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A52394 Baptism discovered plainly & faithfully according to the word of God. Wherein is set forth the glorious pattern of our blessed saviour Jesus Christ, the pattern of all believers in his subjection to baptism. Together, with the example of thousands who were baptized after they believed. By John Norcott, late servant of Jesus Christ, and of his church. The third edition, corrected by Will. Kiffin, and Rich. Claridge. With an appendix by another hand. Norcott, John, d. 1676.; Claridge, Richard, 1649-1723.; Kiffin, William, 1649-1723. 1694 (1694) Wing N1227A; ESTC R213780 25,797 77

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BAPTISM Dis●overed Plainly Faithfully According to the WORD of GOD. WHEREIN Is set forth the Glorious Pattern of Our Blessed Saviour JESUS Christ the Pattern of all Believers in his Subjection to Baptism Together with the Example of Thousands who were Baptized after they Believed By JOHN NORCOTT Late Servant of Jesus Christ and of his Church The Third Edition Corrected by Will. Kiffin and Rich. Claridge With an Appendix by another Hand Jer. 6.4 Ask for the Old and the Good Way and walk therein you shall find rest for your souls Isa 30.21 This is the Way walk in it 1 Cor. 11.1 Be ye followers of me as I am of Christ. Mat. 3.20 And when Jesus was Baptized or dipt he came up out of the Water Luc. 7.30 But the Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the Counsel of God against themselves not being Baptized or dipt Printed at Rotterdam and now Re-printed at London by the Assigns of Widow Norcott and Sold by Will. Marshal at the Bible in Newgate-street 1694. To All that Love the LORD JESVS CHRIST And His Holy Ordinances in the Truth Grace Mercy and Peace be Multiplyed Dearly Beloved AS the Lord Jesus Christ is most pretious to your Souls his Name being as Oyntment poured forth and His Love better than Wine Song 1.2 3. So hath every Truth of his a due Value and Esteem with you Whatsoever hath the Divine Impress upon it ye readily embrace but not that which is 〈◊〉 Tradition of Man Hence it is that ye are for a Church of Christs 〈◊〉 Erection for a Ministry of his own Calling and for Ordinances of his own Appointing 'T is both your Desire and Endeavour to follow Christ fully and therefore cannot admit of any thing in Doctrine or Worship that is not exactly consonant to his revealed will Ye are so tender of Christ's Honour which shines in all his Commands that ye cannot deviate knowingly the least tittle from any one of them O what an Awe Christ's Authority carrys with it Ye are the sheep that hear his Voice the servants that do his will and the People that are obedient in the Day of his Power Blessed are ye that make his word your Rule and resolvedly do practise according thereunto The Author of this Short and Plain Discourse was a True Lover of our Lord Jesus and his Holy Appointments he Steer'd his whole course by the Compass of the Word making Scripture-Precept or Example his constant Rule in Matters of Religion Other Mens Opinions or Interpretations were not the Standard by which he went but through the Assistance of the Holy Spirit he labour'd to find out what the Lord himself had said in his Word And therefore throughout this Little Book he still keeps close to the Scriptures Vouching no Authority for what he delivers but from thence What Approbation this Piece hath found may appear from hence that since the First Edition of it here in England it hath been Reprinted in Holland was also lately Translated into Welsh and now growing scarce and much asked for the Bookseller hath been Advised to give it another Impression In which there are few material Alterations or Additions the Author 's own Phrase and Method being generally preserved The Lord who is able to give seed to the Sower and to bless the seed Sown Prosper this Plain Discourse to every soul that shall read it which is the hearty Desire of Yours in the Lord Will. Kiffin Rich. Claridge To his Truly Beloved Friends and Brethren in and about Wapping who Love our Lord JESUS in Sincerity Children of one Father Partakers of the Glorious Spirit of Grace Beloved Brethren IT was Josephs Lot to be separated from his Brethren but God meant it for good tho' it was not for the present seen yet in due time it appeared Josephs Dreams were fulfilled and tho' the Archers shot sorely at him and grieved him yet his Bow abode in strength Oh how good it is to be upright with the Lord It is one of the sad evils of the Times Brethren shoot at Brethren But this will be a Mercy indeed if all our Aim might 〈◊〉 to enjoy and be conformable to Christ one part of Conformity to our Lor● Jesus is Obedience to the Preciou● Ordinance of Baptism judging yo● are such as press after Christ you Head together with a Testimonial of my unfeigned Love to you I have presented these few Thoughts to your serious Consideration I have read of Two Loving Friends who having spent a great part of the day in a matter of Difference between them could not be reconciled and so parted One of them bethinking himself of that Text Eph. 4.26 ran to the other saying The Sun is going down by which they were both immediately reconciled My Brethren our Sun is going down Eternity is upon us and shall we not consider the Work we have to do for the Lord I beseech you be like the Noble Bereans search whether these things be so and if you find these things not mine but the Lords then give him the glory due to his Name Beloved as I have so I shall yet appeal in the Ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth like Elijah Lord God of Abraham Isaac and of Israel let it be seen this day that thou art God in Israel and that I am thy servant and that I have done all these things at thy Word 1 Kings 18.36 Now Lord let Fire come down from Heaven on this Sacrifice that may drink up all the waters of strife And that you may all cry The Lord he is God the Lord he is God ver 39. Which is the unfeigned desire of him that is unworthy 〈◊〉 serve you yet your loving Brothe in Jesus Christ John Norcott The Contents of the Book The Introduction Page 1. CHAP. I. Christ was Baptized in the River of Jordan P. 2. II. Of the great Commission for Believers Baptism P. 7. III. Examples P. 11. IV. Baptism is dipping or covering under Water P. 17. V. Proving Water-Baptism to continue till the second coming of Jesus Christ p. 21. VI. That no Measures of Grace or of the Spirit are a sufficient ground to keep any from Water-Baptism P. 23. VII Believers Baptism a great Ordinance P. 25. VIII Answers to the common Objections p. 28. IX Believers Baptism and Infant-Baptism compared P. 48. X. Plain Scriptures concerning Baptism without any Human Consequence from man's Wisdom P. 4● XI Considerations by way of Conclusion P. 50. An Appendix P. 57. Baptism Discovered The Introduction WHEN thou by reading goest to search out the mind of God let thy Cry be Lord anoint mine eyes with eye-salve that I may see and if it hath been the day of Gods Power with thy soul I fear not but thou wilt bid Truth welcome in whatever dress it comes and more think on what is comprized in the Letter than be affrighted at the poor Cloathing of the Messenger especially knowing it comes from one whose Name is the Great God Therefore in handling
and to your Children and to all that are ● far off even as many as the Lord our G●● shall call Here you see it is to such as are called Now if you say this word Call relates not to the Children but to them that are afar off I Answer it must needs relate to the Children and their Parents and all afar off because it is the Promise ver 16 17. this is that which is spoken of by Joel the Prophet I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh on your Sons and Daughters Joel 2.28 on the Remnant whom the Lord shall call ver 32. Now if the Promise of the Spirit be to Children though not called then either the Promise doth fail and that 's a fearful thing to think or else all the Children of Believers do partake of this glorious Spirit but the contrary dayly experience shews that many of Believers Children are Carnal not having the Spirit and it is fulfilld only to such whom the Lord our God shall call Object 16. 16. But I have been Baptized in my Infancy therefore what need I be Baptized again I Answer As one saith of Marriage It is not the ●ed that makes Marriage for then forni●ation is Marriage but a lawful consent by Covenant that makes Marriage So I say of Baptism it is not Water thrown on the face that makes Baptism but it is a free consent and subjection to Christ according to the Rule that makes Baptism Now when thou wast an Infant thou gavest no consent thou canst not tell of any such thing but by report thou knowest not when it was thou hadst no Faith in the Act. And what ever is not of Faith is sin so that thou art not yet baptized Again consider what defects have been in thy Infant-Baptism First there was no Rule to baptize thee while an Infant Then thou wast not a right subject for thou oughtst to believe and be baptized then thou wast only sprinkled not buried in baptism as Christ was and hath commanded Now wilt thou call that baptism which was only a Tradition received from thy Fore-Fathers when the Lord Jesus did shed his most precious blood to redeem thee from the Tradition of thy Fore-Fathers 1 Pet. 1.18 19 Object 17. 17. But many lay so much stress on Baptism as makes us more backward to it I Answer Is there more stress laid by any than Christ who said they rejected the Counc●● of God against themselves not being baptized Luk. 7.29 30. And is it not our duty to contend for the faith once delivered to the Saints Object 18. 18. But the Children of Believers are holy therefore they ought to be baptized I Answer As it is said the Children are holy so it is said the unbelieving Husband is holy or sanctified by the believing Wife This Holiness is wholly to the use of Marriage for the Apostle is in that place 1 Cor. 7. speaking of Marriage and whether those who have believed should live with unbelieving Husbands or put them away as 1 Cor. 7.13 So that the Holiness here spoken of it is wholly to their use it is said Zach. 14.20 There shall be Holiness on the Horses Bells and every Pot in the Lords House sh●ll be Holy Now do you think this was a sufficient warrant to baptize Bells as you ma● read they did in the Book of Martyrs 〈…〉 being holy for the use of the By 〈…〉 Sanctified by 〈…〉 ●●ayer 1 Tim. 3.4 5. And to the Pure all things are Pure Tit. 1.15 That is to their use Thus Children are holy and unbelieving Husbands are sanctified to their use But if you think Believers Children are inherently holy doth not your experience tell you the contrary do not we see good Men have ungodly Children and bad Men have holy Children so that they are only holy for their use they are not born in uncleanness Object 19. 19. When they were formerly circumcised Men of years were circumcised but afterwards Infants were circumcised so in the Gospel when Baptism was first administred Men and Women were baptized but afterwards Infants were Baptized I Answer When God first commanded Circumcision he commanded that it should be administred to Children Gen. 17.10 every Man-child but when Christ commanded Baptism he commanded that persons should be taught and that they should believe and be baptized and never gave a Command to baptize Children Then consider we have the Lives and Acts of the Apostles and Primitive Churches for divers years and not one Infant baptized Paul was converted sometime after Christs Ascension and was fourteen years in Christ Cor. 12.2 In these fourteen years sure some Children were born yet not one baptized that we read of Object 20. 20. They were Heathens that were baptized in the Apostles days I Answer Was the Lord Jesus a Heathen he was baptized The Eunuch a Worshipper of the true God Cornelius a man whose Prayers and Alms came to God for a Memorial were these Heathens Nay do not those who baptize Infants baptize Heathens Eph. 2.3 We are the Children of wrath by Nature It is you that plead for the baptizing Heathens we plead for the baptizing Believers Object 21. 21. But Paul saith 1 Cor. 1.17 Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach I Answer That Paul did baptize 1 Cor. 1.14 15. He baptized Crispus and Gaius and the Houshold of Stephanas and divers others Now what he did he did by Commission or Presumption but he did it not by Presumption therefore he did it by Commission he was sent to preach Baptism fell in as a part of his Preaching Office Philip was chosen a Deacon yet he baptized the Eunuch Baptism fell in as part of his work Acts 8. so that he that is called to be a Preacher needs no call to baptize the other falls in as his work Object 22. 22. But there were three thousand baptized in one day how could all these be dipped in one day they might be sprinkled but not dipped I Answer They might well be dipped for there were twelve Apostles and seventy Disciples as Luke 10.1 that is eighty two these might well baptize three thousand in a day CHAP. IX Believers-Baptism and Infant-Baptism compared 1. Believers Baptism hath a Command Mat. 28.19 20. 1. Infant-Baptism hath not a Command 2. Believers baptism hath many Examples Acts 8.12 cap. 2.37 41 42 c. 2. Infant-baptism hath no Example 3. Believers baptism is from Heaven Mat. 21.25 3. Infant-baptism is from Men. 4. Believers baptism is the Councel of God Luk. 7.29.30 4. Infant baptism hath the Councel of Men. 5. Believers baptism hath been Gloriously sealed Matthew 3. 5. Infant-baptism never was sealed by God 6. In believers baptism the person baptized acts faith 6. But in Infant-baptism the Infant acts no faith 7. In believers baptism the person subjects in acts of obedience 7. But in Infant-baptism the Infant puts forth no Act of Obedience 8. In believers baptism the person knows when he is baptized
Philip preached unto the Eunuch Jesus ver 36. They came to a certain water and the Eunuch said see here is water what doth hinder me to be baptized and ver 37. And Philip said If thou believest with all thy heart thou mayst This If is the If we stand upon be never so poor so vile if God once make thee to believe then thou mayst be baptized 't was not his godly Parents 't was not his reading 't was not his coming to Jerusalem to worship 't was not his willingness to be baptized but if thou believest thou mayst saith the Greek it is lawful it is according to Christs Law ver 38. They went both down into the water both Philip and the Eunuch and he baptized him Oh behold a Man the great Treasurer of the Queen of Ethiopia a Rich Man an Honourable Man a Religious Man a Man 't is like having many Attendants at his Chari●● he stops all commands all to stand st●●● till he yields obedience to his Lord and M●ster in Water-baptism he can now g● down into the water for Him who had come down from Heaven for him he county it no disgrace to obey Christ by his poor servant Philip Oh the condescention of truly gracious souls No Argument works like Love Therefore if you love me keep my Commandments Here 's going down and coming up like the glorious ways of Christ he first casts down then he raiseth up first brings to the Grave and then saith Return ye sons of men ver 39. And he went on his way rejoycing Oh what Triumph is in Christs ways in keeping though not for keeping his Commands there is as well as shall be great Reward he went on his way the Righteous shall hold on in his way and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger Job 17.9 How many have stuck in their way wept in their way droopt in their way but when baptized have gone on their way rejoycing he might have a sad heart though a rich Treasurer Riches would not do Being baptized he went on his way rejoycing The Jaylor being baptized rejoyced believing in God with all his house Acts 16.33 34. 5 Example The next Example we ●ome to is the Baptizing of the famous Apostle Paul Act 1.22.16 And now why tar●est thou arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins wouldest thou have thy soul filled with joy wilt thou take Christ for thy Lord then arise why tarriest thou and be baptized He that appeared to thee in the way when thou wast a Persecutor and stopt thee from going to Hell when thou wast running hath sent me saith Ananias Act. 9.15 17. And now why tarriest thou arise and be baptized Act. 22.16 Thou hast been a Persecutor and now I must shew thee that thou must be a Preacher and a Sufferer as Acts 9.15 16. And therefore Arise why tarriest thou and be baptized Oh accept of the terms and tenders of Mercy bid Mercy welcome but do not put it off a day why dost thou tarry dost think thy self unworthy and therefore tarryest do not let that hinder I tell thee from the Lord thou art a chosen Vessel Act. 9.15 Therefore arise why tarriest thou and be baptized The Lord is willing to forgive all thy former sins and to accept of thee on Gospel-terms and now why tarriest thou arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins 6 Example Another Example of Be●●●●ers Baptism is the Baptism of the Jaylor Acts 16.30 31 32. He went to bed in hi● sins and might have awaked in Hell bu● preventing-Mercy meets him when hi● sword was drawing and by a Glorious Instrument God crys Do thy self no harm there is hope for thee And he trembling cries What must I do That soul that trembles before the Almighty God will not only cry out what shall I have but what shall I do Believe saith Paul believe on the Lord Jesus And to demonstrate his willingness to yield Obedience to the Lord Jesus and to accept of him on Gospel-terms he is baptized the same hour of the night ver 33. And if you note ver 34. all his believed and were baptized 7. Another Example you have of Lydia Act. 16.14 a godly woman a praying woman God opened her heart to attend his Word by Paul and being at the River she was baptized When the heart is shut how backward are souls to obey Christ One draw from Christ makes the Soul run Song 1. 4. The Lord opened her heart and she was baptized 8 Example you have Acts 18.8 Crispus the chief Ruler of the Synagogue believed 〈◊〉 ●he Lord with all his house and many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized Crispus believed his house believed all runs in their believing and then they were baptized Thus you have Pattern and Precept it Command or Example be of any force here 's both CHAP. IV. Baptism is Dipping or Covering under Water 1. THe Greek Baptizo to plunge to overwhelm Thus Christ was plunged in water Mat. 3.16 Thus he was plunged or overwhelm'd in his suffering Luk. 12.50 2. The Dutch Translation reads Mat. 3. In those days came John the Dipper John 3.23 John was dipping in Aenon where there was much water what need much water were it not dipping 3. They did baptize in Rivers Mat. 3.6 They came to John and were baptized in the River of Jordan John 3.23 John was baptizing in Aenon where there was much water what need it be in a River and where there was much water would not a little in a Bason serve to Sprinkle the Face 4. Baptism signifies the Burial of Christ Rom. 6.4 Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism Coloss 2.12 Buried with him in Baptism Now we do not reckon a ma● buried when a little earth is Sprinkled o● his Face but he is buried when Covered thus you are buried in Baptism 5. Christs sufferings are called a Baptism Luke 12.50 I have a Baptism to be baptized with and how am I straitned till it be accomplished when Christ suffered he was plunged into pains did his sufferings lye only on his head or on his forehead No no there was not one part free he was from head to foot in pain his head was crowned with piercing Thorns his hands and feet nailed to the Cross so stretched out on the Cross that a man might have told all his bones Ps 22.17 There was not one part free the man hath sinned body soul and spirit Christ was baptized into pains plunged into sorrow not any part free this he calls his Baptism Thus one baptized is plunged under water to shew how Christ was plunged into sorrow for our sakes 6. Baptism is a putting on Christ As many of you as are baptized into Christ have put on Christ Gal. 3.27 that as a servant wears his Lords Livery a Garment which demonstrates him to be a Servant to such a Lord So in Baptism we put on our Lords Livery he cloathes from head to foot
great Name in which Baptism is Administred Mat. 28.19 20. Baptize them in the Name of the Father Son ●nd Holy Ghost This Name must not be ●lighted it is a great Name 3. Consider Baptisms great business it ●s called Righteousness Righteousness is a great thing Christ calls it a comely thing Mat. 3.15 Thus it becometh us to fulfil all Righteousness it is a fulfilling all Righteousness 4. Consider Baptisms great Commission ●t is one of the last Conmands of our blessed Saviour after his Resurrection a 〈◊〉 before his Ascension as appears Mat. 28 19 20. Go Teach and Baptize 5. Consider Baptisms great Promises Mat. 28.19 20. Go teach and baptize a● lo I am with you here 's the Promise of th● glorious presence of Christ Then ye have the promise of the Holy Ghost Repent and be baptized and you shall receive th● gift of the Holy Ghost Act. 2.38 You have also the Promise or Assuranc● of washing away your sins Act. 22.16 Arise and be baptized and wash away th● sins Again You shall find the promise of Sa●vation annexed to Baptism Mark 16 1● He that believeth and is baptized shall ● saved Christ's Presence the Holy Ghost'● Pardon of sin and Salvation all these a●● great Promises 6. Consider the Eminency of Baptism every Word of God is pure but Baptism is called the Councel of God Luk. 7.29 3● They rejected the Councel of God again●● themselves not being baptized is not th● Councel of God a great thing 7. Consider since Christ hath b●● gone to Heaven he hath commanded ●●ptism Acts 8.29 the Spirit bid Philip jo● himself to the Chariot which clearly a●pears was that he might preach Christ and baptize the Eunuch And when he was baptized he went away rejoycing Here 's one Call from Heaven Another Command from Heaven to baptize after Christs Ascension you have in the Lord Jesus's sending Ananias to Paul Act. 9.19 The Lord called Ananias in a Vision and sends him to Paul and when he comes he saith Acts 22.16 and now why tarriest thou arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins This Paul tells us were the words of Ananias here you have another Call from Heaven to baptize Again you shall find Act. 10.4 5. Cornelius hath a Call from Heaven to send for Peter who should tell him words whereby he should be saved Peter hath a Call from Heaven to go to Cornelius ver 19.20 Go therefore nothing doubting here Peter is sent from Heaven and to speak words whereby Cornelius might be saved and when he came to Cornelius you shall find ver 48. He commanded them to be baptized Thus you see Baptism was commanded after Christ's Ascension all which may shew Baptism to be a great Ordinance CHAP. VIII Answer to the common Objections SUch is the corruption of mans heart as he will make Objections against the clearest Truth in the blessed Word of God and which of the Truths of God yea hath not God himself been objected against but I may say of Baptism as once He said These things were not done in a Corner I only give this Scripture-caution They have closed their eyes lest they should see and be converted and I should heal them Take heed of closing the eyes and then I am sure thou wilt be willing in the day of God's power but if in Conscience thou desirest satisfaction consider the Answers to the following Objections Object 1. Some Object where it is said Mat. 28.19 20. To the end of the World that is to the end of that Age. Answ 1. To which I Answer This cannot be the sense of the Text First Because Christ bids the Apostles teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you Mat. 28.20 Now do you think that all things the Apostles were to teach them to observe were only to the end of that Age Christ commands them to repent believe to be holy to be baptized and are we to repent believe and be holy no longer than to the end of that Age Secondly Christ promises his presence to the end of the World Mat. 28.20 Lo I am with you to the end of the Word Now hath Christ promised his Presence but to the end of that Age this would be a dreadful Doctrine Josh 1.5 He hath said I will not fail thee nor forsake thee so that the promise of his Presence is to last in all Ages as the word may be rendred I will be with you in Ages or to the end of the World therefore observe all things to the end of the World Object 2. 2. But Water-baptism was John's Baptism I Answer Was the Baptism of John from Heaven or of men John's Baptism was from Heaven Mat. 21.25 Then further John was but to prepare Christ's way before him Luk. 1.76 Thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways so that John did but prepare Christs way This therefore was Christ's way not John's way But further hath not Christ commanded and the Churches practis'd Baptism after John's Death and Christ's Resurrection Di● not Christ say Go teach and baptize and wilt thou say this is John's Baptism Object 3. 3. But Circumcision and Vncircumcision availeth nothing but a New Creature I Answer Once Circumcision was something when the Lord would have killed Moses because of the Circumcision as Exod. 4.24 25 26. and when the Lord said That whoever was not circumcised he should be cut off from the people Gen. 17.14 Now in the Gospel it is nothing because abolished Gal. 5.2 If you be circumcised Christ shall profit you nothing But wilt thou say the Councel of God is nothing Baptism is the Councel of God Luk. 7.29 30. And is this nothing Baptism is a Command of the Lord Jesus Mat. 28.19 And is his Command nothing Object 4. 4. I am baptized with the Spirit which is the substance Water-baptism is but the shadow I Answer Thou mayst as well say so of all other Ordinances they are but shadows the Supper is but a shadow Prayer Hearing and Preaching are but shadows and then whither wilt thou run Then further the Question is not whether it be a shadow Is it a Command If a Command dispute not Christ's Authority lest he be angry But further call Water-baptism a shadow yet consider Christ subjected to it and who art thou wilt thou be wiser than Christ And further Acts 10.47 They were baptized with the Spirit and spake with Tongues and yet were baptized in water Remember he that is faithful in the least is faithful in much Object 5. 5. Doth not Baptism come in the room of Circumcision I Answer No surely for there 's not any Word of God for such a thing and thou must not be wise above what is written 1 Cor. 4.6 And then consider Circumcision concerned only the Males but Acts 8.12 When they believed they were baptized both Men and Women Object 6. 6. But are not very learned Men for Infant Baptism I Answer Luke 7.29.30 The
Pharisees and Lawyers the learned men of the times rejected the Councel of God against themselves not being baptized Do not say as they said Which of the Rulers have believed in him Hearken to Christ's Answer Mat. 11.25 Jesus answered I thank thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them to Babes And further If Learning were an Argument in this case Are there not many Cardinals and Jesuits Learned Men Object 7. 7. But are not there very Godly men Pastors of Churches that hold Infant-baptism I Answer You are not to follow an Apostle further than he followeth Christ 1 Cor. 11.1 Follow me as I follow Christ Again bring no Examples of good Men against an express word You have an express word Acts 8.12 When they believed they were Baptized both Men Women Elias was a good man he called for fire from Heaven but we must not do so Jehosaphat was a good King but the High Places were not removed follow no Example against a word 1 Kings 22.42 43. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil Exod. 23.2 Object 8. 8. But there 's not a word against Baptizing Infants I Answer Nadab and Abihu were burned with fire because they did that the Lord commanded not Lev. 10.2 3. Again if you mean by a word an express word then where have you a word Thou shalt not baptize Bells as you read in the Book of Martyrs they did Where have you a word saying Thou shalt not use Spittle Cream or Salt in Baptism as the Roman Catholicks do But you must know it is enough against Infant-Baptism it is not commanded Object 9. 9. But were there not whole Families Baptized I Answer That it is expresly said They all believed Acts 16.34 He was baptized and all his ver 33. He rejoyced beleiving in God with all his House ver 34. Crispus the Chief Ruler believed in God with all his House and many of the Corinthians believed and were baptized Acts 18.8 Lydia and all her House were baptized Acts 16.15 Here 's no mention of Husband or Children whether she was a Maid or a Widdow only they are called Brethren ver 40. Object 10. 10 Infants were once Church● Members and we do not find they were cut off I Answer That the natural Branches were broken off by their Unbelief and if they come to believe they may be grafted in again but till then they are broken off Rom. 11.20 21. Again now in the Gospel the Axe is laid to the root of the Tree and every Tree that brings not forth good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire Mat. 3.9 10. Therefore you must not think to say you have Abraham or a Believer for your Father This is the sure Word of God And thus you may see that the Sadduces were rejected when they came for Baptism thinking to say They had Abraham for their Father Mat. 3.7 8 9. And further Infants were Members of the National Church of the Jews But where were they ever Members of a particular Church under the Gospel When Infants were Members then Servants that were bought with Money were all Members Gen. 17.12 Which are not of thy seed God now in the Gospel seeks such to Worship him who Worship him in Spirit and in Truth John 4.23 And further there was then a middle Wall of Partition but this middle Wall of Partition is broken down Eph. 2.14 And now God is no Respecter of Persons but in every Nation such as fear him and work Righteousness are accepted of him Acts 10.34.35 Object 11. 11. But is the Priviledge of Believers Children less under the Gospel than it was under the Law I Answer What dost thou mean by Priviledge was it a priviledge to be under the Law or is it now a priviledge to be under the Gospel or dost thou mean by priviledge to have the Promises which the Apostle tells us of Rom 9.8 They which are Children of the flesh are not the Children of Promise or dost thou mean by Priviledge to partake of the visible Ordinance of Circumcision And is this such a priviledge which the Apostle Acts 15.10 calls a yoke that neither we nor our Fathers were able to bear is this the priviledge thou meanest Object 12. 12. But the Seed was in Covenant God made a Covenant with Abraham and his Seed I Answer What dost thou mean by Covenant dost thou mean the Covenant that was made on Mount Sinai or a Covenant of Works dost thou mean the Covenant of Grace wherein God promiseth to be their God and dost thou make this Covenant of Grace to be Conditional And dost thou judge that Ishmael Saul and Jeroboam the son of Nebat and Ahaz and all they were in the Covenant of Grace or dost thou judge they lost their Interest in the Covenant of Grace and so indeed make it a Covenant of Works Therefore consider God did make a Covenant with Abraham and his natural Seed to give them the Land of Canaan Gen. 17.7 8. but as to the Promise of Life and Salvation this was made to Abraham and his spiritual Seed Gal. 3.16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the Promises made he saith not unto Seeds as of many but as of one to thy Seed which is Christ If you will believe this Text there 's little difficulty in the Objection Rom. 9.8 The Children of Promise are counted for the Seed Object 13. 13. But they were so far in the Covenant as to give them a Right to the Ordinance I Answer Circumcision was entail'd on Abraham and his Seed and his Servants but where is Baptism intailed upon Believers natural Seed The Priesthood by a Covenant was entailed on the Tribe of Levi and their Seed as you may read Josh 18.7 Num. 25.13 will you now entail the Ministry on Preachers and their natural Seed But as to the point of Baptism were there not many that came to be Baptized and John said Think not to say you have Abraham for your Father Mat. 3.9 clearly shewing that their Carnal Right was cut off by the Gospel Now the Axe is laid to the Root of the Tree every Tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewen down and cast into the fire And note further Abraham had a word for to warrant his circumcising his Seed but where is there a word for Baptizing Infants Object 14. 14. But Christ said suffer little Children to come to me for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven I Answer The Text tells you plainly they were not brought to be baptized but that Christ might lay his hands on them and pray for them Mat. 19.13 Mark 10.16 Here 's nothing of Baptism Object 15. 15. But 't is said Acts 2.39 The Promise is to you and to your Children I Answer Do so much justice to thy own Soul ● to read the whole Text and you sh●● find that it is said The Promise is to y●●
great Gospel Ordinance wilt thou call that Obedience which was not thy Act and had not thy consent nor thou knowest not of nor canst remember when it was done and thou hadst no faith in and wilt thou call that baptism that was not of thy obedience but thy Parents will 7. Consider that the Ordinances must be kept as they were delivered 1 Cor. 11.2 But Baptism was delivered to Believer● and not to Infants God did indeed deliver Circumcision to Infants but never d●deliver Baptism to Infants 8. Consider that many who have n● been Baptized since they believed do d●ny Baptism to their Children Let m● ask such if their own Infant-baptism wa● sufficient to them if they do deny it t● their Children why do they reckon the own Infant-baptism sufficient Ho● long halt ye between two opinions 9. Consider that it is without all doubt Believers were Baptized Acts 8.12 The Baptizing of Infants at the best is by a doubt Infant-baptism hath been oft disputed but when was Believers Baptis● disputed It is in very words expre●● They believed and were Baptized Now is not better to go in an undoubted way the in a dark way 10. Consider there are multitudes Examples of Believers Baptism see pa● 11. of this Book but there 's not one Example of Infant-baptism 11. Consider if the salvation of thy so didly upon this question Whether we Believers Baptized or were Infants bapti●ed wouldst thou not say surely Belie●ers 12. Consider as Birth-right gave a right to Circumcision under the Law so Birth-right gave right to the Priesthood Now you would entail Baptism without a word to the Believers seed why then will you not entail the Ministry unto the seed of Ministers Would it not be strang Logick to say the Preachers seed under the Gospel have less priviledg than the Priest's under the Law 13. Consider that we are not to think of any above what is written 1 Cor. 4.6 Now if Infant-baptism be not written as an Ordinance do not judge it to be an Ordinance 14. Consider that Christ was faithful in all his House Heb. 3.5 6. If it had been his Fathers Will that Infants should have been Baptized surely he would have been so faithful as to have left us one word in his Blessed Scriptures 15. Consider Moses the servant of the Lord did all according to the Pattern shewed in the Mount Exod. 25.40 and shall not the servants of the Lord do all according to the Pattern he hath shewed to us in the New Testament the Pattern left on record is They believed and were Baptized Acts 8.12 16. Consider whether those who do so depend on their consequences without a plain Text will grant Papists and others the same consequences for Altars Surplices c. seeing all is to be done decently And they say Surplices are decent Railes about the Tables are decent c 17. Consider that seeing the Scripture is so exact in setting down the several circumstances of Persons Baptized Acts 16.13 14. the time the Sabbath the place by a River side the Custom Prayer was wont to be made the Company Women the Name Lydia the Trade a Seller of Purple place of abode as the City of Thyatira her Religion a Worshipper of God her Action She heard Gods Word the Lord opened her heart the Instrument words spoken by Paul So Acts 16.27 28 29 30 so many circumstances but not one word in any place expressed that ever any Infant was Baptized why should it be left out were it Gods Will it should be done 18. Consider there is but one Law-giver who is able to save and to destroy James 4.12 The Lord is our Judge The Lord is our Law-giver Isa 33.22 Now where hath this Lord given a Law for Baptizing Infants This one Law-giver hath not given one Law for the Baptizing Infants 19. Consider whether Baptizing Infants Godfathers and Godmothers the Cross in Baptism the Promises and Vows made for Children were not all brought in by Humane Invention at the same time or on the same Reasons 20. Consider whether it be safe to admit of Consequences against an express Rule Mat. 28.19 Teach and Baptize 21. Consider whether those who Baptize Infants will not have it said to them by the Lord one day as in Isa 1.12 Who hath required these things at your hands 22. Consider whether any of the Gospel-Ordinances hath so many plain words as Believers Baptism● 23. Consider whether being Baptized be not a justifying God and on thy part thou not being Baptized dost not reject the Councel of God Luke 7.29 30. 24. Consider whether such as hold Infant-baptism do not Preach Baptism to be a Sign of Regeneration and whether all or any Infants Baptized are Regenerated 25. Consider whether those who have not respect to all Gods commands will not one day be ashamed Psal 119.6 26. Consider whether Abraham durst circumcise his child without a word of Command then how darest thou Baptize a child without a word 27. Consider whether we are not to press after the purity of Ordinances and whether those Ordinances which have the express Rule are not most Pure 28. Consider whether they and only they shall not have the Well-done at Christ's coming who have done what he hath commanded and as he hath commanded Now I beseech thee to consider what hath been said in this matter and the glorious God of Truth give thee the Spirit of Truth which may lead thee into all Truth and may build thee up and give thee an inheritance among them that are sanctified and as in sincerity with unfeigned love to God and thy soul these things have been written So the very God and Father of our Lord Jeus sanctifie thee throughout in body soul and spirit and give thee a heart to search whether these things be so An APPENDIX containing other Objections of the Paedo-Baptists with Answers thereunto By another Hand Object 1. 1. INfants of Believers ought to be Baptized because the Natural Seed of Believers are the Spiritual Seed of Abraham I Answer This is contrary to Rom. 9.6 7 8. For they are not all Israel which are of Israel neither because they are the seed of Abraham are they all Children but in Isaac shall thy Seed be called that is they which are the Children of the Flesh these are not the Children of God but the Chilren of the Promise are counted for the Seed And Gal. 3.7 26 29. They which are of Faith the same are the Children of Abraham Ye are all the Children of God by Faith in Christ Jesus And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's Seed and Heirs according to the Promise The Sum of the Apostles Argument is that the Children of the Flesh or Abraham's Natural Seed are not the Children of the Promise but whosoever believe whether Jew or Gentile they are Abraham's spiritual seed and none other Object 2. 2. But to Abraham and his Seed were the Promises made Gal. 3.16 I Answer The new