THE Reason Why Not Infant Sprinkling BUT BELIEVERS BAPTISM Ought to be approved Is because the Lord Jesus Christ his Fore-runner and Apostles preach't it and practic'd it As hereby will further appear By Scripture Authority In about Fourty TEXTS With Notes on every TEXT To which is added How Infant Sprinkling came in Fashion The Evil Tendencies of Infant Sprinkling Answers to Objections Differences betw Believ Baptism and Inf. Sprink With several other things By a Believer Baptiz'd He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved Mark 16.16 The Eunuch said to Philip I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God And they went down both into the Water both Philip and the Eunuch and Philip baptized him Act. 8.36 37 38. London Printed 1694. My Friend IF you are sincerely inquisitive about the Worship of God and desire the Reasons Why Believers Baptism ought to be approved and Infant Sprinkling rejected then be pleased to consider this small Treatise which as my Vnderstanding I commend to you and that in sincerity and love to our Lord Jesus Christ his Gospel and your Information Wherein you may observe that the method taken to discover right Baptism by is the clearest from deceit that could be because every Text about Baptism is taken in order as Recorded in Holy Scripture that thereby it may fairly and clearly appear to you as well as to me That 't is indeed Believers baptism that is the Gospel Ordinance requiâ—ed by Jesus Christ and that it is not Infant Sprinkling Besides if you as I have been are rightly in love with your own Salvation and consequently the Lord Jesus Christ then you will find an aptness in your Soul to be obedient to the Ordinances of Christ as parts of the Will of God According to the Apostles saying We are his Workmanship created in Christ Jesus to good Works Eph. 2.10 and all from a principle of Love to God Christ his Gospel and goodness and the delight of them begotten in the Soul of the Regenerate This Soul considering redeeming Love desires it may glorify God according to John 15 8. Herein is my Father glorifyed that ye bear much fruit so shall ye be my Disciples John 14.21 He that hath my Commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth me And again If ye keep my Commandments ye shall abide in my Love even as I have kept my Fathers Commandments and abide in his Love John 15.10 And therefore it is that many in our Age that have an effectual work of Grace upon their Souls have had also some Workings about Obedience to this great Gospel Ordinance of Believers Baptism Tho' some of them by Master save thy self Mat. 16.22 have been baffled off and their Light put out and those Motions stifled whereby they have turned their back upon it But the Lord preserves this Light in some and hath so in me and therefore I submitâ— to the prescribed Rule God hath given tho' thereby I converse among a poor dispised People according to the Apostle's observation of the Corinthian Saints 1 Cor. 1.26 To follow a Religion because it is in Fashion is not my Rule I have four sorts of People to deal with and they require four sorts of considerations to convince them and therefore I give variety 1. The Ignorant World that do not like believers baptism because it is commonly spoken evil of 2. The superstitious World that don't like it because it condemns part of their splendid way of worship 3. The Professor that dissents from that ignorance and superstition and zealously pursues a Reform'd yet a political way 4. The Converted that admires the Love that work'd about the Salvation of the Sinner and yet is somewhat blind about baptism c. But those among whom I expect the Doctrine of believers baptism should be effectual are all those that the Crucified Risen Jesus 's Lo I am with you shall give it success to The Sinner that 's fallen in Love with the Lord Jesus taketh him at his Word and in that hear of first Love dare do any thing for God Luke 7.47 This Soul is just touched with a Coal of holy Fire from the Altar and is all in a flame and takes the Glory of the World for Stubble And as by Revelation from the Father Mat. 11 27. Mat. 1.17 It Believes that the mighty Jesus is the Son of God so it Believes that this Sovereign Will ought to be obeyed And accordingly with the Fortitude that contemned Nebuchadnezzars Golden Image in the Face of a Fiery Furnaco Dan. 3. Resolves to be Baptized or Dipped Saying I must by baptism ingage in my Lords Service to fight the good fight of Faith and lay hold on Eternal life thro good report and evil report for what am I that I should pretend to a better way of obedience then my Saviour hath appointed Your Christian Friend C. D. London 1693. Yet for those of my Christian Brethren that â—re resolved upon their way of Infant Sprinkling 〈◊〉 in peace leave them to the Lord to their â—houghts and way and keep the Scripture Reason â—f Believers Baptism for as many as shall â—ave the grace to receive it And so as I began â—n Love to our Lord Jesus Christ I desire to end â—n love with all that love our Lord Jesus Christ CHAP. I. Matth. 3.1 2 5 6. 1. In those Days came John the Baptist preaching in the Wilderness of Judea 2. And saying Repent ye for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand 5. Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea and all the Region round about Jordan 6. And were baptised of him in Jordan confessing their Sins I Note That as soon as this first Evangelist Matthew had by direction of the Spirit of God given a Relation of the Birth and preservation of our Lord Jesus Christ he presently tells us of John the Baptist preaching and baptizing thereby signifying That Faith in Christ hath the preference and that Obedience and Profession of Faith by baptism comes next in order Again The Persons to be baptized were such as confest their Sins but not Infants carried thither and senseless of Sin Agâ—in They were baptized or dipped in a River which they went to of their own Will but not sprinkled with a little Water out of a bâ—son or such like brought to them or they carried to it whether they would or no. Again Repentance was first preached and then upon Signs of Repentance the people were afterwards baptized So that the Subjects of and manner of baptism neither were Infants nor Sprinkling CHAP. II. Matth. 3.7 8. 7. But when he John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadduces come to his baptism he said unto them O Generation of Vipers who hath warned you to fly from the wrath to come 8. Bring forth therefore Fruits meet for Repentance I Note That those Persons that gave not Signs of Repentance were rejected from baptism or thus No Persons were admitted to baptism but upon
bâ— baptized and when baptized Went up strâ—â— got way oâ—t of the water Mark 1.5 All baptized in the River Jorâ—an and Jesus was baptized in Jordaâ— Mark 1.9 John 3.23 John was baptizing in Enon because there was much water there And they went down both into the water both Philip and the Eunuch and he baptized him And when â—hey were come up out of the water c. Acts 8.38 39. And Acts 10.48 Peter commanded them to be Baptized said Ananias to Paul Arise and be baptized wâ—shing a way thy sins We are buried with Christ by baptism Rom. 6.4 5. If we have been planted together with him in the likeness of his death And were all baptized to Moses in the Cloud and in the Sea 1 Cor. 10.2 One Lord one Faith one Baptism Eph 4.5 Buried with Christ in Baptism wherein also ye are risen with him c. Col. 2.12 'T is strange and unaccountable that any man should pretend to draw a conclusion of Infant Sprinâ—ling from Scripture when there 's not a Text that looks like it And more strange that any should draw a conclusion that Infant Sprinkling is Baptism when all the Texts about Baptism tends to prove and clear the Dipping of Believers only How Infant Sprinkling came in fashion The Church of Rome coâ—fesseth she changed Dipping into Sprinkling Câ—prian is the first who pleads for baptisiâ—g the Siâ—k by Sprinkling and for Sprinkling now Converts in the Prison-house and by degrees they brought it in for sick Children then for all Children Romes first and great Argument by which Infants Baptism was brought in was their imagining it took away original Sin upon which they made this Canon in the Milevetan Couâ—cil It is our Will that all who affirm Young Children have everlasting life which are not baptized to the taking away of Original Sin shall be Anathemized So the fifth Council at Carthage 416. We will that â—hosoever denyeth that little Children by Baptism are not freed from Perdition and eternally saved that they be acâ—ursed This was first confiâ—meâ— by Pope Innocentius and Augustin with seventy Bishops I note Thus a Christian may see the Our Will the We Will that brought in nfant Sprinkling without God's Will therefore 't is not strange if some Infants in cold Countries Dye if Dipt Again The Fathers of the declined Church were but Children in comparison of the Apostâ—es and therefore the Apostles shall be my Fathers The Evil Tendencies and Consequences of Infant Sprinkling 1st It hath been a Snare to most people because they do thereby reckon themselves to be Christians and in a Salvable Condition tho' they indeed are without Faith and Repentance 2ly It hath been the Root and off spring of the National Churches and is essential to their standing 3ly The National Sprinklers of Infants have often made War upon the Congregational Christians for observing the word of God as the only rule of Faith and Practice 4ly It greatly indangers Congr gational Churches â—o â—egenerate and become National 5ly It is one of the great supports of the Anti Christian Whore of Babilon 6â—y There is more appâ—opriated to Infant Sprinkling then is due to Gospel Baptism Taking away Original si Qualifying for Salvation 7ly It sets aside Gods command and puts Men upon the quite contrary by which rule also any other Erronious thing may come in 8ly To guard Infants Sprinkling many Men bar the unsprinkled Infants out of Heaven so their way Damn Millions that are saved 9ly It puts some men upon aserting that all Infants of believers are in covenant And yet say that there is no falling from a State of Grace Tho on the contrary they will acknowledge that many of the believers Sprinkled Infants living to maturity die unregenerated perish eternally Evils always attend Error here are nine The Objections that the ignorant world and others usually make against Believers Baptism are Answered Obj. 1. I have been baptised in my Infancy therefore what need I be baptised again Answ You was but Rantised or Sprinkled not Dipt nor Baptised John 3.23 Obj. 2. Learned men are for Infant Sprinkling Answ Some Learned men are for Popery not for Purity But all are not however the Gospel ought not to submit to learned Men Acts 4.19 Obj. 3. Whole Fâ—miâ—es were baptized Answ All that were baptized did first believe Acts 16.34 Let it be so now Obj. 4. Circumcision availeth nothing but a nâ—w Creature then what need I be baptized Answ You may as well infer and say that because God will save by grace that therefore you will take the liberty of forbearing good Works Rom. 6.1.15 or because God works you will play Ob. 5. Many lays too much stress upon beleivers baptism and that makes us the more backward to it Answ And I fear you lay too little Christ layeth it thus He that Believeth and is baptized shall be saved Mark 16.16 Oâ—j 6. Were not little Children baptized by Christ Mark 10.13 14. Answ No he only blest them Mark â—0 16 Obj. 7. Infaâ—t baptism is not forbidden Answ At that door Popish Error comes in and all others may yet what 's not appointed iâ— forbidden Lev. 10.2 3. Isa 1.12 Obj. 8. Aâ— Nations are to be baptized and Infants are part of Nations Answ But they should be taught first anâ— believe accoâ—ding to the same Commission Mat. 28.19 20. Mark 16.16 Acts 8.12 Obj. 9. There hath been bad Men Anabaptists Answ Shew me a Profession that hath not such nay the many Malefactors that hath suffer Death in your memory have been of other Religions and it may be of your Church but what is that to Religion it self Judas being a Judas doth not overthrow the Gospel 't is not persons but things that are the Doctriâ—es of the Gospel we are upon even Believing and Dipping Obj. 10. Infant Priviledges are not less under the Gospel then â—unâ—er the Law Answ Their saving Priviledges are the same but that gives no riâ—ht to Baptism Obj. 11. Baptism came in the room of Circumcision Answ Circumcision of the heart came in the room of Circumcision of the flesh Rom. â— 28.29 the priviledges waâ— anâ—â—â—eâ— to Circumcision but now it is to Believing Obj. 12. There 's an Vniversal Consent of Churches and Anâ—iâ—anâ—â—y for Inf nt Sprinkling Answ Such cous nâ— makes nothing true nor fâ—lse 't is Scripture dâ—â—s both before Consent had a Being as it was in the beginning should be now and a Believer Baptized may say is now and ever shâ—ll be 13. There are some other Objections Answ One Rule will answer all Objections against Believers Baptism viz That God will acâ—ept â—â—â—thing in his Worship but what be hath appointed The Objections that some Christians make are here Answered Obj. 14. Believers Children are holy 1 Cor. 7.14 Answ A Believers unbelieving Husband or Wife hath the same holiness by the same text Obj. 15. Infants were once Church members Answ So were servants too Godly or Ungodly a
National Church was once of divine appointment but neither now 2 Cor. 5.17 Obj. 16. Three thousand persons could not be dipt in one day therefore they were sprinkled Answ No Three thousand may be almost if not altogether as soon Dipt as Sprinkled and there was about four-score Preaching Disciples to do the Work Obj. 17. There is as much command for Infants bapt as for Womens pâ—rtaking of the Lord's Supper Answ No there is not for it is said 1 Cor. 11.28 Let a man c. The Greek word here is of the common Gender and includes both Sexes Consider Acts 1.13 Gen. 2.17 Obj. 18. The Promise is to the Seed of Believers Acts 2.39 Answ The promise here intended was that if the Holy Ghost in Joel 2.32 which they might expect and also their posâ—erity and the Gentiles upon their effectual Calling So that their believing is upon their Calling which may be their bâ—ptism Obj. 19. Children of Believers have habitual faith Answ The whole â—ible doth not afford one word of habitual Faith in Infants 1 Cor. 6.11 Rom. 10.14 17. Matth. 3.7 8 9. Obj. 20. If the Root be holy then are the branches Answ Saints do not beget saints John 3.6 John 1.13 Gen. 4.1 believers are created in Christ Jesus He is the Root Col. 2.7 Eph. 2.10 He is made unto us Sanctification 1 Cor. 1.30 Obj. 21. Baptism is the Seal of the Covenant Answ You Seal without God's Seal or Directions and can no where find his Approbation or Covenant Priviledge thereby Isa 1.10 to 20. Obj. 22. Some Children are in the Covenant c. Answ What then Christ and his Apostles knew that as well as you but yet never sprinkled them 2dly You know not which are more than others 3dly Why may not you put the Lord's Supper upon them too Obj. 23 Necessary and unavoidable Consequences will prove Infant Baptism Answ We could never yet see these Necessary and unavoidable Consequences and it is impossible that any man that hath not before-hand heard of Infant Sprinkling should ever find it by reading the Scriptures but believers baptism is there apparent Whether is best to ground our Faith upon a positive command or a supposed consequence Lastly Let men say what they will by way of Objection yet unless they can take out of the New Testament the Texts about Baptism these Texts will continually as great Guns be battering down Infant Sprinkling as a Rampart of that great City Mâ—stery Babylon Precept and Practice in about forty Texts of Scripture for â—â—â—â—â—â—ers 〈◊〉 is a sufficient Answer to any Objection The differences between Believers Baptism and Infants Sprinkling 1. God hath promised that he that Believeth and is Baptised shall be saved Maâ—k 16.16 But there 's no promises annâ—xed to Infant Sprinkl 2. There is a lively similitude between believers being buried in the Water rising again and Christs Death Burial and resurrection Rom. 6 4. But Infant Sprinkling shews no likeness to either 3. Believers Bapâ—ised are entereâ— into a prescribed way of Saâ—vation profession Visible Sanctification or a holy Life and so are likely to be saved John 5.24 But Infants Spriâ—kled are not but remain as they were by nature Children of Wrath Eph. 2.3 4. Believers Baptised Love God and keep his Commandeme t s John 14 15. But Infants Sprinkled do not Love God nor keep his Commandments 5. Teaching Repenting Beliâ—ving before Baptising is Christs command Mat. â—8 18 19. But Sprinkling of Infants is mâ—ns command 6. â—aptizing believers is bâ—ptizing Christians But baptizi g Iâ—fants is not 7. Believers baptism hath no contradictions attending the Practiâ—e of 〈◊〉 But Infâ—â—t Sprink ing â—aâ—h many Contradiâ—tions 1. Mâ—ny â—iniâ—ters assert thâ—t sprinkling is a Tokâ—n 〈◊〉 preâ—ent Reg ne ation tho thâ—n nor in after time aâ—y sigâ—s of a Change in Nature appears in the Inâ—anâ— 2. A Sign of Death Burial Resurrection tho they do not dip bury raise again but sprinkle 3. Protestants Sâ—perate from Rome as the fâ—lse Church and yet some own Popih Priests Sprinkling effectual Baptism as into one the same Church 4. Some profess that there is no falling from Grace onâ—e received and that that Grace is in an Infant Sprinkled Yet they afterwards teach for their Conversion and in case of signs of final unbelief reject them 8. Believers baptised of right come to the Lord's Table Asts 2.41 42. But Infants sprinkled come neither right nor wrong 9. Believers Baptism hath a commission a command Mat. 28.18 19. Acts 10.46 47 48. But Infant Sprinkling hath neither 10. Believers Bapt hath Scripture Examples But Infant Sprinkling hath none 11. Believers Baptism was preached by Christ and his Apostles as part of the Counsel of God Luke 7.30 Heb. 3 6. Acts 20.27 But Infant Sprinkling never was 12 Believers baptism was owned by God his Son Jesus and the holy Spirit visibly descending from Heaven Mat. 3.16 But Infants Sprinkling never was so owned 13. Believ bapt is upon their Acting Faith But Infants act no Faith 14. Believers baptized have the Answer of a good Conscience But Infants have not 15. Believâ—rs Baptism may be sealeâ— with Martyrâ—om because warranted by Gods Word But Infants Sprink ing may not because not so 16. Believers Baptisâ— was the Publican's glorifying God Luke 7.29 But Infants Sprinkling never was so 17. Believers Baptism if rejected 't is the rejecting the Counsel of God and against themselves Luke 7.30 But not so of Infant Sprinkling 18. Believers baptism agrees with all Scripture But Iâ—fants Sprinkling agrees with none 19. Believ Bapt directs to much water Joh 3.23 But Infants Sprinkling hath but little 20. To baptize Believers is to keep the Ordinances as they were delivered 1 Cor. 11.2 But to sprinkle Infants is to take that which never was delivered 21. To baptize Believers is no change of God's Ordinance But to sprinkle Infants is 22. Believers baptized upon their own Faith are in the right way to salvation John 10.28 But Infants sprinkled upon the Faith of another are not in the right way 23. Believers baptism is its being an Act of the Judgment Choice Will and Affections to Worship God John 4.24 But Infant Sprinkling is not so 24. Believers Bapiâ—sm hath the best Antiquity to plead being as Old as John Baptist Christ and his Apostles But Infant Sprinkling hath started up since 25. All those who sprinkle Infants do confess that believers were baptiz'd by the Apostles But all those who baptize believers only do deny that any Infants were baptized by the Apostles 26. Believers dipt know they were baptiz'd But Infants don't know they were sprinkled 27 They that baptize believers are sure that there is a Faith professed by them But 't is otherways of Sprinkling Infants 28. Believers baptised act in Obedience But Infants sprinkled act not at all 29. Believers baptism hath no absurdities in 't But Infant Sprinkling hath several Viz. 1. That Regeneration may be apparent before calling 2. hat Church-membership before conversions a duty 3.
That one may be baptized by anothers faith 4. That National Churches are more agreeable to the Gospel than Congregationâ—l 5. That a carnal Seed hath a spiritual Right 6. That aâ— Antichristian hath Authority to administer Christian Baptism 30. Of believers baptism God will not say Who hath required these things at your hands But of Infant Sprinklirg he may say so 31. Believers Baptism will stand as long as God's Word stands because supported thereby Matth. 5.18 But Infant Sprinkling must fall for want of it 32. Believers baptized do believe repent examine themselves make judgment of things love one another take up Christ's Cross Watch and Pray c. and therefore are fit Members of a Gospel Church â—ut Infants sprinkled do not do so and are not fit 33. Believers baptism hath God's word for it But Infant Sprinkl hath only human consequence 34. That bâ—lievers were baptised by the Apostles all Christians may affirm But that Infants were sprinkled by them none can 35. In Believers Baptism when the Minister dippeth and saith I baptize thee c. he speaketh Truth But in Infants sprinkling when the Minister sprinkleth and saith I baptize thee c. he speaketh an untruth at least 36. Believers baptized are taught of God and made his Disciples Mat. 28.18 Acts 15.10 But Infants sprinkled are neither 37. To Believers baptism submitted the L. Jesus But to Infants Sprinkling never any like him 38. Believers baptism introduceth no Error nor false Doctrine into the world But Infant sprinkliâ—g introduceth many Errors 1. That it taketh away Original sin 2. That it worketh grace and regeneration 3. That it effects salvation by the work done 4. That it is an Apostolical Tradition 5. That Infants have Faith 6. That Infants are Dâ—sciplâ—s of Christ 7. That only believers children are in Covenant 8. It polluteth the Church with Mingling the World and Church together 9. Many deceitful and crafty Inventions of Antichrist as Gossips Bishoping Crossings c. 10. It hath made contention in the Church 11. It hath caused the bloodshed of Saints Christian People's Self-Contradiction by Infant Sprinkling T Is strange that a people my Brethern in oâ—her Doctrines that have proved and contended for the Scriptures to be the only Rule of Faith and worship and in other cases wi l say where is it written should be fond of Infant Sprinkling for which they cannot find in Scripture any word Command nor Example for to give it the Reputation of a Church Ordinance I profess I must give away my Understanding if I consent to a Scriptureless Ordinance under the Name of a Scripture Ordinance Never lâ—t me nor other Christians pretend to bear a Testimony to the Truth by suffering Persecution if Scripture must not be my Rule of Understanding and Faith take away this and take all I have or all themselves have said in order to Christianity or relating to Regeneration and Salvation Can any Man speak against Popery or Superstition that will form a Principall Ordinance in the Church without Scripture Authority for it 't is self Contradiction so to do 'T is but pulling down one Babel and Building another Let him that would find the truth of Baptism search the Scriptures and there he may find that 't is believers Dipping A sight of a Believer at Baptizing When you see a believer at baptising you may know that Now he devides the time of his Life that whereas from his birth to this time of his Baptism he lived without giving this Gospelly appointed Sign of Believing in the Lord Jesus But now he will live so no longer He till now lived as the Ignorant Infant sâ—rinkled World that gives no signs of special believing by special obedience to this call of the Lord Jesus in the Gospel But now the Believer is baptized that of choice in obedience and according to his Lord Jesus's requirement he declares to every body that he is a believer a believer in the sufficiency of the Lord Jesus to save and that he will no longer live as the Unregenerate do without the further Sign of his Faith by his Gospel Obedience But will as you see by baptism divide the Time of his l fe that he may now say let the time pâ—st suâ—â—â—e for a vain Coâ—verâ—â—tion a careless fearful anâ— disobedient Conversation And may also from this time say the life that I â—â—w live is by Faith in the Son of God My baptism upon beliâ—ving is a doing that the Gospel requires for a beginning of a Visibility of this â—ife of Faith undergoing the Reproach of the world for the sake of my Lord the â—ying Jesus of Nazareth our exalted Saviour Of Reproaches and Sufferings HIstorâ— affords Relations of many people in all Ages since the first plantat on of the Gospel that have suffer'd Contempt Reproach Scandal Lyes disgrace cruâ—ll â—â—ocâ—ings misery Imprisonment Death and puâ—â—ick Maâ—tyrdom â—ot only for the saâ—e of profâ—ssing the Doctâ—iâ—es of the Gospel in general but in paâ—ticular for the Doctrinâ— of believ rs Baptism And that which seems more strange is that those Men who have been the most bitter Enemies to the purity of the Gospel have in all Ages been persons not slighting or dispising Religion but those that have made great pretentions to Religion all of the same Spirit as were the Scribes and Pharisees that under a show of Sanctity lamented the sufferings and Death of the Prophets and paid a kind of Devotion to the place where they were laid and built their Sepulchers and yet as their Fathers did so did they still go on with Persecution And ever since the severe minded People upon account of Religion have been the Priestly People Nay what is worse a Reformed People have been as Ridgid as the former Behold a Wonder a Bush burning and not consumed Exod. 3.3 and Moses said I will turn aside and set this great sight c. God's lively Emblem of the Aflicted Persecuted Church of Christ The Dignity of the Lord Jesus that Baptised Believers obey The Mighty Jesus is the God man saith God the Father The Man that is â—y Fellow Zach. 13. 7. His Name shall be called the wonderful Counsellor the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of peace Isaiah 9.6 Who is the Iâ—age of the Invisible God the first born of every Creature Col. 1.15 16 17 18 19 20. For by him were all things created that are in Heaven and that are in Earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers all things were created by him and for him He is before all things and by him all things consist And he is the head of the Body the Church who is the beginning the first born from she dead that in all things he might have the preheminence For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell And having made Peace through the Blood of his Cross by him to reconcile all things to himself Beware lest
Texts together that mention that Truth there being many whereby one Text may expound another Query 10. Why should Infant Sprinklers by their Practice occasion pro and con about Baptism When one Text of forty about baptism will clearly prove that Gospel baptism is not Infant Sprinkling but believers Dipping Query 11. If Infants may be admitted Church Members because 't is believed some of them are in the covenant to be in future time effectually called by the Gospel to Salvation Then may not any ungodly persons be also admitted Church Members because some of them also are alike in the same Covenant to be in future time effectually called and saved Query 12. How can or doth Infants Sprinkling answer Christ's design of Believers Baptism for dividing between the Church and the World When experience and Scripture shews that the Infant Sprinkled Nations are grosly more World than Church even Strangers and Enemies to Regeneration tho all sprinkled Church-Members Query 13. Why should a Christian be blamed for obeying and defending forty New Testament Text of Scripture for Believers Baptism When all the Men that ever opposed it never shewed one Text that maketh any appearance for Infant Sprinkling Query 14. Who is most justinable he that shews his Obedience by many clear Texts of Scripture or he that sheweth his Practice by only sallacious Consequence and Presumptions Query 15. Will not a Christian do well to stand to the Doctrine of forty New Testament Texts tho' he be shot thro' and thro' with Ridiculous Speeches c. Query 16. Why should I be too much afraid of my weakness seeing my Case is true and Truth is strongest and like much Water hath always tendency to clear it self Query 17. Whether is it best to obey God as Revealed in his Word or obey Man as they Invent and Insult Query 18. If Parents Imagine that they may make their Infants Church Members by their Sprinkling them because it is no where expresly forbidden Then may they not do it by crouding any thing into the Worship of God that is not forbidden or by giving their Children some other odd thing That will be no abuse to Baptism Query 19. Tho' some groundlessly may be offended at this Treatise and catch at a word is it not the Offendeds Duty to act like a Christian by considering the Substance of what is said rather than Sophister like catch at a word to sophisticate the truth seeing every days experience shews that The greatest Clarks and Counsels have tript in a Word or Critricks have made them seem so to do Query 20. Why should a Christian take Infant Sprinkling for God's Ordinance when never any Man proved that God ordain'd it The Contents Christ and his Apost preach believers baptism p. 1. A new Creature hath aptness to Obedience p. 3. The four sorts of People that don't like it p. 4. Some Lovers of Christ dares be baptized p. 5. Christian Sprinklers left to their way = p. 5. Baptism is after Faith and Repentance p. 7.8 10 19 20 24 37 41 47. c. Baptizing is Dipping not Sprinkling p. 7.12 13 17 20 24 27 35 37. c. Baptizing in much water p. 28 36 37. Infants are not Church Members p. 8 47. Infants not baptised p. 29 31 33 47 48. Neither Believers Infants nor others sprinkled p. 9.18 21 22 29 30 31 32. c. An awakened soul sees no right by nature p 9 Repentance and baptism prepares for profession p. 10. Jesus was dipt and is our Example p. 11 17. Jesus chose and went miles to much water p. 11. Jesus had not Water brought to him p. 12. God approved obedience in much Water p. 12 24. Tho some reject yet others rece bapt p. 13 15 18.25 The Commission is to teach and baptise p. 14. Infant sprinkâ— makes all world no Church p. 14. Christ's presence promised to preaching bap p. 14. How dare some Ministers say In the Name p. 15. Election directeth not to Infant Sprink p. 16 22. God sanctifieth Man baptiseth p. 16. God accepts only what he hath appointed p. 18. Believing and baptism are joyned together p. 19. Sprinkling furthers not Infants Salvation p. 19. Never any believer hurt in baptising p 19. Believers baptm hath a Commsn but Insn none p. 19 Naaman advised to obey Gods Will p. 20 An Vnbelievers Child's baptism is null p. 22 Not Election but Believing give right to bapt p. 22 Duty excludes Infants from Baptism p. 23 The Learned own that baptize is dip p. 26 Baptised at Enou because of much water p. 28 None but Disciples were baptised p 29 Infant Sprinkling a Counterfeit to c. p. 29. Baptism is Commanded p. 30 37 They that gladly received â—he word baptised p. 31 As one so another is saved by grace p. 32 Not Covenant but Regen gives right to bap p. 32 Men and Women but â—o Infants baptisâ—d p. 33 Dr. H. Mr. B. sâ—id mâ—ch to little purpose p. 33 'T is foolery to dâ—ny that â—aptism was Dipping p. 35 'T is affronting to change Gods Ordinance p. 35 â—1 Baptism follows the sign of a change p. 36 Baptised with the Spirit fits for Water p. 37 Lydia had neither husband nor children p 38 39 The Jaylor had no Infants p. 40 Believers baptism is no Rebaptism p. 42 Baptism is â—a sign of washing from sin p. 43 Much water is an Emblem of Grace p. 43 Baptism a sign of death burial Resurrect p. 44 48 Paul did baptise several p. 45 Baptised in the Cloud and Sea p. 46 Baptised into one body p. 47 Baptised for the dead excludes Infants p. 48 Not Infants but believers put on Christ p. 49 There 's but one baptism that 's dipping believers p. 50 Believers baptism figureth 4 things p. 50 Sprinkling is a profanation of baptism p. 50 Dipping shews Christs Death and Refurrect p. 51 Several Metephors explain baptism = p. 51 Baptism is a foundation Doctrine p. 52 The Church robb'd of her Names c. p 52 Noahs Flood a Figure of baptism p. 53 Baptism is a sign of sanctification p. 53 The Persons and Mode of Baptising p. 54.55 How Infant sprinkling came in fashion p. 56 Nine Evil Tendencies of Infant Sprinkling p. 57 Objections Answered = p. 58 59 60.61 Difference between sprinkling baptising p. 62 c. Infant sprinklers makes self-contradiction p. 67 A sight of a believer at baptising p. 68 Of Reproaches and Sufferings p. 69 The dignity of the Lord Jesus p. 70 Likeness between grace and much wat. p. 71 to 74 Humaene Frailty hindereth not baptism p. 75 Believing is qualification for baptism p. 75 Gentility hindereth not baptism p. 76 A Persecutor called and baptised p. 76 A Proclamation for all to come p. 77 Believers admitted in a way of Faith p. 77 Twenty Quereis for Baptism = p. 78 79 80 Errata p. 5. l. 1. s the sinner r. this sinner p. 16. l. 33. f. sc p. 27. r. se p. 26. p. 27. l. 31. r. counted p. 33. l. 34 r. of hardness p. 36. l. 1. r. Acts 9.17.18 p. 36 l. 4. f. if it had r. it had p. 51 l. 29 f. up r. upon l. 30 f. they r. so they f. up r. upon p. 62 l. 29 f. which r. after which Advertsement At London are many larger Treatises of Believers Baptism which I shall willingly help the inquisitive to or to these
the other hand experience every day teacheth us that very many of them that have Repentance or an effectual work of grace upon their souls are those that cannot plead the priviledge of having believing Parents then pray what peculiar right to baptism hath the children of believing Parents more than others Besides if the now believer that was sprinkled in his Infancy have swaying reasons to believe that neither of his Parents were believers and such there are then by what rule did his Parents sprinkle or as he calls it baptize him And by Vertue of what promise doth the believer reckon his Infant Baptism effectual or valid to him seeing his Parents were Unbelievers For the promise was made as he reckoneth only to the Children of believing Parents Pray then doth not the unbelief of his Parents make his baptism void for want of a ground to found his baptism on Yes Abraham was not Father of our English Nation And therefore think not to say within your selves we have Abraham to our Father As we came to Christ not by the Will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of the will of God so cometh more be their Parents believers or unbelievers Or thus Our children cannot be the children of Abraham till they believe as he did Again formerly as well as now a generation of Vipers too often comes of believing Parents then how are they in the covenant more than others As 't is not election but sanctification that actually qualifies men for heaven so 't is not Election but Believing that actually qualifies for baptism The Elect are chosen to be sanctified as well as to be saved and accordingly are called by the Gospel to believe and then be baptised and that as a sign of their Faith and all this is before they are actually saved CHAP. XV. Luke 3.12 13. 12. Then came also Publicans to John to be baptised and said to him Master what shall we do 13. And he said unto them exact no more than that which is appointed you I note That the Publicans according to the saying of Jesus are apter to receive the Gospel than some Professors are The Publicans and Harlots go into the Kingdom of God before you Mat. 21.31 And the Publicans Justified God being baptised with the Baptism of Iohn Luke 7.29 A submitting to the Call of the Gospel and diligence to learn the Duties of it are signs of Faith and Repentance and qualifies persons for Baptism What shall we do What shall I do Acts. 16.30 is always the question of the Repenting Believing Sinner that is fallen in Love with Jesus under the sense of the need of saving from his sins And conceiving that Jesus hath something for him to do he is willing to shew that Love by doing somthing commanded by Jesus even to be baptised If any thing â—s to be done by the Creature then Infants are excluded Again Thus we read of many sorts of Persons Pharisees Sadduces all the People yea Jesus himself but yet not a Word of Infants the point in hand Again John doth not mind whether they were the seed of believing Parents or no but requires Repentance as a sign of faith to qualify for baptism CHAP. XVI Luke 3.21 22 23. 21. Now when all the People were baptised it came to pass that Iesus also being baptised and praying the Heaven was opened 22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a Dove upon him and a voice came from Heaven which said Thou art my beloved Son in thee I am well pleased 23. And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of Age c. I note That three Evangelists witnesseth that baptism was administred on people by dipping them in a River and not on Infants by pouring or sprinkling a little water on them Again Tho Jesus was Circumcised in his Infancy yet to be baptised he must be at maturity Tarry till he be just entering upon his Religious publick work tho he be about thirty years of Age first The Father hath given his testimony to dipping at maturity by instituting it and beholding his Sons obedience by a voice from Heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased The Son hath given his Testimony to it by owning it his Fathers will and practising it and giving his Apostles Commission for it The Holy Ghost hath given his Testimony to it by descending in a bodily shape at its Administration Let Infant Sprinklers show such Testimonies Then what glory in the parts of Worship is there that exceeds this glory of the Testimony of these three Infinite Persons in the one eternal Being CHAP. XVII Luke 7.29 30. 29. And all the people that heard him and the Publicans justified God being baptized with the Baptism of Joâ—n 30. But the Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the Counsel of God against themselves being not baptized of him I note The great difference between two sorts of People the common people and the superstitious The common people the poor imbrace the Doctrine of the Gospel tho the worldly wise and superstitious reject it The Publicans justified God that is the Collectors of the Taxes which the Jews paid the Romans who were infamous for their Exactions were convinced of their Sins by Johns Ministry and acknowledged the Righteousness Goodness and Mercy of God Being baptized with the Baptism of John they believed his Baptism was from Heaven and submitted unto it as a divine Institution confessing their Sins But the Pharisees and Lawyers the Rabbies of the Age rejected the Counsel of God against themselves continued impenitent not bringing forth Fruits meet for Repentance and refused submission to the wisdom of God in his gracious dispensation being not baptized of John Again It is the indispensable Duty of Believers to be baptized because 't is not only injoyned but there 's not any Text that leaveth them to the liberty of leaving it undone CHAP. XVIII Luke 20.4 The Baptism of John was it from heaven or of men I note That also the Evangelist Luke minds that our Lord Jesus defended John's Baptism as a Doctrin by divine Authority And that Baptizing is Dipping is also manifest by the literal proper and natural signification of the Greek word Baptizo which all our Lexicons and Learned Men yea Criticks in the Tongues with one consent do say That Baptize is Dip yea such a Dipping as is used in Bucks where Cloaths are wash'd to wash the whole body to dip over head and ears The English and French keep the Greek word Baptism untranslated which I reckon either a fault in the Translators or a way left whereby the peoples ignorance about Baptism was continued But the Dutch translate plainly in their own Language Doopen to Dip. And that the word Baptizo doth signify to dip or plunge under water Consider these Scriptures for the present Mat. 3.16 John 3.22 23 Acts 8.38 Rom. 6.4 And these Authors following Stephanus Scapula Budaeus Casaubon
Zanchius Spanhemius Taylor and Hammond For which consult Legh's Critica Sacra Taylor 's Ductor Dubicantium and Hammonds Annotat. upon the New Testament Again To baptize before Reâ—entance is just contrary to John's Practice for he baptized no Infants and rejected persons that gave no signs of Repentance Mat. 3.7 8. CHAP. XIX John 1. 28.31 28. Jordan where John was baptizing 31. That he Jesus should be made manifest to Israel Therefore am I come baptizing with Water I Note That this fourth Evangelist John also beareth Record to the first Institution of believers baptism which John the Baptist administred in the River Jordan Again John's baptism was by Divine Authority he called people by his Ministery to Faith in Christ and expected good Works as the fruit of that Faith And here began to be laid the Foundation of the New Testament Church gathered out of the World by the Gospel call of Faith Repentance and baptism these People he divides he gathers the good and throws the bad away admits the Repenting the coming Sinner and Rejects the rest not an Infant baptized nor a grown person Sprinkled in this Heavenly baptism The Old Testament Church was National consisting of the Natural seed of Abraham Servants bought with Money and Proselyter who were circumcised to distinguish them from others by express command from God but the New Testament Church is congregational consisting of a separate People gathered by the call of the Gos el out of the World and are reputed the Spiritual Seed of Abrâ—ham by believing as he did Gâ—l 3.6 7. Even as Abraham believed God and it â—as aâ—coâ—â—ted to him for Righteousness Know ye thereâ—â—re that they which are of Faith the same are the children of Abraham CHAP. XX. John 3.22 23. 22. After these things came Jesus and his Disciples into the Land of Judea and there he tarried with them and baptizâ—d 23. And John also was baptizing in Enon near to Salim because there was much Water there I note That our Lord and Saviour ownâ— Johns Baptism by practising the same and as Iohn his Fore-runner had prepared the way by preaching Repentance and Baptism but not an Infant concerned therein So Christ admitted none to his baptism but such as made an â—ctual profession of faith Again Tho the reâ—son why Jesus and his Disciples and Iohn also baptized in Enon was because there was much Water there a fit place for baptizing yet some men nowadays by their practice reckon themselves wiser than Iohn or the Disciples and Iesus also and they choose a place where is a little Water a spoonful serves their turn and this is just contrary to the Text of being aâ— Enon because there was much water there The truth is Infant Sprinkling is contrary tâ— Baptism in all the parts of it Surely 't is clear that this Text proves there is something in much Water 't is material to Baptismal Obedience and that a little is no◠〈…〉 handful is not so proper as a River foâ—â—â—ptisâ— If by plausible pretences one Error be admitted into the Church then all Errors may follow CHAP. XXI John 4.1 2. 1. When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and Baptized morâ— Disciples than John 2. Tho Jesus himself baptised not but his Disciples I note That the baptised were Disciples Christ's Schollars before that he baptised them And tho he baptised more Disciples than John yet he baptised no Infants for the Text faith they were Disciples persons that had learn'd some of Christs Doctrines Again Baptised more Disciples proves that Infant Sprinkling is only a Humane Invention a Counterfeit devised to politically make all that are born in a Nation Church-members or visible Christians before they have Faith or Repentance of which sort the Antichristian Church is full Which secures their Priestly Grandeur c. Yet those whom Christ and his Disciples baptised were not Infants but Disciples besides Sprinkle they did none Moreover If Infant Sprinkling had been an appointment or Ordinance of Jesus Christ there would have been some Command or Example in Scripture to warrant the same But where the Scripture hath no Tongue to speak we should have no Ear to hear that we be not guilty of Will-worship And should any conclude that some of these baptised Disciples were Parents yet we find no mention of the Baptism of their little Children for the Lord Jesus knew that they had no right to Baptism tho their Parents were believers CHAP. XXII Acts 2.28 39 41. 28 Then Peter said unto them Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the rem ssion of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost 39 For the Promise is unto you and to your Children and to all that are afar off even aâ— many as the Lord our God shall call 41 Then thâ—y that gladly received the Word were Baptised and the same day were added to them about Three Thousand Souls I Note That upon the Jews being by Peters Preaching convicted of sin and crying out What shall we do ver 27. Peter answers and commands Baptism even as he Commands Repentance Repent be baptised the Reason given why they should now repent and be baptised is because now they are according to promise called by the Gospel to believe Repent and be baptised but not called to be Sprinkled first and repent afterwards Again When People repent before they are baptised they are then in the way or order that the Wisdom of God hath assigned but Baptizing or Sprinkling before believing and repenting contradicts the order appointed by God Again This Duty Repent and be baptis d is not only injoyned them but after Generations Joel 2.32 the Remnant whom the Lord shall call Every ones Children that shall be called be called by the Gospel in all the World so full and free are the tenders of the Gospel for the promise is to many even as many as are called Rev. 7.9 I saw a great number which no Man could number of all Nations c. Again Of all these that the Promise was made to and to their Children None were baptized but those that gladly received the Word But it doth not appear that any Infants did or could be capable of receiving the Word and therefore they could not be the fit subjects for baptism Again Tho three thousand believers were added yet there was not one believing Parent that had an Infant either baptised or so much as sprinkled for they that were Baptised were only those that gladly received the Word For in the Text is not a word of little ones Baptism is only for those that gladly receive the Word Again The Primitive way of admitting Church Members was upon a profession of Faith a Believing Whereupon having that sign of a Change a Regeneration the Ministers then obedientially baptise them as directed by Christ in their Commission they being by baptism visibly added But they were not
sprinkled first and never believe after as a great many are Why shouldst thou think that the same God and Father that work't about thy salvation before thou thoughâ—â—st of thy self and hath by his grace effectually called thee should not also have a design of saving grace upon some Unbelievers Children as well as upon thine nay it may be it is upon theirs and if any be rejected not upon thine for it was not for any Worthiness in thee that thou wast called and therefore what 's in thee that thy Children should be more than others when others are of the same lump with thy self And thy Corruptions too much work up notwithstanding grace hath been at work upon thee that still 't is a miracle that thou art saved Nay thou wouldst never be saved if grace did not eveâ—â— dâ—â— abound and mercies great and manifold mercies follow thee every where and all thy life long so that 't is by grace ye are saved and the s me grace in the Text is free to as many as the Lord our God shall call And when called then are they accordingly proper Subjects for baptism Let men make the Covenant as firm as they please or as now a days make what alterations they will and put who they will into it yet that gives Infants no right to Baptism until signs of Regeneration for all things in God's Worship must have a Warrant from God's Word Lev. 10.1.2 chap. 9.24 chap. 16.12 And baptism is always in Scripture annexed to signs of Regeneration He that doth not blind himself may see by experience that neither the Children of Believers nor Unbelievers give signs of being in the Covenant until they are grown to Years of understanding and the most never do it at all how then according to your own reckoning should they have right to baptism And tho you sprinkle them upon a supposition that they are in the Covenant yet you will not admit them to the Lords Table upon that supposition until they shew signs of Regeneration then why sprinkle them Is their growâ—ng to be Men a growing out of their Priviledg â—ut indeed they were never in that CHAP. XXIII Acts 8.12 But when they of Samaria believing Philip's Preaching the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ they were Baptized both Men and Women I Note That believing in Jesus Christ hath a Spiritual tendency to obedience Believers baptism tho in our degenerated Age many Converts motions thereto are stifled by seeming Truths Again How express the Text is both Men and Women were baptized but yet not a word of Infants for they indeed were never baptized nor intended for it because they were incapable of believing or answering the Call of the Gospel When the Men and Women believed they then were baptised and this is compleatly according to the Commission of teaching and baptising Mat. 20. Mark 16. And indeed baptism in the best kind could not be an Ordinance of God but by vertue of his Royal Commission I have read that a Learned Doctor of the Church of England saith thus I have seen what my Learned and worthy Friend Dr. H. Mr. B. and others says in defence of Infants Baptism and must confess I do not a little wonder that Men of so great Parts should say so much to so little purpose for I have not seen any thing like an Argument for it Dr. Bar. to Mr. T. Believing and Baptism are joyned together Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved What God hath joâ—red together let no Man put asunder for thâ—â—e is no dissolving the Native Unâ—oâ— tho disunion of living together hath been suffered because hardness of â—â—â—rt Matt. 19.18 CHAP. XXIV Acts 8.36 37 38 39. Philip by the Spirit preached to an Ethiopian Eunuch as he was riding in his Chariot 36. And as they went on their way they came unto a certain Water and the Eunuch said see here is Water what doth hinder me to be baptized 37. And Philip said if thou believest with all thy heart thou mayst and he answered and said I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God 38. And he commended the Chariot to stand still and they went down both into the water both Philip and the Eunuch and he baptised him 39. And when they were come up out of the Water the spirit of the â—od caught away Philip. I Note That they went down both into the Water and they came up out of the Water which plainly proves that standing by the water was not enough though much Water then how should standing by a Bason of water be enough or taking a handful be enough but both must go into the Water And the Text to be sure to fasten the going down into the Water upon our minds doubles the expression and names the persons particularly by Name both Philip and the Eunuch went down into the Water But why doth the Holy Ghost make this repetition but to shew that much Water is essential to baptising dipping must be essential to dipping and is not a Circumstance Dipping and Baptizing being all one Baptize is Greekish and Dip is English At my writing on this Text I being in comâ—any with one of the Dissenting Ministers in in London that practiseâ—h Infant Sprinkling I put one Question to him viz. Whether much water was not needful for the right performing of Baptism And after a little pro and con he said I will grant you that it was the Primitive Practice in baptizing to dip for 't is foolery said he for any man to deny it and he also acknowledged that the Greek word baptiso had our Translators put it into Engâ—ish must have been dip Tho he contradictingly said That dipping was but a Circumstance and might therefore at discretion be astered to Sprinkling that carrying the same signification in it as dipping doth but I answered That Dipping was not a Circumstance but essential to baptism It 's irrational nay it s making a thing to destroy its self to say That Dipping is not essential to Dipping And who is the Man that may at his discretion alter God's Ordinance Man must neither add to take from nor change the Institutions of Christ without Infalibility It is one of the boldest presumptions Man can aspire unto to innovate in the Worship of God nothing can be more affronting to his Sovereign Authoâ—ity Wisdom and Puriâ—y then for â—oor creatuâ—es to mix their own contrivances with his most â—ure Appointments Deut. 12 32. Ch. 18.20 Jer. 26.2 Prov. 30.6 Lev. 10.1 2. Again 'T is not another but thou thy self that â—elievest that is to be baptized yea every oâ—â— is to act for himself an other mans doing will not excuse thee CHAP. XXV Acts â—â— 18 Ananias put his hands on Saul and spake 18. And there immediately fell from his eyes as if it had been scales and he received sight forthwith and arose and was baptized I note That here is a miraculous Conversion of
with all his house for the Text notes that such and none other were baptized And therefore these could not be Infants A house of people converted together good News They all believed and were all baptized yea otherwise the Jaylors believing could not save his house nor one person Mark 16.16 Neither will one man's believing serve another to be baptized by Acts 8.37 CHAP. XXIX Acts 18.8 8. And Crispus the chief Ruler of the Synagogue believed on the Lord with all his house And many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized I Note That here again is the believing of a whole house and their baptizing upon it and so also as many of the Corinthians that believe were baptized and no more And why is there such care taken all along by the Holy Ghost to tell us of believing when we are told of baptizing but to shew That there was no baptizing without the parties first believing Believing and baptizing baptizing upon believing is the fix'd order of the Gospel and is about Fourty times mentioned but through out the Testament not a word of Infant Sprinkling And therefore it appears that the Holy Ghost hath given us ample proof of what is indeed the Ordinance of baptism having so often told us Repetition upon Repetition And then how dare any man reckon himself wiser than the Holy Ghost by making alterations and saying A little water is as good as a great deal and Sprinkling is as good as Dipping and that Infants that do not believe may be baptized as well as believing Men and Women Faith comes by hearing Rom. 10.17 And therefore Infants must be without Faith or do not believe CHAP. XXX Acts 19.3 4 5. Paul discoursing the Brethren at Ephesus 3. And he said unto them unto what then were you baptized and they said unto John's baptism 4. Thou said Paul John verily baptized with the baptism of Repentance saying unto the People that they should believe on him that should come after him that is on Christ Jesus 5. When they heard this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus I Note That John's baptism and Christ's were the same only that John's was upon profession of Faith in Christ to come and Christ's baptism is upon profession of Faith in him already come Again To baptise a person by Dipping upon Profession of Faith that was Sprinkled in Infancy is no Rebaptizaâ—ion Do you say Infaâ—â—â— Sprinkling is lawfull because the Scripture doth not forbid it Thâ—â—â— I say it is unlawful because the Scripture doth not appoint it for what is 〈◊〉 commanded is forbiden And Samuâ—l said hath the Lord as great delight in burnt Offerings and Sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord behold to obey is bâ—â—to then Sacrifices c. 1 Sam. 15.22 23. And these Believers are they that according to Gods order and his peoples answer to the Gospel call ouâ—ht to be baptised to manifest that they do indeed seperate form the World and show forth Christs death and Resurrection CHAP. XXXI Acts 22.16 Paul relates how he was converted and that then Ananias said to him 16 And now why tarriest thou arise and be baptized and wash away thy Sins calling on the name of the Lord I Note That baptism is not to be delay'd when a person is converted but to be administered as the Holy Ghost knew best how to appoint the manner that it should be a proper sign and to a true believer a real token of the certainty of his being washed and cleansed in the blood of Christ O the unsearchable boundlesness and depth of the Riches of Christ represented by much water All things under the Law were cleansed by blood without shedding of blond was no remmission and this is the River of water of Life that Saints are washed in of which the Ordinance of believers Water baptism is a lively Emblem A River of Water of Life the boundless Ocean of the Merits of Christ's blood Rev. 1.5 Him that loved â—s and washed us from our sins in his own blood And so Jer. 23.6 according to Zech. 13.1 In that day there shall be a Fountain opened to the hoâ—se of David and to the Inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleaness Again To wash away filth Sprinkling is not so proper as dipping but here sins are to be washt away by baptism saith an Apostle CHAP. XXXII Rom. 6.3 4 5. 3. Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Christ wer bâ—ptized into his Death 4. Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life 5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his Death we shall be also in the likeness of his Resurrection I Note That Faith in the Death of Christ is needful to baptism baptism or in English Dipping was a sign of the death and burial of Christ and so the rising up out of the water a sign of the rising of Christ out of his Grave which clearly shews that not sprinkling but dipping is proper to signify Death burial and Resurrection and not only that of Christ's but of our death to sin resurrection to newness of life in an holy walking before God and Men as saith Paul after his conversion and baptism the life that I now live is by Faith in the son of God and let the time past suffice for your vain conversation and that we should by Faith see that as our bodies are buried in the water so our sins are buried with Christ in the Grave and as our bodies are raised out of water so by Faith see Christ risen for our Justification and that we that are baptized are no more strangers and foreigners but visibly fellow Cittizens with the Saints Again By us that were baptized the Apostle meaneth believers not Infants for ever since his conversion he numbereth himself with believers Saints by calling CHAP. XXXIII 1 Cor. 1.13 14 15 16 17. 13. Were ye Baptized in the Name of Paul 14. I thank God that I baptised none of you but Crisput and Gains 15 Least any should say that I baptized in my own name 16. And I baptized also the houshould of Stephanus besides I know not that I baptized any other 17. For Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the Gospel c. I Note That Paul doth not mean Christ did not at all require him tâ— baptize or that it was not in his Commission but he means he was not chiefly sent to do it these Scriptures are so to be understood John 6.27 1 Tim 2 14. Ephes 6.12 for if he had no command from Christ at all to baptize then he did evil in baptising Crispus and Gaius c. Act. 16.32.33 But it is evident that Paul declared the whole counsel of God was cammanded by Christ to baptise because he did baptise those in
must be Dipping of Believers The nature and end of the Ordinance proves That Baptizing is Dipping and not Sprinkling First To be a sign of the Covenant on Gods part viz. Of washing away of sin cleansing the whole man like the cleansing in the Law Lev. 15.5 Tit. 3.5 Gal. 3.27 Secondly To Figure out the Covenant on man's part that he thereby visibly declares to enter into viz. to die to sin and live to Christ in newness of Life by that figurative Death Burial and Resurrection by being put under the water Raised up again Rom. 6.4 Col. 2.11 12 13. Thirdâ—y To separate the Church from the World Fourthly To convince the Baptised that they are engaged by their own act of Baptism as their laying their hands to the â—low to hold out to the end Therefore Infant Sprinkling must be an invention of worldly wise men whose wisdom is foolishness with God and so it is a profanation of the holy Ordinance of Baptism and only Will Worship like Vzza's touching the Ark of God 2 Sam. 6.6 when another way of service was prescribed Numb 4.6 CHAP. XXXIX Col. 2.12 12. Buried with him Christ in Baptism wherein also ye are risen with him c. I note that Baptism is a Burying in the Water and a rising again out of the Water whereby the baptized shew that Christ was buried and arose again Or thus That as the baptized tho buried in the Water riseth again so Christ tho buried in the Earth did not lye long but arose again But sprinkling cannot be this sign of being Buried and risen A man above-ground cannot be said to be buried because he hath a little Dust thrown in his face neither can Sprinkling be a sign of burying with Christ Several Scripture Metaphors explain Baptizing to be Dipping When Persons are over-whelmed in great suferings they are said to be baptized therein Mat 20.22 23. Luke 12.5 When they have great measures of the spirit they are said to be baptized with the spirit Acts 1.5 When the Children of Israel were covered with a Cloud and the Sea on both sides they were then said to be Baptized in the Sea and in the Cloud 1 Cor. 10.2 with Exod. 14.12 When Ashur had the promised blessing of great plenty he is said to have his feet dipt in Oyl As the ignorant World lays up a human Faith or inherent Holiness they also lay up a Human Baptism or Infant Sprinkling And as Saints have many things of self continually apt to put in with Christs perfection so somethings do mingle with their duties and one is Infant Sprinkling CHAP. XL. Heb. 6.1 2. 1. Not laying again the foundation of Repentance from dead Works of faith towards God 2. Of the Doctrine of Baptism and laying on of Hands and of the Resâ—rrection of the Dead and of eternal Judgment I note that Baptism was a Doctrine left in charge to the Church and that it follows in order in the Third place after Repentance Faith and that it is here reckoned a Foundation Principal Then any with Wonderment may say who dares move this Foundation that the Father Son and Spirit have thus laid for Believers they only being capable to enter into a Visible Covenant with Jesus Christ for Baptism is an Ordinance for the Solemnization of the Soul 's Visible Marriage Union with Christ Mark 16.16 Acts 8.36 Gal. 3.27 Other Foundations can no man lay then what is already laid The man of sin the Mistery of iniquity the great Whore of Babylon hath robbed the Church of Christ of the names of her Ordinances and put them upon her Whorish Inventions that she may deceive the Nations therewith Again Sprinkling will not serve instead of Dipping because it is a sin to alter what God our most wise Soveraign hath appointed in his Worship Isa 24.5 Obedience is better than Sacrifice do as you are bid CHAP. XLI 1 Pet 3.20 21. 20 Noah whiâ—e the Ark was preparing wherein fâ—w that is right Souls were sav'd by water 21. The like Figure whereunto even Baptism doth also now save us not the putting away the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jeâ—us Christ. I note that A Believer by being baptized is obedient to God's Will as Noah was obedient in building the Ark and going into it to his saving Again Baptism saith Peter doth now save us by the Resurrection of Christ which is as to say our believers baptism being our answer of a good coâ—science towards God is a sign of our Sanctâ—fication and so Dipping being an effect of our Sanctification doth now save us by the power of the eternal Spirit that wrought that sanctification which Sanctification is the qualification for heaven and so we are kept sanctified by the mighty power of God to Salvation began and continued by Christ's satisfaction of which his Resurrection was a sign Again Noah by Water dyed to the old world and lived to the new as the baptized believer dies to sin wherein he once delighted and lives to Righteousness or thus dead to the sufficiency of the Law upon which he once depended alive to the sufficiency of Christ Again There is also a â—ind of likeness between Noah's Flood the water of Baptism bâ—cause both is much Water Again The Apostle saying saved by water seems as it were a pointing at the Text He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved The Conclusion respecting the Persons that are to be Baptized Now I have noted oâ—â—â—out â—orty Texts concerning Baptism wâ—erein are variety of persons mentioned as Jerusâ—â—â—n anâ— all Judea and all the Râ—gion rounâ— about Jorâ—â—n that confest their sins Jâ—sus himself Jesus made and baptized more Discip es than John Three Thousand Souls that gladly received the Word And they of Samaria believing Philip were baptized both Men and Women the Eunuch Paul They that received the Holy Ghost Lydia the Jaylor and they that believed of their Houshold Crispus Corinthians hearing believed Epesians that were baptized by John Romans Gains Stephanus believing Corinthians Galathians Epesians Collosians Hebrews and those that have the answer of a good conscience Whereby â—elivers Baptism is clearly proved And I find not one word command nor example throughout the New Testament for Infant Sprinkling or Baptizing before signs of Repentance tho here are so many sorts of persons mentioned described and named yet no Infant Whereby Believers Baptism must of necessity be indeeâ— the Ordinance required by the Lord Jesus If the Authority of forty New Testament Texts is not convincing and swaying with those that would live Godly or be reputed Christians I know not what Argument will Where Scripture will not prevail people will remain in unbelief Tho one rise from the dead The Conclusion respecting the Mode or manner of Baptism John the Baptist according to his Commission baptized in the Riâ—â—r Jordan Mat. 3 4. Jesas came from Gallilâ—e to the River Jordan to
arose to the water And thus tho God hath an Ocean of Grace and that this grace is free as a River Ps 78.20 Iude 3. Isa 33 21. yet saith Goâ— of his people They shall come weeping and mourning Isa 48.18 And so tho his Ordinance of water be free yet his people shall come to that and not a little of that brought to Sprinkle as if they were afâ—aid of too much and as if too much water Psal 36.8 would signify too much grace or us if could they but have grace or sanctity enough to carry them to Heaven they would not have a drop more Now Believer if it come to pass by thiâ— or any other means that thou art wrought to a solid desire publickly to profess thy self Religious Mar. 10.32 A believer on the Son of God for Salvation by an obediential submitting to this Gospelly settled Ordinance of believers baptism and yet thou findest in thy self frailty and inability to live a perfect holy Life as becometh such a professor and therefore thinkest with thy self to delay baptism till thou art stronger fortified against Corruption and better qualified for baptism If so then rest on thy Lord Jesus Eph. 5.26 and conclude to live thro the gâ—ace of God as well as thou caâ—st if not so well as thou wouldest so resolve to be baptized If thou believâ—st with all thy heart thou may'st be baptised Believing or Faith is an heart qualifying grace and doth and will bring forth the good fruits of an holy conversation tho much of corrupt Nature still remaineth Then what hinders thy obedience to thy Saviours appointed believers baptism Observe That the Jaylor Acts. 16. falling out of love with his sins speak like a man of sense and reason What shall I do to be saved And then the Apostle directs him higher than sense or reason even to act as a man of Faith too If thou wilt do then believe do that without staying for thy own Acts of Rigteousness believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved Do that first and then thou art right to do more Faith is the Root of other Sanctified Obedience and also gives right to baptism If thou believest is the point that the Gospel stands upon art thou poor art thou vile nay art thou the vilest of sinners if thou believest art changed there 's no Objection against thee There 's no Qualification like believing in the Cruâ—ified Iesus of Nazareth that hath undertaken to Sanctifie Sinners Godly Parents and all the Forms of Worship are not to be compared to believing with all the heart Thus If thou believest with all thy heart thou mayest be baptized Acts 8 37. Art thou a Gentile Person Then behold the Noble Ethopian Minister of State Acts 8. riding in his Chariot with his Courtly Attendence commanding all to stand still while he gâ—es down into the Water with Philip to be obedient to his Saviours dispised Rule of dipping whereby he sets himself against a Kingdom Ethiopia and then he went on his way rejoycing at the greatness of his Priviledge according to Phil. 1.29 Acts 5.41 Again But it may be thou hast been a Persecutor That indeed is a dreadful thing thou hast hereby made War upon God and his Son Jesus that should be thy Saviour and all the Saints and if thou mightest had thy Will thou wouldest have done strange things But yet see the kindness of the Lord Jesus to Saul And when Sauls Convictions made him cry out Lord what wilt thou have me to do He was then taught and sent to Ananias who said to him Why tarriest thou arise and be baptized Acts 22.16 And now to turn the stream of his Labours the Lord Jesus will have Saul become Paul the Preacher of the everlasting Gospel and a sufferer for it too Hear what the Evangelical Prophet Isaiah saith of the fullness and freeness of the grace of the Gospel to the poor and vile sinner Isa 55.1 2. Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the Waters the grace of the Gospel he that hath no money come ye buy and eat yea come buy Wine Milk without Money without price Wherefore do you spend your Money your desires for that which is not Bread and your labour for that which satisfies not The Son of God confirmeth this John 7.37 38. In the last day that great day of the Feast Jesus stood and cryed saying if any man thirst let him come unto me and drink He that believeth on me as the Scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow Rivers of living Water the Spirit and Grace of the Gospel And again This exalted Saviour winds up his New Testament discovery of his Grace by his Proclamation in Revelations 22.17 And the Spirit and the Bride say Come and let him that heareth say Come and let him that is a thirst Come and whosoever will let him take the Water of life freely What wouldst have more O Sinner that seest thy pollutions and art under the sense of their deserts tho thou canst not by thy best Obedience answer the demands of a holy severe Law yet thou canst by believing with all thy heart answer the call of a holy reconciling Gospel that freely offers Christ for thy acceptance and injoyns Believers Baptism as a tryal of thy saith And so if thou believest in the sufficiency of the Lord Jesus with all thy heart thou mayst be baptised FINIS An Appendix If any be offended at this Treatise Then of them I Query Query 1. HOW comes it to pass that Liberty of Conscience is not a Christian's Priviledge now As much as it was when the Men of your perswasion hotly contended for it Query 2. Are you an Infallible Judge of a Christian's Reason Why he believes and obeys Gods Will in Scripture Tho never any Papist or Protestant could find a Iudge so safe for Salvation as the Scripture Query 3. Is it not safest for a Christian in the Conduct of his Life to Follow the Exemplary Practice of Christ and his Apostles Query 4. Wherein do Persons by sprinkling Infants follow the Practice of Christ his Apost Query 5. The Apostles by Dipping Believers only did faithfully discharge the Baptismal part of their Commission Then I Query by what or whose commission are Infants now Sprinkled for I never heard of another commission by Divine Authority Query 6. Infants being Sprinkled without Christ's commission for it How doth it appear that Infants Sprinkling will be accepted by Christ instead of believers baptism Query 7. Do not the Judgments on a Nation often come for want of Reformation from Popery and the Image of it in the Churches Query 8. Am not I in obeying and defending Forty New Testament Texts more excusable than some others that with Non-sequitors Crown the many more Learned that have pretended to defend Infant Sprinkling Query 9. Is it not safest for the finding of a New Testament Truth Baptism to compare all the New Testament