and Drinks and divers Baptisms that is Washings it had a temporary Seal to wit Circumcision Rom. 4.11 but the New Covenant Christ Jesus the great Promise of the Father hath a spiritual yea an eternal Seal this is my positive Affirmation in this case that the Old Covenant standing in outward things had an outward Seal but the new Covenant the Promise of the Father hath a spiritual Seal Paul a Witness of Christ the new covenant the great Promise of the Father in writing to the Saints at Ephesus he testified on their behalf saying After that ye believed ye were scaled with the holy Spirit of Promise Ephes 1.13 He calls the Spirit the Seal of the New Covenant Christ the Promise of the Father not Baptism not Rantism dipping or sprinkling Further he exhorted them in these words Grieve not the holy Spirit whereby ye are sealed to the Day of Redemption Ephes 4.30 He preaches up the Spirit to be the Evangelical Seal of the New Covenant the Promise of the Father so who preach up Water-baptism to be the Seal they oppose the Apostles Testimony deny the Lord's Privy and Royal Seal and introduce another of mans making the sealed are the Lord 's Excellent Ones his Worthies And as for that Scripture Acts 2.39 The Promise is unto you and to your Children unto all that are afar off even as many as the Lord shall call This makes nothing for Water-baptism or Rantism to be the Evangelicall Seal Peter told the House of Israel that the Promise was to them to their Children yea to all the called of the Lord. Outward Water was not the Promise which they were to wait for but a thing of a more Heavenly Nature Christ told the Jews John 8.39 If ye were Abraham 's Children ye would do the works of Abraham so that such were the Children of Abraham and had right to the Promise who were found doing the Works of Abraham yea and the Apostle told the Galatians that they which were of Faith were the Children of Abraham Gal. 3.7 such Children as these have right to the Promise and know the Seal thereof IV. Obj. Infants-baptism is an ancient Custom so to be continued in the Church Answ The antiquity of a humane Tradition proves it not to be of divine Institution the spreading or over-spreading of Leprosie proves it not to be Soundness the Entrance of true Reformation thrusts out humane Inventions old as well as new what Christ received of his Father that he taught his Disciples Apostles what the Apostles received from Christ the treasury of Wisdom and Knowledge that they taught to and in the Churches and the same was to be committed and commended to faithful men in the Faith the Tongue of the Learned was their All to them and in them and in this Faith that Tongue was kept silent which afterward brought the Darkness into the Church in the Eye of divine Illumination we see to before August in was or Cyprian was or Pope Innocent the third was who as 't is said first established Infants-baptism by ratifying the Canon of the Milevitan Council by this Eye we see and feel to the Primitive Order before the Apostacy was Christ the Apostles and primitive Church in the Beauty of Heavenly Virginity taught no such thing as dipping or spriekling of Infants and in the Faith the primitive Order is to be pressed after contended for the Smoak of the Pit Inventions Traditions and Idolatious Customs inconsistent with the living Life-giving Truth are to be warred against Id verum quod prius prius quod ab initio ab initio quod ab Apostolis Tertul. contra Marcion lib. 4. That is Truth that was first that was first which was from the beginning which was from the beginning which was from the Apostles what the Apostles preached that they received from Christ who is Alpha and Omega the First and the Last the Beginning and the End glorified with the Father before the Foundation of the World Augustine Bishop of Hippo testified saying Custom is not to be preferred before Truth but ought to give place to the Truth but who plead for Infants-baptism or Rantism they would keep Custom in the Throne and exclude Truth Cyprian Bishop of Carthage bare Testimony saying Custom crept in among some people ought not to hinder Truths prevailing and overcoming for Custom without Truth is nothing but ancient Error wherefore forsaking Error let us pursue the Truth These two said well though true it is as their Writings evidently demonstrate they were guilty of mingling their traditions inventions and imaginations with the Doctrine of Christ and of the Apostles V. Obj. 'T is said Except a man be born of Water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God John 3.5 deth not this perpetuate Infants-baptism Answ Christ gave no command for Infants-baptism neither did the Apostles practise any such thing whoever alledge this or any other Scripture for it they use the Scriptures as Torturers who putting innocent men upon the Rack so force them to speak that which they never thought such are these who wrest the Scriptures to draw a sense out of them which the holy Spirit never intended so tortures and perverts them as to make them speak for maintaining those things which were not commanded nor spoken of in those dayes wherein the Scriptures were given forth After the Apostles dayes Satan made an Encroachment upon the Garden of the Lord Earthly Exaltations of Darkness fumed into the Professors of Christianity then their Judgment became carnal and being not able to savour divine things they wrested those Scriptures which spoke of the Water of Life and applyed them to outward Water ascribing inward Washing and Regeneration thereto whenas indeed external Water can contribute nothing thereunto in this place Christ preached unto Nicodemus the Necessity of Regeneration and informed him how it was brought forth not by outward Water which can reach no further then outward things but by a Water able to renew a man to make him a New Holy and Heavenly Creature to dissolve the rotten and loathsom Fabrick of unrenewed untransformed man where Belial is King and to erect a Building in Righteousness and true Holiness where Christ is Monarch sole Lord. Other Scriptures give witness to this as John 4.10 Christ said to the Woman of Samaria If thou knew the Gift of God c. thou wouldst have asked of him and he would have given this living Water Mark here is a Living Water a Life-giving Water effecting a living Work and this all the Re-born know Further saith Christ Vers 14. The Water that I shall give him shall be in him a Well of Water springing up unto Everlasting Life And John 7.38 39. He that believeth on we out of his belly shall flow Revers of living Water which Believers in him should receive there is a living Water producing a Work of Wonder in the Bodies of men making all things new this fulfils inwardly
ΒΑPΤΙΣΜΑΛΟΓΙΑ OR A TREATISE CONCERNING Baptisms Whereto is added a DISCOURSE CONCERNING THE Supper Bread and VVine Called also COMMUNION By Thomas Lawson Printed in the Year 167â— READER IN this following Treatise is presented to thy â—ye 1. The Temporary Baptism of John with Water 2. The Permanent or Continuing Baptism of Christ with the Spirit 3. The irrepititious Custom of Rantism that is Sprinkling of Infants Herein also thou mayst see that after the Primitive Times the Fall of the Star from Heaven was manifested Sun and Air thorow the Smoke of the Bottomless Pit Maman Wisdom Heathenish Learning Spoiling Phylosophy School Divinity was darkned thorow the steaming in of which Christ's Baptism in and with the Spirit came to be lost then Water-Baptism and Rantism came to be reassumed 1. One while baptizing or sprinkling Old People on their Death-Beds 2. Another while baptizing of People sooner as when they were capable of being catechised 3. After this Baptizing or Sprinkling of Infants 4. Some Baptized People after they were Dead and put the Sacramental Bread as 't is called in their Mouthes 5. Hence sprung in the Custom of Baptizing the Living for the Dead 6. Hence arose the Custom of Baptizing Children in the Womb before they were born 7. Some have had the Character of a Cross made in their Fore-heads with a Burning Iron which was called Christ's Baptism with the Holy Ghost and with Fire 8. Many yea almost all for Ages were Baptized Naked 9. Many Baptized Themselves every Year And these various Unscriptural Proceedings were and are cryed up by the Observers thereof to be of Divine Institution Here also thou mayst read how that in this Night of Apostacy which hath come upon the Churches professing Christianity sprung up the use of Godfathers Godmothers Gossips Fonts Exorcisms Sign of the Cross Albs Salt all which things with others are more or less touched in this following Treatise ΒΑPΤΙΣΜΑΛΟΓΙΑ Or a TREATISE concerning BAPTISM I Confess I have often been very serious concerning the Doctrine of Baptisms and have not let any thing slip from me written or spoken in Vindication of Baptism and Rantism that is Dipping and Sprinkling without serious Consideration so to answer the Desires of some sober Persons but primarily Divine Requirings I was induced to sharpen the Neb of my Pen and to commit to writing my Belief in reference thereto and to the end I may the better be understood of such as read me I have reduced the Contents of the ensuing Discourse into four Heads or Assertions which be as follow I. The Baptism of John with Water and the Baptism of Christ with the Spirit were not one and the same but two that is to say Distinct Baptisms II. John's Baptism in or with Water was a Figure or a Shadow of Christ's Baptism in or with the Spirit so thereby fulfilled and ended III. Christ's Baptism in or with the Spirit is the Baptism only to continue in the Church of Christ to the End of the World IV. Rantism that is to say Sprinkling of Infants is a Case unpresidented in the Primitive Times an irrepetitious Custom sprung up in the Night of Apostacy after the Revolt from Christ the Captain of the true Israelites the Fall from the primitive Order The First ASSERTION The Baptism of John with Water and the Baptism of Christ with the Spirit were not one but two that is to say Distinct Baptisms THE Truth of this is clear and evident to every one whose Eyes are opened by the Influence of the Almighty and I may produce a Cloud of Witnesses for the Confirmation thereof though indeed many late Writers and Teachers have and do affirm That John's Baptism and Christ's Baptism make but up one Baptism that the Spirit goes along with the Water making up one Baptism or that the Water thorough the Word of Institution hath a super-natural Virtue effectual to the Sanctification Ablution that is Washing and Regeneration of Man this is an Antichristian-Doctrine to ascribe such things to visible elementary Water which are the Effects and Products of the Blood of Christ the Water of Life John Christ and Peter make them distinct Now for the determining of this Controversie observe the Record of John the Baptist that is John the Dipper so call'd because he was authorized to Baptize in Water as also to distinguish him from John the Apostle Mat. 3.11 I indeed baptize you with Water c. saith John but he that comes after me to wit Christ he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with Fire Consider this John makes them distinct Baptisms as if he should have said I am to baptize with Water only that is my Work my Office thereto I am commissioned from Heaven even to wash the Body the Filth of the outward man but when Christ is come he shall have another Work of a more Heavenly Nature what is that he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with Fire he doth not say he will baptize you with Water neither doth he say he will baptize you with Water and with the Spirit but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit only so that John absolutely concludes them to be distinct Baptisms he with Water Christ with the Spirit See also Mark 1.8 where the very same Record is born of John's Baptism and Christ's Baptism I indeed have baptized you with Water but he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit Mark this I have but he shall this denotes the two Baptisms See also Luke the third there was a great musing about John as whether he was the Christ or no people entertained high Thoughts of him as being born in an extraordinary manner and living in the Wilderness his Apparel and Diet being unusual as a Raiment of Camels Hair Locusts and Wild Honey being his Food his Baptism was new and strange these things being considered occasioned much Reasoning among the people as whether he was the Messias or no now for a removal and scouring away of such Reasonings John tells them plainly and evidently he was not the Christ Luke 3.15 16. saying I indeed baptize you with Water my Work is to wash your Bodies with the visible Element of Water that 's my Ministration but saith he Amightier then I comes after me and he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit Here John holds out his Ministration of Water-Baptism and the Ministration of Christ's Spiritual Baptism to be distinct See also Joh. 1.33 where the very same Record is born I with Water which reaches to the Ablution of the outward Man Christ with the Spirit which is effectual to the Ablution or Washing of the inward Man The four Evangelists who were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is divinely inspired are unanimous in the distinction of the Baptism of John and of the Baptism of Christ Further In Heb. 6.2 the Apostle speaking of some of the initial Points of the true Religion makes meniton of the Doctrine of Baptisms not Baptism but
be driven from the Figure Lib. 4. Cap. 16. In calling it a Sign a Figure he saith Well but his Conclusion is Carnal and Antichristian in saying if men have the Substance why should they not have the Figure by this crooked Rule of Reasoning might all the ritual Observances of Moses be imposed upon Gospel-Believers Hammond in his Paraphrase and Annotations on Mat. 3.11 calls John's Baptism a Ceremony saying John initiated Disciples with Water but Christ with Fire yea and on Mark 1.5 8. he paraphraseth saying Water is the only Signal that John used after the Jewish manner but Christ was to send down the holy Spirit from Heaven and is not Christ the End of Ceremonies Types Figures and Shadows John 's Water-Baptism as all the Shadows of Moses were but to endure for a time for as all the Prophets were until John so John was until Christ and Christ by his internal Washing the Laver of Regeneration not only fulfilled and ended Moses's Laver but John's Jordan-washing by fulfilling inwardly that which they represented outwardly Obj. Christ himself was Baptized with Water doth not that perpetuate Water-Baptism in the Church Answ Christ was Circumcised not that from thence Outward Circumcision should be continued he went into the Temple and taught there and cast out the Prophaners thereof he said to the clensed Leper Go and shew thy felf to the Priest and offer a Gift according to the Law Mat. 8. so he was baptized not that he intended thereby to perpetuate or continue these things Christ being the Substance and Anti-type owned the Shadows Types and Figures in their place and this tended to the Conviction of such who questioned the Authority of those Typical Ministrations Baptizatus est Christus a Johanne ut Johannis ministerium approbaret saith Martinius that is Christ was baptized by John that he might approve of the Ministration of John to justifie it in its Time Place and Season against such as question'd the Authority of it So 't was said The Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves being not baptized of John Luke 7.30 And Christ put a Query to the Pharisees saying The Baptism of John is it from Heaven or of men Luke 20.4 Christ owning the Figures in their time and place proved thereby their Institution to be divine but all this was before he was offered up for when he was offered up then he blotted out the Hand-writing of Ordinances took it out of the way nailed it to his Cross Col. 2.14 When Christ saith Piscator on this place was nailed to the Cross even then the Ritual Observances of Moses were sore wounded yea abolished The first Covenant saith the Apostle stood only in Meats and Drinks and divers Washings or Baptisms and carnet Ordinances imposed until the time of Reformation the Figures which could not perfect the Observers as pertaining to the conscience were to give way to the Evangelical and Spiritual VVorship brought in by the Substance Hebr. 9. The Gospel-Time is a Time of Reformation so such as stick to the Figure and will not have the black Lines of their Corruptions washed away by the Blood of the Lamb such remain unreformed Though Christ owned the Shadows before he was offered up yet when he was offered up risen and ascended and the Promise of the Father fulfilled the Spirit wherewith Christ baptizes revealed then these things were not preached up but against then Paul preached against circumcision outward Gal. 5.2 saying If ye be circumcised Christ shall prosit you nothing yea he tell them they bewitch'd them who entangled them in the droughty Desert of Ritual Observances and he preached circumcision inward Stephen bare record saying The Most High dwells not in Temples made with hands Acts 7. Yea and Paul said The Priesthood was changed Hebr. 7.12 Yea and Paul said Christ sent me not to baptize 1 Cor. 1.17 saying further There is one Lord one Faith one baptism Ephes 4.5 There had been two Baptisms John's with Water Christ's with the Spirit without Water but now the Shadow had given way to the Substance one Baptism saith he and he tells what it was by one Spirit into one Body 1 Cor. 12.13 by one Spirit not by Water So that the Spirit 's Baptism which is Christ's Baptism is the One Baptism which he preached up in the Churches Who are of God may read here the Temporary Baptism of John laid aside and the Spirit 's Baptism preached up Shadows have no footing in Christ's Kingdom When Jesus was baptized he went straight-way out of the Water and the Spirit descended like a Dove upon him the Spirit wherewith Christ baptizeth and a Voice from Heaven said This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Mat. 3. and in another place Hear ye him Not Moses with his Laver-Washing not Iohn with his Jordan-Washing hear the Son who baptizes with the holy Spirit and with Fire not with visible Water thus the Legal Rites which Christ allowed of before he was offered up the Apostles after his return in Spirit they testified against the same yet in so doing were not Transgressors of Christ's Doctrine but had his Mind These things being truly considered and weighed in the Ballance of the Sanctuary it cannot but appear that it shews no soundness of Judgment to plead that Christ's being baptized by Iohn perpetuates Water-Baptism or Rantism in the Evangelical Dispensation Paul said to the Collossions If ye be dead with Christ from the Rudiments of the world why as though living in the world are ye subject to Ordinances touch not taste not handle not Col. 2.20 21. Things that had been of Divine Institution when continued beyond the Bounds of their season and time became worldly Rudiments and Doctrines of Men. Obj. Go ye therefore and teach all Nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost doth not this Institution enjoyn all Ministers to Baptize Answ This Scripture hath been much abused by Translators and Interpreters and alledged to patronize the Formal Inventions of men as may appear by what follows being truly interpreted 'tis thus rendred Go ye therefore disciple all Nations baptizing or dipping them into the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Spirit and it makes nothing for Water Baptism nor for Rantism for Christ having qualified his Apostles to be his Witnesses to the uttermost parts of the Earth sent them not to preach up Iohn and his VVater-baptism but to preach the Everlasting Gospel Christ and his Baptism which is spiritual Iohn said and bare record that he baptized with VVater but he that was to come Christ Jesus should baptize with the holy spirit Now to say Christ baptized with Water or sent his Apostles to baptize therewith is to question the Testimony and Record of Iohn who said he should baptize with the holy spirit After Christ was risen from the Dead he met his Disciples on a Montain in Galilee
corruptible Seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God which lives and abides forever 1 Pet. 1.23 Peter a Fisher of Men having caught a Draught of Gentiles was right-glad thereof so in Compliance with the present Season as others did condescended to Outward Water which washes the Outward Man and might take Occasion therefrom to exhort them to wait for an Encrease of the Spirit 's Virtue and Power the Heavenly Baptism which washeth the Inward Man for inward cleansing the Effect of the Spirit 's Baptism is a gradual Work The Third Assertion Christ's Baptism in or with the Spirit only is the Baptism that is to continue in the Church to the End of the World JOhn being the Fore-runner of Christ according to the Father 's Appointment was to baptize with Outward Water John 1.33 to wash away the Filth of the Outward Man shadowing out Christ ready to be revealed and by his spiritual Baptism to cleanse the Inward Man to make it a Habitation of God and this Water-baptism was to be of less Continuance then the Shadows of Moses as the Morning-Star though brighter then the other Stars shines less while then they because the sudden Appearance of the Sun swallows it up So John's Water-baptism though its Beginning was long after Circumcision commanded in Abraham's dayes and the Shadows of the First Priesthood commanded in the dayes of Moses yet was it to have an End with them for when as after Christ's Ascension Christ's Baptism began cleansing inwardly then John's Baptism a Figure thereof was ended and fulfilled the Shadow was to give way to the Substance the Sign to the Truth the Letter to the Spirit the Servant to the Son for as the Prophets were until John so John was until Christ and John must no more exceed his Bounds then Moses and the Prophets theirs as the Prophets gave up to John so Iohn was to give up to Christ Iohn a Creature had a Temporary Baptism but Christ who is the same to day yesterday and forever hath an Everlasting Baptism by the Spirit into one Body and Christ's Kingdom stands not in Signs Figures and Shadows but in Righteousness Peace and Joy in that Spirit wherewith he baptizeth Now after Iohn's Water-Baptism had continued some 4 Years then Christ's Baptism with the Spirit without Water began to be manifested as you may see Acts 1.5 Christ told his Disciples saying John truly baptized with Water but ye shall be baptized with the holy Spirit not many dayes hence Confider they were not to stick in Iohn's Baptism much les in Rantism a Tradition then unheard of nor build their Tarbernacles there nor judge it sufficient but were to wait for the Promise of the Father even the Spirit wherewith Christ baptizeth the plentiful effusion of the Spirit was reserved as the great Blessing of Gospel-days of the Evangelical State and Dispensation which is to run parallel with the Age and Duration of the World herein the Everlasting Gospel is preached to Kindreds Tongues and Nations Tâ—is precious Promise of the Father was accomplished and fulfilled at the Day of Pentecost when the Disciples were waiting together in one Place Cloven Tongues like as of Fire sate upon each of them and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spake with other Tongues as the Spirit gave them Utterance Acts 2.1 2 3 4. Thus it was evident and manifest that Iohn the Baptist was a true Prophet who said I baptize with Water but Christ shall baptize with the Holy Spirit and with Fire Christ Acts Chap. 1. bad them wait for the promise of the Father he told them what the Promise was even the Baptism with the holy Spirit and they received what they waited for at the Day of Pentecost Acts 20. they were filled with the holy Spirit which was Christ's Baptism without Water mark this without Water more excellent then Iohn's Baptism with Water Now Baptists and Rantists Dippers and Sprinklers for the most part are faln into that Diminution Deprivation or utter Abolution of divine Understanding as that it seems ridiculous or alâ—ogether erroneous to tell them of a Baptism without Waters This of Pentecost was the beginning of Christ's Baptism after he was ascended to this Iohn witnessed saying Joh. 7.39 He that believeth on me said Christ out of his Belly shall flow Rivers of living Water but this spake he of the Spirit which they that believe on him should receive for the holy Spirit was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified but as soon as he was glorified then he began to let out the Power of his Spirit even his Baptism the Progress of Christ's Spiritual Baptism was further manifested as Acts 8.17 Peter and Iohn laid their hands on the Believing Samaritans and they received the holy Spirit after this the Apostle Peter preached Christ to Correlius his family and Friends the holy Spirit fell upon them Acts 10.44 Moreover all the Saints at Pome at Corinth in Galatia in Ephesus in Philippi in Coloss in Pontus in Capadocia in Asuâ— in Bithyniae yea and all the true Churches were in their respective Measures Partakers of the Spirit of the Lord and of its Baptism which was and is the One Baptism to continue in the Church of Christ to the End of the World for in the Church the Kingdom of Christ the Apostles preached not up Circumcision nor Baptisms but one Circumcision made without Hands one Baptism by the Spirit into one Body and of the Necessity of the Continuance of the Spirit 's Baptism in the Church of Christ let the Wise in Heart who read these things consider First Without the Spirit 's Baptism none come to fee the Volumn of Corruptions in his Heart to be cancelled none escape the Bondage Slavery Darkness Defilements and Reprobate State of corrupt Nature but who walk in the Light wherewith Christ hath enlightned them and submit to its Guidance they encrease in heavenly Encreases they grow in the Spirit and seel its Baptism so receive a New Nature and their Thoughts Words and Works are savoury Effects and Fruits of this new and heavenly Nature Peter wrote to the Saints who were Partakers of the Divine Nature 2 Pet. 1.4 Here the Image of God is renewed the Life of God known Fellowship with him in his Holiness and Purity yea in his Blessednesâ— in the beatifical Presence and Brightness of his Glory this Outward Washing though a Thousand times over can never bring unto but leaves the old Nature the cursed Nature alive and vigorous in the Creature Secondly Christ's Baptism gives a New Name who hearken to Wisdom's Teaching and in the Cros of Christ see Sin crucified in their Mortal Bodies and with the Sword of the Spirit in which the Evangelical Baptism is see the Enmity slain such receive a New Name To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden Manna I will give him a white Stone and in the Stone a New Name written which no man knows
saving he that receives it Rev. 2.17 The Lord's Worthies are fed with Heavenly Manna hidden from the Wise from the Prudent from the Princes of this World they have a White Stone in which they are comforted notwithstanding all the black Coles wherewith the world seeks to besmear them this Stone may spiritually be called Ebenezer by interpretation the Stone of Help these have a New Name better then that of Son and Daughters Isa 56.5 Here not thorough Willing Runeing and carnal Conformity but through Faith the Spirit of Adoption is received wherein Christ's Baptâ—sm is witnessed and because you are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son crying Abba Father Gal. 4.6 God hath no Still-born Children the Spirit of Grace is a Spirit of Supplication to this New Name Adoption Cry of Abba Father Outward Washing cannot bring 't is a rich yea an enriching Giâ—t neceived by the Hand of Faith Rom. 8.15 Thirdly The Spirit 's Baptism must continue in the Church otherwise no true Worship without it the true Worship is not known the Woman of Samaria acknowledging Christ to be a Prophet forth-with she sought to be satisfied in a Case of Conscience concerning Worshipping in that Mountain or in Jerusalem Christ said unto her The hour cometh when ye shall neither in this Mountain nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father for God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth John 4.24 How In Spirit in Opposition to the carnal and idolatrous Worship of the Samaritans who worshipped God under the Representation of a Dove How must God be worshipped In Truth in Opposition to the Typical and Figurative Worship of the Jews which was but a Shadow of the Gospel-worship Paul bare record unto this Worship saying We are the Circumcision which worship God in the Spirit as truly it may be said They are of Christs Baptism who worship God in the Spirit such as have their Luxuriances lopped of unruly Passions mortified and cast away as a superfluou Fore-skin such are inwardly circumcised inwardly baptized by the One Spirit into One Body in which the true Worship is Fourthly The Spirit 's Baptism must continue in the Church else no Translation into the Kingdom of Light 't is through the Spirit that Entrance is known thereinto so that the Doctrine of Men who preach reach and affirm that sprinkling of Infants which they call Baptism makes a Mâ—mber of Christ a Child of God an Inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven is an antichristian Doctrine setting outward Water in the place of the Spirit of Christ whose Work only translates into the Kingdom of God so that the Apostle Paul gave thanks to God who had delivered them from the power of Darkness and had translated them into the Kingdom of his dear Son Col. 1.13 So 't is the Power of God who is a Spirit that translates into the Kingdom of Christ not extrinsecal that is outward water as many erroneously teach such as truly have a Lot herein though through the Malice of the old Serpent they be cast into a dark Dungeon yet may say in Faithfulness and Verity as Oscolampadius upon his Death-bed said Hic sat lucis Here within is plenty of Divine Light Fifthly The Baptism of the Spirit makes the Heart the Lord's Temple outward Water tends not to the cleansing of the inside but in the Faith the Spirit is received which baptizes into one Body Paul wrote to the Corinthians saying Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you and if any man defile the Temple of God him shall God destroy for the Temple of God is holy which Temple ye are 1 Cor. 3.16 17. And this Temple is not washed by John's Ministration of out ward Water but by Christ's Ministration of the Water of Life 't is swept by the Lord's Power 't is beautified with Holiness perfumed and sweetned with Heavenly Graces like Incease and Myrrh the Lord will dwell in a poor provided it be a pure Heart 1 Cor. 6.19 20. Sixthly The Spirit 's Baptism enables to the Work of the Gospel-Ministry not Arts nor Sciences nor Humane Endowments not Aristotle's Ethicks nor his Physicks nor his Metaphysicks makes a Minister of Christ but the Virtue of the Spirit wherewith Christ baptizeth The Spirit of the Lord is upon me faith Christ he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the Poor see Luke 4 18. even the Gospel a Word of Excellency Authority Certainty and Sufficiency yea and Christ said to his Disciples John truly baptized with Water but ye shall be baptized with the holy Spirit not many dayes hence and ye shall receive Power after that the holy Spirit is come upon you and ye shall be Witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and in Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the Earth Acts 1.5 8 Consider this Christ himself here calls Baptism of the Spirit the Power qualifying and enabling them to be his Witnesses Yea and 2 Pet. 1.21 Holy Men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit they were acted carryed out of the Dungeon of Self whence issue Dreams Uncertainties to say do what God would have them Yea and on the Day of Pentecost Cloven Tongues like as of Fire sate upon each of the Disciples they were all filled with the holy Spirit and spake as the Spirit gave them Utterance Acts 2. Thus were they baptized with the Spirit Christ's Baptism without Water John's Baptism and they were taught both 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to divide the Word aright as also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to feot it aright to teach well and live well so that in the sense of God's Innocency wrought in them they commended themselves as Examples for others to follow Yea and 1 Pet. 4.10 As every man hath received the Gift even so minister the same one to another at good Stewards of the manifold Grace of God Cloups when full pour down Presses over-flow Aromatical Trees sweat out their precious and soveraign Oyls so the divinely qualified Witnesses bring out rich Treasures even lively and life-giving Oracles this is through the Spirit 's Baptism not through Acquired Attainments and Accomplishments Seventhly The Spirit 's Baptism brings into the true Service of God for no Kindred Tongue Language Nation Family Man or Woman hath an entrance into the pure Service of God but inasmuch as they feel the Spirit of the Lord in them moving Heaven ward for as the Apostle said But now we are delivered from the Law that being dead wherein we were held that vve should serve in newness of Spirit and not in the oldness of the Letter Rom. 7.6 The true service of God is in the newness of that Spirit wherewith Christ baptizeth in which man being kept he holds constantly a Countermotion to the course of the World to the torrent of its reigning corruptions in this Bodies are presented
a living Sacrifice holy acceptable unto God which is their reasonable service Rom. 12.1 a living Sacrifice instead of a Ram sinful Passions are here slain instead of a Goat unclean affections instead of flying Fowls vain Thoughts foaring Purposes wandring Imaginations are slain this is read in those Bodies that are this living Sacrifice Eighthly The Spirits Baptism makes all that partake of it one in and with Christ the Head Christ prayed to his Father saying John 17.11 Holy Father keep through thy own Name those whom thou hast given me that they may be one as we are he prayed for their Oneness who was heard of his Father and Verse 20 21. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word that they all may be one as thou Father art in me and I in thee that they all may be one in us No true Unity is out of the Lords Name it is a strong Tower a Munition of Rocks here security and safeguard is known a sure and sweet Haven to have recourse unto After Christs Ascension when the Spirit was received with which Christ baptizeth the Churches were Witnesses of this Oneness so Paul told the Galatians Chap. 3.27 28. As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek there is neither Bond nor Free there is neither Male nor Female for ye are all one in Christ Jesus These were clothed with the Sun these were beautiful through divine Ornaments Consider this it was not through Water-baptism but through the Spirits baptism that Christ was put on that Oneness was witnessed And 1 Cor. 12.13 By one Spirit we are all baptized into one Body So who become living Members of that Body whereof Christ is the Head and feel themselves to be of the Corporation and Company of Believers 't is through the Spirits Baptism not through outward Water And 1 Cor. 6.17 He that is joyned unto the Lord is one Spirit Further Paul to the Ephesians said Endeavouring to keep the Vnity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace Epâ—es 4.3 So the Unity and Unanimity is in the Spirit in which Christs Baptism is Ninthly The Spirits Baptism cleanseth from sin and iniquity so fulfils inwardly what John's Water-baptism shadowed forth outwardly 1 Cor. 6.9 10 11. Paul wrote to the Corinthians saying Know ye not that the Vnrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God it is an undefiled Inheritance the Unclean must not tread on that golden Pavement And this Apostle having branched out such and such Workers of Iniquity he concludes thus And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God Consider this when they came to be Partakers of the Spirit to know its Baptisin then they came to be washed sanctified yea and justified also The same Apostle wrote to the Saints at Ephesus saying Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it that he might sanctisie and cleanse it with the washing of Water by the Word that he might present it to himself a glorious Church without Blemish Spot or Wrinkle Now 't is not Water without though man were washed a thousand times therewith but the Spirit of the Lord wherewith Christ baptizeth where a Well of Water is known springing up unto eternal Life that effects these things in the Church Tenthly The Spirits Baptism makes true Christians so deny it and sweep true Christianity from off the Earth Paul writing to the Romans said He is not a Jew which is one outwardly neither is that Circumcision which is outward in the Flesh but he is a Jew which is one inwardly and Circumcision is that of the Heart in the Spirit and not in the Lettir whose Praise is not of man but of God and as truly it may be said He is not a Christian that is one outwardly neither is that Baptism which is outward in the Flesh but he is a Christian which is one inwardly and Baptism is that of the Heart and not in the Letter whose Praise is not of men but of God Gods Eye and Regard is to the inward Iew and the inward Circumcision to the inside Christian to the inward Baptism but mans Eye and Regard who knows not the Laver of Regeneration is to the out-side Christian to outward Baptism for of the many Eplscopalians Presbyterians Independents Baptists and others who have written of Baptism and Rantism that is dipping and sprinkling few if any have written of the Baptism of Christ with the Spirit which John the Baptist Christ Peter Paul c. bare witness to the Virgins Birth was by the Angel unto Joseph named Jesus by interpretation a Saviour for saith he He shall save his People from their Sins Matth. 1.21 After he was baptized of John in Jordan and the holy Spirit descended like a Dove upon him from the divine Anointing which came upon him he came to be called Messias and Christ which both signifie anointed Christ in Greek as Mesâ—â—â— in Hebrew signifies anointed because he was anointed of the Father Peter bare record of Christ saying God anointed Jesus of Nazareth wâ—th the holy Spirit and with Power who were about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him Acts 10.38 Thus Jesus was the Anointed of the Father the Christ the Messias and him the High Priests Prophets and some Kings under the Law anointed with material Oyl represented so Christians signifies Anointed Ones and none are truly Christians but as they partake of the Anointing whereby they become Members of Christ spiritually influenced by Christ their Head so become Kings and Priest unto God The Disciples as Acts 11.26 were called Christians first in Antioch called so by divine Direction as the word signifies saith Trapp on this place the same Anointing which came upon Jesus which God gave not by measure unto him Joh. 3 34. the same Anointing is given in measure to the Members of Christ of his Fulness they receive Grace for Grace these are true Christians truly Anointed Ones Hebr. 1.9 Thou hast loved Righteousness and hated Iniquity therefore God even thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of Gladness above thy Fellows Thus real Christians partake of the Anointing in their respective Measures Christians are Christ's and they that are Christs have crucified the Flesh with the Affections and Lusts Gal. 5 24. Now such as take not up the Cross but live in the Flesh in the carnalizing Principle and in this profess the Scriptures God Christ and his Ordinances so become swel'd with historical Knowledge and Notions and hence conclude themselves Christians I say they are not really so Non re sed nomine Christiani Not real but nominal Christians in Name only even as such who said they were Jews but were not but were the Synagogue of Satan Rev. 2.9 The Tucks at
this day stile themselves Musulmans that is The only true believers The Angel of the Church of Sardis was thus reproved Thou hast a Name that thou livest but art dead Rev. 3.1 so could neither praise nor serve the living God A Ship may be called Safeguard or Goodspeed yet may fall into the Hand of Pirats So specious Names of Christians Believers Church-members advantage nothing except the Cross of Christ be borne the Anointed received which truly makes such Eleventhly The Spirits Baptism saves is present Salvation Now who contend for Iohn's Ministry Water-baptism be it Dippers or Sprinklers their discourse is of what the Saints enjoyed in the primitive times and of what Salvation shall be in another World not waiting for Salvation and Redemption in this Life but they that live not the Life of the Righteous shall not dye the Death of the Righteous nor shall have the Reward of the Righteous but the Apostle Paul preached present Salvation not by Iohn's Baptism or Water-washing but by the Baptism of Christ through the renewing of the Spirit Titus 3.5 According to his Mercy he saved us by the Laver or Washing of Regeneration and renewing of the holy Spirit so that so far as a man is regenerated renewed by the holy Spirit which is Christs Baptism so far he is saved from sin and from the Reward thereof this Laver of Regeneration fulfils inwardly what Moses's Laver and Iohn's Jordan-washing shadowed forth outwardly this Laver of Regeneration removes the old Nature and brings in a new Nature whence issues new Thoughts new Desires new Words and new Works he lives thinks speaks works loves and acts otherwise then he was wont the Old Man and his Deeds are put off the New Man and his Deeds are put on Outward Water is not of that virtue to effect this in man 't is a Water of a more Heavenly Nature Paul writing to the Saints at Ephesus said By Grace ye are saved through Faith and that not of your selves it is the Gift of God Ephes 2.8 These were Witnesses of present salvation they had known stirrings in the Womb of Grace precious unto God had persevered therein so became God's Workmanship to know the glorious Fabrick of the New Man erected in them these were truly made alive unto God who had lain rotting and stinking in the sepulchre of Corruption these knew Christ's spiritual Baptism to this purpose Peter â—are record saying The like Figure whereunto even Baptism doth also now save not the putting away of the Filth of the Flesh but the Answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Peter here speaks of the Ark of Noah which by Command of the Lord was made of Gopher wood Gen. 6.14 a kind of Cedar saith the old Naturalist Pliny which is not subject to Rottenness nor Worm-eatenness but endures forever a shadow of Christ Jesus who is the same to day yesterday and forever so the Ark was a Figure of Christ as it saved by Water outwardly so Christ by his Baptism the Water of Regeneration saves inwardly from the Deluge of sin from the drowning Waves of iniquity and transgression Baptism saves now saith Peter But what Baptism doth he speak of of John's with Water or of Christ's with the Spirit the Apostle answers this lest any should misapprehend his sense and intent he explains himself evidently and fully saying Not the putting away the Filth of the Flesh the cleansing of the outward man the effect of John's Baptism but the Answer of a good Conscience towards God the effect of Christs Baptism in and with the Spirit which inwardly saves and brings to know and witness the Answer of a good Conscience by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 3.9 20 21. Piscator on Matth. 3. gives his Testimony altogether answerable to what is here written saying That the Apostle Peter here ascribes Salvation to inward Baptism not to the outward which extends no further theâ— the outward man Hammond in his Paraphrase and Annotations on the New Testament saith on the aforesaid place As the Ark in the Water kept men safe from drowning even so Baptism doth save not that of John which cleansed but the Body but that which is signified by it even the Baptism of Christ with the Spirit who saves from sin and from the wages thereof Obj. The Baptism here spoken of by Peter must needs be Water-baptism because he calls it a Figure for it were not proper to call the Spirits Baptism a Figure Answ I confess while I had recourse only to our English Translations this before was my own Objection but consulting the Greek Copies the thing was cleared unto me and our English Translations appeared not so sound and clear as might be desired Peter speaking of the Preservation of 8 Souls in the Ark by Water saith if truly translated Whose Antitype Baptism doth also now save us And what is this Antitype even Christ who baptizes with a spiritual and saving Baptism even Christ the Truth the Sum the Substance the Thing signified by Types and Figures Circumcision outward was a Type Circumcision inward the Antitype Moses's Laver a Type the Evangelical Laver of Regeneration the Antitype Anointing without a Type Anointing within the Antitype the Ark saving by Water without a Type Christ by his spiritual Baptism saving from the proud Billows of Wickedness and Uncleanness is the Antitype so that the Antitype comes in lieu stead place or room of the Type 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the Greek word and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies pro as well as contra 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Consul 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Proconsul the Consuls Deputy one that officiates for him these things Linguists understand so that though our English Translation renders it The like Figure whereunte even Baptism doth also now save us yet it is properly truly and answerable to the nature of Truth rendred Whose Antitype Baptism doth also now save us even as the Ark saved them of old And if any say This is but a Conceit or Whimsie of my own Head let such read Gerh. on this word who saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in hoc loco ipsam veritatem significat typo ac figurae respondentem that is Antitype in this place of Peter signifies the Truth it self answering to the Type and Figure Truth that is Christ the Way the Truth and the Life who baptizeth with the Spirit and saves from sin as the Ark saved outwardly Vatabalus Grotius Frafmus Capâ—dus Beza Hammond gave their Testimonies to the same purpose If chiâ— Scripture of Peter held out a Figure or Type then one Type would answer another which were improper for every shadow type or fuâ—ure rewâ—â—â— to the substance as its Fulfiller Again it were to conclude the Gospel-Dispensation to be a state of figures and shadows which is the sum and substance of all the Kingdom of God stand not in Meat and Drink but in Righteousâ—â—â—â— Peace and Joy in
the holy Spirit wherein the Redeemed cry Abba Father Rom. 14. Visibles are temporal as Moses's Laver-washing John's Jordan-washing imposed only until the Time of Reformation but Invisibles are eternal as the Spirit of the Lord is eternal in which Christs Baptism is such as center in temporals that Eye being shut which sees into the beginning before the temporals these are but as an House without Pillars tottering with every Blast as a Ship without Anchor tossed with every Wave for the Establishment is in that which is Eternal Whose Antitype Baptism doth also now save us By this Scripture as all the wise in heart understand Peter puts an End to Baptism of the Flesh as Paul did to Circumcision of the Flesh for saith Paul Rom. 2.28 29. He is not a Jew which is one outwardly neither is that Circumcision which is outward in the Flesh but he is a Jew which is one inwardly and Circumcision is that of the Heart in the Spirit and not in the Letter whose Praise is not of men but of God which in effect is this In Gospel-dayes where all shadows are fulfilled Circumcision in the Spirit puts an end to Circumcision in the Flesh in effect Peter saith as much of Baptism Baptism saith he saves but not that Baptism which puts but away the Filth of the Flesh but that Baptism of Christ in the Spirit where the Answer of a good Conscience is known Yea by this Peter intimates that Baptism in the Spirit puts an to Baptism in the Flesh for of a Truth it may be said He is not a Christian who is one outwardly neither is that Baptism which is outward in the Flesh but he is a Christian which is one inwardly and Baptism is that of the Heart in the Spirit and not in the Letter whose Praife is not of men but of God For neither Moses's Laver-shawing nor John's Jordan-washing could bring inward Cleanness and Purity of Conscience therefore Christ put an end to all outward shadows figures and Types by the Power of his Spirit inwardly effecting and fulfilling that which they in an outward manner shadowed out Many bear record in Truth to the Apostles Testimony who said The Law make nothing perfect but the bringing in of a better hope by the which we draw nigh unto God Hebr. 7.19 Here is the perfecting of the Children of Light here they are truly joynted whom Satan had dislocated Paul who was not sent to baptize but to preach the Everlasting Gospel a more weighty and ponderous Concern he had his Call from Heaven in writing to the Church at Rome he speaks of Gifts differing and exhorts every one to be faithful but of baptizing with Water he speaks not but in other places sets up the Spirit 's Baptism as conducing to the Salvation of the Soul So who are serious in the things of God cannot but conclude from what is spoken that the Spirit 's Baptism is the only Baptism peculiar to Gospel-dayes and that the continuance thereof is of absolute necessity whatever you be that deny it to and in the Church you shut out of the Church the divine Nature the new Name the true Worship Translation into the Kingdom of God the Lords Temple the Gospel-Ministry the true Service of God true Unity inward cleansing true Christianity present Salvation and what is that Church and what are the respective Members thereof that are destitute hereof Out-sides Formalists tossed to and fro as a Feather or Froth upon the Waves hurried about with every Wind of Doctrine like Glasses blown into this or that shape at the pleasure of mans breath what are Professors that are destitute of the Spirit and its Baptism as hollow Trees in an old Wood tall but pithless sapless and unsound What are these lifeless Formalists as a Bulrush whose Colour is fresh Skin smooth Body knotless yet nothing is within but a kind of spongeous unsubstantial substance The Swan in the Law was rejected for sacrifice as some affirm because of her Black Skin under White Feathers thus it is with Unscripturalized Out-side Formalists their Performances how specious soever black Death reigning within brings them not unto divine Acceptance their most Religious Duties and Performances issue from Art and Acquired Parts not from divine In-dwellings who then touched with the sense and possession of the Lord's Presence and with the Virtue of his spiritual Baptism can be silent And not as the Lord's Worthies contend for it of the which such excellent things are spoken if Christ must have preheminence in all things if he be All in his Church beautified out of his Wardrobe why is Outward Water so much magnified in Gospel dayes Christ is sufficient to and in his Church without John though John was of use in his season to point out Christ to come so the Baptism of Christ without visible Water is sufficient in his Church without the Baptism of John with Water though the Baptism of John with Water was useful in its season being a shadow of a better thing to come even of Christs Baptism with the Spirit who said He that believes on me out of his Belly shall flow Rivers of living Water but this spake he of the Spirit which Believers in him should receive John 7.38 39. So that Believers receive the Spirit so Christs Baptism living Water is to flow out of the Womb of their Souls they know the precious Virtue thereof its Cooling Cleansing Thirst-quenching and Fructifying Virtue they know the fulfilling of Moses's Laver and John's Jordan-Washing in their Mortal Bodies The Fourth Assertion Rantism that is Sprinkling of Infants is a Case unpresidented in the Primitive times an Irreptitious Custom sprung up in the Night of Apostacy after the Falling Away from the Primitive Order I Have already shewed the Temporary Baptism of John and have likewise spoken of the Baptism of Christ with the Spirit and that this Baptism put an end to John's Water-baptism as to the other shadows so that to and in the gathered Churches one Baptism was preached and that by one Spirit into one Body the shadow being left off now it remains that I inform you how Dipping which was John's Ministration came to be re-assumed and likewise how Sprinkling of Infants got entrance among the Professers of Christianity Christ being upon the Mount of Olives with his Disciples told them that False Christs and False Prophets should come Mat. 24. which John seeing fulfilling and fulfilled said expresly they were come saying Little Children it is the last time and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come even now are there many Antichrists whereby we know that it is the last time â— John 2.18 Paul in the Spirit of Discerning sore-saw and fore-told of an Apostacy a Departure from the Faith that seducing spirits should be heeded and Doctrines of Devils 1 Tim. 4.1 John in the Spirit fore-saw all the world wondring after the Beast Revel 13.3 yea and he saw and fore-told of a great Whore that
the Purity of the primitive Church through the Smoak of the Bottomless Pit darkned then Traditions and Inventions of men were multiplyed then the Necessity of Infants Baptism by Augustine Cyprian and such like was introduced and by the Ratification and Enjoynment of Popes Councils General National or Provincial Synods Kings as absolutely necessary was strengthned Johannes Bohemius saith That Baptism of old was administred to none unless upon urgent Necessity but to such as were before instructed in the Faith and catechised but when it came to be iudged Necessary to Everlasting Lâ—fe it was ordained that Infants should be baptized and that they should have Godfathers and Godmothers who should be Sureties for Infants and should renounce the Devil in their behalfs it grew to this in the Roman-Catholick-Church that at the baptizing of a Child the Priest 1. blows three times in the Infants Face 2. he anoints his Eyes Ears and Nostrils with Earth moistned with his Spittle 3. he names him and marks him with the sign of the Cross upon his Breast and Back with Hallowed Oyle 4. he dips him into the Water or pours Water upon him three times in form of a Cross 5. dipping his Thumb in the Holy Chrism as they call it he signs the Childs Forehead with the sign of the Cross 6. he covers him with a White Garment 7. he puts into his Hand a Burning Candle Lib. 2. de Gentium moribus When the primitive Purity was turned from the one Baptism by the one Spirit into one Body lost then steamed such like things out of the Bottomless Pit into the Church and to gain Estimation they must be stiled Christ's Commands or at least Apostolical Traditions Augustine as 't is said was the first that preached the Necessity of Infants Baptism and as Nations became drunk with the Cup of Abomination and Fornication idolatrous and strange Erroneous Doctrines streamed out of Apostatized Christendom About the year 402. the Milevitan Council celebrated by ninety two Bishops put out this Canon All that affirm that young Children receive Everlasting Life without the Sacrament of Baptism and will not that young Children newly born be baptized to the taking away of original Sin that they be anathematized Magdiburg Cent. 5. This Canon then sent to Rome had the Ratification of Pope Innocent the third In the 5th General Council at Carthage held in the year 416. 't was decreed That whosoever denies that little Children by Baptism are freed from Perdition and eternally saved let them be accursed Tuis was confirmed and ratified by the said Pope Innocent the third after by Pope Zosimus after by Pope Boniface Isidore saith If Children were not baptized so thereby renewed and original Sin washed away they were in a state of Damnation Madg. cent 7. Pope Hormisda ordained That Children if they be weak should be baptized the same day in which they are born Summa Concil et Pontis And what care is taken in this Nation for weak Children to make sure their Christendom as they say I may be silent About the year 692. In a King of the West-Saxons ordained That every Infant should be baptized within thirty dayes after its Birth on the Penalty of his Parents forfeiting thirty shillings and if the Child dyed unbaptized the whole Estate These Saxons received the Faith of the Church of Rome from the mouth of Austine the Monk and others About the year 816. the Council under Wolfred ordained That they should not pour Water upon the Heads of Infants but immerge that is dip them in the Font Full. pag. 109. It seems they were for Dipping not for Sprinkling In the 9th Century it crept in ' That in Exorcism the Head Ears and Nose should be salted and anointed before Baptism Magd. Cent. 9. Augustine's Doctrine That Children born or unborn were damned if they dyed within Baptism being received at a Heavenly Oracle hence Infants Baptism was enjoyned by Popes Councils and Kings and great Virtue was ascribed to it as the taking away of Original Sin and of regenerating Infants and renewing of them and freeing them from Perdition and eternally saving them and of making them Members of Christ Children of God and thaâ— it made the Receivers as pure and innocent as Adam was before his Fall these things being believed Church-men became Defenders and Propogators of it common people received it with Greediness Who would refuse an Eternal Inheritance tendred upon such terms Thus Ignorance Blindness entering Christendom the Custom and idolatrous Tradition of Infants Baptism became so epidemical and general as that in the eleventh Century it was scarce questioned in this Age it crept in That Salt should be put into the Mouth of the Baptized Magd. Cent. 11. In the Discourse between Dr. Harpsfield Arch-Deacon and John Bradford Martyr this Bradford said I dare not exclude from Christ all that dye without Baptism He placed not Salvation in visible elementary Water but the Roman-Catholicks are otherwise minded and thrust the Souls of Infants that dye without it into a Limbus infantum a place very nigh Hell and their Bodies out of Christian-burial into an Unhallowed Place and in this Nation who pretend to Reformation behind the Church so called if granted for burial to the Unbaptized must be received as a Favour And to the Decrees of Popes Councils and Kings there are several wrested Scriptures and Objections alledged for the defence and confirmation of Infants Baptism I. Obj. Whole Families were baptized so Children Answ 'T is written that whole Families believed John 4.53 Must it be inferred hence that Children not grown up to years of Discretion believed Families may be without Children they may be grown up or they might be newly married Families or their Children might be dead so 't is a wild Inference to ground Infants Baptism on this saith Optatus II. Obj. The Spirit accompanies Water in Baptism and Water so accompanied is Christ's Baptism the Spirits Baptism Answ The Scripture bears record against that the holy Spirit sell on the Apostles on the day of Pentecost this was Christs Baptism the Spirits Baptism and here was no Water made use of Acts 1 2. yea and in Acts 11.15 he call the holy Spirit falling on them the Spirits Baptism without the Element of Water as for Water that he calls John's Baptism III. Obj. Those that have right to the Promise they have right to the Seal thereof but the Children of Believers have right to the Promise ergo they have right to the Seal that is baptism Answ In Christ the Promise of the Father all the Kindreds of the Earth obtain the Blessing he is also the Covenant of Light given for Salvation to the Ends of the Earth Isaiah 43.6 and that such as have right to the Promise have right to the Seal thereof that is a real Truth but that Dipping or Sprinkling of Infants should be the Seal of the Covenant that I deny as Antichristian consider the first Covenant stood in Meats
what Water elementary shadowed out outwardly which cools cleanses quenches the Thirst makes fruitful outwardly Piscator on this John 3.5 saith very evidently Seeing that without this Water whereof Christ spake to Nicodemus no man can attain unto eternal Life it follows that Christ spake not of Baptismal Water Lombard Vossius yea a Cloud of Witnesses have showred down Testimonies to the same purpose but if notwithstanding all this thou wilt have John 3 5. to speak of material Water then Mat. 3.11 He shall baptize you with the holy Spirit and with fire must be understood of material Fire then outward Fire must be used in Baptism which would be judged an Absurdity and a strange Doctrine Water and Fire are in these places added to shew the effectual Operation of the Spirit working that inwardly which Fire and Water represent outwardly as many have observed born of Water and of the Spirit or of Water which is the Spirit John 7.38 9. as Piscator observes so baptized with the holy Spirit and with Fire baptized with the holy Spirit which is Fire a Coal from the Lord's Altar giving light to the inward man spiritualizing him changing him into the divine Image from Glory to Glory elevates and carries the Renewed Heaven-ward purifying from the dross of Sin Polutious and Defilements uniting to the Called Faithful and Chosen separating from the World in a word who dwell in the Light of Grace these more and more receive the Spirit in which Christ's Baptism is a Coal from the Lord's Altar operating inwardly as elementary Fire outwardly Of Children in the Womb Baptized Satan the grand Adversary by Hellish Suggestions Wicked Temptations Unclean Injections by little and little after the primitive Times disjoynted and as I may fay dis-spirited many so that the pure serious Worship in Spirit and in Truth came by little and little to be departed from and a Will-Worship clouded with Ceremonies Shadows Traditions Inventions of men came to be established so that Augustin in his day taught That Children born or unborn if quickened in the Womb were Damned if they dyed without baptism hence the Necessity of baptizing Infants was concluded as before I have touched Now it being observed that many Children dyed in the Womb and according to Father Augustin's Doctrine such were damned if unbaptized the consideration of this set them to seek a Remedy for that Disease and none could be found except the Child in the Womb could be baptized but if it might then all was well in order to this concern a great Question was propounded An pueri in utero possint baptizari it a salvari that is Whether Children in the Womb could be baptized so saved yea or nay This was looked upon as a Mysterious Question and necessary to be considered and it set the most curious Wits on work and out of the Magazine of carnal Reasoning came this Conclusion If a Quickened Child in the Mothers Womb shall be in danger to dye thorough the Weakness of the Mother or of the Child or thorough hard Labour let them bless or pray for the Child and let them strengthen the Mothers Womb let them commend the Child to God with Desires to baptize it and can protest saying The Fault is not in them why that Child is not baptized the Observation of these Ceremonies upon the Child's account was judged equivalent to Baptism and the Child concluded to be saved thorough its Parents Belief Cassander de baptismo Thus after the ingress of Apostacy multitudes of Inventions were brought into the Church and to the end they might have favourable Entertainment they were stiled Decent and Doctrines of Christ or Apostolical Traditions Concerning Baptizing of the Dead Thorough the Smoak of the Apostacy after the Apostles dayes such was the Depravation of mens Understandings as that they ascribed the virtue of Renovation Regeneration and Eternal Salvation to Baptismal Water yea and not a few concluded it effectual not only for the Living but also for the Dead so that the Cataphygians and Montanists baptized the Dead Bodies of men as saith Philastrius and Georgius Ederus in his Mataeologia haereticorum There were some saith Sparke that baptized the Dead and put the Sacramental-Bread in their Mouths as their Viaticum udging it better to have such a necessary Ordinance by Proxy then altogether to go without it A Child that dyed unbaptized was taken up and Christened as 't is said and had his Fathers Name given him Magd. Cent. 7. Concerning Baptizing the Living for the Dead Thorough the Apostacy many fell into a dead Lethargy as I may say into a spiritual Sleepiness Drowsiness and Forgetfulness as Israel of old who forgot the Lord dayes without number a Custom crept in among the Marcionites and Cerinthians that when any Catechumenist dyed without Baptism that is such a one as had been instructed in the Principles of Christianity some living Person was placed under the Bed of the Deceased then the Priest came unto the Deceased Party saying Desirest thou to be baptized the Dead Man replying nothing the Party under the Bed answered for it saying I would be baptized thus they baptized him for the Dead as if they acted a Play upon a Stage Tertull. Epiphan de Cerinth haeres Goodwins Roman Jewish Antiquities Paul to the Corinthians said If the Dead rise not at all why are they then baptized for the Dead 1 Cor. 15.29 a Custom saith Piscator on this place not universal nor taken up in all Churches nor among the Corinthians is here noted A Custom saith this Piscator sprung up among the ancient Christians of being baptized at or over the Graves of the Dead of the Martyrs to testifie saith he that with Christ they were dead to sin and ready to dye for him c. But the Churches who bare about in their mortal Bodies the Dying of the Lord Jesus so came to witness his Life manifest in them they knew the Ground of Rudiments and beggarly Elements cast out the End of Shadows and Figures manifested in which they left off John's typical Baptism without and all other irrePtitious Customs and Confusions about the same Of an Annual Baptism that is of such as Baptize themselves every Year The Habbasines a kind of mongrel Christians in Affrica baptize themselves every year on the day of Epiphany so called in Lakes or Ponds thereby to keep a Memorial of Christs Baptism in Jordan which was performed on the aforesaid day as many of the Ancients conjectured Trapp on Matth. 3. Of Outward Fire used in Baptism The Apostacy prevailed with and in the Church as a Consumption upon a Mortal Body which weakens the Body by little and little causeth Leanness and turns the Body to the Dust so the Apostacy crept in by little and little the Cross of Christ being turned from Weakness followed spiritual Leanness that was lost which opens Scriptures and fulfils them in men so conceits conceivings mis-apprehensions mis-interpretations got place as from that