this word Baptizing than what would consist with the Baptizing of all that were to bring forth good fruit or be cut down if they did not and that were all the trees in that visible field of that visible church or than what would consist with the Baptizing of all that were either chaff or wheat or that should be purged out or kept in by Christ or tâ—at should be gathered into the Barn or Garner or be burnt up with unquenchable fire Matth. 3.12 It would be strange If any should suppose that John should deny any the Ordinance of Baptism and the participation of it as means to bring forth fruit and yet charge them upon the pain of Damnation or Salvation to bring forth fruit and good fruit And if his exhortation did extend to none but what were Baptized then all that were of Israel were baptized or it was their own default and sin if they were not baptized and not from Johns denying of it to them And if all both small and great were baptized then his Baptism must be performed in such a manner as that they might partake of it which must be by sprinkling and not by Dipping and then he must intend sprinkling and not Dipping by this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when he said he indeed had baptized them with water 7. John Intended no other manner of baptizing by this word and by his act in performance of what he expressed thereby than what would consist with the ordinary natural strength of one person to do and perform to persons of all sorts sexes and ages stature and Corpulency whatsoever for he did nothing in this Ordinance by a miraculous strength because he did no miracle John 10.41 42. And he said he indeed baptized them with water which he could never do by Dipping or plunging for whether their wearing apparel were on or off it is beyond the Natural strength of any ordinary individual to Dip all persons of all ages and sexes and stature into water a d take them out again himself whether it were to be done Diametrical or perpendicular And if their Apparel should be all put off it must be to the shame of humane nature And the baptism must be of two kinds if any part of the bâ—dy were grasped or held by the dipper and the Dipping must be contrary to the way of Dipping as discovered in Scripture if that part of the person or thing were Dipped in that was held by the Dipper and yet be accounted dippâ—d It was an act of Great condescention in God Almighty that when he could by his Immeâ—iate Power have dipped the whole Host in the red Sea with as great ease and freedom as ever he â—prinkled them by the cloud but by this he condescended to our weakness to perform it 〈◊〉 â—hat manner that any one of his Officers and Servants were câ—pable by their natâ—ral ordinaâ—â—â—â—rength to baptize any one individual of whatsoever stature â—â—eportion age sex or condition â—â— y were And if this of sprinkling had not been the right way of performance the great Law giveâ— and Judge would never have given us that Example 1 Cor. 10.2 8. John intended no other manner of Baptizing with Water than what would consist with the Gravity Holiness and Austerity that he came in which could never be by taking up Male and Female of all ages and dipping them in Water and taking them out again Neither would it consist with the Modesty and shamefacedness of Humane Nature in them that were baptized nor with the honour praise and comliness of so Solemn an Ordinance in the sight of so many spectators which he stiled a Generation of Vipers and therefore he must intend and did intend sprinkling or pouring upon by this word when he said That he indeed baptized them with Water 9. No other signification is intended by this word by J hn than what will consist with other discoveries in Scripture concerning the acceptation of this word and if the Holy Ghost have discovered no other signification of it than pouring upon shedding upon or sprinkling with then there can be no ground of Faith for any to believe or teach any other for if it be not so written or said by the Holy Ghost there can be no ground for any to believe any other for there was no other if the Holy Ghost said nothing of any other Heb. 7.14 10. He could intend no other baptizing by this word as to the manner of performance of it than what would consist with the nature of the External Ordinance which was and is still to be a sign of the Internal Baptism by the Holy Ghost For if he did he must be supposed to intend otherwise than what God did intend in the appointment of it 1 Pet. 3.21 and in â—ll the resemblances whereby it is set forth in Scripture Rom. 6.3 4. Gal. 3.27 They that can suppose this and imagine this of one that Christ did commend no wonder if they imagine all evil of all others of his Servants 11. John could intend no other bapt zing by this word than what would consist with the Title given to it by the Jews and John's Disciples John 3.22 23 24 25. which could be no other than what Peter intended in Acts 15.7 8 9. with Acts 11.15 16 17. in both places it is stiled Purifying and one speaks of the Outward and the other of the Inward Baptism and all their legal Purifyings were by Sprinkling whether it was by Blood or Water Heb. 9.13 14 19 20 21 22. Numb 19. If it had not been performed the same way as their Purifying was the Jews that were envious at Christ and John too would never have given to it that name â—ohn 3.22 23 24 25 26. compared with John 4.1 2. If any will say that Baptism is not expressed John 3.25 26. I answer It is intended of that which was the matter in question that they came to John with and desired his Resolution of with respect to Christ and if that was not about Bâ—ptism the word must be denyed that expressed it 12. Such a manner of baptizing John intended by it as would consist with clearness perspicuity and plainnâ—ss of the Gospel Dispensations that he was sent to be the first publisher of and the first adminiâ—trator of That all flesh might see the salvation of God Luke 3.6 it is called Lights coming into the World John 3.19 20. And the day spring from on high visiting of them Lâ—ke 1.78 And the day of Salvation 2 Cor. 6.2 And that which made John's Ministry in point of clearnesâ— greater than all the Prophets that were before him and certainly this must not be by dipping and plunging to set forth and make Representation and to typifie â—ne Christ's sprinkling them with the Holy Ghost or pouring out the Holy Ghost upon them This could nâ—ver be the clearest way to represent Christ's Baptizing for if John should have inâ—â—nded dipping and performed
to be by sprinkling or pouring upon and the external Baptism must be the sign of it 21. Such a manner of Baptizing as was agreeable to the great Gospel Promise that was to be fulfilled in Gospel times Ezek. 36.25 I will sprinkle clean Water upon you and if they will make this to be meant of the Internal Grace they must acknowledge that that is performed by sprinkling and then they must grant the external means the Baptism with Water to be the Sign and Representation and to be the sign of rhe inward and Spiritual Grace or else the exrernal Baptism must not be a sign and if not a sign it cannot be a seal and what it will be then made of who can tell 22. Such a manner of Baptizing as the Blood of Christ is affirmed to speak to all in and that is as the Blood of Sprinkling Heb. 12.24 Heb. 9.13 14 19 20 21 22. 23. Such a manner of Baptising as the meaning and intention of John Baptist might be understood by the Multitude when he expressed the internal and external Baptism by one and the same word without the least of Explanation Limitation or Distinction Matth. 3.11 24. Such a manner of Baptizing they then performed it in as the extremity and violence of the Sufferings of Christ for sin might be represented in the most livelyest manner in that Sacrament and the administration thereof as well as in the administration of the Supper of the Lord that so Grace might be magnified and his love to Sinners the more clearly represented Exod. 12.21 22. Isa 63.2 3 4. Heb. 9.13 14 19. to 23. Heb. 10.22 Isa 52.14 Isa 53.4 5 6 7. 25. Such a manner of Baptizing as will agree with all the Metaphorical Expressions whereby the inward Baptism is set forth by the Holy Ghost in Scripture as in Rom. 6.3 4 5 6. Coll. 2.11 12. Gal. 3.27 1 Cor. 12.13 Having premised some things in general concerning the way and manner in which the Primitive Baptism was performed to the Church of the Jews by John the Baptist and the Disciples of Christ Now let us enquire into those Texts of Scripture in which we have the way and manner of the Administration of this Ordinance by John the Baptist set forth and that is in Matth. 5.11 I indeed baptize you with Water but he that cometh after me is mightier than I he shall bapsize you with the Holy Ghost and with Fire Mark 1.8 I indeed have baptized you with Water but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost Luke 3.16 I indeed baptize you with Water but one mightier than I cometh he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with Fire John 1.33 I knew him not but he that sent me to Baptize with Water the same said unto me upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on him the same is he that baptizeth with the Holy Ghost Here our Translators have and that not without good Reasons and weighty Considerations rendred the words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the Dialect in the New Testament so that we have good ground to believe that the manner in which John the Baptist performed the Ordinance of Baptism at the first Administration thereof by him was by applying Water to the person and not by applying the person to the Water by dipping of him into Water that he then baptized As the Lord Jesus was prophesied of by John and also does baptize with the Holy Ghost not by putting or dipping the person into the Holy Ghost but by pouring out his Spirit upon the pâ—rson he baptizeth Water is so expressed as to be the Instrument wherewith the action of Baptizing was performed when any action is performed by an Instrument that Instrument is expressed by this word WITH or by some like term to set it forth by or express it to the Understandings of them to whom this action is discovered So Jacob sets forth how he got the parcel of ground that he gave to his Son Joseph he gained it with his Sword and with his Bow Gen. 48 22. Mary washed the Feet of our Lord with Tears and wiped them with the Hairs of her Head Luke 7.38 Lord shall we smite with the Sword Luke 22.49 Now when persons do smite with the Sword they do not take the person and strike him against the Sword but strike the Sword against the person So Matth. 26.67 Mark 14.65 They did strike Jesus with the Palms of their Hands and this was by striking the Palms of their Hands against him and not taking him and striking him against the Palms of their Hands so that the Palms of their Hands were the Instruments with which this action was performed John 13.5 After that he pouereth Water into a Bason and began to wash â—he Disciples Feet and to wipe them with the Towel wherewith he was giâ—ded In all which Texts and many others that might be produced the Holy Ghost giveth us to understand that these things were made use of as means and applyed to the subjects in these various actions by the various Agents performing of them and not the subjects took and applyed to those means as the Tears and the Hairs were applyed to the Feet and not the Feet to the Tears and the Hairs and the Water and the Towel were applyed to the Feet of the Disciples and not the Disciples Feet to the Water and Towel Daemona non armis sed morte subegit Iesus Great has been the noise that has been made in the World and dreadful the Confusion in the Church of God about the manner of external Baptism and abundance of poor confident Souls have affirmed that the manner of the Primitive Baptism was by applying or dipping the person baptized into Water and not by pouring or sprinkling Water upon the person and many good men and great Scholars have too rashly granted the Primitive Baptism to be performed by dipping the person baptised into Water but by what warrant or ground from the Word of God I do not know though I should be glad to know and it is that which maketh me search into Scripture that I might know And if baptizing with Water be taken to shew to us the manner of the performance of the Ordinance of Baptism then we may have some light and also warrant in this case that it was not by dipping or applying their persons to Water but the applying of and pouring out of Water upon their persons by putting the word Dip in the stead or place of Baptize and read the words thus I indeed have dipped you into Water but he shall dip you into the Holy Ghost If the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to baptize in the first expression of it by John with respect to what he had done to them do signifie and be understood to signifie to dip into Water then the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to baptize must signifie two things in this one
passive voice and then one part of the person must not be in the water before for then it cannot be dipt in nor must one part stand upon terra firma for then that person cannot be wholly passive in the reception of Baptism in the whole person unless any do account the lower part of the person no part of the person or a part not â—o be purified or else do Baptize pars pro toto and yet then but one part of the person can be in the power of the Baptizer and that not solely neither but in such conjunction with the rest that it cannot be wholly passive as it ought to be And is and must be all of the person in the Baptism signified by it Acts 2.2 3 4 5. Acts 11.15 16 17. Titus 3 5 6. Or else if they will have the particle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to signifie into they must have the meaning to be I have baptized you into water as Christ commands to baptize into the name of the Father Son and holy Ghost But that I suppose none that make conscience will admit of But how any of these constructions not agreeing with Baptism with Water to be a sign of Baptizing with the holy Ghost is yet unknown to some But if the matter of difference do consist in and depend upon the meaning and acceptation of this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to Baptize then it will be Necessary to enquire into the New Testament how this word is taken to signify there Arguments and Reasons grounded upon Scripture to prove that John Baptist did intend pouring upon or sprinkling by the word Baptize 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mentioned in Matth. 3.11 when he Prophesied to the people that Christ should Baptize them with the holy Ghost in the latter end of the verse And also Arguments and Reasons grounded upon Scripture to prove that he did not intend Dipping by the word Baptize 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when he told the people that he indeed had baptized them with water in the beginning of 11. verse of Matth. the 3d. When John the Baptist told the people that Christ that should come after him should Baptize them with the holy Ghost and with fire that he did intend by the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Baptize pouring upon shedding upon or sprinkling with and not dipping or plunging into may be clearly proved from other places of Scripture First In that the people that were ear-witnesses of what John spake of Christ and eye-witnesses of the manner In which Christ performed that which John spake of him do testifie that all that John spake of Christ was true John 10.41 Now this of Christs Baptizing with the holy Ghost and with fire is one of the things that John did speak of Christ and therefore this was true and intended by John as so to be performed as Christ did perform it when he did come For if John should not have intended and meant by these words that Christ should baptize them with the holy Ghost that Christ should pour out his spirit upon them and shed it upon them or sprinkle them with it which was Christs way of Baptizing them with it Acts 1.5 Acts 2.3 4 5. Then what John spake of Christ could not be true But all that John spake of Christ was true Therefore he did not intend dipping into the holy Ghost by Christs Baptizing them with it but pouring upon shedding upon and sprinkling with by Christs baptizing them with the holy Ghost Acts 2.15 16 17. Titus 3.5 6. Heb. 10.22 1 Peter 1.2 Acts 10.44 45 46. Acts 11.15 16 17. Acts 15.8 9. 2. In that it was ground of faith in the people to believe in Christ John 10.42 What John spake of Christ was true even all things of it and many believed on him there The conjunction copulative knitting together Johns words and the truth of it and their believing sheweth that the things that John spake of Christ being true they believed on him upon that Testimony John had given What was ground of faith in the people and that to many and not a few And in the very place too that John spake these things at first and baptized were certain truths But Johns words or Testimony of Christ was ground of faith to many of the people in the very place where John at first Baptized and spake them Therefore Johns words of Christ were certainly true And therefore John did not mean nor intend by Christs Baptizing dipping into but pouring upon or sprinkling with the holy Ghost by Christ Matth. 3.11 When he did come 3. It may be further Proved from the holy spirit that John was filled with and acted by in the work of his Ministry He was filled with the holy Ghost from his mothers womb and came in the spirit of Elias Luke 1.16 17. Now if it was by the same spirit of truth and holiness that John the Baptist spake by and was acted by as others of the holy Prophets of the Lord were acted by then what John spake of Christ was true and was in every thing intended by him as it should be and was performed by Christ when he came and did perform them Therefore John did intend sprinkling or pouring upon by Christs Baptizing them with the holy Ghost 4. It may be further proved from Johns office He was a Prophet And what John spake of Christ he spake as a prophet foretelling of it both as to the matter and the manner of the performance And that he was a prophet Christ himself doth witness and the greatest of Prophets Matth. 11.7 8 9. And the word of God came to him in an immediate manner as to others of the Prophets Luke 3.2 3 4. And therefore he did intend by Christs baptizing with the holy Ghost his pouring out the holy Ghost upon them and shedding it upon them and his sprinkling them with it which titles the holy Ghost does afterwards give to the thing that John expressed and intended by baptizing Matth. 3.11 with the holy Ghost And for any to gain say it is to deny Johns being a prophet of the Lord. The Prophet did foresee what they foretold Isaiaâ— aw his glory when he spake of him John 12.41 And did not John see it also 5. Another Argument may be taken From Christs giving the Disciples of John a â— stimonâ— that he was the Messias from the works that he did and the manner of his doâ—â—â—f thâ— which is included in the matter of them Matth. 11. â— 4 5 6. Go and tell joâ— agaiâ— things that ye see Which sheweth that Johns Discovery and Prophesie of Christ haâ— been his works And if Christ had not done the things that John â—ad foretold and as they haâ—â—een foretold then they must have been at a loss for the knowledg of the Lâ—rd Jeâ—â—â— to 〈◊〉 â—e Messiah and if John had intended Dipping when Christ should do it by pouring upon Johns tâ—â—â—imony must have been against Christ that he was
make it straight that is the way of Christs Communications in his Institutions and Ordinances And John declaring that he was sent to baptize with Wâ—ter John 1.31 32 33. and the Scripture mentioning this especially as to Johns Ministry Acts 13.24 25. Matth. 21.25 Acts 10.27 do shew that the great work of John the Baptist was to baptize the people with Water that they might come to Christ to be baptized with the holy Ghost and should John have baptized by dipping and Christ baptize by pouring upon or sprinkling was this to make a straight and clear diâ—covery of the way of the Lord Would it not have made the way of Christ more dark and dubious and crooked than to make it straight clear and plain to be apprehended and that too Then Moses who put a Vail over his Face for they had sprinkling to set forth sprinkling Psalm 51.6 7. 6. From the Promise of God revealed by John to the people That all flesh should see the Salvation of God Luke 3.6 Let that Salvation of God be meant of the person of Christ or of the Dispensations of Christ or both it is all one for that For they must have the Promise or not the Promise Christs person being to be manifest by his baptizing with the Holy Ghost John 1.31 32 33. and this to be done and so foretold by pouring out his Spirit upon them Should John have baptized by dipping he must of necessity have kept all from having a clear fight of Christ in his Dispensations by this representing to them the manner and way of Christs Communicating to them his Favours For who of all Flesh could see pouring or spâ—inkling set forth by dipping and plunging or who could understand it by Johns Words and â—xpressions of it when it was both expressed by one and the same word in the same Mood 7. From Christs Commendation of John and his Ministry and that in point of clearness above all other of the Prophets and this could never have been had John performed the Sign one way and yet expressed Christs performance of it another way by the same word and that without the least Explanation and this not in private to an understanâ—ing Company but in publick to all the Multitude This would have made Johns Doctrâ—nes â—â—d Administrations harder to be understood than Ezekiels Visions that the People caâ—â— â—â—â—â—eâ—ies As to the setting forth of the manner of Christs baptizing with the Holy Ghost whereas ohns Ministry was more clear than any of the Prophets Matth. 11.6 7 8 9. Luke 7.27 28. 8. It may be proved that John did not intend Dipping by his Baptizing with Water by the Holy Ghosts making use of another word to set forth dipping by in the New Testament and that it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 see John 13.26 Luke 16.24 Rev. 19.13 Mark 14.20 Matth. 26.23 and so maketh a difference between Baptizing and Dipping in that Dipping is expressed by another word in the Original always where it is mentioned in the New Testament 9. From Johns saying nothing of the alteration of the manner of his performance of this Ordinance from any other typical Ceremonial Purification instituted by God among this People And if there be nothing said of it no Man can have warrant for Divine Faith to believe without a Scripture warrant and to be the external matter to be believed 1 Cor. 15.3 4 to 12. And how any can teach that for Doctrine to others that they have no ground in Scripture to believe themselves I do not know See Heb. 7.14 If John did baptize by Dipping he must do it either from his Commission by Divine Revelation but of that we read nothing Or 2. By way of imitation of Moses and that could not be for his was by Sprinkling Numb 19. Heb 9.13 14 19 20 21 22. Or 3. To be a sign of Christ's Baptizing with the Holy Ghost nor that could not be for that was by Pouring upon or Sprinkling 4. Or to make the way of the Lord more straight and plain to all the people nor that could not be for it would rather eclips and darken it None can discern Sprinkling by Dipping Or 5 That all Flesh among them might see it that is enjoy and partake of it and that could not be neither for then all Infants and infirm persons must be excluded from it Or 6. That Christ might be the clearer known but that could not be because he performed his another way Or 7. To fulfil some Gospel Promise or Prophecy but that could not be neither for that expresly hâ—ld forth sprinkling or pouring upon Ezek. 36.25 Isa 52.15 Joel 2.28 Isa 44.3 Prov. 1.23 Zech. 12.10 Or 8. In Imitation of the Pharisees and the Jews in those days for they sinned against the express Law of God if they performed any of their Purifications either by Blood or Water any other way than by sprinkling and they were a People that made it the all of their Religion to keep to the Letter of the Law Rom. 2.27 And John accounted them a Generation of Vipers Matth. 3.7 8. and they said John had a Devil Matth. 11.17 18 19. What warrant Men will have for John's imagined dipping I know not how confident soever they be 10. From the Enemies silence and their never quarrelling at John for any alteration of this Purification from what Moses's was but they were the first that John does record that called John's Administration Baptizing John 1.25 and surely they did not intend dipping by it because there was no such way in any of their Typical Personal Purifications and they were great pretenders to the strict keeping to Moses and the observation of the Letter of the Law And they could not be so ignorant as not to know it to be a Sign only and John's words in declaring Christ's Baptizing with the Holy Ghost was enough to declare it to them and yet we never find one word of their quarrelling or gain-saying or finding fault with John as bringing in any new way of Administration of the sign contrary to what Moses had delivered to them from the Lord. 11. Another Argument to prove that John did not intend dipping by his saying he baptized with Water may be taken from Apollos who knew only the Baptism of John and was mighty in the Scriptures and was able to prove that Jesus was Christ Acts 18.24 to the end which could never have been had John's Administration of the Sign been so contrary to Christ's Administration of the thing signified Where could Apollos have any thing from the Scripture to prove the Baptism of John to set forth Christ's Baptism or from his Doctrine by expressing Christs Baptism by pouring upon by the same word that he expressed his own if he did perform his own by Dipping If any say that the word has a two-fold acccepâ—ation in the New Testament let them that say it prove it by the New Testament if they can for my part I shall thank them
opinion Dogma but not fides a divine faith having no divine warrant till they can shew their warrant that thus it is written and therefore thus they believe and if they could shew that the word has another acceptation in the new Testament will that prove that it hath a twofold acceptation the one contrary to the other when it is taken to express the sign and the thing signified If it can it will be well for them that be of this mind to clear these things to the world And Thirdly If it should have such a two fold acceptation as some would have it as to signifie Dipping or plunging and pouring upon or sprinkling with respect to this text Matth. 3.11 and as to Johns Baptism and Christs then it must overturn the truth of the promise made to the fathers Rom. 15.8 For then children and all Infirm persons must be excluded baptism and it must contradict the end of Johns coming in excluding part and the greatest part of the subjects of his Ministrâ— Mala. 4.6 Luke 1.17 and make Johns preaching of it to all the people of Israel to be without warrant because all could not partake of it Acts 13.24 and it must make all the Institutions of God by Moses to be all Impertinent and insignificant and insufficient and have Destroyed the constitution of the church of the Jews and made them no members that were members and it must make Johns exhortation backed with the greatest promises and dreadfullest threatnings to be limited only to the strong and firm and bâ—ld of the Adult and all the rest must be no trees of the field and neither chaff nor wheat and to go neither to heaven nor hell and Christs fan not to extend to them nor they to be any sinners if they did never come to him conâ—rary to Acts 3.23 5. It may be proved that John did Baptize with water by pouring upâ—n or sprinkling In that that was the Manner in which the Lord did Baptize by the cloud under the Ministry of Moses in the râ—d sea 1 Cor. 10.2 All our fathers were Baptized unto Mâ—ses in the cloud and in the sea Or by the cloud in the sea as the words should be translated according to the Greek text If what was done by the cloud was or is by pouring upon or sprinkling with then this Baptizing was by sprinkling 2. If the Baptized were upon dry ground when they were Baptized then their â— pâ—â—zing was by sprinkling But that they were Heb. 11.29 3. If it was a baptizing of the wâ—â—le hâ—st together then it was by sprinkling But that it was of all our fathers 4. If it was done in a short space of time then it was done by sprinkling but that it was in one night 5. If their Baptizing was while they were in Motion and passed through the Sea it was by sprinkling but that it was Heb. 11.29 6. If the Red Sea was restrained in its motion then it was by sprinkling But that it was for it was corgealed and stood up like a wall 7. If it was by one Baptizer it was by sprinkling for it was to Moses or under the conduct of Moses 1 Cor. 10.2 If any object that this was an extraordinary Baptizing I Answer I do not deny it But doth that make the manner of it unlawfâ—l Or the word expressing of it to have another signification If that of the extraordinariness of it will render it not useful in this case Why does the holy Ghost here make use of it to stir up the Corinthians to taking heed that they do not perish under the Means of grace by their unworthy walking and unfruitfulness Was not Johns Baptism and the Baptism of the Apostles recorded in the New Testament extraordinary in this respect that they were extraordinary Immediate officers as well as Moses And had Christ Corporeally present with them and owning of it John 3.22 23 24. If the Extraordinariness of the things in the New Testament must make them be laid aside what of that which is recorded there must be left Was not Philips mission to the Eunuch and what he did and the effect of it all extraordinary Acts 8.32 to 39. Besides the question in hand is not whether it was ordinary or extraordinary for kind But the Manner how it was done This being Gods way And John being sent from God Immediately to Baptize with water and giving no command for any other way of the performance of the same ordinance It is suff cient ground of faith and Scripture proof that John performed the same ordinance expressed by the same word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the same way and manner in the Application of water to them by pouring it upon them or sprinkling them with it and not by Dipping or plunging them in it The same power that sprinkled them in 1 Cor. 10.2 could have dipped them But God chose sprinkling John could not dip those that he could sprinkle And in this the condescention of God Almighty does appear to us 6. It may be proved from the nature of the ordinance which is an outward and visible sâ—gn 1 Peter 3.21 That Baptism that is saving is by which I humbly conâ—eive we be to understand that Baptism that is of Gods appointing and not mans And that which Gods blessing doth accompany to all whom he pleases Of which kind Johns baptism certainly was In that it was from heaven Matth. 21.25 and in that they were such sinners that rejâ—ctâ—d it Luke 7.30 Matth. 21.32 The words of the Pharisees and also of John Baptist in his answer to them seem to carry this in the end and design of them to shew that Baptism external was a sign John 1.24 to 33. And if any will deny it to be a sign of the Internal Baptism They may call it their own and do it or perform it which way they please and make the most of the success A sign was proper to Johns Ministry being A prophet H sea 12.10 7. It may be Argued That it was done by sprinkling In that it was Impossible for any one single person or any with him to do it by Dipping or applying the person to the water and make but one Baptism of the person 8. It may be Argued from the adjuncts of this performance the mulâ—â—tude of spectators of all sorts and the circumstances of time and place The time being short for Johns perfâ—â—mance of it and the place in the wilderness or near it And the time it was Impossible it should be peâ—foâ—med in They that were Baptized were so many and the place at such a distance from places of succour And a generation of vipers spectators And for John to take up all sorts of persâ—ns and Dip them into the water and take them oâ—t again himself And this of all sexes and ages whether in their usual wearing apparel or without it for the ground for devesting we have none Before the Generation of vipers as spectators could not be But
to pour water upon or to sprinkle them with water this will consist with all adjuncts â—â—d circumstances of the performance Besides no other performance of Baptism than this of sprinkling would consist with John's gravity and seriousness being filled with the holy Ghost nor with hi stâ—rity of carriage and conversation that he came in not eating and drinking and affable converse as Christ did 9. In that John's Baptism was a preparing them for Christ and making straight and plain the way of the Lord Matth. 3.3 Mark 1.3 Luke 3.3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to direct from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rendered by complano dirigo John 1.23 It is as the Learned observe coumpounded of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bene 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pro 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pono rectum enim est quod bene positum est Luke 3.4 Every Vaâ—ley shall be filled and every Mountain and hill shall be brought low this makes Hills and Valleys to become Plains And the croâ—ked shall be made straight this respects the straightness of the way and the rough ways shall be made smooth and this is from Isa 40.3 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a plain prepared way as persons do make by casting up Earth and Stones to make a High-way from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to lift up Isa 57.41 So that John's Administration was in such a manner as did most clearly set forth the way of Christ's Communications clearly that all flesh might see the Salvation of God and to perform his Baptism by sprinkling was according to what was promised and prophesied of Isa 52.15 Ezek. 36.25 Isa 44.3 Joel 2.28 Zech. 12.12 and should John have performed by Dipping he must have eclipsed the way of Christ and not made clearer discoveries thereof If any can make that appear that dipping a persâ—n into Water is the way to make the way of pouring upon or sprinkling with plainest they that can so apprehend I suppose will have little warrant of Scripture to prove it The Prophets way was to make the Visions plain and the Apostles way was to use great plainness of Speech 2 Cor. 3.12 and to deliver words easie to be understood though the matter was weighty 10. It may be argued and proved by the Subjects of the Administration all the Trees of that Field and all that Generation Matth. 3.9 Matth. 11.16 all the people of Israel Acts 13.24 or else it would not have been the sin of every Soul that did not hearken Acts 3.23 Luke 7.30 Fathers and Children Luke 1.17 the Circumcision Rom. 15.8 Now I do know none that do hold these capable of dipping but they were the subjects of Baptism as to the tender of it and their sin if they did not come being Children of the Promise Acts 2.38 39. therefore it was and must be performed by sprinkling or pouring upon 11. From the silence of the Enemies the Scribes and Pharisees and from their giving of it the title of Baptizing John 1.24 25. Should John have performed this Baptism by dipping how would they have railed againâ—t it as one that did do contrary to Moses and all the Jews also See Acts 21.19 20 21 22 23. They were ready to quarrel against every thing yet they never speak one word against his Baptism though upon other accounts they said he had a Devil yet they call this his performance and administration Baptizing John 1.25 which shews it was performed the same way that they performed their Baptizings in and that was by sprinkling and this by the express command of God and they had sinned against the very letter of the Law if they had not Numb 19. Luke 11.38 39. Mark 7.4 8. Paul argued his inoffensiveness to them and the groundlessness of their hatred against him in that he did say none other things than Moses in the Law did say should come and the Prophets too Acts 26.22 They would have had ground for their accusation if John should have turned sprinkling into dipping when the Prophets had foretold the contrary and Moses did contrary 12. In that pouring upon or sprinkling of the person with Water in Scripture and application of Water to the person is expressed by the same word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that John expressed his Baptism with 1 Cor. 10.2 the application of Water to the persons of all the Visible Church of God and this is intimated to be the same with the Corinthians Baptism and all expressed by the same word so Mark 7.4 8. Luke 11.38 John 3.3 5. And Peter expressed pâ—uring a poâ— or falling uâ—on by the same word Acts 11.15 16 17. and Paul in Acts 19.3 4. and so also our Lord Jesus Acts 1.5 13. In that the Holy Ghost useth another word to expresâ—â—tioâ—ing by in â—he New Testament John 13.26 Rev. 19.13 Luke 16.24 Mark 14.20 that is set fâ—â—â—h by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 14. In that our Lord Jesus doth set forth John's Baptism to be from Heaven Matth. 21.25 26. and if from Heaven then it must be a sâ—gn type and figuâ—â— 1 Pâ—t 3.21 and then no câ—ntradictory to what was foretold by the Prophets and then not of John's own devising and then 〈◊〉 there â—s noâ—hing said of â— new way of Administration by dipping then there is none to be â—â—â—â—â—ved noâ— was there any nâ—w way of Administration because there is nothing said of 〈…〉 14. If from Heâ—vâ—n then it was not in a way of Confusion witâ— the rest of Divâ—â—â— appâ—â—â—menâ—s nor câ—â—â—â—â—y to â—he mâ—nner of Christ's administration of the thing signified 〈◊〉 it may â—e furthâ—â— argued from the Holy Ghost's making use of the Noun from this Verb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to sâ—â—â—â—rth all the Cermonial Purifications by which were all performed by sprinkling Heb. â— â—◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Noun that John's Baptism is expressed be which clearly shews that the holy Ghost does intend sprinkling bâ— it in that their sprinklings are so stiled â—â—veâ—s Baptisms as the word should be rendered â—â—hn 3.23 24 25. 16. It may be further argued and proved That John 's Baptism and the Apostles Baptism with Water was pâ—â—foâ—med bâ— sprinkling or pâ—uring upâ—n In that it is set forth by all the various Titles and expressions that their Purifications by sprinkling were stiled and set forth by in scripture and the thing signified by it also As First To purifie and purification and purifying John 3.25 26. John 2.5 6. Acts 15.9 James 4.8 Heb. 9.13 14. Titus 2.14 2. To purge Psalm 51.6 7. Heb. 9.14 22. 2 Tim. 2.21 Matth. 3.12 Luke 3.17 Heb. 1.3 John 15.2 Ezek. 43.26 3. To wash Psalm 51.7 Rev. 1.5 6. 1 Cor. 6.10 11. Heb. 10.22 Ezek. 16.9 Eph. 5.25 26. Titus 3.5 6. Acts 22.16 4. To cleanse Ezek. 36.25 26 27. 1 John 1.7 9. Eph. 5.26 James 4.8 5. To make clean Mark 7.4 5 6 7 8 Matth. 15.2 19 20. Luke 11.38 39 4â— Matth. 23.25 26. 6. To sprinkle Isa 52.15
23.25 26. Matth. 15.7 8 9. In vain do they worship me c. it was matter of worship with them Mark 7.8 9 10. But Ouâ— Lord Jesus does acknowledge it a cleansing of the outside of the cup and platter and that it â—as a making clean The word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 used again John 3.25 about Christs and John Baptizing with water about their sprinkling of old Heb. 9.13 14.22 This sheweth that Luke understandeth by baptizing of the hands the application of water to the hands by way of sprinkling and this by the Law was to be done by a clean person Numb 19.18 19. Christ was used among the multitude and did use to raise the Dead and cleanse the Lepers and therefore the Pharisee did suppose he might be unclean and therefore admired that he had not first Baptized that is purified himself Because that Law was then in force and Christ doth grant it to be a cleansing of the cup and platter But condemns them for resting in that and never labour after that which was typified out by it which was the cleansing of their hearts as David did Psalm 51.6 7. and though this was an addition of their own inventions to the Law of God yet they kept to the manner of performance or else it could not have born the title or denomination of cleansing Rom. 2.17 27. and should they have done it otherwise it would have made their own Inventions to have been known from the commands of God and the people would have slighted them and also Christ would have detected their wickedness should they have turned sprinkling to Dipping And if they should have performe it by Dipping whether it were in their clothes or naked Their frequent Baptizings woâ— have been a burthen intolerable and Impossible to all and utterly Destructive to their 〈◊〉 mane nature as often as they came from market or went to receive any food to have 〈◊〉 all over into water or to have been put into water or should they have Imposed it upon 〈◊〉 that they Invited to Diâ—e with them to have been Dipt all over in water and where 〈◊〉 hey have â—h ad water to Dip in or heifers enough to kill to have the ashes of them t◠〈◊〉 the water see Numbers 19. what it was made with and besides he that was to be cleansed was not to touch the water for then he had defiled it and if the clean person that was to sprinkle it did touch the water he was defiled Numbers 19.21 22. c. So that of necessity it must be performed by sprinkling all which declares Luke his acceptation of this word 6. Besides his recording Pauls baptizing Acts 9.18 and makes no Discovery of his going out of the house being blind and of the Jailors being baptized the same hour of the night Acts 16.30 31 32. and whatever faith persons have to believe rivers running through these houses yet the Scripture discovers none So that they have no ground for their faith and also Pauls Baptizing the Disciples in Acts 19.3 4 5 6 7. and of Philips Baptizing the Eunuch in Acts 8.38 which could never be by Dipping If it be true what is supposed by some That they went both into the water both Philip and the Eunuch The particle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rendered into is in 1 Cor. 10.2 Translated unto But if any will have it that they went both into the water How can they Imagine that Philip could baptize that is as they suppose Dip him could he baptize or Dip that part of the Eunuch that was in before How far they went into the water do they know and can any thing or person be Dipt into the water or any part of it either that is not out before It may be moved in the water but not be Dipt into it And could he Dip him while he stood upon terra firma upon firm ground must not what is dipped Immediately before the act of Dipping be loose from every thing else and could he Dip that part that he Grasped to Dip him was he in his wearing apparel or not how many baptisms must there be in this way of Baptizing If any part of his body was uncovered that might be Dipped Immediately they Imagine what was covered must be baptized mediately and what was Grasped must be baptized Secondarily to the rest of the mediate Baptism and when must the bottom of the feet be baptized upon which he stood we do not read of any change of the position whatever faith any have to assert wiâ—hout warrant If Philip did baptize the Eunuch by Dipping of him it must be diametrically or perpendicularly And when they can prove That Philips arms were so much longer than the common race of mankind and his strength so much more to do it when I say this is proved by Scripture I hope I shall have faith to believe it but not till then It was no other than what one person could perform for he baptized him and it would be strange If Philip should engage to do this any other way than what all others of Christs servants had done it There is enough in the former Testimonies by Luke to signifie his acceptation of the word to the contrary to this Imagination Seventhly Let us Enquire how John the Beloved Disciple and the Pen-man of the Gospel did understand this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and what he did intend by it in his use of it and his Testimony with respect to Christs Baptizing with the holy Ghost must of necessity be the same with the rest of the Apostles being he was a subject partaking of it with the rest of the Disciples Acts 2.23 4. and also we may see his Testimony of it in his recording the words of Christ to Nicodemus who was one of the Pharisees that rejected Baptism John 3.3 5 8. and our Lord Jesus assureth of the necessity of it with the Inward Baptism under the terms of a new birth and the words should be rendered 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whosoever is not born again let him be male or female young or old and so it is also in verse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the manner how this birth is brought about or effected we have this holy pen man of Scripture recording in verse the 8th 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. The wind bloweth where it listeth thou hearest the sound thereof but canst not tell whence it cometh or whither it goeth So is every one that is born of the spirit and if none know whence it cometh and whither it goeth God does not put the person into it in that it cometh to him and can any one put the person into it here It cometh to him and bloweth upon him and enters into him Ezekiel 37.3 4 5. Ephe. 2.1 and also it appears that John the Evangelist did understand the Baptizing with the holy Ghost to signifie applying to and pouring upon and sprinkling with and not Dipping into by the
Come over and help us which was with a speedy motion So Luke 16.26 Which shewed they stood not still in their Motion to be Dipped perpendicularly or Diametrically And this Motion was not of some but of all by their own personal strength or by others So that as some were baptized So were all baptized And if any should say that they might be all wet as much as if they had been dipt But wetting is not dipping That is the case I Answer that cannot be matter of faith because not recorded in Gods word Neither is it the way of God to prefer sacrifice before mercy For should they have been much wet how ever some might have endured it yet what must the women and children and little ones have done in the wilderness into which they were then going where they had neither habitation nor fire ready to dry or warm them or change to shift themselves with for their clothes waxed not old nor their foot swelled Deut. 29. But if they were not Dipped how can it be proved that they were sprinkled I Answer If they were Baptized It must be by Dipping or sprinkling But they were baptized but not by Dipping therefore by sprinkling 2. If the baptized were upon dry ground it was by sprinkling 3. If the baptized were in motion in the Interim of the time of reception then it was by sprinkling 4. If the great and whole Host were baptized in one night it was by sprinkling 5. If there was but one Baptizor then it was done by sprinkling But there was but one Baptizor even one Moses 6. If what is done from the Cloud is by drops then it was done by sprinkling 7. Where there are Infants baptized as well as adult it was and must be done by sprinkling but so it was here If the smallest Infâ—nâ— had not been baptized that lived to have children how could all the fathers have been said to be baptized 1 Cor. 1â— 1 2. But some will say this was an extraordinary Baptism and therefore not to be a pattern for ordinary administrations and performances I Answer whether the bapâ—ism be ordinary or extraordinary is not the question here But what the word baptizo does signifie and in what manner the Ordinance was performed It is strange if God Almighty should perform his Immediate works in an unlawful manner or in an Iregular manner and does the holy Ghost use to bring Impertinent arguments It is brought as an argument to the Corinthians that they would take heed of sinning against God under such priviledges without real godliness And if all must be rejected for argument that is brought from extraordinary what use shall or can be made of the whole Bible Especially the generality of the New Testament Must there be a proof for any thing All was done by extraordinary persons upon extraordinary occasions and by extraordinary causes in the days of the Lord Jesus and his immediate servants Must not the whole 11th Chapter of the Hebrews be razed for proof Was not John Baptist baptizing such a multitude in such a place or places and their confession extraordinary is the like to be produced Was not the mission of Philip to the Eunuch Extraordinary and his preaching to him and the success of his preaching and his baptizing and confession and all Can any match it And what of the New Testament is not Why should any Mortals have the face to cast this as an obstruction when the thing in debate and question is what the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 does signifie and how Paul doth understand it and take it to signifie with respect to external baptism and this is a plain Scripture proof that he did take it to signifie sprinkling and pouring upon and this with respect to the whole Church of God at that time upon Earth And that it does not signifie nor does he intend by it Dipping into water In the meaning of Paul to the Corinthians it was then in no other manner performed than what the smallest Infant might pertake of it in the Red Sea If it was not how could all the fathers be baptized And if his baptizing of the Corinthians had not been by the same manner Or if they had not been baptized in the same manner as to sprinkling as it was by God in the Red Sea How might the Corinthians have said that they had not the right Baptism and that Moses did Baptize with the Baptism that was more like an external sign than Paul And that they had more of the Gospel Preached to them in the Red Sea from the cloud as to discover the Baptism of Christ with the holy Ghost than ever they had and so have renounced their Baptism If the Corinthians did not say this many in our days would have said it and abundance more and rejected Ministry and Baptism and all participation of ordinances with them and called them lyers and antichristian If Paul should have baptized by Dipping or plunging and yet express the very same Baptism when performed by the Lord under the Ministry of Moses by the same word and it did clearly signifie to sprinkle and it might easily be proved that it was done by sprinkling What an advantage would the false teachers have taken to have rendred Pauls Ministry and labours null and void and ineffectual among the Corinthians And they would have proved him an Impostor and an intruder upon them out of his own mouth and from his own words and this by Moses that they all acknowledged that God spake by and how must this have destroyed Baptism from being of the Nature of a sign type and figure He in all his Epistles assenting the Grace of God to be received by them and they not received by that or put into it And he always asserting it to be given them by sprinkling Heb. 10.22 Or shedding upon Titus 3.5 6. By this we may see how Paul was baptized himself in the house or chamber Acts 9.18 He asserting sprinkling with water to be baptizing And how he baptized them in Acts 19.3 4 5 6 And how he baptized the Jaylor Acts 16.31 32 33. And how he baptized Lydia and her houshold Acts 16.14 If any one can shew so much ground for Pauls understanding and taking the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to signifie Dipping into water for my part I shall thank them and never revile them for what they bring for proof with that evidence of Scripture from Pauls writings in the Scripture as this is For if Pauls Intentions by this word mentioning the means whereby it was done and asserting their motion the while it was done and place they passed on the dry ground Heb. 11.29 And the baptizing of all of them had not been to set forth the manner of doing of it by spâ—inkling and if his administratron of it had not been the same way and in the same manner amongst them that is if his external baptizing and their being baptized had not been by
should have intended such contrary things by one and the same word in this case and they so understand him Then they might also understand his meaning to be as directly contrary in other words and expressions to them Namely that they should stand when he spake to them of cutting down and that when he called them a generation of Vipers he did mean and intend that they were Saints For if they understood his contrary meaning in one thing and if his words had a contrary signification in one thing why might they not also in another when there was no explanation made of the words But what Soul is there that can have any Scripture ground to believe That John the Baptist who was one of the greatest of all the Prophets and was filled with the holy Ghost from his mothers Womb should have such directly contrary meanings by one and the same word in the same mood at the same time about that which one was to be an example type figure or representation of the other his Baptizing with water to signify and seal Christs Baptizing with the holy Ghost And if he had such contrary intentions by one and the same word how would this have Answered the end of his Ministry in turning them to the Lord their God In case they could not understand his meaning And if the Scribes and Pharisees those Implacable enemies should have understood John to act and intend by one and the same expression contrary things how would they have railed against him and his Ministry and have said that he did deceive the people and brought this to confirm it In that he did intend such contrary things by the same word about the same ordinance and never explain his meaning And if John Baptist should have had such contrary Intentions by this one word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and never make the least explanation of the same how did he make plain the way of the Lord and help all flesh to see the salvation of God Was this to make the way of the Lord direct and straight plain and even for to make dipping to signifie Sprinkling and dipping the person into water to signifie pouring the holy Ghost upon the person and to make one word have such contrary significations in expressing the full or both parts of one ordinance when the outward Baptism with water was to be a sign of the Inward Baptism with the holy Ghost Would this help all flesh to see the Salvation of God that was to know Christ when he did come and appear by the manner of his performance and to see the way of the participation of Spiritual benefits from him by his outward and external ordinances and way of Administration of it Was this the way of the Prophets to deliver things so darkly Were they not to make the vision plain that he that runneth might read it But now if we shall on the contrary not put in dip or dipping in the place of Baptizing but pouring upon and sprinkling with and read the words thus I indeed have sprinkled you with water or I have indeed poured out water upon you or sprinkled you with water But he shall pour out his spirit upon you or sprinkle you with the Holy Ghost and with fire Here these words will agree both with the external sign and internal grace signified by the sign in the way and manner of the communication thereof foretold by the Prophets which John had a special regard to and came to bring about the fulfilling of Truth doth use to agree though truth and error can never agree this will not only make the sign and the thing signified to agree and the manner of their performance to be one But this will agree also with all the former types and figures of their cleansing In their sprinkling and purifying them with blood and also with water of separation Numbers 19. 17 18 19. Heb. 9.13 14 19 20 21. This will agree with the great Gospel promise Ezekiel 36.25 I will sprinkle clean water upon you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which must be understood of the supernatural graces of the spirit without the means or the work of the spirit by means Or else it must be understood of the way and manner of the communication of the means or of the thing signified by the means If Any say it is meant of the pouring out of the Spirit like that Joel 2.28 Acts 2.16 17. Then it must be meant of the manner of Christs Baptizing Acts 1.5 Acts 11.15 16. And if they will not allow it to be meant of the means how then shall this be signified to poor souls whereby they may know how to pray for this mercy in the right way of the communication thereof as David did formerly Psalm 51.6 7. And God told them at that time that he would be sought unto that he should do it for them Ezekiel 36.37 Besides this of pouring of water upon them or sprinkling them with water as Christ sprinkled them with the holy Ghost will agree with what was foretold by the Prophets of Christs Isa 52 15. way and manner of the communication of the benefits of his death The Hebrew word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This also will agree with the Title given to the blood of Christ and in which it speaketh to the whole general assembly Heb. 12.24 And this will agree with the Titles given to the Inward Baptism Heb 10.22 having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience And through the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ 1 Peter 1.2 But it may chance that we must stand to the Original and what the signification is there in this case as in some others where the translation will not serve turn some plead the Original But if the translation will serve turn then it is no matter what the Original is or doth signifie Therefore I shall endeavour to search and to produce what the Original doth signifie in this case in the Texts before quoted Matth. 3.11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mark 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luke 3.16 The same as before in Matthew 3.11 John 1.31 Therefore am I come baptizing with water 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Verse 33. But he that sent me to baptise with Water 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The same is he which Baptizeth with the holy Ghost 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In every one of these texts The Preposition that our Translators have rendered with is in the Original 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which generally is translated in And this the vulgar Greek Grammar tells us Soli Dativo Jungitur sed per Eclipsm Genitivo But tho generally it signifieth in and be so translated yet it doth not alwayes signifie In especially when it will not agree with the sense of the place or context And who is able to make it agree with the later part of the verse Baptizing with the holy Ghost if it should be translated in the holy
whole word of God in that the sign must be performed one way and the thing signified accomplished another the sign by dipping and the thing signified by pouring upon or sprinkling 2. Then John must take a contrary way to make known the mind of God to the people than ever the Prophets of the Lord did in that he must have contrary meanings by one and the same word about the same Ordinance at the same time to the same auditory 3. Then few of the people must understand what John did intend when he told them Christ should baptize them with the holy Ghost as to the manner of the performance of it But in that he must be a Barbarian to them which is Notoriously false John 10.40 41 42. 4. Then it was Impossible also that they should pray for or depend by faith for the accomplishment of it because they could not tell which way it should be performed Psalm 51.6 7. 5. It was Impossible that they should believe in Christ as the true Messiah that John had foretold when he did appear if John should have dipped them into water and called this Baptizing of them and prophesie that Christ should baptize them with the holy Ghost and express it by the same word and in the same mood that he did his dipping And when Christ did appear if he should not take them and dip them into the spirit but pour out his spirit upon them who of them that believed John to be a prophet indeed would have believed that Christ was the Messiah indeed But it would have been the greatest obstruction to keep them from believing in Christ that could be contrary to John 10.42 6. If this were true then they that Dip must be followers of John and all that sprinkle must be followers of Christ 7. They that would make this to be the meaning of John by this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 about his own practice of Baptizing must make Johns Manner of Baptizing to be humane except they can prove it by some warrant of Scripture And then also their faith must be humane that believe it and their practice humane that follow it without they can shew express warrant for it as hath been shewn for Christs Baptizing by pouring upon or sprinkling with his spirit 8. They that can pervert Johns words to the people may pervert the words of Christ himself also in Acts. 1.5 And the words of the Apostle Peter Acts 11.15 16. speaking of Johns Baptism and all other Scriptures with as good warrant as they do this But besides a little further to view the words What can be made of these words Matth. 3.11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I indeed baptize you with water or in water Is there any ground for any to Imagine that the meaning must be I have dipped you in water Then they did not go in themselves nor came forth themselves for if they went in and came out themselves then he could neither dip them in nor take them out And if He dipped them in it must be the whole person for he speaks to them as Individuals and to every individual of them and makes no limitation of any particular part of their persons that he had dipped And it must be in their wearing apparel for we read of no devesting of them And when any can prove by Scripture that any one Minister of ordinary strength can dip all sorts of persons of whatsoever age sex condition stature or dimension they be in a whole region or in City and Countrey then I hope I shall have faith to believe such Doctrine But till I have the word of God for it I must and do esteem it Impossible though if it could be done there must be a twofold Baptism One Immediate and the other Mediate by the clothes And if it be taken I have baptized you in water then the meaning must be that he spake the words while they were in the water and whether they went in or he put them in that respects nothing of the act but must be in order to the act of his Baptizing of them And this Argueth nothing to prove by way of distinction whether the water were cast or sprinkled upon them in the water or whether they were dipped further in But if it gives ground for either It is for sprinkling or pouring water upon them For in case a person be took and cast into the water or dipped in and there held while the words are spoken which gives the form to the Ordinance to distinguish it from all other the person might be stifled If John spake no more words in his Administration than what is commanded by Christ to be said now yet some weak constitutions must and would be stifled if they were held under water so long But if Water be poured or sprinkled upon them there can be no danger of any harm as to the pouring upon And if any take the act to be done by John while they were in the water then we have no ground from hence of the alteration of the position of the person baptized in the reception of the Baptism in water And if the person must be in water to be baptized then this condemns the baptism in the Red sea for they were upon dry land Heb. 11.29 1. Cor. 10.2 And if the words be strictly taken I have baptized you in water Then the stress of the sense must lie not as to the manner whether it be done by dipping or sprinkling nor can the form of words yield any proof for it but only that the person Baptized be in water when the act it self be performed by the Baptizer nor whether he be under water or not so he be baptized in water and then Pauls was not this way who was baptized in a house Acts. 9.18 and how any will prove the baptizing of the three thousand in some part of an Artificial day was while they were in the water is unknown Acts. 2.41 42. c. But if any will have the meaning to be I have baptized in water 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I have dipped you into water then they must shew when and where in the New Testament the Preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in is so used to signifie by the holy Ghost with respect to this Ordinance And then they must make the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifie only to dip when John speaks of his baptizing with water as it hath been â—roved to signifie only to pour upon or sprinkle with when it is referred to Christs baptizing And then Thirdly they must make the difference to be in opposition to sprinkling in the dipping into the water and the words to be spoken while they be dipping in and then whether they be under water or not is not significant so they were dipped in But it must be in such a manner as the baptized must be wholly passive in the act and no coagent or coadjuvant for they were Baptized in the
that great Apostle Peter at that time be a true and faithful Witness from God to them 33. No other signification of this word can be had from the New Testament than what Will consist with the dreadful condemnations and theatnings of the New Testament against all and every Soul that did flight neglect or reject Baptism See Luke 7.30 Acts 3.23 John 3.3 5. Christs express words to Nicodemus the Pharisee that was one of that conclave that rejected Baptism Matth. 21.32 Acts 2.40 41. They are condemned as an untoward Generation Fi st Let us Enquire How John the Baptist did understand this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And what he did intend by it in his use of it in Expressing his own Baptism with water and Christs Baptism with the holy Ghost by it That John the Baptist did understand and intend pouring upon or sprinkling with in Matth. 3.11 when he spake of Christs Baptism and told the people that Christ should baptize them with the holy Ghost and with fire have been proved and may be again easily evidenced by Johns being a prophet and speaking as a prophet and from his seeing the way and manner in which Christ was to do it when he spake of it John 1â— 41 And by the evidence the people did bear of John with respect to the truth of his Testimony that he did bear of Christ in all things that he spake of Christ and the ground of faith that this was to the people to believe in Christ John 10.40 41 42. And also from Johns own words in Matth. 3.11 and with fire which respects the very time of the holy Ghosts falling upon them in Acts 2.3 4 5. Acts 11.15 16 17. And also his being acted by the same spirit of the Prophets but a greater measure than they had of the same spirit and the commendation that Christ gives to John all this sheweth that John did intend the same way of performance in which it was done by the Lord Jesus which was by pouring upon or sprinkling with Acts 2.15 16. And this according to and for the accomplishment of what the Prophets had foretold that so that might be fulfilled and this is witnessed to by the express words of the holy Ghost in Acts 2.15 16 17. And it was foretold so to be performed by many of the Prophet as Isa 52.15 Isa 44.3 Joel 2.28 29. Zech. 12.10 If Baptizing with the holy Ghost Was one of the things that John spake of Christ and all that he spake of him was true then this of necessity must be true and was true and was intended by the people when they spake it of Jâ—hn and bare witness to the truth of what John spake of Christ in all things and believed on Christ by vertue of the truth of Johns words John 10.40 41 42. And for what he intended by his saying he Baptized them with water whether he intended Dipping or Plunging or pouring upon or sprinkling may be easily discerned In that The people understood what he spake which was Impossible for any mortals to have done If John should have intended sâ—rinkling by this word when he spake of Christs Baptizing with the holy Ghost but he performed his own by Dipping in water anâ— yet expressed both by the same word and this wiâ—hout the least explication or discovery of any difference in the signification of the word That the people and the vulgar of the people and while in a state of unbelief and Ignorance and at the first time in the place where John at first Baptized is all clear from the very expressions of the holy Ghost in John 1â— 4â— 41 42. And this could never have been had John intended sprinkling by the same word in Christs Baptizing that he expressed his baptizing with if he had performed it by dipping and this without the least explication unless any can prove that the vulgâ—r and common people could understand what was in Johns mind without his manifestation of it by his expressions And if any could do this by John the same people could not understand Christs meaning when he said he did and would give them his flesh to eat John 6. and also it may be further discovered what he intended as to the manner of his baptizing with water by the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 By the question proposed to him by the Messengers sent to him from the Pharisees which were of Jerusalem John 1.24 Why Baptizest thou then if thou be not that Christ nor that Prophet nor Elias John understood the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to Baptize in no other sense than what the Pharisees understood it in For he Answered them Immediately and Directly by and with the same word verse 26. John answered and said I Baptize with water c. They both the Pharisees and John understood what was intended and meant by the same word without the least explication of it to shew any different sense that it was taken in upon either hand or part as appears by their direct pertinent and speedy answers one to the other And how the Pharisees and all the Jews understood it and what they intended by it we may know and understand by their Baptizing of their Câ—â—s and Pots and Beds and Tables c. Mark 7.4 6 8. which were thingâ— some of them at least Impossible to be Dipped or to be baptized by Dipping especially when it wâ—s but the câ—tâ—de of these that they Baptized or purified Luke 11 38 39 40. Matth. 25.25 26. Which may be further discovered when we come to speak particularly of their acceptation of the word 3. John intended no other acceptation of this word Baptizing nor did perform it in any other manner than what would consist with hâ—s Baptizing of All Judea and All the Region round about Jordan and the multitude which consisted of men women and children 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Matth. 14.21 Matth. 15.36 to 39. Matth. 11.7 4. John the Baptist Intended no other signification by this word Baptizing and performed it in no other manner than what would consist with their priviledges as they were children of Abraham that they might enjoy their priviledges For they had and did enjoy them and partake of Baptism by vertue of their being children of Abraham Why else did John disswade them from trusting in their priviledges and being children of Abraham Matth. 3.9 And should John have denyed them the participation of the Ordinance upon this account the covenant and promise of God must have been broken and made null and void And why does the holy Ghost say long after that it was theirs upon this accounâ— Rom. 9.4 5. 5. John Bapâ—ist could intend no other signification by this word than what would consist with the subjects of his Ministry and the end of his Ministry which were the fathers and children and the turning of their hearts one to another and all to the Lord Mal. 4.6 Luke 1.17 6. John could intend no other signification by
did drop and who were the Instruments to record the mind of Christ to us â—y it in the Word of God and blessed Scriptâ—res who also were eye witnesses of the Administrations and subjâ—cts of the communicationâ— both special and common And First I shall Enquire how Matthew the First recorder of it did understand it and in what sense he did accept it and take it and â—â—at he did intend by it The record being made long after the Administration of the sign and the communication of the thing signified to them And we may see how Matthew took the word to signify as to the Inward Baptism by the recording of the comunication of the spirit from Christ by this word in Matth. 3.11 He shall Baptize you with the holy Ghost and with fire And he was one of them that did partake of it and upon whom it was poured out and shed Acts 2.2 3 4 15 16 17 33. And by the Record he hath made of the spirits descending upon Christ like a dove from heaven Matth. 3.16 17. And we may understand what Matthew understood by this word as to external baptism and the performance of it by the record he hath made of the subjects of Baptism in the Primitive times Even all Judea and all the Region Round about Jordan Matth. 3.5 6. Matth. 4.15 16 17. And his calling these the multitudes Matth. 11.7 And discovery of the multitude to consist of men women and children Matth. 14.21 Matth. 15.36 37 38 39 40. So that he did not inâ—end Dipping by this word in that the smallest Infants are Intimated to be there 2. And by the Discovery made of them that Johns Exhortation was presented to after Baptism to bring forth fruit which was every tree of the field and all whether they were chaff or wheat or should be Damned or saved Matth. 3 1â— 12. 3. And also by the Discovery that he hath made of Our Saviours coming from the water when he was Baptized 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Which prâ—veth that Christ was not dipt into the water by John in that he was not taken out again For whatsoever is dipt in by any must be taken out again to distinguish it from casting or putting into the water in a Scripture acceptation And if children or females had been dipt in by John how could they have come forth when their clothes were wet by reason of their weakness of Nature and want of strength 4. We may see what he understands by Johns Baptism as to the manner in that he hath left enough upon record to shew that they had their priviledges as children of Abraham and were not denied them and then surely the smallest Infant must be and was baptized if they were Abrahams seed as well as the adultest parent Or else they must be great sufferers as being wronged Matth. 3.9 10 Matth. 11.16 17 18 19. 5. By his rendering their external purifications by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which the other Evangelists and the Jews did express by the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as well as by that word Matth. 15.2 2â— Luke 11.38 Mark 7.2 3 4 5. which word none will be able to prove did signifie dipping Matth. 6.17 Fifthly Let us enquire how the Evangelist Mark understood this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and what he intended by it and as to the spiritual Baptism that must be yielded to be the same with Matthew He being one of the Apostles and did partake of it as well as Matthew And for the external Administration of the sign we may see what he understood by it By his recording the use of the word among all the Jews Mark 7.2 3 4 8. and He renders the words with unwashen hands by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Matth. doth in Matth. 15.2 about the same matter which is never used in the New Testament to signifie dipping into And in Mark 7. verse 4. It is Rendered or expressed by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And it should be translated Except they Baptize they eat not Where we have a clear discovery how Mark did understand 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to signifie and that is the same with their legal purifications which were by express divine command to be performed by sprinkling Numb 19.18 19. And they must have Notoriously sinned against the very letter of the Law if they had not so performed it but had done it another way and the Jews were exact observers of the letter of the Law Rom. 2.27 And in verse the 4th He â—ells us of their Baptizing of their pots and cups and Tables or beds 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and it is expressed by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Which sheweth clearly that their performance of it was by sprinkling for the tent and all the vessels in a tent were to be sprinkled Numbers 19.18 If any object and say this is discovered to be their own Inventions I answer That is true as to the matter our Saviour does tax them but as to the manner of applying the â—ater to cleanse them that â—as as God commanded 〈◊〉 nâ—t gainsaid by Christ and the thing in debate is not who invented the matter but how it was pâ—râ—ormed and the acceptation of the word whereby it is expressed and for the manner of their performance Christ does not condemn that but do acknowledge it a purifying and making clean of the cursde of the cup and platter Matth. 23.25 26. Luke 11.39 40. They erred no more in this than they did in the lesser matters of the law Luke 11.42 and had they not had the letter of the law to Justifie the manner they could never have fadged in the matter in worship nor have accused Christ nor any oâ—hers for the neglect of it with any preâ—ence of conscience The people being so well acquainted with the five books of Moses that they could not gainsay the letter of the law and especially the ceremonial part thereof That being the most of the religion then in fashion If any say that the Apostle does not declare his Judgment here but reports their use of the word that is the Jews and Pharisees I answer The greater ground this gives to believe that the Primitive Baptism was not by Dipping but by sprinkling For if this was the acceptation of the word among the Pharisees and Jews to set forth their ceremonial purifyings which were by express divine command to be performed by sprinkling then that was the acceptation of it by the Apostles too In that they do not in the least gainsay it Nor never give it any other signification And should the Jews have broken the command of God and done it by Dipping how would our Lord Jesus have shewed his abhorrence of their wickedness therein Or would John Baptist and Christ and his Apostles have followed them in their way of violating the commands of God that were then in full force They that have such a belief have little ground for what they do in Imitation of it Acts