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. Isaia [...] aw his glory when he spake of him, John. 12.41. And did not John see it also?

[Page]5. Another Argument may be taken From Christs giving the Disciples of John a [...] stimon [...] that he was the Messias, from the works that he did, and the manner of his do [...] [...]f th [...] which is included in the matter of them, Matth. 11. [...], 4, 5, 6. Go and tell jo [...] agai [...] things that ye see. Which sheweth that Johns Discovery, and Prophesie of Christ, ha [...] been his works. And if Christ had not done the things that John [...]ad foretold and as they ha [...] [...]een foretold, then they must have been at a loss for the knowledg of the L [...]rd Je [...] to [...] [...]e Messiah, and if John had intended Dipping, when Christ should do it, by pouring upon, Johns t [...]i­mony must have been against Christ that he was not the Messiah,

6. From Johns living to see the things fulfilled that he foretold, and Prophesied of Christ And should he have foretold it, and prophesied of the manner of the performance of this great work of Christ, the Donation of his spirit by Dipping them into it when he did come, and when Christ was come he should pour out his spirit upon them, and John live to see this performed as he did, in the Immediate calling of the Apostes, that were fisher-men, and mak­ing them preachers, and upon diverse others. How would this have proved what John had said to the people not to be true to his face?

7. Another Argument may be from Christs testimony of John, thas he came in the way of righteousness: And if he came in the way of righteousness, then he spake and intended truth, and not falseness, Matth, 21.32.

8. Another Argument may be to prove that John did intend pouring upon by the word baptize or baptizing with the holy Ghost, In that it was discovered to him that Christ should be filled with and receive the holy Ghost that way, by its descending upon him, and not by Christs being took and put, or dipt into that, John 1.33. But he that sent me to Baptize with water, the same said unto me, Ʋpon Whom thou shalt see the spirit descending, and remaining upon him, the same is he that Baptizeth with the holy Ghost.

[...]. In that the manner of the communication of the spirit was such a distinguishing character of Christ, and his Baptizing with the holy Ghost such a special work foretold of Christ, John. 1.32, 33. The Great thing foretold of Christ. John knew him by receiving the spirit, and others were to know him by his giving it.

10. This puts it out of doubt that John did intend not dipping, but pouring out of the spirit, or sprinkling with the spirit, in that he mentioneth fire, that was the extraordinary appearance of the spirit of God in that d [...]y when it sat upon each of the Apostles, Matth. 3.11. Acts 2.2, 3, 4, 5.

Secondly, I shall endeavour to prove by Scripture, and Arguments, and Reasons grounded upon Scripture, That John did not intend dipping by his first use of the word [...], Baptize, when he said to the people in Matth. 3.11, I indeed baptize you with Water; but did, and must intend pouring upon, and sprinkling with Water.

First, That he did not intend dipping by the word [...], Baptize, when he said to the people, I indeed baptize you with Water. And this may be proved, First, from God, the Author of John's Baptism. His Baptism was from Heaven, in Matth. 21.25, 26, 27, 32. and he must not intend dipping by his baptizing, nor perform it by dipping. First, from God, his being the God of Order, and not of Confusion; in the work that he doth himself, or that he sendeth his Servants to do in his Church, 1 Cor. 14.33. God is not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace. And this in all Churches of the Saints, and the Church of the Jews, to whom John was now sent, was the only Church of God upon the Earth, and therefore God was not the Author of Confusion in this Church. But what dreadful Confusion, and Contradiction must this have made in John's Intentions by the same word, if in one expression of it, in the same Mood, he should intend dipping; and in the other expression, intend pouring upon, or sprinkling; and this about one and the same Ordinance, at the same time, to the same people, without any Explanation? And what dreadful Confusion, between Christ's Administration of the thing signified, and John's Administration of the sign, setting of it forth? and this in John's own knowledge at the same time; and also, so discovered and foretold by him to be admi­nistred? And also what confusion between this External Sign, and all the institutions of Mo­ses; which did all clearly typifie out, and signifie, what was intended by it? Psalm 51.6, 7. And what dreadful confusion between John's Administration, and the great Promise of God respecting Gospel times▪ Ezek. 36.25. I will sprinkle clean Water upon you. And what contrariety and confusion must there be between John's [...]dministration, and all the great Prophesies respecting Gospel-times, Isa. 52.15. So shall he sprinkle many Nations. So also [Page 16] J [...]el 2.28. Isa. 44.3. So that John must not, nor did he intend dipping by his telling them, he baptized them with Water, because God is not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace; that is, of Order, Indentity and Agreement in his instituted signs with the thing sign fi d by them.

2. From Gods appointing Baptism with Water, to be a Sign and Type of Christs Bapti­zing them with [...]he Holy Ghost. How could it be so called [...], if God had not ap­pointed it so to be of Christs [...]aptizing with his Spirit? Known unto God are all his works from the foundation of the world, Acts 15.18. 1 Pet. 3.21. And John's words, in John 1.31, 32. Because Ch [...]ist should be manifest to Israel, therefore he was come baptizing with Water. Now, the great thing Christ should be manifest by to Israel, was, his baptizing with the holy Ghost, and in this he was mightier than J [...]hn, as to his Administrations, as far as the Spirit was above Water, as to Nature and Excellency, John 1.26 to 34.

3. From Gods Design and End in sending John to baptize with Water, to perform his Oath and Promise made to Abraham, and to his Seed. Now if John should have intended dipping, and have performed his Baptism by dipping, then all Infants and infirm persons of Abraham's Posterity, must have been denyed or suspended from the Ordinance, and from par­taking of the Priviledge, but have been all excluded and cast out of the visible Church of God, which would have been inconsistent with the truth of God in the Promises made to the Fathers, Rom. 15.8. Luke 1.55, 71, 72, 73, &c. Therefore John did not intend dipping by his Baptizing, because this would have rendred the Promise null and void, which was, and is, and must be for ever sure to all the Seed, Rom. 4.16. Acts 2.38, 39. Acts 3.26. Acts 3.23.

4. It may be proved from the total overturning of all the ways of Purifications instituted by God, by Moses, which were then all in force, and have rendered them all insufficient and insignificant, most of which signified as much as John's Baptism, Numb. 19. Psalm 51.6, 7. And all of them were performed by sprinkling. This would have made God to contradict himself as to the outward sign, when the inward thing signified was to be performed in the same way. Compare Psalm 51.6, 7. with Acts 15.7, 8, 9. and it would have ca [...] scorn up­on Moses, who was faithful in all his house as a Servant. And this when they were all in force by Divine Authority, and in use among them, Acts 21.20, 21, 22, 23, 24, &c.

5. From Gods End in sending John to make plain the way of the Lord, or 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 W [...]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 di [...]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 sp [...]inkling set forth by dipping and plunging; or who could understand it by Johns Words and [...]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 understan [...]ing Com­pany, but in publick to all the Multitude. This would have made Johns Doctr [...]nes [...]d Ad­ministrations harder to be understood than Ezekiels Visions, that the People ca [...] [...]e [...]ies. [Page 17] 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 h [...]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 ac­ccep [...]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 for that charitable Work; but till then I have no ground to believe it: and if any say, That this act of Apollos proving by the Scripture, that Jesus was Christ, was after that Aquila and Priscilla had instructed him: I answer, did they instruct him in the Baptism of John, can they prove that? and did he teach publickly before that, and not prove by the Scripture, what he preached? can they prove that? Or can they prove, that John's Baptism was not warranted by the Scripture? How dare they then overturn the way of Christ's Baptizing, and follow John: Let them that make this Objection [Page 18] prove, that the commendation given to Ap [...]ll [...]s, is to be restrained to that time following Aquilla and Pr [...]scilla their instructing him; and not o the whole of his publick Ministry, with respect to his proving what he said by Scripture, when he knew only the Baptism of John, let [...]hem prove it by any part of that Tex [...]. John's Baptizing was a making straight and plain the way of the Lord; let who will make it crooked.

12 We may argue it also, That John did not baptize by Dipping, nor intend so, when [...]e told them, he did indeed baptize them with Water. From the impossibility of the act of Dipping; that is, that any particular single person, with the ordinary strength of Nature, of whatsoever stature or proportion John was, should be able to dip or plunge all sorts of per­sons of whatsoever age, sex, condition, stature, or corpulency, according to the true ac­ceptation of Dipping, as set forth in Scripture, Whether John stood in the Water or out of the Water: If the Baptism be to be of the whole person, and not of a part, and but one, not of two kinds, one immediate, and the other mediate by the Clothes: and if the person baptized, or dipped, be loose from every thing else immediately before the act of dipping, and that the whole person be out of the Water, before any of the person be, or can be dip­ped in by the Dipper; and that the Baptized be wholly Passive, and no way Active in the least, in the reception of it; and that part of the person, or thing that is grasped by the Dipper, be not accounted to be dipped while so grasped by him; and that the person dipped be taken out of the Water by the Dipper, as ever it was dipped in by him; and all other Cir­cumstances and Things that the Scripture makes discovery of, with respect to Dipping, a real regard be had to them; that so there may be, indeed, a real dipping, according to what the word of God does discover of the nature of the act. And so to take Dipping in a Scripture Sense, and then it will be found to be a thing impossible, or an act impossible for any one Individual to perform, to all sorts, sexes, ages, and degrees of persons whatsoever; and there­fore, surely, John did not baptize by dipping, nor intend dipping by his saying, he had baptized them with Water; for it was impossible for him to do it by his ordinary, natural, perso­nal strength; and he had no other, for he did no Miracle, John 10.41, 42.

But some may object, and say, That it is not expresly said, that he poured upon, or sprinkled with Water. I answer, no more is it expresly said, that he dipped; but it is said, he baptized with Water; and he told them, That our Lord Jesus, when he did appear, should baptize them with the holy Ghost. And this kind of baptizing is expresly called, pouring upon, shedding upon, falling upon, sitting upon, blowing upon, and sprinkling with in Scripture, Acts 2.3, 4, 5, 16, 17, 33. Titus 3.5, 6. Acts 10.44, 45. Acts 11.15, 16, 17. Heb. 10.22. 1 Pet. 1.2. and the Ex­ternal Baptism is to be a sign of the Internal by Scripture warrant, and according to the Faith of all that own External Worshipping of the True God; and if any can shew so much warrant for the proof, that John did intend dipping by his saying, he did indeed baptize them with Water; and prove, by the like Scripture Expressions, That John did perform his External Baptizing with Water by Dipping, I shall be so far from Reviling, or Contradicting that Person, or those Persons, be they who they will, that I shall endeavour cordially to thank them.

But a little further to end this particular: If it could be proved, that John Baptist did as certainly dip or plunge into water, As it hath been proved that John did Prophesie Christ should pour upon them the holy Ghost, and sprinkle them with it: and that Christ did so Baptize with the holy Ghost when he did come: I say, if this way could be with all clearness as fully proved; yet it must be granted in the result of it, Either That John Baptists way of Baptizing, by Dipping was the best way; Or That Christs way of pouring upon, or sprinkling with was the best way, Or else [...]t must be granted in the Third place That both was equally commanded and alike effectually sufficient, for their designed ends, and alike acceptably to God. If any say, That Johns way of Dipping and plunging, (if it could be proved) was the onely right way; Then Christ who is Lord, Law-giver and Judg, must be condemned, and his way of communicating of the holy Ghost which is the gift of Gifts; and the all of life and Godliness in principle and practice, must not be in the right way, because Christ does not take the persons he Baptizeth with it, and Dip them or plunge them into the holy Ghost. And what then will they make of John's, If when he did know certainly and clearly and this by Immedi­ate revelation from God, that Christ should Baptize, by pouring out his spirit upon his people and sprinkling them with it; And did so foretell it to the people, and intend this way of Baptizing when he spake it: And expressed it by the same word, as he did express his own baptizing with water by; what I say will they make of John the Baptist, If when he did know Christs way and manner, and yet he would not follow it, When it is, and hath ever been the honour of all his [Page 19] messengers and people to follow Christ their Lord and Master: And all be bid to follow the most Eminent and Immediate messengers as they follow Christ? 1 Cor. 11.1. What will they make of John baptist for not taking Christs way when he knew it, and prophesied of it, and yet not follow it as they suppose, nor take Christs way; But take another way that was Impossible in it self; and shew no warrant why he did not take that way, nor any warrant for another way; But is and must be supposed to do it, quite contrary to Christs way when he did appear, and quite contrary to the Nature of the Ordinance whi [...]h is to be and must be a sign, or else it must be nothing, and quire contrary to Moses, and Gods institutions by him; and never give one word to the people to tell them why he did so do? And what will any make of the way of their reception of the holy Ghost from Christ, whether it be in the saving graces or the com­mon gifts thereof, All partake of it, in one and the same way, Acts 11.15, 16, 17. Acts 15.7, 8, 9. And if they do not partake of it in the right manner, will they own it for right any more than they do own the external Baptism to be right, if it be not partook of by Dipping, or plunging? And if they do not own it as right, how can they dare to make use of their gifts, or of their graces, or hope to be saved by their grace as uniting them to Christ, or evidencing them to be in Christ? And if they Do own either gifts or graces given to them and received this way as right, It must be from a change of their Judgment, about external Baptism, or by way of Compulsion that they can have it, or partake of it no other way. And if any be of that mind, how can they praise God for it, whether it be common gifts or special grace, or rejo [...]ce in Christ from whom it comes. And if any say, It is not from a change of their minds about external Baptism, that they do own this way of Christs Baptizing, and do not look upon it as null and void; I Answer, Then How can they justify and own the participation of the greater benefit, and that which is the all in a wrong way, and yet condemn that way in the partaking of the lesser, which is a little water as the external sign? Is no [...] this to make more ado about the Tything of Mint, Annis and Cummin, and to be regardless about the way of partaking of the weighty matters of the Gospel? And if the minds of any be not changed about the way and manner of external Baptism to be null and void if it be performed by sprinkling or pouring upon; Then all the harm I wish every such Soul is, That they will in the fear of God labour to have clear Scripture warrant for the staying and fixing of their minds in that frame, and be sure they follow Christ in it, lest at last they be found not followers of Christ, nor of his mind, Phil. 2.6. And if It be not by pouring upon or sprinkling I hope never any will have the face to say it is Christs way, when it is not. If Any or all say, That Christs way of Baptizing is and must certainly be the best way; and especially when John Baptists way by Dipping is not commanded, nor can be proved: and then John Baptists way of Dipping, if it could be proved, must be condemned. And certainly John, whom Christ so com­mended, is not to be condemned for any thing that he did in his Administrations: It is cer­tain that John Administred Baptism with water the right way, though it cannot be proved to be by Dipping, In that the Pharisees and Lawyers were so condemned for not being baptized by him, Luke 7.30. Matth. 21.32. For he came in the way of righteousness, and he fulfilled his course; and therefore did not go out of the way, but was in the right way, and kept the way, Acts 13.24, 25. and did his work faithfully both as to matter and manner. And if Christs way be the best way in any ones Judgment now can any Imagine that it was not best in Johns Judgment, that did prophesie of it, and was sent on purpose before his face to make his way straight, and plain, and not more crooked, and ecclipsed then it was before? And if Christs way be the best way, why should Johns supposed way that cannot be proved by Scripture, be so contended for by any Soul, and such Rents, Divisions and Seperations made in the visible Body of Christ about it? and why should any Soul living have the face to call that Christs way which they do, but suppose was Johns, and cannot by Scripture prove it to be Johns way or Christs way either? And if Christs way be best, why should they be condemned that follow it, and those that are baptized that way be taught to renounce it, to partake of none knows what? Or Thirdly It must be granted if Johns way could be proved to be by Dipping, as Christs hath been by pouring upon, That both were alike commanded and authorized by the will of God, and both were equally effectual and sufficient, and acceptable. And if but this much be granted, Then sprinkling must surely be lawful and commendable, and acceptable in all that per­form it that way, and they be, and must be looked upon to be in, and to keep to, the way of he Lord, and the performance of the Ordinance that way must be valid, and not be accounted [...]ll and void, nor must there be any Room or place for rebaptizing, much less any room [Page 16] [...] [Page 17] [...] [Page 18] [...] [Page 19] [...] [Page 20] for renouncing, of it and enveighing against it, as Antichristian, &c. when it is the way of Ch [...]ist, and of as good warrant, and as effe [...]tual and acceptable, as Dipping, if that could be proved to be commanded, and also performed as Christs Baptizing with the holy Ghost is witnessed in Scripture to be performed by pouring upon, shedding upon or sprinkling with.

Secondly, I shall endeavour to discover by Scripture Arguments, That as John the Baptist did not, nor ought not to baptize by dipting, nor that he did intend dipping by that word; so that he did baptize by pouring upon, or sprinkling, and ought so to baptize with Water; and that he did intend pouring upon, or sprinkling with Water, when he said, I indeed have baptized you with Water, Matth. 3.11.

Having laid down [...]ome Scripture Arguments, to satisfie poor Souls, That John did not baptize by dipping or plunging: Now let us see further, What might be produced to prove, That John the Baptist did baptize with Water, by pouring out or sprinkling Water upon them that he baptized: And I put in both these expressions, pouring upon, or sprinkling, because these are made synony­mous terms by the Holy Ghost, and are used in Scripture, to signifie and set forth one and the same thing. Compare Isa. 52.15. Ezek. 36.25. with Isa. 44.3. Joel 2.28. and 1 Pet. 1.2. Heb 10.22. with Titus 3.5, 6. and Acts 2.3, 4, 5, 16, 17, 33. and Acts 11.15, 16, 17. And to prove, That John the Baptist did pour upon, or sprinkle with Water, those that he baptized with Water, I shall offer these ensuing Scripture Arguments. First of all from the great promise of God made long before to that People in particular, and to the whole Church in general; in E­zek. 36.25, 26. I will sprinkle clean Water upon you: Observe, the matter is Water, and clean Water; compare this with Heb. 10.22. it is called pure Water, [...], the ve­ry word that is used for to set forth their Water of purifying, which must be understood of the simple Element uset apart for that End, without the ashes of an Heifer. The words in E­zek. 36.25. are [...]; the word for clean is from [...] he purified, and is that whereby their cleansing both External and Internal is set forth, and used: See Numb. 19.19. Lev. 13.34. Mal. 3.3. Ezra 6.20. Prov. 28.9. Psalm 51.12. This Promise respects the cessation of the Blood of Bulls and Goats, and the Ashes of the Heifer; and yet it should be effectual for purifying by divine appointment and separ [...]tion. I [...] any will have this to be intended only of the Internal Baptism, the Baptism with the holy Ghost; then they must grant, that the Internal Baptism is to be performed by sprinkling; and doubtless John the Baptist did know this as well as any do or can now; and if he did, then he must intend sprinkling [...]y the word [...], when he prophesied of Christ's Bap­tizing them with the Holy Ghost, or else he must contradict the express promise of God. And for any to exclude the sign and means here to be contained and intended in the Promise; whence then will they have the Means if not from the Promise? and why should the manner of the application, or administration of the means, and External Sign, if it be not contained in the promise, be made a matter of such weight and moment, as to cause such Separation and Division among Christians? And why should that which is not contained in the promise be matter so highly set by? But if the External Sign and the Manner of the administration of it were not here intended, how will this promise respect the Gospel times, and the cessation of their blood of Bulls and Goats, and the ashes of an Heifer to be done only with Water, with­out any Composition? And how should they be able to pray for the fulfilling, of it which the Lord saith, he would be sought unto by them, that he should do it for them? Verse 37. as David did of old, Psalm 51.6, 7. If John Baptists baptism was not what was contained in this Promise, how could it be the fulfilling of that which God had spoken by the Mouth of all his Holy Prophets since the World began? Luke 1.55, 70, to the end. Then the Promise must not contain the making plain the way of the Lord, nor the means whereby all Flesh should see the Salvation of God, Luke 3.6. and they that have Faith to believe these things, may for me: They mu [...]t make the Promise to be fulfilled by means or without means; if by means it must be the same way administred to be the Sign representing the thing to be ob­tained. If without means, then that renders means needless, and then there is no need of ex [...]ernal Baptism, contrary to Luke 7.30. John 3.3, 5. Heb. 10.22. The [...]ody is to be wash­ed to draw near to God. Secondly Another Argument may be taken from the great Prophe­s [...]e that respected Gospel times, concerning the way of Christs Communications of the Benefits of his Death and Sufferings, in Isa. 52.15. [...] So shall he sprinkle ma­ny Nations. Doubtless this Prophesie, or Promise by way o [...] Prophesie respects the Gospel-times, [Page 21] because it mentioneth many Nations; for till Christ's coming, and till his Death, that Na [...]ion only was the only visible Church of G d. If any will limit this to the Internal Sprink­ling [...]i [...]h the Spirit, or Holy Ghost: They must grant, that Christs Baptism is by way of sp [...]nkling; and that is enough to warrant the Sign and External Baptism to be so admini­stred. If any will exclude Baptism to be included in the Text, they must make it no means of the se [...]ting for [...]h of the Death of Christ, and his Sufferings, or else no means of the convey­ance of the benefits of it.

3. If They l [...]mit it to the Inward Baptism, They m [...]st make Nati [...]ns, and many nations the subjects of the Inward Baptism which will discover all such of a more larger heart than they have been, if they so do. To allow many nations the Inter [...]l Baptism, but allow few the external Baptism: But for the Interpretation of this text Christs own words in Matth. 28.19, 20. is enough. But here is certain warrant that John ought to Baptize by sprinkling water upon them, How else should this Prophesie be fulfilled with respect to the means setting forth the death of Christ, and his way of communicating the benefits thereof. The Apostle doth argue the necessity of the Scripture prophesie being fulfilled that respected Judas, Acts. 1. and was there not as great a necessity of the fulfilling of this that respected all Nations, and Christs Administrations?

3. It may be further argued and proved by John the Baptists Intending and Christs pouring upon, and sprinkling with, by this word Baptize. It is proved from express Script [...]re that he did in­tend sprinkling, or pouring upon by that word, when he prophesied of Christ Baptizing with the holy Ghost, and until any either learned or unlearned, can prove by Scripture, that he intended Dipping by the same words, when he spake of his Baptizing with water, the acceptation of the word according to the sign, and the thing signified, must be of one and the same signification to all that will not gainsay express Scripture.

4. It may be proved also, that John did Baptize by sprinkling or pouring water upon them; In that the vulgar, even the multitude did understand his meaning and intention, when he expressed Christs Baptizing with the holy Ghost, and intended sprinkling by the same word, at the same time, that he expressed his Baptizing with water by: And this without the least explana­tion of, or discovery of any different signification or acceptation. I Indeed Baptize you with wa­ter: but he shall Baptize you with the holy Ghost, and with fire, Here is not the least Intimation of the least difference in the signification of the word [...] and he intended pouring upon, and sprinkling with respect to Christs way of Baptizing, and this the vulgar understood it and d [...]d bear witness afterwards that he spake truth of Christ in this as well as in all other things, John 10.40, 41, 42. Now they could never have born witness to the tru [...]h of what he spake of Christ, had they not understood what was spoken; and they understood it though in a state of Ignorance and unbelief, for they believed afterwards, John 10.41, 42. Now it was altogether Impossible that the people should have understood what John did intend by the word Baptize, when spoken of Christ Baptizing with the holy Ghost, without the least explanation or unfold­ing if in case he should have Baptized any other way, or the word have signified any other way of Baptizing them, what it signified with respect to Christs in Johns intentions. If any object and say the word have a two fold acceptation, I Answer, That it hath such a contrary acceptation in any one text in the New Testament, Let they that say it, Prove it by Scripture: Or else let them account what they say herein, without warrant from Scripture and what they believe herein, to be but an 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 Ministr [...]; 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 [Page 22] 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 b [...]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, con [...]rary to Acts 3.23.

5. It may be proved that John did Baptize with water, by pouring up [...]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 r [...]d sea, 1 Cor. 10.2, All our fathers were Baptized unto M [...]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 [...] p [...]zing was by sprinkling. But that they were, Heb. 11.29. 3. If it was a baptizing of the w [...]le h [...]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 unlawf [...]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 s [...]gn, 1 Peter. 3.21. That Baptism that is saving is, by which I humbly con [...]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 rej [...]ct [...]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 mul [...]tude of spectators of all sorts, and the circumstances of time and place. The time being short for Johns perf [...]mance of it, and the place in the wilderness, or near it. And the time it was Im­possible it should be pe [...]fo [...]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 pers [...]ns and Dip them into the water, and take them o [...]t again himself. And this of all sexes and ages, whether in their usual wearing apparel or without it, for the ground for [Page 23] 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, [...]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 st [...]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 Va [...]ley shall be filled, and every Mountain and hill shall be brought low; this makes Hills and Valleys to become Plains. And the cro [...]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 pers [...]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 again [...]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 p [...]uring a po [...], or falling u [...]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 expres [...] [...]tio [...]ing by in [...]he New Testament, John 13.26. Rev. 19.13. Luke 16.24. Mark 14.20. that is set f [...]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 s [...]gn, type, and figu [...], 1 P [...]t. 3.21. and then no c [...]ntra­dictory to what was foretold by the Prophets, and then, not of John's own devising; and [Page 24] then [...] there [...]s no [...]hing said of [...] new way of Administration by dipping, then there is none to be [...]ved, no [...] was there any n [...]w way of Administration, because there is nothing said of [...] 14. If from He [...]v [...]n, then it was not in a way of Confusion wit [...] the rest of Di­v [...] app [...]men [...]s, nor c [...]y to [...]he m [...]nner of Christ's administration of the thing signifi­ed. [...] it may [...]e furth [...] argued from the Holy Ghost's making use of the Noun from this Verb [...], to s [...] [...]rth all the Cermonial Purifications by, which were all performed by sprinkling, Heb. [...]. [...]. [...], the Noun that John's Baptism is expressed be; which clearly shews, that the holy Ghost does intend sprinkling b [...] it; in that their sprinklings are so stiled, [...]ve [...]s Baptisms, as the word should be rendered, [...]hn 3.23, 24, 25. 16. It may be further argued and proved, That John 's Baptism, and the Apostles Baptism with Water was p [...]fo [...]med b [...] sprinkling or p [...]uring up [...]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, 4 [...]. Matth. 23.25, 26. 6. To sprinkle, Isa. 52.15. Ezek. 36.25. Heb. 10.22. 1 Pet. 1.2. Psalm 51.7. what was done with Hyssop was by sprinkling, Heb. 9.13, 14, 19, 20, to 23. Joel 2.28. where there is the same word [...] as is used in Ezek. 36.25. though it be rendered Pouring out, Lev. 21.10. 7. To Sanctifie, Eph. 5.25, 26. 1 Cor. 6.10, 11, 12. 2 Thes. 2.13. 1 Pet. 1.2. Rom. 15.16. 8. To pour upon, or to pour out, Acts 10.44. Isa. 44.3. Acts 2.16, 17, 33. Zech. 12.1 [...]. Joel 2.28, 29. 9. Sometimes shedding upon, which is the same with pouring upon, Acts 2.16, 17, 33. Titus 3.5, 6. 10. Sometimes to fall upon, Acts 10.44. Acts 11.15. Acts 2.3, 4, 5. It sat upon each of them. It is expressed and set forth by Receiving as well as Pouring upon or Sprinkling, Acts 10.47. Which have received the holy Ghost as well as we. The same Title is given to it, Acts 19.26. and Acts 8.15, 17. And by the laying on of hands upon them as means, and not putting them in the hands; so also the Children received the blessing, Mark 10.13, 14. and that which is called Baptizing is called the holy Ghost, being given to them, Acts 11.15, 16, 17. Acts 15.7, 8. and being granted to them, Acts 11.18. and it is cal­led, a being filled with the holy Ghost, and not our filling the Holy Ghost, Acts 2 4. Acts 9.18. The receiving the remission of sins, and the gift of the holy Ghost, Acts 2.38. and the giving repen­tance and remission of sins, and a washing away of sins, Acts 22.16. Acts 11.17, 18. and it is expressed by Christs breathing upon them, and said, Receive ye the holy Ghost: Compare that Text, John 20.22. with John 3.3, 5, 8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and the first breath­ing of life into our Nostrils, Gen. 2.7. and with the way of the typical Resurrection of the whole Church of God, Ezek. 37.3, 4, 5, 6. The Spirit of Life entred into them, and flesh and skin came up [...]n them, Eph. 2.1. You hath he quickened, Rev. 11.11. The Spir [...]t of Li [...] [...]ed into them: and though it be thu [...] clear, that is is applyed to us, and not we to tha [...] [...] the same thing is rendered by [...], Titus 3.5, 6: So Rev. 1.5, 6. [...] so [...] Cor. 6.11. But ye are washed, [...], where the same thing is intended, as when it is called Baptizing, Purifying, or Sprinkling Acts 11.15, 16, 17, 18. Acts 15.8, 9. Heb. 10 22. 1 Pet. 1.2. Ezek. 36 25. So John 17.17. Eph. 5.2 [...]. Sanctifie them through thy truth: While Peter spake the holy Ghost fell on them; and this is called Baptizing, Acts 11.15, 16, 17. That he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of Water by the Word, [...], and the same thing is called, being saved, 1 Pet. 3.21. Titus 3.4, 5, 6. 2 Tim. 1.9. and also, a being in Christ, and being a new Creature, and being born again, John 3.3, 5, 8. 2 Cor. 5.17. and it is called, a putting the fear in the heart, and writing the Law in the Inward Parts, Jer. 32.4 [...]. Heb. 8. and putting the Spirit within him, or the Spirits being put in them, Isa. 59. ult. To sprinkle, or put upon, or pour upon, signifie one and the same, Lev 21.10. and putting Dust upon the Head, and sprinkling Dust upon the Head, are all one; and heaping the Dust of the Earth upon the Head of the Poor; it signi­fieth a being buried, or in all one condition with the dead, Job. 2.12. Job. 42.6. Amos 2.7. Ezek. 27.30. Revel. 18.19.

Besides many are against Infant Baptism, because they say they must not put a seal to a blank. But by this they must grant that the way of Baptizing is by applying water to the person, and not by putting the person into water; For who did ever put the subject to be sealed to the seal? But the seal is allways put to the subject to be sealed. John. 3.33. He hath set to his seal that God is true. This proveth that the seal is to be set to the subject sealed and if it be to be performed by dipping the person into water, then the person must be the seal, and the water the blank, If it be but little, on the subject sealed, and the person the seal, or else there must be neither seal, nor sealed, nor an officer sealing, nor the Act of sealing, in it, If Baptism with water be to be performed by dipping.

A serious enquiry into, and a certain produceing of, clear Scripture proof, of the right signification, and constant acceptation of the word [...] in the New Testament only: And not how it is taken or used by humane authors in Lexicons or Dictionaries, and the acceptation of it in them.

The clear discovery and understanding, how this word [...], which signifieth to Bap­tize, is used in the New Testament by our Lord Jesus Christ, and John Baptist, and all the Disci­ [...]les of Christ in the Primitive times, and the constant acceptation it had with them, and the signi­ [...]cation it carried in it, to all succeeding generations, as expressed by them, and left upon re­cord in holy writ. I humbly conceive may have a great tendency to, and conduce much to the settle­ment of the consciences of those that truly fear God, and that are willing to be ruled by Gods word; That they may not be left under any hesitation, and doubt of mind when they are beset with the sorest onsets of the cunningest adversaries. As to their right to, and regular admission into the visible church, and participation of the outward sign, and their right seeking and begging for the In­ward benefit thereof, for them and theirs, like David of Old, Psalm. 51.6, 7. And also may conduce much to the promoting and settling of true peace among true Christians that real­ly subject to the word of God, And to the rendering of all them that design faction and opini­on upon any hand, the more inexcusable, and the less prevalent, in their designs to snare souls, if they will not be reclaimed, nor silenced. Therefore I shall by Gods assistance endeavour to search into the word of God, and produce proof how this word was taken to signifie by John the Baptist who was Christs Immediate fore-runner? 2. How our Lord Jesus Christ did take it to signifie and what he did intend by his use of it? 3. How the Apostle Peter did under­stand it, and what he did intend by it, in his use of it in Scripture? 4. How Matth. Mark, Luke and John, that were the four Evangelists and Pen-men of the Gospels, did understand it, and what they do intend by it? 8. How the Apostle James did understand it? 9. How The Apostle Paul did understand it, who was the great Apostle of the Gentiles, and what he did intend by it? 10. How all the believing Jews did understand it? 11. How all the believing Gentiles did understand it? 12. How all the scribes and Pharisees, and all the unbelieving Jews, and Gospel despisers did understand it, and what they did intend by it in their use of it? Whensoever it is used in the New Testament it is used to set forth either the Internal or External Baptism; or else the Religious ceremonial washings of the Jews; and they taken as appointed of God signified as much as our external Baptism. For every one that was unclean, or defiled, was not to come into the Sanctuary or Tabernacle nor to touch the holy things nor, was he to have any remission without purifying, Numbers 19. Heb. 9.19, 20, 21, 22. The like to which our saviour de­clared against the despising of Baptism when it might be had, and the necessity of the acceptation and use of it, Luke. 7.29, 30. John 3.3, 5, 8.

Certain truths of Scripture, that are to be regarded as rules. In the Enquiry into the true signifi­cation, and constant acceptation of the Greek word [...] by keeping to which, the General, and also special scope, and agreement of the contexts, and Analogy of Scripture may not be departed from; In the enquiry about this word,

First, such a signification of this word cannot or ought not to be taken, or received in the New Testament; as will not consist with the external ordinance, to be an Outward and visible sign of the Inward and spiritual grace thereby signified, represented, and typified out, to all that by faith receive it, or by unbelief reject it If the ordinance as to the manner of its Administration is not a sign, the nature of it is destroyed, 1 Peter 3.21. [...]. 2. No such significa­tion can or ought to be taken of this word in the New Testament As would force John the Bap­tist to mean two contrary things by the same word, at the same time, to the same people, a­bout [Page 26] the two parts that constitute one and the same ordinance, and when one was to be the sign and representation of the other and he Intend and design to set forth by his expressing him­self by the same word, the external part, to be a sign of the Internal grace; He being a prophet and speaking by the spirit of Prophesie, Matth. 3.11. Acts. 1.5. 1 Peter. 3.21. 3. No such signification can be taken of this w rd in the New Testament, as will not agree with the ac­complish [...]nt of the Scripture P [...]ophesies concerning Gospel times, Isa. 52.15. Psa. 44.3. Joel 2.28. Acts 2.2, 3.4, 5, 16, 17. Acts 1 [...].44. Acts 11.15.16. 4. No such acceptation or signification can be had from the New Testament of this word: that will no [...] agree wi [...]h the ac­complishment of the great G [...]spel promise to be accomplished especially in Gospel times, Ezek 36.25. Which is to sprinkle clean water upon his people, and to cleanse them from all their filthiness, 1 John 1.7. 5. N [...] such signification can be taken of it according to Scripture, and the mind of God in the New Testament as will not agree with the Gl [...]rious title given to the blood of Christ, that sets forth the Manner of the application of it, by the holy spirit to poor sinners, Heb. 1 [...].24. It is called the blood of sprinkling 6. No such significa [...]ion can be taken of this word in the New Testament, as wi [...]l not agree with the express words of Scripture, setting forth the same work of grace upon the souls of poor sinners, that is sometimes called baptizing with the holy Ghost, Acts. 1.5. Matth. 3.11. Acts 11.15, 16, 18, At other tim [...]s calling it sprink­ling with the blood of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter. 1.2. and having our hearts sprinkled from an evil consci­ence, Heb. 10.22. Which he shed on u [...] abundantly, Titus. 3.5.6. Acts 2.15, 16, 33. 7. No such signification can be had from Scripture of this word, as would render that part of the Ministe­rial work and office, an act Impossible for any one constituted officer, of a compe [...]ent measure of the strength of an ordinary man, and of that stature, and proportion; to perform to all sorts, sexes, ages and conditions of men, person by person, or one after another. 8. No such signifi­cation of this word can be had from the New Testament, as will not agree with the speediness, pertinency and suitableness of the questions and answers, made, and returned, by this word in Scrip­ture, concerning the various things about which it is used, to set forth and signifie the things they discoursed of. Or no such interpretation as would render John Baptist, and our Saviour, and all his Disciples more Imperfect in their understandings than many pretend to be Now. 9. No such signification or acceptation can be had from the New Testament by any whatsoever, as would force the holy Ghost to intend that by this word, in the New Testament, when it is used to express, and set forth external Baptism with water; That it should have that signification, that the holy Ghost does always express another word in the New Testament by, John 13.26. Dipping is always expressed by the spirit of God by another word in the New Testament, but never by [...]. But the same thing that is sometimes rendered by [...] is at other times ren­dered by [...], or [...], which do properly signifie sprinkling 1 Peter. 1.2. Heb. 17.22. Heb. 12.24. Acts 1.5. Acts 11.15, 16, 18. Dipping is expressed by [...], John. 13.26. Luke 16.24. Revel. 19.13. 10. No such significa [...]ion or acceptation can be had from the New Testament of this word, as will not agree with the synonymous terms and words whereby the holy spirit of God does s [...]t forth and express the same thing; tha [...] at other times he calls Bap­tizing, as purifying, Acts 15.9. cleansing, 1 John. 1.7. purging, Heb. 9 13, 14. Pouring upon or shedding upon, Titus. 3.5.6. &c. 11. No such acceptation of this word can be had from the New Testament as will admit of divers ways and Manners of the publick performance of this great ordinance of Baptism that is such an express instituted Gospel duty, Matth 28.19. John. 1.25, to 34. and as would make the same word to have two contrary s gnifications about the way of the administration of one and the same external sign of Baptism with water, 1 Cor. 10.2. compared with Matth. 3 11. Eph. 4, 5, 12. No such acceptation or signification of this word can be had from the New Testament as will admit of Boasting to any flesh. 1 Cor. 1.29. For that is wholly excluded from all [...]esh, both of Jew and Gentile, by the Gospel, Rom. 4. Rom. 3.27. 13. Not such a signification of this word can be had from the New Testament as would render the Institutions of God by Moses then in force Insignificant and Insufficient For they are all exp [...]essed by a noun whereby Johns baptism and Christs baptism are expressed by, Heb. 9.10, [...] compared with Matth. 3.7. Matth. 20.22. 14 No such acceptation as makes God to prefer sacrifice before mercy. 15. Not such an acceptation, as would make Johns way of Baptizing with water to be clean con [...]rary to Christs way of Bap­tizing with the holy Ghost, and with fire, Matth. 3.11. Acts 1 5. Acts 2.3, 4, 5, 16, 17.33 Acts 11.15, 16, 17, 18. 16. Not such an acceptation or signification as must force John to do [Page 27] what he did in his administration of Baptism, or, at least, be supposed to have d [...] e it with a miraculous strength, when the Holy Ghost does witness expresly, that John did no [...]ir [...]cle, John 10.41, 42. 17. No su [...]h signification or accepta [...]ion can be had from the New Testa­ment of this word, that will render John Baptist's meani [...] a [...]d [...] [...]ion [...] thi [...] wor [...], with respect to Christ's baptizing of them with the holy Ghost unintelligib [...]e to [...] vul [...], or gene­r [...]lity, even in the state of their Ignorance and Unbelief, without the le [...]st Expla [...]tion of it to them, as differing from his manner of baptizing them with Water: C [...]p [...]e Matth. 3.11. with John 10.41, 42. where the Holy Ghost does testifie, that the People do bear J [...]hn [...]ress, that all that John spake of Christ was true; and this was a gr [...]und of Faith to them: Now they could never have born witness to what John had said of Christ, if they had not under­stood his meaning by his words, Matth. 3.11. 18. No such acceptation of this word can be had from the New Testament, as would render the way of John's administration of this Sol [...]mn Ordinance a publick scorn, as not being comely, and of good Report, nor shunning [...]ll appearance of evil. 19. No such signification of the word can be had from the New Testament of this word, that shall overturn this Ordinance, not only from being a Sign but a Seal also; and make the m [...]n [...]er of the performance of it, to be clean contrary to the way of Sealing mentioned in the word of God, which is by applying or putting the Seal to the Subject sealed, or to be sealed and not by putting the subject to be sealed to the Seal, John 3.32, 33. Hath set to his Seal, that God is true. If this Ordinance were to be performed by dipping, the subject to be sealed must be put to the Seal, or in the Seal; or else they must make the person to be baptized to be the Seal, and the Water that he is dipt into must be the subject sealed. 20. No signification or acceptation of this word can be had from the New Testament, but what will render the subject baptized, wholly p [...]ssive, from first to last, in the administration, or acceptation, or reception of the External Sign, and as passive as in the reception of the Inward Grace signified by it: It is always rendered in the Passive Voice, with respect to the subject receiving of it. 21. No such acceptation or signification can be had from the New Testament of this word, as should discharge any Soul in Israel from being under the authority of Christ, and from being guilty of grievous sin in its refusal, rejection, or neglecting of being baptized by John, when he was sent to them, Luke 7.30. Acts 3.23. or any Soul where the Gospels comes, Mark 16.15, 16. Matth. 28.19. If it were taken to signifie dipping in the New Testament, then all they must be discharged from Christ's Authority, or being under any guilt, whose condition natural did not admit of being dipt in Jordan, whether Infant or Adult: and if they were uncapable of being bap­tized, they must be discharged from being bound to hearken, Acts 13.24. 22. No such ac­ceptation can be had from the New Testament of this word, as would make Christ to indulge the Pharisees in their alteration of the express Institutions of God by Moses from s [...]rinkling to dipping, and yet Christ justifies them all the while, and calls them Purifying L [...]ke 11.38, 39, 40. Mark 7.1, 2.4.8. or that would make John or Christ to imitate the Pharisees, or the Pharisees to imitate Christ; for these were as contrary as light to darknes [...], and dar [...]ness to light. 23. No such acceptation can be had of it, as would make the Holy Spirit of Truth to contradict himself, who is always one and the same, Yea and Amen. Compare Ma [...]th. 3.11. with 1 Cor. 10.2. 1 Pet. 1.2. Heb. 10.22. Titus 3.5, 6. 24. No such acceptation ought to be taken from the New Testament, as would overturn the Constitution of the Church of the Jews, and exclude them from being Members that were then Children of the Kingdom by God's immediate command, Gen. 17. Deut. 29.10, 11, 12. and had then God for th [...]ir God, and were so owned by God, in that John and the Disciples and Christ himself sent to them first of all. 25. No such signification can, or ought to be had from the New Testament of this word, as would deprive any of their Priviledges, as Childr [...]n of Abraham, [...]nd make them all one with the Samaritans, Matth. 3.9. 26. No other acceptation can, or [...]ught to be had from the New Testament of this word, than what will agree with the Subj [...]cts of John's Preaching the Doctrine of [...]he Baptism of Repentance to, which was, to all the [...]ople of Israel, Acts 13.24. 27. No other acceptation of this word can be had from t [...] New Testament, than what will agree with the subje [...] [...]f John's Exhortation to them t [...]a [...] he then b [...]ptized, which was, Every Tree that was to bring fo [...]th good Fruit, and every Tree that sho [...] [...]ing forth evil Fruit; all that were Ch [...]ff or Wheat in that Floor and all that sh [...]ld b [...] gat [...]er [...]d into the Garner as Wheat; or blown awa [...], and burnt u [...], as Ch [...]ff, with unque [...]n [...]ble [...] [...]3.1 [...]. [...]8. No other signification can be had of this word f [...]om J [...] [...] Bap [...]' [...] acc [...]p [...]tion of [Page 28] it th [...] wh [...] w [...]uld agree with the Subj [...]cts or Objects of Christ's Fan, or the objects of his pu [...]lick Minist [...]y, which was the Circumcision; and they were Infants [...] eight days old, as well at any others, Rom. 1 [...].8. M [...]th. 3.12. 2 [...]. No other signification c [...] [...]e [...]ad from it, than what will agree with the expres [...] dec [...]ared subjects of John's Ministry, w [...]h were Pa [...]ents and Children, Mal. 4.6. Luk [...] 1.17. 30. No other signification can be [...] of it from Scrip­ture than what will agree with t [...]e [...]ruth of God, in his Covenant made [...] Abraham and his Seed, R [...]m. 15.8. by which it did belong to them, to have all the exte [...] means, by which the good of the Promise and Covenant [...]as h ld f [...]rth and conveyed, [...] Rom. 9.4, 5. Gen. 18.18, 19. 31. No other [...]nification or acceptation can be had [...] New Testa­ment, [...]ut what will agree with e [...]ry Soul in Israel, having God f r th [...] [...] vertue of his taking them into Covenant, Deut. 29.1 [...], 11, 12, 13 to 16, 17. 32. [...] [...]gnificati­on or acceptation can be had of this word then what will consist with the [...]enders of grace made by the Apostles to that people, Acts 2.38, 39. For if the promise had not belonged to them, and also if it had not been the duty of a [...]l of them to be baptized, how could 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. 1 [...].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 J [...]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 s [...]rinkling by this word when he spake of Christs Baptizing with the holy Ghost, but he per­formed his own by Dipping in water, an [...] yet expressed both by the same word, and this wi [...]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. 1 [...].4 [...], 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 vulg [...]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 [Page 29] 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 C [...]s and Pots and Beds and Tables, &c. Mark. 7.4, 6, 8. which were thing [...] some of them at least, Im­possible to be Dipped, or to be baptized by Dipping, especially when it w [...]s but the c [...]t [...]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 h [...]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 accoun [...]? Rom. 9.4, 5. 5. John Bap [...]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 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 t [...]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 b [...]dy were grasped [Page 30] 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 dipp [...]d. It was an act of Great condescention in God Almighty that when he could by his Imme [...]iate Power have dipped the whole Host in the red Sea with as great ease and freedom as ever he [...]prinkled them, by the cloud, but by this he condescended to our weak­ness to perform it [...] [...]hat manner, that any one of his Officers and Servants were c [...]pable by their nat [...]ral ordina [...] [...]rength, to baptize any one individual, of whatsoever stature, [...]eportion, age, sex, or condition [...] y were. And if this of sprinkling had not been the right way of per­formance, the great Law give [...] 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 [...]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, [...]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 B [...]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 plain­n [...]ss of the Gospel Dispensations, that he was sent to be the first publisher of, and the first admini [...]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, L [...]ke 1.78. And the day of Salvation, 2 Cor. 6.2. And that which made John's Ministry in point of clearnes [...], 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 [...]ne Christ's sprinkling them with the Holy Ghost, or pouring out the Holy Ghost upon them. This could n [...]ver be the clearest way to represent Christ's Baptizing; for if John should have in [...]nded dipping, and performed his baptizing with Water by dipping, when he did intend, and must intend sprinkling or pouring upon, by the same word, when he foretold Christ's ba [...]tizi [...] them with the holy Ghost, Matth. 3.11.

Then John's Administration of Baptism must be the darkest, and most eclipsed and oc­cult dispensation that ever was in the Church of God, in any age of the World, from the Foundation thereof to that day. And that First, for Author, there being no Author disco­vered as the appointer of such a Dispensation, of dipping persons into Water of all ages and [Page 31] sexes, and taking them out again to baptize them. For though such an administration be imagined, yet there is no mention made in the least of any Author commanding or in [...]itu­ting of that manner of baptizing. If John had had it commanded him, when the word of God came to him, and if he was sent to baptize with Water, should we not have heard of it? John 1.25, to 34. Luke 3, 2, 3. He came in the way of Righteousness; and that is, and must be by Rule; but not a word of this way of baptizing, as having God for the author. And they that can imagine John to be the author of his own Head, may imagine any thing else of John, and of all others of the Prophets of the Lord. 2. As it must be the darkest for author, so also, for Scrip [...]ure Warrant and Command, where can any say, that dipping is required, and thus it is written, and thus we believe? 1 Cor. 15.2, 3, to 12, 13. all may say for sprink­ling, thus, it is promised and prophesied of expresly; and this is according to the Title gi­ven to the Blood of Christ, and in which way it speaks to us, Heb. 12.24. and thus it is written with respect to Christ's baptizing with the Holy Ghost, Acts 1.5. Acts 2.3, 4, 5, 15, 16, 17.33. and in abun [...]ance of other places the same matter is so set forth, and expressed; but where is one Text that any one Soul can bring out of the Old Testament, or New, in Pro­mise, Prophesie, or Performance, that Baptism is called dipping into Water, or so set forth in Scripture. 3. The darkest of all for passive Reception, in every thing we be, or are to be Passive R [...]ceivers, 1 Cor. 4.7. and in b [...]ing baptized specially, it being always expressed in the Passive Voice, with respect to the person receiving of it; but how impossible is dipping to be so performed, or received, that the person baptized should be wholly and universally passive, and be rendred uncapable of any co action or co-agency, as it is in sprinkling. or being sprink­led; I am sure, should the Eunuch have gone himself into the Water, so far as he went into the Water, he must baptize himself, or else he must be took out again, as to that part, and dipped in afterwards, if his baptism had been performed by dipping. 4. The darkest of all for administra­tion by any one individual person, by any ordinary competent measure of personal strength; but the administration must be impossible for any one constituted Officer to perform by his personal strength, so that God must command both natural as well as moral Impossibilities. 5. For the end of it, to discover to the Baptized, the way and manner of being baptized by Christ, and his partaking of the Inward Baptism from him, which David clearly understood by the typical Purification by Moses, Psalm 51.6, 7. by the Lord Jesus pouring out his Spiri [...], or sprinkling him with the gifts and Graces thereof, and not by taking the person and putting him into the Holy Ghost. 1. For the extent of the discerning of it, as to the agents or sub­jects to behold it; if any did discern it, it could be but few, and that very few, if any that could discern sprinkling set forth b [...] dipping; for what way can any propose as means to di­scern it by, it must be by their Senses, as their Eye-sight, or by their exercise of their Rea­son, or by a Sup [...]rnatural Revelation. As for their Senses of Eye-sight, it is impossible that any should d [...]scern sprinkling set forth by dipping. 2. For the exercise of their Reason, how could they, or any living, discern it from that, by Causes or Effects, or Parity or Disparity? Surely the means of discerning of it must not be by Reason. 3 If it must be by Superna­tural Revelation, it must be by the word or without the word as the means. For the word to reveal it, that they had not, for there is no one express word to set forth such a baptizing by dipping, or such a two-fold acceptation of the word. And if any say, they had it with­out the word, this mu [...]t be true of all that heard him, both good and bad; and this must render the word needless to all: But they that understood what John intended were such, as at that time had no Divine Revelation, as to the effect of it upon their Souls, for they were in unbelief, and they believed afterwards, John 10.40, 41, 42. so that they could no way discern it. 6. It must be the darkest of all dispensations, for the subjects capable to partake of it. All Infants, and Weak, and Infirm among the Adult, must be excluded Baptism, as being incapable; and it must be the bold, and hardy, and confident, that could endure to be took up and dipt over Head and Ears in Jordan, that being a great River, and therefore the more fruitful. Never was there an Ordinance of Initiation so dark as to admission. 7. For the publick shame and odium of the administration to be performed, publickly in the Eyes of all, even a Generation of Vipers, whether there were the least of devesting by any, or no [...], or the least of investing with other apparel, much more, if there should have been a total of both; neither of which, at the participation of that Ordinance, in order to the act of baptizing, have the least footing in the word of God. 8. For the universal loss that [Page 32] all must be at, as to position in the Baptized, whether it was perpendicular or down-right, that they were baptized, or whether it wa [...] diametrically, or by equal poize. If it was done perpendicular, or down-right, that they are supposed or imagined to be dipped, which end must be dipt first, the Head or Feet? and whether it must be at one dip or at two? and which way the Face must be, towards the Baptizer, or from him? And if it be imagined to be by equal poize, or diametrically, with the Head and Feet of equal height, whether the Face must be upwards or downwards, or side ways? whether towards the Baptizer, or from him? though both ways are alike possible, yet what Soul under Heaven can have a certain rule for posi [...]ion in dipping in this case. 9. It must be the darkest dispensation that ever was in the Church of God, for making natural strength of Body, and power of Nature to use the Limbs, to be such a necessary qualification for admission to be of the visible Church of God, and boldness and confidence to be dipped in Jordan, and not to be frighted nor a­shamed in the [...]yes of such a Multitude; and the utter exclusion of all others, as could not come by their own natural strength, and use their Tongues, and that had not attained such a me [...]sure of confidence and boldness so to be served from all right to, or participation of Gos­pel Priviledges. Never was the like in any age in the Church of God, if it could be proved that it was so. When Christ maketh a Cubit in the stature to be the least, less than a bit of Bread, or a little Rayment, Luke 12.23, 24, 25, 26. and when God chuseth the weak things of the World, and base things, and things despised▪ to confound the strong and honourable, and hath forbidden us to glory in Natural Strength, 1 Cor. 1.27, 28, 29, 3 [...]. Jer. 9.24, 25. 10. It must be the darkest with respect to the discovery of the Grace of God designed to be made known in all Gospel Dispensations. First, This doth eclipse the freeness of the Grace, without respect to any thing in the Creature, or subject recipient, Rom. 9.21, 22. 2. The Impartiality of his Grace, without respect to any person, Rom. 2.10, 11. Mark 16.15, 16. 3. The Ʋniversality and abundance of Grace from a drop to the Ocean, and from a Crumb to the Crown, Matth. 5.46, 47. Matth. 15.27. Zech. 13.1. Zech. 4.6. 4. The efficacy of the Grace of God, and Blood of Christ; Heb. 10.22. Heb. 9.13, 14. One drop of that sufficient to cleanse fully. 5. The greatness of the Sufferings of Christ, how he was broken by Divine Justice, that his Blood was sprinkled, Isa 63.3, 4. 11. It must be the darkest as a sign, for the disagreement between the sign and the thing sig­n [...]fi [...]d as to the way and manner of distribution and participation. Never the like darkness in any sign of Divine Institution. Moses, that put a Vail upon his Face was far more clear, Psalm 51.6, 7. 12. The darkest, for the limitation of the Administration to some times of the Year only, and to admit them Members of the Visible Church in the hot Seasons, or hot Countreys only. All admission in such a manner, can never be at Winter performed, without apparent danger and detriment to the health of the Baptized; and the confinement of the performance to some Countreys only, and excluding it from others that are not so hot; so that they must never be admitted Members in a right Gospel manner; and if it was not in a right manner, it was contrary to Acts 10.34, 35. and contrary to the Commission, Math. 28.19, 20. Mark. 16.15, 16. And they had Winter as well as other Countreys, John 10.22. and had cold, and needed Fire, Mark 16.67. Luke 22.55. but we do not read of any ces­sation of John's Baptizing, because it was Winter, or heating the Water of Jordan, or chusing hotter places, because of the cold to baptize in. 13. Never the like, for non-explication of the Word, or the Thing, or unfolding of it in any thing, our Lord Jesus explained his Para­bles to his Disciples and dark sayings; and though Moses put a Vail over his Face, yet his s [...]gn was by sprinkling, Numb. 19. Lev. 14. Matth. 13. 14. For unparallelness by any other Pre­sident recorded in the Word, as to all that were to be admitted Members of the visible Church, Moses did not purifie that way; nor was it foretold, that Christ, or any Gospel Minister should, but the clean contrary by sprinkling. Nor did the Lord do it that way, when he did it by his immediate hand, 1 Cor. 10.2. Nor did the Scribes and Pharisees, for they professed themselves Moses 's Disciples, so that there must be no President for it in the Church of G [...]d, as to the gene­rality. 15. For the diversity of the Baptism, if it must be done by dipping; one part of the person must be baptized immediately, and the other mediately, by the Cloaths, if that be not fully divested, and by the hands, or other Instruments, if the person be universally naked, and yet graspt. 16. For the difficulty and danger of the Baptized, without great strength, and firmness of natural Constitution, especially considering that God will have Mercy and not Sacrifice. 17. As to the subjects of his Exhortation afterwards, That he should in his words speak to [Page 33] all to bring forth fruit, whether old or young, that were capable of cutting down, or standing, or of being blown a way, or burnt up, or of being continued in, or gathered into the Garner; and ye be imagined to baptize, in a manner, that very few, if [...]ny, were capable to partake of it in; And yet threaten them to be Damned, if they did [...]ot bri [...] f [...]rth fruit of it. 18. That the very act, t [...]t John should bap [...]ize in, should be that by which Christ should be most known, and yet he be imagined to do it in that way, by which he should not be known, That Johns administration sh [...]ld [...]e to bring them to Christ; and yet he be Imagined, to do it in that way that should be an [...]tacle, and obstruction to them, from c [...]m [...]ng to Christ, and believing in Christ, when they did see, that he Baptized with the holy Ghost. Another wa [...], how should they believe, that Christ was he that John had foretold should come. Secondly, To find out what signification this word [...] had with our Lord Jesus Christ, who was Infinite wisdom it self, and of whom it was spoken, and f [...]t [...]ld, as the way [...]f the communication of his spirit. And how he used it, with respect to the ac­ceptation of this word, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and his intent and meaning by it in his expressing his mind by way of promise to his Disciples, after his resurrection, relating to his Baptizing them with the holy Ghost. W [...] may see it in Acts. 1.5. The mind of our Lord Jesus is so plain and clear concerning his acceptation, and intention by this word, that he that runneth may read it. That he did take it to signifie pouring upon, and shedding upon or sprinkling with Or applying of it to the person, and not the person to that, by dipping him into it, is as certain as clear and express: For John verily Baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the holy Ghost not many days hence. If we compare this with Acts 2.2, 3, 4, 5. And suddenly, there came from heaven a sound, as of a mighty rushing wind, and it filled all the house, where they were sitting, and there appeared to them cloven tongues like as of fire (which was that par­ticular Baptism with fire that John prophesied of, Matth. 3.11.) and it sat upon each of them, and they were filled with the holy Gho [...]. Here every one of the expressions that respects the application manifests it to be applied to them, and not they to it, and in the same manner that it was applied to them, it was applied to all others, Acts 10.45, 46, 47. Acts 11.15, 16, 17. It came from heaven, and not they put into heaven, it appeared to them, not they brought to that, it sat upon each of them, and not each of them put into that. And they were all filled with the holy Ghost, and not they put into that. See also Acts 9.18. So our saviour does wit­ness that it is applied to the soul, and not the soul to that, in John 3.3, 5, 8. The wind blow­eth where it listeth. So Zech. 12.10. Isa. 44.3. Joel 2.28, 29. Isa. 52.15. And all the Pro­mises of God are in Christ yea, yea and Amen. 2 Cor. 1.20. And then certainly that Great promise, Ezekiel 26.25, 26. must be fulfilled, I will sprinkle clean water upon you, The word is [...] from [...] [...]as not this promise breathed by his spirit? and all other of the predictions by his Prophets concerning the manner of his communicating the benefits of his death, and resurrection to his church and people in Gospel times? And also his spirits giving that title to his blood as the blood of sprinkling, and that as sprinkling it speaketh to all his Church, Heb. 12.24. Heb. 9.13, 14, 19, 24. And never speaking any other way to his whole church or General assembly. All this shews Christs acceptation of this word as to the Inward Baptism by him, to signifie only applying his spirit to his people, and not they to that. And as to the out­ward application with water, does out Lord Jesus manifest the least of different signification or acceptation, than what it had in the Inward Baptism, in that he expresseth Johns Baptism as he did his own by the same word and gave it the same title of being born of water, as well as of the holy Ghost John 3.3, 5. and declares that to be by the spirit blowing upon, and not putting the person into it, in verse 8th. and had he not breathed by his spirit in his Prophets long before that he would sprinkle water upon them and pour water upon them, Isa 44.3. Ezek. 36.25. and was there not a [...] great a necessity of the fulfilling of that, as to the external Baptism, as there was of the fulfilling of the Prophesie of Joel concerning the Inward Baptism? Acts 2.15, 16, 17. 2. And Christs by his spirit declaring of it to be a type or sign, in 1 Peter 3.21. Was not this a sufficient manifestation of the mind of Christ concerning the ex [...]ernal Baptism with water did the spirit of Christ ever contradict himself? What blasphemy of the most Notorious nature, must such a thought, or word be in the heart, or mouth of the most confident soul? it is enough for every soul to withdraw himself from such a person, tent or, company, Pauls words to the Church was not yea and nay, but as God is true so that Gods truth do not admit of yea and nay 2 Cor. 1.18, 19. And let God be true and every man a lyar▪ Rom. 3.5, 6. If Christ by his spirit have stiled external Baptism a sign, type or figure by his [Page 34] holy Apostle then it must be a sign, and so performed, of his Baptizing by his spirit; And they have good Scripture warrant that so use it, in the way setting forth Christs Baptizing by his spirit, and sad must be the condition of all that partake not of it in that manner, as a sign or type of Christs Baptizing by his spirit. And we may see how Christ accep [...]ed the word and intended by it, b [...] what apprehensions, and acceptations of his spirit taught his servants to have of it, both as to the Inward and outward Baptism, Acts 11.15, 16. Acts 15.7, 8, 9. 1 Cor. 10.2. 1 Peter. 3.21. 1 Peter. 1.10, 11. Heb. 10.22. Ezek. 36.25. Isa. 44.3. Isa. 52.15. Heb. 12.24. Heb. 9.13, 14, 19, to 24. 3. And also we may see in what sense our Lord Jesus took this word, and what acceptation it had with him, by his discoursing with the Pha­r sees about their external Baptizings which by his own appointment was to be by sprinkling, and by the Answers he made to them for pertinency, and directness and speed, and the titles he gave to what they called Baptizing Mark, 7.2, 3, 4, 8. Matth. 15.2, 20. And the words he made Answer to them in, in the Original as [...] and [...], and the Pharisees like­wise using the same word to set forth and express that which at another time they expressed by [...], Luke 11.38, 39 40. That which is translated washing there, should be ren­dered Baptizing for it is [...]; And this our Saviour stiles making clean, which sh [...]weth it was the same that God appointed as to the manner of performance. So it is called cleansing, Mat. 25.26, 27. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside, &c. Christ Expresseth it by [...], making clean or purifyng, And Peter by the holy Ghost does render [...] by, or ex­press the thing else where called baptizing by the same word; compare Acts 11.15, 16. with Acts 15. [...]. So it is expressed by the same word, Heb. 9.13, 14. both as to the external and Inter­nal purif [...]ing, so the Inward in Heb. 9.19, 20. to 23. 1 John 1.7, 9. and Mat. 23.25, 26. Mark 7.19. Mat. 11.5. Luke 7.22. Matth. 8.2. Mark 1.40. Luke 5.12. Ephe. 5.26. And the Noun from this theam, John. 2.6. John 3, 25. See what it is applied to Acts 22.16. Titus. 2, 14. And so at another time the same thing is expressed by [...] and [...] Matth. 15.2, 2. And the Pharisees and all the Jews did express the same matter by, that they at another time called baptizing, Luke 11.38. Math. 15.2. Mark. 7.2, 3. And this word [...] is the word that our Saviour used when he washed the Disciples feet, John. 13. which was a ceremonial typical washing as appears by his words to Peter, John. 13.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. If I wash thee not thou hast no part with me. And this is the word the blind mans w [...]shing his eyes is expressed by, John. 9.7, 11. And is applied to the washing the feet, 1 Tim. 5.10. And to washing the face, Matth. 6.17. And he Answers by a noun from [...], Mark 7.8. with respect to the same thing. 4. Also we may see what acceptation and signification Christ had of this word with respect to the external Baptism, in that he performed it by sprinkling when he did it by his Immediate power from the cloud, and his spirit sets it forth by this word, 1 Cor 10.2. He was the Angel that was with Moses and the people in the wilderness. And they at least some of them receiv­ed it by faith which must necessarily prove the object of faith to be there, Heb. 11.20. which certainly discovers to the full Our Lord Jesus his acceptation of this word. 5. We may see and perceive how Christ understood and accepted this word [...] as to external Baptism, In that he was a minister of the circumcision to confirm the truth of God made to the Fathers. Rom. 15.8. The circumcision comprehended the Infant eight days old as well as any adult person, and in the same capacity he was looked upon as the Adult, And the Adult could not have been in the capacity with the Infant to be of the Circumcision, if he were an Israelite, and had not been circumcised in Infancy: And upon the same account, and cause that he was the Minister to one, he was the minister to the other, and that is for the truth of God to con­firm the promise made to the fathers: Now if this text be any way objected against, as to the matter in hand, it must be because, that Baptism did not come within the external admini­strations of Christ as Minister, and if it did not, I wonder where any will place it. Or to what they will attribute it! And what they will make of Christs Ministry, Gal. 3.5. I would pray all such to view that text. If any will object and say that by circumcision, we be to understand the Circumcision of heart. I Answer who should circumcise them in heart, for to be subjects of Christs Ministry. And if none but the circumcised in heart, then this must exclude the Elect of God uncalled and who shall bring them in. 3. If it were that it did intend the circumcised in heart only, yet that will not exclude children; For Christ has done that work for some of them [Page 35] too; As Isaac, Sampson, Jacob, &c. 4. This must make that we must bring grace to the Lord Jesus, and not come to him for it, Ezekiel. 36.27. 5. To limit it to the circumcised in heart only, must make the subjects Ministry to be Invisible, and the Ministry to be the Internal work of Christ, in perfecting what he hath begun in any Soul, or else to make that Internal grace can and does live only with external means for Nourishment. Let men and Devils make what cavils they will against this text. It is clear from this text That the subjects of Christs ministry were Infants as well as the Adult; And if so, Then all the Acts of it must be such, and especially Baptism such as they were capable of partaking of, and Sharing in. Or else Christs ministry must be undertaken in vain, his ministry respected all that the promise res­pected, or did appertain to: And if it did not appertain to children see Mala 4 6. Isa. 44.3. Joel 2.2 [...], 29. Acts 2.38, 39. And if that did appertain to the youngest Infants, then they were as certainly the subjects of Christs Ministry as the adult; And then Baptism, which was one special part of his external Ministry must and was performed by sprinkling, and not by Dipping, the subjects of his Ministry being not capable of it. All the Fathers were Baptized in the Red Sea, which must comprehend the smallest Infant as well as the person adult, and that was done by Christ as Minister to the Circumcision, 1 Cor. 10.2. If any had no right to Baptism, they had no right to any thing else of Christs Ministry, For that is the door of Ad­mission to All other parts of it, or priviledges to be enjoyed. as visible members: And of such this text speaks, Christ being sent to them as such, Matth. 15.24. Thirdly, Let us enquire how Peter the Great Apostle of the Circumcision did accept this word [...], and what he did intend by it in his use of it, who was the first great and Eminently successful Preacher among them after Christs Resurrection, and the first user of this word after that time. That he did understand falling upon, pouring upon, shedding upon and sprinkling with as to the Internal Baptism is clear from his own Express words; compare Acts 10.44, 45, 47. with Acts 11.15, 16, 17. and Acts 15.7, 8, 9. Acts 2.2, 3, 4, 5, 16, 17, 33. and 1 Peter. 1.2. The Hebrew word in Joel 2.28. The text which Peter saith was then fulfilled, is the same with that in Ezek. 36.25, Rendered sprinkling from [...] And as to the Administration of the external sign, which is Baptism with water, we have it also as clear in that he calls it [...], a type, 1 Peter 3.21. Now it could never be a sign, type or figure, If not done in that way as to represent the manner of the performance of that it typified out, which was Christs pouring out his spirit upon his people, Acts 2.15, 16, 17, 33. 2. By his pressing of it as the duty of all by way of command to whom the promise did belong, and that upon the account and rea­son of the promise belonging or appertaining to them, Acts 2.38, 39. 3. Also his expressions by way of question to all, when he was in the assembly where many were met together in Cornelius his family, or house, Acts 10.46, 47. can any forbid water that these should not be baptized who have received the holy Ghost as well as us? If any will deny childrens or In­fants being there, they must deny the whole Scripture, If Acts 15.6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. betruly & rightly consider'd. And if any object & say, There were no children there because they that are there spoken of, were heard to speak with tongues: I answer, that will rather confirm that they were there; For their speaking could not be a greater miracle than their speaking with tongues. And the Babes and sucklings in the Temple had as eminent a priviledge to set forth the praises of Christ, Matth. 21.14, 15. And these were also under a promise as well as them. Psalm. 8.1, 2, 3. Joel. 2.28, 29. Isa. 52.15. Acts 2.39. 4. By the Title that he giveth to Baptism and that is purifying Acts 15.9. The term whereby the legal purifyings were set forth, which were performed by sprinkling. Compare that text with Heb. 9.13, 14, 19. to 24. Mark. 1.40, 41. Luke 11.38, 39. The same with the external baptism and the end of Christ is set forth by this title as to his dying for us, Titus 2.14. That gave himself for us to purifie to himself a peculiar people, and the Application of his blood to us is by sprinkling. 1 Peter 1.2. Heb. 9.14. Heb. 10.22. And it is used by Christ to set forth their legal purifications, Matth. 23.25, 26. so in James 4.8. Where if it be taken for our purging our selves it must be taken for our use of the means, Acts 2.38. 2 Cor. 7.1. And it is used to set forth external Baptism, John 3.25. compared with John. 4.1, 2. [...]. And the word [...] that comes from it is used abundance of times, in the New Testament, which signifieth clean, Matth. 23.26. Luke 11.41. John. 13.9, 10. Fourthly, Let us enquire How the holy Pen-men of the blessed Gospel, the four Evangellists did understand this word [...] From whose pens [Page 36] this word did drop▪ and who were the Instruments to record the mind of Christ to us [...]y it, in the Word of God and blessed Script [...]res, who also were eye witnesses of the Administrations, and subj [...]cts of the communication [...] 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 [...]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 in [...]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. 3.1 [...], 12. 3. And also by, the Discovery that he hath made of Our Saviours coming from the water, when he was Baptized, [...]; Which pr [...]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, 2 [...]. 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 [...]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 [...]ater to cleanse them that [...]as as God commanded, [...] n [...]t gainsaid by Christ, and the thing in debate is not, who invented the matter, but how it was p [...]r [...]ormed, and the acceptation of the word whereby it is expressed, and for the manner of their performance Christ does not condemn [Page 37] 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 o [...]hers for the neglect of it, with any pre [...]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 21.24, 26. How often did Christ call them the blind Pharisees and serpents, and a generation of vipers? Matth. 23.31, 32, 33. which are sad creatures to follow, especially when we know them. Or else can it be Imagined that the Pharisees and all the Jews would in the performance of their own inventions follow Christ and John Baptist, if John had Dipped, or if Christ had Dipped and his Disciples? Did they not say John had a Devil? and that Christ was a friend of Publicans and sinners? and did they not make a law that whosoever did confess Christ should be put out of the Synagogue? and then much more from the Temple? John. 9. and did they not quarrel against, and were they not enraged that so many did come to his Baptism? John 3.24, 25, 26. John. 4.1, 2. and were worse in their carriage to John Baptist and Christ than the Publicans and harlots, Matth. 21.32. So that the Pharisees could not use this word to signifie Dipping from God, nor Christ nor from John Baptist, and then they must have it from themselves, and if so, Then Christ and John would not follow them in their wickedness, and if any should say they might have it from the Heathens, that will not mend the matter, but make it worse. But it is clear from the vari­ous texts where we have both Christ and John and them using the word about one and the same thing, that their performance of it was one and the same way, and that they all had one and the same acceptation of the word, John 1.24, 25. Luke 11.38. Mark 7.4, 8. And there­fore there could be no other signification of this word upon any hand, than sprinkling in the New Testament. And this about the external Baptism, as well as the Internal; Even by Christ and his Apostles, and by others. And the things they baptized as well as their persons will confirm it, which was upon the outside of their Pots and cups and brazen vessels, and of Beds or Tables, or any other Utensil, Tent, or House, which were by Gods command to be cleansed or purified, when a person died in the tent or house, and the things or Utensils were made unclean thereby, Levit. 14.50, 51, 52. Numbers 19.16, 17, 18, 19. And as no one constituted officer, as to natural stature or strength Indefinitely considered was or is able to baptize, ei­ther perpendicularly, or Diametrically any person of any sex or age by Dipping, no more [...]ould they Baptize the Utensils here mentioned by Dipping, as their beds or Tables that they Dined at, and slept on after Dinner, as some write; Nor to take up a tent or house when stand­ing and the vessels in it, and baptize it, or if they leave out the persons and vessels; though we read not of the removal of either out of the tent by Gods command to be purifyed. And all were to be purged one way and that was by sprinkling, Heb. 9.13, 14-19, 20, 21, 22, 23. And by one Baptizer, or Purifier, Heb. 9.19, 20, 21. 22. And this is the Baptizing that this holy man of God Mark hath reference to as well as those petty additions of the Elders to it, and it was a ceremonial sign of the benefits they should have of Christ to come, as Baptism is a sign of the benefits we be to seek for and shall have from Christ already come; compare Heb. 9.20, 21, 22. with Acts 2.38, 39. Psalm. 51.6, 7. Ezekiel 36.25, 26, 27. 1 John 1.7, 9. Titus 3.5, 6. John 3.3, 5, 8. Titus 2.14. [...] Sixthly, Let us enquire How Luke did understand and accept this word [...], and what he did intend by it in his use of it? and as to the intent and acceptation of the word, to set forth Christs Baptizing with [...] [Page 38] the holy Ghost, He must be and was of the same mind with all the rest of the Apostles Be­cause he was the Pen-man of the Acts of the Apo [...]les where it is recorded in the execution of it, as well as in Christs promising of it, Acts 1.5, Acts 2.2, 3, 4, 5, 15, 16, 17, 18, 33. Acts 10.44, 45. Acts 11.15, 16, 17. and as to the intent, acceptation, and use of this word, with respect to external Bap [...]ism with water, to set forth the manner of the performance of it, he is as clear as the others, that it is not taken to signifie, 1. Dipping, but sprinkling or pouring upon; as may appear by his giving us an account of the multitude that John Baptized Luke 3.7, 16. as well as 2. Matthew in Mat. 11.7. and of Johns Exhortation to be as extensive to them as being baptized, to all that should be damned or saved in another world, Luke 3.16, 17. and as extensive to all as Matthew doth, and the multitude the spirit of God does witness consisted of men, women and children, Mat. 14.21. And his stiling them all the people which consisted of men, women and children Luke 3.21. Heb. 9.19, 20, 21. Which proveth that it was by sprinkling, because all the peo­ple could be baptized no other way. 3. Also he gives us an account of the Baptizing of three thousand in the latter part of one day, Acts 2.41. Which could not be but by sprinkling the administrators then and there, being but few, and we have no account of their going to Jordan or any other river; and who can believe where there is no word for faith to anchor on? 4. and he Discovers that it was the duty of all the people, In that it was their sin that were not baptized, Luke 7.29, 30. and none could be rejectors tha [...] had not the tender and offer; yet this he records them to be, all which sheweth that he understood the word to signifie such a manner of Baptizing as all the people might partake of as it did appertain to them, and was theirs by Gods free Donation, Rom. 9.4, 5. Rom. 3.2, 3. 5. Luke did understand it to be a typical purifying, why else did he so record it? Acts 15.9. which was always performed by sprinkling, Heb. 9.13, 14, 20, 21, 6. We may see what Luke understood by it by the account he giveth of the Pharisees Baptizing their hands, Luke 11.38. The Pharisees marvelled that Christ had not first washed, so our translators have rendred it: But it is [...]; Because he had not first Baptized b [...]fore Dinner, which doth clearly discover that [...], or Baptizing with water does intend and signifie to sprinkle. The Baptism here to be performed was with water, and that not in a civil sense, but in a re­ligious sense, as appeareth by the answer made by the Lord Jesus, and the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and platter (in civil washings the in­side is especially looked to, to be cleansed, or else cleansers of them would be esteemed very sluttish, and many might be poysoned) But your Inward part is full of raven and wickedness, which sheweth it respected sin. See also Matth. 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 Ou [...] Lord Jesus does acknowledge it a cleansing of the outside of the cup, and platter, and that it [...]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 wo [...] 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 Di [...]e with them, to have been Dipt all over in water, and where [...] hey have [...]h ad water to Dip in? or heifers enough to kill to have the ashes of them t [...] [...] [Page 39] 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, wi [...]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 Denomination that he giveth to it, 1 John 1.7, 9. Where he calls the same thing for matter cle [...]ming, which is the same title that God gave to their purifying by sprinkling, Numbers 19.19. and the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin, Which is the same that David prayed for, and was signified by sprinkling with hyssop, Psalm 51.2, 6, 7. and the Greek word is the same that is used by Christ to set forth the thing signified by the cleansing with water by the Pharisees Baptizings, [...]. com­pare this text with Heb. 9.13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23. and see how the holy Ghost does ex­presly [Page 40] [...]are it to be done by sprinkling; so in verse. 9. we have the same word translated [...] [...] and the same thing is expresly called sprinkling, Heb. 10.22. having our h [...]r [...] sprinkled from an evil conscience, Heb. 9.13, 14. called it purging, and the same word i [...] used [...] and this is called Bapt zing by the holy Ghost in Acts 11.15, 16. and purifying Acts 15.9. and for his acceptation of the word as to external Baptisms with water, We may see what he understood by it in his giving of it, or recording the same Deno­mination given to it by Christ that is given to the Internal Baptism, John the 3d. 3.5. and in the Denomination given to it in John 3.25, 26. calling of it purifying; Then there arose a question between some of Johns Disciples and the Jews about purifying, and they came un­to John, and said unto him, Rabbi he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou bar­est record, behold the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. Compare this with John 4.1, 2. Now when the Lord knew how that the Pharisees heard that Jesus baptized and made more Disciples than John, though Jesus himself b [...]ptized not, but his Disciples. This text John 3.25, 26. is like that in Luke 11.38, 39. That which in one verse is called baptizing is in the other v [...]rse called purifying. And the ground of the question seems to be about the right of Christ and his Disciples to Baptize, which may be gathered from John 4.1, 2. And the an­swer made by John to his Disciples and the Jews to this question, the Pharisees and the Jews, of whom the Pharisees were the King-leaders were offended at Christ and his Disciples Bap­tizing, and the Numerousness of the people that came to be baptized of him. And the great­ness of the number that he made and baptized, and they came to Johns Disciples, and started the case to them, and the Disciples of John, and the Jews too, as I suppo e, with this question, came to John for resolution of it. John to satisfie them that he had r ght to baptize, tells them, for a man could receive nothing except it were given him from heaven. There is the right of Christ cleared as to his call and right for what he did. And for the Numerousness of his Dis­ciples, and the people that did come to him. He satisfyeth them as to that, in that he tells them that Christ must increase, but he must decrease John 3.30. And the obser­vation that Christ took of the Pharisees being offended at the Numerousness of them he Bap­tized is that he left Judea and came again into Galilee. John 4.1, 2, 3. Which was Christs usuall course in such cases. So that this gives a clear discovery of the way of the administrati­on of the outward sign by John and by Christ, in that it is called Purifying; for what is called Purifying in the 25th verse, is called Baptizing in verse 26th. As what was called Baptizing, in Luke 11.38. is called making clean in verse 39. [...] and [...] are the two words used, and they that can shew any difference as to the theam, or the sense, may. And it is the external application of water that is spoken of in both texts, and in this of John 3.25, 26. It hath reference to the Baptism of John and his Disciples with water. And if any will deny it, they must deny the p [...]rsons debating the question or concerned in it, to be meant by the word THEY in verse 26. And they must de [...]y the answer of John to them, and also excuse the Pharisees and Jews in their being mad, as they did use to be at Christ, And deny Christs observation of it. And Denying all make no more a do. But for the present this seems to my weak understanding clear from the text, That purifying and Baptizing sig­nify one and the same thing, when it is spoken of external Baptism, as well as it doth when it is spoken of Internal baptism in Acts 11.15, 16. Acts 15.7, 8, 9. Heb. 10.22. Heb. 9.13. And what is called in Heb. 9.13. Purifying the unclean is in Heb. 9.10. called in our transla­tion Diverse washings, but in the Greek, it is [...] Diverse Baptisms, and sprinkling is expresly mentioned as the manner of the performance of this Baptism. As it is in Heb. 10.22. to set forth the Inward Baptism. So that it is clear that John the Apostle did un­derstand and intend by this word [...], both as to the Internal part, and external part, Pouring upon or sprinkling with, and not Dipping the Person neither into the spirit, by Christ, nor into the water by the Baptizor. 8 Let us enquire how the Apostle St. James did understand this word [...] to signifie, and what he did Intend by it in his use of it. As to the Inward Baptism his Testimony must be the same with the rest of the Apostles, being one of them it was promised to, by Christ, Acts 1.5. and a subject of the fulfilling of it, in having it poured out upon him with the rest of the Apostles, Acts 2.2, 3.4, 5. and also we have the same ti­tle given to the thing, that is the Inward Baptism that others of the Apostles and Christ did [Page 41] give it, James 4.8. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purifie your hearts ye Double minded, [...] Where we have for cleanse the same word that the holy Ghost useth by Peter, Acts 15.9. [...]. The Noun from which is used John 3.25. As the Noun From [...] is used to set forth their purifyings, Heb. 9.10. And the word to purifie is from [...] used again John 11.55. 1. John 3.3. Acts 21.24. Where it is applyed to their legal ceremonial purifications which were performed by sprinkling, Numbers 19.18, 19. Heb. 9.13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23. Now whe­ther these words are spoken as Peters were in Acts 2.38. Repent ye therefore, and be baptized every one of you, looking upon them in their natural guilt and filth: Or whether as those that were externally baptized already, but needed the Inward benefit of it, like David, Psalm 51.7. It is all one for that, If the first word be applied to the Inward Baptism by Christ with his spirit, so it is also of the outward and external, and the latter word is used to express the legal purifications, Acts 21.24. Whereby we have the Testimony of this blessed servant of God, as to his acceptation and his signification of the word. And we have another text to shew his acceptation of the word to be the same with Peters, Acts 15.9, 13. and Peters to be the same with Johns in Acts the 8.14, 15, 16. Now when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that the Gentiles had received the word of God, They sent to them Peter and John: Who when they were come, prayed for them that they might receive the holy Ghost: For as yet he was fallen upon none of them, only they were Baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus; Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the holy Ghost. Observe, It was fallen upon none of them as yet. Not they put into that, but it fell upon them, and they received it. And Paul's and James his acceptation of it was the same with all the rest, Acts 11.15, 16. And in Acts 15.6, 7, 8, 9. When Peter had declared how God at first did take out of the Gentiles a people for his name, and put no difference between the believing Jews and them, purifying their hearts by faith. The Apostle James brings a text relating to the spiritual seed of David. Acts 15.13, 14, 15.16. And confirms what Peter had said, which is a sufficient proof that he understood it, in the same sense that Peter did. Ninthly, Let us enquire how Paul the great Apostle of the Gentiles did understand this word, and what he did intend by this word [...]. Who we read partook of the Baptizing with water, and with the holy Ghost also, as Acts 9.18. And his repetition of it in Acts 22.16. And here with respect to Paul, as all the servants of Christ, the holy Apostles, and as Christ their Lord and master did understand, accept and use this word [...] to signifie pouring upon, shedding upon and sprinkling with; So did this holy, and faithful servant of Christ take it, and use it to signifie the same. As may appear in his Epistle both to the Circumcision the Hebrews, and in his discourses with them, as to the spiritual Baptism by Christ with his spirit. For his apprehension of the Inward Baptism with the holy Ghost see Acts 19.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. He came in his Journeying and Travels to Ephesus, and finding certain disciples he said unto them, Have ye received the holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any ho­ly Ghost. Where by the way, we may see how much truth there is in that perswasion, That John baptized none but true penitents, and this repentance to be made forth by a confession of their sins. These could do this with the witness, that had not heard so much, as whether there were any holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye Baptized? And they said, Unto Johns Baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of Repentance, saying unto the People, that they should believe in him that was to come after, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this they were Baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Where ob­serve, that there is no record of any confession required, or made, of the truth of the grace of faith as wrought in their hearts, to give them a right to Baptism verse 6th. When Paul had laid his hands on them, (he did not put them into his hands but laid his hands on them. As the Apostles Peter and John did Acts 8.15, 16, 17.) The holy Ghost came on them [...], The holy Ghost came upon THEM not they took and dipt into that. The Learned tell us that [...] and is used again in abundance of places in the New Testament. As John 1.7, 11. Luke 2.27. Matth. [Page 42] 2.21. &c. So in Titus the 3.5, 6. Which he shed on us abundantly. Through Jesus Christ our Saviour. It is not put them into that, but poured out, or shed forth that upon them. The word is [...] from [...] used again in Acts 2.16, 33. So also in Hebrews 10.22. He witnesseth the same thing, which is Baptizing with the holy Ghost. Let us Draw near, &c. Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, Acts 19.2. Have ye received the holy Ghost? so Acts 10.47. Where observe that all that we receive does come to us, not we be put or dipt into that. So in Rom. 5.17. All that we have of the abundance of Grace is said to be received, and all the difference that is made between us and others, or between what we were in our selves, is said to be received in 1 Cor. 4.7. And whatsoever is given to us is said to fall upon us, or come to us, Acts 10.44, 47. So that with all clearness Paul does bear witness that he understood by Christs Baptizing with the holy Ghost, Pouring upon, shedding upon, sprinkling with, the holy Ghost, and not our being Dipped into that. And as to his apprehen­sion and use of the word as to the external baptism with water, we may have a clear discovery from Scripture also. And one text we have his acceptation of it as to that discovered in, is in 1. Cor. 10.2. Where he speaks only of the Outward sign, and nothing of the internal Baptism by the holy Ghost, and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud, and in the sea. [...], Which should be rendered, and were all Baptized unto Moses by, or with the Cloud in the Sea. That is, in the place where the Sea did use to run, though now the Motion of it was Stopped by the mighty power of God. And a way made for them to Pass over as upon dry land, Heb. 11.29. There can be but two ways of Baptizing with water, the one is by applying, or putting the person into water, and the other by applying the water to the Person by pouring of it out upon him, or sprinkling him with it. Now in the text their being baptized is asserted and affirmed by the holy Ghost. And the Baptizor Named is Moses, by whose conduct they were bid go on, Exod 14.15. And the way whereby it was done is intimated to us by the Instru­ment thereof the Cloud, and the place where it was done, and that is in the Red Sea. Which they passed through as upon dry land Heb. 11.29. Now Dipped, or sprinkled they must be. But Dipped in water they could not be, nor were not, because they passed as upon dry land, Heb. 11.29. And the Red Sea stood up like a wall: Therefore sprinkled they must be and were, Because not Dipped. They passed, [...] from [...] rendered by transeo, trajicio, used again Acts 16.9. 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 In­f [...]n [...] had not been baptized that lived to have children, how could all the fathers have been said to be baptized 1 Cor. 1 [...].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 bap [...]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; [Page 43] 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 sp [...]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 sprink­ling of water upon them: Then the design of the holy Ghost in presenting the argument to them, to warn them to take heed of falling after the same manner must have been contradicted. The administration being not the same as to manner, which to some is the all, and if they I­magine it not to be the right way, though they have no Scripture but mens opinions, they will renounce their Baptism. And it must have had a contrary effect to have stirred up in them a dislike of Paul and their Baptism, from his Expressions and administrations. As First, it would have raised questions in their minds whether Pauls calling and his administrations had been from heaven, in that he administred baptism another way than what God did it by [Page 44] Moses, and have made them doubt of all Baptism that was not performed by sprinkling or pouring upon. 2. That they had more clear discovery of the Lord Jesus, and his way of pour­ing out his spirit upon his people than they had by Paul and his Baptizing. 1. For the a­greement between the sign and the thing signifyed, which was the spiritual baptizing by Christ, by the external baptizing with water. 2. For the easiness comeliness and glory of the man­n [...] of the administration, and their participation of it. 3. For the extent and universality of the su [...]iects receiving of it, Parents and children, even the smallest of Infants every Soul of them. 4. For the mercifulness and pity of God Almighty in it, for their health and preservation, over what theirs was, that must have been dipt over head and ears, which is dangerous to most bodies. 5. For the advantages of time and place to partake of it at any time, and in any place, and not to be kept from it because it was Winter, or for want of a Jordan to dip in. 6. For more unity with, and fulfilling of the Promises and Prophesies, Isa. 52.15. Ezekiel 36.25. Ezek. 12.10. Joel 2.28. Whereas theirs, if it had been by Dipping, must be contrary to all these; if many poor hardened Souls, had so much as this to cast in the face of Ministers now, how would they Improve it? and expresly publish it? 3. They might have questioned whe­ther the covenant that Paul had Preached had been the same covenant of grace that was made with Abraham, and further made known to Moses, because the manner of the administra­tion of the great ordinance of Initiation was so altered not only as to the application of water, to the persons to whom, but the fewness of the persons, and the limitation of time and place for the administration. 4. Then they might have Imagined that Paul did mean as contrary and different things by the same word at the same time about the same thing, at other times, and in other things he wrote to them about, and pressed upon them, as he did about this word b [...]ptizing, if he should have called that in the Red Sea baptizing, and yet have intended dip­ping by it when it set forth his manner of baptizing? 5. Then the word baptize must signifie two things with respect to external baptism that is, Dipping, and sprinkling, but one thing as to internal baptism, and that is pouring upon or sprinkling with. And this when dipping was and is Impossible. 6. This would have been urged by the false Apostles against Paul if he should have done it contrary to Moses, 7. Then they must have concluded that their baptism external was not a sign of the Internal baptism. But something by it self. And without it can be discovered what it is, it must have been accounted null and void. Tenthly, Let us enquire how all the believing Jews and Church of the Circumcision did understand this word [...] whose Pastors and Teachers did so often express their minds in this word to them? And this we may find by their being present where this word was used, and other synonymous terms to express it used also, and no manner of explication given to this word, nor to the other ex­pressions setting of it forth, by them that expressed their minds to them by it; and no expli­cation required, nor objection made of their not understanding or knowing what was meant, and intended by it: as the Apostles did, and was usual when they did not understand Christs Parables. They asked their Lord and master, the meaning of the Parable, this may be clearly observed from Acts 11.1, 2. when Peter came to Jerusalem, they that were of the Circum­cision contended with him; and Peter maketh a repetition in order of the matter. And in verse the 15th he saith as he began to speak, the holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the be­gining, and this he calls baptizing in verse the 16th, and all understood what he meant by the word in that they glorifyed God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life, verse 18. So also in the Great assembly Acts 15.4. which consisted of the Church, Apostles, and Elders. And the Jews were thousands of them that did receive the word and believe, Acts 21.20. [...], &c. And these are termed the Church Acts 15.4. And their officers were the Apostles and Elders and in verse 12th they be called the multitude, [...] from [...], used again in Heb. 11.12. For the Stars of hea­ven for multitude. And all this multitude kept silence voluntarily It is not said were kept in silence, or there was made silence, but they kept silence while Peter spake; and discovered Christs spiritual Baptizing of the Gentiles by giving them the holy Ghost as he did to the Apostles, and other believers. And put no difference between the believing Jews and them, purifying their hearts by faith, Acts 15.7, 8, 9. And in all this the same thing is intended that John foretold, and that Christ called the Baptizing with the holy Ghost. And Peter had also so called it before, Acts 11.16. And all kept silence as fully understanding what was [Page 45] meant and spoken. And Barnabas and Paul were there present too, and acquiescing therein as knowing what was spoken and intended. Besides Peters Epistle to the Circumcision sheweth that that they did understand it of sprinkling, or that it was their duty so to do, 1 Peter 1.2. The sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ was that which sanctified them. And the way whereby it was done was by sprinkling, as the matter was Christs blood. So the Epistle to the He­brews, Heb. 10.22. Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience. And the General Epistle of James James 4.8. And the same thing still meant and intended that John the Bap­tist and Christ called baptizing with the holy Ghost. Matth. 3.11. Acts 1.5. Acts 11.15, 16. See also Titus 3.5, 6. 2 Tim. 1.9. And by Pauls declaring how Ananias came to him when he was in a house, and bid him arise and be baptized, Acts 22.16. Acts 9.18. This evi­denceth they understood it. He did not say arise and go forth, or arise and go into the wa­ter; But arise, why tarryest thou? arise and be baptized, calling upon the Name of the Lord. And we may see it also, in the Disciples of John coming to him with that question about pu­rifying, and calling it baptizing that they understood that the word signified, not Dipping but sprinkling or pouring upon, by calling it purifying, John 3.25, 26. which is the same that Pe­ter called it, Acts 15.9. So Acts 2.38, 39. Eleventhly, Let us enquire How the believing Gen­tiles understood this word [...], as far as their acceptation of it is recorded in Scripture? And that we may have some Discovery of from 1 Cor. 10.2. Where their sprinkling in the Red Sea by the Cloud, or pouring upon is set forth by this word. No man living I suppose that stands in awe of wrangling against Scripture can give any other Discovery than by sprink­ling from Scripture, of the Baptism there spoken of, and this was of the manner of the admini­stration of the visible sign, and this expresly, and of all the whole host, and not of some on­ly. And the place where, and the kind of it dry ground, Heb. 11.29. and the relation they stood unto them in, as Fathers by profession, though not by natural generation, and then all that were exempted baptism of that great host must not own God, or have God for their God. and that was not Infants a span long in Israel, for they had God for their God. Deut. 29.10, 11, 12. and the Baptism of the Corinthians must be by sprinkling to, or else they could not stand in that relation to them as children to fathers by profession; Unless the Corinthians were of another mind, than many are of now, who account Dipping the only way, and enveigh against sprinkling, and account Baptism that way, as no baptism, for they must renounce that, and be dipped, though scarce any part can be truly according to Scripture acceptation of Dip­ping, said to be Dipped, but only put in some part under water. I am perswaded that in our days many would have renounced them to be their Fathers by profession in religion that had been baptized by sprinkling. Though how ever men esteem it, thus the holy Ghost has stiled them, to the believing professing Corinthians. And this not such as were truly Godly, neither that God had succeeded their outward baptism with the Inward, but such, as with many of whom God was not well pleased 1 Cor. 10.4, 5, 6. The like relation is asserted by Peter, Acts 15.10. and owned by all in that assembly. So in Gal. 3.27. It is called a putting on of Christ, and Surely they understood it. Though putting on of a garment, or any thing else, by any person upon another is not by putting the person into the garment or any thing, but put­ting that upon the person. So 1 Cor. 12.13. It is called a baptizing by the spirit into one bo­dy; Now the spirit do not take the person into the Church the body of Christ, but confers the priviledg of Adoption upon him, John 1.11, 12. and what is rendered unto [...] is the same that is rendered into, 1 Cor. 10.2. Certainly that Great host could not be put into Moses his person, Titus 3.6. It is called a shedding upon, and did not the believing Gentiles understand this? How then were they taught, and how could Titus teach others also? and why was it a sin in any to teach otherwise? Rom. 6.3, 4, 5. It is set forth to them as a burying with Christ. Did not they understand what it meant? Did ever any dead person go into the grave himself? Or did ever any bury another without applying the matter wherewith he was buried to him? whether earth, or stones &c. The stone was rolled to the mouth of the Sepulchre in which Christ was buryed. Absolom had a heap raised upon him. The buryal of a person is putting the Corps into the grave in order to be covered with earth. The word [...] rendered by Sepul­tura is mentioned Matth. 27.7. The field to bury strangers in, where they were laid and co­vered with earth. [...] a sepulchre, a grave, or place where the dead are laid, not that in­to which they go. Our Saviour did not go into the sepulchre, but they laid him there, Matth. 27.60. [...] used Rom. 6.4. rendered by Sepelior signifieth to be buryed or be [Page 46] [...] [Page 47] [...] [Page 46] laid in the earth together, buryed hid or concealed; It comes from [...] used Matth. 8.21. That in Jer. 8.1, 2. Sheweth that when their bones were laid in the open view of all in the sight of the Sun and all the host of heaven, and not covered, that then they were not buryed; Not put into the earth, and covered, but lay upon the face of the earth as dung. The Hebrew word is [...] and signifieth such a buryal as Abraham and Sarah had. Gen. 25.10. Was not the Sharp knives that J shua made to circumcise the children of Israel applyed to the flesh of the person, and not the flesh applyed to the knife? Col. 2.11, 12. Do any understand what these ex­pressions signifie now, and did none of the believers that were wrote unto in these Epistles understand it, then? That which is called by Christ a being born of water, and of the holy Ghost. John 3.3, 5. is called also by the same spirit a being baptized into one body, 1 Cor. 12, 13. And being buryed with Christ, Rom. 6.4. And baptized into Christ, Gall. 2.27. and if it be a baptizing into Christ, it must be a new birth, for if any man be in Christ he is a new creature 2 C [...]r. 5.17. and if this had not been understood, how should they know what was wrote, or what he meant, when he expressed his mind by baptizing into Cnrist? Twelfthly, Let us Enquire how all the Jews and the Pharisees; That were none of the acceptors or em­bracers of the Gospel, and believers in Christ, but Rejectors of Christ and John and his bap­tism did understand this word? [...] and how they did use it, and to find out what they intended by this word; and what they intended by it, we may have insight into, by considering the matter they expressed by it, and the Synonymous terms they used to express the same thing by. Now it is clear that it was their religious purification that they expressed by this word [...] Luke 11.38. and Mark 7.4, 8. In that our Lord Jesus discovered their intention in it to be a worshiping of God, Mark 7.6, 7. Matth. 15.7, 8, 9. Matth. 23.25, 26, 27. and their way of religious purifying was by sprinkling of the water of separation upon the unclean, by a clean person, Numbers 19.18, 19. Heb. 9.13, 14, 19. to 23. and they did sin against the express command of God, If they did do it any other wise, and that the whole of the Religion of [...]he Scribes and Pharisees, and all the Jews, lay in a strict observation and keeping to the letter of the law, especially the lesser matters thereof is as clear, Rom. 2.17, 27. Matth. 19.18, 19. The young man that observed and kept all from his youth does shew it That they did purifie, and were to purifie is as clear, because it was not put an end to till the death of Christ, and that they expressed their purifying by this word is as clear as any thing else from this text, Luke 11.38. Whence they had the word is no matter; Be sure we may that they did not use it in Imitation of John, nor of Christ: For John they said had a Devil, and for Christ they said he did cast out Devils by Beelzebub the Prince of the Devils; and they made a law that whosoever did confess Christ should be put out of the Synagogue, John 9. This is clear that they did use this word [...] to signifie and express their sprinkling thereby. And they could have had no [...]ew or pretence for accusing any for non-observance of it, if it had not been performed according to the Law by sprinkling, nor never could have pretended any shew of religion in it, though for the particular matter it might be the tradition of the Elders, Philip 3.6, 7. Had they not had a law they could never have pre­tended to righteousness in it: Touching the righteousness that is in the law blameless. So Rom. 9.30, 31, They going about to establish their own righteousness: Israel which followed after the law of righteousness. Besides, it could never have born the Name of cleansing or purifying, or making clean, or purging, had it not been with respect to the Law, and thus Our Lord Je­sus the true and faithful witness is pleased to stile it, Matth. 23.25, 26. and this with respect to all the Pharisees, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and platter; Luke 11.39. So Matth. 25.26. which none can make to be meant in a civil respect or humane cleansing. Because Christ Blames them for neglecting their inward wickedness, and for draw­ing near to God with the mouth only in it. The word for to make clean is [...] con­stantly used in the New Testament with respect to a religious cleansing or purifying, Heb. 9.14. 1 John 1.7. Heb. 9.22, 23. Matth. 10.8, 23, 25. Luke 11.39. Matth. 7.9. Matth. 11.5. Luke 7.22. Mark 7.19. Acts 15.9. Ephe. 5.26. James 4.8. Titus 2.14. 1 John 1.9, 2 Cor. 7.1. and so also the Noun from it, John 3.26. Heb. 1.3. John 3.25. Luke 2.22. 2 Peter 1.9. Mark 1.44. Luke 5.14. and should they have performed their additional purifying any other way, than what the law did enjoyn in all cases where the law did command it; This would have made their own traditions have been known from Gods commands, and the people would [Page 47] have observed them accordingly. And besides, was it likely, That the Pharisees who were for the lesser matters of the law and for an easie light religion themselves, whatever burthens they did lay upon others, would turn sprinkling upon some part of the body to the Dipping of the whole person in water? and this so frequent as they did baptize, which was as often as they did eat, and this of all the Jews too Mark 7.1, 2, and Immediately before Dinner, and besides the person that was unclean was not to touch the water him self, for whatsoever he did touch he did defile, and whatsoever he did touch, and if any one else did touch him he was defiled, Numbers 19.22. John 8.28. And how then could he that was looked upon un­clean be dipt into it? And who could grasp him, and not touch the water, and yet dip him? or how could he and the unclean person go together into the water as some Imagin Philip and the Eunuch did? Acts 8.38. And where could they have a clean person? for such a one they must have to cleanse, them if it were with water, and the Priest, if it were with blood; Numb. 19.18, 19. Levit. 7.14. If all were to be dipt before they did eat they must not all eat at one hour, and with knowledg of one anothers hour, who should be capable to dip the rest else? and how few could they have for strength to perform this act of their Bap­tizing to all sorts of persons of whatsoever age or sex? and either such as did do it must never be unclean or capable of Defilement, or must never eat themselves, or not be of the Pharisees, or Jews Religion, and where should they have pits or Rivers enough to go into to dip after this manner? and if it was in their present wearing apparel, they must all have abundance of change. And if without apparel that they did Baptize, they must be so far from Religion, as not to have humanity; Baptize they did, but if it was by dipping so often as they did Baptize, it must be altogether Impossible and Intolerable, as to baptizers and Baptized; Therefore believe it who can supposing they kept to the letter of the Law, it must be done by sprinkling. And John the Baptist did it the same way why, else did the Pharisees so stile his bap­tizing, John 1.24, 25. and this as messengers to examine and to carry tydings to the Sanedrim at Jerusa­lem, and as sent out to that end by them. Would they give Johns baptism a wrong Denomination or title in love to it, and if in hatred never raise one quarrel in one word against the doing of it? They made more conscience then, than thousands in our days do, if they did do so. However this is certain that they must step beyond the Devil in what he did in his dispute with Christ, Mat. 4. And beyond what the Sadduces did in denying the Resurrection, Matt. 22.23, to 32. If they make any gain-saying of the express Scrip­ture that declares that their purifying was by sprinkling, and this they called baptizing, and this with re­spect to the external baptizing with water, John 1.24, 25. Luke 11.38. and the same we have also in Mark 7.2, 3, 4, 8. Where the utensils mentioned some at least, were not possible to be dipped by any one single person. The matter is clear, that their baptizings were their religious washings, how else could they be said to draw near to God with the mouth, and with the outward man in it? and by the command of God this was to be performed by sprinkling. And who can prove that they had turned it to Dipping? Does not Christs call it purifying, and making clean of the outside of the cup and platter? and does not this prove that it was not changed as to manner, tho as to matter it was their own inventions. If any can give from Scripture such or more evidence that they did dip in their religious purifications, then there will be matter for faith to believe; But till then, all that men say must go for Dogma, an opinion. But a little further, that we may find out the acceptation of this one word among these worthy Pharisees and unbe­lieving Jews, whose Element was old Mumsimus, let us view the Synonymous terms whereby this one word [...], is set forth, and the matter intended by it expressed in Scripture, in their Dialougues with Christ. And one word that is frequently used to express the same thing that at other times they expressed by baptizing is [...]; and its compound [...], and that is a word that is used to express the same thing that they did at another time call Baptizing. It is applyed to washing of the face, Mat. 6.17. Which is not by dipping the face into the water, if it be taken in a civil sense. It is used to express the same thing with Baptize, Mat. 15.2, 20. and Mark 7.1, 2, 3, 4. and the same thing or action is set forth by [...]. In Luke 11.38. from the Pharisees own month. And our Saviour manifests that it was the mind and practice of all the rest of that Sect. and the holy Ghost witnesseth expresly that it was the mind of all the Jews, Mark 7.1, 2. and their Practice too. And they of Jerusalem as well as they of the countrey. Mark 7.1, 2. Compared with Luke 11.38, 39. They found fault when they saw some of his Disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen hands [...], and in v. 3. [...], and the action or matteri [...] called expressed by [...], and there is this Reason rendered, why they found fault with some of Christs Disciples for eating bread with defiled hands, was, Because the Pharisees, and all the Jewes, except they wash their hands [...]ft, eat not, holding the tradition of the Elders. Surely that is a very unfitting and unseasonable time to dip the [...]and all over, but if it had been but the hands, that were to be purified, for to cleanse the whole person, yet the [...]hole person or thing that was to be purified, was looked upon as unclean, See Heb. 9.19, 20, 21, 22. tho the hands [...] [...]son, or the outside of the cup and platter were, being purified, the whole was clean: Like the saying [...] Saviour to Pet. John 12. [...].10. but Remember we ought, that the [...] [Page 48] it were sprinkled on him. By this it appeareth that the application was by sprinkled when expressed by [...] [...] The same we have expressed by the Pharisee Himself in Luke 11.33. [...] If any obje [...] and say, That th [...]se are not the Pharisees expressions in Mark 7.3, 4. &c. But of the Evangelist, I Answer, will a [...]y c [...]m [...] to that height in Impudency, as to accuse the spirit of God speaking in the Pen-men of the holy Scripture; as if that was to be questioned. Or that they did report falsities. And if they did not speak it, if the holy Ghost did re­port it of them, is it not authentick? It is a great mistake that many are under who Immagine, that the washing of the hands we read of in the New Tistament, in use among the Jews, was a civil washing, and so to be per­formed as persons do now in their civil and humane cleansing of themselves, as they please their own way this is a great mistake. For their washing of their hands, was a religious washing, and made matter of conscience among them, and agreat piece of their religion. If not the most Pharisaical: But the purifying was a duty command­ed, and the manner of it exactly by God Almighty; as may appear at full in Lev. 14. Numb. 19. and Heb. 9. and the unclean was not to touch the water, because whatsoever he did touch, was unclean, and if he could defile the Sanctuary, then surely the water of seperation. If he could defile one clean thing, he might defile another. And God almighty was pleased to appoint a clean person to sprinkle the water upon them, and if he did touch the water, he was defiled; and therefore he was to do it with a Bunch of hyssop, Numb. 19.18, 19, 21. verses. And the tent, and the vessels in the tent, that were uncovered were to be sprinkled with the water of separation upon them, and thence it is, that they are said to make clean the outside of the cup and platter, Because they sprinkled the water upon them with the bunch of hyss [...]p. And some of the things mentioned Mark 7.4. No one person was no more capable of Dipping than any one is capable of Dipping, Persons of any sex or age, as [...], and also their cleansing was not by a fountain stream or pool, but by water kept in a vessel to that end, Numb. 19.9. As the blood was sprinkled out of a bason, Exod 12.22. The blood of the paschal Lamb; and the blood of the Bullocks, Exod 2 [...].6, 7. Compare that with Heb. 19 20, 22, 23. And John 13.5. The water that Christ purified his dis­ciples feet was out of a bason: If that had been their manner to wash the feet by dipping them into the bason, then Mary her dropping tears upon Christs feet had been Irregular; whereas Christ doth own it for a washing, Luke 7.33. The word is [...] which signifieth to rain. But if it could be Proved that the Pharisees did dip, yet that could not make it a duty so to do, they having no divine warrant for such a way of purifying, But in stead of being a duty it was a notorious sin against the very letter of the law. And then surely Christ would never have called it a cleansing, or purifying, that they violated the command of God in the performance of; no [...] never would Christ or John Baptist have Imitated them. From all which it doth appear to any respector of Scripture, that the word [...] does signifie only to apply the water in baptism to the person, and not puttin [...] the person into the water, nor any part of the person, according to the Pharisees acceptation of the word, and by the Testimony of all that have been the great publishers, and recorders of it, in the New Testament. From al [...] which the evidence hath been produced. But some may object, That what is recorded of the Pharisees, and the Jews about their baptizings in the New Testament was but their own traditions, and of the Elders: And therefore there is no ground to prove, that their performance of it was the same way that they performed their legal purifications which was by sprinkling: I answer, It was theirs for matter, having made their cere­monial defilements to come in abundance of more ways, and from more things than God made it. But as to the manner and way of performance, it must be, and was the same way, as the Lord commanded by sprinkling That so their threshold might be set by Gods threshold, and their Post by Gods Post; or else their traditions would have been known from Gods commands, and so their wares would not have gone off with the people. 2. From the high esteem that they pretended to have of Moses and the ambition to be his Disciples accounted, which made for their reputation among the people, and nothing would have blasted them sooner then to have shewed con­tempt of Moses; John 9.28, 29. 3. As to the matter of the defilement Imposed, for that they might have some fair colour and shew; For the law did assert, that whosoever did touch any thing that the unclean person did touch was unclean, Numb. 19.22. And they did not know but when they had been at markets, or the like, they might touch some such thing, and therefore, they had a colour for their additions; and especially when they were so mixed among the Romans and Samaritans. Here they had a convering for their Inventions, but [...] the manner of application of Water in purifying, or for the kind of the Water to be made, there they could have none, the Law being so exactly known and daily learned by the Jews and their Children; and should th [...] have done it, this would have cast contempt upon Moses way as insufficient. 4. This would have made th [...] Traditions to have been more burdensom than Moses's Law and God's Command, and made them to the P [...] ple worse than Pharoah's Task-masters. 5. This would have been to the detriment of their own Bodies, a [...] the Bodies of their Disciples; and so much the more, as the Countrey was hot, and they in a heat in their [...] ing from Markets. 6. This would have possest the People with Prejudice against them, as counting t [...] selves wiser than Moses. 7. This would have made them their own cleansers, purifiers, and baptizers, co [...] to the Law, should they have dipt in their hands themselves. 8. This would have made the bunch of H [...] [...]ve made that what the unclean person did touch, was not defiled [...] [Page 49] could any have been defiled by touching of it: and so there would have been no need of any clean­sing neither of God's Institution, nor of their Invention. 10. Should they have Dipped, this would have destroyed the use of the Priesthood, and rendred them useless; for if they could cleanse themselves when defiled with water, and so often? why not also with blood that was more seldom, Lev. 7, 14.

• 1. From the letter of the Law that required it, and was so well known amongst them, Num. 19.18, 19.
• 2. From their resting in, as well as keeping to, the letter of the Law, as their righteousness, Rom. 2.17.27 Rom. 9.30, 31. Phil. 3.4, 5, 6. Matth. 19.17, 18, 19, 20.
• 3. From the Titles, or Denominations given to it, as purifying, cleansing, washing, &c. Which Ti­tles the Holy Ghost gives also to baptizing in the New Testament, John 3.25, 26. Acts 15.9. 1 John 1.7, 9. Heb. 10.22. Heb. 9.13, 14, 19, to 23. Matth. 23.25, 26. Luke 11.38, 39, 40. Acts 21.20, 21, 24, 25, 26.
• 4. By our Saviours expressing the same thing by purifying or cleansing, which they called bap­tizing, Luke 11.38, 39, 40. Matth, 23.25, 26. [...].
• 5. Because it was applied to the Out-side of the Cup and Platter, by Christ's own testimony. And this was according to the Law, Numb. 19.18, 19, 20. compared with Matth. 23.25, 26. upon the Vessels and the Tent.
• 6. From the things baptized, which was their Beds and Tables, as well as their Pots, Cups and Hands, Mark 7.1, 2. to 4, and 8, 9.
• 7. From the Holy Ghost's expressing that which is called baptizing, by sprinkling; but never expresseth it by dipping, Heb. 10.22. 1 Pet. 1.2. Ezek. 36.25. Isa. 52.15.
• 8. From its being a type of the same thing, that Baptism was then a type of, and is now, Psalm 1.5, 6. Acts 2.38, 39. 1 Pet. 3.21. Heb. 9.13, 14. Heb. 10.22.
• 9. From the same thing being expressed by [...] and [...], which signifieth the applica­ion of water to the Subject, but not the Subject to the Water, Mat. 6.17. John 13.5. to 11. Mat. 15.2, 20. and Mark 7.1, 2, 3.
• 10. In that the baptizing was in the same manner to persons as it was to things, Mark 7.2, 3, 4, 8. v.
• 11. From the pertinency, readiness and fulness of the Answers, that Christ giveth to their Accu­ations, Mark 7.1, 2, to 9. Mat. 15.2, 7, 8, 9. and Luke 11, 38, 39, 40.
• 12. From their frequent doing of it; and this by all the Jews: They did not eat, except they baptize their hands often. Which, if well considered, renders it impossible, as well as intolerable, to be performed any other way than by sprinkling. For it was impossible that they should baptize by dipping every time they did eat, and yet live, or have wherewith to do it.