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
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.
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
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
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