CHAP. I.

IT was God's Command unto the Prophet Ezekiel , Ezek. 43.11 . to shew his People the Form of his House , with the goings in thereof , &c. Know therefore , ye Servants of the Lord , as Circumcision was the Door into the Jewish Church , which was National ; so Baptism is the Door into the Gospel-Church , which is Congregational . Hence St. Luke saith , They that gladly received the Apostles Words , were baptized , and added unto the Church in number about three thousand Souls , Acts 2.41 .

The Ancients call Baptism , * * Janua Sacramentorum .

As Listing is the solemn engaging Sign into an Army , so is Baptism into the Church .

Mr. Baxter .

Baptism is a sign of entring into the Church .

Ursinus .

Baptism is the solemn admission of the Party into the visible Church .

Assemb. Catechism . the Gate of the Sacraments , because by it we enter into the Church , and have Communion with Saints .

In the Jewish Church they became Members , as they were the fleshly , or natural Seed of Abraham ; but now Members of the Gospel-Church , as the spiritual Seed of Abraham . Now we must not reckon from Abraham unto Christ , but from Christ to Abraham : If we are Christ's , then are we Abraham 's Seed , Gal. 3.29 . not Christ's because we are Abraham's , or our Parents Believers .

Under the Old Testament , Persons became Members of the Church by Generation ; under the New by Regeneration , Baptism is a Foundation-Principle of Church-Constitution , Heb. 6.1 , 2. But the Foundation-Principle of Salvation , is Faith in Christ . or at least a Profession of it . Hence we read , Persons were first Converted , then Baptized , after added unto the Church , Acts 2.41 .

My Intent is , to display this Sacrament in its Apostolick Primitive Purity , free from the Adulterations of Men , a Sin which God charged upon the Learned Jews , that they made void the Commands of God by their Traditions . O that none of the Learned among the Gentiles , especially those of the Reformed Churches , may be chargeable with setting up Mens Inventions in the room of Christ's Institutions . Mat. 15.6 , 9.

CHAP. II.

THis Text , He that believeth , and is Baptized , is a great part of the Commission , which is the Foundation and Warrant for all Gospel-Ministers Preaching and Baptizing unto the end of the World .

☞ Obedience is to be grounded upon the Majesty of the Commander , not the Judgment of the Subject .

The Architect was rewarded with a bundle of Rods , for bringing , as he thought , a fitter piece of Timber than was commanded by the Roman Consul .

And it cost a Roman Gentleman his Life , his own Father being Judg , tho conquering an Enemy , being done contrary to his General 's Command . Remember Nadab and Abihu .

It 's worth our noting ;

Here is first Faith , then Baptism . Therefore to baptize before there be any appearance of Faith , is directly contrary unto this unerring standing Rule , and doth reflect upon our Lord and Lawgiver , as if he spoke rashly and inconsiderately , putting that first which should be last , and that last which should be first . And so in the parallel Text , Mat. 28.18 . there is first Teaching before baptizing , not first baptized , but taught first .

From this part of our Lord's Commission , we collect these Truths .

Doct. 1. It 's the unalterable Will of Jesus Christ , who is King and Law-giver to his Gospel-Church , that all Persons believe before they are baptized .

Doct. 2. It 's the indispensable Duty of all true Believers to be Baptized .

I call it an indispensable Duty , because I know no Place where our Lord hath left this to the Liberty of Believers to do it , or leave it undone , as best pleaseth them .

Therefore if this be your Lord and Saviour's Will , Believers , pray obey him . In your Prayers you desire you may be enabled to do his Will on Earth as it is in Heaven : This is one part of his Divine Will ; Your Redeemer was willing to be baptized in Blood for your Salvation , and will not you be baptized in Water , in obedience to his Commission ? Moreover , Christ calls it , Mat. 3.15 . a fulfilling of all Righteousness . I am perswaded , should God have commanded some great Thing , as was once said to Naaman the Syrian , 2 Kings 5.13 . it would have been done by many in the Reformed Churches before now : How much rather , when he only saith , Go , wash and be clean ? Or , as Ananias unto St. Paul , Arise , and wash away thy Sins , viz. Sacramentally and Symbolically , as it is in the Lord's Supper . Take heed , my Friends , you are not guilty of Contempt , looking upon Christ's Ordinances as mean low and little things ; for nothing is mean that hath Christ's Authority stamp'd upon it , tho it were the blowing of Rams-horns round the Walls of Jericho : Josh. 6.13 . Exod. 20.24 , 25. Making an Altar of Earth , or rough Stone ; taking the Blood of the Trespass-Offering , putting it on the Lap of the High-Priest's right Ear , Levit. 8.24 . the Thumb of the right Hand , the great Toe of the right Foot , having on it a Divine Stamp , is an Argument sufficient for our Obedience .

Acts 9.18 . St. Paul , a very learned Man ; the Eunuch who was Lord Treasurer under Candace Queen of Ethiopia , Crispus a chief Ruler , Constantine and Theodosius great Emperors , our Lord , the only Potentate , accounted it so honourable a thing , as to practise it , when about thirty Years of Age , and led us the way , as well by his Example as Commission . Nothing sure can be more obliging Believers unto Obedience , than their Saviour's Precept and Precedent .

CHAP. III. What Baptism is .

FIrst , Negatively ; Not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Mat. 28.18 , 19 , 20. It 's not sprinkling , dropping , or pouring of Water . Sprinkling is known to be Rantising , not Baptising , or Baptism . Baptism is an external washing , plunging or dipping a profest Believer , in the Name of the Father , Son , and Holy Ghost .

Which I thus demonstrate .

The Hebrew word Tabal , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dip. The Septuagint translate it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as Dr. Hammond notes on John 13.10 . Gen. 37.31 . Levit. 4.6 . Deut. 33.24 . 2 Kings 5.14 . Josh. 3.15 . 1. From the Scripture-acceptation of the Word ; the word Baptize in the New Testament , is taken from the word Dip in the Old , as the Learned do know : Where 't is said , Joseph 's Coat was dipt in Blood . The Priest's Finger dipt in Blood . Asher 's Foot dipt in Oil. The Priests Feet dipt in Jordan . Naaman wash'd or dipt seven times in the same River ; with many more places of Scripture . ☞ Moreover , 't is worth our noting , the word translated Dip , John 13.26 . Rev. 19.13 . Luke 16.24 . concerning the Sop Judas had : And where it 's said , Christ's Vesture was dipt in Blood , it is from the same Original word Baptism is , that our Translators might ( had they pleased ) have rendred the word Baptizing , Dipping , being from the same Theme Bapto , as Baptism is .

We are much to be governed by the Common and Vulgar acceptation of words , as they were used and understood among all Nations . God so inspired the Prophets and Apostles , to deliver his Mind always in such words , as were understood among the vulgar and ordinary People , or else they would have been Barbarians unto them . We cannot understand each other in Discourse , but this way ; I call for a Book , it 's readily given me , because every one knows what it is we call a Book : So if Tabal were used among the Hebrews for Dip , in the common Acceptation ; and the Learned Hebrews , by the Order of Ptolomy King of Egypt , did translate that word Baptizo , which was commonly accepted for Dip among the Grecians ; and we also translate Baptizo , Dip ; none but an Enthusiast will object against the common acceptation of words .

This puts me in mind of a Discourse between Bishop Vsher and Mr. Hanserd Knowllys , about the Propriety of the word Baptizo ; the Bishop said it signified to sprinkle as well as dip . Mr. Knowllys said , it signified only to dip , there being other words in the Greek for sprinkling and pouring . 'T is observable , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to wash , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to pour , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to sprinkle , are never taken or used for Dip or Baptize ; nor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , simply taken for Washing , by sprinkling or pouring . Danvers on Baptism , p. 206. To end this Controversy , those who could produce the best and most Authors for their Sense , should carry it : the Bishop , after some search , found Two for his Opinion ; Mr. Knowllys brings Seventy for his Two , namely , the Septuagint ; and so the Controversy ended .

The Writings of the most Learned of the contrary Mind , do confess , that the Original Word * * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . from whence Baptism is taken , signifieth properly to dip . Leigh's Critica Sacra , saith , The native signification of the Word , is , to dip into , or plunge under Water , as the Dyer dips his Cloth in his Fats . The Book of Canons saith , You shall dip , &c. So the Dutch translate the Word , In those Days came John the Dipper ; Ende doc Jesus ghe Doope was quam hysterstont vanden Water . and when Jesus was dipt , he came out of the Water . Calvin saith , We see what Fashion the Ancients had to Administer Baptism , for they plunged the whole Body into Water .

2. The end of the Ordinance sheweth Baptism to be dipping ; which is to hold forth unto a Believer , the Death , Burial , and Resurrection of Christ ; as the Apostle saith , Rom. 6.4 . We are buried with him in Baptism . Although there be no manner of similitude and likeness between Christ's Death and Burial , with sprinkling a little Water on the Face , yet burying in the Water is as lively a Similitude and Likeness of Jesus Christ's Death , as the breaking Bread , and pouring out the Wine is at the Lord's Table : So that they lose one great End of this Ordinance , who Rantize instead of Baptize ; for no Man accounts him buried , who hath only Earth cast on his Face , but he who is in the Heart of the Earth , and covered with the same .

3. John the beloved Disciple , gives this as the Reason why John the Baptist baptized in Enon , John 3.23 . because there was much Water there , the place was commodious for that Ordinance : Hence our blessed Saviour came from Galilee to Jordan , From Galilee to Jordan , where John baptized , is about thirty or forty miles . to be baptized of him there ; which if Sprinkling would have done , there had been no need of much Water nor Rivers .

4. That Baptism is Dipping , appears from Scripture-Metaphors explaining it : Luke 15.50 . Our Lord's Sufferings are called a Baptism , because his Pains were not only upon one part of his Body , No such thing as Sprinkling or Rantizing used in the Apostles Days , nor many Ages after . Mede's Diatribe . but his whole Soul and Body was baptized and plunged into Sorrows . Thus one that is Baptized , is plunged under Water , to shew how Christ was Baptized and plunged into Sorrows for Man's sake . Great Measures of the Spirit are also discovered , by Persons being said to be Baptized with the Spirit ; Acts 1.5 . for where the word Baptism is used , whether it be joined with Suffering , with the Spirit , or with Water , it always holds forth a great quantity , either of Sufferings , of the Spirit , or Water .

5. Hence in the 5th place , The vast height of Waters which stood above the Church in the Red Sea , like a high Wall , is called , 1 Cor. 10.2 , 3. A Baptism unto Moses , in the Cloud , and in the Sea , because encompassed with it ; for the Ordinance of Baptism was not then in force ; but Circumcision therefore cannot be meant God's Ordinance of Baptism , but sheweth the great Care God had of his Church , that as he fed them miraculously , and gave them Water out of a Rock in the Wilderness ; Baptism signifieth properly plunging in Water , or washing by dipping . Dr. Taylor's Rule of Conscience . so he did not leave them in the Red Sea , but incompass'd them about by his Divine Providence , with Water and the Cloud , as Persons are encompassed with that Element when Baptized .

Hence in the 6th place . Baptism is explained by the Metaphor of a Garment ; which the Apostle refers unto , when he calls Baptism , a putting on Christ . Gal. 3.27 . As the Servant , by his Lord's Livery , declares whose he is ; so the long white Robe of Baptism sheweth us to be the Servants of the Lord Jesus .

( 7. ) Baptism is not only called a Washing , by Ananias and Peter , ( Acts 22.16 . 1 Pet. 3.21 . Tit. 3.5 . ) but the washing of the Soul in Regeneration , is held forth in this Symbol and Sign , Austin and Paulinus , in the 7th Century , in England , Baptized great Multitudes in the River Trent and Swale . Hence , saith Mr. Fox , there was no use of Fonts then . Fox's Acts and Monuments , 9 Edit. Vol. 1. p. 132. by the Apostle Paul , when he speaks of the washing of Regeneration unto Titus . Now we know , every Faculty of the Soul is washed in the Blood of Christ ; and every Faculty sanctified by the Holy Spirit , not a part of the Faculties , but all the Faculties ; therefore wisely set forth by Baptism , wherein not only a part , but the whole Body is wash'd and cleansed in Water .

( 8. ) This is further cleared from the practice of the most pure Apostolick Times . 'T is said of our most blessed Lord Jesus , That he went up out of the Water ; Mat. 3.15 , 16 , 17. which in common sense signifies , He first went down , not only to the Water , but into the Water , and came up out of the Water . Of Philip and the Eunuch 't is said , Acts 8.36 , 40. They went down both , not only to the Water , but into the Water , and came up out of the Water : if Sprinkling would have done , they need only go to and come from it ; but they knew the Commission could not be answered , unless they went down into the Water . The Minister is to dip in Water , as the meetest Act , the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 notes it . Rogers on the Sacrament . Thus you see the Places where the Apostles Baptized , were in Rivers , and where was much Water : You see their Act and Posture , they went down into the Water ; you see their End was , to exhibit and shew forth Christ's Death , Burial , and Resurection .

If any should ask , Why Sprinkling will not do as well as Dipping ?

I answer , ( 1. ) Because that is another thing than Christ hath commanded ; and 't is high presumption to change God's Ordinances . Isa. 24.5 . Tho there was no more virtue in the Waters of Jordan , than of Damascus ; yet Naaman must keep to God's Appointment . ( 2. ) In so doing , we lose the End of the Ordinance , which as aforesaid , is to shew forth the Death and Resurrection of Christ . ( 3. ) We must keep the Ordinances as they were delivered unto us ; 1 Cor. 11.2 . 'T is a known Maxim , to practise any thing in the Worship of God , as an Ordinance of his , without an Institution , ought to be esteemed Will-worship & Idolatry . And that there is a necessity for Scripture-Authority to warrant every Ordinance and Practice in Divine Worship , is owned by Luther , Austin , Calvin , Basil , Theoph. Tertul , Mr. Ball ; and in the 6th Article of the Church of England ; also Bellarmine . as Moses was to make all things according to the Pattern shewed him in the Mount. ( 4. ) God is a Jealous God , and stands upon small things in Matters of Worship : Had Moses and Aaron but lifted up a Tool upon the Altar of ruff Stone to beautify it , they would have polluted it , because contrary to the Command . ( 5. ) This hath no likeness to the holy Examples of Christ and his Apostles .

CHAP. IV. Shewing that professing Believers , and them only , are the proper Subjects of Baptism .

Which I demonstrate ;

FIrst , From Gospel-Precept : Our Text saith , He that believeth , and is baptized . Erasmus saith , 'T is no no where in the Apostles Writings Infants were baptized . The parallel Text , Mat. 28. is worthy of consideration by way of Division . The Commission is , Go ; the Subjects spoken to , are , his Apostles ; the Matter of it is , to teach , and baptize ; the Extent of it is , into all the World , not only in hot Countries , but in Cold. The Order in this Commission is , first to teach , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . then after taught and discipellized , to baptize them . Therefore to baptize them , We meet with no Example in Scripture for baptizing Infants . Magd. Hist. Cent. 1. L. 2. p. 196. before taught , is quite contrary to the Command . The words of Institution , in whose Name it is to be done , is the glorious Trinity , in the Name of Father , Son , and Holy Spirit ; this must be some great thing which is done by so great Authority . Unto this is annexed a glorious Promise of Divine Presence , not only to the End of that Age , but the End of the World * * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . ; and to put us out of all doubt about it , 't is back'd with an Asseveration , Amen , so it shall be . Finally , here is a Note of Observation , [ Lo ] our Lord would not have so great a Commission and Promise disregarded ; therefore saith he , Lo , that is , observe what I have said : wherever you find the word Lo , Mark , or Behold , you will always find something very considerable it relates unto in the Context . Now in pursuance of this Commission , Peter exhorted the Murderers of Christ , when they were convicted , and cried out , What shall we do ? he saith , Repent , and be baptized , every one of you , in the Name of Jesus Christ , for the Remission of Sins , and ye shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost .

2ly , This appears from Gospel-Precedent and Example ; the Apostles in pursuance of their Commission , baptize none else but such . Hence John the Baptist tells the Pharisees and Sadduces which came to his Baptism , As Isaac was brought forth by the Word of Promise , so must we be born of the Word of God , which only makes Baptism powerful and effectual . Magd. Cent. 5. p. 363. they must first bring forth Fruit meet for , or to amendment of Life , and not to think the old Argument for Circumcision , [ that Abraham was their Father ] would give them a right to Gospel-Ordinances . It 's not the Faith of Parents gives Children a right to the Seals of the New Covenant , but a personal Faith ; hence Philip would not baptize the Eunuch , but upon profession of Faith . In a word , all the Primitive Churches were constituted and planted upon this Foundation-Principle , Heb. 6.1 , 2. Acts 2.41 . Chap. 8.12 . Chap. 16.14 . Coloss. 2.10 . Acts 18.8 . Rom. 6.4 . Gal. 3.26 . Acts 19.1 , 2 , 3. Ephes. 4.4 . as these Scriptures show in the Margent , viz. the Church at Jerusalem , Samaria , Cesaria , Philippi , Coloss , Corinth , Rome , Galatia , Ephesus , &c. To conclude , If the Churches of Christ were so planted and constituted in the Primitive Times , they ought to be so still , unless any can shew where Christ hath since that altered the Constitution of his Churches .

3ly , This Ordinance cannot concern Infants , but Believers ; because it 's a testification of the Remission of Sins , and Salvation , to the worthy Receiver and Subject of it ; Acts 2.38 . Mark 16.16 . else why doth Peter promise remission of Sin , and the Gift of the Holy Ghost to such ? And why did our Lord join Faith , Baptism , and Salvation all in one Verse , Baptism is never enjoined as a Means of Remission of Sins and Eternal Life , but something of Duty , Choice , and Sanctity , is joined with it , in order to the production of the End so mentioned . Dr. Taylor . but that the Ordinance should be a Pledg to the Believer of those great things ? We collect as much from Acts 22.16 . where Ananias exhorted Paul , to arise , and be baptized , and wash away his Sins ; that is , put that Duty in practice which will be a Confirmation of thy Justification ; so we understand Peter , The like Figure , whereunto Baptism doth now save us , viz. As the Ark was the instrumental way of God's saving Noah by his Grace , 1 Pet. 3.20 . Baptism is our Marriage-Ring , Military Press-mony , our ingrafting into Christ , our Badg and Cognizance , our Ship , our Ark , our Red-Sea , our putting on Christ . Dan. Rogers . so Faith in Christ's Death and Resurrection , is the way God saves our Souls , this being confirmed unto us in the Figure of Baptism , as well as at the Lord's Table . But what have Infants to do with this , who are not capable to take in the Comfort exhibited and held forth in it ? This is Meat for strong Men , not Babes .

4ly , Believers only must be the Subjects of this Ordinance , because it holds forth a Covenant the Subject makes actually with God . Hence saith the Apostle , Rom. 6.3 . Know you not , as many as were baptized into Christ , were baptized into his Death ? as if he should say , In that Ordinance you did covenant and promise to die unto Sin , and live a new Life ; Therefore , saith he , how can you that are dead to Sin , live any longer therein ? And this you have profess'd in your Baptism , as in the words of the Institution , Gossops and Sureties are no where found in Holy Scripture , but in the Pope's Decree , and Common-Prayer Book . Which the Parliament in K. Edward the 6th's time , confessed , There was no other difference between that and the Mass-Book , only a few things left out , but that one was in Latin , the other in English . Fox's Acts & Mon. Edit. 9. Vol. 2. Book 9. p. 14 , 15. the whole Trinity gives it self unto the Believer : So he dedicates himself voluntarily to the Service of the whole Trinity , Father , Son , and Spirit . In all Covenants of this Nature , there is required , the Information of the Judgment , Consent of the Will , it must be an Act of Choice : As the Eunuch said , See , here is Water , what hinders me to be baptized ? But none of these things are agreeable to an Infant : and as they are not able to enter into Covenant themselves , if others do it for them , 't is not only Unscriptural , but Antiscriptural . Can Persons covenant to keep others from Sin , when they find it too hard a work to keep themselves ?

5ly , Baptism is a lively representation of Regeneration , therefore can only affect Believers . The Apostle alludes unto Baptism , when he speaks of the washing of Regeneration , Titus 3.5 . His meaning is , that the Ordinance is a lively Badg , Symbol , and Sign of Regeneration , and the New Birth . The Apostle to the Colossians , Ch. 2.12 . tells them , That their Baptism did exhibit and shew forth their being dead , and risen with Christ through that Faith , which was of that Omnipotent Operation , which raised Christ from the Dead ; but no Signs of Regeneration appear in Infants at Baptism : that is untruly said , Saith the Papist to the Prelat , You prove that Sacraments convey Grace in the very Act , as we assert ; for just before Baptism , the Child was an Heir of Hell , and Child of Wrath , but being baptized , it is Regenerated and born again , as your Common-Prayer Book saith . in the Common-Prayer Book , after the Child is sprinkled , Forasmuch as this Child is regenerated and born again , which just before was acknowledged to be a Child of Wrath , and an Heir of Hell . We say , tho God hath promised his Presence in all his Appointments ; yet we also say , Persons are not to be Baptized , that they may be Regenerated , but to hold forth and signify Regeneration , therefore Baptism can no ways affect little Infants .

CHAP. V. Contains the Answer of Objections .