for Men go down into the Sea So accordingly it was practised in the Apostles Time they went down into the Water which if it had not been to be dipp'd in it they need to have gone only unto it therefore how vain is that he asserts John baptized standing at the brink of the River Jordan pag. 8. This is to contradict the Word of God which saith plainly Philip and the Eunuch went both down into the Water not to the brink of it and came up out of the Water In pag. 4 5. his great Ordnance by which he thinks to do the most Execution is from 1 Cor. 10.1 2. where it is said All our Fathers were baptized unto Moses in the Cloud and in the Sea Answer 1. Consider it is said the Fathers not the Children were baptized 2. If you will have it the Children also then you must include there Beasts and Cattel for the Cloud poured Water upon them all 3. Where-ever the word Baptism is used whether it be applied to the Spirit to Sufferings or to Water it always sheweth some large measure of all So here they were baptized in the Cloud and in the Sea not properly baptized for that Ordinance was not in use then but the scope of that place is the Apostle thought fit to borrow that word Baptize for to show God's gracious protection of them in the Red-Sea as in the Wilderness he fed them with Manna from Heaven and gave them Water out of a Rock So he left them not in the Red-Sea but encompassed them about in safety by his Divine Providence with Water on each side of them and the Cloud over them as Persons are encompassed with that Element when baptized Again for the true understanding of the Word we must have recourse to the common Acceptation of it and not imagine the Spirit of God doth contradict the common Acceptation of Words among Men. When the Prophets wrote by Inspiration and the Apostles they always used such words as were vulgar and commonly accepted amongst Men so that the common acceptation of the Hebrew word Tabal among the Hebrews and Baptizo among the Greeks always signifying to dip there being other words to signify sprinkle or pour How then can pouring Rain from the Cloud be called Baptism as John Wall would needs have it though he beg for it because it can never be proved see my Book pag. 16 17. And is he not full of audacity or boldness to tell the World in pag. 8. That there is not one word that any by John or Philip were dipped when the very word properly signifieth dipping Hence the Dutch call John the Dooper And our Translators might as well have rendred baptize dip in all the places where it is as to render Judas sopt dipp'd and Christ's Vesture dipp'd in Blood being all from the same Original Word And whereas he tells the World pag. 16 17. Though the Scripture say they baptized in Aenon because there was much Water He saith It would not be enough to dip half the Body in 1. I suppose he never was there to see it but speaks by an implicit Faith 2. Common sense directs us to believe there was need of much Water to the due performance of that Ordinance or else the Holy Spirit would not have mentioned it as commodious for that Work because much Water there a little Water will sprinkle hundreds but much Water is necessary unto the due performance of this Ordinance of Baptism because it must be so done as to figure out the Death Burial and Resurrection of Christ Now I would fain know how sprinkling or pouring Water upon the Face doth figure out Christ's Death Burial and Resurrection Rom. 6.1 2 4. In pag. 9. how disingenuously doth he deal with Coloss 2.12 We are buried with Christ in Baptism To follow their natural Fancy saith he the Person buried is wholly passive and must be taken in Arms laid upon the Water then Water cast upon him till covered as Earth is upon the Dead Answer This way of discourse is a kind of trifling with God's Word You are to know Similitudes do not run upon all four as we say but respect must alway be had to the chief intent and design of a Metaphor which in this Text is to hold forth the Death Burial and Resurrection of Christ for our Justification and also holds forth our Death to Sin and Resurrection to a new Life This being the prime scope of the Apostle his way of discourse is nothing but to evade the strength of the Argument Whereas in pag. 10. he saith The Person baptizeth part of himself because he goeth into the Water We answer That is false because he doth not lay himself down in the Water but that is done by the Administrator he lays him along as one buried under the Water his whole Body not the upper part only to figure out Christ's lying in the Grave for as the Persons stands upright in the Water that is not Baptism but when laid along under the Water by the Administrator using the words of Institution I baptize thee in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost this is Baptism In pag. 14. he saith The Person is not baptized but his Cloaths Those things are not becoming Modesty to discourse of Let that vain Man know we do not baptize the Cloaths in the Name of the Blessed Trinity but the Person and should we baptize otherwise I fear this poor Man would be the first would reproach the Interest of Christ upon that account Whereas he chargeth B. K. pag. 80. with the whole Assembly of Baptized Believers that they were forced to try their Wits for want of those literal words Remember you keep holy the First Day Answ Our Arguments for observing the First Day do greatly satisfy our Consciences being grounded upon the Word of God Also our Arguments against Pedobaptism and for Believers Baptism also being proved from the same Divine Revelation But alas how are Men put at their Wits end to find Arguments for Pedobaptism or else they would never prefer a dark Consequence before a plain Command which is beneath the Reason of a Man nor run to the Law to prove a Gospel-Ordinance and reject God's Institution and set up Man's Invention Could he say as much for Pedobaptism as we can for the Lord's Day the Controversy would not have held so long Could he give us such Examples of Infant-Baptism as we can for our religious observing that Day we shall give him thanks And whereas in pag. 104. he quarrels because we do not Baptize always upon the First Day We do not judg we are confin'd to that Day The Lord's Supper Christ himself did institute it and practise it with his Apostles on another Day than the First Day of the Week Although we do grant it is very commendable to do such Work on such Days when retired from our Labour yet we do not think we are confin'd to that Day for
Circumcision therefore cannot be meant God's Ordinance of Baptism but sheweth the great Care God had of his Church that as he fed them miraculously and gave them Water out of a Rock in the Wilderness Baptism signifieth properly plunging in Water or washing by dipping Dr. Taylor 's Rule of Conscience so he did not leave them in the Red Sea but incompass'd them about by his Divine Providence with Water and the Cloud as Persons are encompassed with that Element when Baptized Hence in the 6th place Baptism is explained by the Metaphor of a Garment which the Apostle refers unto when he calls Baptism a putting on Christ Gal. 3.27 As the Servant by his Lord's Livery declares whose he is so the long white Robe of Baptism sheweth us to be the Servants of the Lord Jesus 7. Baptism is not only called a Washing by Ananias and Peter Acts 22.16 1 Pet. 3.21 Tit. 3.5 but the washing of the Soul in Regeneration is held forth in this Symbol and Sign Austin and Paulinus in the 7th Century in England Baptized great Multitudes in the River Trent and Swale Hence saith Mr. Fox there was no use of Fonts then Fox's Acts and Monuments 9 Edit Vol. 1. p. 132. by the Apostle Paul when he speaks of the washing of Regeneration unto Titus Now we know every Faculty of the Soul is washed in the Blood of Christ and every Faculty sanctified by the Holy Spirit not a part of the Faculties but all the Faculties therefore wisely set forth by Baptism wherein not only a part but the whole Body is wash'd and cleansed in Water 8. This is further cleared from the practice of the most pure Apostolick Times 'T is said of our most blessed Lord Jesus That he went up out of the Water Mat. 3.15 16 17. which in common sense signifies He first went down not only to the Water but into the Water and came up out of the Water Of Philip and the Eunuch 't is said Acts 8.36 40. They went down both not only to the Water but into the Water and came up out of the Water if Sprinkling would have done they need only go to and come from it but they knew the Commission could not be answered unless they went down into the Water The Minister is to dip in Water as the meetest Act the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 notes it Rogers on the Sacrament Thus you see the Places where the Apostles Baptized were in Rivers and where was much Water You see their Act and Posture they went down into the Water you see their End was to exhibit and shew forth Christ's Death Burial and Resurection If any should ask Why Sprinkling will not do as well as Dipping I answer 1. Because that is another thing than Christ hath commanded and 't is high presumption to change God's Ordinances Isa 24.5 Tho there was no more virtue in the Waters of Jordan than of Damascus yet Naaman must keep to God's Appointment 2. In so doing we lose the End of the Ordinance which as aforesaid is to shew forth the Death and Resurrection of Christ 3. We must keep the Ordinances as they were delivered unto us 1 Cor. 11.2 'T is a known Maxim to practise any thing in the Worship of God as an Ordinance of his without an Institution ought to be esteemed Will-worship Idolatry And that there is a necessity for Scripture-Authority to warrant every Ordinance and Practice in Divine Worship is owned by Luther Austin Calvin Basil Theoph. Tertul Mr. Ball and in the 6th Article of the Church of England also Bellarmine as Moses was to make all things according to the Pattern shewed him in the Mount. 4. God is a Jealous God and stands upon small things in Matters of Worship Had Moses and Aaron but lifted up a Tool upon the Altar of ruff Stone to beautify it they would have polluted it because contrary to the Command 5. This hath no likeness to the holy Examples of Christ and his Apostles CHAP. IV. Shewing that professing Believers and them only are the proper Subjects of Baptism Which I demonstrate FIrst From Gospel-Precept Our Text saith He that believeth and is baptized Erasmus saith 'T is no where in the Apostles Writings Infants were baptized The parallel Text Mat. 28. is worthy of consideration by way of Division The Commission is Go the Subjects spoken to are his Apostles the Matter of it is to teach and baptize the Extent of it is into all the World not only in hot Countries but in Cold. The Order in this Commission is first to teach 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 then after taught and discipellized to baptize them Therefore to baptize them We meet with no Example in Scripture for baptizing Infants Magd. Hist Cent. 1. L. 2. p. 196. before taught is quite contrary to the Command The words of Institution in whose Name it is to be done is the glorious Trinity in the Name of Father Son and Holy Spirit this must be some great thing which is done by so great Authority Unto this is annexed a glorious Promise of Divine Presence not only to the End of that Age but the End of the World * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and to put us out of all doubt about it 't is back'd with an Asseveration Amen so it shall be Finally here is a Note of Observation Lo our Lord would not have so great a Commission and Promise disregarded therefore saith he Lo that is observe what I have said wherever you find the word Lo Mark or Behold you will always find something very considerable it relates unto in the Context Now in pursuance of this Commission Peter exhorted the Murderers of Christ when they were convicted and cried out What shall we do he saith Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the Remission of Sins and ye shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost 2ly This appears from Gospel-Precedent and Example the Apostles in pursuance of their Commission baptize none else but such Hence John the Baptist tells the Pharisees and Sadduces which came to his Baptism As Isaac was brought forth by the Word of Promise so must we be born of the Word of God which only makes Baptism powerful and effectual Magd. Cent. 5. p. 363. they must first bring forth Fruit meet for or to amendment of Life and not to think the old Argument for Circumcision that Abraham was their Father would give them a right to Gospel-Ordinances It 's not the Faith of Parents gives Children a right to the Seals of the New Covenant but a personal Faith hence Philip would not baptize the Eunuch but upon profession of Faith In a word all the Primitive Churches were constituted and planted upon this Foundation-Principle Heb. 6.1 2. Acts 2.41 Chap. 8.12 Chap. 16.14 Coloss 2.10 Acts 18.8 Rom. 6.4 Gal. 3.26 Acts 19.1 2 3. Ephes 4.4 as
Argument now That all who affirm young Children have Everlasting Life which are not Baptized to the taking away of Original Sin shall be Anathemized So in the Fifth Council at Carthage Fifth Council of Carthage in the Year 416. We will That whosoever denieth that little Children by Baptism are not freed from Perdition and eternally saved that they be accursed This was first confirmed by Pope Innocentius and Augustine with Seventy Bishops Had the Pope and Council decreed that the Imputation of Christ's Righteousness unto Children took away Original Sin in the room of their Infant-Baptism it had been much sounder Doctrine MOTIVES First Sincere Obedience to the Precepts gives you a right to the Promises annexed which is Remission of Sin the Gift of the Holy Ghost and Divine Presence for ever 2dly This is Janus Sacramentorum say the Ancients By this Gate you enter into the Enjoyment of all Church-Priviledges which are very great and many Hence Holy David preferr'd one Day in God's Courts more than a thousand in an ungodly King's Palace The Communion of Saints is a blessed Thing but you cannot have this orderly Faith the Foundation-Principle of Salvation but Baptism the Foundation-Principle of Church-Constitution without first being Baptized the three thousand converted Jews were Baptized before added to the Church And in breaking Bread Christ himself was Baptized before he preached and broke Bread with his Disciples 3dly Sincere Acts of Obedience increase Peace in the Soul like a River yea One Act of sincere Obedience is more to God than if we could give him many Worlds Psal 50.8 14. the Peace of God which passeth all Vnderstanding We have heard of some which have died uncomfortably for not obeying Christ in this Ordinance according to their Light Finally By this Act you will obey a most glorious Precept follow a most glorious Precedent have a right to most glorious Promises enter into a most glorious Communion and to conclude you will put in practice an Ordinance which will be a Pledg unto you of Sins Remission your free Justification and your Soul's Salvation a Reward more than enough for our poor Obedience CHAP. VII Contains plain Scriptures for Believers-Baptism which satisfieth the Conscience better than far-fetch'd Consequences MAtth. 3.13 Then cometh Jesus to John to be Baptized Vers 15. And Jesus said Suffer it to be so now for thus it becometh us to fulfil all Righteousness Vers 16. And Jesus when he was Baptized went up straightway out of the Water Acts 2.38 Repent and be Baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ Acts 8.12 They were Baptized both Men and Women Acts 8.36 And the Eunuch said See here is Water what doth hinder me to be Baptized Vers 37. And Philip said If thou believest with all thine Heart thou mayest Acts 10.47 Can any forbid Water that these should not be Baptized which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we Vers 48. And he commanded them to be Baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Acts 22.16 And now why tarriest thou Arise and be Baptized and wash away thy Sins Acts 9.18 And he arose and was Baptized Mat. 28.19 Go teach all Nations Baptizing them in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost Acts 2.41 Then they that gladly received his Word were Baptized Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is Baptized shall be saved Mat. 21.25 The Baptism of John whence was it from Heaven or of Men If we say From Heaven he will say unto us Why did ye not believe him Luke 20.6 But if we say of Men all the People will stone us Acts 18.8 And Crispus the chief Ruler of the Synagogue believed on the Lord with all his House and many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were Baptized Rom. 6.4 We are buried with him by Baptism Luke 7.29 The Publicans justified God being Baptized Vers 30. But the Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the Counsel of God against themselves not being Baptized John 4.1 Jesus made and baptized more Disciples than John Gal. 3.27 As many as have been Baptized into Christ have put on Christ Eph. 4.5 One Lord one Faith one Baptism 1 Pet. 3.21 The like Figure whereunto Baptism doth save us 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 Vers 34. He believing in God with all his House John 3.23 John was Baptizing in Enon near Salim because there was much Water there Heb. 6.1 2. Of the Doctrine of Baptisms called God's Oracle a Principle of the Doctrine of Christ and a Foundation-Principle Heb. 5.14 John 3.22 After these things came Jesus and his Disciples into the Land of Judea and there he tarried and Baptized Luke 3.21 Jesus being Baptized the Heavens were opened Vers 23. Jesus himself being about thirty Years of Age. 1 Cor. 12.13 By one Spirit are we all Baptized into one Body CHAP. VIII Contains an Account of the People of God called Anabaptists their great Sufferings for maintaining Believers-Baptism in opposition unto Infant-Baptism IN the 4th Lateran Council Canons were made to banish the Anabaptists for Hereticks Theodosius and Honorius made and published the following Edict in the Year 413. viz. That the Person rebaptized as well as the Administrator should be punished with Death One Albanus a zealous Minister was put to death with others upon the said Edict At Zurick it was decreed If any presumed to Baptize any that were Baptized in Infancy they should be drowned And that at Vienna many for Baptizing such were so tied together in Chains that they drew the other after him in the River At Roplesteim the Lords of that Place decreed That such should be burned with an hot Iron and bear the base Brand of those Lords in whose Lands they had offended And that through Germany Alsatia and Sweeden many hundreds of this Sect who as they word it defiled their first Baptism with a Second were the third time Baptized in their own Blood Dr. Featly out of Gassius pag. 68 182. Heribertus Lisonius and Stephanus with eleven more Christians were burnt at Orleans in France for opposing Childrens Baptism At Goslar in the Time of Henry the Third several were put to Death for opposing Infant-Baptism Gerardus burnt for opposing the Romish Church in this Point By the Decree of Alfonsus five Men and three Women were burnt at Troys in Campagn Anno 1200. Nineteen Persons condemned and burnt in the Bishoprick of Tholouse Four Monks which were converted from the Romish Religion were by Pope John the 22d burnt for opposing Infant-Baptism At Cremor in Austria many of the Waldenses were burnt for opposing Pedobaptism A pious Woman in Flanders named Peronne was burnt in the profession of this Faith with many more The first Edict of Zurick 1525. five Years after Zwinglius began the Reformation after their own departure from Rome In Edw. 4. and Hen. 8. many of those burnt under
Believers-Baptism from Heaven and of Divine Institution Infants-Baptism from Earth and Human Invention Proved from the Commission of Christ the great Law-giver to the Gospel-Church With a Brief yet sufficient Answer to Thomas Wall 's Book called Baptism Anatomized Together with a brief Answer to a part of Mr. Daniel Williams's Catechism in his Book unto Youth By Hercules Collins a Servant of the Servants of Christ Luke 7.29 30. And the Publicans justified God being baptized with the Baptism of John But the Pharisees and the Expounders of the Law rejected the Counsel of God against themselves in not being baptized with the Baptism of John London Printed for the Author and sold by J. Hancock in Castle-Alley near the Royal-Exchange 1691. THE CONTENTS CHap. 1. An Introduction Page 5 Chap. 2. Contains the Doctrines Page 8 Chap. 3. That Baptism is Dipping Page 11 Chap. 4. Shewing Believers only are the proper Subjects of Baptism Page 20 Chap. 5. Answer to Objections Page 27 Chap. 6. Natural Inferences Page 63 Chap. 7. Arecital of those Scriptures speaking of Baptism Page 72 Chap. 8. Of great Sufferings undergone for maintaining Believers and denying Infants-Baptism Page 76 Chap. 9. The Book epitomized in comparing Believers-Baptism and Infant-Baptism together Page 81 Chap. 10. The Miscarriage of the German Anabaptists falsly so called examined and the Reproach from thence reflected upon that way removed Page 95 Chap. 11. A brief but sufficient Answer to Tho. Wall 's Book called Baptism Anatomiz'd Page 108 Chap. 12. A brief Answer to a part of Mr. D. Williams his Catechism in his Book unto Youth Page 128 ERRATA In Page 108 114 115. for John Wall read Thomas Wall THE PREFACE Courteous Reader MY desire is that Thou would'st spend one Hour or Two seriously to read this small Book first of all begging of God it may be sanctified to thy Soul Read it without prejudice or partiality and as one that is willing to receive the Truth and entring into another World be like the Noble Bereans search the Scriptures to see whether these Things be so or no Take nothing from Man tho never so Learned and Holy upon trust without trial With what confidence may a Man die when he hath Thus saith the Lord for his Faith and Practice This is all from him that wisheth your Soul's welfare H. C. Water-Baptism Discours'd From St. Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved CHAP. I. IT was God's Command unto the Prophet Ezekiel Ezek. 43.11 to shew his People the Form of his House with the goings in thereof c. Know therefore ye Servants of the Lord as Circumcision was the Door into the Jewish Church which was National so Baptism is the Door into the Gospel-Church which is Congregational Hence St. Luke saith They that gladly received the Apostles Words were baptized and added unto the Church in number about three thousand Souls Acts 2.41 The Ancients call Baptism * Janua Sacramentorum As Listing is the solemn engaging Sign into an Army so is Baptism into the Church Mr. Baxter Baptism is a sign of entring into the Church Ursinus Baptism is the solemn admission of the Party into the visible Church Assemb Catechism the Gate of the Sacraments because by it we enter into the Church and have Communion with Saints In the Jewish Church they became Members as they were the fleshly or natural Seed of Abraham but now Members of the Gospel-Church as the spiritual Seed of Abraham Now we must not reckon from Abraham unto Christ but from Christ to Abraham If we are Christ's then are we Abraham 's Seed Gal. 3.29 not Christ's because we are Abraham's or our Parents Believers Under the Old Testament Persons became Members of the Church by Generation under the New by Regeneration Baptism is a Foundation-Principle of Church-Constitution Heb. 6.1 2. But the Foundation-Principle of Salvation is Faith in Christ or at least a Profession of it Hence we read Persons were first Converted then Baptized after added unto the Church Acts 2.41 My Intent is to display this Sacrament in its Apostolick Primitive Purity free from the Adulterations of Men a Sin which God charged upon the Learned Jews that they made void the Commands of God by their Traditions O that none of the Learned among the Gentiles especially those of the Reformed Churches may be chargeable with setting up Mens Inventions in the room of Christ's Institutions Mat. 15.6 9. CHAP. II. THis Text He that believeth and is Baptized is a great part of the Commission which is the Foundation and Warrant for all Gospel-Ministers Preaching and Baptizing unto the end of the World ☞ Obedience is to be grounded upon the Majesty of the Commander not the Judgment of the Subject The Architect was rewarded with a bundle of Rods for bringing as he thought a fitter piece of Timber than was commanded by the Roman Consul And it cost a Roman Gentleman his Life his own Father being Judg tho conquering an Enemy being done contrary to his General 's Command Remember Nadab and Abihu It 's worth our noting Here is first Faith then Baptism Therefore to baptize before there be any appearance of Faith is directly contrary unto this unerring standing Rule and doth reflect upon our Lord and Lawgiver as if he spoke rashly and inconsiderately putting that first which should be last and that last which should be first And so in the parallel Text Mat. 28.18 there is first Teaching before baptizing not first baptized but taught first From this part of our Lord's Commission we collect these Truths Doct. 1. It 's the unalterable Will of Jesus Christ who is King and Law-giver to his Gospel-Church that all Persons believe before they are baptized Doct. 2. It 's the indispensable Duty of all true Believers to be Baptized I call it an indispensable Duty because I know no Place where our Lord hath left this to the Liberty of Believers to do it or leave it undone as best pleaseth them Therefore if this be your Lord and Saviour's Will Believers pray obey him In your Prayers you desire you may be enabled to do his Will on Earth as it is in Heaven This is one part of his Divine Will Your Redeemer was willing to be baptized in Blood for your Salvation and will not you be baptized in Water in obedience to his Commission Moreover Christ calls it Mat. 3.15 a fulfilling of all Righteousness I am perswaded should God have commanded some great Thing as was once said to Naaman the Syrian 2 Kings 5.13 it would have been done by many in the Reformed Churches before now How much rather when he only saith Go wash and be clean Or as Ananias unto St. Paul Arise and wash away thy Sins viz. Sacramentally and Symbolically as it is in the Lord's Supper Take heed my Friends you are not guilty of Contempt looking upon Christ's Ordinances as mean low and little things for nothing is mean
that hath Christ's Authority stamp'd upon it tho it were the blowing of Rams-horns round the Walls of Jericho Josh 6.13 Exod. 20.24 25. Making an Altar of Earth or rough Stone taking the Blood of the Trespass-Offering putting it on the Lap of the High-Priest's right Ear Levit. 8.24 the Thumb of the right Hand the great Toe of the right Foot having on it a Divine Stamp is an Argument sufficient for our Obedience Acts 9.18 St. Paul a very learned Man the Eunuch who was Lord Treasurer under Candace Queen of Ethiopia Crispus a chief Ruler Constantine and Theodosius great Emperors our Lord the only Potentate accounted it so honourable a thing as to practise it when about thirty Years of Age and led us the way as well by his Example as Commission Nothing sure can be more obliging Believers unto Obedience than their Saviour's Precept and Precedent CHAP. III. What Baptism is FIrst Negatively Not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mat. 28.18 19 20. It 's not sprinkling dropping or pouring of Water Sprinkling is known to be Rantising not Baptising or Baptism Baptism is an external washing plunging or dipping a profest Believer in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost Which I thus demonstrate The Hebrew word Tabal 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dip. The Septuagint translate it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Dr. Hammond notes on John 13.10 Gen. 37.31 Levit. 4.6 Deut. 33.24 2 Kings 5.14 Josh 3.15 1. From the Scripture-acceptation of the Word the word Baptize in the New Testament is taken from the word Dip in the Old as the Learned do know Where 't is said Joseph 's Coat was dipt in Blood The Priest's Finger dipt in Blood Asher 's Foot dipt in Oil. The Priests Feet dipt in Jordan Naaman wash'd or dipt seven times in the same River with many more places of Scripture ☞ Moreover 't is worth our noting the word translated Dip John 13.26 Rev. 19.13 Luke 16.24 concerning the Sop Judas had And where it 's said Christ's Vesture was dipt in Blood it is from the same Original word Baptism is that our Translators might had they pleased have rendred the word Baptizing Dipping being from the same Theme Bapto as Baptism is We are much to be governed by the Common and Vulgar acceptation of words as they were used and understood among all Nations God so inspired the Prophets and Apostles to deliver his Mind always in such words as were understood among the vulgar and ordinary People or else they would have been Barbarians unto them We cannot understand each other in Discourse but this way I call for a Book it 's readily given me because every one knows what it is we call a Book So if Tabal were used among the Hebrews for Dip in the common Acceptation and the Learned Hebrews by the Order of Ptolomy King of Egypt did translate that word Baptizo which was commonly accepted for Dip among the Grecians and we also translate Baptizo Dip none but an Enthusiast will object against the common acceptation of words This puts me in mind of a Discourse between Bishop Vsher and Mr. Hanserd Knowllys about the Propriety of the word Baptizo the Bishop said it signified to sprinkle as well as dip Mr. Knowllys said it signified only to dip there being other words in the Greek for sprinkling and pouring 'T is observable 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to wash 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to pour 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to sprinkle are never taken or used for Dip or Baptize nor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 simply taken for Washing by sprinkling or pouring Danvers on Baptism p. 206. To end this Controversy those who could produce the best and most Authors for their Sense should carry it the Bishop after some search found Two for his Opinion Mr. Knowllys brings Seventy for his Two namely the Septuagint and so the Controversy ended The Writings of the most Learned of the contrary Mind do confess that the Original Word * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from whence Baptism is taken signifieth properly to dip Leigh's Critica Sacra saith The native signification of the Word is to dip into or plunge under Water as the Dyer dips his Cloth in his Fat 's The Book of Canons saith You shall dip c. So the Dutch translate the Word In those Days came John the Dipper Ende doc Jesus ghe Doope was quam hysterstont vanden Water and when Jesus was dipt he came out of the Water Calvin saith We see what Fashion the Ancients had to Administer Baptism for they plunged the whole Body into Water 2. The end of the Ordinance sheweth Baptism to be dipping which is to hold forth unto a Believer the Death Burial and Resurrection of Christ as the Apostle saith Rom. 6.4 We are buried with him in Baptism Although there be no manner of similitude and likeness between Christ's Death and Burial with sprinkling a little Water on the Face yet burying in the Water is as lively a Similitude and Likeness of Jesus Christ's Death as the breaking Bread and pouring out the Wine is at the Lord's Table So that they lose one great End of this Ordinance who Rantize instead of Baptize for no Man accounts him buried who hath only Earth cast on his Face but he who is in the Heart of the Earth and covered with the same 3. John the beloved Disciple gives this as the Reason why John the Baptist baptized in Enon John 3.23 because there was much Water there the place was commodious for that Ordinance Hence our blessed Saviour came from Galilee to Jordan From Galilee to Jordan where John baptized is about thirty or forty miles to be baptized of him there which if Sprinkling would have done there had been no need of much Water nor Rivers 4. That Baptism is Dipping appears from Scripture-Metaphors explaining it Luke 15.50 Our Lord's Sufferings are called a Baptism because his Pains were not only upon one part of his Body No such thing as Sprinkling or Rantizing used in the Apostles Days nor many Ages after Mede's Diatribe but his whole Soul and Body was baptized and plunged into Sorrows Thus one that is Baptized is plunged under Water to shew how Christ was Baptized and plunged into Sorrows for Man's sake Great Measures of the Spirit are also discovered by Persons being said to be Baptized with the Spirit Acts 1.5 for where the word Baptism is used whether it be joined with Suffering with the Spirit or with Water it always holds forth a great quantity either of Sufferings of the Spirit or Water 5. Hence in the 5th place The vast height of Waters which stood above the Church in the Red Sea like a high Wall is called 1 Cor. 10.2 3. A Baptism unto Moses in the Cloud and in the Sea because encompassed with it for the Ordinance of Baptism was not then in force but
before he examined them of Repentance and Faith in the Messiah to come 5. To Baptize unto Repentance the sense can be nothing else than my Baptism being the Baptism of Repentance I Baptize them for my Baptism is the Baptism of Repentance I must see something of that else I have no Commission to Baptize 6. Penitent Souls may well be said to be Baptized unto Repentance Should I say Sir Walter Rawleigh was beheaded in Palace-Yard and made an excellent Speech none would understand that he spoke after he was dead because Beheaded is first and Speech after c. So tho John say I baptized to Repentance it could not be he baptized first because he required Repentance and Faith according to Christ's Commission as necessary to Baptism because 't is an every day's Work after his Baptism to amend and reform However John's words may be placed the scope of the Place sheweth they must repent before they were baptized because when the Pharisees and Sadduces came to his Baptism that is to be baptized said he O Generation of Vipers bring forth first Fruits meet for Repentance or unto or according to the nature of true Repentance and then I will baptize you and not without it Object 21. Water-Baptism is John's Baptism Paul was not sent to Baptize We have the Substance we need not the Shadow we are baptized with the Spirit we need not that of Water I Answer Cornelius and his Houshold were baptized with the Holy Ghost to that degree as they spake with Tongues Acts 10. yet thought it not beneath them to submit to Christ's blessed Ordinance of Water-Baptism I know not but this Scripture may be an everlasting Testimony against some which pretend to the Spirit who have it in that degree as now Cornelius and his Houshold Where the Spirit is Acts 10.44 to 48. there is Obedience to the Command I marvel any who pretend to great degrees of the Spirit should call God's Ordinances Shadows and Shells Is it a Command of Christ and a Shadow did Christ ever call it so Thou may'st as well say all other Ordinances are Shadows as Prayer Preaching c. And where wilt thou run is it a Command hath it a Divine Stamp if so dispute not Christ's Authority Are you wiser than he who subjected himself to it or can you think you have more of the Spirit than him who had it without measure and yet was was baptized in Water Whereas it is Objected Christ sent not * Bullinger in his House-book saith of 1 Cor. 1.17 'T is not slightly to be understood as if Paul was not sent to baptize at all but that Teaching should go before Baptism for the Lord commanded both Teaching and Administring Sacraments Paul to Baptize but to Preach Paul did baptize several either he did it by Commission or Presumption surely not by the latter therefore the former His meaning is that Baptism was not his first and principal Work he was sent to preach and Baptism fell in as a part of his Preaching-Office None are fit for Gospel-Ordinances until they have the Spirit of God Doth Cornelius and his House submit to Water-Baptism after Baptized eminently with the Spirit then that can be no Argument we are Baptized with the Spirit and need no Water This is cleared by our Lord's Word who said I am not sent but to the lost Sheep of the House of Israel not but he came also to be a Light to the Gentiles he was first to preach to them hence called the Minister of the Circumcision And whereas Water-Baptism is called John's Baptism I query the Baptism of John Was it from Heaven or of Men If from Heaven as it was for God sent him to Baptize then let all keep silent I know no difference between John's Baptism and that Christ gave his Apostles but that the former Baptized in the Name of Christ to come the latter in his Name being come Whereas some urge John said He must decrease Christ increase This hath no reference to the ceasing of Gospel-Ordinances but unto the Splendor and Glory of Christ in the World above what John's was in Holiness and Miracles for John did no Miracle John 10.41 Object 22. There are no fit Administrators therefore for the present Sacraments and Church-Ordinances cease I Answer When Christ gave Commission to Preach he gave Power in the same to Baptize Mat. 28. How comes this to pass that those very Persons which thus object do Preach which requires as great Ability and Sanctity to the due performance of the one as of the other I know some object that Commission Mat. 28. lasted no longer than to the end of that Age. To which I Answer Then Preaching ended too Christ commands his Disciples to teach all Nations all things which he commanded them Now Christ's Commands were Holiness Repentance and Faith was this to be no longer than to the end of that Age was Christ's Promise of his Presence but to the end of that Age this would be uncomfortable Doctrine The Promise is I will be with you to the end of the World the Learned know it 's the same original Word as in Matth. 13.39 40. where it is said The Harvest is the end of the World As the Tares are gathered together and burnt in the Fire so shall it be in the end of the World All conclude I think or ought that this hath respect to the final end of all things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this being the same word in Mat. 28. We conclude teaching the Gospel baptizing them which are taught and the gracious Presence of Christ If Baptism ended in the Apostles Age then preaching of Repentance Faith and Holiness ceased also because all in the same Commission Yea the promise of Christ's Presence must cease also in the end of that Age a more uncomfortable Doctrine cannot be is to remain in his Church till the World's end that is till the final end of all things Moreover Paul asserts Ephes 3.21 that Christ will have a Church and glory in the Churches throughout all Ages World without end From whence I argue if God have a Church in all Ages he must have Ordinances there because no Church of Christ can be constituted without them If there be Ordinances in the Church in all Ages there must be some to administer them or else they would be insignificant But that he hath fit Administrators in the Church and will have Paul asserts in Ephes 4.12 13. He gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists some Pastors and Teachers For what end for the perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry for the edifying the Body of Christ How long till we all come to the Vnity of the Faith and of the Knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect Man unto the measure of the Fulness of Christ Let Men take heed how they put a slight upon the Ordinances of God in crying up the Spirit with
the Name of Lollards Hence we read in Mr. Fox of Lollards Tower commands all sorts to Baptize their Children and to forbear Rebaptization upon the penalty of Pecuniary Mulcts and Imprisonments The second Edict extended to Banishment Confiscation and Death this was five Years after in 1530. Many starved and died in Prison The Duke of Newburgh Anno 1653. banished all the Anabaptists out of his Country who thereupon disperse themselves into the Dukedom of Cleave and Brandenburgh An Abstract of the bloody Edict of the Emperor Charles the 5th of Spain made June 1535. against the Anabaptists or Waldensian Christians and the execution thereof in the Seventeen Provinces viz. COmmanding all Persons to renounce those Perswasions and Practices and refrain the publishing the same by Preaching or otherwise upon penalty of forfeiture of Life and Goods without Mercy The Men to be burnt the Women to be drowned And all that Conceal Harbour and do not in their Places prosecute the Law against them to suffer the same Penalty And that those that discover them to have the third part of their Estates forbidding all Mediation or Intercession upon severe Punishment Many hundreds suffered Death upon this Edict and what his Son Philip made in 1556. Thus you see Christ's Words made good His People shall suffer for Righteousness sake See this Chapteâ— much enlarged in Danvers on Bâ—ptism CHAP. IX Contains an Epitome of this Book in a Comparison of Believers-Baptism and Infant-Baptism together Believers-Baptism GOd hath promised in the Text That all who believe and are Baptized shall be saved Mark 16.16 There is a lively Similitude between Christ's Death Burial Resurrection and Believers being buried in Baptism Rom. 6.4 Believers Baptized are converted and shall never come into Condemnation John 5.24 Believers Baptized love God and keep his Commandments John 14.15 It 's Christ's Command that Teaching Repenting and Believing should precede and go before Baptism Matth. 28.18 19. Those who baptize Believers baptize Christians In Believers Baptism there are no Contradictions attend the practice of it Believers Baptized come lawfully and immediately to the Lord's Supper Acts 2.41 42. Believers Baptism is a sign of Regeneration unto them Tit. 3.5 Believers Baptism hath a Command Mat. 28.18 19. Believers Baptism confirms unto them Justification Remission and Salvation Acts 2. Chap. 22.16 Mark 16.16 We have many Examples for Believers Baptism Acts 8. Chap. 10. Ch. 16.18 Christ was faithful in all his House and St. Paul delivered the whole Counsel of God and so Believers Baptism is a part of God's Counsel Luke 7. Believers Baptism hath been gloriously sealed in the Holy Ghost's coming upon Christ in the likeness of a Dove when he was coming up out of the Water Mat. 3.16 In Believers Baptism the Person baptized acts Faith Acts 8.37 In Believers Baptism the Subject baptized hath the Answer of a good Conscience 1 Pet. 3.16 A Man might comfortably die as many have done in Mentz Holland Germany and the Palatinate for asserting Believers Baptism because it hath God's Word for its Foundation The Publicans glorified God in being baptized with John's Baptism because it was the Counsel of God Luke 7. The Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the Counsel of God against themselves in not being baptized with the Baptism of John Luke 3. In Believers Baptism there is a glorious Harmony with the Commission Mar. 16.16 Believers Baptism requireth much Water as according to God's Word John 3. It 's without all doubt Believers were Baptized To baptize Believers is to keep the Ordinances as they were delivered 1 Cor. 11.2 To baptize Belielievers is no change of God's Ordinance Such as are baptized on their own Faith shall never perish John 10.28 Believers are baptized as an Act of their Judgment Choice Will and Affection so worship God in Spirit and Truth John 4.24 All those who baptize Infants do confess Believers were baptized Believers know and remember when they were baptized All Believers baptized are in the Covenant of Grace Believers Baptism is from Heaven and the Counsel of God Mat. 21.25 Believers baptized are not the Children of Wrath John 3.36 To baptize Believers is to act according to the Pattern and Command of Christ All Believers baptized receive Remission of Sins Acts 2. In Believers Baptism the Person subjects in Acts of Obedience Believers Baptism hath no Absurdities attending it Believers rejoice and shew their full Consent when they are baptized Acts 8. Believers Baptism hath the plain Word of God All the World may affirm Believers were baptized by the Apostles All Believers baptized are spiritual believing Stones fit to be laid in God's House 1 Pet. 2.5 Believers baptized may repel Satan as Christ did saying It is written Luke 4. God will not say unto Believers baptized Who hath required these things at your Hands because it is his own Command Believers Baptism must stand as long as God's Word doth stand Mat. 5.18 To baptize Believers is to have respect unto God's Command the only way not to be ashamed Psal 119.6 The most Holy the most Wise the most Learned Person that ever was in the World submitted unto Believers-Baptism Mat. 3.13 14 15 16 17. Persons baptized believe repent examine themselves make Judgment of things love one another take up Christ's Cross Watch and Pray and have the same care of each others Souls these are fit Members of a Gospel-Church Believers Baptism hath Antiquity to plead being as old as John Baptist Christ and his Apostles Believers ought to be baptized who have an inherent Holiness wrought by the Holy Spirit Believers Baptism hath many glorious Promises annexed unto it Acts 2.38 39. In Believers Baptism all the holy Ends of it are preserved as to be a sign of present Regeneration dying to Sin burying rising with Christ Answer of a good Conscience a mutual Stipulation and Contract between God and the Party In Believers Baptism by Dipping the Manner and true Administration is preserved the Usage of the Primitive Times retained and the Ends of it manifest Believers Baptism introduceth no Error nor false Doctrine into the World Believers baptized are taught of God and made his Disciples Matth. 28.18 Acts 15.10 If none ought to forbid the Baptism of Water unto those who had been baptized with the Holy Ghost Acts 10.44 45 46 47 48. Christ submitted unto Water-Baptism and ate the Supper with his Disciples who had the Holy Spirit without measure Water-Baptism is to continue unto the End of the World and the Sacrament of the Supper unto the second coming of Christ 1 Cor. 11.26 Mat. 28.19 20. If Christ will have Glory in the Churches throughout all Ages World without end then he must have a Church and Ordinances administred which is the Essence of a Church-Constitution and so cannot want Administrators because Christ hath given Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry edifying of the Body of Christ How long till we all come to