half of the Body into the Water is to walk by a meer implicit Faith because some Learned in the Tongues say the word signifieth to Dip or Plunge or Overwhelm but presuppose the word for Baptism may have a large Signification and that 't is Lawful to use more or less Water in Washing and therefore the Translators durst not confine the word Baptism to one strict Sense what quantity was used on the Person or what was the manner in the Administration which John did use in the act of water-Water-Baptism it is not in words prescribed but that Water was used to the Person none will deny and seeing the word in water-Water-Baptism is said to be with Water and the Baptism with the Spirit is express'd by the same word meaning in both with which is by pouring or casting or putting Water on or to the Person and not the Person in it for it hath been proved by plain words that when they stood in Jordan is but to stand where the Water had been so to be in the Sea was but to be where the Sea had been so as all going to Ponds or Rivers is by descending so going down in or on any part where the Water had or usually did Swell or Flow is said to go in the Water as Israel went into Jordan or in the Red Sea when as they stood where the Waters had flowed on dry ground both in the Sea and in Jordan as at low Water with us how far may one go where the Water had flowed yet but to the brink of the Water so one may be said to be in the Thames as they in Jordan Another Scripture is urged by the Anabaptists to prove that John Baptized at Enon because there was much Water Answ The word Enon being the Name of a Town which took its name from Springs that did arise there as the word signifieth an Eye or Holes from which Water springeth up so that although there may be said to be much Water by its continual Springing up yet as Sandy's and the Travels of the Patriarchs Historians say There is not so much depth of Water standing as will dip half the Body in much less will it dip the whole Body in but as most commonly a Spring riseth on upper Ground so it runneth away as may be seen daily in this Land so there may be said to be much Water by its continual Springing yet no depth of standing Water Moreover another reason why there was said to be much Water at Enon with respect to the part of the Country being forty two Miles Northward from Jerusalem so differing from the South part where ariseth few Springs as it is written from the Scarcity of Waters Psalm 126. 4. Turn our Captivity as Streams in the South and hereupon when Calebs Daughter came to ask a Blessing of her Father she said unto him Thou hast given me a South-land give me also Springs of Water Joshua 15. 18 19. so he gave her the upper and the nether Springs And for another reason we may conceive John did not Baptize at Enon because he wanted much depth of Water to Baptize withall but because there was Spring water more desirous than other water to cast upon the Face as hath been proved is the proper place that water in Baptism or Washing is to be administred by casting upon because that part representeth the whole Body as afore shewed Moreover and why should the Anabaptists be so Despising of the word Sprinkling or casting of Water in Baptism on that part that representeth the whole Person we know not unless it be to maintain their new way of Dipping seeing Sprinkling is so frequently used in Scripture to signifie our Sanctification and Cleansing from Sin by the Blood of the Lord Jesus called the Blood of Sprinkling which so well agreeth with the like Sign express'd by water in Baptism by Pouring or Washing not by Dipping but by Sprinkling as 't is written Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you and you shall be clean from all your Filthiness Ezek. 36. 25. 1 Pet. 1. 2. Heb. 12. 24. alluding to the Sign in water-Water-Baptism of Remission or Cleansing from the Filth of Sin by the Blood of Jesus by Sprinkling as it is written So shall he sprinkle many Nations by washing in Baptism as afore shewed when Paul was Baptized it is written not Dip'd but be Baptized and wash away thy Sins And herein the Baptism of the Spirit agreeth with water-Water-Baptism by Isaiah 32. 15. pouring out of the Spirit after the manner of Rain therefore ought the manner in water-Water-Baptism to be administred not by Dipping but by Pouring or Sprinkling water on the Face for the Reasons aforesaid But as the Lord who chargeth some to have set up an Idol in their Hearts Ezek. 14. 4. so Men may make an Idol of Gods own Ordinance as some did of the Brazen Serpent and as the Jews made little less than an Idol of Circumcision as now it is to be feared the Anabaptists do of Water-Baptism putting that Stress upon it as the Jews did upon Circumcision that they could not be Saved if not Circumcised Moreover that Ben. Keach granteth that the 3000 were not Baptized by Dipping is evident if his words in Page 21 of his Book be but observed his words are these The Multitude to be Baptized were so great that it required others besides the Apostles to do it Nor is it to be believed that Peter himself with the Eleven did Baptize all the Three thousand in one day without the help of the Hundred and twenty Answ All Christians are to know that as the Apostles taught the Churches not only to keep Faith Col. 2. 5. but Order also in the Administration of Gods Ordinances themselves being Examples to the Flock to follow them in due order in the Churches Then Note as that work to wit of Administring the Sealing Ordinances did in all Ages belong to Men in Office to do as shall be fully proved in the Fourth Query none being in Office then when the Three thousand were Baptized but the Apostles who only had received the Command from Christ to go Teach and Baptize Nations Matt. 28. 19 20. So that the Hundred and twenty the Apostles excepted were but common Disciples and some if not many of them Women Acts 1. 14 15. Some particularly named therefore it is not rationally to be believed that any common Disciple had any hand in Baptizing the Three thousand in part of that one day in which short time they were all Baptized and therefore how contrary to Sense and Reason and Scripture also is it for any to believe that the Three thousand were all Dip'd or Plunged all over in water every one of them to be taken up in their Arms by Twelve Apostles to be buried in water as the Anabaptists Plead but yet Practice not for the day was but Twelve hours long John 11. 9. and it was the third hour of the day Acts 2. 15. when
find Faith on the Earth Luke 18. 8. and he will come in an hour which the wicked shall not be aware of Matth. 24. 44. but the Godly are exhorted to be ready at all times Mat. 25. 10. Therefore seeing the approaching of these Judgments is already beginning for Apostacy increases the distress of Nations 2 Chro. 15. 2. 6. with Seas and Waves Roaring Mens Hearts saith Christ failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming on the Earth Luke 21. 25 26. for the Powers of Heaven to wit of Godliness in the Church shall he so shaken that the power of true Godliness will be hardly found 2 Tim. 3. 5. only a Luke-warm chilled formal Profession remaining in Churches which is the effects of the last Vial of Gods Wrath powred into the Air Rev. 16. 17. Eph. 2. 2. and 4. 14. of false Doctrines of Men namely among others that of meritorious Works seeking Justification by the external act of their own Righteousness Luke 18. 9. wherein is shewed by the Plague of the hail of a Tallent weight the coldness of Love to God and one to another abounding so that the Root of Love decaying Eph. 2. 17. all Iniquity will abound Matth 24 12. that by it saith Christ to John the Grapes of Sin will hasten to be fully Ripe for the Harvest of the latter Day Rev. 14. 18. Deut. 32. 32. Now then these things seriously considered would move any Christian heart to speak when the sound of that word is heard and regarded as it is written Prov. 24. 10 11 12. If thou faint in the day of Adversity thy Strength is small if thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto Death and those that are ready to be slain if thou sayest behold we know it not doth not he that pondereth the Heart consider it and he that keepeth thy Soul doth not he know it and shall not he render to every Man accordsng to his Works And Lastly least these People called Anabaptists should be offended because I call them not Baptists as they call themselves but Anabaptists my reason is this because first the word Baptist Matth. 3. 1. Luke 7. 20. was a Name only belonging to Gods immediate Messenger John who was by extraordinary Commission sent to Baptise therefore was he Surnamed the Baptist so that neither the Apostles nor any of the primitive Christians did presume to call themselves by that Name Baptist and as touching the word Anabaptist it is no more than one Anabaptized or Rebaptized and therefore all that are Baptized in Infancy and are Baptized again properly bear that Name Anabaptist so that it is no Nick-Name to those people who desire to be called Baptists Thus having discharged my Duty leaving what is here discussed in this Treatise to the Impartial Reader to Judge thereof according to the Written word of God Isa 8. 20. To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them Now for the Benefit and Comfort that through Gods Blessing any shall reap for their Souls good by what is here laid down let them give to God only the Glory which is the Father of Lights and the Author of every good and perfect Gift to whom be ascribed Dominion Power and Glory in and through our Lord Jesus Christ now and for ever Amen Remaining Thine in the Lord Tho. Wall A Breviat of the Contents in this Book In Query First THe Sence of the Word Baptize opened in three kinds of Baptism proving the manner of Administration not by Dipping but by casting or powring Water on that part which representeth the Person from page 2. to 9. The meaning of the word Buried in Baptism opened pag. 9. to 11. That part of the person Baptized is not to be covered with any Garment prov'd pag. 11. to 14. Why it is said John Baptized in Enon because tiere was much Water explained pag. 15. to 17. That the Apostles Baptized the 3000 in one day not by Dipping prov'd and that many of them were Children pag. 18. to 21. Query Second Pag. 22. The end why Water-Baptism was Ordain'd for a Gospel Ordinance for a sign of Remission of Sins Query Third Pag. 23. How Infants became Sinners and how made Righteous by Christ pag. 24. to 29. That as Sin entered into the World by Families even so the Redemption of Mankind was by Families and by Covenant added to the Church daily with their Parents pag. 30. to 37. That profession of Faith giveth no Soul right to have Water Baptism Administred on them pag. 38. to 44 and why profession is required and of whom What manner of Persons every Nation consisteth of that Christ commanded to Preach the Gospel to and Baptize them explain'd pag. 45. 46. That the Apostles taught no other Gospel than what they found written in the Writings of the Prophets pag. 47 to 50. The manner how the Gospel was Taught and applied pag. 52. to 55. That the House or Houseshold the Apostle Baptized were Children and not Servants pag. 56. to 61. Objection shew a Child by Name Baptized Answer'd pag. 67. That Infants have the Spirit of Faith prov'd pag. 65. 66. Why Christ was not Baptized till he was 30 years old explained pag. 67. Objection concerning the order of Words Teach and Baptize Answered pag. 69. That Repentance was only required of Adult persons and not of Infants before Baptized and why pag. 70 to 72. That as Infants were Church-Members of old so now prov'd pag. 73. Ben. Keach derission of Faith to be in Infants Answered pag. 77. to 79 and Refuted Reflections on the honour of Christ by the Anabaptists charged on 〈◊〉 as plead for Infants Baptism Answered pag. 80. 81 Reasons to prove Infants Baptism granted by the Equality of the Reasons the Anabaptists prove the first day to be kept for Gospel Worship pag. 82. to 84. That Water Baptism is to be Administred onlp on the Lords-day or first day of the Week confessed by the Anabaptists contrary to their practice pag. 85 to 88. Query Fourth Page 90. Who are the Persons that have right to Administer Water Baptism shewed pag. 90 to 100. The Order how every Ordinance in Worship is to be performed and by whom on the Lords day proved p. 102 to 105. Query Fifth Page 106. Whether it be lawful for a Man to Baptize himself and from such an Administrator the English Anabaptists received their Baptism p. 107 to 112. proved A false report concerning the State of Infants by the Anabaptists against Dr. Ames Mr. Ainsworth and Dr. Owen Answered p. 113 to 117. B. Keach's grant that it is Will-worship for a Man to Baptize himself p. 118. Baptism received in Apostacy not to be reiterated p. 119 to 121. How the People in this Island in the Apostles days received the Christian Faith and Baptism and not from Rome p. 123 124. That Water-Baptism came in place of Circumcision proved p.
its explaining its own meaning wherein one and the same Sense in the manner of the Administration of water-Water-Baptism and Spiritual Baptism must when rightly understood agree in one as afore proved Again as to the quantity of Water in pouring it on the Person in Baptism God hath not limited but left free keeping to the manner by pouring and no otherwise is Gods way in the Spiritual Baptism limited for some have a greater measure of the Spirit than others poured on them For although the whole Church is Baptized by one Spirit 1 Cor. 12. 13. yet There are differences of Adminstrations 1 Cor. 12. 5. some more and some less as it pleaseth the Administrator thereof the Lord Jesus Agreeable hereunto are we to understand the word Baptism by Suffering Col. 1. 24. Heb. 13. 15. 34. Isaiah 51. 14. Rev. 1. 9. one suffereth Reproaches and loss of Goods others the two former and Imprisonment others all the three former and Banishment others all the former and loss of Life also Now he that suffereth but Reproaches for the Name of Christ or loss of Goods or Imprisonment or Banishment who dare say he partaketh not of the Baptism of Suffering because he suffereth not loss of Life also Now than the Error to be reproved is limiting and confining the word Baptism to one strict Sense to Dip and in truth contrary to the Sense in the manner of the Administration in the three Baptisms determined by Gods word when as 't is clear the word Baptism signifieth a pouring of the Spirit and so in water-Water-Baptism a pouring of Water on the Person and not a dipping the whole Body in Water which as aforesaid is particularly by the Anabaptists affirmed and asserted if not so done to be no Baptism at all Their Reason is they say The word in the Original signifieth so as though the Scripture were not rightly translated Now as we in the things of God are forbidden to lean to our own understanding There is a way saith Solomon Prov. 16. 25. that seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof is death Therefore the way of Baptism by dipping seemeth right unto Man by leaning to his own understanding As for Example the reason why the Anabaptists say or think that John Baptized by Dipping Persons or that Philip Dipped the Eunuch is because it is written Matt. 3. 13 16. John Baptized in Jordan and Christ came out of the Water and went down into the Water Acts 8. 38 39. Nay let the Scripture deside the matter we read that Israel pass'd through the Sea when as they walked on dry Land Exod. 14. 29. where the Sea had flowed The Priests that bare the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord Joshua 3. 17. are said to stand firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground where the Waters had been as 't is written when ye are come to the brink of the Water of Jordan ye shall stand still in Jordan so then to stand at the brink of the Water they are said to stand in Jordan where the Water had sometimes risen firm on dry ground Joshua 3. 17. And thus John Baptized in Jordan standing at the brink of the River where the Water had sometimes flowed for sometimes Jordan overflowed all his Banks Joshua 3. 15. and that John did cast Water on the Person like as we see before the manner was in both the Water and Spiritual Baptism administred by the Lord himself which manner we are exhorted not to be Ignorant of 1 Cor. 10. 1 2. After the manner of Rain Psalm 77. 17 18 20. So we are to understand Philip and the Eunuch went into the Water as the Priests did in Jordan at the brink of the Water where the Water had sometimes risen but not one word that any by John or Philip were Dipped but by Imagination only because 't is said they both went into the Water as Israel did into the Sea and Jordan which was but where the Water had been it being affirmed they stood in Jordan Joshua 3. 15 17. when they stood on dry Ground and so in the Sea when they stood on dry Ground Exod. 14. 29. So it is said that Christ sate in the Sea and taught Mark 4. 1. when he sate in the Ship and that Christ went up into a Mountain Matt. 5. 1. when he stood but on the out-side on the rising of it So Men are said to go down into the Sea in Ships yet they are not to be accounted Dipped in their Bodies in Water Again another great Argument the Anabaptists bring to prove Baptism to be meer dipping the whole Body under Water is because it is written Col. 2. 12. Buried with Christ in Baptism To follow their natural Fancy in this thing if every Person must be Baptized according to the word Buried as a Man Buried that is Dead and put in the Grave then as none can deny in the Act of Baptism but the Person to be Baptized as the Anabaptists say Buried by Dipping the whole Body under Water as a Man buried and covered with Earth must be Passive and therefore the Person must have no hand in the act of his being Baptized for Christ when buried was wholly Passive he put neither Foot nor Leg nor Knee nor any other part into the Grave Then by this Scripture if it intend Water-Baptism as by Romans 6. it doth not but if it did then to act according to what they plead for in the manner of water-Water-Baptism Buried in Baptism the Administrator must take the Party to be Baptized up in his Arms and lay his whole Body first bore up above the Water and lay him into the Water As a Man in the Grave is covered with Earth that is by casting Earth upon him then and not before he is buried so to bury a Man is to cast Earth upon him so in water-Water-Baptism to cast Water upon is to bury as a Man is laid in the Grave and so cover him with Water and there retain him the time the words in the Commission of Christ are express'd I Baptize thee in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost So then if this be the main Scripture they will stand by to justifie Baptizing by Burying as they call Dipping why do they not so practice but Hypocritically plead for that they practice not for by their Practice there is not a Soul of them Buried in Baptism nor yet the whole Person ever Baptized as they call it Dipped for they Baptize but a part for the whole for so far as the Person to be Baptized putteth himself into the Water either the Feet or Legs or Thighs or to the Middle so far the Parties Baptized as they call it Dipped themselves and then the Administrator putteth but the upper part of the Man or Woman that was out of the Water into the Water So by their Practice they grant a part is taken for the
whole and what do we plead for more but that Water may by the Administrator be cast on the upper part to wit the Nobler part of the Party to be Baptized which representeth the whole Man even the Forehead and Face But if it be so as Benjamin Keach saith Page 38. of his Book That it is no Baptism at all if the whole Body be not plung'd into the Water then neither he nor yet any of them are yet by his own grant Baptized when they Baptize but the part from the Waste upward because the Party to be Baptized puts the lower part into the Water himself who must be wholly Passive as a Man Dead to be put into the Grave as they plead for that manner of Baptism in the act of his being Baptized so that what an out-cry do they make against them that in Water-Baptism Baptize a part of the Person for the whole when they themselves do no other only a little lower on the Body now then for ever hereafter let them for shame open their Mouths no more about water-Water-Baptism till they Practice what they Teach and then to bring better Grounds than to say the word Baptism signifieth to Dip the whole Body in Water contrary to the use of the word Baptism as by the Holy Scripture hath been shewed to be a pouring out both of the Spirit and also of Water on the Person and that on that part of Man Water-Baptism is to be administred upon that is Naked and visibly bare that is the Face and Forehead that representeth the whole Person As for example When Hagar fled from her Mistress Sarah she is said to flee from the Face of her Mistress Gen. 16. 8. so the Face is taken for the Person So Jacob is said to flee from the Face of Esau Gen. 36. 6. that is from his Person So likewise Christ sent his Disciples before his Face Luke 9. 52. 10. 1. that is before his Person where he was to come Therefore to cast Water upon the Forehead or Face the whole Person being signified thereby the Person is said to be Baptized for when the Fore-skin was cut off the whole Man Ex. 12. 48. or Child was said to be Circumcized Again where should the Sign Seal or Token of Remission of Sins be administred but on that part where the Name of God his Law to wit of Faith by the open Profession thereof was hold forth as 't is written Rov 22. 4. And his name shall be in their Foreheads and lo a Lamb stood on Mount Sion and with him a hundred forty and four thousand having his Fathers Name written in their Foreheads Rev. 14. 1. as being not Romans 1. 16. ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for if by the Jer. 3. 3. Forehead is set forth the bold imperious Whoredoms of Judah in her Apostacy from her Husband the Lord how much more by the Forehead of Christs Chast Virgin is represented her open Profession of the Commands of her Lord and Husband Mark 8. 38. as not being ashamed of his Gospel 2 Tim. 1. 8. the Power of God to Salvation Moreover as all Gods Ordinances are to be performed under the Form and Manner of a good report Phil. 4. 8. with Shamefacedness and Sobriety because 't is most certain that part of Man Woman and Child that is to be Baptized must be naked and bare for the Flesh must be wash'd in Baptism and not the Covering As for example in those Figurative Washings under the Law as the Jews were not Strangers to Water-Baptism as Mr. Ainsworth on Gen. 17. hath shewed out of the Hebrew Writers that every Proselite that was joyned to the Lord by the Covenant of Grace in Christ was Circumcised Baptized and brought a Sacrifice Now as the Circumcised part must be bare when Circumcised even so the part that is to be Baptized must not be covered as in all Legal Washings which signified Sanctification and Cleansing from Sin by the Blood of Christ Therefore when Moses and Aaron and his Sons washed their Hands and Feet at the Laver they Exod. 40. 31 32. washed them not with their Stockins or Gloves on for that had been to wash the Covering and not the Flesh and do we believe that Mary Luke 7. 38. washed Christ's Feet with Tears with his Shoes on no sure for she is said to have wiped his Feet with the Hair of her Head and not his Shoes So when the Saints Feet were John 13. 5. washed by Christ as also the Deaconist washing the Saints Feet surely they washed the bare Feet so now as Baptism is called a Washing Acts 22. 16. so Paul when Baptized is said to be Washed part for the whole so that part Washed or Baptized must be naked and bare As is shewed by the Lord alluding to the Laver of Regeneration Titus 3. 5. he poured Water into a Bason and washed the Disciples Feet from and by the Blood of Christ As saith the Lord Ezek. 16. 9. Then washed I thee with water not the Covering but the Flesh with water yea I throughly washed away thy Blood in the Blood of the Covenant of Grace in Christ by the Water of the word water-Water-Baptism being a Sign thereof to us according to his words Eph. 5. 26. Heb. 8. 12. Now then if a part in Baptism with Water serveth not for the whole as the Anabaptists affirm and yet by their Practice deny then the whole Body as they plead for Washed or Baptized must be naked or else they Baptize the Covering and not the Flesh and what an unseemly thing it were for a Man to Baptize the Female Sex naked taking the Person up in the Arms of the Administrator and lay her in open view of others for water-Water-Baptism was no secret Ordinance into the Water as they teach must be buried as afore shewed when one is buried is not till the Earth is cast upon the Person so Water must be cast upon the Person Baptized according to the literal words in common Burials or else say they the Person is not Baptized at all Now let them shew any word of God that among all we read of were either so Baptized by or after the literal word Buried as common Burials are daily of the Bodies of Dead Persons when Dead Strip'd their Apparel taken off and others put on we read not any such Practice in Baptism for although Acts 16. 13. Lidia was converted at a Rivers side where the word was taught as John at Jordan and Philip the Eunuch near a Water yet no mention in the least of putting off or putting on any Apparel but Baptized Nor Israel in the Cloud and in the Sea the Face and Forehead together being open and bare whichn represented the whole Person Washed is a sufficient warrant for us in water-Water-Baptism and not to walk by Imagination by a natural Belief or Conceit that either Persons changed their Apparel or went into the Water to the middle and that the Administrator put the one
Heb. 3. 6. the Son of God and Phil. 2. 11. Lord of his own House had power to change the Seal of the Covenant who altered not but Rom. 15. 8. confirmed the Promises in the Covenant by his being Circumcised to the Believers and their Infants Now to be sealed with the Sign Water-Baptism by the same Authority which we believe Christ changed the Seventh day to the First day to be kept Holy for Religious Worship Again whereas they say it is manifest our Blessed Lord and Saviour rose on that day as having compleated and confirmed the Work of our Redemption Matt. 28. 1. Mark 16. 2. Luke 24. 1. John 20. 1. whereby is laid a Foundation of the Observation of that day By like reason we say that for all whom Christ by his Resurrection hath compleated and confirmed the work of their Redemption he hath laid a Foundation thereby for Sealing the same unto them by that visible Sign of Pardon or Remission of their Sins water-Water-Baptism but that Christ hath confirmed and compleated Redemption for the Believers and their Seed in Infancy before is largely proved in this third Query Therefore these are to be Baptized Baptism by Water being cast upon them as is at large proved to be Gods way in the first Query and by like grounded reason brought from Scripture as they now do to keep the first day of the Week Holy for Religious Worship to God Again they say our Lord on that day appeared to his Disciples teaching and instructing them and Blessing them giving them their Commission breathing on them the Holy Ghost Luke 24. John 20. Answ If the Blessing of Christ to his Disciples with his Spiritual Blessing of the Pardon of their Sins who died for them and on that day rose again for their Justification be a reason why we should keep the first day Holy it is a like reason why Infants of Believers are to be Baptized seeing the visible Sign of the Remission of their Sins in or by the Blessing of Christ bestowed on the Infants of his Kingdom Water-Baptism is to be Administred on them because Christ died for their Sin and rose on the first day for their Justification because they are of the Kingdom of God Luke 18. 16. in which time of the Forty days Christ spoke to them of all things pertaining to his Kingdom Acts 1. Again if it be a reason as they say why we should keep the first day Holy because our Lord Jesus remained with his Disciples Forty days after his Resurrection and spake to them of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God and if they question not but he then gave them command about the Observation of the Lords day Acts 1. 3. Answ Seeing the Lord Jesus in the Forty days he was with his Disciples after his Resurrection spake to them of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God and that the time for Worship is one thing pertaining to the Kingdom because there is a Time and Season for every work and that therefore there is no question but he gave command about keeping the first day Holy Even so there is likewise no question but he gave command concerning all things else pertaining to his Kingdom as aforesaid and the Infants of his People Christ himself hath said are of his Kingdom There is no doubt seeing he Blessed them with the Pardon of their Sin as well as he Blessed their Parents but that he gave a command they should be Baptized as well as their Parents seeing Water-Baptism was to be Administred on all that had their Sin by the Blessing of Christ pardoned Acts 3. 26. as it is written Be baptized every one of you for the remission of sins for the promise to wit of the Pardon of Sins in the Blessing of Christ is to you and unto your Children So that by the Anabaptists own grant seeing Christ was Faithful in his House as a Son he did not omit the commanding of the visible Sign of Remission of Sins Water-Baptism to all the Blessed in his Kingdom no more than he omitted a command for the keeping the first day Holy for Religious Gospel-worship because he was Faithful in his House as a Son as Moses was as a Servant Heb. 3. Moreover whereas they grant that the day of Pentecost was the first day of the Week Acts 2. 1. and seeing the Apostles Baptized 3000 on that day there is no question but that Christ gave command that they should Baptize on that day as in their Sixth Reason in their Narrative they say and grant the first day was solemnly observed by the Churches as appears in Acts 20. 7. with the Solemn Duties then performed and that we have no Example of the Churches then Assembling together to celebrate all the Ordinances of the Lord Jesus peculiar to them but on the first day of the Week mark that therefore If the Practice of the Primitive Churches in the Purest of Times be the Rule for Gospel Churches ever since to follow their Examples 1 Thess 2. 14. as it is and that all the Ordinances are to be celebrated on the Lords day which Practice of the Churches is by the Anabaptists granted in their Narrative to be an evident plain Demonstration of its being a Day set apart for Religious Worship by the Will and Command of the Lord Jesus as if it had been express'd in the plainest words How is it then seeing Water-Baptism is a part of Spiritual Worship as they grant and an Ordinance when first performed after Christ's Resurrection on the Lords day in the Church-Assembly where was no River nor Pond that the Anabaptists Baptize after their way of Dipping on any Working-duy out of the Church Estate when Assembled when as by the Example of a Church-Practice at Jerusalem in the Purest of Times whose Example all Churches are to follow that then when the Church was Assembled to perform other parts of the Worship then water-Water-Baptism was performed in the Congregation Which is a plain Demonstration that they were not Baptized by Dipping but by casting Water on the noble part of Mankind which representeth the whole Person as before in the first Query is proved Therefore tho the Apostles and Evangelists by an extraordinary call Baptized in any place where any were Converted yet that any ordinary Officer as Pastor or Teacher chosen and ordained by a particular Congregation Baptized any other where but in the Congregation at the same time when all other Ordinances are to be performed in Worship as they grant therefore it is not lawful by the Anabaptists own grant for any to Baptize on any other day but the Lords day and then to be done in the Assembly with other parts of Worship forasmuch as they say the first day was solemnly observed by the Churches as appears by Acts 20. 7. with the Solemn Duties then performed and that we have say they no example of the Churches then Assembled together to celebrate all the Ordinances of our Lord
Wages of Sin is Death but some Infants dye so soon as born therefore sinful by Nature as in the third Query proved But since the Anabaptists have devised another Erroneous Doctrine as afore shewed to deprive Infants of Water-Baptism that is because they cannot profess Faith and Repent therefore they have say they no Right to be Baptized This likewise hath been disproved and also proved that Infants being born Sinners the only thing which giveth them Right to have water-Water-Baptism Administred on them is Remission of their Sins in the third Query A third Devise these People have found to deprive Infants of their Right to water-Water-Baptism perswading People of years they were not Baptized at all if not Dip'd or Plung'd in Water This Error hath likewise been refuted in the first Query And lastly When the Anabaptists had framed so many Devices to deny all Infants Baptism they were confounded in themselves what to do to begin Baptizing in their way of Baptizing Adult Persons only as Men and Women there being no such Administrator to be found for an unbaptized Person without an immediate call from Heaven as John Baptist had to Baptize But one John Smith as aforesaid being more desperately wicked than others when being cast out for Error out of a True Church he Baptized himself and then he Baptized others and from this Man the English Anabaptists have successively received their new Administration of Baptism on Men and Women only And now let us take a small Description of this Man as aforesaid When he was joyned a Member to an English Church at Amsterdam whose Wolvish Nature was hid for a time as it is written For I know this saith Paul to the Church of God at Ephesus that after my departing shall grievous Wolves enter in among you not sparing the Flock also of your own selves Shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away Disciples after them Acts 20. 29 30. Such a Wolf was John Smith for before he pleaded for Anabaptistry he was so great an Instrument of Satan that he sought to deprive the Church of God he had joyned himself unto of the use of the Bible not only as not to be used before the Eye as not to be looked into in time of Worship contrary to the Practice of Christ and the Apostles Luke 4. 16 17 1 Tim. 4. 13. Eph. 3. 4. 2 Cor. 1. 13. but also that it was not lawful to make use of the Bible in any other Tongue than that it was first written in Mr. Henry Ainsworth being Teacher in the aforesaid Church and so well acquainted not only with the Original Togues that first the Scriptures were given in but also with the mind of Christ in the same answered his Reasons against the use of Translations his main or principle Reason was this as Mr. Ainsworth saith That no Apocrypha Writing but only the Canonical Scriptures are to be used in the Church in time of Worship every written Translation is an Apocrypha Writing and is not Canonical Scripture therefore every written Translation is unlawful in the Church in time of Worship Ainsworth's Defence of Scripture Page 1 2. Now saith Mr. Ainsworth Some time after he had published this Error God struck him with Blindness that he could no longer find the door of the Church out of which he was gone by Schism and which he had assaulted with Errors namely our entering in by the Covenant made with Abraham and his Seed as now to the Faithful and their Seed which hath been as a Brazen Wall against which he hath run himself to his utter Ruine If God in Mercy raise him not up and now as a Man benum'd in mind he cryeth out against as contrary to his former Faith and Profession saying Lo we protest against them to be a False Church falsly Constituted in the Baptizing of Infants and their own unbaptized Estate Defence of Scripture Page 3. Thus Wine sheweth it self in Mr. Smith to be a Mocker and Strong Drink to be raging while he hath drunk the Wine of Violence Prov. 4. 17. proclaiming open War against Gods everlasting Covenant How contrary is this to his former Faith he once seemingly as it appears maintained with us saith Mr. Ainsworth as may be seen in his difference in the Preface for then he acknowledged the Ancient Brethren of the Separation as he calleth us are to be honoured for that they have reduced the Church to the true Primitive Apostolick Constitution Now as one Error goeth not alone while Mr. Smith was seeking to deprive the Church of God of the use of Translation one of his Arguments he thus framed Children saith he may read a Translation perfectly well but Children cannot perform any part of Spiritual Worship Therefore reading a Translation is no part of Spiritual Worship Mr. Ainsworth's Answer is Is not the praising of God a part of his Worship when the Children cried Matt. 21. 15 16. Psalm 8. Hosannah in the Temple to the Son of David Christ defendeth their Fact by Scripture That out of the mouth of Babes and Sucklings God hath made perfect his Praise But I will turn his own Weapon upon him thus Mr. Smith Anabaptized himself with Water but a Child could have done Here Mr. Ainsworth saith Mr. Smith Baptized himself the like unto himself who cannot perform as he thinketh any part of Spiritual Worship and consequently it was Carnal Worship and Service of the Devil If one should answer though a Child could cast Water upon himself and utter such words as he heard Mr. Smith spake yet could he not preach or open Neh. 8. 8. the Covenant as did the Priests and Levites therefore Reading and Preaching being joyn'd together as Baptism with Water and Preaching he that condemneth the one because a Child can do it condemneth the other by like reason And Mr. Smith having thus written of Children and done to himself the Babes and Sucklings whose Souls he would Murther by depriving them of the Covenant and visible Seal of Salvation in the Church shall rise up in Judgment and condemn him at the last day who is like a Brute Beast as the Apostle Jude calleth some Men Who spake evil of those things which they know not but what they know naturally as Brute Beasts in those things they corrupt themselves Jude ver 10. Now how like a Beast did Mr. Smith say in his Writing against Infants Baptism That an Infant is no more capable of Baptism than any unreasonable Creature And what differeth Mr. Keach's words who saith in Page 164. of his Book Gold Refin'd That Flocks and Heards were Baptized in the Clouds and in the Sea as well as Children When as the Apostle saith all our Fathers were Baptized who were not Beasts but that part of Mankind of whom Christ came as it is written Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the Flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed for ever Amen Rom. 9. 5 6. Again Mr. Smith formed an
a Confusion some Congregations allow among them who are mix'd some are for Baptizing their Infants and some are not some are for having themselves re-baptized by the Anabaptists some are not Yea and some in Congregational Churches are re-baptized and some are not and these all joyn together in the Ordinance of the Lords Supper which is a high breach of Gods Order and so a great Sin See here what Confusion is this sowing divers Seeds in the Lords Vineyard or Garden his Church when as no Persons might eat of the Passover until all their Male-Infants were Circumcised even so by equality no Person ought to partake of the Lords-Supper until their Infants are Baptized Again no unbaptized Person may eat of the Lords-Supper as no uncircumcised Persons might eat of the Passover or such as were not accounted so but the Females were accounted Circumcised for no uncircumcised Person might go into the Temple but Women did and so were accounted Circumcised wanting that part of the Body Now then he that denieth his Baptism received in Infancy to be sufficient Baptism in his Belief or Judgment when he is re-baptized he saith all his Brethren are all unbaptized Persons in his Judgment and they that do stand firm to their Baptism received in Infancy do say he that is re-baptized and by a false Administration denieth his Baptism received in Infancy must acknowledge he is no Baptized Person fit to partake with in the Lords-Supper seeing he denieth also Water-Baptism to be Administred on his Children Yet these so differing in their Faiths and so contrary to the Order of God do both in Confusion together partake of the Lords-Supper These Confusions call for Judgment to come on Churches Many other things might be here inserted of Disorders in Churches but it will not be proper at this time to this Subject Therefore ought all Churches of Christ when any Man and Woman come to joyn themselves there to Christ the Head of the Body the Church by entering into an everlasting Covenant never to be forgotten that they bring their Children with them as Christ said Suffer little Children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such are the Kingdom of God Luke 18. 16. Now concerning what hath been said B. Keach proposeth by way of Objection That as if one of themselves should say Since the Practice of Baptism in Water was lost in the Apostacy How could it be restored again without a new Mission He maketh this answer The Children of Israel had for many years lost the Ordinance of the Feast of Tabernacles yet by reading in the Book of the Law there was such a thing required They immediately revived it and did as they found it written without any new Mission or extraordinary Prophet to Authorize them so to do even so ought we to act Gods word being a Warrant sufficient to justifie us in so doing Gold refin'd page 23. To which I reply That water-Water-Baptism was not lost by Baptizing with Water but God had his true Church who lived and reigned with Christ in the Practice of his Holy Ordinances under Sufferings all the time of the Beasts Reign in the Spiritual Babylon As we read Rev. 20. 4. So that only in the Spiritual Babylon water-Water-Baptism was lost by Baptizing with Water for they Baptized in Water as in Rome this day is shewed by dipping every one three times in Water Bellarm de Bapt. l. 1. c. 25. to c. 27. 2. As Water-Baptism is herein clearly proved to succeed Circumcision and as Water-Baptism was not lost nor neglected by the Suffering Christians under the Affliction they went through by the Spiritual Babylonians even so Circumcision likewise was not lost under all the Sufferings Judah underwent by the Temporal Babylonians 3. As to the Feast of Tabernacles which Ben. Keach saith was lost from Israels keeping the same in Babylon He might know that was because they were bound to keep the Feast of Tabernacles no where but at Jerusalem so that it was not lost but omitted because they could not go to Jerusalem to keep it And whereas he saith By reading in the Book of the Law there was such a thing required they immediately revived it when they came to Jerusalem and did as they found it written without any new Mission or extraordinary Prophet to authorize them so to do even so ought we saith he to act Gods word being a warrant sufficient to justifie us in so doing Now water-Water-Baptism afore shewed was not lost by Baptizing with Water no more than Circumcision was of old but had it been lost as Ben. Keach supposeth then the reviving of it again without a new Mission as his Parallel is from the Feast of Tabernacles or without an extraordinary Prophet to authorize them so to do But to the first had Israel thinks he no extraordinary Prophet to direct them to keep the Feast of Tabernacles according to the Law written Ezra was Gods Priest who expounded the Sense and true Meaning of the Law Besides there were Prophets in Babylon as Daniel Ezekiel Haggai and Zachariah and what thinketh he were not these extraordinary Prophets Pen-meâ— of parts of the Holy Scriptures moved by the Holy Ghost But seeing whatsoever of Gods Holy Ordinances by just hinderance may cease in Practice yet when revived Ben. Keach granteth they must be revived both of old and now as it is found written and then it will be a sufficient warrant to justifie any so to do I grant Now let me ask B. Keach this question Whereas he saith Baptism in Water was lost Then by his own grant according to the word written it must be revived And where is it there written in Christs Testament that a Man must dip himself in Water As John Smith did the first Beginner or Reviver of the English Anabaptists Let him shew such a word in Scripture and it will be a sufficient warrant to justifie so doing and until then their reviving of Baptism by a Mans dipping himself hath no warrant in Gods word in either Testament and I am sure John Smith was no extraordinary Prophet of God nor ordinary as herein is shewed but one that dis-separated himself from a true Church sensual having not the Spirit â—nd after cast out And how little of the Spirit hath that Man even such a one as Ben. Keach who maketh a Mock or Deâ—ision of Gods Ordinance of Baptism Administred on our Fathers saith the Apostle when the Clouds poured out Water on them as saith the Prophet Concerning which Baptism Ben. Keach saith If that was Baptism viz. the Clouds raining upon them the People may save their Mony and never go to a Minister more to Christen their Children for 't is but to carry them abroad when it Rains and they will be so Baptized and it will be as true Baptism no doubt Gold Refin'd page 61. Surely this Man thus making a Mock at Gods Ordinance may be reckoned among the Mockers of the Apostles Doctrine Jude v. 17
18 19 10. as it is written Beloved remember ye the words which were spoken before of the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ how that they told you there should be Mockers in the last time and these because they have not the Spirit speak evil of those things which they know not but what they know naturally as brute Beasts in those things they corrupt themselves If this Man was not one of them he would not have dared to be so bold as to say Flocks and Heards Exod. 12. 38. that went through the Sea when our Fathers were saith the Apostle Baptized 1 Cor. 10. 1 2. were doubtless Baptized as well as Children under the Cloud and in the Sea and now to say again to carry Children out when it raineth is as true Baptism as Israel had under the Cloud Yet notwithstanding he hath so contemptuously spoken of the Baptism in the Cloud and in the Sea yet he saith that Baptism was a Type or Figure of Gospel-dipping but how will this Mans words hang together one while he saith Beasts and Unbelievers were Baptized as well as Children whatsoever was a Type or Figure hath its Substance If the Beasts were Baptized in the Sea what did it typifle such Beastly Men surely that withstood Paul's Doctrine at Ephesus as it is said He fought with Beasts at Ephesus after the manner of Men as such Beasts of Men as Jude speaks of That speak evil of the way of Faith which they know not of and would exclude Infants out of Christs Kingdom as they do Infants from being our Fathers then as the Apostles calleth them Rom. 9. 5. Again whereas he saith The Baptism in the Cloud and in the Sea was a Figure of Gospel-dipping if so then Men Women and Children must be Baptized standing on dry ground for so it is said They stood in the Sea or place where the Water had been on dry ground but the truth is it was a Figure of gospel-Gospel-Baptism by casting pouring or sprinkling Water on the Head and Face the noble part that representeth the whole Person and whereas Infants were Baptized in the Figure it tipisied the Right they have now as afore proved in the third Query Now having proved by the Testimony of Holy Scripture What Baptism is The end wherefore it was ordained What it is that giveth any Soul Right to it Who is a true Administrator of it And what a High Breach of Gods Order it is for any Person to Baptize himself The next thing is farther to prove by Holy Scripture that the Covenant the Church of Israel was established in to be the People of God and the Lord to be their God was the Covenant of Grace in Christ and that it was not as the Anabaptists say a Carnal Covenant And also in particular to prove that the Covenant which God made with Abraham and his Seed Gen. 17. 7. and with Israel when they came out of Egypt Exod. 19. 5 6. and again renewed with all Israel Men and Women and their little ones Deut. 29. 10 11. that they were no parts of the Covenant of works as Mr. Cary affirmeth but the everlasting Covenant of Grace in Christ now confirmed to all Believers and their Infants Rom. 4. 11. Col. 2. 11. as shall be further proved I shall first lay down the Doctrine of the Anabaptists being the Ground and Foundation their whole Fabrick is built upon To begin with the Father of the English Anabaptists Mr. Smith who saith in his Book called The Character of the Beast P. 16. That the Church of Israel was a Carnal People had a Carnal Covenant or promise of Carnal things 2. Mr. Danvers his apt Schollar affirmeth in his Treatise of Baptism Page 144. That Circumcision initiated a Carnal Seed into a Carnal Church and gave them Right to Carnul Ordinances and that Trees and Fruit were as capable of Circumcision as Children at eight days old P. 173 175. Mr. Cary saith That she Covenant God made with Abraham Gen. 17. 7. and the Covenant God made with Israel Exod. 19. 5 6. and the same renewed in Deut. 29. are but three Additional parts of the Covenant of works made with Adam before his Fall Solemn Call Page 120. Mr. Keach saith That Children were admitted Members of the Jewish Church is granted and 't is also evident that God hath now quite pulled down that House of his I mean that National Church State and broke up House keeping and turned the Bond-woman and her Son the Fleshly Seed Servants and Infants all out of doors the natural Branches are broken off and God hath built a new a Glorious and more Spiritual House into which he admitteth none as his houshold Servants to dwell in his Spiritual Family but Believers only or such as profess so to be 1 Pet. 2. 5. and that the old House the Jewish Church-State with all the Appurtenances Rights and Priviledges of it is pulled down and a new one built into which Infants are not to be admitted as is very evident from what the Apostle speaks Heb. 7. 12. which must needs include Circumcision with all the Appurtenances and Priviledges belonging to it And therefore as Infants Church membership came in with the Law of Circumcision so it went out and was disanull'd with it They were 't is true of the Houshold of old but it was by a positive Law Shew us the like now and you do your business or else you say nothing Gold Refin'd Page 113. This being the Ground and Foundation of the Faith of these Men on which their whole Fabrick of Anabaptistry is erected I shall therefore speak to each of them particularly and first as touching Mr. Smith's words concerning the State of the Church of Israel where he affirmed That the Church of Israel was a Carnal People had a Carnal Covenant or promise of Carnal things I shall first set down Mr. Henry Ainsworth's Answer which he gave him not only to the aforesaid words but also to what Mr. Smith farther said namely The Israelites did worship to Repentance we worship from Repentance first Men declare their Repentance and then we receive them into Communion to worship with us with them to wit in the Jewish Church saith he first Men were received into typical Communion and then they were trained up to Repentance and Faith in Christ c. Parallel Page 30. Mr. Ainsworth answereth These and the like distinctions Mr. Smith fetcheth out of his own Heart not from the word of God for although there be differences many between them and us as touching the outward Rights and Services ended and abolished by Christ as the Epistle to the Hebrews sheweth yet as touching the Substance of their Religion Worship Constitution c. as tonching Repentance Faith Reconciliation to God c. There was no such difference as Mr. Smith faineth for the Church of the Jews they had the Law to shew them their sin and to bring them to Christ so have we the Church under
125. That as no Person might eat of the Passover before Circumcised even so no unbaptized may eat of the Lords-Supper and that the Baptized and Vnbaptized ought not to joyn together in the Lords-Supper p. 126 12 d The Anabaptists Objection That Water-Baptism was lost answered p. 128. The Anabaptists Doctrine concerning the State of the Jewish Church answered p. 133. Gen. 17. 7. Exod. 19. 5 6. Deut. 29. 10 11 12 13 14. proved to be no part of the Covenant of Works p. 133 to 161. B. Keach's Assertion That God hath quite pulled down the State of the Jewish Church and turned all Infants out of doore refuted p. 162 to 170. Baptism Anatomized OR A Seasonable Discourse concerning the Right the Infants of Believers have to Water-Baptism Open'd and Explain'd in Five Queries Query 1. WHAT Water-Baptism is according to the true Sense and Meaning of the Word one Scripture opening another together with the Manner how it was Administred by the Apostles on the Primitive Christians Query 2. To what end Water-Baptism was ordained by the Lord Jesus in these last days of the Gospel Query 3. What is that by Scripture evidence that giveth any Soul Young or Old Right to have Water-Baptism administred on them Query 4. Who are they that the Lord Jesus hath ordained in his Gospel to the Worlds end to be the Administrators of Water-Baptism Query 5. Whether it be Lawful for any Man to Baptize himself Wherein is also shewed that from such an Administrator the Anabaptists successively received their new way of Rebaptizing of Adult Persons only and the Reasons disproved as they have exerted it Now Published as an answer to the several Pamphlets sent to several Persons by the Anabaptists in Penny Post Letters and other Books as Gold refined and also a Solemn Call or Challenge by Phillip Cary to any Person that will appear to vindicate the Right of Infants Baptism Therefore There is a time to keep Silence and a time to Speak saith Solomon The Summ of these Queries were delivered to one Benjamin Keach by one that the Anabaptists pressed with Arguments to be Rebaptized and not to have her Children Baptized In answer to these Queries a Book Intituled Gold Refin'd was offered by Benjamin Keach with this Message That it was an Answer to the aforesaid Queries But being examined and found too light in the Ballance of Gods Word to maintain that which it asserteth against Infant-Baptism Therefore what Benj. Keach says in the aforesaid Book relating to these Queries is here incerted and answered To the first Query What Baptism is according to the true Sense and Meaning of the Word one Scripture opening another together with the manner how it was administred by the Apostles on the Primitive Christians B. Keach saith in Page 33. of his Book Entituled Gold Refin'd That the Baptized were always Dip'd all over in Water and certain it is no Baptism at all if not so administred The only Proof he brings is the Learned in the Tongues say The word for Water-Baptism in the Original signifieth so So his Proof is not from Heaven but from Men Learned Men in the Tongues Answ Our last Translation Mr. Henry Ainsworth as well as others Learned in the Tongues saith is the well amended Translation in which written Word of God we find three several kinds of Baptism viz. the Baptism of Water Acts 10. 47. the Baptism of the Spirit Matt. 3. 11. and the Baptism of Suffering Mark 10. 39. Yet saith the Apostle There is one Faith and one Baptism Eph. 4. 5. by the word one Baptism expressed by one and the same word from the Original hath one and the same Sense in the Meaning or Signification of the word Baptism in the Administration thereof in all which the Persons Baptized with Water or with the Spirit or with Suffering are Passive So that when the word for Baptism is rightly understood in its true Sense and Meaning in the manner of Administration all three Baptisms they will agree in one and therefore we say with the Prophet Isaiah 49. 4 My judgment is with the Lord and they that speak not according to this word Isaiah 8. 20. there is no light in them Now according to this word the true Sense of the word Baptism is as followeth To begin with water-Water-Baptism the Apostle would not have the Primitive Christians Ignorant how that all our Fathers were Baptized unto Moses in the Cloud and in the Sea together with the manner in the Administration of this water-Water-Baptism by the Lord himself that it was by pouring out Water on the Israelites whom the Apostle calleth our Fathers out of the Clouds as saith the Psalmist Psalm 77. 17 18 19 20. The Clouds poured out water or the Clouds were poured forth with Water Thy way is in the Sea and thy paths in the great waters Thou leddest thy People like a Flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron Now it is to be believed that the Apostle Paul who had the mind of Christ 1 Cor. 2. 16. was not inferior for Learning in the Tongues to any Learned Man since his days who hath given his Sense concerning the signification of the word Baptism to be understood with its natural signification from or by the manner of Israels Baptism in the Sea or where they passed where the Sea or Water had been on dry foot Exod. 14. 22. 29. by the Clouds pouring forth Water on them So that the true signification of the word Baptism by the Apostle Paul's Determination is a pouring or casting Water on the Persons Wash'd or Baptized And to confirm this not by Humane Authority but by the Testimony of God in his Word that as John came Baptizing with Water even so by the same term of words in the Baptism of the Spirit it is written They shall be Baptized with the Spirit Acts 1. 5. Thus we see the manner or meaning of the word Baptize with Water or with the Spirit as it is written Isaiah 32. 15. Until the Spirit be poured on us from on high not the Person dip'd in the Spirit And again saith the Lord Joel 2. 28. I will pour out my Spirit on all Flesh for John truly Baptized with Water but ye shall be Baptized with the Holy Ghost by pouring out on Persons agreeing in one sense By all which it appeareth that at Israel were Baptized with Water when they stood in the Sea so called because it was the place where the Sea or Water had been on dry ground when the Water out of the Clouds was poured forth on them and the Water of the Sea was a Wall on each side Thus they were Baptized with Water as the Apostles were Baptized with the Holy Ghost or Spirit when poured out on them Therefore John when he Baptized Baptized with Water that was by casting or pouring Water on the Persons So then as we are commanded not to lean to our own understanding Prov. 3. 5. but to believe Gods Word in
the Apostles preached so that it is to be believed that as the Apostles taught so they practised If then the Apostle Paul hath taught that all our Fathers were Baptized when water out of the Clouds by the Lord himself was poured on Persons and many of them were Children called our Fathers until the days of David Acts 7. 45. and how highly the Apostle Peter esteemed of all the Writings of his beloved Brother Paul who among other things presseth Order to be kept in the Administration of all Gods Ordinances teaching from Gods Order of Old when as a peculiar work belonged to the Ministerial Offices as 't is written No Man taketh this Honour to himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron Heb. 5. 4. So that the Example of Numb 16. 1 Chron. 13. 11. Corah Dathan and Abiram and Uzza sheweth by the Judgments that fell on them what a Sin it was for any private Man to take that work to do which God had bound to Office But more to this in the Fourth Query So then it is rationally to be believed and that by grounded Reason from Gods word that the Apostles themselves without the help of the hundred and twenty did Baptize the three thousand in one day which could not be done by Dipping the Anabaptists grant and therefore it was done by casting water on the Forehead and Face as before shewed for Baptized they all were and because that part of Mankind representeth the whole Person either in Old or Young therefore they were Baptized by water cast on that part to wit the Face as by grounded Reason from Scripture is to be believed Besides 't is evident to be believed that many of these three thousand which the Apostles Baptized were Children seeing the Promise of the Pardon of Sin was by the Apostle Peter Acts 2. 39. applied to the Children then present as well as to their Parents of the Pardon of their Sins Water-Baptism being ordained by Christ for a Sign of Remission of Sins Now to all to whom the Promise is applied the Sign of Remission to wit Water-Baptism belongeth to them but the promise of Remission of Sins was applied to them and their Children but more of that anon in the Third Query for as it was the usual manner of the Jews when by Thousands they followed Christ to hear him Teach and see the Miracles which he did to take their Children with them as doth appear in that Miracle which Christ did whom he Fed with Five Loaves and two Fishes Five Thousand Men besides Women and Children Matt. 14. 21. for so it was foretold by the Prophet speaking of the day of Christ as it is written Thus saith the Lord behold I will lift up my hand to the Gentiles and set up my Standard to the People to wit the Jews and they shall bring their Sons in their arms or Bosoms and thy Daughters shall be carried on their shoulders Isa 49. 22. Even so the Jews that resorted to hear Christ and afterwards his Apostles Teach and to see the Miracles which they did they carried their Children with them unto whom the Apostle Peter joyntly applying the Promises of Life and Salvation by Christ in the remission of their Sins in the Blood of Jesus saying The Promise is to you and unto your Children And this maketh way to the Second Query which is Query 2. To what end water-Water-Baptism by the Lord Jesus was Ordained in these last days for a Gospel-Ordinance Answ John Surnamed the Baptist Matt. 3. 1. with respect of his immediate Call to the work of Baptizing hath shewed the end in the Sign why Water Baptism was ordained namely but that Christ should be made manifest to Israel Therefore saith John am I come Baptizing with Water John 1. 31. The Apostle Peter likewise agreeth thereunto saying Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins Acts 2. 38. Again Ananias confirmeth the same saying Be Baptized and wash away thy sins Acts 22. 6. So then in fine the end why Water-Baptism was ordained to make manifest by that outward Sign that Christ the Lamb of God is now come according to the Gospel-Promise preached to Adam That the Seed of the Woman Gen. 3. 15. shall bruise the Serpents Head that is destroy the works of the Devil 1 John 3. 8. and deliver them who by Sin he had captivated into his Bondage Heb. 2. 15. As also according to the same Gospel preached to Abraham That in his Seed Christ all the Families of the Earth shall be Blessed Gen. 12. 3. Acts 3. 25 26. with the Pardon of Sin And accordingly John the Fore-runner of Christ sent as an Herald before the Prince of Life Acts 3. 15. to prepare the way of the Salvation of Fallen Mankind saith Behold the Lamb of God that beareth away the sin of the World John 1. 29. And this maketh way to the Third Query to be considered which is Query 3. What is it by Scripture Evidence that giveth any Soul Young or Old Right to have Water-Baptism Administred on them Answ We have shewed in the Second Query that Water-Baptism is the visible Sign of the Pardon of Sin called the Sin of the World Therefore the next thing is to be observed what this Sin of the World is And secondly who are the Persons that stand charged with this Sin And thirdly how Christ the Lamb of God beareth away this sin of the World from these Persons The Apostle Paul hath not only shewed what this Sin of the World is but also the World this Sin first entered into and stand charged with the same and also how Christ the Lamb of God taketh away this Sin from many who are guilty as being under Condemnation as it is written Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the World and Death by Sin and so death passed upon all men for that or in whom all have sinned Rom. 5. 12. Now because Adam was the Root of all Mankind when he broke Gods Law by eating the Forbidden Fruit all his Posterity in his Loynes sinned in him for as Levi is said to pay Tithes in Abraham's Loynes before he was born when Abraham did Heb. 7. 9. even so we all in Adam's Loynes before we were born brake Gods Law when Adam did and this was the Sin that first entered into the World and these are the Persons Sin entered into namely the actual Sinner and his Seed and for these the Lamb of God is come to bear away the Condemnation due to them even Eternal Death the Wages of this Sin Rom. 6. 23. Thus we see in the Fall of Mankind there were two sort of Sinners the one Actual as Adam and Eve the other their Seed or Children in his Loynes Sinners by Original Corruption derived from Fathers to Children who have not sinned after the Similitude of Adam 's Transgression Rom. 5. 14. as by their own act but are Sinners by Derivation or Original Corruption from them and from these two sorts of
it for him Surely if Remission of Sins be the greater work for which the Sign Water-Baptism is to be set on than all that Christ hath washed away their Sin or Sins the Right in the Sesser the Sign is also merited for them by him that merited the greater for them namely the Remission of Sin or Sins so that for any to say nothing but Profession of Faith can give any Soul Young or Old Right to have Water-Baptism administred on them is to rob Christ of his Honor and Sinful Man to take the Glory to himself That Man by his External Act meriteth a Right to partake of one of the insealing Gospel-Ordinances surely this Man's Faith is not built upon the Foundation or Doctrine of the Apostles or Prophets for since Mans Fall all Right Man forfeited from under a Blessing to any Mercy or Sign of Gods Mercy either Temporal or Spiritual for even the very plowing of the wicked is Sin So that in fine when Man hath done all with respect of Meriting by the best Act he can do to obtain any Mercy from God he is repulsed with this That he is but an unprofitable Servant Luke 17. 10. therefore by Grace is our Sins pardoned and by the same Free Grace in Christ have we a Right to the Sign of Remission of Sins for was it not of Free Grace that by the Sprinkling of the Blood on the Door posts of the Israelites in Egypt that by that outward Sign the Destroying Angel passed over them and was not this Right merited for them by Christ their Passover and not for any external Act they did or could do even so we to wit all Believers and their Infants as then they and their Infants by the Blood of Sprinkling of Jesus our Passover the Destroying Angel passeth over us for Christ our Passover is Sacrificed for us and our Children as of old for the Israelites and their Children For so it is written as by the outward Sign in Baptism So shall he Sprinkle many Nations and I will Sprinkle clean Water upon you and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness Isa 52. 15. Ezek. 36. 25. As it is in the Sign Water-Baptism Be Baptized and wash away thy Sins or Filthiness By which it is clear that the Right to Water-Baptism is merited by Christ only for all such whose Sin or Sins Christ taketh away and by the Doctrine of the Gospel it is manifested that Christ taketh away the Sin of the World which Infants by original Corruption derived from their Parents were guilty of And unless the Anabaptists can prove that Infants were no part of the World that Sin entered into and so no part of the World from whom Christ hath taken away their Sin But the first the Apostle hath proved that Infants by the Fall Sin entered into them by original Corruption derived from their Parents Adam being the Root therefore his Off-spring his Branches could not be clean as saith the Scripture Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean no not one Job 14. 4. And likewise the latter the same Apostle teacheth as foresaid that is By one Mans Disobedience many were made Sinners to wit Children so by the Obedience of one to wit Christ the second Adam many were made Righteous the Believers and their Infants But by the Anabaptists natural Faith they cannot see this Mystery of the Gospel and therefore leaning to their own Understanding which is forbidden Man so to do in the Mysteries of Faith in the Gospel they run aground saying according to the aforesaid Argument That Profession of Faith and Repentance giveth right to Water-Baptism from that Scripture He that believeth and is Baptized shall be saved From this and the like Scriptures they plead against the Right the Infants of Believers have to be Baptized without regard to the Free Grace of God to Sinners by the Doctrine of the Gospel for that Scripture is not understood a right that an Absurdity can be brought on the Inference they make as for example if as they say None ought to be Baptized but such as actually Believe Then by that Scripture none can be Saved but only such as Actually Believe for that Scripture saith He that Believeth not shall be Damned which the Anabaptists affirm Now the true meaning of Mark 16. 16. He that hath Actually Sinned if he doth not Actually Believe in Christ to be his Saviour and repent and so forsake his Sins he according to the Revealed Will of God hath no Promise of Salvation but Infants who are Sinners not by their own Act but by original Corruption derived from their Father Adam and so by nature naturally from their Father that begot them they are Children of Wrath until their Father or Mother Believe and then until they like Cain Ishmael and Esau by their own Actual Sins prove Wicked If they abide Faithful with Abel and Isaac they are to be esteemed a Holy Seed Gods Children as aforesaid from the Birth so that the Promise of Remission of Sins in the Covenant of Grace belongeth to them and therefore have Right to the Sign of Remission of Sins Water-Baptism to be Administred on them by Free Grace So that if the Argument were rightly stated there is nothing less than the Pardon of Sins by the Merits of Christ can give any Soul Young or Old right to have Water-Baptism Administred on them But if as B. Keach saith Nothing less than Profession of Faith and Repentance can give any Soul Young or Old right to have Water-Baptism Administred on them Then how near a kin is the Faith of the Anabaptists in this thing about Water-Baptism to the Romish Clergy for whereas the one say Profession of Faith giveth right The other The Fathers have Decreed in the Council of Trent That whosoever shall say Grace is not conferred by the work done Let him be Accursed Surely that which giveth any Soul Right to have the Sign of Remission of their Sin or Sins Administred on them is a Grace a special Grace But it hath been proved that Remission of Sins or washing away of Sins in the Blood of Christ is the only thing which giveth any Soul Right to have Water-Baptism Administred on them and therefore the Right is by Grace and not by Merit for the Act done by any Mortal Man Simon Magus made an external Profession of Faith and Repentance for it is said he Believed Acts 8. 13. If that had been that which only gave him Right to be Baptized he would not have been told he had no Right nor part in that matter and why because he was told he was in the Bond of Iniquity therefore Profession gave him no Right but was only required of him because he had been an Actual Sinner but it is the Remission of Sins giveth Right as aforesaid be Baptized not for Profession but for Remission of Sins So the Right is merited by Christ for all that the Scripture testifieth he hath bore away
is to be taken what Hand Administreth the Setting to of the Hand in the Signing and Sealing of our Everlasting Covenant of which Water-Baptism is one wherein is contained all the Promises of Gods Love in Christ to us and unto our Children to confirm the revealed things that the Scripture saith belongeth to us and unto our Children Deut. 29. 23. of the Remission of our Sins here and of our Eternal Inheritance in Heaven hereafter Now then to the Law and to the Testimony they that speak not according to it there is no light in them Isaiah 8. 20. Therefore though it was lawful for any Gifted Brother Acts 13. 15. 1 Cor. 14. 29 31. Heb. 5. 12. 1 Peter 4. 11. or Man in Israel as now it is in the Churches under the Gospel to expound the Scripture Yet as of old the Sealing Ordinances were commanded of God to be done by Men in Office which the Apostle Paul confirmeth in these words For no Man taketh on him the Office of Priesthood Heb. 5. 4. but he that is called of God as was Aaron So that for breach of order as well as in other matters whatsoever was written afore time is written for our Learning Rom. 15. 4. Psal 102. 13. to warn all that none presume without Office to do the work belonging peculiarly to an Officer least Gods Judgment in Soul and Blindness of Mind and Body fall on them as it did on Corah Dathan and Abiram Numb 16. 16. who sought to overthrow Gods Order appertaining to Offices as the Anabaptists do as aforesaid like they of old to Gods Ministers that they take too much upon them For so they of old charged Moses and Aaron as the Anabaptists now do the Apostles upon the same Grounds with like pretence seeing all the Congregation are Holy and so many gifted Brethren Famous in the Congregation Why may not they Administer the Sealing Ordinances as well as you the Ministers of the Lord. Surely if the right Eye of these Men were not blinded Zach. 11. 17. they might see that John for his Office was Surnamed the Baptist foretold of by the Prophet in Holy Scripture and not for his Preaching only but in special by name called John Baptist Matt. 3. 1. Luke 7. 20. John 1. 31. for Baptizing So that we see at the first Institution of Water-Baptism established for a Gospel Ordinance after Christ's Death and Resurrection Acts 2. 38 39. as a Sign and Seal of the Benefit of the New Testament for the Remission of Sins was commended by the Lord and given to his peculiar Messengers the Apostles called Ambassadors 2 Cor. 5. 20. and such as were endued with Gifts to work Miracles These Master-builders having given order for the Ordaining of Officers by the Churches for to Administer the infealing Ordinances namely Water-Baptism and the Lords-Supper by Pastors and Teachers Titus 1. 5. Acts 14. 23. Thus we see why the Anabaptists would be called Baptists because all would be Baptizers and John a Baptist Yea and do hereupon hold it lawful for an unbaptized Person to Baptize himself and herein they pretend to a higher Commission than John Baptist Therefore And now at random without due Consideration hath Ben. Keach said as aforesaid That the Efficacy of Baptism depends not in the least upon the Quality of the Person Administering of it Ben. Keach Gold Refined P. 20 21. As if John was an ordinary Person whom the Scripture saith Among those that were born of Women there was not a greater Prophet than John the Baptist Matt. 11. 11. Moreover the Jews well knew that Water-Baptism was a great Ordinance that was adjoyned to Circumcision as Mr. Henry Ainsworth in his Annotations on Gen. 17. sheweth out of the Jews Records How that every Proselyte that joyned himself to God and his Church by the Covenant of Grace in Christ for by no other Covenant was ever any Soul reconciled to God So that the Hebrews write That every Proselyte that joyned himself was Baptized Circumcised and brought a Sacrifice So that Circumcision and Baptism then was not done by any ordinary Person less than Gods Minister by Office Therefore the Jews made no question of the Ordinance of Water-Baptism in it self But the question they put to John was John 1. 25. Why Baptizest thou if thou be not the Christ nor Elias nor that Prophet By which it appeareth that they held it unlawful for any ordinary Teacher in Israel to Baptize but a Prophet of God or at least a Ministerial Officer And so we have reason to believe now in the Administration of Gods Sealing Ordinances water-Water-Baptism and the Lords-Supper that no Man but a Minister by Office as Pastor or Teacher can or may Administer it without Sin since extraordinary Officers are ceased as Apostles and Evangelists unless we hold the Baptism of Water after Christs Resurrection inferior to the Baptism of John For most clear it is that the Sacraments of the Old Testament were Administred by peculiar Men called of God thereunto As the Ark in the Water being a Figure of Baptism built by Noah 1 Peter 3. 20 21. a Priest and Preacher of Righteousness Circumcision Administred by Abraham a Prophet Gen. 17. 13. Patriarch and Priest the private Passover by the Elders and Fathers of Families the publick Passover at the place the Lord had chosen Administred by the Priests and Levites and to this day the Priests among the Jews Circumcise all their Male Children in Germany and other places So when Christ the Master Matt. 26. 26. did eat the Passover with his Disciples He it was that took the Bread Blessed and brake it and gave it to his Disciples These things the Apostle Paul urged to be minded in the Church of God at Corinth and so to all Churches that order be kept in the Performance of all Gods Ordinances for God is not the Author of Confusion but of Peace as in all Churches of the Saints and therefore hath commanded that all things be done decently and in order 1 Cor. 14. 33 40. Again For to what purpose are Officers chosen as in the Old and New Testament But that some special work belongeth to them which Men out of Office may not no not under never so good intent presume to do 2 Chron. 13. 11. as did Uzza which cost him his Life but he that is called of God So that whereas it is afore objected by Ben. Keach that Philip Baptized being but a Deacon which is a gross Mistake Acts 21. 8. for a Teacher to publish in Print wherein he hath shewn his gross Ignorance in so plain a case if not a willful Mistake supposing his word was a Law to the Anabaptists for we read when Philip Baptized he was more than a Deacon namely a Minister of the Word and named expresly an Evangelist Acts 21. 8. which was one of those extraordinary Offices given to the Churches for a time as were the Apostles Besides Philip was Acts 8. 26. Authorized expresly to