Concerning Baptism.

[113]As there is one Lord, and one Faith, so there is one Baptism; which is not the putting away the Filth of the Flesh, but the Answer of a good Conscience before God, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. And this Baptism is a pure and spiritual Thing, to wit, the Baptism of the Spirit and Fire, by which we are buried with him, that being washed and purged from our Sins, we may walk in newness of Life: Of which the Baptism of John was a Figure, which was commanded for a Time, and not to continue for ever. As to the Baptism of Infants, it is a mere human Tradition, for which neither Precept nor Practice is to be found in all the Scripture.

Obj. 1.But if it be said, That it is not the Name, but the Thing they contend for;

Answ.I answer; Let the Name then, as not being scriptural, be laid aside, and we shall see at first Entrance how much Benefit will redound by laying aside this traditional Term, and betaking us to Plainness of Scripture Language. For presently the great Contest about the Number of them will vanish; seeing there is no Term used in Scripture that can be made use of, whether we call them Institutions, Ordinances, Precepts, Commandments, Appointments, or Laws, &c. that would afford Ground for such a Debate; since neither will Papists affirm, that there are only seven, or Protestants only two, of any of these aforementioned.

Obj. 2.If it be said, That this Controversy arises from the Definition of the Thing, as well as from the Name.

Answ. The Definition of Sacrament agrees to many other Things.It will be found otherwise: For whatever Way we take their Definition of a Sacrament, whether as an outward visible Sign, whereby inward Grace is conferred, or only signified, this Definition will agree to many Things, which neither Papists nor Protestants will acknowledge to be Sacraments. If they be expressed under the Name of sealing Ordinances, as by some they are, I could never see, either by Reason or Scripture, how this Title could be appropriate to them, more than to any other Christian, religious Performance: What sealing Ordinance doth mean.For that must needs properly be a sealing Ordinance, which makes the Persons receiving it infallibly certain of the Promise or Thing sealed to them.

Obj. 3.If it be said, It is so to them that are faithful;

Answ.I answer; So is Praying and Preaching, and doing of every good Work. Seeing the Partaking or Performing of the one gives not to any a more certain Title to Heaven, yea, in some Respect, not so much, there is no Reason to call them so, more than the other.

Besides, we find not any Thing called the Seal and Pledge of our Inheritance, but the Spirit of God. It is by that we are said to be sealed, Ephes. i. 14. and iv. 30. which is also termed the Earnest of our Inheritance, 2 Cor. i. 22. and not by outward Water, or Eating and Drinking; which as the wickedest of Men may partake of, so many that do, do, notwithstanding it, go to Perdition. That outward Washing doth not cleanse the Heart.For it is not outward Washing with Water that maketh the Heart clean, by which Men are fitted for Heaven: And as that which goeth into the Mouth doth not defile a Man, because it is put forth again, and so goeth to the Dunghill; neither doth any Thing which Man eateth purify him, or fit him for Heaven. What is said here in general may serve for an Introduction, not only to this Proposition, but also to the other concerning the Supper. Of these Sacraments (so called) Baptism is always first numbered, which is the Subject of the present Proposition; in the Explanation of which I shall first demonstrate and prove our Judgment, and then answer the Objections, and refute the Sentiments of our Opposers. Part I.As to the first Part, these Things following, which are briefly comprehended in the Proposition, come to be proposed and proved.

Prop. II.Secondly, That this one Baptism, which is the Baptism of Christ, is not a Washing with, or Dipping in Water, but a being baptised by the Spirit.

Prop. III.Thirdly, That the Baptism of John was but a Figure of this; and therefore, as the Figure, to give Place to the Substance; which though it be to continue, yet the other ceaseth.

Prop. I.One Baptism proved. As for the First, viz. That there is but one Baptism, there needs no other Proof than the Words of the Text, Ephes. iv. 5. One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism: Where the Apostle positively and plainly affirms, that as there is but one Body, one Spirit, one Faith, one God, &c. so there is but one Baptism.

Obj. 1.As to what is commonly alleged by Way of Explanation upon the Text, That the Baptism of Water and of the Spirit make up this one Baptism, by Virtue of the sacramental Union;

Answ.I answer; This Exposition hath taken Place, not because grounded upon the Testimony of the Scripture, but because it wrests the Scripture to make it suit to their Principle of Water-baptism; and so there needs no other Reply, but to deny it, as being repugnant to the plain Words of the Text; Whether two Baptisms make up the One.which saith not, That there are two Baptisms, to wit, one of Water, the other of the Spirit, which do make up one Baptism; but plainly, that there is one Baptism, as there is one Faith, and one God. Now as there go not two Faiths, nor two Gods, nor two Spirits, nor two Bodies, whereof the one is outward and elementary, and the other spiritual and pure, to the making up the one Faith, the one God, the one Body, and the one Spirit; so neither ought there to go two Baptisms to make up the one Baptism.

Obj. 2.But Secondly, if it be said, The Baptism is but one, whereof Water is the one Part, to wit, the Sign; and the Spirit, the Thing signified, the other;

Answ.If Water be the Type, the Substance must remain. I answer; This yet more confirmeth our Doctrine: For if Water be only the Sign, it is not the Matter of the one Baptism (as shall further hereafter by its Definition in Scripture appear) and we are to take the one Baptism for the Matter of it, not for the Sign, or Figure and Type that went before. Even as where Christ is called the one Offering in Scripture, though he was typified by many Sacrifices and Offerings under the Law, we understand only by the one Offering, his offering himself upon the Cross; whereof though those many Offerings were Signs and Types, yet we say not that they go together with that Offering of Christ, to make up the one Offering: So neither, though Water-baptism was a Sign of Christ’s Baptism, will it follow, that it goeth now to make up the Baptism of Christ. If any should be so absurd as to affirm, That this one Baptism here was the Baptism of Water, and not of the Spirit; that were foolishly to contradict the positive Testimony of the Scripture, which saith the contrary; as by what followeth will more amply appear.

Prop. II.Secondly, That this one Baptism, which is the Baptism of Christ, is not a Washing with Water, appears, Proof 1. The Difference between John’s Baptism and Christ’s.First, From the Testimony of John, the proper and peculiar Administrator of Water-baptism, Matt. iii. 11. I indeed baptize you with Water unto Repentance; but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose Shoes I am not worthy to bear; he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with Fire. Here John mentions two Manners of baptizing, and two different Baptisms; the one with Water, and the other with the Spirit; the one whereof he was the Minister of; the other whereof Christ was the Minister of: And such as were baptized with the first, were not therefore baptized with the second: I indeed baptize you, but he shall baptize you. Though in the present Time they were baptized with the Baptism of Water; yet they were not as yet, but were to be, baptized with the Baptism of Christ. From all which I thus argue:

Arg. 1.If those that were baptized with the Baptism of Water, were not therefore baptized with the Baptism of Christ; then the Baptism of Water is not the Baptism of Christ:

But the First is true: Therefore also the Last.

And again,

Arg. 2.If he, that truly and really administred the Baptism of Water, did notwithstanding declare, that he neither could, nor did, baptize with the Baptism of Christ; then the Baptism of Water is not the Baptism of Christ:

But the First is true: Therefore, &c.

And indeed to understand it otherwise, would make John’s Words void of good Sense: For if their Baptisms had been all one, why should he have so precisely contra-distinguished them? Why should he have said, That those whom he had already baptized, should yet be baptized with another Baptism?

Object.If it be urged, That Baptism with Water was the one Part, and that with the Spirit the other Part, or Effect only of the former;

Answ.I answer; This Exposition contradicts the plain Words of the Text. One Baptism is no Part nor Effect of the other.For he saith not, I baptize you with Water, and he that cometh after me shall produce the Effects of this my Baptism in you by the Spirit, &c. or he shall accomplish this Baptism in you; but, He shall baptize you. So then, if we understand the Words truly and properly, when he saith, I baptize you, as consenting that thereby is really signified that he did baptize with the Baptism of Water; we must needs, unless we offer Violence to the Text, understand the other Part of the Sentence the same Way; viz. where he adds presently, But he shall baptize you, &c. that he understood it of their being truly to be baptized with another Baptism, than what he did baptize with: Else it had been Nonsense for him thus to have contra-distinguished them.

Proof 2.Secondly, This is further confirmed by the Saying of Christ himself, Acts i. 4, 5. But wait for the Promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me: For John truly baptized with Water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many Days hence. Who were baptized by John were still to wait for Christ’s Baptism with the Spirit.There can scarce two Places of Scripture run more parallel than this doth with the former, a little before-mentioned; and therefore concludeth the same Way as did the other. For Christ here grants fully that John compleated his Baptism, as to the Matter and Substance of it: John, saith he, truly baptized with Water; which is as much as if he had said, John did truly and fully administer the Baptism of Water; But ye shall be baptized with, &c. This sheweth that they were to be baptized with some other Baptism than the Baptism of Water; and that although they were formerly baptized with the Baptism of Water, yet not with that of Christ, which they were to be baptized with.

Proof 3.The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and that with Water differ. Thirdly, Peter observes the same Distinction, Acts xi. 16. Then remembered I the Word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with Water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. The Apostle makes this Application upon the Holy Ghost’s Falling upon them; whence he infers, that they were then baptized with the Baptism of the Spirit. As to what is urged from his calling afterwards for Water, it shall be spoken to hereafter. From all which three Sentences, relative one to another, first of John, secondly of Christ, and thirdly of Peter, it doth evidently follow, that such as were truly and really baptized with the Baptism of Water, were notwithstanding not baptized with the Baptism of the Spirit, which is that of Christ; and such as truly and really did administer the Baptism of Water, did, in so doing, not administer the Baptism of Christ. So that if there be now but one Baptism, as we have already proved, we may safely conclude that it is that of the Spirit, and not of Water; else it would follow, that the one Baptism, which now continues, were the Baptism of Water, i. e. John’s Baptism, and not the Baptism of the Spirit, i. e. Christ’s; which were most absurd.

Object.If it be said further, That though the Baptism of John, before Christ’s was administred, was different from it, as being the Figure only; yet now, that both it as the Figure, and that of the Spirit as the Substance, is necessary to make up the one Baptism;

I answer; This urgeth nothing, unless it be granted also that both of them belong to the Essence of Baptism; so that Baptism is not to be accounted as truly administred, where both are not; which none of our Adversaries will acknowledge: But on the contrary, account not only all those truly baptized with the Baptism of Christ, Water-baptism is not the true Baptism of Christ.who are baptized with Water, though they be uncertain whether they be baptized with the Spirit, or not; but they even account such truly baptized with the Baptism of Christ, because sprinkled, or baptized with Water, though it be manifest and most certain that they are not baptized with the Spirit, as being Enemies thereunto in their Hearts by wicked Works. So here, by their own Confession, Baptism with Water is without the Spirit. Wherefore we may far safer conclude, that the Baptism of the Spirit, which is that of Christ, is and may be without that of Water; as appears in that of Acts xi. where Peter testifies of these Men, that they were baptized with the Spirit, though then not baptized with Water. And indeed the Controversy in this, as in most other Things, stands betwixt us and our Opposers, in that they oftentimes prefer the Form and Shadow to the Power and Substance; by denominating Persons as Inheritors and Possessors of the Thing, from their having the Form and Shadow, though really wanting the Power and Substance; and not admitting those to be so denominated, who have the Power and Substance, if they want the Form and Shadow. This appears evidently, in that they account those truly baptized with the one Baptism of Christ, who are not baptized with the Spirit (which in Scripture is particularly called the Baptism of Christ) if they be only baptized with Water, which themselves yet confess to be but the Shadow or Figure. The Baptism of the Spirit needeth no Sprinkling or Dipping in Water.And moreover, in that they account not those who are surely baptized with the Baptism of the Spirit baptized, neither will they have them so denominated, unless they be also sprinkled with, or dipped in Water: But we, on the contrary, do always prefer the Power to the Form, the Substance to the Shadow; and where the Substance and Power is, we doubt not to denominate the Person accordingly, though the Form be wanting. And therefore we always seek First, and plead for the Substance and Power, as knowing that to be indispensibly necessary, though the Form sometimes may be dispensed with, and the Figure or Type may cease, when the Substance and Anti-type come to be enjoyed, as it doth in this Case, which shall hereafter be made appear.

Proof 5.Fifthly, That the one Baptism of Christ is not a Washing with Water, as it hath been proved by the Definition of the one Baptism, so it is also manifest from the necessary Fruits and Effects of it, which are three Times particularly expressed by the Apostle Paul; The Effects and Fruits of the Baptism of Christ.as first, Rom. vi. 3, 4. where he saith, That so many of them as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his Death, buried with him by Baptism into Death, that they should walk in Newness of Life. Secondly, to the Galatians iii. 27. he saith positively, For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. And thirdly, to the Colossians ii. 12. he saith, That they were buried with him in Baptism, and risen with him through the Faith of the Operation of God. It is to be observed here, that the Apostle speaks generally, without any exclusive Term, but comprehensive of all. He saith not, Some of you that were baptized into Christ, have put on Christ, but as many of you; which is as much as if he had said, Every one of you that hath been baptized into Christ, hath put on Christ. Whereby it is evident that this is not meant of Water-baptism, but of the Baptism of the Spirit; Which Effects Water-baptism wants.because else it would follow, that whosoever had been baptized with Water-baptism had put on Christ, and were risen with him, which all acknowledge to be most absurd. Now supposing all the visible Members of the Churches of Rome, Galatia, and Colosse had been outwardly baptized with Water (I do not say they were, but our Adversaries will not only readily grant it, but also contend for it) suppose, I say, the Case so, they will not say they had all put on Christ, since divers Expressions in these Epistles to them shew the contrary. So that the Apostle cannot mean Baptism with Water; and yet that he meaneth the Baptism of Christ, i. e. of the Spirit, cannot be denied; or that the Baptism wherewith these were baptized (of whom the Apostle here testifies that they had put on Christ) was the one Baptism, I think none will call in Question. Now admit, as our Adversaries contend, that many in these Churches who had been baptized with Water had not put on Christ, it will follow, that notwithstanding that Water-baptism, they were not baptized into Christ, or with the Baptism of Christ, seeing as many of them as were baptized into Christ had put on Christ, &c. From all which I thus argue:

Arg. 1.If the Baptism with Water were the one Baptism, i. e. the Baptism of Christ, as many as were baptized with Water would have put on Christ:

But the Last is false: Therefore also the First.

And again:

Arg. 2.Since as many as are baptized into Christ, i. e. with the one Baptism, which is the Baptism of Christ, have put on Christ, then Water-baptism is not the one Baptism, viz. the Baptism of Christ:

But the First is true: Therefore also the Last.

I.John’s Baptism was a Figure of Christ’s. That John’s Baptism was a Figure of Christ’s Baptism, I judge will not readily be denied; but in Case it should, it can easily be proved from the Nature of it. John’s Baptism was a being baptized with Water, but Christ’s is a Baptizing with the Spirit; therefore John’s Baptism must have been a Figure of Christ’s. But further, that Water-Baptism was John’s Baptism, will not be denied: That Water-baptism is not Christ’s Baptism, is already proved. From which doth arise the Confirmation of our Proposition thus:

There is no Baptism to continue now, but the one Baptism of Christ:

Therefore Water-baptism is not to continue now, because it is not the one Baptism of Christ.

II.John’s Baptism is ceased our Opposers confess. That John’s Baptism is ceased, many of our Adversaries confess; but if any should allege it is otherwise, it may be easily proved by the express Words of John, not only as being insinuated there, where he contra-distinguisheth his Baptism from that of Christ, but particularly where he saith, John iii. 30. He [Christ] must increase, but I [John] must decrease. From whence it clearly follows, that the Increasing or taking Place of Christ’s Baptism is the Decreasing or Abolishing of John’s Baptism; so that if Water-baptism was a particular Part of John’s Ministry, and is no Part of Christ’s Baptism, as we have already proved, it will necessarily follow that it is not to continue.

Arg.Secondly, if Water-baptism had been to continue a perpetual Ordinance of Christ in his Church, he would either have practised it himself, or commanded his Apostles so to do.

But that he practised it not, the Scripture plainly affirms, John iv. 2. And that he commanded his Disciples to baptize with Water, I could never yet read. As for what is alleged, that, Matt. xxviii. 19. &c. where he bids them baptize, is to be understood of Water-baptism, that is but to beg the Question, and the Grounds for that shall be hereafter examined.

Therefore to baptize with Water is no perpetual Ordinance of Christ to his Church.

This hath had the more Weight with me, because I find not any standing Ordinance or Appointment of Christ necessary to Christians, for which we have not either Christ’s own Practice or Command, as to obey all the Commandments which comprehend both our Duty towards God and Man, &c. and where the Gospel requires more than the Law, which is abundantly signified in the 5th and 6th Chapters of Matthew, and elsewhere. Besides, as to the Duties of Worship, he exhorts us to meet, promising his Presence; commands to pray, preach, watch, &c. and gives Precepts concerning some temporary Things, as the Washing of one another’s Feet, the Breaking of Bread, hereafter to be discussed; only for this one Thing of Baptizing with Water, though so earnestly contended for, we find not any Precept of Christ.

Obj. 1.If it be said, That God confers inward Grace upon some that are now baptized;

Answ.So no Doubt he did also upon some that used those Baptisms among the Jews.

Obj. 2.Or if it be said, Because it is commanded by Christ now, under the New Covenant;

Answ.I answer, First, That is to beg the Question; of which hereafter.

But Secondly, We find that where the Matter of Ordinances is the same, and the End the same, they are never accounted more or less spiritual, because of their different Times. Now was not God the Author of the Purifications and Baptisms under the Law? Was not Water the Matter of them, which is so now? Was not the End of them to signify an inward Purifying by an outward Washing? And is not that alleged to be the End still? Men are no more now than before by Water-baptism inwardly cleansed.And are the necessary Effects or Consequences of it any better now than before, since Men are now by the Virtue of Water-baptism, as a necessary Consequence of it, no more than before made inwardly clean? And if some by God’s Grace that are baptized with Water are inwardly purified, so were some also under the Law; so that this is not any necessary Consequence or Effect, neither of this nor that Baptism. It is then plainly repugnant to right Reason, as well as to the Scripture Testimony, to affirm that to be a spiritual Ordinance now, which was a carnal Ordinance before, if it be still the same, both as to its Author, Matter, and End, however made to vary in some small Circumstances. The Spirituality of the New Covenant and of its Worship established by Christ, consisted not in such superficial Alterations of Circumstances, but after another Manner. Therefore let our Adversaries shew us, if they can, without begging the Question, and building upon some one or other of their own Principles denied by us, wherever Christ appointed or ordained any Institution or Observation under the New Covenant, as belonging to the Nature of it, or such a necessary Part of its Worship as is perpetually to continue; which being one in Substance and Effects (I speak of necessary, not accidental Effects) yet, because of some small Difference in Form or Circumstance, was before carnal, notwithstanding it was commanded by God under the Law, but now is become spiritual, because commanded by Christ under the Gospel? And if they cannot do this, then if Water-baptism was once a carnal Ordinance, as the Apostle positively affirms it to have been, it remains a carnal Ordinance still; and if a carnal Ordinance, then no necessary Part of the Gospel or New Covenant Dispensation; and if no necessary Part of it, then not needful to continue, nor to be practised by such as live and walk under this Dispensation. But in this, as in most other Things, according as we have often observed, our Adversaries judaize, and renouncing the glorious and spiritual Privileges of the New Covenant, are sticking in and cleaving to the Rudiments of the Old, both in Doctrine and Worship, as being more suited and agreeable to their carnal Apprehensions and natural Senses. The Law distinguished from the Gospel.But we, on the contrary, travail above all to lay hold upon and cleave unto the Light of the glorious Gospel revealed unto us. And the Harmony of the Truth we profess in this may appear, by briefly observing how in all Things we follow the spiritual Gospel of Christ, as contra-distinguished from the Carnality of the legal Dispensation; while our Adversaries, through rejecting this Gospel, are still labouring under the Burden of the Law, which neither they nor their Fathers were able to bear.

The outward Baptism, Worship, Law, distinguished from the inward.For the Law and Rule of the Old Covenant and Jews was outward, written in Tables of Stone and Parchment; so also is that of our Adversaries. But the Law of the New Covenant is inward and perpetual, written in the Heart; so is ours.

The Worship of the Jews was outward and carnal, limited to set Times, Places, and Persons, and performed according to set prescribed Forms and Observations; so is that of our Adversaries. But the Worship of the New Covenant is neither limited to Time, Place, nor Person, but is performed in the Spirit and in Truth; and it is not acted according to set Forms and Prescriptions, but as the Spirit of God immediately actuates, moves, and leads, whether it be to preach, pray, or sing; and such is also our Worship.

So likewise the Baptism among the Jews under the Law was an outward Washing with outward Water, only to typify an inward Purification of the Soul, which did not necessarily follow upon those that were thus baptized; but the Baptism of Christ under the Gospel is the Baptism of the Spirit and of Fire; not the putting away of the Filth of the Flesh, but the Answer of a good Conscience towards God; and such is the Baptism that we labour to be baptized withal, and contend for.

Obj. 1.Our Adversaries, to evade the Truth of this Testimony, usually allege, That by this is only to be understood, that he was not sent principally to baptize, not that he was not sent at all.

Answ.But this Exposition, since it contradicts the positive Words of the Text, and has no better Foundation than the Affirmation of its Assertors, is justly rejected as spurious, until they bring some better Proof for it. He saith not, I was not sent principally to baptize, but I was not sent to baptize.

Confir.As for what they urge, by Way of Confirmation, from other Places of Scripture, where [not] is to be so taken, as where it is said, [116]I will have Mercy, and not Sacrifice, which is to be understood that God requires principally Mercy, not excluding Sacrifice:

Refut.I say this Place is abundantly explained by the following Words [and the Knowledge of God more than Burnt-offerings;] by which it clearly appears that Burnt-offerings, which are one with Sacrifices, are not excluded; but there is no such Word added in that of Paul, and therefore the Parity is not demonstrated to be alike, and consequently the Instance not sufficient, unless they can prove that it ought so to be admitted here; else we might interpret by the same Rule all other Places of Scripture the same Way, as where the Apostle saith, 1 Cor. ii. 5. That your Faith might not stand in the Wisdom of Men, but in the Power of God, it might be understood, it shall not stand principally so. How might the Gospel, by this Liberty of Interpretation, be perverted?

Obj. 2.If it be said, That the Abuse of this Baptism among the Corinthians, in dividing themselves according to the Persons by whom they were baptized, made the Apostle speak so; but that the Abuse of a Thing doth not abolish it;

Answ.I answer, It is true, it doth not, provided the Thing be lawful and necessary; and that no Doubt the Abuse abovesaid gave the Apostle Occasion so to write. But let it from this be considered how the Apostle excludes Baptizing, not Preaching, though the Abuse [mark] proceeded from that, no less than from the other. For these Corinthians did denominate themselves from those different Persons by whose Preaching (as well as from those by whom they were baptized) they were converted, as by the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Verses of Chap. iii. may appear: That Preaching is a standing Ordinance, and not to be forborne.And yet to remove that Abuse the Apostle doth not say, He was not sent to preach, nor yet doth he rejoice that he had only preached to a few; because Preaching, being a standing Ordinance in the Church, is not, because of any Abuse that the Devil may tempt any to make of it, to be forborne by such as are called to perform it by the Spirit of God: Wherefore the Apostle accordingly, Chap. iii. 8, 9. informs them, as to that, how to remove that Abuse. But as to Water-baptism, for that it was no standing Ordinance of Christ, but only practised as in Condescension to the Jews, and by some Apostles to some Gentiles also, therefore, so soon as the Apostle perceived the Abuse of it, he let the Corinthians understand how little Stress was to be laid upon it, by shewing them that he was glad that he had administered this Ceremony to so few of them; and by telling them plainly that it was no Part of his Commission, neither that which he was sent to administer.

Query.Some ask us, How we know that baptizing here is meant of Water, and not of the Spirit; which if it be, then it will exclude Baptism of the Spirit, as well as of Water?

Answ.I answer, Such as ask the Question, I suppose, speak it not as doubting that this was said of Water-baptism, which is more than manifest. That which converts to Christ is the Baptism of the Spirit.For since the Apostle Paul’s Message was, To turn People from Darkness to Light, and convert them to God; and that as many as are thus turned and converted, (so as to have the Answer of a good Conscience toward God, and to have put on Christ, and be risen with him in Newness of Life) are baptized with the Baptism of the Spirit. But who will say that only those few mentioned there to be baptized by Paul were come to this? Or that to turn or bring them to this Condition was not, even admitting our Adversaries Interpretation, as principal a Part of Paul’s Ministry as any other? Since then our Adversaries do take this Place for Water-baptism, as indeed it is, we may lawfully, taking it so also, urge it upon them. Why the Word Baptism and Baptizing is used by the Apostle, where that of Water and not of the Spirit is only understood, shall hereafter be spoken to. Part 2.I come now to consider the Reasons alleged by such as plead for Water-baptism, which are also the Objections used against the Discontinuance of it.

Answ.I answer, So was he also circumcised; it will not follow from thence that Circumcision is to continue: Why Christ was baptized by John.For it behoved Christ to fulfil all Righteousness, not only the Ministry of John, but the Law also, therefore did he observe the Jewish Feasts and Rites, and keep the Passover. It will not thence follow that Christians ought to do so now; and therefore Christ, Matt. iii. 15. gives John this Reason of his being baptized, desiring him to suffer it to be so now; whereby he sufficiently intimates that he intended not thereby to perpetuate it as an Ordinance to his Disciples.

Obj. 2.Secondly, They object, Matt. xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all Nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Answ.This is the great Objection, and upon which they build the whole Superstructure; whereunto the first general and sound Answer is, by granting the whole; What Baptism Christ doth mean in Mat. 28.but putting them to prove that Water is here meant, since the Text is silent of it. And though in Reason it be sufficient upon our Part that we concede the whole expressed in the Place, but deny that it is by Water, which is an Addition to the Text, yet I shall premise some Reasons why we do so, and then consider the Reasons alleged by those that will have Water to be here understood.

Arg. 1.The First is a Maxim yielded to by all, That we ought not to go from the literal Signification of the Text, except some urgent Necessity force us thereunto.

But no urgent Necessity in this Place forceth us thereunto:

Therefore we ought not to go from it.

Arg. 2.Secondly, That Baptism which Christ commanded his Apostles was the one Baptism, id est, his own Baptism:

But the one Baptism, which is Christ’s Baptism, is not with Water, as we have already proved:

Therefore the Baptism commanded by Christ to his Apostles was not Water-baptism.

Arg. 3.Thirdly, That Baptism which Christ commanded his Apostles was such, that as many as were therewith baptized did put on Christ:

But this is not true of Water-baptism:

Therefore, &c.

Arg. 4.Fourthly, The Baptism commanded by Christ to his Apostles was not John’s Baptism:

But Baptism with Water was John’s Baptism:

Therefore, &c.

Alleg. 1.But First, They allege, That Christ’s Baptism, though a Baptism with Water, did differ from John’s, because John only baptized with Water unto Repentance, but Christ commands his Disciples to baptize in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; reckoning that in this Form there lieth a great Difference betwixt the Baptism of John and that of Christ.

I answer, In that John’s Baptism was unto Repentance, the Difference lieth not there, because so is Christ’s also; yea, our Adversaries will not deny but that adult Persons that are to be baptized ought, ere they are admitted to Water-baptism, to repent, and confess their Sins: And that Infants also, with a Respect to and Consideration of their Baptism, ought to repent and confess; so that the Difference lieth not here, since this of Repentance and Confession agrees as well to Christ’s as to John’s Baptism. But in this our Adversaries are divided; for Calvin will have Christ’s and John’s to be all one, Inst. Lib. 4. Cap. 15. Sect. 7, 8. yet they do differ, and the Difference is, in that the one is by Water, the other not, &c.

Secondly, As to what Christ saith, in commanding them to baptize in the Name of the Father, Son, and Spirit, I confess that states the Difference, and it is great; but that lies not only in admitting Water-baptism in this different Form, by a bare Expressing of these Words: For as the Text says no such Thing, neither do I see how it can be inferred from it. Of the Name of the Lord how taken in Scripture.For the Greek is [Greek: eis to onoma: e?? t? ???a], that is, into the Name; now the Name of the Lord is often taken in Scripture for something else than a bare Sound of Words, or literal Expression, even for his Virtue and Power, as may appear from Psal. liv. 3. Cant. i. 3. Prov. xviii. 10. and in many more. The Baptism into the Name, what it is.Now that the Apostles were by their Ministry to baptize the Nations into this Name, Virtue, and Power, and that they did so, is evident by these Testimonies of Paul above-mentioned, where he saith, That as many of them as were baptized into Christ, have put on Christ; this must have been a Baptizing into the Name, i. e. Power and Virtue, and not a mere formal Expression of Words adjoined with Water-baptism; because, as hath been above observed, it doth not follow as a natural or necessary Consequence of it. I would have those who desire to have their Faith built upon no other Foundation than the Testimony of God’s Spirit, and Scriptures of Truth, throughly to consider whether there can be any Thing further alleged for this Interpretation than what the Prejudice of Education and Influence of Tradition hath imposed. Perhaps it may stumble the unwary and inconsiderate Reader, as if the very Character of Christianity were abolished, to tell him plainly that this Scripture is not to be understood of baptizing with Water, and that this Form of Baptizing in the Name of the Father, Son, and Spirit, hath no Warrant from Matt. xxviii. &c.

Whether Christ did prescribe a Form of Baptism in Matt. 28.For which, besides the Reason taken from the Signification of [the Name] as being the Virtue and Power above expressed, let it be considered, that if it had been a Form prescribed by Christ to his Apostles, then surely they would have made use of that Form in the administering of Water-baptism to such as they baptized with Water; but though particular Mention be made in divers Places of the Acts who were baptized, and how; and though it be particularly expressed that they baptized such and such, as Acts ii. 41. and viii. 12, 13. 38. and ix. 18. and x. 48. and xvi. 15. and xviii. 8. yet there is not a Word of this Form. And in two Places, Acts viii. 16. and xix. 5. it is said of some that they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus; by which it yet more appears, that either the Author of this History hath been very defective, who having so often Occasion to mention this, yet omitteth so substantial a Part of Baptism (which were to accuse the Holy Ghost, by whose Guidance Luke wrote it) or else that the Apostles did no Ways understand that Christ by his Commission, Matt. xxviii. did enjoin them such a Form of Water-baptism, seeing they did not use it. And therefore it is safer to conclude, that what they did in administering Water-baptism, they did not by Virtue of that Commission, else they would have so used it; for our Adversaries I suppose would judge it a great Heresy to administer Water-baptism without that, or only in the Name of Jesus, without Mention of Father, or Spirit, as it is expresly said they did, in the two Places above-cited.

Alleg. 2.Secondly, They say, If this were not understood of Water-baptism, it would be a Tautology, and all one with Teaching.

Answ.I say, Nay: Baptizing with the Spirit is somewhat further than teaching, or informing the Understanding; How Teaching and Baptizing differ.for it imports a Reaching to, and melting the Heart, whereby it is turned, as well as the Understanding informed. Besides, we find often in the Scripture, that Teaching and Instructing are put together, without any Absurdity, or needless Tautology; and yet these two have a greater Affinity than Teaching and Baptizing with the Spirit.

Alleg. 3.Thirdly, They say, Baptism in this Place must be understood with Water, because it is the Action of the Apostles; and so cannot be the Baptism of the Spirit, which is the Work of Christ, and his Grace; not of Man, &c.

Answ.The Baptism with the Spirit ascribed to godly Men as Instruments. I answer; Baptism with the Spirit, though not wrought without Christ and his Grace, is instrumentally done by Men fitted of God for that Purpose; and therefore no Absurdity follows, that Baptism with the Spirit should be expressed as the Action of the Apostles. For though it be Christ by his Grace that gives spiritual Gifts, yet the Apostle, Rom. i. 11. speaks of HIS imparting to them spiritual Gifts; and he tells the Corinthians, that HE had begotten them through the Gospel, 1 Cor. iv. 15. And yet to beget People to the Faith, is the Work of Christ and his Grace, not of Men. To convert the Heart, is properly the Work of Christ; and yet the Scripture oftentimes ascribes it to Men, as being the Instruments: And since Paul’s Commission was, To turn People from Darkness to Light (though that be not done without Christ co-operating by his Grace) so may also Baptizing with the Spirit be expressed, as performable by Man as the Instrument, though the Work of Christ’s Grace be needful to concur thereunto. So that it is no Absurdity to say, That the Apostles did administer the Baptism of the Spirit.

Alleg. 4.Lastly, They say, That since Christ saith here, that he will be with his Disciples to the End of the World, therefore Water-baptism must continue so long.

Answ.If he had been speaking here of Water-baptism, then that might have been urged; but seeing that is denied, and proved to be false, nothing from thence can be gathered: He speaking of the Baptism of the Spirit, which we freely confess doth remain to the End of the World; yea, so long as Christ’s Presence abideth with his Children.

Answ.I answer, That it was the constant Practice of the Apostles, is denied; for we have shewn, in the Example of Paul, that it was not so; since it were most absurd to judge that he converted only those few, even of the Church of Corinth, whom he saith he baptized; nor were it less absurd to think that that was a constant apostolick Practice, which he, who was not inferior to the chiefest of the Apostles, and who declares he laboured as much as they all, rejoiceth he was so little in. But further; the Conclusion inferred from the Apostles Practice of baptizing with Water, to evince that they understood Matt. xxviii. of Water-baptism, doth not hold: How the Apostles baptized.For though they baptized with Water, it will not follow that either they did it by Virtue of that Commission, or that they mistook that Place; nor can there be any Medium brought, that will infer such a Conclusion. As to the other insinuated Absurdity, That they did it without a Commission; it is none at all: For they might have done it by a Permission, as being in use before Christ’s Death; and because the People, nursed up with outward Ceremonies, could not be weaned wholly from them. And thus they used other Things, as Circumcision, and legal Purifications, which yet they had no Commission from Christ to do: To which we shall speak more at Length in the following Proposition, concerning the Supper.

Object.But if from the Sameness of the Word, because Christ bids them baptize, and they afterwards in the Use of Water are said to baptize, it be judged probable that they did understand that Commission, Matt. xxviii. to authorize them to baptize with Water, and accordingly practised it;

Answ.Although it should be granted, that for a Season they did so far mistake it, as to judge that Water belonged to that Baptism, (which however I find no Necessity of granting) yet I see not any great Absurdity would thence follow. For it is plain they did mistake that Commission, as to a main Part of it, for a Season; as where he bids them Go, teach all Nations; since some Time after they judged it unlawful to teach the Gentiles; The Apostles did scruple the Teaching the Gentiles.yea, Peter himself scrupled it, until by a Vision constrained thereunto; for which, after he had done it, he was for a Season (until they were better informed) judged by the rest of his Brethren. Now, if the Education of the Apostles as Jews, and their Propensity to adhere and stick to the Jewish Religion, did so far influence them, that even after Christ’s Resurrection, and the Pouring forth of the Spirit, they could not receive nor admit of the Teaching of the Gentiles, though Christ, in his Commission to them, commanded them to preach to them; what further Absurdity were it to suppose, that, through the like Mistake, the chiefest of them having been the Disciples of John, and his Baptism being so much prized there among the Jews, they also took Christ’s Baptism, intended by him of the Spirit, to be that of Water, which was John’s, and accordingly practised it for a Season? It suffices us, that if they were so mistaken, (though I say not that they were so) they did not always remain under that Mistake: Else Peter would not have said of the Baptism which now saves, That it is not a putting away of the Filth of the Flesh, which certainly Water-baptism is.

But further, They urge much Peter’s baptizing Cornelius; in which they press two Things, First, That Water-baptism is used, even to those that had received the Spirit. Secondly, That it is said positively, He commanded them to be baptized, Acts x. 47, 48.

But neither of these doth necessarily infer Water-baptism to belong to the New Covenant Dispensation, nor yet to be a perpetual standing Ordinance in the Church. Whether Peter’s baptizing some with Water makes it a standing Ordinance to the Church.For First, All that this will amount to, was, That Peter at that Time baptized these Men; but that he did it by Virtue of that Commission, Matt. xxviii. remains yet to be proved. And how doth the Baptizing with Water, after the Receiving of the Holy Ghost, prove the Case, more than the Use of Circumcision, and other legal Rites, acknowledged to have been performed by him afterwards? Also, it is no Wonder if Peter, who thought it so strange (notwithstanding all that had been professed before, and spoken by Christ) that the Gentiles should be made Partakers of the Gospel, and with great Difficulty, not without an extraordinary Impulse thereunto, was brought to come to them, and eat with them, was apt to put this Ceremony upon them; which being, as it were, the particular Dispensation of John, the Forerunner of Christ, seemed to have greater Affinity with the Gospel, than the other Jewish Ceremonies then used by the Church; but that will no ways infer our Adversaries Conclusion. Secondly, As to these Words, And he commanded them to be baptized; it declareth Matter of Fact, not of Right, and amounteth to no more, than that Peter did at that Time, pro hic & nunc, command those Persons to be baptized with Water, which is not denied: But it saith nothing that Peter commanded Water-baptism to be a standing and perpetual Ordinance to the Church; neither can any Man of sound Reason say, if he heed what he says, That a Command in Matter of Fact to particular Persons, doth infer the Thing commanded to be of general Obligation to all, if it be not otherwise founded upon some positive Precept. Why doth Peter’s commanding Cornelius and his Houshold to be baptized at that Time infer Water-baptism to continue, more than his constraining (which is more than commanding) the Gentiles in General to be circumcised, and observe the Law? We find at that Time, when Peter baptized Cornelius, it was not yet determined whether the Gentiles should not be circumcised; but on the contrary, it was the most general Sense of the Church that they should: And therefore no Wonder if they thought it needful at that Time that they should be baptized; which had more Affinity with the Gospel, and was a Burthen less grievous.

Answ.This Objection is very weak. Baptizing signifies Dipping or Washing with Water.For since baptizing with Water was a Rite among the Jews, as Paulus Riccius sheweth, even before the Coming of John; and that the Ceremony received that Name from the Nature of the Practice, as used both by the Jews and by John; yet we find that Christ and his Apostles frequently make use of these Terms to a more spiritual Signification. Circumcision was only used and understood among the Jews to be that of the Flesh; but the Apostle tells us of the Circumcision of the Heart and Spirit made without Hands. So that though Baptism was used among the Jews only to signify a Washing with Water, yet both John, Christ, and his Apostles, speak of a being baptized with the Spirit, and with Fire; which they make the peculiar Baptism of Christ, as contra-distinguished from that of Water, which was John’s, as is above shewn. So that though Baptism among the Jews was only understood of Water, yet among Christians it is very well understood of the Spirit without Water: As we see Christ and his Apostles spiritually to understand Things, under the Terms of what had been Shadows before. Thus Christ, speaking of his Body, (though the Jews mistook him) said, Destroy this Temple, and in three Days I will raise it up; and many more that might be instanced. But if the Etymology of the Word should be tenaciously adhered to, it would militate against most of our Adversaries, as well as against us: [Greek: BaptizÔ: ?apt???] immergo, intingo, to plunge and dip in. For the Greek [Greek: BaptizÔ: ?apt???] signifies immergo, that is, to plunge and dip in; and that was the proper Use of Water-baptism among the Jews, and also by John, and the primitive Christians, who used it; whereas our Adversaries, for the most Part, only sprinkle a little Water upon the Forehead, which doth not at all answer to the Word [Baptism.] Those that of old used Water-baptism were dipped and plunged, and those that were only sprinkled, were not admitted to any Office in the Church, and why.Yea, those of old among Christians that used Water-baptism, thought this Dipping or Plunging so needful, that they thus dipped Children: And forasmuch as it was judged that it might prove hurtful to some weak Constitutions, Sprinkling, to prevent that Hurt, was introduced; yet then it was likewise appointed, that such as were only sprinkled, and not dipped, should not be admitted to have any Office in the Church, as not being sufficiently baptized. So that if our Adversaries will stick to the Word, they must alter their Method of Sprinkling.

Obj. 5.Fifthly, They object, John iii. 5. Except a Man be born of Water, and of the Spirit, &c. hence inferring the Necessity of Water-baptism, as well as of the Spirit.

Answ.But if this prove any Thing, it will prove Water-baptism to be of absolute Necessity; and therefore Protestants rightly affirm, when this is urged upon them by Papists, to evince the absolute Necessity of Water-baptism, that [Water] is not here understood of outward Water; The Water that regenerates, is mystical and inward.but mystically, of an inward Cleansing and Washing. Even as where Christ speaks of being baptized with Fire, it is not to be understood of outward material Fire, but only of purifying, by a Metonymy; because to purify is a proper Effect of Fire, as to wash and make clean is of Water; where it can as little be so understood, as where we are said to be saved by the Washing of Regeneration, Tit. iii. 5. Yea, Peter saith expresly, in the Place often cited, as Calvin well observes, [118]That the Baptism which saves, is not the putting away of the Filth of the Flesh. So that since [Water] cannot be understood of outward Water, this can serve nothing to prove Water-baptism.

Object.If it be said, That [Water] imports here necessitatem prÆcepti, though not medii;

Answ.I answer, That is first to take it for granted that outward Water is here understood; the contrary whereof we have already proved. Necessitas prÆcepti and medii urged.Next, Water and the Spirit are placed here together, [Except a Man be born of Water and the Spirit] where the Necessity of the one is urged as much as of the other. Now if the Spirit be absolutely necessary, so will also Water; and then we must either say, that to be born of the Spirit is not absolutely necessary, which all acknowledge to be false; or else, that Water is absolutely necessary; which, as Protestants, we affirm, and have proved, is false: Else we must confess, that Water is not here understood of outward Water. For to say that when Water and the Spirit are placed here just together, and in the same Manner, though there be not any Difference or Ground for it visible in the Text, or deducible from it, That the Necessity of Water is here prÆcepti, but not medii, but the Necessity of the Spirit is both medii and prÆcepti, is indeed confidently to affirm, but not to prove.

Obj. 6.Sixthly and lastly, They object, That the Baptism of Water is a visible Sign or Badge to distinguish Christians from Infidels, even as Circumcision did the Jews.

Answ.I answer, This saith nothing at all, unless it be proved to be a necessary Precept, or Part of the New Covenant Dispensation; it not being lawful for us to impose outward Ceremonies and Rites, and say, They will distinguish us from Infidels. Circumcision a Seal of the first Covenant.Circumcision was positively commanded, and said to be a Seal of the first Covenant; but as we have already proved that there is no such Command for Baptism, Water-baptism falsely called a Badge of Christianity.so there is not any Word in all the New Testament, calling it a Badge of Christianity, or Seal of the New Covenant: And therefore to conclude it is so, because Circumcision was so, (unless some better Proof be alleged for it) is miserably to beg the Question. Which is the Badge of Christianity.The Professing of Faith in Christ, and a holy Life answering thereunto, is a far better Badge of Christianity than any outward Washing; which yet answers not to that of Circumcision, since that affixed a Character in the Flesh, which this doth not: So that a Christian is not known to be a Christian by his being baptized, especially when he was a Child, unless he tell them so much: What the Fathers say of Water-baptism, and of the Sign of the Cross.And may not the Professing of Faith in Christ signify that as well? I know there are divers of those called the Fathers, that speak much of Water-baptism, calling it Characterem Christianitatis: But so did they also of the Sign of the Cross, and other such Things, justly rejected by Protestants. Heathenish Ceremonies introduced into the Christian Worship.For the Mystery of Iniquity, which began to work in the Apostles Days, soon spoiled the Simplicity and Purity of the Christian Worship; insomuch that not only many Jewish Rites were retained, but many Heathenish Customs and Ceremonies introduced into the Christian Worship; as particularly that Word [Sacrament.] So that it is a great Folly, especially for Protestants, to plead any Thing of this from Tradition or Antiquity; For we find that neither Papists nor Protestants use those Rites exactly as the Ancients did; who in such Things, not walking by the most certain Rule of God’s Spirit, but doting too much upon Externals, were very uncertain. For most of them all, in the primitive Times, did wholly plunge and dip those they baptized, which neither Papists, nor most Protestants, do: Yea, several of the Fathers accused some as Hereticks in their Days, for holding some Principles common with Protestants concerning it; as particularly Augustine doth the Pelagians, for saying that Infants dying unbaptized may be saved. And the Manichees were condemned, for denying that Grace is Universally given by Baptism; and Julian the Pelagian by Augustine, for denying Exorcism and Insufflation in the Use of Baptism: Exorcism or Adjuration.All which Things Protestants deny also. So that Protestants do but foolishly to upbraid us, as if we could not shew any among the Ancients that denied Water-baptism; seeing they cannot shew any, whom they acknowledge not to have been heretical in several Things, that used it; The Sign of the Cross.nor yet, who using it, did not also use the Sign of the Cross, and other Things with it, which they deny. Many in former Ages testified against Water-baptism.There were some nevertheless in the darkest Times of Popery, who testified against Water-baptism. For one Alanus, Page 103, 104. 107. speaks of some in his Time that were burnt for the denying of it: For they said, That Baptism had no Efficacy, either in Children or adult Persons; and therefore Men were not obliged to take Baptism: Particularly ten Canonicks, so called, were burnt for that Crime, by the Order of King Robert of France. And P. Pithoeus mentions it in his Fragments of the History of Guienne, which is also confirmed by one Johannes Floracensis, a Monk, who was famous at that Time, in his Epistle to Oliva, Abbot of the Ausonian Church: “I will, saith he, give you to understand concerning the Heresy that was in the City of Orleans on Childermas-day; Ten Canonicks burnt at Orleans, and why.for it was true, if ye have heard any Thing, that King Robert caused to be burnt alive near fourteen of that City, of the chief of their Clergy, and the more noble of their Laicks, who were hateful to God, and abominable to Heaven and Earth; for they did stifly deny the Grace of holy Baptism, and also the Consecration of the Lord’s Body and Blood.” The Time of this Deed is noted in these Words by Papir. Masson, in his Annals of France, Lib. 3. in Hugh and Robert, Actum AureliÆ publicÈ anno Incarnationis Domini 1022. Regni Roberti Regis 28, Indictione 5. quando Stephanus HÆresiarcha & Complices ejus damnati sunt et exusti AureliÆ.

Now for their calling them Hereticks and Manichees, we have nothing but the Testimony of their Accusers, which will no more invalidate their Testimony for this Truth against the Use of Water-baptism, or give more Ground to charge us, as being one with Manichees, than because some, called by them Manichees, do agree with Protestants in some Things, that therefore Protestants are Manichees or Hereticks, which Protestants can no Ways shun. For the Question is, Whether, in what they did, they walked according to the Truth testified of by the Spirit in the Holy Scriptures? So that the Controversy is brought back again to the Scriptures, according to which, I suppose, I have already discussed it.

The Baptism of Infants an Human Tradition.As for the latter Part of the Thesis, denying the Use of Infant-baptism, it necessarily follows from what is above said. For if Water-baptism be ceased, then surely Baptizing of Infants is not warrantable. But those that take upon them to oppose us in this Matter, will have more to do as to this latter Part: For after they have done what they can to prove Water-baptism, it remains for them to prove that Infants ought to be baptized. For he that proves Water-baptism ceased, proves that Infant-baptism is vain: But he that should prove that Water-baptism continues, has not thence proved that Infant-baptism is necessary; that needs something further. And therefore it was a pitiful Subterfuge of Nic. Arnoldus against this, to say, That the Denying of Infant-baptism belonged to the Gangrene of the Anabaptists, without adding any further Proof.