that so we should serve sin no longer Let us once more briefly consider of the words of the Apostle here V. 3. Those that were baptised into Jesus Christ were baptised into his death therefore not into materiall water for the death of Christ with the power and vertue thereof is not nor cannot be materiall water therefore the Baptisme here spoken of cannot be meant of materiall water V. 4. We are buried with him by Baptisme into death therefore not into materiall water for death and water is not one but by vertue of our being baptised into death with Christ so as Christ was raised by the glory of the Father so we should walk in newnesse of life by vertue of our partaking of the power of Christs death and resurrection in this spirituall Baptisme which consists in power from on high V. 5. The Apostle concludes it must so follow for if we have been planted together in the likenesse of his death we shall be also in the likenes of his Resurrection and here let us observe what he before called baptising into Christ baptising into his death buried with him into death by Baptisme now he calls planting together in the likenesse of his death c. but materiall water cannot plant us into the likenesse of Christs death which is in effect the destroying of sin therefore the Baptisme here cannot be materiall water but it is the Baptisme of the Spirit which onely is able to destroy sin and all evill in us and to bring forth the image and likenesse of Christ in us in our new birth and so we see the Commission was fulfilled in changing people from their own name and likenesse and to bring forth the name and likenesse of God in them 3. Again we have another Testimony of the great effect of Spirit Baptisme upon the Corinthians 1 Cor. 6. 11. v. 9 10. the Apostle reckons up severall works of the flesh that raigns in those that shall inherit the Kingdome of God v. 11. he tells them that some of them were such and he also tells them how they came to be changed 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 Here was the work of all power in heaven ad earth wrought upon poor sinfull souls that were full of all abominations and all filthinesse of flesh and Spirit and this was done by washing sanctifying and justifying in the name of him who had all power in heaven and earth given unto him for this very work that souls might be washed cleansed sanctified purified and justified and here is the spirits work also in this great and mighty change wrought in those Corinthians in the name of the Lord Jesus and in the spirit of our God Here is a Testimony of the coming forth of the word spirit of eternal being even from the bosome of eternall love and kindnesse pity and compassion for the eternall God of poor wretched sinfull creatures and here the word and spirit of eternal being coming forth in power from on high is implyed about this great work of wonder in washing cleansing purifying sanctifying and justifying poor undone souls that ly wallowing in their own blood and filthinesse What think ye O ye that have any love to the truth Here you may see a washing but not with material water but a washing in the pure river of water of life clear as Crystall coming forth from the Fountain of all life and sweetnesse and this water is onely able to wash cleanse and sanctifie souls and spirits from all sin and filthinesse of flesh and spirit We can ascribe nothing at all unto materiall water in this great work of washing cleansing sanctifying and justifying of souls in the presence of the infinitely righteous pure and holy God but we do ascribe the whole work hereof unto the mighty God in the Baptism of the eternall Spirit which consists onely in power from on high in spirituall washing in the pure river of living water which continues in us a well of water springing up unto eternall life and I could wish with my whole heart that those who professe to know God would not undervalue the Baptism of the eternall Spirit and set us a poore and beggerly element in the room of so glorious a Baptisme that consists in all power in heaven and earth but now we proceed to the next Testimony Fourthly the next testimony of creatures being baptised into Christ is Gal. 3. 27. For as many of you as have been baptised into Christ have put on Christ The baptisers of our times as they say they are do quite crosse the witnesse of the word here for the Apostle saith here that as many of them as had been baptised into Christ had put on Christ but they say none must put on Christ that is professe Christ first and be baptised in materiall water afterward but the Apostle saith no such thing here though this were the practise of Johns Baptisme and used afterward as we shall shew more hereafter when we come to answer objections but to observe a little from the words 1. The word saith they were baptised into Christ therefore not into water 2. As many as were baptised into Christ had put on Christ but all that were baptised in material water had not put on Christ no not in those very times Simon Magus for example c. But now we shall observe what it is to be baptised into Christ and what it is to put on Christ which is the effect of being baptised into Christ those that are baptised into Christ are baptised into the power of Christs death and Resurrection and so our sin evill is destroyed by the presence of the power of Christs death in us and a new life is brought forth in us by vertue of Christ living in us And Christ living in us is in all his divine appearances in Spirit and life Christ living in us in the glory of the Father brings forth in us a principle of divine love light wisdome power righteousnesse holinesse purity truth faithfulnesse c. and thus as we have declared before we are baptised into all the divine appearances of Christ in Spirit and so by vertue of being baptised into Christ in all his goodnesse being that fountain of fullnesse of divine treasures in whom God will make creatures partakers of his own name nature I say by vertue of being thus bapsed into Christ we do really put on Christ in his manifestations in light and love by vertue of being baptised into Christ we do really put on Christ in his manifestations in light and love by vertue of being baptised into Christ we walk in the light of Christ and thus we shine forth in the light of God among a crooked perverse people among whom we do live and likewise we do live in the love of Christ this love doth appear unto all men thus we
A CRYER IN THE VVILDERNESSE OF ENGLAND Declaring the Baptisme of the eternall Spirit to be the onely Baptisme in Christs Kingdome Published in Gospel-light according to the word written in the Scriptures and the eternall word written in the hidden man of the heart for satisfaction of those who are satisfied with truth alone By Edward Punch of Carisbrook in the Isle of Wight Who is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ because it is the Power of God to salvation Acts 13. 41. Behold ye despisers and wonder and perish for I work a work in your dayes a work which you shall in no wise believe though a man declare it unto you 1. Cor. 12. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptised into one body whether Jews or Gentiles whether bound or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit Acts 11. 16. Then remembred I the word of the Lord how that he said John indeed baptised with water but ye shall be baptised with the holy Spirit Acts 1. 5. LONDON Printed by T. M. for Richard Moone at the Seven Stars in Pauls Church-yard near the great North doore 1654. To all true Saints in England and elsewhere who are really partakers of Spirit-Baptisme in the Lord JESVS who is the way into the possession and injoyment of eternall grace and glory in the Lord JEHOVAH FRiends in the truth He that hath set his hand to the Plough and looketh back is not fit for the Kingdome of God And I must here declare unto you that Gods Kingdom that he will bring forth in these latter dayes is another manner of building and work than the world or Churches under Antichrists raign doth think of for God is now pulling down the old building that man hath been setting up this many hundred years and O friends I would advise you not to stand looking back upon the old building in Antichrists Kingdome but with the Apostle look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwells righteousnesse Let us who are of the day go toward Zion with our faces thither-ward for looking back hinders seeing what is before us Let us look unto the new Jerusalem the City of the living God that cometh down from God out of heaven and let us not so much as take any notice of the old heavens wherein men would ascend up to God for God hath not bid us look after the old but the new and hath bid us rejoyce for ever in the things that he will create and he hath told us that he that stands upon the Throne makes all things new And this is a clear truth that all the Churches and Church orders of men as they call it are yet in Babel they are all in confusion one with another amongst themselves One saith here is Christ and another saith there is Christ one for one way another for another way one for one order another for another order one interprets Scriptures one way another another way one saith one thing is truth and another saith another thing is truth and many cry out against the clear truth and would if it were possible hinder that from appearing And now how can you imagine that the Churches are out of Babel and yet still in confusion in darknesse and mistakes Christs first coming brought divisions into the world but now it shall bring peace among all Luke 12. 51. Isa 11. Consider a few particulars wherein it doth appear that Babylon is not yet fallen but standeth still even to this day 1. When God brings forth his great work in the latter dayes The wolf and the lamb shall dwell together in peace c. but now we are far from such a disposition for those who look like lambs and are so for ought I know they cannot dwell together in peace and love but are at great difference as well as the lamb and wolf but persecution shall come to an end in the latter dayes and not continue as before therefore look not for such a time now to come 2. In that day the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord but it is now full of ignorance of the Lord as all carnall principles and doctrines of men do witnesse with their works and actions 3. In that day God will get his people a name and a praise in all lands where they have been put to shame but yet they are a reproach in all Lands therefore that day is not yet come 4. In that day God will turne to his people one pure language wherein they shall all serve him with one consent and God will give them one heart and one way the Lord shall be one and his name one c. But none of this is to be found for we see even among those that praise God there are many languagues and they serve God according to their knowledge or ignorance in many wayes and there is no consenting together therefore Antichrist is not yet destroyed so we are yet in the wilderness in Babel Egypt and Sodom where our Lord was crucified c. and as the great difference was between open profannesse and a forme of Godlinesse so now it is between the forme and the power of godlinesse Therefore the loftinesse of man is not laid low nor the Lord alone exalted 5. The promise is that in that day the peace of Gods people shall be great but now it is not so for our divisions are now great and our peace little with men then none shall disturbe nor make them afraid but now there are many disturbers even against the cleare truth Therefore Antichrist is not yet destroyed but doth oppose Christ in Spirit and so Babel or confusion is still present therefore not the new heavens and new earth the worke of God in this world as is cleare by many witnesses 6. When Babylon is fallen the kingdomes of the world shall become the kingdomes of the Lord and of his Christ this must needs be in another manner of way then before for all Nations are at Gods disposing still even in the highest of Antichrists raign But we see not this yet fulfilled for the kingdomes of the world are still as they were men are unrighteous unholy without love pity and compassion to their fellow Creatures as they were some have thousands of Gold and Silver and others want food and raiment c. This does not look like the righteousnesse of God in the new heavens and new earth but like the unrighteousnesse of men in the old tyrannical cruell and oppressing kingdome of Antichrist this looks not like the love of Christ but like selfe-love c. as in the Epistle of James Consider farther the Church of Christ was to be droven into the wildernesse of Antichrists kingdome during his reigne and the outward Court of the Temple was given to the Gentiles during Antichrists reigne and I hope you know what this is therefore take not that unto your selves that is given to the Gentiles
God puts the Spirit of life in them then they shall affright all those that dwell upon the earth beware then all those that do live upon earthen principles Doctrines Forms Customes and Traditions of men they shall be all affrighted with a witnesse therefore look to it well that the dispensations you live under be of God and not of man for God will destroy all things below himself though never so excellent and highly esteemed of man So I conclude wishing that we may all live in love now one to another seeing love shall continue to Eternity and let us consider what a low thing it is for believers to live contrary to that which is their life and in which we are all one body and members in particular which is Love A brief description of the particulars contained in this Book 1. The Testimony of John the Baptist concerning his Baptisme and the Baptisme of Christ that was to follow 2. The Testimony of Christ concerning John Baptist and wherein he was greater and lesser then those that went before him and those that followed after him 3. The Testimony of Christ concerning his own Baptism declared in the Commission and in other severall places and what it is 4. Severall dispensations in which God hath manifested himself unto his people at severall times the last being wholly Spirituall 5. That the Baptisme of Christ is to baptise men into the name of God according to the Commission and not into water and what the name of God is into which we are baptised according to the Commission Matth. 28. 19. page 13. laid down in seven particulars 6. Severall Testimonies from the clear word of truth how the Nations come to be partakers of the Baptisme of the Spirit in the Apostles ministry which doth clearly agree with the Commission wherein it doth clearly appear that Christs Baptisme was and is Spirit-Baptisme 7. Twenty four Objections for Water-Baptisme answered wherein it doth appear plainly that Water-Baptisme iâ— no more in force now than other Ceremonies KInd Reader observe that I had said nothing in publick if men had let the the truth alone and walked as their light was and waited upon God for further discovery of truth but when I hear and see men so publickly oppose the clear truth I cannot but speak the things I have seen and heard in witnesse to the truth God having made me a witnesse not man A Cryer in the Wildernesse OF ENGLAND Declaring the Baptisme of the Eternall Spirit to be the onely Baptisme in Christs Kingdome revealed in Gospel-light according to the word written in the Scriptures and the Eternall word written in the hidden man of the heart for satisfaction of those that desire to be satisfied with Truth alone THE best way to reconcile differences in the things of God is to lay aside all humane and traditionall Doctrines of men and look exactly into the testimony of the word of God alone that being an infallible Rule that whosoever follows it in the light and wisdome of the Eternall spirit they cannot erre And God having taught me not to depend upon man whose breath is in his nostrills but to look unto the Lord a-alone whose work alone it is to bring forth the new Creation I desire therefore not to stand looking back upon the old building in the Wildernesse of Antichrists Kingdome after so long and generall Apostafie from the purity of the first Churches in the Apostles times But my desire is with the Apostle to look for new Heavens and a new Earth according to the promise of God Even such Heavens and Earth where the righteousnesse of God doth dwell and not such righteousnesse as men sets up by their humane Wisdome and Counsel I doubt not but these are the dayes wherein God will bring forth the clear light of truth that hath been hid many generations and let men set up what they will or what man can set up yet nothing shall stand in the bright day of Gods coming in spirit in these latter dayes but the purity holinesse and righteousnesse of God which is suitable to the new heavens and new Earth the work of God alone And now among many other things in controversie in our dayes I find a great deal of difference about Baptisme and all for baptising with materiall water some for Infant Baptisme and others for baptising believers And I have if God hath given me understanding in the mystery of the truth searched to find out the right way of Baptisme and I can find neither of these to be the way of Gospel-Baptisme neither can I find by the Testimony of the word of truth that there is any water Baptisme at all to be used by way of Command in the pure spirituall Kingdome of Christ But that water Baptisme was at an end in respect of the command of it when Christ was glorified and came in spirit as all other Ceremonies Types and Figures were And I can find no other Baptisme in Christs Kingdome to be in force but the Baptisme of the Eternall spirit and this I affirm to be all and the onely Baptisme in the Kingdome of Christ And to go about to set up any other Baptisme in Christs Kingdome is all one as if men should set up any other Ceremony all which will alike prove humane and traditionall not spiritual nor of divine Institution and for the proof hereof I shall lay aside all the Judgements interpretations and opinions of men who do casually understand the Scripâ—ures and refer my self and all others for the triall of this tâ—uth unto the testimony of the word of God alone and so fâ—r as any do see the word in the light of God so far they can beliâ—ve it really and no further And that we may see this to be clear truth from the testimony of the word alone that the Baptisme of the Eternall Spirit is the onely Baptisme in Christs Kingdome Let us consider the testimony First of John the Baptist Secondly of Christ And thirdly of the Apostles in their preaching and writing to the people with the Objections of men also for water Baptisme and the answers against it from the clear testimony of the word and not from men in these and severall other particulars according to the word I shall as God enables me proceed in this Discourse for the help of man is vain in the things of God First then we will begin with the Testimony of John the Baptist himself who was the author of water Baptisme and see what he saith for his own Baptisme which was water and what he saith of Christs Baptisme which is Spirit First in Generall we will observe one thing that John declareth and it is this that he was sent to baptise with water Iohn 1. 33. Now let all our water-men in England or in all Nations come forth with their strong reasons and bring one witnesse in the word of truth that saith from Christ that ever he sent his Apostles to baptise
with water or else where any Apostles do testifie in Scripture that Christ did give them a Commission to baptise with water In the mouth of two or three witnesses every thing is established shew me but one such witnesse from any of the Apostles as from Iohn and I will believe it but till you do so I cannot believe you we have witnesse to the contrary 1 Cor. 1. 17. from the chief Apostle Johns businesse was to declare Christ to come that he should be manifested to Israel therefore am I come baptising with water saith he Iohn 1. 31. Shew me such a testimony from any Apostle or else prove your selves Antichrists declaring Christ yet to come in the flesh who is already present in spirit but now to the witnesse of John concerning his own Baptisme and Christs as Matth. 3. Mark 1. Luke 3. John 1. We will begin with the testimuny of Iohn Matth 3. 11. I indeed baptise you with water unto repentance saith Iohn but doth Iohn say this Baptism must continue no But he that cometh after me is mightier than I but shall his Baptisme be water too no saith John as he is mightier so his Baptisme shall be mightier too He shall baptise you with the holy spirit and with fire And verse 12. He declareth the power and efficacy of Christs Baptisme that so none may mistake his meaning for saith he Christ will throughly purge his floor and gather his wheat into his Garner but shall burn up the chaffe with unquenchable fire Here is a clear testimony of the fire and water of the Spirit that shall be powred out upon Souls in Christs Baptisme it shall throughly purge and cleanse his people from their sin and filthinesse and burn up all the chaffe and drosse with spirituall fire which no combustible principle in the creature is able to quench or put out but it shall destroy those corruptions in the flesh and Spirit of man This is the onely Baptisme that Iohn declareth to come after his Baptisme which was but an outward washing this is that Judgement and Righteousnesse that shall redeem Zion and her Converts from sinne and all unrighteousnesse Isa 1. 27. This is that spirit of Judgement and burning whereby the Lord shall wash away the filth of the daughters of Zion Isa 4. 4. Here is a discovery of the true washing or Baptisme of the new Testament all others went before as we may see in the witnesse of Iohn here and else where with Heb. 9. 10. c. which stood in meats and drinks and divers washings and carnall Ordinances imposed on them untill the time of Reformation 2. See another witnesse of John Mark v. 4 5 7 8. Here John baptiseth with water and declareth that there is one that cometh after him that is mightier than he c. I indeed saith he have baptised you with water but he shall baptise you with the holy spirit Here Iohn declares what his Baptism was it was water I have baptised you with water and he also declareth what Christs Baptism should be but not one word of water but he shall baptise you with the holy Spirit O that men had but eyes to see how clearly Iohn distinguisheth betwixt his Baptisme and Christs 3. Luke 3. 15 16 17. In this place it is recorded that the People did generally take Iohn to be the Christ There was great reasoning among them whether he were the Christ or no v. 15. John answers them all v. 16. that he was not the Christ and upon what account they should believe it because he did baptise with water Iohn answered saying unto them all I indeed baptise you with water but one mightier than I cometh the latchet of whose shoâ—e I am not worthy to unloose he shall baptise you with the holy spirit and with fire and so he goeth on to declare the powerfull effects of Christs Baptisme as in Matth. 3. 12. The people were then of the same principle generally that people are of now to look upon the Baptisme of Christ to be an outward washing with materiall water but Iohn takes them off from their expectation and tells them his Office and Person was weak not to be compared with Christ and his Office Indeed sath he I baptise with water but one mightier than I cometh c. he shall baptise you with the holy Spirit and with fire Here Iohn layeth himself and his Baptisme low and declareth that he was not worthy to do the meanest thing in Christs Kingdom and then sure Johns Baptisme and Christs was not all one and Iohn doth highly exalt Christ and his Baptisme and declareth as we have shewed before the great effects of Christs Baptisme v. 17. 4. John 1. 15. In this Chapter Iohn still continueth his testimony of himself and of Christ saying this is he of whom I speak c. in v. 19. to the 23. It is recorded The Iews sent Priests and Levites to examine Iohn whether he were the Christ or who he was and we have here Johns answer who he was and v. 24. it is recorded that they who were sent were of the Pharisees verse 25. we have their question unto Iohn that if he were not the Christ c. then why he did baptise and here by the way we may observe that men of a Pharisaicall principle look upon the Baptisme of Christ to be an outward washing with materiall water I wish men were not so carnall now But presently John crosseth their conceit and telleth them that he baptiseth with water and further tells them that there standeth one among them whom they know not v. 26. Oh that all who do now professe Christ which is more than the Pharisees did were not so ignorant of Christ in the mystery of his Baptisme as the Pharisees were but to observe Johns Conclusion in the businesse he declareth v. 33. the true Baptisme of Christ from the testimony of him that sent John to baptise with water and in Luke 3. 2. we have a proof who it was that sent him even the word of God came unto him c. V. 33. And I knew him not but he that sent me to baptise with water the same said unto me upon whom thou shalt see the spirit descending from heaven and remaining on him the same is he that baptiseth with the holy Spirit and v. 34. He declareth That he saw and bare record that this is the Son of God So we see the testimony of John that he declareth himself and his Baptisme to be weak and Christ and his Baptisme to be strong and mighty and to follow after his therefore sure the Baptisme of Christ is not materiall water as Johns was but if he could see truth in its own light then they might see it as it is in it self but generally men are apt to look upon the word as men have interpreted it for their own ends and interests I doubt for the most part and so they look not upon it as in it self
Spirituall dispensation which is given forth in all power in heaven and earth by him who had received all power for the effecting this work Again Acts 1. 4 5. we have another Testimony of Christ wherein he doth clearly distinguish between his Baptisme that is Spiâ—it and Johns that was water and bids them wait for the Baptisme of the Spirit and being assembled together with them commanded them they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the Father which saith he Ye have heard of me now the next words declare what this promise of the Father was For John truly baptised with water but yet shall be baptised with the holy Spirit not many dayes hence O that men could see this witnesse of the truth in the light and Wisdome of the Spirit how clearly Christ distinguisheth betwixt his Baptisme and that of John and bids his Apostles wait for the fulfilling his Baptisme according to the promise of the Father and himself But here it will be said that this Baptisme was to be wrought upon the Apostles by an immediate power of God and not by man therefore this is not the Baptisme the Apostles were to use by command from Christ but let us in the light of God consider it was requisite the Apostles should be baptised First with power from on high by an immediate power that the promise might be fulfilled and also that they might be able to fulfill the Ministry committed to them and I shall declare one proof that the people were baptised with the same Baptisme the Apostles were in the ministry of the Apostle as in Act. 11. 15 16. c. And as I began to speak the holy Spirit fell on them as on us at the beginning then remembred I the word of the Lord how that he said John indeed baptised with water but ye shall be baptised with the holy Spirit this is not nonsence as some call it but the clear testimony of the truth the Apostles were baptised in this Baptisme by an immediate power and the people were afterward baptised with the same spirit Baptisme by a mediate power in the Ministry of the Apostles the promise of spirit Baptisme was to them and their children c. Acts 2. 33 39. compared together Let us therefore take heed of wresting the Commission of Christ which is a full discovery of the Ministry of God to the Sons of men which was before held forth in types and shadows but now is given forth in all power in Heaven and earth by him in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge and whose presence in Spirit and power put an end to all shadows and this being the Substance of all that was figured out before and promised before could not consist in types shadows and outward washings c. as these dispensations that went before did consist in and that this may appear to be a clear truth let us consider times and things as they are First let us consider the severall dispensation of God to the Sons of men at severall times Secondly and then let us consider in this last The Kingdom of God consists in Spirit and power from on high Luk. 17. 20. 21 Rom. 14. 17. not in outward Ceremonies and observations as Pharisees do imagine dispensation what is meant by baptising all Nations into the name of God and what the name of God is into which all Nations are baptised Thirdly let us observe from the clear testimony of the word how the Nations were made partakers of the Commission which was baptising them into the name of God our Father Son and Spirit let us for the proof hereof consider of the clear Testimony of the word it self and not the opinions of men who do carnally understand the great mystery of God in Spirit and life 1. First then let us observe the first dispensation of God to the sons of men after the fall of Adam was generally held forth in the name of the Father and this in severall types shadows figures and Representations of good things to come and many great and precious promises were revealed but not to be fulfilled unto them but unto us as saith the Apostle Acts 13. 23. Heb. 11. 39. to 1 Pet. 10. 11 12. 2. The second dispensation was generally declared and dispensed in the name of Jesus Christ and this was a middle dispensation coming between the Law and the Gospel and it was more Evangelicall than the Law and more legall than the Gospel and this dispensation continued from the coming of John the Baptist till Christ had finished the work the Father gave him to do in his own person here on earth For in this dispensation though John pointed out Christ more clearly than any before saying Behold the Lamb of God c. Joh. c. 1. Christ spake as never man spake Joh. 7. 46. Ps 45. 2. yet very little of the Spirit was poured out so that the Apostles themselves were ignorant of the mystery of what was declared and the clear discovery of truth was reserved unto the time of the coming of Christ in Spirit in the last dispensation for Christ as well as John declares the Kingdome of heaven to be at hand not come Mark 1. 15. as John saith Matth. 3. 2. and the word also declareth that the Spirit was not given yet because Jesus was not yet glorified John 7. 38. 39. 3. But now when Christ had finished the great work of salvation being risen from the dead in testimony hereof now the time is fulfilled and all is accomplished that was to go before now the time is come that the mystery of God shall wholly be revealed unto the Sons of men in Spirit and power from on high now there are no more types nor figures to be brought forth by way of command to signifie the substance to come but now the substance it self is come which consists in all power in heaven and earth which needs no signs to figure it out it being present And as the former dispensations were given out first in the name of the Father and secondly in the name of the Son so this third and last which is to remain was given forth in the name of Father Son and Spirit as the full discovery of the whole mystery of God unto the Sons of men And it is called Spirit Baptisme never so called before unto former Generations nor never so named till John doth call it so declaring it to come after his Baptism Mat. 3. 12. c. now this being the manifestation of the Spirit that is more glorious than all that went before it it hath pleased God in his wisdome to stile it the Baptism of the Spirit wherein creatures are made partakers of the name and nature of God and though believers in all ages did partake of the Baptisme of the Spirit yet God hath reserved the name and title hereof unto the last times as he hath the greatest pourings out of
justified of her children though both wisdome and her children be condemned as fools and so whatsoever creatures think of us yet the word of Gods eternall wisdome is our guide and the true anointing is our teacher and this is more joy peace and comfort unto us than all the wisdome and glory of the world can be unto all that do live in it and make it their delight and happinesse for a time and thus our name is changed from foolishnesse to wisdome Fourthly the name of God is purity and holinesse Holy is his name and he that hath called you is holy and God is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity 1 Pet. 1. 16. c. the very nature oâ— God is purity it self God is the Originall of all puriâ—y and holinesse but now our Name is quite contrary and so is our Nature we are all unclean and unholy and impure in our very Name and Nature we need go no further for proof hereof than Rom. 3. and our own experience if we have any of the true purity and holinesse of God in us And when we are made partakers of the Baptisme of the Spirit then we are spiritually washed and cleansed from our uncleannesse filthinesse and pollution both of flesh and Spirit then we are dipt into the pure River of the water of life that proceeds forth out of the Throne of God and of the Lamb and as we are washed from the guilt of sin in the blood of the Lamb so we are washed rinced and cleansed from the coruption power and pollution of sinne in the pure fountain of living water clear as Chrystall pâ—â—ceeding from the Throne of God and of the Lamb in Spirit and in power from on high which is onely able to cleanse souls and spirits from spirituall filthinesse Now this is observable that the Baptisme of the Spirit is compared unto fire and water both bâ—ing of a cleansing and purifying nature the fire that conâ—umes destroys and burns up all the drosse and the water that washeth away all the filthinesse And thus the fire and water of the Spirit meets with the whole body of sin and doth by degrees burn it up destroy consume and wash it away so that in the Baptisme of the Spirit we come forth in the new Creation pure clean and holy being refined by the true refiner of souls and as Silver is tryed seven times in the fire and as the man was to wash seven times in the Pool so are we purified and washed and cleansed from all our filthinesse in the pure and precious Baptisme of the Eternall Spirit wherein onely we are baptised into the name and nature of God who is the onely fountain of all purity and holinesse and so the purity and holinesse of God is brought forth in our souls and Spirits and thus we partake of his holinesse and whosoever looks unto any other Baptisme than this they look below the fountain and so looks unto broken cisterns that can hold none of this pure water that washeth and cleanseth souls and Spirits and bodies from their filthinesse and so as the Prophet saith Isa 44 20. They feed of ashes a deceived heart having turned them aside so that they cannot deliver their own souls nor say is there not a lye in my right hand or in my best affections or highest esteem Fiftly Again the name of God is Righteousnesse God is called the Lord our Righteousnesse Jer. 23. 6. and this is also the nature of God the Righteous Lord loveth Righteousnesse God is the onely Fountain of all righteousnesse and all true Righteousnesse proceeds from him alone as the originall root and Fountain of all Righteousnesse But now our own name and nature is quite contrary as we are in our selves in our nature principles and actions our nature that is corrupt ever since the fall of Adam not by Creation but by transgression so that now our best righteousnesses are no better than filthy rags as the Prophet declareth Isa 64. 6. And so now our name is unrighteousnesse sin and evill and this is our nature as far different from the name and nature of God as darknesse is from light Sin from Righteousnesse and Evill from Good But now in the Baptisme of the Spirit our own name and nature is quite changed even from Sinne and Unrighteousnesse of corrupt flesh and blood and we are called by a new name that the Lord Jehovah doth stamp upon us and bring forth in us And God doth not onely call us by a new name stamp his name upon us and record his name in us but God doth also with this name and in this new name bring forth this new nature in us also and change us from our old name and nature which is sin and unrighteousnesse it self and God brings forth his own name and nature in us which is Righteousnesse it self 2 Cor. 5. 21. The Righteousnesse of God is brought forth in us and we are in the new Creation made the Righteousnesse of God in Christ who is the eternall word of the Father and the true Son of Righteousnesse that doth rise upon our souls in spirit and life He is that Root and fountain of Divine Righteousnesse into whom we are planted in the Baptisme of the eternall Spirit and being planted into the root of righteousnesse our very name and nature is changed and we take our name and have our new nature from this pure fountain of eternall righteousnesse The Lord our Rghteousnesse And being thus planted into this pure Fountain and root of Righteousnesse we spring up and grow in righteousnesse and become trees of Righteousnesse of the Lords planting and we have our nourishment we as we may say from the fountain head being watered every moment with the pure waters of life that proceeds from the fountain of Life and all fullnesse Isa 27. 3. And for us to be dipped washed and rinsed in this River of water that makes glad the City of our God Ps 46. 4. and to have this water of life and eternall purity and righteousnsse sprinkled upon our spirits souls and bodies is infinitely more comfort and gladnesse to us than to be dipt into or sprinkled with a little water in our earthly Rivers that being but a Ceremony and an outward washing at the best But still we are to look upon the ministration of the spirit spiritually and so to look upon the name of God to be suitable to his nature which is eternall righteousnesse c. as here we have declared and thus we see that when God doth pour out his spirit from on high upon us then we are changed from our own name and nature which is unrighteousnesse c. and we are baptised into the name of the Father Son and Spirit the onely root nature and being of infinite eternall Righteousnesse and so were all righteous Isa 54. 6. yea the righteousnesse of God 2 Cor. 5. 21. Sixthly The name of God is power the Lord strong and mighty in
the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength Isa 26. 4. c. In this also the name and nature of God is one The Lord is onely strong and mighty yea strength it self and be alone can work and none can let him Isa 40. But our name is quite contrary God hath called us by our names as we are of our selves nothing vanity and our works nothing we are compared to the weakest things as Grashoppers a drop of water a small dust of a ballance perishing creatures our strength as grasse the flower of the field c. Isa 40. But when we are baptised into the name of God which is power from on high then our own weaknesse rules us no longer but the power of God who is infinitely stronger that takes place in our souls and spirits and the Spirit of God being the Spirit of power brings forth a principle of divine power in us the fire of the eternall spirit is stronger than the opposite fire of Lust stubbornesse sin and rebellion that is in us and the fire of the spirit being unresistable and an unquenchable fire it burns up destroys quencheth and quite puts out the opposite fiery strength that it meets with in our spirits which is but weaknesse it self in respect of the strength of the eternall spirit in us And thus in the Baptisme of the spirit which consists in power from on high we are changed from our own name and nature which is weaknesse nothing without strength c. into the name of God now we are strong and powerfull and can do all things through Christ that strengthens us who before could do nothing of our selves and now God hath destroyed our weapons who are carnall and weak and have pulled down our strong holds of sin the world and Devil 2 Cor. 10. and God hath cast down our imaginations and self-exaltations against God his appearances in spirit and it is indeed proper onely unto God in spirit and power from on high to throw down all our own power and strength that exalts it self against God by his power alone for no lesse power can do it and it is proper also unto God to bring forth a principle of divine power in us and to indue us with weapons from on high that so we may be able to fight the good fight and to stand in the day of triall for we can stand by no lesse power than the power of God and thus we are baptised into the Name and Nature of God which is power from on high Seventhly The name of God is mercy pity compassion c. Exod. 34. and this is agreeable to the nature of God it is as naturall to God to shew mercy pity and compassion as it is proper to the Sun to give light the Scripture doth clearly witnesse to this truth too and every soul that hath obtained mercy of the Lord can witnesse the Lord to be a God full of mercy pity and compassion unto him But now if we look upon our own name and read it in Scripture and in our old and corrupt nature we shall find it to be quite contrary to the name of God for we live in wrath Envy and malice hatefull and hating one another Eph. 2. 2 3. Tit. 3. 3. our very name is Envy and Envious c. But when we come through the mercy of God to be partakers of the Baptisme of the Spirit and are baptised into the name and nature of God which is mercy c. then our envy wrath malice and hatred is destroyed and we are made partakers of the name and nature of God then we are filled with mercy pity and compassion And as we were before envious and hatefull against the truth and all that followed it in sincerity proud lofty and hard-hearted toward our fellow creatures now we are quite changed in our hearts minds and natures now we are kind mercifull full of pity and compassion toward all men willing to do good unto all even from bowels of mercy and compassion within us Now we are humble and lowly in heart and of a meek and quiet Spirit suitable to the nature of our Father that is in heaven and thus the Baptisme of the Spirit brings forth the new nature in us Mat. 5 and makes us mercifull as our heavenly Father is mercifull Much more may bee said concerning the Baptisme of the Spirit given forth in a Commission by him who had all power in heaven and earth but this brief discovery of this clear truth I doubt not but it is sufficient to satisfie those that see truth in its own light Even those that have the two great witnesses to witnesse unto them and to confirm them in the truth which is the word written in the Scriptures and the eternall word written in their hearts and minds by the Spirit of the living God which Spirit is the onely witnesse within them revealing the true ministry in them of that word that is written in the Scriptures without them And without this eternall word written in the hidden man of the heart we are never able to understand the mystery of the word written in the Scriptures but till we have the witnesse in our selves we shall Antichrist like carnally understand the Scriptures And now in conclusion of this point I desire all men seriously to consider in their own Consciences which they do think is most suitable to all power in heaven and earth to give out a Commission to baptise men into the name and nature and image and likenesse of God or into materiall water which was but a figure of good things to come and a fore-runner of the substance as the authour himself of it doth clearly testifie as before is witnessed But I know as flesh and bloud cannot inherit the Kingdome of God so neither can corrupt and carnall Principles in the heart of man receive the clear and bright discoveries of God in spirit till the principles of Antichrist the man of sin and mystery of iniquity be quite destroyed out of the hearts and minds of men for so far as men are carnall so far they will worship the Gods of the earth And this will be till the God of heaven have famished them all which will be in his clear and bright coming in spirit power from on high Zep. 2. 11. 2 Thes 2. 8. But now we proceed to the next part of our Discourse which is to shew the testimony of the word how the Nations came to be partakers of the Baptisme of Christ and that it doth appear to be spirit-Baptisme and answers clearly to the Commission of Christ to his Disciples Mat. 28. wherein it doth clearly appear that Christs Commission to his Apostles was as we have before declared to baptise men into the name of God or Father Son and Spirit and not into materiall water as men do carnally understand it First we have a clear testimony in the 11 Chapter of the Acts of the accomplishing of this great
work of Spirit Baptisme wherein the Commission of Christ is fulfilled according to the clear testimony of the Commission it self Acts 11. 15 16 17 18. 1. Here is Peters preaching the Gospel according to his Commission he had received of Jesus Christ 2. Here is the spirit falling on the People as Christ had promised saying Ye shall be baptised with the holy spirit 3. Here is Peters remembring the words of the Lord with his Testimony what it was That John baptised with water but they should be baptised with the Spirit 4. Upon this great work of the spirit wrought on the people here is Peters Apology that seeing God had in his ministry baptised the Gentiles with the Baptisme of the spirit as they were at the beginning that he could not withstand God 5. Here is the Testimony of those brethren that came with Peter who were eye-witnesses of this great work of God upon the Gentiles Then they held their peace and glorified God saying then hath God also unto the Gentiles granted Repentance unto life But now carnall reason and ignorance will object against the Baptisme of the Eternall spirit in this place and it will be this that the Baptisme of the spirit is here meant onely of the Baptisme of gifts v. 17. But though I intend to answer all objections that are against this clear truth that I do at present know of in my following Discourse yet I must here answer thus for I am not to seek of this how men that stand upon carnall and fleshly and traditionall observations of the things of God how they will object against the clear truth to uphold their own carnall principles ends and interests but the truth will manifest it self to their shame that so oppose it And for answer to this Objection I desire to go no further than the clear Testimony of the Truth it self For answer to this Objection let us observe the Testimony of the 14. and 18 verses of this 11 Chapter In v 14. we have recorded that the words Peter was to speak should be instrumentall for the saving of the man and all his house Now there was more in the words of salvatio than the Baptisme of Gifts as men do imagine for in the words of salvation there was the great mysteâ—y of God opened unto weak creatures and these words were so effectuall through the operaâ—ion of the eternall spirit that they were effectuall for the saving the man and his whole house from sinne and all unrighteousnesse and for the turning the man and his family from darknesse to light from sin to God for opening their blind eyes and washing them in the bloud of the Lamb and pouring forth the pure waters of life upon their souls washing and cleansing them from all unrighteousnesse sin and filthinesse and bringing forth in them the pure and holy nature of God in their hearts souls and spirits this and all else whatsoever is included in salvation is here by the Apostles ministry made effectuall in them according to the Commission which was to baptise them into the name of Father Son and Spirit and this is the substance of Spirit-Baptisme and is infinitely more than is imagined by those who think the Baptisme of the spirit to consist barely in visible gifts as they say given in an invisible manner or how they please to wrest the Testimony of Spirit Baptisme to maintain their own ends opinions and carnall conceits for the setting up of self c. But may not Gods whole work in his people be called a gift or gifts and in v. 18. It is recorded that those believing Jews that came with Peter when they saw the great work of God wrought upon the Gentiles that then they held their peace and glorified God saying then hath God also unto the Gentiles granted Repentance unto life They did not lay the Substance of the great effect of Peters ministry upon the receiving of visible gifts but that God had granted unto them repentance unto life in which as we said before is contained the whole work of salvation wrought in them 1. And here let us observe 1. Christs Commission Go teach all Nations baptising them into the name of the Father Son and Spirit 2. Christs promise Ye shall be baptised with the Spirit Acts 1. 4. 3. Peters obeying the Commission in preaching the Gospel unto the Gentiles 4. The promise following they are baptised with the Spirit and Peter here remembers the promise 5. Here is the substance of Christs Baptisme declared which was the effect of Peters preaching even salvation and Repentance unto life Here is clear testimony enough to satisfie those that look upon truth singly in it self and that are not baptised with Traditions Forms and Opinions of men So here we have one clear Testimony from the word it self of the fulfilling the great Ordinance of Spirit-Baptisme ordained and given forth by him who had all power in heaven and in earth and fulfilled by the same power from on high which was present in the Apostles Ministry according to his promise Matth. 28. 20. for the accomplishing this great work Secondly we have another clear Testimony of the accomplishing the great work of Spirit-Baptisme upon the Romanes c. 6. v. 3 4 5 6. In the beginning of the Chapter the Apostle answers a common Objection that men bring against the free Grace of God shed abroad in his peoples hearts Shall we sin that grace may abound saith he God forbid and presently he reasons out the point saying How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein And v. 3. He shews how we came to be dead to sin it was by being baptised into the death of Christ and v. 4. We are buried by this Baptisme into death but what death death to sinne we are now dead to sin I hope no man is so simple as to think that baptising men into materiall water can kill sin in them or make them dead unto sin And v. 5. We have the Apostle declaring the businesse so plain that he that can see though but dimly yet he may see what the Apostles meaning is for saith he If we have been planted together in the likenesse of his death we shall be also in the likenesse of his Resurrection Here the Apostle calls this Baptisme planting into Christs death and is materiall water think you of any force at all to plant us into the death of Christ Let those who are truly partakers of the power of Christs deathin their own souls which destroy the life and power of sinne in themselves let such I say come forth and witnesse to this truth whether sin be destroyed in them by being baptised into the power and vertue of Christs death or whether sin be destroyed in them by any outward washing And again v. 6. this is a thing known to believers that our old man is crucified with Christ and it is for this end that the whole body of sin might be destroyed
fulfill the Law of Christ to do as we would be done unto and so living in the love of Christ a principle of divine love is brought forth in us and from this love within us we walk in love unto all and are filled with Kindnesse Pity Bowels of Compassion Humblenesse of Mind meeknesse of Spirit c. unto all our fellow-creatures And Christ being the true way into the possession and injoyment of all the goodnesse of the eternall God and we being baptised into Christ we are partakers of the true and eternal salvation in the true way the Father hath opened for creatures to possesse his love and goodnesse in unto eternity and in this Baptisme we are taken up into God and so we live above all the wayes of this world in Christ and in him in the Father in spirit the onely true way into all happinesse and the onely happinesse to eternity and Christ is also the truth and we being baptised into Christ are made partakers of the truth as it is in Jesus but those who are baptised in materiall water may still live in error for all this but those who are baptised into Christ who is the truth they live in the truth walk in the truth act in the truth and speak truth yea they that put on Christ in truth and are clothed with truth righteousnesse holinesse purity syncerity c. as with a Garment And so as Christ is so are they in this world and so every one that is baptised into Christ have put on Christ and so do appear in the likenesse of Christ in the new Creation the work of God alone in spirit and power from on high Fifthly We have another clear testimony of the Baptisme of the spirit the onely true spirituall washing in Eph. 5. 25 26. and how it is wrought according to the Commission of Christ Mat. 28. the words are these Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the Church and gave himself for it that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word Here is a clear testimony of the accomplishing the Commission of Christ upon those people that belonged to his church 1. Here is Christs love to his Church 2. Here is the effect of his love he gave himself for his Church And 3. Here is the end why he gave himself for his Church or people and that is that he might sanctifie and cleanse it 4. Here is the means whereby this is done it is with the washing of water by the word And now the end of all is that it might be presented unto himself a glorious Church without spot or wrinckle or any thing like spot or wrinckle but holy and without blame And now that this great work of washing sanictfying cleansing and purifying the Church of Christ may be accomplished the end of his redeeming it now he was risen and had finished the great work of redeeming his Church now all power in heaven and in earth is given unto him for the reforming of his Church And now Christ having received all power in heaven and earth for the accomplishing this great work of sanctifying and cleansing his Church that this may be done he gives his Apostles a Commission to Go teach all Nations and in this ministry Baptise them into name of Father Son and Spirit and so as instruments sprinkle the name of God upon them and dip them into the pure river of water of life which is onely able to sanctifie and cleanse them that so they might be holy and without blame in the presence of God and of the Lamb who is undefiled Now this is the means whereby Christ sanctifieth and cleanseth his Church with the washing of water by the word now the word being the ministration of the eternall Spirit and given forth in all power in heaven and earth though unto weak creatures Yet the word they preached being the ministration of the Spirit and all power in heaven and earth being present in their ministry they are made instruments in the hand of God for the accomplishing this great work of sanctifying and cleansing souls with the washing of living water by the ministry of the word of life This was that administration that God had declared by the Prophets long before that should be accomplished in the latter dayes as in Isa 35. 6. In the Wildernesse shall waters break out and streams in the Desart v. 7. And the parched ground shall become a pool and the thirsty land springs of water c. And chap. 41. 18. I will open rivers in high places and fountains in the middest of the vallies I will make the wildernesse a pool of water and the dry land springs of water c. and chap. 44. 3. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty and flouds upon the dry ground I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thy Offspring See also Ezek. 16. 8 9. and chap. 36. 25 26. and cap. 47. with Joel 2. and severall other places that God did declare by his Prophets that should be fulfilled unto us in Gospel-times which is the ministration of the Spirit as saith the apostle 1 Pet. 1. 12. c. This is the way that the onely wise God is pleased to pour out the fountain of living waters upon his people in these latter dayes even in the ministry of the word this is the way God will sanctifie wash and cleanse his people with the washing of water by the word Now this dispensation of God being mighty it brings forth mighty effects in the world upon the Sons of men for the power of God being present in this Gospel ministry it makes his people willing in this day of his power it is mighty through God to throw down the strong holds of sin to turn men from darknesse to light and from the power of the Devill to God In this Ministry God doth by his mighty power bring forth the new nature in his people and makes all things new in them and God in this ministry enters into an eternall Covenant with his people to be their God for ever and they to be his people to Eternity In this ministry of the word through the operation of the eternall spirit God brings forth a principle of power to believe in him alone and trust in him alone and God doth by this ministry take off his people from all dependence upon creatures and creature-excellency and sets them upon the rock of ages in whom is everlasting strength In this ministry God doth enter into an evelasting Covenant with his people and give them a new heart and Spirit according to his promise and pour clean water upon them and make them clean and wash them from all their filthinesse and this is the onely water of the Gospel and the onely washing of the new Testament but Gospel-washing is an outward and carnall or legall washing as carnall creatures do imagine And thus we see
by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the holy Spirit 5. This is shed forth abundantly on us in Jesus Christ 6. In the partaking of Salvation in this Spirituall washing and spirituall renewing we are justified by the Grace of God 7. And being justified by free grace we are made Heirs and have hope of eternall life or according to the hope of eternall life O that we could in this clear discovery of the eternall God behold his Testimony in this place in the clear light and wisdome of the eternall Spirit for then we should not look so low as we do upon earthly and carnall observations of the things of God and especially of the Baptisme of the eternall Spirit the onely Baptisme of the new Testament but then we should look upon it as it is the work of all power in heaven and earth according to its first institution and then we should see the glorious effects of it fulfilled in the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the holy spirit then we should see the new birth brought forth in souls by this spirituall washing the work of God alone in the operation and renewing of his Spirit or wrought by his spirit in us Here is declared the true Gospel-washing even the saving of souls from sin and all uncleannesse here is the great Gospel-promises fulfilled with a witnesse even opening a fountain of pure living water and pouring it forth upon the barren wildernesse and the dry ground the barren dry and unfruitfull ground of unbelievers are by this Spirituall washing made the Garden of the Lord and being trees of the Lords planting they are watered every moment and refreshed and comforted with the streams of that river that makes glad the City of God This is the true washing that washeth away the fiâ—thines and polluâ—ions of the sons and daughters of Zion coming forth from that eternall fountain the Lord of Hosts who dwelleth in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem making his people a fit habitation for himself to dwell in by washing away their filthinesse in the pure waters of the Spirit of life flowing out from the Lord God and from the Lamb whose habitation they are in the Spirit and spirituall washing Here is the work of all power in heaven and earth in saving souls by spirituall washing and this onely is suitable to the Commission of Christ Mat. 28. spirituall washing or baptising in which we are made partakers of the name nature of God being by the presence of the eternal Spirit in us washed renewed regenerated sanctified and cleansed from our own filthinesse sin and pollution which is contrary to God and all appearances of God in Spirit Here is the great Gospel-work of saving creatures from their sin and all iniquity by the love kindnesse and mercy of the Lord Jehovah and here is the way also set forth in which the Lord Jehovah saveth souls from sin it is by spirituall washing and spirituall renewing of them by the work of the eternall spirit and O that we were more sensible of the glorious work of all power in heaven and earth manifested in us in washing and cleansing us from all sin and uncleannesse and bringing forth the pure and divine nature in us which work is of the Lord alone and not of man who is as nothing and vanity it self The Baptism or washing of the New Testament is not like those carnall legal figurative and typicall washings c. which were administred either by Moses or John in which the substance of the great things to come were figured out or declared to come after But the substance it self goeth forth in the Baptisme or washing of the New Testament this washing is to purpose for in it and by it we are washed and saved from our sin and this is the substantiall and onely washing of all washings Eighthly we have another clear Testimony of the true and spirituall washing the onely Baptisme of the New Testament 1 Pet. chapter 3. verse 21. the words are these The like figure or example whereunto Baptisme doth also now save us not the putting away the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience toward God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ c. Here we have the true Baptisme of the New Testament set forth and the people taken off from all outward washings not the washing of water 1. Here the Apostle declares the saving of Noah and his family in the Ark from drowning by water v. 20. and now he tells them of another kind of saving and this is by water of which that was a signe or example or this is an example of that c. Baptisme doth now save us but is it water-Baptisme that doth save us now no saith he not the washing of the filth of the flesh what then why the answer of a good conscience but whereby is the answer of a good conscience brought forth not by water-Baptisme but by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Here is a clear allusion to the Resurrection of Christ and to the power and vertue thereof for then Christ received all power in heaven and earth for the accomplishing this great work of spirituall Baptism or washing and so the power and vertue hereof doth baptise souls into the goodnesse of God cleanse and purifie their Consciences and so the answer of a good Conscience is brought forth in them by vertue of Christs Resurrection by virtue whereof soules are washed and cleansed from an evill and corrupt Conscience whereby all men are naturally defiled by sin and evill The like testimony of spiritual Baptisme or Washing we have declared Heb. 10. 22. in v. 20. the Apostle describes a new and living way by whom we do enter into the holiest place even the presence of the infinitely holy God and in this 22. v. he declares how it is that we doe draw neer unto God in this new and living way it is by having our hearts sprinkled from an evill conscience and our bodies washed with pure water So here we see how the answer of a good Conscience is brought forth it is by being sprinkled with pure water but our earthly waters will not nor cannot bring forth such effects in us it is onely the waters of the Spirit that can doe this that river of pure water of life that John saw Revel 22. 1. and this is the onely water that washeth sprinkleth and clenseth hearts spirits souls consciences and bodies from all evill sinne filthinesse and uncleanenesse of the whole man Thus I have faithfully declared the true Gospell baptisme as I have received from the Lord agreeable to the word written in the Scriptures and also the eternall Word written in the hidden man of the heart the two great Witnesses of God in the World And now I know this clear truth of God revealed in the clear light and wisdome of the Eternal Spirit will not with many opposers as it hath already throw mens carnal understanding of the Baptism of
the New Testament I shall therefore fairly Answer all Objections that are against this clear Truth according to the Testimony of the pure and clear Word of Truth Even as many as I do at present know and have heard of And though there may be many more then I have heard of yet though I cannot answer all or if I could not answer any yet I know the truth is able to answer all opposers against it Now it remains that we answer the Objections which are for water Baptisme and they are not a few but for satisfaction to those that desires to be satisfied with truth alone I shall lay down the Objections that are for water Baptisme and the severall exceptions against them in answer to the objections for water Baptisme that so they all may judge of it who are not biassed with any forms or opinions or judgements of men whatsoever but desires to look upon truth in its own light for those who are fixed upon the forms and traditions of the former ages set up in the old building of Antichrist in his Kingdom they stand for their forms traditions and outward washings and carnal observations as zealous as the old Scribes and Pharisees did yea though they do oppose Jesus Christ himself in Spirit and Power from on high and tell him to his face in the Testimony of his Word and Spirit that he is a deceiver and seducer of the People c But they never look upon their making void the Commands of God by their Traditions as Christ told their Predecessors Seeing there are so many Objections against Spirit Baptism and for to maintain Water Baptisme I care not much where I begin Object 1. First then it will be objected that Water Baptism came in the room of Circumcision c. Answ 1. As if one Type did come in the room of another even then when the substance was come and all Types were at an end Besides where is your ground from the clear testimony of the Word that Water Baptisme came in the room of Circumcision but seeing there is no ground from the Word to prove this Objection I have no ground to believe it for I am not to believe the opinions of men but the Word of Truth and where there is no law there is no transgression Object 2. Water Baptisme is a Signe or Seale of the Covenant as Circumcision was a Seal unto the People of God before as the word saith Rom. 4. 11. An. That Circumcision was made with hands and it was but in the flesh not in the Spirit in the outward man not in the inward and hidden man of the heart and when the substance was come the Apostle declares against this circumcision and cals it no circumcision saying for he is not a Jew who is one outwardly neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flâ—sh 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 Romanes 2. 28 29. And here I have good ground by this Rule to declare against water-Baptism and say that is not Baptism that is outward in the flesh or fleshly washing but that is true Baptisme that is in the heart and spirit and inward man whose praise is not of man but of God but Pharisaicall Jews must have some outward washing or else he shall be a deceiver and his Doctrine blasphemy 2. All things under the Law were generally confirmed unto the people by outward seals signs figures and outward Representations Heb. 9. 10. but the Gospel is not declared nor confirmed by outward Testimonies unto those that do believe but by inward and spirituall witnesses and Testimonies in the heart and inward man but the Jews must have some outward signe like their outward Religion 3. Where do you find in Scripture that water-Baptisme hath that honour given unto it to be a seal of the new Covenant or any part of it either of faith love righteousnesse c. I know no outward fleshly and carnall Seal to confirm an inward spiritual and everlasting Covenant unto believers but formall believers must have formall Seals or else they will not believe truth but the Seal of the Covenant that God makes with his people in all Gospel-times is the Spirit of promise whom the Lord hath promised to give unto all that he makes possâ—ssors of the New Covenant in whom that after ye believed ye were sealed with the Spirit of promise Ephes 1. 13. This is the true Seal of all believers that seals and confirms all the goodnesse of God unto them in the great Covenant of free grace and mercy unto them and other Seals I know none nor I cannot own any other except the word did declare it but it is the Spirit that is the onely Seal of the new Covenant and the earnest of our eternall possession that we have in and through Christ being freely given unto us 4. Where do you find in the word that the testimony of the eternall Spirit in our hearts written by the finger of God that we are commanded to set up a Signe or Seal in the Flesh to confirm it to us or declare it to others Would this be Gospel think you or any part of the substance is this any of the worship of God in Spirit or any part of the Gospel which is wholly spirituall 5. Where do you find that the love of God shed abroad in his peoples hearts that fills them with zeal for the glory of God as hot as fire that this hath need of a littâ— cool water to confirm it unto them or to be a Seal unto them of this love in them or would you have it a Seal unto nothing or to a blank as it is unto your Infants that are sprinckled 6. Must the Baptisme of the eternall Spirit wrought in our hearts souls and Spirits by all power in heaven and earth the very life and substance of Gospel-grace in us wrought must this have an empty shadow follow after it to be a sign or Seal to signifie what the Substance was that went before how can any creature call this Gospel 3. Ob. Water Baptisme distinguisheth the Church from the world c. An. 1. As if the righteousnesse holinesse purity love syncerity meeknesse humblenesse of mind pity compassion bowels of mercy gentlenesse long suffering c. all which is brought forth by the mighty power of God in the new man in the new Creation as if such who are the Church of Christ members in particular had need of some outward washing to shew forth to all men that they are washed within or that these so qualified had any need to have any outward Ceremony to distinguish them from the world their principles and actions are opposite to the world therefore clearly to be distinguished from them 2. Is not the Law of God written in his peoples hearts able to discern them from
once commanded yet no Ceremony is still in force for all Ceremonies ended in respect of the command of them when the Substance came 2. Whatsoever was not a command in Christs Kingdome is not still in force because not a command in Christs Kingdome and water-Baptisme was not a command in Christs Kingdome but a fore-runner of it as is clear by severall Scriptures therefore it is not still in force if you look John the Baptist will tell you in severall places that it was a fore-runner of Christ he being the minister thereof and going before Christ Objection 7. The Baptisme of John was from heaven and the counsell of God and they that resisted it resisted the counsell of God against themselves Answer 1 I grant this to be a clear truth being observed in its time and place but observe all the Mosaicall Laws Ceremonies shadows types and figures were once the commmands of God and those that obeyed them not but resisted and refused them they died without mercy under two or three witnesses but when it was all finished and the ends for which it was ordained were accomplished and the fullnesse of time come that the substance was present which had been figured out in them then the Apostle calls them beggarly rudiments and asks the Collossians why they were subject to them Colos chapter 2. 2. As those that resisted Johns Baptisme in its time did resist the counsell of God then so these do now resist the counsell of God that do deny the Baptisme of the Spirit it being that administration of God that is spirit and life and the very substance of what was figured out before And if they resisted the counsell of God that did resist an outward and bodily washing which was then appointed of God to go before the substance what manner of counsel do they resist that do resist the Baptisme of the eternall spirit coming forth from the eternall God in all power in heaven and earth which think you hath greatest power in it the foregoing figure or the present substance Consider of this you that say there is no spirit-Baptisme now is not this denying the power and setting of a form Ob. 8. That place Mat. 28. 19. Where Christ gives his Disciples Commission to teach all Nations baptising them c. must be meant of water-Baptisme for without water no Baptisme An. 1. There is no other Baptisme besides water or else John was out when he bears witnesse of another Baptisme that should come after his Baptisme and that it should be administred by another manner of person than he was Mat. 3. 11. I indeed saith he do baptise you with water but there is one that cometh after me that is mightier than I be shall baptise you with the holy Spirit and with fire So here you see all Baptisme is not water there is some fire-Baptisme too 2. If the word of truth did not bear witnesse to another kind of water and washing by water besides our earthly waters then you had some ground for this conceit but the Scriptures and spirituall souls that are partakers of the true spirituall washing purifying and baptising in the strength of all power in heaven and earth such souls can with the word written bear witnesse to another manner of Baptisme and washing than any earthly washing in earthly rivers I have already in the former part of this discourse born witnesse to this true and Spirituall washing I will onely here cite some witnesses of the written word that prove clearly another kind of water and of washing then mens washings are in earthen fountains Psal 46. 4. Ezeck 16. and cap. 47. Isa 35. and cap. 44. 3. John 4. 14. John 7. 38 39. 1 Cor. 12. 13. Rev. 22. 1. 17. Isa 55. 1 2. Now consider if you could make it appear clearly by the Word that there were no other Waters but our earthly waters and no other washing but our earthly washing then you might also affirm there were no other Baptisme but with materiall Water but till you can prove this by the witnes of Truth we cannot believe the Baptisme in Matt. 28. 19. Can be earthly Water or earthly Washing or earthly Baptisme but heavenly Water heavenly Washing heavenly Baptisme suitable to power from on high Object 9. Water Baptisme is a command of Christ from Matth. 28. 19. Go teach all nations baptising them c. Here is water Baptisme given by command from Christ and so we doe follow it upon this ground Answ 1. Though I have already declared what the Commission is yet I shall also answer to this Objection in several particulars First there is not one word of materiall Water spoken of in this place but the Commission was to Baptise them into the Name of God or Father Son and Spirit nor no where else that I could yet see by Commission from Christ Therefore not material Water for the name of God is not material water neither is this Baptisme material Water 2. Your interpretation is quite contrary to the nature of the Commission for materiall Water doth not suite with all power in heaven and earth that being but an outward washing but all power in heaven and earth do accomplish an inward and spiritual washing and clensing from sin and all uncleannesse which outward washing could not do therefore outward washing is contrary to the nature of Christs Commission as it is contrary to the name of God and all power in Heaven and Earth 3. Water Baptisme suites not with a dispensation that is wholly spirituall but belonged to a precedent dispensation that had passed before in Johns time of whom he was the right Administrator and we never read of any that was sent to Baptize with Water but John as he declares he was let all Water-men in England come forth with such a word from Christ or his Apostles John 2. 33. and I will believe it that they were sent by command from Christ to baptise with material water 4. Water Baptisme is contrary to the kingdome of Christ which is within all Believers that are Believers indeed and Christ would not give his Apostles a Commission to practise that which was contrary to his kingdome or that was no part of it for Water Baptisme was a legall washing and that which went before that spirituall administration which Christ and John also calls the kingdom of God and of Christ Matt. 3. Mark 1. 15. therefore Christ would not give his Apostles Commission to set up a shaddow in the room of the substance for the kingdome of Christ is wholy spiritual and comes not with outward shews or observations But it consists in righteousnesse and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit and it is not brought forth in Saints by any outward observations Neither doth it come unto them in with by or through any carnal outward or legall ordinance as washing or the like but in power from on high wrought within them by all power in heaven and earth and now a
their finnes and corruptions Matth. 3 12. Luke 3. 16 17. 4. The substance of Spirit-Baptisme consists in the promise of the Father which we have heard of the Sonne Acts 1. 4 5. as he himself hath declared now the promise of the Father doth consist in more than visible gifts as appears by severall testimonies of Christ unto his Apostles let us observe some particulars 1. The promise of the Father was more than visible gifts for it was the eternall Spirit which should be unto them an everlasting comforter that should abide with them for ever John 14. 16 17. now the Spirit of truth that was to abide with them for ever and to be their comforter alwayes was more than visible gifts which continued but for a time Again the Promise of the Father which was the spirit and comforter whom the Father would send in the name of the Son should teach them all things cocerning the great mysterie of God and bring all things to their remembrance that the Sonne had before declared unto them which is more than visible gifts as you say 3. The promise of the Father consists in power from on high as Christ declareth to his Apostles Luke 24. 49. Behold I send the promise of my Father upon you but what is that he bids them tarry in Jerusalem till they were endued with Power from on high here is the Promise of the Father that was to come upon them even power from on high and this spirit and power from on high being poured forth Turned the barren Wildernesse into a fruitfull field c. Isa 32. 15. it enabled the Apostles to do great things besides visible gifts as to themselves and others They were hereby enabled to preach the great mystery of salvation to all the world and there went forth such a power in their ministry that it threw down the whole Kingdome of the Devil in peoples hearts and made it all flee in pieces before it 2 Cor. 10. 4 5 c. It wrought so mightily in them that it comforted them agaimst all affliction they met with either inward or outward it filled their hearts and spirits with abundance of peace Joy and spirituall comfort which the world could not give nor receive John 14. 17. 27. now this and the like is more than visible gifts except you will say the whole work of God in bringing his people into the possession and enjoyment of the great salvation be all visible gifts or the Baptisme of gifts 4. The whole mystery of all doth meet in one and the same things as the promise of the Father power from on high and the Baptisme of the spirit for compare the 14 15 16. chapters of John with Luke 24. 49. and Acts 1. v. 4 5. 8. and all these do agree in one and the same thing namely spirit-Baptisme we need go no further for proof hereof than Acts 1. 4 5. in v. 3. it is recorded that he was seen of them sorty dayes after he was risen and the things he speaks of were concerning the Kingdome of God let us consider by the way what that is and then vers 4. and being assembled together with them commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the Father which saith he Ye have heard of me For John truly baptised with water but ye shall be baptised with the holy Spirit not many dayes hence Here is the promise of the Father power from on high as in verse 8. and Spirit-Baptisme meeting all in one as clear as the light So now from clear testimonies of the word we do conclude that the Substantiall part of Spirit-Baptisme doth consist in the inward work of God wrought in his people suitable to the promise of the Father and power from on high and this consists in comforting supporting giving peace joy and rest of Spirit unto them not in the world but in Christ in whom dwells the fullnesse of God And also in breaking in pieces the Kingdome of Satan and opening the eyes of the blind and turning many from darknesse to light and from the power of Satan to God And in opening rivers in high places and turning the wildernesse into pools of water and giving water to the thirsty and rest to the very souls and binding up the broken hearted and washing away the filth of the daughters of Zion in the eternall fountain of living water pouring out a blessing upon them and his spirit upon their ofspring with many more precious promises of the Father all being fulfilled in the Baptisme of the Spirit as the Father and the Son had promised and so it was fulfilled in Spirit and power from on high Objection 11. All believers in all ages had faith and the works of God wrought in them in turning them from sin to God c. Yet we never read it was called Spirit-Baptisme therefore it is not meant of the great work of God in washing and saving his people from sin c. but it must be something else Answer 1. Here is Nicodemus his ignorance with a witnesse for because the work of God in his people in former dayes was not called the new birth to be born from above to be born of water and the Spirit c. therefore there was no such thing as he thought for he had a carnall apprehension of the great work Christ speaks of And as Nicodemus came to Christ by night so I doubt many do come to Christ in the dark now and so they are ignorant of the great work of Christ as Nicodemus was for you are as much out now that cannot believe there is any spirit-baptisme now because it was not so called before Christ came or that there was none before Christ came because not called so you may as well say there was no Gospel nor born from above nor no spirituall birth c. because not so called and so with Nicodemus discover your ignorance Objection 12. VVater-Baptisme was used after Spirit-Baptisme came in force yea among the Jews and Gentiles and the Apostles themselves did also practise it therefore it is still in force Answer 1. Not so for though the Apostles used it yet not by Commission nor by Command from Christ for there is not one word in all the Scripture more or lesse that is declared by any Apostle either in their Preaching or Writing Epistles to the Churches that they had any command from Christ to baptise with Water Nay further there is not any testimony in the Word that ever Water baptisme was called the baptisme of Christ but of John and seeing we have no proof to call it Christs baptisme why then shall we submit to it as the Ordinance of Christ and commanded by him which is no where called his nor none sent by him to practise it Indeed we read John was sent to Baptise with Water but shew me such a proof from any Apostle or where Christ said Go Baptise all Nations with
Water c. 2. That Jews and Gentiles used Water baptisme makes nothing for the perpetuity of it for all ceremonies were practised in those dayes as well Circumcision Jewish Purifications and observing meats and drinks c. as well as Water baptisme And Water baptisme being a Ceremony last took up what infallible proof can any give why that should be first laid down or why it may not be in use as long as others in those dayes or longer seeing it was so rare that the people thought the Author of it to be the Christ 3. Why might not some be zealous for this Ordinance that was administred under the second dispensation as well as many thousands were zealous for Circumcision which was given out under the former dispensation and all this when the substance was come even the third dispensation which was in it self wholy spirituall 4. Water baptisme was so rare that it founded throughout all the World there being many people of all Nations at Jerusalem and many Proselytes who were joyned to the Church of the Jews and Water baptisme being an honourable ceremony among the Jews and in its institution the command of God they were abundantly confirmed in it as others were in other things that were once the commands of God Objection 13. Peter exhorts the people to repent and be baptised every one of them In the name of the Lord Jesus for the Remission of sins and they should receive the gifts of the holy Spirit c. Therefore it is to be practised by this example Acts 2. 38. Answ 1. The same Apostle in the next Chapter bids the people repent and be converted that their sins may be blotted out c. so that we may observe that Repentance Baptisme and Conversion do agree in one and the Apostle doth not bid them be baptised in Water but in or unto the name of Jesus Christ in whom alone there was hope of Remission of Sins but if you do still affirm this to be Water baptisme yet you can plead neither command nor Commission from Christ neither doth the Apostle say that Christ did give him a Commission to baptise them in VVater who did repent 2. Upon this Repentance and Baptisme here is a promise of the gifts of the spirit to follow but where doth it follow water baptisme and if you would have this to be Water baptisme then look to it that the gifts of the spirit doe follow it or else it is to no purpose to use it if the same effects do not follow and Acts 10. 46 c. the Gentiles had the gifts of the spirit and were baptised with water afterward these do not agree 3. For the Promise is to you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call here is the substance of all declared even the promise of the Spirit But what is this promise Is it Water baptism that is so much cryed up in the World that was unto them and their children and to all that are afarre off No it is not Water-Baptisme but it is Spirit-Baptisme see v. 33. compared with this it is the promise of the spirit that is unto them and to their children and to all that were afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call So here it is the promise of the Spirit that is unto them and their children and to all that are afar off and not Water-baptisme And here we may adde one thing more in answer to the tenth Objection that the baptisme of the Spirit cannot be understood of gifts onely for it is to continue unto so many as the Lord shall call who were then afar off and are yet afar off who are yet unborn for it is unto all the Lord shall call but those gifts were not to continue but for a time for the present occasion as none can deny Ob. 14. But Peter commanded some to be baptised Acts 10 48. no man can deny this to be Water-baptisme Ans 1. This is but Peters command not the command of Christ neither doth Peter here declare one word that Christ had given him a Commission to do it 2. Peter doth not first command this to be done till there was a controversie among the people about it as we may observe by the words of Peter v. 46. Then answered Peter but sure he would not answer to nothing there was something spoken about it 3. We never read of any that were baptised with water till they did desire it it was not laid upon any simply as a command as believing and obedience to all Spirituall practises were but they were baptised so when they desired it as other Ceremonies were used in reference to the peoples condition as it was in this place 4. The new converted Gentiles were of tender Consciences as were the Jews and if this Ordinance that was so rare and in so high esteem should not have been administred unto them they would have stumbled at it not being able to see beyond it and therefore the Apostle did it that so they might not stumble nor be offended Fifthly When Peter wrote his Epistle he takes off the people quite from water-baptism and tells them of a baptism that there was but saith he Not the washing away the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good Conscience towards God by the resurrection of Christ the power and vertue of Christs Resurrection was the strength and substance of the true baptism and this consisted in the answer of a good Conscience being cleansed by the waters of the Spirit in the baptism of the Spirit But for ground that Peter had a Commission from Christ to baptize with water I never yet saw any Obj. 15 The Apostles laid nothing upon the people by way of Command but what they had Commission from Christ for Answ 1. The Apostles did never preach water-baptism unto the people as a command of Christ neither declared it in their Epistles as a command of Christ nay they never preacht it in their Ministery at all which is cleer that it was not a Command of Christ for in the Commission they were to teach men to observe all things whatsoever Christ had commanded them but if water-baptism had been a Command of Christ to his Apostles then they would as frequently preacht it to the people in their Ministery as any other part of their Commission or of that they were commanded to preach But sometimes after they had preacht and the people questioned of it c. then they did speak of it according to peoples weakness 2. In Act. 11. 15 16 17. Peter preaches according to his Commission and according to the promise the spirit falls upon the people and here Peter remembers the words of Christ which was that John had baptised with water but that they should be baptized with the Spirit and here the people admire at the work of God now here is baptism declared by the
will give them a new name saith God Rev. 2. 17. God gives his people a white stone and in the stone a new name written that none knows but he that hath it this is the new Name that God brings forth in his people in the new nature written in them by the eternal Spirit And none knoweth this white stone nor the name written in it but those that have received it and this onely is an eternal name that shall never be blotted out it being the name of the living God and written by a divine power in the new man or new name which is the white stone the eternal word brought forth in us in which God writes his own name which is the name of all names and so we do become living and preâ—ious stones by partaking of the divine nature in him who is the foundation of all precious stones being laid of the Father the onely precious stone and chief corner-stone by whose vertue we do become pure white and precious stones builded up together for an habitation of eternal being through the power and operation of the eternal Spirit But the waters of this world can never baptize us into this name nor give us this name nor write this name in us But the name any have by going into water is such a name as all may read because it is an external name and it is no better name then Simon Magus may partake of yea any wicked person is not this giving holy things to dogs I mean the name of God not water-baptism But he that hath the name given him of God in the baptism of the eternal Christ none can read it or know it but he that hath it therefore water-baptism is not that name neither can it give this name unto any nor baptize any into this name 5 Water-baptism cannot interest people into the name of God for Christ hath promised to write the name of God upon his people yea he will write upon them his own new name Rev. 3. 12. here we see it is the work of him who hath all power in heaven and earth to write the name of God upon souls and this is done in the power of the eternal spirit not by dipping in water For water-baptism is not the name of God neither can it work such effects upon souls as to bring forth the name of God in them nor to write the name of God upon them Creatures are onely partakers of the precious name of God by power from on high not by a little cold water Those that have any experience of the name and nature of God in themselves and those that are not wilfully blinde they may see or hear what the name of God is if you look but into the word written in the Scriptures that will tell you what the name of God is and Gods name and nature is one You know the Name of God is declared in Scripture to be Love Mercy Goodness Light Wisdom Righteousness Holiness with many the like and I hope none that knows and loves the truth wiâ—l saâ— that the glorious Name of the eternal God doth consist in a bare outside profession taking its denomination from dipping in a little cold water and that those who are interested into this glorious name that it is from their being thrown into a brook of earthly water there cannot be a more carnal conceit then this The Commission is to baptize people into the name of God and that is declared to be Love Goodness Mercy c. as in Exod. 34 c. But I hope no man will say water-baptism is the Name of God that doth consist in all good sutable to his Nature nor that to be baptized into the Name of God that consists in Light Love Wisdom Purity Strength Fruitfulness c. that this is into material water But the truth is in the baptism of the spirit which consists in power from on high we are dipt and washed in the pure River of the water of life that proceeds from the Lord God and from the Lamb and this is the onely baptism in Christs pure and spiritual kingdom which consists in spiritual fire and spiritual water and this spiritual fire will lick up all our earthly waters and quite destroy them In a word this fire and water of the spirit burns up destroys wasteth away and cleanseth us from all filthiness both of spirit soul and body in which way we do come to live in the name and nature of God in holiness and righteousness And thus we may see that material water is not the Name of God nor to be baptized into the Name of God is not into earthly waters but it is into Life Light Love Wisdom Truth c. yea into the divine nature for as we have first been partakers of the earthly even the old man which is corrupt and sinful So in the baptism of the spirit we do partake of the new name or are made new men in him who is the Lord from heaven and such a baptism is onely suitable to all power in heaven and earth which is able to write the Name of God upon his people and in them and whosoever do call themselves by the name of God or are called by his name from any outward form in the time of râ—formation and have not the name of God written within them they are bastards and not children of God it is onely the spirit and spiritual power and work of the spirit that do or that can interest us into the name of God So we conclude the Commission is spiritual and consists in spiritual baptism even power from on high sutable to the person that gave it and also to the dispensation which was wholly spiritual and so interests us into the name of God which our earthly water cannot do for that cannot interest us into eternal Love Light and all good as spirit-baptism can and doth Obj. 17. The Commission cannot be as you say to baptize men into the Name of God or Father Son and Spirit because it is not mans work to baptize with the Spirit but it is the work of Christ alone to baptize us with the Spirit and thereforâ— we affirm that no man can baptize with the Spiriâ— into the Spirit c. Answ 1. First I would propound one thing to you as unto reasonable creatures and it is this Whether you do think that God doth speak unto men by means or without means And whether God doth work by means or without means and if God do work upon creatures altogether without means then why do any of you call your selves Ministers of Christ and for what purpose you are or declare your selves to be Ministers 2 You do manifest abundance of ignorance in this not to distinguish between the efficient cause and the instrumental cause Now in the first place we ascribe the whole work of the baptism of the spirit unto God alone as the author and finisher thereof in spirit and
divine power and that God doth accomplish this great work by means this we do also affirm And to this end Christ gave his Apostles a Commission to go forth in the strength of power from on high and teach all Nations and in this Ministery they were instruments in the hand of God to sprinkle the name of God upon the people c. their very Ministery being power from on high for they were not to go forth till they had received power from on high Luke 24. 49. Act. 1. 4 5 8. And so as instruments inabled by all power in heaven and earth they went forth in the Ministery of the Spirit and in this spiritual administration God made them instruments to baptize men into the Name of God the power of God being present in their Ministery for the accomplishing of this great work and so though it be the work of God alone to baptize with the Spirit yet when it pleaseth God to pour out his spirit in such a way and by such means for the effecting so great a work and to give out such treasure in earthen vessels that the power glory and praise may be of God alone what is man that he should oppose it or deny it Oh man remember thou art in the hand of thy Maker as the clay is in the hand of the potter and God hath made his Ministers a savour of life unto some and a savor of death unto others and who is sufficient for these things None but those whose sufficiency is of God alone 3 The same power that enables men to turn men from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God the same power doth enable men to baptize with the spirit and we do read Act. 26. 18. that God sent Paul to turn men from darkness to light c. and why then not to baptize with the Spirit for it is alike unpossible for men to do the one as the other by their own power and if you will deny the one then you may as well deny the other and so turn the truth into a lie but let God be true and every man a lyar who is opposer of truth 4 Paul declares that he had in Jesus Christ begotten the Corinthians through the Gospel Paul was here an instrument in the power of Jesus Christ to beget sons and daughters unto God and so he was their Father in Christ in the Spirit and in the Gospel the Ministery of the Spirit 1 Cor. 4. 15. and why then not to baptize men into the name of God which consists in all good as well as to beget them unto God what difference can you make here here Seeing the substance is all one 5 We have another proof of the mighty effect of the Apostles Ministery 2 Cor. 3. 2 3 Ye are our Epistle written in our hearts known and read of all men Ye are manifestly declared the Epistle of Christ ministred by us written not with ink but with the spirit of the living God not in tables of stone but in the fleshly tables of the heart Observe here first the Corinthians were an Epistle written by the Apostles Secondly they were manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ Thirdly Ministred by the Apostles Fourthly written by the Spirit of the living God in the hearts of the people Here it is cleer that God made men instruments through the power and operation of the eternal Spirit for the writing of the Law of the spirit of life upon their hearts and so herein is the great Gospel-promise fulfilled in this Ministery of writing the Laws of God in his peoples hearts and putting his Spirit in them and causing them to walk in his ways all this is fulfilled by instruments in the hand of divine power and this agreeth with spirit-baptism exactly 5 But that things may be cleared in plain words consider Eph. 5. 26. here is washing mentioned and it is by the word and this hath exact relation to the Commission Matt. 28. the Apostles had Commission to preach to the world and in their Ministery to baptize the Nations into the name of God And here is declared that Christ useth the word in this great work of sanctifying clensing and purifying the Church that he might sanctifie and clense it with the washing of water by the word Now the Apostles were to preach the word and so in the Ministery of the word preached by the Apostles this great work of washing and clensing souls through the power of the eternal spirit was accomplished And so it is cleer to those that have eyes to see that the true Ministers of Jesus Christ who are indued with power from on hiâ—h they are made instruments in the hand of all power in heaven and earth for the effecting the great work of spirit-baptism wherein creatures are made partakers of the name and nature of God and so they are washed clensed sanctified and made pure and holy yea an habitation for the Lord of glory and so they are clensed with the washing of water by the Ministery of the word which is the Ministery of the spirit that giveth life and all good Obj. 18. This baptism spoke of in the Commission cannot be meant of spirit-baptism because the spirit is not given in a precept but in a promise and the Commission is a precept Go teach c. Answ 1. How is it possible men can be so ignorant that they cannot believe there is a promise in all power in heaven and earth and so blinde that they cannot see it or will not for if men could but see they might behold a promise in the Commission for he that gave them the Commission promised them to be with them always even unto the end And if he unto whom all power was given would be with them unto the end then sure a promise would be with them yea and more then a promise for all promises were with them and all power with them seeing he would be with them in whom all promises are Yea and Amen to the glory of God the Father 2 The Ministery they were to go forth in was the whole mystery of God opâ—ned to the sons of men in the depth and heighth and length and breadth of infâ—nite and eternally rich grace and free love unto the sons of men wherein they should â—e maâ—e partakers of eternal life and salvation in God And oh What blindness is here that cannot see a promise in the whole mystery of eternal love and salvation in God freely given and revealed unto men which is that dispensation wherein God doth bring his people out of the ways of the woâ—ld into the possession and enjoyment of himself in light and love 3 Christ who gave the Apostles a Commission to go and teach all Nations he also commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem till they had received the promise of the Father but to wait there till they were endued with power from on high Act. 1. 4 5 8.
And behold I send the promise of my Father upon you but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be indued with power from on high Luke 24. 49. if this be not a promise I know none Now here you may read the truth that you do oppose and behold your own ignorance and sit down in silence and cover your lips for shame Obj. 19. If no water-baptism then no Ministery nor no right calling to preach and we may as well deny one as the other c. Answ 1. Here I say as you do though in another sence if we are not baptized with the spirit then we are no true Ministers of the spirit and then we have no ground to preach So our ground to preach doth arise from our being baptized though not with material water For I do affirm from Scripture and Reason that a man may be baptized in water and yet be as far from having any ground to preach that he may be an enemy to the true Ministery of God in spirit and power from on high For no man can deny but a wicked man may be thrown into water and so baptized in water And we have example that Simon Magus was baptized with water and yet no right to preach 2. Though the Apostles had received a Commission from Christ to go and teach all Nations yet they were not to practise it till they were indued with power from on high And now let me ask any of you or all of you who pretend a Calling to preach either from going into water or from mens laying hands upon you yea from any external ordination which is from man whatsoever How you do dare to go and call your selves Ministers of Christ and of the Gospel c. from a bare outward calling and yet are without either a Commission from Christ or power from on high either the Apostles were not to go till they had both But you do go to teach without a Commission or power from on high and what is this but to run before you are sent But here I would not be mistaken as if I were against all that do teach no I am really for all that do go forth in the strength of God in whose hearts and mindes God hath written his divine Laws and hath given them life and power from on high who are able Ministers of the Spirit and discerners of spirits in the light and wisdom of the eternal Spirit and do hear the voice of God in their own souls and do speak from the teachings of God in themselves So I hope you do see that those whom God doth teach they have a right to teach others though not hereunto ordained by earthly water nor any tradition of men taken up from a carnal understanding of the Scriptures But if men do not see this truth it is because of their ignorance and blindness and want of experience in the mystery of truth Obj. 20. But here you will say The Apostles were to go forth in an extraordinary work to teach all the world to speak with new tongues work miracles c. but now ordinary gifts will serve for to teach our own Nations c. Answ 1. I grant they were to be indued with tongues c. but yet the substance of all did consist in the internal work that was wrought in them for though they could not speak to all Nations except they did speak in their languages yet this was not the substance viz. their speaking several languages but there was a divine power went forth in their Ministery and had it not been for power from on high their word would have been no more effectual upon the people then the preaching of Christ and his Aposties was before among the Jews before the spirit was given 2 There is as much need of power from on high now in those that declare the mystery of God in the world for now all people generally are fixed upon the forms and traditions of the former ages set up by antichrist from a carnal understanding of the mystery of God And the man of sin and mystery of iniquity have so blinded the hearts mindes and understandings of all Nations that they cannot behold the glorious light of the Gospel but they are in Egyptian darkness the darkness and smoke of the bottomless pit and the false lights of antichrist have so blinded and dazled the eys of all the world that they cannot behold the glorious light of God If you would see Scripture for this purpose to declare this to be truth See 2 Thes 2. and Revelations of John with Matth. 24 c. And now a Ministery that must destroy such a mystery of iniquity and such a man of sin that have deceived all Nations for this twelve hundred yeers or more had need be a powerful Ministery I know not what you mean by your ordinary gifts but I know it is an extraordinary work must do this For I think that is extraordinary that hath force enough in it to destroy throw down and quite destroy all the building that man hath been setting up this many generations yea his very gods and all But that there shall be such a final destruction come upon the man of sin and mystery of iniquity it is cleer by the word 2 Thes 2. 8. here is so cleer a testimony of the destruction of the man of sin and mystery of iniquity spoken of ver 3 4 6 7. that it is undenyable And now what think you Is not the spirit of Gods mouth power from on high and is not the brightness of his coming the light of God then where are your ordinary gifts to destroy antichrist but I advise you that you be sure your building be of God and not of self for if it be below the power of God in spirit and below the brightness of God then when God comes forth in spirit and brightness he will assuredly destroy it root and branch head and tayl And now I can conclude no otherwise but thus that the Ministery that God will send forth from the spirit of his mouth and that shall appear in the bright and cleer light of God in his coming for the destruction of the man of sin and mystery of iniquity it shall consist in power from on high and in the true light of life And let all that dwell upon earthly principles look to it when God puts the spirit of life into his witnesses they shall finde these are no ordinary witnesses nor gifts in them but extraordinary Obj. 21. But if water-baptism must down then what shall we do for ordinances and we may as well throw away all ordinances as some and then this is the way to bring in ranting principles amongst us and carnal liberty c. Answ 1. Because we do not own nor set up that Ordinance that we have no ground for must we therefore throw away all Ordinances Doth this follow think you because a man doth not own that
practise then you have for water-baptism and that will be more in force when the other doth appear to be no Ordinance at all But now to the latter part of your Objection that this is the way to bring in ranting principles if we deny water-baptism to be an Ordinance c. First must carnal liberty be brought into the Church of Christ if that be not set up and practised there which Christ never commanded this is very strange 2 Is this the way to bring in carnal liberty and ranting principles among believers to exalt the work of all power in heaven and earth I thought that creature-exaltation self-seeking and setting up idols had been the way to bring in carnal liberty and ranting principles when these things are imposed upon creatures to make up an out-side society then take heed of ranting 3 God doth according to his promise write his righteous and holy just and good laws in his peoples hearts and puts his fear in them that so they may never depart from him and hath said they shall not depart from him any more and that he will be their God and they shall be his people that he will live in them and dwell among them and they shall be all taught of him and great shall be their peace c. Now I hope this is not the way to bring in ranting principles and carnal liberty among the people of God who are thus taught of God and do live in the law of the spirit of life that is in Christ who is their life and their all The Law of God written in his peoples hearts doth no way bring in ranting principles into their mindes but these that is unto the kingdom of the devil and antichrist that do consist in sin and all unrighteousness and in empty forms traditions and precepts of men who proceed from fleshly and carnal principles in the world and carnal Church And I must tell you that the Law of God written in his peoples hearts and mindes this is the most rantingest principle to these that can be upon the face of the earth therefore when God writes his Laws in his peoples hearts and brings forth the new creation in them and so makes them partakers of the divine nature then let antichrist and all his carnal priviledges look for a final rooting out and an eternal destruction For the life and power of godlimess wrought in the people of God by a divine principle destroys all empty carnal and formal and traditional outside Religion in them that proceeds from antichrist which proceeds from carnal principles of flesh and blood The Law of God in the new nature destroys the Law of sin and flesh in the old nature with the very corrupt nature it self The life of God in his people or rather God living in them destroys the dead works of sin and flesh in them the power of God from on high being present in his people destroys the power of sin in them the wisdom of God in his people destroys the wisdom of the flesh in them The work of God in his people in the new creation brought forth in them destroys the works of sin and antichrist in their old nature yea the whole body of sin it self Yea the work of God in the new man is the onely ranting principle to antichrist the whole mystery of iniquity and man of sin for it makes it all flie in pieces before it even all the gross darkness and corruption and filthiness of the flesh with all the false light in the flesh and spirit of man with all empty forms and carnal observations c. all goeth down when God appears in his people in the brightness of his coming in spirit and power from on high in the hidden man of the heart And now where are your Ranting principles and carnal liberty you so much speak of to fall upon those that obey not your carnal Ordinances it falls altogether upon time-servers outside-professors self-seekers c. but not upon those that worship God in spirit and truth For the Grace of God that bringeth salvation to light in the souls of his people teacheth them to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live godly righteously and soberly in this present world and this proves Ranting principles to be nothing but the whole body of sin which is contrary to the divine principle that God brings forth in his Temple therefore take heed of throwing dirt in the face of truth and of slandering the Grace of God shed abroad in his peoples hearts the onely principle of true holiness and righteousness Do you think nothing can keep us from Ranting principles but a little cold water why then have so many that have gone under water fallen also under Ranting principles Obj. 23. Several baptisms were used in the primitive times and water-baptism is nowhere forbid in Scripture therefore we may use it still c. Answ 1. If the truth were not a mystery then antichrist might understand it but God is pleased to declare the truth in a mystery that so those that receive it not in the love of it may be blinded and so given up to strong delusions to believe lies as it is appointed for the antichristian world man of sin and mystery of iniquity 2 Thes 2. in which the antichristian world is deceived and blinded even to this day 2 Paul teacheth one baptism unto the Church of the Ephesians Eph. 4. 5. and doubtless Paul would not leave out another baptism viz. water if it had been any one bond of the true Churches unity seeing he doth reckon up seven which are a perfect number And that we may not be mistaken in the true understanding of this baptism Paul here speaks of he satisfies us what baptism it is 1 Cor. 12. 13. for by one spirit are we all baptized into one body whether Jews or Gentiles whether bond or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit So here Paul bears witness to the one and onely baptism of the New-Testament which witness is enough to satisfie those who are satisfied with the truth it self But you will say that baptism spoke of Ephes 4. 5. is one baptism of a sort and that this is the meaning of the place c. First this is more then the word declares and so we have no ground to build where there is no foundation 2 If you make an addition unto this part of the words namely one baptism and put in this word here one of a sort then we must put this word unto the sense of all the rest of the bonds of the true Churches unity mentioned in this place And then we must read it thus One body of a sort one spirit of a sort one hope of a sort one Lord of a sort one faith of a sort one baptism of a sort and one God of a sort And now let all that have eyes to see behold the gross blindness and more then Egyptian