I Shall not trouble my self, nor you, much a­bout the Subjects of Baptism now; Whe­ther Infants, or the Adult only, are to be Baptiz'd: Because you are Mon and Women, and grown up Persons, to whom I now apply my self; and who are with too great Acrimo­ny, and very severe Censures, contending about the manner of Baptizing. We who (blessed be God) own, and our purblind Brethren who dis­own, Infant Baptism, are agreed as one Man in this, That all Unbaptized Persons, young or old, ought to be Baptized. I now bring (I hope) not a drop of Oil, but much Water to quench these Flames. It is a common Cant among too many [Page 4]paper-headed Men, That none should be Baptized till they come to the Years of Discretion; but if we read some of their Scrible, and hear some of their Chats, would they had stay'd till then, the Controversy might the sooner be ended.

According to your desire, My worthy Friend Mr. Keith, I appear to prove, Not so much-that the word [...] (to Baptize) signifys to Plunge only; (they are in a Dream that affirm it, and with me it is an idle Question;) but other things. Yet to do our Plungers (vulgar­ly so) right and equity, I do acknowledge, that one place urged against them by (otherwise lear­ned) Pedobaptists is ignorantly, unlearnedly, and foolishly urged, Mark 4. the first part of the 7th Ver. [...]. And when they came from the Market they eat not, we read, and that congruously, except they wash. These Men Criticise, except they are Wash'd or Baptiz'd; For, say they, the Word is the Passive Voice, not Active. O mise­rable Grecians! It is neither; but the Mean Voice; the first Aorist of the Subjunctive Mood from [...], the first Future of the Indica­tive. Yet I acknowledge other Places well urged by these Lights, as Hebr. 9.11. There were, says St. Paul, [...]. among the Jews, many Washings or Baptisms; and among the rest, Sprinkling with Blood. Now if Sprinkling with Blood were a Baptism. Sprinkling with Water is so. In the 8th of Numbers, and in the 19th Chap. of that Book, they were said to be Clean, by Sprinklings on them; and those Sprinklings were some of their Washings or Baptisms. [Page 5]Also those Worthies do well and unanswerably urge, Mark 4.7. the latter part of that Verse; where we read of the Baptizing of Beds and Boards, &c. were they Wash'd or Baptiz'd by being plunged into Water, or Water poured on them? But there is one place, which our Eagle Ey'd Men urge, tho' some too often in this Controversy forget it, that doth knock this Di­spute in the Head. Luke. 11.38. When the Pharisee invited Christ to Dine with him, He wonder'd, [...] that he was not Wash'd or Baptiz'd before Dinner. Did he won­der that a Man he brought just before into his House, had not been plunged all over before he sate down to Meat? No, but that he did, not what is expressed else­where, wash his Hands before Dinner. Now this Argument, I dare aver, is Irrefragable. If a Man may be said to be Baptized, when his Hands only were wash'd, he may be said to be Baptized when his Face only is wash'd: Is there any Proposition in Euclid more evident? To say this is Synecdochical, and so f [...] as they were Baptiz'd (or Wash'd) they were Baptized. Why Sirs, are you Men? Will not this Answer serve us, as well as you? Away with such Childish Sub­terfugies (they washt Hands by pouring). 2 K. 3.11. As great Folly is it to tell us, with inflexible confidence, That all Criticks in their Lexicons and Comments tell us, that the word Baptize, fignifys only to Plunge or Dip. Were it true, as it is notoriously false, I cared not, when sa­cred Writings tell us so plainly the contrary, as if written with a Sun Beam, and every one that [Page 6]can understand his Greek Testament, may run and read it. I am even Sick of any Question a­bout this; and crave Excuse I have taken any Notice of it. My Work to you, Good Mr. Keith, and the Reformed Quakers, and to all the Bap­tized Congregations in England (and Dipt ones too) is to prove.

First, That John the Baptist, and Peter the Apostle, solemnly declare to all they Baptized, to all the Spectators, and by them to us, and to all Men to the end of the World, That when they Baptized such a vast Concourse, and so ma­ny Thousands, that they plunged not a Man of them.

Secondly, That therefore Plunging is contrary to the Doctrine of Baptism, and is no lawful Baptism; but a Human or Diabolical Invention, a Breach, a notorious Breach, an intolerable Breach of the sixth and seventh Commandment, and to be abhor'd, not only by all serious Chri­stians, but sober Men and Women.

Thirdly, That if Plunging were a Duty, and a Command of Christ, our Dippers practice it not, but are Transgressors as well as we, hardly doing their Work by halves; And this will we do, if God permit.

I. That John the Baptist, and Peter the A­postle, declare, They Plunged not when they Baptized.

Luke says, [...]. Luke 3.16. John said, I Baptize you with Water. So we well and truly, and gramatically read the Text, I Baptize you with Water; He that cometh after me, says the same [Page 7]holy Mouth and golden Oracle, [...]. shall Baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with Fire:

Now I thus Argue:

1st, He that saith, He Baptizeth, strickly and properly, with Water; doth here declare, He Plungeth not into Water. Is it Sense thus to say, I plunge you with Water? Now Luke leaves out the Preposition ( [...]) in this Verse; therefore I cite this place principally. Thus this great Schollar, and Grecian, and beloved Pllysician, I have observed, doth in this his Gospel, and also in his Acts of the Apostles, Acts 1.5. And he brings in Peter's Saying, about the Baptism of Cornelius, with Water, without any Preposition, ( [...] without [...]) Acts 11.16. Now here Peter and John embrace each other, both disown here Plunging. Who can construe this Greek Sen­tence, [...], I Plunge you with Wa­ter? No, but as we do, and they too, I Baptize you with Water. Now Luke wrote good Greek, as well as Matthew, that puts in the Preposition ( [...]); yet he, and others, cannot be read, I Bap­tize you in Water; for this is common for with, to give but one pregnant Example: If any be so weak as to doubt it, Ephes. 6.2. Honour thy Father and thy Mother, which is the first Com­mandment with Promise; [...]. so we well and truly read it. Not the first Com­mandment in the Promise, but with Promise; for the Commandment was not in the Promise, but the Promise in the Commandment. But this is so common in the Greek Tongue, that no Man that under­stands [Page 8]this rich and copious Language, can doubt it. But suppose the bare Phrase by it self were not so clear, yet it becomes so by its connexion with the next words; and therefore I put in here before, for greater Security. Now, as John says, I indeed Baptize you with Water; He that cometh after me, is mightier than I, the Latchet of whose Shoes I am unworthy to unloose; the same shall Baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with Fire.

I hence Argue thus:

II. John so Baptized with Water, as Christ with the Holy Ghost and with Fire: and Christ so Baptized with the Holy Ghost and with Fire, as John Baptized with Water. [...]. Now the Proposition ( [...]) is always put in here; yet this cannot be read in or in­to, but with the Holy Ghost and with Fire. Now let us turn to Acts 2.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. ver. &c. In the days of Pentecost was this Promise fulfill'd. And I pray all to lay a­side Passion, and read soberly, and see what Light that may give in this case about the man­ner of John's Baptisin, whether by Effusion or Plunging. The House was fill'd with Wind, but when? When they were together in one place, with one accord. Now observe, The Wind was poured on them, not they drove or plunged into it; and did this Wind reach any more than their Faces, or visible Parts? Our Plungers tell us, The Water must touch all. The Fire lighted on them, or sate on them, visibly. Observe, they were not thrown into the Fire; were they? I no more believe John threw his [Page 9]Hearers into the Water, than Christ, in the days of Pentecost, threw those Believers into the Fire. But that which puts the matter out of all doubt with me, is Peter's citing the Prophecy of Joel with a Then was fulfil'd; I will pour of my Spirit, is mentioned twice, [...]. on your Sons and Daughters; your young Men shall see Visions, and your old Men shall dream Dreams. (This is another Proof, by the way, that Baptize signifys to pour.)

Now, you that are Baptized, and you that are Dipt, I pray you, I adjure you, soberly, and in the fear of God, laying aside Pride, Wrath, or Considence, compare Mat. 3.11, and Acts 2.17. [...]ead carefully, The Promise and its Per­formance, the Sign, and this Thing signified, John's Literal Baptisin, and Christ's Spiritual Baptism, and you may easily know, how John Baptized with Water, as Christ Baptized with the Holy Ghost, and with Fire: And this is said plainly (as plain as words can make it) That it was done by Effussion or Pouring, not by Im­mersion or Plunging, I may say as the Prophet, Who is Blind as my Servant? if you see it not. For

1. Here is an excellent Analogy: How im­proper had it been for John to fay, I Plunge you into Water, and Christ shall pour the Spirit and Fire on you. Therefore in John's Baptism was there an Application of Water to the Persons; not the Persons to the Water.

2. We are not said to be applied to the Blood of Christ; but the Blood of Christ to be appli­ed to us: Nor to be immersed into the Graces of the Spirit; but they poured on us. There­fore [Page 10]I take their Dipping to be Unlawful, as well as Plunging (the Difference I shall soon discover). When we are said to be Baptized in­to one Spirit, it speaks only of a Relation, not Manner of a Thing; as when a Man is said to be Baptized into such a Church, by some Men; tho by the way, I understand not Mens be­ing Baptized into such a particular Church, and so ordain'd to such a particular Church only; when they are Members of another Church, must they have another Baptism? And when some are Pastors on removal, must they have another Ordination? Into what particular Church was Paul, the Eunuch, or Jaylor, Bap­tized into? But not to digress.

But now the Canons are mounted up, and roar. Many Objections some think cannot be Answered about my Assertion of John s Bap­tism. It is Objected,

1st, It is proper to say, I Overwhelm you with Water, if not, I Plunge you with Water; and the word Baptize, may be translated to Overwhelm.

Yes, if I pour Water on a Man, or cover him this way with it, I Overwhelm him with Wa­ter; but if I throw him into the Water (and not the Water on him) I Overwhelm him in or into the Water.

2dly, But say others, John Baptized [...] into ordain, Mark. 1.9.

But Mark before ver. 5. and Matthew say in Jordain, as we read and that pro­perly. John I hope went into Jor­dain, [...]. was he plunged too? This [...] is many times only in, not into, Matth. 28.19, 20. Go you therefore, and teach all Na­tions, Baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. In the Name, not into, [...]. with Mr. Ball's (Catechism) leave; and the Quakers Paraphrase, to prove the Bap­tism to be Spiritual. But is Spiritual Baptism the Work of Man? No; but of the Spirit: And Water Baptism is the Work of Man. But where is Spiritual Baptism, or Sanctifying Work said to be into the Name of God? O [...]ard Phrase! Other places may be urged, when Occasion is. Mark 1.9. shews John Baptized [...]ot Christ when in Galilee; but when he came [...]o Jordain.

3. But that which is accounted the strongest Effort [...], That many Pedobaptists grant John Plunged; and that so did the Primitive Christians a long [...]me.

First, Not so many say so as you imagin.

Secondly, Some think when they read Anci­ [...]nt History, of them that Baptized in such a River, that they Plunged: They that so mistake Scripture, no wonder if they do Eccle­ [...]astical History. I once liv'd in a Town where [...] a River, and there, as is said of Enon, were [...] [Page 12]many Waters, [...]. no Convenience was there to Plunge; as Gecgraphers say, Is not in Enon. I often thought when I walked by the River, which was not seldom, that had I been the Instrument in the Hand of God, or any other been so, and they all had been baptized by Effusion; I doubt not, we had all gone down into that River for our Convenience, and yet never have thought of such a nasty Trick as Plunging. Yet some would have ask'd, What did you do there? As Foolish to ask, What did John do in Jordain? I pray did you never go into the Water for no other end, but to be Plunged there (not to Swim with your Heads above Water) nor to wash only your Feet? I pray what had John to do in the Wilderness? Go there, eat Locust and wild Honey; as well as choose a River for Baptism In neither was John to be a President for us.

III. The Transmarine Anabaptist, though so fierce against Infant-baptism, yet are one with me in this point; and so some here in England The Dutch Anabaptist lately wrote to the Eng­lish ones, to know, Why they Plunge. — For they disown it, and plead for pouring, as I do May not I as well urge their Authority against them, as they some Commentators against me.

IV. I cared not if many more granted John Plunged, if I prove he declares he did not: I believe John's Words, not their horrid Exposi­tion.

I therefore soberly (not as a Doubter, as i [...] many things; O that all were as clear!) I say I soberly ask, without intemperate Heat [Page 13]but with burning Zeal mixed with Love.

1. What were John's and Peter's Arms and Legs made of? Of Flesh and Bone, or Wood and Stone, to stand, and embrace, and plunge [...]o many? Mat. 3.5. All Jerusalem, all Judea, all the Regions round about Jordain, were bap­tized: So when Three Thousand were baptized by Peter in one Day, he had not much time to do it in, considering his Antecedent and Conse­quent Work. For my part, I should have read the History of John's and Peter's Baptism a thou­sand times over, before I should have thought of such an ill lookt thing as Plunging, had I not heard of some that dreamt of it. Either they were plunged with their Cloaths on; (if so, then indeed had they lookt like Men full of new Wine: All must have smil'd, and I think the gravest of themselves.) Or they were plunged with their Cloaths off: They were then guilty of Immodesty. Peter's Converts never thought of being baptized when they came out, and so brought no change of Cloaths; if they had, there could be no putting on, without putting off. What! Men and Women seen naked before all Persons, young and old? Wet Cloaths next to the Body is dangerous, in all Places, to most Persons; but I suppose their Bodies were made of, no Man knows what. Did Christ indeed de­liver from the Yoke of Bondage, and take away so many easy things comparitavely to Plunging, and bring under this [...]oke? Bread and Wine are things grave and decent in the other Sacrament, and, I doubt not, so must Washing be in this, without change of Cloaths, without strong Li­quors, [Page 14]to fortify against the Danger of a Go­spel Ordinance.

4. Some others Object, There must be Plun­ging on another Account, if you have a Baptism that answers some of the ends of Baptism, that is not enough. Ʋnless it answers all the ends of Bap­tism, it is not right. Now we are said, Rom. 6.4. to be buried with Christ in Baptism.

1. Prove, if you can, that those words have any Relation to the Form of Baptism; but to the Confession of Sin, the Person baptiz'd made, see Mat. 3.6. Confession of Sin, we are said elsewhere to be dead with Christ, and risen with Christ, where not a word is mentioned of Wa­ter Baptism; by which we understand Mortifi­cation and Vivification. Thus Men deny others Symbolical Signs, and yet make some to them­selves.

2. Yet, were it so not to say what others have well done of the Jows way of Burials, (as we read of Joseph of Arimathea, &c.) our Form of Baptizing more represents a Burial than theirs.

When we bury a Man, do we drive him or plunge him into the Earth, or pour Earth up­on him? Comparisons run not on all four. I am under a Necessity of taking up this, and a sew Passages more, I have written in other Books.

Pardon me, Reader, I use not to offend this way, I cannot help it this once.

When any Anabaptist goes down into the Wa­ter, I wish he would remember the words of God, by the Prophet, to them that went down into Egypt, Oh do not this abominable thing my Soul hates. This is a Breach of the sixth and seventh Commandment, which forbids all Tem­ptations, Incentives, unnecessary Actions that have a tendency to it (besides the God and Man provoking Sin of some that deny their true Baptism)

What is the reason that more Frenehers a­mong the Anabaptists long professing Religion, should at last fall more before one particular Sin, than other Ministers? As I have observed where Providence hath cast me. I speak not now of young Men, but Men of Years, I verily be­lieve, nay, I doubt it not, they got their Infe­ction by embracing the fair Sex: Would I were sure Mr. T. got none of his there. Mrs. Roe of Bristol, for Twenty Years or more, confessed to her Husband, to all Ministers, and me among the rest, and to good Mr. Fairclough (who men­tioned it, in my hearing, in the open Pulpit), That one of the first Plungers there at Baptist-Mill (for so is the place called) frequently lay with the Women he plunged; with her in par­ticular, which made her go up and down as a Terror to her self. I call the great God to re­cord, I mention not this Story on any Design against the Anabaptist; but to cure them of this Evil, if there may be hope. I doubt not the Piety of many of them. He that had the Va­nity of writing himself lately Medicinae Doctor Academia Cantabrigiensis, to make himself look [Page 16]bigger after the Portsmouth Weights, had deba­sed themselves to cope with him, talks like a lit­tle piece of Infallibility about Plunging. He is (I confess) a Man of Parts, that is to say, for a Taylor, or a Mandamus Doctor by a Popish King, who could make Taylors Quack-Physi­cians, as well as Coach-men Justices in some places. We are told, All the Ancients plun­ged; How long have some Men been acquain­ted with Lactantius, Origen, Socrates Schol. Eusebius, and other ancient Writers? I am sor­ry for the Book of his Whoredoms and Drunk­eness, printed by a Dipper. I sear D. R. got his Infection in the Water. Mr. Danvers (or if you will Mrs. Danvers) Collections may serve, some Men; or will Clark's Lives serve the turn? who wanted somewhat else besides a good Stile, and is unfit for the Learned. He leaves out re­markable Passages in Lives, and names trite ones. I pray, when Austin the Monk baptized Ten Thousand in one Day, were they plunged all, so many Saxons, in the River Swall?

I pray, Brethren, when you embrace young Maids and Women in the Water, remember one place of Scripture, which I will make good to be an excellent place against plunging such Women, Lead us not into Temptation; and then I hope you will never thus go down there more.

My way is now plain to my second Assertion.

Second, That Plunging is contrary to the Do­ctrin of Baptism, and is no lawful Baptism. Is it true, that Baptism is a Washing with Water in the Name of the Father, Baptizatio aqua? [Page 17]Then not into Water-Baptism signifys a Sprink­ling with the Blood of Christ, a Washing of the Spirit, a pouring of it, &c.

I pray all Pedobaptists, when they baptize Persons grown up, not to put their Heads into Basons or Fonts; tho' I do not say, they that do it should be baptized again; no, nor if plun­ged Head and Ears, for Quod fieri non dobet factum valet, but fiert non debet still. I hope, by this time, I have convinced some of them, who have granted Plunging to be a lawful Ba­ptism, though not a necessary one. I say, it is not a lawful one; Plunging is not of God, I would be bound to make it good, that it a­mounts to a Demonstration, or that which is next to it, That God never sent such Reformers of Reformed Churches, who [...]led to the best of Ministers, Repent and be plunged, whose Whoredoms, Murders and Blasphemies were the worst acted under the Sun, as J. of Leyden, &c.

I cannot but, with the highest Indignation imaginable, think of some Plungers, who shall tell us, Such Criticks of ours say, Baptizo signi­fys to plunge or dip, and there stop; when they tell us, Or other ways of Washing, and cite Mat. 3.11. for one. Oh! No Protestant would so serve a Romish Priest, nor perhaps a Romish Priest a Protestant. I could tell a woful Story, when some once appeal'd to Hollyock. Tho' he since would prove it by Miracles and Cures of Sick Persons thus planged. 1. Do not lie for God. 2. Nor put that for a Cause that is none. How many Infants baptized when almost dead have recovered? 3. We are sure of the contra­ry. [Page 18]4. I know more learned Anabaptists than one, that tell us, Going down in the Water at any tir [...] a cure for many Diseases, the Blood run­ning to its Center.

• 1. Where are their Wonders then?
• 2. Why do not their Physician plunge for Distempers?
• 3. Why are they so shy of Profession of Faith generally in Frost and Snow?

Thirdly, Now I come to that which may oc­casion the greatest Wonder at the first hearing but is as easy to prove as any Proposition before That if Plunging were a Duty, the Anabaptis [...] practise it not.

Never knew I a greater Gulph between Prin­ciples and Practice than here: Did Christ indeed give them a Commission to Plunge, and d [...] they only Dip? There is a great difference be­tween these two, as I have proved elsewhere Dip thy Morsal with me in the Dish. To plun [...] in Butter or Vinegar many things we decent dip there, would turn the Stomacks of we [...] bred Persons, and make them loath us as nas [...] Beasts. Joseph's Coat was dipt in the Blood a Kid, not plunged sure; there was not Blo [...] enough for this, neither had it lookt as t [...] Coat of one whom some evil Beast had devour.

Now no more can be call'd Baptism, th [...] what is the Baptizer's Work? The Person di [...] goes up half way often, or more, is he so fa [...] Sebaptist? Is every part defiled by Sin, and m [...] it be mortified by Grace, as the Anabaptists s [...] [Page 19]and therefore all be baptized? What a Mutilati­on is here of this Sacrament; as of the other in the Church of Rome; Doth the Bread without Wine make a Sacrament?

I have heard of some in the Country, that have been plunged by putting Men into a Pond in a Sheet tied to both ends. Now I grant there was Plunging indeed, but there were two Bap­tizers by the way, and one only baptized; an Unpresidenced Antiscriptural Thing. If it be ask'd, Did John Sprinkle? That is not the Question; he did not plunge. I know none that sprinkle, which is, strictly, throwing drops here and there. Can a bit of Bread, and a sip of Wine be call'd a Supper?

A late Writer comes now to my Hand, who asserts what I do of John's Baptism; I am glad to find him Harmonizing with me in this thing: we have both hit on many Phra­ses, which might make some think I had plow­ed with his Heifer; no, my Notion were the Result of free Thoughts, not many Months since; and for this Book, I never saw it till all my for­mer Work was finish'd. This Author says that which deserves Consideration, That it is strange, that if Baptism must be by Plunging, and this pra­ctised by John and the Apostles, How was it that this Ordinance had not taken its Name from [...] Bapto, which signifys to plunge or dip; but from [...] Baptizo, which never doth so. This Notion is, as [...] signifys, to Plunge or Dip, exclusive of all other ways of VVashing; so [...], its derivative, signifys otherways of VVashing, exclusive of Dipping or Plunging. [Page 20]So he challengeth any Man to name one place in Scripture, where [...] signifies to Plunge. That derivitiives in [...] in Greek loses much of their force. VVe know in Latin words ending in sco do, as Fervesco from Ferveo. But I may further consider this, if replied to. Tho' I de­clare, I shall not regard a Danvers or a Russel. No, false Historians; a poor Plea to say, The Wife did it; no Pretenders to Philology and Phi­losophy they understand not. I expect Mini­sters and learned Ones: If Mr. W. Collins be the Man chosen, as some say, I shall be glad to fall into the hands of a Man of so much worth, se­riousness and good temper, such as I can better admire than imitate. If Mr. Steed, Mr. Sten­net, or Men of known Learning and of good Report, Sound in our unhappy Controversies a­bout Doctrinals, and of untainted Loyalty, think fit to appear, I shall treat them with that Civility they deserve; and I desire that Intima­cy and dearness of Affection, that hath been between us, may continue; if not, it shall not be my fault. I pray them follow, if they ap­pear my Arguments, closely, and trouble me not with Authors, theirs or ours, I care not what. They say, my Enquiry is what John says, and what Men ought to say after him.

I hope, in time, to make it good at large, if I must do it, That John declares he plunged not, because he said he Baptized them, not Bapt: But what I have done already, is enough for once.

Now as Baptist, Baptize, and Baptism are de­rived from [...] Baptize, what woful Work is [Page 21]here for Men to usurp those words to them­selves, when they belong to us. Now, say I, they being Plungers Vulgariter, as before, must have their Denomination from [...] (Bapto). Then say I, they are Bapts, we are as Baptist; they Bapt, we Baptize; they Plunge, and have [...] Bammism, we Pour (or Sprinkle) and so have [...] Baptism. They that understand the Greek Tongue, know I thus derive right in these new Names.

O my Dear VVord Baptist, have I redeemed thee out of the hands of them that have led thee Captive! VVelcom in thine own Place and Land.

I know some Plungers who are angry with their Brethren for calling themselves Baptist, as [...]f, say they, Pedobaptist were against Baptism, or this Gospel-Ordinance. A worse thing is it to call one another Brother on this evil Practice, and not the best Men not so. Some of the late Men are almost Sick of such Fooleries; who are more judicious, more humble, more sober, and, I think, every way better Men and Christi­ons, and fitter for human Conversation than the old Men. Some of them would lift up Eyes to Heaven, if not Hands, walking in the Streets; who did this in the time of Christ? They would where I lived, in Prayer, Preaching, and Dis­course, say, for Lord God, Lard Gad, &c. Notes and Hourglasses, Black Cloaths, were Antichristian Things, as well as our Baptism and Singing of Psalms, and Ministers Mainte­nance. Blessed be God, many are much reco­vered. Oh! that the Leprosy were throughly [Page 22]healed. I pray them that are for that glorious Gosnel Institution of singing Psalms, that mo [...] resembles the eternal VVork in Heaven tha [...] any one Duty does on Earth, to consider often and urge it to their Friends that call it Balla [...] Singing. Whether Singing be not a Duty mentio­ned in the New Testament, distinct from Pray­er? Whether it must not be performed in ou [...] way, or some other? but they do it in no other. Therefore let them in this, Hath God appoin­ted an impracticable Duty, to tell us the Church hath been in Babylon, and therefore the Harp [...] must be hung up. That Singing and Praying are all one in the N. Testament, and yet afte [...] all say, The time is look'd for, when a Brother may be moved to stand forth and sing a Hymn [...] according to the ancient way, are strange Asser [...] ­tions and Contradictions. I know many well meaning Bapts, do believe the old Men more heavenly than these, because many of them talk'd oftner of Religion; who, perhaps, could talk of little else, and not tolerably well of that But to return from this Digression.

If it be ask'd, Is not Plunging practicable o [...] their Principles? Or, what would I do if of their mind? Be not angry, seeing you ask the Questi­on: I grant, I am not bound to plunge imme­diately with my own Hands, it is enough if i [...] be done mediately, by a certain Engin, what do we call it? where troublesom Persons are put who would willingly come out as soon as they can, and I would move it up and down by a Ro [...]e.

How odious is it to see Men over-valuing things on Mistakes? These Men have made as great an Idol of their Baptism, as some Presbyterian Ministers have of the Assemblies Catechism, that when they should-expound Scripture accor­ding to the Example of Ezra, who read the Law, and gave the Sense, and is, without all doubt, the best way of Preaching, better than Sermonizing it self, They expound forsooth that Catechism when the Law and Prophets, the Gospels and Epistles are never once expounded. Expound­ing in Bp. Hall's way in his Paraphrase; with some Observation after all in Willet's way, and others, would sooner be remembred, when the Chapters were afterwards read alone, or in the Family.

A suddain thought comes into my mind, Mat. 3.11. He that cometh after me, shall Baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with Fire, Acts 2.17. That was pouring of the Spirit. It is evi­dent, that Baptizing signifys Pouring, or else the words are not true.

ANd now Mr Keith, you see I have once more appeared for you I know most of you go to the Church of England, some to the Anabaptist, Love one another; bless that God that hath pluck'd you all (as Brands) out of the Fire.

I know some of you despise the Anabaptist, because of many of their ignorant Teachers.

I that know them, declare:

First, That I question not, the Bishops have often ordained Men more Ignorant.

Secondly, All Storys of the Anabaptists are not true, If some hear a piece of Dunstical Di­vinity, Oh! It is an Anabaptist presently; when perhaps not so.

If it be ask'd, How I came to be so favourable in this Controversy to them, who have been so keen against two sorts of Men owning Infant Baptism; and so, my Brethren, I declare, I look on the Controversy about Water Baptism, as nothing to that about Justification and Repentance. I look on a Calvinistical Conformist, and a Cal­vinistical Anabaptist, more as Brethren, than a Calvinistical and an Arminian Conformist are so; or a Calvinistical and Arminian Anabaptist so. I had rather any Man tore my Cloaths than my Body. I declare, I find not any such Igno­rance among Anabaptist Preachers, that are un­learned according to the Cry of it. Mr. Benja­min Keach his late Book about the Change of the Sabbath, was approved of by the Arch-bishop, who desired to see him about it.

There are another sort of Men, that make wo­ful Work abroad. I will divert you with a Co­mical Story I lately heard of two Men, that set up for great Expositors of Scripture without Learning; but I could never hear they were A­nabaptists, nor believe they were. They ap­plied themselves to a worthy Divine, and told him of their Abilities this way; and desired him to try them. He asked them, What Trades they were of? One reply'd, A Vintner; the other, A Taylor. I hope, said he, I shall find you Men, though not Scholars, shall I not? Yes, Sir. I pray, Mr. Vintner, when you broach a Butt of [Page 25]Wine, what Bottles do you use? My old ones. I pray, Mr. Taylor, when you patch an old Garment, do you not sometimes [...]ut a new [...]ce? Yes. Then said he, I will prove, by Scripture you are no Men; for it is said, No Man putreth new Wine into old Bottles; nor put­teth a new piece of Cloth on an old Garment.

Any may imagine how these Reverend Expositors were confounded.

But it may be some Reformed Quakers may say, Have you not one Word to say for our Infants, who cannot speak for themselves? Many Adult Persons, now baptized, may have Infants, what shall they do?

1. It is certain, some Infants were elected, and shall be saved.

2. None can be fit for the Kingdom of Glory, that were not fit for the Kingdom of Grace.

3. It is evident, Children were once Members of the Church of God; who cast them out? not God, not Christ sure; none but Satan, and — did it:

4. In the New Testament all is confirm'd, Of such is the Kingdom of God. The Promise was to them; they are said to be Holy. The Sign of the Covenant of Grace was changed, Circumcision into Baptism. I need no more to know, who must be the Subjects of Baptism, whether Infants, than to know whether such were o [...] Circumcision.

I will shew one full place of Scripture for Infant Baptism: Be baptiz'd, every one of you; for the Promise is to you and to your Children, &c.

[Page 26] 5. As Christ proved the Resurrection of the Body to the Pharisees, not by p [...]n Scripture speaking of that matter, but by good Consequence, so might we. And some Men may as well keep their Wive, and grown up Daughters, from one Sacrament, as their Infants from the other, for want of a plain Instituti­on or Command, or however they will phrase it. Who cannot bring as plain Scripture as the afore-na­med, or Infant-Baptism, Acts 2.39.

6. If Infants be not within the Church, they are without; and so no visible way left for their Salva­tion.

I know some fiery Pedobaptists are angry with me for my Conversing with Anabaptists, and speaking so favourably of them, and tell me what Character one they had, tho' now grown better — Are they grown better? I would we were too.

Let none of us make an Idol of Baptism: Som [...] will not bury unbaptized Children, yet read Prayer over Brother Drunkard, Brother Swearer, Brother Whoremonger, or Brother Athiest. S me again, wi [...] not admit any to the Lord's Table but Dipt Persons which holy Mr. Jessy and honest John Bunnyan cou [...] not bear the thoughts of.

And now Mr. Keith and you Reformed Quaker gone to the Church of England, beware of such the who lay Infant Baptism on the power of the Church Magistrates. Oh! So Dr. Stilling fleet when an E [...] ­stian in his Irenicum; so Dr. Hicks in a printed S [...] ­mon of his; so I fear D. Barlow, notwithstanding [...] Complemental Letter to M. Wills. D. Tully told [Page 27]Friend of mine, That if D. B. had been search'd to the bottom, he was no Friend to any Baptism. So I think politick Jeremy Taylor, in his Liberty of Prophesy­ing, written in the Interregnum, to get a Toleration for the Prelatical Party, as he on the Return of the King pleaded. He designed to set us together by the Ears, he says indeed. We have more Reason on our side, but the Anabaptists more Scripture. A learned Distinction! He by Playing with Witticisms did the Anabaptists greater Service than they themselves. He made many go down into the Water, and had almost me for one in my younger Days. Some among you deny Original Sin, and yet baptize Infants according to your Liturgy. For as much as all Men are born in sin — And seeing this Child is Regenerate — What! that was never corrupted or defiled? But any thing for Tyth-piggs and Corn. Jer. Taylor was a notorious Dissembler here, and a Subscriber to the 39 Articles, tho' he denied Original Sin. The old Pelagians were not for Infant Baptism, nor could be; our new ones are indeed their Friends too much. You know, as well as I, many Anabaptist talk not now of Baal, Antichrist, Idolatry, when speaking of the Church of England. They acknowledge the Piety of many of that Communion: some occasionly hear and commend their Preachers. For M. Pendarvis his Arrows shot a­gainst Babylon. Mr. Brown his Jerubbad; with that place under the Title, If Raal be a God let him plead for himself; because one hath pull'd down his Altar. Would this Man challenge the God of the Church of Eng­land to come forth? He says, He that heareth the Pa­rish Priest heareth the Bishop; he that heareth the Bishop heareth the Pope: And (no doubt) he that heareth the Pope heareth the Devil; and say I, so he may, and never be the worse Man; for when do Popes preach I pray?

I knew a great Man, and good Schollar, among the Bapts, that got so many Colds by Dipping, that he would walk by the River and pronounce the Form of Baptism, and appoint a Deacon as his Substitute to Dip (and I believe many unknown to me have done the like). Now, how could this Man say, I Baptize thee? The unlearned Colonel Danvers very mannerly tells us, That when we say, I Baptize thee — we lye, because we Plunge not. Now, tho' I will have more manners than to say, this Man [...]ied; yet I will say, he told a notorious untruth. Should not these Men, on their Principles, keep the Person under the Water (tho' they do it not) whil'st they use this Form. And if this Ba [...]mism represent the Resurrection of Christ, as they say, should not the Persons rise out of the Water of themselves? be Active, not Passive, in this thing.

But about my Charge against Plunging Women. If it be said, Do not [...]ayl [...]rs take measure of them, &c? Yes, and Physicians and Surg [...]ons do more, to express all as modestly as I can: What therefore is necessary by the Law of God and Nature, must be done; but should other Men do to them, what Phy­sicians, Surgeons, and others must, they sinn'd; espe­cially, if they did this openly.

A Friend of mine told me, how a Kinswoman was invited to a Dipping; the Dipper and the Dipt were almost gone by the Stream: There was such a Cry, the Woman was content with her old Baptism.

You see I have taken a Method with the Anabap­tist, none else hath done, that I know of: I therefore applied my self to the learnedst Pedobaptist in this City, who approved of what I have done. I com­municated these Things also to the most Learned, Or­thodox, [Page 29]Pious and Well-tempered Anabaptists here, to know their Objections; I thank them for their Civility. If I hate their Cause, I certainly know, I love their Persons. I suffer'd once about a Year and halfs Confinement (which cost me about an hundred pounds) occasioned by Visiting a great Man of that Perswasion in Goal.

I have not now applied my self directly to them, but to you Mr. Keith. My Work is not so much to pull down their Altars, as to strengthen our own I hope this Consideration may content them; if not, it doth me. Can we not manage a Controversy among our selves, for fear of offending them? I owe them, nor any Man else, any such Service. They, seme of them, can set on us directly, not only in Print, but in our Meetings.

I do declare, I intend not to answer every sawey malepert, little Man, that shall set on me in a Coffee-House, or elsewhere; but am ready to meet any wise Men, whether Scholars or not.

If any of your Clergy do, as some say, put a few drops on the Child's Face; tho' I will not deny it to be a Baptism, any more than a few drops of Wine and crumbs of Bre [...]d (tho' indecently and irregularly thus taken) to be the other Sacra [...] or the Lord's Sup­per: Yet I take it to be a way unsuitable, and an un­warrantable Practice.

I cannot but wonder at Mr. Lesly, and many great Men of the Church of England, that often call our [...]apts Baptists, it is a Scruple to me so far to Counte­nance their Error, and Censure our selves. I know I [...]ove their Persons much better than he. In the place [Page 30]I have often call'd Noah's Ark, are good-tempered, discreet, serious Bapts, who are dear to me, as I to them. They are the best Person to be Examples of Temper and Moderation I ever knew; they do not grow shve one of another, or refuse occasional Con­verse; as some other Contenders do. I value them more than som others against whom I have written. Had two Men liv'd when Men were more devout than discreet, particularly in the Reign of Q. Elizabeth: A Question may be made, whether they had not been burnt for old Heteticks?

I grant indeed, the Controversy about Baptism is not so great, nor yet so small as some make it. If we [...]r, we err like them of Old, who give Infants the Lord's Supper: If they err, they err like Moses, whom God sought to slay, for not Circumci [...]ng his Child But God is more Merciful to us than we one to ano­ther.

You young Men once again; take heed what you do: Were it only your contracting Colds and Pains in the Water, I would not so much care (for [...] you do notwithstanding all Attempts to hide it); but beware of Heats, Libidinous Provocations there. But to the other matter.

If any such should [...]. They lead down all into the Water. Yes, for Conveniency, not as a part of the Sacrament, but on a civil Account: For the Work and Element make the Sacrament. I ask, must the be plunged by you, that have gone to the Wast o [...] above it themselves? How horrid is it by the way [...] baptize Cloaths? I think I can prove it ought to be done on the Skin. How odious would it be in us [...] [Page 31]pour Water on the Cloth that covers the Child's Face?

By the way, some Anabaptists invite their Friends to Dine with them, and before them pray for their Infants, solemnly bless them, and dedicate them to God. I am glad they are come so far; but more of this and other things. if uny sober Reply be made to me by any learned Divine; for no other, I declare must expect an Answer from me; let no such trouble me with Authors. I speak it without Vanity, and for good Reason. I have given away my Library else­where, to young C [...]ndidates in the Ministry, and o­thers; and the Books I buy [...]ere, I commonly dispose the same way. I use not books; John's Testimony is better than other Mens Notions. He that belie­veth John and Peter plunged, had need of almost a Transubstantiation Faith.

They that tell us, how the Dutch (Mat. 3.1.) read John the Dooper. If they meant Dipper, they might not mean Plunger.

I believe some of those love to make the World believe they understand Dutch, and I know not what Languages, that hardly well understand their Mo­ther-tongue.

Do they mean any more than John the Washer? May not the word largely be to taken in that Lan­guage? Will any of them dare to say, who deny us Consequences, That they find Plunging used once in Scripture, or required in plain word without a Con­sequence. The know how their Seventh-Day Men torment them with their Common-Question, Where [Page 32]is your Institution or plain Words? Why not they as well as the others.

Let the Bants on their Notions, who will not have their Children baptized, because they have no plain Word or Example (say they) for it in Scripture, let them (I say) go Home and tell their Wives and Daughters that are Women: You shall never more go to the Lord's Table: There is no Word or Example for it in Scripture, and I have read my Bible over many times. Nothing can be said for this abominable thing but Conse­quences of Man's Wisdom: Remember what befell Na­dab and Abihu, when they offered strange Fire, God com­manded them not; for my part, I am for keeping close to the Word. You know how Infant-Sprinklers act contrary to Mat. 28.18. And they that abhor that Idol Infant-Baptism, have set up another contrary to the 20th Ver. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. So much: No more. Now Christ commanded, permitted not the devout Women that wept at the Cross, and outdid Peter and the rest in Zeal and Piety, to sit down with him, where were Men Disci­ples only; nor find we one Example after.

For any Man to say, That Baptism must be of the whole Body, and not a part only; and yet be Bapti­zed about the Shoulders and Head only, is such a Con­tradiction as is seldom found in any Party under Hea­ven, but among them: For as in the other Sacrament if the Bread were not Consecrated, and administered to the Receiver as such, but the Cup only, and the Receiver should take the Bread in a common way; could he say he took the whole Sacrament, Bread and Wine? No. So here on their Principles: It hath been a Query a long time, what Name this Party [Page 33]should be called by; they call themselves Baptist: A high Name, given to none but John the Baptist, and this honourable Name was given him not purely as an Administrator of this Ordinance, for then all such might be so called. But we never read of Peter the Baptist, &c. How much worse is it for private Men, no Administrators, to take to themselves this great Name, and all the while be none, being Plunged? John the Baptist was so called, as the first Administra­tor: Now what Name shall we give them? Anaba­ptist? No, they care not for it, disowning being re­baptized, or baptized again; for so the word signi­fys. Mr. Tombs and others desired the name Antipe­dobaptist: And Mr. Baxter well replied, It was a long word, and not easily pronounced by the Vulgar. Perhaps they would crack the Word a thousand times to their Discredit and the Merriment of them that heard it.

Well then, I that love the Anabaptist more than most zealous Pedobaptist, have found out a word for them, that signifys, Men for Plunginig; it is but a Monosyllable, easy to be pronounced, that is Bapts. I hope they that are Learned among them will not be angry for this Kindness (for indeed such it is) and then I have enough. For Ignorant Men that cannot rea­son, but rave, I care not what they say who are no more to be regarded by Wise Men than Rab [...]ons. I have too long replied to such, but intend no more. Perhaps such may say, I have Nicknamed them, and called them Bats, and then run on what a Bat is, and half of that ignorantly talkt of. Others may say, I have made them Owls. No, there are enough such among us, as well as them. The Kindness I have hi­therto shewn them, as well as other friendly Adver­sarys, [Page 34]I intend the continuance of, if they will give me leave. But if the best of them refuse any Acce­ptance of Civilities, I shall not impose on them, but be their Friend, if not their Companion. My Kind­ness to them hath given Occasion for a Story, That I had renounced my Baptism, an I were Plunged, by which some great, godly, good Friends of mine, became my Adversaries. This is one reason, among others, why I was willing to appear against this great God-provo­king Sin, to Renounce a true Baptism for one not so.

But I never intend to write one word more upon this Subject, unless a Reply by any worthy Divine and Schollar of theirs make it necessary. If any such ap­pear (and let them as soon as they please, why not they as well as I?) whil'st I can have Pen, Ink and Paper; I hope to vindicate that righteous Cause I have now espoused.

And for a Close of all, Dear Mr. Keith, I am hear­tily sorry any Dissenters (especially Presbyterians) should so severely Censure you for your Compliance with the Church of England. You know, you went between me and the famous Author of the Snake in the Grass; sent me his Letters, and him mine, about Li­turgies and Ceremonies, printed with his consent in my Apology for Congregational Divines; nothing more clean on both Hands. You then seemed to be of my mind, if you are otherwise perswaded, I am not, tho' I was glad to fall into the hand of one of the most ac­curate devout Advocates for that Cause, who made the best of it. If you have left me, and are now of his mind, I dare not Censure another Man's Servant. I hope you do nothing against your Conscience: I am [Page 35]not so sure you Sin in your Compliance with the Church of England in her Liturgies, Ceremonies and Sacraments, as I am sure some of my Brethren Sin in their ungodly Censures of you.

I do not much Care what Party hath you, seeing you have lest the Quakers. You have left them that had the Plague Sores on them, and gone among them that may be Itchy or Lousy. Many say, you being such a little Man, will look very ugly in a Surplice. I tell them pleasantly, you will then but look like all the rest that wear it: For perhaps no Man looks o­therwise that ever puts it on. If ever you appear a­gainst us (as some fear) I pray Answer my Arguments in my forementioned Epistle to Mr. L. If you thus do, you may see A Third Friendly Epistle to Mr. George Keith, and the Reformed Quakers, by Trepidantiam Malleus: As Friendly as the Letters to the aforena­med great Man. You know how many plead Plunging from your Fonts, and Orders to Plunge Chil­dren, and not Sprinkle, but in case of Necessity. Should I Answer this at large, I should make those Reflections as are not now convenient. Bishop Laud was the Death of many Infants by this barbarous ungodly Im­polition.

Whereas several Bapts say, when we tell them the Tendency of imbracing fair Women, We see what you are inclined too: We fear not — When David, from the top of his House, saw Bathsheba bath­ing herself, perhaps as well Cloathed as some of their baptized Women are, though hè a Man after God's own Heart, and so in as little Danger as any Man; yet we know the wosul Conclusion. How much greater had the Temptation been, had David had this [Page 36]Woman in his Arms in that Water. If they thus dare to talk of Pedobaptist as less Chast than them­selves, Experience proves the contrary: He that lock­eth on a Woman, and Lusteth after her (by Land or Wa­ter, it is all one) be committeth Adultery with her in his Heart.