The loyal Baptist, or, An apology for the baptized believers ... occasioned by the great and long continued sufferings of the baptized believers in this nation / by Thomas Grantham ... Grantham, Thomas, 1634-1692. 1684 Approx. 260 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 55 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A41782 Wing G1540 ESTC R26748 09531500 ocm 09531500 43526 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A41782) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 43526) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1332:6a, 1634:4) The loyal Baptist, or, An apology for the baptized believers ... occasioned by the great and long continued sufferings of the baptized believers in this nation / by Thomas Grantham ... Grantham, Thomas, 1634-1692. [6], 40 p. Printed for the author and are to be sold by Tho. Fabian ..., London : 1684. Contains two title pages, with the same imprint, but different dates, the first appearing t.p. dated 1684, the second, 1674. "Containing I. His humble resolution to be a constant conformist to the Scriptures, and especially in these four great duties, viz. 1. to honour all men, 2. to love the brotherhood, 3. Bound and filmed at reel 1332:6a with G1546 following: The second part of the apology for the baptized believers. This item appears at reels 1332:6a and 1634:4. Reproductions of original in the British Library. 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Dissenters, Religious -- England. 2007-11 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-11 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-01 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2008-01 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion The Loyal Baptist : OR AN APOLOGY FOR THE BAPTIZED BELIEVERS . CONTAINING I. His humble Resolution to be a constant Conformist to the Scriptures , and especially in these four great Duties , viz. 1. To Honour all Men. 2. To Love the Brotherhood . 3. To Fear God. 4. To Honour the King. According to 1 Peter 2. 17. II. His unfeigned endeavour for Unity in the Truth with the Church of England ; wherein is shewed what 〈◊〉 a distinction in Communion between the Parochial 〈…〉 those of the Baptized Believers : Wherein fourteen 〈◊〉 lately published by Mr. N. T. M. A. in defence of Infant-Baptism , are considered , and answered . III. His Plea for Church-Assemblies to be permitted to the Baptized Believers . To which purpose is declared , IV. The Nature of his Call to Christianity , and to the work of the Ministry . OCCASIONED By the great and long continued Sufferings of the Baptized Believers in this Nation . BY THOMAS GRANTHAM , a Servant of Christ . Job 21. 4. As for me , is my complaint to 〈◊〉 ? And if it were so , why should not my Spirit be troubled ? Causabon's Birth of Heresy , c. 3. p. 11. In all Ages Men have never been contented with the true Adoration instituted by God : But instead of external Signs instituted by God , — they have forged and brought in their own Inventions . London , Printed for the Author , and are to be Sold by Tho. Fabian at the Bible in St. Paul's Church-yard , 1684. The Loyal Baptist : OR AN APOLOGY FOR THE BAPTIZED BELIEVERS . BEING ALSO An Earnest Persuasive to them and all Christians , to study to be Quiet , and do their own Business , in these important Particulars , VIZ. I. To Honour all Men. II. To Love the Brotherhood . III. To Fear God. IV. To Honour the King. Delivered in two Sermons upon 1 Pet. 2. 17. By THOMAS GRANTHAM , a Servant of Christ . My Son , fear thou the Lord , and the King : and meddle not with them that are given to change . Prov. 24. 21. But — whether it be right in the sight of God , to hearken unto you more than unto God , judg ye ? Acts 4. 19. London , Printed for the Author , and are to be Sold by Tho. Fabian at the Bible in St. Paul's Church-yard , 1674. To all the Baptized Believers in England , &c. Grace and Peace through Christ our Lord be multiplied . THE great Apostle St. Paul , having taught the Christian Churches in Creet their Duties towards God , and towards Caesar ; and leaving Titus ( a Messenger of the Churches ) behind him there , very strictly warns him to put them in mind of their Subjection to Principalities , and Powers , and to obey Magistrates . Knowing how impossible it would be to propagate the Profession of Christianity , if Christians did not adorn their Profession with a meek and harmless Conversation towards all Men , and especially by their Obedience to those in Authority . And considering the manifold Temptations that attend Christians in these days upon that account , I thought it my Duty , as one that has obtained Mercy to be faithful , to do my best in giving warning to my Brethren , lest any of them should be ensnared with ill Principles , or specious Pretences , to speak or do any thing that may be inconsistent with Gospel-Rules , either in things relating more immediately to Almighty God , or to the King's Majesty , and those that are in Authority under him . Such heady Persons there were in the Apostle's Days , and therefore the less strange if now some such be found in the best of Churches , as are not afraid to speak Evil of Dignities : All Ages and sorts of Christians have been troubled with such Evil-Workers . And as it hath been the care of faithful Men all along to protest against them , that the Truth ( which such Wretches only prophane by their Profession of it ) might not be worse thought of because of them ; So let it be our care to bear a faithful Testimony against all such in these Days . And I beseech you Brethren , whom God hath made as Guides to the rest , that you give all diligence to teach and instruct those under your Charge , in the Duties which pertain to every state of Life ; as well as in things which pertain to the Worship of our Gracious God : For these are the things which become sound Doctrine , and of these our Obedience to Magistrates is not the least . I commit the ensuing Discourses to the Consideration of all Christians , and to the Blessing of God , and remain , Your Brother , and Servant in the Gospel , THO. GRANTHAM . The Loyal Baptist : OR AN APOLOGY FOR THE BAPTIZED BELIEVERS . BEING ALSO An Earnest Persuasive to them all , to study to be Quiet , and to do their own Business , in these important Particulars , VIZ. I. To Honour all Men. II. To Love the Brotherhood . III. To Fear God. IV. To Honour the King. Delivered in several Discourses upon 1 Pet. 2. 17. Honour all Men , Love the Brotherhood , Fear God , Honour the King. THis great Apostle , St. Peter , having preached Christ in many Countries , thought it meet to leave some Monuments of his holy Doctrine with all the Churches . And having in two sacred Epistles assured them of the certainty of the Doctrine which he had preached , and that it was no Fable or new Device , but the very Truth which from the Beginning God made known to his Prophets : He then exhorts them to Stedfastness , and to hope to the end for the grace or fulness of Glory , which shall be brought to all true Christians at the revelation or second coming of Christ . He warns them to beware of Sin , chiefly that root of Malice , Envy and Hypocrisy , ( for these are usually complicated in one ) : for as it gave being to all our Misery , and has been all along the ruine of Nations , Churches , and Communities ; so we are advertised that it will abound towards the end of the World. To avoid this damning Iniquity , we are willed to consider our new Birth , and as new-born Babes to evidence our delight to be in the sincere Milk of the Word of God , not in the Vanities of this World , where we are but Pilgrims and Strangers ; assuring us , that as Christ is the sure Foundation to support his Church : So , ( however some Builders do set him at naught ) he is the Head of the Corner , and will certainly in time confound the Disobedient , 1 Pet. 2. 7 , 8. Howbeit , lest Christians should be too impatient of the seeming delay of Christ's Exaltation , and of the manifold Tribulations which in the mean time they must suffer ; he further warns them to be of an obedient and submissive Spirit to such as are in Authority , and to adorn their Profession , by an honest Conversation , as the best way to silence their Opposers ; For so is the Will of God , that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish Men , 1 Pet. 2. 15. For tho it be very true that all Christians are the Lord's Freemen , 1 Cor. 7. 22. yet they may not maliciously despise any Man , nor dishonour any Man , much less any that are in Authority : Christianity being indeed the greatest Obligation that any Man can be under , to preserve and chearfully to give to all their Dues , in respect of Love , Honour , Fear , Tribute , Custom , &c. God is to have the things which are God's , Princes the things which are theirs , and all Men ( as well those that are not Christians as those that are ) must have that Love and Honour which is their Due even from the Servants of Christ . Thus then we approach the Text ; which calls upon us to Honour all Men , Love the Brotherhood , to Fear God , and to Honour the King. In which Directions is briefly contained the whole duty of a Christian Man. As , 1. His Duty in general to Mankind , Honour all Men. 2. His particular Duty to the Church of God , Love the Brotherhood . 3. His special Duty to Almighty God , Fear God. 4. His Obedience to the Higher Powers , Honour the King. In opening these Words , we shall consider the genuine import of them . 1. Honour all Men. ( 1. ) The Word Honour here , according to the Greek , may be understood thus , Esteem all Men highly , value all Men at an high Price , or count them precious : And hence , Tremelius reads the place Omnem Hominem in Honore habite , have all Men in high Esteem or Honour . And in this Direction is implied that lowly and gracious Spirit , that friendly and amicable Temper which all Christians should have and evidence towards Mankind : for he that is not of a lowly Spirit , cannot Honour all Men. ( 2. ) By All Men , we must not here admit of the exception of any Man as such ; but forasmuch as they are all the Off-spring of God , it is the Will of God that a due esteem be given to them all , as the most noble part of his Creation under the Sun ; — And but a little lower than the Angels , Psal . 8. 2. Love the Brotherhood . By Love here we may safely understand , a more special kind of Love than that which we owe to all Men , which is well expressed , in the 2 Epist . of John , Whom I love in the Truth , for the Truths sake which dwelleth in us . Hence some of our Translators render the Words thus , Love Brotherly Fellowship . And the Rhemists tells us , that This Speech often commendeth the Vnity of all Christians among themselves . 3. Fear God. The Original imports an awful dread , or such a Fear as causeth Trembling ; and 't is the same Word used , Mat. 10. 28. where it is evident such a Fear is intended : But rather fear him which is able to destroy both Soul and Body in Hell. By the Fear of God therefore in this place , we must understand the dutiful Observance of his revealed Will ( for so the Fear of God is sometimes taken ) as ever we expect to see his Face with Comfort : and here the Fear of Man is excluded , because it brings a Snare , Prov. 29. 25. and is a fatal prevention to the Service of God. 4. Honour the King. ( 1. ) The Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 does not barely signify Honour , or Esteem , in this place ; but a magnificent or splendid kind of Honour : for so hath the Lord ordained for his Vicegerents , giving them the Title of Gods in Psal . 82. 6. ( 2. ) It is carefully to be considered what King is immediately meant in our Text : he could be no King of Israel , for the Kings of Israel had failed long before this Epistle was written ; and tho Christ was born King of the Jews , yet he did not enter upon his Regality with respect to the Government of that , nor any other Nation : but plainly tells us , His Kingdom is not of this World. Nor did the Apostle speak of any Christian King , for as yet None of the Princes of this World knew Christ , 1 Cor. 2. 8. The King therefore here immediately intended was an Heathen King , the King of the Romans , who at that time ( as Historians relate ) was both of very wicked Life , and Idolatrous in his Religion , calling himself Pontifex Maximus , as being chief about the Worship of Jupiter . And yet , S. Peter will have him honoured even by those who had put themselves under the Yoak of Christ , their Heavenly King. And St. Paul expresly requires the same , Rom. 13. 1. Wherefore from the Text thus explained , we should learn these four things . I. That Christians must by no means be of an haughty , scornful , nor wrathful Spirit towards any Man ; but of an humble and gentle Behaviour , to pay the Debt of Honour to all , and to esteem them precious . II. Brotherly Fellowship , Love and Concord , are to be sought for , and maintained by all Christians , one with another , as such . III. Christians must have an awful Fear of God before their Eyes , that in Matters of Religion they may serve him only , and not provoke him by sinful Courses , nor by the Fear of Man. IV. Christians are bound by Gospel-Rules to be good Subjects to Princes , to honour their Persons , and conscienciously to obey their Authority . These Propositions do harmonize with the Doctrine which is according to Godliness . For the First ; That Christians must by no means ( as they tender their claim to the venerable Title of Christian , and to any part in the Kingdom of Christ ) be of an haughty , scornful or wrathful Spirit against any Man , is a Doctrine needful to be proclaimed by an heavenly Herald , by the Voice of an Archangel , even to that part of the World called Christendom : For who can sufficiently bewail the almost utter Absence of this gracious Spirit , which abounded in the Author and first Professors of Christianity ; and the undeniable Appearance of a Spirit of a quite contrary nature at this day , in all parts of the World where Christ is named ? From whence come Wars and Fightings ? Come they not hence , even from Pride ? as it is written , Prov. 13. 10. Only by Pride cometh Contention . What greater Injuries , Indignities , and Dishonours can be offered by Mortals one towards another , than are amongst the several Orders professing Christianity ? yea , very often by Men of the same Order , one towards another ? So very far are the generality of Christians from obeying the Voice of our Text. And look how far they are gone from the Spirit of Humility and Tenderness , which leads all that have it to esteem Mankind very precious ; so far they have lost the Christian Religion , as will appear in proving the first Proposition . To which purpose , 1. We shall give precendency to our Lord Christ , who perceiving an haughty Spirit peeping forth in his chosen Disciples , even then whilst the very Mirror of Meekness and Humility was before their Eyes , does solemnly denounce unto them , ( and in them to all Christians ) that except they were converted , and became as little Children , they should by no means enter into the Kingdom of Heaven . Luke 18. 15. And therewithal gives notice of a Wo impending or coming upon the World , from that Spirit of Pride and Ambition , in this so early an appearance of it , which yet notwithstanding seems to have over-run the Church in all Ages , to the Scandal of Religion . But would so small a Fault in the chosen Disciples , ( as it may seem , in respect of that which is now every where to be found ) shut Heaven against them , unless those converted Souls were converted in that Case ? Let us tremble to think of this . It 's clear from this Instance , that such as are of an haughty Mind , cannot honour all Men. They are Bladders puffed up with this Wind ; break this Bladder , there is meer Emptiness . Their Goodness vanishes , when they cannot lift themselves above others . Whereas the truly gracious Soul studies how to serve God , and all Men for his sake ; and thus to honour them , is the greatest Respect that any Christian can give to Men. Thus did our Lord himself honour all : He took upon him the form of a Servant . Phil. 2. 7. And indeed his great Design in his Life and Doctrine , was to restore Mankind to a State of Grace , and Reconciliation with God , and thereby to Amity and Concord one with another . 2. Next to our Saviour , let us hear his beloved Disciple John. He often speaks to the whole Church under the Title of Little Children ; and the Metaphor is very fit for Christians , as in other respects , so chiefly in this , to put them in mind , they must in no wise be of a lofty and wrathful Spirit . He tells us , the Love of God is not in those Men , who have the Pride of Life in them , 1 John 2. 15 , 16. They cannot honour , esteem , or count all Men precious , till that Image of Christ , which standeth in Humility , be formed in them . 3. The Apostle Paul , 1 Cor. 10. 32 , 33. does not only teach the Brotherhood , that they must shew all Meekness to all Men , and give no Offence to Jew nor Gentile ; but puts himself ( as becomes all true Ministers of Christ ) for a Patern to the Flock . Tho ( saith he ) I be free from all Men , yet I have made my self Servant unto all , that I might gain the more . — I am made all Things to all Men , that I might by all means save some . 1 Cor. 9. 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23. How precious did he count the Jewish Nation ! ( tho they generally hated him ) he could be content to be undone himself , rather than they should be lost . Rom. 10. 1. And no less concern'd for the poor Gentiles , that they also might be happy . Rom. 15. 16. And hitherto did tend the Scope of all his Labours , to warn , teach , and to present every Man perfect in Christ Jesus . Col. 1. 28. 4. And forasmuch as the Tongue is the ordinary Witness of the Spirit of Pride , and that whereby all Men are incident to dishonour one another , he strictly obligeth all Christians to let their Speech be always with Grace , seasoned with Salt , that they may administer Grace to them that hear them . Col. 4. 6. And he that will obey our Text , to honour all Men , must remember that he speak evil of no Man , ( an Impiety which God knows even reigns amongst Christians . ) The Tongue is an unruly Member , a World of Iniquity . And hence the Apostle James is very bold , telling us , our Religion is vain , if we bridle not that Member . Jam. 3. 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13. How can that Tongue be fit to bless God , to profess the Christian Religion , which is exercised in cursing , speaking evil , or wishing ill to any Man ? My Brethren , these Things ought not to be . Doth a Fountain give sweet Water and bitter at the same place ? This is not to be found in Nature , nor to be expected in Grace . Christians must be known to all Men by their Fruits of Righteousness , Meekness , Goodness , and Faith ; otherwise Men shall never be moved to glorify God in their behalf . 5. That Christian who will honour all Men , must love all Men ; without this , he cannot esteem them , nor count them precious . Whom we love not , we have no delight to honour . It is in a manner peculiar to the Christian Doctrine , that Men should love their Enemies , pray for them that persecute them and despitefully use them . Let us therefore pay this Debt , to honour all Men in Love. He that will do this , must bear Mankind upon his Heart in Prayer and Supplication . 1 Tim. 2. 1. This is a Lesson for Christians , as such , they must love their Neighbours as themselves , and all Men are their Neighbours . The Royal Law obliges them to it ; Jam. 2. 8. If ye fulfill the Royal Law according to the Scriptures , Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self , ye do well ; but if ye have respect to Persons , ( that is , love one , and hate another ) ye commit Sin , and are convinced of the Law as Transgressors . Were Christians filled more with this Fruit of the Spirit , we should see an end of these Animosities , opprobrious and abusive Epithets , or Brands of Reproach and Infamy , which are daily cast upon Men , and too frequently found among Christian Men. It is to be lamented , that Men who are precious in the esteem of God , should not be esteemed so by one another . But honour all Men , says our Text ; and the Arguments to enforce the Duty are many , of which , some we will urge in this place , and the first shall be this : First ; They are Men as well as our selves , our Equals by Creation , the Workmanship of the Hands of the same God ; and therefore are we bound to honour all Men , as Men ; nor can we slight , despise , or dishonour them , but we dishonour our selves : For they are Flesh of our Flesh , and God hath made of one Blood all Nations of Men , to dwell upon the Face of the Earth ; and he is the God of the Spirits of all Flesh . And thus we have all one Father ; as one God hath created us , we are all his Off-spring : not as some prophanely have said , that Man is no more God's Off-spring than an Hog ; for he did not consult the Creation of any thing , as he did the Creation of Man , Gen. 2. Nor did he breath into the Nostrils of Hogs , the same Spirit of Life and Wisdom which he breathed into Man. David admires the Goodness of God in the degnified State of Man , Psal . 8. 4 , 5. And let us beware of base thoughts concerning Man , lest we value him no more than the Beasts of the Field , and so dishonour him , whom God created in great Honour , and to this day ( notwithstanding his Fall ) hath set him over the Works of his Hands . All Men are our Brethren , let us honour them as such ; for what Brotherhood soever we attain , yet our humane Fraternity is antecedent , and not made void by any Post-Fraternity , which is good , but rather more indeared . This was seen in St. Paul , the nearer his Relation was to God upon the account of Christianity , the more was his Love , and the greater his Sorrow for his Brethren according to the Flesh , Rom. 9. 2. Let not Christians think , that their Relation , nor Obligation of Nature to Mankind , is destroyed or made less , by their being Christians ; such a vain Conceit will alienate us from our own Flesh , and make us quite pervert the Text , which puts us in mind that our Religion does strongly engage us to honour them all . It was a Vertue in the Philosopher , who would not be accounted of this or that Nation , Tribe , or City , but entitled himself a Citizen of the whole World ; meaning , he had an equal respect for Mankind ; and if his Relation might be an Honour , he would be related to them all , that he might honour them all . Secondly ; Christains must honour all Men , because God himself hath honoured them all , setting his Love upon them , and manifesting it to them , and that divers ways : As , 1. In the common Acts of his Providence , of which we have an excellent Account in the 107th Psalm , to which I refer you . It is he that giveth them fruitful Seasons , filling their Hearts with Joy and Gladness ; he gives them Life and Breath , and all things . Hence they ( even all Nations ) are called his People , and the Sheep of his Pasture , Psal . 100. 1 , 2. and upon this very ground are required to pay their Debt of Thankfulness unto him . 2. God has greatly honoured Mankind in the gracious Act of Redemption ; I say , in this he has greatly esteemed all Men , and counted them very precious . That God hath done this for all Men , nothing can be more plain than these Testimonies : There is one God , and one Mediator between God and Man , who gave himself a Ransom for all . 1 Tim. 2. 6. We see Jesus made a little lower than the Angels , for the suffering of Death . — That he by the Grace of God should taste Death for every Man. Heb. 2. 9. For all have sinned , and come short of the Glory of God , being justified freely by his Grace , through the Redemption which is in Christ Jesus . Rom. 3. 23 , 24. He is a Propitiation for our Sins , and not for ours only , but also for the Sins of the whole World. Surely he that against the Light of these plain Testimonies , can or will think that God neglected the greatest part , or any part of Mankind , in the most important Business of Redemption , must needs have a very low esteem and dishonourable thoughts of that part of Mankind , cannot value them much above the fallen Angels or Devils , for whom no Ransom was given ; and consequently they cannot honour all Men. The Devils are but Sinners , shut up to the Judgment of Eternal Fire , without means of Recovery ; and these Men , that narrow up the Redemption of Man to the Elect only , shut up the remainder of Men in that Condemnation which is inevitable . And what Honour can belong to such ? How should we count them precious , if indeed God hated them from all Eternity ? It is not saying , That we know them not by Name , and therefore ought to honour all Men , that will salve the Business : For the truth is , if we heartily honour all Men , we must be sure that God would have us do so ; and of this we cannot be sure , if we think God made them only to damn them : For if the Esteem or Honour which we give to all Men , proceed not from sincere Love to them , and Desire of their Happiness , it is but Hypocrisy , no true Honour ; for the Honour which we owe to all Men , is not founded upon any thing wherein they are dignified above us , but upon those Blessings or Favours from God , which are common to us all , and wherein he has made no difference between one and another . And therefore if we truly esteem , love , and wish all Men well in the Case of their Salvation , me must believe that God does so too , or else we cannot do it heartily . Augustine's Speech here is worthy of Remembrance ; O vehement Love ! that God for Man's cause can vouchsafe to become Man ! Who can hate Man , whose Nature and Likeness he beholds in the Humanity of God ? Surely , if God has not loved all Men in Christ , we have no cause to count them precious , because we see them not favoured in the Humanity of God. 3. That our God counts all Men precious , may be seen in the Order given , that the Word of Peace or Reconciliation may be preached to all Men , or , to every Creature ; to be made known to all Nations for the Obedience of Faith. Mat. 28. 19. Rom. 16. 26. Surely this Message , with the Messenger and Messengers that brought it to all Men , does stupendously evidence , how precious God accounts all Men. He may justly demand , What could have been done to evidence my Love to Man , and the precious Esteem I have of him , which I have not done . Has he not sent his Apostles , whose Words have gone to the uttermost parts of the Earth ? Rom. 10. Yea , he hath sent his Son , whom he hath made Heir of all Things ; yea , he hath sent thus to those that would not accept these Tokens of Love , Estimation , or Honour . John 1. 11. Mat. 21. 38. Surely it is an Act of Honour towards the Party visited , when the King comes to visit the Beggar , yea , the Traytor . Whence is this to me , said Elizabeth , that the Mother of my Lord should come to me ? And whence is this to Man , or what Honour hath God conferred upon Man , that our Lord himself should come to Man , to redeem him by the Death of the Cross , and to make all Men see what is the Fellowship of this mysterious Piece of Godliness , ( which is God manifest in the Flesh , &c. ) by the Light of the Gospel ? Thirdly ; Christians must honour all Men , because this is one effectual way to recommend the Way of Christianity , or the Truth which we profess , to the acceptance of all Men. And hitherto may be referred these and the like Rules ; Walk in Wisdom towards them that are without . If you salute your Brethren only , what do you more than others ? The Servant of the Lord must not strive , but be gentle towards all Men. Render to no Man Evil for Evil , but overcome Evil with Good. Shewing all Meekness to all Men. Giving a Reason of the Hope that is in you , with Meekness and Fear . That Christian that shall walk towards all Men according to these Rules , shall certainly honour all Men , and greatly recommend the Truth to them all ; for thus shall he himself become an Epistle of Christ , read and known of all Men. 1. Cor. 3. 2. I shall conclude this first Doctrine with a solemn Protestation against all such as would set up their Religion by Violence , Blood , and Treachery , by what Name soever distinguished ; for if this be their Scope , they have not known Christ , nor the Divine Power of Christianity . Cain leads the Van to this unreasonable Troop , who never did nor can honour all Men , till they be delivered from this Principle : No , they desire to kill , that they only might be honoured . By this unchristian sort of Christians , what unspeakable Butcheries have been committed ! Hundreds of Thousands in a neighbouring Nation , in this Age , cruelly destroyed . What Hangings , Burnings , and Tormentings all Europe over ! And this pretendedly to advance Holy Church ! As if our Saviour's House must be built with Blood , when yet he plainly tells us , he came not to kill Men , but to save them , and sharply rebukes his Disciples , when such a Spirit appeared in them . And have we not seen a refined Generation , ( as they would be thought ) peeping forth , with the Name of Blood , or the smiting Principle , written on their Forehead , with direction to their Proselites to pray , that God would destroy all Oppressior and Oppressors from off the face of the Earth ? Lord ! what is this ? The greatest part of Mankind peradventure are Oppressors in one thing or other ; and must a Christian pray for their Destruction , or for their Conversion ? Sure the latter is the Duty of all Christians . 1 Tim. 2. 1 , 2. They cannot desire such a woful Day , but that Mercy may be extended , knowing that themselves were sometimes foolish , disobedient , living in Malice , hateful , and hating one another . Tit. 3. But alas ! do not these Men pray for their own Destruction ? Who sees not that such a Principle is pregnant with Oppression ? O let all Christians beware of it . And let us pray for them that hate us , persecute us , and speak all manner of Evil against us falsly , for his Names sake , who hath called us not only to believe , but also to suffer for his sake . Thus leaving all Men of bloody , violent , and treacherous Principles , to consider what Spirit they are of ; how unlike our Lord Christ ; how different from the Primitive Christians ; how contrary to Humanity it self , which teaches all to do to others ( not as they do ) but as we would they should do to us : We shall proceed to the next Point of Doctrine , grounded upon the second Direction in the Text , Love the Brotherhood . Doct. II. Brotherly Fellowship , Love and Vnity is carefully to be endeavoured and maintained by all Christians . This Brotherhood being not natural , but spiritual and mystical , admits of a twofold Consideration : 1. In the largest Sence the Word ( and Use of it in Scripture ) will bear . 2. In a more strict and special Sence . In the first , we must comprehend all that own the holy Scriptures for the Rule of Faith , believing in the only true God , the Father , Son , and Holy-Ghost , ( for these three are one ) ; that Christ died for our Sins , and rose again for our Justification ; that live soberly , according to the general Rules of Christianity , tho they may be diversly persuaded in the Methods of Christian Worship . Or I could be content , ( if the State of Christianity would bear it in these Days ) to express my self in this Case in the Words of St. Paul , 1 Cor. 1. 2. All that in every place call upon the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ ; among whom he found Diversities of Opinions , as well as Disorders in practice of Ordinances . Not that he allows either , but labours to reform both , yet so as he would preserve Amity among them as they were Brethren , tho some of them were carnal , 1 Cor. 3. others allowing themselves a very dangerous Liberty in religious Matters , even to eat Things sacrificed to Idols ; some doubting of the Resurrection , others very loose in their Devotion at the Lord's Table ; they were some tumultuous , others otherwise vicious , 2 Cor. 13. Now whether the Apostle , in his Exhortations to Unity , intends , that notwithstanding these Errors they should hold ample Communion with the Erroneous ; or whether , upon adhering to Reproof by him given , and their obeying the Epistles which he sent to them , he obliges them to maintain and uphold their Communion , is the Business to be considered . The first it is not like to be , for then few Errors , either in Doctrine or Life , could break this brotherly Fellowship among Christians . And then to what purpose are these Rules given ? Mark them which cause Divisions and Offences , contrary to the Doctrine which ye have learned , and avoid them . Rom. 16. 17. Withdraw your selves from every Brother which walks disorderly , &c. 2 Thess . 3. 6. Surely all that can be required , as to Unity with these Christians , is a brotherly Compassion , to encourage what we can the Truth they hold , or the Good they do ; to hold with them in the common Cause of Christianity , against the common Enemy of it . I conceive the latter to be the only safe way , viz. That notwithstanding their great Carnality , Weakness of Judgment , or Frowardness in their erroneous Opinions , &c. if now they would receive the Counsel of the Lord's Messenger , or which the Lord by his Messenger had sent unto them , that then the Brotherhood once found among them should still continue , tho they had too evidently forfeited their Privileges . Thus to take the Apostle's meaning , is to make him harmonize with himself . 2 Thess . 3. 14. If any Man obey not our Word by this Epistle , note that Man , and have no Company with him , that he may be ashamed ; yet count him not an Enemy , but admonish him as a Brother . But to take the Apostle in the first Sence , would make him irreconcileable to or with himself . So then , Paul did not advise the Faithful at Corinth , to hold ample Communion with those of ill Life , and erroneous Principles in the necessary parts of Religion , such as the Resurrection , and Separation from Idolatry doubtless are ; for he that denies the first , denies Christ to be risen , makes the Apostles false Witnesses , and the Faith of Christians vain . 1 Cor. 15. 1 , 2 , 3. And the second makes Men uncapable to serve God : Ye cannot drink the Cup of the Lord , and the Cup of Idols ( or Devils . ) 1 Cor. 1. 10. Let us then consider the second , or more strict Sence of the Word , Brotherhood , in our Text. And here we must take it , as it pertains to truly constituted and well-governed Societies of Christians : For undoubtedly God intended to have the Christian Religion stated and maintained in all Nations , according to the pristine Simplicity of the Gospel , without the mixtures of Legal Ceremonies , or humane Innovations : For when Jesus gave commission to his Apostles , to teach all Nations , baptizing them ; and then , to teach them to observe all Things whatsoever he commanded them . Mat. 28. 19 , 20. and gave being to this Order , to continue to the end of the World , it must needs be highly rational on the part of all such , as do piously stand to this Form of Doctrine , as explicated and delivered to the Churches , Rom. 6. 17. Heb. 6. 1 , 2. And consequently it must needs be very pleasing to God , and commendable in the Church , that his Institutes be kept with the greatest exactness , as they were delivered at first , 1 Cor. 11. 2. For if once Variations in either the Doctrinal or Practical Parts of the Christian Religion be admitted , there can be no certain duration of any Truth . A little Leaven leaveneth the whole Lump , Gal. 5. 7. And this the Apostle speaks too , with relation to the Imposition of some Legal Rites , which once had a Divine Original and Use in the Church of God , and yet now could not consist with obedience to the Truth . Gal. 5. 7. Ye did run well , who did hinder you , that you should not obey the Truth ? Hence Saint Paul would not give place to St. Peter himself , ( when too much symbolizing with legal Ceremonies , Gal. 2. ) that so the Truth of the Gospel might continue in the Churches of Galatia ; plainly shewing , that as Light and Darkness cannot dwell together , so the Gospel is exclusive of legal Ceremonies and humane Innovations . And seeing all must grant , there has been a very great departure from the Truth of the Gospel , both in Doctrine and Practice , there cannot be a better Method ( I suppose ) thought on , to amend what is amiss in the Christian World , ( and thereby to restore true brotherly Fellowship ) than that used by our Lord , Mat. 19. 8. to reform a Corruption among the Jews , and such an Error too as had a shew of Scripture-Authority for it , ( I mean the Case of Divorce ) yet our Saviour suppresseth that Custom , by referring to the primitive Institution of Marriage ; From the Beginning it was not so . And upon this Text , how well does our Brethren ( I mean the Sober and Pious in the Church of England ) defend themselves against Popish Innovations , both in Opinion and Practice ? One of them speaks thus : As touching each of these Errors , we can say with our Saviour , in this present Correption of the Pharisees , that from the Beginning it was not so ; and we care not whence they come , unless they come from the Beginning . This hath ever been ( saith he ) the Rule , the warrantable Rule to reform a Church . When Esdras was intent on building the Temple , he sent not to Ephesus , much less to Rome ; he did not enquire into the Rituals of Numa Pompilius ; but had recourse for a Temple , to that of Solomon ; and for a Rite , to that of Moses . Indeed for Things meerly indifferent , ( as he observes ) there must be preserved a Liberty in all Churches to consult and do for the best . I dare not say as he , To make Constitutions ; ( for that 's a great word ) but to manage her Affairs with Decency , Order , and Charity . But to come more directly to our Doctrine , which is , Brotherly Fellowship ; Love and Vnity is carefully to be endeavoured and maintained by all Christians . Certain it is that our Love , as Christians , may go much further than our actual Communion in all things Christian , may do ; and yet this Love it self is a kind of Fellowship . The Angels have Fellowship with us , and acknowledg themselves our Fellow Servants , Rev. 19. 10. and yet they do not partake with us in all our acts of Religion , but only by approbation and corroboration , in things which are well done . Now the best or most orderly sort of Christians cannot conceive a greater disproportion between their Churches , and the Churches of the most erring ( if but well-meaning ) Societies that conscientiously profess Love and Obedience to Christ : And even hence , we are obliged to hold as much Brotherly Fellowship with them , as we can , especially that of Love and Brotherly Compassion . For when we consider , that even some of all sorts of Christians will rather dye , than basely deny their Lord and Master , we cannot but have Fellowship with such in our Spirits , whilst it is the same ( and not a feigned Christ ) to whom they shew their utmost testimony of Love. And this Consideration alone , may suffice to take away that imbitteredness , which is too often found among Christians dissenting one from another : Let their Appellations be what they will , so that they believe in the true Christ , and live well , being also faithful to what they know . And tho they be never so angry with me for opposing them in their Traditions , or erring Notions otherwise , yet I must have a Brotherly tenderness towards them all for the Truths sake which dwelleth in them . But now , for ample or full Communion , I see not how that can be attained and maintained , but where there is antecedent to it , an Union both in Doctrine and Practice , in things necessary to the true Constitution and Government of the Church of Christ . And seeing also our Differences about these things are not small , or trivial ; it cannot ( I think ) be better ordered , than that a Friendly Distinction , and Brotherly Forbearance be permitted as to ample Communion ; for that Men cannot comfortably nor peaceably join together till they be agreed in these things . I see not that the difference betwixt Paul and Barnabas was so great ( as to the thing about which they differed ) as the things about which Christians differ in these days ; and yet its certain their Contention being great ( for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies provoking , gauling , and imbittered Speeches , and Minds , say the Learned ) it is certain they could not transact their Affairs in the Gospel together , but apart . And this was written perhaps to shew , that a competent Unity in Judgment must precede our actual Communion , and till that be attained among us , there is a necessity ( in regard , partly of human Frailty , and partly in regard of some precious Truths ) to forbear one another , without destroying the Truth to which we have attained respectively . And this is the greatest Love we can extend to one another , under these difficult Circumstances . 1. To pity and heartily to pray one for another ; for the Servant of the Lord must not strive but be gentle towards all Men , in Meekness instructing those that oppose themselves . 2. There must be all Patience exercised , and Compassion shewed to the Ignorant , and those that are out of the way , especially where the scruple is tender and conscientious . And in the mean time , the faithful Minister of God must hold fast the form of sound Words , he must teach the same Doctrine which was committed to his Trust by the Apostles . He must warn others that they teach no other Doctrine . He must not give place to Jewish , or other Fables . And the Church must so walk in Christ , as they first received him , rooted in the Foundation-Principles , established and built up in him : Not carried about with every Wind of Doctrine , but speaking the Truth in Love , must endeavour to grow up into Christ in all things . In a word , it is the Duty of this Brotherhood to stick close to the whole Councel of God , and not to partake with other Mens Sins , or Errors in Life or Religion ; which cannot be done , where contrarieties in Doctrine and Practice about things necessary to the true State and Government of the Church of Christ , are allowed in the same Fellowship or Community . Love the Brotherhood . This Fraternity are in a special manner to love one another . 1. Because God himself hath loved them with a special kind of Love : And if God so loved us , we ought also to love one another , 1 John 3. It is happy when the Love of Christians is founded upon this bottom , viz. the Manifestation of God's Love to them , and not upon any thing of human Excellency ; for this is to have Mens Persons in Admiration , and not to admire this , Behold what manner of Love the Father hath bestowed upon us ! 2. Because this is the sweetest Manifestation , that we are the Children of God ; for in this is manifest the Children of God , 1 John 3. 10. namely , that they love their Brethren : And every one that loveth , is born of God. And our Saviour makes it the true Character of Christianity : By this shall all Men know that ye are my Disciples , if ye love one another , Joh. 13. 35. 3. Because this is the uniting Grace among Christians , this makes their Society sweet , their Fellowship desirable , it s a Fellowship of Love , Phil. 2. 1. This makes them like David and Jonathan , they are bound in one Girdle , and their Love was wonderful . 4. Because this makes the Sufferings of Christians easy ; when those that suffer love them , in defence of whose Faith they do suffer ; and see themselves beloved of their Brethren , even then when all Men seem to hate them . This made Paul himself rejoice in his Sufferings , Phil. 4. 10 , 14. I rejoiced in the Lord greatly , that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again , — Ye have well done that ye have communicated with me in my Affliction . Let us touch the things briefly , which may be sure Evidences of this Brotherly Love. 1. If then we love the Brotherhood , we are much concern'd about them in our Thoughts . For what is the Object of a Man's Love , is the Subject of his Meditation . All true Lovers know this by Experience ; and let the Love of the Brotherhood exceed our Love in other cases . An instance of this Love we have in St. Paul , Col. 2. 1 , 2. For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you , and for them of Laodicea , and for as many as have not seen my Face in the Flesh : That their Hearts might be comforted , being knit together in Love , &c. 2. If we love our Brethren , we bear them much upon our Heart in our Prayers ; we cannot forget them if we rightly love them . Paul made mention of him in every Prayer of his whom he dearly loved , 2 Tim. 1. 3. Let all Christian Brethren do so too , for we cannot do less for any of them , or for many of them we can do no more . 3. If we love the Brotherhood , we will esteem them highly , according to the Vertues which we see in them , 2 John v. 1 , 2 , 3. And whom we love we will commend , and advance as much as we can , because it 's the native Property of Love to do so ; as appears in the interchanges of Love in the Song of Solomon , between Christ and his Church : and is the way too , to encrease Love , as all Experience shews . 4. If we love our Brethren , we will to our best defend their Reputation against those that injure them . Thus Paul vindicated not himself only , but those faithful Ministers which were with him , when some reported of them that they walked after the Flesh , and said , Let us do Evil that good may come ; whose Damnation , for such vile Reproaches against the Servants of Christ , he avers to be just . 5. If we love the Brotherhood , we will to our Power relieve their Necessities . For He that hath this Worlds Good , and sees his Brother want , and shutteth up the Bowels of his Compassion , how dwells the Love of God in him ? And saith another Apostle , If a Brother or Sister be destitute of daily Food , and ye say , Be ye filled , and give them not those things that are necessary , what doth it profit ? Wherefore let Love be without Dissimulation . Let it be fervent . For to this end were our Souls purified in obeying the Truth through the Spirit , even unto unfeigned Love of the Brethren , 1 Pet. 1. 22. 6. The last Evidence . If we love the Brotherhood , we will seek and preserve as much as we can , the Peace of the whole , and the Prosperity of every part . Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem ( saith David ) they shall prosper that love thee ; for my Brethren and Companions sake I will now say , Peace be within thy Walls , and Prosperity within thy Palaces . How greatly does the true Son of David , our Lord Jesus , pray for this Blessing upon the whole Church , That they all may be one , as he and his Father are one ? And what Christian will not tremble to think of doing any thing against the tenour of his blessed Prayer ? I will conclude this point with a solemn Protestation against those Evils which chiefly hinder the love of the Brotherhood ; and the first is Pride . 1. Only through Pride cometh Contention ( saith the Spirit ) ; when Men are admirers of themselves , Proud , Boasters ; they soon become despisers of those that are good , and Enemies to the Love of the Brotherhood . Diotrephes being got to this point , presently makes havock of the Church , by casting the Brethren out of the Church that shewed their brotherly Love to the travelling Ministers . And why ? because he loved to have the Preheminence , insomuch as he spared not to undervalue the Apostle himself . Aproud Professor cannot love the Brotherhood . 2. As all proud Men are Enemies to brotherly Love ; so most of all such as take themselves to be infallible about things most disputable , being vainly confident that God is opposed when their Impositions are not obeyed . These Men commonly drive furiously , rend and tear , if their Mandates meet with dislike or non-reception . These Men will ever stand strenuously upon Niceties , and make things which are doubtful , and meerly indifferent , to become necessary . 3. Those who make Gain their Godliness , are great Enemies to Brotherly Love , these are called greedy Dogs by the Prophet , greedy Wolves by the Apostle ; these seek their own , not the things of Christ . They are Enemies to him ; their God is their Belly , they mind earthly things ; they change with every Wind for Preferment . They are Lovers of their own selves . They teach things which they ought not , for filthy Lucres sake . They love not the Brotherhood , but their Money . Thus much to the second Point . We come now to the third part of our Text. Fear God. Hence the Doctrine has been propounded thus . Doct. III. Christians must have an awful Fear of God before their Eyes , that in Matters of Religion they may serve him only , and not provoke him by sinful Courses , nor by the Fear of Man. To come rightly to the performance of this Duty , we must endeavour to have a right knowledg or Belief of this God whom we are to fear , for this our Saviour makes to be the weighty part of our Religion , Faith , and the Fear of God. Now in this Faith , which anteceeds the Fear , Worship , and Service of God , we must consider the Essence and Attributes of God. In the first , he is infinitely beyond the reach of our knowledg , or finding out unto Perfection . Job 4. 24. It is but a small portion that we know ( or can know ) of him in this World. Faith therefore satisfies it self , with knowing that God is : or , that there is one God. That he is a Spirit Eternal , Pure , Omnipotent , Immutable , Invisible , Merciful , Faithful , Holy , Just and Good ; and that he is infinitely and perfectly so , and whatsoever else may be said to represent him Great and Glorious ; Great in his Sovereignty and Dominion , Glorious in his doings towards the Children of Men. In a Word , Faith apprehends or believes this God to be , whatsoever his Word declares him to be , which together with his works of Creation and Providence are the Intelligencers to Mortals , his good Spirit also helping and illuminating all that heartily seek after him . Howbeit this Faith is not of the same magnitude in all that have it , but 't is of the same Nature , — To all that have obtained like precious Faith with us , through the Righteousness of God , and our Saviour Jesus Christ , 2 Pet. 1. 1. To fear God , is indeed a Duty incumbent upon all Men , and not upon Christians only . And for the better performance of this great Duty , it is good to know the Cause , why Mankind of all other Creatures is bound to fear God ; I say , Mankind only , of all sublunary Creatures : for from other Creatures God expects not this , nor do they pay it to him , not having capacity , and so no necessity on them to do it . But they are subjugated to the Fear of Man , who is placed over them as Supream , Psal . 86. 7 , 8. Gen. 9. 2. Indeed I do not find that this Fear and Dread of Man , was upon the Creatures below him , till after the Earth was accursed . It is true a Dominion was given Man over them in his innocent Estate , Gen. 1. 28. But that he should have ruled them with Rigour , as now , I find not , but do conceive that the terrour of Man to the brute Creatures , and their Disobedience to him , are Effects of the Curse ; and its certain the Curse was the Effect of Sin. But in these things let us not be too curious . Now whether in case Man had not sinned , he should have been obliged to fear God as now , or whether he should have properly feared God at all , may be enquired here ? To which it may be answered , That seeing God had endued Man with excellent Reason and Judgment , and yet put him in a mutable State , and gave him notice that his state was such , when he gave him a Law with a Penalty upon the Breach of it . In the Breach of which he should surely dye , Gen. 2. 17. It follows that Man was even then bound to Fear , and to stand in awe of his Majesty from the beginning before Sin was upon him . So that Sin is not the Original Cause of the Fear of God , but his Bounty towards Man , and absolute Sovereignty over him , are the Grounds of it . And hence we may learn , how just , how necessary it is for us who are of the fall'n race of Adam , not only for that we are under these Original Obligations , and for that the Covenant which we are under as Christians , tho a Covenant of Grace , yet is truly conditional ( whatever some murmur to the contrary ) to fear the God of Heaven , and to stand in awe of his Majesty . Behold therefore the Goodness and Severity of God! on them that fell , Severity ; but towards thee Goodness , if thou continue in his Goodness : otherwise thou also shall be cut off . Rom. 11. 22. Heb. 4. 1. But it is furthermore our Duty , for that we are more subject to err than Adam was , for all grant he had Free-will , and Sufficiency of Ability to stand had he used it . But tho some of us do hold we have a liberty of Will , yet we must all confess our Power to be very small , without intervening Grace , either to resist Temptations , or to do acts of Righteousness . Not that we are sufficient to think any thing as of our selves , but our sufficiency is of God , 2 Cor. 3. 5. There is a Distinction of Fear towards God much spoken of , to wit , a servile Fear , and a filial Fear . The first they would exclude from a Christian . But if by servile Fear be intended no more than to fear God , as a good Servant is to fear his Master , I can see no reason to exclude it : If I be a Master , where is my Fear ? saith the Lord. Mal. 1. 16. It seems God's Servants must fear him . But perhaps the meaning of the distinction is this : By filial Fear is meant an holy Dread , lest we do any thing that is evil , or leave undone the thing that is good ; and by servile Fear , is meant a Fear of Punishment only . If this be it , I shall say little to it , believing , whoever makes this distinction , would have all Men , and specially Christians , to fear God so as to depart from all Evil , and to do Good , lest Judgment be the Portion of their Cup from the Lord. Fear God ; that is , stand in awe of his Majesty , worship and serve him , and him only . 1 Sam. 12. 14. Only fear the Lord , and serve him with all your Heart . Psal . 45. 11. He is thy Lord , and worship thou him . Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God , and him only shalt thou serve . Mat. 4. 10. This is God's Right , we must only pay it to him . When Peter was put upon this Strait , whether to please or fear Men , when his Service to God was the matter in question , his Speech was very frank and resolute , Acts 4. 19. Whether it be right in the sight of God , to hearken unto Men more than unto God , judg ye . This then must ever become good Christians in matters of Religion , to stick close to that which is right in the sight of God , however it may be countermanded by Man. The Condescensions of holy Paul were so wisely attempered , as even then when he was made all things to all Men , and paying his debt of Love to the Wise and Unwise , so as to be without Law to them that were without Law , and under the Law to them that were under the Law ; yet he was not without Law to God , but under the Law to Christ ; he would not sin to please any , nor do Evil that Good might come : For the Fear of the Lord is clean , the Beginning of Wisdom , and that which must keep us company all our days ; else we lie open to the fiery Darts of Satan , which will both hit and hurt , where the Fear of the Lord is absent . Therefore blessed is the Man that feareth always . This is that Grace which held Joseph back from Uncleanness , Nehemiah from Self-endedness in God's Service , when others made it burthensom : This did not I , saith he , because of the Fear of the Lord. Work out your own Salvation with Fear and Trembling , saith the Apostle . I trembled in my self , that I might rest in the Day of Trouble , saith the Prophet . I exceedingly fear and quake , said Moses . I am so troubled I cannot speak , said David . And shall we not exceedingly fear , and stand in awe of that Majesty , which made these Pillars in the Church to tremble ? Beware of a stupid and careless Spirit , for that will soon prove a revolting Spirit . Jer. 5. 22 , 23. David makes that awful Fear of God an express Duty to all ; Psal . 76. 7. Thou , even thou art to be feared ; and who may stand in thy presence , when once thou art angry ? Without a godly Fear no Service to God is acceptable . Heb. 12. And he is therefore greatly to be feared in the Assembly of the Saints . Thus much in general . We shall now endeavour to describe the Man that walks in the Fear of God , in a few Particulars . And , 1. He that truly fears God , worships and serves him , must be delivered from the Fear of Man. When David is considering how to fear or serve God aright , Psal . 119. 45. he tells us , he will walk at Liberty ; he will have his Heart free from that which hinders due Obedience to God. And as to Matters of Religion , Christians are Christ's Freemen . And therefore our Saviour ( who was the most faithful to Caesar that ever Man was ) in this Case absolutely prohibits the Fear of Man ; Fear not him that can kill the Body . And it is certain , the Fear of Man brings a Snare , as appears in the Case of the Pharisees : They could not confess Christ , tho they believed in him , for they feared to be put out of their Synagogues ; they loved the Praise of Men more than the Praise of God. He that thus fears Man , cannot fear God. Let us hear the Apostle Paul , he is plain ; Do I now persuade Men , or God ? ( that is , do I preach the Doctrine of God or Man ? ) if I yet pleased Men , I should not be the Servant of Christ . We see here the Difference between a faithful Christian and Minister of Christ , and those that serve the Times : The latter always preach something that is of Man , lest they should suffer Persecution for the Cross of Christ ; the former fears neither Men nor Angels , so as to give consent to another Gospel , or any thing which perverts the Gospel of Christ . Gal. 1. 4 to 11. 2. He that truly fears God , will give to God the Things which are God's . This Rule , of all others , should be observed by Christians , because it proceeds from Christ himself , upon such a special occasion , Mat. 22. 21. as wherein the Right of Kings , and God's Right over Men are enquired into , and the Case determined by the Lord Christ , to the silencing his captious Adversaries . Caesar's Right must be given , and God's Right must not be with-held . Earthly Things , or our Obedience in Civil Cases , is here stated upon Caesar ; there is therefore a necessity , that Obedience in Religious Cases be due to God , or else he has nothing peculiar in or over us . Sith therefore God Almighty has reserved all religious Obedience to himself , and that we must every Man give an Account of himself unto God , 2 Cor. 5. Let all that fear God , give to him in religious Performances , the Things which have his Image and Superscription upon them , lest he reject both the Offering , and the Offerer , with , Who hath required this at your hands ? Did not God provide by his express Law , that his Sacrifices should not be changed at Man's Will , a good for a bad , nor a bad for a good ? Lev. 27. 10. Does not Isaiah cry out against them that presumed to change God's Ordinances , as Breakers of the everlasting Covenant ? Isa . 24. 5. It fared very ill with Nadab and Abihu , for offering that Fire which God commanded not . Levit. 10. 1 , &c. The Corinthians were smote with Sickness and Death , for prophaning the Lord's Table with their own Supper , 1 Cor. 11. 22 , 30. David himself was afraid of God , when he altered the manner of carrying the Ark of God , 1 Chron. 13. And this Instance made him afterwards give to God the Things that were God's , namely , to serve him in due Order , 1 Chron. 15. Let the Use of all be , to provoke us to serve God with godly Fear , to stand in awe of his Word , to serve him with all possible exactness , according to the very Rules therein contained , that we may have the Commendation of good and faithful Servants , as it was in the Case of Noah , Gen. 6. 22. Thus did Noah , according to all that God commanded him , so did he . 3. He that truly fears God , will ever preserve a good Conscience towards God. But this can never be , where the inner Man is not pure , and the Heart delighted with the Service of God. Of some we read , that they profess high , but their Minds and Consciences are defiled , Tit. 1. 16. Others that so walked before the Lord , as to gain this Reputation , that they did that which was right in the sight of the Lord , but not with a perfect Heart . 2 Chr. 25. 2. Now God is he that perfectly knows the Heart , and searches the Heart , and takes pleasure in Uprightness ; and he knows , and will make all Men know , that as the wilful Nectlect of Duties , I mean religious Duties , are an Evidence of an evil Conscience ; so the keeping back part , or serving God deceitfully , or serving God under a colour , without Conscience of the Service , are the same , and shall , with the Persons so worshipping him , be rejected , as those that do not fear God. For it shall come to pass in the Day of the Lord's Sacrifice , that he will punish them that swear by the Lord , and that swear by Malcham ; and them that are turned back from the Lord , and them that have not sought the Lord , nor enquired after him . Zeph. 1. 5 , 6. 4. He that feareth God , will not resist the Power of Princes ; yet will he do what God commands , tho all the Princes in the World forbid him ; nor will he do what God forbids , tho all the Princes in the World should command it . What our Christian Obligations to Princes are , I hope to shew , in handling the next Direction in our Text. We are here only to shew , that no worldly Power can make void what God commands , nor make that lawful which God's Word forbids . The God of Heaven forbids worshipping or bowing down to Images or Idols , Exod. 20. Nebuchadnezzar commands the contrary , Dan. 3. 4 , 5. under pain of suffering the fiery Furnace . Now this was a mighty Prince , to whom God had given a Kingdom , and great Glory ; yet Shadrach and his Companions would not do his Command , but told him plainly , They would not serve his Gods , nor worship the Golden Image which he had set up . Dan. 3. 18. It has been the Unhappiness of Earthly Gods , to countermand the Commands of the God of Heaven , without which there would have been but few Martyrs : But the greatness of their Multitude shews the certainty of this Truth , That God's Will must be obeyed , what Troubles soever attend us from the Princes of this World for so doing . Indeed I find this Doctrine owned by most . For the Papists themselves , upon Acts 4. 19. say thus : If any Magistrate command against God , that is to say , forbid Catholick Christian Men to preach , or serve God , this same must be their Answer , ( meaning that Answer which Peter gave , &c. ) tho they be whipped or killed for their Labour . And Dr. Fulk allows the Note , but yet would not have the Papists to have any benefit by it , ( so partial are Men , when uppermost . ) We see then , by consent of Christians generally , the Voice of God must be obeyed in Things religious , tho the Princes of the Earth say Nay . And to this agrees the holy Psalmist , Psal . 119. 23. Princes sate and spake against me ; that is , they sat on the Throne , and dereed Things against him : But thy Servant did meditate in thy Statutes . He would not depart from the Ways of God , tho he was persecuted . Psal . 119. 161. Princes perfecuted me without a cause , but my Heart standeth in awe of thy Word . But here it may be fit to obviate an Objection . It will be said , Tho it is true , that all that fear God , are bound thus to obey God , and not Man , in Matters of Religion , and to suffer patiently , rather than to sin ; yet whether in Things indifferent , which are neither commanded nor forbidden ; if Princes here make ufe of their Authority , Christians are not bound to obey actively ? As for Example , about the Place of Worship , &c. To this it may be answered ; Seeing God has forbidden no Place , if that were all the Business , he were a mad Man that would not actually obey ; and consequently he is bound to obey Authority in every Case that is like it ; as thus : It is a Duty for a Nation , in a time of common Calamity , to humble themselves by Fasting and Prayer ; and doubtless 't is best this be done at the same time , and none so fit to order this as the Magistrate : If therefore Authority command the tenth , twentieth , or thirtieth Day of such a Month , for such a Service , I doubt not but he should be guilty of Sin , that should in this refuse such Time , meerly because it is appointed by the Magistrate's Authority . And if there be an hundred Cases of this kind , the same Answer must be given in them all , for ought I see ; or else under pretence of fearing God , we shall dishonour the King , which is a Sin of an high Nature . Tho Christians be Subjects to Princes , yet Princes are Subjects to God , and in the Sphere where God has set them , can do nothing more pleasing to him , than to promote the Interest of Religion , by discountenancing Prophaneness and Irreligion , and by giving Encouragement to the Lovers of it . But then as they are Subjects to Christ , they are Fellow-Servants with their Subjects , ( yea , the Angels think not themselves too high to be called so , Rev. 19. 10. ) and therefore must with their Subjects be obedient to one Lawgiver , even Jesus , and not assume Power to make Laws for the Consciences of Men in Religion , nor to force them to go beyond their Knowledg and Faith in Things of that kind , seeing what is not of Faith is Sin , and we must every one give an Account of himself unto God. 5. The last Particular I shall insist upon , as necessary to the true Fear of God , is to avoid Covetousness and Worldly-mindedness . Covetousness is said to be Idolatry . And he that is a covetous Person , makes little further use of Religion , than to be a Cloak for his Iniquity ; he fears not God , he serves not the Lord Christ , but his own Belly ; for this he preaches , for this he prays , and without this he will do neither . These are the Men that make Merchandize of the Word of God , supposing ( as the Apostle saith ) that Gain is Godliness . I meet with a notable Passage in our English Chronicles ; in the sixth Century , 't is said , The Clergy of Britain set all their Mind to serve God , and not the World , the Heart , and not the Belly : Wherefore then were they had in great Reverence and Honour . But as they encreased in earthly Treasure , so they decreased in heavenly Treasure . Fab. Chron. 5 part . cap. 134. Let all that fear God , beware of this evil Disease , especially such as are Ministers of Christ . No Man can serve two Masters ; ye cannot serve God and Mammon , saith our Saviour , Mat. 6. 24. Thus much of the Fear of God ; let us now consider the Debt which we owe to our King. Honour the King. Altho by the Order of our Text , we are to speak of this weighty Subject in the last place , yet it is not the least part of our Duty : For as the ancient Christians were wont to speak , so it remains an eternal Truth , That as God is above the Emperor , so none other is above the Emperor but God. And consequently our Duty , next to Almighty God , is to our Prince ; as we see here in our Text , the Honour of the King is provided for , next to the Fear of God. We have already shewed , in the opening of the Words , that the King here meant , or immediately spoken of , was an Heathen King , and a great Idolater in his Religion ; and yet the Holy-Ghost does here oblige all Christians , even of the highest Rank , to honour such Kings , Peter himself , and consequently all his Successors not excepted ; for indeed he had learned this Obedience of one higher than himself , even Jesus Christ , and therefore must needs recommend the same to all Christians . And hence the Doctrine is , Doct. IV. All Christians are bound by Gospel-Rules to be good Subjects to Princes , to honour their Persons , and conscienciously to obey . their Authority . 1. To evince this great Truth , it may be needful to shew , That Kingly Power or Government is of God. Not in the Sence ( prophanely objected by some Writers ) wherein Plagues , Diseases , and Punishments are of God ; for the Apostle Paul doth expresly contradict such an ungodly Exposition , Rom. 15. 1 , &c. wherein he avers , even of the same Kingly Power spoken of by Peter , That it was ordained of God ; that the Magistrate was God's Minister to the Christian Man , ( as well as any other ) for Good , to execute Wrath upon him that does Evil. Which Word , Minister , refers evidently to him that bears the Sword of Justice , and not to the Power only , which yet he affirms to be of God , and confirms it by this Argument , For there is no Power but of God ; the Powers that be , are ordained of God. And this is the only comfortable Ground of Obedience to the higher Powers , to be well satisfied in this , that whether it fall out our Obedience shall be active or passive , yet therein we conform our selves to the Will of God , or to his Ordinance ; And he that shall resist the Power , does resist the Ordinance of God. 2. That Kingly Government is of God as clearly , if not more clearly than any other Form of Government , is very plain from the Text it self , considered with the Context , vers . 13 , 14. Submit your selves to every Ordinance of Man for the Lord's sake , whether it be to the King as supreme , or unto Governours , as unto them that are sent by him , &c. Where Supremacy over all Persons in Things Civil , is so clearly given to the King by God himself , even over Governours , as well as the People governed , that it must in no wise be denied . 3. If it be objected , that tho the Power Magistratical be of God , yet the Form or Mode of it is of Man , because ( according to the Greek ) 1 Pet. 2. 13. may be read thus , Submit your selves to every humane Creature . To this I say ; The Words , Humane Creature , are better understood of the Laws made by Humane Authority , than of the Magistrates themselves : For as the most high God , and he only , can give Being and Power to a Divine Law , insomuch that no Power on Earth can create such a Law ; so Earthly Gods , and none but they , can create and give Power to an humane Law ; and Laws thus made , are rightly called Humane Creatures , or Ordinances of Men , ( as our English expresses it . ) And when Laws are thus made , tho they should happen to be ill Laws , ( as it sometimes happens to be so ) yet they must be obeyed , ( either actively or passively ) because the Power Magistratical must not be resisted ; only the Error of an ill Law must be refused by all faithful Men , especially in Matters of Religion , as we have shewed before . 4. This great Power which God hath given to Kings and Rulers of the Earth , to make Laws , is ( as I conceive ) the chief cause why they are called Gods , Psal . 82. 6. I have said ye are Gods , and all of you are Children of the most High : That is , because of that resemblance which they have to God himself , being decked with Power and Majesty , to make and execute Laws ( in this lower World ) which concern the Children of Men as such . 5. And as to the Form of Kingly Government ( for this is all that I can find in my Text ) : Let us hear what God himself saith . By me Kings reign , and Princes decree Justice ; by me Princes rule , and Nobles , even all the Judges of the Earth . What can be said more in this case ? If any shall say , 't is not God , but Wisdom that speaks these Words , Prov. 8. 15 , 16. I answer , it is Folly that makes the Objection , for this Wisdom is the Voice of God , because it is the Wisdom of God. Kings are called the Lords Anointed . And not only the Kings of Israel , but even Heathen Kings also . Isa . 45. 1. Thus saith the Lord to his Anointed , even to Cirus . Now Cirus was King of Persia , Ezra . 1. 1. 6. If yet it be said , that Government , but not the Form of Government , is of God , but of human Choice , &c. I answer , I speak not of a Government to be formed , and not yet in being ; but of one established : and therefore , I say , the distinction is dangerous . But how shall it be a Power or Government without its Form ? Does God make an Ordinance or any thing else without Form ? If so , what can you call it ? It is the Form that gives every thing to be , or at least to be called what it is . It 's bad venturing to say , that God makes an Ordinance , and leaves Man to form it , as to the Essentials of it . And seeing no Nation can long endure , without Government , nor that Government subsist without Form. It seems necessary that both be acknowledged to be of God ; and consequently , where the Form of Government is Regal or Kingly , it is of God , and as such to be had in Honour . That God does by his Providence order and permit Men to transact , order , and settle the Mode of Government , in Nations which yet are unsetled in that respect , does not prove that the Form or Settlement when made is not of God , or not to be esteemed so ; because in such an emergency , the Voice of the People , together with God's Providence , must herein be acknowledged the Voice of God. For thus in an ordinary way is that Saying true , By me Kings reign , and Princes decree Justice . By me Princes rule , and Nobles , even all the Judges of the Earth . It was the most high God which gave Nebuchadnezzar a Kingdom , Majesty , Glory and Honour , Dan. 5. 18. who then may question his Regal Power to be of God ? It 's ill murmuring , worse disputing , worst of all to fight against God. Surely , if Nebuchadnezzar must have this Honour given to him as King , even by Daniel that Servant of God , because by the Almighty he was thus exalted , altho otherwise he was a sinful Man , a great Idolater ; it must needs resolve all doubts that may arise , about the warrantableness of Kingly Government , and all Christians Obedience to it , with respect to all Kings under whom they live , whatsoever . If it be objected , that some may usurp Kingly Government , and some that have it may abuse it . I answer ; Tho this be true , yet it is nothing to the purpose ; for this is incident to all other Forms of Government . And when God permits such things , it 's usually for the Sins of the People , as it is written , For the Transgressions of a Land , many are the Princes thereof , Prov. 28. 2. He gave them a King in his Wrath : But this was because Israel had rejected God , and his Prophet Samuel . Otherwise God had promised to give his People a King , Numb . 23. 21. Yea , the Government of Moses himself was after a sort a Regal or Kingly Government , Deut. 33. 4 , 5. If then it so fall out , that Kings or other Rulers do oppress their Subjects , I know no remedy for the Subject but Prayers and Tears , that God would turn their own Hearts more to his Fear , and the Heart of their Prince towards them ; ( For the Hearts of Kings are in his Hands : ) And with patient Suffering , and humble Supplication , to seek for Favour . For Rebellion must by no means be admitted , For it is as the Sin of Witchcraft ; being against God , as well as against the King , because it is against the Ordinance of God. And hence Tertullian well said , The Christian knows that the Emperor is constituted of God. And saith the Prophet , I have delivered all these Countries into the Hands of Nebuchadnezzar : Who then may take them out of his Hand ? Sure none but God , who sets up one , and puts down another , as pleases him . For he that gives can only rightfully take away , and he doth so when Men abuse what he gives . Mene , Mene , Takel Vpharsin , God hath numbred thy Kingdom , and finished it , — and given it to the Medes and Persians , Dan. 5. 25 , 26. If it be objected from that Passage , They have set up Kings , and not by me ; that Kingly Government is of Man , not of God. I answer ; This rather proves the contrary , for here a disorder only is reproved in the way of doing that , which they could not do rightly but by him , that is , God. They so set up a King , as they rejected God , that he should not reign over them , 1 Sam. 8. 7. Hence it was that Samuel gave them that Reproof and Exhortation , 1 Sam. 12. 20. Ye have done all this Wickedness , yet turn not aside from following the Lord , but serve the Lord with all your Heart . But God did not deny them a King : No , but he had given them direction how to chuse them a King , Deut. 17. 14 , 15 , 16. And most certain it is , that of all Civil Governments which God hath set up in the World , Kingly Government is the most frequent , and permanent , so far as the Scripture gives any account of this Matter : And indeed it holds the nearest resemblance to that Government which God himself exercises over the World in general ; For he is King of Kings , and his Kingdom ruleth over all . Let us then come more directly to the Text , Honour the King. And , 1. Of the Honour which we owe to his Royal Person . We must esteem it very highly , and behave our-selves towards him with that Fear and Reverence which belongs to him , as placed next unto God. My Son , fear thou the Lord and the King , Prov. 24. 21. Give unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's , and to God the things which are God's . So the Text , Fear God , Honour the King. We see the King holdeth the next place of Honour unto God. Hence Tertullian , personating the Christians of his time , says , We honour the Emperour as a Man next unto God. And saith Optatus , Above the Emperour there is none but God , who made the Emperour . If we will honour the King's Person , or esteem him highly , we must not only upon all sit occasions , give him ( with Reverence ) his Place and Titles of Honour ; but also defend his Person with the hazard of our own , as those did who would not suffer King David to hazard himself , saying , Thou art worth ten thousand of us . Let us hate to think or speak evil or contemptuously of him whom God hath exalted , and set over us . We find a remarkable Instance of true Love and Loyalty to a Prince , 2 Sam. 15. 19 , 20 , 21. Here tho Ittai was willed by the King , not to put himself in danger for him , yet he answers thus , As the Lord liveth , and as my Lord the King liveth , surely in what place my Lord the King shall be , whether in Death , or in Life , even there also will thy Servant be . This poor exiled Stranger ( for such he was ) shall rise up in Judgment against many native Subjects , who have done quite contrary hereunto even in our days . 2. We must Honour him in Love. Sincere Love , and Loyal Affection , as he is King , can in no wise be wanting in a good Subject : Nor can we honour the King heartily , if we do not love him entirely . Now he that truly loves his Prince , has him much in his serious Thoughts , especially when he prays to the God of Heaven : He will not then forget him whom he truly Loves , whom he honours in Love. If he love him , he will pray for him ; perhaps that is all the good he can do his Prince ; and in this a mean Subject may serve his King , as much as any , so that his Prayer be Serious and Godly . It is highly observable , how the duty of making Prayer for all Men , and particularly for Kings and Rulers , with Supplication , Intercession , and giving of Thanks , is required of Christians ; especially of those in the Ministry : That by the Ministers constant and devout performance of this Duty in behalf of all that are in Authority , the Hearts of the People may be more endeared towards their Prince , and themselves hereby instructed to perform their Duty , and manifest their Love to their Governours in like manner , 1 Tim. 2. 1 , 2. And to enforce the Exhortation to this Duty , the Apostle tells us , that it is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour , vers . 3. 3. The next Demonstration of honouring the King , shall be taken from the manner of our Language , and the matter of our Discourse when concerned to speak of him , or of his Doings . In these we must hate the thoughts of Scurrility , or reflecting Expressions ; for the Tongue is the Index of the Mind , and we are expresly forbidden to curse or speak evil of the King , even in our Bed-Chamber ; for these things are so odious , that Providence will fight against such as do so , and the Iniquity of such doings will return upon the Offenders : For a Bird in the Air shall carry the News , and that which hath Wings shall tell the Tidings , Eccles . 10. 20. Are they not marked out in Scripture for the worst sort of Men , that are not afraid to speak evil of Dignities ? More daring and presumptuous than Angels , who are great in Authority , and may lawfully do more than Men , yet they dare not bring a railing Accusation against the Devil , who is the Prince of Darkness ; but they refer the wrong done to them unto God , who both can and will rebuke him . But why may not the good Angels rebuke Satan ? Why they know ( as wicked as he is ) he could do nothing about the Body of Moses , nor any thing else , without License from the Almighty : He must indeed be withstood in his Temptations , but he must not be rail'd on it seems . And then what manner of Men are they that will take Liberty to rail on their Princes , if they do not what they would have them ? Nay , tho they should do Evil , yet must they in no wise be evil spoken of . Thou shalt not revile the Gods , nor speak evil of the Ruler of my People , Exod. 22. 28. Acts 23. 5. Object . But have not the Prophets reproved Kings when they did Evil ? I answer , Yea ; God reproved them by his Prophets frequently . And no doubt that Men of God , such as have Commission from him , may and ought to deal faithfully with Kings and Rulers , when they do that which is Evil in the sight of the Lord. But this is that which is intolerable , that the Errors or Infirmities of Princes should be made the Subject of Mens Discourse : Surely they are rather to be lamented before the Lord in secret . Is it meet to say to a King , Thou art wicked ? and to Princes , Ye are ungodly ? Job 34. 18. The true Sence of these Interrogatives is , No. It is by no means thus to reflect upon a King. St. Paul having spoken rashly , Acts 23. 5. corrects and excuses himself , by saying , I wist not , Brethren , that he was God's High Priest : For it is written , Thou shalt not speak Evil of the Ruler of my People . Let Christians beware of this evil Disease which reigns in these days . Let them remember , They are bound by Gospel-Rules to Honour the King , next to God himself . Thus much of the Honour which we owe to the King's Person . Let us now consider , how we are obliged by Gospel-Rules to obey his Authority . And here , 1. Let the Subject consider how much God has set him below his Prince , for Obedience seldom issues from a lofty Mind . It 's not impossible for a Subject , in conceit , to be a Prince's Mate , and then Subjection is Death to him . That Passage concerning Mephibosheth , the Son of Jonathan , 2 Sam. 9. 8. was written for our Learning . When he considered the Majesty of King David , and his own Condition as a Subject ; What is thy Servant ( saith he ) that thou shouldst look upon such a dead Dog as I am ? Such self-abasing Thoughts in a Subject ( especially those of low degree ) does argue an Heart full of desires to honour him whom God has exalted as his King , and a Mind willing to obey him . Let Christians learn by this Example . 2. Our Saviour hath led us the right way : Give unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's . But what things are they ? Why the Things which bear his Image and Superscription . Whose Image and Superscription is this , says Christ ? They say , Caesar's . Therefore , saith Christ , Give unto Caesar , &c. We may hence fairly infer , that whatsoever bears the King's Authority , or is required in his name , must be obeyed . Submit your selves to every Ordinance of Man , for the Lord's sake , whether it be to the King as Supream , or unto Governours , as unto those that are sent by him . Mark , if they be sent by him , they bear his Image , or Superscription , they represent the King ; submit , submit , either Actively or Passively , here 's no resisting , for here comes Caesar . Only here it must be minded , Caesar's Superscription is only to be put to the Ordinances of Man. None can put a Divine Character upon a Law but God ; and we must give to God the things which are God's , Divine Obedience , or Obedience in all divine things , to God ; Civil Obedience , or Obedience in all civil things , to Caesar . Thus has our Saviour divided the matter of Christians ( and all Mens ) Obedience to God , and to Caesar . Let us hold to this most just Settlement , a better cannot possibly be given . 3. St. Paul will have Christians Subjection to Caesar , to proceed from them of pure Conscience , or for Conscience sake , Rom. 13. not only Wrath. And of this Reason wills that we give all the Assurance that we can to Princes , that we are heartily their Subjects ; And willingly obedient in all things which concerns their Government over us . This Principle of Obedience in the Heart , will make our Obedience to Princes delightful and durable ; they that have this good Principle in them , will never be weary of any reasonable Labour , Service , or Hazard for their King : where it is wanting , the King can put no confidence in them . This is so reasonable , so necessary , that he that hath not such an Heart for his Sovereign , is unworthy the name of a Subject : He is no Subject . From this Principle , we are to pay tribute also , Rom. 13. 6 , 7. and not grudgingly . And when Princes see Men ready , in conscience of their Duty , to serve them as God's Vicegerents ; how naturally will this draw back again the influence of all Princely Favours ? That Prince who is thus happy in the Obedience of his Subjects , will doubtless , as a Loving Father , contrive the best to make his Subjects happy under his Government . 4. How clearly is our Duty to our Superiors delivered by St. Paul , Tit. 3. 1 , &c. Put them in mind to be subject to Principalities and Powers , to obey Magistrates , to be ready to every good work . Let the Power be in this or the other Form ( for all Nations have not the same Form of Government ) you must not dispute that , you must chearfully obey , as becomes Men of a ready Mind , to do the good commanded by Magistrates ; you must not ask whether they be Heathen Kings , or Christian Kings : You must obey all Kings or Magistrates , For they are God's Ministers , attending on this very thing ; i. e. the Government of the World : a very necessary thing , without which human Society cannot subsist . Here is no Limitation of time for your Subjection to Princes , Powers , and Magistrates ; you are under this Obligation so long as St. Paul's Epistle to Titus is Canonical . Let not then any idle Dream of the change of Dispensations subvert you from the simplicity of the Gospel-Rules delivered in this great Case , in which the Happiness of Christian Men , as such , is much concerned : For , who shall harm them if they be careful Followers of that which is good ? 1 Pet. 3. 13. But if it so fall out , that notwithstanding your care in this matter , ye must suffer for righteousness sake , then happy are ye , &c. for still religious Obedience is due to God , and must be paid to him . 5. This place , Tit. 3. 1. commands Christians to be ready to every good work . Obj. What if the Powers command otherwise ? what then ? For answer to this , we know we have an Obligation to obey God antecedent to that of our Obedience to Kings ( as has been shewed . ) He commands us to abstain from every appearance of Evil , 1 Thess . 5. 22. Wherefore if the Power shall be so unhappy to command otherwise , as it fell out in the case of Nebuchadnezzar , Dan. 5. there the Penalty must be patiently endured . And then the Powers are still obeyed . And tho some vainly upbraid us , that there either is no such thing as Passive Obedience ; or that our Obedience in this is like the Obedience of a Felon , when he goes to the Gallows , &c. Such blind Byards may be pleased to know , the Felon hath ordinarily nothing to chuse , but must necessarily dye : whereas the suffering Christian has Life and Liberty offered if he will but worship so , or so . Now here he chuses rather to suffer , than to do that which he conceives ( at least ) to be sin in the sight of God , that so he may be a faithful Witness for God ; and therein a Blessing to his Prince and to his Nation , which is his only way to silence the Ignorance of foolish Men ; whose unwary Objections reflect not only upon all true Martyrs since the World began , but upon Christ himself , who for this cause was hated and persecuted , because He bore witness to the Truth , Joh. 18. 37. and that the Works of the World were Evil , John 7. 7. 6. But if it should happen that Princes should some way intrench upon the Civil Rights of their Subjects ? What then must we do ? What then ? Why it is dangerous to contend with them in such cases ; we are taught otherwise by the Example of our Saviour , in his direction to St. Peter , in the case of paying Tribute to the Roman Magistrates , Mat. 17. 25 , 26 , 27. For it is evident from this place , that our Saviour was not obliged by Law to pay Custom or Tribute , but was free in that case ; yet it being demanded , he advises Peter to pay it , both for himself , and his Master : So careful was he to avoid Offences , that he will pay Tribute , and advises his Followers to do it too , tho it be in their own wrong . A good precedent to all Christians to be humble , and not to contend with Authority in or about indifferent things : Would God they would consider it . 7. But it may here be demanded , Whether Princes may not warrantably punish such as submit not to the Religion by them established , from the Example of King Artaxerxes , Ezra . 7. 26. Whosoever will not do the Law of thy God , and the Law of the King , let Judgment be executed speedily upon him , whether it be unto Death , or to Banishment , or to Confiscation of Goods , or to Imprisonment ? I confess , this Objection requires a serious Answer . And with submission to better Judgments , I shall say a few Things in Answer to it . And it seems by the Scope and Contexture of the Commission given to Ezra by Artaxerxes , that these Things are evident : 1. That the King did not himself embrace the Religion of the Jewish Nation , but retained still his former Religion ; for tho he did fear the God of Israel , yet he never calls him his God , but the God of Heaven , and the God of Ezra , &c. 2. That God had by a special Providence , and Motion from himself , disposed the Heart of the King of Persia , to give free Liberty to the Jews , which were Captives in his Dominions , to go forth to serve their God ; vers . 13. I make a Decree , that all they of the People of Israel , and of his Priests and Levites in my Realm , which are minded of their own free Will to go up to Jerusalem , to go with thee , — to do whatsoever shall seem good to them , after the Will of your God. 3. The King does not only give a present Supply to Ezra , as a Free-Will-Offering to the God of Israel , vers . 15. but also provides for his necessary Supply for the future , out of the King's Treasury , vers . 20. 4. The King fearing the Displeasure of the God of Israel against himself and his Sons , does require Ezra , that whatsoever was required by the God of Heaven should be diligently done . 5. The King also empowers Ezra to set Magistrates and Judges over the People , and in so doing , gave Ezra a Magistratical Power , or made him a Magistrate ; and so gives Order , that whosoever would not be obedient to him should be punished , vers . 25 , 26. This is the Sum of the Commission given to Ezra by the King of Persia . In all which , nothing appears , that any of his Subjects should be compelled to alter their Religion , nor be forced to be all of one Religion : But a free Liberty is given to the Jews , ( as well as to others ) to serve their God according to his Law , and a Restraint laid upon them that would hinder them . And Ezra is empowered ( indeed ) to punish those that were under the Law of Moses , according to that Law , if they would not do it ; and such as withstood his Authority , as a Magistrate , which he received from the King , were to be punished by the Law of the King of Persia , who had the Power of Life and Death in his hand , which the Jewish Nation had not at this time . 6. We may learn hence , that it is indeed a blessed Thing for all Kings to fear the God of Heaven , and to advance the Interest of Religion in their Dominions ; and it is as evident , that Religion must always be setled according to the Law of God , with the greatest Care that may be , and none punished for keeping the Law of God ; but for breaking the Law of God , and the Law of the King , which did concur with the Law of God. Here were great Punishments assigned ; and yet not to be insisted on too rashly , in the Times of the Gospel , nor in Cases purely Evangelical , or of the Christian Religion , as it is dignified above the Principles of common Reason and Morality : In these Cases I cannot see how it should be in the power of Magistrates to compell any against their Will , seeing it's God , not Man , that makes Christians . Ephes . 2. 10. We are his Workmanship , created in Christ Jesus unto good Works , which God hath before ordained , that we should walk in them . And God gives none the Privileges of his Children , until they be his Children ; nor are they his Children , till they be born , not of Blood , nor of Flesh , nor of the Will of Man , but of God. John 1. 12 , 13. 7. Nor must we deny , but acknowledg , that God's Vicegerents are authorized by the Almighty to be Keepers of both Tables , so as to defend his Sovereignty , and to encourage true Religion , against Atheists and Idolaters , that worship a Creature instead of the Creator ; for so it is written , Job 31. 26 , 27 , 28. If I beheld the Sun when it shined , or the Moon walking in Brightness , and my Heart hath been secretly enticed , or my Mouth hath kissed my Hand ; this also were an Iniquity to be punished by the Judge , for I should have denied God that is above . Now let us write ( or desire the Lord to write ) the Words of our Text in our Hearts ; Honour all Men ; Love the Brotherhood ; Fear God ; Honour the King. Surely that Christian , that shall make it his Business to do these things heartily , shall be acceptable to God , and approved of Men ; there shall be no occasion of stumbling in him . But if Christians be too busy to inspect Matters of State , or to meddle with those that contrive or project any thing to the disturbance and subversion of the Government in the Kingdoms where they live , they shall never be able to recommend their Religion ( be it never so good in it self ) to the acceptance of their Governors , nor to obtain from them to be Nursing-Fathers to it ; but shall certainly expose themselves to the Displeasure of God , as well as to the Wrath of Princes . And God himself will vindicate the Honour of his Ordinance of Worldly Government , against all that despise it , as well as against all that abuse their Power in it ; for there is no Respect of Persons with God. Rom. 2. 11. Let me therefore exhort you , my Brethren , ( as you know it has been my manner these thirty Years ) to follow Peace with all Men , and Holiness ; to study to be quiet , and especially in troublesom Times ; to fear the Lord and the King , and meddle not with them that are given to change , Prov. 24. 21. Many have undone themselves by itching after Changes in Worldly Government . God only knows what is best for you , and for the Nation . They that are weary of this , are soon weary of that ; few know what they would have ; and who is able to devise any thing that will please all Humors , and suit all Interests ? Bless God for your Prince , and for the Peace you have enjoyed under him , and pray for him , and for all that are in Authority , that under them ( if the Will of God be so ) you may lead quiet and peaceable Lives in all Godliness and Honesty . They that will not pray for all that are in Authority , do not fear God , for they contemn his Word , 1 Tim. 2. 1. They do not love , and so they cannot honour the King. You are at present under Sufferings , for the consciencious performance of what you believe to be your Duty towards God in Matters of Religion ; humble your selves under the mighty Hand of God , and suffer patiently what Trials it shall please God to exercise you under , that ( as our Apostle hath it , 1 Pet. 1. 7. ) the Trial of your Faith being much more precious than that of Gold that perisheth , tho it be tried with Fire , might be found unto Praise , and Honour , and Glory , at the appearing of Jesus Christ . I say no more ; the Lord direct you . AMEN . NOW if it shall please God , to bring this faithful ( tho unpolished ) Discourse to his Majesties Royal Hand , I do hereby in all Humility prostrate my self at his Royal Feet , with this humble Supplication . That it would graciously please his Majesty , according to his wonted Goodness , and Princely Clemency , to consider and pity the distressed condition of many of his faithful Subjects , who dissent from the Church of England in the case of Infant-Baptism , and some other Ceremonies , and cannot in Conscience to God conform to them ; nor deny the exercise of their Religion , of which they are convinced , and persuaded to be according to the Will of God. O let our Lord the King consider , that this is the greatest strait that any honest Christian can be put upon , either to deny what he believes to be true , or profess that to be true , which he believes to be otherwise . O let the God of Heaven be always his Majesties Chief Counsellour ; That by his direction he may rightly distinguish between those that are harmless in his Realm , and such as have abused his Kindnesses ( which have been very great , and thankfully to be remembred ) and that the present Severities against the Innocent may be abated and removed , lest they be made miserable in their Native Countrey . God Almighty bless the King , &c. FINIS . The SECOND PART of the APOLOGY FOR THE Baptized Believers , Wherein the GROUNDS of INFANT-BAPTISM Are REVIEWED : In ANSWER to Fourteen ARGUMENTS , delivered by Mr. Nathaniel Taylor , M. A. in a SERMON on Matth. 28. 19. entituled , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . And therewithal , The Reasons of the Separation of the Baptized Believers , from the Pedobaptists , modestly propounded . Upon the occasion of their great and long-continued Sufferings . By T. Grantham , a Servant of Christ . LONDON ; Printed for the Author . 1684. AN APOLOGY FOR THE Baptized Believers , &c. PRESENTED To all Pious and Well-disposed Christians in the Church of ENGLAND . SECT . I. Honoured and Beloved Brethren , TO prevent a Mistake , and to remove an Aspersion too frequently cast upon us , be pleased to know , that tho we differ from you and others , in some things relating to the Constitution and Government of a true Church , yet we do not therefore arrogate to our selves alone the Christian Name , nor exalt our selves in our Imaginations above others ; but do believe and hope , that the Number of the saved Ones will be gathered out of all sorts of Christians , who heartily love God and our Lord Jesus Christ , and live holily and charitably among Men , tho they be diversified in respect of Ceremonies , by reason of the Place and Government where they live : Yea , we have Charity for all Men , who are faithful to the Means of Grace afforded them , how small soever , knowing that our God delights in Mercy , and does not exact the utmost Farthing of any Man. But for all this , as it is certain there hath been abundance of Errors introduced among Christians , so it has pleased God to raise up a People still to testify against them , ( the Memories of whom are blessed , tho they were frequently persecuted . ) So we believe it a Duty incumbent upon us , to bear our Testimony to what Truth we know , and not to partake with any in their By-Paths in Life or Religion , and yet endeavour as much as in us lieth , after Unity and Concord with all that fear God , and own the Christian Profession . To which purpose we have humbly proposed what we thought concern'd us , in order to a better Understanding and Compliance , in our Friendly Epistle to the Bishops and Ministers of the Church of England , published some Years ago , but has not been publickly taken notice of , till lately one Mr. Taylor , a Person of Worth for his Integrity , and Zeal for the Protestant Interest , and for his gentle Disposition towards such as fear God , tho differing from him in the Case of Ceremonies . It hath pleased him ( I say ) to take notice of our said Epistle , and to offer something in order to a Composure of Differences , which I confess , with him , to be a thing greatly to be desired . But then he is pleased to shew us nothing of Mitigation , or Hopes of the removal of the Things which hath occasioned our Disunion , but does rather wholly charge the Cause of Division upon us , and supposes our Difference about Baptism , to be the chief Cause of our dissenting from the Church of England . But tho this is indeed a matter of great Importance , because true Baptism is antecedent to Church-Communion ; yet that which is greater in our Judgment , is that open Prophaneness , which , God knows , reigns and rages in the Church of England , and therewithal , the utter Neglect of Discipline to reform those Iniquities ; and also that persecuting Spirit , which appears even in too many of the Guides of the Church , by whose Cruelty our Sufferings have been much augmented . For these Causes we have thought our selves concerned to make this our Christian Apology , in which we crave leave to use that Freedom of Speech which the Matters depending do require . And yet , seeing we must acknowledg that we are not infallible , ( as neither does the Church of England pretend so to be ) we shall speak under Correction , and by the help of God , with resolution to submit to a clear Conviction , if indeed it shall appear , that the Things wherein we dissent are justifiable on the part of the Church of England ; but till this be done , it would be Hypocrisy and Baseness in us , to violate our Consciences in Things pertaining to Religion , to obtain Favour from Men ; for if we should so please Men , we should not be the Servants of Christ . Gal. 1. 10. And we do the 〈◊〉 desire to be heard at this time ; partly , for that Mr. Taylor is pleased to impute Folly to us , in separating from the Church of England , because we allow of the most of the Thirty Nine Articles ; but especially being thereunto required by some of Eminency and great Authority in the Church of England , who also told us , That unless we could shew , that the Church of England does hold some Error in point of Faith , or that she does practise something in her Religion which is sinful , we cannot justify our Separation from her . And whether we be able on this wise to vindicate our present Separation , is the Business which we pray may be seriously considered . SECT . II. A brief Account of the Reasons why the Baptized Believers cannot conform to the Ceremonies of the Church of England . REserving all due Honour to the Church of England , so far as she holds the Truth in the Thirty Nine Articles , and as she is a good Fortress against much Popish Superstition and Idolatry ; we shall humbly make our Objections in three Particulars , 1. Concerning Infant-Baptism . 2. Concerning her Discipline . 3. Concerning her Imposing of Ceremonies . From all which we think we may safely argue thus : It is lawful , just , and needful , to maintain a prudent and friendly Separation from such a Church , as does believe , hold , and maintain such Things , as are evidently and actually destructive of that Christian Liberty , wherewith Christ hath made his Churches free ; and of that sacred Baptism , and holy Discipline , which Christ ordained to continue in all Churches to the end of the World. But the Church of England does believe , hold , and maintain such Things , as are evidently and actually destructive of that Christian Liberty , wherewith Christ hath made his Churches free , and of that sacred Baptism , and holy Discipline , which Christ ordained to continue in all Churches , to the end of the World. Ergo , It is lawful , just , and needful to maintain a prudent and friendly Separation from the Church of England in her present Parochial Constitution . Supposing the Major is not to be denied by any Christian , we shall endeavour to make good the Minor. To begin with Sacred Baptism . It is evident from the Scripture , and partly from the Confession of the Church of England , that the Things prerequisite to Baptism , on the part of every one who is to be joined with the Church Militant , or to be baptized , are these : 1. They ought to have the Gospel preached , or some way made known to them . 2. To believe the Gospel . 3. To repent of Sin. And , 4. Willingly to put on Christ in Baptism . Or to express it in short : They are , first , to be dead with Christ ; and then , secondly , to be buried with Christ by Baptism . Now that the Church of England does hold such Things as are evidently and actually destructive of this Baptism , may in our Judgment be thus proved : 1. She believes , holds , and does teach others to hold , That all , or the very most of her Church-Members are regenerate , without hearing the Word of God , without Faith , without Repentance , or any Knowledg of God ; and so believes what neither we , nor any Body else can understand to be true , and errs in Faith. 2. Yet she does not believe that her Members are regenerate at all , till she cross or sprinkle them with Water ; neither does she know ( because she has no ground to believe ) that Infants are thereby made anew , so as to become the Children of God , and Heirs of Heaven ; and believing this without possibility ( ordinarily ) to know it to be true , she errs in Faith. 3. She believes , and maintains , that those ought to be baptized , whom she knows do not , cannot believe , nor repent , nor in any measure know God , nor any Duty of Religion ; and herein she errs ( as we conceive ) concerning the Faith. 4. She believes and maintains , that Sponsors do believe and repent for Infants , or that Infants do perform Faith and Repentance by their Sponsors ; and believing these things , and teaching her Youth to believe them , without any ground from the Word of God , she believes amiss , or errs in Faith. 5. She holds , that Persons may lawfully be baptized when they are asleep , and does actually pretend to baptize Infants when they are asleep , which we think verily must needs be a very great Error both in Faith and Practice . 6. She believes , holds , and maintains , that Crossing or Sprinkling is a lawful way of Baptizing , when indeed it is no Baptizing at all . Insomuch as those that use that Mode , dare not speak as they act , saying , I sprinkle thee in the Name , &c. their Conscience bearing them witness , that the sacred Act of baptizing in the Name , &c. cannot be expressed by the word , Sprinkling : They therefore believing what they know is not true in this matter , must needs err in Faith , as well as in their Practice . And this Error has in a manner destroyed the way of Baptizing used by John Baptist , Christ and his Apostles . 7. Thus tho we grant , that the Church of England is no less zealous for the Doctrine of Baptism than our selves , yet it is apparent to us , that she hath accidentally lost this holy Ordinance , both in respect of the Subject and Manner of it , and in the due Use and End of it , which was not appointed ( nor fitted ) to receive new-boru Infants into the Church Militant . And by this unwarrantable Change she has defaced the State , and lost the Praise of a true Church , 1 Cor. 11. 2. because she has not kept this Ordinance , as it was delivered by Christ and his Apostles ; but hath rather suppressed it , and much oppressed those that labour to restore it to its due Use and Practice in all Churches , which is a great Aggravation of all these her Errors in Faith and Practice , concerning Sacred Baptism . SECT . III. Concerning Discipline . WHat manner of Discipline the Church of Christ ought to observe , is sufficiently declared , Matth. 18. 1 Cor 5. 2 Thess . 3. Tit. 3. and other places . And it is very well expressed by a Minister of the Church of England , in his Def●nce of the Thirty Nine Articles of the Church of England , in these Words : The manner of proceeding in Excommunication is , first by gentle Admonition , and that once or twice , given with the Spirit of Meekness , even as a Brother , if the Fault be not notoriously known , and next , by open Reprehension ; afterward by publick Sentence of the Church , to put him from the Company of the Faithful , to deliver him to Satan , to denounce him an Heathen , and a Publican , if no Admonition will serve , and the Crimes and Persons be very offensive . Thus he . And to this Discipline we can heartily subscribe , it being indeed the very same which is religiously observed by the Baptized Believers in this Age and Nation . But where now shall this Discipline be found in the Church of England ? Does any one Assembly , or Court , of the Church of England observe it ? Or does she not practise that in her Courts , which is too evidently destructive of it ? For so far as we can understand , instead of this brotherly Admonition , Men are clandestinely presented and accused , and often excommunicated for they know not what . What Man is now taught or bound by any Order of the Church of England , that in case his Brother trespass against him , by defaming his Reputation , offering Injury to his Person , or by wronging him in his Substance , to take that brotherly Course prescribed to all Christians , Mat. 18. ? Or if he would take this Course , what Congregation is empowred or allowed to hear or determine the Strife , as Sin is in such cases committed against God ? We see not how it is possible for the Offended , to do his Duty in an orderly way to the Offender ; if he go about it , he shall probably be derided both by Teacher and People : So far is he from obtaining Justice against the Offender , in any Congregation of the Church of England , because the ancient Discipline is an unknown thing to the People generally . And for want of this Christian Government , are Men continually exposed to Suits and Troubles in Courts of Law , wherein the Poor can have small Help ; as it is written , Eccles . 5. 8. ( old Translation ) If thou seest the Poor to be oppressed , — marvel not , — for one great Man keepeth touch with another , and the mighty Men are in Authority over the Poor . 3. But that which is more grievous : We do not see that open Prophaneness can be met with , or suppressed by your Discipline : For suppose a Man be given to Swearing , Lying , Drunkenness , and lascivious Talking , ( as God knows , a great Number of the Members of the Church of England are known to be such ) your Discipline seems to have no power in such Cases : for thus saith one of your own Ministers : Who minds Canon 109 , that prohibits common Swearers , common Drunkards , notorious Whoremasters , and Whores , &c. from the blessed Sacrament of the Lord's Supper ? Do not even Bishops hear Men swear a thousand Oaths , and either do not , or dare not use any Discipline against them ? But now if a good Man do not stand up , and bow to the Altar at the Name of Jesus , when the Creed is read , because he dares not pay greater Reverence ( in a religious way ) to any Writing , than he pays to the holy Scriptures ; If he dares not use the Sign of the Cross in Baptism , nor sprinkle his Child , &c. then shall he be prosecuted as a great Sinner , cast to the Devil , and laid in Prison ; yea , he is sentenced already : For in Canon 6. thus we read : Whosoever shall affirm , that the Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of England are — superstitious , or such — as Men who are zealously and godlily affected , may not with any good Conscience approve them , use them , or as Occasion requireth , subscribe unto them ; let him be excommunicated ipso facto , and not restored , until he repent , and publickly revoke such his wicked Errors . 4. Thus ( as we conceive ) the Discipline of Righteousness , Mercy , and Charity , established by Christ , is laid aside ; and a Mercenary Court set up , holding the Traditions of Men , instead of Christ's Institutions , in Ecclesiastical Government , who also live voluptuously upon the Sins of the People . But as for the Reformation of evil Manners , or the making Peace and Concord , alas ! it is not sought for , nor indeed expected from these Courts . And as the Reverend Grosthead said at Rome , when he saw all things ruled by Money , so may I say of the Courts under consideration , O Money , Money , what wilt thou not do there ? As for the opprobrious Language prohibited by the Canon , we think it uncomely for any to use it , tho we dissent from the Ceremonies themselves . SECT . IV. Concerning Imposing of Ceremonies . 1. ALL Divine Ceremonies ordained by Christ , or his Apostles , we reverence , and religiously observe and keep , as they were delivered . 2. That any Church since their days , hath just power to make and ordain Divine Ceremonies , to be any necessary parts of the Worship of God , we see no ground to believe ; much less , that such Ceremonies may lawfully be imposed under pain of Excommunication , Banishment , Imprisonment , Loss of Estate and Life . For tho it is certain , God has given power to the Rulers of the World , to make , change , or disannual Laws in point of Civil Government ; yet we believe all the Power on Earth cannot make one Institute or Divine Ceremony in Religion . And therefore we cannot but think the Church of England erred from the Rule of Righteousness , in decreeing Rites and Ceremonies which God has not commanded . 3. For when we see how sharply fome were reprehended by St. Paul , for bringing the Christian Churches in Galatia under some Legal Ceremonies , which once had a divine Original and Use in the Church of God , as Invaders of the Liberty wherewith Christ had made them free ; averring also , That if they were subject to them , Christ should profit them nothing . Gal. 5. 1 , 2. We can see no ground to free the Protestants from Sin , who either take up Scriptureless Ceremonies from the Papists , or invent Ceremonies themselves ; but least of all , when they force Men , will they , nill they , to conform to such Ceremonies , or else to be ejected , and delivered up to Satan . And surely it was very unreasonable for her Bishops to consent to a Law , that pious Men , only dissenting in these things i from the Church of England , should be banished , or else hanged as Felons , without Benefit of the Clergy . And we humbly desire , that the Severity of that Law may be considered and mitigated . 4. But if it shall be said , That the Ceremonies of the Church of England , ( as the Sprinkling of Infants , the Sign of the Cross in Baptism , bowing to the Altar , to name no more at present ) are not sinful ; then how shall we be ever able to reprove a Papist , for using holy Water , bowing to the Image of Christ ? &c. Certainly , if we must submit to the Ceremonies of the Church of England , in her present Constitution , we must submit to theirs too , where they have power on their side to enforce them . But he that shall impartially consider what a learned Protestant hath said of the Sinfulness of that one Ceremony of the Sign of the Cross in Baptism , in his Book entituled , Against Symbolizing with Antichrist in Ceremonies , will see great cause to avoid touching with any such Inventions , however they may be supposed to have had an harmless Use among Christians at the first . But who sees not , that when such Ceremonies have got the Reputation of Religion upon them , and are forced on by humane Laws , what incredible Miseries they have brought upon the Christian World ? How have they lorded it over Kings and Kingdoms , over the Estates , Liberties and Lives of Christians ? Who sees not , that being thus set up , they are sometimes more set by , than sincere Faith , and an holy Life ? as if all true Religion ( and Loyalty too ) were only to be judged of according to Mens Submission to those Humane Innovations . For it is notorious , even in this our Land , that let a Man but conform to all the Ceremonies , he shall live honourably , let his Life be never so debauched almost : But let a Man refuse these Ceremonies , out of conscience to God , because they are not from Heaven , then he is Envy's Mark , let his Life be never so just and harmless . Such Effects should lead us to consider what the Causes are . And because we are speaking of Ceremonies , we crave leave to enquire , What means the Ceremony of the Ring in Marriage ? Why are we forced not only to use it , but to use it in the Name of the Father , and of the Son , and of the Holy-Ghost ? The Church of England blames the Papists for saying Marriage is a Sacrament ; but shall we then make a Sacrament of a Ring ? Sure you make the Ring as sacred in Marriage , as you make the Water in Baptism . Such Usages as these , we fear , give the Papists too much cause to use this Speech , A Protestant is but a Papist scar'd out of his Wits . It is not then any thing of Prejudice or Obstinacy , which makes us to stand off from the Communion of the Church of England , but an unfeigned Desire to serve God aright , and a godly Fear , lest by touching with these unwritten Traditions , we should bring our Souls under Guilt in the sight of God. Howbeit , if any can convince us , that the Church of England is justifiable in these things here objected , we shall suspect our selves to be mistaken in other things , which we here mention not . Now may it please the God of Heaven , to put it into the Hearts of the Guides of the Church of England , to consider these things . 1. That none of these Ceremonies about which we differ from them , are required of Christians in the Holy Scriptures . And that therefore , 2. To enforce them by Excommunication and Penal Laws upon the Consciences of Men , is more than God requires of you , or any Body else . And surely if the making these things necessary to our Communion were but removed , so that Things which are not delivered in the Word of God were left at liberty , we should not stand at so great a distance from the Church of England , as now we do : For tho we are verily persuaded , that these Things objected against by us are Errors , and therefore prudently to be amended ; yet we believe the imposing of them is a thousand times more offensive in the sight of God , and more grievous to the Souls of Men , because ( as we conceive ) God's Authority is then usurped by Man , and Mens Fear towards him is then taught by the Precepts of Men. And yet we know , and indeed must confess , that many Things , as to the more convenient performance of Religious Services in a Church-way , are left to the Prudence of the Church , guided therein by the general Rules in the Word of God ; and some Things also ( which are not of the Essence of Christianity ) will seem doubtful to some , and clear to others . And therefore there will be a continual Necessity of brotherly Forbearance one towards another , in some sinless Ceremonies , as many Things may be so esteemed , whilst not made the Boundaries of Communion , and forced upon Christians against their Consciences . For Example : tho Sitting be the most safe Gesture at the Lord's Table , because nearest to Christ's Example ; yet if any in Humility , and of Devotion to God , think it their Duty to receive kneeling , this surely cannot justly offend any Christian . And thus also bowing at the Name of Jesus , being left at liberty , when , where , and upon what occasion the Conscience of a Christian may be most pressed to do it , need not offend any , tho it is apparent such bowing is not the meaning of the Text , Phil. 2. 10. And the same may be said of well-composed Prayers ; so that still such Forms be used as a matter of Christian Liberty , and not imposed by Law as necessary . And could Things be managed with such Moderation , ( as certainly the State of the Inhabitants of this Land does much call for it ) in a friendly and brotherly Spirit , 't is hoped our Animosities would abate , and Charity would endear all that are upright towards God one towards another , tho labouring under many Weaknesses , or dark Circumstances . But whilst one Party stands up with a Sword in their hand , or with power to thrust Men into Goal , and rifle their Estates , unless they will all submit to their Will and Pleasure , not only without , but perhaps in some things against the Word of God , ( the pretended Rule to all Protestants in Matters of Religion ) this lays a Necessity upon all that are of Noble and truly Christian Spirits , to testify against such Cruelty , and unmanly Proceedings , and to assert the true Christian Doctrine and Liberty , and Christ's Sovereign Authority only , to make Laws for his Church , as such , altho for so doing they suffe the Loss of all Things which are dear to them in this World ; and therewithal , to stand off from the Communion of such unreasonable Men , as have not learned to do to others , as they would have others to do to them under their differing Opinions , when in a state of Subjection to those who differ from them . Thus much briefly of the Reasons or Causes of our Separation . We will now consider what Mr. N. Taylor brings to make good Poedobaptism . And the rather , because he says he has defended Infant-Baptism both by Scripture and Reason . Let us hear how he doth this . Mr. NATHANIEL TAYLOR' 's Fourteen Arguments for Infant-Baptism , considered and answered . BEfore we answer his Arguments , we will take notice of some of his Concessions . And , 1. He saith , Baptism of Water is not absolutely necessary to Salvation . pag. 2. 2. He tells us , St. Paul joins the Word of God with this Baptism , in order to the purifying Christ's Church , that acting on the Soul , and this terminating on the Body . And that St. Peter's Assertion is clear that it is not Water purifying the Flesh , but the answer of a good Conscience towards God that saveth . pag. 7. 3. He tells us also , That the premising the Word DISCIPLE ( Matth. 28. 19. ) implies none to be capable of Baptism , who are not Disciples of Christ , and Members of the Church . pag. 10. 4. And further , That Christ would have his Ordinances performed by an external Administration , wherein the subject might be in the nearest capacity of understanding . pag. 81 , 82. 5. He grants , That Childrens Baptism , and Church-Membership , are not mentioned in the New Testament . pag. 51. From all which a Man may very fairly argue , and conclude against Infant-Baptism thus . If Infants are undoubtedly saved without Baptism ; and are Members of Christ's Church without Baptism , and that the Word of God must act upon the Soul in true Baptism , so as that the Subject of Baptism must have the answer of a good Conscience : And if none be capable of Baptism , till they be Disciples of Christ , according to Matth. 28. 19. and ought to be in the nearest capacity of understanding what is done in the external administration of Baptism . And if Infant-Church-Membership and Baptism be not mentioned in the New Testament ; then Infants ought not to be baptized . But all this is true , saith Mr. Taylor : Therefore I conclude Infants ought not to be baptized . And thus his Book ( I will not say ( as he ) may be soon blown away ; but it ) may seem to be soon answered : And his learned Title very unsuitable . For how shall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , when it is not mention'd in the new Testament ; can that be Orthodoxal Baptism which is not mentioned there ? Sure this is incredible . But let us hear his Arguments , by which he undertakes to vindicate Infant-Baptism both by Scripture and Reason . Mr. Taylor 's Argument 1. If our Christian Privileges be as great as the Jews were , then our Children are rightly baptized : But our Christian Privileges are as great as the Jews were : Therefore our Children are rightly Baptized . ANSWER . Because Mr. Taylor says he offers his Reasons for Infant-Baptism , in order to a composure of Differences , and I do believe he means as he says ; I shall therefore endeavour to answer them with all Love and Sincerity , as becomes a Christian . And , I say , 1. That upon a fair Distinction , both Propositions may be denied . For , if the Question be of external Privileges only ; then whether we respect outward Advantages in the World , or Rites and Ceremonies in the Church pertinent to Infants ; the Minor is to be denied : for the Jews were under a sure Promise of a fruitful Land , and external Peace and Glory , as a Nation , whilst they did truly walk according to the Laws of God , of which Advantages their Children were partakers as well as others . But on the other side , the Christian Church by how much she is more faithful , by so much the more is she subject to Persecution : As may be seen in the differing estate of the faithful Church at Smyrna , Rev. 2. 8 , 9. and the unfaithful Church at Laodicea , Rev. 3. 17. Or if we rerespect Rites and Ceremonies , then 't is certain , even in the Judgment of all Christians , the Jews had more Ceremonies belonging to their Infants , than belongs to Christian Infants . For besides the Rite of Circumcision , there was an Offering to be offered for them , and they were to be presented in the Temple , and to partake of the Passover , Exod. 12. 47 , 48. ( and therefore Mr. Taylor does ill to deny it , pag. 92. ) Whereas the Poedobaptists only contend for the external Rite of Baptism to belong to their Infants . But if by the Word Privileges in the Argument be meant some higher thing than external Ceremonies , then the Minor is true : For as God was gracious to Infants in the Jewish Nation , as to the Business of Salvation : So is he such to the Infants of every Christian Nation in the World. But if now you be displeased , because I do not prefer , or at least equalize Christians Infants with Jewish Infants , in respect of external Ceremonies . Then let me freely tell you , that I do believe the Privileges of Christians is greater than the Jews , even in this , that God accepts our Infants to his Grace , and to Glory , without imposing the Burthen of any Ceremony at all upon them . For seeing he has by the Gospel taken away that bloody Ceremony of Circumcision , and by our Lord Christ declared Infants to have right to the Kingdom of Heaven , without imposing any Ceremony upon them instead of Circumcision , I say , herein our Privileges are greater than the Jews , and in this Sense I confirm your Minor. But then I deny the Consequence of your Major : For you may plainly see that our Christian Privileges ( when compared with the Jews ) stand not in having external Ceremonies , but rather in being freed from them . Even as it cannot be doubted but that the Children of Seth , Henoch , and Noah , &c. had as great Privileges as the Jews , and yet it is certain [ and plainly confessed by Augustine ] that they had no Ceremony or sign of Regeneration belonging to them that we read of . Aug. de Civ . Dei , lib. 15. cap. 16. Thus your chief Fort being demolished , what Reasons you bring to defend it signifie nothing ; however we shall meet with them in the following Arguments . Mr. Taylor 's Argument 2. Those who were Circumcised under the Law , may be baptized under the Gospel : But Children were Circumcised under the Law : Therefore they may be baptized under the Gospel . ANSWER . 1. I answer to the Major . If by [ Those ] you mean all those that were Circumcised under the Law : Then the Major is not true . For first , all Male-Servants which were bought with Money , must needs be Circumcised , they might not else dwell in the Family : ( Gen. 17. 12 , 13 , 14. Exod. 12. 44 , 48 , 49. ) But no such imposition is laid upon Families under the Gospel , 1 Cor. 7. 2. If by [ Those ] you mean Infants , then I deny your Major : For tho Infants were Circumcised under the Law , it does not follow that Infants may be Baptized under the Gospel : Nor do your Arguments , brought to make it good , prove it at all . For , 1. Tho Baptism succeeds Circumcision as the Sacrament of initiation , yet it does not follow , that the same Persons , or Persons no otherwise qualified than the Infants of the Jews , or Servants bought with Money , are to be admitted to Baptism ; because Circumcision belonged to the natural Seed of Abraham as such , whether in the Covenant or no ( as in the case of Ishmael , ) and to his Servants as such . But Baptism being the Sacrament or washing of Regeneration , belongs to those who are born from above ( as such ) ; Hence 't is said , Gal. 3. 28. We are Abraham's Seed , because we are Christ's , so , as to have crucified the Flesh with the Affections and Lusts : Gal. 4. 24. And not that they are Christ's , because they are Abraham's Seed . This vast difference therefore between the Communicants of the Church Jewish , and the Church Christian , shews a great difference between the carnal Ordinances of the Law , and the spiritual Ordinances of the Gospel : so that it is no good arguing from Infants Right to the one , to their Right to the other . 2. You say our Children are as capable of being Baptized , as the Jews were of being Circumcised . But this is denied : for the Jews had a Command to Circumcise Infants , and that made them capable of that Ceremony ; but without a Command none were capable of it : For some Infants might be as capable of Circumcision in respect of Strength , on the seventh Day , as others on the eighth Day ; but the Command not empowering any to circumcise till the eighth Day , made all Children that died before the eighth Day uncapable of Circumcision . Again , you will not say that any Man , as such only , is capable of Baptism , because you grant they must first be Disciples , and , as such , baptized . Nor will you say , that all Infants , as such only , may be baptized , because you do not think God has required the Infants of the Turks to be baptized . So then , unless you can shew that God has required our Infants to be baptized , they have no capacity for it . We conclude then , whatever may be urged as a Capacity for Baptism , yet without a Command from God , to baptize our Infants , is meer Will-Worship and Presumption . 3. You say , That the Precept of receiving Parent and Child into Covenant stands unrepealed to this day . But if by receiving into Covenant , you mean a receiving to the Duties of the Covenant , what you say is not true ; for the Covenant of Circumcision is repealed . Gal. 5. 2. Behold , I Paul say unto you , If ye be circumcised , Christ shall profit you nothing . And there was never any Covenant , but the Covenant of Circumcision , which obliged Parents to bring their Infants to the Ceremonies of Religion : So then Infants are not under the Burthen of any Ceremonies of Religion at this day . I marvel you should here say , There is no Countermand of the ancient Jewish Practice of receiving Children to Circumcision . Either the Printer has wrong'd you , or else you hold the Jews are yet bound to circumcise their Infants . 4. You argue from Christ's being proposed as Mediator of a better Covenant , that therefore this great Privilege ( you mean , bringing Infants to Ceremonies of Religion ) is not repealed . But the Truth is far otherwise ; for the Covenant of Christ as Mediator , is therefore better than the Covenant of the Law , because he has taken these Ceremonies out of the way , and accepts poor Infants without any other Ceremony instead of them ; yea , the Covenant is therefore better to Believers themselves , in that they are obliged but to a very few Ceremonies , whilst the Jews laboured under a burthensom Yoke of many Ceremonies . And if your way of arguing were good , it would prove , that the Gospel is worse to Believers , than the Law was to the adult Jews , because they had abundance of Religious Privileges , to wit , Ceremonies , and Believers have but a very few . Now who would think , that wise and good Men should thus grope at Noon-day ? 5. You quote Acts 2. 38 , 39. and say , that this Text expresly avers your Conclusion . But it is certain , the Promise there , is not of bringing Infants to any Ceremonies , and so does not at all favour your Conclusion ; for the Promise being of the pouring out of the Gifts of the Holy-Ghost , according to the Prophecy of Joel , concerns not Infants in Infancy , saith Dr. Jer. Taylor . And as for the Precept in the Text , [ to wit , Repent , and be baptized every one of you , ] 't is as certain that concerns not Infants ; for Infants are just Persons , which need no Repentance , and consequently as little need the Baptism of Repentance . I rather therefore adhere to Dr. Jer. Taylor , than to Mr. Nath. Taylor in this Case ; and I find that Erasmus and Diodate do expound this Text as we do . 6. Now , Sir , your great Strait seems to be this : You think the Children of Heathens have as great Privileges as we allow to the Infants of Christians . Let me answer freely ; I do believe , that through the Grace of Christ their Infants , dying such , are in as sure a capacity for Salvation as our Infants . And why should this offend , that seeing Infants are equally concluded under Sin in the first Adam , God should have equally Mercy upon them in the second Adam . Nay , does not Mr. Taylor himself tell us , p. 4. That it 's dreadful to believe , that all Infants which die unbaptized , are damned . And that any of them shall be damned , he cannot prove , seeing he says , He cannot implead them of Sin , in not being baptized , being not capable of desiring it . Well , I thank him for this , and shall requite him by granting , Christians Infants are more happy in some gracious respects , than the Infants of the Heathen , being the Seed of many Prayers , and piously devoted therein to Almighty God from the Womb , and have the Advantage of an early Education in the Christian Religion , that they may be as timely baptized as may be : On the other side , the Infants of the Heathens are perhaps devoted to Idols , as the Jews did sometimes devote theirs to Moloch . But yet , as we do not think that God sent the Jews Infants to burn in Hell , because their Parents burnt them to Moloch ; so neither ought we to think , that he will punish the Infants of the Heathen with Devils , because their Parents devoted them to Idols ; for as for poor Infants , what have they done ? 7. You answer not our Objections , by saying , The Covenant of Grace , Gen. 17. 10 , 13. is permanent to the Worlds end , &c. For tho this were true , yet that the Ceremonies which there accompany that Covenant , were to continue to the World's End , and should pertain to Infants to the World's End , you neither believe your self , nor can any Man prove , that any Ceremonies by Order from Christ should belong to Infants to the World's end , seeing it is granted , that Infant-Baptism is not mentioned in the New Testament . And if I yield you your five Considerations following , pag. 33. I do not see that you gain any thing as to the Point in question ; I therefore proceed . 8. I think you mistake , where you write that we say , Those that had Right to Circumcision were a spiritual Seed ; for we know that the Carnal Seed had Right to it : What therefore you would build upon this Mistake falls of it self . But whereas you would infer , that Baptism , as well as Circumcision , belongs to the carnal Seed , it is certainly a great Error . It is true , some that are Hypocrites may come to Sacred Baptism , but then they profess ( at least ) to be otherwise , and are not admitted as Hypocrites , nor as Men only , ( as you seem to urge , Numb . 2 , p. 34. ) but as they declare themselves Christians , or spiritual . And therefore it is said of the whole Church , Ye are all the Sons of God by Faith in Christ Jesus ; for as many as have been baptized into Christ , have put on Christ . Gal. 3. 26 , 27. And again , Col. 2. Ye are circumcised with the Circumcision made without hands , in putting off the Body of the Sins of the Flesh , by the Circumcision of Christ . [ Therefore , Rom. 6. ] we are buried with him in Baptism . And besides this , your Church makes Baptism a visible Sign of an inward or spiritual Grace ; and does affirm of all whom she admits to Baptism , that they are regenerate , and born anew : Which shews that in this Point we agree , that the inward Work of Grace should be in all that are baptized . 9. I grant , that Jeremiah and John Baptist were sanctified , or separated to God from the Womb , the one to be a Prophet , the other to be the Fore-runner of our Lord Christ ; yet I deny , that these extraordinary Cases are to be made the Rules for us to baptize by . God knows what we will be from our Birth to our Death ; but these Things are hid from us . Things revealed and commanded belong to us . We may not presume to think either of Men or Infants above what is written ; to say , this is sanctified from the Womb , and that not ; this is a Believer , and that not , &c. But shew us a Rule to baptize Infants , and we will dispute no further . Mr. Taylor 's Argument 3. Those who are within the Covenant of Grace , may be baptized : But Children are within the Covenant of Grace : Therefore Children may be baptized . ANSWER . 1. The Major being taken universally , for all that are in the Covenant of Grace , then it is to be denied ; for God never made that the Rule of Baptizing . Nay , when Circumcision was in the greatest use , yet all that were in the Covenant of Grace were not to be circumcised . Such were the many Thousands of Male Infants , who died before they were eight days old ; these were in Covenant , and their Salvation as sure as if they had been circumcised . The Females also were in Covenant , yet not to be circumcised . If you say they were not capable , learned Authors tell you otherwise , and name some Nations who circumcise both Sexes to this day . By this you see your Major runs upon a false Supposition . 2. And if by those who are within the Covenant , you mean some of those , then your Argument comes short of the Question , viz. Whether all that are in the Covenant of Grace may be baptized ? But let us try your Minor. The Covenant of Grace hath two parts , 1. A Declaration of God's Mercy in Mans Redemption ; in this respect I grant , Infants are within the Covenant of Grace . 2. A Declaration of Mans Duty in point of Faith and Obedience ; in this Sence I deny Infants to be in the Covenant . Let us hear therefore how you confirm your Minor. 3. You say , It is verified , in that Baptism is the Seal of the Covenant now , as Circumcision was under the Law , &c. And therefore those who are under the participation of the Covenant , may be admitted to the Seal , &c. 4. But why do our Brethren of the Church of England speak of the Seal in the Singular ? They used to tell us , the Covenant has two Seals , to wit , Baptism , and the Table of the Lord. And I will abide by it , that the Lord's Table is as truly a Seal of the Covenant , as Baptism . Yet you deny Infants this Seal , tho you know when they first baptized Infants , they also brought them to the Lord's Table , and this custom continued six hundred Years . But I deny your Consequence ; it follows not , that all that are in Covenant may have the Seal of Baptism . And you tell us , That God's Grace is universal , pag. 37. yet you will not say that Baptism is universal ; it belongs but to those who restipulate , and enter into Covenant upon the Terms of Faith and Repentance . Acts 8. 12. When they believed , &c. they were baptized , both Men and Women . And here the City of Samaria generally received the Gospel , and yet not an Infant baptized . 5. But how shall I understand you , where you say , That Children never excluded themselves from the Covenant of Grace , because not actual Vnbelievers , and none but such were ejected ? And where you presently say , They have the Covenant belonging to them with their believing Parents ? Have Infants no benefit by the Covenant of Grace , unless their Parents believe ? Alas ! poor Infants ! But sure God does not exclude Infants from the Covenant of Grace , made for Mankind in Christ , because their Parents believe not ; No , I will hold to your first Saying , That none but actual Vnbelievers are rejected . 6. That the Holiness mentioned , 1 Cor. 7. 14. is only Legitimacy , or Lawfulness of Birth , you would have to be only a Gloss of the Anabaptists . But how can you fairly take it for any other , seeing it is taken immediately from the Sanctification of the unbelieving Husband , as the word [ else ] being rightly referred , makes evident . Upon which Consideration , Erasmus expounds this place expresly as we do , yet he was a Poedobaptist . And Austin long before him said , Whatever that Holiness is , 1 Cor. 7. 14. it is certain it is not of Power to make Christians , or remit Sins . Sir , if you consider the Scope of the place , 1 Cor. 7. you will find , some in that Church were in doubt whether they might dwell with their unbelieving Yokefellows . St. Paul resolves the Doubt in the Affirmative , and gives this Reason for it : The unbelieving Husband is sanctified to the believing Wife ; and if he were not so , their Children were unclean , but he being sanctified , their Children were clean ; for Marriage is honourable among all , and the Marriage-Bed undefiled , Heb. 13. Therefore let not the Husband put away his Wife , nor the Wife depart from her Husband . 7. What you say further to this Argument , being built upon a wrong Supposition , viz. That we deny Infants to be within the Covenant of Grace , falls of it self . For we say with you , till they by actual Unbelief exclude themselves , the Grace of God extends to them , as well as to others , in respect of their Salvation . Mr. Taylor 's Argument 4. Those who have right to the Blessings of the Covenant , have right to Baptism : But Children have right to the Blessings of the Covenant : Therefore they have right to Baptism . ANSWER . 1. This Argument is upon the matter the same with the former , and therefore upon the former distinction the Major is denied : for tho Infants have right to all the Blessings of the Covenant which they have need of , yet they have no right to the Duties of the Covenant , which they have no need of , because God requires no Duties of them . 2. And tho you say , that our Concession ( that Infants are within the Covenant of Grace ) proves that Infants have right to all the Privileges of the Covenant ; Yet this is contrary to your own Judgment , for you your selves deny them right to the Lord's Table , and indeed all other Privileges , as much as we do , except your Crossing and Sprinkling them . What you say further here , is often repeated , and will be considered in the following Arguments ; and if I repeat in my Answers , you have compelled me . Mr. Taylor 's Argument 5. Those who are capable of being engaged in Covenant with God , are capable of Baptism : But Children are capable of being engaged in Covenant with God : Therefore Children are capable of Baptism . ANSWER . 1. This Argument , ( as most of the rest ) may be retorted thus ; They that are capable of being engaged in Covenant with God , are capable of the Lord's Table : But Infants are capable of being engaged in the Covenant , &c. Ergo , They are capable of the Lord's Table . Which sufficiently shews the unsoundness of your Argument . But let us examine the proof of your Major . 2. To this purpose you tell us , That Infants are in the Power of their Parents , to dispose of , as to Temporals and Spirituals . And your Reason is , because Parents are obliged to take the greatest care imaginable of their Childrens Souls , for their Education in the Fear of God. Well , now I see why you use not the word Infants , but Children , all along in your Arguments : you know that Infants , such as you Sprinkle , are not capable of any Education at all . They cannot be taught the Fear of God. They then cannot be engaged in Covenant by the Means of Education , nor can they in that State be brought up in his Service , in respect of Religious Ordinances : So that instead of proving , you have lost your Minor. 3. What you argue , from Deut. 29. 11 , 12 , 14. will never prove that Infants are capable of entering into Covenant with God in their own Persons ; but that their Parents did engage to bring them up in the Laws of God ; and what this is to the purpose , I do not imagine . Is it therefore my Duty to baptize my Children , without a Command from God to do so , meerly because by the Covenant of Grace , and Rules of Christianity , I am to do my best to teach my Children the Fear of the Lord ? This is very inconsequent , and will as much oblige me to bring my Infants to the Lord's Table , as I have shewed . This last you will not allow , because God requires it not ; and for the same Reason I refuse to bring my Infants to Baptism , tho I believe it my Duty to do all that I can to engage them in Covenant with God , by Christian Education in the Fear of God , that they may serve him in all his Commands and Ordinances blameless . 4. Wherefore in Answer to your Argument : If by Infants being capable of being engaged in Covenant with God , you mean the Parents engagement to educate them in the Fear of God , &c. Then I deny your Major , and say , Those who are only capable thus to be engaged with God in Covenant , are not capable of Baptism . But if you mean , a personal and actual entring into Covenant with God , then I deny your Minor , and all the Experience of the World confutes you . 5. You shall never be able to prove that Infants are capable of Fasting and 〈…〉 Duties , tho you seem to affirm it ; and what 〈…〉 the Beasts ) and that Fast was pleasing to 〈…〉 arises to prove that either Infants , or the 〈…〉 any Duty to God , nor that they are therefore to be brought to the participation of Baptism , nor any other Religious Ordinance , without Order from God to do it . Yet if a Man were disposed to Syllogize from hence after your manner , he might as strongly plead for one Error , as you do for another . 6. The Capacity of Jewish Children for Circumcision , or other Rites of the Law , depended chiefly on the Will of God to order it so . Prove that it is his Will to have Infants baptized , and we will not mention their Incapacity . If it be not his Will , wherefore is it done ? Who has required it ? Mr. Taylor 's Argument 6. Those who are Members of Christ's Church , ought to be baptized : But Children are Members of Christ's Church : Therefore Children ought to be baptized . ANSWER . If by the Church of Christ , you mean all that since the Death of Christ , shall be saved ; then I deny the Major . For the Infants of the poor Indians may be saved , yet in your Judgment they ought not to be baptized . But if by the Church of Christ , you mean only such as are in the actual Profession of the Gospel : Then I deny the Minor , and retort your Argument thus . 1. Those who are Members of the Church , ought to continue in the Apostles Doctrine , and in Fellowship , and in breaking of Bread , and in Prayers . But &c. Ergo , &c. The Major is proved , Acts 2. 41. 1 Cor. 10. They continued stedfastly in the Apostle's Doctrine , and Fellowship , and in breaking of Bread , and in Prayers . We being many , are one Body and one Bread , for we are all partakers of that one Bread. These things were spoken of the whole Church , which was in these Places engaged in the actual profession of the Gospel . Now see how you can defend your self against my Minor , and therein you will easily see the infirmity of your own . 2. But to prove your Minor , you say , The Children of the Jews were with their Parents Church-Members under the Law , and that Law is not yet repealed . But if by their Church-membership you mean , their Right to , and their Parents Act in bringing them to Ceremonies in Religion , the contrary is true . The Covenant of Circumcision being repealed , as it was an Obligation to the Children of Israel , and never made with any Nation since ; nor any other Covenant extant where such things are imposed upon Infants . 3. That the Children of converted Jews , lost not their Privileges , is not true , if by Privileges you intend Ceremonies ; but if by Privileges you mean a being delivered from the Law of Ceremonies , then I grant it . And it is certainly a greater Privilege that Children are under a declared Right to the Kingdom of God by Christ , and his gracious blessing a part of them , as a Pledg for the whole , than if he had ordained a Law to baptize them in order thereunto . And it is also certain , that the Jewish Church-state , being dissolved upon the Death of Christ , and the Gospel-Church , confirmed in the Gift of Tongues , &c. No Person could rightly stand a Member of the Jewish Church , which was the only Church that ever had command from God to bring their Infants to Rites of Religion . 4. You still urge , that the Gentiles had equal Privileges with the Jews . And I grant they have greater Privileges , but not in Rites and Ceremonies , but rather in being accepted without them , as touching their Infants , and with a very few as touching themselves . But you say further , That the Children of Parents who did not believe , were rejected ; therefore the Children of believing Parents , or Gentiles , are Church-Members . And here , I confess , I know not how to reconcile you to your self , where you say , None are excluded from the Covenant of Grace but actual Vnbelievers , pag. 26. Sure the Son shall not dye for the Sin of the Parents , so as to go to Hell with them . Shall not the Judg of all the Earth do Right ? 5. You say , Children are either Members of the visible Church of Christ , or else are visibly of Satan's Kingdom , there is no Medium between these two . Surely I did not think Mr. Taylor had been of this Opinion ! No Papist can say worse of poor Infants . Here you condemn many thousands of Infants ; God give you a better Understanding . Are Infants of Jews , Turks , and Indians all of the visible Kingdom of Satan ? No , I will believe my Saviour , who saith , It is not the will of his Heavenly Father that one of these little ones should perish , Mat. 18. 14. And sure I am , that none are truly of Satan's Kingdom , but such as are his Subjects . For he has no right over any by Creation , and Purchase , as God and Christ have . Now it being clear , that Infants are none of Satan's Subjects , it must needs be very injurious , to say they are visibly of his Kingdom . But being Created by God , and Redeemed by Christ , and never offended in their own Persons , it is rational to think they are in God's Favour , as it appears the Infants of the Ninevites were , Jonah 4. In his gracious Arms we shall therefore leave them , and proceed . Mr. Taylor 's Argument 7. Those who are Disciples of Christ may be baptized : But Children are Disciples of Christ : Therefore Children may be baptized . ANSWER . 1. The Minor is denied . Infants are not Disciples of Christ , neither does God and Christ own them for such , as you affirm . But you bring Acts 15. 1 , 2 , 10. to prove it , and say , That the Yoak which the Jews would have laid upon the new converted Gentiles , was Circumcision , which pertained to Children who were Circumcised the eighth day , and yet it is laid too upon the Disciples Necks . But Sir , do you think this to be rational , that because the Jews would have laid the Yoak of Circumcision on the Necks of the Disciples , that therefore all were Disciples upon whom they would have laid that Yoak ? sure this is a very unlawful Consequence : No better than this ; You would lay the Yoak of Crossing and Sprinkling upon Infants , therefore all are Infants upon whom you would lay the Yoak of Crossing and Sprinkling . Again , they that were preserved in the Ark of Noah were Men and Women : Therefore all that were preserved in the Ark of Noah were Men and Women . You may easily see these Consequences are very untrue , and verily so is yours . For tho the false Apostles would have laid the Yoak of Circumcision upon the Necks of the Disciples , yet all were not Disciples whom they would have Circumcised : for 't is said , They taught the Brethren , except they were Circumcised , &c. they could not be saved . But you cannot imagine that they taught Infants . If Acts 15. be diligently read , it will expound it self ; for vers . 19. the Disciples are said to be such as from among the Gentiles were turned to God. And all that are called Disciples , vers . 10. are called Brethren , and as such they are written unto by the Assembly , vers . 23. And the Epistle is said to be read to all the Multitude ( meaning of the Disciples , ) who thereupon are said to rejoice for the Consolation : Sure these were no Infants . 2. But you say , They are Disciples in that ; tho Man cannot teach them , yet God can , and may . Well , I thank you for your Ingenuity . It is true ( as you say ) Man cannot teach , or make Infants Disciples ; and then to be sure , they are not intended by our Saviour to be made Disciples , by what he says in your Text , Mat. 28. 19. For all that are to be made Disciples , by that Commission , are to be made such by Men : So that you are evidently besides your Text , in all that you say to this Argument , and you are beside your own Exposition of your Text also , which I will here set down , as you give it , pag. 10. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Going to Disciple all Nations , instruct them in the Principles of my Religion ; and then being Disciples , baptize them : So that there is a Discipleship pre-existent to Baptism ; and indeed the premising the Word DISCIPLE , implies none to be capable of Baptism , who are not Disciples of Christ , and Members of his Church . These are your Words . 'T is true , you say Infants will be proved to be Disciples . But surely , not by saying as you do here , that God can make them Disciples , or teach them : For it is no good arguing from what God can do , to say he has done it , or will do it . For God can , of the Stones in the Street , raise up Children unto Abraham , but I may not therefore say the Stones in the Srreet are the Children of Abraham . You say indeed , that God hath given several instances of his teaching several from the Womb , but you can neither name the Persons , nor shew us what he taught them ; however if you could , such miraculous Operations are not given for general Rules . God once taught a dumb Ass to speak , and to reprove a Prophet ; but it would be bad arguing from this instance , that Asses are Disciples : And yet this is a clearer instance of God's teaching the Ass , than you can give of his teaching any Infant . 3. But seeing you put Infants Discipleship upon the account of God's teaching them , you must have some competent ground to believe that he has miraculously taught them , before you baptize them ; or else you destroy your Exposition of the Text , which avers , That there is a Discipleship pre-existent to Baptism . And when you shall shew me the Infant whom God hath taught , or made a Disciple , I believe I shall not oppose your Baptizing that Infant , and this is as much as you can desire . 4. But you say further , That God hath promised to teach Children . What , Sir , in their Infancy ? Let us see your Proofs ; Isa . 54. 13. All thy Children shall be taught of the Lord , and great shall be the Peace of thy Children . John 6. 45. It is written in the Prophets , and they shall be all taught of God. Every Man therefore that hath heard and learned of the Father , cometh unto me . Certainly had you read those Texts with their Coherence , and considered , that our Saviour himself in the latter expounds the former , you would never have imagined , that God here promises to teach any Infants , much less all the Infants in the Christian Nations ; for it is very apparent , they that are taught according to these Scriptures , have heard and learned of the Father , so as to come to Christ . And indeed the meaning is , that God speaking to us by his Son , ( who is very God , 1 John 5. ) had now made good that gracious Promise , Isa . 54. 13. All thy Children shall be taught of the Lord. But you have another Text , Acts 10. 47. Can any Man forbid Water , that these should not be baptized , who have received the Holy-Ghost as well as we ? Now he that reads this place , will easily see , that the Persons here spoken of were only such as were assembled to hear Peter , in whatsoever they should be commanded of God ; and that the Holy-Ghost fell on all that heard the Word . Which place therefore can with no shew of Reason be brought , to prove that Infants are taught of God. However , when you shall find an Infant , that has received the Holy-Ghost , as well as the Apostles ; then for my part I shall not forbid Water , that you should baptize him , provided you first be baptized your self . 5. You will have Infants to be Disciples , because Christ ( you say ) commands the receiving of them in his Name ; and you quote Luke 18. 16 , 17. Mat. 19. 13. Luke 9. 47. I have carefully read all these places , but can find no Command to receive Infants in the Name of Christ , much less to receive them by Baptism . It is true , Christ called a little Child unto him , and said , Whosoever shall receive this Child in my Name , receiveth me . Now this Child was able to know what Christ said , and is no fit Instance to prove an Infant of eight days old to be a Disciple of Christ ; neither does this Text call this Child a Disciple , but the Disciples are distinguished from it . And yet it ( and so any little Child ) may be a good Precedent even to Disciples , to learn Humility and Simplicity by ; and so may a Lamb or a Dove serve to teach us to be humble and harmless , yet they are not therefore Disciples . Neither can the receiving this Child , ( or any other in like case ) be understood of receiving them by Baptism ; for then you may read the place thus , Whosoever baytizeth a Child in my Name , baptizeth me ; but this is both false and absurd . And besides , he that is baptized , may be rather said to receive Christ , than he that baptizeth , in that Action . Or would you make our Saviour to say , He that baptizeth an Infant in my Name , receiveth me ? If so , I would know by what Authority you take the word , receiveth , for baptizing in the first place , and in the second for something else . Surely , if to baptize an Infant in the Name of Christ , be a receiving of Christ , it 's an easy thing to receive Christ , especially for the Priest , who pretends to baptize Infants daily . But sure it is as much the Duty of other Christians to receive Children in the Name of Christ , as the Priests ; for the Word is , Whosoever shall receive this Child in my Name ; and therefore it cannot be meant of baptizing them , and then these Scriptures prove not your Argument at all . 6. You urge , that Infants are Members of Earthly Kingdoms , and I grant it ; and also I grant , that they belong to the Kingdom of Heaven , and so are of the Universal Church : But this proves not that they are Disciples at all ; for the Infants of Heathens are Members of Kingdoms , and may go to Heaven , and yet you think they are no Disciples for all that . And if Infants may in some Sence be said to be God's Servants , Psal . 119. 91. yet this proves not that they are Disciples ; for all Creatures , as well sensitive , vegetative , as rational , are said to be his Servants , yet all Creatures are not Christ's Disciples . Mr. Taylor 's Argument 8. To whom Christ grants Imposition of Hands , to them belongs Baptism : But to Children Christ grants Imposition of Hands : Therefore to them belongs Baptism . ANSWER . 1. If the major Proposition be taken universally , that to whomsoever Christ granted imposition of Hands ( or touching ) in any case , that to them belongs Baptism , then the Major is not true ; for he touched or put his hand upon the dead , yet Baptism belongs not to the dead , Luke 7. 14. If it be said , Christ touched the Bier , not the Dead ; I answer : He touched the Childrens Cloaths , when he took them in his Arms ; but he took the dead Damsel by the hand , and said , Talitha , cumi , Damsel , I say unto thee , Arise . Mark 5. 41. Thus much to the Major ; now to the Minor. 2. If by laying on of hands , you understand that which by Christ's Doctrine , Heb. 6. 2. is made a standing Ordinance in his Church , and in order next to Baptism , as is evident you do ; then I deny your Minor : For that Ordinance was not yet instituted , nor useful , because the End of it was not yet to be received ; for the Spirit of Promise was not yet given , nor as yet to be given , because Jesus was not yet glorified , John 7. Wherefore your Misinterpretation of Mat. 19. 13 , 14 , 15. is injurious to Truth , and would prefer these Infants to the Apostles , in the reception of the First-fruits of the Spirit , unless you think Christ laid hands on the Children , without obtaining the End or Essect of the Service . So then it 's clear , that this laying on of hands , or touching Infants , ( for so it is expressed both by St. Mark and St. Luke ) cannot with any fairness be understood of that laying on of hands which follows Baptism , and therefore is no Proof at all for your Minor. 3. The Church of England does not believe that Infants are fit Subjects for laying on of hands , and therefore does not understand this Text , Mat. 19. of that laying on of hands which follows Baptism ; neither does Mr. Taylor himself believe that Confirmation belongs to Infants : If otherwise , they are very unfaithful , in that they were never known to lay hands upon any one Infant for confirmation , as I can hear of . But how comes it to pass that Mr. Taylor will baptize Infants , when yet he confesses their Baptism is not mentioned in the New Testament , and yet not plead for their Confirmation , till they be capable to own their Covenant made in Baptism , when yet he pretends , ( tho I dare say he believes it not ) that Text , Mat. 19. 13 , &c. is express for that laying on of hands which follows Baptism , to be granted to Christ to Infants ? pag. 56. 4. Mr. Taylor says , That Christ confirmed , or laid hands on the Baptized . I shall entreat him to make this plain , for I would gladly see it well proved ; however , I am sure his Doctrine orders it to be done , and that 's sufficient . What you say further here , is either what we oppose not , or what is answered elsewhere , save only your last Particular , which now we shall consider . 5. Their coming to Christ ( say you ) is their becoming his Disciples or Proselites : Suffer them , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be Proselites to me . If to this I should answer , with Tertullian , Veniant ergo dum adolescunt , &c. Let them come therefore when they are grown up ; it will be thought too little , tho God knows ( how hasty soever Men are to get them sprinkled ) they are slow enough to bring them to Christ , when they are capable to be taught ; I will therefore answer further : Do you think that when Infants are brought to a Priest to be sprinkled and crossed , that then they are brought to Christ ? Or can Christians no other way bring their Infants to Christ ? Or do no Infants belong to Christ , but those who are so brought ? These Things will not be asserted , I think , yet let us go as far as we can by the Light of the Text. By this Example of Christ , I think the Ministers of Christ may lawfully pray for a Blessing in behalf of all the Infants of those that shall desire it ; and that it is well done in those Parents that do desire the Prayers of the Church , or her Ministers , for their Infants . And this is as much as can be fairly urged from this Text , as imitable for us . For the touching by our Saviour's hands , may be a Point too high for us , unless we will also touch the Dead , &c. which ( I hope ) is not written for our Example . But now if the Minister will needs baptize my Child , because I bring it into the Congregation , and desire Prayer to be made to God for his Blessing upon it , he herein goes beyond the Example of Christ , and beyond the Text , and therefore there I must leave him , his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 notwithstanding . For 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ex verbo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod est advenio quoniam veniebant , est Ethnicis ad Judaismum , saith the Learned , and I think Infants cannot change their Religion , nor was it fit to call an Infant of a Jew , a Proselite when it was brought to Circumcision ; and consequently as improper to call the Child of a Christian a Proselite . However , all that can lawfully be done to proselite an Infant ( if you will needs have that Term used ) is but to devote them to Christ by Prayers for his Blessing , but not a Syllable for baptizing them . Mr. Taylor 's Argument 5. If the Faith of the Parents entitles the Children to the Covenant , then it entitles them to Baptism : But the Faith of the Parents entitles the Children to the Covenant : Therefore the Faith of the Parents entitles the Children to Baptism . ANSWER . 1. The Consequence of the Major may well be denied : for tho it should be some ways true , that the Faith of the Parents entitles the Children to the Covenant , yet it follows not , that it entitles them to the performance of , or submission to the Things which they understand not , nor are able to perform . And whither would such a Consequence lead us , if we should follow it ? What Duty should not Infants be entitled to , as well as to Baptism ? But let us see whether the Minor be well proved ; you quote Acts. 2. and think it a clear place to prove that the Faith of the Parents entitles the Children to the Covenant . But this Text says not a word to that purpose ; for Peter derives the Title both of Parents and Children from the Promise of God : and builds the Title of all the Called of the Lord , and of them that were afar off also , upon the Promise of God , and not upon the Faith of Abraham himself . Besides , the Promise here is of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost , and therefore not pertinent to Infants , as I have shewed : Here is therefore no proof at all of your Minor. I think it were better to say , that by Faith a Christian knows his Child has an interest in the Covenant of Grace , than that his Faith entitles his Child to it . I fear this Minor is a very dangerous Assertion , and that partly because the Consequence of such an Opinion is to shut out all Infants from the Covenant of Grace , who have not faithful Parents to entitle them to it : And in truth it seems to swell with too much boldness , and carnal presumption ; but I spare you . 2. The Faith of the Jews and Proselites did not entitle their Children to the Covenant of Grace ; but they themselves being incorporate into that Church-State , their Children , by express Command from God , had a Title to legal Priviledges : but the Covenant of Grace ( for that 's it we dispute , tho you leave out the Word Grace in your Argument ) extended to Infants by God's free Redemption , which he purposed for them , in Christ , from the Foundation of the World ; or else what shall become of the many thousands of Infants of Unbelievers ? 3. You can never prove , that the Faith of the Jaylor , or Lydia either , did entitle their Infants to the Covenant , for you cannot prove they had any Children . And it is so exceeding plain , that all that were baptized in these two Families were Believers , that I wonder much that you should say , that on the believing of the Jaylor and Lydia , the whole Families were baptized . Pray read Acts 16. 32. to the end , and you will find that they that were baptized , were actual Believers , and capable of being consolated by the Apostles . Mr. Taylor 's Argument 10. Those who are capable of the Kingdom of Heaven , are capable of Baptism : But Children are capable of the Kingdom of Heaven : Therefore Children are capable of Baptism . ANSWER . 1. The Major being taken universally , for all that may go to Heaven , it may very well be denied ; for Mr. Taylor dare not deny a Capacity of Salvation to some of the Infants of the Jews , and yet Mr. Taylor himself does not think they are capable of Baptism ; for he makes the Faith of the Parents necessary to the entitling them to Baptism , which in this Case is wanting . 2. That the greater includes the less , is not universally true ; for Women have a capacity to go to Heaven , yet they have no capacity to be Bishops , which is less than going to Heaven . Infants are not capable of the Lord's Table , which is less than to go to Heaven . Indeed , this Argument being admitted to be good , would bring Infants to all Privileges in the Church-Militant , as well as to Baptism ; for thus a Man might argue : Those who are capable of all the Privileges of the Church Triumphant , are capable of all the Privileges of the Church Militant , ( for the greater includes the less ) : But Infants are capable of all Privileges in the Church Triumphant ; Ergo , &c. And if it be unreasonable ( as you say it is ) to deny the external Sign , to those to whom Christ hath granted the internal Grace ; pray , why are you so unreasonable , as to deny your Infants the Sign of the Lord's Table , seeing you affirm they are regenerate , and born of Water and the Spirit ? But if you were put to prove , that Infants , whom you sprinkle , have the inward Grace which entitles to Baptism , you would never be able to make demonstration to your own , or any wise Man's Satisfaction ; for is not the inward and spiritual Grace , Repentance , whereby Sin is forsaken , and Faith , whereby the Promises of God are stedfastly believed ? And what Infant did you ever know thus qualified for Baptism ? Mr. Taylor 's Argument 11. All who are Believers , ought to be baptized : But Children are Believers : Therefore Children ought to be baptized . ANSWER . 1. The Minor Proposition , that Infants are Believers , is not true . And I answer in the Words of Dr. Hammond , who saith , ( Letter of Resolut . p. 297. ) I shall profess to be none of those that are concerned in the Question , Whether Infants have Faith ? I freely confess to believe , that Faith is so necessarily founded in Vnderstanding , that they that have not Vnderstanding , cannot have Faith , whether actual or habitual . And Dr. Jer. Taylor tells us expresly , Whether Infants have Faith ? is a Question to be disputed by Persons , that care not how much they say , and how little they prove . Thus these two Pillars of the Church of England explode your Argument , as an egregious Error . 2. And for that place , Mat. 18. 5 , 6. by which you would prove Infants Believers , the Learned of your own Church expound it to a contrary Sence , and take the little Child that believeth , to be a true Christian , that hath laid aside all worldly Pride , whereby he is become abject in the sight of the World. I shall not contend with you about the proper signification of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ( professing my self no Scholar ) tho Ludovicus Vives useth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for an Houshold-Servant . But it is sufficient to my purpose , that you dare not say Infants are actual Believers ; ( nay , you confess , they have not actual Faith : And for imputative Faith , ( if there be any such thing ) yet it can be no Rule for the baptizing any Body , seeing it is not revealed to whom Faith is imputed ; and whilst you say , God may esteem Infants as Believers , another may as well say , he may esteem them as baptized also ) ; I say , your granting Infants have not actual Faith , you can take the word , believeth , Mat. 18. 6. only by the Figure called Prosopopoeia , if you will needs have the Child an Infant of Days . And if it be good arguing from hence to the Baptism of Infants , then you may argue as strongly for baptizing the whole Creation , ( if you can tell how ) for it is said to groan , expect , and wait for the manifestation of the Sons of God , and to be delivered from the Bondage of Corruption . Rom. 8. 19. We conclude then , that it is not a figurative Faith , but an actual Faith , ( at least by profession ) that entitles to the reception of Baptism . 3. We do not say , that God will impute Unbelief to Infants , but only to those that refuse to believe ; and tho we know Infants are not Believers , yet we do not say or think they are Unbelievers , they being not capable to sin against God in that case , or any else . And Unbelief presupposes a capacity in the Subject , and means sufficient , to believe , and yet the Creature refuses to believe . The Sin of Unbelief therefore being no way chargeable upon any Infant , it follows by necessary Consequence , that they have no capacity for Faith. Neither do we pretend to judg Mens Hearts ; for tho God has ordered Faith to be a Pre-requisite to Baptism , yet we are only to judg of the Profession of Faith , not of the Sincerity of it . And as it is true , as you say , that Infants cannot play the Hypocrite ; so it 's true , they cannot play the Christian , and therefore not fit for the Duties of Christians , of which Baptism is one . Mr. Taylor 's Argument 12. They who are capable of the Ends of Baptism , may be baptized : But Children are capable of the Ends of Baptism : Therefore they may be baptized . ANSWER . 1. If by the Ends of Baptism , you mean the Things which concern God's Mercy in the Redemption of Man only , then the Major is denied ; but if by the Ends of Baptism , you mean the Things required on Mans part , then the Minor is not true ; for Mortification and Vivification are the Ends of Baptism on Man's part , of which Infants are not capable ; for they cannot put off the Body of the Sins of the Flesh , nor have they any need so to do , neither can they rise to Newness of Life . And tho I grant , ( and have often said it ) that we ought to devote our Children to God in the best manner we can ; yet to go beyond the Word of the Lord under that pretence , will neither profit us , nor our Children . 2. What you say here , of Baptism being a Seal to Infants , &c. is answered before . And surely the word Heathen , ( so often used by you ) as it imports sometimes an Enemy to God , ( yet being of it self of no ill signification ) Infants are not so to be accounted Heathens ; nor doth the word , Christian , as it imports a Follower of Christ , belong to Infants . So that this is only a Noise of Words , to talk that our Infants are not distinguished from the Infants of Heathens , tho I have shewed a difference between them . Mr. Taylor 's Argument 13. Whom the Church of Christ ever received to Baptism , may still be baptized : But the Church of Christ hath ever received Children to Baptism : Therefore they may be baptized . ANSWER . 1. The Minor Proposition is not true , and therefore I do deny , that the Church hath always received Infants to Baptism . And indeed you do not so much as pretend any thing from the Scriptures to prove it , but , before , do honestly confess , That Infant-Baptism is not mentioned in the New Testament ; and therefore certainly it will be impossible to prove , that the Church did always receive Infants to Baptism . And it is also very observable , that Eusebius , who wrote the History of the Church for four hundred Years after Christ , does not so much as mention Infant-Baptism at all . 2. But how then does Mr. Taylor prove his Minor ? Why , his chief Author to that purpose is Mr. Walker , in his Book called , A modest Plea for Infant-Baptism ; which Book in that part has been answered by Mr. De-Laune , to which I refer the Reader . The Sum of which Answer is to prove , that all Mr. Walker's Testimonies from Antiquity for Infant-Baptism , for the first 300 Years after Christ , are either invalid , or taken out of forged and spurious Books . And it is more than sufficient to ballance Mr. Walker's and Mr. Taylor 's bold Assertion , That the Catholick Church hath always received Infants to Baptism , by the contrary Testimonies of Ludovicus Vives , and Dr. Barlow ; the first expresly saying , In old Time none was brought to Baptism , but he was of sufficient Years to know what that mystical Water meant , and to require his Baptism , and that sundry times . The other tells us , There is neither Precept nor Practice in Scripture for Infant-Baptism , nor any just Evidence for it for about 200 Years after Christ . 2. You say , That for many hundreds of Years the Question [ about Infant-Baptism ] was not moved . But this is a great Mistake ; for Tertullian did question it , as an unwarrantable Practice , in the beginning of the third Century ; as is shewed by Mr. Tombes , and others , who have diligently enquired into the ancient Customs of the Church . 3. The first Instance which you bring for the Practice of Infant-Baptism in our Nation , is that in King Ina's time , about the Year 692 ; but we can prove it was opposed by the Britain Bishops two hundred Years before this . See Fabian's Chron. part 1. fol. 107. 4. You say , The deferring of Baptism among the Ancients , was not for their questioning Infant-Baptism . But sure , if they did think themselves too young to be baptized , at twenty or thirty Years of Age , they could with no reason think their Children old enough for Baptism at seven or eight days old . Extremes have undone all ; they were too slow , and you are as much too quick . But the proper time for Baptism is , when Men attain to the new Birth ; Baptism is therefore rightly call'd the Washing of Regeneration . 5. You seem to hold , That Infant-Baptism was lawfully practised by God's People before Christ , and even from the Apostles Time since Christ : But I wonder by what Law ; you give us none but Mr. Walker's Book , which is very well answered by Mr. De-Laune , in his Book entitled , Truth defended . And I am sure , the best Antiquity says nothing for you . Mr. Taylor 's Argument 14. That Doctrine which introduceth many Vnchristian Consequences , is erroneous : But the Doctrine of the Antipoedobaptists Introduceth many Vnchristian Consequences : Therefore the Doctrine of the Antipoedobaptists is erroneous . ANSWER . 1. The Minor Proposition is not true ; for our Doctrine in the Case of Baptism is true , and Truth does not introduce any erronious Consequences . Now that our Doctrine is true , appears thus : Because it fully agrees with your Text , Mat. 28. 19. even as it is expounded by your self , in these Words , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Going to disciple all Nations , instruct them in the Principles of my Religion ; and then , being Disciples , baptize them . This you say , and this we say ; the only difference is , We do as we say , but You say and do not : You therefore must needs be in the Error in this case . 2. But let us hear what you have against our Doctrine . First , you say , It opposeth the whole Current of Scripture , nullifies many Scripture-Promises and Privileges , and destroys the Covenant of Grace , as the premised Pages manifest . But I hope the premised Answers do manifest the Charge which you bring against our Doctrine to be very unjust . And seeing you are the Men , and not we , that have changed the Ordinance of Baptism , you may justly fear the Censure of the Prophet , Isa . 24. 5. for breaking the everlasting Covenant . See the Place , and consider it seriously . 3. You say , Our Doctrine introduceth the World into Gentilism or Heathenism , and makes Christ's Church always gathering , and never gathered . But how can you say this , seeing we are for the teaching or discipling all Nations , and every Person in the Nations , as they are capable , and God gives his Ministers opportunity ; and we take the same way to do this which the Apostles used ; according to our Ability ; i. e. to preach the Gospel to every one that will hear us , and to bring up our Children in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord ? And what tho the Church be thus always gathering , does not Mat. 28. 19 , 20. warrant this Practice to the end of the World ? and if you do not thus gather your Children to Christ , they will never be Christians by your Crossing and Sprinkling them . 4. Your talk of excluding Infants from the Covenant , is answered before , and proved untrue ; what you add , of our introducing of despair of the Salvation of Infants , shews your Self-contradiction . For now you seem to make Infant-Baptism so necessary to Salvation , that if they be not baptized , we must despair of their Salvation : Than which what can be a more erronious Consequence of your Doctrine of Poedo-baptism ? 5. It is apparent that our Doctrine makes the Covenant established by Christ better than yours ( whatever you say here to the contrary ) ; not only because we assert the Grace of God in the Business of Salvation to extend to Infants more generally than you do : But also for that it shews , God has not imposed any Ceremonies upon them , as he did upon the Jewish Male Infants of eight days old . Whilst your Doctrine makes your Crossing and Sprinkling them of such importance , as that if it be denied them , despair of the Salvation of Infants is genuinely introduced , pag. 74. As if God had tyed the Salvation of all the Infants in the World to a Ceremony . Thus does your Doctrine make the Covenant established by Christ , worse than the Law of Moses ; for under it the greater part of the Infants of the Jews were saved , without being Circumcised , to wit , all the Females , and all the Males under eight days old : But you have no hope for Infants Male or Female , tho but of a day old , if it be not sealed with your pretended Baptism . Lord , whither will Men go when they forsake thy Word ! They will make Christ an Impostor , if Infants be not capable of Baptism : See Mr. Taylor 's Book , pag. 72. n. 5. 6. You say , Our Doctrine equals the Children of Christians with the Children of Turks , &c. But we have shewed the advantage to be on the part of the Children of Christians . And what if God , willing to magnify his Mercy and Goodness , has provided a Saviour for the innocent Babes ( dying in Infancy ) throughout the World ? What need this trouble any Body ? must our Eye be Evil , because his is thus Bountiful ? We know that he hath concluded all under Sin , that he might have Mercy upon all . And if God hath not Mercy on poor dying Infants , so as to save them all by Christ , pray shew what Mercy he hath upon them ? Sure it had been a Mercy they had never been born , but not one Iota of Mercy to be born , only to cry , dye , and go to Hell. Can you think that such Doctrine befriends the Covenant of Grace ? I think not . 7. To what you say ( or have said ) about the Form of Baptism , you much mistake us if you think we do not baptize in the Name of the Father , Son , and Holy Ghost . The Article of our Faith , which you point to , was not written ( as I conceive ) to teach any to dispense Baptism in different Forms of Words , but to shew that the Name of Son is to be taken , as he is our Lord and Saviour . Yet let me tell you , that I can shew it under the Hand of some now in your Ministry , that says Matth. 28. 19. does not impower any to use that Form of Words in Baptism , and shews also that the Learned are not agreed in that Matter . However , I am one with you , as to the use of the Form there set down , and no other . Of the manner of using Baptismal Water . 1. Mr. Taylor grants , the Mode of Baptizing is laid down by our Saviour , and expressed in the Word Baptizontes , baptizing them , Mat. 28. 19. Now this is very well , and I am glad he has done this Holy Ordinance so much right , as to acknowledg Christ to lay down ( in his Commission Mat. 28. 19. ) the Manner or Mode in which it ought to be performed . But then , I am sorry to see my good Friend so soon forget himself , as in the very next Page to tell us , that the Mode of Baptizing is an indifferent thing ; left to the Prudence of the Church , whether to dip or sprinkle . Neither of them being commanded , nor either of them absolutely forbidden by the Precept of Baptizing . What shall I say to this ? If Baptizontes be the Precept for Baptizing , and yet commands nothing , neither to dip nor to sprinkle , nor absolutely forbids either , sure then we keep no Command in doing either , nor do we break any in omitting both . Pity it is , that Men to uphold their own Tradition , should thus fight against both Scripture and Reason . For , if our Saviour , by the Words baptizing them , command nothing , then its best to do nothing ; if he command both dipping and sprinkling , then both must be done ; if he command but one of these , then but one of them must be done : Let him chuse which he will , he must chuse but one . But yet he tells us otherwise , pag. 76. for saith he , The Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 equally admits of both Significations , as is granted by the best Criticks : And quotes chiefly Mr. Walker's Doct. of Bapt. p. 60. to p. 64. For answer , I say , if the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 do equally signify dip and sprinkle , then unless we will be unequal we must do both ; or else shew which of them may lawfully be omitted . As for Mr. Walker's Book , I have seen it , and observed that he plays with the Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , till he makes their Signification altogether uncertain , and sets the Learned together by the Ears about the meaning of these Greek Words . And indeed , according to Mr. Walker , no Man can certainly know when he hits right upon the thing to be done in Obedience to this Precept , Baptizing them . As if our Lord should leave his Apostles , and they leave us to guess at his meaning ; in a Passage wherein he commands nothing certainly . And yet to go round again , however we use Water in the Name , &c. we can hardly go besides the meaning of Christ : For if we dip the Subject in the Element of Water , we are right ; if we sprinkle it upon any part of the Body , ( for you can assign no one part more than the other ) we are right still ; if we dip the Head only , or only the Foot , we are right ; if the Head , or Breast , or Hand only be sprinkled , still we are right . Now who can think , that our Saviour should use an ambiguous Word , which is to guide us in matter of Fact ? Do not Men that thus deal with the Word Baptize , make him the Author of all our Contests in this Case ? And assuredly Mr. Walker has run many a one into a maze , about the meaning of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and I am sorry to see Mr. Taylor to follow him . But sith he refers me also to Mr. Leigh's Crit. Sac. He shall do well to mark what he saith ( even as quoted by Mr. Walker , p. 36. ) the reason ( says he ) why 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is put pro Lotione & mundatione , is , because such as are immersed ( that is , dipped ) come out of the WATER washed or cleansed . So then , to Baptize , is to dip the Subject in the Element in the Name , &c. and that which is no small , but a most importent Confirmation of that Mode ( and only that ) is the Baptism of Christ's own Person ; for Mr. Walker cannot deny , that the Greek in Mark 1. 9. being rightly rendred in English , is thus read ; Jesus came — and was baptized of John INTO JORDAN , and therefore he may be confident he was not sprinkled , for it would be nonsence to say he was sprinkled into Jordan ; but good sence and plain truth too , to say he was dipped into Jordan . And yet for all this , Mr. Walker fights stoutly both against Truth and Reason , leaning only upon the single Authority of Bernard , and will have Sprinkling to be meant or signified by the Word Baptize , as well as Dipping . And Mr. Taylor says the same , tho many learned Writers contradict them both . But it shall suffice here to set down two , both equal in Learning and Vertue to these our present Opposites . The first shall be that truly Famous Man , Dr. Jer. Taylor , in his Rule of Conscience , l. 3. c. 4. If you would attend to the signification of the Word , BAPTISM signifies plunging in Water , or dipping with washing . And saith Keckerman , Immersion not Aspersion ( that is , dipping not sprinkling ) was the first institution of Baptism , as it doth plainly appear from Rom. 6. 3. Syst . Theol. But for all this , Mr. Walker pretends Antiquity for Sprinkling , and it is strange to see what learned Men will say , when they are set to defend Error . We will but touch two of his most ancient Instances , that you may see the bottom of the business . 1. He goes as high as the second Century , and takes an instance of sprinkling from the service of the Daemons ( that is , Devil-Gods ) but why so ? Because he supposes the Heathen used sprinkling in the Service of their Daemons , in imitation of the Christians Practice . But the truth is , it 's more to be feared , that unwary Christians did fall to imitate the Heathens ; for we are told so in effect , even by a learned Popish Author , which for the plainness of the Testimony , I will here faithfully transcribe . He saith , — This chief Chair of the Church being translated from Antioch to Rome : He [ Peter ] and his Successors , were very careful and vigilent to reduce the Christian Religion ( being as yet indigested , unpolished , and little practised ) and the Professors thereof , into better Order and Vniformity , out of the Law of Moses ( which Christ came not to abolish , but to fulfil ) out of the Civil and Politick Government of Romans , Greeks and Egyptians , and out of both sacred and prophane Rites , Laws , and Ceremonies of other Nations , but most especially by the wholsom Doctrine and Direction of Christ Jesus , and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit . See a Book called , The Manners , Laws and Customs of all Nations , pag. 151. Behold here the Springs of Human Inventions and Ceremonies . Mr. Walker's second Instance , is a Story of one sprinkled with Sand , instead of Water ( the Water being scarce , and the Party like to dye ) : but alas they could not dip the Sick into the Sand , and however their Zeal may be commended , their Action is not to be commended at all : It shews their Folly , for it 's better to be without a Ceremony , when we cannot possibly have it in God's way , than to set up our own Devices in the stead , and place , and use of it . For I will ( saith God ) have Mercy and not Sacrifice . And thus we shall leave Mr. Walker to consider his Sandy Foundation for his sprinkling Infants . 2. Mr. Taylor says , Sprinkling cannot nullify Baptism , and therefore our dissenting Brethren are to blame , to make our Baptism to be essentially corrupted , and not to be accounted Baptism , because not performed by Dipping . To this I answer ; When our Saviour commanded to baptize , he commanded but one , not divers kinds of Actions ; and to do that , which is not only contrary to his own blessed Example in this very thing , but also such an Act as cannot with any equity of Speech , or good Sence , be called Baptism , is to err essentially in the performance of it . And so great is the difference between Dipping and Sprinkling , that such as sprinkle Infants dare not speak as they act , when they pretend to baptize : No , they dare not say , I sprinkle thee in the Name of the Father , &c. which they might well say , if the word Baptize does equally signify dipping and sprinkling . We are not therefore to blame , to labour to have this Ordinance kept as it was delivered , for sure if it be our Duty to keep God's Ordinances , it 's our Duty to keep them as they were observed by Christ , and the Primitive Churches . And so far as the manner of doing this command of Christ is essential to the Ordinance , dipping is of the essence of it , without which it cannot be called Baptism . Again , All the Scriptures which command to baptize , do expresly command to dip the Party to be baptized , and therefore Mr. Taylor is to blame , to say , There is not one place of Scripture which in express Words commands Dipping , pag. 59. Yea , Sir , your Text , Matth. 28. 19. commands Dipping : For were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 translated into plain English , it must be rendred by dipping . And I pray Sir , consider , whether you could not with a good Conscience translate it so ? And on the other side , Whether your Conscience would not accuse you , should you translate the Text , Teach all Nations , sprinkling them ? I dare say no Man dare thus read the Text. Why then do they thus act ? Shall we speak one thing , and do another ? So speak ye , and so do ye , as they that shall be judged by the Law of Liberty ; to wit , the Gospel . 3. What you urge from the Legal Washings , has been answered by the Learned of our way , and particularly by Mr. Danvers , who says , I have carefully examined all the Places in the Old Testament , where the word Dipping or Baptizing is mentioned , and do find it is expressed by the Hebrew Word , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as Minceus and Dr. Hammond observe . The Septuagint do render the Word Tabal in the Hebrew , by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and with all the Translators , both the Latin , Dutch , Italian , French , and English , do translate to dip ; the Word rendred Washing , being another Word , as the following Scriptures inform you , Gen. 37. 31. Exod. 12. 22. Lev. 4. 6. & 17. 14. & 6. 16 , 51. Levit. 9. 9. Deut. 33. 24. John 3. 5. Numb . 16. 18. 2 Kings 5. 14. I cannot think therefore , that you can conscionably parallel Rom. 6. 3 , 4. Col. 2. 11. with the Jewish Washings , which are expressed by the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , not the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( as Mr. Danvers further shews . ) And sure I am , that Rom. 6. and Col. 2. is so very clear for our way of baptizing , that the Learned of your way do grant these Places allude to the ancient way of baptizing , which ( say they ) was by dipping the Party into the Water . 4. What you say of your Sprinkling to be as significant as Dipping , is not true ; for indeed unless it be commanded to signify the Death , Burial , Resurrection of Christ , and our Mortification and Vivification , it can signify none of these things . Otherwise every time you wash your hands , might signify what is signified in your Baptism ; yet you will not say it doth so . And the same Answer may serve to what you say , of Sprinkling and Dipping , being equally obliging ; for unless God hath given them to oblige , they have no obliging Nature or Virtue in them . 5. What you say of the Searcity of Water , can be no Plea for you that have no want of it , whatever it may be for them that have it not . But sure , where God gives not Straw , he will require no Brick . He does not make Baptism so necessary , that we shall perish if we cannot , but rather if we will not obey him therein . 6. Your Surmise , that Dipping seems an indecent thing , is indecently said , both by Mr. Walker , and your self , seeing it may be done as decently as your Sprinkling ; for your Talk of transparent Garments , shews your unacquaintedness with the right way of Baptizing . And know this , your ruffling Ladies in their gorgeous Apparel , may work upon your pravity of Heart sooner , than to behold and humble penitent Sinner , cloathed in comely , tho mean Garments , to be buried with Christ by Baptism . 7. To your Objection about the Coldness of the Climate , you need but put on the Garment of Love to God and his Truth , and act from a Principle of Faith , and you need fear no Ill , tho this Path may seem to you as the Valley of the Shadow of Death . Yet if any Person be really weak of Body , and cannot be satisfied to delay , ( as I confess that may be dangerous ) there may such care be taken , as in the Eye of Reason no Inconvenience need be feared . And if the Water be frozen , ( as you object ) surely he that will allow us to thaw that for our natural , will not blame us , if we do so for our spiritual use . 8. Does plunging or dipping take away the Understanding ? Why , not more now than in Christ's Time. And is it so necessary that the Understanding act in the Duty ? I marvel then why you baptize Persons ( as you call it ) when they are asleep . 9. What you say of the great Labour of dipping , and the Impossibility for one Man to baptize 3000 in one day , and that it is therefore unreasonable to think the Apostles did dip all that they baptized , &c. I answer ; First , you grant then , that they dipped some that they baptized ; prove now that they sprinkled so much as one , and the Dispute is at an end . Secondly , But Sir , what need was there for one Man only to baptize the three thousand ? Acts 2. 40. Does not Mr. Walker himself suppose , that there were of the hundred and twenty Disciples , eighty two in a Ministerial Capacity , to wit , the Seventy two , besides the Apostles ? Surely they might easily baptize three thousand in a few hours . But you will now prove the Lawfulness and Reasonableness of Sprinkling ; let us hear what you say . 1. You now make Sprinkling not only equally signified in the word , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , but to be more congruous with its genuine Signification ; your reason is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being a Derivative , can admit of no larger Signification than its Primitive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which we find ( say you ) in the History of Nebuchadnezzar , when like a Beast , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , he was wet with the Dew of Heaven . But for Answer ; 1. I say , this Place in Dan. 4. will never prove , that Sprinkling is more congruous to the genuine Signification of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , than Dipping : For Nebuchadnezzar being seven Years to live with Beasts , out of Habitation or House , was sufficiently washed , especially being probably naked too ; so that this kind of wetting holds some resemblance with plunging in Water , there being no part free from the Water thus rained upon Nebuchadnezzar : In which respect , it seems , the Septuagint renders or expresses his lying open to the Snow , Hail , Rain , or Dew , so long a time , by the word , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . And , 2. My Answer is , That the Greek here is Hyperbolical , and not properly to be understood ; and our Translators knowing this , did not ( as I suppose ) translate the Word according to its proper Signification , our Language not well bearing it in that case , but according to the thing which was to befall Nebuchadnezzar . And it seems very disingenuous , for you to conclude from this Hyperbole , that Sprinkling is more congruous to the signification of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , than Dipping , tho in so saying you contradict most of the Learned that have interpreted the word , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . And I am sure , ( and you know it much better than I can tell you , for my Learning is nothing , when compared with yours , ) that our Lexicons , Dictionaries , and Grammars , do make the prime Signification of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be a dipping , as they do who dye Colours ; and Scapula does not make 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , nor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to signify Sprinkling at all . 2. What you say in your 2d , 3d , 4th , and 5th . Particulars , is answered before ; but here you say , The Church was never confined to that Mode of Dipping , but had several Ways of baptizing , dipping , or sprinkling , &c. I answer : What Usages the Church has had , is not the Question ; but the Ground of her doings is the matter of our Enquiry : But yet I will venture to say , she was always confined to dip , if she kept that Ordinance according to Christ's own Example , which I think is a better Expositor of the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , than any Lexicon in the World. 2. The Alteration of the manner of this Ordinance , has not only occasioned us to say , You that only cross and sprinkle are not baptized ; but the Muscovites declare the Latin Church to be unbaptized for the same reason . For this you may read Daille on the Fathers , lib. 2. p. 148. where he tells us ; The Custom of the Ancient Church was to plunge those they baptized over Head and Ears in Water , as Tertullian , Cyprian , and Epiphanius testify . And this is still the Practice of the Greek and Russian Cnurch at this day , as Cassander de Baptismo , pag. 193. And yet notwithstanding this Custom is now abolished by the Church of Rome ; and this is the reason why the Muscovites say that the Latines are not rightly and duly baptized . Thus he . Nor is this the only Cause why we think your pretended Baptism a Nullity , for your Error about the Subject is more than the other . 3. What you say further is , to make us believe that Christ did not go into the Water ; that the Eunuch went to the Water only , because the Preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies ad , to . But your Conscience will tell you , it signifies into , as well as to ; and indeed you grant it : and then to what putpose do you quarrel our Translation ? However , we have proved that Christ was baptized in the River : and 't is expresly said of the many Thousands which came to Jordan , that they were all baptized in the River , confessing their Sins . Now , Sir , here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , cannot be rendred to the River , nor with the River , ( without egregious Folly ) and then 't is very plain , that they were all dipped in the River ; for it had been absolute Folly to go into the River to sprinkle the Face , Hand , or any other part of the Body . Seeing then they went into the River to baptize , it shews it cannot rightly be done without going into the Water : and therefore of necessity we must understand , Dipping is the only true Mode of Baptizing . 4. I marvel how any wise Man can look upon that Text , John 3. 23. John baptized in Enon , — because there was much Water there , and so much as think Sprinkling to be a lawful way of baptizing . If he will use any of his Wit , he cannot but infer , Baptism could not be rightly done with a few drops of Water , seein John chose Enon , because there was much Water there . And what tho 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signify many Waters ? yet it does not signify many Rivers ; but by the Noise of many Waters , is often meant the Noise of much Water in one Source or Channel . However , you say , the Greek signifies the Confluence of these two Springs , Jordan and Jaboc ; but yet you are unwilling that they should yield so much Water as might suffice to dip in . And yet the Scripture tells you elsewhere , that Jordan overflows all her Banks at certain times ; and Lithgow , that was at it , will give you an account , that it is a River sufficient to dip a bigger Man than your self in . But here , you say , is no mention of dipping . Yes , Sir , but there is ; for when you hear , that John was baptizing in Enon , he was either dipping or sprinkling . The latter would make the Speech absurd and nonsensical ; the former therefore was his Business , for he was dipping in Enon , near Salem , because there was much Water there . Your Church therefore is very much to blame , in leaving the Way of Truth , and following her own Tradition , and is therefore the cause of our present disunion , and will be till she turn to the Truth , both in the Subject and Manner of Baptism , or at least forbear to impose upon us without Authority from Heaven . What you add , by way of answer to some of our Objections against Infant Baptism , is answered in my Reply to Dr. Stillingfleet , and Mr. J. Barret , which is bound up with my Book of Primitive Christianity , and to that I will refer you . What you add about Sureties or God-Fathers , &c. I shall not take notice of at this time , and indeed the usage is so odd , that Dr. Jer. Taylor well said , if it had been God's will to have had them , It is to be supposed he would have given them Commission to have transacted the Solemnity with better Circumstances , and given Answers with more Truth ; for if the God Fathers answer in the Name of the Child ( I do believe ) it is notorious , they speak false and ridiculously . And this is even enough to say to such an Innovation : But what absurdity is it , which being once made a Cannon by learned Men , will not find some to daub it up with untempered Mortar ? Could Men but remember Nadab and Abihu , Lev. 10. they would fear to add to , or take from the Ordinances of Christ , under what pretence of Piety or Prudence soever . Thus Sir , I have briefly answered your Arguments , and hope I have not mistaken your Sence in any Passage I except against . And for a Conclusion , I crave leave to say , That the way to obtain that Unity which is so desirable , between the Baptized Believers and the Church of England , is not to fall to it by Disputation , but by proposing what Abatements may be made about such things as are not mentioned in the Scripture , ( as this of Poedo-Baptism ) is not ) or at least what mitigation may be hoped for , as to the imposition of such things : And on the other side , I trust in the Lord that you shall call for nothing from us , wherein we may submit without sinning against God , but we shall gladly hearken to you . In the mean time , constant Prayer to God for the Blessing of Truth and Peace , and friendly conference between the leading Men on both parts , may do much to further so good a Work , specially if his Majesty would be graciously pleased to permit such friendly Treaties . But of writing many Books there is no end . SECT . IV. A Plea for the Church-Assemblies of the Baptized Believers . MAny and very great has been the Sufferings of the Baptized Believers in this Nation , since the publication of the Act , entitled , an Act to prevent and suppress seditious Conventicles . And if the meaning of the said Act be to restrict all Christian Assemblies , ( except the Parochial ) to the number of four Persons , besides the Families where they do assemble , We see not how we can , with safety to our Souls , conform to the Limits thereby prescribed . But forasmuch as the said Act pretends only the prevention and suppression of Seditious Conventicles , We humbly conceive , that those who are free from Seditious Designs in their meeting together to worship God , are rationally acquitted from the Imputation of Sedition ; and consequently no Man can conscienciously prosecute any of us upon that Statute , being utterly unable to prove any such Crime against us ; nor could any ever yet convict us of such an Evil , nor , by the Grace of God , shall they ( I hope ) ever be able to do it . Upon a due Enquiry it will evidently appear , that it is the Lord himself that hath ordered his People to convene or congregate , for the better discharge of the great Duties of Prayer , Preaching , and the Celebration of other his holy Ordinances ; to which holy Ends he has allowed , not four Persons only , but the whole Church , in any Town or City , to come together into one Place , among whom also such as do not believe the Gospel , are allowed to appear , in order to their Illumination , and this without any limitation in respect of Number : So that it seems to exceed the due Bounds of humane Power , to use Restraint , where God hath given such gracious Liberty . 1 Cor. 14. 23 , 24 , 25. Jam. 2. 2 , 3. Heb. 10. 24. Forasmuch then as God has not given any Power upon Earth , to forbid any Christian , or such as desire to know Christ , to hear his Word at any time , or in any place ; but on the contrary , commands every Man that hath an Ear , to hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches , Rev. 2. 7. saying , To day if ye will hear his Voice , harden not your Hearts , Psal . 95. 7. Proclaiming to every one that thirsteth , to come and take of the Waters of Life freely : Isa . 55. 1. To whose gracious Invitation the Spirit and the Bride ( the Church ) agreeth , saying , Come , Rev. 22. 17. It must needs be very dangerous for any Man to say , Do not come , when they desire to drink of these living Waters , which flow in the lively Preaching of the Gospel of Christ . And how can we think that our gracious God , who in Things pertaining to this Life , will not allow us to say to our Neighbour , Go away , and come again to morrow , and I will give , when we have it by us , Prov. 3. 27 , 28. will ever accept us with a Well-done , good and faithful Servant , if in the more weighty Matters of his Law we put Men off with delatory Answers ? Behold , now is the accepted Time ; behold , now is the Day of Salvation . It must be granted , that the Church is the Light of the World , a City set upon a Hill , that cannot be hid ; whilst therefore we are conscionably , and ( we trust ) groundedly persuaded , that we are a part of this Church , a necessity lieth upon us , to make manifest the Savour of the Knowledg of Christ in every Place . For as it was truly said to Christ , That no Man doth any thing in secret , and himself desires to be known openly : So neither must the Church of Christ obscure her Light by a secret Profession of Christianity , lest she contradict her own Prayer , and the Practice of the Primitive Churches , held forth in these Words : God be merciful to us , and bless us , and cause his Face to shine upon us , that his Way may be known upon the Earth , and his Saving-Health among all Nations . And now , Lord , behold their Threatnings , and grant unto thy Servants , that with all boldness they may speak thy Word . — And they spake the Word with boldness . — And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb , by the Word of their Testimony ; and they loved not their Lives unto the Death . — And became Followers of the Churches of God , having received the Word in much Affliction , with Joy of the Holy-Ghost . And if for the like faithful Testimony we must still suffer , as we have done , we shall rejoyce , as Christ hath exhorted us . The Church is taught of God to hold fast , not her Faith only , but also the Profession of her Faith ; and this not by Starts and Girds , as Men give them License or Toleration , but with all constancy , and without wavering . And surely our Lord foreseeing , and by his Apostles foreshewing what would come to pass , required that this Profession be held without wavering in the Business of Church-Assembling , Heb. 10. 25. because without such Assemblies , the whole Service of God ( in a Church-way ) is like to fall to the ground . This Duty , as it is of greatest importance , so it is founded upon Heavens Authority : Forsake not the Assembling of your selves together . And it is granted by the learned Protestants , That against the Law of God or Nature no contrary Custom doth ever prevail . [ Dr. Field of the Church , lib. 4. ] He that doth any thing by Command from the King , contrary to the Command of God , does not fear God , ( saith Dr. Savage , Chaplain to K. Charles II , in his Dew of Hermon , p. 36 , to 39. ) And , speaking of the first Preachers of the Gospel , he saith , Their Rulers enjoined them not to preach Christ , and therein they did well to disobey ; for otherwise they had not feared God , inasmuch as tho their Rulers were above them , yet God was above them both . — For in commanding any thing contrary to the Word and Will of God , they abuse their Power , either through their Ignorance or Wilfulness ; and in that case meerly Passive Obedience is to be yielded . These latter Sentences are the more remarkable , being written by one of his Majesties Chaplains , in Answer to a Book written by the Baptized Believers in this Age , entitled , Sion's Groans for her Distressed ; which Book , whilst he pretends to confute , he has confirmed it , in the main scope and Intent of it . As it is impossible , by Mulcts and Penalties to overcome the faithful Professors of the Truth , ( for that which is of God , Men cannot overthrow , Acts 5. 39. ) so neither will those that are zealous for Error , be vanquished by that way . And the mischief is , their Errors are by their Sufferings made the more taking with those of weak Judgments . What then is the result of Persecution for Religion ? Is it not commonly this , That the Hypocrites or Time-servers do fill that Church which has the Power of the Magistrate on her side ? And suppose she have the Truth on her side , yet those Temporizers come not to her Communion for the Truths sake , and therefore cannot be a Blessing to her , nor she to them ; nay , these shall , the soonest of all others , betray her , when ever Time shall minister occasion ; for those who are not true to God , and their own Conscience , will never be faithful to Men. They worship not the King of Heaven , but the Earthly Crown and Scepter , much like Euripus , carried headlong sometimes this way , sometimes that way . Socrat. lib. 3. cap. 21. But , shortly , to sum up what is or might be further said in this Case . 1. To restrict our Assemblies to the Limits of the said Act , is to obey Man rather than God , who gives liberty , without limiting the Numbers of those that meet , to worship him in a Church-way . And whilst we believe our Assemblies are true Churches , we must endeavour to meet in God's way , whoever countermands it . 2. For thus to limit our Assemblies to the Number of Four ; will certainly destroy all our Church-Assemblies : For , suppose some Congregation or Church consist but of an hundred Persons , these being divided into Fours , have no Church-Assembly , unless every of these four be a Church . And if the Magistrate have just power to divide us into Fours or Fives , he has power to subdivide us into Two's , and by consequence to dissolve all our Assemblies . I confess , a small Number may constitute a true Church . Gregory Thaumaturgus , tho a Bishop , had a Church consisting but of seventeen Persons . [ Basil . de Spirit . Sanct. cap. 29. ] Our Saviour has promised his presence , where two or three are met together in his Name . But then in his Name , signifieth in his Authority , and according to his Appointment . Now Christ has no where appointed , that four , and no more , should come together into one House or Place ; no , tho an hundred Persons be come together , if more do come , they cannot be prohibited by all that Power which God has given to Man , as we have shewed . 3. Our zealous Country-Men of the Parochial Way , would think it very unlawful to be limited in their Meetings to fours or fives ; and yet they ought to be restrain'd from Seditious Practices as well as others ; and we do by as good Right think it unlawful for us to be so restrained . We hope our Legislators did not intend at all to exalt their Authority against the Lord , whose Power is above all . But yet when these Laws come to be executed upon good Men , by the Industry of mercenary Fellows , meerly for worshipping God , then are they turned into Snares to the ruin of the Innocent , and dishonour of that Power which gave them being . And all this falls out , for want of better provision in the said Laws , to convict Men of Sedition , than only because they were observ'd to preach or pray . 4. Wherefore , being fully satisfied that our Assemblies are true Church-Assemblies , and that upon the strictest enquiry we are able to make into the due Nature and Order of such Assemblies , we conceive our selves indispensibly bound by the Word of God , the Examples of the first and best Churches , and the Tie of Conscience , as regulated by a sincere Love of Religion , to hold fast the Profession of our Faith without wavering or changing , by reason of the Change of Times , or Man's Laws . Being also rationally persuaded , that the more publick and free Men are to serve the Lord , the less danger of Sedition . Wherefore , with innocent Hearts , and pure Hands , ( as to any Design of Sedition ) in the strength of Christ , we will keep his Way , and let the Lord do with us as seemeth him good . SECT . V. Of the Baptized Believers Call to Christianity , and to the Work of the Ministry . WHen our Saviour commanded his Apostles to teach all Nations , and to preach the Gospel to every Creature , We do not doubt but their performance of this his gracious Will , may truly be said to be the calling of the Gentiles , or Nations : And that Men enjoy a great Mercy ( for which they ought to be very thankful ) to be born in a Nation to whom the Gospel has been preached , and received by their Progenitors : And that it is also a great Blessing to be born under the Government of Christian Princes ; and we believe we ought to love and honour our Nation , and the Rulers of it , upon this very account ( as well as for the Obligation of Nature and Laws ) viz. because they assert the Interest of Christ Jesus in general as well as we . Nor is it our Business to destroy the State of Christianity received in any Nation ; nor at all to despise the Ministry that conscientiously upholds it ( but only to labour that Christianity may be delivered from the Errors that have encumbred it , by reason of the change of Governments and Interests , or Corruptions of the Ages past . ) And in this Consideration , as we look upon our Nation to be a Christian Nation ; so we count our selves much more happy in being Members of a Nation that owns the true God , Christ Jesus to be the Saviour of the World , the Scriptures to be holy and true , and that Faith and Holiness is the way to true Blessedness , than to have been of any other Nation whatsoever . But yet for all this there is a great Truth in the Words of Tertullian , i. e. We are not born , but made Christians . And therefore , we do not think that our meer Birth of Christian Parents does qualify us , or give us an actual Right to Christ's Ordinances ; but to this end we believe , and know , that every Person ought to have the Gospel preached , or some way made known to them , and that a work of real Grace ( or the new Birth ) at least by a solemn Profession , must precede our Baptismal Covenant ; to this the Scriptures give full consent , John 1. 12 , 13. 2 Cor. 5. 17. Eph. 2. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 23. And thus we , and ours ( so many of them as the Lord our God does call by the preaching of the Gospel ) are actually incorporate with the Church of Christ Militant , and engaged thenceforth in the high and holy Calling , and actual Profession of the Christian Religion . 2. But now , Whether we have any lawful Call to the work of the Ministry , is the business to be a little considered , partly , for that some of our late Persecutors were pleased to suggest the contrary ; and partly to put our selves upon the strictest Trial , even in this case where we are supposed to be the most deficient . The Questions in this case to be resolved , are , 1. Whether a succession of Ordination from Man to Man , down from some of the Apostles , be absolutely necessary to a due Call to the Ministry ? or , 2. Whether the same Means that is of Authority sufficient to make Men Christians , be not also sufficient to make Ministers ? In answer to these Questions , we shall do little more than offer what we have formerly written upon this Subject . And tho the Papists are the Men who stand most stifly for Succession , as necessary , yet of late we find our Friends of the Church of England looking that way , as if they would justify their Ordination in a successive Line from Man to Man , through the Papacy : which thing is disclaimed by Dr. Luther , with the greatest vehemency , in these words . Whoso loveth Christ , ought to endure any thing , rather than to be ordained by the Papists ; because in their Ordinations all things are carried with such wicked preposterousness , that if they were not mad , and blind , they would perceive how they mock God to his Face ; — being stricken with an universal blindness , they do not so much as know the Word of God , specially the Bishops who ordain . — Let me be counted a Fool , a Knave , a Lyer , if there be any one of them , ordain'd by them , who dare say , that at such time as he received Orders , he was commanded to dispense the Mysteries of Christ , or to teach the Gospel , — but they ordain Sacrificers of the unbloody Sacrifice of the Mass , and to hear Confessions , &c. Thus far Luther . And the Oath which they take at their Ordination ( as set down by Mr. Bullinger ) is very un-gospel-like , the sum of it is in these Words , That the Priest will be a true Subject to the Pope , obey the Decrees of the Fathers , and of the Church ( i. e. the Roman Church ) and that he will persecute Hereticks . Beza censures all Ordination taken from the Papists . Let us hear him speak . What ordinary Vocation is that which you say the first Reformers had , excepting some few of them , is it not the Pall ? Shall we think then , that the Popish Orders are valid , in which there is not any preceding enquiry into manners ? No such Enquiry or Procedure , as is inviolably to be made , or observed , by Divine Right in Elections , and Ordinations , — Shall we think so highly of their Ordinations , that as often as any false Bishops are converted to true Christianity , immediately all the Filth , Uncleanness , and Impurity , collated , is washed away ? Nay , but with what Face or Conscience will he be able to forsake Popery , and not abjure his irregular Ordination ? or if he do abjure it , how can he by virtue thereof claim Authority to teach ? Thus these two Pillars of the Protestant Reformation , are so far from deriving their Call to the Ministry , through the Papacy ( as some late Protestants pretend to do ) that they do utterly reject any Ordination which comes from them . Nor was Luther and Beza ordained after they came from the Papists . ( Mr. Stub's Occas . Quaer . ) But Beza is said to defend his Call to the Ministry , by Instances of those that were called extraordinarily , as Isaiah , Daniel , Amos , Zecharias , &c. These things premised , we may assume , that either of these ways ( as approved by our Reformers respectively ) could we go to defend our Call to the Ministry , as well as they : Being first , many of us , ordained by those who received Ordination from you , and some may run with you to Bishop Cranmer , who was ordained by the Papacy ; and then proceed , till we come up to Clemens , or Lucius , and so to St. Peter . And as for the pretence of Beza , or Luther , about their extraordinary Call , it 's not impossible for us to give as fair a Demonstration of it , as either of them , ( specially if we take the Rules given by Mr. Beza , to judg of such a Call by , to be cogent , viz. good Life , sound Doctrine , and the Election of the People . ) But to be plain , we do not very well like either of these ways . Not the first , it is so sordid , as that the Papists themselves in deriving their Call through the Papacy , are forced to take it from so many false pretended Popes , or Diabolical Popes , even Witches and Devils incarnate ( by their own confession ) that they make but a lamentable Succession of it in the end . And especially , if Stapleton may be regarded ( tho a Papist ) who tells us , That it is not a bare and personal Succession , but lawful Succession , which is a note of a true Church ; and defineth that to be lawful Succession , when not only the latter succeeds into the void rooms of those that went before them , being lawfully called thereunto , but also hold the Faith which their Predecessors did . Now let this Rule be honestly stood by , and we are sure the Papists shall never be able to prove a Succession of many points of their Faith , and Doctrines from the Apostles , whilst the World stands , and consequently neither can the Protestants derive a lawful Succession from them . We like not the second way , for we will not compare with Isaiah , Daniel , Amos , nor Zechariah , in respect of their immediate Mission . But this we say , That our Call to the Ministry is no otherwise extraordinary , than our Call to believe the Gospel is so ; or , as it stands clear from all the idle Ceremonies used by Papists , or others in their Ordinations , or as it is ordered ( as near as we can ) according to the Word of God. And is the sacred Word of Power to beget us to God , and by the assistance of his Spirit to make us his Children , or Christians ? and is it not of Power or Authority sufficient to enable us to worship God in his own Ordinances , which were made for Christians , and not Christians for them ? This seems justly ridiculous . We make no doubt but that it 's easy with God ( and no extraordinary thing ) to raise a People to himself , in a Nation where all have corrupted the way of Christianity , ( or lost the State and Praise of a true Church ) meerly through his Blessing upon the reading and diligent searching of the Scriptures , ( I speak of a Nation where the Scriptures are received , as that is our case . ) The Truth is , all the ways of God's Worship , are ( in the Word ) made ready for us , and laid at our Doors , and we do but take up gladly , what others let lie as useless things , that they may hug their own Devices . But now to silence a Papist for ever ( which some will think to be a difficult undertaking ) ; do they not allow ( even by the Pen of the Learned Bellarmine , chap. 7. ) that even an Heathen , that is not baptized , may administer Baptism in case of Necessity ? And this they esteem a valid Baptism . And why then may not we , when God hath opened our Eyes to see any other Truth , as well as that , enter upon the dutiful observance of it in the best way we can , our Circumstances ( especially the case of Necessity ) being considered ? For is not Necessity as good a Warrant to take up the practice of , or to restore one Truth as well as another ? Certainly , one Ordinance is as sacred as another , and where Churches are setled , ought to be dispensed in the most honourable way , and by the most fit Instruments , even Christ's Ministers . Wherefore , till the Papists shall recal their opinion about Baptism , and prove a Succession as necessary to Baptism as Ordination , they can with no shew of reason , insist upon the necessity of Ordination to be founded upon Succession . But further , It 's evident from the Scriptures , ( Acts 13. ) that a Succession is not necessary to true Ordination ; for tho the Apostles were yet living , it was not thought necessary that they should impose Hands upon Barnabas and Paul : but this is done by gifted Men , or the Prophets that were in the Church at Antioch . The only question here to be resolved is , Whether this laying on of Hands was for Ordination ? The Papists do hold it was ; some Protestants deny it ; but some Protestants do affirm it . Mr. Churchman , in his History of Episcopacy , tells out of Chrysostom , That tho Paul was an Apostle neither of Men , nor by Men , yet as for the Work to which he was separated , ask the said Father ( saith he ) and he will tell you , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , That it was the Office of an Apostle , and that he was ordained an Apostle here , that he might preach the Gospel with greater Pewer , — And certainly that he had not the Apostleship before , may be made manifest by that which followed after . But tho some Protestants doubt whether this were Paul's Ordination ( tho the matter is clear of it self ) yet here is the Ordination of Barnabas without all question ; and then it is evident that there was an Interruption of Succession in the case of Ordination , even in the Apostles Days , and therefore by no means to be held to be necessary in our Days , who are so far removed from the times of the Holy Apostles , that in vain do Men think to find a clear and undoubted Succession , of any one Ordinance from them . Wherefore we may safely conclude , that where the Truth of the Gospel is received , with the Gifts of God's Spirit ( as that was the case at Antioch ) there is a sufficiency of Power on the Persons so gifted , with the advice of the Church to send forth , or appoint Men to the work of the Ministry ; altho 't is true , this course is most warrantable in the case of necessity , and in no wise to be done in contempt or wilful neglect of that way , which is more ordinary and regular . Howbeit , to tye all Power of Ordination so strictly to the Persons of Men ordained , by such as were ordained by the Apostles themselves , would in all likelihood throw the Power of Ordination out of the Church of God at this day ; especially if we stand upon the due Election and Qualification of Persons so claiming Succession from the Apostles themselves . And because due Qualifications , and Election , is as necessary to a true Minister of Christ , as Ordination , seeing it 's most certain , that unless God do first make Men Ministers , it 's impossible for the Church ( rightly ) to make them Ministers . We shall here add , That besides his moral Vertues , and Spiritual Gifts , he that is regularly called to the Ministry , must first be a true Member of the Church , and chosen by a true Church to that sacred Employment . And then we may boldly ( yet modestly ) suppose , that true Ordination ( at least in some part of it ) is only found in the Congregations of Baptized Believers at this day : For , where true Baptism is not , Ordination cannot be regular . Again , due Election is found amongst them , whilst neglected both by Papists , and Prelatists . And further , the true Form and Order of Ordination is found in our Churches . The first is evident of it self , No Baptism , no due Ordination ; is a Truth without exception among all that own Ordination . And for the second , 't is certain none are ordained to any Office in the Baptized Churches , till elected by the consent of the Church , or the Major part , to whom they are to minister . And herein they follow the Footsteps of the Apostles , Acts 1. when one must be chosen in the room of Judas , the 120 , which was the whole Assembly , allowed the choice of two : and good reason there is , that where all are equally concerned , they should all be satisfied in the choice of such , as to whom they commit the care and feeding of their Souls . When the seven Deacons were to be ordained , the whole Church is consulted , Acts 6. and the Election made by them who knew the qualification of the Persons . And as holy Scripture , so Antiquity stands with us in this case . The Nicene Council , writing their minds to the Church at Alexandria , concerning some that were to succeed other Bishops , gives these Directions : If so be they shall seem to be worthy , and the People shall chuse them . What Rules were to be observed in respect of their worthiness for Ministerial Employment , may be gathered from Clement , Epist . ad Corinth . Having ( saith he ) made trial of them by the Spirit , to be Bishops and Deacons . And again , Others well approved of , should succeed into the Office and Ministry , who therefore have been constituted , — by famous and discreet Men , with the good liking and consent of all the Church , — and who withal , have of a long time had a good Testimony from all Men. Leo gives the same direction ( Epist . 84. c. 5. ) charging , That none be ordained against the Wills and Petitions of the People : And again , Epist . 49. The Custom was that he should be chosen of all , that was to be over all , and wills , that the liking of the People and their Testimony be sought : That in Ordinations , the Rules of the Apostles and Fathers ought to be observed ; that he that is to be over the Church , should not only have the Allowance of the Faithful , but the Testimony also of them that are without . Cyprian is as clear for us , ( Ep. l. 1. ) The People who full well and perfectly know the Life of him that is to be ordained Bishop , are to be present , and to be chosen with their allowance , who know the Conversation of every one . And he brings Salinius ( his Colleague ) for Instance , who was chosen by the Voice of the whole Brotherhood , and the Judgment of the Bishops which came together . Each Church stands free ( saith Dr. Bilson , Perpet . Govern. ) by God's Law to admit , maintain , and obey no Man as their Pastor without their liking ; and that the Peoples Election dependeth on humane Fellowship , and first Principles of humane Society and Assemblies . Dr. Field informs us , That this Right of the People hath been invaded many ways : 1. By great Personages and Magistrates . 2. When the Bishops grew to great Pomp , and the Clergy began to be enriched by Benefices , Elections were , and to this day are made according to the Interests of the Rich and Strong , whilst the People are not only deprived of , but become ignorant , that any Right remains in them to chuse their own Ministers or Pastors . Now this Privilege , tho lost in most National Churches , is restored and maintained in the Baptized Churches , where none are elected Messengers , Bishops , or Deacons , without the free Choice of the Brotherhood where such Elections are made . And after such Election of Persons of known Integrity and competent Ability , we proceed to Ordination , with Fasting and Prayer , and the laying on of Hands , according to the Scripture ; Acts 13. 3. When they had fasted and prayed , they laid their Hands on them , and sent them away . Thus for the Ordination of Messengers , ( which after the manner of some are called Bishops . ) Acts 14. 23. And when they had ordained them Elders in every Church , and prayed with Fasting , they commended them to the Lord , on whom they believed . Acts 6. 5 , 6. And they chose Stephen , a Man full of Faith , and of the Holy-Ghost , and Philip , and Prochorus , and Nicanor , and Timon , and Parmenas , and Nicholas , whom they set before the Apostles ; and when they had prayed , they laid their Hands on them . Thus for the Ordination of Deacons . All which Apostolical Practices are religiously restored and observed in the Churches of the Baptized Believers , without any devised Adjuncts of our own or others . By all which it may appear , they have a lawful Call to the Work of the Ministry . Here I meet with an Objection ; 'T is doubted by some , whether a Man having received Ordination as a Presbyter , may afterward have Ordination as a Messenger of the Churches of Christ , the Objector supposing that the first Ordination is sufficient , only the Church must give him another Commission . This Objection I answer three ways : 1. By Antiquity . 2. By Reason . 3. By Scripture . 1. Antiquity is directly against this Objection , being rather for a threefold Ordination than only one , as I shall shew by and by . But first , I marvel how the Objector would give a Man a Ministerial Commission without Ordination , the Church having no other way at all to give Commissions but by Ordination ; nor can any Man tell us , how she can give her Commissions Ministerial , but by the very Act of her Ordination ; and according to the Nature of her Ordination , such , and no other is her Commission . Now our Ancients understood this , and therefore did usually bring Men gradually to the degree of a Bishop , ( i. e. a Messenger , according to the Scripture , Bishop , or Overseer , being a Name common to Elders in the Primitive Times . ) Thus Chrysostom was first ordained a Deacon , then a Presbyter , after that he was ordained Bishop of Constantinople , by Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria . And saith the learned Bilson , In the Primitive Church they were first Deacons , and upon Trial , when they had ministred well , and were found blameless , they were admitted to be Elders ; and after that , if their Gifts and Pains so deserved , they were called to an higher degree : so that every one , by the ancient Discipline of Christ's Church , before he could come from ministring to governing in the Church of God , received thrice , or at least twice , Imposition of Hands . 2. Reason tells us , that every Man that is called to the Work of the Ministry , ought to have a Commission ( that is , an Ordination ) commensurable to his Ministry . It is Christ's peculiar to give Commission by the Word of his Mouth only , the Church cannot do so ; she must confer Ministerial Authority in some solemn Rite or Ceremony . This is plain in the case of Deacons , it was not sufficient for the Apostles to say ( of Persons eminently qualified ) we order or appoint them to serve Tables , or , look ye to the Poor : But besides their great Qualifications and Election , they must receive their Commission or Authority by Prayer , with the laying on of hands , else they have no Commission . In like 〈…〉 be solemnly ordained , before the Holy-Ghost hath made him an Overseer of the particular Flock committed to his Charge . And then in reason , if he have a far greater Charge afterward committed to him , he has need of a Commission ( that is , an Ordination , for other Commission there is none ) to enable him to take care of many Churches , and to plant new Churches in the World. We read not of any Messengers , that acted as such in that great Trust , without an Ordination agreeable to their Work ; and it is ill venturing to send Men out with a Commission too short for their Employment , it being irrational so to do , and without any good Example . Let us see then what the Scripture will say in favour of our Answers . 3. The Apostles had a twofold Apostleship ; the one limited to the Jewish Nation , Mat. 10. the other of extent to all Nations , Mat. 28. If they were ordained to either , then they were ordained to both ; and the latter seems to be the more solemn and formal Ordination , not only for that when Christ had given them Order what to do , he lift up his Hands , and blessed them , Luk. 24. 50. but also gave them Order to tarry at Jerusalem , until they were endowed with Power from on high . When their Work was particular or limited , they had a limited Commission ; when their Work was universal , they had an universal Commission . Sure the Church , who hath no way to give Commissions but by Ordination , shall do well and wisely to follow Christ , the Author of all her Power , when she delegates or gives it forth to any of her Ministers . This Answer may suffice , yet we add : Barnabas is confessed to have been one of the Seventy Disciples , and had a divine Authority from Christ to preach the Gospel to the Jews ; but when he is sent to preach to the Gentiles , he hath a new Commission , even an Ordination , as appears , Acts 13. FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A41782-e310 Psal . 90. 2. Rev. 4. 10. 1 Tim. 1. 17. Psal . 147. 5. Prov. 15. 3. Notes for div A41782-e7440 i See the 35th of Elizabeth . Luk. 2. 22 , 23 , 24. Exod. 13. 2. Lev. c. 12. Socrat. l 6 c. 12 , 13.