uncircumciâ—ion availech but a new creature Gal. 6. 15. and so people may understand wherefore Paul as well as others did baptize although they might not be sent to Baptize nor Circumcise yet he did both for he became all things to all that he might win some out of all unto Christ the end of all things that was to stand but their time but when the Baptists were in strife one for Paul and others for Apollo and Cephas but then they were carnal 1 Cor. 3. 3. and then Paul told those Baptists plainly he was not sent to Baptize 1 Cor. 1. 17. and 1 Cor. 1. 12. some went to subvert those believers that were turned from among the Gentâ—les nnto God saying they must be Circumcised after the manner of Moses or else they could not be saved but when the Apostles and Elders and brethren and the whole Church was met together at Jerusalem and when they had confâ—rred about the matter it seemed good unto the Holy Ghost and unto them to write letters and send them with chosen men unto Anâ—ioch and this was the substance which is there mentioned of their letters to let them know they gave no such command for Circumcision or such things mark and how they laid no greater burden upon them then these necessary things saying that if ye abstain from meats offered to Idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication from which if you keep your selves ye shall do well fare ye well Acts 15. 25. and here you may see there was neither Circumcision nor observing the seventh day for a Sabbath neither water Baptism or any such things laid upon the Church that from among the Gentiles were turned unto God neither by the Holy Ghost nor the general Assembly of Saints at Jerusalem and therefore if any come among the people now to cry up Circumcision or water Baptism to be a command of Christ to us because there was Circumcision with hands and water Baptism practiced before Christs Resurrection and after by the Apostles yet the Scripture saith no greater burthen then these necessary things before mentioned in Acts 15. for we see now the Circumcision is that of the heart and the Baptism is with the spirit in the name which saves and so now there is no need of those old outward things because the end of them is come within which is Christ the better hope and his Bâ—ptism is with the spirit into the one body and his Circumcision is of the heart and ears and so he sitteth the true worshippers to worship the Father in the spirit and in the truth and such are built upon the Rock which the gates of Hell cannot prevail against and therefore cannot be moved when the sects of the Baptists or Priests or they of the Circumcision comes like the troubled Seas foaming out their own Jude 1â— shame against the Lamb and his followers who gets the victory over all through sufferings and blessed are all those that waâ—teth in the patience faithful unto the end And now concerning outward bread and wine which the Papists and the several Sects of the Priests and likewise the Sects of the Baptists use concerning and pertaining to their worship some calling of it the Sacrament and some the Lords Supper and every one useth those good creatures according to their vain imaginations and every Sect of them counts their own way right to use bread and wine and Pro. 16. 2 water concerning their worship both Papists and Baptists and all the other Sects of Priests which cry up visible things to be Ordinances of Christ pertaining to their worship and such worships now is not the true worship of the true God the Father for he is and ought to be worshipped in the Spirit and in the truth and all that are out of the Spirit in the visible bread and wine water they are the false worshippers both Papists and other Sects as well as they for they are all subject to the creatures more then to the Creator who is worshipped in Spirit and in truth and all the Statutes and Ordinances after the fall into the transgression in reference to visible things pertaining to the Worship of God in those forms was ordained in time for to stand their time as shadows types figures of good things to come in due time and the end of all those things did come and those that did not know the end of all those things come to redeem the mind to God in due time mark they Idolized them and they were their Idols set up out of their time by the Idolatrous worshippers Hâ—o 〈◊〉 2â— 1 Cor. 12. 31. for in due time God sent forth his Son a more excellent way a new and living way and they that received him in due time he changed them out of the old things which had their time to be set up and to stand until fulfilled and then it was time for them to fall and have an end when Christ had been in them and fulfilled them and was come out of them again and then will-worshippers they sought to hold them up out of their time and thereby drew people from Christ into those things but Christ called out of those things to take up the Cross and follow him who fulfilled those things and he sent those that followed him forth to call others which were without ready to perish with those things and therefore to come into the Fathers house for all things were ready there they that would not forsake those things and come into Christ where all things was ready they should Luke 14. not taste of the Supper and it is said as they were eating Jesus took bread and blessed it and brake it and gave it unto his Disciples and said Take eat this is my body and he took the Cup and gave thanks and gave it to them saying Drink ye all of it for this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins Matth. 26. 26. 1 Cor. 11. 24. And now both Papists and Baptists and many other carnal-minded people imagineth that bread and the cup of Blessing to be outward bread and wine and therefore they will be eating and drinking outward bread and wine and when they have been asked to prove their practice to be a Command of Christ by the Scripture then they have run to those Scriptures as if they would have proved something for them but we find those Scriptures to be against them for there it is said in Matth. â—6 1 Cor. 11. The Bread was his body which was broken for them and the Cup was his blood which was shed for the remission of sins but the natural man doth not know the things of God because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2 1â— and so they eat visible creatures and do not dicern the Lords Body now the visible bread and drink is for the satisfying the hunger and thirst of
the visible body being received in the fear of the Lord but the bread of life and the fruit of the heavenly Wine doth satisfie the hungry Soul and the immortal Soul that hungereth and thirsteth after righteousness cannot be satisfied without that Bread of Life and Blood which Christ gave unto his Disciples and with the light you may easily perceive that proved to be the spiritual meat for Christ said I am the Bread which came down from Heaven John 6. 41. but that troubled the professing Jews even as our words of Truth doth trouble both Papists and the rest of the Sects that use visible bread and set that in stead of the invisible Bread of God which came down from Heaven and gives life unto the world John 6. 33. and when we say the bread and drink which Christ gave unto his Discâ—ples was his body and blood according to the Scriptures then they wonder and some of them hath said how could he give them his body to eat and drink and such was the Jews carnal reason when Christ said The bread that I will give is my John 6. 52 flesh then the Jews strove among themselves saying How can this man give us his flesh to eat then Jesus said unto them Verily verily I say unto you except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood you have no life in you John 6 51 52 53. but this was a hard saying unto the Jews and also to the Disciples that looked without at the flesh and blood that was visible insomuch that many were offended and went back and walked no more with Jesus for he said unto them Doth this offend you What and if you shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before it is the Spirit that quickneth the flesh profiteth nothing the words that I speak unto you they are Spirit and they are Life vers 63. and so he did give his body and blood and life unto his Disciples as he said in Matth. 26. for he had life in himself to give John 5. 26. unto whom he would and unto this agree those Scriptures which speaketh of heavenly and spiritual gifts that were given unto the Saints which were to feed the flock of God with that which they had received and they did feed some with the milk of the Word that were as new born babes and 1 Cor 3 â— Heb â— 1â— some with strong meat as they were able to bear it and so they broke bread or devided the Word aright as good stewards of the manifold grace of God 1 Pet. 4. 10 and so that which they received of the Lord they ministred unto others 1 Tim. 2. 15. according to their gift or ability as Paul said after he had asked the Corinthians whether they had not houses to eat and to drink in For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you 1 Cor. 11. 23. and they had received the word of reconciliation and the life and truth it self and that they declared and delivered a right according to every ones ability and so they break bread from house to house as Acts 2. 46. the Scripture saith And they kept the Feast but not with the â—â—aven of malice and wickedness but with the unleavened bread of sâ—ncerity and truth 1 Cor. â— â— and this was their manner of breaking of bread or ministring spiritual things who did not handle the Word of God deceitfully but devided that a right which they had seen tasted and handled which was 2 Câ—r 4. 2. Heb. 6 5 1 John 1. 1. good unto them whose affections were set upon things above those natural things which the natural man looketh at Now you may see there is not a word in Scripture that ever Christ or the Apostles did Command breaking of outward visible bread but Christ whose Words were Spirit Life said I am the bread that came down from Heaven that a man may eat of and not dye again he said Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood ye have no life in you John 4. and the true worshippers worship the Father in Spirit and in truth and he that eateth of Christs body the bread of Life shall live by him said Christ John 6. 57. and he said the bread that he brake and gave to his Disciples was his body and the cup was his blood which he gave them then mark what he said But I say unto you I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Fathers Kingdom John 5. 1. and he that will drink of the fruit of this vine with Christ must first come into the Kingdom of God for there is the Throne and Table of the Lord known and when one of them that sate at meat with him heard these things he said unto him Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the Kingdom of God Luke 14. 15. Here it speaks of eating and drinking in the Kingdom of God but the natural Jews and Baptists doth not know how those things should be because they are spiritually discerned and so they deceive themselves and others that set up and cry up visible things in the room of that which is invisible and such beguile people in a voluntary humility intruding into those things which they have not seen vainly puft up by their fleshly earthly and sensual knowledge and not holding the head such the Apostle Paâ—l speaks of to the Câ—lâ—ssians that they might beware of them saying Wherefore 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 which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will-worship and humility and neglect of the body Col 2. And so in love and pitty unto poor Souls have I freely declared and rightly proved that which first I received of the Lord in the Light which gives the right understanding hâ— that can receive them let him do it freely in the Light THE END
desire to walk in the way of truth unto Zion the City of the living God where Peace is to be enjoyed for evermore FIrst the Baptist affirmed That the Eternal Spirit that was in Christ was not the Saviour of the world Answ Here they deny the true God to be the Saviour of the world who was in Christ the Authour of Eternal Salvation the ground and foundation of all truth who is a Spirit and is Eternal and God the Father and Christ the Son whose Name is called the Word of God and the Eternal Spirit or Holy Ghost are one and the Father was in the Son and the Son was in the Father John 14. 11. and he that hath seen the Son hath â—oh 10. 30 seen the Father and God who is the onely Invisible and Eternal Spirit saved all the holy men of God in the dayes of old since the beginning and when the old world was drowned God saved Noah 2 Pet. 2. 5. and the Eternal God said by the Prophet Isaiah Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth for I am God and there is none else Isa 45. 22. there is no God effectual besides the Eternal Spirit that is a Just God and a Saviour vers 21. and this Saviour said I even I am the Lord and besides me there is no Saviour Isa 43. 11. And the Apostle said The Lord is the Spirit 2 Cor. 3. 17. and this Eternal God who is a Spirit was he that saved all the holy men of God and they both Prophets and Apostles called God their Saviour 1 Tim. 4. 10. Titus 7. 3. and this Everlasting God and Eternal Spirit that was the â— Pet. 1. 1. â—ude 25. onely Saviour of all the holy men of God the Apostle said to wit That God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself 2 Cor. 5. 19. and Christ was in God and sometime the Apostle called Christ Lord and Saviour and they also called God their Saviour for they were one in the beginning before the world was but the Baptists doth not see how Christ â—ut the boâ—y without â—he Spirit is dead â—am 2. 26. and God are one as one of them said and therefore denies the Eternal Spirit that was and is in Christs body to be the Saviour and so blaspemously hath denied both the Father and the Son and there is no Saviour besides the Eternal Spirit which was God manifest in the flesh and if any should read this and not perceive the things of God and so not believe the Words of truth read the 13th of Hosea and 14th verse were God saith Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt and thou shalt know no God but me for there is no Saviour beside me and all those that readeth this with a right understanding may see and perceive the Baptists to be ignorant of the Power of God and also of the Scriptures which doth so largely speak of that God that was in Christ to be the onely Saviour but time might fail us to bring all those Scriptures which doth speak of God to be the Saviour Baptists Affirmed That Christ was not come to them yet the second time nor yet to any man upon the face of the earth Answ Here the Baptists hath manifested themselves openly to be Reprobates according to the Scripture and therefore it is no marvel why they oppose the light in others so much seeing they deny Christ the light to be come to them the second time and there were such in the Apostles dayes that sought a proof of Christ speaking in the Apostle Paul who said unto them Examine your selves whether ye be in the Faith prove your own selves know you not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be Reprobates 2 Cor. 13. 5. and now you may see the Baptists yea the very chief among them are Reprobates out of the Faith the Saints were in who preached Christ in them the Hope of Glory and said He is come that is true and they were in him that is true even in his Son Jesus Christ and so they that did receive him at his coming to dwell in them he gave them an understanding how to preach him up in others and also in Heaven at the right hand of God but they that do not know him come to them they do not know him in any other Creature in Heaven or in earth and where the true Christ the Son of God who is a quickning Spirit doth not Rule there the Antichrist ruleth the son of perdition ruleth the old man of sin reigneth in them and over them and he maketh them subject to sin and now Antichrist is come up very high in these Baptists and he doth appear very bold in them insomuch that they deny the true Christ to be come the second time to them or to any other Creature but the Scripture is so far a witness against them that all the moderate people may see that they are ignorant of the things of God and also of the Scriptures and so altogether unfit to preach unto others for how can any truly preach Christ to come to others that doth not know him come unto themselves Paul was a persecutor before he knew Christ revealed in him but after it pleased God to reveal his Son in him then he was fit to preach the manner of his coming in others Gal. 1. 16. and Christ said unto his Disciples he dwelleth with you and shall be in you I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you John 14. 18. and John in his Epistle said We know that the Son of God is come and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true and we are in him that is true even in his Son Jesus Christ 1 John 5. 20. here John said he is come but the Baptists saith he is not come and so are out of the Faith and Doctrine that the Apostles were in and John spake of such false prophets that were entred into the world as these Baptists are who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh this is a deceiver and an Antichrist 2 John 7. Mark he doth not say there he that denies that he was come or shall come but he saith who confess not that he is come in the flesh Mark that for both Papists and other Priests and the Baptists and we do all believe that he did come in the flesh and was crucified without the Gates of Jerusalem and also that he shall come at the last day to Judge the quick and the dead according to the Scriptures but this is the great controversie which we have with all those about this matter that is whether Jesus Christ be manifested or come in the flesh now according to the Scripture but all that resist the light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world they resist the true Christ which the Apostles and we say
which is Christ the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world John 1. â— and no other do we Preach to be Christ but he that said I am the light of the world he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of Life John 8. 12. John 12. 46. which is Christ the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world John 1. â— and this is the light which we have Preached up at the right hand of God who dwells in his people according to the Scriptures and no other Christ do we own but he which all the Prophets bare witness of and that John said was the true light as we have proved very plainly by the Scriptures and that thousands of people know which are not come yet to walk in the light but if they do not harden themselves but fear the Name of the Lord in due time they shall know the rising of the Son of righteousness with healing under his wings and the wicked shall be brought down in them and for them and now all moderate people may see these Baptists to be blasted with a thick mist and overcome with grosse darkness who make it their work to deny the true Christ the Son of the onely true God and so denies the Father also for no other light do we Preach to be the Christ the Saviour the Son of God but he that hath said I am the light of the world and he that believeth in him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already and this is the condemnation that light is come into the world and men love darkness rather then light because their deedâ— are evil John â— 19. And here their Teachers are found one against another about the light and now people may see the Apostles words are true who spake of such boasters proud blasphemers having a form of godliness but denying the power and now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses so do these also resist the truth men of corrupt minds reprobaâ—e concerning the faith But they shall proceed no farther for their folly shall be made manifest to all men that reads this with the light as theirs also was 2 Tim. 3. and take notice what Petâ—r saith but there were false Prophets also among the people even as there shall be false Teachers among you who privily shall bring in damnable Heresies even denying the Lord thaâ— bought them and bring upon themselves swift dâ—struction â— Pet. â— 1. and these Baptists that deny the Eâ—ernal Spirit to be the Saviour of the world and also deny tâ—e true light and so they now while they are in their form crying up outward things to be Ordinances for a prerence and so bring in damnable Heresies And so did the Pharisees that were exceeding wicked cry up the Temple and such things and for a pretence made long prayers Mat. 23. â—4 But whosoever shall deny me before men him will I also deny before my Father which is in Heaven saith Christ Mat. 10. 33. therefore be warned in time you that be not past feeling for this I know that it had been good for such wicked blasphemers that they had never been born â—hen so lightly and rashly to deny the onely Son of God which is the light of the world for he that despised Moses Law dyed without mercy under two or three witnesses of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath troden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified as an unholy thing and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace Heb. 1â— 28. 29. Another Baptist at Nethurst meeting afore mentioned affirmed That Christ was not a Spirit and bid one Humphery Killingâ—eck prove iâ— if he coâ—ld Answ God is a spirit John 4. 24. and Christ said he and his Father was one John â—0 30. and he is a quickening Spirit the Scripture saith but the Baptist saith he is not a spirit for they make flesh their arm and therefore look without to know him after the flesh although the Apostles said they were to know him so no more mark Thus saith the Lord Cursed be the man that trusteth in man maketh flesh his arm and whose heart departeth from the Lord for he shall be like the heaâ—h in the desert and shall not see when good cometh Jâ—r 17. 5. 6. and blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord and whose hope the Lord is Jâ—r 17. 7. and the quickening Spirit is both Christ and Lord. Now concerning Jesus Christ our Lord hâ—w he came in the form of a man or how he took flesh upon him he was of the seed of Abraham and David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead Rom. 1. and when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son born of a Virgâ—n and made under the Law and then he made himself of no reputation but Gal. 4. took upon him the form of a servant and so came under Tutors and Governours for a time in that form of a man or in that body which was prepared under the Law in the time of signs and types and figures and shadowes of good things to come and there was Ciâ—cumcision without and Baptisme withâ— outward water and Synagogues and Temples made with hands and he like unto other men came into those things in that body of flesh which he â—ook upon him and so fulfilled all those things which did signifie of that which is become more excellent unto us and so he passed through those things which were but shadows â—nd went to his Father from them as a shadow for it is said a cloud received him out of their sight and while he was among them in that form he was also rejected and grieved to see their wickedness in so much that he wept over them and was taken by wicked hands and crucâ—fied and put to death and slain and pierced by them and was laid in a Sepulchre a figure and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures and appeared unto Mary like a gardiner and also he appeared unto his Disciples in another form Mark 16. and so he tasted death for every creature for in him was life and the life was the light of men and he said John 10. I lay down my life that I may take it again no man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again and so he took flesh upon him and offered once for all who perfected for ever them John 6. that are sanctified but the flesh profiteth nothing and he was one with the Father before the world was made and he wâ—nt to the Father again and was and is one with the Father and he and
the Father are one John 1â—â—0 but neither the Jews nor these Baptists doth not see how for they neither know the Christ of God nor the Father that say he is not a Spirit Joh. 8. â— but the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. â— 1â— and therefore the Baptists being natural saith Christ is not a Spirit but they in whom Christ is revealed know him to be a Spirit as the Apostle said and so it is written The first man Adam was made a living soul the last Adam was made a quickening Spirit â— Corin. 15. 45. mark that you may see how carnal the Baptists are Another Baptist at the aforementioned meeting affirmed That Christ and God was not one Answ This is altogether contrary to these Scriptures which are Christs own words read these Scriptures in the light and you need no farther proof I and my Father are one Joh. 10. 30. Holy Fathâ—r keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me that they may be one as we are Joh. 17. 11. and now people may see with the light that is risen in the conscience how these Baptists hath separated themselves sensual having not the Spirit Jude 19. And when these Baptists were justly charged with confusion for speaking three or four together to one of us Matthew Caffin said to Joseph Fuce it was to make him silent and also when Matthew Caffin was required to prove what he had accused us of or else he had proved himself a false accuser then Matthew Caffin Baptist Teacher said they were fain to cavil hard with us and many such like swelling words and boasting false accusations and affirmations against the truth and us that own it but their proud boasting words being so unsavoury I shall not meddle with them all they are too many but those that are so much against the truth I am constrained to answer for the truths sake and in the Power of the Spirit did I justifie the truth against its gainsayers to their faces and then they fled into confusion and cavilling making use of that to make us silent as Matthew Caffin said and all that doth understand the Scriptures of truth knoweth such there were and such there are as Peter said There shall be false Teachers among you who privily shall bring in damnable heresies even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift destruction 2 Pet. 2. 1. Now if their hearts should be vexed because their Ezek. 3. 9. folly is so manifested openly they may blame themselves for these damnable heresies were taken from their own mouths at the meeting aforementioned and most of them were affirmed by Matthew Caffin one of their chief Teachers who said they were fain to cavil hard and use confusion to make us silent who did then as at other times earnestly contend for the Faith which was once delivered unto the Jude 3. Saints but now mark what James said But if ye have bitteâ— envying and strife in your hearts glory not and ly ' not againâ—t thâ— truth this wisdom descendeth not from above but is earthly sensual devilishs or where envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work â—ames 3. 14 15 16. And those Baptists were found boasting themselves enviouâ—ly and cavilling hard and in confusion as Matthew Caffin said and gloried into his own shame and the rest of the Baptists that resist the truth let it be especially to them that were with him and did not reprove him such as is here mentioned and answered have they often brought forth since they opposed the light and gainsayed the truth and so by their fruits are they known unto those that do not wilfully resist the light More of the Baptists Principles declared and affirmed by Matthew Caffin Baptist Teacher at another time and place as is hereafter mentioned at Chichester upon the 30th day of the 3d month 1659. MAtthew Caffin affirmed That Christ and his Spirit was distinct one from the other and at a Meeting at Henry Copeses at Ellsted in Surrey he declared and stood to affirm the same thing again before many people at that Meeting Answ Here this deceiver goeth about to divide Christ or to make people believe there is a dead Christ without a Spirit for James saith The body without the Spirit is dead James 2. 26. and Christ said I am alive for evermore Rev. 1. 18. and this deceiver hath falsly said we deny the Resurrection but now it is fallen upon his own head for if Christs body were without a Spirit then were it dead according to the Apostles Words and if he were dead without a Spirit according to the Baptists doctrine then were he not risen so in effect he hath plainly denied the Resurrection but if thousands should deny him yet he abideth faithful and lives forever you may take notice there were such that came among the Corinthians that were in contention and Paul asked them whether Christ were divided or was Paul crucified for them as if one might be as possible as the other but of a truth Christ is not divided but he is both Lord and Christ and the Lord is that Spirit which proceeded from the Father and went again unto the Father and he and the Father is one and all that doth truly and rightly know these things they must be converted into the light first for great is the Mystery of Godliness And now if there be any so wilful as not to believe that Matthew Caffin is a deceiver by all these fore-mentioned fruits of his which are sufficient proofes mark then see how William Jeffery one of his chief brethren proves plainly that Matthew Caffin is led by the spirit of Antichrist and in a very deceitful secret way denies Christ come in the flesh but that ignorant envious man William Jeffery did intend that should have been a proof against us but it doth not at all concern us for all people that hath heard and rightly understood our Doctrine of Christ and his Spirit which is in his body they know we have declared Christ to be a quickening Spirit in his body and also to be the head of the Church which is his body as the Scriptures saith Eph. 5. 30. Col. 1. 2â— and the Saints were Members of his body and of his flesh and of his bones and he was their head over them and in them all Col. â— 11. and so in his Name and Power do we preach him up to be the light within the body and not apart from the body as Matthew Caffin hath affirmed him to be distinct the body from the Spirit But how fit a proof hath William Jeffery brought against his brother and fellow-messenger Matthew Caffin in the 68 pag. of their own book with their names to â—â— in the 68 pag. William Jeffery his words chiefly is to prove them
is of Christ Colos 2. 16 17. Now they that do not go into the observation of the Sabbaths cannot be Judged in them by any man mark that but the Apostle Judged some among the Galatians saying Ye observe dayes and moneths I am afraid of you least I have bestowed my labour in vain Gal. 4. 1â— for his labour was to bring them out of the observation of dayes and outward things to Christ within who is Lord of all days yea he is and shall be known Lord of all and therefore it is his right to Rule over all when he comes and therefore be not offended when he would arise to Rule and Reign in you for blessed are they that are not offended in him who hath born the iniquity of us all and he lighteth every man that cometh into the world and that light is the Law of the Spirit which is of him and this Law is their Teacher that love it and are guided by it out of darkness unto Christ which is the Law-giver that taketh away the sin and fulfills the righteousness of the Law in man and then man is at the end of the Law with Christ who brings in Grace and Peace and everlasting righteousness within them that first become obedient Gal. 3. 24. unto the Law which is light within which was our Schoolmaster and the Apostles Schoolmaster to bring them to Christ who fulfilled those visible things in which he was in and passed through for in the time of Circumcision when eight dayes were accomplished for the Circumcising of the Child they called his Name Jesus Luke 2. 21. and he was baptized of John in Jordan for so he came unto John to fulfill that Ministration as well as Circumcision but John would not a had it so yet Christ said suffer it to be so now for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousnes when he was baptized then was not that fulfilled mark straight way he went out of the water Mat. â— 16. then began Johns Baptism to decrease and Christs Baptism to increase which was more excellent and so after Christ haâ— been in the Synagogues and Temple made with hands and in water Baptism he came Mat. 23. 38. out of them and said behold your house is left unto you desolate and he came straight way out of the water and left them there that would not leave that and follow him the fulfiller of all thâ—se things into the Kingdom of rest and peace Joh. 3. 15. Pet. 4. 7. for ever Mark then they that abode in the Temple-worship cryed the Temple of the Lord yet were in envy against Christ the Lord of all who left their Temple desolate and they that were baptized after a little time ran into contentions because Christ was not among them in the water to keep them out of the contention but then he had left both Temple and water and they that did not leave those things to follow him who is the Prince of peace they were and are in the contention in and about those things wch were fulfilled because 1 Cor. 1â— 11. 1 Cor. 3. â— Christ the Prince of peace was not with them then to keep them out of the strife contention and envy which they were in that did not follow Christ who went straightway out of the water and out of the Temple and Synagogues and left them desolate But if any of you tender hearted ones should be â—uâ—stioning whether Christ did not command water Baptism afterwords unto his Disciples when he sent them forth to Preach and Teach Now be low with your minds turned in to the light waiting in the fear of the Lord that you may be the siâ—â—er to understand my answer which shall be unto you according to the Scriptures and I hope shall be plain to satisfie all reasonable moderate people concerning water Baptism For verily I say unto you I had never any command from the Lord to be baptized with outward water neither to Baptize any creature in outward water but the Lord hath commanded me to do that which is far greater and much more harder to the creature but by the power of his Spirit in the light was I made able to do it yet of my self have I nothing to boast of because the work is the Lords and the power by which it is done and I his servant have said unto some of those Baptists Teachers if they could prove water Baptism to be a command of Christ in this day I should own it but they could never yet bring me any Scripture that would serve for a plain proof without wresting and also I have searched the Scriptures in which I find written how Christ sent forth many Disciples then as now also and I do not find any where in the Scriptures that he sent them to Baptize in water after Johns Baptism decreased there is in Matthew the 10. Mark 6. Luke â— and 10. Chapters how Christ sent forth many Disciples and commanded them what they should do in his Name but water Baptisme is not mentioned there but if any should say he baptized then himself for he was not crucified then I answer and say he did baptize but his Baptism was not with water but with the Holy Ghost and with fire Mat. 3. 11. and Christ said verily verily I say unto you he that believeth on me the works that I do shall he do also and greater works then these shall he do because I go unto my Father John 14. 12. and so it doth appear Johns Ministry of Baptism was with water but Christs with the Spirit for he both Circumcised the heart and ears and baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire which were spiritual things and the Apostle said therefore seeing we have this Ministry as we have received mercy we faint not for they were believers 2 Câ—r â— 1. and were to do the same works that Christ did and so as he did so were they to do by the power of his Spirit in them and all those that believed and came to be of the body after Christ Ascended up on high they were all baptized by one spirit into one body the first of the Corinthians 12. 13. And the spirit was with them and they with the spirit did bring or baptize into the one body by the power and sword of the spirit which is the Word of God which they handled so it is plain their works were spiritual and their weapons were not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds 2 Cor. 10. 4. and they Ministred spiritual things 1 Cor 9. 11. and consider rightly that place of Scripture the 28. of Matthew which the Baptists so often hath brought to prove water Baptism to be a command of Christ to his Disciples but that Scripture doth not at all speak of water and they are not onely wrong in putting water in the room of the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost but also
in their not going forth into all the world to Preach the Gospel to every creature for so was that command Mark 16. 15. And it is said go ye therefore and teach all Nations Baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Mat. 28. â—9 Mark there is nothing spoken at all of water but there Christ commands them to teach and baptize in the Name of the Father Son Holy Ghost which Name saveth for his Name is exalted above evety name and is a strong Tower the righteous flee unto it and are safe and so they Pro 18. 10. Phil. 2. 9. were to bring into or baptize in that which saved and kept them safe that believed through the Preaching of the Gospel in the Name and power of God but the Baptists say they that believe should be baptized with water as if there were no difference between the Name that saveth and a little water which can do no more then the Hypocrites did which made clean the out-side but were as filthy within as the Baptists are that are against the spirit and life it self for it is not the putting away the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 3. 21. and the Apostle said there was one Lord one Faith Eph. 4. â—â— one Baptism the spiritual Baptism is the onely Baptism wch by the power and the operation of the spirit that was in the Apostles they brought people into the one body which Christ was the head of they baptized them in the Name and there would Christ be in the midst of them that met in his Name to keep them in unity and peace for he is the Prince of Mat. 18. 2â— Isa 9. 6. peace but those Baptists that are in contention among themselves and in confusion some for one thing and some for another some observing one day for a Sabbath and some observing another they may perhaps have been baptized in water but I am sure they are not baptized by the one spirit into one body and Name of Christ for then would Christ be in the midst of them to keep peace among them but there is bitterness strife and contention in the midst of them and Christ said unto them that were baptized in his Name and were to baptiâ—e in his Name whatsoever they ask of the Father in his Name they should receive it and now let all the tender hearted Baptists be awakened to search and examine themselves whether they be in the faith and have asked of God in the Name or out of the Name of Christ They surâ—ly do know whether they have received that which they have asked for or not and so may they come to know whether they have been baptized as Christ commanded in Mat. 28. or as the Baptists teachers hath imagined and so they have wrested that Scripture as they do others to their own destruction and thereby hath deceived many others making them believe water is there included or that is a command for water when water is not so much as mentioned there but the Name which saves all that are in it mark how plain the Scriptures proveth a great difference between water Baptisme and the Baptism in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost for there were some in the Apostles days that after they did believe were baptized into Johns Baptism but they had not heard of the holy Ghost mark how they might have bin deceived with Johns Baptism had not they come to Paul who examined them about the matter and found how they were led back into Johns Baptism and then he taught them and then they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus for it is said concerning Paul when he came to Ephesus and finding certain Disciples he said unto them Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed and they said unto him we have not so much as heard whether there be any holy Ghost and Paul said unto them unto what then were you baptized and they said unto Johns Baptism then said Paul John verily baptized with the Baptism of repentance saying unto the people that they should believe on him that should come after him that is on Christ Jesus when they heard this they were baptized into the Name of the Lord Jesus Acts 19. from the first to the fifth verse and now see whether the chief Baptists have not need to be taught and baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus for all their water Baptisme which was Johns Ministration and now concerning other Scriptures which hath been brought by the Baptists as the 10. of the Acts where Peter asked a question indeed about water but commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord and Philip Baptized the Eunuch in water but the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost is not mentioned there see Acts 8. 38. so it is plain there is a destinction and great difference between water Baptism and the Baptism of the spirit or in the name that saveth but some may say there was water spoken of and practised by some I say yes they did in their freedom use water baptism which was Johns Ministration and Paul who was not behinde the very chiefest Apostle for he said he laboured more then them all yet not I said he but the Grace of God which was in him and he did Baptize Crispus and Gains and also the houshold of Stephanus he baptized but yet he thanks God he baptized no more of them for he said Christ sent him not to baptize but to Preach the Gospel 1 Cor. 1. 17. and now it is plain if it could be proved that some of the Apostles were sent to Baptize with water that would be nothing to them now that speak of baptizing with water for what would that be to those Baptists which dippeth in water now seeing Paul who after them that Christ spake to in Mat. 28. was made an able Minister of the Gospel by the Revelation of Christ in him and Christ sent him among the Gentiles or heathen not to Preach up water Baptism and so to bring them into the water mark but to Preach the Name of Christ among the Gentiles and to bring them into the name which saved them and so all people that doth understand those things may see all that ever the Baptists have done is but by immetation according to their imaginations for if that which the Baptists bring for the proof of their command to Baptize did not reach unto Paul who was so eminent surely it doth not reach unto these Baptists but Paul did Circumcise and baptize by permission for a time as it doth appear that he might win the more out of those old things which was to passe away unto Christ that maketh old things away and then the new creature is witnessed which availeth for it is said neither Circumcision nor