Sanctifier and Purifier of all his Brethren and Members of his Body or Church and People and nothing else can for as the Work is his so the Power is his and the Glory of the Power is due to him who is Greater than Iohn c. So if Christ wash thee not thou hast no part in him John 13.8 And without Blood there is no Remission Heb. 9.22 It 's the Blood of Christ that cleanseth us from all Sin 1 John 1.7 9. Rev. 1.5 Now it 's clear from that full and clear Declaration of Christ to this Apostle of the Gentiles what he sent him to do and what Christ's Mind was to have done and did he send the rest of the Apostles with any less Authority Or to do any other Work And is not this a more excellent Work To turn People from Darknnss to Light and from Satan's Power unto God than to turn Men into Water or to sprinkle Water in the Faces of Infants and then say They are Sanctified and Changed Regenerated and Born again made new Creatures yea Children of God Members of Christ Inheritors of God's Kingdom and promise to deny the Devil and all his Works the Pomps and Vanities of this wicked World the sinful Lusts of the Flesh with all the Desires of the same so that they will not follow nor be led by them And also that they will believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith and keep God's holy Will and Commandments and walk in the same all the Days of their Life Doth not this set Christ aside and render him useless and ascribe that to Water-Baptism nay to Sprinkling that 's all wholly due to Christ as before is proved Oh where had you Commission for these things Who sent you that run into these things Shew us one tittle of any Command or Example for Sprinkling in all the Scripture how dare you say all these things are done by sprinkling Water in the Face of Infants and yet say there is none free from Sin on this side the Grave Are not New Creatures the Children of God Members of Christ Inheritors of God's Kingdom and deny the Devil and all his Works the Pomps and Vanities of this wicked World the sinful Lusts of the Flesh with all the desires of the same so that they will not follow nor be led by them and believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith and keeps God's Holy Will and Commandments and walk in the same all their days I say Are not these free from Sin that begin thus when they enter into the World and continue to their Lives end Oh consider these things People you that read and see how you are led and how the same Men that lead you thus to promise and avow teach you all your lives long to say You do those things you ought not and leave those things undone you ought to do and are miserable Sinners or Offenders having no Health in you Can Children of God Members of Christ be miserable Sinners then when they are in a Child's State and Members of Christ What Rule what Title of a Word can be shewed for these things in all Holy Scripture Is it not sadly to be lamented that People should be fed with Husk when there is Bread enough in God's House and to spare But Paul was sent upon a more profitable Work and all that are sent of God are sent to Turn People from Darkness to Light and from Satan's Power unto God Oh how few appear to be thus turned amongst the Professors of our Age So it 's clear what Christ sent Paul to do for Paul saith He sent me not to baptize 1 Cor. 1.17 but to preach the Gospel Now if Paul was not sent to Baptize as it 's clear he was not how then can we think in Reason that others were For he was not behind the chiefest of the Apostles as he himself affirms But he must needs be behind them if their Commission was larger than his but if not then it 's strange how Paul could miss of having a share in that Commission Matt. 28. If it was a Commission for Water-Baptism to them it must needs be so either to him or else he had no share in it and if he had no share in it then he was behind the other Apostles in that Now that that in Mat. 28. was a Commission for Water-Dipping and Sprinkling I deny neither did Paul understand it so at all for had he he would not nor could not have said as he did but I say if it was and he had no share in it how comes Men in our times to have Power from Mat. 28. to Dip and Sprinkle For Paul had none therefore let them tell us plainly or cease from deceiving the People But again we find that Paul Preached the Baptism of Christ and shews what it is very plainly in Rom. 6.3 Know ye not that so many of us as were Baptized into mark into Iesus Christ were Baptized into his death therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the Glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life For if we have been planted together into the likeness of his Death we shall be also in the likeness of his Resurrection knowing this that our Old Man is Crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin for he that is dead is free from sin And verse 17. God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin but ye have obeyed from the Heart that Form of Doctrine which was delivered you Vers. 18. Being then made free from sin ye became the servants of Righteousness Vers. 22. But now being made free from sin and become servants to God ye have your Fruit unto Holiness and the end Everlasting Life for the wages of sin is Death but the Gift of God is Eternal Life through Iesus Christ our Lord. Come People all you that read this see if you yet know this Baptism into Christ into Death to sin and know the Old Man Crucified and put off and Christ the New Man put on that sets free from sin and makes Men Servants of God in Righteousness This Baptism is effectual to Salvation this is that we have all need of to be baptized with and if this Baptism be not known by us we fall short of freedom from sin and then the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ so in Christ is Life Eternal and they that are Baptized into Christ puts him on abides in him are alive unto God in him and dead to sin as the Apostle saith in the 2d verse How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein There is surely a vast difference betwixt those that live in Christ and those that live in sin This is a fanning Baptism a cleansing purifying Baptism this
it not the Lord's Work or Power that brought them to Moses that stood in the Power of God and in the Living Faith And they were Baptized unto him and dipp'd into the same Power and Faith in measure that he stood and abode in after they had been out of it through unbelief and fear of Man Now he that brought them out of the unbelief then unto Moses into the Living Faith and out of their own weakness into his own Power that abides for ever is the same that brings his People now that have been in unbelief and in great weakness into the Living Faith and Power of God and so unto our Spiritual Moses Christ Jesus that goes before his People and leads them out of spiritual Egypt Bondage Captivity and Thraldom and saves his People that follow him from their Sins and delivers them out of the Hands of their Enemies so they are with him and he with them according to his Promise and are Baptized into the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost unto him who is all in all and hath all Power given him in Heaven and in Earth Mat. 28. Object But says the Priest What outward Act did the Apostles use when they Baptized with that Baptism into the Name c. Ans. I answer Freely they did as Christ commanded them teach and as they were bidden When the Power got hold of any and came over them they went on teaching them to observe all things whatsoever Christ commanded them and they laboured in the work of the Ministry chearfully and as they preached the Holy Ghost fell upon those that heard them as in Acts 10.44 And the Power of God came over many and they felt it and believed in the Lord Jesus so they came to see the Name and Power of Jesus to be above every Name or Power and they believed in it and stood up in it being baptized into it they came to witness a Living in his Name Spirit Life and Power c. and in him viz. Christ Jesus were made new Creatures by his Name was he made whole that had been lame living that had been dead yea the Blind came to see the Deaf to hear the Dumb to speak Lepers were made clean Devils were cast out and his Name is the same at this Day tho' few believe in it or know it Glory be given to him whose is the Power who sits upon the Throne and to the Lamb for ever Obj. But some may object and say Is there nothing to be done in order to Baptize Men into the Name but to Teach Ans. The word Teach is a great word and so is the word Teaching and signifies all they did as Preaching in the Power as the Spirit gave them utterance and ability and praying in the Spirit and Power or asking the Father in Christ's Name as he bade them and singing Praises to God in his Spirit and Power as Paul and Silas did in Prison and living Holy Righteous Godly Sober Lives and Conversations and other Workâ— aforesaid done in the Spirit Power or Name of Christ so their Teaching sounded far and near for what they did they did it in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. So the word Teach and Teaching is of a large extent for there is very good and effectual Teaching besides preaching verbally and the Disciples of Christ taught so then and do so teach at this Day as none other can because God enables them so to do for they are all what they are in Christ and in his Power they do what they do as first to love as Brethren indeed and in truth is very teaching to all that behold it Secondly Not to have a Beggar amongst them is very teaching and a certain manifestation that they do love one another For by this said Christ shall all Men know that ye are my Disciples c. and gave a new Commandment that they should love one another which Command no Man can obey but as God who is love doth enable him Thirdly Humility and Meekness teach well and such seek not their own to become great and high in the World but the things of Jesus Christ And this plainly shews those are like unto him who are Meek and Lowly but Pride is hateful in all especially those that pretend Commission to teach for that teaches a wrong thing and strengthens people in that which is bad yea hardens them in it like unto the Pharisees who were proud and loved the Chief Seats in the Synagogues and the Highest Rooms at Feasts walked in long Robes loved greetings in the Market and to be called of Men Rabbi Rabbi these were Enemies to God and all good Men would neither enter the Kingdom themselves nor suffer those that would to enter And surely those that are in the same Spirit and walk in the same Steps and bring forth the same Fruits are no better than they Fourthly Men that are what they seem to be that speaks the truth to their neighbour and are not Double-Tongued do not Dissemble nor lie nor respect Mens Persons but do justly and good to them that hates them and loves Enemies Prays for them that Persecutes them and Despitefully uses them this is very teaching and are such things as none can do but those that are enabled to do them in the Name of Jesus Christ and by his Holy Name but the contrary is very bad and tends to hurt and â—inders all Nations from coming to be baptized into Christ's Name Fifthly In true Compassion to visit the Fatherless and Widows in their Afflictions and to Relieve the Poor and Needy to suffer Wrongs forgive Trespasses against us to visit the Sick and cloath the Naked feed the Hungry and such as are in Prison to Visit Feed and Cloath shews forth Christian Love and Charity Tenderness Kindness Pity and Compassion such preach well and is very teaching before all Nations but the contrary highly provokes the Holy Just God and declares Men to be born after the Flesh and not of the Spirit whose Fruits are all good Oh! how have the Sprinklers manifested themselves in our Day by laying many in Prison making Wives like Widows Children like Fatherless taking their Bread-Corn from them and other things by force and though they pretend to be sent of Christ who said freely ye have received freely give yet these have given nothing freely therefore ought to receive nothing but notwithstanding they will receive and take by force of them they do nothing for and no People nor Nation can in reason look upon this to be of a right Nature neither doth it nor ever can bring Honour to the Name of Christ Jesus but the contrary But they that are in the Name Power and Spirit of Christ they injure no Man defraud no Man but are good Examples to all Mankind and shew forth the Fruits of the Spirit Love Joy Peace Long-suffering Gentleness Meekness Soberness Temperance Purity Chastity and Truth and have Crucified the Flesh
in the Kingdom is greater than Iohn well and was Iohn more than a Prophet Yea and Moses was a Prophet how then is the least in the Kingdom greater than Iohn and so consequently greater than Moses How Answer In relation to their Ministry or Service for both Moses and Iohn served with outward Ordinances Observations Types and Shadows Ceremonial Rites and Figures but the least in the Kingdom which stands not in Meats c. their Ministry and Service is in and by the Power Spirit Life Light Love Wisdom and Divine Vertue of Christ Jesus and those that eat and drink now with Christ they are such as know their Kingdom come and are in the Kingdom of Heaven under the Command of Christ Jesus who is King of Righteousness and Prince of Peace and is to be heard truly followed and obeyed in all things But as I said these three viz. Matthew Mark and Luke speak much alike in this matter and it 's worth noting that Iohn the Beloved Disciple neither begins nor goes throughout in his Testimony as they did but was more Spiritual and Mysterious and when he comes to speak of the Supper he passeth it by thus Iohn 13.1 2 4. Now before the Feast of the Passover when Jesus knew that his Hour was come that he should depart out of this World unto the Father having loved his own he loved them to the end and Supper being ended Verse 3 4. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his Hands mark that and that he was come from God and went to God he riseth from Supper and laid aside his Garments and so goes on to shew how he washed his Disciples Feet and what he said unto them was very much for enjoining them to wash one another's Feet but saith not one word further at this time about the Supper that I find which I believe Iohn would not have omitted had it been so that he had known that his Beloved Master had intended it should have been observed to the end of the World but it 's very clear it 's called the Passover by them all and therefore fulfilled and passed away and gives place unto him that fulfils it and all the whole Law concerning Ordinances and outward Observations 3. It 's very clear this Supper was a part of the Passover and so the Bread here spoken of must needs be Unleavened Bread Passover-Bread pray have those that sell Bread now any of this Bread to sell or give for this was that Bread and that Cup that had figured out his Body to be broken for them and his Blood that was shed for them And as that Bread was broken and given to the outward Iew so is his Body broken given to the inward Iew and as that Wine was poured forth into the Cup and given to the outward Iew so is his Blood poured forth and given to the inward Iew to the making of his Heart glad So as the outward Iew who came out of outward Egypt and Bondage fed on the Paschal Lamb so the inward Iew who comes out of inward Spiritual Egypt and Bondage feeds on the Lamb of God as their Passover and as Israel's Enemies were washed away in the Red Sea so are the Christians inward Enemies viz. the Sins of the inward Iew washed away in the Blood of the Lamb of God who washeth his People with or in his own Blood 4. When Iohn comes to speak of what Christ spoke to the Iews and the People that he had fed with Five Barley Loaves and Two Fishes he relates how Christ bade them not to labour for the Meat that perisheth but for the Meat that endureth unto Everlasting Life which the Son of Man said he should give mark should give not sell unto you for him hath God the Father sealed and V. 32. My Father giveth you the true Bread from Heaven but Moses gave them not that Bread from Heaven Again the Bread of God is he that cometh down from Heaven and giveth Life unto the World Again V. 35. Iesus said unto them I am the Bread of Life he that cometh unto me shall never hunger and he that believes on me shall never thirst Again If any Man eat of this Bread he shall live for ever and the Bread that I will give is my Flesh for the Life of the World and except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood ye have no Life in you whoso eateth my Flesh and drinketh my Blood hath Eternal Life and I will raise him up at the last Day for my Flesh is Meat indeed and my Blood is Drink indeed he that eateth my Flesh and drinketh my Blood dwelleth in me and I in him Now consider that Bread that Moses gave they that ate it died but he that eats of the Bread that Christ giveth shall never die Pray let me ask What is the Bread that you break is it Living Bread Or is it Unleavened Bread Passover-Bread If it be not Unleavened Bread it is not Passover-Bread and if so then not the Bread that Christ at Supper broke bless'd and gave and if not that Bread then where 's your Foundation for your Bread 5. If it be not that Bread are you sure that Christ's Blessings goes along with it For I am sensible many live very wickedly that eats of the Bread the Priest sells and drinks of the Cup the Priest sells both before and after and there 's no Appearance of Eternal Life and if it were Unleavened Bread such as they eat at the Possover such as Christ bless'd brake and gave them yet it is not Living Bread nor can it give Life Eternal to them that eat it And therefore in the last and great Day of Feasting of this Bread and Wine Jesus stood up and cried If any Man thirst let him come unto me and drink He that believes on me as the Scripture hath said out of his Belly shall flow Rivers of Living Water But this spoke he of the Spirit not of Elementary Water which they that believed on him should receive for the Holy Ghost was not yet given because Jesus was not then glorified 6. But now Jesus Christ is glorified and the Holy Ghost is given then whither must we now go Must we yet run to Moses for the Bread that perisheth or to Christ for the Bread that endures to Everlasting Life Must we that believe on Christ and know the Holy Ghost is given even the Spirit of Adoption by which we cry Abba Father and that God hath glorified his Son Jesus Christ I say Must we now go to Moses for Water Or to Iohn either Did any but Christ or can any other than Christ give us this Living Water If not then let us go unto him who is Faithful that promised that we may drink of the Water he gives all drink into or of one Spirit Oh that Men did know this Living Bread and this Wine or Living Water Then they would say
your Power and Authority in this matter that you both Preach and Baptize Whereas Paul says He was not sent to Baptize but to Preach And we say and know what we say to be true that we are not sent to Baptize into Water but to Preach the Gospel and our Authority came not by Man of Man nor from Man but by the Grace of God we are what we are and his Grace is sufficient for us and ever hath been since we were a People and so will be to the End And we further say We know that Iohn was sent to Baptize with Water and we own him in his Day but where did Iohn Baptize using those words Father Son and Holy Spirit For they that had been Baptized into Iohn's Baptism had not so much as heard of a Holy Ghost So that this Baptism ye practise cannot be Iohn's nor Christ's it cannot be for he never had Water ascribed to him But Iohn who was a true Minister in his time of Water-Baptism said HE meaning Christ shall Baptize you with the Holy Ghost and Fire So then if not Iohn's as it 's clear it is not for Iohn's was a Type of the True Baptism of the Spirit and when the Types Figures Vails and Shadows were ended and HE the End and Beginning First and Last was arisen and had rent the Vail from the top to the bottom I say when the Sun of Righteousness did arise the Shadows fled away and gave him place over his own House to rule whose Right it was Then was the true Baptism known then came the Holy Ghost â—â—on them then did the true Light shinâ—â—â— and the Darkness fled away then were they inwardly washed and their Understandings opened then was the Circumcision of the Heart known then was he entered into that within the Vail into the true Tabernacle which God pitched and not Man And so Iohn went before as a Type but willingly gave place to the Substance So that it 's clear the Baptism you use is not Iohn's and it is much more clear that it is not Christ's Baptism and so it must needs be your own done by you in imitation of the Holy Men of God gone before who did what they did in Obedience to the Lord and in his Power and were sent by him But Oh! whoever sent you Baptists in this great and notable Day of the Lord It will one day be said Who hath required these things at your hands Either shew us your Commission or else acknowledge your great Error and Repent and come unto the true Light and walk in it prize it and obey it that ye may be saved by it For it is not a fair Outside of the Cup and Platter but the Inward Washing of Regeneration by the Spirit and a Living in the Spirit and the whole Worship of God say we and the Scriptures the same That the True Worship of God is in Spirit and in Truth But that your Water-Baptism is Spiritual I deny or that it ought to be observed in the Worship of God you cannot prove But Iohn's was ordained to be used as a Type before the Spirit 's Worship or the True Worship in the Spirit was fully Established and of it self a thing that I believe none of you dare say doth in any measure sanctifie and wash the Soul And if it be of so little Effect unto the Soul why what necessity is there for the Continuance of it to the World's End since also ye cannot prove it so commanded For once more let me tell you that that Baptism commanded in Mat. 28. was INTO the Name of the Father Son and Spirit or Holy Ghost But I say this was not Iohn's for they that had been baptiz'd unto Iohn's Baptism had not so much as heard of a Holy Ghost Acts 19.1 2 3 4. which they must needs have done if they had been baptized with the use of these words In the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost But further you acknowledge your selves that it is but a Type Well I ask you then What doth it type forth unto us Or what is it a Type of If it be a Type of the Baptism of Christ then I ask you What further need there is of it when the thing signified by it is come Or do you think that Type and Substance must remain together to the World's End Was it not always from the Foundation of the Law that when the Substance came then the Shadows fled away But altho' you should still say Why then did the Apostles use it after the Spirit 's Baptism was accomplish'd I Answer as before The Apostles had Power over it after they saw beyond it and could submit unto the Weakness of Believers Capacities in many things as above is mentioned but that they saw not beyond it till it was reveal'd unto them is clear but then they spoke of the One Baptism of the One Lord and of the One Faith And so Iohn himself when he saw Jesus walking he said unto his Followers Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the World And Iohn's Disciples left Iohn mark they left Iohn and walked no more with him For Iohn's Baptism could not wash them from their Sins But behold the Lamb of God takes away Sin puts an end to Sin finishes Transgression and brings in Everlasting Righteousness he makes every whit whole and fully saves to the utmost them that come to God by him and makes clean them that he washeth And if I wash thee not saith he thou hast no part in me He satisfies for he is the Bridegroom himself but Iohn was not He it 's true was the Bridegroom's Friend and would not rob him of his Prerogative or Honour but rejoyced to hear his Voice and when it was heard said This my Ioy therefore is fulfilled So we own Iohn in his Place and Time But we own the Bridegroom above Iohn although Iohn was his Friend and did what was commanded but thought not much to give him place who had commanded him And so my dearly Beloved Friends it is in much Love to all but chiefly to you called Anabaptists that this is written as I can truly testifie in the Manifestation of that true Light spoken of in the Scriptures of Truth Unto which I once more beseech you to turn your Minds and believe in it and come to walk in it and obey it and then will you have Fellowship with us and truly our Fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Christ Jesus by whom we have always received the Attonement and in whom we live out of whom we cannot live for he is our Life To whom be Glory for ever Iohn Gratton Written the 7th of the First Month 1674. The Conclusion GReat hath been the Travail of my Soul for the Prosperity of Sion and for her establishment above the Top of all the Mountains and blessed be the Lord my God my Eyes behold her and see her Beauty to exceed all the Glory of the Earth and her coming out of her Wilderness-State is come I say the time is come And many have lyed or lain in the Way-side to have drawn her aside and would gladly have allured and inticed her from her Beloved and gladly would have had her turned aside unto other Lovers and have cryed out unto her What is thy Beloved unto anothers Beloved And have spoken against her and when they could not prevail with her have evil entreated her and Persecuted her for her Beloved's sake And many have been her Troubles but the Lord hath delivered her out of all And great is her Joy at this day and her Glory exceeds all the Glory of the Nations Her Beauty is Perfect She is a Virgin and never was defiled but is all Glorious The King's Daughter is all Glorious within her Garments are all wrought Gold wholly pure she has no Blemish she is all fair without spot the only beloved of the Lord Glory to his Name He hath remembred her in Love and her Sorrows has he seen and will plead her Cause and subdue Kingdoms for her sake and make her Way plain before her Oh! Come unto Sion all ye that desire her Prosperity and be not so foolish as to sit down short of her her City is free her Gates are open by Day and by Night she has no need of the Sun by Day nor of the Moon by Night but the Lord God and the Lamb are the Light thereof Her Light will never grow dark her Sun will never set Night shall be no more upon her for her Sun is arisen and as one to run a Race is marching on his strength is as a Lyon his Voice is heard to roar and great Fear is fallen and a falling upon the Beast of Prey O! Who would not live in her Her Gates are paved with precious Pearls her Inhabitants are all Kings and Priests unto God she is altogether comely and her Glory shall never have an end Amen Oh! Who who would not dwell here Come Come unto Sion all ye that are sincere to what ye know Turn ye turn at her Call and embrace her Counsel Why will ye bestow your Money for that which is not Bread and your Labour for that which satisfieth not Oh! come unto me saith the Lord my Voice is near you How often have I called and ye regarded not nor have not answered my Requirings but are imitating them whose Life and Power you are out of But now turn ye unto the Lord with all your Hearts believe in his Light and Life will you know that never can have an end but if you still refuse you will one day know that you were Warned and Invited by one that truly seeks not himself but earnestly travails for the Wellfare of all Men and is become Servant to all for Jesus's sake To him be all Honour Praise and Dominion for ever and for evermore J. G. THE END
A TREATISE CONCERNING BAPTISM AND THE Lord's Supper SHEWING That the true Disciples of Christ are sent to Baptize Men into the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost for the Carrying on of which Christ is with them and will be to the End of the World Also A Few Words concerning the Lord's Supper shewing that those that Sup with him are in his Kingdom Matt. 28.19 All Power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth Go ye therefore teach all Nations baptizing them in i. e. into the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost And lo I am with you always even to the End of the World John 1.12 As many as received him to them he gâ—â—e Power to become the Sons of God Acts 1.8 Ye shall receive Power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you Rev. 21.6 I will give unto him that is athirst of the Fountain of the Water of Life freely London Pâ—â—nted and Sold by T. Sowle in White-Hart-Court in Gracious-street 1695. TO THE Unprejudiced READER A few Words Friendly Reader THOV cannot chuse if thou be a Man that lives in this Age and Northern part of the World but be very sensible that the Divisions amongst People now is very great relating to Christianity and yet all seem very Zealous in their Way or at least some of all sorts are much satisfied in their Way though there are few know the Way of Peace or can tell what that Peace is which is the Peace of God that passeth the Vnderstanding of all Natural Men be they never so highly Learned in Tongues Arts and Languages For it is not Humane Learning that can make Men Spiritual Men nor bring Men Acquainted with God or to the Knowledge of God who is a Spirit but they that learn Obedience and live Soberly Righteously and Godly in this present evil World through the Teachings of the Grace of God and denying Vngodliness and Worldly Lusts these have a Promise from Christ Iesus in these words He that doth my Will shall know of my Doctrine which suits well with his Testimony that said The Secrets of the Lord are with them that fear him So that they are the best Disciples best Scholars best Learned that have learned to live in Righteousness and true Holiness and to forsake that which is Evil and cleave unto that which is Good But since Babylon the Mystery of Iniquity the Mother of Harlots got upon the Beast we have seen many a beastly drunken and unclean Man pretend to be a spiritual Man and a Minister of the Gospel and hath not such been cried up and made great and bore Rule amongst the People who have been carried away with his Doctrine and why Because he is a greater Scholar and hath attained the Languages and can speak or write like Pilate Latin Greek and Hebrew But is he dead to Sin and alive unto Righteousness made so unto God through Christ No no if he pleads for Sin term of Life and is very angry if any Man plead not as he doth for committing Sin every Day and all his Life long yet pretends himself to be a Minister of Christ and is so acknowledged by the People But Can any Man serve two Masters Christ said They could not And Can any Man be both a Servant of Christ and a Servant of Sin also Christ saith He that commits Sin is the Servant of Sin And Iohn his beloved Apostle saith He that commits Sin is of the Devil And in my Iudgment it cannot be denied for Sin was never any Service of God but of the Devil and if Men be found in the Devil's Service and yet say They are Servants of Christ What sensible Man will believe them Now therefore here is the ground Cause of all our Divisions about Religion Rebels and Wicked Men that are gone away from God Christ the Holy Ghost and are gone into the Kingdom of Satan and live in Sin all their Days for his Kingdom is a Kingdom of Sin and yet say They are Servants of Christ Iesus and the blind People believe them though their Fruits do manifest them And these Men though they be wicked Men yet they can like the Magicians of Egypt imitate Moses and imitate Iohn the Baptist yet they bring forth nothing but what dies of it self for there is nothing of the Power and Life of God in it no Vertue of Christ so it doth People no good but leaves them as full of Corruption as it found them yet it pleaseth People to have Pillows sewed under their Arm-holes and to be smoothed over and cry Peace Peace when there is no Peace with God no Peace of Conscience so People goes on into the Pit because they believe Lyes and take Sprinkling of Infants to be Christ's Baptism and call it so and say Christ did Institute it and by it Children are made Children of God and likewise say That Bread and Wine is the Lord's Supper and That he Instituted it and yet all of them by all their Art cannot prove their Practice therefore for thy sake these following Lines are sent forth which I expect will sore offend Babylon's Merchants but God is Iudge in Heaven and will plead my Cause so that if thou find Profit in them then my End in Writing them is answered I pray God open thy Eyes and cause his Day-spring from on High to visit thee and many more Oh that his Kingdom may come Yea come Lord Iesus come quickly and set up thy Kingdom of Righteousness and Peace and thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven Amen A TREATISE OF Baptism c. OUR Lord Jesus Christ when he was about to leave his Disciples as to that manner or way of Appearance which he had been in in the form of a Servant with them and had so fulfilled all those things spoken of and required by the Law and the Prophets so near as when he was about to finish them and leave the World he then not only prayed fervently for them but also spoke very sweetly and comfortably to them as may be seen at large in Iohn 14 15 16 17 Chapters giving them many holy Exhortations and Commands He also washed the Disciples Feet and when he had so done he said unto them Know ye what I have done to you Ye call me Lord and Master and-ye say well for so I am If I then your Lord and Master have washed your Feet ye ought also to wash one another's Feet for I have given you an Example that you should do as I have done to you Now tho' here is both Command and Example for washing one another's Feet yet how little is this regarded or observed by our Dippers or Sprinklers with or into Water How can they pass by this which was so plainly and positively commanded and began by him who was their Lord and Master and used such a plain and full Argument to urge them to do as he had done to them I say what Reason
them that come unto God by him so that now in Christ Iesus we who were some times afar off are made near How By the Blood of Christ Ephes. 2.13 So it 's in Christ Jesus that nearness to God is known even by his Blood Read that can Blessed be God many at this day can read experimentally and knows a being near unto God in Christ. O that many could For he is our Peace who hath made One both Iew and Gentile having abolished in his Flesh the Enmity the Law of Ordinances to make in himself of twain one new Man that he might reconcile both unto God in one Body by the Cross. And came and Preached Peace unto them that were afar off and unto them that were near so that through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father Now here is plainly Pointed forth the Way to God the Truth and the Life no Man comes unto the Father but by me said Christ so neither Iohn nor Moses nor any other but Christ can bring Men to God Nor doth Christ Jesus need any of them all for all Power is his There is no other Name given under Heaven by which we can be saved but by the Name of Iesus Christ Acts 4.12 Mark this The Name of Iesus what if he had said the Power of Jesus But can any be saved by his Name except they be in it Salvation is in it those that are Baptized into the Name of Father Son and Spirit are in that which saves and it is remarkable that Christ did not say go teach all Nations and Baptize them in the Name Father Son and Holy Ghost but Go teach all Nations Baptizing them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into the name of mark the Father Son and Holy Ghost Is it not plain from hence that by Name is meant the Power of the Father Son and Spirit Again Christ told his Followers Mat. 18.20 That where two or three are gathered together in my Name there am I in the midst of them what else is here intended but them that meet in his Power and are exercised in his Power And Pray how can any meet in his Name or Power if they be not in it Oh that Men would meet in this Name they would not want power to Pray Preach and Praise God nor need to make ready before-hand what they intend to say no this bows Men in Spirit and brings them to wait in hope and the feeling of this Living Name makes Men true Worshippers in Spirit for they feel it to be a Heart-changing melting Power and a Soul-sanctifying Enamouring Name far excelling all other Names or Powers and these reverence his Pure Name and extol it in their Hearts are true Worshippers and Adorers of it and of him whose Name it is But what Benefit can those have that meet out of this Name and carry on a form of Godliness and Worship but deny the power and content themselves to go on in a form without the power all the Days of their Lives and pray what are these These are such as the Apostle bids us turn away from 2 Tim. 3.5 For they name the Name of Christ but do not depart from Iniquity but live in Sin all their Days and in the Power of Darkness by which they are kept in Bondage because they come not to know the Name of Jesus and Faith in his Name and being Baptized thereunto these say and do not like the Pharisees these are Enemies to Christ Jesus their own Souls and all Mankind These love the Wages of Unrighteousness and go in the way of Balaam for Gifts and Rewards Paul said He sought not theirs but them 2 Cor. 12.14 But these seek theirs but not them Paul laboured that their Faith might not stand in the Wisdom of Man but in the Power of God or Name of God is it not all One or Name of Jesus 1 Cor. 2.5 But these come in the Wisdom of Man and with words Man's Wisdom teacheth and brings People no further than that wherein themselves stand and so the Faith of People stands in the foolish Wisdom of Men and not in the Power of God and therefore these Men get power over People by their Wisdom and leads them away from the appearance of Christ in themselves Who is the only Potentate Lord of Lords and King of Kings 1 Tim. 6.15 So the Name of the Lord is a strong Tower the Righteous runneth into it and are safe Prov. 18.10 The true Church knew it in old Time that this holy Name of Christ was sweet and said Thy Name is as Ointment poured forth therefore do the Virgins love thee Cant. 1.3 And so the Apostle testified how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with Power Acts 10.38 This is that Holy Name unto which every Knee must bow both in Heaven and in Earth for it is above every Name Phil. 2.9 10. So the Apostles were Baptized with the Holy Ghost into this precious Name And when the Holy Ghost was come down upon them and sat upon them as in Acts 2.3 then they appeared boldly in the Power or Name and Spirit of Jesus and Verse 4. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other Tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance Now they spoke with new Tongues that was touched with a Coal from the Altar so they went out in this Living Power and Spirit and in this they preached the Gospel and taught all People that heard them in every Nation where they came and the Name of Christ was mightily glorified many being so reached in their Understandings that they came to see their own state and condition inwardly and were pricked to the very Heart and cried out Men and Brethren what shall we do to be saved Yea they spoke so that many believed both Men and Women yea great multitudes both of Iews and Greeks Acts 14. were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which Stephen spoke Acts 6.10 And with great power the Apostles bare witness of the Resurrection Acts. 4.33 So they stood in the Power of God preached prayed and praised God in his own Power and in Acts 4. they lift up their voice with one accord and prayed unto the Lord that he would grant unto his Servants that with all boldness they may speak thy word by stretching out thy Hand to heal and that Signs and Wonders may be done by the Name of thy Holy Child Jesus Verse 30. And Paul preached boldly in the Name of Jesus Ch. 9.27 And what did they preach They preached Jesus Christ Ch. 2.36 Ch. 3.20 Likewise in the Name of Jesus Christ the lame Man was made able to leap walk and praise God It was not by their own Power or Holiness that he was made to walk no it was by the Name of the Prince of Life Christ Jesus and the Faith that comes by him gave the lame Man perfect soundness Ch. 3.6 12
18. Even as Peter said In the Name of Iesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk so the Lord was with them and wrought mightily and manifested his great Power in them and with them So the Apostles declared the Work was done by the Lord Chap. 14.27 When Paul had bidden the Impotent Man Stand upright on thy Feet he leaped and walked and came and rehearsed to the Church all that God had done with them and how he had opened a Door of Faith unto the Gentiles And likewise in Chap. 15.4 when they came unto Ierusalem were received of the Church there and of the Apostles and Elders they declared all things that God had done with them so the Lord being with them as he is at this Day with his Ministers who is the strength of his People it is Christ the great Power of God that reaches the Hearts and Souls of People through his Vessels or Instruments and Servants so the Work is the Lord's done by him and carried on in and by his Spirit Power and Wisdom so the Glory of the Power is due to him For Men as Men are not sufficient for these things nor of themselves are able to think a good thought 2 Cor. 3.5 Nor without Christ who hath all Power we as men can do nothing Ioh. 15.5 Neither can any Man receive any thing but what is given him from above Iohn 3.27 So all Boasting is excluded for it is the Power of God that is with Men rests upon Men and works in Men for Men and by Men and is sufficient to all and for all in every Work and Service the Lord requires So that all that live and abide in the Name of the Lord and do what they do in it they do it to his Praise and Glory By this time I hope it 's clear that the Name is the Power and that the Lord that sent them to teach all Nations Baptizing them into the Name c. did go with them and according to his Promise he is with them that are sent forth of him and will be to the end of the World and is the Baptizer of Men into his own Name Spirit Life Light and Love and it 's also clear that those whom he thus Baptizeth he sends them forth goes with them and makes them Instrumental in his own Name Power Spirit Life Light and Love for the Baptizing of others into the same so that all those that do run to preach and teach before they be Baptized with this Baptism of Christ Jesus they run before they be sent and therefore they cannot nor do not profit the People at all neither do they know Christ or his Name nor have heard his Voice or seen his Appearance to their Joy Object But some object and say There was some method to be used or means for the effecting this Baptism Answ. I Answer Yea and if we observe Christ's words Go teach all Nations Baptizing them c. So whilst Men are teaching in the Name there is a baptizing into the Name Experimentally witnessed and felt by such as hear the Word believe it and receive it in Love Oh blessed be God there are many at this Day can Seal to this Truth that whilst Men stand up and teach in the Name of God behold the Name of Christ the Power of God comes over many sometimes most if not all in the Assembly and are so deeply dipped or plunged into it that they are much tendered melted shaken and broken and laid very low before the Lord whose Power alone makes his people a willing People in the Day of his power for it 's he that works all his own Works in us and for us both to will and to do of his own good Pleasure Therefore let all Flesh be silent before the Lord for the Flesh profits nothing it is the Spirit that quickens the words that I speak unto you said Christ they are Spirit and Life and all that have received him who is a quickning Spirit and are alive in him and in his Spirit these know his Words and his Voice from the Voice of Strangers Oh what is Man then out of the Name Power and Spirit of Jesus Or wherein is he to be accounted of All the Power is Christ's and the Baptism is Christ's and Baptized Men are made Instrumental in his Hand for the carrying on of his Work that without him can do nothing For all that is done by them is done in the ability that God gives and the Praise is due to God not to Man To God over all be it given for ever Now Christ being Head of the Body the true Church and the Life Light Power Wisdom Righteousness yea all in all in every Member it 's he that brings every Member into it's right place and service in the Church or Body of Christ and their Faith stands in his Power and Name and is one in every Member so they know one Head or Lord and one Faith which he is the Author and Finisher of and one Baptism by one Spirit and one Body or true Church of Christ and all are made to drink into one Spirit and are all fed and nourished by the Head Christ Jesus the true Vine in whom every Branch is nourished fed and kept living faithful and fruitful to his Praise and Glory Object But say some The word Baptize signifies to dip or plunge into Water Answ. I grant Iohn's Baptism was with Water but Christ's Baptism was with the Holy Ghost and with Fire Mat. 3.11 and of a purifying Nature and Christ spoke of the Spirit being in those that believe in him as a Well of Living Water and elsewhere it is called the Spirit of Judgment and of Burning and saith the Apostle Our God is a consuming Fire And Men as before asserted are Baptized into Christ and put him on And let me ask my Reader Is not God that 's said to be a Consuming Fire and Christ and his Name and Spirit all one And doth not the Apostle direct his Epistles to the Church which is in God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ see 1 Thess. 1. and 2. Thess. 1. And if in God then in Christ if in Christ then in the Holy Ghost and if so then in the Name yea in the Life Light Love Wisdom and Righteousness of God But do these Men think a Man cannot be dipped or plunged into any thing but Water And are not many plunged into great Sin Misery and deep Bondage Captivity and Thraldom So that few think or believe they can ever get out whilst they live yea too many lie here But what were they of old plunged into that were Baptized unto Moses in the Cloud and Sea Pray where was Moses then Did not he abide in the Power of God and in Faith And was not the Israelites got out of the Faith and out of the Power of God when they looked back at the Host of Pharaoh And who Baptized them unto Moses Was
with the Affections and Lust thereof so are Holy and Righteous People in all Conversation and Godliness in Christ Jesus and so bring Honour to the Name of Jesus in whom they live being Baptized into him and so into his Power or Name and are what they are in him who is all in all But alas for Men to talk or make mention of the Name of the Lord who instead of departing from Iniquity do drink it up as the Ox drinks Water and are in the Power of Satan and are Instrumental to plunge one another into sin and urge their Neighbours to drink in excess until they be Inflamed drawing one another into Oaths Whoredoms Pride Malice Envy Covetousness Strife Contention Fightings Bloodshed and what not that 's Evil these do highly dishonour the Name of Christ before all Nations and give both Iews and Heathens occasion to Blaspheme that Holy Name of Jesus which they make Profession of these can say well but alas they do ill pretend unto great things but live ill talk yea may be preach against Pride yet live in it against Cruelty and Oppression and yet live in it in a Word against Sin Iniquity and Transgression yet live in it and so strengthen those in it that hear them talk and Preach against it by their living in it these have Words without good Works yea Faith without Works say well and do ill have a form I do not say a form of Godliness but deny the Power so are like those of old who said they were Iews but were not with whom God was highly displeased Revel These are Enemies to the Name of Christ do not know it nor what it is to be Baptized into it no it 's a Mystery hid from those Wise and Learned Prudent Ones but made known to Babes who are Born again of Incorruptible Seed the Word of God that lives and abides for ever these are Children of God in Christ Jesus have love to God and one to another yea to all Men do good to all but no harm to any prays for all in the Love of God and are as Candles upon Tables as Lights in the World who live worship and walk with God in his own Name and are taught of God so they meet in his pure Name pray preach sing and rejoyce in the Name of the Lord and in the Power of his Might and so are saved sanctified justified kept and preserved in his Living Name a Living People to praise him who is God of the Living not of the Dead These know Christ to be with them and make use of them and in his own Power makes them Instrumental for to Disciple People and Baptize them into the same Power And so the whole Life of Christ's Apostles Disciples and Messengers is of a preaching teaching Nature and those that are not called to Preach or Declare Verbally in Meetings are also in the same Power enabled to preach and teach in Life and Conversation and so all the people of God are Baptized into the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost and so into one Body by Christ the Second Adam the Lord from Heaven a Quickning Spirit and are all one in him Now this Baptism is beyond the reach of all Babylon's Merchants they cannot Sell this they have no part nor lot in this no more than Simon Magus had who thought the Gift of God might be bought for or purchased with Money no it is Christ's Baptism done alone by his own Arm and Power To him be praise for ever Object But because the word Baptize doth signify to dip or plunge 't is generally thought by many People that therefore it must be Water Ans. There is a Spiritual Baptism and a Temporal or Outward with Water which in the New Testament is called Iohn's Baptism which Temporal or Outward Baptism Men can imitate but the Inward Baptism of the Holy Ghost and Fire none knows but them that have it And this throughout the Scriptures is call'd the Baptism of Christ. And as Iohn's Disciples were enabled to carry on his Baptism in his Time and Season so Christ enables his Disciples by his Power to be instrumental in his Baptism to the end of the World So that as there was an outward Dipping or Plunging into Water by the Servant Iohn spoken of in the Scriptures so there is an inward Spiritual Dipping or Plunging by the Son into his own Name Power and Spirit c. as before is shewn And it 's only Ignorance that causes Men to think there can be no dipping but into Water or some liquid thing but our Lord Jesus Christ was deeply plunged into Sufferings and Death for us and he calls it a Baptism saying I have a Baptism to be Baptized with and how am I straitned untill it be accomplished Luke 12.50 And when the Mother of Zebedee's Children came to Christ to desire that one of her Son's might sit on his Right Hand and the other on his Left in his Kingdom he answered and said Ye know not what ye ask are ye able to drink of the Cup that I shall drink of and be Baptized with the Baptism that I am Baptized with They said they were he said They should indeed drink of the Cup and be baptized with the Baptism that he was baptized with c. Mat. 20.22 23. Oh this Cup was a Cup he prayed to the Father that if it was possible might pass from him nevertheless says he not as I will but as thou wilt And again Oh Father if this Cup may not pass from me except I drink it thy will be done Mat. 26.39 42. And in Luke 22.43 44. there appeared an Angel unto him from Heaven strengthening him and being in an Agony he prayed more earnestly as his Sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground Oh consider this Baptism all that read this and see if you have been Baptized with it and have drunk of this Cup yea or nay for you may plainly see this was a Baptism that neither dipped our Saviour into Water or any other outward liquid thing but into deep Sorrow Grief and Bitterness of Soul And I desire my Reader to take notice that Paul to the Romans Chap. 6. speaks of being Baptized into Christ and into his Death and I declare it all those that are Baptized by one Spirit into one Body they are partakers with Christ and his Body the Church of his and it's Sufferings but said the Apostle further If ye suffer with him ye shall also reign with him c. Now see how deeply our Lord Jesus Christ was plunged into deep Sufferings Agony and Sorrow so that he Prayed earnestly and swear drops as it were of blood falling down to the ground and much more read all his Sufferings on the Cross and elsewhere is not this rightly called a Baptism a deep dipping or plunging when he said My God my God why hast thou forsaken me So he was Baptized for the Dead
Implacable Unmerciful who knowing the Iudgment of God that they who commit such things are worthy of Death not only do the same but have pleasure in those that do them Rom. 1.27 to the end These and all such as live in Lust Pride Lying c. shall not inherit the Kingdom of God and Christ no unclean Man or Woman must enter that Kingdom So the Devil he hath a Table to feed these at where in the World therefore all these love the World But the Love of God is not in them neither do they love one another but love self and are self-ended and love to obtain their worldly Ends and when they shew in appearance to love one another it is for some selfish worldly End So the Devil feeds them with worldly things for he knows they love the Dainties of this World worldly Honours Pleasures Profits Riches and Vanities so the World is very taking with bad People of all sorts Now the Devil would have prevailed with our Lord Jesus Christ to have fed at his Table and he shewed him his finest Dainties the World and the Glory thereof and offered to give it him if he would fall down and worship him but Christ fasted all the Forty Days he was in the Wilderness and did eat nothing mark that Mat. 4.1 to 11. So it 's clear they whose Minds are feeding here are Carnally-minded live in the Flesh to the Flesh have their Affections set on things here in the World love the World these love not God cannot please God nor feed nor know what it is to feed at the Table of the Lord nor do they believe the People of God have such Pastures to feed in such a Table so spread such a Banqueting-house so full of Sweet-meats and Divine Spiritual Drinks as they have where they sit together in Heavenly Places in Christ Jesus who hath compelled them to come to the Wedding-Dinner of the great King and the Marriage-Supper of the Lamb every one having on the Wedding-Garment Oh! the things of God are good and precious Things durable lasting Riches yea Everlasting and they that are come to partake of them these look not at things that are seen which are Temporal but at things not seen which are Eternal 2 Cor. 4.18 For the Alpha and Omega is come the First and the Last the Beginning and the End Pray what is he the Last or the End of if not of all Shadows Types Figures and Changeable Things as well as of Sin For if Sin had never enter'd these had not had place in the Church And now he is come that takes away Sin and where Sin is taken away there he that was before Sin was comes to be again in Man as he was in the beginning And how was he then Was there any Types Figures or Shadows then whilst Man kept his State in which he was made whilst Christ the Word the Incorruptible Seed was Head Lord King and all in him Then there was no outward Law of Moses but that was added because of Sin until the Seed Christ came again to put an end to Sin and finish Transgression and bring in Everlasting Righteousness again Gal. 3.19 So to him must the Types Figures yea and the Law that was added give place and he only be exalted for he is worthy who not only bore our Sins on his own Body on the Tree but the Curse of the Law likewise But some may say Paul speaks of the Lord's Supper in 1 Cor. 11.23 that what he received of the Lord was that which he also delivered unto them What was that Why it was this That the Lord Iesus the same Night in which he was Betrayed took Bread and when he had given Thanks he broke it and said Take eat this is my Body which is broken for you this do in remembrance of me After the same manner he also took the Cup saying This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood this do ye as often as ye drink it in remembrance of me For as often as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye do shew forth the Lord's Death till he come Wherefore whosoever shall eat this Bread and drink this Cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the Body and Blood of Christ but let a man examine himself and so let him eat of this Bread and drink of this Cup for he that eateth unworthily eateth and drinketh Damnation to himself not discerning the Lord's Body Now I desire to know if any thing can be more plain than that the Passover did shew forth the Lord's Death till he came and as before the breaking of Bread the slain Lamb without blemish and the Cup was not all this in the Passover and shewed the Lord's Death till he came But now he is come and and hath tasted Death for every Man was dead but is alive and lives for evermore Death hath no more Dominion over him he died unto Sin or for our Sins once but he liveth unto God yea is God and lives for evermore So that except Men like the outward Iew believe he is not come how can they now live in the use of that Figure which shewed forth his Death till he came well then but did not this Apostle and the Church of Corinth come to the Lords Table and Supper Answer They did some of them but those that did Sup with him must needs do it in the Kingdom of God for he ate no more nor drank no more as he said he would not till it was fulfilled in the Kingdom and till he drank it new in his Father's Kingdom so he is not to be Supped with in the Figure out of the Kingdom but they that Sup with him Sup with him in his Kingdom and if Men Sup with him they must have him to Sup with and are with him where he is and behold his Glory as the only Begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth and so he is with them according to his Promise to the end of the World and if so how then can they run from him to the Figure that was in use and shewed forth his Death until he came But now he is come and is with them and in them and they in him for this Apostle said Know ye not that your Bodies are the Temples of the Holy Ghost and that Christ is in you except ye be Reprobates 2 Cor. 13.5 How often doth the Scriptures speak of Christ's being in his People and they in him Iohn said The Son of God is come and hath given us a Mind to know him or an Understanding that we may know him that is true even in his Son Jesus Christ 1 Iohn 5.20 So that it seems contradictory in it self to say Christ is come and yet to eat the outward Passover which did but shew forth his Death until he came and to do a thing in Remembrance of him and yet be with him and he with them for he gives his People to
him and follow him in order to know him and where he feeds and causes his Flocks to rest in this Glorious Day of God at Noon that thou may not be as one that turns aside from the Flocks of his Companions I. G. POSTSCRIPT IT hath often grieved me to hear and see how poor ignorant People are carried away by their Blind Leaders to feed amongst Swine that wallow in the Mire and Dirt of Sin and are content with dry husky Shells of Empty Profession and are Zealous for that which they have no Scripture for nor do Profit by So these Two Things viz. Water-Baptism and Bread and Wine I find are greatly Adored as though by these the People had great Benefit but if we look into their Lives and Conversations it doth not at all appear So it fell weightily upon me to write what the Lord would please to enable me about these things For as they are used now they are not so much as rightly imitated by any of those that use them neither the Lord's last Supper at the outward Passover nor yet the Baptism of Iohn but as to Supping with the Lord and being Baptized into his Name this I find few that know what it is Therefore was my Desire a little more Earnest to set Pen to Paper and in plainness shew what the Name of Father Son and Spirit is and what they do that Baptize into it and also what they are who Sup with Christ not now seeking him in Figures but can say they have found him elsewhere I heartily pray it be may of Service to all that read it and of Hurt to none for God doth know I desire the Wellfare of all Mankind who am a poor despised Servant of Jesus Christ Iohn Gratton IOHN Baptist's Decreasing and CHRIST's Increasing Witnessed Being a Treatise concerning Baptism in the Type and Baptism in the Mystery TO THE Friendly Unprejudic'd Reader Friend IT is no Desire in me that because so many have appear'd in Print that therefore I would be one also that should be accounted Eminent But having been a great Sinner and therefore have through infinite Love and free Grace much given me my Love is so much to him that is Lord of all that I am not a little grieved to see his Pure and Precious Truth so strongly on all hands encountered with and fought against in its Comfortable and Glorious Appearance in the Lord 's poor despised People called by the scornful World Quakers And seeing that this of Water-Baptism hath been and is a Thing they that are not only Adversaries to Truth but to their own Souls have so publickly made use of it to fight us with I having both been an Eye and Ear-witness of the same have been not a little exercised in Mind about this matter but have seriously considered and tried all their Arguments that I have been acquainted with for this thing and I find them so far contrary to Truth and the mind of Truth that a Necessity fell upon me to write what it pleased the Pure Eternal God to Communicate unto me by his Spirit So that what is according to Truth and sound Iudgment thou wilt find here written as to the Tenor and Substance of the matter from the Spirit of God in me and so is not mine but his To him be the Glory wholly given for ever But if there be any Circumstantial Defect for want of Heed or Exactness which may either fall upon me or the Printer charge it in its right place and lay it not upon the Spirit of God Having given thee this Caution I desire thee to observe in the next place my End in the Publishing this little Treatise which is First To clear Truth of Scandals in this point laid to our Charge 2dly To strengthen the Owners and Lovers of it 3dly To acquaint or inform them that are mistaken about it And lastly That I might so answer that Love so greatly bestowed upon me as to be clear of all Men and stand single unto God whose Servant I am through Mercy and might bring Glory Honour and Praise unto his Holy Name for ever So now before I leave thee I shall only acquaint thee of the great Differences amongst Men about this thing and then take leave The Presbyterian saith Water-Baptism belongs to Children of Believing Parents and therefore they examine the Parents of their Faith Now if the Parent be an Vnbeliever then the Child is not to be accepted to this Ordinance as they call it From which I shall only now observe this That if this be so then is the Child a Sufferer for the Sin of the Father's Vnbelief which God hath said shall never be The Child shall not suffer for the Sin of the Father nor the Father for the Sin of the Child but the Soul that Sins it shall die 2dly The Episcopal saith The Child is by this Regenerated and Born again Sanctified and Changed and made a new Creature and therefore if a Child be in danger of Death great haste is made to get it Sprinkled And if this be true What farther need of a Saviour 3dly The Baptists say Believers only have Right to Water-Baptism I grant Believers are only they that are Truly Baptized but that they are injoyn'd or commanded to observe this Water-Baptism they now so differently observe I find not But I hope if thou readest what follows with a single Eye thou may'st come to see all these Dippers and Sprinklers and their shortness in this and gain some acquaintance with the Lord's Mind as thou waitest in his pure Light which makes all things manifest to which I beseech thee to turn thy Mind and believe in it that thou may'st be a Child of Light and then thy Fellowship will be with us who are Children of it and so we may Praise the Lord together who is Light To whom be all the Honour and Glory for ever and ever Written by one of the Least of all yet one of the Lord 's Chosen Ones unknown to many yet known by the Name of Iohn Gratton Monyash the 4th of the 3d Month 1674. A Treatise concerning Baptism THey that are Baptised into Christ have put on Christ live in him and are One Spirit with or in him are all united by One Spirit into one Body and are Members of his Body of his Flesh and of his Bones and of his Fulness receive Grace for Grace and know One Lord One Faith One Baptism and are One in him and he in them and so are come into the Alpha and Omega the Beginning and the End the First and the Last He whose Name is called The Word of God by which all things were made in Heaven and in the Earth to him be Glory for ever Now the Baptism of the Spirit is One in all and all that are Baptized by the One Spirit are Baptized into One Body and are all made to drink into One Spirit and these have no Confidence in the Flesh but are
they that Worship God in the Spirit and are truly led and guided by the Spirit hear and know his Voice and are acquainted with his Operations Life Power and Vertue and can do nothing acceptable to God but what they do in it and so it rather may be said as in Truth it is That it is the Gift or Grace of God in them and by them that works both to Will and to Do of his own good pleasure Now all other Baptisms whatsoever that are not in the Spirit are of no profit for the Substance of all is come I say of all those Shadows Figures and Types which had their Day and in their Day were appointed to be used according to the appointment of the Father but were but for an appointed time until the Seed came to whom the Promise was made who is the Heir in whom all Fulness dwells mark that that in all things he might have the Preheminence For he alone of himself is sufficient and able to save to the uttermost them that come to God by him and him only without the help of any outward Washings legal Offerings and Oblations or whatever may be named or hath been named below himself either of things in Heaven or in the Earth they are all to give place for him only hath God highly Exalted and given him a Name above every Name that at his Name every thing though it hath been never so highly exalted should bow and that in all things he only who is Heir of all should rule as a Son over his own House For all these were but as Servants and were not to abide for ever I say all those Types and Shadows and whatsoever came before him tho' useful in their place and to be observed in their time yet were all to give place and pass away and not to abide for ever in the House for they were but as Servants and the Son is over all and hath Power over all and alone hath Right singly to Reign of the Increase of his Government and Kingdom there shall be no end So Moses was faithful in all his House as a Servant and did faithfully Minister in the Law which was added because of Transgression until the Seed came but when the Seed came to whom the Promise was who was and is the Heir He as a Son over his own House was and is established I say when he was come then the Servant's Services ended in that Nature gave place and were taken away he took away the First that he might establish the Second and that for ever which will never be removed into a Corner To him be all Glory wholly for ever So Iohn was also faithfull in his day as a Fore runner or as one sent to run before him whose Way he was to prepare and he cryed for he was that One foretold of whose Voice was heard in the Wilderness saying Prepare ye the Way of the Lord make his Paths straight But the Lord's Voice which is nigh in the Heart cryeth This is the Way walk in it I am the Way the Truth and the Life No Man can come unto the Father but by ME mark ME said Christ I am the Way it self walk and live in Me and abide in Me in Me ye shall have Peace He doth not â—â—y IN ME AND JOHN nor I AND JOHN AM THE WAY No no But I am the Way the Truth and the Life I am the Light Or am come a Light into the World He that believes in Me shall not abide in Darkness but shall have the Light of Life mark Not a Lifeless Changeable Shadowy Light but an Unchangeable Pure Living Light for his Life is the Light of Men He that hath it hath Life he that hath it not hath not Life but is in Darkness under Wrath. So Iohn testified and said I am not that Light but am sent before to bear witness of that Light that true Light that enlighteneth every Man that comes into the World I am not the Way but a Fore-runner or one sent to run before to make preparation for the Way of the Lord and he that sent me sent me to Baptize with Water But GREATER IS HE THAT SENDS THAN HE THAT IS SENT For tho he came after me yet he is and ever was preferred before me the Latchet of whose Shoe I am not worthy to untye he shall Baptize with the Holy Ghost and Fire I indeed Baptize with Water He with the Holy Ghost and Fire I must Decrease He must Increase That he might be made manifest to Israel therefore am I come Baptizing with Water as I was sent to do for this end that he might be made manifest to Israel AND WHEN He is made manifest to Israel then is the end of my Baptizing with Water ACCOMPLISHED then must I Decrease but He must Increase for of the Increase of his Government and Kingdom there shall be no end Now the day dawned the Sun appeared and all lesser Lights were overtopped and all Shadows fled Now it 's true Iohn was a Burning and Shining Light but John received all from above but He that is above all and gives to all Men Life and Being is the fulness of Light and Life and as he arises and ascends in his Glory He gives to all Men liberally as it pleaseth Him Glory to his Name for ever Now that Water-Baptism or Baptizing into Water was only ascribed unto Iohn as having Commission both by our Saviour Christ and his Apostles and by â—â—hn himself see Matt. 3.11 15 16. Where Iohn affirms I faith Iohn I mark I indeed Baptize you with Water unto Repentance but mark here all ye Water-Baptists of all sorts mind this but HE that COMETH AFTER ME mark What then Iohn Thou must depart it seems if He must come after this word After signifies Iohn's going away or giving place to him that was to come after him What then Iohn thou art but for a time No I must Decrease for He is mightier than I whose Shoes Latchets I am not worthy to unloose Well Iohn And what will He do for us Will not he Baptize with Water I tell you I Baptize with Water that that He might be manifested to Israel but He will exceed me or my Baptizing into water for He shall Baptize you with the Holy Ghost and Fire whose Fan is in his Hand and he will throughly purge his Floor and gather his Wheat into his Garner and burn up the Chaff with Fire unquenchable Well they might still have said Iohn This is a great Work but will he not own thee and thy Baptism and establish it with his for ever or to the end of the World mind Yes to the first part might Iohn have said for in effect he did say he will own me for GOD SENT ME BEFORE and for this end that Christ might be made manifest to Israel therefore am I come to the Second He will not establish my Baptism with his for I must decrease