2. 11. 4. BEloved Reader it may seeme strange that in these times when such abundance of Knowledge of the Gospell is professed in the World there should notwithstanding be generally such ignorance especially in and amongst those that professe themselves Ministers thereof of that glorious principle True Baptisme or Dipping Ephe. 4. 5. Instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ which aâ— that look for life and Salvation by him ought to be partakers of it being that onely which was received by the Apostles and Primitive Churches and for a long time unviolably kept and practised by the ministerie of the Gospel in the planting of the first Churches that the Lord should amongst some others raise up mee a poore Tradesman to devlge this glorious Truth to the worlds censuring but first inasmuch as the Lord notwithstanding my own unworthinesse hath in his Son accepted and counted worthy to suffer for his Name It being also by the Providence of God so much in question at this time we are therefore imboldened thereunto 2. The Lords usuall dealing it being to bring mighty things to passe by weake meanes as in Josh 6. 3. 4 5 20. 1. 1. where the walls of Jerecho fell downe by the blasts of Rams hornes 1 Sam. 16. 11. Amos 7. 14. And Judg. 7. The Lord gave that great deliverance to Gideon and 300. which he would not doe to him with 32000. verse 2. 7. And 1 Cor. 1. 27. 28. Chusing the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and weake things to confound the mighty Jer 49. 20. 50. 44. And base things and things despised hath God chosen yea and things which are not to bring to naught things that are Zach. 4. 10. thereâ—ore looking only at the glory of God and love to the Truth for which being imprisoned 11. Moneths by meanes whereof I being taken off my Calling had the more opportunitie to search the Scriptures daily to see whether those things were so not as they delivered by Paul but practised by the Priestes and Prelates so our times for Paul delivered no such things as by them is practised in many particulars as is cleerly showne in the following discourse 3. The reports of some who notwithstanding they never saw our faces and so by discourse trie the Spirits as John adviseth 1 Joh. 4. 1. yet behind our backs have reproached us and so as Saint Jude saith Speake evill of things they know not and as Jere. saith speak a vision of their heart and not from the mouth of the Lord Jer. 23. 16. 30 31. 32. I am against the Prophesies saith the Lord that steale my words every one from his neighbour I am against the Prophets saith the Lord that use their tongues and say he saith Behold I am against them that prophesie false dreames saith the Lord and doe tell them and cause my people to erre by their lies and by their lightnesse yet I sent them not nor commanded them therefore they shall not profit this people at all saith the Lord. 4. Others affirming there was no plaine text of the Dipping of any VVoman by the which they discover much ignorance of or malice against the Truth striving to uphold the Traditions of men in stead of the glorions Institutions of Jesus Christ for the word saith Acts 8. 12. that when they beleeved Philip preaching the things concerning the things concerning the Kingdome of God and the Name of Jesus Christ they were dipt both men and Women and Acts 16. 14. 15. Lidia a seller of purple with her houshold being judged faithfull was Dipped And Gal. 3. 28. Male and female one in Christ 5. Considering the great burden this State and Kingdome lately lay under chiefly by those that pretended to be the heads of the Church as hath been manifestly proved by divers that were none of their Clergy to their eternal fame in that most honorable high Court of Parliament 6. Others that pretend to come neerer in witnessing against the Prelates yet durst not Moses-like stand to it Exod. 23. 32. who desired his owne ruine rather then the destruction of the people But these seeing the Wolfe comming hid themselves or fled beyond the Seas not standing up in the gap to make up the hedge for the house of Israel so as they might justly be compared to the Foxes of the Desarts Ezek. 13. 4 5. so that if the Lord should have sought for one to make up the hedge and stand in the gap for the Land that it should not be distroyed they were gone beyond the Seas or â—id themselves when If ever the Kingdome stood in need but herein they discovered themselves to be hirelings and not true Shepheards John 10. 12 13. or as much as in them is giving Christ the lye who saith his Desciples shall be brought before Kings and Governours for his sake whereas the fearefull and unbeleeving are set in the forefront of wicked ones Revel 21. 8. But the true Shepheard layeth downe his life for his Flocke and Nehimia the 6. 11. being in danger and perswaded by Sanballet to goe into the Temdlâ— saith should such a manas I flye and who is he that being as I am would goe into the Temple to save his life I will not goe in then he perceived that God had not sent him and Acts 4. 18 19. 20. The Apostles being command silence by Authority durst not obey but answereth whether it bee right in the fight of God to hearken to you more then unto God judge yee for wee cannot but speake the things wee have seene and heard And Matthew 16. 25 26. Christ saith whosoever will save his life shall lose it and hee that shall lose his life for my sake shall find it This we see fulfilled in these daies for some forsaking the cause of Christ have lost estates and lives whereas others who have stood boldly to it have saved both And if Meroz with the Inhabitants thereof was cursed with a bitter Curse Judges 5. 23. Because they came not forth to the helpe of the Lord And Paul thought not good to take Marke with him because he went not with them to the worke what may wee think of those that run from it And if by the Law a Souldeir that leaves his Colours is to dye the death What may bee thought of those that leaves their Countries leaving the cause of Christ thinking thereby to shun the crosse When if ever the Kingdome stood in need of helpe
But at this time which is to bee noted the Lord raised up divers Gentlemen Laymen as they call them to stand most boldly to the truth in respect of Church and Common-Wealth And as John saith Revella 12. 11. loved not their lives unto the death And Paul-like Acts 21. 13. was not only ready to bee bound but to suffer for the Name of Christ Againe others who pretend to come neerest in that way in separating yet hold the baptisme they there received though on no ground for iâ— they were truely baptised into that Church I conceive with submission to better judgements they ought to continue and to separate for corruptions as is clearly proved by B. Hall in his Apology against the Brownists shewing that either they must goe forward to baptisme or come backe againe to the Bishops and Church 7. Considering the great wrong done in putting out some Scripture as in the 14. Acts 23. where Election is left out by which meanes people are kept from knowing muchlesse injoying their priviledge put chased by the blood of Christ the causers thereof for so doing lying under the reproofe which the Lord speakes of in the 13. Chapter of Ezekiel Secondly some words left untranslated as in the 28. of Mat. 19. where the word may as well be Dipping as in Luke the 16. 29. And this is acknowledged by the Clergy in the booke of Common Prayer where the Minister is commanded to dip the child 8. There being now a yeare of Jubiâ—e such an Assembly as that most Honourable high Court of Parliament whose eares God hath opened to heare what ever by any shall be spoken for Gods glory and the good of this State Gamaliel-like Acts 5. 34. 35. weighing and considering things least otherwise they should be found fighters against God therefore with Ester 4. 16. desire to venture if I perish I perish conceiving if some should not now speake the stones of the street might cry wee having lately taken the Oath of Protestatâ—on against Popery and Popish innovation injoyned upon all the Kingdome ingenerall And sprinkling of children being an invention of men brought in neere three hundered yeares after Christ therefore in obedience to God and love to our native Country we desire to publish what truth the Lord betrusts us withall hoping that God will effect his pleasure by this weake meanes or make it a motive to stir up some of more ability who will as in Nehemia's time search the Regester and those that found not their Genealogy were as polluted put from the Priesthood and as Christ commands search the Scriptures John 5. 39. and so returne to his institutions 9. The great cause we have to admire the goodnesse and love of God to this Nation in King Edward the sixts daies for the great light that then broke forth and they imploying that talent they received for Gods glory yet now the light springing forth forth in such abundance according to the VVord of the Lord Isai 11. 9. we having received more talents or a greater measure of knowledge it cannot be but the Lord requires an answerable obedience according to that a man hath and not according to that he hath not 2 Cor. 8. 12. for he that had one talent was not blamed because he did not imploy two but because he imployed not that hee had so likewise had hee that received five beene guilty of the same reproofe had he imployed but one Matth. 25. 15. to the 30. looking at the Camelion-like dispotion of the Ministers of late times in King Henry the Eights dayes Papists in King Edward the Six dayes Protestants in Queen Maries daies Papists in Queen Elizabeths Protestants when the Bishops were in power and authoritie submit flie their Countries or hide their heads now that by the Providence of God they are in disgrace in part down oppose them with all their might whereas the true Ministers of Christ were ever the same not variable or changing Eph. 4. 11. 12. 13. 14. which times and estate Government looking only to God for direction from that great Prophet the Lord Jesus Christ Deut. 18. 15. Acts 3. 21. 22. 23. Heb. 1. 1 2 3. Revel 5. 5. Lastly It 's not unknowne that the faithfull servants of God who have indeavored most faithfulnesse have often gone under reproaches and slanders as Eliah was counted the troubler of Israel 1 King 18. 17. and Acts 17. 6. Paul and Silas was said to turne the world upside downe And Acts 24. 5. Paul was counted a pestilent fellow a mover of Sedition amongst the Jewes and a Ring-leader of the Nazarites insomuch that they were commanded not to preach in the Name of Christ Acts 4. 18. but verse the 19 20 they answered Whether it be right in the sight of God to speake to you more then unto God judge yee For we cannot but speake the things which wee have seene and heard from whence wee may observe the ministers of Christ could never have their mouthes stopt by men no not the majestrate much lesse the Prelates In like manner lately those that professe and practise the dipping of Jesus Christ instituted in the Gospel are called and reproached with the name of Anabaptists although our practice be no other then what was instituted by Christ himself withall desiring if there be any that from the VVord of God can shew that we walke in a false way or error in denying the dipping of infants that they would doe it for wee professe our selves such as desire the glory of God and eternall life after death being confident that our desire or endeavors cannot bring us thither but only Christ Heb. 10. 14. Coll. 1. 14. in whom wee have Redemption through his blood and verse 19. 23. withall walking â—n that only way which leadeth thereunto by him prescribed in his VVord Joh. 14. 6. 10. 1. Acts 5. 32. Heb. 5. 9. And being made perfect he became the Author of of eternall salvation to all that obey him and Thesal 2. 1. 7. 8. when the Lord Jesus Christ shal be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels in flamâ—ng fire rendring vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospell of our Lord Jesus Christ desiring therefore that these Scriptures may be well weighed considered of all those that feare God to the end we may be reformed if we erre in our judgements by mis-understanding the Scrâ—ptures and so be brought to acknowledge the Truth which wee shall willingly imbrace if not though wee walke in the way called heresie as Paul did Acts 24. 14. yet so worship wee the God of our Fathers and at the great day Every man must give account for himself Rom. 14. 10. and Matth. 15. 15. Christ saith Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up meane time all is to grow together though not in the Church yet in the world which is the field expounded by Christ himself Matth. 13. 38. Againe knowing
heard it of his Father And the Apostle Paul Acts 20. 27. saith That he had declared the whole counsell of God But hee never revealed the Dipping of Infants Therefore the dipping of Infants is none of the counsell of God And therefore as the Jewes were brought by Ceremonies to know Christ so let Christians learne to know first as the Lord saith Isai 53. 11. By his knowledge shall my Righteous servant justifie many And Jere. 31. 34. all shall know me from the least to the greatest and Phillip 3. 3. we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit and reioyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh Quest 5. But what is the true ordinance of the dipping of Christ and wherein doth it differ from childrens Dipping which is the best way to shew the truth and what benefit doth Beleevers receive by it Answ That Dipping whereof we speake is Dipping burying or plunging a Beleever in VVater he desiring of this Ordinance of an Apostle Prophet or Evangelist To whom Christ by his Church hath committed the Administration In the Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the holy Spirit Matth. 28. 19. 20. in which definition you may observe these two parts 1. The matter and that is a true subiect of a Beleever confessing sinnes and faith desiring the ordinance 2. Water the Element and so you have the matter for the true forme which is First Christs power putting life into the Ordinance in his owne Institution delivered in these words to the Apostles goe yee Thirdly the right verball forme of words in the Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the holy Spirit Fourthly consider the ends the Lord aimeth at in giving this ordinance of dipping to the Apostles and so to the Church First he will have them all conformable to himselfe Rom. 8. 29. Matt. 10. 13. Mark 1. 9. Luke 3. 21. for before that hee went about the worke of God hee went to Iohn to be dipped of him so before we take on us to make publike profession of Christ or any part of the Gospel much more to preach wee must be Dipped and so put on the right profession of the Gospel Gall. 〈…〉 as many of you as have been dipped into Christ hav◠〈…〉 Christ Secondly God doth by this holy ordinance assure and manifest that he hath washed us from all our sinnes by the blood of Jesus Christ Acts 22. 16. And doth truly and visably receive us into the Covenant of grace whereby wee are partaker of all the Promises therein contained that doe concerne the planting us in Christ or forgivenesse of sinnes and Gal. 3. 26. Hos 14. 3. Gal. 4. 4. 5. 5. 6. receptation of persons both that wee being fatherlesse by nature God will be a Father to us for yee are all the Children of God by faith in Iesus Christ Againe we are lost in Adam therefore we are washed in the Name of the Son for he hath redeemed us that wee might receive the Adoption of sonnes and because yee are sonnes God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father who of God is made into us wisedome righteousnesse sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1. 30. Thirdly we are unable to will or to doe any thing that is good And therfore wee have the holy Spirit to begin all in and perfect all for us and to worke all our works in us Isai 26. 12. Lord thou wilt ordaine peace for us for thou also hast wrought all our workes in us And Rom. 8. 26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our Infirmities And Col. 1. 29. whereunto I labour striving according to his working which worketh in me mightily And Phil. 2. 13. It is God which worketh in you both to will and to doe all his good pleasure Fourthly Hereby the Beleever that was by nature afarre off a Farrenner and Stranger is by the blood of Christ made nigh Ephes 2. 12. 13. 14. And is by this Ordinance of Dipping in union with the whole body of God upon earth 1 Cor. 12. 13. And may challenge a right in the priviledges of the Gospel in any place wheresoever he commeth into the Communion of the Saints Acts. 9. 26 27 28. Fiftly this is Christs Livery by which Christians are knowne from all other and the Church from the world Gal 3. 27. Sixly if at any time any should aske us who reqâ—ireth us to walke in such a holy fellowship and communion wee are inabled to it by Christ and so assured of Countenance in it by the Lords Supper for hee that saith he is in Christ and hath fellowship with him ought himself so to walke even as he hath walked John 1. 2. 6. Seventhly That the person thus dipped is first visibly sealed to the day of Redemption Secondly he hath truely a right to Communion as being dipped into that one body whereof Christ is head 1 Cor. 12. 13. Thirdly that hee is mortified Rom. 6. 4. crucified dead and buried and risen againe with Christ Gal. 3. 2. 3 4 5. Eightly that the Beleever may in that day role away all the reproach of Egypt or Antichristianisme renouncing the marke of the beast in our right hands by holding or fighting for him or in our forehead Revel 13. 16. by dipping of Infants that false Constitution of Rome to beget grace thus it is cleere who is the true subjects of Dipping And who are not Now the Lord Jesus came not till the fulnesse of time Gal. 4. 5. and when he was come never undertooke any Administration though he were heire of all things Heb. 1. 3. but in an orderly way as hath been shewed nor will hee contract marriage with any though the husband of all his Church and members Hosea 2. 19. I will betroath them unto me in Righteousnesse And in Judgement and in loving kindnesâ—e And in mercy yet not with any that are so young and under age Gal. 4. 1. 2. 3. that they are not sencible of the want of Christ or any benefit they receive by him or what contract they make with him In short all those holy ends that God aimed at in true dipping are wholly made voide and of no effect in the dipping of Infants which the Lord Christ commanded not Jere. 7. 31. Revel 22. 18. Matth. 28. 19 20. nor came into his heart And cursed is he that shall adde to the Word of the Lord Deut 4. 2. 12. 31. Prov. 30. 6. If any man shall adde to these things God shall adde to him the Plagves that are written in this book and therefore that â—very one would be incovraged to bring out their Talent and not to hide it in a napkin to the overthrowing of all the inventions of the man of sinne Psal 137. 8 9. Objection 1. NOW follow certaine answeres to divers objections As First Matth. 19. 13. 14. In which it is cleere children were brought to Christ therefore he dâ—pt them or it was
their right say they Answ 1. It doth not follow that because Christ received and blessed them that therefore he dipped them for hee dipped none at all Iohn 4. 2. but his Disciples Secondly this place is put in to be read at the sprinkling of children for the whore hath sweet words as soft as oyle and with these faire speeches she maketh the nations yeeld to her Pro. 7. 21. but the simple only beleeveth her Pro 9. 16. 17. For this place as all may see makes nothing at all for sprinkling of children Thirdly if they were infants of Eight daies old as Circumcision was Administred And that their parrents were Jewes they might not be dipt before nor after the Eighth day and then their Mother would lie in and be very unfit to goe abroad much lesse to carry out their children If they were not of the Jewes but Gentiles then had they no right they knowing not God And their Children not borne of beleeving parents Acts 2. 30. Gen. 17. 9. 10. 11. Fourthly we must not thinke so meanely of the servants of Christ or thinke his Disciples so untaught that if Christ had instituted the dipping of infants and so had practised the same that they would forbid or keep any away fâ—om Christs Ordinance But rather of all others observe all things as Christ commanded them to the end of the World Matth. 28. 20. 5. In both these places there is not one word spoken of Concerning Dipping in many Chapters before and after and therefore they came not for Dipping vnâ—o Christ he never did it to any having greater works to doe to writ the more Noble worke of preaching anâ— working miracles as hee thought good for to confirme his doctrine for the generall good in all places where he came The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath Anointed Isay 61. 2. 3. Luk. 4. 18. 19. me to preach the Gospel to the poore he hath sent me to heale the broken-hearted To preach deliverance to the captives and recovering sight to the blinde to set at liberty them that are bruised to preach the Acceptabâ—e yeere of the Lord Acts. 10. 37. 38. 6. If the dipping of infants be Gods Ordinance Christ was not so faithfull over his House a sonne as Moses a servant was For Moses made and set out all things according to the patterne Heb. 8. 5. but if Christ received any patterne for dipping infants hee hath left no rule for it by precept or example And for those that doe it from Circumcision they set the Lord Jesus and the Apostles to schoole to Moses to learne of him in the Law to teach the Gospel but we have not so learned Christ as to thinke his care and faithfulnesse lesse then Moses and therefore he had no such command of God as to institute Dipping of infants for if hee had hee might have said to those that brought them have they been dipt and all the rest of your children at home look to it and for time to come see that you passe not the Eight day for you know Circumcision was not to be omitted Remember how angry God was with that good servant of his Moses Exod. 4. 25. but heere is not a word for any such end And therefore no ordinance of God for the truth is there is nothing in these places for dipping beleevers which is Gods Ordinance much lesse for the dipping of infants which he commanded not neither came into his heart Iere. 7. 31. Answere But for Answere to this Christ would shew his mercy to all both jew and Gentile Acts. 13. 48. for theres no difference Col. 3. 11. But the fame of Christ being spread abroad as hee was famous in all places Insomuch they thought them happie that could but see him Luke 1. 9. 6. and those that could but touch the hem of his garment were healed of whatsoever disease they had Matt. 4. 23. Luke 6. 17 18 19 hence it came to passe they came thronging in upon Christ And brought their Children for it is naturall for Parents to desire the good of their Children as well as their owne Matth. 15. 25 26. where the Woman of Canaan came to Christ in the behalfe of her daughter crying Lord helpe me Secondly Christ by imbracing and blessing them doth shew himselfe to be Saviour of Iew and Gentile young and old for there is no other Saviour and so that hee receiveth none upon decent but though he be poore and have no money yea nor money worth yet hee will give them milke and wine without money and without price Isai 55. 1. 2. Thirdly to teach his Disciples humility and selfe-deniall for he that is not a little childe in lowlinesse love humility and selfe-deniall hee shall not inherite the kingdome of God Matth. 18. 3. Mark 10. 13. 14. 15. Obiection But the promise is made to the faithfull and their seed for Acts 2. 38 39. Peter saith the Promise is made to you and to your children and to all that are afarre off even so many as the Lord our God shall call Answ In these words is not so much as any shew of truth for Dipping of infants for the words are part of an Exhortation of incouraging these Converts pricked at the heart vers 37. for they cryed out what they should doe to be saved the Apostle answers First Repent and be dipped every one of you for the remission of sinnes Then comes with this incouragement for the promise is made to you and to your children And to all that are afarre off even as many as the Lord our God shall call that is not to you Jewes onely but to the Gentiles also to so many as the Lord our God shall call of them and so it answeres to a case of conscience that they might bring being sencible of their owne unworthinesse in crucifying CHRIST Secondly this answeres that the promise is made to them And not onely to them present But to their posteritie yea and to all that are called though never so farre off the Lord calling them as he hath done you they may come in by faith for a part in Chrst as well as Abraham your Father or you his children or the children after you But what is this to the dipping of Infants for children in this place and many other the like is not meant infants of seven or eight daies old that is pâ—eaded to be dipped But the linially descended sonnes of Abraham Acts. 13. 26. Rom. 9. 27. loines men and women of age full growne for the Converts did not scruple the dipping of their Infants they knew not that they should be dipt themselves untill Peter tells them of it And exhorts them to it thus you see plainly this makes nothing for dipping of Infants Objection 4. But children are holy and therefore may bee Dipt 1 Cor. 7. 14. Answere The scope of the former part of the Chapter is to answere cases of Conscience put or sent by some of the members
is cleere in the Apostles words Heb. 6. 1. 2. where the right order of the principles is laid downe saying leaving the Principles of the doctrine of Christ let us goe on to perfection not laying againe the foundation of Repentance from dead works and of Faith towards God of the Doctrine of Dippings and of laying on of hands and of resurrection of the dead and of eternall Judgments c. vers 4. 5 6. Thus you see it proved by Scripture Now it followes to be proved by arguments grounded on Scripture that the Lord Jesus Christ who is Lord of all administrations being the Priest Prophet and King of his Church in that great Commission of his Matth. 28. 19. hath not appointed one Dipping for Iewes another for Gentiles one for men another for women one for old another for young one for the primitive times another for present and future one upon manifestation of repentance and faith professed another upon doing it by God-fathers and God-mothers much lesse having right thereunto by the faith of their parents for Habak 2. 4. The iust shall Ioh. 3. 36. Rom. 1. 17. 1 Ioh. 5. 10. Heb. 10. 33. live by his faith therefore not the faith of others For as there is one Body one Spirit and beleevers called in one hope of calling one Lord one Faith so also one dipping which was to be administred onely on those that were made Disciples by teaching and not on those who had it professed by others which Christ commanded not Matth. 28. 19. Therefore Infants by expresse prohibition are excluded as is cleare in the 1 Sam. 15. 19. 22 23. following discourse wherefore from that which hath beene spoken we argue thus 1. They onely are to be dipped that are made Disciples by teaching Matth. 28. 19. Infants cannot be made Disciples by teaching thefore Infants are not to be dipt 2. Againe Every precept affirmative containeth under it a negative To make Disciples and dip them is the affirmative contained under it dip not those that are not made Disciple by teaching 3. Againe if the command of Christ our Saviour for making disciples by teaching before they are dipt be Evangelicall and perpetuall as all the Precepts of the Gospel are then it ought to bee performed and observed in the Church of Christ for ever The Major Position is true Isai 9. 7. of the increase of his government and peace there shall bee no end upon the Throne of David and upon his Kingdome to order and establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever The zeale of the Lord of Hosts will performe this And Mat. 28. 18. 19. 20. All power is given to me in heaven and in earth Goe ye therefore and teach all Nations dipping them in the Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the holy Spirit teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you And lo I am with you alway even to the end of the world Therfore persons upon the manifestation of Repentance and faith onely are to be dipped 4. None but those that doe expresse that inward Baptisme Matth. 3. 11. Acts 10. 47. 48. are to be dipped Infants cannot expresse that inward Baptisme therefore infants ought not to be dipped 5. Whatsoever was written afore time was written for our learning Rom. 15. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning that wee through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Infants dipping was never written aforetime Therefore infants dipping is not for our learning 6. We are commanded to stand in the way and aske for the old pathes which is the good way and walke therein and wee shall finde rest unto our soules Jer. 6. 16. The old and good way under the Gospell is the Institutions of Jesus Christ This is that Moses that said unto the Deut. 18. 15. Asts 3. 2â— 23. 7. 37. Children of Israel A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto mee him shall yee heare And it shall come to passe that every soule which will not heare that Prophet shall bee destroyed from among the people But the dipping beleevers is that good old way of Christ and infants is not Ergo. Againe the Lord complained Judg. 5. 6. his people walked in by-paths that are of their owne invention and not of his appoâ—ntment From whence we reason thus They which walke in a way or set up an invention which God hath not commanded walke in a by-path But the dipping of infants God hath not commanded Therefore the dipping of infants is a by-path Againe if there be conditions required of all those that are dipped and none are to be dipped before the performance of these conditions then are not infants to be dipped The first is true Acts 2. 38. Then Peter said unto them Repent and be dipped every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sinnes and yee shall receive the gift of the holy Spirit And verse the 44. And all that beleeved were together and had all things common And Acts 8. 37. Philip said to the Eunuch If thou beleevest with all thine heart thou mayest And Luke 3. 7. 8. Iohn faith to the multitude that came forth to bee dipped of him O generation of Vipers Who hath fore-warned you to flye from the wrath to come bring forth therefore fruit meet for repentance and begin not to say within your selves We have Abraham to our Father For I say that God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham Thus that repentance and faith is required before dipping is cleare not onely by Scripture but also acknowledged in the Catechisme of the Primer set forth by authority where it is As Godfathers and Godmothers manifested though by others contrary to these Scriptures Hab. 2. 4. Rom. 1. 17. Heb. 10. 38. The second cannot be denied seeing infants have not the use of these faculties for the performance of repentance and faith therefore infants are not to be dipped This is proved thus They onely are to be dipped in whom repentance and faith is manifested by hearing the Word preached But in persons of yeares onely is repentance and faith wrought by hearing the Word preached the reason is persons of yeers have eares to heare and faith commeth by hearing and hearing by the Word of God Rom. 10. 17. and Acts 11. 14. who shall tell thee words wherby thou and all thy house shall be saved And James 2. 17. faith without workes is dead yea no faith at all Therefore persons of yeares are onely to be dipped Againe thus If the new Testament be as plaine and perspicuous as the old and Christ the Mediator of the new Testament as faithfull as Moses the Mediator of the old Testament Then the persons to bee dipped and the conditions of dipping and the time when are as cleaâ—e and faithfully described in the institutions
them that should beleeve at the command of God circumcised himselfe and all his males in his house because it was Gods Commandement Even so the faithfull the children of Abraham ought to dip those and those onely that profess repentance and faith at the command of Jesus Christ and that because Christ hath commanded it Matth. 28. 19 20. But the first is true therefore the second And to speake the truth infants are not dipped because the males of Abraham were circumcised Gen. 17. or because children were brought to Christ Mat. 19. nor because the promise is made to Beleevers and their children 2 Acts. Nor because Children are holy 1 Corin. 7. 14. Nor because they were all Dipped unto Moses in the Cloud and in the Sea 1 Cor. 10. 2. Or because God or his Sonne Christ who is faithfull as a Sonne ever commanded it or that the Scriptures approved it or will admit of any such thing or because they are of the Kingdome of God Mark 10. 14. But because it hath been invented by men and confirmed by the Pope thereby to bring in all Nations under him And the better to colour the matter knowing that Repentance and faith with desire of the Ordinance is required hath appointed God-fathers and God-mothers as they call them upon the profession of whose Faith and Repentance with desire of Dipping the Infant is sprinkled Thus have they made the word of God of none effect by their traditions Matth. 15. 6. 9. but in vaine saith God doe they worship mee teaching for Doctrines the Commandements of men And if Naboth would not sell nor change his Vineyard with Ahab because it was the inheritance of his Fathers 1 King 21. 2. 3. how much more ought every beleever stand for and not part with the Institutions of Jesus Christ the inheritance of our Everlasting Father the Prâ—nce of Peace Isai 9. 6. Now followes to shew the Paralell betweene Circumcision and Dipping and wherein the priviledges of the faithfull are as large as the Jewes insomuch as theirs were Circumcised and these are not Dipped also wherein they agree and differ 1. It doth not follow that because Abrahams seed by the Command of God were to be circumcised Genes 17. 10. that therefore the faithfulls naturall seed should be dipped at the Commâ—nd of Antichrist for circumcision of the Males was one of Gods Sacred institutions given to Abraham by Gods speciall commandment for that Church for ever so long as they dwell in the Land of Canaan And so to continue a Nationall Church and so is of the Lords owne tight hands planting Acts. 7 8. Gen. 17. 1. But dipping of Infants was never heard of in all the institutions of Christ or preachings of the Apostles nor in the principles of the planting of those Thirteene Churches in any of those 14. Epistâ—es and so you see the first part of your Objection groundlesse Secondly The pâ—iviledges of the Gospel are more large to Beleevers under the Gospel then to them under the Law First that in Christ all the Promises are absolute yea and in him Amen 2 Cor. 1. 20. Secondly that Abraham did not circumcâ—se the Females But under the Gospel both are to be dipt for there is no difference Col. 3. 11. Thirdly they had the Gospel but in darke shadowes Heb. 10. 1. but we have the substance or the body of Christ Coll. 2. 17. 4 Circumcision was a hard and painefull Ordinance and did both hinder worke and travell and by the foreness of it indanger death Gen. 34. 25. Josh 5. 8 9. and therefore is called a yoke that neither wee nor our Fathers could beare Acts 15. 10. but under the Gospell wee have a faire easie and comfortable Ordâ—nance in comparison of that and therefore happy are wee that may wash and be cleane 1 Kings 5. 13. 5. Their Circumcision did injoyne them to keâ—p the whole Law in the perfection or else they must be dâ—mned Gal. 5. 3. but in Dippâ—ng wee are but to beâ—eeve the Gospell and â—o Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to every one that beleeveth Rom. 10. 14. And if this be not a greater priviledge or benefit then any of the Iewes had by their Circumcision let all beleevers judge Cor. 1. 14. 32 and the spirit of the Prophets are subject to the Propheâ—s Sixtly our priviledges is more and larger for that it is now given to all Nations that was then confined to the Jewes Matt. 28. 19. 20. Acts 10. 24. And mâ—ny of their Prophets Kings and Righteous men desired to see those things that wee see but have not seene them Matthew 13. 17. For John was the gâ—eatest that was boâ—ne bee fore him yet he that is least in the Kingdome of Christ is greater then hee and so our priviledges more Matth. 11. 9. 10. 11. 12. Objection 1. But dipping is come in the roome of Circumcision which did tipe out dipping to us Answere That cannot bee for then one tipe should tipe out another But Circumcision did tipe out the truth which is the Circumcision of the heart and the dipping of the Spirit Rom. 2. 26. 27. 28. 29. both made without hands Coll. 2. 11. 12. but so never was Circumcision nor Dipping Objection 2. But can you shew wherein Dipping and Circumcision doth agree and differ for that dipping of Infants is gathered out of Circumcision for because Infants were to be circumcised the eighth day theâ—efore many doe thinke by the same proportion from the Law to the Gespel children are to be dipped the eighth day or before Answere It doth not follow that because Jewes were to obey God in his Commandment Gen. 17. 10. that therefore we are to obey the man of sinne Acts. 4. 18. 19. in his traditions Marke 7. 13. And therefore till you prove dipping of infants an institution of the New Covenant as is proved Circumcision was of the old you doe but begge that by tradition that you should prove by the Word of God but can never Now followes wherein Circumcision and Dipping agree and differ They agree in these particulars First Circumcision of infants was Gods sacred Ordinance under the old Covenant Gen. 17. 10. So dipping of Beleevers Heb. 8. 8. 9. 10. is Gods Ordinance under the New Covenant Matt. 28. 19. 20. Jere. 31. 33. 2 They were both given to the Church for Gods glory and our good but to shew his right to command James 4. 12. and our duety as well as theirs to obey Acts 5. 31. 32. Hebr. 5. 9. 3. Cicumcision was to put a visible dâ—fferenâ—e betwixt the Church and the World or all Naâ—ions Exod. 12. 48. so likewise dipping is to put a difference betwixt the Church and the World Marke 16. 16. Acts 2. 39 40 41. John 15. 18. 19. 4. That as many of any Nation as would bâ—e circumcised was made a proselite and so might eat the Passeover Exod. 13. 48. So every one of any Nation being taught by the Word beleeveth and is dipped is made
a Disciple Acts 16. 32. John 4. 1 2. and may lawfully eat of the Lords Supper Acts 20. 7. for the Jewes did never part theâ—e two Ordinances Exod. 12. 48. And therefore if you will dip your children you may as well give them the Lords Supper but if they bee uncapable of that because they cannot examine themselves 1 Cor. 11. 28. nor descerne the Lords Body 1 Cor. 11. 23. no more are they capable of dipping because they cannot confess faith and sinnes Mat. 3. 4. 6. nor desire dipping Acts 8. 36. 37 38. Acts 2. â—9 40. 5. As all that were circumcised had visible right to the Land of Canaan and all the benefits thereof Josh 5. 9. so hee that is dipped,0 being a fit subject hath a visible right to all the priviledges of the Gospell Acts 2. 41 42 46 47. 6. As he that was circumcised might perish if he had not the circumcision of the heart and spirit Rom. 2. 28 29. so he that is truely dipped with water if he have not the dippâ—ng of the spirit Matth. 3. 11. may perish as Simon Magus and many others Acts 5. 21 22. 1 Cor. 7. 19. Gal. 5. 6. and 6. 15. 7. As circumcision did not seale any thing to any of the Jewes but to Abraham Rom. 4 11. and that faith which hee had being uncircumcised So dipping is not a seale to any but a signe to all what God hath wrought in us and for us but the true and onely seale is the Spirit Ephes 1. 13. Cor. 2. 1. 21. both to us and from us to God and men John 3. 33 James 2. 18. 8. As those that were Circumcised nothing could hinder them from the Land of Canaan but Rebellion and unbeleâ—fe nor cast them out of the good Land when they were in it Deut 28. 15. Numb 14. 24. Heb. 2. 3. So nothing can hinder any from Dipping or cast them out of the Visâ—ble Churâ—h of Christ but disobedience and unbeliefe Hebr. 4. 2. 12. 25. 26. 9. As those that were circumcised in the flesh God of his free mercy gâ—ving them that which was thereby signified they did injoy Canaan and all those outward priviledges but as the first fâ—uits they had respect to far better things to be injoyed hereafter Hebr. 11. 25. and Abraham sought a City whose maker and builder was God So they that are dâ—pped have those things whereof their outward washing is but a signe and by continuing â—n well doing Rom. 2. 7 8. and beleevâ—ng they seeke more then we can here fully injoy Phil. 1. 23. 10. Finally if any that were of the seed of Abraham or a Proselite did neglect circumcision hee did grievously sinne against God and as much as in him lies to provoke God to displeasure Exod. 4. 24 25 26. so any that be now of the faith of Abraham but new borne babes in Christ it is their great sin to omit dipping if they â—now it and my have it Acts 22. 16. for without it they cannot rightly put on the profession of Jesus Christ Gal. 3. 27. nor meddle with any other the holy things of God in the Church felâ—owship Acts 2. 39. Now followes wherein they differ which I conceive the best way the more plainely to shew the nature of them both First circumcision was an Ordinance of God instituted for the old Covenant of Workes before and under the Law Gâ—n 17. 9. 10. Exod. 12. 48. But Dipping is onely for the Gospell and both beâ—ong to the new Covenant of grace Mat. 28. 19. Hebr. 8. 11. 2. They that were Circumcised were bound to keepe the whole Law Gal. 5. 3. and so a heavy bondage Acts 15 10. but they that are dipped are onely to beleeve and see all done in Christ they by faith apprehending it Luke 8. 50. Rom. 3. 28. Gal. 3. 26. 1 Col. 17. 18. 19. 3. Circumcision was an Ordinance belonging onely to that one Nation of the Jewes and that within the compasse of the Holy Land onely but no further and therefore neither in Egypt nor in the Wildernesse did they Circumcise Josh 5. 8 9 10. But Dipping doth belong to all Nations whosoever are beleevers Matth 28. 19. 20. Mark 16. 15 16. Acts 8 36 37 38. 4. In Circumcision the Male only might enjoy it Gen. 17. 9 10. But Dipping both Male and Female for they are all one in Christ Jesus Gal. 3. 28. Collos 3. 11. Acts 16. 15 16. 5. Circumcision did belong to all of Abrahams carnall seed under the Law Gen. 17. 13 14. But Dipping to his Spirituall seede onely under the Gospel Gallat 3. 16. 29. 6. As a Male-child of Abrahams seed of eight dayes old might be Circumcised Gen. 17. 11 12. 13. But now either Male or Female Coll. 3. 11. of the everlasting Fathers seed Isai 9. 7. a new borne babe in Christ must be dipped Act. 8. 37. Acts 16. 15. If they can come to any place or person to whom God hath committed this Ordinance 7. Vnder the old Covenant they were first to be circumcised And then to Beleeve But under the Gospel wee are first to beleeve and then to be dipped Acts. 2. 38. Heb. 6. 2. they being under the New Covenant 8. Circumcision did Inrite those persons that received it into the visible land of Canaan Genes 17. 8 9 10. But Dipping doth not give us any outward Inheritance in any Land or Countrey But doth manifest to all men that the Lord hath not onely given to those that obey Hebr. 5. 9. That right in the Kingdome of grace but also the Kingdome of glory 9. Those that were circumcised under the old Covenant did worship for grace and so all that they did was to make an Attonement But we under the New Testament worship from a principle of grace which doe shew forth the glory of God And this is the true difference betwixt literall and spirituall worship Psal 92. 14. Cor. 2. 3. 14. to the 18. And so between circumcision and dipping 10. Circumcision did always go before preaching the word buâ— dipping doth follow Matth. 28. 19. 20. Acts. 8. 34. to the 37. Acts 2. 37 38. 11. Circumcision was a seale to Abraham of his faith he had Rom. 4 11. but to none of his posteritie But Dipping is not a seale to any of the faithfull now but the Spirit of God is the seale of life Ephes 1. 13. 2. cor 1. 21. 1 Joh. 3. 24. 12. Circumcision doth differ from Dipping both in the matter forme end and time of continuance 1. For the matter an infant a Male of Abrahams seed by nature a prosselite or bought with money but the subject matter of Dipping is a Beleever of ripe yeeres but an infant in grace 2. For the forme a round cutting of the foreskine of the instrument of generation very sore and grievous Josh 5. 6. 7. But the forme of Dipping is water or plunging under water Matth. 3. 13. 14 15 16. John 16. 1â— 33. Mark 19. 10. John 3. 23. which is