can be shown for the laying it wholly aside and upholding their Dipping into or Sprinkling with Water Altho' we find not one word in all the Holy Scripture that ever our Lord dipped or sprinkled any with or into Water or that ever he commanded his Disciples to dip or sprinkle either Men Women or Infants But to see Men leap over this of washing of Feet that was both done by Christ Jesus and commanded to be done by his Disciples telling them They ought to do as he had done unto them and yet this to be laid wholly aside and Dipping and Sprinkling in or with Water pleaded so highly for as a Gospel-Ordinance in the Church to remain to the end of the World without either Precept Example or Command from Christ Jesus to be found in all the Holy Scriptures This indeed is cause of Admiration Grief and Sorrow of Heart For he gave them many precious Commandments one of which he calls a New Commandment That they should love one another as said he I have loved you that you also love one another For by this shall all Men know that you are my Disciples if ye have Love one to another And if ye love me keep my Commandments Again Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me Abide in me and I in you as the Branch cannot bear fruit of it self except it abide in the Vine no more can ye except ye abide in me Without me ye can do nothing If ye abide in me and my words abide in you ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you As the Father hath loved me so I have loved you continue ye in my love If ye keep my Commandments ye shall abide in my love and this is my Commandment that ye love one another as I have loved you and these things I command you that ye love one another After he tells them of the Coming of the Spirit of Truth saying He shall testifie of me and ye also shall bear witness and said Hitherto ye have asked nothing in my Name Ask and ye shall receive that your Ioy may be full In all this here is nothing said much less commanded for Water-Baptism nor doth Matthew Mark and Luke make mention of Water-Baptism being either commanded or practised by Christ Jesus Nor can we find that ever our Lord took notice of it at any time so as he himself to Baptize or to command any Man after Iohn to Baptize into Water And in Acts the first Chapter the Apostle begins thus The former Treatise have I made of all that Iesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up and yet not one word in all this that Jesus did ever baptize any or said to any of his Followers Baptize into Water So that we cannot find that amongst all he began to say and do until the day he was taken up he ever said or did that The Apostle goes on farther saying After he through the Holy Ghost had given Commandment to us to whom he shewed himself after his Passion speaking to them of the things appertaining to the Kingdom of God And what not one word of Water-Baptism nor one Command given for that Let the Apostle answer And Christ being assembled with them commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the Promise of the Father which said he you have heard of me For John verily baptized with Water but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence But he doth not say Iohn baptized with Water and do you so also No such word But Verse 8. Ye shall receive Power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be Witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the Earth So that it seems clear to me that Iohn's Water-Baptism did not impower them to be Witnesses unto Christ through the whole World therefore there was need of such a Baptism as would fit them or impower them for the Work the Lord had for them to do No Iohn knew that when he said I baptize with Water but there comes one after me who is preferred before me he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost c. His Fan is in his hand his Power is in his hand thorowly to purge his Floor to gather his Wheat into his Garner and to burn up the Chaff with unquenchable Fire But there is not that power in Water to fan and throughly purge nor to impower Men to be Witnesses to Christ to the uttermost parts of the Earth Well Iohn baptized with Water not with the Holy Ghost Acts 19.2 3. They that had been baptized unto Iohn's Baptism had not so much as heard whether there was any Holy Ghost But Christ baptizes with the Holy Ghost not with Elementary Water Iohn 1.26 33. but tells them Iohn did Acts 1.5 But do not find that ever Christ did or commanded his Disciples so to do but tells them they should be baptized with the Holy Ghost but did not command them at all to baptize with Water either before or after his Passion Methinks Reason it self tells us that had our Lord intended Water-Baptism should have continued unto the end of the World he would have said so when he spoke of it to them at such a Juncture as this was Acts 1. But instead of that he tells them of another which he knew far exceeded Iohn's for Iohn's was but the Type and Figure this the Substance and would fit them for the Work of God which is a Spiritual Work and is only done in and by the Spirit and Power of God For when they were baptized with the Holy Ghost they received Power and did stand up true Witnesses unto Christ Jesus Oh! It 's worthy our Observations how Christ tells them They should receive Power after the Holy Ghost was come upon them and should be Witnesses c. So it 's clear Iohn's Baptism left them short of Power and of the Holy Spirit also but Christ's Baptism impowered them to be Witnesses after they had it And all that fall short of this Baptism of Christ fall short of Power to be Living Witnesses for Christ. Therefore the Apostles tarried at Ierusalem and waited as they were commanded for the Baptism of Christ and did not run in their own Will or Wisdom or in their own Name or Strength to bear witness to him or to preach him to all Nations but stay'd until they were made able to go in the Spirit and Power of God and with words the Holy Ghost gave them Object But it 's objected from Matt. 28.19 Go teach all Nations baptizing them in or into the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost and says some this is Water-Baptism Answ. But for the sake of the Honest Enquirer let us consider First Here is no Water mentioned in this place therefore no ground for such an
Paul speaks of again in 1 Cor. 12.13 By one Spirit we are all baptized into one Body and have been all made to drink into one Spirit this makes all People in Christ Jesus one and this Paul saith again There is one Lord one Faith one Baptism Eph. 4.5 Now Paul wholly ascribes the initiating or bringing in of all Men whether Iew or Greek Bond or Free Male or Female into the Church or into the Body of Christ which is the Church unto the Baptism of Christ by his own Spirit and tells us again in Eph. 4.4 5. There is one Body and one Spirit even as you are called in one Hope one Lord one Faith one Baptism one God and Father of all Now had Paul looked upon Iohn's Baptism to have been Commanded Mat. 28.19 and so must have been in place to the end of the World how could he pass it by and only say there is one Baptism For Iohn did baptize into Water and it was a Baptism a real Dipping or Plunging into Water and so a real Baptism was Iohn's And Christ's Baptism is a real Baptism a real Dipping or Plunging into his pure Name Power Spirit yea into Christ so as to put him on and to be as Branches in the Vine and to walk in him in his Spirit in his Life Love Light c. yea to be what we are in Christ and to do whatsoever we do in the Name of Christ so then is not here two Baptisms And if one be not the Figure Fore-runner of the other and gave place to it but are both Figure and Substance Servant and Son continued together to the end of the World How could Paul miss saying There is one Lord one Faith and two Baptisms But it 's clear he said otherwise who said He could do nothing against the Truth but for it And both Moses and Elias or Iohn the Baptist were suddenly taken away in the Mount upon the Motion made for three Tabernacles and Christ only left and the word was This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased hear him so here Christ alone is Exalted over all and hath all Power Objection But say some He doth not say there is but one Baptism Answer Nor doth he say there is but one God but one Lord but one Faith but one Hope c. What then May we say there is any more God forbid No doubt but Paul knew what he said and that Iohn's Baptism was but a Figure and was observed in it's time and place but when the Substance came the Shadows were decreasing and passing away though I do not say that the Apostle did see all Figures Shadows and Types actually at an end so soon as it came no more did they immediately see that in Mat. 28. Go ye therefore teach all Nations did take in Gentiles as well as Iews For it 's clear from Acts 10.11 that neither Peter nor the Apostles at Ierusalem did all fully see until then that God is no respecter of persons that in every nation he that fears God and works Righteousness is accepted of him and when Paul clearly saw he had a mind the People of God should see also viz. that the fulness of time was come pray what fulness was this Was it not the Figures Shadows and Types of the Law which had their full time when Christ was offered up and must now have place no longer but give place to the Son the Heir that redeems out of all Bondage and gives us to receive the Adoption of Sons even the Spirit of Adoption into our Hearts by which we cry Abba Father And the Son abides for ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood and is Heir of all things and we in him being Sons are Heirs of God and Joint-Heirs with Christ so no longer under Servants Tutors or Governours but are by Christ redeemed unto God to walk with him and worship him in Spirit and in Truth But saith this Apostle again Verse 9. Now after you have known God or rather are known of God how turn ye a-again to the weak and beggarly Elements whereunto ye desire again to be in Bondage Can outward Water be excluded out of this Sentence Is it not as weak and beggarly as other Elements are And if this had not been in his Eye as well as others would he have been so general in that word Elements and take no care to preserve Water in use if it was to be used to the end of the World For it is no more than an Element Object But some may object these Galatians were for entangling themselves with observing days times months years circumcision c. Answ. I answer It 's very plain to unbyassed Men that this Apostle of the Gentiles never used one word to shew any more regard or respect to Water-Baptism than to any other Figures and Shadows and it is no more nor ever was any more than a bare Figure and why it must have place with the Substance and not give place now as all other Figures must I see no sound Reason for But he tells these Galatians further Chap. 4.4 When the fullness of time was come what then God sent his son well then ye are no longer under Servants Tutors c. for God hath highly exalted his Son and given him all Power both in Heaven and in Earth that in all things he may have the Preheminence It 's true but is Christ only without any thing else being joined unto him all in all unto all Mankind I answer Yea and Paul tells these very People Chap. 3.26 27 28. Ye are all the Children of God by Faith in Christ Jesus for as many of you as have been Baptized into Christ have put on Christ there is neither Iew nor Greek Bond nor Free Male nor Female for ye are all one in Christ Iesus and if Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed and Heirs according to promise And in Ephes. 1.7 to the 12th Verse We have Redemption through his Blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his Grace wherein he hath abounded towards us having made known unto us the Mystery of his Will that in the Dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in Heaven and which are on Earth even in him Here Christ is preached and Christ only in him it pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell and him only hath God Exalted to be both King and Priest to give repentance and remission of sin Oh! did Men know God know Christ Jesus know the Holy Spirit of Life that was before all Types Figures and Shadows were they would not turn from or desire again to be in Bondage unto weak and beggarly Elements that cannot make such as come thereunto perfect as pertaining to the Conscience but now here is one come that can and hath by one Offering perfected for ever them that are Sanctified by him and saves to the utmost all
Death being come over all for that all had sinned so he suffered for us the Just for the Unjust that he might bring us to God and they that take up his Cross deny themselves and follow him and share with him of his Cup of his Sufferings and of his Baptism So I hope I need say no more of this to shew there is a baptizing dipping or plunging into other things besides Water and that this and not outward Water tends throughly to wash purge purifie and make clean the Soul Spirit and Bodies of Men and Women and bring them to be Vessels of Honour fit for the Masters use and service So here is neither need nor ground for Sprinkling at all no neither dipping nor plunging in Water nor any lasting Command or Institution that can be shewn tho' we grant some Apostles did use Water-Baptism for a time not seeing fully through things at first as they did afterwards yet they had no Command for it for Christ himself Baptized none with Water nor gave his Apostles any Commission to do it so that after some time that they grew up to Man's state in Christ Jesus they came to see as Paul saith When I was a Child I spoke as a Child I thought as a Child I understood as a Child but when I became a Man I put away childish things and then they more fully preached Christ the Substance and that in him all fullness dwelt and that Christ was not now entered into the Holy Places made with Hands which are Figures of the true but into Heaven itself now to appear in the presence of God for us Heb 9.24 And Verse 14. The Blood of Christ who through the Eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your Consciences from dead works to serve the Living God So that it 's clear Christ is not in the Figures but in Heaven itself and they that enjoy him are where he is and have their Conversation there where he sits and reigns so the Substance is come and is preached and testified of to whom the Prophets bare witness and testified beforehand of his Sufferings and the Glory that should follow This is he that knows every State and is the End of every Type Figure and Shadow as Peter saith speaking of Noah's Ark 1 Pet 3.21 22. wherein few that was Eight Souls were saved comes now to shew that even as the Ark saved them so the Antitype Baptism now saveth us What Baptism I Answer That Baptism of the Spirit or being Baptized into that which saves us now from the Deluge of Sin which destroyeth the World now even Baptism into Christ into his Name for there is no other Name given by which we can be saved this I say saves Men as fully now from Sin and so from Death as Noah's Ark saved him and those that were with him from the Flood that then destroyed the Old World and as Peter further saith Not the putting or washing away the filth of the Flesh but the answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Christ Iesus who is gone into Heaven and is on the Right Hand of God Angels Authorities and Powers being made subject unto him and what must not Types and Figures give way to him Doth not Peter clearly shew it was not outward washing the filth of the Flesh but the cleansing of the Heart and Conscience For he saw plainly beyond the outward Water-washing to the inward washing with Water by the Word Christ Jesus that he might present unto himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Eph. 5.26 27. So here is a washing that exceeds Moses's Laver and Iohn's Iordan washing for it makes clean the inside and these are inward Iews or Iews inward for as they were not Iews that were Iews outward who only had the Type or Figure and came no farther but were of the Synagogue of Satan no more are they Christians that were only so outward And tho' they say they are Christians yet they are unregenerate unclean within unwashed with the blood of Christ yea they are of the Synagogue of Satan Rev. 2.9 and so it was called Blasphemy of Old as you may see in this Scripture to say they were Iews and were not and what is it now Doth it not blast the Fame of Christ Jesus and his great Name for Men to say they are Christians and are not Oh! therefore take Christ's Counsel come unto him be baptized of him washed by him sanctified by him made new Creatures in him and by him and be Disciples Followers Subjects and Obeyers of him so that whatever he bids you do ye may do it in his own Name and dwell in his Kingdom of Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost for all outward Dipping and Sprinkling in or with Water leaves Men and Women out of the Kingdom of God short of Enjoyment of God short of Eternal Life short of Power to become Sons of God short of Mount Sion the City of the Living God the Heavenly Ierusalem short of the innumerable Company of Angels and of the General Assembly and Church of the First-born which are written in Heaven and of the Spirits of Just Men made perfect and of Jesus the Mediator of the the New Covenant and of the Blood of Sprinkling mark not Water sprinkling that blood that speaks better things than that of Abel See now that ye refuse not him that speaks from Heaven for he speaks with Authority and not as the Scribes Hypocrites and High-Priests for if they escaped not that refused him that spoke on Earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaks from Heaven whose Voice then shook the Earth but now he hath promised saying Yet once more I shake not the Earth only but the Heavens also and this word yet once more signifies the removing of those things that are shaken as of things that are made that those things that cannot be shaken may remain so that those things that are made and are shakeable things though they be Heavens if shakeable if made they give place to the New Heavens in which dwells Righteousness that cannot be shaken so the Rock of Ages the sure Foundation the Durable Riches of the Gentiles the Lasting Treasure the Life that 's Eternal the Son that abides in the House for ever he remains for all the Ends of the Earth to look unto and be saved for all Nations to flow unto and be safe who hath all Power in Heaven and in Earth therefore all People that read this be exhorted to turn in all your Minds to the Appearance of Christ in all your Hearts and come unto him in Spirit for he appears by his Spirit in your inward Man and lets you see your States and Conditions lets you see all your Thoughts Words Deeds Secret Lusts and Vile Affections if ye give heed unto it
Objection The great Apostle of the Gentiles understood it not at all to relate to Water-Baptism as is clear from his own words 1. Cor. 1.11 Christ sent me not to Baptize but to Preach the Gospel and we never read that he baptized any with Water after But in Vers. 23. saith We preach Christ crucified to the Jews a stumbling-block and unto the Greeks foolishness but unto them which are called both Jews and Greeks Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God Consider if Christ be not sufficient without Water-Baptism take the Apostle's words in Vers. 30 31. But of him are ye in Christ Iesus who of God is made unto us Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption that as it is written Let him that glorieth glory in the Lord. Here Christ alone is exalted and preached to be all we have to glory in and enough too for in him all Fulness dwells Secondly Is it not plain and full that Water-Baptism is not at all intended Matt. 28.19 for Christ saith plainly Go teach all Nations Baptizing them in or them into in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost Here is a vast difference between Men being baptized into outward Water and sent to Baptize into the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost for they were now to enter upon a more Excellent Baptism they had been Baptizing with Water before that but now they were to be Baptized into the Name Spirit and Power of God that then they therein might be Instrumental in Christ's Hand who was and would be with them to the End of the World for the Baptizing others into this Name that believed through their Word Thirdly Christ knew that in his Name they would be made capable both to speak to go and to Baptize Men effectually Hitherto saith Christ ye have asked nothing in my Name but bids them ask And a little before Verily verily I say unto you Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name he shall give it you So it 's clear Christ's Mind was to have them acquainted with and baptized into the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost John 16.23 So in his Prayer Iohn 17.6 he saith I have manifested thy Name unto the Men which thou gavest me What is here meant by this Name Is it not his Power Had not the great and holy Power of God been made manifest unto them that had been with him and seen his Mighty Works raising the Dead healing the Sick cleansing Lepers opening Blind Eyes making the Dumb to speak the Deaf to hear the Lame to walk casting out Devils turning Water into Wine feeding Thousands with few Loaves and Fishes Did not these Works plainly manifest the Lord's Power or Name that is above every Name So in Vers. 11. he prayeth thus Holy Father keep through thy own Name those whom thou hast given me that they may be one as we are Vers. 12. While I was with them in the World I kept them in thy Name And Vers. 26. I have declared unto them thy Name and will declare it that the Love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them and I in them Now is it not plain from all this that the Name is the Power so he had kept kept them in the Power had manifested the Power unto them or declared the Power and would declare it So the Power of the Father Son and Spirit is manifested declared and made known unto them that receive Christ Jesus and are baptized into him into his Name Power Spirit c. and these know the Love of God made manifest in them and to them So now Christ Jesus in Matt. 28. spake unto them saying All Power is given unto me both in Heaven and in Earth Go ye therefore and teach all Nations Baptizing them into the Name c. Now the word Go ye therefore seems to carry with it a plain Demonstration of Christ's Mind that now all Power was his both in Heaven and in Earth he would therefore have all Nations both taught and brought into his Power and baptized into it so as to be saved by it For there is no other Power or Name by which any can be saved but by the Power or Name of Iesus for all Power is his both in Heaven and in Earth This was a great Work but for their Incouragement he also tells them Lo I am with you always even to the end of the World And surely I may say if he be with his People to the end what is it that can be too hard for him and them he makes use of For all Power is with them For as many as receive him to them he gives Power to become the Sons of God according to Iohn 1.12 Even to them that believe in his Name These are they that are baptized Dipped or Plunged into his Power or Name yea into Christ and have put him on and in him are one whether they be Iews or Greeks Male or Female all are one in Christ Jesus and Christ is one in all Gal. 3.27 These are in Christ New Creatures and come forth in his Name to the Glory and Honour of him whose is the Power for him only hath God exalted and given him a Name or Power above every Name yea a more excellent Name than Angels Heb. 1.4 It 's said He that Sanctifieth and they who are Sanctified are all of one for which Cause he is not ashamed to call them Brethren And when he appeared unto Paul he said I have appeared unto thee for this purpose to make thee a Minister and a Witness both of those things which thou hast seen and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee delivering thee from the People and from the Gentiles unto whom now I send thee to open their Eyes a great work and turn them from Darkness to Light and from the Power of Satan unto God that they may receive Remission of Sins and an Inheritance amongst them that are Sanctified by Faith that is in me Acts 26.16 17 18. Here is not Figures or Shadows mention'd no here is good things themselves to have Eyes opened is very good to be turned from Satan's Power to God to have Remission of Sins to be Sanctified and receive the Inheritance of such as are Sanctified is very good durable Riches indeed Faith in Christ is very Good and Precious Glory to him for ever But not one word of sending him back again to the Figure viz. Iohn's Water-Baptism nor have them who are in Chief to whom all Power is given any need of it And pray if they had what would it do for them Can it reach either Heart or Conscience What good Fruits follow our Sprinkling of Infants and Dippers Can any Sanctifie but Christ Doth not the Apostle say as before He that Sanctifieth and they who are Sanctified are all of one Heb. 2.11 12. For which cause he is not ashamed to call them Brethren So Christ is the Washer
Sanctifier and Purifier of all his Brethren and Members of his Body or Church and People and nothing else can for as the Work is his so the Power is his and the Glory of the Power is due to him who is Greater than Iohn c. So if Christ wash thee not thou hast no part in him John 13.8 And without Blood there is no Remission Heb. 9.22 It 's the Blood of Christ that cleanseth us from all Sin 1 John 1.7 9. Rev. 1.5 Now it 's clear from that full and clear Declaration of Christ to this Apostle of the Gentiles what he sent him to do and what Christ's Mind was to have done and did he send the rest of the Apostles with any less Authority Or to do any other Work And is not this a more excellent Work To turn People from Darknnss to Light and from Satan's Power unto God than to turn Men into Water or to sprinkle Water in the Faces of Infants and then say They are Sanctified and Changed Regenerated and Born again made new Creatures yea Children of God Members of Christ Inheritors of God's Kingdom and promise to deny the Devil and all his Works the Pomps and Vanities of this wicked World the sinful Lusts of the Flesh with all the Desires of the same so that they will not follow nor be led by them And also that they will believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith and keep God's holy Will and Commandments and walk in the same all the Days of their Life Doth not this set Christ aside and render him useless and ascribe that to Water-Baptism nay to Sprinkling that 's all wholly due to Christ as before is proved Oh where had you Commission for these things Who sent you that run into these things Shew us one tittle of any Command or Example for Sprinkling in all the Scripture how dare you say all these things are done by sprinkling Water in the Face of Infants and yet say there is none free from Sin on this side the Grave Are not New Creatures the Children of God Members of Christ Inheritors of God's Kingdom and deny the Devil and all his Works the Pomps and Vanities of this wicked World the sinful Lusts of the Flesh with all the desires of the same so that they will not follow nor be led by them and believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith and keeps God's Holy Will and Commandments and walk in the same all their days I say Are not these free from Sin that begin thus when they enter into the World and continue to their Lives end Oh consider these things People you that read and see how you are led and how the same Men that lead you thus to promise and avow teach you all your lives long to say You do those things you ought not and leave those things undone you ought to do and are miserable Sinners or Offenders having no Health in you Can Children of God Members of Christ be miserable Sinners then when they are in a Child's State and Members of Christ What Rule what Title of a Word can be shewed for these things in all Holy Scripture Is it not sadly to be lamented that People should be fed with Husk when there is Bread enough in God's House and to spare But Paul was sent upon a more profitable Work and all that are sent of God are sent to Turn People from Darkness to Light and from Satan's Power unto God Oh how few appear to be thus turned amongst the Professors of our Age So it 's clear what Christ sent Paul to do for Paul saith He sent me not to baptize 1 Cor. 1.17 but to preach the Gospel Now if Paul was not sent to Baptize as it 's clear he was not how then can we think in Reason that others were For he was not behind the chiefest of the Apostles as he himself affirms But he must needs be behind them if their Commission was larger than his but if not then it 's strange how Paul could miss of having a share in that Commission Matt. 28. If it was a Commission for Water-Baptism to them it must needs be so either to him or else he had no share in it and if he had no share in it then he was behind the other Apostles in that Now that that in Mat. 28. was a Commission for Water-Dipping and Sprinkling I deny neither did Paul understand it so at all for had he he would not nor could not have said as he did but I say if it was and he had no share in it how comes Men in our times to have Power from Mat. 28. to Dip and Sprinkle For Paul had none therefore let them tell us plainly or cease from deceiving the People But again we find that Paul Preached the Baptism of Christ and shews what it is very plainly in Rom. 6.3 Know ye not that so many of us as were Baptized into mark into Iesus Christ were Baptized into his death therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the Glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life For if we have been planted together into the likeness of his Death we shall be also in the likeness of his Resurrection knowing this that our Old Man is Crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin for he that is dead is free from sin And verse 17. God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin but ye have obeyed from the Heart that Form of Doctrine which was delivered you Vers. 18. Being then made free from sin ye became the servants of Righteousness Vers. 22. But now being made free from sin and become servants to God ye have your Fruit unto Holiness and the end Everlasting Life for the wages of sin is Death but the Gift of God is Eternal Life through Iesus Christ our Lord. Come People all you that read this see if you yet know this Baptism into Christ into Death to sin and know the Old Man Crucified and put off and Christ the New Man put on that sets free from sin and makes Men Servants of God in Righteousness This Baptism is effectual to Salvation this is that we have all need of to be baptized with and if this Baptism be not known by us we fall short of freedom from sin and then the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ so in Christ is Life Eternal and they that are Baptized into Christ puts him on abides in him are alive unto God in him and dead to sin as the Apostle saith in the 2d verse How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein There is surely a vast difference betwixt those that live in Christ and those that live in sin This is a fanning Baptism a cleansing purifying Baptism this
and there is no necessity for it for his Baptism is the Substance of all other and throughly purges and refines and makes pure and I am but a Fore-runner of Him Well But He comes to thee to be Baptized of thee Yes but Iohn forbad Him saying I have need to be Baptized of Thee and comest thou to me Mark Here was need for Iohn I have need said Iohn well Jesus denies it not but there was so nevertheless Suffer it to be so NOW mark Now Why Now Because Now is thy time for thou wast sent before me for this end might Christ have said and this Dispensation is of God and thus or therefore it becometh us to fulfil all Righteousness Why then Iohn suffered Him But some may Object and say If it was Righteousness to be Baptized into Water then and that Christ was ought not we to follow Christ in all Righteousness I Answer In all everlasting Righteousness he ought to be followed not in all the Outward or Ministerial part of Righteousness for there is the Righteousness of God revealed within from Faith to Faith and the Righteousness of the Law without the Law was Righteous Holy Just and Good and Christ fulfilled the Righteousness of the Law and had he not fulfilled the Law in every tittle He could not have said It 's finished but He fulfilled the Law And he also fulfilled Iohn's Dispensation or He obeyed or did all the Law commanded and he obeyed and did also all that was commanded by the Dispensation of Iohn and when all the Righteousness requir'd was fulfilled it was reason that he only should have place that had fulfilled it So down to the Circumcision he went and to the Passover and to all the Law called for for he Humbled himself and became obedient as a Servant and serv'd it in it's time and place and fulfilled its Will and Requirements and not only so but bore all the Curse due to us that had broken it and been disobedient unto it and set us free from it was the end of the Law for Righteousness to us that believe So that we are not under the Law but under Grace or the Gift of God that brings Salvation to us who have not the Shadowy Works of the Law but are Believers in and Obeyers of him who is exalted both above the Law and the Prophets So also down into the Water he goes and fulfilled Iohn's Dispensation or that Righteousness required by it which when it was fulfilled he only was worthy to have place that had fulfilled it and having fulfilled it he went up straight-way out of the Water mark he did not there abide or stay but straight-way went out of the Outward thing and then came the Word of Power and the Heavens were opened and the Holy Ghost descended like a Dove and lighted on him then came the Voice from Heaven saying This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Now is he Descended that is also Ascended and is now Established alone This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Hear ye him He that hath Ears to hear let him hear what the Spirit saith Hear Him of whom Moses and all the Prophets and Iohn who was more than a Prophet spake for now he is come that is mightier than all and all Power is given unto him not unto him and Iohn nor unto him and Moses No But unto Him Him only hath God exalted to be both King and Priest unto Israel and He alone is established a Priest for ever of an Unchangeable Priesthood not Changeable nor Finite but for ever of an Unchangeable Priestood mark ye but not after the Order of Aaron nor after the Order of Iohn but after the Order of Melchizedec who met Abraham and blessed him him that overcame and blessed him and will give to him that overcomes to sit with him in his Throne as he hath overcome and is set down in his Father's Throne Not after the Order of a Carnal Commandment but after the Power of an Endless Life This is the Sun that cloathes the Woman who hath the Moon under her Feet therefore all changeable Dippings with Water and the least in his Kingdom is greater than Iohn tho' he was more than a Prophet Also in Mark 1.8 I indeed have baptized you with Water but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost Also Luke 3.16 I indeed baptize with Water but one mightier than I cometh the Latchet of whose Shoe I am not worthy to unloose He shall mind baptize you with the Holy Ghost and Fire But he ever takes Water-Baptism to himself and never ascribes it to Christ Jesus but speaks of a greater Work to be done by him a Purging Purifying Refining Cleansing Work and Iohn's was but a Type of what was a coming and therefore ran before and hasted to give place to him that came after who alone is himself established in all things to have the Preheminence Now mark this word Fore-runner or one sent to run before one that runs makes haste away that he may finish his Course before his time be out Now it 's plainly said that as Iohn fulfilled his Course he said Whom think ye that I am I am not he Mind ye Iohn was not He not He that was to be established to abide for ever a Priest for ever of an Unchangeable Priesthood but was sent before him Therefore when the Apostle here comes in the 13th Chapter of the Acts and Verse 23 24 25. he speaks on this wise as he was preaching Christ Jesus not Iohn he was not I say preaching Iohn nor Iohn's Baptism but Christ the Seed of David Of this Man's Seed saith he hath God according to his Promise raised unto Israel a Sauiour Jesus When John had first preached before his Coming the Baptism of Repentance to all the People of Israel Mind ye all ye Baptizers in Water when Christ was raised unto Israel when Iohn had first preached before his Coming Mark Iohn had a Time we grant and own with all our Hearts but was it not before HIS Coming here spoken of But when his Course was fulfilled when Iohn had first preached the Baptism of Repentance first mind ye then God raised up to Israel a Saviour Oh! but Iohn could not save But Him whom God hath raised saveth to the uttermost them that come to God by him Him whom God hath raised And so Iohn honestly disclaims all the Honour due to Jesus Christ and as one afraid left the People should ascribe any of it to him said Whom think ye that I am As he fulfilled his Course mark that Iohn's Course was fulfilled I am not he but behold there cometh one after me whose Shoes of his Feet I am not worthy to loose Him Behold he is the Lamb of God that takes away the Sins of the World but I am not he And so in Verse 47. the Apostle comes to declare in much Plainness how that Christ is set and
established and he joyns none with him For so hath the Lord commanded us saith he saying I have set thee saith the Lord to be a Light to the Gentiles that THOU mark not Thou and Iohn nor Thou and Moses but in the singular Term Thou that Thou shouldest be for Salvation unto the ends of the Earth Isai. 49.6 But again in Iohn 1.2 26. The People came to Iohn and asked him saying unto him Why Baptizest thou if thou be not that Christ neither Elias nor that Prophet Iohn answer'd them saying I Baptize with Water mark but there standeth one among you whom you know not He it is who coming after me is preferred before me whose Shoes Latchet I am not worthy to unloose These things were done in Bethabara beyond Iordan where Iohn was baptizing The next day Iohn seeth Jesus coming unto him and faith Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the Sins of the World This is he of whom I said After me cometh a Man that is preferred before me for he was before me and I knew him not but that He might be made manifest to Israel therefore am I come Baptizing with Water Mark The End of Iohn's Baptism was That HE might be made manifest to Israel therefore am I come baptizing with Water So then this was the Service of Iohn's Baptism and it served for this Purpose and to this end That Christ might be made manifest And so Iohn bare Record of him and Preached him and not himself but cryed Behold the Lamb of God look not at me behold not me nor the Lamb of God and me no he never joyn'd himself to Him but said I am sent before Him and now he is come behold Him the Lamb of God He taketh away the Sins of the World But look not now at me I am not that Light but am sent before a Witness and am come Baptizing that He might be made manifest and if He were manifest to Israel then were my Desire answered and the End of my Labour in Water-Baptism accomplished so that they might believe in him Iohn bare Record saying I saw the Spirit descending like a Dove and it abode upon him and I knew him not but he that sent me to Baptize with Water said unto me Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on him the same is he that baptizeth with the Holy Ghost And I saw and bare Record that this is the Son of God See how plainly Iohn preached Christ and his Baptism and all along put this Distinction I Baptize with Water He with the Holy Ghost and Fire I must Decrease He must Increase But they might have said Why John why must thou decrease Why Iohn might have said Because my Baptism is but of Water that he might be made manifest But his Baptism is with the Holy Ghost and Fire a Baptism that exceeds mine as far as the Light of the Sun exceeds the Light of the Moon So it 's clear that Iohn was sent to Baptize with Water and Christ was sent to Baptize with the Holy Ghost and Fire And Christ fulfilled Iohn's and the Law and all the Righteousness required by them and then was himself alone established a Priest for ever of an Unchangeable Unalterable Priesthood But further for I am desirous to clear my self of this matter at this time from all Opinions concerning this thing I have already made it appear that Iohn himself was on my side and his Record is clear to prove That the Baptism of Christ Jesus is that of the Holy Ghost and that he himself was sent to baptize with Water And he no where makes mention of any other that was sent to baptize with Water but himself I say that was sent In the next place I shall bring the Testimony of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who also at all times ascribeth Water-Baptism unto Iohn Acts 1.5 And being Assembled together with them commanded them That they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the Promise of the Father which saith he ye have heard of me for John Truly or might he not have said or is it not all to one Sense had he said so Iohn it 's True Baptized with Water But mind he doth not say Do ye so too or I will baptize with Water also No Iohn said he Truly baptized with Water but Ye mind Ye Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many Days hence This is the Baptism they were to wait for and to be by Christ baptized withal no Water at all injoyned to it by Christ Jesus tho' he owned it in its time and fulfilled it as aforesaid But mark now was the time of Promise at hand Not many days hence saith Christ ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost So also Peter in Acts 11.16 saying Then remembred I the Word of the Lord how that he said John indeed baptized with Water but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost Still Water Baptism is ascribed to Iohn by himself â—nd by Christ Jesus Let us hear what the Apostles say concerning it In Acts 1.22 Peter in his Declaration to the Disciples concerning Iudas and choosing another in his stead makes mention in Vers. 22. on this wise Beginning said he from the Baptism of John mark unto that same day that he was taken up from us must one be ordained to be Witness with us of his Resurrection Here it is ascribed unto Iohn Again in Acts 13.23 24 25. Paul speaking of the Promise God hath saith he according to his Promise raised unto Israel a Saviour Iesus when John had first mark first preached BEFORE HIS COMING mind before his Coming the Baptism of Repentance to all the People of Israel and as John fulfilled his Course Mind here Paul still ascribes it to Iohn Again in Acts 19.1 2 3 4. And it came to pass that while Apollos was at Corinth Paul having passed through the uppermost Coasts came to Ephesus and finding certain Disciples there he said unto them Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed And they said unto him WE HAVE NOT SO MUCH AS HEARD WHETHER THEâ—â— BE ANY HOLY GHOST And he said unto them Unto what then were ye Baptized They said Unto JOHN's BAPTISM Mark Had Iohn's Baptism been in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost then how should they but have heard of a Holy Ghost So that here before I proceed any further I shall take notice of this place a little Water-Baptism is still ascribed here to Iohn I indeed baptize with Water said Iohn John indeed baptized with Water said Christ and said the Apostles Iohn verily baptized with the Baptism of Repentance saying unto the People That they must believe on Him that was to come after him that is said he on Christ Iesus So I shall yet bring no more Proofs for this Point these being sufficient But before I leave this Place take notice That tho' they had been baptized unto
Iohn's Baptism yet they had not heard whether there was ANY Holy Ghost Which doth clearly manifest that altho' it should be granted that Iohn's Baptism was still of Necessity which far be it from me to do yet how doth it thwart all the Water-Baptists of our Age who Baptize with or into Water using the words Father Son and Holy Ghost which they cannot bring Precept or Example for For tho' the Apostles did by permission Baptize it was but in Condescension unto Iohn's Baptism for Commission they can no where bring from Christ nor that they did use the words now used by you saying I Baptize thee in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost So that your Practice all of you Water-Baptists is contrary to the Holy Scripture for in this place Paul baptized those in the Name of the Lord Jesus And Peter in Acts 10. commanded to be Baptized Repent and be Baptized in the Name of the Lord Iesus But no where can they find that either Iohn or any of the Apostles used to say I baptize thee in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost So that your Practice in this is grounded on a Sandy Foundation and will undoubtedly fall Prop as hard as you can and take ye altogether ye Water-Baptists of all sorts and work never so hard with both hands your Babel-Buildings will all fall and great will be the Fall thereof and all your Props and all your cunning Work will be broken to pieces and you shall never be able to raise your Building again but the chiefest of your Workmen shall be ashamed of their own Doings and you shall gather Paleness in that Day Oh therefore be intreated in tender Love I beseech you to return Return out of Babylon unto the Gift of God the true Light that makes ye all manifest and in which ye are all seen and comprehended I say in the Name of the Lord my God and in much Love to your Souls be intreated to return unto it it 's near you to instruct you and to make all things manifest to you if you will come unto it O turn your Minds How oft have you been reproved by it And you never found Guile in his Mouth tho' he hath told you all that ever you have done yet you regard him not but prefer fading finite and unprofitable things above him Oh! haste haste out of Babylon tarry not the Day of Vengeance is near and then will you come to know the true Baptism is not into Water but into the Name of the Father Son and Spirit and that Christ in Mat. 28.18 19. when he sent his Apostles out to teach all Nations and that the Baptism there spoken of and commanded by Christ was not into Water but into the Name of the Father Son and Spirit neither is there any such a word as Water mention'd in his Words there spoken to them but into the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost he bad them Baptize But some may say It must needs be Water there intended because that none can Baptize with the Holy Ghost but Christ. I Answer True None can but He and by his Power only therefore he tells them in the first place That All Power is given unto me saith he both in Heaven and in Earth and they now must not go in their own Strength or Power but in his Power and it was his Power in them and by them that did the Work he sent them to do and so he saith unto them Without me ye can do nothing But lo I am with you always even to the end of the World And all Power is mine And now you Water-Baptists let me ask Now where is Iohn's Power Iohn hath now no Power nor Moses hath now no Power in a way of Administration if all be given to him and be his as I am satisfied it is And it is plain He only is here established Now it must not be admitted for any other to have a Tabernacle standing or building with his No Though Peter would have had three one for Moses one for Elias and one for Christ That Elias was already come mind and they have done to him whatever they would And is it not plain to you that this was Iohn the Baptist here spoken of and intended And yet mind neither Moses nor Elias must have a Tabernacle built with his but a Cloud came and took them away mark and Christ only left and a Voice from Heaven came saying This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased hear him Oh! what would you have How clearly is it manifest unto all who walk not in Darkness that he only is by himself established to be heard in all things And saith the Apostle He that refuseth to hear this Prophet shall be cut from off the Earth And again See ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not that refused him that spake on Earth even Moses how shall ye escape if ye refuse him that speaks from Heaven whose Voice then shook the Earth But now says he Yet once more will I not shake the Earth only but also Heaven mark that those things that cannot be shaken may remain Mind what must remain and how he alone even Christ is above all established And it 's said again by Paul God saith he who at sundry Times and in divers Manners spake in Days past to the People by the Prophets hath in these last Days spoken unto us BY HIS SON mark not by his SON and JOHN but by his SON whom he hath appointed Heir of all things mind So All Power is given unto me saith Christ Go ye therefore teach all Nations baptizing them into the Name of the Father Son and Spirit or if you had rather have it Holy Ghost teaching them to observe whatever I command you and lo I am with you always even to the end of the World but tarry at Jerusalem till ye have received Power from on High for without me ye can do nothing So 't is not saith Peter by our Strength or Righteousness that this Man is made whole Why stand ye gazing upon us as tho' by our Power and Holiness it was done Be it know unto you that by the Name of JESUS whom ye Crucified even by Faith in his Name is this Man made whole And said Paul I have laboured more abundantly than ye all yet not I but the Gift or the Grace of God that 's in me And so it was in his Strength that they were more than Conquerors and could do all things through Christ that strengthened them but before they could not before I say that they went in his Strength So there was need for them to wait at Ierusalem till they had received of his Fulness of which they all received Grace to help in time of Need. But now mark they had not Need to have stay'd at Ierusalem for Poâ—â—r to have baptized with Water for they had been doing that