overwhelming the Person in Water II. That true penitent Believers are the right Subject of Baptism III. That the Ordinance of Baptism is now in being and is to continue to the End of this World I. I shall shew that Baptism must be administred by Dipping c. if we consider these four things 1. The Etymology or Signification of the Word the Holy Spirit uses to express it by 2. Those Metaphors used in Holy Scripture to represent it to our Understanding 3. From the Practice of the first Baptizers 4. From the grand Commission of our Saviour Mat. 28.19 1. From the Etymology or Signification of the Word The word Baptism is from the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to dipt Baptisma a Dipping from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bapto to dip plunge or drown It implieth the washing of the whole Body 〈◊〉 even such a washing as is used in Bucks where Linen iâ— plunged and dipt For the native and proper signification of it is to dip into Water or to plunge under Water see Leigh's Critica Sacra It is a Metaphor taken from the use of the Dyers Vat 〈◊〉 and is such a Dipping by which the Cloth put into it is dyed and not a bare washing only from whence cometh Baptism Zepperus de Sacramentis saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Baptism 〈◊〉 vocis notationem attendere velimus vocabulum Baptismi mersionem significat in aquam c. If we will attend to the Notation of the word Baptism it signifies to dip into Water 〈◊〉 or the Act it self of Dipping and Washing From hence therefore and from the Etymology of the Word it self iâ— doth appear what was the Custom of administring Baptism from the beginning Whereas now saith he we â—â—â—â—ther use Rantism viz. Sprinkling in the stead of Baptism which is Dipping Alstedius in his Lexicon Theologicum printed Anno 1612. 〈◊〉 310. saith thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tingere lavare inficere unde deductum aliud verâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 intingere immergere maximè quidem aquâ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tantum significat immergere non lavare nisi 〈◊〉 unsequenti From whence it may plainly be seen that this Learned â—â—â—â—hor doth assert That Baptism is to dip plunge or 〈◊〉 whelm the Person baptized in Water And that its â—â—â—â—per signification is to dip or dye and not to wash but â—â—â—â—y by Consequence For which he cites for his Authoâ—â—â—â— both Plutarch and Nazianzen as may be seen at large 〈◊〉 the Book it self Besides this is so well known that every School-boy in 〈◊〉 Greek-Grammar can tell you that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bapto is â—â—â—â—re rendred mergo immergo to dip to plunge or overwhelm â—lso in a Greek Lexicon published and recommended to 〈◊〉 for the encrease of Knowledg by Joseph Caryll George Cokayne Ralph Vening William Dell Matthew Barker William Adderly Matthew Mead and Henry Jessey â—â—ey tell us that the signification of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to dip â—â—â—â—ge or drown And in the Passive Voice 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be plunged or overwhelmed And that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to plunge to overwhelm to baptize to dip And in 〈◊〉 Passive Voice 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be plunged to be baptized or dipped In Clavis Graecae Linguae printed at London Anno 1640. 〈◊〉 is thus rendred 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mergo tingo to dip 〈◊〉 dye 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Idem the same 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mersio to drown and thereâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is often rendred to dip into to drown 〈◊〉 from thence the Latins use mersus à mergo drowned â—â—â—â—ered or over whelmed with Water And therefore it â—â—â—sed in the New Testament for that Holy Ordinance of Baptism it being performed by dipping the whole Body of the Person baptized under Water The Learned Robertson my singular good Friend in his Thesaurus Graecae Linguae saith Baptizo mergo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Intingo mergo to dye to dip plunge c. Hence saith he is Baptizo which signifies the same As also Baptismos Baptisma c. But the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rantizo he saith is aspergo to sprinkle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rontismos Aspersio Sprinkling So that you may eaâ—â—ly 〈…〉 is as much difference betwint these two Greek 〈…〉 Baptismos and Rantismos in Greek as there is betwixt these 〈◊〉 words Dipping and Sprinkling in English and therefore surely not to be conceived to be syâ—â—â—imous so as to signity the same thing I now presume from what hath been said that if the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and its Derivatives are used in all places in the New Testament where this Ordinance of Baptism is spoken of Then it will follow by an unavoidable Consequence that Dipping is the right manner of Baptizing and that Sprinkling is not Baptizing That it is so will evidently appear from an Enumeration of Particulars I will instance in some of the principal when I come to shew you what was the Practice of the first Baptizers But of that in its proper place I now come to treat of the second Particular under this Head viz. Dipping the Persons baptized into Water appears to be the right way of administring this Ordinance if we consider the Metaphors used in Holy Scripture 〈◊〉 express it by There are two I shall chiefly insist upon 1. A Burial 2. A Resurrection We are to consider that our Lord Jesus Christ hath noâ— burdened us under the Gospel with a multitude of Ceremonies as it was in that Oeconomy of the Jews under the Legal Dispensation But only with some few and those very significant this being a more spiritual Dispensation As therefore the Holy Supper of our Lord in the breaking of the Bread signifies the breaking of his Body and the pouring out of the Wine the shedding of his most precious Blood and both of these in conjunction his Death 1 Cor. 11.26 For as often as you eat this Bread and drive this Cup ye do shew forth the Lord's Death till he come Even so Holy Baptism doth shew forth his Burial and direction Rom. 6.4 Therefore we are buried with him baptism into Death that like as Christ was raised up from Dead to the Glory of the Father even so we also should walk â—â—â—ess of Life â—ow consider the Metaphor when Men are dead we 〈◊〉 them by covering the whole Body under Ground 〈◊〉 not by scattering or sprinkling a little Dust or Earth 〈◊〉 their Faces only â—prinkling you know hath no resemblance to Buâ—â—â— but dipping or plunging the whole Body under Waâ—â—â— is a most express and lively representation thereof But perhaps Humane Testimonies will please you and 〈◊〉 Pastor better than Divine And therefore I shall 〈◊〉 you the Opinion of some Learned Bishops to corroborate what I say who may be supposed to understand 〈◊〉 Original as well as Mr. James The late
Arch-Bishop of Canterhury Dr. John Tillotson â—â—â—h in his Sermon upon 2 Tim. 2.19 Antiently those â—ho were baptized put off their Garments which signified the putting off the Body of Sin and were immersed and buried in the Water to represent the Death of Sin and then did rise up again out of the Water to signify their entrance upon a new Life and to these Customs the Apostle alludes Rom. 6.4 Also Dr. Fowler the present Bishop of Gloucester in his â—ook of the Scope of the Christian Religion interprets this saying of the great Apostle Rom. 6.4 as follows Christians being plunged into the Water in Baptism signifieth their undertaking and obliging themselves in a Spiritual Sense to die and be buried with Jesus Christ which Death and Burial consist in an utter renouncing and forsaking of all their Sins that so answerably to his Resurrection they may live a holy and godly Life Moreover Dr. Jer. Taylor late Bishop of Down in his Doctor Dubitantium lib. 3. cap. 4. saith thus The Custom of the Antient Church was not Sprinkling but Immersion in pursuance of the Sense of the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 both in the Commandment and Example of our Blessed Saviour And this saith he agrees with the Mystery of the Sacrament it self for we are buried with him in Baptism saith the Apostle The old Man is buried and drowned iâ— the Immersion under Water and when the baptized Person is lifted up from the Water it represents the Resurrection of the new Man to newness of Life To this I shall only add that other Divine Testimony oâ— the Apostle Paul Col. 2.12 Buried with him in Baptism wherein also ye are risen with him through the Faith of the Operation of God who hath raised him from the Dead And shall now proceed to the third Particular viz. 3. It doth appear that Dipping is the right way of Baptizing from the Practice of the first Baptizers The first mention of this Ordinance of Holy Baptism we have in Mat. 3.1 where John the Dipper is mentioned And in ver 6. it is written And were baptized of him in Jordan confessing their Sins The Greek word there is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is in English They were dipped plunged or overwhelmed For it is from the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to dip c. as I have already shewed In the 7th Verse the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifie the same In the 11th Verse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to dip c. In Verse the 13th 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be dipped The Word is used again in ver 14. And the same also in the Passive Voice is used in ver 16. where it is said And Jesus when he was baptized c. And the following words do make that Sense evident for when he was dipped by John in the River of Jordan it is said He went up straightway out of the Water Which implies beyond contradiction That he was in the River and over whelmed with the Water according to the proper and native signification of the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And if you will read the 5th and 6th Verses of this Chapter you will find there Multitudes thus baptized by John the Baptist or Dipper for it 's said Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea and all the Region round about Joran and were baptized of him in Jordan The same is also testified in that parallel place Mark 1.4 5. and the same Greek words used there as in Mat. 3. which I have above recited And in Mark 1.9 Jesus was baptized of John in Jordan The Greek is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into Jordan Now what Sense would this be Jesus was sprinkled into Jordan But to say Jesus was dipt into the River of Jordan is good Sense as well as a great Truth Diodate upon Mat. 3.6 saith They were plunged in the â—â—der And the Assembly in their Annotations say Dipping in Jordan But because they are noted by Mr. Wells 〈◊〉 his Answer I shall forbear reciting them and proceed 〈◊〉 other Authors Cajetan saith Christ was baptized not by Sprinkling but 〈◊〉 Dipping him into the Water And Piscator on John 3.23 〈◊〉 Baptism was administred by dipping the whole Body in â—â—â—er Mr. Mede on Titus 3.5 saith There was no such thing as Sprinkling used in Baptism in the Apostles Time nor many Ages after them It is also the Observation of that late Learned and Pious â—â—â—aister of Christ Mr. John Gosnold in his Book intituled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That Mr. John Calvin up and down in his Works doth often with many others in our Days confess That the Antient manner of Baptism in the Primitive Times was by dipping the whole Body under Water And also confesseth that the Church hath assumed this Liberty to her self of using Sprinkling in the room thereof The same Author also observes That the Translators themselves never so much as once in all the New Testament renders it by Sprinkling There is another Word for that which they constantly translate to sprinkle to wit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rantizo whereby it 's evident Rantism is not Baptism Sprinkling is not Dipping Besides in all the Places that I have met with where nothing of the stress of this Controversy depends our Translators have every where rendred 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. to dip for instance in Rev. 19.13 He had his Vesture dipt in Blood and in Mat. 26.23 He that dippeth his Hand with me in the Dish Luke 16.24 That he may dip the Tip of his Finger in later And in John 13.26 it is twice used 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dipped 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and when he had dipped Jesus answered He it is to whom I shall give a Sop when I have dipped it And when he had dipped the Sop he gave it to Judas â—â—eariot c. Moreover if we will but consider the Places where this Holy Ordinance was administred by the first Baptizers it will greatly elucidate this Truth For it was not practised in the Temple nor in their Synagogues nor yet in private Houses in which it might have been done more commodiously if sprinkling a 〈◊〉 Drops of Water upon their Faces would have sufficed But they baptized in the River of Jordan and other Places where there was much Water because plunging the whole Body under Water did require it In John 3.23 And John also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was dipping in Enon near to Salim because there was 〈◊〉 Water there and they came and were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dipped Now here we have the Reason given why Jâ—â—â— baptized in this place i. e. Because there was much Water But if he had not plunged them into the Water but onâ—â— sprinkled them with a few Drops thereof this Reason 〈◊〉 been without Foundation For as Cornelius à Lapide 〈◊〉 serves A very little Water would have served to have sprinkled Thousands But their manner of baptizing being to dip
the whole Body under Water therefore much Water was necessary thereunto without which 〈◊〉 Act of Baptizing could not be performed Now altho T. J. hath trampled upon our Reasons offered in justification of this Practice I hope he will not make so bold with the Spirit 's Testimony as to contradict the Reason he hath given in the Text under Consideration Thus you see that John who was the first Baptizers and sent of God to dip Persons in Water as the beginning of the Gospel and to prepare Christ's Way before him 〈◊〉 Joh. 1.33 He that sent me 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to dip plunge 〈◊〉 overwhelm in Water meaning God the Father Where ever there is mention made of his Baptizing the same Words are used either Bapto or its derivatives If we observe what is said of our Saviour's Baptizing tho Jesus himself did not baptize in his own Person but by his Disciples in every place the same Word 〈◊〉 used as John 3.22 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Also John 4.1 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which all signify to dip to be dipped c. To proceed to the Practice of the Apostles and chief Ministers of the Gospel after our Lord's Resurrection we shall find the same Word used as above in every place where there is mention made of their Baptizing The first Instance is in Acts 2.41 Then they that gladly â—â—â—ved his Word were baptized the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In Acts 8.12 it is also from the same word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 were dipped both Men and Women And in Acts 8.38 39. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And he dipped him It is here to be observed that the Administrator Phiâ—â—â— as well as the Eunuch went both down into the Water which had been needless if Sprinkling would have serâ—â—d the â—â—rn And when they came there it 's said He â—â—â—â—zed him i. e. dipt him And then it 's further said â—â—â—y came up out of the Water not from the Side or Surface 〈◊〉 it as Mr. James would insinuate by distinguishing beâ—â—een from and out of for here it is said expresly they 〈◊〉 up out of the Water Also in Acts 10.48 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be dipped c. To be short There is you see an Account that John the â—â—ptist Christ by his Disciples when upon Earth and 〈◊〉 Apostles after his Resurrection did all of them practise 〈◊〉 Holy Ordinance of Baptism by dipping or plunging 〈◊〉 Persons baptized into the Water I will add to this the Testimony of Mr. Dan. Rogers None of old were wont to be sprinkled And saith he I confess my self unconvinced by demonstration of Scripture for Infants sprinkling And further in his Treatise of the two Sacraments Part 1. Chap. 5. he hath these words It ought to be the Church's Part to cleave to the Institution which is Dipping And that he betrays the Church whose Officer he is to a disordered Error if he cleave not to the Institution which is to dip And this leads me to the 4th Particular namely That 〈◊〉 will appear that Dipping is the right way of Baptizing 〈◊〉 we consider that grand Commission of our Saviour Mat. 28.19 the Greek word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to dip And being given here by way of Precept it is Dipping them But seeing I have already explained the signification of the Greek words by which Baptism is signified even to tediousness both to my self and you I shall insist no longer upon it As also because I am of Opinion that the Gospel of Matthew was written in Hebrew according to Jerom's Testimony and the Opinion I think of most Learned Men. I shall therefore give you the words so far as they concern our Purpose under this Head as they are in that Language in which I am sure it was spoken if not written It is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vetabelu Otam and dip ye them The Root is Tabal which is the third Person Singular in the Preterperfect Tense and signifies he dipped And is so rendred in many places in Holy Scripture particularly in 2 Kings 5.15 where speaking of Naaman the Syrian it is said He dipped himself in Jordan seven times and was clean In Mat. 3.6 you have the same Word again in the Passive Voice which must be rendred in English and were dipped of him in Jordan And in Ver. 16. you have the same Root again as it is there applied to our Saviour And Jesus when he was dipped went up straightway out of the Water Also in John 3.22 23. the same Word is used And in John 4.1 2. it is the same in that Hebrew New Testament of Mr. Robertson's who was certainly one of the most Learned Hebricians our Age hath afforded I might add to this the Testimony of the Dutch Translators who call John the Baptist Johannes de Dooper John the Dipper and in this Commission de selve dopende dipping them And if our Translators had generally where that Word had occurred turned it into English as they have into Dutch they had saved me and others the trouble Now if all this will not suffice I know not what will However I will make Mr. James one generous Offer That if he can shew me where our Translators have in any one place rendred Baptizo to sprinkle or è contra have rendred Rantizo to dip in the New Testament I will grant him the Cause And I do hope if he cannot do it he will own that we are in the right O what a Tyrant Custom is that dares stand up and contradict a thing that is so evident in it self so agreeable to the Reason of the Ordinance to the Etymology of the Word and that from the Pens of our Adversaries and to the use of the Phrase and Expression in Holy Scripture to the Commission of our Lord to the Doctrine and Practice of the first Baptizers both before and after our Saviour's Resurrection and the manner of planting the Primitive Churches Notwithstanding all this I say Custom in a wrong â—ay makes Men bold to oppose the right Way altho â—â—ey acknowledg it is the best In things civil and indifferent I can be content that â—â—stom should be my Guide but not in the Matter of â—â—dinances and things Sacred the Rule of which lies in 〈◊〉 Institution which we are strictly to observe and is 〈◊〉 in the Power of our Liberty or Choice either to use 〈◊〉 refuse For that Blessing which attends the Use thereâ—â—â—â— is annexed unto our Conformity to the Rule and Instiâ—â—â—ion see Mat. 28.20 But to proceed to the second General Head II. That true Penitent Believers are the right Subject of Baptism I shall make it good by doing these three things 1st By examining who John the Baptist who was the 〈◊〉 Baptizer did admit to his Baptism 2ly Who our Saviour commanded to be baptized in 〈◊〉 grand Commission Mat. 28. â—ly Who it was practised upon by
peteret baptisnum intelligeret quid sit baptizari None of old Time were wont to be baptized but in a grown Age and who desired it themselves and understood what it was to be baptized Erasmus in his Annotations on the Eâ—istle to the Romans affirms That baptizing of Children was not in use in Paul's Time And Dr. Field in his learned Treatise of the Church pag. 729. affirms That many very antiently who were born of Christian Parents put off their Baptism a long Time insomuch as some were elected Bishops before they were baptized As we read saith he of Aâ—â—brose c. The Learned Bossuet speaking of the manner of administring Baptism saith We never read in the Scripture that any were baptized otherwise than by Immersion And we are able to prove from the Acts of Councils and antient Rituals that every-where in the whole Church throughout the World for the space of 1300 Years Baptism was never administred but by Dipping except only in Cases of Necessity And Bellarmine saith Infant-Baptism is called an Apostolical Tradition not written because it is not found written in any Apostolical Book Tom. 1. lib. 4. cap. 2. Where by the way I shall note That if a Man of his Parts and Learning could not find it there I believe others will have as little Success in their search after it And it had been his Interest to have proved it from Scripture as much as any because 〈◊〉 say a greater stress upon 〈◊〉 than 〈◊〉 and these of his Religion for they assert it to be necessary 〈◊〉 â—â—ation Let Mr. Jaâ—â— know we do not bring the Testimonies of Hurâ— he Writers because we think the Holy Scriptures 〈◊〉 to justify our Cause For I may say with Tertullian Lib. contra Hermogenem Adoro Scripturae pleâ—itudiâ—â— c. I adore the Fuluess of the Scripture let â—â—â—gexes shew that it is written But to satisfy the World that we are not singular in our Judgments about these Matters as also to obviate an Objection of your Pastor who tells us in his last Trease Pag. 20 That at the rate some Baptists write and 〈◊〉 report the Words of the Learned they would perâ—â—â— swade silly People all the Learned Men were almost 〈◊〉 Anabaptists and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 self-condemned being 〈◊〉 as they are in Opinion though of a contrary Practice I answer That although they are of a contrary Practice I hope that can be no Bar to us from reciting their words in favour of our Opinion For Firmum est 〈◊〉 prohationis quod ab ipso adversario sumitur ut veritas 〈◊〉 ipsis inimicis veritatis probetur It is a forcible kind of Proof which is taken from the Adversary himself when â—e Truth is proved from them that oppose the Truth â—nd I have herein followed the Counsel of Lactantius 〈◊〉 1. c. 6. Eos suorum Testimouiâ—â— revincere c. To convince â—hem by their own Testimonies which is the strongest Conviction that may be As it is truly said by Chrysostom Tunc illos maxime revinâ—â—us cum suorum in eos dicta retorquemus We do most â—rcibly convince them when we can retort their own â—yings against them And therefore as Lactantius de vera sapientia cap. 12. faith Satis firmum Testimonium ad probandum veritatem quod ab ipsis perhibetur inimieis That is a sound Argument for the proving of the Truth which is setched from the Enemies of the Truth Yea suppose it were but weak in it self yet it hath great weight against him that brings it For as the Roman Orator observes in the like Case Tuum Testimonium quod in alienare leve est in tua quoniam contra te est gravissinum esse debet Thy Testimony which is but light and frivolous in another Man's Cause yet is weighty in thine own when it is against thy self Now I fancy that the Reason why Mr. James would not have us urge the Testimonies of the Learned for fear of shewing how contradictory some of their Opinions have been to their Practices is lest in so doing he also should be found to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 condemned of himself and that in many places of his Book particularly when he brings a Poet to prove that Christ was not baptized by Dipping And in Pag. 20. he saith I would fain know who can prove our Lord Jesus Christ was dipped or plunged in his Baptism or any of those baptized Ones spoken of in the New Testament were so dipped or plunged I will give you the Opinion of some Learned Men upon it in this very Place altho I have said sufficient to it elsewhere and then shew you how Mr. James is condemned by his own Pen. Now if any one saith Maldonate ask why the Evangelists use the Word of Ascending c. It was because Christ ascended or went up out of the Water in the which he had been dipt or drowned Lucas Brugensis saith upon the Place Matth. 3.16 Christ descended into the River after the manner oâ— others that were baptized as deep as his Thighs oâ— his Navel for the rest of his Body was dipt by Johâ— and not sprinkled only with Water And the Learned Cajetan tells us upon the Place Christ ascended out of the Water therefore Christ was baptized by John not by Sprinkling nor by pouring Wateâ— upon him but by Immersion that is by dipping oâ— plunging in the Water Many more Testimonies might be brought from Men 〈◊〉 use Rantism instead of Baptism but that I have alâ—â— exceeded my first Intention But I shall now shew 〈◊〉 that Mr. James like the rest of those I have quoâ—â— hath contradicted himself For in the same 20th 〈◊〉 of his Book where he vapours so mightily and â—enges us to prove that Christ or any others were â—â—ized by Dipping as you have seen above yet preâ—â—y he tells us That Baptism was oft performed by â—ping I gainsay not And in the very next Page he 〈◊〉 I do not produce these Testimonies as tho I would â—â—tain that our Lord Jesus was not dipped It seems 〈◊〉 Conscience began to check him whilst he was writâ—â—â— And again in Pag. 25. Who speaks against the Antiâ—ity of Dipping I thought Mr. James had But he goes 〈◊〉 Dipping there might be in Christ's Time and that the 〈◊〉 way of Baptizing Very well then it seems we praâ—â—â—â— the most Antient and the best Way of Baptizing Mr. James's Acknowledgment And himself doth praâ—â—â—â— the contrary and therefore must needs be self-conâ—â—ed as practising the worst Way especially if he 〈◊〉 consider That there is neither Precept nor Precedent 〈◊〉 Infant-Sprinkling in all the Word of God But to close this Head I am upon If this be true that 〈◊〉 of the Apostles nor first Ministers of the Gospel 〈◊〉 ever practise the Sprinkling of Infants there must 〈◊〉 some good Reason why they did it not And the best 〈◊〉 think of is because Christ had not commanded them 〈◊〉 do But on the contrary
AN â—PISTLE Concerning BAPTISM â—â—â—asionally written upon the sight of two Treatises published by THOMAS JAMES â—â—â—cher of a Presbyterian Congregation at Ashford in Kent Who hath reflected upon the Baptized Christians WILLIAM RVSSEL Medicinae Doctor Academiae Cantabrigiensis Lover of Primitive Christianity 〈◊〉 for the old Paths where is the good Way and walk therein and ye shall 〈◊〉 rest for your Souls Jer. 6.16 London Printed in the Year 1696. 〈◊〉 those Inhabitants of Ashford and the adjacent Parishes who attend upon the Ministry of Mr. Thomas James THE Occasion of my writing this Epistle to you at this time ariseth from the Consideration of two Books written by T. J. The one intituled Spira's Despair revived The other called A Vindication of that Part of it which is â—â—ed by the Anabaptists c. which is a pretended Anâ—â—o a Book written by J. W. in Answer to his first 〈◊〉 c. the latter of which he dedicates to you 〈◊〉 which Book he brings you in as Parties with him in â—â—deracy against that People as making you to have â—â—â—al if not a greater Interest than him in that Paâ—â—â—â—ar he hath raised against them 〈◊〉 seeing it hath pleased God by his good Providence to put it into the Hearts of our King and both â—â—â—â—s of Parliament to give us the free Exercise of our â—â—â—â—on by Law which we esteem as a great Mercy 〈◊〉 a wonder to me to read such scurrilous and reâ—â—â—â—ful Language against those of our Perswasion and â—â—â—ore for that it proceeds from one who is himself a â—â—â—â—er from the established Religion of the Land and â—â—â—â—ther of a Presbyterian Congregation And to find â—â—â—â—ublishing to the World that the Inhabitants of Ashford and divers other Parishes did join issue with him in â—â—â—â—ng it seems to bespeak but little Sense of the Goodâ—â—â—â— God and of our Rulers in the Liberty you enjoy 〈◊〉 whereas those Ministers that are of the Episcopal â—â—â—â—ision do give us civil Treatment and do not conâ—â—â—â— themselves to disturb our Peace and Quiet much less â—â—â—â—oach and abuse us I was considering what should move Mr. Thomas James to act as he hath done And at last I concluded it must certainly proceed from that very Spirit and Principle of the first Founder of your Sect Mr. John Calvin who burnt the Books of Servetus a Learned Baptist and afterwards perswaded the Magistrates of Geneva to burn him alive Which Sentence was executeâ— upon him as Castellio testifies who was a Contemporary with him in these words Michael Servetus was burn alive for his Opinion at Geneva Anno 1553 upon the 27th day of October And yet as one well observes Mr. Calvin did acknowledg this of him That he was a Learned and a Charitable Man Notwithstanding this he wrote a Book to justify theâ— putting him to death as a Man whose Books were full 〈◊〉 Errors Which Book was sufficiently confuted by tâ—â— Learned Castellio where he also shews that the Reason 〈◊〉 Calvin procured his Death was this lest the excelleâ—â— Parts and Learning of Servetus should have eclipsed 〈◊〉 Glory of Calvin and prevented him from being the 〈◊〉 of a Party And yet Castellio was not a Baptist Now if Mr. James should have imbibed the same perâ—â—cuting Principles it is no wonder to find so much Rancâ—â— of Spirit appear in him against the Baptists in our Day as he hath expressed in these two Treatises I speak 〈◊〉 this as if I meant to accuse the whole Party for 〈◊〉 know that divers of them are meliorated and have manifested themselves to be Men of better and more peaceaâ—â—â— Principles But seeing there are some young Men of another mind I thought it not amiss to give you a Cauâ—â—â—â— against it remembring what an honest old Presbyterâ—â—â— Minister said once to some others of his Brethren 〈◊〉 met to ordain three young Ministers who had declaâ—â—â— themselves for this persecuting Principle saith he 〈◊〉 will have no hand in their Ordination for there 〈◊〉 Firebrands enough in the World already and 〈◊〉 please God I will have no hand in sending more 〈◊〉 such as they are enough to set the World in a Flaâ—â— where-ever they come And I fear your young Man may be of that number 〈◊〉 pray let me ask you a few civil Questions which I deâ—â—â— you to propound to him and do you demand of him â—â—ticular and distinct Answers thereunto 1. Whether Mr. James doth not believe the Episcopal Church of England to be a true Church and their Teachers to be true Ministers 2. Whether he doth not own their Baptism and Ordination to be true and valid 3. Whether he doth not think it lawful for you to go to their publick Worship and attend upon their Ministry in their Parochial Assemblies rather than suffer Imprisonment and the loss of your Estates And if this be so Then 4. what can be the Motive to excite Thomas â—â—mes to keep up a Separation from the established Church 〈◊〉 England now in a Time of Peace unless it be to get 〈◊〉 better livelihood for himself than he could otherwise â—â—ain 5. Whether the fear of losing some of his Auditors or â—â—ing hindred from an increase of their Number by which his Income might be diminished might not be â—â—e great Motive which excited him to such a foolish way 〈◊〉 scribling against the Baptists 6. Whether it doth not therefore highly concern you 〈◊〉 make a diligent Enquiry into the Word of God and exâ—â—ne his Doctrines thereby that you may see whether â—â—y agree with the Doctrine and Practice of the Apostles â—â—d Primitive Christians lest you should be cheated both 〈◊〉 your Money and of your Souls Now Sirs if a prejudicate Opinion doth not interpose 〈◊〉 â—oubt not but it may be said of you as of those in Acts â—â— 48 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 you are disposed to eternal Life â—â—ed then there will be some hope you will give credit to â—â—e Authority of God in the Gospel of his dear Son â—â—d be willing to learn what may be taught you Had not Mr. James opposed us in the Point of Holy Baptism I had not concerned my self with him believing he 〈◊〉 sufficiently confuted about his Calumnies against our friends at Ashford by another hand I shall therefore for the sake of Truth use my endeavour to elucidate the Point in controversy that you may â—â—re a more clear and distinct knowledg of it Neither you nor your Teacher ought to think it below 〈◊〉 to be instructed in any Gospel-Truth but receive it 〈◊〉 meekness and humility and be thankful to them that 〈◊〉 take the pains to do it For Apollos who was a great Preacher and a Man mighty in the Holy Scriptures did not disdain that a Woman should instruct him in the Way of God more perfectly Acts 18.24 25 26. And for your better understanding the Point in Controversy I shall do these three things I. Shew you that Baptism is to be administred by Dipping Plunging or
Salt in the Child's â—â—th as they also do and give this Reason for it 〈◊〉 his Words may be with Grace seasoned with Salt And where is it forbidden to baptize your Cattle 〈◊〉 yet how ridiculous would it be so to do But perhaps 〈◊〉 James may pretend Scripture for it from his Interâ—â—tion of 1 Corinth 10.2 For all their Cattle of â—ich they left not a Hoof behind were under the Cloud 〈◊〉 all passed through the Sea and were all baptized unto Moses 〈◊〉 the Cloud and in the Sea The Word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—ich he leaves to Mr. Wells to interpret And I pray ask 〈◊〉 if this Word as here used in the passive Form may 〈◊〉 be read thus And they were all overwhelmed unto 〈◊〉 as they must needs be when the Cloud covered them 〈◊〉 the Waters were a Wall to them on the Right-hand â—â—on the left So that you see here is the same Ground â—onclude their Cattle were all baptized as well as their 〈◊〉 Children But if the Word had been translated â—â—â—â—whelmed who could have dreamt of a Baptism from 〈◊〉 Place But Mr. James will have it that there was a Multitude 〈◊〉 Children baptized by Moses and that it was done by â—â—inkling also through the dropping of the Cloud and 〈◊〉 dashing of the Waters and that many learned Men â—â—â—bt not of it but hath not quoted one of them I am 〈◊〉 the Dutch Translators who were Presbyterians read 〈◊〉 thus Ende alle in Mosen Gedoopt Zin And they were â—â—â—â—dipt unto Moses And all learned Men do tell us when 〈◊〉 speak as Scholars that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is mergo immergo 〈◊〉 how it comes to lose its Signification in this one 〈◊〉 I cannot imagine But I pray ask Mr. James these few things 1. Who told him there was Water in that Cloud For the Epistle of Jude ver 12. we read of Clouds without Water and we must remember that this Cloud 〈◊〉 Miracle 2. If it had Water who told him that it droppeâ— the Children of Israel whilest they past through 〈◊〉 Sea His ipse dixit will not do where the Scriâ—â— silent 3. How came he to know that the Waters dashâ— them I cannot suppose that he was present to 〈◊〉 And if it be nowhere written 't is but an imprâ—â— Guess But to leave off these trisling Fancies of Mr. James us see how it is written Exod. 14.21 The Lâ—â—d the Sea dry Land and the Waters were divided Ver. 22. And the Children of Israel went into the midst Sea upon the dry Ground and the Waters were a Wall unto on their Right-hand and on their Left Ver. 29. And they walked upon dry Land in the midst Sea Chap. 15.8 The Waters were gathered together Flood stood upright as an Heap and the Depths were coâ—â—â— in the Heart of the Sea Psalm 106.9 He rebuked the Red-sea also and it waâ—â—ed up so he led them through the Depths as through the â—â—â—derness Thus you see here is not one Word of Sprinkling of dashing the Water upon them As to the Cloud was no common Cloud but a Cloud that did constâ— attend them in their passage through the Wilderness Exod. 13.21 22. And the Lord went before them by Dâ—â—â— Pillar of a Cloud c. He took not away the Pillar of Cloud by day nor the Pillar of Fire by night from 〈◊〉 the People See also Numb 14.14 Now if the Wâ—â—â— were a Wall on each side and the Cloud covered thâ— then they must need be overwhelmed Psalm 105. He spread a Cloud for a Covering and Fire to give Light 〈◊〉 Night But not one Word of this Cloud 's having Watâ—â— it nor of its dropping upon them What Cause have to be cautious how you admit any thing for Truth upon Credit of your Teacher who can allow himself the â—â—berty to talk at this loose Rate about sacred thiâ— Besides if this he to be understood of Baptism as an O◠〈◊〉 according to the Use of the Word in the New 〈◊〉 then I affirm according to Mr. James's 〈◊〉 if their Infants were baptized all their Cattle â—â—wise baptized But I hope he will be ashamed 〈◊〉 at such an Exposition for besides all other Abâ—â—â— that attend it Moses is hereby made the first â—â—â—er and not John the Baptist But I shall leave this 〈◊〉 to the third and last general Head That the Ordinance of Baptism is now in being 〈◊〉 is to continue to the End of the World 〈◊〉 28.20 Teaching them to observe all things whatâ—â— have commanded you and lo I am with you alway even 〈◊〉 End of the World 〈◊〉 this Ordinance of Baptism in Water being one â—â—e things he hath commanded as in the Words â—â—â—ing then the Apostles were to teach all the sucâ—â—â— Churches to observe it they being to teach them â—â—â—e all things he had commanded them and to 〈◊〉 also the Promise of Christ's Presence is annexed until 〈◊〉 of the World The Ordinance it self is therefore â—â—â—inue till that time 〈◊〉 â—â—des it was the Care of the Apostles not only to 〈◊〉 that present Age the Will of Christ but also to 〈◊〉 it continued to succeeding Ages see 2 Tim. 2.2 〈◊〉 Charge here to Timothy is The things which thou hast 〈◊〉 of me among many Witnesses the same commit thou to faithâ—â— who shall be able to teach others also And our Lord 〈◊〉 to those faithful ones in Thyatyra Rev. 2.24 25. 〈◊〉 put upon you none other Burden But that which ye have 〈◊〉 hold fast till I come 〈◊〉 seeing we differ not about its Duration although 〈◊〉 about the Subjects and the right Manner of adâ—â—ring the same I shall add no more upon this Head 〈◊〉 been concerned with another sort of People I should 〈◊〉 thought my self obliged to have insisted more largely 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 beseech you consider what I have said for it is in 〈◊〉 Love to your Precious Souls that you may no longer be deceived by false Teachers who handle 〈◊〉 of God deceitfully But that you may come to 〈◊〉 the true Doctrine of the Gospel and imbrace 〈◊〉 which was once delivered to the Saints whâ—â— first spoken by the Lord himself and confirme 〈◊〉 and Wonders and divers Miracles and Gifts oâ— Spirit according to his own Will For there is but one Law-giver to the Churâ—â— him who is able to save and to destroy Heâ— all things whatsoever he hath said unto you Footsteps of the primitive and Apostolick Churâ—â— that is the right Path and the good old Way 〈◊〉 in and ye shall find rest for your Souls Comâ— the Word that Christ hath spoken that shall the last Day The Lord help every one of joy the Light of the Glorious Gospel to be foâ—â— thereunto that so we may receive that blesled Well done good and faithful Servant enter thou into thy Lord. FINIS