Selected quad for the lemma: water_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
water_n	baptism_n	dip_v	sprinkle_v	5,026	5	11.1171	5	false

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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A52394	Baptism discovered plainly & faithfully according to the word of God. Wherein is set forth the glorious pattern of our blessed saviour Jesus Christ, the pattern of all believers in his subjection to baptism. Together, with the example of thousands who were baptized after they believed. By John Norcott, late servant of Jesus Christ, and of his church. The third edition, corrected by Will. Kiffin, and Rich. Claridge. With an appendix by another hand.	Norcott, John, d. 1676.; Claridge, Richard, 1649-1723.; Kiffin, William, 1649-1723.	1694 (1694)	Wing N1227A; ESTC R213780	25,797	77

Philip preached unto the Eunuch Jesus ver 36. They came to a certain water and the Eunuch said see here is water what doth hinder me to be baptized and ver 37. And Philip said If thou believest with all thy heart thou mayst This If is the If we stand upon be never so poor so vile if God once make thee to believe then thou mayst be baptized 't was not his godly Parents 't was not his reading 't was not his coming to Jerusalem to worship 't was not his willingness to be baptized but if thou believest thou mayst saith the Greek it is lawful it is according to Christs Law ver 38. They went both down into the water both Philip and the Eunuch and he baptized him Oh behold a Man the great Treasurer of the Queen of Ethiopia a Rich Man an Honourable Man a Religious Man a Man 't is like having many Attendants at his Chari●● he stops all commands all to stand st●●● till he yields obedience to his Lord and M●ster in water-Water-baptism he can now g● down into the water for Him who had come down from Heaven for him he county it no disgrace to obey Christ by his poor servant Philip Oh the condescention of truly gracious souls No Argument works like Love Therefore if you love me keep my Commandments Here 's going down and coming up like the glorious ways of Christ he first casts down then he raiseth up first brings to the Grave and then saith Return ye sons of men ver 39. And he went on his way rejoycing Oh what Triumph is in Christs ways in keeping though not for keeping his Commands there is as well as shall be great Reward he went on his way the Righteous shall hold on in his way and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger Job 17.9 How many have stuck in their way wept in their way droopt in their way but when baptized have gone on their way rejoycing he might have a sad heart though a rich Treasurer Riches would not do Being baptized he went on his way rejoycing The Jaylor being baptized rejoyced believing in God with all his house Acts 16.33 34. 5 Example The next Example we ●ome to is the Baptizing of the famous Apostle Paul Act 1.22.16 And now why tar●est thou arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins wouldest thou have thy soul filled with joy wilt thou take Christ for thy Lord then arise why tarriest thou and be baptized He that appeared to thee in the way when thou wast a Persecutor and stopt thee from going to Hell when thou wast running hath sent me saith Ananias Act. 9.15 17. And now why tarriest thou arise and be baptized Act. 22.16 Thou hast been a Persecutor and now I must shew thee that thou must be a Preacher and a Sufferer as Acts 9.15 16. And therefore Arise why tarriest thou and be baptized Oh accept of the terms and tenders of Mercy bid Mercy welcome but do not put it off a day why dost thou tarry dost think thy self unworthy and therefore tarryest do not let that hinder I tell thee from the Lord thou art a chosen Vessel Act. 9.15 Therefore arise why tarriest thou and be baptized The Lord is willing to forgive all thy former sins and to accept of thee on Gospel-terms and now why tarriest thou arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins 6 Example Another Example of Be●●●●ers Baptism is the Baptism of the Jaylor Acts 16.30 31 32. He went to bed in hi● sins and might have awaked in Hell bu● preventing-Mercy meets him when hi● sword was drawing and by a Glorious Instrument God crys Do thy self no harm there is hope for thee And he trembling cries What must I do That soul that trembles before the Almighty God will not only cry out what shall I have but what shall I do Believe saith Paul believe on the Lord Jesus And to demonstrate his willingness to yield Obedience to the Lord Jesus and to accept of him on Gospel-terms he is baptized the same hour of the night ver 33. And if you note ver 34. all his believed and were baptized 7. Another Example you have of Lydia Act. 16.14 a godly woman a praying woman God opened her heart to attend his Word by Paul and being at the River she was baptized When the heart is shut how backward are souls to obey Christ One draw from Christ makes the Soul run Song 1. 4. The Lord opened her heart and she was baptized 8 Example you have Acts 18.8 Crispus the chief Ruler of the Synagogue believed 〈◊〉 ●he Lord with all his house and many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized Crispus believed his house believed all runs in their believing and then they were baptized Thus you have Pattern and Precept it Command or Example be of any force here 's both CHAP. IV. Baptism is Dipping or Covering under Water 1. THe Greek Baptizo to plunge to overwhelm Thus Christ was plunged in water Mat. 3.16 Thus he was plunged or overwhelm'd in his suffering Luk. 12.50 2. The Dutch Translation reads Mat. 3. In those days came John the Dipper John 3.23 John was dipping in Aenon where there was much water what need much water were it not dipping 3. They did baptize in Rivers Mat. 3.6 They came to John and were baptized in the River of Jordan John 3.23 John was baptizing in Aenon where there was much water what need it be in a River and where there was much water would not a little in a Bason serve to Sprinkle the Face 4. Baptism signifies the Burial of Christ Rom. 6.4 Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism Coloss 2.12 Buried with him in Baptism Now we do not reckon a ma● buried when a little earth is Sprinkled o● his Face but he is buried when Covered thus you are buried in Baptism 5. Christs sufferings are called a Baptism Luke 12.50 I have a Baptism to be baptized with and how am I straitned till it be accomplished when Christ suffered he was plunged into pains did his sufferings lye only on his head or on his forehead No no there was not one part free he was from head to foot in pain his head was crowned with piercing Thorns his hands and feet nailed to the Cross so stretched out on the Cross that a man might have told all his bones Ps 22.17 There was not one part free the man hath sinned body soul and spirit Christ was baptized into pains plunged into sorrow not any part free this he calls his Baptism Thus one baptized is plunged under water to shew how Christ was plunged into sorrow for our sakes 6. Baptism is a putting on Christ As many of you as are baptized into Christ have put on Christ Gal. 3.27 that as a servant wears his Lords Livery a Garment which demonstrates him to be a Servant to such a Lord So in Baptism we put on our Lords Livery he cloathes from head to foot

Thus by Baptism we put on Christ 7. When Christ was baptized he came up out of the water Mat. 3.16 Was it only a little Water thrown on his Face Then he had not been in the water but because he was baptized in the water therefore being baptized he came up out of the water Philip and the Eunuch went both down into the water and being there in the water Philip baptized the Eunuch and when he was baptized he came up out of the water Act. 8.38 39. Thus you see the place where they were baptized was a River their Action they went down into the Water then being in the water they were baptized this was where was much water The end was to shew forth Christs Burial Now if there be not a Burial under water to shew Christs Burial the great end of the Ordinance is lost but we are buried by Baptism Quest But why may not Sprinkling with water serve as well as Covering under water Is there any more vertue in a great deal of water than there is in a little water Answ Sprinkling may not serve as well as Dipping under water 1. Because God is a jealous God stands upon small things in matters of Worship 't is likely Nadah and Abihu thought if they put fire in the Censer it might serve though it were not fire from the Altar but God calls it strange fire and therefore he burns them with strange fire Lev. 10.1 2. and Moses adds Ver. 3. This is it that the Lord spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all the people I will be glorified God bid Moses speak to the Rock and Moses smote the Rock and therefore must dye short of Canaan Num. 20.8 11 12. 2. Sprinkling may not serve because thereby the end of the Ordinance is lost which is to shew the Death Burial and Resurrection of Christ Rom. 6.4 We are buried with him by Baptism that like as Christ was raised c. 3. Sprinkling will not serve because it is not that God hath appointed Naaman the Leper did think the waters of Damascus to be of the same vertue with or better than the waters of Israel 2 Kings 5.12 May I not wash in them and be clean God had appointed him to dip in Jordan not that there was more vertue in that water but God did appoint him to dip in Jordan and he did and was clean Dipping is God's Appointment 4. Sprinkling will not serve because it is not according to the Pattern Christ went down into the water Philip the Eunuch went down into the water Act. 8.38 Heb. 8.5 See thou make all things according to the Pattern 5. Sprinkling will not serve because it is high presumption to change God's Ordinances Is not God wise enough to appoint his own Worship how it shall be performed Isa 24.5 The Earth is defiled because they have changed the Ordinance 6. Sprinkling will not serve because Sprinkling is not Baptism it is not the thing intended by God Baptism is Dipping or Plunging Sprinkling is not Baptism therefore Sprinkling will not serve Luk. 7.29 30. Gods Councel is Baptism or Dipping CHAP. V. Proving Water-Baptism to continue till the Second Coming of Jesus Christ THat this may appear that Water-Baptism is to continue and to be practised by Believers till the second coming of Jesus Christ take these six Considerations 1. Consider that Water-Baptism was once commanded and never yet repealed and no power can repeal a Command of Christ but the same power of Christ by which it was given forth Jud. ver 3. Contend for the Faith which was once delivered to the Saints 2. Consider that Water-baptism was practised before and since the Resurrection of Jesus Christ 1. Before the Resurrection of Christ Mat. 3.16 Joh. 3.23 Joh. 4.1 2. 2. Since the Resurrection of Christ Act. 2.41 8.12 38. 10.47 c. 3. Consider that Water Baptism was commanded after Christs Resurrection Mat. 28.19 Go teach all Nations baptizing them Had Water-Baptism ceased with Christs death it had not been commanded and practised after his Resurrection 4. Consider that the end of the Ordinance remains as at the Lords Supper the end of it is to shew forth the Lords death till he come and to do this in remembrance of Christ as long as we are to remember Christs death it is to be done in remembrance of Christ even till his second coming so Baptism is to shew the Death Burial Resurrection of Christ Rom. 6.3 4 5. the End remaining the Ordinance remains till his second coming 5. Consider it hath been continued by Christians in all Ages since Jesus Christ left his Command with the Saints 6. Consider whether the same Argument that throws down Water-baptism if granted will not throw down all Ordinances for if you grant that when the Spirit is come Baptism ceaseth may you not as well say when the Spirit is come Preaching ceaseth Prayer ceaseth but this is by reason of mans corrupt heart Christ saith Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you And lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world Mat. 28.19 20. CHAP. VI. That no Measures of Grace or of the Spirit are a sufficient Ground to keep any from Water-Baptism THAT no Measures of Grace or of the Spirit are a sufficient Ground to keep from Baptism may plainly appear if you 1. Consider that Baptism is from Heaven as you see Mat. 21.25 Now what should keep from a Heavenly Command 2. Consider the Lord Jesus had all grace and the Spirit without Measure as 〈◊〉 3.34 and yet he was Baptized in 〈◊〉 River of Jordan as you may see Mat. ●● 13 14 15. Is not Christ a good Patter● for Believers to follow 3. Consider where hath God thus limited Baptism to persons having little Grace or little of the Spirit Nay on the Contrary hath not God promised his Spirit that you may keep my Ordinances and do them Ezek. 11.19 20. 4. Consider the Apostle makes receiving the Spirit an Argument to encourage to Baptism Acts 10.47 Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Ghost as well as we Now if you mind these were so baptized with the Spirit that they spake with Tongues and Prophesied a strange work to Prophesie and speak with Tongues such a Measure of the Spirit is not in our days yet he Commanded them to be baptized ver 48. CHAP. VII Believers Baptism a great Ordinance THE greatness of the Ordinance of B●lievers Baptism may appear if you ●onsider these seven Particulars 1. Consider that Baptism is an Ordi●ance which hath the great Pattern the Captain of our Salvation himself did pra●tise it as you see Mat. 3.13 Then ●ometh Jesus to be baptized If any man ●erve me saith Christ let him follow me And where I am there shall my servant be ●ohn 12.26 Christ is the great Example 2. Consider the

BAPTISM Dis●overed Plainly Faithfully According to the WORD of GOD. WHEREIN Is set forth the Glorious Pattern of Our Blessed Saviour JESUS Christ the Pattern of all Believers in his Subjection to Baptism Together with the Example of Thousands who were Baptized after they Believed By JOHN NORCOTT Late Servant of Jesus Christ and of his Church The Third Edition Corrected by Will. Kiffin and Rich. Claridge With an Appendix by another Hand Jer. 6.4 Ask for the Old and the Good Way and walk therein you shall find rest for your souls Isa 30.21 This is the Way walk in it 1 Cor. 11.1 Be ye followers of me as I am of Christ. Mat. 3.20 And when Jesus was Baptized or dipt he came up out of the Water Luc. 7.30 But the Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the Counsel of God against themselves not being Baptized or dipt Printed at Rotterdam and now Re-printed at London by the Assigns of Widow Norcott and Sold by Will. Marshal at the Bible in Newgate-street 1694. To All that Love the LORD JESVS CHRIST And His Holy Ordinances in the Truth Grace Mercy and Peace be Multiplyed Dearly Beloved AS the Lord Jesus Christ is most pretious to your Souls his Name being as Oyntment poured forth and His Love better than Wine Song 1.2 3. So hath every Truth of his a due Value and Esteem with you Whatsoever hath the Divine Impress upon it ye readily embrace but not that which is 〈◊〉 Tradition of Man Hence it is that ye are for a Church of Christs 〈◊〉 Erection for a Ministry of his own Calling and for Ordinances of his own Appointing 'T is both your Desire and Endeavour to follow Christ fully and therefore cannot admit of any thing in Doctrine or Worship that is not exactly consonant to his revealed will Ye are so tender of Christ's Honour which shines in all his Commands that ye cannot deviate knowingly the least tittle from any one of them O what an Awe Christ's Authority carrys with it Ye are the sheep that hear his Voice the servants that do his will and the People that are obedient in the Day of his Power Blessed are ye that make his word your Rule and resolvedly do practise according thereunto The Author of this Short and Plain Discourse was a True Lover of our Lord Jesus and his Holy Appointments he Steer'd his whole course by the Compass of the Word making Scripture-Precept or Example his constant Rule in Matters of Religion Other Mens Opinions or Interpretations were not the Standard by which he went but through the Assistance of the Holy Spirit he labour'd to find out what the Lord himself had said in his Word And therefore throughout this Little Book he still keeps close to the Scriptures Vouching no Authority for what he delivers but from thence What Approbation this Piece hath found may appear from hence that since the First Edition of it here in England it hath been Reprinted in Holland was also lately Translated into Welsh and now growing scarce and much asked for the Bookseller hath been Advised to give it another Impression In which there are few material Alterations or Additions the Author 's own Phrase and Method being generally preserved The Lord who is able to give seed to the Sower and to bless the seed Sown Prosper this Plain Discourse to every soul that shall read it which is the hearty Desire of Yours in the Lord Will. Kiffin Rich. Claridge To his Truly Beloved Friends and Brethren in and about Wapping who Love our Lord JESUS in Sincerity Children of one Father Partakers of the Glorious Spirit of Grace Beloved Brethren IT was Josephs Lot to be separated from his Brethren but God meant it for good tho' it was not for the present seen yet in due time it appeared Josephs Dreams were fulfilled and tho' the Archers shot sorely at him and grieved him yet his Bow abode in strength Oh how good it is to be upright with the Lord It is one of the sad evils of the Times Brethren shoot at Brethren But this will be a Mercy indeed if all our Aim might 〈◊〉 to enjoy and be conformable to Christ one part of Conformity to our Lor● Jesus is Obedience to the Preciou● Ordinance of Baptism judging yo● are such as press after Christ you Head together with a Testimonial of my unfeigned Love to you I have presented these few Thoughts to your serious Consideration I have read of Two Loving Friends who having spent a great part of the day in a matter of Difference between them could not be reconciled and so parted One of them bethinking himself of that Text Eph. 4.26 ran to the other saying The Sun is going down by which they were both immediately reconciled My Brethren our Sun is going down Eternity is upon us and shall we not consider the Work we have to do for the Lord I beseech you be like the Noble Bereans search whether these things be so and if you find these things not mine but the Lords then give him the glory due to his Name Beloved as I have so I shall yet appeal in the Ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth like Elijah Lord God of Abraham Isaac and of Israel let it be seen this day that thou art God in Israel and that I am thy servant and that I have done all these things at thy Word 1 Kings 18.36 Now Lord let Fire come down from Heaven on this Sacrifice that may drink up all the waters of strife And that you may all cry The Lord he is God the Lord he is God ver 39. Which is the unfeigned desire of him that is unworthy 〈◊〉 serve you yet your loving Brothe in Jesus Christ John Norcott The Contents of the Book The Introduction Page 1. CHAP. I. Christ was Baptized in the River of Jordan P. 2. II. Of the great Commission for Believers Baptism P. 7. III. Examples P. 11. IV. Baptism is dipping or covering under Water P. 17. V. Proving Water-Baptism to continue till the second coming of Jesus Christ p. 21. VI. That no Measures of Grace or of the Spirit are a sufficient ground to keep any from Water-Baptism P. 23. VII Believers Baptism a great Ordinance P. 25. VIII Answers to the common Objections p. 28. IX Believers Baptism and Infant-Baptism compared P. 48. X. Plain Scriptures concerning Baptism without any Human Consequence from man's Wisdom P. 4● XI Considerations by way of Conclusion P. 50. An Appendix P. 57. Baptism Discovered The Introduction WHEN thou by reading goest to search out the mind of God let thy Cry be Lord anoint mine eyes with eye-salve that I may see and if it hath been the day of Gods Power with thy soul I fear not but thou wilt bid Truth welcome in whatever dress it comes and more think on what is comprized in the Letter than be affrighted at the poor Cloathing of the Messenger especially knowing it comes from one whose Name is the Great God Therefore in handling

this Truth viz. Believers Baptism as it was practised by Christ and the Primitive Churches my great Request to thee is That thou wilt read what is said without prejudice And whatever thou findest according to Truth receive as that which is more precious than thy Life and judge of it according to the Holy Scriptures for when all is said that can be they 〈◊〉 be Judge in all Controversies of 〈…〉 And as Christ is the Foundation 1 Cor. 2.11 upon which whoever buildeth shall never be confounded I shall therefore take a few Observations concerning Christ his being baptized and herein you may take notice how exact the Holy Scriptures are to set down the Circumstances of his Baptism CHAP. I. Christ was Baptized in the River of Jordan COncerning the Baptism of Jesus Christ you may read it at large Mat. 3.13 c. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John to be Baptized of him Every word hath Emphasis then before he entred upon his publick Ministry as you see in Mat. 4.17 From that time Jesus began to preach cometh he might have commanded John to have attended him but in token of his subjection he cometh from Galilee many miles 't is likely on foot every step we take for God is acceptable and one day shall have a Glorious Reward to Jordan where there was a River where Thousands had been Baptized and was a suitable place for John to dip Christ in as will be seen hereafter Now I shall take notice of eight things concern the Baptism of Christ First Concerning his Age 't is said Luk. 3.21 Jesus being baptized ver 23. began to be about thirty years of Age here you see that Christ himself was baptized at Grown Years if any might be baptized in Infancy why not Christ Christians be not ashamed your Captain is gone before you he was thirty years old when baptized Christ is not ashamed to call you Brethren Heb. 2.11 Secondly Another thing to be observed in the Baptism of Christ is the Administrator of this holy Ordinance John who confesseth of himself he was not worthy to unloose the latchets of his shooes Mark 1.7 Now if Christ would receive Baptism from such an unworthy Instrument never slight the Ordinance because of the unworthiness of the Administrators let your eye be on Christ your Example Thirdly Note the Repulse John forbad him Mat. 3.14 Difficultly in duty must be no excuse we must take no denyal in following God Strive to enter in at the strait gate Mat. 7.13 Fourthly Note John's Argument Mat. 3.14 I have need to be baptized of thee 〈◊〉 comest thou to me Some will not be baptized but of need their carnal Argument is May I not go to Heaven though I be not baptized Is it of necessity to salvation Is this like your Lord and Master Was not he a perfect Saviour Was not the Spirit poured on him without measure He had no sin to be washed away wherefore see your example he doth it not of need but of obedience to his Fathers will Fifthly Note the excellent Terms he gives to this Ordinance of Baptism 1. He calls it Righteousness Matth. 3.15 'T is righteous and just that I should be about my Fathers business 2. It is a comely thing it becomes us Oh it is a very comely thing in God's Children to have respect to all the Commandments of God 3. The Conjunction us thee and me and all my Followers John 12.26 If any man serve me let him follow me and where I am there shall also my servant be 4. A Completion it is a fulfilling 2 Cor. 10.4 The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but spiritual ver 5. bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ ver 6. having in readiness to revenge all disobedience when your obedience shall be fulfilled Obedience must be fulfilled 5. The universal Term all Baptism is one of the all Christ reckons it so Thou canst not walk in all the Commands if this be omitted 6. Note Concerning Christs Baptism the form of Administration Mat. 3. And straitway he went up out of the water straitway because Baptism is once Dipping up had he not been down 't would not have been said he went up he went was not carryed in Arms as Infants are out if he went out of the water then he had been in We never say one goes out of the house when he never was in So Christ could not be said to come out of the water had he not been in he went up out had a little water been brought to him in a Bason he had not been said to go up out of the water this water was the River of Jordan Christ stoops to small things because an Ordinance 7. Note Concerning Christ's Baptism the Father's Acceptance Mat. 3.16 17. the Heavens were opened Some of Christ's Followers have found glorious openings of Heaven in Baptism the spirit descended the very same that is promised to Believers in their Baptism Act. 2.38 Repent and be Baptized every one of you and you shall receive the Holy Ghost Obj. But doth every one receive the Holy Ghost that is bapt●●●● Ans The defect lies not in Baptism ●●t in Faith and Repentance without which no Ordinance is effectual And lo a voice from Heaven This is my beloved Son Christ as Head was sealed and in Baptism is held forth the Sonship of his Members in him I am well pleased not only in all he hath and doth do but in this very Act of Baptism as an Act of Obedience to my glorious Will I am well pleased and so is the Lord well pleased in the Act of Obedience wherein from the heart we obey the form of Doctrine delivered to us Rom. 6.17 The same Voice the blessed Son of God hath in the Mount Luk. 9.35 This is my beloved Son hear him Hear him in his Commands and Appointments hear him now in his Baptism Oh saith Christ thus it becometh us you that have my Father for your Father you that have my God for your God Thus it becometh us to be baptized and to fulfil all righteousness Oh he is a beloved Son hear him 8. Note How in Christs Baptism the Trinity doth as it were meet the Father with a Voice the Son baptized in Person the Holy Ghost descends like a Dove And surely it is one Reason why Baptism in special is is to be administred in the Name of the Father Son Holy Ghost because he who doth sincerely believe and is baptized the whole Trinity the Father Son and Spirit is his portion and that glorious Union of the Trinity in Christ's Baptism is in every Believers Baptism commemorated CHAP. II. Of the great Commission for Believers Baptism AS you have heard something concerning your great Pattern the Lord Jesus so now I shall shew something concerning his Command Mat. 28.19 And I pray note what is said of our Lord Jesus Act. 1.1 Christ is said both to do teach 't

great Name in which Baptism is Administred Mat. 28.19 20. Baptize them in the Name of the Father Son ●nd Holy Ghost This Name must not be ●lighted it is a great Name 3. Consider Baptisms great business it ●s called Righteousness Righteousness is a great thing Christ calls it a comely thing Mat. 3.15 Thus it becometh us to fulfil all Righteousness it is a fulfilling all Righteousness 4. Consider Baptisms great Commission ●t is one of the last Conmands of our blessed Saviour after his Resurrection a 〈◊〉 before his Ascension as appears Mat. 28 19 20. Go Teach and Baptize 5. Consider Baptisms great Promises Mat. 28.19 20. Go teach and baptize a● lo I am with you here 's the Promise of th● glorious presence of Christ Then ye have the promise of the Holy Ghost Repent and be baptized and you shall receive th● gift of the Holy Ghost Act. 2.38 You have also the Promise or Assuranc● of washing away your sins Act. 22.16 Arise and be baptized and wash away th● sins Again You shall find the promise of Sa●vation annexed to Baptism Mark 16 1● He that believeth and is baptized shall ● saved Christ's Presence the Holy Ghost'● Pardon of sin and Salvation all these a●● great Promises 6. Consider the Eminency of Baptism every Word of God is pure but Baptism is called the Councel of God Luk. 7.29 3● They rejected the Councel of God again●● themselves not being baptized is not th● Councel of God a great thing 7. Consider since Christ hath b●● gone to Heaven he hath commanded ●●ptism Acts 8.29 the Spirit bid Philip jo● himself to the Chariot which clearly a●pears was that he might preach Christ and baptize the Eunuch And when he was baptized he went away rejoycing Here 's one Call from Heaven Another Command from Heaven to baptize after Christs Ascension you have in the Lord Jesus's sending Ananias to Paul Act. 9.19 The Lord called Ananias in a Vision and sends him to Paul and when he comes he saith Acts 22.16 and now why tarriest thou arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins This Paul tells us were the words of Ananias here you have another Call from Heaven to baptize Again you shall find Act. 10.4 5. Cornelius hath a Call from Heaven to send for Peter who should tell him words whereby he should be saved Peter hath a Call from Heaven to go to Cornelius ver 19.20 Go therefore nothing doubting here Peter is sent from Heaven and to speak words whereby Cornelius might be saved and when he came to Cornelius you shall find ver 48. He commanded them to be baptized Thus you see Baptism was commanded after Christ's Ascension all which may shew Baptism to be a great Ordinance CHAP. VIII Answer to the common Objections SUch is the corruption of mans heart as he will make Objections against the clearest Truth in the blessed Word of God and which of the Truths of God yea hath not God himself been objected against but I may say of Baptism as once He said These things were not done in a Corner I only give this Scripture-caution They have closed their eyes lest they should see and be converted and I should heal them Take heed of closing the eyes and then I am sure thou wilt be willing in the day of God's power but if in Conscience thou desirest satisfaction consider the Answers to the following Objections Object 1. Some Object where it is said Mat. 28.19 20. To the end of the World that is to the end of that Age. Answ 1. To which I Answer This cannot be the sense of the Text First Because Christ bids the Apostles teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you Mat. 28.20 Now do you think that all things the Apostles were to teach them to observe were only to the end of that Age Christ commands them to repent believe to be holy to be baptized and are we to repent believe and be holy no longer than to the end of that Age Secondly Christ promises his presence to the end of the World Mat. 28.20 Lo I am with you to the end of the Word Now hath Christ promised his Presence but to the end of that Age this would be a dreadful Doctrine Josh 1.5 He hath said I will not fail thee nor forsake thee so that the promise of his Presence is to last in all Ages as the word may be rendred I will be with you in Ages or to the end of the World therefore observe all things to the end of the World Object 2. 2. But Water-baptism was John's Baptism I Answer Was the Baptism of John from Heaven or of men John's Baptism was from Heaven Mat. 21.25 Then further John was but to prepare Christ's way before him Luk. 1.76 Thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways so that John did but prepare Christs way This therefore was Christ's way not John's way But further hath not Christ commanded and the Churches practis'd Baptism after John's Death and Christ's Resurrection Di● not Christ say Go teach and baptize and wilt thou say this is John's Baptism Object 3. 3. But Circumcision and Vncircumcision availeth nothing but a New Creature I Answer Once Circumcision was something when the Lord would have killed Moses because of the Circumcision as Exod. 4.24 25 26. and when the Lord said That whoever was not circumcised he should be cut off from the people Gen. 17.14 Now in the Gospel it is nothing because abolished Gal. 5.2 If you be circumcised Christ shall profit you nothing But wilt thou say the Councel of God is nothing Baptism is the Councel of God Luk. 7.29 30. And is this nothing Baptism is a Command of the Lord Jesus Mat. 28.19 And is his Command nothing Object 4. 4. I am baptized with the Spirit which is the substance Water-baptism is but the shadow I Answer Thou mayst as well say so of all other Ordinances they are but shadows the Supper is but a shadow Prayer Hearing and Preaching are but shadows and then whither wilt thou run Then further the Question is not whether it be a shadow Is it a Command If a Command dispute not Christ's Authority lest he be angry But further call water-Water-baptism a shadow yet consider Christ subjected to it and who art thou wilt thou be wiser than Christ And further Acts 10.47 They were baptized with the Spirit and spake with Tongues and yet were baptized in water Remember he that is faithful in the least is faithful in much Object 5. 5. Doth not Baptism come in the room of Circumcision I Answer No surely for there 's not any Word of God for such a thing and thou must not be wise above what is written 1 Cor. 4.6 And then consider Circumcision concerned only the Males but Acts 8.12 When they believed they were baptized both Men and Women Object 6. 6. But are not very learned Men for Infant Baptism I Answer Luke 7.29.30 The

and to your Children and to all that are ● far off even as many as the Lord our G●● shall call Here you see it is to such as are called Now if you say this word Call relates not to the Children but to them that are afar off I Answer it must needs relate to the Children and their Parents and all afar off because it is the Promise ver 16 17. this is that which is spoken of by Joel the Prophet I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh on your Sons and Daughters Joel 2.28 on the Remnant whom the Lord shall call ver 32. Now if the Promise of the Spirit be to Children though not called then either the Promise doth fail and that 's a fearful thing to think or else all the Children of Believers do partake of this glorious Spirit but the contrary dayly experience shews that many of Believers Children are Carnal not having the Spirit and it is fulfilld only to such whom the Lord our God shall call Object 16. 16. But I have been Baptized in my Infancy therefore what need I be Baptized again I Answer As one saith of Marriage It is not the ●ed that makes Marriage for then forni●ation is Marriage but a lawful consent by Covenant that makes Marriage So I say of Baptism it is not Water thrown on the face that makes Baptism but it is a free consent and subjection to Christ according to the Rule that makes Baptism Now when thou wast an Infant thou gavest no consent thou canst not tell of any such thing but by report thou knowest not when it was thou hadst no Faith in the Act. And what ever is not of Faith is sin so that thou art not yet baptized Again consider what defects have been in thy Infant-Baptism First there was no Rule to baptize thee while an Infant Then thou wast not a right subject for thou oughtst to believe and be baptized then thou wast only sprinkled not buried in baptism as Christ was and hath commanded Now wilt thou call that baptism which was only a Tradition received from thy Fore-Fathers when the Lord Jesus did shed his most precious blood to redeem thee from the Tradition of thy Fore-Fathers 1 Pet. 1.18 19 Object 17. 17. But many lay so much stress on Baptism as makes us more backward to it I Answer Is there more stress laid by any than Christ who said they rejected the Counc●● of God against themselves not being baptized Luk. 7.29 30. And is it not our duty to contend for the faith once delivered to the Saints Object 18. 18. But the Children of Believers are holy therefore they ought to be baptized I Answer As it is said the Children are holy so it is said the unbelieving Husband is holy or sanctified by the believing Wife This Holiness is wholly to the use of Marriage for the Apostle is in that place 1 Cor. 7. speaking of Marriage and whether those who have believed should live with unbelieving Husbands or put them away as 1 Cor. 7.13 So that the Holiness here spoken of it is wholly to their use it is said Zach. 14.20 There shall be Holiness on the Horses Bells and every Pot in the Lords House sh●ll be Holy Now do you think this was a sufficient warrant to baptize Bells as you ma● read they did in the Book of Martyrs 〈…〉 being holy for the use of the By 〈…〉 Sanctified by 〈…〉 ●●ayer 1 Tim. 3.4 5. And to the Pure all things are Pure Tit. 1.15 That is to their use Thus Children are holy and unbelieving Husbands are sanctified to their use But if you think Believers Children are inherently holy doth not your experience tell you the contrary do not we see good Men have ungodly Children and bad Men have holy Children so that they are only holy for their use they are not born in uncleanness Object 19. 19. When they were formerly circumcised Men of years were circumcised but afterwards Infants were circumcised so in the Gospel when Baptism was first administred Men and Women were baptized but afterwards Infants were Baptized I Answer When God first commanded Circumcision he commanded that it should be administred to Children Gen. 17.10 every Man-child but when Christ commanded Baptism he commanded that persons should be taught and that they should believe and be baptized and never gave a Command to baptize Children Then consider we have the Lives and Acts of the Apostles and Primitive Churches for divers years and not one Infant baptized Paul was converted sometime after Christs Ascension and was fourteen years in Christ Cor. 12.2 In these fourteen years sure some Children were born yet not one baptized that we read of Object 20. 20. They were Heathens that were baptized in the Apostles days I Answer Was the Lord Jesus a Heathen he was baptized The Eunuch a Worshipper of the true God Cornelius a man whose Prayers and Alms came to God for a Memorial were these Heathens Nay do not those who baptize Infants baptize Heathens Eph. 2.3 We are the Children of wrath by Nature It is you that plead for the baptizing Heathens we plead for the baptizing Believers Object 21. 21. But Paul saith 1 Cor. 1.17 Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach I Answer That Paul did baptize 1 Cor. 1.14 15. He baptized Crispus and Gaius and the Houshold of Stephanas and divers others Now what he did he did by Commission or Presumption but he did it not by Presumption therefore he did it by Commission he was sent to preach Baptism fell in as a part of his Preaching Office Philip was chosen a Deacon yet he baptized the Eunuch Baptism fell in as part of his work Acts 8. so that he that is called to be a Preacher needs no call to baptize the other falls in as his work Object 22. 22. But there were three thousand baptized in one day how could all these be dipped in one day they might be sprinkled but not dipped I Answer They might well be dipped for there were twelve Apostles and seventy Disciples as Luke 10.1 that is eighty two these might well baptize three thousand in a day CHAP. IX Believers-Baptism and Infant-Baptism compared 1. Believers Baptism hath a Command Mat. 28.19 20. 1. Infant-Baptism hath not a Command 2. Believers baptism hath many Examples Acts 8.12 cap. 2.37 41 42 c. 2. Infant-baptism hath no Example 3. Believers baptism is from Heaven Mat. 21.25 3. Infant-baptism is from Men. 4. Believers baptism is the Councel of God Luk. 7.29.30 4. Infant baptism hath the Councel of Men. 5. Believers baptism hath been Gloriously sealed Matthew 3. 5. Infant-baptism never was sealed by God 6. In believers baptism the person baptized acts faith 6. But in Infant-baptism the Infant acts no faith 7. In believers baptism the person subjects in acts of obedience 7. But in Infant-baptism the Infant puts forth no Act of Obedience 8. In believers baptism the person knows when he is baptized