Ephes 4. 24. The conclusion then is obvious That they who are not formed a new in Righteousness holyness and truth they who remaining in the present in incapacities cannot walk in newness of life they have not been baptized into Christ and then they have but one member of the distinction used by St. Peter they have that baptism which is a putting away the fiâ—th of the flesh if yet an human institute may be so called but they have not that baptism which is the answer of a good Conscience towards God which is the only baptism which saveth us and this is the case of Children and then the case is thus As Infants by the force of nature cannot put themselves into a supernaturall condition and therefore say the Paedo baptists they need baptism to put them into it as if the â—â—re â—eâ—eâ—ony of which only they are capaâ—'le could put them into a supernaturall conâ—ition so if they be baptized before the use of reason before the works of the Spirit before the opperations of grace before they can throw of the works of darknes and live in riâ—hteousness ond newness of life they are never the nearer from the pains of Hell they shall be saved by the mercy of God and their oâ—â— innocence though they dye in puris naturalibus and baptism will carry them no further for that baptism that saves us is not the only washing with water of which only Infant are capable but the answer of a good Conscience towards God of which they are not capable till the use oâ— reason till they know to chuse the good and refuse the evill And from thence I consider a new that all vows made by persons undeâ— others names stipulations made bâ— minors are not valid till they by â— supervening act after they are of sufficient age do ratifie the same whâ— then may not Infants as well makâ— the vow de novo as de novo ratifie thâ—â— which was made for them ab antiquâ— when they come to years of choyce If the Infant vow be invalid till thâ— manly confirmation why were it 〈◊〉 as good they staid to make it till thâ— time before which if they do maâ—â— it it is to no purpose this would 〈◊〉 considered And in conclusion our way is the surer way for not to baptise Children till they can give an account of their faith is the most proportionable to an act of reason and humanity and it can have no danger in it for to say that Infants may be damn'd for want of baptism a thing which is not in their power to acquire they being yet persons not capable of a Law is to afirm that of God which we dare not say of any wise and good man Certainly it is very much derogatory to Gods justiâ—e and a plain defiance to the infinite reputation of his goodness And therefore who ever will pertinatiously persist in this opinion of the paedo-baptists and practise it accordingly they polute the blood of the everlasting Testament They dishonor and make a pageantry of the Sacrament They Ineffectually represent a sepulture into the death of Christ and please themselves in a sign without effect making baptism like the Figtree full-of Leaves but no fruit c. Thus far the Anabaptists may argue and men have disputed against them with so much weakness and confâ—dence that they have been eucouraged in their error alias in thâ— truth more by accidentiall aliaâ— real advantages we have given them by our weak arguings then by any truth of their cause or excellency oâ— of their wit so the Dr. is pleased tâ— say but the evidences of our side spâ—ak otherwise but the use I make of it as to our ppesent question saith the Dr. is this that since there is noâ— direct impiety in the opinion noâ— any that is apparently consequent to it and they which so much pâ—obabillity do or may pretend to true perswasion they are with all means Christian fair and human to bâ— redargued or instructed but if they cannot be perswaded they must be left to God who knows every degree of every mans understanding all his weaknesses and strength's what impress each argument makes upon his spirit and how unresistable every reason is and he alone judges his inâ—oceâ—cy and sincerity And for the question I think there is so much to be petended he might say really urged against that which I believe to be truth that there is much more truth then evidence on our side a strange saying of so wiâ—e a man as if the truth in this case doth not whâ—lly depend upon evidence sith its a positive and no morall precept and therefore we may be confident as for our own particulars but not too forward premtorily to prescribe to others muchless damn or kill or to persecute them that only in this particular disagree Thus far Doctor Taylor for our appollogie To whom to add any more witnesses though more might be brought would be superfluous I therefore proceed to the next question viz. What is the due act or outward form to be used in this sollemn rite of holy baptism It may well be the admiration of every wise and good man how it should come into the mind of such as pretend to be followers of Christ that holy baptism should be performed by aspertion or casting a few drops of Water upon the subject by the fingers of the administrator The scriptures every where teaching us that the originall form was by imversion in Rivers or places of much Water Maâ—â— 1. John 3. Christ himseâ—f who surely would do nothing superfluous or in vain was baptized in the River by John the first baptist who had his direction from Heaven and his approbation from on high in that very action Mall 3. and chuss who were under the immediate direction of the holy spirit the leader into all truth found it necessary for the administrator and subject to go both into the Water for the due performance of this holy Ordinance Add thereunto that the proper signification of the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when used to express the action done in this service is to dip or immâ—rge the party in the Element as is confessed by the learned Paedo-baptists themseâ—ves as we shall see in the sequel And here we will still prefer the Church of England who teacheth us that the outward Sign or Form in baptism is Water wherein the party baptized is dipped c. And though she add or sprinkled with it yet that her Conscience tells her that is not the right way appeareth in that she only assigns that by indulgence to such Infants as are in danger of death c The Church of Rome also confesseth by a learned Pen that she changed dipping the party baptized over the head and Ears to a little sprinkling upon the Face Erasmus paraphrasing on the words baptizing them Mat. 28. saith thus if they believe that which you teach them and begin to be repentant
divine institution is from Heaven the promise which it leads to â—s perpetual and Universal it belong to the whole body There is one body and one Spirit even as ye are called i◠〈◊〉 hope of your calling A POST-SCRIPT Taken out of the Works of Dr. Jer. Taylor in defence of laying on of Hands as a never-failing Ministery WE have seen the Original of laying on of hands from Christ the practice and exercise of it in the Apostles and the first converts in Christianity that which I shall now remark is that this is established and passed into a Christian Doctrine The Waranty for what I say is the words of St. Paul where the holy Rite of confirmation so called from the effect of this Ministration and expressed by the Ritual part of it imposition of hands is reckoned a Foundamental point 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not laying again the foundation of Repentance from Deas works and of faith towards God of the Doctrine of baptism and of laying on of hands of Resurrection from the dead and of Eternal Judgement Here are six foundamental points of St. Pauls Catechism which he said as tâ—e foundation or beginning of the institution of the Christian Church and amongst these imposition of hands is reckoned as a pâ—rt of the foundation and therefore they who deny it dig up foundations Now that this imposition of hands is that which the Apostles used in confirming the baptized and invocating the Holy Gâ—ost upon them remâ—ins to be proâ—â—â— Absolution of penitents cannot be meant here not only bâ—cause we never read that the Apostles did use that Ceremony in their absolutions but because the Apostâ—e speaking of the foundation in which baptism is There needâ—d no absolution but bapâ—ismal for they and we believiâ—g gone baptism for the remâ—ssion of sins this is al the absolution that can be at the first and in the foundation The other was secunda post 〈◊〉 fragâ—â—m tabula 〈◊〉 me in after when men had mâ—de Shipwrack of their good Conscienscience and were as St. Peter saith unmindful of the former cleansing 2. It cannot be meant of Ordination and this is also evident 1. Because the Apostle saves he would thence forth leave to speak of the foundation and go on to perfection that is to higher misteries Now in Riâ—uals of which he speaks there is none higher then Ordination 2. The Apostle saying he would speak no more of laying on of hands goes presentlâ— to discourse of the misteriousness of the Evangelical Priest-hood and the honor of that vocation by which it is evident he spake nothing of Ordination in the Catechism or Narrative of Foundamentals 3. This also appears from tâ—e context not only because laying on of hands is Immediately set after baptism but also because in the very next words of this discourse he does enumerate and apportion to baptism and impâ—sition of hands their proper and proportioned effects To bâ—ptism ilâ—umiraâ—ion And to Confirmaâ—ion he reckons tasting the Heavenly gift and being made parâ—akers of the Holy Ghost By the thing sigâ—ified declaring the sign and by â—he misteâ—y the 〈◊〉 Upon these words â—t Chrisostomâ— discoursing sayes That all these are foundamental Articles that it that â—e ought to repent from dead works to be baptized â—â—to the Faith of Christ and be made worthy of the gift of the spirit who is given by imposition of hands and we are to be taught the misteries of the Resurrection and Eternal Judgement This Catechism sayes he is perfect so that if any Man have Faith in God and being baptized is also confirmed and so tasts the Heavenly gift and partakes of the Holy Ghost by hope of the resurrection tasts of the good things of the World to come if he falls away from this state digging down and turning up these foundations he shall never be built again he can never be baptized again Confirmed again God will not begin again c. He cannot be made a Christian twice This is the full explication of this excellent place and any other ways it cannot be reasonably expâ—icated I shall observe one thing more out of this Testimony of St. Paul He calâ—s it the Doctrine of baptism and laying on of hands by which it does not only appear to be a lasting Ministry because no part of the Christian Doctrine could change or be abolished but hence also it appears to be divine Institution For it were not St. Paul had been guilty of that which our blessed Savior reproves in the Scribes and Pharises and should have taught for doctrines the Commandements of Men. Which because it cannot be supposed it must follow that this doctrine of confirmation or imposition of hands is Apostolicall and divine The argument is clear and not easily to be reproved Yea but what is this to us it belong'd to the days of wonder and extraordinary The Holy Ghost breathed upon the Apostleâ— and Apostolicall men but then he breath'd his last vecendente gratiae recessit disiplina when the grace departed we had no further need of the cerimony In Answer to this I shall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by divers particulars evince plainly that this Ministry was not temporary and relative only to the Acts of the Apostles but was to descend to the Church for ever This indeed is done already in the proceeding Sect in which it is clearly manifested that Christ himself made the baptism of the spirit necessary to the Church He declar'd the fruits of this baptism and did particularly relate it to the descent of the holy spirit upon the Church at and after that glorious Peâ—tieâ—st He saâ—ctified it and commended it bâ— hiâ— example just as he sanctified the flood Jordan and all other waters to the misticall washing away of sin viz. by his great example and fulfiâ—ling this righteousness also This doctrine the Apostles first found in their own persons and experience and practised to all their Converts by a solemn and externall rite And all this pâ—ssed into an Evangelicall doctâ—ine the whole mistery being signified by the externall rite in the words of the Apostle as before it was by Christ expressing only the internall So that there needs nâ— more strength to this argument But that there may be wanting no moments to this tâ—uth which the holy scripture affords I shall add more weight to it And 1. The perpetuity of this rite appears because this great gift of the Holy Ghost was promised to abide with the Chuâ—ches for ever And when the Jeâ—s heaâ—d the Apostles speak with tongues at the first and miraculous dâ—sâ—ent of the spirit in Penâ—â—câ—st to take of the straâ—geâ—ess of the wondâ—r and the envy of the power St. Peâ—er at that very time tells them plainly Reâ—â—nt and be baptizâ—d eveâ—y one of you and 〈◊〉 shall receâ—â—e the gift of the Holy Ghost 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not the meanest person among you all but shall receive this great thing which ye observe us to have received and not
only you but your Children too not of this â—eneration only sed nati natorum et qâ—i nâ—centur ab illis but your Children for ever For the promise is to you and to your Children and to all that are affar off even to as many as the Lord your God shall call now then let it be considered 1. This gift is by promise by a promise not made to the Apostles alone but to all to all for ever 2. Consider here at the very first as there is a verbum a word of promise so there is a sacramentum too I use the word in a large sence only and according to the stile of the primitive Church It is a rite partly morall and partly cerimoniall the first is prayer the other is laying on of the hands and to an effect that is but transient and extraordinary and of a little abode it is not easily to be supposed that such a solemnity should be appointed I say such a solemnity that is it not imaginable that a solemn rite annexed to a perpetuall promise should be transient and temporary for by the nature of relatives they may be of equall abode the cerimony or rite was anexed to the promise and therefore also must be for ever 3 This is attested by St. Paul who reduces this argument to this mistery saying In home after that you believed ye were sealed with the holy spirit of promise He spake it to the Ephesians who well understood his meaning by remembring what was done to themselves by the Apostle Act. 19. 6. But a while before who after he had baptised them did lay his hands upon them and so they received the holy spirit of promise for here the very matter of fact is the clearest comentary on St. Pauls words But fourthly What hinders any man from a quick consent at the first representation of these plain reasonings and authorityes is it because there were extraordinary effects accompanying this ministration and because now there are not that we will suppose the whole oeconomy must cease if this be it and indeed this is all that can be pretended in opposition to it it is infinitely vain 1. Because these exâ—raordinary effect did continue even after the death of all the Apostles St. Frenoeus saies they did continue even to his time even the greatest instance of miraculous power et infraternitate sapâ—ssimc propter aliquid necessarium c. When God saw it necessary and the Church prayed and fasted much they did miraculous things even of reducing the Spirit to a dead Man 2. In the days of the Apâ—stles the spirit did produce miraculous effects but neither always nor at all in all men are all workers of miracles c. No the spirit bloweth where it listeth and as he listeth he gives gifts to all but to some after this manner and some after that 3. These gifts were not necessary at all times any more then to all persons but the promise did belong to all and was made to all and was performed to all And therefore if the grace be given to all there is no reason that the ritual ministration of that grace should cease upon pretence that the spirit is not given extraordinarily Other arguments he hath many to the same purpose and aâ— I conceive well worthy the consideration of all Christians specially those that are doubtfull in this principle of religion but I shall shâ—t up all with a few of his citations out of the works of antient writers in behalf of this point of faith And first noteing How that originally it came from the Apostles In the second Century he brings Thophilus Antiochenus and â—ertullian the latter saith thus Dâ— hinc manus imponitur c. After baptism the hand is imposed by blessing calling and inviting the holy spirit Being cleansed by baptismal water we are dispos'd for the holy spirit under the hand of the Angel of the Church and to this effect the rest c. For the third Century he brings Origen Cyprian Dionis and Eusebius The first Testimony set down is out of Cyprian who Writing upon the passage in Acts 8. 14. saith which custome is also descended to us that they who are baptized might be brought by the rulers of the Church and by prayer and imposition of hands receive the Lords signature c. For the Fourth hundred he brings Melchiades Optatus Civil and others speaking very highly of the use of this ministration and then brings Urbaâ— the first as more plainly setting down what the rest delivered more siguratively in these words Omnes Fideles c. All faithful people ought to receive the holy spirit by imposition of the Bishops hands after baptism And having added yet more witnesses of this kind he alleadges six Counsells to evince the same thing viz. That this Ordinance of prayer laying on of hands were received together with the other principles by Christians generally The decree of one of these Counsels concerning such as had received baptism in a regular form is in these words manus â—antum eiis imponatur ut accipiant spiritum sanctum Let there be imposition of hands that they may receive the Holy Ghost Afterwards the Dr. concludes thus So many Fathers testifying the practice of the Church and teaching this Doctrine and so many more Fathers as it were assembled in six Councells all giving witness to this holy Rite AND THAT IN PURSUANCE OF SCRIPTURE are too great a blood of witnesses to be despised by any man that calls himself a Christian FINIS Gal. 3. 27. Heb. 6. 2. Act. 2. 38. Mark 1. 5. Acts 8. 12 Acts 18 8. Libert prophâ— p 228. to pag. 246. * Which yet the Baptists do not grant * It is a saying of Augustin De trahe verbum quid est aqua c. Take away the word and what is water nothing but water joyn the word to the Element and it is made a Sacrament This consideration is very concluding against Paedo Baptism for to the Infant the word is as it were taken away from the Element aâ—d consâ—quent y accordirg to Aug. it can be no Sacrament to them at all Ex manu controvâ— under the probation of divers of their Doctors Professors and Students in Theology p. 372. to 377. S. N. Antid Se Diod te in act 2. * a thing wholy unknown that they have any such receit of the Spirit Eras. parrap â—n 1 Cor. 7. Eraz. par on Math. 28. Ludovicus Vives Fabian Hugo Grotius Anno 315. Con Neâ—caes * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tertul. lib. de Bap. cap. 18. Tertull. lib. de baptis cap. 18. * 〈◊〉 to quest in â— Baptisma Mark 6. Perseverence in Faith must here be understood with the Fruits of Faith aâ—so * For they do â—â—t only deny such Infants the Act but the â—ight to baptism because the children of â—nbelievers Verse 4. Litturgy Marq. of Worcest Certam Relig. * Secundum Fisher * for Gods ways are not to be left to mans will be commands and t is mans duty to obey Ex opp Perk. Sâ—e the Scholast discourse against Symbol with Antichrist The poynt to be proved 1 From the Apostles scope * 1 Cor. 3. 16. 2 Cor. 6. 16. 2. From the extent of the promise 3. From the Nature of the duties of the Church 4. From the nature and perpetuity of the exhortations to seek for the spirit 5. From the continuation of spiritual gifts in the Church to this day It is probable that Paul made use of his education in speaking divers Languages as may be perceived by his discouâ—ses in the acts of the Apostles and by the Epistles which he wrote to severall Churches useing therein as 't is confessed frequently the Greek Tongue 6. From the silence of the Scriptures as to the privation of the gifts of the Spirit c 1. Cor. 2. 4. * Which yet shall avail them nothing because they wanted truth with their gifts * Meâ—ning that laying on of hands used by some at the absolving penetents * I think this wiâ—l abide tryall sith we may not expect a change of the dispensation we are under otherwise the promise might continue under some other rite or elce without it * Who know how to read men without being scandi ized if they meet with phraises and some nothing which are doubtful as its the case of most that write â— Con. Arles c. 8.
Baptiâ—m deal preprosterously oversliping the commandment of repenting and bâ—leiving this is the cause of of so much profaneness in the world we see what is done in Baptism the Covenant of grace is solemniz'd between God and the Party baptized and in this Covenant something belongs to God some to the Party baptized the actions of the Party baptized is a certain stipulation or obligation whereby he bindeth himself to give homage to the Father Son and holy Ghost This homage standeth IN FAITH whereby all the promises of God are beleieved and in OBEDIENCE to all his commandements The sign of this obligation is that the Party baptized WILLINGLY yeilds himself to be washed with water 3. Diodate on the same Text teaches that Baptism is a Sacrament of grace in remission and expiation of sins and regeneration to a new life And likewise for a token that they are bound on there side meaning such as are baptized to consecrate themseâ—ves to God and to give themselves over to the conduct of 〈◊〉 Spirit and to CONFESSE his name PERPETUALLY Thus these three witnesses do concurre with the truth and therein do hold a concord with the baptized Churches And one would think there should now be no place for such a conceit as that Infants are fit subjects for the sacred ordinance of baptism because wholly uncapable of these qualifications Now whereas divâ—râ— things are pretended as grounds for Infant Baptism we shall briefly recount the particulars which are chiefly insisted on and then show how the same are refelled or made void by some of the most learned Asserters of Paedo-baptism The grounds pretended are these 1. The Covenant which God made with Abraham and his seed Gen. 17. who were to be circumcised to wit the makes only in their Infancy this is thought to be a Type of baptism and hence 't is conceived that Infants ought â—o be baptized 2. Christs permiâ—â—ing Infants to be brought to him as persons to whom the Kingdome belongs 3. They being tainted with original sin must be cleansed from it which is supposed to be done by baptism 4. Because it is said except a man be born of water c. he cannot enter into the kingdome of God John 3. 5. Because Infants do not ponere obicem and so are more fit for baptism then adult Persons as 't is thought 6. Because without baptism Parents can not hope the salvation of dying Infants as some think 7. The promise of the holy Ghost Acts 2. 39 is thought to belong to Infants and so they ought to be baptized because they are said to be holy 8. Unless Infants be baptized 't is thought God is worse to Infants in the Gospel then in the Law 9. Infants are a parâ— of all Nations and the command for baptizing is of extent to all Nations 10. 'T is thought the Apostles baptized Infants because they baptized whole housholds and 't is said it hath descended to this very age as a Tradition Apostolical To all which Doct. Jer. Taylor and others in behalf of the baptized Churches do give answer as followeth That this is a goodly Harangue which upon strict examination will come to nothing that it pretends fairly and signifies little that some of those allegations are false some impertinent and all the rest insufficient For the argument from circumcision is invalid or of no wright upon infinite considerations figures and types prove nothing unless a commandment go along with them or some express â—o signifie such to be their purpose for the deluge of waters and the ark of Noah were a figure of Baptism sâ—id Peâ—â—r and if therefore the Circumstances of one should be drawn to the other we should make Baptism a Prodigie rather then a rite The Pascal Lamb was a Type of the Eucharist which succeeds the other as Baptism doth Circumcision but because there was in the manducation of the Pascal Lamb no prescription of Sacramental drink shall we thence conclude that the Eucharist is to be ministred but in one kind and even in the very instance of this argument suppâ—sing a correspondence of analogie betwen Circumcision and Baptism yet there is no correspondence of Identity for although it were granted that both of them did consign the Covenant of Faith yet there is nothing in Circumstance of Childrens being Circumcised that so concerns that Mâ—stery but that it might very well be given to Children and yet Baptism to men of reason because Circumcision left a Character in the flesh whiâ—h being imprinted upon Infants did its work to them when they came to age and such a Character was necessary because there was no word added to the sign but baptism imptints nothing that remains on the body and if it leaves a Character at all it is upon the soul to which also the word is added which is as much a part of the Sacrament as the sign it self is for both wch reasons it is very requisite that the Persons baptized should be capable of reason that they may be capable of both the word of the Sacrament and thâ— impress made upon the Spirit Since therefore the reason of this paâ—ity does wholly fail there is nothing left to infer a necessity of complying in this circumstance of age any more then in the other anexes of the Type and the case is clear in the Bishops question to Câ—pâ—iuâ— for why should not Infants be baptized just upon the eight day as well as Circumcised if the correspondence of the rites be an argument to infer one circumstance which is impertninent and accidental to the misteriousness of the rite why should it not infer all especially such a material thing as the time of baptism for if the eight day be not determined no man is able to assign the day of baptism which being delayed till the tenth or twentieth day may by the same reason be deferred till the Child have passed through its infancy and become capable of eâ—udition and then also females must not be baptized because they were not circumcized but it were more proper if we would understand it aright to prosecute the analogie of the type to the antitipe by way of letter and spirit and signification and as circumcision signifies baptism so also the adjuncts of circumcision shall signifie something spiritual in the adherences of baptism And therefore as Infants were circumcised so spirituâ—l Infants shall be baptized which according to some is spiritual circumcision which yet is better expounded by St. Paul Phil. 3. Where he makes the spiritual circumcision to be the mind and spirit renewed and the putting of the body of the sins of the flesh for therefore babes had the ministery of the type to signifie that we must when we give our names to Christ become 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Children in malice for unless you become like one of these little ones you cannot enter into the Kingdome of Heaven said our blessed Saviour and then the â—ye is made compleat and this
seems to have been the sence of the pâ—imative Church for in the ages next to the Apostles they gave to all baptized persons miâ—k and hony to represent to them their duty that though in age and understanding they were men yet they were babes in Christ and Children in malice But to infer the sence of the Paedo Baptists is so weak a manner of arguing that Augustin whose device it was and men use to be in love with their own fancies at the most pretended it but as probable Lo here the newness of the argument from Infant circumcision to Infant baptism As for the Catholicks they hold it an absurd thing to argue as the Protestants do from the Covenant made with Abraham and his seed Gen 17. 7. Thus they speak That promâ—se concerns literally pecuculiar proâ—â—ction and â—orldly felicity not the remission of sins and everlasting Life neither can we be sons of Abraham by carnal generation or by our carnal Parenâ—s we are not Jews but Gentiles but only by spiritual generation to wit Baptism by which we are born to God and made the brothers of Chrâ—â—tâ— the Sons of Abraham thâ—se saith St. Paul are the sons of Abraham not who are the Sons of the flesh but of Faith Rom. 4. 12. 13. Again they deride the Argument drawn from Infants being circumcised in order to their being baptized calling it a cunning argument by which it will follow that Females are not to be baptized c. And as ill success will they have with the other Arguments as with this for from the action of Christs blessing Infants to inser that they are to be baptize proves nothing so much as that there is a great want of better arguments The Conclusion would be with more probability derived thus Christ blessed Children and so dismissed them but baptized them not therefore Infants are not to be baptized but let this be as weak as it's enemy yet that Christ did not baptize them is an argument sufficient that Christ hath other wayes of bringing them to Heaven He passed his act of Grace upon them by benediction and imposition of hands And therefore though neither Infants nor any man in puris naturalibus can attain to a supernatural end without the addition of some instrument or means of Gods appointing ordinarily yet where God hath not appointed a rule nor an order as in the case of Infants we contend he hath not this argument is invalid And as we are sure that God hath not commanded Infants tâ— be baptised so we are suâ—e God will do them no injustice nor damn them for what they cannot help And therefore let them be pressed with all the inconveniences which aâ—e consequent to Original sin yet either it will not be laid to their charge so as to be sussicient to condemn them or if it could yet the mercy and absolute goodness of God will secure them if he take them away before they can glorifie him by a free obedience Quid ergo fostivat innoceus alis ad remissionem pâ—ccatorum Was the question of Tertullian lib. de bapt he knew no such danger from their Original guilt as to drive them to a laver of which in that age of innocence they had no need as he conceived and therefore there is no necessity of flying to the help of others for tongue and heart and faith predispositions to baptism for what need all this stir as Infants without their own consent without any act of their own And without any exteriour solemnity contracted the guilt of Adams sin and are lyable to all the punishment which can with Justice descend upon his posterity who are personally innocent so Infants shall be restored without any solemnity or act of their own or any other for them by the second Adam by the redemption of Jesus Christ by his righteousness and mercies applyed either immediately or how or when he pleases to appoint and to this agrees that saying of the Apostle as in Adam all dye so in Christ shall all be made alive and as by the disobedience of one many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous And so Austins argument will come to nothing without any need of God-fathers or the faith of any body else And it is too narrow a conception of God Almighty because he hath tyed us to the observation of Ceremonies of his own institution that therefoâ—e he hath tyed himself to it Many thousand ways there are by which God can bring any reasonable soul to himself but nothing is more unreasonable then because he hath tyed all men of years and discretion to this way therefore we of our own heads shall carry Infants to him that way without his direction the conceit is poor and low and the action consequent to it is too bold and ventrous mysterium meum mihi filiis domus meae Let him do what he please to Infants we must not Only this is certain that God hath as great care of Infants as of others and because they have no capacity of doing such acts as may be in order to acquiring salvation God will by his own immediate mercy bring them thither where he hath intended them but to say that therefore he will do it by an external act and ministry and that confin'd to a particular viz. This rite no other is no good argument unless God could not do it without such means or that he had said he would not and why cannot God as well do his mercies to Infants now immediately as he did before the Institution either of Circumcision or Baptism â—his query is worthy of serious consideration however there is no danger that Infants should perish for want of this external Ministry much less for prevaricating Christs precept nisi quis renatus fuerit c. For first the water and spirit in this place according to some learnéd expositers signifie the same thing and by water is ment the â—ffâ—ct of the spirit clensing and purifying the soul as appears in its parralel place of Christs baptizing with the holy Ghost and Fire but to let pass this advantage and to suppose it to be ment of external Baptism as that is the most likely sense yet this no more infers a necessity of Infants Baptism then the other words of Christ infer a necessity to give them the holy Communion nisi comediritis carnem filii hominis brberitis sanguinem non introibitis in regnum â—aelorum and yet we do not think these words sufficient Argument to communicate them if men therefore will do us justice either let them give both Sacraments to Infants as some Ages of the Church did or neither for the wit of man is not able to shew a desparity in the sanction or in the evergie of its expression and therefore they were honest that understood the obligation to be parralel and performed it accordingly and yet because we say they were deceived in one
instance and yet the obligation all the world cannot reasonably say but is the same they are as honest and as reasonable that do neither And since the antient-Church did with an equal opinion of necessity give them Communion and yet men now adays do not why shall men be morâ— burthened with a prejudice and namâ— of obloquy for not giving the Infantâ— one Sacrament more then they arâ— disliked for not affording them the other If Anabaptist shall be â— name of disgrace why shall not somâ— other name be invented for them that deny to communicate Infants which shall be equally disgraceful or else both the Opinions signifyed by such names be accounted no disparagement but receive their estimate according to their truth Of which truth since we are now taking account from pretences of Scripture it is considerable the discourse of St. Peter which is pretended for the intitleing Infants to the promise of the holy Ghost and by consequence to Baptism which is supposed to be its instrument of conveyance 't is wholly a fancy and hath nothing in it of certainty or demonstration and not much probability For besides that the thing it self is unreasonable and the holy Ghost works by the heighting and improveing our natural faculties and therefore is a promise that so concerns them as they are reasonable Creatures and may have a tittle to it in proportion to their nature but no possession or reception of it till their faculties come into act besides this I say the words mentioned in S. Pâ—tâ—rs â—rmon which are the only record of the promise are interpreted upon a wâ—aâ— mistake the promise belongs to you and to your Children therefore Infants are actually receptive oâ— it in that capacity that 's the argument but the reason of it is not yet discovered nor never will For indeed it is without reason To you and your Children iâ—s you and your posterity to you and your children when they are of the same capacity in which you are effectually receptive oâ— the promise Beside the promise of the Spirit in this place is refer'd to the giftâ— of the holy Ghost anâ— is therefore made tâ— those who had alreadâ— received it in the quicâ—ning or illuminating opperation of it anâ— is the poâ—tion of beleivers as such and iâ— consequent to baptism Acts 2 38 39 and is therefore wrongfully made an argument for the baptizing of Infants whâ— what ever they may have of the gâ—aces of the spirit yet have neither need of nor any capacity to use the gifts of the spirit and therefore evident it is that this promise of the Spirit belongs not to Infants at all And for the Allegation of St. Paul that Infants are holy if their Parents be faithful it signifie nothing buâ— that they are holy by designation or according to Erasmus they to wit Infants born of such Parents as the oâ—e being a Christian the other not are holy legâ—â—â—â—ately for the conversion of either wife or â—â—sband dâ—th not dissoâ—ve the marriage which was made when both were in uâ—bâ—â—eif And however it is true that Auâ—tin was a great stickâ—er for Paedo-Bapâ—ism yet he denys that any such thing can â—e deduced from the text in hand his words â—re these lib. 3 De pec mer. remiâ— It is to be held without doubling whatsoever that sanctification was it was not of power to make Christians and remit sins He might well say so considering that the holiness of the child is derived from the sanctity of the unbeleiver as the word else being rightly refer'd doth evince 1 Co. 7. 14. And as the promiss appertains not for ought appears to Infants in that capacity and consistance yet Baptism is not the means of conveying the holy Ghost for that which Peter sayes be baeptized and ye shall receive the holy Ghost signifies no more then this first be baptized and then by imposition of the Apostles hands which was another mistery and rite 〈◊〉 shall receive the promiss of the Father and this is nothing but an infinuation of the rite of Confirmation aâ— to this sense expounded by diverâ— antient Authors and in ordinary Ministry the effect of it is not bestowed upon any unbaptized persons for it is in order next after baptism and upon this ground Peters argument in the case of Cornelius was concluding enough a mojori ad minus thus the holy Ghost was bestowed upon him and his Family which gift by ordinary ministry was consequent to baptism not as the effect is to the cause or to the proper instrument but as a consequent is to an antecedent in a chain of câ—uses accidentally and by positive institution depending upon each oâ—her God by that miracle did give Testimony that the persons of the men were in gâ—eat dispositions towards Heaven and therefore were to be admitted to these rites which are the ordinary inlets into the kingdome of Heaven But then from hence to argue that where ever there is a capacity of receiving the same grace there also the same sign is to be administred and from â—ence to infer Paedo-Baptism is an argument very fallatious upon several grounds first because Baptism is not the sign of the holy Ghost but by another mistery it was conveyed ordinarily and extraordinarily it was convey'd independently from any mistery and so the argument goes upon a wrong supposition 2. If the supposition were true yet the proposition built upon it is false for they that are capable of the same grace are not alwayes capable of the same sign for women under the law of Moses although they were capable of the righteousness of Faith yet they were not capable of the sign of Circumcision for God does not alwayes convey his graces in the same manner but to some mediately to some immediately and there is no better inâ—tance in the the World of it then the gift of the holy Ghost which is the thing now instanc'd in in this contâ—station And after all this least these arguments should not ascertain their cause they fall on complaining against God and will not be content with God unless they may baptize their children but take exceptions that Gâ—d did more for the children of the Jews But why so because God made a Covenant with their children actually as Infants and concin'd it by circumcision well so he did with our children too in their proportion He made a Convenant of spiritual promises on his part and spiritual and real services on ours and this pertâ—ins to children when capable but made with them as soon as they are alive and yet not so as with the Jews bâ—bes for as they rite consign'd them actually so it was a national and temporal blessing and covenant and a separation of them from the portion of the Nations a markâ—ng them for a peculiar people and therefore while they were in the Wilderness and sepâ—rate from the commixture of all people they were not at all ciâ—cumcised but as that riâ—e did seal the
THE Paedo-Baptists Apology FOR THE Baptized Churches Shewing The invalidity of the strongest grounds for Infant Baptism out of the works of the learned assertors of that tenent AND That the Baptism of Repentance for the remission of sins is a duty incumbent upon all sinners who come orderly to the profession of Christianity ALSO The Promise of the Spirit â—eing the substance of a Sermon on 1 Cor. 12. 1. To which is added A POST-SCRIPT Out of the works of Dr. Jer. Taylor in defence of imposition of hands as a never failing Ministery By Tho. Grantham Mr. Perkins on Gal. 3. 27. Baptism alone is no mark of Gods Child but Baptism joyned with Faith for so must the text be consideres All the Galations that believe are baptized into Christ Printed in the Year 1671. To the Reader Friend I Have a few things to say before thou read this ensuing Apology and first The occasion of it is from the late unkind usages which the Baptized Churches have received from the Paedo-Baptists by violently dispersing their Assemblies by defacing and taking away their meeting places by imprisoning their persons seizing and wasting their Estates by injuring them in their Trade by means of excommunications by Writs de Capiendo and other penall proceedings both confining their Persons and exposing them to great inconveniencies And all this only as I conceive for their conscionable observance of the will of God in Preaching the Gospel to sinners â—â—r the obedience of faith and for adhearing to that form of Doctrine once deliâ—ered to the Saints Heb. 6. 1 2. In which Doctâ—ine and sufferings being through the mercy of God a pertaker with them I thought I might lawsully write an Apology for them or at least for the Truth professed by them And that I might the â—ore effectually do this I chose to speak â—o their adversâ—ries by the learned â—ens of their own Doctors 2. My design in writing this Apoâ—ogy is to abate if it may be that great enmity which hath appeared generally between the parties concerned and more perticularly that spirit of opposition and disrespâ—ct which too much appears in the more refined sort of the Paedo-Baptists against such as labor to reform or rather to restore the Doctrine of Baptism to its first integrity and estimation among all that profess the name of our Lord Jesus Christ under what Epethets or denâ—minations soever And me thinks thâ— truth should prevail with all that do consider the authority and force thereof to be such that men are constrained as it were to speak for it though to the overthrow of their dearest errours so that we may say their Rock is net as our Rock our enemies being judges 3. I have not injured the sense of my authours and where I have added any thing for explycation of any word or passage I have distingushed the same partly by a different Letter and partly by this Character nor have I said much in the Apology as indeed it was not necessary considering the evidence of the word of God for us and the Record which our opposers do bear in favour of our Cause and beside they that will may see what may be further said in the case depending if they please to peruse the Learned works of those of our way viz. Denn his Answer to Dr. Featley Tombs his Antipaedo-Baptist Fisher his Christianismus Redivâ—vous and many others 4. The second part intitled Of the Promise of the Spirit I though fit to be annexed because Acts 2. 38 39. such as are Baptized with the Baptism of Repentance for Remission of fins have the promise of the Spirit made to them which being sought for in the way ordained of God shall be received according to his will for he is faithfull that promised Thy servant in Christ Tho. Grantham THE Paedo Baptists Apologie FOR The Baptized Churches c. THere is no point of the Christian Faith of greater importance in order to the composure of Divisions among such as conscientiously profess the Name of Christ then the Doctrine of holy Baptisme in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins for as many as have been Baptixed into Christ have put on Christ And where this foundation truth hath been neglected or essentially corrupted there hath ensued great disorder in Religion because the being of the Church as visible is so concern'd therein that there can be no orderly proceeding in any Church Act nor participation in any Church Priviledge where Sacred Baptisme is not Antecedent And though Reformation or rather the restoration of this Truth be hard to accomplish yet must we not be discouraged but still pursue all lawful and probable wayes to effect it in this as well as in other cases And the way which I have chosen to help on this needful work at this time is to shew that notwithstanding the discord in point of practice yet there is a very great concord in doctrine touching the main questions which concern this Heavenly Institution between the Paedo-Baptists and the Baptized Churces The questions are these 1. What are the Qualifications required of all such as are to be baptâ—zed 2. What is the aue Act or right Form to be observed and done in this solemn rite of Baptisme Touching the first the doctrine of the Baptized Churches is well known namely That Repentance toward God and Faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ are prerequisites to the baptisme of every sinner And to this agrees the holy Scripture with full consent â—aying Repent and be baptized every one of you They were all baptized confessing their sins When they beleived Philip preaching the things concerning the Kingdome of God c. They were baptized both men and women many of the Corinthians hearing believe'd and were baptised And hence this holy Ordinance is well called the Laver of Regeneration the Baptisme of repentance foâ—thâ— râ—misâ—ion of sins Now let us hear the doctrine of the Paedo-Baptists touching this question 1. The Church of England both in her Articles and vulgar Catechism delivers her mind clearly to this purpose that such repentance whereby sin is forsaken and such Faith as by which the promises of God are stedfastly beleived is required of persons meaning all persons which are to be baptized and that in Baptism Faith is confirmed c. 2. Mâ— Perkins a Learned Son of â—he same Church upon these words â—each all Nations baptizeing them saith I explain the words thus mark first of all it is said Teach them that is make them my Disciples by calling them to believe and to repent Here we are to consider the order which God observes in makeing with man the Covenant in Baptism first of all he calls them by his word and commands them to beleive and repent then in the second place God makes his promise of mercy and forgiveness and thirdly he feals his promise by Baptism they that know not nor consider this order which God used in Covenanting with them in
that Infants have habitual faith but who told them so how can they prove it what Revelaâ—ion or reason teaches such a thing Are they by this habit so much as disposed to an actual belief without a new Master â—an an Infant sent into a Mahumetan Province be more confident for Christianity when he comes to be a Man then if he had not been baptized are there any acts precedent Concomitant or consequent to this pretended habit this strange invention is absolutely without Art without Scripture Reason or Authority But if there were such a thing as this abitual Faith then either all Infants have â— or some only if all why do they deny bapâ—â—sm to the Infants which are horn of unbeâ—evers must the child bear the unbelief of 〈◊〉 Parents if sâ—me only have it how know they these from 〈◊〉 rest sith when they come to years there found a like barrenness of this grace 〈◊〉 means be used to beget it but third where doth the Scripture make an habitâ—â— Faith that which intitles any person to baâ—tism Surely according to these concâ—â—â— no man can ever tell to whom or when 〈◊〉 dispence baptism But the men are â—â— be excused unless there were bettâ—â— grounds but for all these stratageâ— the Argument now alleadged agaiâ— Infant baptism is demonstrable aâ— unanswerable To which also this consideratiâ—â— may be added that if baptism be â—â—cessary to the Salvation of Infant upon whom is the imposition laiâ— To whom is the command giveâ— To Parents or to the Children not 〈◊〉 the Children for they are not capâ—ble of a Law not to the parents 〈◊〉 then God hath put the salvation 〈◊〉 innocent babeâ— into the power of â—thers and Infants may then be damnâ—â— for their Parents carelessness or mâ—lice It follows that it is not necessary at all to be done to them to whom it cannot be prescribed by a Law and in whose behalf it cannot be reasonably intrusted to others with the appendant necessity and if it be not necessary it is certain it is not reasonable and most certain it is no where in terms prescribed and therefore it is to be presumed that it ought to be understood and administred according as other precepts are with reference to the capacity of the subject and the reasonableness of the thing For I consider that the baptizing of Infants does rush upon such inconveniences which in other questions we avoid like Rocks which will appear if we discourse thus Either baptism produces spiritual effects or it produces them not If it produces not any why is such contention about it But if as without all peradventure all the Paedo-baptists will say Baptism does a work upon the soul producing spiritual benefits and advantages These advantages are produced by the externaâ— work of the Sacrament alone or bâ— that as it is helped by the co-operation and predispositions of the suscipienâ— If by the external work of thâ— Sacrament alone how does this diffeâ— from the opus oâ—eratum of the Papistâ— save that it is worse For they saâ— the Sacrament does not produce in effect but in a suscipient disposed bâ— all requisites and due preparatives 〈◊〉 piety faith and repentance thougâ— in a subject so disposed they say thâ— Sacrament by its own vertue does iâ— but this opinion says it does it of 〈◊〉 self without the help or so much 〈◊〉 the coexistence of any condition buâ— meer reception But if the Sacrament does not dâ— its work alone but per modum recipienâ—es according to the predispofitionâ— of the suscipient then because Infant can neither hinder it nor do anâ— thing to further it it does them no benesit at all And if any man runs for succor to that exploded 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Infants have faith or any other inspired habit of I know not what how we desire no more advantage in the world then that they are constrainâ—d to an answer without Revâ—lation against reason common sence and all experience in the world The sum of the argument in short is this though under another repâ—esentment Either baptism is a meer Ceremony or it imploys a duty on our part if it be a Ceremony only how does it sanctifie us or make the comers thereunto perâ—ect If it imployâ— a duty on our part how then can Children receive it who cannot do duty at all And indeed this way of Ministration makes baptism to be wholly an outward duty a work of the Law a carnal ordinance it makes us adheare to the Letter without regard of the spirit to be satissied with the shadows to return to bondage To relinquish the misteriousnes the substancâ— and spirituallity of the Gospel which argument is of so much the more consequence because under the spiritual Covenant or the Gospel of grace 〈◊〉 the mistery goes not before the Symbol which it does when the Symbolâ— are seales and consignations of thâ— grace as it is said the Sacraments are yet it always accompanies it buâ— never follows in order of time anâ— this is clear in the perpetual analogy of holy Scripture For Baptisme is never propounded mentioned or enjoyned as a mean of remission of sins or of eternal life but something of duty choice or sanctity is joyned with it in ordeâ— production of the end so mentioneâ— kâ—ow you not that sâ— many as are Baptisâ— inâ—o â—hrâ—st Jesus anâ— Baptised into his death There iâ— the mistery and the Symbol together and declared to be perpetually united 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 All of us who were Baptised into one were Baptised into the other not only in the name of Christ but into his death also but the meaning of this as it is explained in the following words of St. Paul makes much for our purpose for to be baptised into his death signifies to be buried with him in baptisme that as Christ rose from the dead we also should walk in newness of life That 's the full mistery of Baptisme for being baptised into his death or which is all one in the next words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into the likeness of his death cannot go alone if we be so planted into Christ we shall be pertakers of his resurrection and that is not here instanced in precise reward but in exact duty for all this is nothing but Cruc fiction of the old man a destroying the body of sin that we no longer serve sin This indeed is truly to be baptized both in the Symbol and the Mistery what is less then this is but the Symbol only a meer Ceremony an opus operatum a dead Letter an empty shadow an instrument without an agent to manage or force to actuate it Plainer yet whosoever are baptized into Christ have put on Christ have put on the new Man But to put on the new Man is to be formed in Righteousness holiness and truth This whole argument is the very words of St. Paul The major proposition is dogmatically determined Gal. 3. 27. The minor in
of their former Life c. Then dip them in Water c. Walfridus Strabo de rebus Ecclâ—sâ—â—c 26. tells us that we must know at â—hâ— fiâ—st believers were baptized simply in Floods and Fountains The learned Grotius tel's us in his judgement on Infant baptism That the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies to dip over the head and ears To whom we will joyn Tâ—lenus whose Testimony is in these words Baptism is the first Sacrament of the new Testament instituted by Christ in which with a most pat and exact analogy between the sign and the thing signified those that are in Covenant are by the Minister washed in Water The outward Rite in baptism is threefold immersion into the Water abiding under the water and resurruction out of the water the form of baptism to wit internal and essential is no other then that analogical proportion which the signs keep with the things signified thereby for as the properties of the water in washing away the defilements of the body do in a most suitable similitude set forth the efficacy of Christs blood in blotting out of sins so dipping into the Water doth in a most lively similitude set forth the mortification of the old man and rising out of the water the virification of the new That same plunging into the water holds forth to us that horrible gulf of divine Justice in which Christ for our sins sake which he took upon him was for a while in a manner swallowed up Abode under the water how little a while soever denotes his descent into Hell even the very deepest degree of livelesness while lying in the sealed and guarded sepulchre he was accounted as one truly dead rising out of the water holds out to us a lively similitude of that conquest which this dead man got â—ver death which he vanquished in his own Den as it were that is the grave In like manner therefore it is meet that we being baptized into his death and buried with him should rise also with him and so go on in a new Life Rom. 6. 3. 4. Col. â— 12. Thâ—â— far Tileâ—â—s Bishop Jewell in his defence Appol â— 5. p. 308. brings the councel of Worms determining the manner of baptism thus In aquas demersio in 〈◊〉 â—uâ—sus ab aquis â—emersio Râ—surrectio est The dipping into the water is the going down into Hell i. e. the grave The coming out from of the water is the Resurrection From all which Testimonies and many more that might be brought it is evident beyond all doubt our opposers being Judges that whether we respect the signification of the word baptizor the signification of the ordinance it self or the consent of the primitive Churches in their practice of holy baptism dipping the subject or party baptized in the Element Water is the due form of baptism and therefore sprinkling or crossing the face is an humane innovation Or Upon the whole matter these ten particulars are very apparent First That Infant baptism was innovated after the holy Scriptures were written which appeareth both from the deep silence of the Scripture in that case and the confession of learned Paedo-baptists themselves 2. That it came in stealing as it were being for a considerable time left at liberty a sign it was not from Heaven and was disliked by the Antients who therefore disswaded from it 3. That which gave it its great advantage for a more general reception was this false opinion that without baptism none could be saved This saith Mr. Perkins doth St. Augustine every where assirm 4. That the Lords Supper was as eagerly pressed to be necessâ—ry sor Infants as baptism and they continued in use together about the space of six hundred years this conceit was confirmed saith Mr. Perkins by the councel of Toledo Can. 11. And Augustine was so earnest for this also that he boldly sayes in vain do we promise Infants salvation without it Aug ep 23. ep 107. contra ep pelag l. 1. c. 22. contra 〈◊〉 l. 7. c. 2. l. 3. c. 12. 5. That divers in the Greek Church have all along to this day refused Infant baptism Groâ—ius his words are these as Mr. Tâ—mbs quotes them In every age many of the Greeks unto this day keep the custome of deferring baptism to little ones till they could themselves make a confession of their Faith And the Armenians are confessed by Heylin in his Macrocos p. 575. To defer baptism to their Children till they be grown to years of knowledge 6. Those foolish and sinful adjuncts which the Authors and promoters of Infant baptism were constrained to invent to make it look like baptism for example their device of Godfathers c. do sufficiently declare it to be of an infirm and humane Original 7. The grounds upon which Paedo-baptism was at first urged are now in a manner wholly declined and new grounds daily invented whereon to built it which are no sooner laid but raized again by some of it's own favorites 8. That the stoutest assertors of Infant baptism hath ever met with as stout opposers Thus Agustine met with the Donatists and Pelagius whose arguments he could not avoid but by running into greater absurdity and though they are blamed and perhaps justly for holding some errours so also is Augustine and that not undeservedly 9. That many of the Learneâ— have much abused this age in telling them the Anabaptists i. e. the baptized Churches are of late edition a new sect c. When from their own writings the clean contrary is so evident Tenthly and Lastly Observe how the baptism of repentance for remission of Sins which is that one and only baptism commanded in holy Scripture hath been neglected traduced and its affertors frequently abused and that chiefly by thiâ— device of Paedo-baptism which now hath so lost it 's first form that it cannot with any shew of truth oâ— good sence be called baptism and ought therefore to cease with its follow errors viz. the giving the â—ords Supper to Infants c. That God may be justified in the submissiâ—n of all sinners to the baptism of repentance for remission of sins Luke 7. 39. The Second Part Of the Promise of the Spirit Delivered in a Sermon upon 1. Cor. 12. 1. To which is added A post-script out of the works 〈◊〉 Dr. Jer. Taylor touching the layinâ— on of Hands chiefly declaring hoâ— Religiously it was observed by thâ— Antient Christians as it is now revived by divers of the baptizeâ— Christians of this age 1 Cor. 12. 1. Now concerning spiritual gifts brethren I would not have you ignorant THere was never more need for thâ— Church of God to seek and searcâ— for all those things which God hatâ— promised for her strength and encouâ—agement then now partly for that her â—pposers are men of exquisite parts by â—eans of all Arts and Sciences which â—â—e not more profitable when used in 〈◊〉 way of subserviency to the truth â—â—en pernitious
when used in opposiâ—â—on to it as it often falleth out they â—re and partly for that ignorance of â—hat God hath promised for his Churches comfortable subsistance â—roves a great occasion and temptatiâ—â— to Christians to trust to failing and â—â—comfortable helps in the great buâ—â—ness of the Ministry of the word and â—rayer c. Now in the words which we have â—â—osen the Apostle shews his care for â—â—e Church at Corinthus and in them 〈◊〉 all Churches that they should not 〈◊〉 ignorant concerning spiritual gifts â—â—d labours in three Chapters togeâ—â—er to instruct them fully in that point â—â—der several considerations and â—â—â—st 1. By giving them a definition of those gifts or shewing what they are verse 8. 9. 10. viz. A word of Wisdom a word of knowledge faith the gifts of healing the working of miracles prophesie discerning of spirits divers kinds of Tongues interpretation of tongues which definition or enumeration of gifts he seems to inlarge Chap 13. 26. a Psalm a Doctrine c. 2. By shewing that the Church hath a perpetual right to and interest in all these gifâ—s Chap. 14. 1. Desire sor be zealous after spiritual gifts Chap. 12 31. Covet earnestly the best gifts Chap. 14. 39. Covet to prophesie and forbid not to speak with tongues 3. By shewing whereto these gifts dâ—serve or to what end they were given Chap. 14. 12. Forasmuch as ye are zealous of the spiritual gifts seek thaâ— ye may excel to the edification of thâ— Church ver 31. that all may learn and all be comforted Eph. 4 12. foâ— the perfecting the Saints for the worâ— of the Ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ 4. By distinguishing of gifts as they are more or less necessary and accordingly gives direction which to prefer in our asking them yet so as not to forbid the use of any of them so it might be done with edification Chap. 14. 1. Desire spiritual gifts but rather that ye may prophesie Ver. 5. I would have ye all speak with tongues but rather that ye prophesied for greater is he that prophesieth then he that speaketh with tongues Ver. 5. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifyeth himself but he that prophesieth edifyeth the Church 5. By shewing that all these gifts how excellently soever any are endowed with them yet therein he is not to rest satisfyed because there is yet a far more excellent way of receiving the sâ—irit without which all gifts are as nothing This more excellent way he refers to the fruit of the Spirit which he both distinguisheth by its several branches 1 Cor. 13. 4 5 6 7. compar'd with Gal. 5. 22. 23. and also comprehends the whole in that excelling grace of Charity follow after Charity Chap. 4. 1. The greatest of these is Charity 6. By giving a notable Rule to know who are indeed spiritual Christians from such as only pretend to be so Chap. 14. 35. If any man think himself to be a Prophet or spiritual let him acknowledge the things I write unto you are the commands of the Lord. Those then are not truly spiritual or true Prophets who as many on the right hand do not only lay aside the commands of the Lord but prescribe to others their own Traditions neither those on the other hand who prefer their poor conceits and Notions as if the word of God came out from them when though perhaps it came to them yet it came not to them only ver 36. Thus much briefly to shew what the Apostle means in this place by spiritual gifts and in what respects he would not have the Church to be ignorant concerning them Nor shall I insist upon all those particulars now but only that which may be most needful to be demonstrated and that is the second particular For I find it is not only a general conceit among the National Churches that the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit were only Temporary and now ceased but also very many in the baptized Churches are doubtful at the least in this matter as if that glorious promise of pouring out of the Spirit according to the prophesie of Joel and the reception thereof by the primitive Churches were taken away long since from the Churches which succeed them and not to be so much as looked for in these days But that this is a very great mistake and that the contrary even that that very promise of the spirit and every part of it from the time of its first effusion upon the day of Pentecost Acts 2. belongs to the Church throughout all Ages to the end of the World I hope to evince to the satisfaction such as desire to see the Truth in this matter And First from the scope of the Apostle in these three Chapters Where as it is his designed subject to discourse of the gifts of the Spirit so he informs us that God hath set them there namely in his Church that is he hath placed setled or fixed that one spirit in that one body nor for a few days only and then to leave her as a body without a spirit for ever after in respect of spiritual gifts but to abide there as in his temple both by gifts and graces even the same which Christ by vertue of his assention obtained when he ascended on high which gifts are given to the Church for the work of the Ministry for the edification of the body till the whole be compleated See to this purpose Ephes 4. from vers 4. to 16. Again The promise of the holy spirit is made by our Lord himself to the Church for ever John 14. 16. I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever c. I say with the Church for it were a strange exposiâ—ion to restrain this for ever to the age of the Apostles as some do for sith the Apostles and first Churches could neither pray nor prophysie as they ought but as that spirit did help their infirmity it were strange the subsequent should be able to do it though destitute of that distance seeing prophysie is expresly one of those spirituall gifts as before we have shewed That great Apostle Peter dates the promise of the holy spirit very largely Acts 2. 38. c. As descending to the very Skirt or last age of the Church of God even to as many as the Lord our God shall call and he here takes the promise in tâ—at sence wherâ— in Joâ—l meant it and the Church had then received it which clearly intends both the gifts and graces of the Spirit for as 't is sure they received then very great gifts so 't is said great grace was upon them all Actâ— _____ This very pâ—omise of the Father is by this Apostle appropriated to all the called of the Lord even the servants and hand maids in thâ—se days Now these days must either be a few days at the beginning of the Gospel or it must
be referred to the whole time of that glorious dispensâ—â—ion if the first then how shall all the called of the Lord receive it Or who will tell us when these days expired But we know that These days the latter days last time and last days are used with some frequency in Scripture to point out the time of the Gospel as it succeeded the time of the Law During all which time we are sure that the duties in generall and perhaps some difficult duties which were not formerly known which were imposed upon the first Churches are laid upon the Churches to the end of the World Mat. 28. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you c. Must the Churches now contend earnestly for the faith and that both against old and new errors must she be the Salt of the Earth the Light of the World must she strive to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom to all Nations must she keep her self in the Love of God building up her self in her most holy faith praying in the Holy Ghost Surely if these duties remain and the Lord requires that she should glorifie him in the faithful and constant discharge hereof as also in suffering for his sake It cannot reasonably be imagined that he should recall his holy spirit in the gifts thereof from her who when she had them all had nothing that was superfluous but stood in need of all to furnish her for the work she stood ingaged to do in these forementioned and other like considerations sith then our God doth require the same service of his Churches now which he required of his Churches in the first ages of the Gospel let us not imagine he will require the same Brick and not allow the same Straw That the gifts of the spirit here intendby our Apostle are the portion of the Church in every age as her right appeareth from the nature of these exhortations she is under to ask them Luk. 11. 13. How much more shall your Heavenly Father give his holy spirit to them that ask it ask and it shall be given unto you vers 10. How frequent is our Apostle in these 3. Chapters in his exhortations to this Church and in them to all others to desire spirituall gifts to covet earnestly the best gifts to covet to prophesie wishing that they may speak with tongues and warning them not to prohibet that gift Now to what purpose is all this if these gifts be ceased and that the Church may not now expect them I hope no man will say these exhortations are now out of date least in so doing he deprive us of the exhortation to Charity for they are so linked together as the one cannot cease as 't is an exhortation before the other Follow after Charity and desire spiritual gifts and rather that ye may prophesie Thus we see the Church being under perpetual exhortations to seek for spiritual gifts without any restirction necessarily infers her perpetual right to them and every of them which consideration alone is sufficient as I conceive to satisfie any Christian that the promise of the Spirit even the same that was given to the first Churches in respect of gifts as well as graces belongs to the Church of Christ throughout all ages Let us now consider whether the Church of God do not even now injoy the promised spirit in the gifts and graces of it at this day for the latter I think there is none doâ—h question it and yet should the graces or fruits of the spirit which now appear be strictly considered by what did formerly shine forth in the Churches it might peradventure put us to some pause yet not thence to conclude that we have not that spirit of grace or that the graces thereof are ceased but it would surely become a provocation to cry mightily to God for an enlargement of what we have received in that behalf And as I intend not to boast of the gifts of any so I may safely presume that the gifts received in these days are far more then I can set down or give you account of because the Church is diffused through many Nations and her gifts there unknown to me I will then restrain my observations to the Churches in this poor Island who may not vie with all Churches but rather in humility conclude themselves to be short of many concerning spirituall gifts And yet shall we say she hath none or may we not rather say she hath many that are endowed with a word of knowledge and that meerly by a gift from God having otherwise no capacity or faâ—ulty more then others but therein far short of many of their brethren only the gift of God and no naturall faculty hath made the differance How have men of knowledge in this world been found to have no skill and the foolish to attain knowledge and some to excell so far as to confound the wisdome of the wise and to bring to nought the understanding of the prudent yet out of the mouth of Babes hath our God ordained strength and thereby hath sometimes stilled the enemy And as Wisdome is usefull to direct so hath God given it to such as fear him who if we respect their education c. could never have acquired it some by a word of wisdome here understand the well ordering of affaires in the Church others the right or usefull applycation of the word c. surely according to these expositions the Church hath some even by the gift of the spirit of God to go before here in these respects Neither is the gift of Healings so abnegated but that something of it hath appeared as many living witness by experience have testified and how far faith over and beside the common faith hath therein appeared as also in some other memorable undertakings against Sathan himself or against his designs with some good success becomes others to consider more then it doth me to write as for me I rest satisfied that miracles are not ceased as a gift to the Church of God though perhaps they are but rarely found as being in the wisdom of God not so necessary now in many places as in times past Now for the gift of pâ—ophesie which the Apostle here intends 't is certain the Church enjoys it very gratiously in these days sith she hath them that by the gift of Gods spirit and not by acquired Arts do minister to her the word of life by exhortation to her edification and comfort which yet she could not have if the gifts were ceased seeing prophesie is not only one of the spirituall gifts but the very best of them and the greatest of them all Nor is the spirit of our God removed in the gift of discerning of spirits for if it had false spirits had by their subtilty ere this day made havock of the Churches but through the grace of God notwithstanding all their cunning craftiness they have been discerned and their
excluding himself that they â—ee but darkly prophesie but in part know but in part so that perfection â—erein is not to be pretended 2. That the Apostles did deliver infallible and undoubted verities for all to submit to as the very word of God c. proceeded not hence viz. because they were gifted men But as being the chosen witnesses of God purposely ordained to that very end for which cause they saw that just one heard the words of his mouth and by infallible proves were assured of the Resurrection of our Lord and of his will concerning his Kingdom John 15 16. Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain that whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name he may give it you see Acts 10. 40. 41. and Acts 22. 14. 15. The God of oâ—r Fathers hath chosen thee that thou should knâ—w his will and see that just one and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth FOR thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast SEEN AND HEARD These are the Fathers of the Churches the Foundation layers the Master-builders in such an elevated consideration as that the authority of one is to be valued above the authority of ten thousand subsequent teachers which is a greater number then ever yet convened in a generall councell 1. Cor. 4. 15. 16. These were such Fathers as laid up such a stock of doctrine for their Children as whoso bringeth not along with them is not to be received 2. John 8. 9 10. And whosoever corrupteth by adding takeing away or perverting is to be held accursed to be nameless in the City of God and the book of Life The conclusion is this gifted persons on whom the Holy Ghost fell as it did on the Apostles were not thereby impowered to propose new Oracles or to be the Apostles Competitors and if any presume to these things as some did in the Apostles dayes they shall fulfill that sentence 2. Tim. 3. 9. They shall proceed no further for their folly shall be made manifest to all men as theirs also was Ob. 2. If the gifts of the spirit 1. Cor. 12. Have continued in the Church as you teach 't is strange we have no account of them since their days unless we regard the papacy who have claim'd the gift of Miracles in every age which they urge as an undoubted proof that they only are the Church of Christ Ans 1. It is true that people do pretend as 't is said in the objection and it is now my business to examine the goodness of that pretence only this I say they cannot find their Church to have had a being in every age since Christ and therefore very unlikely to prove what they say in the case of Miracles But put case that since they have had a being in the world some signs or wonders have been done among them yet hence to infer the truth of their Church state is very unsafe sith before an equall judge others will be found to have as clear a claim to Miracles as themselves Mat. 7. 22. Many wâ—ll say unto me in that day have we not prophesiâ—d in thy Name and in thy name have we cast out Devils and in thy name have done many wondrous works And then will I profess unâ—o them I never knew you depart from me ye workers of iniquity And though our Saviour saith no man can do a miracle in his Name and lightly speak evil of him yet that very speech supposes the thing possible It doth not follow therefore that wheresoever miraculous gifts are there is the true Church but she is only known by her Conformity to the Doctrine of God our Saviour chiefly in the principles of Religion Heb. 6. 1. 2. For we are his House if built upon that foundation of Repentance faith c and paâ—takers of him IF we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast to the end otherwise not Heb. 3. 6. 14. If any come unto you and bring not this doctrine receive him not to house no though he work miracles for thus saith the Lord. If there arise among you a Prophet or a Dreamer of Dreams and giveth thee asign or a wonder and the sign or the wonder come to pass whereof he spake unto thee now note if he do this saying let us go after other Gods which thou hast not koown and let us serve them thou shalt not hearken to the words of that Prophet For the Lord your God proveth you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your Soul And hence learn this one thing that Gods Truth is not to give place to any gifts but all gifts are to subserve to the furtherance of his Truth To conclude as we ought not to be ignorant of the gifts of the spirit so neither of the means ordain'd of God to obtain those gifts The primitive Churches are herein our best guide as the word directs T is well known and I think granted on all handâ— that they used the solemn Ordinance of prayer and imposition of hands for obtaining the promised Spirit at least with respect to these gifts Now be it so though I say for the Graces or Fruits also then seeing these gifts are promised to us as well as unto them and are attainable and in part at least attained by many what should hinder the Churches but that now they should tread in this path with faith and full assurance that a blessing is in it As in holy baptism we are placed as it were among those whose sins are washed away in the blood of the Lamb. So in this Holy Ordinance of prayer and imposition of hands we are in a solemn manner ushered into the promise of the holy spirit and as the pardon of our sins signified in baptism doth not prevent but better capaciate us to pray daily forgive us our â—â—espasses so imposition of hands doth put us into a better capacity to seek dayly for the gifts and graces of the spiriâ— bâ—cause now solemnly intercessed in the promise by that very way the primiâ—ive Saints were intercessed therein Acts 8. 15 17. Acts 19. 2. 6. 2 Tim. 1. 6. Heb. 6. 12. Who when they were down prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost then laid they their hands on them and they receithe Holy Ghost Have they received of the Holy Ghost since the believed And when Paul had laid his hand is on them the Holy Ghost 〈◊〉 on them Wherefore I put thâ—e in remâ—mbâ—ance that thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee by the putting oâ— of my hands The foundation of Repentance and of faith towards God of the Dâ—ctrine of bapâ—ism and of laying on of hands of the resurrection of the dead and of Eternal Judgement What shall I 〈◊〉 the Scriptures are evidence sufficient that this Ordinance is of