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Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
water_n	baptize_v	eunuch_n	philip_n	3,839	5	10.4025	5	false

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

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

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

8. But Infants know not any thing of their baptism 9. Believers remember when they were baptized 9. Infants remember not their baptism 10. Believers are buried with Christ by baptism Rom. 6.4 10. Infants are not buried they are only sprinkled 11. All believers that are baptized are in the Covenant of Grace 11. All Infants baptized are not in a Covenant of grace 12. All believers baptized receive remission of sins Act 2.37.38 12. But all Infants baptized do not receive the remission of sins 13. God hath promised that all that believe and are baptized shall be saved Mark 16.16 13. God hath not promised that all Infants that are baptized shall be saved 14. Believers rejoyce when they are baptized Act. 8.39 16.34 14. Infants do not rejoyce but usually weep when they are sprinkled 15. Believers baptism hath the plain Word of GOD Mat. 28.19 15. Infant-baptism hath human consequences only 16. All the World may undeniably affirm that believers were baptized by the Apostles Act. 8.12 16. But all the world cannot affirm that any Infant was baptized by the Apostles 17. All those who baptise Infants do confess believers were baptized 17. But all baptized believers do deny that Infants were baptized 18. Believers baptized do lawfully partake of the Lords Supper 18. Infants baptized do not lawfully partake of the Lord 's Supper 19. All believers baptized are living stones fit for Gods house 1 Pet. 2.5 19. But all Infants baptized the living stones● Gods House 20. Believers baptized build on Christ by their own faith 20. But such as baptise Infants build on anothers faith 21. Such as are baptized on their own Faith shall never perish Joh. 10.28 21. But such as are baptized on anothers faith may perish 22. Believers baptized are converted and shall never come into condemnation Joh. 5.24 22. But Infants baptized are not converted and many come into condemnation 23. Believers baptized are not the Children of wrath John 3.36 23. But Infants baptized Joh. 3.36 may be yet under wrath 24. Believers baptized do know Christ to be precious 1 Pet. 2.7 24. But Infants baptized do not know Christ to be precious 25. Believers Love Christ and keep his Commandments Joh. 14.15 25. But Infants baptized do not love Christ and keep his Commandments 26. Believers baptized worship God in Spirit and in truth such God seeks to Worship him Joh. 4.23 24. 26. But Infants do not know what to Worship 27. Believers baptism must stand as long as God's Word doth stand Mat. 5.18 27. Infant-baptism must fall because it hath not the Word of God 28. Believers baptized may repel Satan as Christ did saying it is written They believed and were baptized 28. But you cannot repel Satan saying It is written Infants were baptiz'd for it is not written CHAP. X. Plain Scriptures concerning Baptism without any human consequence from Mans Wisdom MAT 3.13 Then cometh Jesus to John to be baptized ver 15. And Jesus said Suffer it to be so now for thus it becometh us to fulfill all Righteousness ver 16. And Jesus when he was baptized went up straightway out of the water Mat. 21.25 The Baptism of John whence was it from Heaven or of Men if we say from Heaven he will say w●● did ye not believe in him Luke 20.6 But if we say of men the people will stone us Luke 7.29 The Publicans justified God being baptized Ver. 30. But the Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the Councel of God against themselves not being baptized Mat 28.19 Go teach all Nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Acts 2.38 Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ Ver. 41. Then they that gladly received his Word were baptized Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved Acts 8.12 And when they believed they were baptized both men and women Ver. 36. And the Eunuch said here is water what doth hinder me to be baptized Ver. 37. And Philip said if thou believest thou mayst Ver. 38. And they went both down into the water both Philip and the Eunuch and he baptized him Acts 9.18 Saul arose and was baptized John 3.22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the Land of Judea ●nd there he tarried and baptized John 4.1 Jesus made and baptized ●ore disciples than John Acts 10.47 Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized that have received the Holy Ghost as well as we Ver. 48. And he commanded them ●o be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Acts. 18.8 And Crispus the chief Ru●er of the Synagogue believed on the Lord with all his House and many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized Acts 22.16 And now why tarriest thou arise and be baptised and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the Lord. Rom. 6.4 We are buried with him by Baptism Gal. 3.27 As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ 1 Pet. 3.21 The like Figure whereunto baptism doth save us 1 Cor. 12.13 By one spirit we are all baptized into one body Acts 16.33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes and was baptized he and all his straightway Ver. 34. He believing in God with his House Luke 3.21 Jesus being baptized th● Heavens were opened Ver. 23. And Jesus himself being about thirty years of Age. John 3.23 John was baptizing in Aenon near Salim because there was much water there CHAP. XI Considerations by way of Conclusion 1. COnsider that when souls are asham'd then God will shew them the Ordinances and forms of his House Ezek. 43 11. The Gospel Church hath its forms 2. Consider when God gives any soul a new heart it is to fit him for Gods Ordinances Ezek. 11 19 20. I will give them a new spirit and I will take away the heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh that they may walk in my Statutes and keep my Ordinances and do them 3. Consider what a danger it is to resist an Ordinance of God read Rom. 13.2 Luke 7.29 30. They rejected the Councel of God not being baptized 4. Consider what Judgments have attended the changing of Gods Ordinances Isa 24.1 Behold the Lord maketh the Earth empty and turneth it upside down there 's a change but why ver 5. They have changed the Ordinance when Christ commands to Believe and be baptized and men baptize Infants who do not believe whether this be a change of the Ordinance judg ye 5. Consider what fell on Nadab and Abihu the sons of Aaron Lev. 10.1 2. They offered what the Lord commanded not it was not forbidden but that 's not enough 't was not commanded Infant-Baptism is not forbidden but it is what the Lord commanded not 6. Consider if what thou didst receive in thy Infancy was no Baptism and thou hast not been baptized since then thou livest in the neglect of a

is good for Teachers to imitate their Lord both to do and teach and ver 2. He was taken up after that he through the Spirit had given Commandments to his Apostles of which Commandments this of Believers Baptism is certainly one and as you see in Mat. 28.18 19 20. The great God gave him to be a Commander and Leader to his People Isa 55.4 Christ is a Gift as a Commander Oh what Mercy it is to have such a wise Commander whose Commandments to Believers are not grievous in keeping his Commandments there is great reward Psal 19.11 Now in this Command there are Eight Things very notable First Note whence Christ came why He came out of the Grave A Risen Jesus And God raised him from the dead and sent him to bless us Act. 3.26 Surely this blessed Jesus would not appoint any thing but what is good for his People he is a blessed Jesus and he gives blessed Commands Blessed are they that do his Commandments that they may have a right to the Tree of Life and may enter in through the Gates into the City Rev. 22.14 Secondly Note Christ appeared and came to them now should an Angel appear and command men to be baptized who would stand against it But here you have the glorious Son of God in his own Person appearing and saith Go teach and baptize Thirdly Note what Authority he comes with Mat. 28.18 All power in Heaven and Earth is given to me all Power to command both in Heaven and Earth is given to me all power to dispose of Heaven and Earth all power to protect I have Angels and Men at my Command I am able to protect you to stand by you and to be with you both in the fire and in the water I have all power Go therefore teach and baptize fear no enemies Go teach and baptize Fourthly Note the Command it self Mat. 28.19 saith Christ Go therefore teach and baptize Christ said but to Legion Go Mat. 8.32 and they ran violently and shall not Believers be as willing People in the day of his power The Centurion did but say Go to his servants and they did go and he did but say Come and they came he did but say Do this and they did it And shall Christs servants be worse to him than the Centurions servants were 'T is Christ saith Go. Go teach and baptize Fifthly Note what is precedent to Baptism Go teach there must be teaching God is a Spirit and he seeks such to worship him that worship him in spirit and truth Joh. 4.24 therefore there must go Teaching before Baptism or else they will never worship him in spirit and truth Go teach and baptize I confess many men do say the word Teach in the Greek is Make disciples and I dare not say against it for I find it the very practice of Jesus Christ he did first make Disciples and then baptized them Joh. 4.1 Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John here was first a making Disciples and then a baptizing them b●● how many poor souls Ignorantly bapti●● those who never were made Disciples but Christ saith teach and baptize them Sixthly Note The Extent of the Command Teach all Nations and baptize them Go into all Nations whether it be a hot or a cold Climate Jews and Gentiles Male and Female when you have taught them then baptize them Now the middle Wall of Partition is broken down Now God is no Respecter of Persons now let none think to boast that they have Abraham for their Father No no go into all Nations publish the glad tydings of the Gospel to every Creature Mark 16.15 16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved Go teach all Nations baptizing them when you have taught them then baptize them Seventhly Note the words of Institution Mat. 28.19 Baptizing them in the Name of the Father such as receive the Lord Jesus on Gospel-terms God will be a Father to them 2 Cor. 6.17 18. Go give them a Call come out from amongst Vnbelievers c. and be separate and I will be a Father to you and you shall be my sons and daughters Stand a while and wonder here you that make nothing of the blessed Ordinance of Baptism here below things done in the King's Name carries power but here 's the Great GOD'S Name Yea here 's the Name of the Mysterious Trinity Father Son and Holy Ghost and dost thou think Baptism hath nothing in it that hath that glorious Name to be adored and admired Go baptize them in the glorious Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost Eightly Note the glorious Promise annexed Go baptize and I will be with you Christ is a good Companion you that love his Company seek it where he promiseth it Ask for the old and the good way and walk therein and you shall find rest for your souls Is there any Soul rest short of Christ No no in his presence is fulness of joy would you have his Presence do like Zacheus Get into the way Believe and be baptized for he comes this way baptize and I will be with you always to the end of the World Amen an Amen follows they are the farewel words of the best Friend Baptize I will be with you Amen CHAP. III. EXAMPLES OF many thousands who were baptized in Rivers all of them Persons who professed Faith and Repentance and were of years able to answer for themselves First Example Those that Christ said to baptize Joh. 4.1 2. it is said H● made them Disciples and baptized them First they are Disciples then baptized they are made Disciples not born Disciples that is they are made Disciples by the preaching of God's Word and then they were baptized Second Example You have an Example Act. 2.41 Then they who gladly received his Word were baptized the occasion of this you have ver 37. They were prick'd at the heart they knew not what to do the sense of sin lay heavy upon them The Apostle tells them That they should repent and be baptized then they should receive the Holy Ghost then they who gladly received the Word were baptized Mercy is sweet to a wounded soul and such a soul sticks at no duty now he can be plunged in water at Christ's Command ver 41. And the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls Third Example another Example you have Act. 8.12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ they were baptized both Men and Women When they believed ver 5. They of Samaria and for ought we know some of those whom the Disciples would a little while ago have called for fire from Heaven upon Luk. 9.52 54. yet when these believed they were baptized both Men and Women Oh if never so near Hell yet believe and be baptized there 's Mercy for thee Fourth Example You have another Example of the baptizing of believers in Act. 8.35

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