CHAP. I. Christ was Baptized in the River of Jordan.

COncerning the Baptism of Jesus Christ you may read it at large, Mat. 3.13, &c. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jor­dan unto John to be Baptized of him. Every word hath Emphasis (then) before he en­tred upon his publick Ministry, as you see in Mat. 4.17. From that time Jesus began to preach, (cometh) he might have com­manded John to have attended him; but in token of his subjection he cometh (from Galilee) many miles, & 'tis likely on foot; every step we take for God is acceptable, and one day shall have a Glorious Re­ward (to Jordan) where there was a Ri­ver [Page 3] where Thousands had been Baptized, and was a suitable place for John to dip Christ in as will be seen hereafter. Now I shall take notice of eight things concern- the Baptism of Christ.

First, Concerning his Age, 'tis said, Luk. 3.21. Jesus being baptized, ver. 23. began to be about thirty years of Age; here you see that Christ himself was baptized at Grown Years; if any might be baptized in Infancy, why not Christ? Christians be not asha­med, your Captain is gone before you, he was thirty years old when baptized. Christ is not ashamed to call you Bre­thren, Heb. 2.11.

Secondly, Another thing to be observed in the Baptism of Christ, is the Admini­strator of this holy Ordinance, John, who confesseth of himself he was not worthy to unloose the latchets of his shooes, Mark, 1.7. Now if Christ would receive Bap­tism from such an unworthy Instrument; never slight the Ordinance, because of the unworthiness of the Administrators, let your eye be on Christ your Example.

Thirdly, Note the Repulse, John for­bad him, Mat. 3.14. Difficultly in duty must be no excuse; we must take no de­nyal in following God, Strive to enter in at the strait gate, Mat. 7.13.

[Page 4] Fourthly, Note, John's Argument, Mat. 3.14. I have need to be baptized of thee, [...] comest thou to me? Some will not be bap­tized but of need; their carnal Argument is, May I not go to Heaven though I be not baptized? Is it of necessity to salvati­on? Is this like your Lord and Master? Was not he a perfect Saviour? Was not the Spirit poured on him without measure? He had no sin to be washed away, wherefore see your example, he doth it not of need, but of obedience to his Fathers will.

Fifthly, Note the excellent Terms he gives to this Ordinance of Baptism. 1. He calls it Righteousness, Matth. 3.15. 'Tis righteous and just that I should be about my Fathers business. 2. It is a comely thing, it becomes us: Oh it is a very comely thing in God's Children, to have respect to all the Commandments of God. 3. The Conjunction (us) thee and me, and all my Followers, John 12.26. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be. 4. A Comple­tion, it is a fulfilling, 2 Cor. 10.4. The wea­pons of our warfare are not carnal but spiritu­al, ver. 5. bringing every thought into capti­vity to the obedience of Christ, ver. 6. having in readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be fulfilled. Obedience [Page 5] must be fulfilled. 5. The universal Term (all) Baptism is one of the all. Christ reckons it so, Thou canst not walk in all the Commands, if this be omitted,

6. Note, Concerning Christs Baptism the form of Administration, Mat. 3. And straitway he went up out of the water (strait­way) because Baptism is once Dipping; (up) had he not been down, 'twould not have been said he went up; (he went) was not carryed in Arms as Infants are, (out) if he went out of the water then he had been in: We never say one goes out of the house when he never was in. So Christ could not be said to come out of the water, had he not been in; (he went up out) had a lit­tle water been brought to him in a Bason, he had not been said to go up out (of the wa­ter) this water was the River of Jordan: Christ stoops to small things because an Ordinance.

7. Note, Concerning Christ's Baptism, the Father's Acceptance, Mat. 3.16, 17. (the Heavens were opened:) Some of Christ's Followers have found glorious openings of Heaven in Baptism; (the spirit descended) the very same that is promised to Believ­ers in their Baptism, Act. 2.38. Repent and be Baptized every one of you, and you shall re­ceive the Holy Ghost. Obj. But doth every [Page 6] one receive the Holy Ghost that is bapt [...] Ans. The defect lies not in Baptism, [...]t in Faith and Repentance; without which no Ordinance is effectual: (And lo, a voice from Heaven, This is my beloved Son) Christ as Head was sealed, and in Baptism is held forth the Sonship of his Members (in him I am well pleased) not only in all he hath and doth do, but in this very Act of Bap­tism, as an Act of Obedience to my glo­rious Will. I am well pleased, and so is the Lord well pleased in the Act of Obedience, wherein from the heart we obey the form of Doctrine delivered to us, Rom. 6.17. The same Voice the blessed Son of God hath in the Mount, Luk. 9.35. This is my beloved Son; hear him. Hear him in his Commands and Appointments; hear him now in his Baptism: Oh, saith Christ, thus it becom­eth us; you that have my Father for your Father, you that have my God for your God: Thus it becometh us to be baptized, and to fulfil all righteousness; Oh he is a beloved Son, hear him.

8. Note, How in Christs Baptism the Tri­nity doth as it were meet; the Father with a Voice, the Son baptized in Person, the Ho­ly Ghost descends like a Dove: And surely it is one Reason, why Baptism in special is is to be administred in the Name of the Fa­ther, [Page 7] Son, & Holy Ghost; because he who doth sincerely believe, and is baptized, the whole Trinity, the Father, Son and Spirit is his portion; and that glorious Union of the Trinity in Christ's Baptism, is in eve­ry Believers Baptism commemorated.

CHAP. II. Of the great Commission for Believers Baptism.

AS you have heard something concern­ing your great Pattern, the Lord Je­sus: so now I shall shew something concern­ing his Command, Mat. 28.19. And I pray note what is said of our Lord Jesus, Act. 1.1. Christ is said both to do & teach; 'tis good for Teachers to imitate their Lord both to do and teach; and ver. 2. He was taken up, after that he through the Spirit had given Commandments, to his Apostles; of which Commandments, this of Believers Baptism is certainly one; and as you see in Mat. 28.18, 19, 20. The great God gave him to be a Commander and Leader to his People, Isa. 55.4. Christ is a Gift as a Commander; Oh what Mercy it is to have such a wise Commander, whose Commandments to Be­lievers are not grievous; in keeping his Com­mandments [Page 8] there is great reward, Psal. 19.11. Now in this Command there are Eight Things very notable.

First, Note whence Christ came, why? He came out of the Grave, A Risen Jesus; And God raised him from the dead, and sent him to bless us, Act. 3.26. Surely this blessed Jesus would not appoint any thing but what is good for his People; he is a blessed Jesus, and he gives blessed Commands; Blessed are they that do his Commandments, that they may have a right to the Tree of Life, and may enter in through the Gates into the City, Rev. 22.14.

Secondly, Note, Christ appeared and came to them; now should an Angel appear and command men to be baptized, who would stand against it? But here you have the glo­rious Son of God in his own Person appear­ing, and saith, Go teach and baptize.

Thirdly, Note what Authority he comes with, Mat. 28.18. All power in Heaven and Earth is given to me; all Power to com­mand both in Heaven and Earth is given to me; all power to dispose of Heaven and Earth, all power to protect. I have Angels and Men at my Command; I am able to protect you, to stand by you, and to be with you, both in the fire and in the water: I [Page 9] have all power, Go therefore, teach and bap­tize; fear no enemies:

Go teach and baptize.

Fourthly, Note the Command it self, Mat. 28.19. saith Christ, Go therefore teach and baptize. Christ said but to Legion, Go, Mat. 8.32. and they ran violently, and shall not Believers be as willing People in the day of his power? The Centurion did but say Go, to his servants, and they did go; and he did but say Come, and they came; & he did but say, Do this, and they did it: And shall Christs servants be worse to him than the Centurions servants were? 'Tis Christ saith, Go.

Go teach and baptize.

Fifthly, Note, what is precedent to Bap­tism: Go teach, there must be teaching; God is a Spirit, and he seeks such to worship him, that worship him in spirit and truth, Joh. 4.24. therefore there must go Teaching before Baptism, or else they will never worship him in spirit and truth. Go teach and bap­tize. I confess many men do say the word Teach in the Greek, is, Make disciples, and I dare not say against it; for I find it the very practice of Jesus Christ, he did first make Disciples, and then baptized them, Joh. 4.1. Jesus made and baptized more dis­ciples than John; here was first a making [Page 10] Disciples, and then a baptizing them; b [...] how many poor souls Ignorantly bapti [...] those who never were made Disciples but, Christ saith, teach and baptize them.

Sixthly, Note, The Extent of the Com­mand, Teach all Nations and baptize them. Go into all Nations, whether it be a hot or a cold Climate, Jews and Gentiles, Male and Female; when you have taught them, then baptize them. Now the middle Wall of Partition is broken down. Now God is no Respecter of Persons, now let none think to boast that they have Abraham for their Father; No, no, go into all Nations, pub­lish the glad tydings of the Gospel to eve­ry Creature, Mark 16.15, 16. He that be­lieveth and is baptized, shall be saved; Go, teach all Nations, baptizing them; when you have taught them, then baptize them.

Seventhly, Note the words of Institution, Mat. 28.19. Baptizing them in the Name of the Father, such as receive the Lord Je­sus on Gospel-terms, God will be a Fa­ther to them, 2 Cor. 6.17, 18. Go give them a Call; come out from amongst Ʋnbelievers, &c. and be separate, and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters: Stand a while, and wonder here you that make nothing of the blessed Ordinance of Baptism; here below things done in the [Page 11] King's Name, carries power; but here's the Great GOD'S Name: Yea, here's the Name of the Mysterious Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and dost thou think Baptism hath nothing in it, that hath that glorious Name to be adored and admired? Go, baptize them in the glorious Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Eightly, Note the glorious Promise an­nexed, Go baptize, and I will be with you; Christ is a good Companion, you that love his Company, seek it where he promiseth it; Ask for the old and the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls: Is there any Soul rest short of Christ? No, no, in his presence is fulness of joy: would you have his Presence, do like Zacheus, Get into the way, Believe and be baptized, for he comes this way, (baptize) and I will be with you always to the end of the World, (Amen,) an Amen follows, they are the fare­wel words of the best Friend, Baptize, I will be with you, Amen.

CHAP. III. EXAMPLES.

OF many thousands who were bapti­zed in Rivers, all of them Persons who professed, Faith and Repentance; [Page 12] and were of years able to answer for themselves.

First Example: Those that Christ said to baptize, Joh. 4.1, 2. it is said, H [...] made them Disciples, and baptized them First, they are Disciples, then baptized, they are made Disciples, not born Disci­ples (that is) they are made Disciples by the preaching of God's Word, and then they were baptized.

Second Example: You have an Exam­ple, Act. 2.41. Then they who gladly re­ceived his Word were baptized; the occa­sion of this you have, ver. 37. They were prick'd at the heart, they knew not what to do; the sense of sin lay heavy upon them. The Apostle tells them, That they should repent and be baptized, then they should re­ceive the Holy Ghost; then they who glad­ly received the Word were baptized. Mercy is sweet to a wounded soul, and such a soul sticks at no duty, now he can be plunged in water at Christ's Command, ver. 41. And the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Third Example: another Example you have, Act. 8.12. But when they believed Philip, preaching the things concerning the Kingdom of God, and the Name of Jesus, Christ, they were baptized both Men and [Page 13] Women: When they believed, ver. 5. They of Samaria, and for ought we know, some of those whom the Disciples would a little while ago have called for fire from Heaven upon, Luk. 9.52, 54. yet when these believed, they were baptized both Men and Women. Oh, if never so near Hell, yet be­lieve and be baptized, there's Mercy for thee.

Fourth Example: You have another Ex­ample of the baptizing of believers in Act. 8.35. Philip preached unto the Eunuch Jesus, ver. 36. They came to a certain water and the Eunuch said, see, here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized; and ver. 37. And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayst: This If, is the If we stand upon; be never so poor, so vile, if God once make thee to believe, then thou mayst be baptized; 'twas not his godly Parents, 'twas not his reading, 'twas not his coming to Je­rusalem to worship, 'twas not his willingness to be baptized; but if thou believest thou mayst: saith the Greek, it is lawful; it is according to Christs Law. ver. 38. They went both down into the water, both Philip and the Eunuch, and he baptized him: Oh behold a Man, the great Treasurer of the Queen of Ethiopia, a Rich Man, an Honourable Man, a Religious Man; a Man, 'tis like, [Page 14] having many Attendants at his Chari [...] he stops all, commands all to stand st [...] till he yields obedience to his Lord and M [...] ster in Water-baptism, he can now g [...] down into the water for Him, who had come down from Heaven for him; he county it no disgrace to obey Christ by his poor servant Philip: Oh the condescention of truly gracious souls: No Argument works like Love, Therefore if you love me keep my Commandments: Here's going down, and coming up, like the glorious ways of Christ; he first casts down, then he raiseth up; first brings to the Grave, and then saith, Return ye sons of men, ver. 39. And he went on his way rejoycing: Oh what Triumph is in Christs ways, in keeping, though not for keeping his Commands; there is, as well as shall be great Reward (he went on his way) the Righteous shall hold on in his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger, Job. 17.9. How many have stuck in their way, wept in their way, droopt in their way, but when baptized, have gone on their way rejoycing; he might have a sad heart, though a rich Treasurer: Riches would not do, Being baptized, he went on his way rejoycing. The Jaylor being baptized, rejoyced, believing in God with all his house, Acts 16.33, 34.

[Page 15]5 Example, The next Example we [...]ome to, is the Baptizing of the famous A­postle Paul, Act 1.22.16. And now why tar­ [...]est thou, arise and be baptized, and wash a­way thy sins; wouldest thou have thy soul filled with joy? wilt thou take Christ for thy Lord? then arise, why tarriest thou, and be baptized: He that appeared to thee in the way when thou wast a Persecutor, and stopt thee from going to Hell, when thou wast running, hath sent me, saith Ananias, Act. 9.15, 17. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, Act. 22.16. Thou hast been a Persecutor, and now I must shew thee that thou must be a Preacher, and a Suf­ferer; as Acts 9.15, 16. And therefore Arise, why tarriest thou? and be baptized: Oh accept of the terms and tenders of Mer­cy; bid Mercy welcome, but do not put it off a day; why dost thou tarry? dost think thy self unworthy, and therefore tarryest? do not let that hinder, I tell thee from the Lord thou art a chosen Vessel, Act. 9.15. Therefore, arise, why tarriest thou? and be baptized. The Lord is willing to for­give all thy former sins, and to accept of thee on Gospel-terms, and now, why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash a­way thy sins.

6 Example: Another Example of Be [...] ­ers [Page 16] Baptism is the Baptism of the Jaylor Acts 16.30, 31, 32. He went to bed in hi [...] sins, and might have awaked in Hell; bu [...] preventing-Mercy meets him when hi [...] sword was drawing; and by a Glorious Instrument God crys, Do thy self no harm, there is hope for thee: And he trembling cries, What must I do? That soul that trembles before the Almighty God, will not only cry out what shall I have, but what shall I do? Believe, saith Paul, believe on the Lord Jesus: And to demonstrate his wil­lingness to yield Obedience to the Lord Jesus, and to accept of him on Gospel-terms, he is baptized the same hour of the night, ver. 33. And if you note, ver. 34. all his believed and were baptized.

7. Another Example you have of Lydia, Act. 16.14. a godly woman, a praying woman, God opened her heart to attend his Word by Paul, and being at the River she was baptized. When the heart is shut, how backward are souls to obey Christ? One draw from Christ makes the Soul run, Song 1. 4. The Lord opened her heart, and she was baptized.

8 Example, you have Acts 18.8. Crispus the chief Ruler of the Synagogue believed [...] [...]he Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing, believed and [Page 17] were baptized; Crispus believed, his house believed, all runs in their believing, and then they were baptized: Thus you have Pattern and Precept; it Command or Ex­ample be of any force, here's both.

CHAP. IV. Baptism is Dipping or Covering under Water.

1. THe Greek Baptizo, to plunge, to o­verwhelm. Thus Christ was plunged in water, Mat. 3.16. Thus he was plunged or overwhelm'd in his suffering, Luk. 12.50.

2. The Dutch Translation reads Mat. 3. In those days came John the Dipper, John 3.23. John was dipping in Aenon, where there was much water, what need much water were it not dipping?

3. They did baptize in Rivers, Mat. 3.6. They came to John, and were baptized in the River of Jordan, John 3.23. John was bap­tizing in Aenon where there was much water; what need it be in a River, and where there was much water? would not a little in a Ba­son serve to Sprinkle the Face?

4. Baptism signifies the Burial of Christ, Rom. 6.4. Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism, Coloss. 2.12. Buried with him [Page 18] in Baptism. Now we do not reckon a ma [...] buried, when a little earth is Sprinkled o [...] his Face; but he is buried when Covered thus you are buried in Baptism.

5. Christs sufferings are called a Baptism, Luke, 12.50. I have a Baptism to be bap­tized with, and how am I straitned till it be accomplished? when Christ suffered, he was plunged into pains; did his sufferings lye only on his head or on his forehead? No, no, there was not one part free; he was from head to foot in pain; his head was crowned with piercing Thorns, his hands and feet nailed to the Cross; so stretch­ed out on the Cross, that a man might have told all his bones, Ps. 22.17. There was not one part free, the man hath sin­ned, body, soul and spirit. Christ was baptized into pains, plunged into sorrow, not any part free, this he calls his Ba­ptism. Thus one baptized is plunged un­der water, to shew how Christ was plunged into sorrow for our sakes.

6. Baptism is a putting on Christ, As many of you as are baptized into Christ have put on Christ, Gal. 3.27. that as a servant wears his Lords Livery, a Garment which demonstrates him to be a Servant to such a Lord: So in Baptism we put on our Lords Livery, he cloathes from head to [Page 19] foot: Thus by Baptism we put on Christ.

7. When Christ was baptized, he came up out of the water, Mat. 3.16. Was it only a little Water thrown on his Face? Then he had not been in the water; but because he was baptized in the water, therefore being baptized he came up out of the wa­ter. Philip and the Eunuch went both down into the water, (and being there in the wa­ter) Philip baptized the Eunuch, and when he was baptized he came up out of the wa­ter, Act. 8.38, 39.

Thus you see the place where they were baptized, was a River; their Action, they went down into the Water; then being in the water, they were baptized; this was where was much water. The end was to shew forth Christs Burial. Now if there be not a Burial under water to shew Christs Burial, the great end of the Ordinance is lost: but we are buried by Baptism.

Quest. But why may not Sprinkling with water serve, as well as Covering under water? Is there any more vertue in a great deal of wa­ter, than there is in a little water?

Answ. Sprinkling may not serve as well as Dipping under water.

1. Because God is a jealous God, & stands upon small things in matters of Worship; 'tis likely Nadah and Abihu thought, if they [Page 20] put fire in the Censer, it might serve, though it were not fire from the Altar; but God calls it strange fire, and therefore he burns them with strange fire, Lev. 10.1, 2. and Moses adds, Ver. 3. This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. God bid Moses speak to the Rock, and Moses smote the Rock, and therefore must dye short of Canaan, Num. 20.8, 11, 12.

2. Sprinkling may not serve, because thereby the end of the Ordinance is lost, which is to shew the Death, Burial, and Re­surrection of Christ, Rom. 6.4. We are bu­ried with him by Baptism, that like as Christ was raised, &c.

3. Sprinkling will not serve, because it is not that God hath appointed. Naaman the Leper did think the waters of Damascus to be of the same vertue with (or better than) the waters of Israel, 2 Kings 5.12. May I not wash in them and be clean? God had ap­pointed him to dip in Jordan, not that there was more vertue in that water; but God did appoint him to dip in Jordan, and he did, and was clean. Dipping is God's Ap­pointment.

4. Sprinkling will not serve, because it is not according to the Pattern. Christ went [Page 21] down into the water. Philip & the Eunuch, went down into the water, Act. 8.38. Heb. 8.5. See thou make all things according to the Pattern.

5. Sprinkling will not serve, because it is high presumption to change God's Ordi­nances; Is not God wise enough to appoint his own Worship how it shall be perform­ed? Isa. 24.5 The Earth is defiled, because they have changed the Ordinance.

6. Sprinkling will not serve, because Sprinkling is not Baptism; it is not the thing intended by God; Baptism is Dipping or Plunging. Sprinkling is not Baptism, therefore Sprinkling will not serve, Luk. 7.29, 30. Gods Councel is Baptism or Dipping.

CHAP. V. Proving Water-Baptism, to continue till the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

THat this may appear that Water-Bap­tism is to continue, and to be practi­sed by Believers till the second coming of Jesus Christ; take these six Considerati­ons:

1. Consider that Water-Baptism was once commanded, and never yet repealed, [Page 22] and no power can repeal a Command of Christ, but the same power of Christ, by which it was given forth, Jud. ver. 3. Con­tend for the Faith which was once delivered to the Saints.

2. Consider, that Water-baptism was practised before, and since the Resurrection of Jesus Christ:

1. Before the Resurrection of Christ, Mat. 3.16. Joh. 3.23. & Joh. 4.1, 2.

2. Since the Resurrection of Christ, Act. 2.41. & 8.12, 38. & 10.47, &c.

3. Consider that Water Baptism was commanded after Christs Resurrection, Mat. 28.19. Go teach all Nations, bapti­zing them. Had Water-Baptism ceased with Christs death, it had not been com­manded and practised after his Resurre­ction.

4. Consider, that the end of the Ordi­nance remains as at the Lords Supper; the end of it is to shew forth the Lords death till he come; and to do this in remembrance of Christ; as long as we are to remember Christs death, it is to be done in remem­brance of Christ even till his second coming: so Baptism is to shew the Death, Burial & Resurrection of Christ, Rom. 6.3, 4, 5. the End remaining, the Ordinance remains till his second coming.

[Page 23]5. Consider, it hath been continued by Christians in all Ages, since Jesus Christ left his Command with the Saints.

6. Consider whether the same Argument that throws down Water-baptism, if grant­ed, will not throw down all Ordinances: for if you grant that when the Spirit is come Baptism ceaseth; may you not as well say, when the Spirit is come? Preaching cea­seth, Prayer ceaseth; but this is by reason of mans corrupt heart: Christ saith, Teach­ing them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; And lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world, Mat. 28.19, 20.

CHAP. VI. That no Measures of Grace or of the Spirit are a sufficient Ground to keep any from Water-Baptism.

THAT no Measures of Grace or of the Spirit are a sufficient Ground to keep from Baptism, may plainly appear, if you

1. Consider, that Baptism is from Hea­ven, as you see, Mat. 21.25. Now what should keep from a Heavenly Command?

2. Consider the Lord Jesus had all grace, [Page 24] and the Spirit without Measure; as [...] 3.34. and yet he was Baptized in [...] River of Jordan, as you may see, Mat. [...] 13, 14, 15. Is not Christ a good Patter [...] for Believers to follow?

3. Consider, where hath God thus limi­ted Baptism to persons, having little Grace or little of the Spirit. Nay, on the Con­trary hath not God promised his Spirit that you may keep my Ordinances and do them? Ezek. 11.19, 20.

4. Consider, the Apostle makes receiv­ing the Spirit, an Argument to encourage to Baptism, Acts 10.47. Can any man for­bid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Now if you mind, these were so ba­ptized with the Spirit, that they spake with Tongues and Prophesied; a strange work to Prophesie and speak with Tongues; such a Measure of the Spirit is not in our days, yet he Commanded them to be baptized, ver. 48.

CHAP. VII. Believers Baptism a great Ordinance.

THE greatness of the Ordinance of B [...] lievers Baptism may appear, if you [...]onsider these seven Particulars.

1. Consider that Baptism is an Ordi­ [...]ance which hath the great Pattern, the Captain of our Salvation himself did pra­ [...]tise it; as you see, Mat. 3.13. Then [...]ometh Jesus to be baptized: If any man [...]erve me, saith Christ, let him follow me; And where I am there shall my servant be, [...]ohn 12.26. Christ is the great Exam­ple.

2. Consider the great Name in which Baptism is Administred, Mat. 28.19, 20. Baptize them in the Name of the Father, Son, [...]nd Holy Ghost: This Name must not be [...]lighted; it is a great Name.

3. Consider Baptisms great business, it [...]s called Righteousness: Righteousness is a great thing. Christ calls it a comely thing, Mat. 3.15. Thus it becometh us to fulfil all Righteousness; it is a fulfilling all Righte­ousness.

4. Consider Baptisms great Commission; [...]t is one of the last Conmands of our bles­sed [Page 26] Saviour after his Resurrection, a [...] before his Ascension, as appears, Mat. 28 19, 20. Go Teach and Baptize.

5. Consider Baptisms great Promises Mat. 28.19, 20. Go teach and baptize, a [...] lo, I am with you; here's the Promise of th [...] glorious presence of Christ. Then ye have the promise of the Holy Ghost, Repent and be baptized, and you shall receive th [...] gift of the Holy Ghost, Act. 2.38.

You have also the Promise or Assuranc [...] of washing away your sins, Act. 22.16 Arise, and be baptized, and wash away th [...] sins.

Again, You shall find the promise of Sa [...] vation annexed to Baptism, Mark 16.1 [...] He that believeth and is baptized, shall [...] saved; Christ's Presence, the Holy Ghost' [...] Pardon of sin, and Salvation; all these a [...] great Promises.

6. Consider the Eminency of Baptism every Word of God is pure, but Baptism is called the Councel of God, Luk. 7.29, 3 [...] They rejected the Councel of God again [...] themselves, not being baptized; is not th [...] Councel of God a great thing?

7. Consider, since Christ hath b [...] gone to Heaven, he hath commanded [...] ptism Acts 8.29. the Spirit bid Philip jo [...] himself to the Chariot, which clearly a [...] pears [Page 27] was, that he might preach Christ, and baptize the Eunuch; And when he was baptized, he went away rejoycing: Here's one Call from Heaven.

Another Command from Heaven to bap­tize, after Christs Ascension, you have in the Lord Jesus's sending Ananias to Paul, Act. 9.19. The Lord called Ananias in a Vision, and sends him to Paul; and when he comes, he saith, Acts 22.16. and now why tarriest thou? arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins. This Paul tells us were the words of Ananias; here you have another Call from Heaven to baptize.

Again you shall find, Act. 10.4, 5. Cor­nelius hath a Call from Heaven to send for Peter, who should tell him words where­by he should be saved. Peter hath a Call from Heaven to go to Cornelius, ver. 19.20. Go therefore, nothing doubting; here Peter is sent from Heaven, and to speak words whereby Cornelius might be saved; and when he came to Cornelius, you shall find ver. 48. He commanded them to be baptized. Thus you see Baptism was commanded af­ter Christ's Ascension; all which may shew Baptism to be a great Ordinance.

CHAP. VIII. Answer to the common Objections.

SUch is the corruption of mans heart, as he will make Objections against the clearest Truth in the blessed Word of God; and which of the Truths of God, yea, hath not God himself been objected against? but I may say of Baptism, as once He said, These things were not done in a Corner: I only give this Scripture-caution, They have closed their eyes lest they should see and be converted, and I should heal them: Take heed of closing the eyes, and then I am sure thou wilt be willing in the day of God's power; but if in Conscience thou desirest satisfaction, consider the An­swers to the following Objections.

Object. 1. Some Object where it is said, Mat. 28.19, 20. To the end of the World, that is, to the end of that Age.

Answ. 1. To which I Answer, This cannot be the sense of the Text: First, Because Christ bids the Apostles teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, Mat. 28.20. Now do you think that all [Page 29] things the Apostles were to teach them to observe, were only to the end of that Age? Christ commands them to repent, believe, to be holy, to be baptized; and are we to repent, believe and be holy, no longer than to the end of that Age? Secondly, Christ promises his presence to the end of the World, Mat. 28.20. Lo, I am with you to the end of the Word. Now hath Christ pro­mised his Presence but to the end of that Age? this would be a dreadful Doctrine, Josh. 1.5. He hath said, I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee; so that the promise of his Presence is to last in all Ages, as the word may be rendred; I will be with you in Ages, or, to the end of the World; there­fore observe, all things to the end of the World.

Object. 2. 2. But Water-baptism was John's Baptism.

I Answer. Was the Baptism of John from Heaven or of men? John's Baptism was from Hea­ven, Mat. 21.25. Then further, John was but to prepare Christ's way before him, Luk. 1.76. Thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways; so that John did but prepare Christs way: This there­fore was Christ's way, not John's way: But further hath not Christ commanded, and [Page 30] the Churches practis'd Baptism after John's Death, and Christ's Resurrection? Di [...] not Christ say, Go teach and baptize; and wilt thou say this is John's Baptism?

Object. 3. 3. But Circumcision and Ʋncircumcision availeth nothing, but a New Creature.

I Answer. Once Circumcision was something, when the Lord would have killed Moses because of the Circumcision, as Exod. 4.24, 25, 26. and when the Lord said, That whoever was not circumcised, he should be cut off from the people, Gen. 17.14. Now in the Gospel it is nothing, because abolished, Gal. 5.2. If you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing: But wilt thou say the Councel of God is nothing? Baptism is the Coun­cel of God, Luk. 7.29, 30. And is this no­thing? Baptism is a Command of the Lord Jesus, Mat. 28.19. And is his Com­mand nothing?

Object. 4. 4. I am baptized with the Spirit, which is the substance; Water-baptism is but the sha­dow.

I Answer. Thou mayst as well say so of all other Ordinances, they are but shadows; the Supper is but a shadow: Prayer, Hearing [Page 31] and Preaching are but shadows; and then whither wilt thou run? Then further, the Question is not whether it be a shadow; Is it a Command? If a Command, dispute not Christ's Authority lest he be angry. But further, call Water-baptism a shadow, yet consider Christ subjected to it, and who art thou, wilt thou be wiser than Christ? And further, Acts 10.47. They were baptiz­ed with the Spirit, and spake with Tongues, and yet were baptized in water. Remember he that is faithful in the least, is faithful in much.

Object. 5. 5. Doth not Baptism come in the room of Circumcision?

I Answer. No surely, for there's not any Word of God for such a thing, and thou must not be wise above what is written, 1 Cor. 4.6. And then consider, Circumcision concerned on­ly the Males; but Acts 8.12. When they believed, they were baptized, both Men and Women.

Object. 6. 6. But are not very learned Men for In­fant Baptism?

I Answer. Luke 7.29.30. The Pharisees and Law­yers (the learned men of the times) reje­cted the Councel of God against them­selves, [Page 32] not being baptized. Do not say as they said, Which of the Rulers have be­lieved in him? Hearken to Christ's An­swer, Mat. 11.25. Jesus answered, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to Babes, And further, If Learning were an Argu­ment in this case, Are there not many Car­dinals and Jesuits Learned Men?

Object. 7. 7. But are not there very Godly men, Pa­stors of Churches, that hold Infant-baptism?

I Answer You are not to follow an Apostle further than he followeth Christ, 1 Cor. 11.1. Fol­low me, as I follow Christ. Again, bring no Examples of good Men against an express word. You have an express word, Acts 8.12. When they believed they were Baptized, both Men & Women. Elias was a good man, he called for fire from Heaven, but we must not do so. Jehosaphat was a good King, but the High Places were not removed; follow no Example against a word, 1 Kings 22.42, 43. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil. Exod. 23.2.

Object. 8. 8. But there's not a word against Baptiz­ing Infants?

[Page 33] I Answer. Nadab and Abihu were burned with fire, because they did that the Lord commanded not, Lev. 10.2, 3. Again, if you mean by a word, an express word, then where have you a word, Thou shalt not baptize Bells, as you read in the Book of Martyrs they did? Where have you a word, saying, Thou shalt not use Spittle, Cream or Salt in Baptism, as the Roman Catholicks do? But you must know, it is enough against Infant-Baptism, it is not commanded.

Object. 9. 9. But were there not whole Families Ba­ptized?

I Answer. That it is expresly said, They all believed, Acts 16.34. He was baptized and all his, ver. 33. He rejoyced, beleiving in God with all his House, ver 34. Crispus the Chief Ru­ler, believed in God with all his House; and many of the Corinthians believed and were ba­ptized Acts 18.8. Lydia and all her House were baptized, Acts 16.15. Here's no men­tion of Husband or Children, whether she was a Maid or a Widdow; only they are called Brethren, ver. 40.

Object. 10. 10▪ Infants were once Church [...] Members, and we do not find they were cut off.

[Page 34] I Answer. That the natural Branches were broken off by their Unbelief; and if they come to believe, they may be grafted in again, but till then they are broken off, Rom. 11.20, 21. Again now in the Gospel, the Axe is laid to the root of the Tree; and every Tree that brings not forth good fruit, is cut down and cast into the fire, Mat. 3.9, 10. Therefore you must not think to say you have Abraham, or a Believer, for your Father; This is the sure Word of God. And thus you may see that the Sadduces were rejected, when they came for Ba­ptism, thinking to say, They had Abraham for their Father, Mat. 3.7, 8, 9. And further, Infants were Members of the Na­tional Church of the Jews: But where were they ever Members of a particular Church under the Gospel? When Infants were Members, then Servants that were bought with Money were all Members, Gen. 17.12. Which are not of thy seed: God now in the Gospel seeks such to Worship him, who Worship him in Spirit and in Truth, John 4.23. And further, there was then a middle Wall of Partition; but this mid­dle Wall of Partition is broken down, Eph. 2.14. And now God is no Respecter of Persons, but in every Nation, such as fear [Page 35] him▪ and work Righteousness, are accept­ed of him, Acts 10.34.35.

Object. 11. 11. But is the Priviledge of Believers Children, less under the Gospel than it was under the Law?

I Answer. What dost thou mean by Priviledge? was it a priviledge to be under the Law, or is it now a priviledge to be under the Gos­pel? or dost thou mean by priviledge to have the Promises which the Apostle tells us of, Rom 9.8. They which are Children of the flesh, are not the Children of Promise; or dost thou mean by Priviledge to par­take of the visible Ordinance of Circumci­sion? And is this such a priviledge which the Apostle, Acts 15.10. calls a yoke, that neither we nor our Fathers were able to bear, is this the priviledge thou mean­est?

Object. 12. 12. But the Seed was in Covenant? God made a Covenant with Abraham and his Seed.

I Answer. What dost thou mean by Covenant? dost thou mean the Covenant that was made on Mount Sinai, or a Covenant of Works? dost thou mean the Covenant of Grace, where­in [Page 36] God promiseth to be their God▪ and dost thou make this Covenant of Grace to be Conditional? And dost thou judge, that Ishmael, Saul, and Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and Ahaz, and all they, were in the Covenant of Grace? or dost thou judge they lost their Interest in the Covenant of Grace, and so indeed make it a Covenant of Works? Therefore consider, God did make a Covenant with Abraham and his natural Seed, to give them the Land of Ca­naan, Gen. 17.7, 8. but as to the Promise of Life and Salvation, this was made to A­braham and his spiritual Seed, Gal. 3.16. Now to Abraham and his Seed were the Pro­mises made; he saith, not unto Seeds, as of many; but as of one, to thy Seed, which is Christ. If you will believe this Text, there's little difficulty in the Objection, Rom. 9.8. The Children of Promise are counted for the Seed.

Object. 13. 13. But they were so far in the Covenant, as to give them a Right to the Ordi­nance?

I Answer. Circumcision was entail'd on Abraham and his Seed, and his Servants; but where is Baptism intailed, upon Believers natu­ral Seed?

[Page 37]The Priesthood by a Covenant was en­tailed on the Tribe of Levi and their Seed, as you may read, Josh. 18.7. Num. 25.13. will you now entail the Ministry on Preachers and their natural Seed? But as to the point of Baptism, were there not many that came to be Baptized? and John said, Think not to say you have Abraham for your Father, Mat. 3.9. clearly shewing that their Carnal Right was cut off by the Gospel. Now the Axe is laid to the Root of the Tree, every Tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewen down and cast into the fire. And note further, Abraham had a word for to warrant his circumcising his Seed; but where is there a word for Ba­ptizing Infants?

Object. 14. 14. But Christ said, suffer little Children to come to me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.

I Answer. The Text tells you plainly, they were not brought to be baptized, but that Christ might lay his hands on them, and pray for them, Mat. 19.13. Mark 10.16. Here's nothing of Baptism.

Object. 15. 15. But 'tis said, Acts 2.39. The Pro­mise is to you and to your Children.

[Page 38] I Answer. Do so much justice to thy own Soul [...] to read the whole Text; and you sh [...] find, that it is said, The Promise is to y [...] and to your Children, and to all that are [...] far off, even as many as the Lord our G [...] shall call: Here you see it is to such as are called. Now if you say this word Call re­lates not to the Children, but to them that are afar off. I Answer, it must needs relate to the Children and their Parents, and all afar off, because it is the Promise, ver. 16, 17. this is that which is spoken of by Joel the Prophet, I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh, on your Sons and Daugh­ters, Joel 2.28. on the Remnant whom the Lord shall call, ver. 32. Now if the Pro­mise of the Spirit be to Children, though not called; then either the Promise doth fail; and that's a fearful thing to think; or else all the Children of Believers do partake of this glorious Spirit; but the contrary dayly experience shews, that many of Believers Children are Carnal, not having the Spirit; and it is fulfilld only to such, whom the Lord our God shall call

Object. 16. 16. But I have been Baptized in my Infan­cy therefore what need I be Baptized again?

[Page 39] I Answer. As one saith of Marriage, It is not the [...]ed that makes Marriage, for then forni­ [...]ation is Marriage, but a lawful consent by Covenant, that makes Marriage. So I say of Baptism, it is not Water thrown on the face that makes Baptism; but it is a free consent and subjection to Christ ac­cording to the Rule, that makes Baptism; Now when thou wast an Infant thou gavest no consent, thou canst not tell of any such thing but by report; thou knowest not when it was, thou hadst no Faith in the Act. And what ever is not of Faith is sin, so that thou art not yet baptized. Again, consider what defects have been in thy In­fant-Baptism? First, there was no Rule to baptize thee while an Infant. Then thou wast not a right subject, for thou oughtst to believe and be baptized: then thou wast only sprinkled, not buried in baptism, as Christ was and hath command­ed; Now wilt thou call that baptism which was only a Tradition received from thy Fore-Fathers, when the Lord Jesus did shed his most precious blood to redeem thee from the Tradition of thy Fore-Fathers, 1 Pet. 1.18, 19?

Object. 17. 17. But many lay so much stress on Ba­ptism, [Page 40] as makes us more backward to it

I Answer. Is there more stress laid by any than Christ? who said they rejected the Counc [...] of God against themselves, not being bapti­zed, Luk. 7.29, 30. And is it not our duty, to contend for the faith once delivered to the Saints?

Object. 18. 18. But the Children of Believers are holy, therefore they ought to be baptized.

I Answer. As it is said the Children are holy, so it is said the unbelieving Husband is holy, or sanctified by the believing Wife. This Ho­liness is wholly to the use of Marriage, for the Apostle is in that place, (1 Cor. 7.) speaking of Marriage, and whether those who have believed should live with unbe­lieving Husbands, or put them away, as 1 Cor. 7.13. So that the Holiness here spo­ken of, it is wholly to their use; it is said, Zach. 14.20. There shall be Holiness on the Horses Bells, and every Pot in the Lords House sh [...]ll be Holy. Now do you think this was a sufficient warrant to baptize Bells, as you ma [...] read they did in the Book of Martyrs? [...] being holy for the use of the By [...] Sanctified by [...] [...]ayer, 1 Tim. 3.4 5. [Page 41] And to the Pure, all things are Pure, Tit. 1.15. That is, to their use: Thus Child­ren are holy, and unbelieving Husbands are sanctified to their use; But if you think, Believers Children are inherently holy, doth not your experience tell you the con­trary? do not we see good Men have un­godly Children, and bad Men have holy Children? so that they are only holy for their use, they are not born in uncleanness.

Object. 19. 19. When they were formerly circumcised, Men of years were circumcised; but after­wards Infants were circumcised; so in the Gospel, when Baptism was first administred, Men and Women were baptized, but after­wards Infants were Baptized.

I Answer. When God first commanded Circumci­sion he commanded that it should be admi­nistred to Children, Gen. 17.10. every Man-child; but when Christ commanded Baptism, he commanded that persons should be taught, and that they should believe and be baptized; and never gave a Command to baptize Children. Then consider we have the Lives and Acts of the Apostles and Primitive Churches for divers years, and not one Infant baptized. Paul was converted sometime after Christs Ascensi­on, [Page 42] and was fourteen years in Christ, Cor. 12.2. In these fourteen years sure some Children were born, yet not one baptized that we read of.

Object. 20. 20. They were Heathens that were bapti­zed in the Apostles days.

I Answer. Was the Lord Jesus a Heathen? he was baptized. The Eunuch a Worshipper of the true God. Cornelius, a man whose Prayers and Alms came to God for a Memorial, were these Heathens? Nay, do not those who baptize Infants, baptize Heathens? Eph. 2.3. We are the Children of wrath by Nature: It is you that plead for the bapti­zing Heathens, we plead for the baptizing Believers.

Object. 21. 21. But Paul saith, 1 Cor. 1.17. Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach.

I Answer. That Paul did baptize, 1 Cor. 1.14, 15. He baptized Crispus and Gaius, and the Houshold of Stephanas, and divers others. Now what he did, he did by Commission or Presumption; but he did it not by Presum­ption, therefore he did it by Commission; he was sent to preach. Baptism fell in as a part of his Preaching Office; Philip was [Page 43] chosen a Deacon, yet he baptized the Eu­nuch, Baptism fell in as part of his work, Acts 8. so that he that is called to be a Preacher, needs no call to baptize, the other falls in as his work.

Object. 22. 22. But there were three thousand baptized in one day, how could all these be dipped in one day? they might be sprinkled, but not dipped.

I Answer. They might well be dipped, for there were twelve Apostles, and seventy Disci­ples, as Luke 10.1. that is eighty two; these might well baptize three thousand in a day.

CHAP. IX. Believers-Baptism and Infant-Baptism compared.

CHAP. X. Plain Scriptures concerning Baptism with­out any human consequence from Mans Wisdom.

CHAP. XI. Considerations by way of Conclusion.

1. COnsider that when souls are asham'd, then God will shew them the Ordi­nances and forms of his House, Ezek. 43 11. The Gospel Church hath its forms.

2. Consider when God gives any soul a new heart, it is to fit him for Gods Ordi­nances, Ezek. 11 19, 20. I will give them a new spirit, and I will take away the heart of stone, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my Statutes, and keep my Or­dinances and do them.

3. Consider what a danger it is to resist an Ordinance of God; read Rom. 13.2. Luke 7.29, 30. They rejected the Coun­cel of God, not being baptized

[Page 51]4. Consider what Judgments have at­tended the changing of Gods Ordinances, Isa. 24.1. Behold, the Lord maketh the Earth empty, and turneth it upside down; there's a change, but why, ver. 5. They have changed the Ordinance; when Christ commands to Believe and be baptized; and men baptize Infants who do not believe whether this be a change of the Ordinance, judg ye?

5. Consider, what fell on Nadab and Abihu the sons of Aaron. Lev. 10.1, 2. They offered what the Lord commanded not: it was not forbidden; but that's not enough, 'twas not commanded; Infant-Baptism is not forbidden, but it is what the Lord commanded not.

6. Consider if what thou didst receive in thy Infancy was no Baptism, and thou hast not been baptized since, then thou livest in the neglect of a great Gospel Ordi­nance: wilt thou call that Obedience which was not thy Act, and had not thy consent, nor thou knowest not of, nor canst remem­ber when it was done, and thou hadst no faith in? and wilt thou call that baptism that was not of thy obedience, but thy Pa­rents will?

7. Consider that the Ordinances must be kept as they were delivered, 1 Cor. 11.2. [Page 52] But Baptism was delivered to Believer [...] and not to Infants. God did indeed deli­ver Circumcision to Infants, but never d [...] deliver Baptism to Infants.

8. Consider, that many who have n [...] been Baptized since they believed, do d [...] ny Baptism to their Children: Let m [...] ask such, if their own Infant-baptism wa [...] sufficient to them, if they do deny it t [...] their Children? why do they reckon the own Infant-baptism sufficient? — Ho [...] long halt ye between two opinions?

9. Consider, that it is without all doubt Believers were Baptized, Acts 8.12. The Baptizing of Infants (at the best) is by a doubt; Infant-baptism hath been oft disputed, but when was Believers Baptis [...] disputed? It is in very words expre [...] They believed and were Baptized. Now is not better to go in an undoubted way, the in a dark way?

10. Consider, there are multitudes Examples of Believers Baptism; see pa [...] 11. of this Book; but there's not one Example of Infant-baptism.

11. Consider if the salvation of thy so didly upon this question, Whether we Believers Baptized, or were Infants bapti [...] ed? wouldst thou not say, surely Belie [...] ers?

[Page 53]12. Consider, as Birth-right gave a right to Circumcision under the Law, so Birth-right gave right to the Priesthood.

Now you would entail Baptism without a word to the Believers seed, why then will you not entail the Ministry unto the seed of Ministers? Would it not be strang Logick, to say, the Preachers seed under the Gospel, have less priviledg than the Priest's under the Law?

13. Consider, that we are not to think of any above what is written, 1 Cor. 4.6. Now if Infant-baptism be not written as an Ordinance, do not judge it to be an Ordi­nance.

14. Consider that Christ was faithful in all his House, Heb. 3.5, 6. If it had been his Fathers Will that Infants should have been Baptized, surely he would have been so faithful as to have left us one word in his Blessed Scriptures.

15. Consider, Moses the servant of the Lord did all according to the Pattern shew­ed in the Mount, Exod. 25.40. and shall not the servants of the Lord do all accord­ing to the Pattern he hath shewed to us in the New Testament? the Pattern left on record is, They believed and were Baptized, Acts 8.12.

16. Consider, whether those who do so [Page 54] depend on their consequences without a plain Text, will grant Papists and others the same consequences, for Altars, Surpli­ces, &c. seeing all is to be done decent­ly; And they say, Surplices are decent, Railes about the Tables are decent, &c?

17. Consider, that seeing the Scripture is so exact, in setting down the several circumstances of Persons Baptized, Acts 16.13, 14. the time, the Sabbath, the place, by a River side; the Custom, Pray­er was wont to be made; the Company, Wo­men; the Name, Lydia; the Trade, a Seller of Purple; place of abode, as the Ci­ty of Thyatira, her Religion, a Worship­per of God; her Action, She heard Gods Word; the Lord opened her heart: the In­strument, words spoken by Paul. So Acts 16.27, 28, 29, 30, so many circumstanc­es, but not one word in any place expres­sed, that ever any Infant was Baptized; why should it be left out, were it Gods Will it should be done?

18. Consider, there is but one Law-giver who is able to save and to destroy, James 4.12. The Lord is our Judge, The Lord is our Law-giver, Isa. 33.22. Now where hath this Lord given a Law for Baptizing In­fants? This one Law-giver hath not giv­en one Law for the Baptizing Infants.

[Page 55]19. Consider, whether Baptizing In­fants, Godfathers, and Godmothers, the Cross in Baptism, the Promises and Vows made for Children, were not all brought in by Humane Invention, at the same time or on the same Reasons?

20. Consider, whether it be safe to ad­mit of Consequences against an express Rule? Mat. 28.19. Teach and Baptize.

21. Consider, whether those who Ba­ptize Infants, will not have it said to them by the Lord one day? as in Isa. 1.12. Who hath required these things at your hands?

22. Consider, whether any of the Gos­pel-Ordinances hath so many plain words as Believers Baptism [...]?

23. Consider, whether being Baptized be not a justifying God, and on thy part thou not being Baptized, dost not reject the Councel of God? Luke 7.29, 30.

24. Consider, whether such as hold In­fant-baptism do not Preach Baptism to be a Sign of Regeneration, and whether all or any Infants Baptized are Regenerat­ed?

25. Consider, whether those who have not respect to all Gods commands will not one day be ashamed? Psal. 119.6.

26. Consider, whether Abraham durst [Page 56] circumcise his child without a word of Command, then how darest thou Baptize a child without a word?

27. Consider, whether we are not to press after the purity of Ordinances, and whether those Ordinances which have the express Rule, are not most Pure?

28. Consider, whether they and only they shall not have the Well-done at Christ's coming, who have done what he hath commanded, and as he hath command­ed?