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THE 
 
 HISTORY 
 
 BAPTISM 
 
 r\ OR ' 
 
 One Faith, one Baptifm^ 
 In the feveral Editions thereof 
 
 Under JSToab, Afpfes, Qhrift. 
 With an Appendix thereunto, being an Aflay to give 
 theSenceofoui- bleffed Saviours ComnJiflion to 
 Preach and Baptife. 
 
 To which is added an Explicatory Index,being a Sum- 
 mary of certain Definitions and Diftinftions colle- 
 
 aed chiefly out of S.P^Epiftles,comprehendirig 
 muchofthefubftanceoftheGoibel 
 
 A1 !l r n f fir d . t0th ^ vi T and intend ed for the benefit of the 
 plain and ferious Chnihan, who delights not to venture his 
 Rehgion upon intricate Difputations? 
 
 ty J- SC N Kt ,l,. 
 
 Xtetaaj ex ipfo fonts bibwttw A^ua. 
 
 ^t^T^ S ' Lee near p 0Pes-Head. Alley in Lumbal 
 freet^ndD. Major at the Flying-Horfe in Fleet-firearfjk 
 
Imprimatur, 
 
 W. Jane, 
 
 March u. 1^78. 
 
lllufirifsimo ac Tr^nobili 
 
 ANTONIO GREY 
 
 Comiti Cantii y Domino 
 Haftings, Waisford, 6* 
 Domino Grey de Ruthen, 
 
 Hafee lucufyrationes de Itaptifmi Hiftorti] 
 nee nonpr&liminares medit at tones de 
 operibus Dei una cum Appendice, 
 & Jndiee ancitlantibus, 
 
 Legendas fimul ac trutinandas in objeqw 
 
 fui debiti animique optima quaque 
 
 voventis Monument um 9 
 
 D. D. D. 
 
 is*, n; 
 
 Az 
 
To the worthy Governours, and Reverend 
 Minifters of the Colonies, mi Plantati- 
 ons //zNew England, especially fuch of 
 the old Planters as are yet living. 
 
 J.S^.N. 
 
 AN adventurer in the firft Plantati- 
 on. A Sympathifer in your Joyes, 
 Fears, Sorrows. A fpeftator, and obfer- 
 ver of the mutual tranfa&ings twixt God 
 and you , doth prefent this fmall Trea- 
 tife of the History ofBaptifm, the fruits 
 Of his retired thoughts in old Age, with 
 afetledmindinquietnefs and comfort, 
 to be weighed and confidered with afe- 
 date fpirit making allowance for hu- 
 mane Infirmities. 
 
 As that which he conceives may be of 
 ufe in the further planting and propa- 
 gating the Gofpel : And therefore is 
 willing to leave this as a publick tefti* 
 mony of his good will to that great and 
 honourable work, which he heartily 
 commends to the Blefling of him, who is 
 the God of all grace and is able to 
 ftrengthen, fettle, ftablifh you. To him 
 be Glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 A 2 
 
^v 
 
 The Author's Preface to the 
 
 READER. 
 
 BEpleafed ( Courteous Reader ) to take 
 notice, That the defign of thefe papers *\ 
 at thefrfiwas to attain fome clear 'nefs in the 
 practice ofBaptifm in Infancy and Minori- 
 ty : And to that end take in consideration of 
 the whole History of Baptifm: which, being 
 an untrodden path, may be fome Apology for 
 the Abruptures of the ftile, and method of 
 proceeding. 
 
 That they Jhould not be buried, or conceal* 
 ed ( notwithstanding the Authors weaknefs 
 in expreffing bimfelf and indifpoftion by 
 reafon of Age to make alterations in them) 
 hath been the advice of fever al learned mm 
 under whofeeyes they havepafed. 
 
 That they come forth now without any 
 commendatory names, though fome were in a 
 readinef, is the refolution of the Author up- 
 on fecond thought s, being perfwaded, that the 
 Noblenef of the SubjecJ, attended with va- 
 riety of ufeful matter, tending to rectifie 
 fome mistakes, compofejome differences, fix 
 the power of a Chrijlians profejjion, and fet- 
 tle his comforts, and all prefented in a new 
 method, will be inducement enough to aferi- 
 om perfon to read andperufe, and when he 
 A 4 hath 
 
hath read, he is left to the freedom of his 
 own judgment. 
 
 Only let the deader be intreafed not to do 
 pith this as fome do with a Gazette : They 
 read it, and lay it afide, and fay there is no- 
 thing in it, and fo neither impart what they 
 read, nor incourage others, when another of 
 leffer intelligence finds variety of matter to 
 dtfcourfe of. If thou be eft of fo great intelli- 
 gence in divine things, that this cannot add to 
 thy flat ure, yet give others leave to read,com- 
 pare and confder, who prof efs not fo great 
 perfection, and to whom all it little enough r 
 either to fatisfie their fcruples, or to raije up 
 their fpir its to a due careytoget, and keep a 
 good conscience: And flack not thy own en- 
 deavours ( as becomes a lover of truth ) to 
 fupply what is here wanting, to reclife what is 
 here mijlaken, and to improve thefe Notions 
 to a greater height for the benefit of the 
 Church of God in unity andpeace. For aflu- 
 redly, the right conceptions about Baptifm do 
 tend thereto as much as any other point what- 
 foever. That this may be the fruit of this and 
 the labour of all thofe that feek the welfare of 
 Zion in fmcerity, is andjhall be the prayer of . 
 the Author , who defires to be known by, the 
 name of EufebiusPhiladelphus. 
 
 Let the Peace of God rule in our hearts, to which alfo 
 vjs are called in one Body,and let us be thankful^/. 3.1 5 . 
 
( I i 
 
 THE 
 
 INTRODUCT 
 
 r ■ v 
 
 
 MEDITATIONS 
 
 © 
 
 T O T H E 
 
 HISTORY 
 
 O F 
 
 
 iSapttfi 
 
 WHen a Chriftian fets himfelf to 
 meditate on the noble Subject 
 of the works of God, he may 
 well fit down and (ay : Many pfai.40.5, 
 . Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which 9. 
 thou haEi done ■' And thy thoughts torn-ward, they Pf. m. 8. 
 cannot be reckoned up in order to thee ;would I de- 
 clare and fpeak ' of "them, they are more than can be 
 numbred : yet when he confiders that the great 
 works of God are to be fought out, and not only 
 fo, but preach'd to the great Congregation, and 
 that it is a work of much profitable delight , and 
 
 delight- 
 
CO 
 
 delightful profit to the foul that is taken with the 
 love of Cfirift, he rifes up from his meer admi- 
 ring thoughts, and betakes himfelf to the Word 
 of God to fee what is revealed there, and to im- 
 plore the Spirit of Chrift, that what is revealed 
 there,rqay be revealed to faim,that fo having right 
 apprehensions of God and his ways, he may ac- 
 cording to the meafure of light vouchfafed , a* 
 dore and hpnour him who is blefied for ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 Ifa. 28. 29. He is wonderful in counfel^ excel- 
 lent in working* 
 
 His works are the product of his counfels. The 
 excellency of his workings argues the excellency 
 of his counfels. As we cannot conceive the excel- 
 lency of his working, fo we cannot comprehend 
 the greatnefs of his counfels. His counfels are 
 wonderful, becaufe they proceed from fuch an 
 one as himfelf. His works are excellent becaufe 
 they center in himfelf. 
 
 Acl:. 15. 18. Known to the Lord are all his 
 works from the beginning of the World. 
 
 God doth not do his work at a venture, but 
 hath laid the whole plot aforehand , how every 
 thing fhall be , one thing in order to another, 
 from the firft day of the creation to the laftday 
 of the diflblution. So that every thing bath a be- 
 ing in the divine Platform, before they have a be- 
 ing in themfelves, and are known to God before 
 they are, and foretold by Him before they come 
 
 to 
 
(? ) 
 
 to pafs. And if any thing feem weak or imperfect 
 in his work,as the fall of Angels, the fin of man, 
 death and mifery in the world, contrarieties and 
 contradictions to that which is good .* yet as it 
 ftandsin the divine Platform Introductory to 
 fome others works , it is good and perfect and 
 could not be better : The Chaos or confufed Mafs 
 created the firft day, was very good and perfect 
 as it flood in order to the work of the other 
 days. 
 
 Rom. II. 36. Of him and through him^and for 
 him are all things. 
 
 As all things are laid out in the divine Plat- 
 form how they fhall be in their feverall times: 
 So there is an Influence of divine power and pro- 
 vidence for the enlivening and production of 
 every thing in its feafon.Nothing is impoflible,no- 
 thing is difficult to him : Nothing comes on him 
 fey chance or unawares which he could not forfee, 
 or prevent : He willworkjind who can let it : And Ifa.43.r3. 
 whatfoever comes to pafs it is ordered by him to 
 ferve the end by himfelf intended, wherein he is 
 never difappointed. 
 
 John 5. 17, The father worketh hitherto, and I 
 work. 
 
 Col. 2. 16. All things are by Chrifl and for 
 Chrifl. '"- 
 
 Mat. 6.13. Thine is Kingdom, To wer and Glory 
 for ever. 
 
 We may confider Gods order of working & the 
 ftfder of his works. The order of his working is in the 
 
 order 
 
f 4) 
 
 order of the divine relations in his own nature) 
 according to which he works and manifefts him- 
 felf. TheFather works by the Son, the Son with 
 the Father, the Father and the Son by the Spirit* 
 The Fathers Kingdom is the utmorfend of all the 
 Fathers contrivances, that he may be all in all-, He 
 is abfolutely thefirft and the laft. The Kingdom of 
 the Son is the great means to accomplish the King- 
 dom of the Father, as the mafter-wheel that tarns 
 the lefTer Wheeles to ftrike the hour the Hand 
 points to. Hence all things are by Chrift: and for 
 Chrift, all things fhut into his hand that he may 
 effecl: the glory of the Fathers Kingdom,and when 
 he hath done the work the Father gave him to do, 
 he will refign the Kingdom to the Father : Hence 
 the Son is the firft and the laft of all thofe means 
 the Father hath defigned to effecl: his Kingdom-, 
 and therefore our Saviour who fought the glory 
 of him that fent him, taught us, to pray to the Fa- 
 ther, and defi re that his name as the utmoft end 
 may be glorified, that his Kingdom , the King- 
 dom of the Father may come as the way to his glo- 
 ry, and that his will maybe done as the means to 
 accomplifh his Kingdom: Now this doing the Fa- 
 thers will in order to his Kingdom is by Jeius 
 Chrift, the Son of God. As he himfelf fays,loI 
 come to do thy will O God , by which doing or 
 Heb.To,9, the Fathers will we are ianftified. And feeing this 
 will of the Father was to be done on earths-well 
 as inHeaven,therefore he deicended and afcended, 
 and will come again to finifh the work upon earth 
 and in the Heavens. And this our Saviour teach- 
 es us to dcfire, becaufe tfre work of the Kingdom 
 is the Fathers contrivance, Thine ts the Kingdom. 
 
 And 
 
( i> 
 
 And the power of the means whereby this King- 
 dom is wrought out is by theFathers appointment, 
 namely by Chrift , who is the wifdom of God and 
 the power of God, by whom all his wills are ac- 
 complifhed, Thine is the power, and becaufe the 
 Glory alfo is the Fathers. So that we are to ac- 
 knowledge Glory and Honour to be due to Chrift 
 for ever, but fo as in fubordination to his Fathers 
 Glory. 
 
 I Cor. 1 5 . 46. Firfi that which is Natural , then 
 that which is Spiritual. 
 
 The order of Gods works proceeds from that which 
 is natural to that which is Spiritual: from the im- 
 perfeft to the more perfect, and to the moft per- 
 fect Gods defign is to make all things new , 
 fpiritual and heavenly in earned conformity to 
 himfelf. He lays the foundation of the fpiritua! in 
 *he natural j becaufe the fpirituality of things is 
 not in the abolifliing their natures but refining 
 them to be fit for more excellent ufe : Thus 
 grace is the exalting, and refining mans nature. 
 Water in Baptifm is fpiritual water. Mannah was 
 Spiritual Meat. The Body is raifed a fpiritual 
 
 Exod. 20. i 1 . In fix days the Lord made Hea- 
 ven and Earth, and refled thefeventh day. 
 
 Rev. 21. 5. "Behold J make all things new. 
 
 Heb. 4. 9. There remains a Reft for the people 
 of God. 
 
 The works of nature,werc brought forth not all 
 at once but in fcveral days, the former making 
 
 way 
 f 
 
(.6 ) 
 
 way to thelatter,the latter perfeaingthe former, 
 all compleated in a perfeft natural man, the head 
 of the natural creation. And when all was done,it 
 plealed the divine Majefty to reft from proceeding 
 further in that work and to put it to the tryal, 
 whether this natural man whithout a farther grace 
 could ftand againft Satans tentations, that fo he 
 might have Glory by him in obferving his com- 
 mands : But the work was broken upon the 
 wheel : It muft be made new to accomplish his 
 glorious ends. Nature will not doof itfclf,it muft 
 have a fupply of ftrengthfrom above, which how 
 to erTea now man had tranfgrefVd and was fallen 
 into the curie of God and bondage of Satan, did 
 ( or according to the manner of our conceiving,) 
 as tt were put God on newcounfels, how to bring 
 all right again and make them new. After the 
 feventh days reft (wherein tis very likely he put 
 this work of nature on the trial as requiring fome 
 fervice from man and teaching him how to keep 
 an holy reft in Communion with God), the Father 
 and the Son, fall to work about a new Creation 
 or a new way or Covenant to make all things 
 fpirituall , which muft be done by the Son himfelf, 
 descending in mans nature to make a Reconcilia- 
 tion of God to the nature of man, and lead his 
 captivity captive, and mate to the Father by his 
 Interceflion , That a new heart and a new fpirit 
 may be given to the fons of men , fo to ftablifti 
 him by the grace of God , that he might have his 
 intended Glory by him. For this end a fure and 
 Everlafting Covenant is made by the Father and 
 the Son, for the carrying on this Work, and this 
 Covenant muft be made known to man in fucceC 
 
 five 
 
^7 ) 
 
 five ages : And man muft be taught how to carry 
 himfelf anfwerable to fo great a mercy prepared 
 inChrift, and offered and made known by Chrift. 
 Now the tranfafting of this with man is called a 
 Covenant, the Covenant of Grace and the new 
 Covenant \ and thofe of mankind that are under 
 this tranfaftion or Treaty are called the Church 
 of God, which is a means ordained by God to 
 work man offfrom the intereft of the old Adam 
 to a lelf-denial,and calling off all confidence in the 
 power of nature, and work him into Jefus Chrift, 
 in whom when he is throughly rooted , he is fafe 
 fromSatansfubtiltiesjfitto do his Creator fer- 
 vice, and capable of entring again into the Para- 
 dife of God: But the Original or Fundamental 
 Covenant of Grace is that which is made between 
 the Father and the Son as thcfecond Adam, Gal. Gal 3 lQ 
 3.19. Chrifiistht Seed to whom the promife is 
 made. 
 
 This work of Renovation, or gathering all 
 things into one inChrift, is carried on by the Fa- 
 ther and the Son, in the difpenfation of thefulnefs 
 of times, as it were in feveral days works, after Eph ' 1,1 ®' 
 thefinifhingwhereof,aSabbatifm ispromifed and 
 expefted by the people of God. 
 
 For illuftration of this, and not as a certain ex- 
 plication we may concieve, The firft days work 
 m this new Creation was from Adam to Noah: 
 wherein there was the firft draught of the Church, 
 ™ vin g all the material and necelTary things of 
 Church-hood, though in darker lines than after- 
 wards. 
 
 There are three things which are the founda- 
 tion of Church-hoodin every age,and ftand unal- 
 tered 
 
( 8 ) 
 
 tered in all ages, and were in this firft days work. 
 
 i . The making known the Word of the Grace 
 of God : The fum of which is declared by 
 S.Joh.Ch. 3. 16. God fo loved the world ( of 
 mankind fallen, That he ( promifed to give and in 
 due time }gave his only begotten Son( to take mans 
 nature , and therein fulfil the righteous will of 
 God to make peace for mankind fo far )That vpho- 
 foever believes in him fljallnot perijhybttt have ever- 
 lajiing life : which is the fence of that Gofpel 
 preach'd to Adam, The feed of the Woman Jhall 
 breakjhe Serpents head. 
 
 2. A Promife (to Adam believing this decla- 
 tion and promife of the Mejfias ) that he will be 
 hisGod,andtheGodofhisfeed in their genera- 
 tions keeping covenant or commands revealed to 
 them.- For when this promife was made to Abra- 
 ham, it is not to be fuppofed a new thing not in 
 ufe before : But it was renewed to him with a 
 peculiar refpeft to his feed , when the Gentiles 
 werecaft off from finning againft this promife ( as 
 the Jews now are) and there is no doubt but 
 the family of Adam, who was a firft believer, and 
 of Noah and his feed,were the Churches of God} 
 becaufe God exercifed an excommunication ori 
 theApoftatizing members.And there is noChurch- 
 hood but to fuch as are under this promife.They 
 who cannot fay God is their God, and the God of 
 their feed in their generations, keeping Covenant, 
 have little to fay for their Church-hood. 
 
 3. A Miniftery to continue the difpenfation of 
 the word of Grace and the tranfaftion twixt 
 God and his people , that fo they might not want 
 means to continue his people in all generations. 
 
 This 
 
(9^ 
 
 This Miniftery was begun in Mat»himfclf,8z was 
 continued in the heads of families to Noahs time 
 who was a Preacher of righteouihefs. The righte- 
 oufnefsofGod to man in his merciful and juft di* 
 fpenfation,and the righteoufnefs of man towards 
 God in believing,obeying, and lubmitting to him. 
 
 This firft days work is adorned and enlarged 
 in all the next days work, until the whole work of 
 Redemption be finifht at the Refurreftion of the 
 Body. Thus thefe three things abide as an houie 
 often repaired , on the fame Foundation and pil- 
 lars it was firft built on, and as the Materials in 
 the firft day of creation continue in the work of all 
 the other days. 
 
 The fecond days work may be conceived from 
 Noah to Abraham. The thirds days work from A- 
 braham to Mofes. 
 
 The fourth days work from Mofes to Chrift 
 rifen and afcended. For our ble&d Saviour, 
 whilft he was upon earth, was a Minifter of the 
 Circumcifion for the truth of God to confirm K 
 the promifes made unto the fathers^ but after he * 0M,I * ,S 
 was afcended, the Apoftle fays, We know him no i Cor, $. 
 more after the flefli, becaufe Mofes day was then l6 > l 7» 
 ended, and all things began then to be new for a- 
 nother day. 
 
 The fifth days work from Chrifts afcending to 
 his Coming to Reftore all things Att. 3. 21. 
 
 In this day the Lord Jefus as the Son of righ- 
 teoufnefs fixt in his Orb in the higheft Heavens, 
 begins to friine glorioufly to the world, and 
 among the firft planted Churches: But in this day 
 the Church runs through fuch a condition as our 
 Saviour himfelf did here on earth, a day of many 
 M clouds 
 
( 10 ) 
 
 clouds and ftorms, much oppofition and contra- 
 dictions : A day, wherein the children of Ifrael 
 fojourning in Egypt are perfecuted by the red Dra- 
 gon, to the red fea of iuffering unto blood, which 
 atlaft being pad through by a mighty conduct 
 and preferved infafety in the wildernefs, fhe en- 
 joyes iome breakings forth of the Sun towards 
 the evening, as a preparation to the next days 
 
 work. 
 
 The fixth days work from Chrift coming tore- 
 ftore all things in his Church, to the delivering up 
 the Kingdomfo compleatedto the Father, pre- 
 fenting his Church unblameable, without lpot, or 
 wrinkling, and diflblving the earth, and all the 
 remnants of the old Adam, with fire, which fhall 
 remain as a monument of Gods righteous Judg- 
 ment for ever. 
 
 . After Adams day and Noahs day, and Abra- 
 hams day, and Mofes his day and Chrifts day, the 
 firft and fecond follows a Sabbatifm, when the Fa- 
 ther (riall be ail in all. 
 
 Rom . 5 - 14. Adam is a figure or a Type of him 
 
 that was to come* 
 
 1 Cor. 15. 45. The. firft Adam., was a living 
 foul, the Is ft Adam was made a qukhning fpirit. , 
 
 47. The first man is of the jearth earthly , The 
 fecondpuin is. the Lord from Heaven. 
 
 .Tne-deGgnofGodswor^, and his proceeding 
 in working is for our better apprehenfion let forth 
 in Scripture by two ytf4*«M r Qneth$ ; tYpe of the o- 
 ther,anlwenng- one another in many fuitaWe % 
 femblaaces. 
 
 1. The 
 
( II ) 
 
 i .The firft Adam ftands before the father as a co- 
 venanting perfon to improve the abilities God had 
 given him as a man,made in the image of God to 
 the obedience of any thing his Creator fhould 
 pleafe to command, and in the way of fuch obedi- 
 enceto be happy inParadife on carth,and his life 
 prolonged by eating of the tree of life : And by 
 obferving this covenant of nature his pofterityal- 
 fo fhould be happy. Thus he became the head 
 of the covenant of nature. : 
 
 In like manner the fecond Adam ftands before. 
 theFather,as a pOblickcovenanting perfon,where- 
 in there are thefe tranfaftions .The Father in order 
 to a Reconciliation with the nature of man, re- 
 quires that the Son affume the nature of man,and 
 offer it up a facfifice to God fanftified by the e* 
 ternal fpirit, after he had in that nature conquer* 
 ed Satan in all his tentationsj which if the Son does, 
 & performs all the wills of the Father upon earth, 
 he promifes to raife him up from the dead and ex- 
 alt mans nature in him at his own tight hand, To 
 draw a people to him^Togive him a feed, So that na- Ifa.<; 3 ,i ; 
 tions {hall run to him,arid he will commit them as 1 i> 12. 
 Sleep to his keeping. The Son confents and fays, Heb .i^5» 
 lo 1 come to do thy will O God/ hereupon the 
 Father promifes I will be thy God and the God of *' 8 ' 
 thy feed: Thy feed, is the Church, and their feed, 
 who are an holy feed, a feed for Chrift: Hence 
 Chrift is called the everlafting Father, whofe feed 
 is the Church,& he is the higheft grand Patriarch, 
 the Patriarch of Patriarchs, who perfonates all his 
 feed in receiving the promifes, from whom all the 
 promifes ihue as from a fountain, and fpread as 
 the oyl from the head of Aaron to the skirts of his 
 Garment. $ z That 
 
( 12 ) 
 
 That this promife / will be thy Cod , and the 
 God of thy feed in their generations keeping cove- 
 nant together with the other promifes made to A- 
 braham,x\?Lmt\y So fhall thy feed be , and In thee 
 jhall all nations bebleffed, were not only promifes 
 of Chrift and his Church, but firft made to Chrift , 
 
 Gal.3,1 9. then to the Church by him , will appear, Cjal: 3 . 
 c 19. Chrift is faid to be the feed to whom the pro- 
 
 20. ° r " ' mife was made, 2 Cor. 2. 20. In and by htm all 
 the promifes are Tea and Amen to them that Believe: 
 So that Believers have them at fecond hand, as they 
 make out their title to Chrift.- And Abraham was 
 the Father of the faithful,as reprefenting them re- 
 ceiving the promifes derived by Chrift. It is alio 
 tobeobferved that the things fpokento Abraham 
 ofhisnumerousfeed, and God being his God, 
 and the blefTing on ail nations, are in the Prophets 
 ipoken to Chrift. 
 
 jfi. 55. $. Behold thou {halt call a nation thou 
 ^' 5 * knovpesl wof,and nations that knew not thee (hall 
 run unto thee,' becaufe of the Lord thy God and 
 for the Holy one Ifrael ,for he hath Glorified 
 thee. And in purfuance of this promife to Chrift, 
 That God would give him a feed, 7/4. 5 ?. 10. It 
 
 Ifa.5>io. ^ f ai( j t0 . t h e church as the mother,' Thy ma- 
 
 Ifa.<|. %> ker is th y nusband ■> tne Lord of Hofts is hi * 
 
 " uame, and thy redeemer the Holy one of Ifrael, 
 
 theGod.ofthe whole earth fhall he be called. 
 
 As in the covenant of nature, God was firft the 
 
 Godof^^and then of his feed, that (hould 
 
 keep that covenant: So in the covenant of Grace, 
 
 God is firft theGod of Chrift , and then of thofe 
 
 that Bclieve'inhim,and keep the faith from gene-; 
 
 ration, to generation: Which feed began in Adam 
 
 1 6 him&lf 
 
( n ) 
 
 himfelf, who being the firft Believer, feeing his 
 Nakednefs by fin, and willing to fly to Chrift, to 
 be clothed with his righteoufnefs , as he was 
 with skins of beafts offered in facrifice, God be- 
 came his God , and the God oFhis feed that kept 
 the new Covenant in their generations till the 
 flood. 
 
 This feed of Chrift is not only an invifible feed, 
 known only to God, but a vifiblefeedalfo, known 
 and difcerned to be his prbfefTed feed among 
 men, for it is faid He Jhall fee his feed: And the 
 reafon feems plain,becaufe it is the Fathers defign 
 to glorifie Chrift hereon earth, J fa. 55. 5. So 
 that he fhall not only prepare a people for 
 another world, but fhall have a vifible generation 
 of men that (hall fubmit to him in this world. For 
 though this feed is not confined to , yet it is con- 
 tinued in the natural generation of men, and is not 
 difcontinued but by their Apoftatizing and break- 
 ing Covenant, which is never fuddenly done, be- 
 caufe the Covenant is of grace, and God is plea- 
 fed to glorifie his patience toward man: Nor is it 
 done on fmall offences , but fuch as are properly 
 Covenant breaking , and on much obftinacy and 
 incorrigiblenefs, as in the old world , and the ex- 
 ample of the Jewifh nation. 
 
 That fuch a vifible national feed is promifed to 
 Chrift may be further evidenced by fome prophe- 
 tical paffages in the 22. Pfalm. 
 
 That Pfalm foretels the fuffering of Chrift to ^ 22 * 21% 
 v. 22. And the Glory that fhould follow there 5 °* 
 upon earth, firft in his Church of the generations 
 of Jacob, toverfe. 27. Then in his Church of the 
 feed and kindreds of the Gentiles to the end of 
 B 3 the 
 
( i4.; 
 
 the Pfalm,who receiving Chrift in their firft Fa- 
 thers or firft Believers, their generations became 
 a feed of Chrift-, therefore it is laid v. 30. A feed 
 fhall ferve him. It fhall be accounted to the Lord 
 for a generation. It is accounted, becaufe they 
 are not Chrifts natural feed, but a natural feed 
 accounted to Chrift or adopted unto him, which 
 the 27. v. explaineth. Further, all the ends ofthe 
 % earth fhall remember and turn to the Lord, and 
 all the kindreds ofthe nations fhall worfhip be- 
 fore thee : For the Kingdom is the Lords, and 
 he is the governor among the nations. The ends 
 ofthe earth, the Kindreds, the Kingdoms, the 
 Nations do fignifie Chrifts vifible Adopted feed, 
 continued in the generations of Believing Gen- 
 tiles. 
 
 Thus our Lord Jefus Chrift, as a fecond Adam, 
 is the head ofthe Covenant of Grace with whom 
 the Father covenants upon the perfeft obedience 
 of his Will, To be his God,and the God of his feed 
 in their generations \ Whence he fays unto his 
 Difcipies 1 afcend to my Father and your Father, 
 my God and your God. 
 
 2. In the firft Adam there was the whole nature 
 of man, whereby all men in particular were in a 
 capacity to derive life or death from him. 
 
 In like manner the whole nature of man is in 
 Jefus Chrift, that any man might be partaker of 
 life from him. 
 Rom.< 12 3 * ^Y the firft mans difobedience, fin with the 
 guilt of it, and death with the power of it on the 
 foul and body entred into the world of man- 
 kind. 
 
 In like manner by the obedience of Chrift to 
 
 the 
 
(M) 
 
 the will of his Father^ Remiflion of fin, Regenera- 
 tion of the foul jj Refurre&ion of the body, and 
 eternal life entred into the world of mankind. 
 
 4. As there is a fufficiency and meritorioufnefs l8 ° 
 in the firit Adams offence to condemn all men 
 continuing in him : So there is a fufficiency, and 
 Meritorioufnefs in Chrifts Righteoufnefs to 
 pardon the fin of all men coming over to 
 him. 
 
 5. As in point of event many abide in the firft 
 Adam, and will not come over to Chrift denying 19. 
 themfelves, and fo by continuing in the difobedi- 
 ence of the firft man, are made or flated among 
 
 the number of finners : So, many there are who 
 embrace the offer of the Goipel, do come over to 
 Chrift, and partake of the fufficiency, and meri- 
 torioufnefs of his obedience, being in union with 
 him by faith, and fo are made or flated rightcom 
 perfons in the fight of God the Father. So that Je- 
 lus Chrift did not die in vain but hath a numerous 
 iced of mankind, whom the Father draws and 
 gives to him. 
 
 6. Moreover, As the firft Adam was made a 
 little lower than the Angels in dignity, and yet 
 was Lord ofthis inferior world, the beafts, fowls 
 and fifties being brought under his feet. So Jefus 
 Chrift was made a little lower than the Angels by 
 defcending, and fuffering death in the humane na- 
 ture : But became a greater Lord than the firft 
 Adam^ by his Refurre&ion, and Afcenfion,being 
 Crowned with Glory and Honour in Heaven , 
 with Dominion over Angels themfelves, and all 
 powers, not only in this World, but alfo in that 
 that is to come. 
 
 £4 7-By 
 
( i6 ; - 
 
 7. By thefirft^/dwwehave our natural be- 
 ing:By the fecond we have our fpiritual being, and 
 well being. He is a, qukkrjingfpirit. 
 
 8. Thefirft Adam is from the earth, favours 
 earthly things,and returnsto the earth:The fecond 
 Adam^ is the Lord from Heaven,lives an Heaven- 
 ly life here upon earth, and then returns to Hea- 
 ven. 
 
 9. All that abide members of the firft Adam, 
 are conformed to his image, mortality, difeafes, 
 error in Judgment, love of the world, delight in 
 fenfual things : fo all that are in Chrift are con- 
 formed to his Heavenly image, dying to fin , li- 
 ving to God , immortality, eternal lite and Glo- 
 ry. 
 
 10. By the firft Adam fin abounded, and over- 
 flowed in the world : And to difcover the impe- 
 tuous violence of the waves thereof , God kt 
 bounds to it by the law ofMofes, that man might 
 know what a fountain of evil there was in his 
 heart,that riles fo much the higher, by how much 
 the banks are made the ftronger : The ftrengrh of 
 fin is difcovered by the law: For fin ( the Apoftle 
 
 Rom, 7. 7, faith ) takes an occafion by the Commandment to 
 %, 9- work in us all manner of concupifcence. When the 
 law comes to reprove fin, fin revives its oppofition 
 againft the law. 
 
 In like manner by the fecond Adam grace doth 
 overflow, luperabound for the RemifTion of fo 
 Rom.5.20 raan Y an d great tranfgreflions which have paft 
 in the forbearance of God, againft fo many juft 
 and righteous laws : Which grace is difcovered 
 by the Gofpel to flow from Chrift to all that will 
 recieve and fubmit to him with an overflowing 
 
 of 
 
( 11 ) 
 
 of his fpirit,to make their hearts fo/t,heaI the ftub- 
 bornefs of their wills, renew them in the fpirit of 
 their mind, enable them to run the ways of Gods 
 Commandements , and refift no more, but fight 
 with Chrift againft Satan, under an allured hope 
 of eftabli/hment unto the end. 
 
 Thus in alJ things there is a tranfeendent excel- 
 lency in Chrift for the good of fuch as fhall be 
 faved, the grace of Chrift is as large as the fin of 
 Adam, as effectual to fave them that believe 
 as the fin of Adam to condemn , reftores us to a 
 better eftate then we loft in Adam in nearer 
 Communion with God, y more lure from falling 
 away under better and more lively hopes of a 
 paradife celeftial, a tree of life that lengthens 
 out our fpiritual life to eternity in the enjoyment 
 of fellowlhip with the Father and the Son • ac- 
 cording to the laft will and Teftament of our fe- 
 tond Adam, Father, I will that thofe whom thou 
 taft given me be with me, where I am to behold 
 ny Glory which thou haft given me. For thou T hn t 7 
 ovedft me before the Foundation of the World. 24. ' 
 
 J fa. 43 .2 1 . This people have J formed for myfelf 
 hey Jhall fet forth my praife. 
 
 Of all the works of God, the Church is the 
 :hoiceft and moft curious piece \ as that which 
 te hath peculiarly fet apart to be the objeftof 
 11s mercies, and the fubjeft of his praifes. The 
 :hurch is among the other Creatures as the Sun, 
 mong the ftars-, every ftar hath its Influence, but 
 11 conveyed to the earth bythe beams of the Sun. 
 o all the Creatures are as it were beholden to the 
 :hurch to be their mouth,& their hand to God to 
 
 offer 
 
r 18 > 
 
 offer up their praifes,and pay their tribute by the 
 gracious interceflion of the Mediator,who hath re- 
 conciled all things to God : That as all did flow 
 fromtheFatherbyChrift, fo all may return by 
 Chrift to the Father. Hence the Church of God is 
 defcribed by the Spirit of God to be A peculiar 
 people whom God hath formed for himfelf. 
 
 This forming work is not a bringing his work 
 to greateft perfeaion at the firft, but it proceeds 
 bv degrees, and every degree is a forming, or 
 making new (as appears by comparing ver 18. 
 and 19. and this 21. J New things do I declare, 
 &c Now they are called new, and a reforming •, 
 not becaufe the old frame is difTolved,but becaufe 
 he brings forth his Church upon a new Surveigh : 
 As when a skilful watch-maker takes a view of 
 iome curious piece (which he hath long agon 
 made) takes it afunder, lcours and brightens 
 the wheels, adds or alters where he fees he may 
 better the work,and puts the frame together a- 
 gain. Or as a Printer, by the Authors content, 
 takes a review of a book whofe impreflion begins 
 to wear out, correfts, adds, alters, or enlarges 
 the firft frame of the book continuing,, and io puts 
 it forth in a new Edition: So God new forms or 
 reforms his Church, Icouring away the ruft and 
 filth, that iniquity of times hath contracted I , 
 which cannot be ibmetimes without taking the 
 work in pieces, and disjointing the body, only 
 to the intent there may be a better augmentati- 
 on, and fometime adds more luftrc and enlarge- 
 ment to his work, but never takes away the fun- 
 damentals of the firft formation. Thus he refor- 
 med at mount Sinai by additional laws : At their 
 
 return 
 
( 19) 
 
 return out of captivity, by fcouringoffthe filth of 
 their idolatry, and giving a fpirit of repentance, 
 and experience of a new deliverance, matter of 
 new praifes .of this new forming after their capti- 
 vity . Thefe places are to be meant in the firft and 
 literal lence, 7/4.43. 18. Remember not the for- 
 mer things, behold I will do a new thing : This is 
 explained by Jeremy, 23.7,8. It (hall be no more 
 iaid,theLord liveth that brought out of the land 
 of Egypt, but which brought out of the land of the 
 North. And to the fame purpofe it is promifed, 
 Jer. si. 31, 32, 33,34. in reference to the Co- 
 venant, that at their return out of Captivity it 
 fhouldbenew. And God would put his law in 
 their inward parts: And they (houldno more 
 teach one another, faying, Know the Lord, for 
 they (hall all know me,&c. All this is meant of 
 their new forming in their return out of Captivity. 
 Then their former deliverance out of Egypt was 
 old and their deliverance out of Babylon new. 
 Then they did no more teach one another, faying, 
 Know the Lord,who delivered our Fathers out of 
 the land of Egypt, but know the Lord who hath gi- 
 ven you all experimental knowledge of him in 
 bringing you out of Babylon from the greateft 
 to the Ieaft. The Scripture hath frequently put an 
 abfolute negative for a comparative. At that 
 time alio a new heart and anew fpirit was given 
 them,, both in refpeft of repentance for former 
 fins: And to (ing forth new praifes to God. Yet 
 all thefe promiies are called the new Covenant in 
 the days of the Gofpel, Heb. 2. 8. Becaufe after 
 Chrifts attending into Heaven there was another 
 higher Reformation, Heb. 9. 10. Wherein there 
 
 was 
 
(20) 
 
 was a fcouring of the ruft, removing the rubbifh, 
 brightning the fundamentals, i'ubftituting lome 
 new obfervations,and an enlargment of members, 
 and this is faid over again,They fhall no more lay, 
 know the Lord, namely, who brought you out of 
 the land of Egypt, nor know the Lord who delive- 
 red you out of Babylon, but know the Lord who 
 hath redeemed you from the curfe of the Law, 
 who hath led your Captivity Captive , and who is 
 gone into Heaven to make peace, and intercedes 
 for you, whereof all that believe in him have ex- 
 perience from the greateft to the leaft, by the 
 peace they find in their Conferences, and joy in the 
 HolyGhoft. 
 
 There is yet a further Reformation of the 
 Church, to be brought forth in the laft , and beft 
 edition, when the new Heavens and new Earth, 
 wherein Rightcoufnefs fhall dwell , (hall be 
 brought forth-, the Bcaft and falfe Prophet de- 
 ftroyed , and Jemfahm a quiet habitation, and a 
 praife in the earthy when there fhall be no more 
 death, nor i'orrow, nor crying out for oppreflion, 
 and perlecution on account of the Gofpel.For he 
 Rev.21.3, that p jts on the throne hath f aic j it i n re ference to 
 
 the time to come in words of truth and faithful- 
 nels, behold I make all things New. 
 
 All this is the work of God alone , who plants 
 the Heavens and lays the foundation of the 
 earth,fays unto Zion, Thou art my people and I am. 
 Levit/26. the Lord thy God# which laft WO rds ( it is to be 
 
 It 1 Pel obferved) are uled at the ieveral periods of times 
 
 •2.\'o.Rev! of Gods reformations both under the law and 
 
 21.3. Gofpel , teLevit. 26.12.7^.31. 33.1 Per. 2. 10. 
 
 Rev. 21. 3 . To fhew that the Covenant of Grace 
 
 is 
 
( 21 ) 
 
 is the fame throughout all difpenfations. 
 
 in this work man hath nothing to do to add, 
 alter or enlarge, any other ways than Chriit him- 
 felf direfts and goes before them, as may be feen 
 in the charge of Chrift toMofiss and his Apoli'es. 
 Exod. 25.40. Deut. 12. 32. Mat. 28. 20. For it ^ xo '7-4o. 
 belongs only to him todirefthow the Miftery mS^ 3 *' 
 ofthe Mediator is to be taught and fignifiGd,how 20, ' 
 the Covenant is to be tranfafted twixt God and 
 his peop!e,and what fhall be pleafingand difplea- 
 fing to himfelf. 
 
 Indeed there is a work of Reformation, where- 
 in man is much interefted, and which God doth 
 almoft continually call us unto, Lev. 26. 23. Ifa. 23.V1. 
 1. 16, 17. Which is to repent for our many Aber- 16, 17." 
 rations from his Covenant, and reduce our /elves to 
 obedience according to the adminiftration we are 
 under,and fo to labour to underftand what is the 
 good, acceptable, andperfeft will ofthe Lord 
 and do it. But whilft manisfo bufie in medling 
 with Gods intereft, and fo negligent about his 
 own, it provokes God to take the work into his 
 own hand, but to the no fmall detriment of thofe 
 that fet themfelves to walk contrary to God, in a 
 work fo highly touching his honour,and the good 
 of his people. 
 
 1 Pet. 3. 20, 21. The long fuffering of God 
 waited in the days of Noah, while the arl^ was a 
 preparing, wherein few, that is, eight finis were fa- 
 ved by Water, I tvriwmiv the like figure wherennto.or 
 Antitype, Baptifm now faves us alfo by the refurre- 
 tlionofJefmChrift, not the pmtting away the filth 
 ofthefiefij, but the anfwer of a good Confidence 
 unto God. 
 
 j Cor. 
 
( Z2 ) 
 
 I Cor. 10.2,3,4,6. Our fathers ypere Ml Bap- 
 tifed unto Mofes in the Cloud and in the Sea, and 
 did all eat the fame spiritual me at, and did all drinks 
 the fame fpir it ual drink. Now thefe things were our 
 Types or exemplars. 
 
 As the divine wifdom hath framed the pattern, 
 and model of all things in his own holy mind, 
 whereinhe forefees all things before they are,and 
 according to which, he produces all things in 
 their feafons ; So he is plsafed to order his work 
 in fuch manner , that one work preceding fhall be 
 the type, copy, or pattern of another that is to 
 follow, as the antitype of it, until the whole work 
 be compleat, as.it was firft intended in himfelf. 
 There is the prototype type, and architype. As 
 a painter takes the lively Image of the perfon 
 himfelf for his firft type and copy, and draws out 
 the lines and proportion of the feature with dark 
 colours on a table for- his firft draught : and after 
 a certain fpace draws out another picture every 
 way anfwerable to the firft, but more compleat 
 and lively, filling up many vacancies, fetting.it out 
 with more orient colours to the perfecT: refem- 
 blance of the Image of the perfon himfelf, and fo 
 far bey ondthe firft draught that it feem$ a .ftew;- 
 piece, when indeed the Iaft draught hath the fame 
 lines and proportions as thejirft,onlyit isfeffofth 
 with more fplendid,and permanent colours. Here 
 the Image Of the perfon himfelf is the prototype, 
 the firft draught the type,, the fecond draught 
 the antitype* as being anlwerable tothe firftj. 
 as alfo coming nearer than the firft to 
 the prototype. Thus it being the office 
 of our Lord Jefus Chrift enjoyned by the 
 
 Father 
 
c 23 ; 
 
 Father to form up a Church and houfe of God ac 
 cording to the pattern and image in the mind of 
 the Father, communicated to him, the Son, and 
 great prophet,in whom are ftoredupthetreafures 
 ot wiidom and knowledge makesa firft draught 
 of it under the old Teftament, drawing out the 
 fundamental lines from Adam to Noah; adding 
 iome colours from Noah to Abraham^ Mofes 
 by whofe pencil the firft draught was polifhcd I 
 with many watry colours exattly according to the 
 firft pattern given him by Chrift. But in the new 
 reftaraent he brings forth the antitype anfwera- 
 ble to the typical draught, and the prototype in 
 the mind of God. So that although there are the 
 lame lineaments and proportions of the Church in 
 the new Teftament, as in the old,yet thefpiritual 
 Glory doth fo far exceed the Glory of the old .that 
 itieemsaswholynew. As when a man hath the 
 lively pifture of his friend to refrefh him in his 
 abience atlaft he comes to himfelf,in compan- 
 ion of whom the pifture is laid a fide. 
 
 And here it is to be obferved that the Scrip- 
 :ure lpeaks of two forts of types. The one in 
 :ompanng the Covenant of nature with the Co- 
 venant of graces the firft Adam who was the 
 lead of the one, with the fecond Adam who was 
 :hehead of the other. The firft Adam was wW£ 
 u^ovjvftype of him that was to come, and the fe- Rom ' < 5' 
 :ond Adam the antitype of the firft ; and thus a H * 
 ype Signifies a fmilitude hy way of Contrariety 
 'or Chnfts fulnds every way anfwers Adams 
 ■mptinels, his fufficiency, Adams, deficiency* By 
 he firft man came fin and death, by the fecond* 
 Oghteaufnefs and life. As a plaifter fits the 
 
 fore, 
 
( H) 
 
 fore, and a medicine the difeafe, by way of con- 
 trary qualities. 
 
 The other , in comparing the difpenfation of 
 the Covenant of grace under the old Teftament, 
 with the difpenfation of the fame under the new, 
 Heb and fo a type fignifies a lihenefs by way of agree- 
 
 Trn&gZ' mm - The old Teftament was a type of the new, 
 K > u a reprefentation of it. The Apoftle calls it a para- 
 
 Heb.9.24. hie, or figure for the prefent time. A parable 
 dviimm hath an hidden fenfe by way of proportionable 
 AKnZivZv* likenefs. He calls alfo the old Teftament difpen- 
 Jations the antitype of the new. Chrift is not en- 
 tred into the holy places,the antitypes of the true 
 things, &c. Heb. 9. 24. For the word Antitype 
 may be fpoken either of the type or thing typified, 
 becaufe the thing typified doth chiefly agree with 
 the prototype or firft pattern, and the type is the 
 antytipe of the firft pattern, that is, an anfwerable 
 Reprefentation : But as type fignifies propheti- 
 cally, pointing atfome thing to come,fo the thing 
 to come is properly the antitype. 
 
 . The Types of the old Te- S Typical perfons. 
 ftament were <• Typical things. 
 
 Typical perfons 5 Chrift himfelf. 
 had relation to L The Church of believers. 
 
 Such as referred to Chrift himfelf did hold forth, 
 Some his Kingly office. 
 Some his Kingly and Propetical office. 
 Some his Prophetical and Prieftly. 
 ♦ Some all three offices, 
 
 Abraham 
 
\ ( 25; 
 
 Abraham offering his Son Ifaac, his only Son 
 to God j was a lively Type of the unfpeakable 
 Love of God, giving his only Son a facrifice qf 
 pacification,and of the obedience of Chrift to the 
 will of his Father,who is brought in Tf.^o. when 
 he comes into the world, faying, Lo I come to do 
 thy will^O God, thy law is in my heart. 
 
 Mofes was a great Prophet and as a King in 
 Jefhuron-) but he did hold forth Chrift eheifly as 
 the great Lawgiver to his Church,who alone hath 
 power from the Father to order all things in his 
 houie as his own, and is faithful to his Father in 
 the work he hath appointed him,and will one day 
 make his faithfulnefs fully appear , when he {hall 
 give up the Kingdom to the Father, with a full ac- 
 count of all things. 
 
 Mofes alfo was a type of Chrift in his interce- 
 ding for the people as in the 3 2 . and 3 3 . Chap, of 
 Exodus: But he did not intercede as a Preift , by 
 virtue of a meritorius facrifice offered by him- 
 ielf, as our Saviour doth, but as a Prophet } one 
 that had found favour with God,to have Commu- 
 nion with him as his freind , and to propound to 
 God what he conceived was agreeable to divine 
 Reafon, and to urge it with God; which boldnefs 
 the Lord gave to fome eminent fervants of his, Jani^.itf. 
 as Abraham interceding for Sodom, Samuel, Job, 
 Daniel, Elias, &c. And doth alfo give to his fer- 
 vants in the new Teftament,where it is a Handing Mat. 10. 
 Rule, The effe&ual fervent prayer of a righteous J 4« 
 manavaileth much-.And he that receiveth a prophet 
 in the name of a prophet , (hall recieve a prophets Gen ^o.j: 
 reward, which is his prayers for him and blefling 17 * 
 him in the name of the Lord. 
 
 C Aaron 
 
( ^6) 
 
 Aaron was a Type of Chrift as a preiftly Me- 
 Hebr. 13. diator, who entred into the mod holy, and made 
 xi* 12. an atonement at the mercy feat by virtue of the 
 blood ofthefacrifice,whofe body was burnt with- 
 out the camp. And the people were to coniult 
 the mind of God by him in the IMWnd Thnmmit» y 
 and receive his final Judgment touching the law: 
 Setting out the truth of all this in our Lord Jefus, 
 who is the only way for us to the Father, in ma- 
 king atonement for us, by entring into Heaven it 
 ielf, in the virtue of his blood once offered, here 
 upon earth,and hath obtained eternal Redempti- 
 on for us: And the only way of the Father to us, 
 Mat. 11. by whom he reveals his iecrets: For no man 
 27* knows the Son but the Father, nor the Father but 
 
 John. 1. t h e s ori} anc j h e t0 whomfoever the Son will re- 
 
 veal him. 
 
 Jojhua brought the people into the land of 
 Canaan, fought their battels and overcame their 
 enemies-, but Mofes muft dy and not bring them 
 over Joardn • To (hew that the obfervation of 
 the law in the letter of it,cannot bring us to Hea- 
 ven, unlels it leave us in the hand,under the con- 
 duct of a merciful Saviour, who is able to obtain 
 peace from God, and lead all our Captivity Cap- 
 tive. 
 Ezek. 34... DaviA a King and a Prophet, was a fperial 
 v,?' 24 ' type of Chrift, out of whofe loyns Chrift was to 
 K.2^2" 7- come kY li nea l defcent: So neer was the Relation 
 and fo lively the Refemblance, that Chrift is oft 
 called David,wd Davidca\\e6 Chrift,the anointed 
 of the Lord. Thofe expreffions touching Dzvibi 
 viz (A man after Gods own heart:I have laid help 
 upon one that is mighty: Thou art my Son , this 
 
 day 
 
f 2 7 ) 
 day have I begotten thee P/2.7. Hefhall cry un- Pf.8o-i 9 
 to me,thou art my Father,my God and the rock 20,26,27! 
 ofmyialvation. I will make him my firft bom 28 ' 2 ?- 
 higher than the Kings of the earth:My mercy will 
 I keep for him for ever, and my Covenant fhall 
 itand faft with him,, his feed fhall endure for ever 
 and his throne as the Sun before me ) do fo live- 
 ly fet forth our Lord Jefus,that in them we may 
 even read thofepaflages of the new Teftament, 
 The word was made flefhf There was help laid on 
 the mighty J This is my beloved Son in whom I 
 am well pleafed ( there was the man after Gods 
 own heart)He was begotten from the dead in the 
 day of his Refurreftion, made heir of all things 
 exalted at the right hand of the Father, above all Att.i 3 . 33 
 the Kings of the earth and Angels in heaven ,to the 
 
 en joyment of an eternal Kingdom:hisfufFering and 
 humiliation before he entred into glory,and living 
 by Faith m all his Agonies, faying, my God , my 
 father, &c As Pfal. 22. was lively reprefent- 
 ed in Davids fufferings and conflifts , living by 
 Faith under many tentations before he came to 
 the glory and peace of his Kingdom. And no 
 Type doth more clearly than this of David hold 
 out the Covenant the Father hath made with 
 Chrift to raife him from the dead, and give him a 
 Seed and a Kingdom to endure for ever , which 
 Covenant is the rife of all the invitations to come 
 into Chrift and become his Seed,andof all the co- 
 venants made with them that believe him to be 
 their God, and the God of their feed in their ge- 
 nerations keepingcovenant,and ofall the bleffings 
 flowing from that Covenant, which are called the 
 lure mercies of David. fra. ^, 3 . 
 
 C2 Afclchiz.edeck< 
 
( 28) 
 
 Melchix.edech was a Type of Chrift in fome 
 fingular refpetts .-For where others were Kings 
 and Prophets, or Priefts and Prophets , He was a 
 King and a Prieft ; and it may well be prefumed 
 he was a Prophet too',but the Holy Ghoft thinks 
 fit to take notice of him chiefly as a King and 
 Heb 7 i 2 P rieft - Asa King to fet forth more lively the 
 Rom. 14. Kingdom of Chrift, confiding in Righteoufnels, 
 17. Peace, and the confequent of both, Spiritual Joy. 
 
 As a Prieft ', for though Aarons pnefthood fet 
 forth, That without blood there was no remiflion, 
 and the Atonement Chrift made in the virtue of 
 his blood :yet there needed another Type to fet 
 forth the weaknefs and imperfection of the legal 
 Miniftry, and that there was a nccemty of its gi- 
 ving place, when Chrift {hould come , feeing he 
 fhould not be a Prieft in fuch a manner as Aaron 
 was : wherefore Mekhi^edech doth perionate 
 Chrift as being of another order Superior to Aa- 
 rons^o which Aarons Priefthood muft give place, 
 which appeared in Abrahams paying Tithes to 
 MdchUedech, and Melcbiz.edecks bleffing Abra- 
 ham. for the paying Tithes is a fign of iubje&i- 
 on.and inferiority as a tribute to a Prince. And 
 Aaron and Levi were in Abrahams loins, and vir- 
 Lev.p.22. tuaiiyand reprefentatively paid tithes in Abraham, 
 Nnm.5.Q 3 and the blefiing Abraham , was a fign of Melchiz.e- 
 deckj Priefthood, Levi. 9. 22. Num.6. 2$. wherein 
 the office of a Prophet is co-incident with it. 
 Now it belongs to the fuperiour to blefs the infe- 
 riour, and to theinferiour to pay Tithes to the 
 iuperiour: Chrift is therefore a Prieft after this 
 order, to fignifie theabolifhing of the Levitical 
 Adminiftration. This Type hath alfo this peculiar 
 
 . rit y 
 
N C 29 ) 
 
 rity in it, to fignifie the excellency of Chrifts per- 
 son, for the Scripture doth of purpofe conceal the 
 Father and Mother of Melchiz^edcck ,the begin- 
 ning of his days,or end of his Iife,that he might re- 
 preient Chrift being without Father in refpeeT: of 
 his Humanity, and without Mother, in refpeft of 
 his Divinity, without beginning or end, and yet 
 the Alpha and Omega, the firft and the laft of all 
 the Fathers gracious diipenfations. A Pried to 
 make Atonement , and a Prieft to blefs from the 
 foundation of the world, to the diflolution of it, 
 as the Father is brought in fpeaking to him, 
 Pfi.Pf 10. 1 have fxvorn and mil not repent, Thou 
 art a Trie ft for ever after the Order 0/Melchize- 
 deck. 
 
 Thefe may fujficefor In fames of Types of Chrift 
 kimfelf. 
 
 SOf the perfons of the 
 Church, 
 ajfo of the Church "^Of the things of the 
 C Church. 
 
 And for the Perfons of the Church. It pleafed 
 God to let forth in the former Ages certain 
 Types or Summary patterns, how Church hood 
 fhould be reputed, derived and continued in the 
 latter Ages. 
 
 Of this fort was Adam when he became a be- 
 liever of the promiled feed, and his family 
 Noah and his family, Abraham and his fami- 
 
 At prefent we {hall take confiderationof Abra- 
 ham ^ whom God was pleafed tofet up as the 
 C 3 ftand- 
 
r 30 ) 
 
 (landing Type of Church-hood to the end of the 
 world : As appears by the Titles the Scripture 
 Gen.17.5. gives him, as, I have made thee a Father of many 
 Nations. This malting fignifies a Divine Instituti- 
 on, that he fhould be an example of transferring 
 Church- hood among all Nations, in fuch a way 
 and manner, that none fhould claim right to 
 Church-hood but by a Title of Sonfhip from A- 
 brabam • He is alfo called the Heir of the World \ 
 K0.4. ii, becaufe he was the Heir of the Church in the 
 12, 13. World,and all the World that wouldclaim right 
 to Church-hood, muft claim it by a defcent from 
 Him. And therefore he is called by the Apoftle, 
 the Father of circumcifion and uncircumcifion, 
 becaufe he typifies Church-hood to Nations , not 
 Heb. 1 1. on ty of tn e circumcifed but alfo of the uncircum- 
 1 7. cifed. He is alfo dignified with the Title of Recei- 
 
 ver of the Promifes, becaufe this Promile of 
 Church-hood, or taking any people to be a peo- 
 ple of God muft be derived tOthem,according to 
 the pattern of Abraham , which our Saviour con- 
 Liu 19. 9. firms in his % in g to Zacchem the Publican, This 
 day isfalvation come to thy houfe, in afmuch as he 
 alfo is become a fon of Abraham. 
 
 ■ 
 
 And thus Abraham was £ To his Natural feed, 
 an inftituted Father I To his Adopted feed. 
 Abraham derived Church-hood to his Natural 
 feed, not by virtue of nature, but by virtue of the 
 gracious promife. 1 will be thy God and the God 
 ofthyfeedintneir generations, keeping Cove- 
 nant. Now this feed was both his Natural and 
 Adopted. 
 
 *■ His Adopted feed, were any of any other Na- 
 tion, 
 
( V) 
 
 tion, who embraced the God of Abraham , who 
 joyning themfelves to the God of Abraham were 
 partakers with him of the root and fatnefs of this 
 Olive Tree, and were beiTed with belieiving A- 
 
 braham. 
 
 f" under the Law 
 [Abrahams natural 
 feed are the feed of j 
 Jacob . i under fin the firft fruits 
 
 the 
 
 Gof- v 
 
 _pel *} In their fulnefs j 
 I Rom. ii. 12. 
 r_ v. 16. 
 
 1 
 
 Eph. i. 12. 
 Jam. i. 18. 
 
 L 
 
 Abrahams Adop- 
 ted feed are 
 
 ovvKkygft 'Q/Jucf, 
 
 [ The Profelytes under 
 I thtLaw'iExod. 12.48. 
 
 '. 
 
 \ The Profelytes under the 
 t-Gofpel or Gofpel-belie- 
 versofthe Gentiles for- 
 med into Church as his 
 natural feed was, Gal. 3 . 
 ,6, 9. Eph. 3. 6. 
 . Abr aham then was a Type how Church-hood 
 is to be derived in all ages, we muft either be the 
 natural feed of Abraham keeping Covenant, 
 or, the adopted feed keeping Covenant. To be 
 his natural feed and not to keep Covenant will 
 not fuffice as we fee at this day : And to be his 
 Adopted feed in our forefathers, and not conti- 
 nue in, but apoftatefrom the faith firft given and 
 received, will not continue Church-hood among 
 the Gentiles , as experience fhews. But when 
 C 4 there 
 
< j 2 ; 
 
 there is a renewing of Church-hood after a breach 
 of Covenant either among Jews or Gentiles, A- 
 bmham is the ftanding Type or pattern of it. 
 For the promife of Church-hood, as of 
 Ifa 10 a vil " lbIe Kingdom for God in the World 
 *^ 6 ' ' is firft made to Chrift , He Jha/l fee his 
 feed. This feed is a generation of men to 
 praife God here on earth : Among whom 
 there is a fecret number known to God. and 
 fitted by him to praife him to Eternity.lt pleaied 
 God to make choice of that feed, before Chrifts 
 coming in the flefh , that were the Kindred of 
 Chrift according to the flefh, and to fix his 
 Church in that feed efpecially who were of his 
 natural line. But after his Afcending into Hea- 
 ven, he did vifibly adopt the feed of all Beleiving 
 Centiles,to be his feed in their generations keep- 
 ing Covenant. Now for the better underftanding 
 this feed, God ispleafed to fet up Abrahams a 
 type of it, declaring he had made him a Father of 
 many nations: That in him all nations of the earth 
 fhould be blefTed , and he would be his God and 
 the God of hisfeed, natural or adopted , in their 
 generations keeping Covenant. That fo all might 
 Know HoW to ftate themfelves right in point of 
 Church-hood,in deriving their title and pedigree 
 right from Abraham. 
 
 The things of the Church , are fuch whereby 
 God is pleaied to tranfaft t-he making or continu- 
 ation of his Covenant with his 'people, the feed of 
 Chriftjwhe'ttier in doftrine or-ceremony,fo as the 
 former' things are a type or figure of the lat 
 ' ter. ' .■'.-' ■ 
 
 Hence 
 
Hence the former things are wiled old : And 
 the latter things, new. Ifa. 42. 9, 10. 
 
 Hence alio the latter things might be read, and 
 inibme meafure underftood in the former by 
 thole that lived under the old Teftament, and un- 
 derftood the way of Gods Covenant. 
 
 And the former things are an help and guide 
 to underftand the latter things to thole who live 
 tinder the new Teftament *, For the verity of the 
 things of the new Teftament, is proved by their 
 conformity to the Types of the old Heb. 9. Heb g.tb^ 
 
 12. frjtv. 
 
 The things of this fort are many.lt may fuffice 
 to inftance in fome of them. 
 
 The difference between the Covenant of nature, 
 (which was a Covenant of Juftice)and the Cove- 
 nantor grace, was typified when Mofes brake the 
 two tables, when he came down from the mount, 
 upon the fight of the calf or Idol , which they 
 made , fignifying they had/broke the Covenant* 
 and were naked to the curfe as Adam* was at the 
 firft tranfgreffion ; and therefore could not ftand 
 before God, on the account of the firft Covenant. 
 Then God is pleafed to command two new Tables 
 'to be hewed, in which he wrote the law again, 
 and proclaimed his name of mercy and forgivenefs 
 and of Juftice on contempt of mercy in the lecond 
 place, and then renews his promifes £xW. 34.^. Exod,-34. 
 ig. which did lively fet forth the tenor of the 10. 
 new Covenant. Fcir the firft Covenant under 
 which all are by nature, and which they are en- 
 gaged to perform by the power of nature, admit 
 -no repentance nor remiflion. But they that lay 
 
 hold 
 
*J4V 
 
 hold on the name of Gods free mercy (for he hath 
 
 mercy on whom he will, and his good pleafure is 
 
 Ixocl. 33. the ground of this Covenant Exod. 33 19 J Re- 
 
 1 9» ceive pardon upon repentance, and are under the 
 
 promife of writing the law again in the Table of 
 
 their hearts,by the finger of Gods fpirit never to 
 
 to. 00 o r be broken or blotted out,as is fully declared Jer, 
 
 32.31,32,33^4- 
 The Covenant of grace being always the fame for 
 
 fttbftanee , yet hath a different dtjpenfation and 
 Miniftration,caId the old and new Teftament.How 
 this difference (rands, was typified by Mofes his 
 face fhining , and his face vailed. The filming of 
 his face fhewed the transforming virtue ,the mani- 
 feftation of the glorious myftery of Chrift hath 
 npon the foul of man, beholding it with a belie- 
 ving, and reverently admiring eye: For after God 
 2 Cor.4.6 bad Aimed into the hearts of the Apoftles, the light 
 of the knowkdg of the Glory of God in the face 
 of Jefus Chrift, they were lb transformed into 
 2 Cor. 3. the fame image, that were was a progrefs from 
 18. Glory to Glory : From Glory in themlelves to 
 
 Glory in them that heard them,& believediwhich 
 believers were transformed alfo into the image of 
 Chrift •, even as the Moon is not only enlightned 
 her felfby the Suns looking on her, but is enabled 
 thereby to reflect: the light ihe'recieves to the 
 cnlightningthe dark world, and lb is enlightned 
 from light to light. This is the new Teftament 
 glory to difcover Chrift with open face , being 
 row rifen, andafcended into Heaven, and all- the 
 articles of our faith compleated , the difcovery 
 whereof begets the love of God *and Chrift in us, 
 and love one to .another, ioftens and melts the 
 
 heart 
 
2 Cor. 
 13* 14. 
 
 ( n ) 
 
 heart into Godly forrow, works in us a denial of 
 all confidence in the firft Adam, and breads a dif- 
 pofition of Sons.But until Chrift was afcendcd the 
 transforming glory of Chrift was covered with a 
 vail of the ftrift opfervance of Mofes\hvt : and 
 this vail was upon the heart of moft of them, io 
 that they could not fee through it,for Want of faith-, 
 butreftedin the obfervationof the r letter of the 
 law, as that whereby they expefted justification Rom '5 # 3i 
 and f mift the nutric.Butthe new Teftarnent even 32 * 
 ip the vifible face of it is andunvailed Miniftery 
 and a fpirituaily transforming Miniftery .There is 
 indeed a vail upon all Nations , not which God Kl 25. 7 . 
 cart upon the Miniftery, but which Satan caft up- 
 on mens eyes, who is the God of this world. The 
 Jews are under a vail of obftinate cleavirib to the 
 law of Mofes in oppofition to Chrift at this day.- 
 many of the Chriftian Gentiles put a vail of their 2 C or 
 own fuperftitions on the face of the Gofpel Mini- 15,15 3 ' 
 ltery,and pretending to let the Sun in, they ftand 
 jn the light with their own (hadow,. But let the 
 Gofpel flime in its own cleerhefs , and let men 
 mtentively beheld it, it' will foon appear it is a 
 transforming Miniftery. And therefore the Holy 
 Ghqft ipcaking of the different difpenfation of the 
 law and the Gofpel, faith they fhall no hiore lay 
 one to another,Know theLord,that is, according 
 as they that were under the Jaw faid l .Know the 
 Lord namely teaching to know the ' Meffuis in a 
 promif e a far of and bycertain pictures and repre- 
 lentations;but they ftialfall knowme fcc.That is, 
 all that mtentively look after me, fhall fee me uh- ' 
 vailed in the preaching of the Gofpel,and be tranf- 
 formed by my glory ! Which the Apotle ex- 
 plains 
 
( 16) I 
 
 plains, when he faith, Receive ye thefpiritby the 
 Gtf. 3. 2. works of the law (or the law of works) or by the 
 hearing of faith,that is,be hearing the word of the 
 law, or word of the Gofpel. 
 
 When God formed up the Church of the Jews to a 
 ' compleatnefs of Church hood according to his pro- 
 mife to Abraham, he made them a [piritmd Com- 
 won wealth jand did not only give them ceremonies 
 and obfervations for worihip,but alfo Morals and 
 Judicials, interweaving the political'andecclefia- 
 ftical ftate together,fo as pne could not well iub- 
 fift without the other : As a type of what fhould 
 be the aime of the Gofpel-Churches , to endea- 
 vour fo far as may be to have the iutereft of the 
 Church , and common-wealth interwoven , as 
 mutual helps to each other, . and to account it a 
 mercy, when God doth fo order it. For political 
 government hath ever gone along with the 
 Church eftate in the familes o.f the Patriarchs,and 
 in the feed of Abraham, when they came to be nu- 
 merious. 
 
 • And though in the firft planting the Gofpel- 
 Churches , God did make it appear that the 
 Church did not fo depend on civil commonweals, 
 thatitcouldnotfubfiftinhis Church-hood with- 
 out-them : Yet the Apoftle (hews how defirable a 
 thing it was to have Judicials in the Church, when 
 he reproves the Cor'mtmans for going to law be- 
 fore Infidel Judges: and lays it down as a princi- 
 1 Cor.6.4. pl e> That the Chnfiians have Judgments of things 
 pertaining to this life, and directs their practice 
 to fet fome to Judg: Which if they might do by a 
 voluntary fubmiflion of the parties , without im- 
 peachment of the power of theHeathen magiftrate 
 
 to 
 
(37 ) 
 
 to which they muftalio be fubjeft, how much 
 more ought Chriftiaris to count it a benefit, when 
 the authority that governs by commiffion is come 
 into the hands of fuch as are C riftians, and pro- 
 fefledly nurfmg fathers to Chriftanity. ? Not that 
 the eccle:iafti:al and civil power were fo conjunct 
 as the officers of the one , were^? nomine, the of- 
 ficers of the other:Or io married as the Ivy to the 
 Oke, to overtop the Oke arid fuck out the heart 
 of that that iupports it. Or as the imperious who- 
 riih woman, ( an emblem of the Apoftatifing de- 
 generate Church-eftatejfits upon the civil power 
 as upon her beaft (he rides upon, with her bridle 
 in her hand turning the beaft about at her plea- 
 fure:Butas Hippocrates his twins mutually em- 
 brace each other, live and die together,or as two 
 ftreams flowing from one fountain, or as the Na~ 
 tural, Vital and Animal l'pirits in the fame Body: 
 The one is not the other, yet the one 'Cannot be 
 without the other, but the body will be imperfect. 
 David is fubjeft to Nathan as a prophet : Nathan 
 fubjeft to David as a King.God hath fet both in 
 the Church becaufe he hath given all power to 
 Chrift the Head of the Church,who doth not only 
 exercife his Kingly and Prophetical office in a 
 fecret and in vifible way, but alfo in an open and 
 vifible way, in preaching to the hearing of the 
 ear, and governing in reference to the eftate of 
 his people, both as worfhippers of God and mem- 
 bers of civil focieties. 
 
 The whole frame of the tabernacle Was a type of 
 Ciori/l Perfonal and Myftical.ln Chrifts perfon the 
 humane nature was the tabernacle of the divine. Joh. 1.14. 
 The divine nature dwels in him bodily .The humane Co1, 2 - ?• 
 v nature 
 
(-38 ) 
 
 nature was the vail which was rent upon the 
 crofs through which he pafTed into the moft holy 
 place, the Heavens, having put on his glorious 
 preiftly robes in his refurreftion and afcenfion : 
 A vail caft over the glory of the divine nature, 
 which none can fee and live, that fo in the face of 
 Ch rift we may fee God and yet live. The Church 
 is Chrift Myftical. This is his tent in which he 
 dwells upon earth. Believers are the living ftones 
 fquared and carved of this temple , the embroi- 
 dred work of this tabernacle, in and among whom 
 is the holy ointment of Chrifts precious graces 
 and promifes poured out , and the fweet perfume 
 of holy thoughts , favoury fpeeches and ufeful 
 works to the mutual content of the Bridegroom 
 and the Bride. 
 
 In that God put the Jewifh Church into a mili- 
 Numb. 2. tary pofture,every one pitching under his ftandard, 
 the tabernacle in the midft, and the preifts and 
 Levites in the circle next about the tabernacle. 
 It was a copy to all the Gofpel Churches how 
 much Chrift doth love order in his Church, that 
 every one fhould have a place to ftand in to keep 
 hiswatch,wherein he hath his charge of the holy 
 things of God, but the Minifters moreneerly and 
 peculiarly. And fo every Gofpel Minifterial, 
 Organical Church is the Keeper of the Oracles 
 of God. 
 
 Many other things might be inftanced in , as 
 iCoi-.io. Mannah, the water out of the Rock, the pafTover, 
 2. as a facrifice being type of Chrift himfelf as it 
 
 iCor.7. 1. was a f ea ft. j n Mte mo ri a j f tne facrifice, a 
 
 Type 
 
(39) 
 
 Type of the Gofpel Euchariftical Feaft in remem- 
 brance of Chrifts death &c. 
 
 From this that hath been obferved we may ga- 
 ther a defcription of a Scripture-Type and 
 fay, 
 
 It is a certain fixed,or (landing parable inftitu- 
 ted by God ,whofe proportion is in the old Tefta- s ff , 
 ment,and its Re-ddition or Antitype is in the new: 9 !^ with" 
 Every parable is not a Type, but every Type is a 24. in the 
 parable, and fuch a parable as is fixed by divine S r ee k - 
 Inftitution , to fome certain fignification and of 
 like kind and ufe with the Antitype. 
 
 1 Pet. 3.21. Bight perfins were faved by Water, 
 the like figure wheremto Baptifm now faves us 
 by the RefurreElion of Jefm Chrifi , not the 
 jutting away the filth of the flefli, hit the An~ 
 fiver of a good Onfcience unto Cjod. 
 
 Baptifm is an ordinance of God of fo great ufe 
 in all ages of the Church, and in all the courfeof 
 a Chriftian,that S. Peter thought fit to make men- 
 tion of it as the ground of his fubfequent exhorta- 
 tions to fufferings and holinefs.Both in this and the 
 nextFpiftle2 Pet. 1 9. he exprefTes himfelf in 
 few words but very fignificant , containing their 
 principle atfertions touching Baptifm obvious to 
 our obfervation. 
 
 1 . The nature and ufe of Baptifm. It is a faving 
 us by water. It is a faving ordinance. 
 
 2. The Onenefs and Identity of Baptifm. It 
 is a falvation by water in Noahs time, and now 5 
 namely, fince Chrifts afcendinginto Heaven.Ours 
 is the Antitype of Noahs and fo the fame in 
 
 more 
 
( 40 ) 
 
 more orient colours. Noahs Baptifm is the Type 
 of ours and fo the lame under darker reprefenta- 
 tions. 
 
 3 . The explication of the Salvation of Baptifm-, 
 Or a declaration how Baptifm faves. 
 
 Water and wafhing doth not fave us, by vir- 
 tue of the natural efficacy in it , to cleani'e the fil- 
 thinefs of the fiefh or outward man, but by rea- 
 fonoftheRelation.it hath by divine Inftitution 
 to the proper cauies and conditions of our falva- 
 
 tion. 
 
 Thecaufeofour falvationon Chrifts part is 
 his death and Refurrettion , whereby he hath 
 made an Atonement with God in our nature , 
 and hath given us an example how to walk to 
 pleafe God,and obtained the Spirit for them that 
 Believe. 
 
 The Condition required on our part , is 
 i . That we Believe on him who died and rofe 
 again. 2. To be willing to be like or conformed 
 to his pattern in his death and Refurrefti- 
 
 on. 
 
 Now water and wafhing in Baptifm by virtue 
 of divine Inftitution , hath relation to thele caufes 
 and conditions of our falvation ; and doth figni- 
 fie on the part of the Baptifed that he imbraces 
 the faith of Chrift dying and rifing again ; and 
 that he is willing to be like to Chrift. 
 - And on Gods part. That if this profeffion 
 be fincere and the confeience do anfwer as in 
 Gods fight the truth of this profeffion ; then 
 this water and wafhing doth fignifie and afTure 
 Remiflion of fin: in which reipect Baptifm is faid 
 
 to fave. -•■*.. 
 
 That 
 
r 4* ) 
 
 That there is one Faith, one Baptifm, and one 
 Salvation in Baptifm in the feveral ages of the 
 Church, is intended to be further illuftrated and 
 proved in the following Hiftorical difcourfe of 
 Baptifih , which the Reader is defired to look 
 upon but as an Eflay to find out Gods way 
 in an untrodden path , and to give allowance 
 for humane weaknefs, remembring at the beft we, 
 know in past and prophecy in part. 
 
 n THE 
 
 i 
 
( 4» ) 
 
 
 S 
 
 HI ST OR v 
 
 O F 
 
 ■©apttfm 
 
 Follows. 
 
 T 
 
 He Family of Adam after the pro- 
 mife of the MeJJiah was made, was 
 the firft vifible Chutch in the World, 
 in which there was no diftinttion 
 twi^Mthe Church ajd the World, but all the 
 World was the Churcn. 
 
 The World came to be diftinft from the 
 Church by an Acl of Gods Excommunication for 
 the fins of degenerate Church-Members • who 
 notrepentingjand returning again to their Fathers 
 houfe were not accounted of the Church, nor 
 their pofterity, till they did repent, as thofe that 
 1 were faithful kept the Church-priviledges for 
 themfelvesand their pofterity till they did apo- 
 (late. Hence 
 
C4J ) 
 
 Hence the Scripture fpeaks in the fingular 
 number to fuch as were heads of the Apoftacy, 
 or heads of the faithful, in a collective fenfe, as 
 looking at their pofterity in them, pertaining to 
 them and members of them. As in 'Cam>Cbam 9 
 Efau 9 their pofterity excommunicate and curfed 
 in them, Gat. 4. 11, 16.9. 25, 26. In Noah, A- 
 braham, Jacob, their pofterity bleffed in thea^ 
 Gen.y.y.i^.c} Mai. 1.2. Lu. 19. 9. Gal. 3. 9. Afar\ 
 .16 . 15, 16. with ^?j 16 1 5. And fo it is a ge- 
 neral rule of Church-hood from the begin- 
 ning. 
 
 It hath alfo been Gods way after a long time 
 of patience, with hisvifible Church and their .de- 
 generating notwithftanding into the manners of 
 the Apoftate-Churchiings , to begin his Church 
 anew, and to chooie them again, by feparating 
 them from the degenerate Churchlings by fome 
 providential Aft of punifhment on the one, and 
 mercy on the other 1 . -Thus he brought the Flood, 
 on the ungodly, faved Noah and his family, chofe 
 Abraham, and let a mark of Church-hood on his 
 family, purged away the rebels by the captivity, 
 and chofe Jerusalem again, Ez.el^ 20. 38. Zach. 
 1. 17. And by the Miniftry of John Bapifl^ 
 Chrift and his Apoftles gathered his Church into 
 a new Society ,and then reje&s the obftinate Jews 
 into darknefs, that is without the Church, Mau 
 8.10,11. 
 
 There are three remarkable Periods , wherein 
 
 he hath thus chofe his Chftrch into different Ad- 
 
 miniftrations. The days of Noah. The days of 
 
 Mofesj and the days ofChrifl- 7 wherein the Lord 
 
 X>z hath 
 
( 44 ) 
 
 hath been plcafed to fignifie and fcal the renew- 
 ing his promife, to be their God, and the God of 
 their feed in their generations, keeping covenant 
 to all that profefledly own the Mediator , the 
 promifed feed, and fubje&ion to him, and that by 
 a myftical wafhing of water: So that the World 
 may be faid to have been there Baptifed into the 
 Doftrine of the true Mediator. 
 
 ThefeBaptifms,one being a Type of the other, 
 have four things wherein every of them were com- 
 pleated. 
 
 i. Gods taking notice of fome eminency of 
 Faith, in order to Baptifm. 
 
 2. His Call and Command to be Baptifed. 
 
 3. His tranlatting a Covenant with the Bap- 
 tifed by water and wafhing. 
 
 4. His teaching after that tranfaftion. 
 
 Of Noah's Baptifm. 
 
 Noah was another Adam. As Adam embracing 
 the promife of the Mejfias f was an head of all 
 mankind as to vifible Church-hood, fo that in his 
 Family all the World of mankind was the Church, 
 and fhould have fo continued had they not dege- 
 nerated: So it was with Noah. 
 
 1.6 od takes not ice of Noah at an eminent Believer. 
 He was a Juft and Perfect Man in his generation, 
 and walked with God*, a Preacher of Righteouf- 
 nefs -, one that condemned the Apoftate Church- 
 lings by word and work. One that obeyed God 
 in making an Ark and fo was a tried Believer as 
 Abraham was: He found grace in the eyes of the 
 Lord, that on him the Covenant of grace fliould 
 
 be 
 
(45) 
 
 be exemplarily held forth, and he fhould become 
 heir of the Righteoufnefs, that is by Faith, and Gen.^.8 , 9 
 what was that, but of the promife which is made Heb ' n, 7- 
 good to fuch as are faithful ? That God will be 
 his God and the God of his feed, as was after- 
 ward explained to Abraham. For the Covenant 
 with Adam and Noah was all one , a Covenant 
 of Grace and favour upon the account of the 
 Meffiah, reaching to their pofterity walking in 
 their (leads. 
 
 2. Cod calls and commands him to be bap- C ' 7 * ' 
 tifed', Come thou and all thy houfe into the Ark: 
 
 For thee have 1 feen righteous before me in this 
 generation, where by his houfe were meant as 
 (jen. 7-6. his wife,his fons, and their wives. 
 
 3. God tranfafts a Covenant with him and his 
 houfe in him by water, and wafhing and circum- 
 ftances pertaining thereto,being teaching,afluring 
 and fealing figns. 
 
 As 1. The Arkjlotingon the Waters. 
 
 Gods command to build , and enter in the 
 Ark,fignified the Call of God tofeparate himfelf, 
 and family from thofe baftard Churchlings , and 
 commit himfelf to him for prefervation by en- 
 tring the Covenant a new. The Ark fignified Je- 
 fusChrift the foundation of all our fafety, through 
 whom all the promifes are Yea and Amen : AHo 
 that thecomprehenfivenefs of Gods gracious Co- 
 venant grounded in the fecond Adam, is as large 
 as that founded in the firft,fo as none is excluded 
 from coming to Chrift, and being come, none is 
 cut off,but through their own wilful impenitence: 
 Alfo that the children of believers are holy till % 
 D I they 
 
(4«; 
 
 they break the Covenant. And that godlinefs 
 hath the promife of this life, as well as that that 
 is to corne, fignified by the creatures entring in- 
 to the Ark with Noah, to ferve for food and fa- 
 crifice. And fo man being in Covenant with 
 God , is alfo in Covenant with the creatures, 
 Hof. 2. and the creatures in a fecondary way in 
 covenant with God, as they are in a fubferviency 
 to man inferving of God , and do ferve God by 
 man. The Ark did alfo teach, that the means of 
 falvation and true worfhip is to be had in and 
 from the true Church alone. And fo 'tis true, 
 Out of the Church nofafety, no falvation. 
 
 The Ark was alfo a fealing and afTuring fign 
 on Gods part, that as certainly as Noah and his 
 family with the other creatures were prefer- 
 red from perifhing by waters: fo certainly fhould 
 thofe that commit themfelves to Chrift, not pe- 
 rifh under the condemnation of the firft Adam, in 
 ^'tl'vi. token whereof God fhut them in, fignifying his 
 * acceptance of them in Chrift, under whofe wings 
 they were come to truft. 
 
 2. The waters of the Flood above and 
 below the Ark^ 
 
 Thefe were a teaching fign,That fuch as are fa- 
 ved by Chrift muft be holy. They muft be waftit 
 by the waters from above,the grace of Gods Spi- 
 rit poured on them , and covering them as a gar- 
 ment ', Chrift muft be put on. They muft be as it 
 • were drowned in the waters below in the de- 
 fending of the waves. The old man and his lufts, 
 according to which the old world lived, muft be 
 
 drown- 
 
) 
 
 J drowned and buried, that the new man maybe 
 raifed up on the top of the waves towards hear 
 ven. 
 
 Thefe waters alfo taught, that through many 
 affli&ions and toflings of tentations,wemuft enter 
 into the Kingdom of God. 
 
 The abating of the waters, and the Ark refting 
 on the mountains, fignified, That though many are 
 the affliftions of the righteous yet the Lord will 
 deliver them out of all, and there remains a reft 
 for the people of God. > 
 
 The waters were alfo a fealing fign, afliiring 
 that God would give his fpirit to them that obey 
 him, in betaking themfelves to Chrift for refuge 
 with denial of confidence in the old Adam. And * 
 by the fame fpirit,not only give gifts for prophe- 
 cy and minifterial teachings, but alio blefs and 
 profper the means of grace, to enable them to 
 grow up as willows by the water courfes. Ifa.44.3,4 
 
 3 . Noah's Sacrifice. 
 
 This was a teaching fign on Gods part , That 
 the covenant of grace was made upon account of 
 Chrifts offering himfelf in mans nature,a f acrifice 
 to make a reconciliation and to procure accepta- 
 tion. And Gods fmelling and favour of reft was 
 a feal, aflfuring Noah that he looked on him and 
 his family as perfons fanctified to him by the 
 blood of the Covenant, and juftified in a vifibledi- 
 fpenfation from the fins they were guilty of in the - Con 6 
 old world, which fhould never be charged,ifthey n, 
 continued to obey him. Rom.3.2^ 
 
 X>4 the 
 
The Bapifmal Covenant , was alfo ftgnified and 
 fealed on Noah, and hisfons part. 
 
 Their making the Ark, and entnng into, it at 
 Gods command,teftified their faith and obedience: 
 Faith, in believing the truth of Gods Word, 
 foretelling the Flood, and promifing them fafety, 
 and in betaking themfelves to the Mej[iat> the on- 
 ly Ark and refuge for poor fmners, who deny 
 .Heb.11.7. themfeIv es. Obedience, it being an open profef- 
 fion to fubmit to the means of grace according to 
 the meafure God fliould provide for their re- 
 newing. 
 
 The facrifice which they offered of clean beafts 
 and fowls was an ppenprofeffion of their faith in 
 the promifed feed,who was to be flain to confirm 
 the new Covenant, and that they continued in the 
 Religion and Worfhip which their godly Fore- 
 fathers had received from Adam, the head of the 
 faithful in the old world. 
 
 4. Here Wat a teaching after Baftifm, 
 in two things. 
 
 Firfl, God renews his laws , reftores and en- 
 larges the liberties and priviledges of mankind, 
 and teaches them , and the world in them ; how 
 they (hall keep their Baptifmal engagement, and 
 be preferved from the Apoftacy of the old world: 
 which laws and liberties,2V0*£ who was a Preach- 
 er of Righteoufnefs , a Prophet and the chief 
 Magiftrate , and the firft born in every family, 
 who were the Priefts and Rulers in that juncture 
 
 of 
 
\ ( 49 ) 
 
 vf time were to teach, and fee kept in their feve- 
 r al generations. 
 
 They were fummarily thefe. 
 
 ■ 
 i • The law of divine and inftituted worfliip, 
 That man is to come to God in the virtue of a 
 facrifice, or the blood of the Mediator,6V/z.8.2o, Ge a.S.2o. 
 21. Noah built an altar to the Lord and took 2U 
 of every clean beaft and of every clean fowl, and 
 ofFerefi burnt offerings on the altar, and the Lord 
 fmelled a fweet Savour. Noahs example was a 
 Sufficient pattern and Gods acceptance a fufficient 
 Intimation of a command. And ? tis probable that 
 the feventh day was ufed as the day of facrifice: 
 becaufe Noah entred into the Ark the feventh 
 day after the Iaft warning Gen. 7.4, 1 3 . The clean 
 beaft were taken in the Ark by ievens Gen. 7. 2. 
 The Ark refted the feventh month, Gen. 8. 4. 
 Noah ftayed feven days and fent out the dove 
 and then flayed other 7. days, and fent her out 
 again, gen. 1. 10, 1 2. And the feven and twentieth 
 day of the 2d. Month the Earth was dried, Gen. 
 8. 14. And probably the 28. day might be the 
 day of reft and facrifice. It adds to the probabili- 
 ty that the Gentiles , as they had always an In- 
 ftinft about Sacrificing , fo they had about the 
 ieventh day :But moft of all, becaufe God appoints 
 in the fourthcommand of theDecalogue theftran- 
 ger to reft on the fabbath, which is an Argument it 
 was one of the precepts of Noah, and not appro- 
 priated to the Jews. x 
 
 2. The liberty and law of Marriage, Gen. 9.1. Gen. 9. t. 
 God blefTed Noah and his fons and laid, Be fruit- 
 full 
 
( 5o) 
 full and multiply and replenish the earth. By 
 
 Gen. 9« 2. wnicn Blefling is implied,that by marriage the vi- 
 * fible Church (hould be preferved and propagated: 
 Domeftical , and Political focieties eftabhfhed, 
 and inordinate lufts avoided. 
 
 3. The liberty and law of dominion over the 
 Creatures Gtn. 9. 2. The fear of you and the 
 
 Gen. 9. 2. dread of you fhall be upon every beaftof the 
 earth, and upon every foule of the Air, upon all 
 that moveth upon the earth and upon all the fifties 
 of the fea:Into your hand they are deliveretl.This 
 law eftablifheth variety of outward callings and 
 imployments for the good of mankind , letleth 
 to every man a propriety in what he or his An- 
 ceftors have acquired by a lawful title, and for- 
 bids all cruelty and inordinancy in the ufe of the 
 Creature. 
 4. The liberty and law of the Food of mankind 
 
 r Gen. 9. 3 4. Every moving thing that lweth,fhall 
 
 9 * 3 ' be meat for you, but flefh with the life thereof, 
 
 4 ' the blood thereof, ye (hall not eat. This law is a 
 
 gracious conceflion to mankind to feed upon flefh 
 as well as fruits and herbes, which it is probable 
 was not enjoyed before the flood, but by a kind of 
 ufurpation eating the flefh in the warm blood, 
 which exercifed a cruelty towards the Creature, 
 and tended to difpofe the body and i'pirits to in- 
 humane paflions. Therefore God forbids to eat 
 flefh with the life-blood , that is, whilft the life- 
 blood is in the veines and not let our,but relerves 
 the life-blood to be offered to him in facrifice till 
 the coming of the Meffiat Levit. 17. 11, 12, i$, 
 14. And after his coming the Apoftles advife 
 the continuance of it among the Gentiles after fa- 
 
 crificing 
 
( 5i ■; 
 
 crificing ceafed, at leaftto avoyd offence to the 
 Jews^ABs. 15.29. 
 
 5. The law for preserving the life of man and 
 punifhing murder : Gen. 9. 6. Whofoever ihed- ' 
 eth mans blood, by man (hall his blood be Gen '9*' 5 * 
 flied. 
 
 Thefe laws were by the ancient Jews called 
 thefeven precepts of Noah, and are let down by 
 M Mede out of Maimonides and others under 
 thefe titles. Firft the precept, to renounce Idols MdeDk- 
 and all idolatrous worfhip. Secondly to worfhip tribe on. 
 the true God and Creator of Heaven and Earth. A&.17/4. 
 Thirdly Blood-fhed, to wit, to commit no mur- &Aft.n. 
 der. Fourthly, Detettio Nptditatum not to be 4 * 
 defiled with Fornication , Inceft ,or any unlawful 
 Conjunction. Fifthly, Rapine, againft Theft and 
 Robbery. Sixthly, concerning Adminiftration of 
 Juftice. The feventh, Membrum de vivo , i'o they 
 call the precept of not eating the flefh with the 
 blood. And Maimonides adds, Qukunqvie hxc 
 , feptem pracepta exequenda [ufceperit, Ecce is efl 
 ex pits gentium mundi y h abet que partemm f&culofu- 
 tnro. Whofoever of the nations of the world fhall 
 take upon him theobfervance of thefe Seven Pre- 
 cepts, he is a godly man, and hath a (hare in the 
 world to come. 
 
 Thefe laws under thefe five or feven heads 
 were thofe,the tranfgreflion of which brought on 
 the Flood. The Law of Divine Worfhip by a 
 Mediator feems firft to be violated by Cain 7 who 
 obferved not Adams inftru£tion to him as Abel 
 did, which was as we may prefume, firft to come 
 
 to 
 
( jO 
 
 to God by an expiatory facrifice, confefling fin 
 and guilt,and going to a Mediator to make peace, 
 before he muft expect God will accept his gifts: 
 But he humbles not himfelf, comes in his own 
 righteoufnefs, and fo offers his gifts. This was 
 the rife of all idolatry and will-worfliip , either 
 worfhipping God without a Mediator, or by ma- 
 ny , or one of our own letting up. Promifcuous 
 marriages, prodigious lufts, Rapine and violence 
 againft the lives and eftates of men, praclifed by 
 the Giants in ftature and wicked manners, who 
 were hunters of men as well as of beafts , whom 
 they fed upon , tearing them afunder whilft yet 
 alive, and eating them in their warm blood , the 
 more to feed their luft and exafperate their cru- 
 elty. Thefe were the fins , which growing from 
 a dream to a River, and from a River to an Oce- 
 an , overflowed all banks and bounds , even of 
 the godly families themfelves,and provoked God 
 to fend a Flood of vengeance , but faved eight 
 perfons only , whom he Baptifed a new into the 
 old Faith and Laws of obedience given to Adam 
 in the firft place. 
 
 Secondly, After this Baptifm, God teaches 
 them, and the world in them by a vifible fign , the 
 Bow in the Cloud. This was a fign de pr<eterito,and 
 defnturo. In refpeft of what was paft , it was a 
 fign of Remembrance and Admonition, To re- 
 member that the world was once drowned for the 
 wickednefs of the Inhabitants, that God hath his; 
 Bow bent and ready to take vengeance of Sinners 
 that follow their example,and hath fire as well as \ 
 water to execute that vengeance. But for the 
 future it was a Teaching and anafTiiring fign that 
 
 God 
 
(53) 
 
 Cod would confider man, and give him a day of Gen. 8 2. 
 grace,ute much patience toward him in that day 
 and not always pour out all his wrath i though 
 mandeiervcit to the end that fuchas werecho- 
 feninChrift from all eternity might be gathe- 
 red to him in their times and generations:For it is 
 a Bow without an arrow , not pointing to the 
 earth but from the earth , and yet hath fiery co- 
 lours ink, to (ignifie when the patience of God 
 is fulfilled, the earth with the works therein (hall 
 be burnt up with fire. This is a (landing vifible 
 fign to the whole world belonging to the Cove- 
 nant of grace and continues when many ofMofes's 
 ceremonies are difcontinued. And in afmuch as 
 Chriftreprefents himfelf with a Rainebow about 
 the Throne : it fhould put us in mind to make a » 
 more frequent ufe of this fign,when we fee it,in re- fo V * 4 ' h 
 membringthe Majefty ofChrift now in glory, his Ifa^' 
 patience now in a day of grace , his faithfulnefs in 2 Pet. 3. 
 his promifes, efpecially in coming again, to Judg 9>l* 
 the world by fire, and to be a new Ark to fave 1 Thef * 
 his people from everlafting burnings. 4 • *7« 
 
 Thefeare the Morals, Ceremonials and Judici- 
 al belonging to Noahs Baptifm. 
 
 Of being Baptifed unto Moles. 
 
 Now after God had drowned the ungodly by a 
 flood ,and by the fame flood wafht and renewed 
 Noah and his family ,and all future generations in 
 :hem to a reformed eftate with Renovation of 
 :aws , priviledges and promifes, he did juftly ex- 
 pert that man (hould be taken from his own 
 
 Imaginations 
 
urn) 
 
 Imaginations , which were fa eviil before the 
 flood, and that this Judgment oitlhe old world, 
 and his merciful preiervation and chufing them 
 fora.new world, and a new Church and their 
 folemn engagement by this Baptiimal Covenant 
 fhould never be forgotten. But it was loon difco- 
 veredthat there were many Hypocrites, and un- 
 believers ; in this Church who followed not the 
 faith of their Father Nmh, but became vain in 
 their Imaginations, and their foolifh hearts were 
 •fullofdarknefs.CW* discovers himfelf to be a 
 mocker and is curfed. d And when they grew nu- 
 merous,Gods vifible Eleftion and Re jeftion doth 
 manifeftrt felf, as preceding by three degrees, 
 wherein it was completed*; 
 
 Tbe,firfi degree 'wot fit. the Confufiw oj 
 Tongues. I I i .; 
 
 ■-.•-' , 
 
 Whilftrthey all fpake.ione: language they were 
 all one Church. Their ctivifan of tongues was a 
 ** Judgment of God dividing ; and feparating them 
 from the true Church,which continued in the faith 
 of Noah^nd were not divided from his language 
 The houfe of Sem who was the Father, of all the 
 Children of Heber. Gen. 10. 21. who was the 
 Father of all ihe&ebrm* ? of whom tiit-.Mffi* 
 wasto come ina direft line.,' was the houfe of the 
 Chyrdh, wihich.wa* npwrchaxaaerifed by -the 
 Hebrew language in djftinftion from other na 
 tions, as it.was by Circumc, ifion afterwards : F01 
 when the Gentiles were by. different language; 
 divided from the houfe, of Sem y and one from a 
 nother-, it was a juft- Judgment of Gad for the 
 
fchifm they made from the houfe of Sem, who 
 were not guilty of the tranfgreffion at Babel, but 
 gave advice to the contrary,asthofe who clave to 
 the faith and fear of Noah, as their -keeping of 
 iva^j language: doth evidence. But there was 
 an unbelieving and rebellious party, who not 
 believing Gods promife to drown the world no 
 more, though confirmed by a %» frequently 
 obvious, nor obeying the command of God, to 
 difperfe and filithe earth whilft they, yet fpake 
 one language,and fo might communicate together 
 as .one- Church , would notwithftanding follow 
 their own foolifh project,, to- keep together^ 
 and build a city and tower, tfct; they might be 
 free from fear of evill that a raigbkbe by ano- 
 ther flood contrary to the advice of Sem and his 
 houfe, who kept there ftation and waited upon Heb. 2 . 9< 
 Ood,howto be dire&ed in difperfmg ihemfelves. 
 
 j u C * ufe ^ are excom naunkated as Kain 
 add his feed weiter And this Bar of Communica- 
 ^.with. the true Church not taken awaytill 
 Chrift of the feed of the Hebrews&aA made peace 
 by the bfoocj of his Grofc; and dbtained from the 
 tfght handof the Father, That prophecy, and the 
 §& of tongues fliouldbe Communicated to all 
 
 Nation* Gfi3 \o 13 A#. %. 
 
 ,;...; . ' ' •' 
 
 I The femd degm .afthis Eleftion and Rejection 
 W& at t,h6Coyinm#re7iewedmtb Abraham. 
 
 vFor ipthfrpixw&tmxtNaab. and Abraham the 
 W&wk .CPfattiucdfor.tenL generations andri God 
 W4^iWp^wp%ej5andRjileistti(hc^thdHi keefi 
 the trmh^jteitw&sxevealedco '.Noabi as -Nodt 
 «rfT himfelf 
 
( tf ) 
 
 himfelf in the fitft place, who lived $4° y ears a f^ 
 ter the Flood*, and &», and Melchiz.edec^( it 
 he were not Sem himfelf) who was a King and a 
 Pried. A King to fee Juftice done according to 
 the precepts oiNoah. A Pried to teach them the 
 way and meaning of the Sacrifices. 
 
 Yet the Lord feeing the other Nations depart- 
 ing further and further from him , and fo far from 
 returning to the children of /ftfer, that they 
 grew rather in hatred of them. And perceiving a 
 great inclination in thcHebr&vs themfelvs to falfe 
 worfhip,either to have falfe gods or falfe media- 
 tors^ Abrahams father had Idols JTo preierve 
 his Church from Apoftacy,it pleafed him to make 
 a vifibfeand folemn renewing of Noah's Covenant 
 with Abraham^ to fix the vifible Church-hood: 
 m him,& his feed by ffaac f thc better to keep them 
 to the true Mediator of whom Jfaac was a Type. 
 Now Abraham is another representative head 
 
 If.41. 2. to conveigh the intereft to promifes,and obligati- 
 
 Gen.'12'.i. on to obedience to the fucceeding Church. He 
 is called to Gods foot. His Faith is proved fe- 
 
 Gen,i75. veral ways, and his faithfulnefs approved: He 
 and his feed adopted by a letter of Gods Own 
 name added ito. his in a folemn manner : Ho 
 
 Gen ftands before God, as the Father of the faithful 
 * both of his own natural feed and of his adopted 
 feed of all Nations. God fays to him , Thou 
 (halt keep my covenant, &c That is, Thou, thy 
 fon and thy daughter, &c. in all generations,?/^. 
 The covenant made with Adam and Noah^thc re- 
 prefentative Fathers before thee., and all other 
 Laws which Ifliall further give to thee, and them 
 in future generations, as a peculiar people. 
 
 This 
 
f r I h L P !f the A ther u Na ? ons > a degree. further 
 
 rKfl Sf ?5/ C ^ Urch: f ° r God fet a mark ^ 
 the flefli of Abraham, and his Teed, whereby thev 
 
 were peculiarly dedicated to God by the blood 
 ofrthe Covenant, and feparated from other Na- 
 tions in point of Communion in Divine Worfhip, 
 ( tor the Gentiles though they uiedfacrifices yet T > 
 the worshipped they knew not what ; yet in civil Joh4, 
 commerce, they had communion with them accor- 
 ding to the precepts of Noah. 
 
 fn this period from Nooh to Abraham, and 
 irom Abraham to Mofes we may fee , That all 
 the world was once again the vifible Church* 
 1 hat God rcjefted the Nations for a Schifm 
 made from the trueChurch, where the way of 
 true worftip was fixed, and Divine Oracles 
 revealed , which fin he punifht , by dividing 
 
 Spfrk fromf^ 11 ^ 1 VCS ' 'f 1 ^ a W ^ hls good 
 Spmtfrom them, leaving them to themfelves, 
 and fetting up a partition-wall twixt them and 
 his peculiar people. We may fee alfo that not 
 withftanding their itjeftion* a teftimony of 
 his great feventy : yet he knows how to pre 
 iervehis Church in the feed of the faithfilas 
 *> "Argument of his free grace and abunln 
 m T Y \^ dt0 carr y on ^e covenant of grace 
 
 ion from Abraham to Mofes was a preparation 
 tothexompleatingthat Church by a peculiar 
 Church-difcipline under A&fis. apCCUliar 
 
 * Th$ 
 
 ih 
 
{ 58 ; 
 
 The third degree therefore of this Eleftion and 
 Rejeblion was under the Mmifiry of Mofes. 
 
 When the time came, that God would form 
 the feed of Abraham, grown very numerous, into 
 a vifible Kingdom , a well ordered Common- 
 wealth, and a Church-eftatefuitable thereunto : 
 he raifed up Mofes and aflbciated Aaron with him, 
 to bring his people out of Egypt, and to lead them 
 to mount Sinai, there to receive his Laws for the 
 well ordering of Church and State,and be directed 
 how the tranfattion of the covenant twixt him and 
 his people , was to be carried on until the promi- 
 fed feed himfelf came, and the Gentiles vifited a- 
 gainwith his grace. 
 
 Before they came to Sinai,the more to engage 
 them to the Lord to hearken to his voice by his 
 fervant Mofes : he Baptifes them all young and 
 old unto Mofes y'm the Cloud and in the Sea. This 
 Baptifm in the Red feawas preparatory and in- 
 troduclory to the formal Covenant made at 
 Sinai •, and was like the Baptifm of Neah in all 
 the fotemn circumftances of it. 
 
 i .He re is ate aching before Baptifm in fpecial re- 
 ference to belief of the prefent truth , whereof 
 there is a profeflion before this general Baptifm. 
 The Gofpel preached to them , and the prefent 
 Exo.4.31. trlltn by them to be believed, was that God had 
 E «>.i4. fent Mofes to deliver them out of Egypt. This was 
 3I * preached by Mofes and Aaron, and confirmed by 
 
 divers miracles in Egypt , fo that at laft after ma- 
 ny conflifts in themlelves to the contrary , the 
 
 Scripture 
 
( 59) 
 
 Scnpture gives this teftimony of them all f though 
 itwasonly aauafly trueof fuch as had under- 
 ftandiug) They believed the Lord and his fervant 
 
 Alojes. 
 
 2. Here ts Gods Cxll and Command to enter into 
 the waters; Speak to the children otlfrdit that 
 they go forward: like as to Noah, Enter thoU and.Exo i* 
 thy (on, &c. into the Ark. The waters were to 15/ 
 be as an Ark to lave them from Pharaoh 
 
 The Perions Baptifed were as in the Ark. The 
 believing and their feed that were in being, and 
 their generations having a being virtually in 
 them. Indeed thofe that were in the Ark were 
 but few . but virtually the whole world : Thofe 
 that paft through the Sea, a great multitude, and 
 yet reprefentatively cne only family ofthe whole 
 earth 5 becaufe fince the Baptifm of Noah, God 
 had in Juftice caft out the Nations , and in great 
 mercy chofe the feed of Abraham to carry on the 
 intereftofhisvifible Covenant, who multiplied 
 as the ftars of Heaven pandas they were once re- 
 preiented in one perfon, fo now the future gene- 
 rations are reprefented in the prefent familieland 
 dedicated to God by this folemn Baptifm. 
 
 The Baptiferwasnot iWiyk, whowas Baptifed 
 himielrunto the Office he was called, and the 
 people were baptifed unto Mofes , not by Mofis , 
 but God himfelf , orthe Sonof God , whofaid to 
 Noah Go into the Ark , and to Mofes , Go for- 
 ward into the Sea. He who is the greatefl of Pro- 
 phets, who knows the Fathers fecrets,and fpake 
 
 tmfc T % f f t' being the ' m *& of the w- 
 
 Viiible God, called the Similitude of Jehovah: He Col. id , 4 
 whom the Father hath made Head ofthe Church, * um - ** 
 * * the 8 * 
 
( 6o ) 
 
 the Church •, the great Shepherd and Captain- 
 Jof. <$. 14, General of the Lords Armies, the only Lawgiver 
 15' who is able to fave and deftroy.He by himfelf, 
 
 Un '* " 5 or the Miniftry of an Angel, came down in the 
 pillar of a cloud , and with the cloud as with a 
 dark mill covered the whole Army , whilft they 
 pa (Ted through the Sea, fo that the Egyptians 
 could not dilcern them. And in this cloud the 
 Angel of the Lord flood in the rear of the Army, 
 and fought againft Tkaraob , making him to drive 
 heavily, and brought the waters on his Army, 
 when Mofes was paft over, and kept Jfrael from 
 being drowned in thofe waters. He did as it were 
 bury them in the bottom of the Sea, and raiie 
 them up again. He wafht them with a mifty 
 cloud and covered them with darknefs , and 
 brought them out to the pillar of fire on the other 
 fide of the cloud, by which they were clothed 
 
 with light as with a new garment 
 
 1 
 
 I . Here are teaching , affuring , and promifing 
 figns y on Gods part and the peoples. 
 
 The cloud in which the Lord deicended, repre- 
 
 fented the admirable constitution of the perfon of 
 
 the Mediator, being a cloud on one fide in re- 
 
 fpect of his humane nature, and light or fire on 
 
 the other, in rei'peeTof his Divine. No man hath 
 
 feen God at any time, but through the cloud of 
 
 jc»h.T4. 8, ournatureas througha vail. The beams of his 
 
 9- glory are forefrafted, that God in Chriftis made. 
 
 <:o!.9. 15. vifible and intelligible,becaufe Chrift is the image 
 
 of the invifible. In the cloud of this humane nature 
 
 he defcends to his people. 
 
 More- 
 
(61) 
 
 Moreover, The Pillar reprefented the condi- 
 tion in which Chrift accomplifhcd the work of 
 our Redemption.- Firft to pafs through the 
 Cloud of death , before he entred into his glory. 
 As alio the way of his Miniftrations to his people: 
 He came firft by the cloudy Miniftration of the 
 Law, and then by the lightfome Miniftrations of 
 the Gofpel} and therein firft by Baptifm with wa- 
 ter, then by Baptifm with fire. 
 
 The watery cloud descending on them from a- 
 bove taught the people , They muft be wafn'd 
 from the filth they contracted in Egypt , which 
 they muft not expect to be wafh'd from but by 
 the Spirit of Chrift poured on them from on high, 
 and fo become fpiritual, that they might under- 
 ftand the Laws to be given them on Mount Sinai\ 
 For the natural man underftands not the things of 
 God, which are fpiritual, and only difcerned with 
 a fpiritual mind. 
 
 Their defcending into the depths of the Sea_, 
 taught them to remember the defperate miiery 
 they were in, whilft they were in Egypt y where 
 their condition was ftill worfe and worfe, deep- 
 er and deeper, until God of his meer mercy lent 
 Mofes to raife them up, and bring them out, and 
 fufFered not thofe waves to drown them. And fo 
 taught them the great miiery on all mankind by 
 Adams tranfgreffing the firft Covenant , until 
 God fent his Son to be a fecond Adam to lead our 
 Captivity captive , and bring us out of Satans 
 bondage by his own fufFerings 3 going down to 
 the grave and rifing again : And therefore that it 
 is meet we fhould be conformable to him in his c i. I#I2 , 
 Death and Refurreclion,and be willing that the 
 £ 3 old 
 
(6i) 
 
 old pian with his lufts fhould be buried in us,that 
 ib we may be new men through Chrift. 
 
 The waters of trie Sea, through which they pad 
 and were laved, but the Egyptians attempting to 
 pafs through were drowned , taught them , That 
 the Ordinances of God which are the way of life 
 to them that believe, are the way of death to 
 unbelievers anc difobedient. The, Word is the 
 favour of death to them. They attempt them to 
 their own ruine. They eat and drink, their own 
 damnation. So far from wafhingand cleaning, 
 that it drowns them. Man fallen is fo prefumptu- 
 ous as to venture at the tree of Life , though he 
 have tranfgreft at the Tree of Knowledge*, but 
 God thruft him out of Paradife , and let a guard 
 about the Tree of Life, to warn him not to at- 
 tempt of his peril, unleis he come in the way of 
 the new Covenant. 
 
 Theredncis of the Sea through which they 
 paft, might fignifie, That as Chrift came by water 
 and blood, fo the Church m.uft expecT to be bap- 
 tiled in water and blood before they come to the 
 land of reft. 
 
 God did not only teach them by thefe figns, 
 but alio engage himfelf, That if they would fol- 
 low Mofesy become his Difciples and obey him,, 
 who was fent by Chrift, the great Prophet,togjve 
 them Laws, and rule them in his ftead : Then the 
 Lord Jefus, the Angel of his prefence, the Son 06 
 (God,who appeared to them in the fiery and clou- 
 dy pillar , as he did to Mofes in the Bum, would 
 be prefent with them,not only to fave them frerrv 
 the Egyptian bondage (the mifery of the firft 
 Mam) but alio affift them in all their conflicts 
 
 with 
 
with the Amorites (the tentations aud afflictions) 
 in the way to Canaan ( the heavenly Jerufalem) 
 and bring them fafe thither to enjoy ( a perpetu- 
 al ) Reft, ( by Refurreftion out of the deep of 
 the grave ). And in the meanwhile ,That he will 
 fprinklc clean water of his Spirit upon them , fo 
 that there ihall not be wanting afucceflion of Deu « i8j 
 Prophets in Mofes his ftead,until the MejfiM him- }"' 
 felf come. Nora b! effing upontheir teachings. For \c']°"Ta 
 tins is a iign or Cnrifts withdra wings , when he pf a 74.9. 
 takes away viiiorr, or the bleflingof it, Pf. 74. 8. If.f.9,10. 
 If a. 6. 9, 10. a 
 
 This engagement on Gods part was fignified 
 and confirmed by the miraculous dividing the 
 waters,Ieading them through the deeps,fprinkling 
 them with the mifty Cloud j and when they were 
 out ofthefea, (hading them with the dark fide of 
 the Cloud by day , and lighting them with the 
 bright Gde of the Cloud by night , clofing up the 
 fca after they were gone out , whereby they faw 
 with their eyes their enemies deftroyed , and a 
 bar put toftop up their way from returning into 
 Egyp* •> tna t fo they might now look uponthem- 
 felves as a people wholy feperate from old Adams 
 Intereft , and not only fet a part for God, but 
 alfo aftually embraced into his everlafting arms, 
 to bear and carry them as his Sons and peculiar 
 Inheritance, above all nations of the earth; for 
 ever all the glory (hall be a defence, Ifa.4.. 
 
 On the peoples part *. Here was a folemn 2 Pet - *> 
 profeflion of their faith in the prefent truth I2 ' 
 ( which Baptifm always looks to ) That God 
 had fent his lervant Mofes to be a Deliverer, and 
 Lawgiver to them. As alfo a profeflion of their 
 E 4 obe> 
 
(«4) 
 
 obedience in that they readily followed Mofes in- 
 to the depths ofthe fea, and fang a fopgof praife, 
 with him, when they came on dry land. 
 
 4. Here is a Teaching after Baptifm to accom- 
 If.48.1. plifh the cnds o^Baptifrp. God gives them laws 
 at mount Smai,the preface whereof refers to this 
 Paptifmal Covenant, I am the Lord thy God,who 
 Lrought iheeout ofthe land of Egypt, out ofthe 
 houfe of Bondage .Laws, in which they were to 
 educate their Children from their infancy to be 
 obferved in all the generations of Jacob , trill the 
 coming of the Meffias; and to bealtred or abroga- 
 ted by him alone. 
 
 As it was in the teaching after Noahs Bap- 
 tifm, fo here the laws are, 
 
 'Moral , Containing the general grounds and 
 
 principles of Godlinefs and Righteoufnefs 
 
 which are of perpetual equity. 
 
 .Ceremonial, Whichare particular determinati- 
 
 r ons ofthe will of God referring to divine 
 
 > Worfhip. 
 
 )Judicials. Which are orders , and penalty for 
 <L the better obferving the other laws. 
 
 Becaufe Mofes was a Mediator in giving and 
 receiving thef'e laws, they are therefore called a 
 Covenant , an agreement being made twixt God 
 and the people , by the intervention of Mofes, 
 iolemnly tranfafted , Exod. 24. Therefore the 
 2c. Apoftle fays-, a Mediator is not of One , but God 
 is one, fignifying,that ii?ch a Covenant argues two 
 
 parties 
 
( 65 ; 
 
 parties in it,God and the people.The people fland 
 before the Lord as a profefTedly believing people, 
 believing the truth of the prefent word, and work 
 of their redemption. But lays he,God is one: His 
 way of eternal falvation is but one ,.he abides 
 one and the fame for laving his people by the Co- 
 venant made with the Mejfiah on the behalf of 
 them, that believe and confefs they cannot be jufti- 
 fied by their own legal righteoufnefs. So that 
 this Covenant made at Sinai, was not intended to 
 be crofs or contradictory to the Handing Cove- 
 nant of grace, but only fubfervient, and tempora- 
 ry for the obferving of a peculiar Difcipline, 
 by a peculiar people, until the Mejfias fhould 
 come. 
 
 ThisMofaicaI,or DifcipliningCovenant,being „ 
 exaftty obferved according to the letter and out- Hebjo 12. 
 ward Miniftration , though it juftified and fandtt- 
 fied them as to the outward enjoyment of Church- 
 hood ( for fuch as were Circumcifed and clenfed 
 according to the purifications of the law, were a 
 pardoned and an holy people in their Church- 
 cftate, and had right to the Reft and Inheritance 
 of the land of Canaan ) yet it was not fufficient 
 of it fell, to bring to eternal life and juftifie in the 
 fight of God: But fuch as obferved this discipli- 
 ning Covenant in a fubferviency to the ftanding Co- 
 venant of faith in the Mejfiah, were juftified be- 
 fore God, as well as before men. 
 
 To this end the Apoftle and Teacher of theGen- 
 i\kskys,By the deeds ofthe Lawjhalnoflejhbe'pifc- R on M.2d 
 yW,(whether the Law peculiar to the Jews,or the 
 Law common to the Gentiles) and adds exprefly, 
 ( in his fight ) Ieaft he fhould feem to deny, that 
 
 re- 
 
remiflion and holineis which was by the deeds of 
 the Law in the fight of the Church % but he ex- 
 cludes Juftification by them, as the Confcience 
 ftands in relation to God , as a Judg that knows 
 the heart: And that the law was thus intended to 
 bebutasadifcipline,the Apoftle fhews in the 
 words following , By the law is the knowledge of 
 fin. God did ordain that the Miniftration or the 
 Iawfliould not only direct them how to be an 
 obedient people, but alfo to be a means to bring 
 them to know themfelves,and fo they could not be 
 juftified in their own legal righteoulheis -,that fo 
 being ftung by this fiery ferpent,they might fly to 
 Chrift,who was to be lifted upon the Crofs by his 
 fufFerings to take away the curfe. This legal Mi- 
 niftration was only to bean handmaid,and fubfer- 
 vient to faith the Miftreis in the faving Covenant, 
 which Covenant was tranfacled with them in their 
 Baptifm in the Red Sea. 
 
 Whiiftthe Jews were thus brought under a 
 new difciplining Covenant, the Gentiles were un- 
 der their greateft degree of Rejeaion : For now 
 they are feparated from the true Church, not on- 
 ly by their language, and a mark in the fle(h,but 
 by divers laws and obfervations,which ftand as an 
 high wall of partition, to keep them off from 
 Communion with his people, as thole that are 
 altogether unclean. And though now they alfo 
 were grownup into compleat bodys with forms 
 of Church difcipline in their degenerate way,yet 
 were they at their greateft diftance from God, 
 from Chrift and from the true Church.They were 
 ftrangers from the Life of God, whilft they were 
 ftrangers from the Common wealth of Jfraeh 
 
 They 
 
(67 ) 
 They were aliens from the Covenants : for not 
 being included in the Difciplining Covenant, they 
 were out of the faving Covenant by their forfa- 
 . king it, till they repent. They had no hope ofthe 
 promife ( fo it feems beft to be read r bmyyk-i £ . 
 Kictci kTt<MfA$ (rVovTi-s ) the promife of eternal 
 life by Jefus Chnft. And were Atheifts in the 
 worId,whilft they were ignorant ofthe true God, 
 and the true way of coming to him. 
 
 In this fad and greateit. rejection of the Gen- 
 tiles, The Lord left not himfelf without witnefs, 
 both of his juft proceeding againft them, and of 
 his mercy in embracing them, if they ifoould re- 
 turn to him and lay hold of his Covenant. For 
 though they had not the Law w ritten,as the Jews R m. ig. 
 had under Mofes, yet they had the principle of 19. 
 worfhip and righteouihefs , even that great prin- 
 ciple of one God , and one Mediator in their 
 hearts , that is , in their memories by tradition 
 from Noah, They had the works of Creation and 
 Providcnce,efpecially that late act of Providence 
 in drowning the world of the ungodly, and faving 
 Noah and his family , whereof they were mem- 
 bers, and whereof they had a frequent remem- 
 brance by the Bow in the Cloud, to teach, exhort » 
 and reprove them. They had a Confcience with- 
 in to accufe and excufe them, together with the 
 patience of God, to lead them to repentance: , 
 Notwithftanding which they had many Gods and 6 '< 
 many Lords, and Mediators, fo corrupted them- 
 felves in their imaginations , fo neglected to im- ^ *vS?J 
 prove the work of God, and follow the dictates Aa.1j.i2 
 of their own confeiences , that God did juftly to$i. 
 withdraw his further grace, and left them to 
 
 them 
 
( 6B ) 
 
 themfelves and the corruptions of their own 
 hearts, and regarded them not as his Church. 
 
 Yet it pleafed him to open luch a door of 
 mercy, whereby we may charitably think, if not 
 undoubtedly conclude, That God had a remnant 
 among them in this great Schifm , as he had 
 feven thoufand in Jeroboams Schifm, which be- 
 longed to his fecret Election, which appears in 
 that it was a truth all the time of their Re j xlion, 
 Aft. 10.34 That God is no refpefter of perfons-, but in every 
 3> nation he that feareth God & works righteoufnefs 
 
 is accepted of him. That if uncircumcifion keep 
 no. 2.2 . the righteouienefs of the law , his uncircumcifion 
 fhall be counted for circumcifion : And doth fur- 
 ther appear by thelawoftheProfelyte.Ofwhom 
 there were two forts. 
 
 The firft fort of Profely tes were called Profdyte 
 Iev.2^.6 f&deris ?roklytes of the Covenant. Any Gentile 
 T>.Lt£bjort ft ran g ers w ho were content to be circumcifedj 
 Xfow*W and fubmit ^erofcj ves t0 the whole Mo j: aica i 
 
 pedagogy were to be counted as Jews, and con- 
 cern* o» verfed with as freely as thofe fo born.The law is, 
 Mat. 19.3. Exod. 12. 48. Thefe ( the learned layout of the 
 *'W1 6 Hebrew Doftors) were admitted by $aptifm, 
 circumcifion and an offering. And it is very 
 probable that the admitting a Profelyte by Bap- 
 tifm as well as circumcifion,did arile from the ge- 
 neral Baptim in the Red Sea : For there were a 
 Ex.12. 38. mixed multitude went up then, who were with" 
 them in the wildernefs forty years, whilft circunv 
 Jof.5,4,5, c »fion wasfufpended. And their feed that were 
 % 7, S. Ieftf for the fathers died in the wildernefs ) might 
 be circumcifed at Gilgal if they were willing to 
 be the difciples of Mofes by the hw, Exod. 12.48 
 Thofe needed no Baptifm, being Baptifed with 
 
 their 
 
2 Chron. 
 
 2. 17. 
 
 ( 69 ) 
 
 their fathers in the red fea, but other ftrangers 
 'tis like were admitted by Baptifm and Circurn 
 cifionas aliT/ra/was. 1 he ftrangers were wont 
 to be numbred, and a view taken of them, it may 
 be tor this very reafon, to fee who were Prole- 
 Iytes,and who not f They were in Solomons time, 
 by the numbring wherewith David his Father 
 had numbred them, An hundred and fifty thou- 
 fand, and three thoufand and fix hundred. 
 
 Tneiecond fort of Profelytes were called Pro- 
 felyta porta, Profelytes ofthe gate. Any Gentile 
 ftranger, either fojourning with the Jews or not, 
 who received the precepts of Noah, which con- 
 tained the fum ofthe ftanding Covenant of grace, 
 namely one God and one Mediator &c. though 
 they were not Circumcifed were yet-admitted to 
 bring an offering to the Temple and worfhip to- 
 ward the mod holy place , which fignified one 
 God, one Mediator : Only they were to ftand 
 afar of, and not come into the great Court among 
 the body ofthe jfraelites, from whom they were 
 atlaft fevered by a partition wall: whence are 
 thole expreflions, ye that were afar of, are made 
 nigh by the blood of Chrift. So that Noahs Bap- Eph.2.13 
 tifm did fo far initiate them into the vifible A< ^ 2 *39 
 Church, that God did accept of them who owned 
 the true Mediator, and walkt according to their 
 light, though they were not Circumcifed A plain 
 evidence of Juftification in the fight of God by 
 faith without the work ofthe la w^ and that God is 
 norefpecTer of perfons upon any account of out- 
 ward priviledges vouchlafed by himlelf.The truth 
 ofthislaft fort of Profelytes appears by the rule 
 and by examples. The rule is. 1 Kings 8. 41. 42. 
 
 43. 
 
( 7 ° ) 
 
 4?. And//*. 56. 6. 7. Mine houfe (hall be ca!~ 
 led the houfe of prayer for all people. And ex- 
 ample^ of worlhipping heathens, though uncir- 
 cumcifed, are Araunah the Jebufite, Naaman the 
 Syrian,JethroMofes y s Father inlaw, Job and his 
 freinds, who retained the true principle of one 
 God and one Mediator sgainft Idolatry before 
 the Temple was built And many of theie are men- 
 Job.19.25. tio ned in the ABs of the Apoftles , who were of 
 Job.31.2f. the fii ft of the Gentiles in receiving the Gofpel. 
 27.2s. As the Eunuch, Cornelim y ?i great number of wor- 
 iliipping Greeks. Aft. 17. 4. and devout perfons 
 that difputed with Paul. AB. 17. 17. Lydiaa, 
 worfhipper of God Aft. 16. 14. and J hJIi>;, Aft. 
 18. 7. Many Jews and religious Profelytes follo 1 - 
 wed Paul and Barnabas, Aft. ij; 43. And the 
 Jews ftirred up devout and honourable women, 
 and chief men againft Pad. v. %o. 
 
 And of theie two forts of Profelytes, may that 
 of our Saviour be understood, when he denounces 
 Mat. 2?. Woa 8 ain ft the Pharifees,who were very zealous to 
 j 5 / " make a Profelyte of the hrft fort, but when they 
 had proielytcd them, they made them Jewes of 
 their own feci , not teaching them the end of 
 the law, but to reft in the letter and their tradi- 
 tional obfervations: And fo made the condition of 
 thecircumciled Profelyte woriethan that of the 
 uncircumcifed, who was nearer the Kingdom of 
 Godinobferving the precepts of Noah and wor- 
 lhipping afar of (yet by the trueMediatorJ than 
 the circumcifed Phahfaical Profelyte, who refted 
 Rom. 2. • the letter of the law: Which is Iikewife opened 
 2^26,27, by the Apoftle Rvm.i. 25, 20*, 27, 28, 29. Where 
 28, 29. by uncircumcifionjkeeping the law, he muft needs 
 
 mean 
 
U 1 ^ 
 hiean the worfhipping Gentile, fuch as Cornell^ 
 and fuch as were deciphered by the Publican, 
 Lf^k. 18. 10. 15. in oppofition to thePharifee. 
 He flood afar off as an uncircumcifed Gentile, Luki l! 
 but coming in humility and denial of his legal T °' I3 ' 
 righteoufnefs, and worfhipping toward the mer- 
 cy feat,the Type of the true Mediator, was accep- 
 ted and juftified rather than the Pharifee , who 
 boafted of his legal righteoufnefs. 
 
 The Sum is. 
 
 There is a Covenant made betwixt the Father 
 and the Son on confideration of his death, That 
 whofoever of the Sons of Adam would believe in 
 Chrift, and be willing to fubmit to the pow T er of 
 his grace,in the means that he {hould provide for 
 making them new Creatures, (hould not perifh 
 in Adams or his own tranfgreflion. 
 
 This is the everlafting Gofpel, or glad tidings, 
 which God would have publifhed to all the 
 world, and- is the fame from the beginning to the 
 end. Chrift is the Alpha and Omega. 
 
 All the Sons of men who receive this Gofpel, 
 God accounts his vifible Church in all ages. And 
 iuch as reject it are rejected. 
 
 With thofe that receive this Gofpel, God en- 
 ters into Covenant to be their God in their gene- 
 rations keeping Covenant. 
 
 God hath from time to time according to his 
 good pleafuredifcoveredhis mind, how this Co- 
 venant fhall be folemnifed,carried on and continu- 
 ed twixt him, and his people; by what figns it fhall 
 be fignified, and allured on both fides. In the old 
 
 world 
 
( 11 ) 
 
 World chiefly by a facrifice, in NoaW time by 
 Baptifm and a faci ifice,in Abrahams timeCfrcum- 
 ciiion was added to the former Baptifm and 
 iacrifice. In Afofeshis time, Baptifm was renewed 
 in the red lea, Circumciiion at Gilgal, facnfkings 
 at mount Simk 
 
 To be Baptifed then unto Mofcs , was a re- 
 newing the firft ftanding Covenant of Grace, 
 which Noah and all the world virtually in him, 
 was Baptifed into in the flood, with an addition 
 of a peculiar difcipline to the feed of Abraham, 
 whereunto they were engaged by a particular, 
 temporary and fubfervient Covenant. And a 
 gracious provision for the ftranger that was not of 
 the feed of Abraham, to be partaker oftheblef- 
 fingof^Www,theblenmgofthe ftanding Co- 
 venant^ they would fignifie their layingiiold on 
 this mercy by Baptifm, that is, embracing the 
 precepts of Noah into which all the world in him 
 were Baptifed. Circumcifion and facrificing as 
 Mofes dueled. Or by a lower condefcention 
 namely by Baptifm or fubmitting to Noahs pre- 
 cepts and facrificing at the temple : Whereby 
 though they were excluded from fome outward 
 and temporary priviledges, which the jews had, 
 • yet God opened a way for peace and comfort irt 
 the confeiences of any that did fincerely fear him, 
 of any nation under Heaven, and laid a foundation 
 for the bringing in the Gentiles into the Church 
 though uncircumcifed,and in the mean time they 
 were partakers of the crums that fell from their 
 matters Table. 
 
 Of 
 
> 73 J 
 
 Of being Baptifed into Chrifi. 
 s Gal. 4. 27. &> w?^ 0/^ ^f have bin Baptifed 
 into Chrift have pat on thrift. 
 
 The Church of the Jews was governed by Mofes 
 and his laws, from the Baptifm in the red Tea to 
 bur Saviours afcending into Heaven, about fifteen 
 hundred years: In which time the Lord was not 
 wanting to afford all encouragements to be an obe- Ha-is*^ 
 dient, and Covenant- keeping people: What could If 
 I do more for my vineyard then I have done Ifa. 5. pfX t$ 
 He raifed up Judges to deliver them, formed 17.PU0; 
 them up to the ftate of a Kingdom, made them 5 -.7-S- 
 great among the nations, and gave them a fruit- Micah; * 
 full land.- moreover he ordained a glorious 6 ' 7 ' 8 * 
 priefthood,a(umptuous tempJe, and did not with- 
 hold his good fpirit from them, but fent them 
 prophets to teach them the true meaning and 
 Myfteries of the law, to point them to Chrift, 
 whole coming in the flefh,fufrerings,refurreaion, 
 aicenfion, and intercefiion, they foretold, calling 
 them from all falfe Gods, and falfe Mediators and 
 notto reft in the literal and external obfervation 
 ofthelaw,butto lookto Chrift as the foul and 
 ipiritofthat difpenfation. 
 
 But they generally tranfgreft the Covenant in- 
 to which they were Baptifed, killing the prophets 
 and finning againft the one only Mediator . i>y 
 frequent revolting to Idolatry, which efpeciaijy 
 appeared at the fchifm of the ten tribes, fetting up 
 images of the mercy feate at Dan and Bethel, 
 befides that which God had fet for them at Jem- 
 falem,io,dJb went a whoring from Chrift their 
 hufband, for which the Lord lent the ten tribes Hor 'i<s>" 
 F into 
 
(Ik) 
 
 \ Pet. 2. into an hopelefs Captivity, and they became 
 id. Loammi not my people. The two tribes after- 
 
 ward falling into the like evils, notwithftanding 
 their often reforming Covenants, God fentthem 
 - alfo in Captivity for feventy years, whereby their 
 Idolatry was fo far purged, thatafter their return 
 they never revolted to that fin. But in proceis of 
 time they fell to another kind of Idolatry and fin 
 againft the Mediator, for they did as it were Ido- 
 lize the law of Mofes, looking for Juftification in 
 the fight of God by the literal obiervance of the 
 fame, which was a great difhonour to Chrift the 
 true Mediator, fetting the handmaid above the 
 Miftris, preferring the fhadow before the fub- 
 ftance, the fhell before the kernal, the vail before 
 the beautiful face it covers,the temporary Cove- 
 John9.28. nant before the eternal Gofpel. They would ftill 
 jjfc , I# be Mofes hisdifciples alter Chrift was convincing- 
 Ro'23. ' ly revealed to them, and lb in their Ignorant zeal 
 33.10.1, for Mofes y rejected the righteoufnefs that is by 
 2 »3- faith, which gave occafion of their juft rejection, 
 
 as St. PWteftifies. 
 
 There being then need of making all things new, 
 as much as at the flood, or as when Ifrael was in 
 Etypt: The Mefias himfelf appears,as the great- 
 eft of Prophets to do this great work of refining 
 his Church, and adding one degree more to our 
 glory ,but in an humbled eftate, not intending yet 
 to put an end to her militancy, though he better- 
 ed her fpiritual ftate, referving that for the next . 
 2 Pet. 3. period of making all things new. For we look for 
 1 3> new Heavens and new earth, wherein dwels righ- 
 
 Rev.21.4j teoufnes, and there (ball be no more death accor- 
 '* ding to his promife. 
 
 In 
 
( 75 ) 
 
 In this third Renovation of the Church, Thofe 
 three things done in the two typical Renovations 
 are here done over again as in the Antitype. 
 
 i . Hence is a Remarkable Judgment on the 
 baftard Churchlings. Jerufalem and the temple is 
 deftroyed and the nation fcattered. 
 
 2. The Handing Covenant of falvation is re- 
 newed by water. 
 
 $. A new face of government put upon the 
 Church. 
 
 The time from our Saviours manifefting him- 
 
 lelf to Ifrael unto the deftruftionof Jerusalem was 
 
 the time of beginning and compleatihg this work. 
 
 This fpace of time was tike the time of Noahs 
 
 preparing the Ark, and preaching the coming of 
 
 the flood on the world of the ungodly. And like 
 
 the fpace of Mofes being in Ezypt, confirming his 
 
 call to the [fraelites and the Egypumf^ to the end 
 
 he might lead fuch as Believed of both forts,to be 
 
 Baptiied in the Sea, and fo to go to Smai. 
 
 A flood of vengeance is coming on the Jews, 
 their old world is to be deftroyed, a remnant 
 only to be faved, who muft begin a new world: 
 Therefore a new Ark is made,JefusChrift,opcnIy 
 ihewed on the Crois, rifen and aicended as the 
 true object of favingfaith,a new Church gathered 
 to recieve fuch as believe: Baptifm,an open door 
 for any of Jew or Gentile who embrace Jefus 
 Chrift to enter, and be faved from the wrath to 
 come. 
 
 This was foretold by the prophet Joel, Chap. 
 2. where v, j i. The great and terrible day of the JoetattJ 
 Lord is the day and time of Jerufalem, and the 
 temples ruin, and difperfing the nation. There's 
 F 2 the 
 
(7*) 
 
 the Judgment on the degenerate Church. Then 
 > 2, vede. 52. He that calls on the name of the Lord 
 K ' lo (hall be faved and in Mount Zw» (hall be ddive- 
 5? 14 ranee: There's the Ark , which St. PW brings 
 to Baptifm and the Gofpel Church', thus he ex- 
 pounds the word IW of Chrift;, dying and rifmg, 
 and the word call as implying a confefling with the 
 1 Pet •>. mouth proceeding from belief of the heart, that 
 ' Chrift died and rofe again, which is folemnly done 
 both to God and men in Baptifm : And St. Peter 
 laieth plainly, Baptifm now laves us, or is our Ark 
 or entrance into it, which is fpoken of Baptifm re- 
 latively, as it hath relation to faith in Chrift dying 
 2U and riling again , which faith is evidenced by 
 
 calling on the Name of the Lord, which is the 
 character of the true Gofpel Church. 1 0. 7 .2.0r 
 the mount Zien, where deliverance was promifed. 
 And then together with this, verfe. 28. The Lord 
 Toel , 28 promts to power out his fpirit on all flefh &c. 
 J *' ' which would bring a new face on the Golpel- 
 Church, and denominate the Miniftery a fpiritual 
 Miniftery or Miniftery of the fpirit. 
 
 This gathering a new Church, and powring out 
 a fpirit of prophecy did forerun the ruin of City 
 and Temple: For the glorious light of the Goipel 
 by this means , fhincd as a new Sun in the fir- 
 mament , dar kning and eclipfing the divine light of 
 the ceremonial law, by the Miniftery of the A- 
 pO lie.Tbe candle being put out by the greaterhght 
 the candleftickmuft be removed. Theold Church 
 was now a Mother withered, decrepit , yea dead 
 and muft be honourably buried, and the new begins 
 to appear as a Bride beautified with the glory of 
 her hufband, the Sun of righteoulhefs, befpangled 
 
 with 
 

 ( n) 
 
 with a coronet of ftars, treading the legal Mini- 
 ftration under her feet, which was bur as the 
 Moon to give a dim light till the Sun arofe in 
 Beauty. — 
 
 Chrift then conftitutes and fettles this new Gof- 
 pel-Church by Baptiim. 
 
 Common to all the members cald 
 the Baptifm or Laver of rege- 
 neration. Or a being born of 
 water and fpirit, or Baptiim 
 with water or the baptiim of 
 <j repentance or, into the Name 
 of the Lord Jefus. 
 Peculiar to fome for the good of 
 all, called Baptifm with the 
 Holy Ghoft, and with fire. 
 
 This was either 
 
 The common Baptifm of water is the common en- 
 trance into Chrifts vifible Kingdom , whereby a 
 peribn is profeiTedly admitted tobeGhrift difci- 
 ple, and profeiTedly engaged to believe his do- 
 ctrine, be conformable to his likenefs, and fubm it 
 to his Miniftery in the Golpel way, as the eircum- 
 cifed were engaged to Mojis in the legal way, lb 
 much putting on of Chrift in Baptiim figmfies. 
 Gal. 5,27. 
 
 The peculiar Baptifm with the Holy Ghoft and 
 with fire, was the giving gilts to fome Baptifed 
 perfons, for the benefit of the reft to be difperft in 
 iuch a way as Chrift himfelffhould appoint^ leaft 
 his holy name be taken in vain. 
 
 Both theie were in the two typical baptifms: 
 
 For: Noah and his family were by the flood and 
 
 fi the 
 
( 78 ) 
 
 the ark entred into a new Church , and all that 
 pad through the lea were entred members of the 
 Mofaical Church: And God lent his fpirit among 
 them to Tome prophets and rulers for the good of 
 of the whole. For God never takes a people to be 
 Phil i.4.<5 his, but he gives them a concurrent M'niftery asa 
 means for iupply of his grace to perfect the work 
 begun in their fifft addmittance. 
 But the Holy Ghoft,or Baptiim of gifts was pro- 
 rmfed to be given in the time of the Gofpel, as if it 
 had not bin given before 1. Becaufe prophecy was 
 in a manner confined to the circumcifion. Judah 
 was the valley of vifion : The Gentiles fate in dark- 
 ncfs and the (hadow of death : Now in the Gof- 
 pel Church the fpirit is given without diftinttion 
 of perfons and places to all flefh, and to fome 
 for the good of all that believe. 2. Becaufe 
 the external Miniftration of the Gofpel dottrine 
 touching Chrift dying and riling, is the proper 
 veiTel of the fpirit of Adoption to them that be- 
 lieve, whereas the outward face of Mofes his Mi- 
 niftery was only the vefTel and Inftrurnent of the 
 fpirit of bondage and fear. In both thefe refpe&s 
 the promife of the fpirit is peculiar to Golpel 
 times',but in other refpetts the promifes'of the fpi- 
 rit have a retrofpeft as well as a profpecT: , they 
 look back and fhew what the Lord hath done, 
 as well as forward to fhew what he will do, 
 as appears by comparing the places of the 
 promifes of the fpirit together, Ifa. 44. 1, 2, 
 l i 4. Joel. 2. 2&. Jer. 31. 31, 32. with, If. 59. 
 20. The fpirit that \s on thee fhall not depart &c. 
 
 For 
 
5< 
 
 (75>) 
 
 For the Letter under ft andin^ of both thefe Ha-p- 
 tifms,they are to be confidered in their fever id 
 editions , both in their fir [I and original ufe, and 
 in their continued ufc in t he Church of Cod. 
 
 And fir ft of Baptifm with Water. 
 
 The forming the Gofpel Church proceeded by Mar « *-i> 
 a preparatory, and confummatory work. J„ 
 
 The preparatory work was from Johns begin- * 
 ningto preach andbaptife, until our Lords amen- 
 ding into Heaven, during which time the ceremo- 
 nial law and difference twitft Jew and Gentile was 
 yet (landing. 
 
 This preparatory work had alfo two degrees. 
 The one from Johns beginning to preach and bap- 
 tife,toChrifts manifeftinghimfeIfto.//r^/,and the 
 other from his being Baptifed or publike Mani- A<a »i9.4* 
 feftation, to his afcenfion. 
 
 For John preaeht Repentance in "order to the 1 John.i. 
 remiflfion of fins, which fhould be obtained by him 33>34>35^ 
 that (houl3 fhortly appear but was not yet revea- 3<5> 37 " 
 led. And when Chrift was revealed to him by the 
 fignaloftheholy Ghoft afcending on him at his 
 Baptifm, John pointed to him in fight of his dif- 
 ciples,faying,Beholdthe Lamb ofGod and bear his 
 teftimony of him, That Chrift muft increafe but 
 he muft decreafe, and was prefently caft in prison* 
 and fo finifht his Miniftery. So that thofe that 
 were Baptifed by Johns perfonal Miniftery were 
 not to profefs their faith in Chrift himfelf, but 
 their repentance in expectation of him. 
 
 F 4 Where 
 
f So; 
 
 Where $. John ends, Chrift and his Difciples 
 begin and preach the fame thing , The Kingdom 
 of Heaven is at hand : iliuftrating the ftate of the 
 Kingdom by divers lively parables. And they 
 John 4. 2 . c ^ rr y on this preparatory work one degree fur- 
 ther,ftill as members of the Jewifh Church. Chrift 
 himielf does not initiate Difciples by water, but 
 his Difciples arc put upon that work as of a more 
 inferior nature,referving to himfelf the work of 
 Tohn 8 7a P^"^ and doing miracles, and the baptifing 
 j imb.24 withtheholyghoft:ButtheDifciples preach now; 
 that this Jefus is the Chrift, for Savour now told 
 the Jews,except ye believe that I am he, ye fliall 
 die in your fins : And he had inftruaed his Dif- 
 Mat. 16. ciples in the prefent truth, To believe that he was 
 15.15. the Chrift, the Son of the Living God, and bid them 
 Vfhat they heard infecret tof reach on the houfe tops. 
 The Difciples therefore baptifed into Chrift as 
 being revealed, but not as having finiflied the 
 work of our redemption,and confined this preach- 
 ing to the Jews. 
 
 When our blefiTed Saviour was rifen and amend- 
 ed, and the fpirit given: Now the foundation 
 was fully laid for the compleat conftitution of 
 Mat qs the Gol P eI -Church - y By Baptifm with water to 
 K .2K.19 enter into the Kingdom, and by giving the holy 
 Ghoft to plant a fpiritual Miniftry for the 
 continual watering the Church to grow up 
 
 16 AdV" a nevv and *P iritual temple : And there- 
 18. 25,26. fole baptifm with water, ifTues forth upon a new 
 & 19-3,4; Commiffion, with different priviledges and exce|- 
 
 [pnrifc ]Knii« V^L^ r Tin~*.:r~~. r ^i. ~ /!„ j _ c ^u _ 
 
 lencies above Johns Baptifm: So as the ftate of the 
 Gofpel- Church before Chrifts Refurreaion is 
 denoted as the time of Johns Baptifm and of 
 
 Chrift 
 
<Chrifts being in the flefh, as of a time of the firft 
 and imperfect draught or edition of the Gofpel- 
 Church,when it was but as it were an embrio^con- 
 ceived under the legal difpenfation. But the 
 ftate oftheChuch after the Afcenfion is deno- 
 ted by this, that now we know Chrift no more af- 
 ter the flefh, all things are become new : The 
 Kingdom of Heaven, which John and our blelTed 
 Saviour whilft they were in the flefh preached 
 was at hand, is now come. 
 Xhls excellency above 5. Johns Baptifm appears in 
 fome particulars. 
 
 i. Now after Chrifts Afcenfion , The pro- 
 mifemadeto^n^w, Intheefhall all Nations 
 be blefTed, comes actually to be fulfilled. The 
 ftate of the Church which our Saviour fo oft 
 calls the Kingdom of Heaven come? openly on 
 the ftage. The bleffing promifed to all Nations, 
 was the compleating Remiflion of Sin by the death 
 of Chrift, and giving forth the fpirit to lbften 
 mens hearts and enlighten their minds to make 
 them new, and bring them from Satan to God, 
 which now comes to be beftowed on all Nations, 
 through Jefus Chrift the feed of Abraham afcend- 
 ed to the right hand of the Father. 
 
 2. Now the Object of Faith compleated; For 
 though Faith be one in the general nature of it in 
 all Ages -, yet the objedl: or thing to be believed, 
 differs according to the manner, and meafureof 
 Revelation, according to which the prefent truth 
 in every age is the word of Faith : So that ^ om * I0 * 
 when our Saviour was in the flefh , the Object 8 * 
 of Faith was not Chrift, dead, rifen and afc end- 
 ed, but that this was He, who was come to do 
 
 the 
 
r 82 ) 
 
 the will of God here on earth, though they yet 
 know not how: But now the Obje£t of Faith is, 
 That God hath made good his promife in fending 
 Chrift, and Chrift hath done the Will of the Fa- 
 ther in all things.Before the Gofpel was in the fu- 
 ture tenfe, now 'tis in the preterperfeft tenfe,the 
 time perfeftly paft. Before the Gofpel was much 
 in hopes of a Meffiah, now in the poffeffion and 
 enjoyment of him, not as he was in the Law, but 
 as he is prefent in his Church in a fpiritual difpen- 
 fation. And as the Prophet fays, after their Cap- 
 tivity in 'Babylon, it (hall be no more faid, The 
 Lord liveth who brought you out of the Land of 
 £jW>but the Lord liveth who brought you out 
 of the Land of the North : So now it is no more 
 faid, The Lord liveth who brought out of the 
 Land of the North : but who delivered from Sa- 
 tan himfelf, and lead our fpiritual Captivity cap- 
 tive. It is no more faid, The Lord liveth who hath 
 taken our nature in the form of a iervant, and is 
 become obedient unto death, &c. But the Lord 
 liveth who is rifen from the dead, is afcended ; 
 into Heaven and hath given gifts to men, &c. 
 Col. 2.2. Now the Myflery of the Father and of the Son 
 £ph.2. 4. is fully revealed.. The Father, His wifdom, and 
 J * 13 ' the riches of his mercy and kindnefs in providing 
 and fending fuch a Saviour fo mighty to fave. In 
 whom his Majefty isfo well pleafed that he hath 
 exalted him at his own right hand. The Son, His 
 grace, goodnefs and love to mankind to take his 
 Nature and Union with the Word, and to do the 
 will of his Father in defcending to aflume our 
 Joh.14.16 nature, confecrate it to God, and glorifie it in 
 1 J * 1 - 1 '^ |he Heavens. The holy Spirit is now revealed, as 
 
 pro- 
 
(8?) 
 
 proceeding from the Father, and the Son at the 
 •requeft of the Son to the Father. His communion 
 is revealed as by whom alone we are brought to * (5,7 * 
 enjoy fellowfhip with the Father and the Son, 
 and not by legal and external works. And by the 
 communication of whole gifts we enjoy fellow- 
 fhip one with another,as becomes the Gofpel, 
 and all difference twixt Jew and Gentile in point 
 of Communion taken away. 
 
 3. Now after Chrifts afcenfion the name of 
 Baptifm is altered : Before, it was called the Ba- A ^ 2 „ g 
 ptifm of John-, now 'tis Baptifm into the Name 8.i6.' J 
 of the Lord Jefus, that is, to be Diiciples under 19.5. 
 the Name and Profeftion of Jefus Chrift, who is 
 
 now manifefted to be Lord and Mediatour, by 
 his afcending into Heaven, and giving forth his 
 Spirit. 
 
 4. The Form and Manner of Baptifm differs 
 from John. We know not indeed the very Form of 
 words ufed by S.John at the application of Wa- 
 ter, or whether he ufed any certain Form or no: 
 But this feems certain that he preached the Bap- 
 tifm of Repentance for the RemifTion of Sin, M at .-\iT. 
 which feems to fignifie, that in Preaching Repen- 
 tance he Baptifed, and Baptifing he Preached 
 Repentance,and explained the meaning and im- 
 perfection of his Miniftry , faying, I Baptife you 
 
 with Water unto Repentance ; but he that 
 comes after me is mightier than I, &c. not re- 
 quiring particular belief in the Son and Spirit. 
 
 But a iter our Saviours Afcenfion he exprefly 
 commands Baptifm to be in the name of the Fa- 
 
 ther$ 
 
< 8 4 ) 
 ther, Son, and Spirit, this myftery being now re- 
 vealed : Not that this form confided only in pro- 
 nouncing theie words at the application of water, 
 but this fhould if need be, be do&rinally-taught 
 and practically exercifed, in calling on the Fa- 
 ther, in the Mediation of the Son ( who was dead 
 and is alive ) by the afliftance of the fpirit, and 
 % openly profefled in the time of Baptifm. So that 
 though this Baptifai is not the very Baptifm with 
 the Holy Ghoft, the emblem whereof was fire, 
 yet this was ordinarily requifite to go before the 
 Baptifm of gifts, as laying a foundation for it : 
 Becaufe Baptifm withwaterisan evidenceofbe- 
 fieving,not only in the Father, butalfo in the Son, 
 afcended into Heaven, and in the Holy Ghoft,\vho 
 is given to them that believe, and obey according 
 to the meafiire of the gift ofChrift. And without 
 this faith the fpirit was not given. 
 
 That this was the order we may fee by the 
 Ait. 2.38. promife,Be Baptifed and ye (hall recieve the pro- 
 mifed fpirit, and by the example of the Samari- 
 tan Difciples , who after they were Baptifed 
 A&.8. 14* with water into the name of the Lord Jefus, Peter 
 15, 16. and John, came from Jerufalem to pray that they 
 might recieve the Holy Ghoft. And the twelve 
 at Efbefa who recieved the Holy Ghoft by Pauls 
 Ait-ig.t,. hands) were firft Baptifed into the name ofthe 
 6. Lord Jefus : For whereas fome learned men do 
 
 think being Baptiled into the name of the Lord 
 Jefus, in that place is a periphrafis of Johns Bap- 
 tifm,and relates to Johns perfonal baptifnr.it feems 
 amiftake,and a needles criticifm. For Baptifm 
 into the name of the Lord Jefus isaphrafe pro- 
 per to the Baptifm commanded by Chrift after his 
 
 refurrettion 
 
( 8s ; 
 
 refurre&ion which is in a Contradiftin&ion to 
 , Johns and was a necefTary foundation for recei- 
 ving the lpirit. And the Criticifm is needlefs be- 
 caufe though thefe twelve might be Baptifed a- 
 gain after Johns Baptifm, becaufe it was necefTary 
 they fhould profefs their faith in Chrift afcended 
 before they could receive the fpirit .• Yet it will 
 not follow that Baptifm once into the name of 
 the Father,Son and Spirit,may be repeated with- 
 out taking the name of God in vain. 
 
 Nevertheles, though the Church was tied to 
 expecl: the Holy Ghoft only by being firft Bap- 
 tifed with water into the name of the Lord Jelus, 
 yet theLord is not tied himfelf by his own orders 
 for Cornelius and his freinds, received the Holy 
 Ghoft before they were Baptifed with water: 
 Which the Lord was pleafed to do as a witnefs 
 from Heavenof accepting fuch as believe,Gentile 
 as well as Jew. And to take away all fcruple of A&. 10.44. 
 receiving them into theGofpel Church by Bap- to the end. 
 tifm, can any forbid water that thefe fhould not 
 be Baptifed, who have received the Holy Ghoft 
 as well as we ? as if he fhould fay. If God accepts 
 them why fhould not we? 
 
 5. "Johns Baptifm did not make any feparation 
 from the Jewifh Church. They that were Bap- 
 tifed might circumcife their Children , eat the 
 paffover,be cleanfed according to the law, yea 
 they were bound to do it. Our Saviour himfelfe 
 did not form a Society in a way of diftinction 
 from the Temple Communion but only laid m 
 fome principles and made as it were a Sciagra- 
 phia, a fhady defcription of the new Church, 
 whilftthe old Church was ftanc'ing: But now 
 
 after 
 
( 86 ) 
 
 after the Afcenfion there is a new Church Society 
 erecl-ed with a word ofdiftinclion and iepaiatiorv 
 
 Acls.2.40 ^ ave y° ur ^ vcs f rom tms untoward generation: 
 Who out of a blind zeal to the law of Mofes have 
 reje&ed the Mejfias, and the way of Judication 
 by his grace, therefore you that look for Salva- 
 tion by him alone muft not hold Communion 
 with them. They may come to you,but you may 
 not go to them, who are now a people fet apart 
 for deftruclion. 
 
 6. Therefore Baptifm after the Afcenfion doth 
 take away Circumcifion, which confind Church- 
 hood to one nation, and becomes in ftead thereof 
 a comman fign to all nations, that God will be 
 their God and the God of their feed in their ge- 
 nerations keeping Covenant and embracing the 
 prcfent truth of the Gofpel, as it is revealed^ 
 and to that end will give his Koly Spirit among 
 them, for a fupply of his grace in the Continu- 
 ance of his Miniftery in all ages. For Baptifm in 
 johr>s time wasnot urged upon the Children, be- 
 caufe Circumcifion was in force, and that was 
 iufTkient to feal the Covenant to the infant feed. 
 But when the fpirit was given, and the Kingdom 
 of Heaven came to all nations, Circumcifion was 
 virtually dead, and no more to be taken notice 
 of, and fuch a fign of Initiation to be ufed as 
 might have relation to the promife of the fpirit, 
 which was Baptifm into the name of the Father, 
 Son and Spirit, that fo the New Church might bo ■ 
 founded in the Death, Refurreclion, Afcenfion, 
 and fpiritual government of our Lord Jefus, 
 and not in the carnal , weak and obfeure or- 
 dinances of Mofes. So that the eftablifhing this 
 
 Baptifm 
 
( 87) 
 
 Baptifm was the immediate eradicating of Cir- 
 cumcifion. 
 
 Hereupon, becaufe the (landing Covenant doth The A „ 
 continue under this new Miniftration, therefore flies Mini- 
 the Apoftles both by warrant of their commifTion, iter Ba P - 
 and in their praftice, do adminifter Baptifm i n tifm in the 
 the fame extent as Circumcifion' was adminiftred [ am t e ex ~ 
 for the continuance of the Church in the feed of circumci- 
 thefirft Believers to all generations. As will ap- flon. 
 pear in the ftory oftheir Baptifings. 
 
 St. Peter at the planting of the firft Church of A £t 2 qS 
 the Jewsj exhorts them faying- — Be Baptifed 39.' ' 
 
 every one of you for the promife is made to 
 
 you and your children &c. This latter fentence 
 or realon doth manifestly fhew that every one of 
 you , is not to be taken only individually but 
 collectively and is as much as every one of you 
 and your children who are in your power} for 
 the duty and the promife are of like extent. The 
 promife isRemiffion of iin, that what is part fliall 
 not be charged,and the gift or the HolyGhofl, 
 which is the blelTing of the Gofpel Miniftery,a 
 fign of Gods prefence in the Church, and owning 
 his people in their generations : So that it is as 
 much as ifhe had faid, Do you and your feed 
 come into Cbrifr, which is fignified by Baptifm in 
 the name of the Lord Jefus, and God will own 
 you for his people ftill, and continue his vifiblc 
 Church-hood among you and your feed in this 
 Gofpel-difpenfation , according to the promife 
 made to your Father Abraham. For the blefiing 
 promifed to all nations, does in the firft place 
 concern you his naturall feed. AsJ. g . 25, ->6. Aa.3.25. 
 Only you mud repent of what is paft, and you 2 -« 
 
 and 
 
f as / 
 and your feed muft beBaptifed,and caftoffcir- 
 cumcifion, which befides that it was a feaf of the 
 (tending Covenant, was alfo an engagement to" 
 i Cor, 7. the wno j e i aw f Mofes. And therefore it is 
 Gal 6 now become as nothing or ofno effect: And it is 
 GaM.2.3* now a great truth if ye becircumcifed, and ftand 
 upon the neceflity of continuance of it,Chnft 
 {hall profit you nothing: For then you muft ob- 
 ferve the whole law, and that is in effecT: to deny 
 Chriftto be come in the flefh,for it takes away 
 the end of his coming: but if you will be Baptifed 
 Godwill continue to be your God and the God 
 of your feed in their generations keeping Cove- 
 nanted fo all things will become new to you. 
 Otherwife you and your pofterity will become 
 rejefted as it came to pafs in thofe who fubmitted 
 not to Baptifm. 
 
 Touching this taken away of circumcifion, we 
 may remember by the way, That there was a 
 time when it was not only lawful but neceflary, 
 and a time when it was lawful but not neceflary, 
 and a time when it was neither lawful nor necef- 
 fary . It was not only lawful but neceflary as a du- 
 ty commanded,' till our Saviours alcending into 
 Heayen,after which the obligation to it as a du- 
 Gal. 2. 4« ty cealed, but it remained under a liberty as o- 
 ther parts of the ceremonial law, which might 
 be made ufe of to avoyd the exafperating the 
 Jews for a while, till the doarineofthe Gofpel 
 was fully preached *, on which account Paul 
 Circumcifed Timothy , and fays to the Jews he 
 became as a Jew that he might gain the Jews, 
 who were yet to be Judged weak but not ob- 
 ftinate: And therefore fuch as believed and out 
 
 of 
 
i%9 ) 
 
 ofweaknefs obferved fomeoftheordinances,not 
 , yet having fo much faith, as to fee that Chrift had Rom 
 let them fre were to be born with. But when ' 
 fome Chriftian Jews began to ftand upon it as a 
 neceflary duty it became unlawful : For circum- 
 cifion and baptifm could not ftand together: Gal^.ijt- 
 Baptifm was fufficient, and the proper fign of 3 ' 4 * 
 Gods fixing his Covenant of Church-hood with 
 believers and their generations of any nation un- 
 der Heaven. 
 
 As Peter laid the foundation of theGofpel- 
 Church of the Jews in the union of Baptifed 
 families. In like manner did Paul for the Church- 
 es of the Gentiles and owns it as a recieved prin- 
 ciple, That the Children of Believers are holy. 
 
 This appears in planting the Church of Philip- 
 pi, the beginning whereof was Lydia and her 
 houshold Baptifed : The Jaylor and all his Bapti- Ail i % 
 fed.Alfo in planting theChurch of Corinth, it ishid U 
 Crifpm believed with all his houfliold , and many 
 of the Corinthians believed and were Baptifed , a&. i8„ j; 
 where the words many of the Corinthians mufl: re- 8,9,10.0 
 fer for the full fence to the former part of the fen- 
 tence,andmuft fignifie many of like fort with Cri~ 
 yp^,many with their houf "holds,As the verb,Bap- 
 tifed,in the latter part of the fentence is under- 
 ftood in the former, and fo in the full fence it may 
 be read thus, Crifpm with all his houfhold believed 1 c 
 and was Baptifed and many of the Corinthians 14,16'* 
 With their houfhold believed dlfo and were Baptifed^ 
 Crifppu, and Gains, and Stephanies, and Juflm , 
 probably, with their families are mentioned by 
 name that we may underftand that the begin- 
 ning of that Chirch was in the uniting of families 
 
 G 'ffi 
 
{,90) 
 
 in theChriftianFaith,of which there were many in 
 that Church,for God had told Paul he had much 
 lCor ' 7 ' people in that city and therefore he ftayed there a 
 * 4 * year and fix monethes. And in his Epiftle to this 
 
 Chuchhe aflerts this as a principle, That the 
 children of believers are of the vifible Church 
 with them according to the ancient tenor of the 
 covenant I am thy God, and the God of thy teed, 
 the old Handing covenant in the Church of God. 
 
 That the Jpofile brings in this as a Principle, 
 may thus appear. 
 
 The queftion was whether a believer having an 
 unbelievingyoke- fellow was not bound to put her 
 away and her children, if (he had any : The rea- 
 fon of this fcruple feems this, The believing Co- 
 Ezr. 9 . I'rimhkm being ftudious in the Scriptures, and 
 i&&$ zealous to know the will of God in all things 
 1# found in the book of Ezra, that the having of 
 ftrange wives, fuch as were out of the Church, 
 was a great tranfgreffion, and the wives and chil- 
 dren by them put away as unclean : whereupon 
 thev might well fcruple whether they ought not 
 to put away fuch wives:The Apoftle anfwersthey 
 are not bound to put them away,unlefsiuch wives 
 do put away themielves, and bring this Argu- 
 ment to prove it. If by that Law in Ezra you 
 fhould put away fuch wives, then you muft put a- 
 way the children begotten of them as being ba- 
 Ezr.9. 2. ftard Churchlings, and not a right feed, for God 
 & lc - 3- had forbid them to marry with the Canaamus. 
 But this was not the rule the believing Gentiles 
 muft go by. The ancient Law of the Proielyte 
 , muft 
 
(pr ; 
 
 muft be their rule, whofc Males and in them the 
 . whole feed were holy to God, and circumcifed 
 with him, though it may be the wife were not 
 profelyted. So the believing Gentiles were no- 
 thing elfe than as Profelytes, and therefore their 
 ieed holy,and of the Church, though their wives 
 continue in unbelief. Wherefore when the Apo- 
 itle faith, But now your children are holy his 
 meaning is, That the children of a believer by an 
 unbeliever are not unclean, or baitard Church- 
 lings to be put away as the feed of the Jews by 
 the ftrange nations whom God had forbidden to 
 marry with by a particular Law,but an holy feed 
 or a leed of the Church. y 
 
 The word (Now) in that Text doth either 
 iignihe change of time, and then it holds out, that 
 now in the time oftheGofpel that Law in Eva 
 of prohibiting to marry with thofe ftrangers is of 
 no ufqorclfe it is a note of theAfTumptioh or Mi- 
 nor Propofition in the Argument ( as it, in I Cor 
 i5-2o.compared with i 7 .v.) And then the Ar- 
 gument ftands thus. 
 
 Ifbelieversaretoput away their unbelieving 
 wives, then their children alfo born of them, are 
 to be put away as unclean. 
 
 But now the children of believers are not to 
 be put away as unclean, As appears by the anci- 
 ent Law of the Profelyte, Exod. 1 2. 48 . 
 trgo-t fuch wives are not to be put away. 
 
 If ( Now ) betaken either way , This Propo- 
 fition is afTer ted, That the children of believxrs 
 are holy : As a principle of the Gofpel-Church, 
 and needs no proof and was a fuffent rule to 
 decide that controverfie. 
 
 G % This 
 
( 9* ) 
 
 This being the Apoftlespraaice in thefe two 
 Churches, It is to be prefumed, it was his uniform 
 practice in all. Moreover, this praftice will lead 
 us to underftand the rule our Saviour gave for 
 planting Churches, and Commiffion for Baptifmg 
 Mat.2S.i9 aU Nations according to that practice-, for there 
 f ar ; f is no doubt but the Apoftles praftifed according 
 5 ' to their Commi(Tion,which Rule andCommimon 
 
 fet down in the Evangehfts founds to this pur- 
 pofe, Go and Preach it to Jews and Gentile s,that 
 Chrijls t he Mejfiahfo often promifed, andfo long expelled 
 Commiffion £ cw ^ and hath done the mil of his Father tn dy- 
 tob ^f\ inafor their fins .and rifing again for their jujiifi- 
 £;5: And being afcended to h 1S Fathers right 
 and all hi*, hand hathfent down his ipint on the Gentiles as 
 well as the Jews to let all the world know, that it 
 is his will and pleafure, there fhould be no longer 
 anv difference between them, by any partition- 
 wall; but that they fhouia be one Church,; one 
 Spirit, one Body, and hath given one ipintual 
 Miniftry to them all, to build them up as a new 
 and holy Temple : Whomever therefore of Jew 
 or Gentile will believe the truth of thefe things, 
 and fignifie the truth of his belief, defiring that he 
 and all his ftiould become my Difciples,fuch with 
 all theirs you (hall receive to Baptifm, and by 
 Baptifm admit to my viable Church and King- 
 dom, whereby they may at prefent be accounted 
 in a laved ftate and way. And ( anlwenng' the 
 means of Grace.I (hall afford them by my Ipintu- ■ 
 a! and Gofpel Miniftry ) may he eternally i-ayed 
 from the wrath that is to come, for in Ziofi God 
 hathprorailedfalvation. And by this means the 
 Joel 2 %ii bl- m ia oiJbrah.m (hall come on all Nations. 
 
 a That 
 
( 9? ) 
 
 That the word £ He that believes and is Bapti- 
 fed ] is to be taken thm in a Collective fPoliti- 
 cM or comprehenfive fence for £ He that bc- 
 lieveth andisBaptifed with all His ]] will ap- 
 pear if we confider. 
 
 i.Thebleffing of Baptifmis declared in that 
 comprehend ve manner. The Angel told Cornelius 
 that Peter ftiould tell him words whereby he and Act. 1 1. 
 all his houfe fhould be laved. J 4> 
 
 2. Raptifm is exhorted to in the like compre- 
 henfive terms, Believe in the Lord Jefus and thou 
 Jhalt be faved, and all thine houfe; in obedience 
 whereunto the Jaylor was baptifed and all his 
 ftraitway. 
 
 5. 7 Tis Gods manner in the Old Teftament, 
 when he fpeaks of covenant-tranfactions with his Eze ^» l5 - 
 his peopletofpeak in this collective and compre- * 
 hen live manner, as 1 faid unto thee in thy blood 
 Jive,that isl took thee and thy pofterity in thee to 
 be my Church . It is explained to Abraham that 
 when God fays, Thou fhallt keep my Covenant, 
 tis meant thou and thy feed after thee. And he Gen. 7. 9. 
 that is born in thy houfe is he and his feed after x 3' 
 himmuft needs be circumcifed. Therefore the 
 pofterity of the Church look on themfelves as Ho ^ I 2»4- 
 concerned in the tranfaftions of God with their 
 Anceltors. God found Jacob in Bethel^ faith 
 Hofea, and there he fpake with us, who were Ex.20,10. 
 then only in Jacobs loins. Thus the word, Thou in 
 the commandments fignifles politically , thou 
 thy Son, and thy Daughter and all within thy 
 gates, or within thy power. And thus the Ex » I ' 2 -43- 
 G 1 Profelyte 
 
( 9*t) 
 Profelyte if he were circumcifed himfelf and not 
 his males, he might not eat the paflbver, but was 
 as one uncircumcifed. 
 
 4- In like manner in the new Teftament the 
 1 Cor. 1. Baptifm of thehousholdis comprehended when 
 14. 16. ' the Father of the family is faid to be Baptifed. 
 Paul faies he Baptifed Cnfptu and Gains and the 
 houfhold of Stephanas. It is manifeft he compre- 
 hended the houfhold of Crista and Gains under 
 their names from j4tt. i8.8.1t feems it was a thing 
 fo frequent to Baptifehoufholds or families, that 
 it was enough to fay Cnfpm is Baptifed, when 
 one would intend to fay his family is Baptifed, 
 and that, he that had a family was not to be ac- 
 counted baptifed by his own tingle baptifm unlefs 
 he brought fuch as were in his power , with 
 him. 
 
 By honj 'holds we are not neceflarily to under- 
 hand all and every one in the houfe. For there 
 might be an unbelieving wife, or a fon grown up 
 not in the Power of the Parent. But fuch either 
 of his Children, as being in their Minority could 
 not will 5 or chufe for themfelves, or other per- 
 sons to whom he was Guardian, who were in 
 thepower of his education, or perfonsthat were 
 wholy in his power as his goods being born in 
 his houfe, or bought with his moneys ( of which 
 there were many in thofe days ) being in their 
 minority : Or if at years of underftanding whe- 
 ther wife or others if he did what he could to 
 pcrfwade ( not violently compel ) them. So that 
 if any fuch did refufe, yet becaufe hehad done his 
 Gen. 1%. duty and teftified his faith by bringing in fuch as 
 19- were in his power that fo his family might be 
 
 faid 
 
(95 ) 
 did a family fearing God, as Abrahams was ; he 
 is faid to be Baptifed with all his, and fays 
 with Jojhua I and my houfe, we will ferve the 
 Lord. 
 
 The reafon of this firft gathering the Gofpel- 
 Church by the Children, and houshold of firft 
 believers is intimated by St. Paul in the third ■ 
 Chapter of his Epiftle to the (j alatians . After he ^ 2 " ' 
 hadafferted that fo many as were Baptifed into " 
 Chrifthadput on Chrifts. 27. And thofe many 
 were families as well as fingle perfons of Jew or 
 Gentile v. 28. He argues thus v. 29. Thoic 
 that are Baptifed into Chrift are Chrifts, that is 
 of him, belonging to him or of his family and King- 
 dom .- If they be Chrifts then arc they Abrahams 
 feed, ( not natural but adopted by divine infti- 
 tution) If Abrahams feed, then Heirs according 
 to promife. Now what was that promife, but 
 that as God was the God of Abraham and his 
 feed in the legal difpenfation : So he will be the 
 God of Jew and Gentile and their feed, in the 
 Gofpel difpenfation} and accordingly give them 
 his fpirit to fit them for eternal life : For he fays 
 *v, 9. That they that believe are blefTed with be- 
 lieving Abraham, that is, with like breflings as he 
 was blefTed withal. 
 
 And thus the firft believers of the Gentiles 
 were as fo many Abrahams, or Sons of Abraham, Luk.19. 9. 
 beginning a new Church in refpect of the way 
 and manner of difpenfation, but continuing the 
 old in the ftanding priviledges of it ( by the grace 
 and grant of God to Abraham their Father) and 
 deriving the bleffing of Church-hood in the Gof- 
 pel-way to their houfes and families,keeping Co- 
 G 4 venant 
 
( 96 J 
 
 venant from generation to generation without 
 any Interruption of Church-hood in that fpace 
 of time wherein the change was made from Mofes 
 to Chrift. 
 
 And thofe fiift believers of Jews and Gentiles 
 
 area firft fruits unto God in whom the lump of 
 
 their pofterity is fanftified : And a prognoftick 
 
 fign that there is a fulnefs of both to come in to 
 
 God in his due time , though many branches of 
 
 Ro.n.id. both, are fome broken of, iome not grafted in.* 
 
 • Ro - 11,12, And a ground of hope that both {hall be uni- 
 
 faoies. i. tec * m t ^ c new J er ufalem of the Gofpel com- 
 
 iS. pleted and fo all Jfrael faved by one Baptifmal 
 
 Ro.i^.i6. Covenant. 
 
 This is that good work which Paul thanks 
 •5- • q oc j f or> 5^0 among the Philippians , the firft 
 A&.16.12. day of their fellowship in the Gofpel, wherein 
 J3i 14*15* Lydia, and the Jaylor with all theirs recieved 
 the Gofpel and were Baptifed , whereupon he 
 declares his confidence that the Lord would car- 
 ry it on to a day of perfection in Chrift, both in 
 adding more perfons and families to the Church, 
 thatitfhould be to the Lord as a generation. 
 And alfo incarying on their good defires to a 
 ftabJifhmertt in grace in the of way a Church and 
 Chriftian education. 
 
 How Baptifm with water is Continued. 
 
 The firft Gofpel-Churches, being thus planted 
 and conftituted in a company of believers, and 
 their housholds compared together by Baptifm 
 with water into the name of the Lord Jefus into 
 ~ne viable body, whereof every particular con- 
 gregation 
 
 33 
 
( 91 ) 
 
 gregation was a member, and furnifhed with a 
 Miniftery by the Immediate gift of the fpirit.- 
 It remains to conlider how this Baptifm and Mi- 
 niftery is continued in the generations of the 
 faithful . For there is not altogether the fame rea- 
 fon of the firft believers and firft Miniftery as 
 of thefe believers and that Miniftery that does 
 fucceed. 
 
 The fubflance of the firft conftitution, namely 
 Baptifm into the name of the Lord Jefus, or into 
 the name of the Father, Son and Spirit, with a 
 confeffion of faith agreeable thereunto. And a 
 JVIiriiftery of gifts to declare the Myftery of the 
 Gofpel and apply it to the necefiity of the Bap- 
 tifed in all the ways which Chrifthath appointed 
 for their edification, muft needs be continued, 
 as a vifible mark of their Church-hood and con- 
 tinuance in the Covenant. But in reipecl of fome 
 circumftances there muft be fome variation, yet 
 only fuch as the reafon of the thing leads un- 
 to. 
 
 As it was when God formed his Church anew 
 in Abraham and his feed, and appointed circum- 
 cifion, the vifible mark of Church hood, it was 
 necefTary that Abrahams faith fhould eminent- 
 ly, and actually appear, as a pattern and copy 
 for his pofterity to follow, whereupon he hitn- 
 felf recieved circumcifion when he was old, and 
 the reft of his family taken into Covenant with 
 him at feveral ages ; But the mark of continu- 
 ance in his faith, was continued in his Infant feed. 
 And the actual profeflion of fuch as were circum- 
 cifed in Infancy did appear when they had chil- 
 dren by their obedience to Gods command in 
 
 dedicating 
 
(?8 ) 
 
 dedicating their children to God, and fo continu- 
 ing the profeflion of Abrahams faith, from gene- 
 ration to generation. 
 
 In the like manner in the firft forming the Gof- 
 Tude -x P c l-Church, It was needful the firft Receivers of 
 Jer. 6. 26 . tne Gofpel fhould be perfons eminent, and exem- 
 Epb. 3. «;. plary in the faith : For the faith firft given and 
 with Eph. recieved by the firft Saints and Forefathers is a 
 2 « 7* rule for the fucceeding ages to walk after, and is 
 incumbent upon them, to make profeflion of in 
 their generations .• But the profeflion of the con- 
 tinuance in the faith of the farefathers is moft pro- 
 perly made at the Infancy of Church members-, 
 partly becaufe it continues a duty ftill as well as 
 of old, for parents to dedicate their children to 
 Chrift, to be educated in his fchoool from the 
 firft : Partly becaufe they that have children, 
 may have a fit occalion to declare their perfonal 
 owning of their Baptifmal profeflion : And part- 
 ly that the united company of believers may 
 witnefs their Joint Continuance in the faith of 
 Chrift. 
 
 So that the Baptifmg infants of the Church is 
 
 not upon any account of their own actual faith, 
 
 being altogether paflive, but on the account of 
 
 their Parents , or Guardians together with the 
 
 Church ( which is a common parent to all her 
 
 members J their profeflion to continue in the faith 
 
 of the firft Churches their forefathers-, and this 
 
 Gen. 18. k* tn fr ews it iclf by this work of faith inenga- 
 
 19. ging their children by baptilm , in the fame pro- 
 
 with . feflion,and themfelvs to educate them according- 
 
 Deur.6.3. Jy as the Lord hath commandedChurch members 
 
 v n \J< , to be both in the old and newTeftament , and 
 
 upon 
 
 Eph.6 4. 
 
(99) 
 
 upon that account is pleafed to continue his Co- 
 venant with him. 
 
 Wherefore did God threaten to flay Mofes for £ X . 4 . 24s 
 not circumcifing his child.? but becaule he there- 
 by negfefted a profeflion of his faith and obedi- 
 ence , in engageing his child to God. Why was 
 the circumcifed Proielyte counted as uncircumci- Ex.12.48. 
 fed unlefs his males were circumcifed : But be- 
 caule the profeffion of his faith was not full ex- Mark. 16. 
 cept he gave his children to God. And if when l6 
 our Saviour Joyns faith and baptifm together, 
 the word He is to be taken, not only in a fingle 
 butaho a collective fence (as hath been declared) 
 it will follow that the prefenting children to 
 God will come in as a witnefs of the parents ' 
 faith. 
 
 And that the child is thus engaged by the 
 Churches eV Parents aft is evident not only by the 
 law of nature , which counts children in Infancy r ohn 2I 
 as part and members of their parents, and as ha- 
 ving no will of their own, but parents will for 
 them in all things, that ferioufly concern them, as 
 Food, Raiment, Phyfick, Education,Trades,Pro- 
 feffions : But alfo by the innate cuftom of 
 Church-hood as in cafes of vows to God, difpo- 
 fings in manage, donation of lands and revenews 
 to the uie of the Church : Jacobs vow to give the G 
 tithe cf all to Gad was a vow of his pofterity in his Ezrao. 2 *" 
 loins : So in the obferving the memorial offome 27. 2S. 
 fignal mercies Ezra 9. 27. They took upon Nehem. 
 them and their feed. Andallthefe that had un- 10 ' 28 ' 
 derftanding engaged thofe that had not yet un- 
 derftanding with them in renewing the covenant, 
 Nehem. 10. 28. 
 
 When 
 
( IPO ) 
 
 Mat. 28- When our. Saviour not only appoints teaching 
 20. before baptifm in order to the baptifing the Na- 
 
 tions : But alfo to teach the baptifed Nations 
 after baptiim to obferve his commands, he plain- 
 ly intimates there fhould be an education in Gol- 
 pel- Principles from Infancy, as well as in legal 
 Principles in time ofMofes which education doth 
 necefTarily fuppofe baptifm as a part of it, and 
 Introduction to it, as Circumcifion was to the 
 legal education. It is part of the nurture of the 
 Lord which Chriftian Parents owe to their Chil- 
 dren. 
 Mat 9.2. When our Saviour interprets the action of 
 thofe that brought the fick of the paliey, uncove- 
 ring the roofe to come to him, to be an evidence 
 of their faith: And the Aftion'of fuch as brought 
 children to him to be blefTed an evidence of the 
 Mark. 10. faith of them that brought them, and as the chil- 
 13,14,15, drens own comingto him being fo brought by 
 them in whofe power they were, and commands 
 that fuch actions fhould not be forbidden , fe- 
 ing they were fuitable to his Kingdom : He doth 
 plainly enough intimate what would be pleafing 
 to him in the continuance of Baptifm after the 
 firft plantation. 
 
 If Baptiim fhould not be thus nationally or 
 generationally continued, what great chafms and 
 breaches would there be in Gods diipenfation of 
 the vifible covenant. The children of believers 
 would not be the children of the Church, and no ' 
 • more under their care, than Pagans and Infidels : 
 They would be left to themfelves to choofe their 
 own religion, and then how eafily are they tem- 
 pted to anv other than the Chriftian, which hath 
 
 the 
 
4' 
 
 ( ioi } 
 
 the Crofsattendingonit : and how far that may 
 ■ be a tentation to the Parents Apoftacy and difTof- 
 vingthe Church nigh as foon as 'tis planted,may 
 eafily be ^uefTed : yea what a reproach it would 
 likely be to the chriftian Religion when it fhould 
 be faid , God hath fcattered and unchurched the 
 feed of Abraham and taken him a new Church : 
 but hath taken lefs care for its continuance than 
 he did before } yea than any other fociety in the 
 world doth for their prefervation. 
 
 But however we may be miftaken in drawing T f a . 2> 
 confequences, the Scripture gives us great ground 
 to hope that God intends his Gofpel (hall yet be 
 received of more Nations, and that the Jews 
 fhall be nationally converted, when the vail fhall 
 be taken off their hearts, and they grafted again 2 Cor. 3. 
 into their own Olive Tree: For the Apoftle fays, l6 » 
 God is able to graft them in, which is promife Rom. 11. 
 enough to allure us of it. For that ability is no- 23,24. 
 thing elfe but his ancient promife to Abraham, 
 which the prefent judgement on the Jews doth 
 not hinder, or is not fo abfolute and peremptory 
 but that he can put an end to this long captivity, 
 and eaufe his promife to revive and accomplish 
 the full of all his glorions intentions. And this is 
 as much as he will graft them in again. 
 
 9£ 
 
r 102 ; 
 
 Of the Baptifm of the Holy Chaji and Fire, as 
 Rife and continuance. 
 
 Mat. 5. II. Indeed I Baptife you with or in Wa- 
 ter unto Repent amce : but he that comes aft ti- 
 me is mightier than /, whofejlioes I am not wor- 
 thy to bear: He Jhall Baptife you With or in 
 the Holy Ghoft y and with or in pre. 
 
 The whole work and procedure of the Gofpel 
 is fummarily comprehended in Baptifm in Water, 
 and Baptifm in Fire. Our blefTed Saviour himfeJf 
 is firft baptifed in Water and then in Fire by the 
 defcending of the Holy Ghoftupon him, fo ful- 
 filling all the righteoufnefs of the Gofpel. The 
 Apoftles having been Baptifed with Water, 
 were Baptifed in Fire at the time of Fentecofi. 
 And all the 6rft Churches after they were ba- 
 ptifed in Water, received the Holy Ghoft by 
 the hands and prayers of the Apoftles. To 
 fignifie unto us that the ftate of a Chriftian is 
 notcompleat in the Gofpel-difpenfation unlefs 
 he be baptifed in Water and in Fire : which our 
 Saviour declares to Nicodemm ( 4 man who it 
 was very probab!e,was baptifed in Water, and 
 had now a great opinion that he was a compleat 
 Difciple) faying, Except a man be born again 
 (not only of Water) butalfo of the Holy Ghoft 
 he cannot enter ( fully and compleatly enter > 
 into the Kingdom of God. 
 
 i The 
 
r m ) 
 
 TheBaptifmof Water unto Repentance and 
 the Baptifm of the Holy Ghoft and of Fire are 
 'not properly two kinds of Baptifm, but as two 
 degrees of the fame Baptifm., and only diftin- 
 guilhed as weaker and ftronger Fire not oppofed 
 to Water as deftruftive, but as perfeftive of that 
 whofe foundation and ground work is laid in the 
 weaknefs of Water , and is the fame diftincli- 
 on, which the Apoftle gives in other words, when 
 he iays,Godlinefs hath a Form and a Power , or 
 when a. man is faid to confift of a body and a foul, 
 flefh and fpirit. 
 
 Baptifm hath an outward Form, and isadmini- 
 ftred by S.John, which is but a weak Miniftrati- 
 on : And it hath an inward power for the com- 
 pleating a Chriftian ftate miniftred only by 
 Chrift himfelf, who S. JobnUys is ftronger 
 than he. 
 
 Baptifm with water implies the beginning ftate 
 of a Chriftian, and of a Church : Baptifm with 
 fire the compleat ftate. Baptifm with Water 
 affords the materials of the vifible Church : Ba- 
 ptifm with fire the inward Form,and is as the foul 
 to the body. 
 
 As the natural body of Adam was firft formed 
 of Earth in all its parts, and then enlivened and 
 ftrengthned by a Breath from God : So the myfti- 
 cal body of Chrift is formed of this fpiritual wa- 
 tered put into all its lively motions by a Breath 
 of fire from Chrift himfelf. 
 
 As in Sobmns Temple there was the facrifice 
 
 and 
 
( io4 ) 
 
 and the fire from Heaven to burn in the facri- 
 fice to make it acceptable : So in the fpiritual 
 and vifible Temple built by our greacerthan Sfc 
 I omen, there's the water whereby pcribns of all 
 nations are offered to God, and the fire from 
 Heaven to burn in this facrifice, which whilft it 
 is kept burning in the Church, and not changed 
 nor extinguifht makes themfelves and their fer- 
 Vices a f'weet Saviour unto God. 
 
 Baptifm with water proceeded from two foun- 
 tains. Firft from John under whofe Miniftery it 
 was whilft the word of the Goipel was the King- 
 dom or Heaven is at hand. But after the King- 
 dom of Heaven was corns atChrifts refurrection, 
 it flows forth from himfelf which he ordains to 
 be ufed with a new and enlarged objebt of faith, 
 whence it was cald Baptifm into the name of 
 the Lord Jefus, who was now to be confefTed to 
 be rifen and afcended to the Fathers right hand : 
 And uport a new enlarged fttbjecl of all Nations : 
 And to a new enlarged end, That all Nations 
 might be capable of the gift of the Holy Ghoft, 
 which they could not be unlefs they received 
 Chrift as afcended into heaven : For the giving 
 of the Holy Ghoft being the greateft and moft 
 famous miracle that Chrift ever did, it requi- 
 red a Faith to make us capable to receive it. 
 
 Therefore, Baptifm with water fince Chrifli . 
 afcenfon may receive this definition : Baptifm 
 with water, or the outward form of Baptifm is 
 an Ordinance of Chrift whereby by the Minifte- 
 ry of men, in the ufe of water, perfons and fa- 
 milies 
 
milies of any Nation under Heaven, receiving 
 Jefus Chrift rifen and afcended by an open and 
 ^foleran profeffion are received into Chrift, as 
 members of his vifible body, and made thereby 
 capable of the bleffing of the Holy Ghoft or Ba- - , 
 ptifminfire, in Atis i 9 . i, 2, 3,4, * S. Aw/™* 1 * ■ 
 hnds certain DiicipJes,and enquires wn ether they *^' 5 
 had received the Holy Ghoft fi nee they belie- 
 ved. They anfwer they had not fo much as heard 
 there was ah Holy Ghoft: He faid unto them 
 unto what then were ye baptifed ? they faid unto 
 Johns Baptifm, &c. Here theie things are obfer- 
 vable. 
 
 1. That the calling them Difciples, fuppofed 
 them baptifed with water. 
 
 2. That after our Saviours afcenfion, the Holy 
 Ghoft was ufually given to compleat the work 
 begun in Baptifm with water. 
 
 3. That Johns Baptifm did not make perfons 
 capable of the Holy Ghoft, becaufe it extended 
 not to the belief of Chrift glorified, which muft 
 necefiTarily go before receiving the Holy Ghoft 
 promifed. £ 
 
 4. That Baptifm with water into the name of 
 the Lord Jefus, or into the name of the Holy 
 Ghoft proceeding from the Father and the Son, 
 andnowmanifeftedfince Chrifts afcending into 
 Heaven,did ordinarily precede the Baptifm of the 
 Holy Ghoft and Fire. 
 
 Baptifm with the Holy Ghoft and Fire dothfignu 
 fie a work or difpenfation peculiar to Chrift him- 
 felf, the Shepherd and Bifhop of Souls ; and it 
 contains two things efpecially ; 
 
 H Firft 
 
( Io<5) 
 
 Firftthe power of Regeneration in all that 
 truly believe in Chrift rifen from the dead. 
 
 Secondly minifterial gifts given to men for 
 promoting that power of Regeneration. 
 
 I .The power of Regeneration is fignified by the Spi~ 
 J°jJ.3-$. r i ti> j k n 3. ^ I0 . or being born of Cjod, John 
 Jo 2.13. 2 I3< The outward formal and minifterial work 
 is called a being born of water. The minifterial 
 birth by water in Baptifm is teaching, and exhor- 
 tations to newnefs of life by word and fign, water 
 and wafhing, confeflions, promifes, obligations 
 prayers and thankfgivings^ &c. The power of 
 this birth is the bleffing of Chrift on the minifteri- 
 al difpeniation,which bleffing is a breathing from 
 himielf on the ioul,which is like fire, that kindles 
 and fheds the true love of God into the heart, 
 whereby the mind is enlightned to fee the riches 
 of the grace of God in Chrift and the purpofefixt 
 to cleave to the Lord and the heart ftablifht a- 
 gainft all tentations being now fealed, with this 
 •powerful work of Ghrifts own fpirit : This is 
 called by Peter, Theanfwer of a good confcience 
 toward God. 
 
 This ftablifliing work is promifed, or rather 
 prophefied of, to be given to the fincere believer, 
 
 Ter 31.33. J er -S 1 ' 3 3'- ^ w ^ P ut m y * aw * n l ^ tir inward 
 32.4c* * parts and write it in their hearts,and Jer. 32.40. 
 I will put my fear in their hearts, that they ihall 
 not depart from me. And the Apoftle S. Paul 
 Rom. i*%i %s, Rom. 5.5. The love ol God is fhed abroad 
 in our hearts by ( this Baptifm of ) the Holy 
 Ghoftj which is given to us (fincere believers) 
 
 And 
 
( io7 ) 
 
 And declares this in the eight Chapter of the E- 
 s^piftle to the Romans under the notion of the Law o 
 of the Spirit of Life, and the Spirit of Adoption : 5 " 
 and calls this power of Regeneration, the ftabliiTi- 
 ing and fealing fpirit, 2 Cor. 1. 21, 22. 1 Pa, 
 5. 10. 
 
 2 Cor. 2,' 
 
 21,22. 
 
 2. The Bapifmofthe Holy Ghofi and Fire fig- 
 nifies the giving minifierial gifts •, to fome for the 
 benefit of all, which was the fruit of that folemn. 
 Baptilm in Fire in the day of Pentecoft. 
 
 Theie gifts are fometime defcribed by names 
 of office , Apoftles, Prophets, Evangelifts, Pa- 
 ftors, Teachers : fometime by the manifeftation 
 of the Spirit, 1 Cor. 12. as a word of Wifdom, * Cor. 12. 
 a word of Knowledg, Faith , gift of Healing, 7 ' 
 working of Miracles, Prophecy, difcerning of 
 Spirits, Tongues, interpretation of Tongues. 
 
 But the ministerial Spirit in the Baptifm of the 
 Holy Ghoft and Fire is compendioufly fet forth 
 by Propheey> which doth not only fignifie predi- 
 &ion,but that which is fet forth by a word of wif- 
 dom,and a word of knowledg, and knowledg-ut- 
 terance, 1 Cor. 1 .5.And to fpeak a word in feafon: 
 intended by the Apoftle when he fays we know 1 Cor. 1.5 
 in part, and prophecy in part : which he calls the ira.50.f4. 
 chief gift, 1 Cor. 14. 1. And all other gifts are l Cor - 
 in a fubferviency to it,This gift was fpecially fig- f £* 
 nified by the Fire in the day of Tentecofi appear- hkl 2. 
 ing in form of a tongue* 
 
 Hz For 
 
( io8 ) 
 
 Aft.2. For tne Minifterial Spirit of Prophecy * is, 
 
 i. In the ufe of the tongue: A word of 
 wifdom and knowledge in feafon. 
 a 2. 'Tis a fiery tongue, becaufe the true Mini- 
 sterial fpirit, carries with it zeal for God and fer- 
 vent love to mankind. And alfo becaufe it is a 
 mean to kindle a fire of love in the hearts of men 
 that fhall go from heart to heart. 
 
 3. 'Tis a fiery cloven tongue, becaufe the 
 knowledge of divers tongues did accompany this 
 gift,that all Nations might underftand by prophe- 
 cy the wondrous works of God. 
 
 By this Baptifm of gifts a prophetical Miniftry 
 
 was eftablifli'd in theGofpel-Church in ftead of 
 
 Ifa 66 2T the Prieftly, as it is written, I will take of them 
 
 Joh.20.22 for Priefts and Levites : whence the Miniftry and 
 
 A6l.20.28 Doctrine is frequently denoted in the New Tefiament 
 
 1 joh.4.1. fa t h e $«irit. As, Receive the Holy Ghoft, that is, 
 
 1 Cor.12. the Golpel Min ift ry . The Holy Ghoft hath made 
 
 you overfeers, believe not every fpirit, &c. By 
 
 one fpirit we are all baptifed into one body, that 
 
 is by one Prophetical Miniftry teaching one and 
 
 the fame doctrine of Faith. 
 
 The excellency of this Gofpclprophecying Mi- 
 niftry is with much divine eloquence fet forth by 
 S./W,who much delighted to magnifie his Office, 
 2C01-.3. j n 2 cer. 3. 13, and 18. He compares the Apofto- 
 1 3 ' 18, lical Miniftry with Mofes as equal in revelations, 
 but far fuperifcr in the glory and efficacy of their 
 Miniftration. They were equal in this that the 
 myftery of Chrift was as fully revealed to them 
 by the baptifm of the Spirit, as it was to Mofes ! 
 in the Mount, when God fpake face to face, to 
 
 him 
 
: 
 
 ( io9 ) 
 him, and they as much transformed by it as he 
 • Nwas,when his face fhone in the eyes of the people: 
 but herein the glory and power of the Apoftoli- 
 cal Miniftry far exceeds Mofes. For Mofes Aiining 
 face, being covered with a vail, did not caufe any 
 fhining in others that look'd upon it, the fpirit of 
 Regeneration and Adoption was not conveyed in 
 that Miniftry. But in the Apoftolical Miniftry the 
 face of Chrift being openly (hewed, it becomes a 
 transforming Miniftry from Glory in the fpeaker, 
 to Glory in the hearer. 
 
 The Baptifm of the Holy G ho Band Fire may be L 
 confdered in the fountain, and in the fir earn of ' < *'^'* 
 it. The fountain was when the Apoftles were en- 
 dued with power from on high by immediate in- 
 fpiration on the day of Pentecofi. Theftreamwas 
 theconveighingofthisMinifterial Spirit by the 
 Apoftles hands to the firft Churches. And the 
 conveying it from the firft to the fecond and fuc- 
 ceflive Churches in a Minifterial education,as the 
 ordinary way of the continuance thereof- By this 
 immediate infpiration on the Apoftles, they were 
 enabled to call to mind things paft, became found 
 in the Faith,helped to underftand things to come, 
 had a fervent fpirit of love, an undaunted courage 
 againft oppofitions, a ready utterance of their 
 minds in any language, and were fo infallible that 
 their dictates were the rule according to the Ana- 
 logy whereof all other teachers were to be guid- 
 ed, or elfe to be accounted lying fpirits as S. John 
 faith, We are of God j He that knoweth God hear. \ Joh.4.6. 
 eth us. He that is not of God,heareth not hs. Here- 
 by know we the Spirit of Truth, and the fpirit 
 of Errror. ' H3 So 
 
(no ; 
 
 So that their writings were their prophecyings 
 to the ages to come,and Epiftles written to all fuo 
 ceeding Churches, whereby the truth is carried 
 m a ftream continued from the fountain, and is as 
 the river which flowed from the Rock, which Ma- 
 fes fmoteand followed them in the wildernefs. So 
 this infallible fpirit flowes into the Church and 
 whilft fhe is guided by it,ihe alfo is infallibly lead 
 in all faving truth. 
 
 If there had not been fuch a Baptifmof the fpi- 
 rit immediately flowing from Chrift on his amend- 
 ing into Heaven, it could net have been known in 
 after ages what was the faith firft given to the 
 Saints. For Satan the God of this world, who is 
 full of all fubtilty and mifchief, and hath always 
 endeavoured to mar the work of Chrift, when he 
 fawhe could not hinder the work of Chrift, Bap- 
 tifes the world with a falfe fpirit of Prophefie, 
 lets up many Jannes and Jambres, and fo fils them 
 with a fpirit of Prophefie, that many feem the A- 
 poftles of Chrift, Angels of light, who were but 
 deceitful workers, and falfe Prophets, whofefpi- 
 rits and doftrine mull have a rule to be tried by . 
 Thus he affaulted Chrift himfelf after he was 
 baptifed with the fpirit by a falfe prophetical 
 fpirit, and the Apoftles alfo and the firft planted 
 Churches, and foin all following ages. 
 
 That the ordinary way of continuing this prophe- 
 tical faint in the Church is a Ministerial educati- 
 on, or by Prophetical Schools jwill appear. 
 
 i . By the Prophefies of the fpirits continuance, 
 Ifa.44.3,4 Jfa. 44. 3 ? 4- I will pour my fpirit on thy feed 
 
 and 
 
( III ) 
 
 and my bleflmg on thy off-fpring, and they fhall 
 . , fpnng up as among the grafs, and as Willows by 
 'the water-courfes. This is a promife to the 
 Church that God will give his fpirit in a way of 
 education. 
 
 Ifa. 59. 20. This is my Covenant, my fair it that 
 is on thee, ( which was a Prophetical fpirit ) {half 
 not depart out of the mouth, nor out of the mouth of 
 thy feed, nor feeds feed for ever. As there is a feed 
 of the Church in vifible profeflbrs : So there is a 
 feed of the Prophets in the fons of the Prophets, 
 whom the Father of Prophets doth as it were be- 
 get to God for his more peculiar fervice , whom 
 God hath promifed to baptife with his fpirit in a 
 godly education. 
 
 2. By the way of God for the Spirit of Prophe- 
 fie in the old Teftament. There was a more im- 
 mediate Baptifm of the Spirit on the feventy EI- 
 delrs : But this was continued in Schools of the 
 Prophets, wherein fome ancient experienced Pro- 
 phet was a fpiritual Father, and the Scholars as 
 his fons. Such were Samuel, Elias, Elijlia, &c. 
 1 Sam. 19. 20. 2 Km. 2. 5, 7, 15. Amos 
 7. 14. 
 
 3 • By our Saviours own practice, who laid the 
 foundation of the Evangelical Church in a Pro- 
 phetical School, whereof he himfelf was the Ma- 
 tter, John 13. 13. Tecall me Master and Lord, 
 and ye fay well, for fe I am: Which School was 
 the Mother and Nurfeof the Gofpel Miniftry , v 
 and all fucceeding Churches and believers. As the * 47# 
 #4 River 
 
( m ) 
 
 River of Water of Life proceeding from the 
 Rey.22.1. Throne, watering the trees on the tides of the 
 River and running down into the common Ocean, 
 fo that good fifh are caught by the Anglers. 
 
 4. By the practice of the Apoftles, who did af- 
 fociate to themfelves divers afiiftants in the Mini- 
 ftry,who were inthatrefpect as brethren to them, 
 but as being under their inftruftion and govern- 
 ment were as their fons .• fuch were Timothy, Ti- 
 tin, ScfleneSy Gaim 3 Marcm, Arifbarchm, &c. 
 
 2 Tim 2 w ^° were t0 *** ? a ■• as ^ ons °^ tne Prophets to 
 Ie Samuel and Elias: And in many if not all the 
 
 Churches of the firft Plantation did fettle Prophe- 
 tical Schools, for the exercifing, ordering and 
 improving the gifts received by the prayers and 
 hands ofthe Apoftles, as appears by 1 Cor. 14. 
 and 1 Thef. 5. 19, 20. as a Seminary for propa- 
 gating the Gofpel by a Prophetical Miniftry. 
 
 5. By S. Tanls command to Timothy, in refe- 
 rence to future Churches, 2 Tim.2.2. The things 
 which thou haft heard of me among many witnef- 
 fes-, the fame commit thou to faithful men who 
 fhall be able to teach others alfo. And thus the 
 fpiritof Prophefie will be continued in S- Pauls 
 feed and his feeds feed for ever. 
 
 This fpirit of Prophefie is a fign ol Chrifts Spe- 
 cial love and prefence and the Adoption of a 
 Church, Rev. 19. 10. The teftimony of Jefus is 
 the fpirit of Prophefie, iCor. 1,5,6,7. Eph. 2. 
 13. The Ephefians after they heard they be- 
 leived, and after they believed they were feaied 
 
 in 
 
( »3 ) 
 
 in their Church-hood by the fpirit of promife. 
 •3[his, very like refers to the tfcory Att. 19. 1. A&S.19.1. 
 Where the twelve Difciples at Efhefta are faid 
 to befieve,when they were Baptifed into the name 
 of the Lord Jefus, and then received the Baptifm 
 of the Holy Ghoft, and this was the beginning of 
 the Church ofEphefm. 
 
 This is one of the three (landing witnefles to 
 evidence to the world, that the Mejfias is come 
 in the flefh. For St. John faics, There are three . . 
 that bear witnefs on earth, the Spirit the Water J *'* * 
 and Blood, and thefe three agree in one. Namely 
 to prove that Chrift is come in the flefh. For this 
 fpirit is a certain evidence, that Chrift hath made Eph.4.8* 
 an Atonement, is gone up in Triumph as Conque- 
 ror. 
 
 Tisby means of this fpirit, That the true Mi- Tnn.3.15. 
 niftery or true Church or both, is called a pillar, 8 t f 
 and ground of the truth, and the true Miniftery A8.J7. 38. 
 is as a living. Oracle. 
 
 It is by this fpirit that life is preferved in the 
 Church in evil times, if this fait have not loft its 
 favour : And when this fire feems raked up in 
 the afhes, this is that that revives and keeps, 
 that the gates of Hell prevail not againft the 
 Church. 
 
 Happy is that people that have this Teftimony 
 of Jefus among them : Happy are they that have 
 an eare to hear what this lpirit fays unto the 
 
 Churches. 
 
f 114 ) 
 Churches. And thrice happy they that do not 
 falfifie, nor grieve, nor Quench this fpirit. 
 
 I Pet. 3-21. The like figure wherettnto, or An- 
 titype y 'Baftifm doth now fave us : Not the 
 putting away the filth of the flefli but the Anf 
 werofagood Cenfcience toward God by the 
 Refttrrettion ofjejm Chrifl. 
 
 FortheConcIufion of this Baptifmal hiftory, 
 there remains only to obferve the correfpondency 
 of Chriftian Baptifm,the Antitype with the other 
 typical Baptifms : Which appears in the manner 
 and the end. 
 
 Thefe four things in the manner of Noahs Ba- 
 ptifm may be obferved to be declared touching 
 the Chriftian Baptifm, in Mat. 28.19, 20. 
 
 1. Here isafpeciaI,or new word of faith to 
 be believed in order to Chriftian Baptifm; Name- 
 ly that Chrift is rifen, and hath done the will of 
 the Father, which the ftubborn Jews rejefted : 
 But they that embraced this truth were tried and 
 eminent believers, as Noah and Abraham were, 
 and fo fit for the fundamentals of this new 
 Church. 
 
 2. Here is a word of command for fuch Be- 
 lievers and all their s of all Nations to go into 
 the Ark and J>e Baptifed, that they may be fa- 
 ved. 
 
 3. Here is a tranfaftion of a Covenant by wa- 
 
 ter. 
 
ter. For it ismanifeft that water was ufed after 
 • Chriftsafcendinginto Heaven, Atts. 8. 26. See 
 here is water, ABs 10. 47. Can any forbid water 
 ACts 22. 16. Waffi away thy fins in calling on the 
 Name of the Lord. And it was ufed with Inftrutli- 
 ons, profcflions engagements, prayers and perfo- 
 nal applications as a feal of all, wherein are ma- 
 ny teaching and promifing figns on Gods part, 
 and profefling and obliging figns on our part. 
 
 By the wafhing and plunging in water is taught, 2 Cor. 5. 
 That he that is in Chrift muft be a new Creature. *7- 
 The filth of the old Adam muft be wafht away, ™£ 6 ' £ 
 dead and buried, and the holinefs of the new and 
 (econd Adam muft be put on as a new garment, 
 and the Baptifed be as one ni'en from the 
 dead 
 
 By the application of water, God doth as it Ezech.3.5' 
 were promife and aiTure the Baptifed, that if he xf 440*4. 
 will be teachable and tractable to the means that Heb. 11. 
 he fhall afford him, he will pour a meafure ofhis 28. 
 grace and fpirit upon him, that fhall work that in Gal.4,5,6 
 him, which he requires of him and be an Inward 
 pledg and feal of his Adoption, and that he will 
 wafh away the guilt of former fins Aft. 22. . 
 16. 
 
 By the perfons (or Churches, or guardians un- 
 der whofe power the Baptifed is ) profeflion of 
 the true faith as it is now compleated fince 
 Chrifts refurreftion, and fubmitting to the plung- 
 ing and wafhing with water , Baptifm becomes 
 a profefling aud obliging fign on the part of the 
 
 Baptifed 
 
( ii6- ) 
 
 Baptifed,to continue in the faith and to fubmit 
 to the means of grace, and wait for a further por- 
 tion of the fpirit in ways of holy obedience. 
 
 So that water in Baptifra is a means , which 
 Chrift hath chofen and ordained to tranfaft a co- 
 venant twixt God and all the Gofpel Churches, 
 whereby the perfons Baptiied , are feparated 
 from the world, dedicated to God, taken into a 
 faved date, under great hopes and poflibilities of 
 eternal gIory\and falvation, and a portion in the 
 refurre&ion of the juft. 
 
 4. Here is a teaching after Baptifm. Such a 
 teaching as implies a great change for the better, 
 both in the things to be taught and the teachers 
 themfelves, from what they were under the for- 
 mer difpenfation. 
 
 As after the Baptifm ofiVW7,there wasa more 
 full Revelation of the mind of God,for reforming . 
 the exorbitances of mankind, before the flood: 
 And after the Baptifm in the red fea,a more large 
 and full manifestation thereof by a new edition of 
 laws in mount Sinai Joy reforming the corruptions 
 crept in among the feed of Abraham: So now the 
 Gentiles were to be adopted into the flock of A- 
 braharn y and the natural branches to be cut off by 
 an eminent Judgment,it pleafed the fupreamHead 
 Heb.9,10. and Governour of his Church to bring forth his 
 laws in a third and new edition, and lead his 
 Church to the higheft pitch of reformation untilhis 
 
 fecond coming. 
 
 It 
 
(ii7 ) 
 
 It was not our Lords defign to deftroy or 
 alter the old (landing way of Salvation by the 
 gracious Covenant, nor the old (landing rule of 
 righteoufnefs and equity : but fo to order and 
 alter things that the end of the gracious covenant 
 and rule of righteoufnefs might the better be ful- 
 filled and accomplifhed. 
 
 Our bleflfed Saviour being Anointed, and feal- 
 ed to this work by a voice from Heaven, Mat, 
 3. 17. This is my beloved Son, hear him y did 
 both in his life time, and after his Refurre&ion Adr.i. 3. 
 declare to his Apoftles , all thofe explications Lu.24.4^. 
 and alterations of the former Doctrine, Laws, J° le >' l, > 
 and Government of the Church, which he law Gal 15.16 
 needful. And after his Afcending into Heaven did 2 Cor. 12. 
 bring all things to their remembrance with clear- 4* 
 nefs, and evidence. And to S. Paul, who was not A S'^ 6,I<5 
 converfant with him in his life time, nor a witnefs 
 of his Refurre&ion. He revealed all things by 
 divine vifion , as a fingular priviledge. 
 
 Therefore to underftand what Chrift hath al- 
 tered_, or abrogated, and what he hath command- 
 ed to be obferved, we muft have recourfe to the 
 records of the (lory 01 Chrift himfelf and of the 
 Preachings, Aftings and Writings of the Apo- 
 ftles to the firft planted Churches, who received 
 of the Lord what they delivered ;o them, which 
 records together with a fpirit of Prophefie for 
 underftanding of them, have been by a gracious 
 and wonderful providence preierved, and by a 
 faithful tradition of a godly remnant in all ages, 
 derived down to us,through all the oppofition and 
 
 cor- 
 
( us ; 
 
 corruption of intermediate times, as the Book of 
 the Law, was to the Church of the Jews : And 
 befides what is there required nothing ought to 
 be impofcd as neceffary to the ipiritual ftate of a 
 Chriftian. 
 
 In particular among other things,it appears it 
 was the mind of Chrift. 
 
 As to Ceremonials. That whatfoever in the Mo - 
 faical government did hinder the Communion, or 
 was a partition- wall twixt Jew and Gentile fliould 
 have an end. Alio whatfoever did fignifie that 
 Chrift was not come in the fiefli, was not dead 
 ("whereby an atonement was made for fin) nor 
 rii'en again ( whereby the fpirit was given to the 
 Gentiles) all fuch things fhould ceafe, and be 
 altered into ibine other Ordinances,that may hold 
 forth Chrift exhibited. To which end he ordain- 
 ed that the Spirit, the Water and the Blood-, or 
 in common phrafe, The preaching the Word of 
 the Gofpel, and ule of both the Sacraments 
 fhould be {landing Ordinances or witnefTes, that 
 Chrift was come in the fleih. Becaufe all thofe 
 three in the right miniftration of them, have a di- 
 rect tendency to the death and refurredion of 
 our Lord Jefus. ButCircumcifion andthePais- 
 over, and the Prieftly Miniftry pertaining there- 
 to, as ftgnifying the Mejfias was not yet come, 
 muft now ceafe. 
 
 As to Morals. That the f ighteoufnefs of the 
 Rom. 8. 4. Moral Law fhould be obferved in the moft fpi- 
 2 rim. 1. ritual manner by allChrills Difciples, Faith and 
 13. Love being the fum of the Moral Law under the 
 
 Gofpel- 
 
Gofpel-difpenfation •, For our love to God is now 
 . fpecially manifeft in receiving Chrift whom he J oh -4»24. 
 toathfent, in worshipping the Father by the Son, ?*F h\ 2 ? - 
 having Communion with the Father and the Son, ijoh.5.21 
 having one God and one Mediator, Jefus Chrift, 1 Timi.c. 
 whom he hath fent. And obferving thofe ways lCor -i4» 
 and outward means of communion with the Fa- 26 p ' 4 °' 
 ther and the Son, which the Son hath dilated to T] : 
 his Church fincethe taking away of the old Ce- 
 remonies, and that in fuch a manner, method and 
 order, that the Name of God in Divine Worfhip 
 be not taken in vain. 
 
 And the duty of love to man,Chrift hath exalt- T ' h 
 ed to an higher pitch than before, not only to l° A 3 ' 
 love our neighbours as our felves, but to love 
 our enemies, yea to love one another as he hath 1 joh. 2. 
 loved us and given himfelf for us. So that love ha- i> 8. 
 ving a new motive, a new example and a prefling 
 command from Chrift himfelf, feems as it were a 
 new Commandment. Tims the Law of Faith as a 
 demonstration of our entire love to God, and the 
 way of his true worfhip ^ and the law of love to Mat < 17 
 man are the Morals of the GofpeI,whereby it ap- , 
 pears that Chrift came not to deftroy the Law but Itam.3.31. 
 to fulfil it, and that Faith makes not the Law 
 void but eftablifheth it. 
 
 As to Judicials. That Laws with Penalties for 
 reftraining the overflowing of mans fin, and cor- 
 refting the dif'obedient for the benefit of humane 
 fociety fhould be conftituted among the nations, as 
 agreeable arid not. contradictory to the Gofpel, 
 which is averted by S. Paul, 1 Tim. 1.8, 9, 
 10, 11. 
 
 A* 
 
As to the Church-eftate of the Jews confiftmg in 
 this, That God was their God, and the God of 
 their feed in their generations keeping covenant. 
 There's no command of Chrifttharitfliouldbe 
 altered or abrogated upon their receiving of him: 
 For this way ofChurchood was inherent in the 
 gracious ftanding covenant from the beginning. 
 And the Jews that did believe were not by Faith 
 firft caft out of theCovenant,& then received into 
 Aft.2. 37, a new,by Baptifm} but Baptifm continued them in 
 38 . the gracious Covenant,under a new difpenfation, 
 from whence the unbelieving Jews were indeed 
 Roma 1* cutoff. Their rejecting of Chrift being an high 
 17,19. breach of the Covenant of Church-hood. And 
 therefore the Gentiles who believe, do not come 
 Eph.3.6. in on a new Church-eftate, but are grafted into 
 that Church-eftate from whence the unbelieving 
 Jews are cut off, and are Profelyted into Abra- 
 ham. 3.1 h ams Covenant,they and their feed being now the 
 9 ' 20t children of Abraham : And fo God is not the 
 God of the Jews only, but of the Gentiles alfo, 
 Rom. 3. 19,20. 
 
 As there is a Corr -efpondency in the manner ', 
 fo likevpife in the end. 
 
 The end of Baptifm is to fave. Baptifm is a 
 meansoffalvationinall the three editions of it. 
 By ft Noah and his family was faved from drown- 
 ing in the flood. By it Mofes and the tfraelites 
 were faved from perifliing in the Red-fea by pur- 
 suit of Pharaoh. By it the Jews that did believe 
 in the Meffiat were faved,with their families from 
 the Judgement of difchurching,which was execu- 
 ted 
 
( -IliJI 
 
 ted as a flood of vengeance on the body of the 
 nation: And the believing Gentiles with their 
 . families were by Baptifm faved from the Judge- 
 ment that lay upon their forefathers, of being out 
 of the Church of God, and made capable of being 
 faved from the wrath to come. 
 
 Bapifm faves , in refpeft of the outward form 
 and minifterial work. It faves with a temporary 
 ftlvation. As the miniftry is faid to fave, becaufe i Tim.4 = 
 of the means and poffibilities. But in refpeft of l6 - 
 the power and internal efficacy when the fire is 
 added to the water. It faves with an undoubted 
 certainty of Eternal falvation. 
 
 'Bapifm faves m 3 in a particular and perfonal 
 way ( If we be adult and grown up in the Baptif- 
 inal education ) by the anfwer of a good Confer- 
 ence toward God and conformity to Chrifts death 
 and Refurreftion : But if Infants and in Minori-, 
 ty, then in a general way of Gods Covenant with 
 the faithful and their feed, whereby God is plea- 
 fed to call himfelf our God. For God is not the 
 God of the dead but of the living, and all fuch live 
 
 onto him, there being no bar fuppofed to the con- 
 trary. 
 
 How Baptifm faves us is declared by S.Faul, 
 Rom. 6* 14. ft are not under the Law, 
 but under Grace, 
 
 That this is fpoken to the believing Romans in 
 arefpeel: of their Baptifm, which had been admi- 
 niftredtothemand their refpeaivehouftiolds, is 
 
 / evi- 
 
( 122 ) 
 
 evident from the Context from the beginning of 
 the Chapter : And it is as evident from hence, 
 
 i. That there is a Law of Works, and a Law 
 of Grace. 
 
 2. That Salvation is not by the Law of Works, 
 but by the Law of Grace. 
 
 3 . ThatrBaptifm tranflates us from under the 
 Law of ft orks to be under the Law of Grace. 
 
 The Law of Works to Adam made perfeft 
 perfonal continued obedience, the only condition 
 ofLife: But fo did not the called, The Law of 
 Works to the Ifraelites; but it impofed on them 
 a task of many outward Works *, which it gave 
 ihem not ftrengthto keep,and which became their 
 burden. 
 
 But in General, The Law of Works is any Law 
 of God to man, as his creature,enjoyning him 
 operous ftrift obedience,in the power of meer na^ 
 tural ability, under a reward, or penalty. 
 
 ^ Obligation 
 This may be confidered in the J 
 
 cDifpenfation. 
 
 In the Obligation. 'Tis a work to be done by 
 the utmoH abilities of a creature at the command 
 of the Greator, and fo is a Law, and a Law of 
 works. 
 
 In the diffenfation to fallen man. 'Tis called 
 the Law of Sin and Death. Of Sin, becaufe it 
 <lraws forth the finning dilpofition of our natures 
 and exafperates it. Of Death, becaufe it lays a 
 
 curfe 
 
( m ) 
 
 curfe and condemnation, for that oppofition of 
 * our nature. 
 
 ^ The Law of the Medi- 
 The Law of Grace com- ) ato r. 
 prehends three Laws ^The Law of Faith. 
 
 CThe Law of the Spirit. 
 
 The Law efthe Mediator , is that Law which 
 Chrift the fecond Adam is bound to fulfil, or the Heb.T 
 doing the will of God for the falvation of man in *' t0 ' 
 the nature of man, Heb. 10. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. ^ y 6 ' 7 f 
 -P/; 40.7, 8. John 6. 38, 39,40. The performance 39/40. 3 * 
 of all this did merit our grace and falvation. 
 
 The Law of Faith is, Whofoever believes (hall [oh. 3.16. 
 
 notperifh, but have eternal life, John 3. 16. Rom.3. 
 
 This is the Law of our Juftification and Adoption, 23.24,25. 
 Rom.3. 23, 24, 25. 
 
 The Law ofthe Spirit is, The gift of the Spi- 
 rit it felf. He that believes and comes to Chrift 
 fhall have a new heart and a new fpirit given him, 
 to enable him to yield obedience to the com- 
 mandsof God, willingly and cheerfully,and to af- {^$'?' 
 furehira of the reward of the eternal inheritance * 7 ' 
 
 which is called a Law within him figuratively, 
 Rom. 8. 2, 15, 16, 17. 
 
 ■ This is the Law that is the principle of our 
 Sanclification, Adoption, and Glorification, 
 
 r- Prepared. 
 Grace is confidcred as it is3 
 
 c Difpenfed. 
 
 X 2 IM 
 
( 124 ) 
 
 Jt is prepared by the Law of the Mediator,per- 
 formed by him. It is difpenfed by the Law of 
 Faith, and the Law of the Spirit. By fulfilling the 
 Law of the Mediator, a way offalvation is obtain- 
 ed for mankind, or the kind of man as diftinguifht 
 from Angels, for man in general, and every man 
 in particular to be applied and communicated ©n 
 fulfilling the Law of Faith. 
 
 In refpect of the Law of the Mediator, and the 
 falvation prepared thereby for mankind, and the 
 Law ot Faith as obligatory, all men may be faid 
 to be under the Law of Cjrace, which amounts to 
 no more than a Salvability, whilft they are yet 
 under the a&ual difpenlation of the Law of 
 Works *, That is, they are under the curfe of the 
 Law, till they are pardoned by the Law of Grace 
 upon their repenting and believing*, but yet they 
 are under the Law of Grace, as meerly obliging 
 them and offering mercy. 
 
 But none are confenting fubje£ts,and founder 
 the difpenlation or reward of the Law of Grace, 
 but fuch as are accounted Believers and Receivers 
 of Chrift as his Difciples. For fuch as believe 
 and a£l toward Chrift,to them is the difpenfation 
 of Justification, San&ification , and Adoption. 
 For the Law of Faith and the Law of the Spirit 
 implies mutual engagements, actings and tranfa- 
 crings twixt God^ Chrift, and the Soul of a be- 
 liever. 
 
 Now 
 
("5) 
 
 Now Baptifrn is a divine Ceremony belonging 
 to the Law of Grace, and fignifies not only that a 
 perfon is under the preparations or obligations of 
 the Lav/ of Grace, but alfo under the dilpenfati- 
 ons of it, having right to the benefits j for as much 
 as Baptifm is an open profeflion of receiving 
 Chrift, and fubmitting to him, and the water 
 and fire of his Spirit. Thus fiaptifm fa-ves tu, 
 namely from the difpenfations of the Law of 
 Storks which would not condemn us. 
 
 From this whole Hiftory we may colleft a three- 
 fold Character o 
 
 Firft, here is the Chara&er of the true Anci- 
 ent, Catholick, and Apoftolick Religion, epito- Ep ] 1 ' 4 ' 4 ' 
 jnifed by S. Pari under feven heads. ?' ' 
 
 i . One God,and Father of all who is above all, 
 and in us all. 
 
 2. One Lord, the feed of the woman, thefe- 
 cond j4dam,the man Chrift Jefus, by whom, and 
 for whom are all things, the Mediator twixt God 
 and man , the reconciler of all things, the head 
 and Lawgiver of the Church,and Bifhop of fouls. 
 
 3. One Faith, receiving the promifed feed with 
 iubje&ion to his Laws, denying confidence in the 
 firft Adam. This hath been the nature of Faith 
 more implicitly or explicitly from the begin- 
 ning. 
 
 /3 4.. One 
 
( 126 ) 
 
 4- OneBaptifm, which under all the three 
 editions thereof hath fignified a profeflion and eri- 
 gagement to one God, one Mediator, and one 
 faith. 
 
 5. One Spirit, proceeding from the Father and 
 the Son, forming a Miniftry for teaching the ba- 
 ptifed,and fitting them to enjoy Communion with 
 the Fatherand the Son,, and to love one another. 
 
 6. One Body, whereof all the Baptifed arc 
 profefled members, and whereto they are com- 
 pJeatly united by that one Spirit. 
 
 7. One hope of their calling, namely Refurre- 
 aion of the body and eternal Life, fometime 
 more darkly, fometime more clearly revealed 
 andpromifed. 
 
 Secondly, Here is the Charatter of the proper 
 work of the Minifter and MefTenger of Chrift. 
 
 1. To engage ail he can to be Chrifts Difciples,by 
 tranfachng a Covenant with them for him 
 by water. 
 
 2 ' J teach the Baptifed all the Gommands of 
 Cnriit and theobfervance of them. 
 
 3 i To kindle a fire in their bofoms by preffing ex- 
 hortations to the power of Regeneration/rom 
 the eonfideration of their profeffion and en- 
 gagement in Baptifm with water,as the Apo^- 
 Rom.6.u ft 'e S.PWoft,Reckonyour felves dead to fin 
 and alive to God, yiefcfyour felves to God as 
 
 thofe 
 
( m) 
 
 thofe that are alive from the dead. Such were Kom.6. n 
 ibme of you, but ye are wafhed, &c. He that \ CoIv6 * 
 •is baptifed into Chrift hath put on Chrift. ^ , >2 
 Walk not as other Gentiles,ye have not fo Eph'4,17, 
 learned Chrift , ye are dead , ye are ri- 20. 
 fen with Chrift, therefore mortifie your earth- Col. 3. 1, 
 ly members, ye have put off the old man with h *> 9 * 
 his lufts, therefore lie not one to another. jPet.i.i,* 
 We are made partaker of Chrift if we hold the 3,21. 
 beginning of our confidence ftedfaft unto the 2Pet.i.9» 
 end. And Peter alfo when he exhorts, As new 
 born babes defire the fincere milk of the Word. 
 And declares that the falvation in Baptifmis 
 not from thewafhing of water but the anfwer 
 of a good confcience. And that,that Chriftian, 
 that is not diligent to add to his Faith virtue, 
 knowledge, temperance, patience, godlinefs, 
 brotherly kindnefs, charity, &C. hath forgot- 
 ten that he was purged from his old fins. All 
 which argumentations are taken from the form 
 to the power, from the profeflion to the pra- 
 ctice, from the water to the fire in Baptifrm 
 
 Thirdly , Here is the Character of a found Chri- 
 ftian, a Difciple indeed. He isfuch an one as 
 being moved with iear and reverence enters 
 into the Ark for the faving himfelf and his 
 houfhold, Htb. 11. 7. One that is willing to 
 beinftrufted, and defires to undcrftand his 1 ?** 11 ' 7 " 
 Baptifmal engagement. One that contents not 
 himfelf with the wafhing with water, or ex- 
 ternal form, but labours for the anfwer of a 
 good confcience before God. 
 
 / 4 And 
 
( is8 ; 
 
 And though there are many Cains, Cham, If- 
 maeis, and Judajfes that are wafh'd with water, 
 who look at the water in oppofition to the fire, 
 and endeavour to quench the power of Godlinefs, 
 yet he holds on his way, and looks at the water as 
 weak and imperfeft without the fire, and is not a- 
 ftiamed nordifcouraged. 
 
 He is one that tries all controverts by his 
 Baptifmal Faith, and all engagements by his Ba- 
 ptifmal Covenant. 
 
 He is one that loves the Miniftery that teaches 
 the commands of Chrift,and watches over him to 
 help him to obferve them. 
 
 He is one that takes comfort in the promifc of 
 Chrift ( He that believes and is baptifid jha/l be 
 faved ) to the aflurance of Eternal falvation. Be^ 
 caufe he can reafon thus : 
 
 He that believes and is Baptifed, or Born again, 
 not only of water but of the fpirit of hoIinefs-,not 
 only by wafhing of water but alfo by the anfwer 
 of a good confcience before God,ftall be certain- 
 ly and eternally laved. 
 
 * 
 
 I believe and am baptifed not only with water, 
 but alio with the fpirit of holinefs, which I find by 
 the anlwering of my confcience before God,being 
 able to appeal to God who knows the heart touch- 
 ing my truth and fmcerity. Therefore! (hall cer- 
 tainly and eternally be faved. 
 
 O 
 
1 129 ; 
 
 O that men would praife the Lord for hU 
 *goodnef$) and for his wonderful work* to the children 
 ofmeriy Pfal.107. 8. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 There is an Appendix to this Hiftory under 
 the Title of Baptifmus Redivivus, 
 wherein the Qommiflion of Christ to 
 Preach, andBaptife y is more at large de- 
 clared and explaimd > and feveral ways 
 improved. 
 

 ' 
 
"Baptifmus T^edivivus , 
 
 O R T H E 
 
 COMMISSION 
 
 OF OUR BLESSED 
 
 SAVIOUR 
 
 To Preach and Baptize, declared, 
 
 AND 
 
 AnAfTaytogive the fence thereof, by Analytical 
 Expofition, Paraphrafe and Inferences, 
 
 Intended as an Appendix to the 
 
 Hiftory of Baptifm. 
 
 By Enfebim Thiladelphm 
 
 L — — ■ ' r ' , — i_ 
 
 Mat. 24. 15. Let him that Readeth, Confider. 
 
 1 G or. 13. 9, 10. We k?ow i„ part, and prophe/se in 
 
 fart : When that that is perfect is come, then that 
 
 that is in part jhall be done away. 
 
 London, Printed for S. Zee near Popes-Head.Alley in Lumbar A- 
 Street, and D. Major at the Plying-Horfe in Fket-fireet, 1678. 
 
A N 
 
 ADDRESS 
 
 TO T HE 
 
 READER: 
 
 Courteous Reader, 
 
 E pleafed to tafy no* 
 tice in the firU place y 
 That the %eafon of 
 the Title Baptifmus Redivi- 
 vus is from the earnefl de- 
 fire to revive on all Chrijli- 
 ans the fence of their ^Baptifi 
 mal Covenant : Secondly that 
 this difcourfe is not a narrow 
 Text enlarged y hut a large 
 Text contraBed with endea- 
 vour to reduce many Truths 
 to their proper feat which in 
 
Trading may not fo eajily be 
 difcerned by a galloping Bye as 
 by one that goes but a foot 
 face : Thirdly, That thefe 
 Meditations were not cakula^ 
 ted for thofe that lie under the 
 highcjlBlevations of the Artich^ 
 and IntartickfPoles, but for 
 fuch only as live in view of the 
 ^Ecjuator.The dejtgn is not to 
 widen differences, but to clofe 
 thebreachesJfChriJlianswould 
 embrace one another in things 
 clearly contained in Chrifls 
 commifsion and bear one with 
 another in things for which he 
 hath not clearly given his Com^ 
 mifsionjhe Sun Would no long^ 
 er go down upon their wrath , 
 
 which 
 
which is fo parching and un~* 
 fruitful, and would Toon Arife 
 with healing dews andrefrejh^ 
 ing (fleams of light and love 
 to an happy T>ay. For the pro^ 
 moting of which defgn/This is 
 an Affay> and but an Affay y 
 hoping that fome more able 
 Ten will more throughly beat 
 out the precious Wheat bound 
 up in this Sheajf, which being 
 fcattered with an even hand, 
 may by the ^Blefsing of (jod 
 bring forth the Harvejl of 
 that happy day whichevery one 
 that loves the Lord fefus in 
 fincerity, breathes after , and 
 longs for. Amen, J.S C .N. 
 
 THE 
 
n ) 
 
 ■> 
 
 THE 
 
 COMMISSIO 
 
 OF OUR 
 B L E S S E D 
 
 SAVIOIS 
 
 To Treach and "Babtife, 
 
 Declared and Explained. 
 
 He fcope and end of the coming of 
 our BlefTed Saviour into the World, 
 was to do the will of his Father a- 
 bout the Reconciliation, and Salva- 
 tion of Man. Which Will he was toperibrra firfl: 
 on Earth, then in Heaven : On Earth, He was firft 
 to do the WorJ^of Reconciliation in his own Per- 
 fon, alfuming the nature of man, fariaifying &jj 
 and offering it an unipotted facrifice to God :• 
 Then he was to fend forth a Mimjlry of Reconcili- 
 ation to perfwade the loft fons otAdam to be re^ 
 conciled to God, and accept of terms of mercy. 
 The Will of the Father was to be done in Heaven 
 by fending the Spirit promifed from the Fathers 
 B righs 
 
 T 
 
< * ) 
 
 right Hand to govern his Church, and to make 
 Intercefii on by his continual appearance in his Fa- 
 thers prefence. 
 Tohn 17. The Wor^oi Reconciliation was finilh d in his 
 4. death. The Mini/fry of Reconciliation began aiter 
 
 his Refurreaion. And in that i'pace of time during 
 His abode upon Earth before His Amending to 
 His Fathers right Hand, He fpake to his D ici- 
 ples touching the Kingdom of God: The Word 
 was not now, as it was before His fufferings,. 
 The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. But that it 
 was now come, and the Door now to be opened 
 for all Nations to enter in : Neither was the 
 Word that tfte triumphant Kingdom of Chrift 
 was come, namely that ftate of His Kingdom 
 wherein he fhould reftore the Kingdom to ffo'i, 
 the Times, and Seafons, and the Myftery where- 
 of, the Father thought Jit not yet to reveal to His 
 Church, only that there fhould he fuch a Day 
 ofrefrefhingin due time. But the Word was, 
 that the Kingdom of Chrifls patience was come*, 
 namely, his Militant, Spiritual and Ministerial 
 Kingdom for the gathering the firft fruits of Jews 
 and Gentiles in order to a fulnefs of both:. For 
 which end he Ordained the eleven Difciples, a 
 reprefentative Body of a Miniftry to be continu- 
 ed in them, and fuch as were repreiented by them 
 till Chrifts coming to make any other alterations 
 in his Church. 
 
 Touching which Miniftry the Scripture de- 
 clares tne Commiflion and -Power given. And 
 the execution of that Commiffion. 
 
 The ftory of the execution of this Commiffion" 
 begins after Chrifts Afcenfion with the giving of 
 
 18 the 
 
( 3 ) 
 the Holy Ghoft, who carried on the work in ga-* 
 thering the firft Churches, the ftory whereof we 
 have in the Atts and Epiftles of the Apoftles. And 
 it is by the fame power of the Holy Ghoft that 
 the fame Church hath been propagated, and 
 preferved in the true Faith in all fucceeding 
 ages. 
 
 The ftory of the Commiffiion is that which is 
 here chiefly intended to be considered, as it is re- 
 lated by ail fourEvangelifts. 
 
 In the Hiftory of Chrifts Refurre&ion it ap- 
 pears, that this was the great thing our Saviour 
 minded as his proper work, and moft upon his 
 heart, in that juncture of time before his Amend- 
 ing into Heaven, namely, The fettling a Miniftry 
 of Reconciliation : And therefore in all his re- 
 markable appearances to his Difciples, when ma* 
 hy of them were together, he was ever fpeaking 
 of it : And all the Evangelifts do record iom- 
 thing of it, and therefore it may be expedient to 
 fet down what every Evangelift fays, and gather 
 the fubftance of Chrifts CommifTion from them 
 all. And then confider the fenfe of the words in a 
 brief Analyfis and literal Expofition. And fum 
 up all in a brief Paraphrafe, with Inferences from 
 the whole. 
 
 St. John and St. Lnke's relation are firft in 
 time : They both relate what our Saviour faid of 
 this matter, ( called the Kingdom of God, A3s 
 i. i. ) In the evening of the firft day of his Re- 
 furre£tion,when he ihewedthem his hands and his 
 fide, only Thomas being abfent. 
 
 The relation of St. Matthew relates to a time 5 
 
 when they all met in a Mountain of Galilee by 
 
 B 2 Chrifts 
 
14 J 
 
 Chrifts appointment after thefirft dav of his Re- 
 furroftioii: And 'tis very probable that St. Marks 
 relation is an Abridgement of S. Matthew, or of 
 the fubftance of the whole, not relating to 'any 
 particular time. 
 
 And St. John doth further relate that our Sa- 
 viour laid fomthing to Peter ,and about fix more, 
 at the Sea of 77&m^ after dinner, touching the 
 Mmifterial charge. 
 
 The fever al Relations follow. 
 S.John 2Q. 21, 22,2$. 
 
 Then f aid Jefus to them again, Peace be to yon: 
 As my Father fent me, even fo fend I you : And 
 when he had faid this he breathed on them, and 
 faith unto them, Receive the Holy Ghofi: Whofefo- 
 ever fins ye remit, they are remitted unto 
 them: and whofe fo ever fins ye retain, they are 
 retained. 
 
 S.Luke 24.46,47. 
 
 And he faid unto them, Thus it if written, and 
 thus it behoved Chrifi tofuffer, and to-rife from the 
 dead the third day. And that Repentance and Re- 
 mijfwn of fins jliould be preached in his Name a- 
 mong all Nations, beginning at Jerufalem : And 
 ye are witneffes of thefe things. And behold, J fond 
 the promife of my Father upon you. 
 
 S.Mark 16. 15, 16. 
 
 And he faid unto them : Go ye into ail the 
 World, and Preach the Gofpel to every Creature : 
 Hz that believeth and is Baptifed Jhall be faved : 
 But he that believeth notjljall be damned. 
 
 St, Mat- 
 
(5J 
 
 . St.MattheW28.l8, 10, 20. 
 
 • And Jt fas came and fake unto them, fay in* 
 AS power is given to me in Heaven and Earth) 
 Go ye therefore, and teach all Nations, Baptifwg 
 them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, mid 
 of the Holy Ghost : Teaching them to obferve all 
 things whatfoever I have Commanded you. And lo 
 J am with you always to the end of the World. 
 Amen. 
 
 St. John 21. 15, 16, 17. 
 
 Then when they had dined, Jefus faith to Simon 
 
 Peter: Simon fin of Jonas Lovefl thou me 
 
 more than the fef He faid unto him, Tea Lord 
 
 Thou klioweB that Hove thee. He faith unto him • 
 
 Feed my Lambs. He faith unto him afeeond time: 
 
 Simon fon of Jonas, Lovefl thou me i He faith unto 
 
 him, Tea Lord thou know est that 1 Love thee- He 
 
 faith unto him, Feed my Sheep 1 He find unto 
 
 htm the third time: Simon fon of Jonas, Lovefl 
 
 I thou me: Peter was grieved becaufi he faid unto 
 
 him the third time, Lovefl: thou me : And he faid 
 
 unto him, Lord thou knowefl all things, Thou 
 
 knowefi that I love thee : Jefus faith unto htm, 
 
 Feed my Sheep. 
 
 This Commiflion being given forth at feveral 
 times, in feveral expreffions and forms of fpeech, 
 explicatory one of another, and all to one end 
 forthefettingaGofpelMiniftryin the room of 
 the Legal : The fubftance and order thereof, may 
 not unfitly be drawn up, and reprefented toge- 
 ther m the words of the Evangelifts, as follow- 
 ^eth. 
 
 B 5 Peace 
 
(6) 
 
 Peace be to you. All power is given to me in Heaven 
 and in Earth. As my Father fent me,even fo fend I 
 you. Go ye therefore into all theWorld, receive the 
 Holy Ghofi .Behold I fend the promife of the Father 
 upon you. Preach the G off el to every Creature. Preach 
 Repentance, and Rcmijfion of fins among all Nations 
 in my Name, beginning at Jerufalero. Teach all 
 Nations, Hapnfing them unto the Name of the Fa- 
 t her, the Son, and the Holy Ghofi.Whofefoeverfinsye 
 remit, they are remitted, and whofoever fins ye 
 retain, they are retained. He that believeth and is 
 Baptifed,Jhall be faved.He that believeth not jhall 
 be damned. And being foB apt if ed, Feed my Lambs, 
 feed my Sheep, feed my Sheep. Teaching them to ob- 
 ferve all things whatfoever I have commanded you. 
 And lo 1 am with you always to the end of the 
 world. Amen. 
 
 The Analyfis of this Commiflion. 
 
 The Commiffion may be Anatomized or Differed 
 into thefe obferv able parts. 
 
 c The Preface, Peace be to you. 
 „ . \ The Conclufion, Arnen, 
 Here is *? The Body ofthe Commiflion in the 
 
 C reft. 
 The Body of the Commiflion hath three re- 
 markables. 
 f" i.Chnfts Inftitution of a Gofpel-Miniftry to 
 I continue to the end of the world. 
 \ 2. Chrifts direftion in the exercife of the Mk 
 
 j niftry 
 1 ?• Chrii 
 
 fts blefiing promited to fuch exercife. 
 
 i. The 
 
( 1 ) 
 
 i . The Inftitution of the Miniftry declared. 
 ~i. By the power Chrifl: hath to fend and ap- 
 point this office^ 
 AH power is given me in Heaven and in 
 Earth. 
 2. By the miffive word^ or expreis command 
 deriving that power. 
 As my Father hath fent me,fo fend I you. 
 Go therefore into all the world. 
 5 . By the perfons fent as Reprefentatives of all 
 perfons to be imployed in the \vork> 
 Go ye, namely the eleven. 
 4. By the Office whereunto they were called, 
 which Office is declared, 
 
 "By the Soul of it, or Internal nature, EfTen- 
 tial property or proper Character and 
 form of it. 
 
 He breathed on them, and faid, Receive 
 
 . the Holy Ghoft. Behold, I fend upon 
 
 you the promife of the Father. 
 
 By the outward work, which is as the Orga- 
 
 nical body of the Minifterial Office , 
 
 Which work refers, 
 
 "To the firft planting the Church. 
 
 Preach Repentance, and Remiffion of 
 j fins in my name among all Nations. 
 
 Preach the Gofpel to every creature. 
 j Teach all Nations, Baptifing them. 
 5 To the continuance of the Church fo 
 
 planted to the end of the world. 
 Teaching them ( Baptifed ) to ob- 
 
 ferve all things I have commanded you. 
 B 4 2. Chrifts 
 
2. Chrifts Direction in theexercife of this Mi- 
 nifterial work is declared in thefe particulars. 
 f i. What to Preach. 
 The Gofpel, 
 
 Repentance and Remiffion of fin in my name, 
 2. To whom to Preach. 
 To every Creature. 
 To all the World. 
 To all Nations. 
 $. Whom to Baptife. 
 All Nations. 
 
 He that Believes and Repents. 
 4.- How to Baptife. 
 Wafhing with pure water. In the Name 
 of the Father, of the Son , and of the 
 1 Holy Ghoft. 
 r 5 . How to order the Baptifed. 
 
 Teach them to obferve all things I have com- 
 manded you. Feed my Lambs, Feed my 
 Sheep. 
 
 i 
 
 f J 
 
 I 
 
 TheBleffings, our Saviour promifes in the 
 due exerciie of this Office 
 To the Baptifed, 
 c Remiffion of Sins, 
 i Adoption to a ftate of Salvation. 
 Preach Repentance and Remiffion of Sins. 
 Whole Sins ye remit, they arc remitted), 
 whofe Sins ye retain they are retained. 
 He that beleiveth, and is Baptifed {hall 
 be laved, he that believeth not fhall be 
 damned. 
 2. To the faithful Minifters. 
 Behold I am with you to the end of the 
 world, jbnen. Some 
 
(0 ) 
 
 Some Obfervable Explications of the 
 Text for the clearing this Analyfis. 
 
 sill Power is given- me in Heaven and. 
 in Earth. 
 
 To do the will of God for the Reconciliation 
 and Salvation of Man. A fulncfs of Power was 
 neceffary to be exercifed in Heaven and Earth to 
 prevail with God and with Man. A power to de- 
 scend, and a power to afcend , a power of the 
 greateft Prophet, of the higheft Pried and moft 
 powerful King. A power over Sin, Satan, the 
 Law, the feed of the Serpent, Hell and Death. 
 
 This power was to be exercifed in the nature 
 of man, not by the power of humane nature, but 
 by the power of God, in man and by man. 
 
 Therefore our Saviour, knowing the marvel- 
 lous power that was requisite to carry on the 
 work of Reconciliation in perfwading man to be 
 reconciled to God, which would not be without 
 power from above, and that could not be execu- 
 ted until he prefented himfelf at the Fathers right 
 hand, giving an account of the doing his will 
 here on Earth : Doth now aflert his Au- 
 thority he hath from the Father to carry on this 
 work to perfection. 
 
 Chrift acls in this power before his fufferings, 
 John 15. \. Jefus knowing that the Father had 
 given all things into his hands, and that he was 
 come from God, and went to God \ he rofe from 
 Supper, &c But now after his Refurre&ionthis 
 
 Power 
 
( io ) 
 
 Power is fignally declared and manifefted, Rom. ' 
 1.4. He was declared to be the Son of God 
 with power according to thefpirit of holiness by 
 the Refurreftion from the Dead. 
 
 All power fignifies not onely power of Autho- 
 rity to aft lawfully, which the word Exoufia oft 
 fignifies, but alfo Power of ability to effeft what 
 he is called to, fignified oft by the word Dunamis, 
 Rom. 1 . 4. and is never feparated from a Di- 
 vine Call . 
 
 The Fathers good will and pleafure is the foun- 
 tain of all the power given to Chrift. 
 
 All Rawer v given me. The Sum is, The Fa- 
 ther according to the Counfel of his own Will 
 hath given Authority & fulnefs of Power toChrift 
 as man, but not in the power of the manhood 
 totranfaft the bufinefs of our Salvation.Firft,with 
 God by a facrifice of expiation, then with man by 
 a Miniftery ofReconciliation, and for that end 
 to Defcend and Afcend, and fend forth his Holy 
 Spirit, and hath promifed to be with him, order- 
 ing all things in a fubferviency to his Kingdom 
 and fubduing all his enenemies that rife up a- 
 gamfrhim, 1 Tim. 2. 5. Job. 5. 26, 27. John §. 
 29. Pf. no. i. 
 
 As my Father fent me^ even fo fend I yon. 
 
 Our Saviour in his Prayer before his death by 
 way of preparing his Difciples to this great work, 
 teftified in this manner, John 17. 8. I have given 
 them the words which thou gaveft me, and they 
 have received them and have known furely that 
 I came out from thee.and they have believed that 
 thou didftfcnd me. And v. 18. As thou haft 
 lent me into the world, fo have I fent them into , 
 the world. Thefe \ 
 
( II ) 
 
 Thefe words therefore imply two things 
 cbiefly. Firft,Chrifts faithfulnefs,That he doth 
 purfue the Commiflion he received from the Fa- 
 ther to execute his Divine Intentions, and gives 
 forth his Commiflion accordingly. Secondly 
 that there is a great likenefsin the Fathers fending 
 Hirn,and His fending them. Namely in fuch par- 
 ticulars as thefe. 
 
 i. As the Father fent Chrift by feveral fteps 
 and preparatory works : So Chrift fent his A- 
 poftles, both before his death, as John 15. 16. I 
 I have chol'en you, and ordained you that ye 
 fhould go and bring forth fruity and after his Re- 
 furre£tion, as in this place. And moft fully after 
 his Afcenfion by the actual giving the Holy 
 Ghoft, as in A3. 2. Chap, compared with A3. 
 26. 17. 
 
 2. As the Father fent Chrift to begin the work 
 of Reconciliation in mans nature by the facrifice 
 of himfelf : So Chrift fent them to finifti the work 
 of Reconciliation in the perfons of men by the 
 Power of the Holy Ghoft. 
 
 - 3. As the Father fent Chrift, not with a bare 
 authority, but fuch as had a fuffkiency of Power 
 attending it to effectual things according to that 
 Authority. So Chrift fends his Apoftles and fur- 
 nifties them with Abilities aniwerable to their 
 work. 
 
 4. As the Father fent Chrift as the root of 
 the Vine of the Miniftry, teaching Him his whole 
 mind, to the end he might teach his Difciples, as 
 His Sons and Scholars, the things pertaining to 
 the Kingdom ofGod : So Chrift ftnds his Apo- 
 
 1 files as twelve branches to propagate the Know- 
 ledge 
 
t 12 7 
 
 Sedge of Chrift. Firft by a miraculous \tfay o f 
 Layingon of hands, then by an ordinary way of ' 
 prophetical Schools, that. there might be a Suc- 
 ceffion of the Sons of the Prophets as the feed of 
 Chrift the great Prophet,to alf generations. 
 
 The words Te and Tou in this Commiflion are 
 not to be taken in a Tingle fenfe only, but in a 
 Collective and Comprehenfive fenfe, not only for 
 thefe (ingle Apoftles but for fuch as were repre- 
 fented by them,and were virtually in them,which 
 were not their natural feed, nor their civil feed, 
 as fuch ( by which are meant fuch as fucceed in 
 their outward places by a certain humane title 
 and right,for they that do fo are not e o nomine fuc* 
 ceflbrs of the Apoftles ) but their fpiritual feed, 
 who having attained alike Apoftolical and Mini- 
 fterial fpirit,have a door of providence opened by 
 Chrift in a lawful way to enter on the work. 
 Such a fon and fucceifor was Timothy to the Apo- 
 ftle Paul, zTim, 1.2. 
 
 The Reprefentative fenfe may be cleared by 
 thefe Reafons. 
 
 1 . Becaufe the promife of the Gofpel-Miniftry 
 in the Old Teftament is made to a fucceffion of 
 fomeofthc Prophets, Jfa. 59. 21, this is my 
 Covenant with them, faith the Lord. My Spirit 
 that is upon thee, and my words which I have put 
 in thy mouth, fhall not depart out of thy mouth, 
 nor out of the mouth of thy feed, nor out of the 
 mouth of thy feeds feed from henceforth and for 
 ever. 
 
 Nor when Chrift gives a Commiffion for the 
 Gofpel-Miniftry, He intends to fulfil the promife 
 for it. Therefore he intends the fucceffivc Mini- 
 
 ftry 
 
( i3 / 
 
 ftry to be comprehended in the eleven to whom 
 he {pake. 
 
 . 2. As the Father fent Chrift, fo he fends the 
 Eleven , But the Father lent Chrift Reprefen- 
 tatively, as the root ofthe Miniftry in whom the 
 Branches are virtually. Therefore Chrift fends 
 them as principall Branches, in whom the fuc- 
 ceeding branches were comprehended,?^ 1 5. i . 
 1. Our bleffed Saviour, faith John 15. 16. I 
 have chofenand Ordained you, that you fhould 
 go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit 
 fhould remain : what fhould that mean but that 
 they fhould bring forth another Miniftry to ferve 
 the next generation when they are gone. 
 
 4 Our Saviour promifes to be with them to 
 the end of the world : Therefore in them are re- 
 prefented the Miniftry, who are to teach the Di- 
 fciples all things Chrift hath commanded to the 
 end ofthe world. 
 
 5. This was fpoken to the Eleven, in whom 
 the Twelve were Reprefented by the Apoftles 
 Interpretation,, 1 Cor. 15. 5. Whence it will fol- 
 low that the number of Tivelve being intended 
 in the Eleven, it was intended a compleat repre- 
 fentative number •, as Twelve Patriarchs, in 
 whom the whole Minifterial Seed was virtually 
 comprehended. 
 
 6. As the twelve Apoftles, were reprefented in 
 Peter, Mat 16.1 5,1 6. Whom fay ye that 1 am.S*- 
 mon Peter anfwered- So the fucceeding Miniftry 
 was reprefented in Timothys T/w.4. 1,2.1 charge 
 thee before God, &c Preach the Word, &o 
 1 Tim. 6. 1 5, 14. I charge thee in the fight of 
 God, &c. Keep this Commandment without 
 
 fppt , 
 
( i4 J 
 
 fpot, unrebukeable until the appearing of our 
 Lord Jeius Chrilt. 
 
 Go ye therefore into all the World. 
 
 Goye, This implies the inward call to the Mi- 
 nifterial Office. ChriftfaysGo, to them whom 
 he had prepared by inftrutting to the Kingdom, 
 and had chofen and approved by feveral trials : 
 In like manner to thoie who Ihoufd immediately, 
 and miraculoufly be fitted by the Apoftles laying 
 on their Hands ( a way peculiar to the Apoftles 
 at the firft iffuing forth of the Gofpel ) he faith 
 Go, as JttsS. i*, 15, 16, 17. And to thofe 
 who fhould be taught, and fitted by thefe Apo- 
 ftolical men, on whom the Apoftles laid their 
 Hands, he faith Go, 2^.2.2, The things 
 thou haft heard of me among many witneflfes, 
 commit thou to faithful men, who may be able to 
 teach others alio, andTVr. 1. 9. A Bifrop muft: 
 hold faft the faithful word or word of Faith.as he 
 hath been taught : And fo there is an inward 
 Call to thcMiniftry by being taught, fitted", tri- 
 ed and approved by thoie that are Fathers in the 
 Miniftry to the end of ages : So that Laying ori 
 of Hands after theApoftles time was not anaftual 
 conferring of the Minifterial giits of Tongues 
 and Prophefie, where there was none before ; 
 but a fign of Approbation of a gift received from 
 Chrift by his'blelBng on a Godly Education, 
 whereby the gifts of Tongues and Prophecy with 
 other falsifying graces have been by degrees at- 
 tained. In the firft Churches there was firft Lay- 
 ing on of Hands, and then a Minifterial Git.: But 
 in the continuance of the Church, There was firft 
 a Minifterial Gift, then Laying on of hands as 
 
(. *5 ) 
 
 Will appear by, i Or. 14. i. 2 Tim. 1.2. 1 Tim.i. 
 and 1 Tim. 5. 22. compared., 
 
 • The inward Call to the Miniftry therefore 
 doth notconfift only, or chiefly in a willing defire, 
 orftrongimpulfe of Spirit to the work.- but in 
 being taught, fitted, approved, or chofen in the 
 judgment of fpiritual men, whereby a man may 
 be perfwaded that Chrift fays to him Go, though 
 he is under fome fears and unwillingne is of 
 Spirit. 
 
 Go ye therefore. To thofe that are fitted for 
 the work, this is the word of command, and en- 
 couragement : Go and fear not : Have not I com- 
 manded ? Have not I fent you ? 
 
 Thofe whom Chrift fends do oft need encourage- 
 ment againft their fears, when thofe whom he 
 lends not,run with boldnefs. But our Lord bids 
 them not Run but Go, Implying that it is fuffici- 
 ent to put on the work in Gods own pace. 
 
 Go into the world : This implies a certain ex- 
 ternal Call in the exercife of the Miniftry both 
 when it was in the Ambulatory way,and fhould 
 be in the fixed way : For it was not intended that 
 they fhould go altogether into every place, but 
 that they fhould by orderly confent difperfe 
 themfelves : And that they fhould Go to this or 
 that place, as fome providence of God fhould 
 lead them, as we fee in St. Peters going to Corne^ 
 liM^Ath) 10. And when they were perfecuted 
 in one place, they went to another. Sometime 
 they weredire&ed by a vifion, and had a Call to 
 one place more than another. And we read of 
 of a door open, and a door {hut, AVcs n. 19. 
 ^?n6.6,7,8,Oyic.foiM.8* O/4.3, 1Cffr.16.9- 
 2 Cor. 2.1 2. Go 
 
( i«; 
 
 Go into all the World: This doth not imply £ 
 duty in refpett of the perfons of the Apoftles, as 
 if it were a fin if they did not go ail the World 
 over^But it implies, 
 
 i. A Liberty to the Gentiles as they fhould 
 be called, the Reftraint being taken off which our 
 Saviour put upon them, Mat. 10. 5. Go not into 
 the way of the Gentiles. 
 
 2. It implies a Command to lay fuch a founda- 
 tion for a Gofpel Miniftry that thereby the 
 Chuch might be preferved, and the Gofpel pro- 
 pagated to all Nations : And thus their words 
 
 went forth to the ends of the Earth, when they 
 were personally dead. 
 
 3. This may imply a Prophefieof the fuccefs of 
 the Gofpel, that in procefs of time it (hall leaven 
 the whole work!, and make it a new lump, as it is 
 intimated in the Parable, Mat. 1 5. 5 3. 
 
 He breathed upon them, andfaid 7 
 Receive the Holy Ghoft. 
 
 Thefe words are the lolemn conveyance of the 
 Minifterial Office to the Apoftles, the reprefen- 
 tat ive Fathers of the Miniftry : This, is done by 
 a fign and an explicatory word of the fign, by 
 both which the Nature, Character, and power of 
 the Gofpel-Miniftry is declared .This breath pro- 
 ceeds out of the Mouth, and from the Heart, and 
 is fent forth with power and force : So our Savi- 
 our came into the World to make Atonement 
 and Reconciliation in his own perfon, confecra- 
 ting our nature unto God: And being to leave 
 the World, and to go to the Father, and being 
 
 become 
 
( 17 ) 
 
 become a Spiritual Chrift, he ordains fpiritual 
 men to behis mouth to convey his holy Breath 
 his facred Word of Peace to the fons of men,with 
 force and power to melt their hearts, and' per- 
 fwade their perfons to be reconciled to God: 
 which Breath of Chrift comes from his very 
 Heart,as a token of his deareft Love for them,for 
 whom he breathed out his laft in the Flefh, and 
 was ready now to fpend his beft Breath for them 
 at the Throne of Grace in Heaven. 
 , TheGofpelMiniftry then is nothing elfe but 
 the Mouth of Chrift Afcended into Heaven, 
 whereby he conveys his Holy Breath, or Sacred 
 Word / the mind of the Father ) with power to 
 the loft feed of the firft Adam, to per fwade them 
 to come over to him the fecond Adam. 
 To this thefe Scriptures agree. 
 
 Pfal.68. II. The Lord gave the Word are At 
 was the army of them that pnblijhed it, and v. 1 8. 
 Thou haft. Afcended on High, Thou haft led capti- 
 vity captive. Thou had received gifts for men : yea 
 fir the rebellion alfothat the Lord might dwell a- 
 tnong them. 
 
 Mat. i. 10. Luk. io. i6. He that receiveth you, 
 recciveth me : He that heareth you, heareth me : 
 He that defpifeth you, dejfifeth me. 
 
 Ifa. 11.4. He Jhall finite the Earth with the 
 Rod of his mouth, and with the Breath of his 
 Lips he jhall flay the wicked. 
 
 2 Thef. 2. 8. Whom the Lord pall confume with 
 the Spirit, or Breath of his Mouth. 
 
 Ifa. 4. 4. When the Lord (hall have purged the 
 blood o/Jerufalem with the Spirit or Breath of 
 judgement , and Breath of burning. Chrift s Mmifte- 
 G rtal 
 
( 18 ) 
 
 rial Spirit is a judicious decerning Breath , and a 
 burning vigorous Breath. 
 
 Receive the Holy Ghoft : By this Explicatory 
 word, Chrift gives power to his Apoftles to be 
 his Mouth to breath forth the bleflfed Word of 
 his Grace unto the World, and to breath forth 
 their requefts to the Father in his Name for the 
 World, which is the Miniftry of Reconciliation. 
 
 John 15. 16. I have chofen and ordained yon 
 that you jhould Go, and bring forth fruit, nndthat 
 your fruit jhould remain. That whatfoevcr ye 
 jhould asktheFather in my Name he may give it you. 
 
 So that the nature of the Gofpel-Miniftry is 
 fet forth by the Holy Ghoft, or Holy Breath of 
 Chrift, and is thence called afpirrtual Miniftry or 
 the Miniftry of the Spirit : the preaching of the 
 truth of the Gofpel, being the proper means and 
 inftrument In and By which Chrift Breaths upon 
 the foul to enlighten, foften, quicijen, encourage 
 and comfort, and to beget a fpirit of love 
 and freedom to ferve the Lord : wherca s 
 the Miniftry of Mofes which had not the 
 Miniftry of the Gofpel promife joyned with 
 it, is therefore called the Miniftry of the letter 
 fnamely of the Law) only: And of death and 
 condemnation." becaufe it was no more than a 
 moral perfwafion to a heart,unbroken,unfoftned : 
 and fo did exafperate not fubdue corruption,and 
 left the foul to ferve the Lord out of bondage 
 fear, but infufed not that love that it command- 
 ed : As the Gofpel doth pouring the love of God 
 into the foul. 
 
 John 1. 17. The Law was given by Mofes, but 
 grace and truth came by Jefus Chrift. 
 & ' Hence 
 
( tg ) 
 
 Hence the Gofpel-Miniftry, the Do&rine of 
 Gofpel is oft fet forth by the Spirit or Breath of 
 Chrift. 
 
 Eph.4. 3,4. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the 
 Spirit,!, e. the Dottrine of the G off el. There is one 
 Hody and one Spirit, that is, one bottrine, and one 
 [pintual Miniflry, which is as the foul to the body 
 of the Church. 
 
 1 Cor. 12. 12. By one Spirit we are all baptifed 
 into one body , that is by one Spiritual Miniflry , 
 and Dottrine believed : And we are all made to 
 drinkjnto one Spirit, that is into the Communion of 
 one Dotlrine of Faith Mtniflredto us. 
 
 A6ts 20. 28. Take heed tothe fioc^over which 
 the Holy Ghoft hath made you overfeers. 
 
 This holy Breath therefore is as the Internal 
 Form,EflentiaI Property and Charaaer,by which 
 Chrifts Miniftry is conflicted, known, and di- 
 ftinguifried : And it {hews it fetf chiefly in a Spi- 
 rit of Prophecy, and a Spirit of Prayer. 
 
 1 Cor. 14. 1. Court sfintual gifts, especially 
 that yemaymayprophefe, v. 15. I will pray With 
 the Spirit, J Will pray with the under Handing 
 alfo. 
 
 I Cor. I j. p". We know in part, we prophe fie in 
 part. 
 
 Rom. 12.6. Having prophe fie let usprophefie ac- 
 cording tothe proportion of Faith. 
 
 1 Pet. 4.I II. jf any sjeak, let him fpeak^ as the 
 Oracles of God. 
 
 The gift of prophefie, or preaching the Gofpel 
 is as a living Oracle in the Church. 
 
 Col. 1.5. We( the Apoflolical Mmislerf) gu, 
 ving thanks to God the Father of our Lord 
 
 C 2 Jefits 
 
C 20 ) 
 
 Jefus Chrifl , paying always for you. 
 Behold, J fend the Promife of the Father upon you. 
 Thefe words in S. Luke arc. to the fame pur- 
 pofe as receive the Holy Ghoft in John. For they 
 let forth the nature, charaaer, aud power of the 
 Miniftry to coniift in the gifts of the Holy Ghoft: 
 only it leads us to diftinguifh 'twixt Chrifl: brea- 
 thing on them on Earth, and his Breathing on 
 them from the right hand of the Father in Hea- 
 ven. His Breathing on them on Earth did give 
 them, Jus ad rem. And inftrufted them in the 
 nature of their Office. He is Breathing on them 
 from Heaven, is a giving them Jus in re, and an 
 inftruaing them to the aftual exercife of their 
 Miniftry which they were not taenter upon un- 
 til this Breath came upon them from Heaven be- 
 ing a Spirit of Power every way anfwerable to 
 the exigency of the work. 
 
 The Promife of the Father. 
 
 The Promife of the Spirit is The Promife by 
 way of excellency. The two great Promifes were 
 the Promife of the Revelation of the Afejfias^nd 
 the Promife of fending the Spirit. 
 
 The Promife of the Minifterial Spirit may be 
 called the Promife of Promifes. 
 
 Firft, becaufe it virtually contains all the Elei- 
 fmgsoftheGofpel, as proper effefts and fruits 
 thereof. As Calling, Converfion, or the New- 
 Birth : AHb Adoption both of a people to 
 C'rurch-hood, ( for the Minifterial gifts are a 
 figp ofChrifts gracious Prefence with a people, 
 and choofingthem to be his, 1 Or. i. 4, 5, 6. ( 
 5 I'ftlJ 
 
( 21 D 
 
 Tfal. 74.0. Eph. i. 15.) Anda'foof a Perfon 
 unto Sonlhip: For the Minifterial Spirit is a trans- 
 ' forming Spirit from Glory in the Speaker to the 
 Glory in the hearer, whole heart being changed 
 into the image of the Word by the Power of the 
 Spirit, and the Confcience bearing witnefs to it, 
 the fame Spirit doth bear witnefs of our Son-fhip 
 with one Spirit, as the Apoftle, and teacher of is 
 Gentiles hath taught us, 2 Cor. 3. i3. Rom. 
 8. 16. 
 
 This Promife alfo contains in it the Promife of 
 Glorification,^ it confifts either in the firft fruits 
 of the Spirit, as Peace and Joy unfpeakable and 
 full of Glory : or in the Refurrection of the body, 
 whereof the Spirit of Adoption is a lure pledge, 
 Rom. 8. 11. 
 
 Seondly Jt is the Promife ofPromifes becaufe 
 it difpofesus to perform the condition of all par- 
 ticular Promifes, Godlinefs hath the promife of 
 this Life and the Life to come: Now the Pro- 
 mile of the Spirit difpofeth us to be Godly : For 
 Chrifts fending forth the Minifterial Spirit is the 
 caufe or means that we come to believe, and fo 
 come to be capable of the Promife of a new- 
 heart, and of the Spirit writing the Law in our 
 hearts, and fo becoming Godly, whereby we are 
 capable of particular Promifes. 
 
 The Promife of the Father: Namely which he 
 made firft to me. For the Father is the Fountain, 
 ChrifttheGiftem of the Spirit, the Apoftles an 
 Conduit-Pipes to diffufe this Water of Life. The 
 Spirit is poured on Chrift as the Holy Ointment 
 on the head of Aaron, which ran down to the 
 skirts of his garment. He is the firft Anointed 
 C 3 and 
 
( t% ;; 
 
 andthenhis fellows from him. They all of his 
 fulnefs do receive, Minifterial, and Prophetical 
 Grace like and anfwerable to that that is given to 
 him. The true Charafter of which Spirit, both 
 as it was in Chrift, and is in all true Minifters is 
 fat down by S. Paul, 2 Tim. 2. 7. God hath not 
 given us the Sprit of 'fear , but of 'power % of love ^and 
 of a found mind. 
 
 Behold 1 fend the Promife. 
 
 The Spirit proceeds from the Father, and the 
 Son, but in the Order of the Divine Difpenfation 
 to us. It is from the Father to the Son, and by the 
 Son to us. Here is the great Myftery of the Di- 
 fpenfation of the Grace of God to Man : Man 
 confidered under a Covenant of works only, as a 
 creature of God, God is only confidered to him 
 as hisCreator,who doth juftly require the perfor- 
 mance of the Law of his Creation : But man conli- 
 fkred as fallen and in mifery, God is pleafed to 
 manircft himfelf to him as Father of Chrift, in 
 whom the nature of man is reftored, and as fend- 
 ing a fulnefs of his own Spirit to be communica- 
 ted to the perfons of men that receive Chrift for 
 renewing them alfo, and fitting them for Glory. 
 
 This order of the Promife of the Spirit to be 
 given firft to Chrift, then from him to the Apo - 
 itles, and Apoftolical Miniftry and from thence 
 to the World for gathering the Church, and to 
 operate in all the members of the Church to form 
 them to Chrift. As the Soul operates in the natu- 
 ral body, and the leaven to the leavening the 
 whole lump : This I fay will appear from thefe 
 Scriptures. 
 
 1. Types. The Spirit was given to Mofes, then 
 
 taken 
 
( 13) 
 
 taken offfrom him (yet notdiminifhing his ful- 
 nefsj and given to the feventy Elders, from 
 whom it was diffufed among among the people, 
 Num. ii. 17. 25. 
 
 Aaron the high Pried was anointed, and the 
 oyl poured on his head, ran down to the skirts of 
 his garments, Pfil. 133. 3. 
 
 The fweet perfume alluded to Cant. 2. 3. Be- 
 caufe of the favour of thy good ointment, thy 
 Name is as an ointment poured forth therefore 
 the Virgins love thee. 
 
 2. Trophefies andpromifes. 
 
 The Spirit pr mifedfrft to Chrift. 
 
 lfa. 11, 2. The Spirit of Jehovah Jhall reft up- 
 on him. 
 
 lfa. 42. 1. Behold my fervant whom J uphold , 
 mine Elett in whom my foul delight eth. I have put 
 my Spirit upon him. He fiall bring forth judgement 
 to the Gentiles. 
 
 lfa. 61. 2. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me , 
 becaufe the Lord hath anointed me , ckc. v. 3. 
 To give the fpirit of joy for heavinefs , that they 
 might be calledTrees of Right eoufnefs, the planting 
 of the Lord. 
 
 The Spirit to flow from Chrisl to his Apo files and 
 Ministerial feed. 
 
 lfa. 5y. 20, 21. The Redeemer (hall come from 
 Zion^&c. This is my Covenant with them(i?*<w) 
 laith the Lord : The Spirit ( of Prophefie ) that 
 is upon thee ( the Redeemer or the Prophet him- 
 felf reprefenting the Miniftry ) And my words 
 which I have put in thy mouth(nameIy to preach 
 glad tidings to the poor, &c.) (hall not depart 
 C4 out 
 
( H) 
 
 cut ofthy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy 
 feed,nor out of the mouth of the feeds feed, faith 
 the Lord from henceforth and for ever. This is 
 the promile for the everlafting Gofpel. 
 
 The Spirit to proffer the Miniferial endeavours 
 to a growth in Grace is a way of Godly Education. 
 
 Iia. 44. 2,3,4,5. Fear not Jacob myfervant, 
 &C. For I Will pour water on him that is thirfly, 
 and floods on the dry ground. I Will pour my Spirit 
 on thy feed(tha.t is believers and their feed in their 
 generations, keeping Covenant whether Jews or 
 Gentiles, Gal. ,6. 16. ) and my bleffwg upon thine 
 of spring : And they fhall faring up among the grafs, 
 and as Willows by the Water courfes. One §1 a II fey 
 J am the Lords , and another fltaji call himfclfbytkc 
 name of Jacob, and another fljall fiibfcri.be with his 
 hand to the Lor d^ and fir name himfclfby the name 
 of Ifrael. 
 
 3 . Cjofpel Declaration. 
 , 2 Cor. 1.20. AllthePromifesof God in Him 
 ( that is in Chrift ) are yea, and in Him, Amen^ 
 to the glory of God by us. Here the order of the 
 promifes, to become Amen to Believers is from 
 the Father, in or through Chrift, by the Apofto- 
 lical Miniitry. 
 
 2 Cor. 3.18. We all (that is Apoftles and 
 Minifters of Chrift, of whom he fpeaks ) pritb 
 open f ice , beholding as in a glafs> the g^lory of the 
 Lord are changed into thefime Image fromGlory to 
 Glory as by the Spirit of the -Lord ( that is ) "As 
 the Spirit coming from Chrift to the Apoftles 
 made them glorious, and changed them into the 
 Jikenefs of Chrift, beholding his Glory in the 
 pofpel : So the Spirit comming from the Apo- 
 ftles 
 
(>5 ) 
 ftles Miniftry tinning light to others, transforms 
 them alio, and makes them glorious. 
 
 And thus the excellency of the Gqfpel Mini- 
 stry is fet forth beyond that of Mofes : who 
 though he were transformed himielf by being in 
 the Mount with God and his face did fhine, yet 
 his Miniftry was not the Miniftry of the Spirit 
 to transform others into the fame image-, becaufe 
 he was to cover his face with a vail of Ceremo- 
 nies : but the true Gofpel- Miniftry being with 
 open face without a vail, proceeds from Glory in 
 the teacher to Glory in the hearer: 
 
 Preach, 
 Baftife. 
 Teach them, the Baptifed Nations. 
 
 The Office of the Miniftry is declared not only 
 by. the Internal nature, as the Soul and Life of it 
 (namely the gifts of the Holy Ghoft promifed 
 by the father which denominates it a Spiritual 
 and Prophetical Miniftry ) but alfo by the out- 
 ward exercifes of it : which are flrft Preaching in 
 order to the Baptifing the firft Chriftians who 
 were to convey the Faith firft given as a Depofuum 
 to their pofterity, whereupon they w r ere firft to 
 Preach, and then to engage them to the Faith by 
 a profeffed Receiving it. The other work of their 
 Miniftry was teaching the Baptifed ( which 
 S. M.itthew expreily notes ) in order to the pre- 
 fervation^and continuance ofthe Church preach- 
 ing for the planting the Church hath Baptifrri to 
 follow Preaching : but Preaching for the water- 
 ing the Church doth iuppofe Baptifm going be 
 
 fore 
 
( 26 ) 
 
 fore, as an engagement to learn the Faith, and 
 continue that firft received. 
 
 That this is the Order meant here, namely , Preach 
 and Baptife in the Planting a Church : Baptife and 
 'Teach in the continuance of a Church Planted, may 
 be thus further cleared. 
 
 i . Becaufe G hrift promifing his prefence with 
 his Church to the end of the wprld muft needs 
 imply a way, and a duty to continue it fo long, 
 and not that it fhall be always in a gathering way. 
 This continuance of the Church muft needs be in 
 the pofterity and families of the firft believers : 
 who muft be Baptifed, that they may be taught 
 Baptifm in the continuance of the Church being 
 an engagement to the teaching of the Miniftry 
 which Chrift hath provided for the Churches con- 
 tinuance. 
 
 2. S. Pauls charge toChriftian parents to bijin| 
 up their Children in the nurture and admonitior 
 of the Lord, which is not only in their own, bui 
 under the Minifterial Teaching alfo, fuppofei 
 them BaptHed, or engaged to Chrift and his Mi 
 niftry, that they may be under the Admonition o 
 the Lord. 
 
 3. Becaufe this was Gods Order in the Olc 
 Church. Abrahambdeivec] that he might be cir 
 cumcifed;But//^ was uncircumcifed that h* 
 might believe in the way of a Godly Education 
 Now that the New Church was fo to be continue* 
 among theGentiles is evident .For nowwasthetim< 
 when that Promifemade to Abraham was fulfilled 
 In thy Seed (Chrift J fhall all Nations be bleffa 
 as well as thofe of the Seed of Abraham-. And thi 
 Bleffingwastobe blefled with believing Abra 
 
 h&n 
 
( *7) 
 
 ham 3 Gal. ?. 8, 9 . or with fuch like bleflings as 
 he was blefled with : Now one of Abrahams blef 
 fings was that the vifible Church was to be con- 
 tinued in his feed, by a mark fet upon them in 
 Infancy engaging them to an Education under the 
 legal Miniftry : And that the cafe is alike in the 
 Gofpel Church, the Apoftle intimates when he 
 fays, Is God the God of the Jews only, and not 
 of the Gentiles alio i yes / of the Gentiles alfo: 
 But if God were not the God of the feed of the 
 Gentiles in their generations keeping Covenant. 
 And fo engaging them to a godly Education in 
 the Gofpef-way by Baptifm, He could not be 
 faid to be accounted the God oftlie Gentiles as 
 well as of the Jews. 
 
 Thus the firft believers as fo many Abrahams 
 believed that they might be Baptifed. The fuc- 
 ceeding pofterity are Baptifed, that they might 
 believe .* Chrift having provided a Miniftry to 
 teach after Baptifm, as well as before. 
 
 In thefe two works Preaching in order to Ba- 
 ptifm, and teaching the Baptifed, educating them 
 in the Faith, is the fum of the Minifterial Work, 
 to which all things elfe may be reduced. 
 
 Thus much of Christ Institution of the Miniftry 
 in the power to fend: Perfonsfent, and nature of the 
 Office transferred upon them : It follow sin the A- 
 nalyfis to confider ChrisJs Directions in the exercife 
 cf their Miniftry. 
 
 Fir ft, what they flwuld Preach to the World to be 
 kelieved in Order to Baptifm. 
 
 Preach the GosJeL 
 
 Preach Repentance and Remiffwn of fins in my 
 Name. 
 
 The 
 
( «8) 
 
 The Gofpel to be Preached to all Nations wa< 
 chiefly under two heads. 
 
 Firft, That the Promife offending the MeiTia 
 for Expiation of fin, and bringing in Everiaftin^ 
 Righteoufaefs was fulfilled. 
 
 Secondly,That God doth now make a Promife 
 forGhriftsfaketoall the world of Mankind. T.ha 
 he will give RemhTion of fins paft, and the gift o 
 his Spirit to ail thofe Perfons, Families and Na- 
 tions who fhall believe and repent,and teftifie thi: 
 by being Baptifed into the Name of the Father 
 who hath lent his Son, and the Son who hath done 
 the will of the Father and is Afcended into Hea 
 yen and of the Holy Gboft whom Chrift hath fen 
 from the Father : whereby he will become theii 
 God,and the God of their children in their gene 
 rations keeping Covenant. 
 
 This appears by thefe Scriptures. 
 
 Ifa. 40. 9, 10, II. OZionthat bringethgood 
 tidings- Lift up thy voice with flrength, lift it up 
 be not afraid :Say unto the Cities ofjudah, Beholi 
 your God, Behold the Lord God will come, &c. 
 
 Ifa." 52. 7. Hew beautiful upon the Mountain, 
 are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, tha. 
 publifocth falvation, that faith unto %ion thy Go{. 
 reigneth. . Thy watchman JhaJl lift up the voice, wit I 
 the voice together, jhall they fing for they Jhall fee ty 
 to eye (a lively defcription of preaching, whet 
 the eye of the hearer looks on the eye of th.t, 
 teacher ) when the Lord (hall bring again Zion. 
 
 And it is further explained by going it over a 
 gain in another form of words, verfe 9, 10. Breal 
 
 forth 
 
( *9 ) 
 
 forth into joy, Sing together ye waB places of Jem- 
 i'aJem,- for the Lord hath comforted his people, He 
 bath -redeemed Jerufalem / The Lord will make 
 bare his holy Arm in the eyes of all the Nations, And 
 all the ends of the earth [ha 11 fee the Salvation of our 
 Cod. 
 
 Here the fn ft Word of the Gofpel is. Behold 
 your God. Thy God reigneth, that is, The Mef- 
 fias who is God our Saviour is come and having 
 offered himfelf a facrifice tor fin, to the Father is 
 Afcended as a Conqueror to his right hand, and 
 hath given his gifts as a fign of his Glory and tri- 
 umph. The next Word of the Gofpel is Peace 
 and Salvation tothoie that hear and receive this 
 Word, Jew or Gentile to the ends of the Earth. 
 
 This is alfo confirmed by the firft Sermons of 
 S. Peter andV&ul to the Jews in Order to their Con- 
 verfion. 
 
 Pauls Sermon in the Synagogue of Antioch, 
 A3. 13.23. proceeds thus, of the feed of David 
 God hathraifed according to his promt fe unto ifra- 
 el a Saviour Jefus, who v. 29, 30. fuffered, and 
 God hath raifed him from the Dead, 32. We de- 
 clare to you gladtidwgs. That the promife made to 
 the Fathers, God hath fulfilled to us their children: 
 And vcr. 38, 39. Be ithnowntoyouthat through 
 this man is preacht unto you forgivenefs of fins : 
 And by him all that believe are ]uBified from alt 
 things from which ye could not be juftified by the 
 Law of 'Moles. 
 
 Peter in his firft Sermon to the Jews preaches 
 'firft that Chrift is the MeflTias and convinces them 
 of his Death and Refurre&ion: Then he declares 
 the Promife ofRcmiffion of Sins, and the gift of 
 
 the 
 
r jo; 
 
 the Spirit not only to them, but to their children 
 in their generations : For by owning Chrift they 
 fhould not have been loofers but have enjoyed 
 their old priviledges as the feed of Abraham : 
 God would have been their God in their genera- 
 tions keeping Covenant : The word6 of Peter ta- 
 ken in their full Grammatical fenfe found to this 
 purpofe,^#j2. 37, j 8,- 39. Men and Brethren 
 ( fay the Jews) what jkall we do who have brought 
 this mans blood upon us and our children ? Then 
 Peter foid, Repent and ( in token thereof (be Bap- 
 tifed every one ofyou(not excluding your children) 
 In the Name of Jefus Chrift for Remijfion of fins 
 (even this great fin which lays you and your 
 children under a curfe ) And you and your chil- 
 dren in their generations ffiall receive the Holy 
 Ghoft i For the promife of Remiffion of fin to the 
 baptifed (or Repentant J and of the Holy Ghoft.- 
 thereupon is made( flrft Acls 3. 26.) to you 
 and your children, and then, to all afar of, even 
 all that the Lord our God ffiall call and their 
 children. 
 
 For the feed of the faithful are virtually called 
 in the call of their parents, and atlually called in 
 the Miniftry,Chrift hath provided for their Edu- 
 cation in the Faith. 
 
 This being the Word ofGofpel to the Jews, 
 that they and their children fhould continue to be 
 the Church of God if they received Chrift and 
 became hisDifcipIes byfubmittingto his Baptifm: 
 the fame word was preached alfo to the Gen- 
 tiles. 
 
 Afts ii. 14. Peter frail tell Cornelius wards 
 whereby he and all bis houfe frail be favcd. 
 
Aft. 1 6. 50, si. When the J ay lor aiktdfvhat 
 fall I do to befaved? Paul and Silas anfvoercd ac- 
 cording to the extent of the Word of the Gojpel, Be- 
 lieve on the Lord Jefus and thoufhalt befaved and 
 thy houfe. And Paul tells the believing Gentiles, 
 Rom. 11. 19, 20. That they were grafted in the 
 room of the branches that were cut off, whereby 
 they alfo became an adopted feed of Abraham as 
 the Profelites in former time : As our Saviour 
 rold Zacheus^ that falvation was come to his 
 houfe. In afmuch as he was become a fon of A- 
 hraham. And herein is that prophefie fulfilled, 
 Pfal. 22: so, s*. A feed (hall ferve him. Itfhall 
 be accounted to the Lord for a generation. Foe 
 when the feed of the Jews ceafed to be a Church.- 
 God according to his promife raifed up another 
 feed, namely the believing Gentiles and their 
 feed in their generations, who though not the na- 
 tural feed of Abraham to whom the promife was 
 ftrft made, yet are the accounted, or Adopted 
 feed, and fo made partakers of the benefit of the 
 fame Covenant. That God is their God in their 
 |eneration. For God hath always delighted to be 
 erved in the generation of his people. 
 
 Preach theGo(pel : It is not incongruous to con- 
 reive thefe words not only as a command but al- 
 r o as a prophefie, the Imperative oft including the 
 Future, as Pf. no. Rule them in the midft of 
 :hine enemiesjimplies thoufhalt rule. 'Tis an e- 
 /erlafting word of command, and produces an e- 
 /erlafting Gofpel : whilft Chrift fits at the right 
 tand of the Father, It fhall not be loft nor a Mi- 
 lifty wanting to publifh it, tor the converfion of 
 he Worldjor reftaurationof the Church. 
 
 2. &:*• 
 
r i% j 
 
 &. & 3. 7*0 whcfto to Preachy and whom to Baptife, 
 All Nations. Every Creature, 
 He that Believes and is Baftifcd. 
 All Nations : When the Lord drowned the 
 Old World , ha was pleated to fave a remnant by 
 Baptifm: theremnant was righteous Noah, and 
 his family : The Baptifm was the Ark rioting on 
 the Waters, in which the reft of the World were 
 drowned. In the three fons of Noah, God did as 
 it were fanzine in this Baptifm every Creature of 
 mankind to be his viiible Church : But the feed 
 ofCham&ndJaphet foon degenerated and made a 
 Schifm,from the feed of &«,and out of a diftruft- 
 ful difobedience to the commanded encreafe and 
 multiply, and fill the earthy and not believing the 
 promife iignified by the Rainbow of not drowning 
 the world, the Lord, ( This is not meant as if the 
 Law of Grace made to Adam did not ftill extend 
 to oblige and invite them to repent, nor as if none 
 among them did repent .• But the Ifraelites only 
 had the Covenant of peculiarity)ex communicated 
 them from the feed of Sem who alone kept the 
 language of the Church & the different languages 
 were a partition Wall from the Churchtill Chrifts 
 afcending into heaven,and fitting down at the Fa- 
 thers right hand intheThrone ofGIory.which be- 
 ing his glorious Coronation day , he is pleated to 
 fend forth an A& of Pardon andOblivion to every 
 Creature and all Nations of mankind, and com- 
 mands it to be proclaimed in their own language 
 by an immediate gift of tongues namely. That 
 whatfoever Perfon, Family or Nation, will comt^ 
 inv and be Baptifed to Chrift, then the former 
 Schiiraof their Fore fathers, and judgement of 
 
 Ex- 
 
Excommunication from the true Church fhould 
 b.e remitted : for God had now received an 
 Atonement, and put an end to the imputation of 
 thole old fins : This is fully expi eft by the Apo- 
 ftle,2 Cor.5.19. God did in or through Chrift re- 
 concile the World to himfelf, not imputing their 
 trefpaflesto them, and hath committed to us 
 the word of reconciliation— We pray you in 
 Chrifts ftead to be reconciled to God. 
 . Every Creature: There is a Gofpel for every 
 Creature of mandkind: For the Infant, and young 
 Children, as well as for the Adult and aged: The 
 glad tidings for the young ones, is, That their 
 Parents or Guardians in whofe power they are 
 being Converted to the Faith, have the old (ins 
 of the forefather forgiven them and are become 
 as fons of Abraham to derive a blefTing to their 
 pofterity , The blefTng of a Godly Education, 
 under the Law of grace , in the difpenfation 
 whereof God hath promifed to give his Spirit, 
 the great blefTing of the Gofpel for the giving a 
 new heart and a new Spirit to make them heirs of 
 glory: upon which account, namely, the forgive- 
 nefs of forefathers fin, and their being under pro- 
 mifeofthe fpint they are to be Baptifed, with 
 their Parents, or Guardians, on affurance of their 
 Education in the faith. For who can forbid water 
 to them that are under the promife of forgivenefs 
 of fms,and the gift of the holy Ghofts. Hence the 
 word was Preached to the Goaler and all in. his 
 houfe. What word was that/4tf an Exhortation 
 no be Baptifed, which was Teters word jfib. 2.38= 
 Vpon which they that gladly recieved the Exhorta- 
 tion wert SaptUed, So the Goaler and all his gfad- 
 D & ly 
 
( 34) 
 ly receiving this word was Baptized, and all His, 
 of what age or fex foever they were, none ex- 
 cepted, fo they were His. 
 
 Moreover every Creature fignifies not only 
 every man and woman fingly but cheifly as they 
 are colletlive in Societies:for every Societyof men 
 in family or national relation is called an Humane 
 Creature, or Creature of mankind, i Pet. 2. 1 5. 
 Which implies that Such an humane Creature 
 may be converted to God f which eftablifhes the 
 power and authority of fuperiors in a&ing for 
 God as the foul of this Creature, orderly Com- 
 manding inferiours to do nothing againft theTruth 
 but for the Truth: Like as in a iingle Believer the 
 Converted will doth rationally govern the out- 
 ward man to yield its members weapons of righ- 
 teoufnefs unto holinefs. 
 
 He that believeth and is Baptized. 
 This word He is to be taken not only for a fingle 
 perfon, but alfo in a pohtical,Colleftive and Com- 
 prehenfive fence,tbr He and all his. As will further 
 appear on thefe Confiderations. 
 
 1 . This word muft Correfpond with the word 
 Nations and Creature. That the word Creature 
 comprehends a fociety as well as a fingle perfon 
 hath been already afTerted. And all nations, and- 
 Allfamilies of the earth to bebleffed inChrift,the 
 feed of Abraham, are expreffions in the Scripture 
 ofequall Import. Seing then the word He relates, 
 to Creature and nations, it muft needs be taken 
 in a Comprehenfive fence alfo, and is as much a? 
 to fay Whatfoever perfon, family or fociety oP" 
 men believes and is Baptized. 
 
 2. 'Tis reafonable to conceive That the holy 
 
 Ghoft 
 
(31 J 
 
 Ghoft fpeaking Comprehenfively in the old Teffo- 
 menr,when he fpeaksof theChurch ftatein the feed 
 of Abraham^ may be underftood as fo fpeaking, 
 when he fpeaksof the Church eftate of the feed 
 of the Gentiles in the new Teftament. Now in the 
 old Teftament he thus fpeaKs as comprehending 
 the children in the parents, the governed in the 
 governors. 
 
 Ezek. 1 6. 6. 1 [aid unto Thee in thy blood live , 
 looking at Ifrael as one man. 
 
 Hoi. 12.4. /^(the Angel J met him (Jacob J in 
 Bethel , and there he /pake with #( the Pofterity 
 virtually in him) 
 
 Jofh . 24. 15./ and mine houfe^we willferve the 
 Lord y Thehoufe made Profejfwn by the head of the 
 Family. 
 
 Thou in the Commandments comprehends the 
 Son and Daughter, the man and maid-fervant or 
 wholoever elfe is in a manspower,asis explained 
 in the fourth Commandment. 
 
 I. This expofition agrees to prophefies in the 
 Old Teftament concerning the New. 
 
 Pfal. 22. $6.AfeedJhallferve Him fthe Mef- 
 fiasj Itjhall be Counted to the Lord for a generation 
 ( that is) When the feed of Jacob [hall be cut off, 
 Another generation of men foall ferve him, that foall 
 be Adopted in their rooms. 
 
 Ifa. 55. 5. Behold thou Jhalt call a Nation thou 
 tyewefl not, and nations that knew not thee ,Jhall run 
 unto thee. "This is fpoken to Chrifl. 
 j Ifaiah. 49. 22. Behold J will I ft up my hand to 
 ' the Gentiles, and fet up myfiandard to the people ,and 
 they jhaU bring thy Sons in their Armes , and thy 
 Daughters Jliall be carried upou their jhoulders:That 
 
 D ? is; 
 
is: 'They (hall bring themfelves and their Children, 
 as the Children of the Church to the Lord. 
 
 4. 'Tis reatonable to think that the Apoftles 
 preaching and praftice was according to the fence 
 of the Commidion-.Now they preacht, Thou fhalt 
 be faved and All thy houfe: And Baptized the 
 Goaler and all His, Therefore in the word He ,is 
 Comprehended his Houfe or All his. 
 
 5. As intheoldTeftamens, If a ftranger was 
 faid to be circumcifed: It was underftood that all 
 his were circumcifed, the Females in hirr, h; males 
 with him : And ifhis males were not circumcifed, 
 He was not faid to be cercumcifed as is evident 
 Exod. 12. 48. So in the New Tettament where 
 Taul fays,he Baptized none but Crifpus and Gains 
 and the Houlhold of Stephanas 1 Cor. 1.24. n5. 
 And befides he knew not that he Baptized any 
 other.lt is evident in Crifpus and Gams he com- 
 prehends the houfhold from AB. \6. 8. and 
 under the houlhold he comprehends the go- 
 vernour: And that the Church of Corinth 
 was chiefly founded in BeleiveingHoufholds. 
 
 Be that Believethandis Baptized Jball be faved. 
 Thefe words may be confidered as a Direction 
 and a promife: As a Direction they declare unto 
 Apoftolical Minifters, whom they fhall account 
 vifible Members of the Church or take into the 
 Ark, And fo they found full thus: Whofoever 
 Beleives, and is Baptized with all His, fhall be of 
 the number offaved ones with all his, that is to 
 fay, vifible Church Members: For they are faid 
 to be faved in fcripture,who are under the means 
 and PoiTibilities for it, and are in a way or ftate 
 of Salvation Aft. 11 14. Rom. 11.26. Rev. 21. 
 24. And this is the Judgment of Charity the A- 
 
 poftle 
 
( ?7 ) 
 poftlefpeaksofiVz//. 2.6. 7. It is meet to tMnk 
 thus of you all C That were Baptized Aft. \6. 
 Ltdut and her HoUfhold, the Jaylor and all his) 
 That he that hath begun this good work in you 
 or among you (in Baptifm,&c.) will perform, or 
 finifti it and bring it to perfe&ion. Thus Baptit'm 
 is faid to lave us, 2 Pet. j. 2. and the Miniftry 
 faves us, 1 Tim. 4. t 6. And thus the Church are 
 to account the Baptized, as the Baptized are to 
 account themfelves in their vifible (tare Rege- 
 nerate, dead to fin, dedicated to God, under 
 Remiflion of fin and Children of God Rom. 6. 
 1 1. 1 Cor. 6. 1 1. 
 
 Contrary to this Salvation is the damnation fpo- 
 ken of in the next fentence to thefe words.He that 
 believeth not ( which is difcerned by his refufing 
 Chrifts Baptifm ) fhall be condemned or judged 
 to be no member of the Church vifible, but in 
 the ftate of unbelievers. 
 
 He that believeth and is b aft i fed : This is the vi- 
 fible character of fuch asChrirl would have repu- 
 ted among his faved ones,until they fall off from 
 liim : which if it be in power ,will be a certain e- 
 vidence of eterna! falvation : For there are three 
 degrees of falvation. A probable poflibiliiy , An 
 afTured hope and certainty, and an attual enjoy- 
 ment. Thefirft is,aChriftians beginning baptif- 
 mal eftate •• The lecond is,his attainment to a fta- 
 blimteftateor the abundant entrance: The laft 
 is,afterlife or entrance into the Holy of Holies. 
 This Character therefore is fuch as may in the 
 vifibility of it agree to fome, who are not finally 
 faved,as it fell out in JW**,'and probably in Si- 
 mon Magus. 
 
 For the better underftanding this Character, 
 D 3 Two 
 
( 38 ) 
 
 Two Queftions would berefolved. Firft where- 
 in this Faith con(ifts,which preceded Eaptifm, in 
 the firft believers. Secondly, how it was vifibly 
 ilgnified, declared, and manifefted to the chari- 
 table judgement of the Apoftolical Miniftry : 
 Both which muftbe refolved from the ftory of 
 the firft Baptifms of the Churches, and theApo- 
 fties Doctrine immediately upon it. 
 
 Anftyertoxhz firft Queftion. This Faith did 
 coniift in an afTentand conient. An aflfent to the 
 prefent truth then preached. That Jefus was the 
 Chrift, and that he was rifen from the dead, and 
 that r emiflion of fins was by him, and not by Mo- 
 fes law, AB. 13. 3 2, 33, 58) 39- This belief of 
 a God and of the Old Teftamentand of a life to 
 come, &c. wasfuppofedinthe Jews. A conient 
 and willingnefs to become prefent ly Chnfrs Difci- 
 fles, to repent and become new Creatures ,or to 
 accept the exhortation to be Baptifec 1 , which is all 
 one, AH. 2. 38. Suppofing Baptifm under- 
 ftood. 
 
 This is that which the Apoftle affirms, Rom. 
 10.8, 9,10. This (faith he J is the word of 
 Faith which we preach : That if thou (halt 
 eonfefs with thy mouth the Lord Jefus/ and be- 
 lieve with his heart that God hath railed him 
 from the dead thou (halt be laved. This hath re- 
 ference toBaptifrn as the firft degree of Salvation, 
 wherein there is the firft tranfa&ion ofit:For when 
 Tad fays to the GoaIer,>4#.r 16. 3 1. Believe in 
 the Lord Jefus and thou fhalt be laved, and all 
 thine houfe. It is evident by the fequel of the fto- 
 ry ^that in believing he implied a willingnefs to be 
 Baptifed, and to become Chrifts Diiciple, and 
 
 that 
 
( 39 J 
 
 that by being faved,he meant Baptifed,asthe firft 
 ftep and degree of it. 
 
 Anjmr to the fecond Queftion. This Faith 
 was vifibly fignifed, and charitably accepted by 
 that which the Apoftle calls Confeffion of the 
 mouth, and a yielding themfelves to be Baptifed:, 
 which was not alike in all. For this was in fome 
 explicitly , in fome implicitly figniried, and by 
 interpretation, when our Saviour asked his Dii- 
 cip{es,A£?f. j 6. 15, 16. whom they fay that he 
 wa.? feter anfwers explicitly which is the'anfwer 
 of the reft implicitly by a filent confent hewne 
 contradict?ite. When the Jews were pricked in 
 their hearts, and cried out, What fhall we do: It 
 is not be fuppofed to be the voice of all. and eve- 
 ry one, yet 'tis to be looked on as the fenfe of the 
 multitude in general, and they are thereupon 
 exhorted every one to be Baptifed. When the 
 Goaler cried out what fhould 1 do to be laved ? 
 The Apoftle anfwers to him and to his houfe, 
 knowing that all the houle were amazed as well 
 as he, and he fpake the fenfe of them all. 
 
 When therefore afmgle perl'on ofunderftand- 
 ing was Baptifed, as the Eunuch^ his confcfiion 
 was explicit ', but when a multitude were Bap- 
 tifed, it doth not appear that all their confeffions 
 were made by verbal explicit confenf, but that 
 a filent confent in fome, with the explicit confei- 
 fionand confent of others, and the ready yielding 
 themfelves in all to be Baptifed into the Chrifti- 
 an Faith ,the fum whereof was expreft in the form 
 ' of Baptifing : And yielding themfelves alio to 
 be wafhtunto newneis of life, was. charitably ac- 
 cepted for a fufBcient confeffion in order to the 
 D 4 Baptifing 
 
( 4o ) 
 
 Baptifing a multitude, or a family. And this is 
 not obicurely intimated in thofe words, A&s 2. 
 41- They that gladly received his word ('namely 
 of exhortation to beBaptifed J were B^ptifed the 
 fame day to the number of jooo, which cannot 
 well be conceived but under the notion of an ex- 
 plicit and implicit confeffion. I mean a confef- 
 non explicitly opened by fome, to which the reft 
 expreft confent, not all repeating their words. 
 
 Moreover, an implicit confeflion and confent 
 is to be conceived two ways. Firft, by perfons of 
 underftandmg, who are fometime reprefented in 
 onechiefperfontobethemouthof the reft, as a 
 foreman of a Jury, who fpeaks the fenfe of all, fo 
 the Apoftles were reprefented in Peter as the 
 mouth of all. 
 
 Secondly, by perfons not of ripe age for Un- 
 derftanding, who are by a right and law in nature 
 reprefented in their parents and Guardians, foas 
 they are to choofe and will for them in all ration- 
 ail things: And the will of the parent herein is the 
 implicit will o^the Child: Thus Jojliua chufes the 
 Jof.24,15 Lord for himfelf and all his, even fuch as had not 
 yet Underftandmg. And our Saviour interprets 
 Mat, 10. the Ringing Utt-Ie Children to him by ' thofe in 
 13.14, whofe power they were, to be the coming of 
 the Children to him: And the little ones being 
 with their parents But. 29. are faid to ftand be- 
 fore God in renewing a Covenant, and when the 
 Covenant is fubicribed by thofe that had Under- 
 ftandmg Nehe. io.The younger fort under under- 1 
 ftandmgare underftood to be obliged in them, S 
 that had underftanding. In this fenle the Jaylor 
 believed, with all his, of what age fbever: and the 
 
 peo* 
 
Ui ) 
 
 people of Samaria are thus faid to Believe Philip 
 preaching the things concerning the King- 
 dom of God, and the name of Jefus Chrift, and Aft.8. 12. 
 were Baptized both men and women*, old and 
 young of both fexes. In fome of thefe fences Be- 
 lieved and were Baptized according to the Pro- 
 phecy /fa. 44. 5. One fhall fay I am the Lords, 
 another (h alkali himfelfby the Name of Jacob, 
 another (hall fubfcribe with his hand to the 
 Lord and firname himfelf by the Name of If- 
 rael. 
 
 4. How to Baptife. 
 Teach Baptising. 
 
 As John Preacht the Baptifm of Repentance.- 
 SotheApoftles are to Preach the Baptifm of 
 Faith in Chrift, rifen from the dead. They are to 
 teach Baptizing, and to Baptife Preaching. They 
 teach by word and fign,by the Word they Preach 
 the Gofoell generally, by the Water they apply 
 the Golpell perfonally. 
 
 Baptifmg into the Name of the father , the Son, 
 an'd the Holy Cjhoft. 
 
 This is the form, or manner of Solemnizing 
 Chriftian Baptifm, which may be called a Teach- 
 ing- wafhing. As it is Teaching,it declares the true 
 Charafter of the Chriftian Religion: As it is wafh- 
 ing it contains the tranfafting a Covenant by 
 pure water twixt Chrift and the Baptized- Firft 
 here is the Chara&er of the Chriftian Religion, as 
 it is diftinguifhed from all other Religions, Jews 
 Cjr Heathens: The Religion of Mofes though it 
 fraught the true God and the true way of worfhip 
 appointed by God for that feafon, yet it did not 
 reveal the Father and the Son as the Gofpel doth, 
 
 That 
 
( 4* ) 
 
 That God is the Father of Chrift now rifen from 
 the dead,and thereby declared to be the Son of 
 God with power.Neitherdidit reveale the Spirit 
 as proceeding from the Father and the Son now 
 afcended into Heaven to the Fathers right hand: 
 Neither was the Miniftry of Mofes^s Mofes) the 
 Miniftry of the higheft,moft proper, and Spiritu- 
 al! work of Regeneration, Adoption and Confola- 
 tion in the firft fruits of eternal! life, as the Mini- 
 dry of the Doctrine of the Fath er and the Son is, 
 as it is faid, i John. 5. 1. He that Believeth that 
 Jefus is the Son of God is born of God. And 
 John 2. 12. to them thatrecieved him, he gave 
 power to be the Sons of God. Who are born not 
 of blood, nor of the will of the flefhj nor of the 
 will of man, but of God. For grace and truth 
 comes by Jefus Chrift. 
 
 This diftinguiihes alfothe Chriftian Religion 
 from all Heathen Religions^who have many Gods 
 and many Lords and Mediators, and not Regene- 
 rating and ComfortingSpirits,but all in the power 
 of mans fallen nature: But the Chriftian teacheth 
 one God,and one mediator, and one Law of gra ce 
 or of the Spirit to cooperate with him in all acts 
 of Obedience, and Comfort him in all adverfi- 
 ties. 
 
 Secondly as this is a wafhing-Teaching: It is 
 the Acting a Covenant and Agreement by pure 
 water. 
 
 1. OnthepartoftheBaptifed. It is a willing- 
 yielding him, or themfelves to be taught, and 
 wafht ■) with an implicit promifc fo to do unob^j 
 all the ways of Chrifts appointment * 
 
 2. On the part of Chrift, acting by his Miniftry 
 
 receiving 
 
f45> 
 
 recicving the Baptifed and wafhmg them into 
 the Name (or prpfefiion of the Religion ) of the 
 rather, Son, and Holy Spirit, It doth fignifie a 
 gracious acceptance and receiving into Chrifts 
 Church as his fchool and temple,to be a (collar and 
 i true worfhipper,as a new Creature. 
 
 It doth alfo imply a promiieon Chrifts part that 
 :he Baptifed being under the Law of grace fhall 
 lot be diftitute of fupply of his Spirit to coope- 
 rate with him for the perfecting theie beginnings, 
 f he continue to yield himielf to God,as one that 
 is alive from the dead. 
 
 That this Covenant tranfa&ion is fignified by 
 vafhing with pure water into the name of the 
 : ather,Son,andHoly Spirit, will appear to any 
 )bferving eye, in reading the fixth Chapter of 
 he Epiftle to the Romans y where the Apoftle 
 irguesfrom the Baptifmal engagement, How by 
 "eafonof Baptifm they are planted together into 
 thrift, and are under a law of grace •. And there- 
 ore having yielded themfclves to God they 
 Tiould continue not to yield themfelves to fill) in 
 ifTurance the grace of God will not be wanting 
 :o them. Rom. 6. from the i. to 15. 
 
 It will alfo appear byaferious weighing of the 
 jvords of Peter in the ninefirft v.of thefirft Chap. 
 )f his fecond Epiftle, The duty on the part of 
 :he Baptifed is declared in thole exprelTions.They 
 lave obtained like precious faith with the Apoftle 
 verfe. 1. They are purged from their old fins. v.. 
 p. tThey are to give all diligence to add to faith 
 Hfrtue&c, to abound, that their calling may be 
 iure. 
 
 Thepromife ofChrift is 1/. 2. A multiplication 
 
 of 
 
(44) 
 
 of Grace and Peace not fimply, and abfolutely 
 but in the knowledge, or rather acknowledge 
 ment ( ly "GnyvU^ ) of God , and Jefus ou 
 Lord, which is the fum of the Apoftolical Faith 
 Which acknowledgement is a continuance to ow 
 the Faith and adorn it with good works. In th 
 doing whereof a multiplication of Grace an< 
 Peace is promifed, for a promife is the ground o 
 the Apoftles prayers And this Baptifmal Covenan 
 is the ground of all the Apoftolical Benediaion 
 & exhortations in all the Epiftles to theChurches 
 Looking at a Baptifed people as a called people 
 
 This form of Baptifrag is compendioufly fignii 
 fied by being baptifed into the Name of the Lore 
 Jefus, Att. 8. i6.and iy. 3. ( that is ) by Bap 
 fifth to be taken into the profeflion of that Reli 
 gion, which acknowledges Jefus to be Lord rifei 
 from the dead , and afcended into Heaven 
 By this expreflion Chrifts Baptifm fina 
 he afcended into Heaven , is diftinguifhec 
 from the Baptifm of John, who only Bapti; 
 ied in reference to Chrift near at hand , anc 
 from the Baptifm of fpirituall gifts,, which wa: 
 given more immediately from'Chrift himfelf, call 
 led the Baptifm of Fire, which was given not tc 
 all the Baptifed into the Name of the Lord Jefus 
 but to fome for the ufe of all, nor ufually to am 
 till they were Baptifed with Water, v^- 19.5,6* 
 linlefs in fome few examples , Atts 20. 41. 
 
 By reafon of the folcmn vifible tranfaaing a co 
 venant twixt Chrift in his Miniftry and the\Ja| 
 ptifed. There arifes a new Relation of the Bjll 
 ptifed to God, to Chrift in his Miniftry, anc 
 to all the Baptifed. To God, to believe the Jo\$ 
 
 anc 1 
 
us ; 
 
 ?nd mercy of the Father in the Son, by the Spi- 
 rit •, to worfhip the Father in the Son by the Spi- 
 rit , To love and obey the Father in the revela- 
 tions othis will by the Son through the Spirit. 
 ! TotheMnifiry i of Chrift, as Scholars in his 
 School, as worihippersin his Temple, to learn of 
 them, to joy n with them in offering upfpiritual 
 facrificesto God. 
 
 To all the Baptifcd as Profeflbrs together of c 
 the fame Faith, of the fame Church and vifible 
 body of the fame hope : For there is one Faith, 
 one Baptifm, or Body, one Spirit, and one Hope 
 in the true Church. 
 
 This relation is declared by the Apoftle, 
 2 Cor. 8. 5. Te gave your [elves firft to the Lord, 
 and then to us ( the Apoftles and Apoftolical Mi- 
 mftry )bythewitlofGod ( fignified inthisCom- 
 miflion to Preach and Baptile ) 
 
 By reafon of this Covenant relations. The 
 baptifedhaveanaraetolive, Rev. 5. 2. And a 
 vifible Form of Godlinefs. As it was in the Old 
 Church, Ez.ec. 1 6. I faid unto thee in this blood 
 live, and thereupon they had the Ornaments to 
 oecalledapeopleofGod, a chofen generation, 
 a peculiar People, an holy Nation, and had the 
 Oracles of God committed to them ; In like 
 manner the New Church of the Gofpel by reafon 
 of Baptifm have a worthy name and repute as of 
 perfons called with an holy calling, fsn&irled in 
 Chrift Jefus, a chofen generation, juftirled, facred 
 
 Pnts. The Pillar of Truth confidered with the 
 niftry ofChriftamongft them, lfayconfider- 
 fd with the Mmiflry ofChrifi among them, which 
 ivas the Baptifm of the Holy Ghoft and of Fire, 
 
 and 
 
and that which was as the foul to the body of out- 
 ward form, and as fire that added power and life 
 to the materials of water Baptifm ; For Baptifm 
 of water alone, did not conftitute them a Church 
 under thofe worthy titles, but as under Chrifb 
 miniiterial gtfts,which was a Teftimonyof Chrifts 
 prefence among them, and owning them to be 
 hispeople. lCcr. 1.4,5,6. A#Ji5. 8, 14. 
 
 All this appears by thefe two places remark- 
 able to this purpofe, 1 Or. 6. 1 1. and Tit. 3. 5.; 
 In the firft 'tis laid, ye are wajhed,ye are fantlifiedj 
 ye are justified. In the name of the Lord Jefits and 
 by or in thefpirit of our God: which words we 
 may take either as referring to the Baptifm of 
 water only under the form of baptifmg in the 
 name of the Father, Son and holy Spirit , for 
 here is Warning in the name of the Lord Jefus, and 
 the Spirit, and our God that is the Father : Or we. 
 may take the words as referring to the Baptifm ) 
 of Water and the Baptifm of gifts. The Baptifm 
 of Water as compendioufly expreft by thefe: 
 words, Wafhed in the name of the Lordjefus. And : 
 the Baptifm of Minifterial gifts as expreft in thole 
 words, In the Spirit of our God. In refpeft of 
 both which the Church of Corinth was adorned 1 
 with the name of a juftified and fanftified 
 people. 
 
 This Iaft fence feems moll: probable as moft al 
 greeable to that other place, Tit. 3. 5. According 
 to his mercy he faved m by the w a (Jung of Rcvenera* 
 thn y and the renewing of the Holy Ghoft, which Jje 
 fhedon us abundantly, &c. through Jefus ChrtjL 
 our Saviour. Here Baptifm of Water and Bap-i 
 tilm of gifts are joyned together, not as if all that? 
 
 were] 
 
(47) 
 
 were baptifed with water, were baptifed with 
 Minifterial gifts : but becaufe the gifts being gi- 
 ven for the good of all, and a fpecial lign of 
 Chrifts prefence among the baptifed. It is joyned 
 with the Laver of Regeneration common to all, 
 as compleating their visible Church-hood. 
 
 Yet Baptifm with water hath the noble title of 
 the wafhing or Regeneration : And hence it is gi- 
 ven to all the baptifed to account themfelves pro- 
 fefTedly, and engagedly dead to fin, and alive to 
 God, Dead and rt fen with Chrifl, having fut off 
 the Old man, and put on the New, Rom. 6. 1 1. Col. 
 2. ii, 12, 13, 14 YfithChap. i.verf. 1, 9, 10. 
 A'l which is fpoken of the baptifed, by reafon of 
 profeffion, engagement means of Grace, and the 
 beginning ftate of Regeneration. 
 
 5. The lafl Direction is about ordering the 
 Baptifed. Teaching them to obferve all things I 
 have commanded you. Feed my Lambs, Feed my 
 Sheep, Feed my Sheep. 
 
 Here our bleffed Saviour inftru&s his Miniftry, 
 how his Church begun in believing families, 
 fhould be preferved and continued to the end of 
 the world, or till he come again : for fo long as 
 there is a Church, fo long there muft be a Mini- 
 ftry which is known, not by a fucceffion in the 
 fame chair f for a Wolfoftfucceedsin the room 
 of a true fhepheard ) but it is difcerned by the 
 fniritual gifts applied to do the work proper to 
 rfne Miniftry. 
 
 In this Direction three things are chiefly obfey 
 vable. 
 
 Firft 
 
Firft, the Minifterial Duty, Teaching } Fieding. 
 In both which expreflions are implied continual 
 Baptifm, Catechifing, familiar conference, Ser- 
 monizing, Orderingtimes and places, watching 
 over them, and admonifliing in the Lord, praying 
 with them arid for them. In a word, a Parental 
 Government, for the Scholars of Chrift are the 
 children of Wifdom, and Wifdom is a natural, 
 Mother, and Nurfe, not a Stepdame to them : 
 When S. Paul gives a charge to the Elders of £- 
 pheftts to feed the flock of Chrift over which the 
 Holy Ghoft had made them Overfeers : It can- 
 not be denied but all the particulars fore menti- 
 oned are comprehended in feeding and over 
 fight. And where a duty is commanded, all the 
 necefTary means and circumftances are command- 
 ed with it by authority of that Divine precept. 
 Thou jhalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God 
 in vain : For by the Name of God is fpecially in- 
 tended all thofe ways and means which he hath 
 appointed for making known his will to us & our 
 enjoying communion with him according to his 
 promife which are thefubjctt of the fecond Com- 
 mand and particularifed to the Jews in that ex- 
 preffion, Dent. 12. 5. Vnto the place which the 
 Lord your God{liallchoofetoput his Name there ; 
 ■unto his habitation thou {halt feel^y &c. Now the 
 third Commandment requires that care be taken . 
 that nothing he done which may impair the ho- 
 nour and due effl& intended by God in his Or- 
 dinances. As the ApoftleexprefTesitin relation 
 to the Gofpel Miniftry, 2 Cor. ij. 8. We cah^ 
 do nothing againft the truth, but for the truth. r 
 SecofidlyjObfervCffo perfonsto be taught. Then 
 
 that 
 
r 49 ) 
 
 that is, the Baptifed Nations, or Families which 
 
 are defcribed by their feveral degrees of growth 
 
 m Grace : Some are Lambs, beginners , new 
 
 born into the Church, but cannot go, nor fuck 
 
 without help, altogether ignorant. Some are 
 
 Sheep of fome growth, but weak, difeafed, wan- 
 
 dnng: Some of good liking, heahful, orderly 
 
 and keeping fold. Chrift hath committed to the 
 
 care of his Minifters, not only the orderly grown 
 
 Chriftian that is a man of experience : but the 
 
 difeafed alfo and unruly, yea the Ignoran ' 
 
 knows nothing : for when a Scholar is & " enti 
 
 or an Apprentice nrft bound, it ss fu&noied he 
 
 knows nothing of the Trade. A Lamb therefore 
 
 is one that hath Relation to Chriff as a Difciplc 
 
 who muft be taught ab initio to go «nd to rick, 
 
 and muft have only milk and not ftrong meat. 
 
 This comprehends children in years, and children 
 
 in knowledge, that muft be taught to read, and 
 
 to ipeak and to anfwer,and how to pray, &c. as 
 
 a means to a further growth .■ Hence God fays 
 
 to the Old Church, He taught Jfraelto' <ro, and HoCriI -3' 
 
 our Saviour fays to the Gofpel Church. Si.fer 
 
 little Children to come to me. 
 
 The Lambs are part of the Minifterial Char^ 
 and therefore rhey muft be Baptifrd, whereby 
 they are Dedicated to Chrift and his Miniftry to 
 be Educated in the Faith of Chrift. 
 
 Thus is fulfilled the Prophefie touching Chrifts 
 
 ruling his Church, #*. 40. u. He fid feed his 
 
 fakjiks a Shepherd, he fi,.g gat kr the lambs with 
 
 Jots arms } and carry them in his bofom ( the way of 
 
 r , Chrifts Education of little ones in Chrifts bofom j 
 
 and jhall gently lead them that dm with yomv or 
 
 j gvo*[mVi E Third- 
 
( *o) 
 
 Thirdly, Ohferve what the Baptifedare to learn 
 in Chr ills Schools. To ohferve all things I have 
 commanded you. 
 
 AH things: Namely pertaining to the King- 
 dom of God, or the State of theGofpel-Church, 
 or the Name and ProfefiTion of the Chrrftian Reli- 
 gion, A3s%. 12. 
 
 Which I have commanded: Not MoftS, Gal. 
 5.27. So many as are Bapti fed into Chrifi have put 
 on Chrifi to be their teacher, not Mofes', For the 
 Law wasgivenby Mofes, but Grace and Truth 
 came by Chrifi. Chrift unvails Mofes face, and 
 caftsoffwhatfoeverpertainedtothe vail, and fo 
 makes all things new, becauie more clearly re- 
 vealed. 
 
 All things* Which he fpake in his lie time, 
 and after his Refurreaion whilft he was upon 
 Earth: or more fully revealed after his Afcenfi- 
 o^Afts 1. i-Luke 24. 44- Either touching the 
 Mifteryofthe Father, and the Son, John 16.2$. 
 Col. 2. 2. Or the Miftery of the Churches Union 
 with Chrift, John 14. 20. Or the duty of the 
 Church to Chrift, and all her fellow Members: 
 what of Mofes Lw was to be abolilhed: what 
 things of Moral Equity to be continued: what 
 Ceremonies or outward ways of Worfhip to be 
 uledinfteadofCircumcifion, Pafsover, Sacrifi- 
 ces, Feafts, Temple, Priefthood, &c. So as yet 
 the Church might be ftill the School of Wildom, 
 a Temple of Divine Worfhip, a City of Saints.- 
 what kind of a Government ihould be ufed in his 
 Church, namely , Paternal and Fraternal > but not- j 
 Magifterial, Lordly, or Tyrannical, Mat.11.%, 4l 
 b\ 10,11, 12. What general Rules to beobfer- 
 ' ved 
 
K 51 J 
 ved in ordering particular and oecafional circum- 
 ftances belonging, but not eflentia'l to D'ivirre 
 VVorfhip, fo as the Name of Chrift be not taken 
 in vain, &c. Such like things as thefe fummarily 
 comprehended inFaith andLove.it appears by the 
 Apoftles writing and praitice,were the commands 
 of Chrift to them. 
 
 1 have commanded you: Chrift revealed his 
 whole mind touching his Church, firft to his A- 
 poftles, and committed it to them as a Depofitum 
 to be tranimitted to pofterity. As Mofes received 
 the pattern of all things in the Mount, but it was 
 a vailed pattern. So the Apoftles are in the 
 Mount with Chrift riien,and receive the unvailed 
 pattern of heavenly things themfelves. It was for 
 the honour of the Apoftles that Chrift gave his 
 commands firft to them, and by them to his 
 Church as his Internuntii, as Mofes wa's of old f 
 But it was alfo for their admonition to remember 
 they were not Lords of the Church to give com- 
 mands at their own will, but fo be faithful as 
 Mofes, of whom it was faid, As the Lord com- 
 manded Jo did he . 
 
 This word of Chrift committed as a Depofitum 
 to the Apoftles, was by them faithfully delivered 
 over to the firft Churches by preaching and wri- 
 ting, 2 Thef. 2. Be not troubled neither by fpirii 
 nor by word, nor by letter as from m ( that is ) we 
 have neither written nor fftoken fuch a Doflrine^ 
 Jude 5. Earnefily contend for the Faith once de' 
 livered to the Saints. 
 
 } The firft Churches delivered that word by 
 
 ^preaching arid fuffering to the next ages, and 
 
 with their preaching and iuffering they deliver- 
 
 E x eel 
 
( V ) 
 
 ed the Records ,Thatfo the Oral Tradition of the 
 Word might ever be tried by the Records, and 
 fo the truth preferved in the worft of times. As 
 Mofes left a Record of the whole Law to be kept, 
 Bern. 32.24,25,26,27. When Mofes had made 
 an end of writing the Law, he commanded the Le- 
 vites faying, Take this Boohjfthe Law, and put 
 it in the fide of the Jrk^of the Covenant for a Wit- 
 nefs,&c. And this reftored life in the Church, 
 when the people had forgotten the Law as in 
 Jofiahs time, and fo was a witnefs againft them of 
 their rebellions : Evenfo it is, and hath been in 
 the Gofpei-Church. This is the true Tradi- 
 tion. 
 
 Teach them toobferve allthings I have command- 
 ed. Baptifmdoth engage the baptifed to keep 
 all Chrifts command. They that rejeft Ch rifts 
 commands in effecT: deny their Baptifm. 
 r- Yreftrvation 
 The Keeping is 2 and 
 
 ,C Obfervation. 
 Obfervation is in all manner of the converfation 
 of the baptifed. The baptifed are prefervers alio 
 or confervatorsofthe truth of the Gofpel by their 
 gifts, authority , fufferings according to their 
 places : They are not only Cuslodes utriufotabuU, 
 but Cuflodes Evangehi. Thus the Church is the 
 keeper of the Oracles of God, and the pillar and . 
 ground of the truth. Firft in refpeft of the Mini- 
 ftry who are peculiarly charged to keep the Depo- 
 ft um, and to teach the baptifed : Secondly in re^ 
 fpea of Baptifm which engages the baptifed to^ 
 Chrift and his Miniftry. 
 
 Thus Chrift hath fully provided for the pre- 
 servation 
 
( 5? ; 
 
 fervation of his Truth, which was fignified in the 
 Old Church, where the Tabernacle ( the figure 
 of the Miftery of Chrift)was pitched in the midft. 
 The Priefts next about the Tabernacle, and the 
 body of the people next about them: A double 
 guard to preferve the Tabernacle. Thus it is in 
 the Gofpel- Church. 
 
 He that believes and is bap i fed jliallbe faved. 
 Wkofe fins ye remit, they are remitted. 
 Preach Repentance for Remiffion of Sins. 
 
 Thefe words have been confidered as a Dire- 
 ction in the exerciies of their Miniftry. To know 
 both what is the true Character of Church-mem- 
 bers. He that believeth and is baptifed with all 
 his. As alio in what efteem and repute to have 
 them, namely as perfons faved, and remitted,,that 
 is Minifterially brought into a ftate of Salvation, 
 and under the means, hope , and great poffibility 
 thereof. 
 
 It remains to confider thefe words as a promife, 
 which leads to the third part of this Commiffion. 
 
 That which our Saviour promifes is both in re- 
 lation to the Miniftry and the Baptifed. 
 
 i . To the Miniftry, It is a promife to confirm 
 in Heaven, what they do according to his will on 
 earth, and is as much as to fay, Whom ye wafh 
 Aheyfhall bewafhed, whom ye fave they fliall 
 be faved, whom ye remit on fuppofition of a con- 
 dition performed, (ball be remitted on the per- 
 fromanceofthat condition. 
 
 E 5 This 
 
 N.m\2 
 
( 54 ) 
 
 This was the time when our Saviour fulfilled 
 his Promife to Peter and the reft of the Apoftles, 
 Mat. 16. 18,19. 1 will give thee the keys of the 
 Kingdom of Heaven, and whatfoever thou (halt 
 bind on Earth {hall be bound in Heaven, &c. For 
 now after his Refurreaion this power is given to 
 open a door by Baptifm for all Nations to come 
 into the Church, as a pardoned and renewed 
 people, and to '(hut out whofoever rejedVthe 
 terms of Chrifts Baptifm as a re jetted people un- 
 der the guilt and condemnation o\ their own,and 
 forefathers fin. 
 
 For if it be demanded what fin is Miniftenally 
 remitted in Baptifm. The Anfwcr Teems to be 
 this : That Baptifm is a fign; fignifying the warn- 
 ing away of fin paft, and aflTuring it to them who 
 do unfeigned betake themfelves to Chrift, Rom. 
 -3. 25. God hath fet forth Chrift a Propitiation 
 through Faith in his Blood, to declare his rightc- 
 bufheis for Pvemiffion of fins that are ?4\ through 
 the forbearance of God. 
 
 The fins that are pa ft are either mens attual 
 fins, or the forefathers fin, which is not only the 
 tranfgrefiion of our firft Parents but of our Inter- 
 mediate Parents. So the fins of the Apoftate 
 Gentiles in their defeftion at the tower oT Babel 
 didjuftly keep out the Pofterity from being of the 
 Church of God, and the fin of the Jews in Cr uci- 
 jfying and rejeaing' Chrift doth juftly keep out 
 their children : which fin, is remitted both to 
 Tew and Gentile in them that come in to Chriny^ 
 and are baptifed, and the door of mercy opened - 
 to them. This-is plainly intimated in S- Peters ex- 
 hortation to be baptifed, Jets 2. 38, 59- compa- 
 ; « : • -■• red 
 
( iiJ 
 
 edwith?/. 56, j 7. $0 that not only that called 
 Original, but that which may be called National 
 fin of Apoftace forefathers, is remitted, with the 
 perfonal fins (if guilty in that refpeci:J,fo as 
 neither the one nor the other (hall be any more a 
 Bar to hinder the grace and mercy of Qod in 
 the means by God provided. 
 
 And for fins to come : Baptifm is a fign figni- 
 fying and teaching, That there is a fountain open- 
 ed for fin and for uncleannefs, a fountain of 
 blood , and a fountain of water : A fountain 
 of blood to cleanfe from the guilt of all fin 
 upon unfeigned repentance and turning to 
 God, 1 John 1. 9. & 2. i._>. If we con- 
 fefs our fin, God is Juft to forgive us our fins and 
 to cleanfe us from all unrighteoufnefs. Jf any 
 fin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jefus 
 Chrift the righteous, and he is the propitiation for all 
 our fins, 1 John 5. 16. There is a fin unto death , I 
 do not yet fay, That ye fhall pray for it. This is 
 written to perfons whofe fins w r ere before remit- 
 ted in Baptifm. 
 
 There is alio a fountain of living water opened 
 by the death of Chrift, fignified in Baptifm,ready 
 to flow forth as from a fountain unfealed, to fof- 
 tenthe hard and (tony heart to make the barren 
 fruitful, to ftrengthen, ftablifh and comfort 
 thole who betake themfelves to Chrift and third- 
 ingly defire it. 
 
 John 7. 37. He that believes in me out of his 
 
 fally Jljallflow Fivers of living Water, Rev. 22. 1 7, 
 
 f Whofoevcr will, let him take of the Water of Life 
 
 ' freely ) Rom. 8. 2. The Law of the Spirit of Life 
 
 in Chrisi Jefus hath freed me from the Law of fn 
 
 E 4 and 
 
( $6) 
 
 finddeatkyLu.il. i$- How much mors fall your 
 
 heavenly Father a^ive his fpirit to them watas^Jiimf 
 
 Thus as Chriftcame perfonally by Water and 
 Blood , lb he comes Minifterially by Water and 
 Blood to every one that believes, whereof Bap- 
 tifm is a teaching fign, and not only fo, but alio 
 a leal afluring the comfort of the Water and 
 Blood to every one whole conscience anfwers a- 
 r.ight towards God. 
 
 2. In relation to the Baptifed. Chrift promifes 
 in thele words, If they be fincere and with full 
 purpofe cleave to the Lord, he will do that for 
 tnem which is peculiarly his work, fo as they 
 fliall certainly be laved. They fhall enjoy the 
 power of that which is aclcd in the Minifterial 
 form :. Namely 
 
 i . The tranfa&ing the bufinefs of Remiffion of 
 fin at the throne of grace, by the application of 
 the blood of fprinkling for the quieting the 
 Conlacnce. Hcb: 10.22. Let us draw neer with 
 a true heart in full ijfurame of faith, having our 
 hearts sf>rinbkd from an evil Conference and cur 
 bodies wafkt with pure Water. 
 
 ? . The Adoption outwardly taught by fign to 
 be inwardly' fcaled by a fpirit of holinefs , 
 working a clnld like difpofition to God to call 
 him father, and .obey him as a fatKer, of which 
 work theCcnfcicnce bearing witnefs. This fpirit 
 of -Holincfs. which the fpirit ofQhrift . In us bears 
 witnefs with the conscience by a 'certain demon- 
 oration and undeniable conclufion, That we are 
 the Sons ofGoo 1 , and heirs of Glory Rem. 8. 16. 
 Thelpint if felf beaieth wimefs with cur fpirit 
 wtt we. are the Sons of God, and if Sons, then' 
 heirs. 3. The 
 
( 57 ; 
 
 ?. ThepofTeffion of the inheritance purchafed 
 in the firft fruits of peace and joy *, and then in 
 the fulnhfs at the Refurreftion and Being in the 
 place Chrift hath prepared for his. Heb. 3. 14. 
 We are made -partakers of Chrift, if We hold the 
 Beginning of our Confidence ftedfaft unto the end. 
 This beginning of our Confidence is our profeffion 
 in Baptifmjwhich if we hold faft, Chrift promifes 
 we (hall be partakers of all that work which is 
 peculiarly his in Regeneration, Remiflion, Adop- 
 tion and Glorification. 
 
 Tnis twofold work in Regeneration, ( as it 
 were two degrees) namely the Minifterial work, 
 and Chrift peculiar work feems to be intended by 
 our Saviour John. 3.5. Except a man be borne 
 of water and the fpirit he cannot enter ( that is 
 fiilly and abundantly enter as 2 Pet. 1. u.) into 
 the Kingdom of God. A man is born of water 
 in the Minifterial work , and fo Baptifm is the 
 Laver of Regeneration begun in the means and 
 outward (late of the Bapti(ed:But unlefs the Birth 
 of the fpirit come to it (the work peculiar to 
 Chrift ) the meerly Minifterial work will never 
 perfect the new man, no more than the female 
 can perfect a birth without the male,or a genera- 
 tion of mixt bodies of earth or water on! ; with- 
 out fire. And therefore our Saviour calls the B^p- 
 tifmal birth meerly confidered as the Miniftry 
 of Water to be but fle(h,weak,and cannot oj k felt' 
 attain fa! vation without the cooperation of Chrift 
 Jfcmfdf. That which is born of thefleOi is but flefh, 
 ,that which is borne of water ic> b^t waier : Or, 
 The Minifterial birth in Baptifm meerly as fo, 
 fignifies but the birth of a Chriftian in Repute, 
 
 under 
 
1 5? ) 
 
 unde? rneans and portabilities, but earn?!, as a 
 babe weak as water, apt to fall away, and oft 
 never comes to perfection : but when the work 
 of Chrift: himfelf comes,who only hath power on 
 the heart ofman^ thenafpiritural man is com- 
 pleatly brought forth even to perfection. 
 
 This faying a.lfo of S. Peter confirms all this, 
 I Pet. 2. 21. Bapifm faves m : not ( only) the 
 wajhing pf the filth oftheflefh (which is the exter- 
 nal form ) but theanfwer of a good confidence be- 
 fore God by the RefurreBion of Chrift f or the Spi- 
 rit of Chrift, whereby he role from the dead, 
 which is the power of Baptifm : And feems to 
 be kt forth by the day of Jelus Chrift, Philem. 
 I. 6. 
 
 Behold I am with yon always to the end of the 
 world. Amen. 
 
 To encourage the Miniftry in the work of 
 Planting and Watering ? Gathering and Prefer- 
 v ing his Church \ and tQ encourage the baptiied 
 to keep the firfl: Faith,unto which they were bap- 
 tjfed,and together with it to obferve the com- 
 mands of Chrift by the Apoftles. Our blefied Sa- 
 viour makes this general promife, Behold I am 
 With yon always to the end of the world. Amen. 
 
 For the dificovering the marrow ofi this great pro- 
 mifie, every Word would be fever ally weighed.. 
 And it would be covfidered, How it is fulfil- 
 led notwithstanding the many withdraw mgs of 
 Chrifl from his Church and Miniftry. 
 
 Behold : This precious promife is as a fountain, ' 
 fealed with two feals, The one at the beginning, 
 
 Behold 
 
( 59) 
 
 Behold, the other at the end, Amen. Behold feals 
 the Excellency, Amen the Certainty. 
 
 And Behold, or See. This is a word of Atten- 
 tion, Admiration,and Direction. 
 
 i . Heboid, and attend the Doctrine of this pro- 
 mife containing the great Miftery of the Union 
 of Chrift with his Church: As the Father is in 
 and with Chrift by his Word : So Chrift is in 
 and with his Church by his Spirit. 
 
 2. Behold, and admire the Providence ofChrift 
 oyer his Church. A wonderful thing it is that 
 the Miniftery and Baptifm of Chrift fhould be 
 preferved in all ages in the midft of iuch oppofiti- 
 ons and corruptions. 
 
 I. Behold, and fee by Faith Chrifts prefence 
 with you in your greateft trials. 
 
 /. In whom the nature of man is now raifed 
 and fpiritualifed, zCor. 5. 16. Though we have 
 known Chrift after thefleth under the legal types 
 and fhadovvs : yet henceforth know we him no more 7 
 after the flejh and a corporal prefence,but as afcend- 
 ed to the Father and a Mediator at his right hand, 
 made Lord of all, and as having obtained theTpi- 
 rit to be given to all that believe, Jew or Gen T 
 tile. 
 
 lam : Chrift is the fame yefterday, to day, 
 and for ever: Before Abraham wm ( he faith not I 
 ■•was, but) lam, John 8. 58. He was I am to 
 MofesRnd the people of Jfrael, Exod. 5. 12, 14. 
 The fame that he was to Abraham, to Mofes, to 
 'David, and the Old Church, the fame he is to the 
 Apoftles, Apoftolick Minifters and the baptifed 
 of the New Church , Jehovah blelfed for ever : 
 The ftrong God merciful and gracious, ready to 
 
 for- 
 
Ifa. 6c. i. 
 
 ( 60 J 
 
 forgive, but will by no means dear the rebellious 
 to whom all things and times are as prefent, Exo.. 
 
 34- ffo) 7- ' 
 
 W'tffr ?*#. Not in the prefence of my humane 
 nature, though now of natural made lpiritual: 
 For in refpeft thereof he goes away to pre- 
 pare a place for his Church whither to receive 
 them when he (hall come again, aebd in the mean 
 time the Heavens muft receive him all the right 
 hand of power. But he is with his Church, as the 
 Sun is with us, when he riles in the Morning, 
 though he is at a great diftance from us, by his 
 light and heat producing Reviving and Preierv- 
 ing all Sublunary things: And as the head is above 
 the body, yet is prelent with the body by an 
 Infeparable union, and an effeftual influence, to 
 govern, care lor 3 and watch over the body. 
 So Chrift though he was with his Church in the 
 oM Teftamentyet it was as 'night with them:. All 
 things were inobfeurity: But when he was riien 
 and afcended,now it was truly faid to the Church, 
 The glory of the L'vrd is riftn kpm thee. Chrift now 
 appears and is with hisChurch as the Rifing Sun, 
 fh-ining more and more to the -pexfett day,, and 
 though fometime clouded vet never any more 
 letting in obfeure darkneis. This our Sun and l\ead 
 is in our nature glorified in the Heavens, and is 
 with his Church by an infeparable union, and a 
 Conftant eificacy 3 which appears fpecially in two 
 things. 
 
 The influence of his Grace and Holy Spirit. 
 The Mwift 'ry i-o f 'his A-igcli \ 
 1. He is Wiifs'-hi-s Church by the Influence of his 
 
 Cjrace 
 
( 6i 1 
 
 Grace ,ingivingMinifterial gifts inordcr to believ- 
 ing and perfecting faith.- And in BlefTing the mini- 
 ftry to the Baptifed, that they may grow up as 
 willowes by the water courfes: This appears Eph. 
 4. 8, I i.&c. Whenhe afcendedup onbighhe gave 
 gifts to men. Some ApojHes fome Prophets , fome 
 Evangeliflsjfome Paftors and Teachers for the 
 perfecting the Saints, for the work of the Mini- 
 ftry,fcr the edifying the Body ofChrift,till we all 
 come in the unity of the faith and knowledg oftht: 
 SonofGodtoa perfect man. Chrift promifes a 
 Miniftry to the Baptifed, and gifts to the Mini- 
 ftry. 
 
 That is alfo a promifeto the Baptifed, //^y.54. 
 1 3. All thy Children fhall be taught of God, and 
 great fhall be the peace of thy Children: for the 
 Church there that is fpoken to is the Gofpel 
 Church to be gathered of Jew and Gentile,a fruit 
 of the travel of Chrifts foul mentioned Chap. 5 1 . 
 The Children of this Church are the Baptifed of 
 all nations, to whom Chrift is promifed to be a 
 Teacher, who is God bleffed for ever, and that 
 not only in an immediate way, but alfo mediately 
 by his Apoftles &c. by whole mouth he fpeaks, 
 and in whofe Miniftry his fpirit breaths, which 
 being bleft to the Baptifed ( the Children of the 
 Church) doth fettle a quiet and peaceable ftate 
 in their fouls and fills them with joy unfpeake. 
 ble. 
 
 So that as our Saviour faid of himfelf John 8. 
 29. He that fent me is with me. The Father hath 
 not left me alone, for I do always the thing that 
 pleafes him.- So the true Minifters of Chrift may 
 lay: He that hath lent me is with me Chrift hath 
 
 not 
 
( 6i) 
 net left trie alone, neither will he whilft I do the 
 things that pleafe him. . > 
 
 And the baptifed may likewife fay : He that 
 
 hath called me is with me, he will not leave me 
 
 alone whilft I do the things that pleafe him. He 
 
 that hath begun the good work in mutual Baptif- 
 
 , x mal engagements will perform it unto a day of 
 
 i inel„<5. pcr f e ^i on: faithful is be that hath called who 
 
 Pf*84, II. who Will alfo do it : He will be a Son and a Shield. 
 
 He will give Grace and Glory : And may take 
 
 Tf comfort in that precious promife and many of 
 
 a * 4I,I °' the like nature, ■ Jfa. 41. 10. Fear not, for lam 
 
 with thee, be not difmayedfor I am thy God : / will, 
 
 strengthen thee, I will help thee, yea I will uphold 
 
 thee by the right hand of my righteoufnefs. In a 
 
 word he is with them to teach and lead , to hear 
 
 and help them, 
 
 2. He is with his Church by the Mmiflry of his 
 Angels: For Chrift being exalted to the right 
 hand of power is become the head of all principa- 
 lity and power. All the Angels worfhip him, 
 afcend and defcend upon him, are at his com- 
 mand, and lent forth by him for the good of them 
 that fear God. Thus Chrift is with hispeople oft 
 times when they are not aware, ordering things 
 for their comfort fweetly, and ieafonablyy pre- 
 venting evils, fupplying neccflities, bearing off the, 
 force of a falling ftroke, delivering out of, and 
 lupporting under great Tcntations. The Scri- 
 pture records how he was thus withPeter deliver- 
 Aft 12 6 m § nira °P f of Prifon by an Angel, who, or fome 
 23. ' other, was fhortly after fent to Herod to finite 
 him, who put him in Prifon, Act; 12. 6, 25^ 
 Thus an Angel dire&ed Philip to meet the Eu- 
 nuch 
 
(«3 ) 
 
 tittch and when he had baptifed him took him a- 
 Way unieen to the Eunuch ^ and brought him to 
 Azotus y Att. 8. 26, &c. Paul by a night vifion Aft.8.26. 
 of an Angel was directed ro go into Macedonia 
 where he planted the Church of Philippe Acl. \6. Aft.16.9. 
 s>. And before he went to Corinth, Chrift encou- 
 raged him by a night vifion, laying, to him by the 
 Miniftry of an Angel, fear not and hold not thy Aft. i8.y, 
 peace, for I am with thee and no man (hall fet on io. 
 thee or hurt thee, Aft, 18.9, 10. SoChrift was 
 with him in his dangerous voyage at Sea in a 
 night vifion by an Angel, Alt. 27.23. The great 
 miftery of the times and feafons of the Church 
 was reprefented byChrift to John by the Mini- Aft.27.23 
 ftryof an Angel, Rev. 1.1. And Chrift is pre- 
 fent in the congregations of his people met in his Rev.1.1. 
 Name by the Miniftry of Angels, 1 Cor. 11. 10. 
 
 Thus Chrift is with his Minifters and faithful ] Cor - »« 
 people, by the influence of his own Spirit, and 
 the Miniftry of Angelical Spirits, whilft his hu- 
 mane nature is in Glory at the Fathers right 
 hand. 
 
 With you : By Ton i? meant the Apoftles them- 
 felvesto whom he fpake, as the firft branches of 
 the Vine of the Miniftry, and in them their law> 
 ful luccefTors, as their fons and heirs and prophe- 
 tical feed infifting in the fteps of their Doftrine 
 and Converfation. 
 
 1 John 4. 6. We (the Apoftles ) are of God, he 
 that knoweth God, heareth us, He that is of God 
 hearth not us : hereby know we the Spirit of Truth, 
 and the Spirit of Error. And fo the true luceefTors 
 'of the Apoftles iucceeded as their icholars in the 
 fame truth received from them. 
 
 2 Tim. 
 
 10. 
 
C 64 ) 
 
 Phili. $. 17. Brethren be followers together of 
 me, and mar\them who walk^fo as ye have m for 
 an 'Example ( that is J Thofe Teachers who make 
 us the Apofiles the frfl Fathers in the Muiiftry as 
 their -pattern andExample. 
 
 2 Tim. 2. 12. Thou myfon beflron^ in the grace 
 that is in Chrifi Jefus •, that is, the Mmifierial cal- 
 ling to fucceed the Aposlles as his [on : And to 
 continue this fuccejjwn. He rnuft commit the things 
 he had learned o/" S.Paul to faithful men that might 
 teach others for the Minifierial wor^ as their fons. 
 
 All the Baptifed are the Children, Scholars, 
 Difciples of the Apoftles and Apoftolical Mini- 
 ftry: But fuch as are not only Baptifed with wa- 
 ter, but alfo, with the Baptifm of Spiritual gifts, 
 whether more immediately or in the way of God- 
 ly education, thefe are more peculiarly the Sons 
 of the Apoftles, as the Sons of the Prophets were 
 of old. 
 
 The wox&you in the promife is as large as the 
 word je in the Command, Cjo ye jNhich was (hew- 
 ed before in a Comprehensive word. 
 
 As the word He in reference to the Baptifed 
 is Comprehenfive and fignifies a man in his politi-, 
 call capacity for him and all his: So the word ye 
 and you in reference to the Miniftry , comprehend 
 the Apoftles, and all their legimate Sons, their 
 propheticall feed. 
 
 That which may further illuftrate and clear 
 this,is the comparing of this beginning of Church- 
 hood in the new Teftament with that folemrt 
 Beginning in the old with Abraham: Which hath 
 fo much the more force, becaufe Abraham was. a< \ 
 Reprefentative Father to both Churches, not only 
 
 that 
 
r*5) 
 
 that of his own natural feed, but alfo of the feed 
 of the Gentiles to be grafted into his flock, and 
 counted to him for a generation, when the other 
 fhould be cut off, PfaL 22. 27. I fa. 49. 20.21. 
 22. and Rom. 1 1. 20. to 25. In which laft place 
 Thou and thee fignificthe Families of the Gentiles 
 adopted into A^W.rChurch-eftate inftead of 
 the Families of the Jews. 
 
 When the Lord took the feed of Abraham to 
 be his vifible Church, he founded their Church 
 eftate in theCovenant of circumcifion, whereby 
 they profefTed, and were engaged to keep the 
 Law ; arid in the covenant of the priefthood cald 
 the covenant of Levi, who was in the Loins of 
 Abraham, for the education of the circumcifed in 
 the Ordinances of the Law. 
 
 Thefe two Covenants were made with the whole 
 people oflfrael. being in Abrahams loins, an emi- 
 nent believer, their representative father. 
 
 And the fum and lubftance of this covenant 
 was expreft in a few Significant words. I am God 
 All-fufficient, walk before me, and be up- 
 right. 
 
 In like manner: In the founding of the Gofpek 
 Church : Our blefled Saviour, who is the God of 
 Abraham, Jfaac, and Jacob jhe beginning and the 
 end, the firftand the laft( having as it were re- 
 presented this whole Miftery in bis own perfori 
 by being firft baptifed with water, then with the 
 Holy Ghoft, in the power of which he went forth 
 to the. Mimfterial work ) founded the new 
 Church of the feed of all Nations, In a gapufmal 
 'Covenant, and a Ministerial Covenant . The Bap- 
 tifmal, to engage them to the Faith and Ordi- 
 
 F nances 
 
( 66 ) 
 
 nances of the Gofpel : The Minifterial to educate 
 them in the faith profefTed. 
 
 Thefe two Covenants ( in which confifts the 
 Church eftate of the Gentiles ) were compJeated 
 in tranfa&ing with the firft Fathers of the Mini- 
 ftry and the firft Baptifed. 
 
 The Baptifed, becaufe the Gofpel-Faith is to 
 be kept in the generations of the faithful, are re- 
 presented in the firft believers, eminent profeflors 
 of the faith firft given. 
 
 The Miniflry being a produft of the baptifm 
 oftheHoIyGhoft,orof Fire, is reprefented in 
 theApoftles, who were the firft baptifed with 
 the Holy Ghoft. 
 
 And laftly the fum of this Covenant or Cove- 
 nants is declared briefly and fignificantly to the 
 fame purpofe as that with Abraham, Teach them 
 toobferve all things I command you : what is that, 
 but walk before me and be upright? And Behold I 
 am with you : what is that, but / am God AH-f ef- 
 ficient ? 
 
 / am with you always : But doth not Chrift oft 
 withdraw his prefence/ J fa. 63. 10. They re- 
 belled and vexed his holy Spirit, therefore he 
 turned to be their enemy, and he fought againft 
 them, Hof. 5. 15. I will go and return to my 
 place till they acknowledge their offence, Dent. 
 1 2. 20. I will hide my face from them, I will fee 
 what their end will be,forthey are a veryfroward 
 generation, children in whom there is no faith. 
 3 Anfw. Chrift is with his Church in the great- 
 eft Apoftacies. He doth not fo withdraw himfelf 
 that he forgets to make good this word of his 9 
 
 For 
 
 1. He 
 
( o 7 / 
 
 i . He is prefent whilft he with draws his pre- 
 fence , becaufe he hath a merciful as well as a juffi 
 end in thofe withdrawings,to be a means to bring 
 them to acknowledge their offence. 
 
 2. Though he is not with his Church in their 
 Apoftatizing, yet he is with his Church under A- 
 poftacy, to fet bounds to it,that it deftroy not his 
 Church. 
 
 I. TheApoftacy of the Church is from the 
 power of Godlinefs, but never wholly from the 
 form, or outward face and appearance of the 
 truth, 2 Tim. i. 5. Having the form ofGodlinefs y 
 but denying the power thereof.And as the power at 
 the firft planting the Church brings in the form, 
 fo the form in reftoring the Church brings in the 
 power. 
 
 In the Jewijh Church, circumcifion, and the 
 priefthood which were the form or face of the 
 Jewifh Religion , with the Tables of the Law 
 were preferved in greateft Apoftacy and changes: 
 Circumcifion among the ten Tribes, as well as 
 the two, and Priefthood among the two tribes : 
 By virtue of which form there being both in Cir- 
 cumcifion and Priefthood an engagement to the 
 true God, and to his Law, there was now and 
 then a reviving and recovery. 
 
 In the Chriftian Church. A form of Miniftry 
 and Baptifm into the true faith with a profeffion 
 to educate children of the Church in the know- 
 ledge of the Creed, Lords Prayer, and Ten Com- 
 mandments, with owning the Scriptures of the 
 Old and New Teftament to be the Word of 
 • God, hath been preferved all along : And the 
 Miniftry that hath been continued in the Church, 
 F 2 fthg 
 
( 63 ) 
 
 the Roman, and other Churches ,was not like the 
 Miniftry Jeroboam fet up which had no bottom 
 at all of divine Inftitution , but was meerly Jero- 
 boams invention: But rather it was like the Mini- 
 ftery and P reifthood at the temple,when the Ions 
 of Aaron miniftred before the ldolls orworfhip- 
 ped Baal> as in the time of Jhaz., and Manaffeh: 
 For the Church of the Romans , and other Church- 
 es had a Miniftery firft planted by the Apoftles 
 and Apoftolike men, the form and face whereof 
 hath continued under many corruptions all along: 
 Which corruptions could not make void, either 
 the office and place of the Miniftery , or invali- 
 date the lawfull acts done by vertue of the office. 
 ThisformofGodlinefsorthe true Religion be- 
 ing never wholly apoftated from , becomes a 
 means by virtue of this promife to introduce and 
 reftore the power, as affording fome bottom for 
 Reformation to work upon. 
 
 4. The Apoftacy from the Power is only in a 
 prevailing faction in the Church,not of the whole 
 Body; Chrift doth always preferve a Remnant 
 accordingthe election of Grace Ifay. 10. 21,22. 
 The Remnant fhall returne - Though the number 
 of Apoftate Jfrael be as thefand of the Sea yet a 
 Remnant fhall returne -- Thefe are called the. 
 Holy feed: The heart of the oke which endures 
 when the faplings rot : And a tenth referved to 
 God. ffa.6.i}. In thofe is the life of the Minifte- 
 riall fpirit,and powerofBaptifm preferved. Thefe 
 are the two witnefTes prephecying infackcloth^ 
 who were in the form of the outward court name- 
 ly Miniftry andBaptifm but bore witnefs againft 
 the prophanations of the common worfhippers, 
 
 mixing 
 
( 6 9 ) 
 mixing the Heathen rites and manners withChrifti- 
 an forms, lb denying the power both of Miniftery 
 andBaptifm, which the two witnefles ftood for 
 all along, and at laft prevailed and will prevail 
 more and more. 
 
 5. Apoftacy prevails not all at once, but come? 
 on by degrees: In the beginning of Apoftacy, 
 Chrift prelerves his Church by i'uch as overcome 
 in the Churches and keep in their Communion; 
 as may be feen by all the Epiftles to the ieven 
 Churches of Afa\ But when Apoftacy is come to 
 the height, fo that Communion cannot be kept 
 without partaking of their fin. Chrift preferves his 
 Church by a Separation from Communion, and ga- 
 thering into a new Communion, but jo, That the 
 Holy Remnant do carry the Holy veflelsand 
 preifthood with them out of Babylon , in their 
 Return to Jerufalem 3 and are not to feeke to 
 begin their Churchhood^ I meane Miniftery and 
 Baptifmare not loft in their fpirituall Captivity 
 by the overgrown faftion of the baftard and Apo- 
 ftate Churchlings : As isalfo evident by the word 
 of Chrift referving to fuch times. Rev. 18. 4. 
 Come out of her my people , that ye communi- 
 cate not with her fin. Where it h to be obferved, 
 Firft, that he determins her Communion fn. Se- 
 condly that he calls them his people though they 
 were in Babylon and therefore they have the 
 Conftitution of Churchood with them namely 
 Baptifm and Miniftery, by the which they were 
 engaged to Chrift and enabled to proceed in the 
 faith, having thefacred Scriptures among them: 
 And thirdly, That he calls them to come put 
 namely tohimfelf^ #* having gone before them and 
 F 3 Re - 
 
(70 ) 
 
 removed his Glory and Prefence from the tent? 
 of Babylon, once the Refidence of his Beloved 
 Spoufe, now the feat of an obftinate and impu- 
 dent harlot. 
 
 Always unto the end of the world: It might be 
 more emphatically tranflated, All days, untill the, 
 coniummation of this age*, for the word Aioon 
 here ufed, fignifies the world in refpeftof its ages. 
 As the word Oicoumene is tranflated World in rer 
 ference to Inhabitants, Luke. 2. 1. And the word 
 Cofmosis the world of the univerfein refpett of 
 its beautifull frame, and the word This may be 
 conceived to be underftood to the word Age, be- 
 caufe it is elfe where added by way of diftinttion, 
 and explication from the world to come,or world 
 pf the Refurreftion. So our Saviour diftinguifhes. 
 Luke. 20, 34. 55. This world and that world, or 
 this age and that age ufing the fome word as here, 
 me aning by that age the world of the Refurretti- 
 pn, and S.Paul ufes the fame word to the fame 
 diftin&ion Eph. 1.21. Where he fays Chriftis 
 over all principalities not only in this world but 
 alfo the world to come : Meaning by the age to 
 come that called by our Saviour m S. Luke, that 
 world or the world of the refurreftion. So that 
 the end of the world here is the end of this prefent 
 cvill world, as tis called Gal. 1.4. as tis oppofed 
 to the future good world at the Refurrettion of 
 the Juft. 
 
 All days, fa fas Hemeras: This age, untill the 
 world to come, accounted from Chrifts coming, ' 
 cfpecially his Afcention,isufually called the times 
 of the Gofpel as oppofed to the times of the law, 
 and in that refpeft all things are faid now to be 
 
( 7* ) 
 new ( though another degree of newnefs is refer- 
 ved for the world to come ) But this preient 
 world, or age, or Gofpel-time is fet forth fome- 
 time by one age, wherein there are many days as v 
 here - , fometime by one day wherein is morning 
 noon , and evening and many hours: In both ex- 
 preffions is fet forth the variety of changes that 
 fhould happen in the preient ftate of the Gof- 
 pel. 
 
 Jill days until the Confummatkn-. That is,all the 
 days of peace, and all the days of trouble and per- 
 fection: all the days of purity and all the days of 
 defection .■ all the days of declining and all the 
 days of reftoring : All the days of the Churches 
 militancy,until all things are fulfilPd which theFa- 
 ther hath defigned to come to pafs in the difpen- 
 fation of the fulnefs of time in this age. 
 
 All days-. Thefe many days are fometime fet 
 forth by one day ,70/7.8.56. Abraham faw my day 
 and was glad. I fa, 4. 2. In that day fhall the 
 Branch of the Lord be Beautifull and Glorious 
 J fa, 11. 10. In that day (hall there be a root of 
 7<?/j which (hall (land for an enfigne to the peo- 
 ple, to it fhall the Gentiles feeke and Chap 12. 1. 
 In that day thou fhalt fay O Lord I will praife 
 thee} and Ch, 26, 1. In that day fhall this fong be 
 fung in the hand oijudah. And when this age is 
 fet forth by one day, fome things relate to one 
 part of the day, fome to another, fome things to 
 the funfhine part, fome to the Cloudy: Some to 
 Morning , fome to the Noon,fome to the Evenings 
 for this day hath no night : That place in Zach. 
 14. 5. 6. describes the Complexion of this day: 
 And may probably be the direct intention of the 
 F 4 place 
 
( 7* ) 
 
 place: How foever the words are a lively cxprefii- 
 oh of this thing. 
 
 And it foallcome to pafs in that day (the Gofpel 
 day ) the light jloall not be clear nor darf^: But it 
 jhall be one day hnoWn to the Lord, not day, nor 
 night : but it fhall come topafs that at evening time 
 it foallbe light. 
 
 This day we may fay did arife glorioufly in 
 Chrifts Refurreftion, the Apoftles preaching and 
 miracles,and the love of the firft Churches:But in 
 refpeft of the Jewifh Ceremonies which were iri 
 effecT ftanding,while the Temple flood, and fome 
 contending for them with Chrift to have them 
 both, fome contendiug for them againft Chrift 
 denying him to be the Meffiah: And in regard of 
 the hatred and perfecution of the Jews againft 
 their Chriftian brethren, and the perfecution of 
 Heathens afterward and moft of all in regard of 
 that great edipfe of light within the Church , 
 which P^///, that great Aftronomer of the Church, 
 foretold , 2 The/. 2. and is del'cribed by St John 
 in the ReveUtion,hy the woman in the wildernefs, 
 two witnefTes clothed in fackcloth, and,the Vir- 
 gin ccmpanyof leafed ones:I fay in regard ofthefe 
 things it may well be fa id that the light was nei- 
 ther clear nor dark, not day nor night. But in 
 the evening of this day, the light fhall recover to 
 the Glory it had at firft rifmg, and far greater the 
 light fhall fhine to a perfect day without clouds, 
 ftorms, eclipfes. 
 
 Thus Chrift promifes to be with his Church 
 all this day, or all thefe days, not as if there were 
 a time when he fhould ceafe to be with them} but 
 the Argument holds a fortiori ;U he be with them 
 
 v 
 
( n ) 
 
 in the dark times of the day much more in the 
 evening when all clears up: For after the ftormy 
 and cloudy time of this day is over, there will be 
 a glorious evening, but no Sun fet,as it is written 
 Jfa. Co.io. Thy Sun Jhall no more go down , neither 
 fhallthy Moon withdraw it [elf: for the Lordfhallbe 
 thine Ever I afling light, and the days of thy mourn- 
 ing (I] all be ended. 
 
 Vntil the finijlung up of this age or end of the 
 world: The full end of the world is that the A- 
 poftle fpeaks of i Cor. 15. 24. When Chrift hath 
 delivered up the Kingdom to his father with a full 
 Account of his Mediatorfhip. But the end of the 
 world may be taken for the things to be done in 
 the evening of the Gofpel-day, which is the finifh- 
 ing up-of the Gofpel-Miftery in the difpenfation 
 of the fulnels of times for the gathering or ium- 
 ming up all things in Chrift. Eph. 1. 10. In which 
 evening ( which (hall be very light ) this Com- 
 rhiflion of Chrift (hall be fo far from ceafmg,that 
 it ihall come to its greateft vigour, as may appear 
 by the Glorious things fpoken in the Scripture of 
 the evening of the Gofpel-day contemporary 
 with it. As the Rejoycing of the Apoftles and 
 Prophets at BabyUns down faW^Rev. 1 i.2o.Chrifts 
 appearing to the Jewes. Mat. 24. 50. If a* 66. 1 9. 
 The mourning of the tribes Rev. 1. 7. Zach. 12, 
 16. 11. And' the gathering the eleft and dif- 
 peried Jewes into Chriftian bodies , and aftem- 
 blies. Ifa. 66.19. 2o.2i. 22. If a. 1iyi2.16.Ifa. 
 27. 12,1?: The reftoring the Kingdom to Ifrael, 
 .with the ending of their long Captivity. Times of 
 refrefhing and a day of Redemption is promifed 
 
( 74 ) 
 jffi. ;. 19, 20,21. Lttfy. 24. 28. with verfe 24. 
 The new Jemfalem which probably may be the 
 Church of the Jews coming forth again in the 
 fulnefs, as it was in the firft fruits in Atis. 2. 41. 
 42. And according to the firft emblem,A woman 
 clothed with the Sun, The Moon under her feet 
 and a crown of twelve ftars on her head •&??/. 1 2. 1 . 
 Jlev. 21. 1,2. The mariage fupper of the Lamb, 
 when none fhall be admitted that hath not on the 
 wedding garment. Rev. 10. 7. 8. 9 
 
 The new Heavens and new Earth wherein 
 dwells Righteoufnes, which probably figmfies a 
 through Reformation of all things in Church and 
 Common wealth both among Chriftian, Jews 
 and Gentiles. 2 Pet. 5. 13. 
 
 The Kingdoms of this world to be the King- 
 doms of our Lord and his Chrift, and he to raign 
 for ever without any more Scruple or difturbance 
 Rev. 15. 11. 
 
 Concerning which and much more we may fay 
 asP/ 87. 5. Glorious things are fpokenof thee, 
 thou city of God: For the preparing materialls, 
 building and finifhing whereof, Chrift hath given 
 forth this Commiflion, and will revive it in the 
 times and feafons thereof when it hath lien, as the 
 book of the law in the Temple as dead, and 
 forgotten to the putting the Miniftery upon their 
 true and proper work, with new vigor in the 
 power and demonstration of the fpirit, and the 
 Baptifed on a due remembrance of their Baptis- 
 mal! covenant for growing up in faith and love, 
 which is in Chrift Jefus. And this leads to the 
 concluding word of this Commiflion. 
 
 Amen. It began with peace be to you, and ends 
 
 with 
 
with Amen,a$ being a teftimony of Chrifts great- 
 eft love and our greateft happinefs to enjoy a 
 Miniftery of Reconciliation: That God is pleafed 
 to treat with us Enemies and Rebels, and to pro- 
 pound termes of peace to us firft when we fought 
 it not 
 
 Amen-. This is the fecond feale to the promife, 
 Jamxvithyon for Confirmation, as the other was 
 for Attention, and it is to be conceived as'a feale 
 both on the behalf of Chrift and the Baptifed,as 
 parties in the Covenant.OnChrifts part it fignifies 
 verily it fhall be fo: On the part of the Baptifed it 
 fignifies,Beit fo-, which implies an AfTent of faith, 
 and a Prayer of faith. And it is the fame with that 
 clofe of all Rev. n. 20. He that teftifieth thefc 
 things faith furely I come quickly Amen. Even 
 fo come Lordjefas. 
 
 A 
 
( 16) 
 
 A Paraphrafe of the whole. 
 
 OTe my beloved Difciples, whom I 
 have hitherto ken instructing to, 
 and preparing for the Kingdom of God: 
 Know ye that I h wing done my Fathers will 
 upon Earth in the frailty of humane nature. 
 The time is come that ?ny Father perform 
 his promife to be for my Exaltation and 
 Glory in this World-find the World to 
 corner which he intends to bring on by fe- 
 ver I heps and degrees unto the full accom- 
 •plifbwz of all things promifed, or foretold 
 by the Prophets. lam already invejled with 
 thspolfejfionofthat univerfal power from 
 the Father tok chief Monarch in Heaven 
 and Earth. Jnd do now enter upon the gra- 
 dual execution thereof, of which I {hall give 
 you three evident Demonftrations whdft I 
 am here upon Eeartk Fir ft, In that I am 
 rifen and have thereby overcome death. Se- 
 condly, Inthat /Shall fend forth a Mini- 
 (try to reconcile the fVorld to God, and re- 
 scue them out of Satans bonds. Thirdly, In 
 that Ijhall afcend to my Father in your open ^ , 
 view and triumph as a Conqueror over the 
 powers of darknefs, Other Demonftrations 
 
 V - 
 
( 77 ) 
 
 of it {hall appear wh^n J am fate down at my 
 Fathers right hand. 
 
 In the meantime : Behold I appoint and, 
 Ordain yon an holy Go (pel Miniftry injlead 
 of the Priefis and Levites, Ifa. 66.21. and 
 in you as Fathers and Heads of the Tribes- 
 of the Goflel-Church . Thofe whom I fhall 
 endue I [hall end'ie with fliritual gifts ( as 
 /have done andjh all do to you) an fwer able to 
 what ferv ice I j\ hall call them to, to be as 
 your fons, and an holy feed under your tu- 
 ition and education. And to you and them . 
 reflectively in every age I fay , 
 
 Go ye forth asyejhall fee the providence 
 of God to leadyou : And let your firfi work 
 be to convert Infidels to become my Difciples. 
 To which end you fh 'all preach to them this 
 glad tidings of great jfoy,that I the Saviour 
 of the IVorld,the Meffiah promiftd am come 
 into the fVorld, was Dead, and am Alive : 
 And have by my death removed the JVall of 
 Separation twixtjfew and Gentile, and have 
 obtained of my Father that the families of 0- 
 ther Mat ions as well as thofe of the feed of 
 Abraham /W/ bebl si in b.ingthe Church 
 and people of God, and in a fate of falvati- 
 on y If they will teftife their belief in the 
 Meffiah Joy being baptiftd they, and all theirs, 
 and thereby engage to become new Creatures, 
 and to that end becowefubject to my Mini- 
 fry. Upon 
 
r 78; 
 
 Upon the hearing of which good means, 
 many will rejoyce and readily receive the 
 Word : many will neglect, dejpije, and mock 
 at it. Allthofe that readily receive it yejhall 
 wajh with pure water, men and women, old 
 and young-, into the name, profejfion y and Re- 
 ligion of the Father, Son and Holy Ghofi,the 
 proper Characters of the QhriHian Religi- 
 on , sind being fo B apt i fed or wajh ed, ye (hall 
 account them my Difcifles in a fate of Sal- 
 vation, fet apart to eternal life, Saints by 
 calling, an holy Nation , a peculiar people, 
 that have put off the old Man, and put on 
 the new, by profejjion and engagement: dnd 
 as they jh all be esteemed by you a faved peo- 
 ple, fo you /hall promife to them in my Name ', 
 that perfevering according to thofe begin- 
 nings with a good Confcience anfwering the 
 frftprofeffion, they (ball be faved from the 
 wrath to come y and have a portion in the Re- 
 fur recfion of the ju ft. 
 
 j4nd to the end my Church thus begun, 
 may be preferved and continued in the faith 
 to the end of this world : Jnd that nothing 
 be wanting to promote the falvation of my ' 
 Difciples^ The Baptifm thus begun you (hall 
 continue in the feed of the first Believer s y 
 keeping the faith from generation to genera- 
 tion, whereby th?y being engaged to learn the* 
 truth from the beginning of their days may 
 
 be 
 
K19) 
 be partakers of a godly education in the 
 Churchy which I (ball provide for them for 
 the feeding my JLambs and my Sheep : which 
 is this. 
 
 The things which I have commanded you- 
 touching the Kingdom efGod, you fh all de- 
 liver to faithful men both byword and wri- 
 ting, who may be able to teach others alfo y o- 
 thers /fay, like faithful men in a continual 
 Jutceffton, as a Seminary for my Minifiry , 
 amongwhom the truth may be carefully pre- 
 fer 'ved, both in f acred writings and continual 
 preachings. And my will is that out of fuch 
 faithful men fome be continually chofenthat 
 may attend the teaching the B apt if ed feed of 
 the faithful, the Truths w herein they them- 
 f elves have been instruffed y and whereof they 
 are firmly perj waded ; And alfo exercife a 
 fatherly over fight over them, for the helping 
 their Faith, and foy, and lead them forth as 
 my Sheep to the green Tafiures and IVaters 
 of comfort in greater and lefier Affemblies. 
 
 For as the need of my Church is more ge- 
 neral, or more particular-, both for provi- 
 ding a Afiniflry, and for the exercife of it to 
 the greateft benefit of my peopled o I have ac- 
 cordingly given diverfity of offices & employ- 
 ments : Some as Apoftles and fir fi beginners 
 'of the work in any place-, but especially fuch 
 as were witneffes of my Refur reft ion. Some 
 
 Pro- 
 
( 8o) 
 
 Prophets to difcovermy mind in fomef feci- 
 all cafes and times, to direli and encourage 
 the work : Some Evangelifts to carry on the 
 work begun in Preaching-, and Propagating 
 the Gofpel, taking care the depofited truth 
 may be preserved, faithful men inflrucled to 
 the Mini ferial work,and overjttn and kept 
 to their work, andfo to water th: first Plan- 
 tations, in certain leffer circuits t fome Pa- 
 flors and Teachers, that may confiantly attend 
 m every particular Ajfembly. 
 
 In which order And cafe to obferve my 
 commands, Behold I will pour my fpirit up. 
 onthefeedof the faithful, and my bleffing 
 upon their oftfpringy and they /ball grow up 
 as PVillows by the water courfes : And the 
 Spirit of Prophecy, or teaching the truth 
 f j all not depart out of the mouths of your 
 feed, the Sons of the Proph.ts,nor their feeds 
 feed,fo long as a Mimftry is needful for my 
 Church. 
 
 And although lam abfent in body until my 
 fecond appearing, yet will Ibeprefent in my 
 fpirit to relieve,rejoyce and flablifh my people 
 though many days of tribulation and variety 
 of changes attend th J .m during thtir wildtr- 
 nefs-condition : yet I will never leave nor 
 for fake the little Remnant that fear my 
 Name. Jmen, 
 
( Si ) 
 But as for fuch as Receive not my Word 
 of Mercy, and Salvation tendred by you and 
 refufeto become my Difcipks, and will not 
 enter into a Baptifmal Covenant with me : 
 or having entred do apostate from the Faith 
 no f fled. Toiifljall account thtm as out of 
 my Church, not in a pte of Salvation, who fe 
 fins are Hill retained: Jndifthey fo con- 
 tinue and repent not , as Perfons wholly re- 
 jected and condemned. 
 
 From this Commiffion thm underftood, ma- 
 ny Conclufions ofChnftian Doctrine may 
 be gathered and many Cafes and Queft ions 
 rejolved: The meditation hereof may be 
 commended to all that defire rioht Noti- 
 ons of God, of his Love and Pity to fal- 
 len Man, of the way of dijpenfwg his 
 Grace and Mercy to the fons of men, of 
 bisjPuftice in rejecting impenitent fm- 
 ners : Of the Church, of the Miniflry, of 
 the Sacraments, &c. It fhall fuffice to 
 give fome few Inflames only, and that ra- 
 ther as fearching after Truth than as ha- 
 ving found the Depth of it. 
 
 1 • T TEnce we may obferve the truth and ufe- 
 
 JL-L fulnefs of that diftinftion of a general 
 
 and particular or perfonal Reconciliation ; or in 
 
 G other 
 
( 82 ) 
 other terms a Reconciliation of our nature, and a 
 Reconciliation of our perfons: Both are fpoken 
 of, Rom. 5. 10. 2 Cor. 5. 18, 19. 20. For the Re- 
 conciliation, when we were enemies, was done m 
 our nature, in the Perfon of Chrift by his Deam 
 Job. i 7 .4- in a tran f a aion twixt the Father and Chrift vine 
 Reconciliation of our perfons, whereby we our 
 fclvcs arc become friends and lovers ot God is 
 done in our perfons by the power of Chrifts Re- 
 furreftion in us by a tranfaaion twixt Chrift and 
 us in the Miniftry of Reconciliation. This isillu- 
 ftratedby this Commiffion ; for here Chrift ha- 
 ving made atonement in our nature by his iacri- 
 fice, and confecrating mans nature again to God 
 as a fruit of this and his riling from the Dead , he 
 fends forth a Miniftry of Reconciliation to per- 
 iwade men personally to be reconciled to God. 
 Hence the mediation of Chrift conhfts chiefly in 
 three things. Firft, His confecrating our nature 
 to God. Secondly, in perfwading mens perions 
 to return to God. And thirdly , in preienting 
 them fo reconciled by his continual Intercefuon, 
 Col. 1. 20, 21, 22. Having made feace through the 
 blood of his Crofs, It f leafed the Father by him to 
 reconcile ell things to hmfelf (there is the re- 
 conciliation of our nature) And you that were 
 fometimes alienated and enemies m your* mind by 
 wkhd worj^yet now hath he reconciled (there s the . 
 Reconciliation of our perfons ) to frefent yon ho- 
 ly andnnblameable in bis fight ( there s his Inter- 
 
 ceiTion. ) , r r 
 
 2. Hence we may have a very fair and late 
 
 notion about Gods Eletfion,and RejeaiomFor 
 
 wdttsay conceive it in reference to our nature, 
 
 3 and 
 
fin 
 
 and in reference to our perfons. The nature of 
 man, as it was in the fecond Adam, JefusChrift 
 was cbofen to have Communion wirh God:, and as 
 it was in the firft Adam rejected. In reference to 
 particular perfons Eletlion and Reunion is to he 
 conceivedofus asthe refult of the Mmiftery of Re- 
 conciliation 2 Cur. 2. 1 6. To the one we are the Sa- 
 vour of death, and unto death, to the other the Sa- 
 vour of Life unto Life. Thofe that receive the 
 Gofpel are called elect, laved thofe. that refufe, 
 are called Condemned and Rejected. Now the 
 Elecl and Rejeft on account of Preaching the 
 Gofpel are under a double confideration of com- 
 mon and -peculiar \ 
 
 There is a Common or more General Election 
 of all that profeiTedly recieve the Gofpel, Be- 
 leive, and are Baptifed , or profefs to Believe 
 and become new Creatures. Thefeall are chofen 
 to the ftate of vifible Churchood and to the hopes 
 and poffibilities of eternal life. This Eleftion 
 is all one with the outward calling and vifible A- 
 doption-Asin the old Teftament Exod. ip. 6. 
 DeHt.rj. 6. The Jews were an eletl; nation and 
 other nations rejetJ. In the new alio whole Church- 
 es were eleft, which is meant of their being repu- 
 ted a people of God having a name to live in the 
 Judgment of other Churches 1 Pet. 5. 1 ? . The 
 Church that is in Babylon co-eleft with you: And 
 the Elecl Lady andthine eleclfifter 2 John.znd. 1 3 . 
 And when the Apoftle fays 1 Thef. 1 4. He 
 knew their Election. This muft needs be meant of 
 that which is more Common, approving and own- 
 ' ing them a people vifibly adopted , and 2 Pet. 1 . f 
 10. OUing and Election, are put both for one 
 G 2 thing 
 
( U) 
 
 thing, and that 'which is common to all the Bap- 
 tifeci}for this common EUElion gives only poftibili- 
 ties,not a certainty ofialvation, but may be im- 
 proved to certainty, which is the realbn why the 
 Apoftlcs do fo much prels Chriftians, whom they 
 caiieiec1,called,fan&iried, yet not to prefume but * 
 take heed they fall not away, and look on them- 
 ielves as under conditional promiies. 
 
 There is a more peculiar Election of thofe who 
 {hail certainly be faved-. This is an Election in ap- 
 parition to hypocrites and meer formal prolef- 
 lors,of them it is faid 2 Tim.2.. 1 . The foundati- 
 on of God ftands fare, and hath this leal, the Lord 
 knoweth them that are his. This is fet forth in 
 Sznptuccty a. Recant according to the Election 
 cfyr.ia, though the number of meer formal pro- 
 feffors be as the land of the Sea Rom. 11. 4. 5. 
 Here.thereis a fuperabundancy of grace and here 
 is that abundant or rich entrance into the 
 Everlafting Kingdom of Chrift 2 Pet. 1. 11. O- 
 thers are in the porch , but thefe enter into the 
 mod Holy. This Election differs from calling Mat. 
 22. 14. Many are called but few chofen. This 
 diflinction is grounded on this Commiflion, He 
 that Believes and is Baptifed,in refpeS of the out- 
 ward form and profeffion, fh all be laved, that is 
 he (hall be reputed in a laved ftate, among the 
 liivcu ones or one of the vifible Church: But he 
 that believes and is baptifed in the power of that 
 profefiion iliail be certainly faved or one of the 
 peculiar Elect, which is true of all that die pre-, 
 fenily after a fincere lubmitting to Baptifm : and 
 t< ofe that fight the good fight to theend . 
 Hence a durance of Salvation,, or :of a peculiar 
 
 Election 
 
( h ) 
 
 Election and Adoption,arif es from the witnefs of- 
 the confcience touching the power of that we 
 profefs, which if it bear a true witnefs, the Spi-r 
 ritof God in the world makes one part of trie 
 Argument and witnefTes with our conlcience in 
 the conclufion, thus, 
 
 He that unfeigned I y believes in the Lord Je- 
 fus, and is waiht from fin, in fu}l purpoie and re- 
 al indeavour (hall be faved from the wrath to 
 come. 
 
 This is the witnefs of the Spirit of Ghrift in 
 the Word, but I do unfeignedly believe,c>c. This 
 is the witnefs of the confcience,or our Spirit. 
 
 Therefore I fhall be faved. This conclufion is 
 more than the voyce of our Spirit. It is the voyce 
 of our fpirit from concurrence with Gods Spirit 
 fpeaking in his Word : And if the Minor propo- 
 rtion be true, the conclufion is as firm, as if the 
 name of the perfon were written to the promife 
 of Salvation : So aflurance is gathered from, 
 2 Pet. i . i o. 
 
 He that is fure fhall not fall away, hisCalling 
 and Election is made fure and {hall certainly be 
 faved. 
 
 I am fure I fhall not fall away, Therefore my 
 Election is fure. 
 
 The Minor Propofition is proved thus. 
 He that doth thefe things foall never fall away. 
 I do the [e things ■) 
 Therefore fjhall never fall away. 
 
 Thus the Spirit of God witnefTes with our fpi- ; 
 
 rit that we are the children of God, Rom. 8.16. 
 
 G 3 But 
 
(8<5) 
 
 But this whole afTurance depends upon the truth 
 of the witnefs of our fpirit, which S. Peter calls 
 the Anfwer of a good Confeience y i Pet. i . 2 1 . 
 
 Whence it alfo follows, That the way to get 
 afTurance of falvatiouis to get and keep a good 
 confidence : And according to the truth of the 
 Teftimony of my confeience , fo our afTurance is 
 weak 3 or ftrong,fomething or nothing, 1 John 3. 
 19,20, 21. If our confeience condemn us not 
 then have we boldnefs before God. 
 
 But if the teftimony of confeience be clear and 
 good : The fpirit of Chrift doth not only witnefs 
 together with our fpirit 3 but doth fuperadd a 
 feal, and an earneft, enabling the foul to make 
 more conclufions of comfort peace and joy : If 
 I am a Son, then an Heir, an Heir together with 
 Chrift : Then God loves me as Father, I may go 
 to him with boldnefs. He is the God of peace to 
 me : All things (hall work together for the heft. 
 I may rejoyce in tribulation, nothing (hall fepa- 
 rate me from his love, yea my flefh fhall reft in 
 hope. Thusthe5piritofGod in the Word, and 
 the Spirit of Chrift with "the confeience is as a 
 voice from Heaven, faying to the foul lam thy 
 falvation. Fear not , / am thy God y and the joy and 
 xa.41, inward peace is an earneft y being a fir ft fr nit of 
 (jlory and Eternal Life. 
 
 As the promife ( He that believes and is bap- 
 tifed fhall be faved ) is conditional-, and fo makes 
 aprofefforoftheFaithtobecalled ElecT only in 
 refpecl: of the poflibilities in the means of grace 
 which he is under. And this conditionality is 
 brought to a certainty, and abfolutenefs when 
 the heart is ftablifh'd, and the confeience gives 
 
 a right 
 
( 8 7 ; 
 
 a right anfwer as was noted before: So the 
 threatningof rejection (He that Belie veth not 
 fhall be damned) doth imply that there is fuch a 
 Rejection as is not abfolute, but only argues the 
 prelent ftate of the perfon, who notwithftanding 
 may afterward repent and be of the Church, or 
 being a profefTor only in form, may become fe- 
 rious and fincere ; And that there is a Rejection 
 which is abfolute and irrevocable •, and the per- 
 fon fo rejected, fealed unto deftruftion : A di- 
 fpenfation frequently mentioned in the Scripture 
 with the leal of it, hardnefs, blindnefs and a re- 
 probate fence, Tfd. 95. 1 1. To whom I fware in 
 my wrath that they flwuld not enter into my reft. 
 Mz.eki. 24. 1 \ ■ In their flthinefs is hardnefs , becaufe 
 I would have purged thee,and thou waft not purged, 
 thoujhalt not be purgedfromthy flthinefs any more 
 till I have caufed my fury to reft upon thee, Ifa. 6. 
 9,19,11. John 12. 37. Therefore they could 
 not believe becaufe Ifaias faith, he hath blinded 
 their eyes, fo Eph. 4. 19. PfaL 81. ll, 12. Rom, 
 2. 2 3, 24. And this is a fentence of condemnati- 
 on for contempt of mercy in Gods way after 
 vifus of the grace of God. 
 
 3 . This Commiflion leads us to the understand- 
 ing of the New Covenant and its difference from 
 the Old, or abrogated Covenant of works. The 
 .New Covenant is apparently to be conceived un- 
 der two tranfa£lions. 
 
 Thefirft between the Father and the Son. 
 
 The fecond between Chriftandm. 
 The tranfaaion ( as it may be called for want 
 of a better word J between the Father and Son 
 is called by S. Taut the miftery of Goci the Fa- CoL 2% 2. 
 G 4 ther 
 
f 88 ) 
 
 ther and of Chrift. And by way of Explication 
 called, the love of God the Father, the grace of 
 the Son and Communion of the Spirit , in the 
 fundamental tranfaftion : though the Apoftle 
 may fpeak of it rather as in their Applications to 
 us,2 Cor. 1 5. 14/Die love and mercy of the Father 
 is the fountain of all this divine tranfaftion, (for 
 he hath faved us not according to our works but 
 according to his own purpoie and grace which 
 was given us in Chrift Jefus before the world be- 
 gan 2. Tim. 1. 9. ) His Love did fet his manifold 
 wifdom on work to make a law for mans Redem- 
 ption, and defign a mediator. This Law was as we 
 may partly conceive ( for we know but in part 
 in fo great Mifteries) That he that muft reftore 
 man fallen from the Law of his creation,muft pre- 
 lent the nature of man to God Holy and without 
 fin, muft overcome Satan in all his Temptations, 
 muft bear the infirmities and calamities mans 
 nature is fubjeft to,by reafon of fin, yea unto the 
 bearing the curfe, dying the death,and muft over- 
 come death,and communicate a new fpirit of Ii'e, 
 like to that that is in the Mediator to all thofe of 
 the Children of the firft Adam that are willing to 
 be reftored. 
 
 • This law of the mediator Chrift declares him- 
 felf willing to do in the body or humane nature 
 Beb. 10. 5. 7. When he is fet forth as coming 
 into the wprld he faith facrificeand offering thou 
 wouldftnot, but a body haft thou fitted me. Then 
 I faid, Io I come to do thy will O God. And tis 
 added Tf. 40. 8. Thy law is in my Heart. • 
 
 This was the grace of our Lord Jefus Chrift 
 That he fcrfeHly fulfilled the Law of the Mediator 
 
 fey 
 
(8?) 
 
 by defending & afcending;by defending he hath 
 pur an end to the rigorous exa&ing of the Law 
 of Cieationupon mans nature: And by his Amen- 
 ding he hath lent forth a new Life like unto his 
 Life, to be communicated to any of the children 
 of men that are willing to receive it,in and by the 
 Miniftery of Reconciliation. 
 
 The fecondtr an faction in the new Covenant is 
 ftith us, which may be cald the Golpel-covenant. 
 Being the termes required of us that we may be Ac?-, 13, 
 aved by Chrift: As Chrift fulfilled this Iaw,fo we 39- 
 *mft fulfill our law,and then we friall be juftified 
 rom all things through him, from which we can- 
 lot be juftined by the Jaw of our creation in 
 )ur felves, A3. 13. 39. 
 
 Now this G off el-neve- Law is in this Commiffwn: 
 Te that Believes and is Baptifed (hall be laved: 
 Te that Believes not, (hall be damned. He that 
 )beys this law doth come under a new law of 
 jrace to be governed by, and is freed from the old 
 aw of creation fo far as it was rigorous, but not 
 s it wasrighteous.^ow.6.14. Sin (hall not have 
 lominion over you for ye are not under the law 
 >ut under grace Rom. 8. 4. The righteoufnefs of 
 ]helawmuftbefulfilledinthem that walk after 
 ihe fpirit. 
 
 1 Faith and Haytifm are the Conditions of the new 
 Covenant on our^art^for the obtatmptr the be~ 
 nefit of Chrift stranfaEFibn With the Father for 
 us. 
 
 A little to clear this. 
 1 Obferve, 1 . That faith fmce Chrift afcending 
 ito Heaven hath refpeft to the doctrine of the 
 ,'ather, Son,and Spirit, as now fully revealed and 
 
 is 
 
( 9°) 
 
 isexpreft in the creeds. We muft believe the 
 Love of the Father, the Grace of out Lord Jefus 
 Chrift and the Communion of the Holy Ghoft, i 
 wc defire to partake of that Love , Grace anc 
 Communion, i. Joh. 4. 16. We have known anr 
 believed the Love God hath to us, And v. 8.9 
 In this was the Love of God manifefted becaufc 
 he fent his only Begotten Son into the world,tha 
 we might live through him.Herein is love,not thai 
 we loved God but that he loved us, and fent hi: 
 Son to be the propitiation for our fins.- i'o thai 
 Wc muft Believe that Love God had to us,\vhcn w< 
 were enemies'. It hath reference to the Reconciliatiot 
 made in our nature before we are perfonally recon- 
 ciled. 
 
 Obferve fecondly, That Baptifm is put in hen 
 to the condition,as fignifiying the fame thing witl 
 repentance, a new Creature, being born again 
 putting ofTthe old man, and putting on the new 
 Mark. 2. 15. Jefus preacht, Repent and Believi 
 the Gofpel. John. 3.5. 2. Car. 5.17. Whofoevei 
 is in Chrift is a new creature Ail:. 26. 18. Pan; 
 was fent to the Gentiles, to turn them from the 
 power of Satan unto God, that they may receive 
 RemifTion of fins: No Remifiion of fin without i 
 New Creature at leaft in the willingnefs and pun 
 pofe. Luke. 24. 47. Repentance and RemirTioi- 
 muft be preacht together in ChriftsName. Nov 
 Baptifm as it is the Aft of the Minifter is nothing 
 elfe but the Preaching Repentance and remiffior. 
 of fin, by a fign of water and fignificant aclions 
 And as it is received by the Baptifed it is a pro 
 ieffion of a willingnefs to be made new Creatures 
 that fo he may receive remiflion of fin. 
 
 4- Ai 
 
( 9» ) 
 
 4. As this commiflion fTiews upon what terms 
 the new covenant was tranfa&ed twixt the Fa- 
 ther and Son, namely the Sons performing the 
 Law of the Mediator : And the terms on which 
 it istranfacled twixt Chrift and us, namely Faith 
 and repentance*, or to be new Creatures,that we 
 may partake RemifBon of fin and Adoption: So 
 here is alio (hewed what is required of us that 
 Faith and Repentance, or the new Creature may 
 be fully wrought in us by the grace of God, and 
 that is, 
 
 To receive the Grace offered, -\ To which thepro- 
 and £»miie is made, Be- 
 
 To improve the Grace received, j hold, I am with you 
 
 To receive the Grace offered is fignified in fub- 
 mitting to be Baptifed, which is the loweft con- 
 deicention that can be imagined; for it implies 
 only a yeildinghimfelfto be wafht, or to come 
 under the Law of Grace whereby that may be 
 done in us, which we cannot do of our feives, 
 Which is no more than tofhew our feives men, 
 Vationall men and not brutes J fa. 46.8. Shew your 
 feives men, ye tranfgreffours, Ezech. 54. 3 1 . Ye 
 "myflockjire mem Yea io great is Gods condefcen- 
 fion that he is accounted to receive his grace, 
 .who doth not refufe or refift it: Who receives the 
 Kingdom of Heaven as a little child receives it, 
 who hath no Aftive will of his own, but others 
 will for hinr.This is all that is as to the firft degree 
 of receiving. 
 
 The next is To improve the Grace received which 
 \s An fubmittins to be taught, or a Teachablenefs. 
 
 Thus 
 
( 92 ) 
 
 Thus a man is baund to fee with the light given 
 him,to follow in the fteps gone in before him. To 
 walk in the path chalked out to him, to ftir and 
 move when he is moved : to incline the ear 
 when we are fpoken to. And as power and 
 ftrength comes into us to be more abundantly 
 active, and growing till we come to be ftablifh'd,, 
 ftrengthned, fetled and fully perfwaded that no- 
 thing fliall feparate us from the Love of God ini 
 Chhft Jefus. And thus if a Chriftian from the 
 weakeft beginnings does follow on to know the 
 Lord, He fliall find he is under the Law of Grace 
 and the New Covenant founded in the perfecT 
 righteoufnefs of the fecond Adam y through whom 
 all the promife of Grace and Glory are Amen to 
 thofethat yeild themfelves to the Teachings of I 
 the Gofpel. This will fully appear by thefe 
 places. 
 
 Rom. io. 17. Faith comes by hearing: The law 
 of faith which the Apofile fpeaks cf Rom. 2. 27. 
 requires that the merits of Chriji -for remiffionof 
 fin be applied to us by faith and that faith come by 
 hearing. 
 
 o 
 
 Ifa. 55. 3. Incline your ear , and come tome, 
 hear and your foul JJjall live. And I will make an 
 Everlasling Covenant with you y the fare mercies of 
 David; Here David is the Son of David : Jefus 
 Chrifi of whofe Grace and merit they are promfed'. 
 to partake^ who Receive the Grace offered. 
 
 John 8. 12. I am the light of the world: He that, 
 follows me ( that is improves the light received 
 from me J JJiall not walhjn darknefs but {ball fee the , 
 Light of Light. 
 
 Rom. 6. 13. 14. Tieldyour felves to God, and 
 
 fin 
 
( 93 > 
 
 fin pall not have Dominion over you: Becaufe ye are 
 not under the Law^but under Gr ace ,that is^not under 
 the Law of works but the Law of Grace cald the 
 Lau of Faith Tim. 1-17. 
 
 Phil. 2. 1 1 . Workout your falvation-) for 'tis God 
 that worketh in you both to will andto do of his 
 goodplrafure: That is God of his good plealure 
 hath lb ordered the difpenfation of his Grace and 
 ipiritual power, that he will work in, by, and 
 with your work. His Grace will cooperate with 
 you, and will not ordinarily operate without 
 you: And that is your work when you acT as Ra- 
 tional men, then the Grace of God will help you 
 to will that which is good and to perform it s But 
 fo,that when you have done it,the work is yours, 
 the Grace is Gods and youmuftfay I Believe, 
 I repent and turn to God: Yet not I but the Grace 
 of God with me as iCor. 15. 10. 
 
 So that this Conditionality (if we may fo call 
 it) of fait hand repentance to the obtaining the 
 benefit of what Chrift hath done in our nature 
 and of our work,to the obtaining of faith and re- 
 pentance,doth neither magnifie the power of man 
 nordiminifh the Grace of God, both being linck- 
 ed together , by a Law in the covenant of 
 Grace. 
 
 This is the ordinary way God hath fet to man 
 for the difpenling of his Grace, to which Baptii'm 
 gives an entrance, and Minifterial Teaching ( or 
 good education) the progrefs: Which by the buf- 
 fing of God brings many to Salvation: And in this 
 way man is bound to expett the Grace of God: 
 And to especT it out of his ordinary way when he 
 hath given a way for it, is to tempt him to work a 
 miracle •• But 
 
( 94) 
 
 But yet God is not tied by this Law of Grace 
 not todifpence his Grace, where man doth not 
 anfwerinbis A&ing: The ordinary way of his 
 Grace is: Withthe uptight thou wilt (hew thy [elf 
 upright , and with the froward thou wilt flew t\ry 
 flffroward, but yet he can make the hypocrite 
 upright^ he can bring his ions home with an high 
 hand. The covenant of Grace hath not only a law 
 ot : Grace,but a fuperabundancy ofGrace.Though 
 he is tied affirmatively to make good his promiie 
 in the Law of Grace upon mans aftings,yet he is 
 not tied ncgativelynot tofhew mercy, where man 
 acls not. The Covenant of grace hath grace up- 
 on grace: becaufe God hath not only a Legal but d 
 Prerogative will : and is not tied to difpence 
 his grace only upon the exacT anfw&ing of 
 man in the Covenant. And therefore where 
 the common and ordinary grace prevails not,but 
 man refills the grace offered or neglefts the 
 Grace received, He can give a fecial Grace 
 beyond the ordinary way to overcome all refi- 
 nances, to quicken and make diligent .• And the 
 fending of th:s mo ft fpecial Grace, though it is not 
 promifed to man : yet we may conceive it to be 
 promifed in the Fathers transaction with Chrift 
 in order to make good his promife to him, Ifa* 
 55. lo,ll. When he fliould make his foul an of- 
 fering for fn, he jhall fe hisfeed, and fee ef the' 
 travel of his foul and be fat is fed: He jhould not die 
 in vain. And that verified which our Lord fays, 
 John 6. 44. None can come to me except the Fa- 
 ther draw him. The Father draws either by the 
 ordinary way ftablinVd in the Law of Grace : or 
 by his fpecial Prerogative. This fpecial Grace 
 
 ap- 
 
( 95 ) 
 
 ppeared in the Vifitations of the firft Churches 
 HtheGofpel. 1 am found of them thM fought me 
 wt,Jfa. 65. In the conversion of S. Paul •, redo- 
 ing of David and Peter ; faving a remnant in 
 ime of general Apoftacy; bringing home the 
 prodigal Son. The other Son refembles one that 
 s favcd by the ordinary law of Grace, abiding in 
 lis fathers houfe and not difpleafing him : So the 
 lation of the Jews are not like to be faved but by 
 1 fpecial Grace. In which refpect the Apoftle 
 faith, the Lord is able to graft them in again, Rom. 
 11.25. And this appeared in Lot lingring to 
 go out of Sodom : the Lord {hewing a fuperabun- 
 dant mercy on him , drew him out , Gen. 
 19. 16. 
 
 Of this Prerogative will, its faid, He ffiews 
 mercy on whom he will, Rom. 9. 18. For he fettles 
 the difpenfation of his Covenant with fome, and 
 not with others. And he leaves ibme to the ftricT: 
 terms of the Law of Grace and not others, as it 
 pleafes him. 
 
 5. This Commiflion leads to the understanding 
 feveral things about the Church of God. To in- 
 ftance in fome. 
 
 1. Hence is the true conftitution of the Church, 
 or that whereby a people become, and are deno- 
 ted to be a Church of Chrift,wbich is his School, 
 a Temple of Divine worfhip, and a City of God. 
 This is by the Miniflry cfCbnft, and Baftifm into 
 Chrifl. Baptifm fupplies the vifible matter , Mini- 
 ftry the vilible Form, whereby the members are 
 not only compact together as by feveral joints 
 and bands,but do alfo aft as a living body towards 
 God, and one another. 
 
 And 
 
V 9^ ) 
 And therefore the preferving the Church is 
 the preferving the Miniftry and Baptifm in .their 
 integrity. The Apoftacy of the Church is firft of 
 the Miniftry in not preaching a true Gofpel or not 
 educating the baptiied in all thofe things Ghrift 
 hath commanded the Apoftles, and giving exam- 
 ple in following the Apofties,who were followers 
 ofChrift, that lb the true Religion might be an 
 undoubted tradition : And this Apoftacy of the 
 Miniftry is attended with an Apoftacy from the 
 power of Baptifm, namely the obfervation of that 
 that Chriftians are wauVd into : So that the way 
 of recovery is to reduce our ielves to our flrft: 
 love both in the Minifterial and Baptifmal Cove- 
 nant,and from a meer name to live to the life and 
 powtr itfeif of that we profefs. A prodigal Chri- 
 ftian is to be preft with his Baptifmal engagement, 
 and a prodigal Church with both^as a chief means 
 to prcierve them in and reftore them to their pri- 
 mitive integrity, as the Scripture frequently mti- 
 mates,Rom. 6. 1,2, 11. Gal. 3. 27. &4- iy. 
 Col. 2.6. & 1 i.ver. and Chap. 3. 1,2. Mom. 2. 
 4, 5. and Chap. 3.3. 
 
 2. Hence is the diftinftion of the external forms 
 of the Church, To be called Catholickjtnd more ge- 
 neral or more particular and individual. For the 
 confideration of the Miniftry gives this external 
 form. As the Church was under the firft Apoftles, 
 io it was Catholick ; Then when the Apoftes di- 
 vided byconfent, the Churches in the plantati- 
 on of every Apoftle were more peculiarly his 
 charge, and go the Church or charge of every A- 
 poftle was general but not Catholick and univer- 
 iahfo Paul had the care of all the Churches of his 
 
 plan- 
 
( 97 J 
 
 plantation. Then when every Apoftle divided his 
 plantation into feveral charges under the infpe- 2 Cor. 
 tfionoffeveralEvangelifts. ( As all theChurches \u 28, 
 in- Greet under the mfpe&ion of Titus ) This 
 Church or charge of Titus was particular but not 
 individual. But when every Bifhop or Teacher 
 ( for atfirft they fignified one thing ) in Crcet had 
 a particular individual charge, that Church 
 might be called individually particular. And eve- 
 ry one of thefe Churches greater or lefs were by 
 reafonof theMipiftry (though they could not 
 meet together pe'rfonaliyjthc Churches of Chrift 
 to whom he promifes his prefence : But the 
 lead and loweft consideration of a formed Church 
 was an affembly ofBaptifed ones under the teach- 
 ing and inipe&ionof a Teacher or Ovefeer, fenC 
 by fome power and authority from the Apoftles, 
 which power the Evangelifts had j which AfTcm- 
 bly was a School, for Doftrine, a Temple for 
 worfhip, and a little City within a greater, as a 
 Corporation within a Corporation. 
 
 3. Hence are the true marks of the Church of 
 God, namely, TheMiniftry of Chrift preaching 
 a true Gofpel for converting Infidels and teach- 
 ingtheBaptifedthe commands of Chrift:: And 
 theufeof the Sacraments, which engage to 
 Chrift. S. John calls thefe maaks the witnefTes of 
 Chrift on earth : He faith there are three ((land- 
 ing) witnefTes on earth '(in the Church) The 
 Spirit (that is the Minifterial Spirit of Prophefie) 
 the Water, that is Baptifm for the Proieffion of 
 the New Creature ) and the Blood ( a continu- 
 al and vifible remembrancer of Chrifts death, the 
 spiritual food of Chrift ians , 1 John 5.8. AH' 
 
 H rhefe 
 
( &) 
 
 thefe witneflfes agree in one thing to demonftrate 
 that Jefus is the Chrift, and to declare the true 
 Church of God. 
 
 4. Hence is the unity of the Church. The Mi- 
 niftry or Minifterial fpirit isone,becaule it flows 
 from one Root Jefus Chrift himfelf,by commiffi- 
 on from the Father. Baptifm is one, becaufe the 
 Faith is one into which we are baptiied, and that 
 Faith and Baptifm miniftred by one fpiritual mi- 
 niftry. The Church is one body though it have 
 many joynts of particular Churches.- yet they are 
 knit together by one Faith, and one Baptifm unto 
 our head by one minifterial Spirit. All the bayti- 
 z.ed are by right of one Communion. So that all the 
 Minifters or Chrift by virtue of their mi- 
 nifterial relation to Chrift and the Church •, and 
 all the baptifed by virtue of their Baptifmal en- 
 ga gement to Chrift and his Miniftery ,and all Chri- 
 ftians are bound to keep the unity of Spirit and 
 DoftrineoftheGofpel in a bond of peace. 
 
 Hence they are guilty of breaking this Union, 
 who" either depart from the Communion of the 
 true Church without caufc given : or do give 
 caufe to the true Church to depart from them , 
 which is on thefe two accounts : either when a 
 Church degenerates from the truth of Doclrine 
 or Worfbip, io far as that it becomsan heretical 
 or Idolatrous church, or both ( for they are fel- 
 dom fevered ) : or when a Church retains the 
 truth of Doclrine and Worfhip, but doth impofe 
 fuch things ofneceflity to beobferved in order to 
 her communion as cannot con fi ft with a good 
 conicience or Baptifmal Covenant- In fuch a cafe 
 they tha:d:r art are the true Church, becaufe 
 
 they 
 
(99) 
 
 they ftiek to their baptifmal engagement. Biit 
 the determination of the cafe to circumftance of 
 time is not properly belonging to a private 
 judgement, there being many things confiderable 
 to judge of the condition ofa Church-, What are 
 to be counted fins of infirmity, what of obftinacy^ 
 and when patient waiting is to end} feeing it is 
 the duty of particular Chriftians to continue in 
 the Communion of the Church long in an over- 
 coming way bearing witnefs againfther corrupti- 
 ons, and not dividing from her Communion till 
 there is no remedy. 
 
 6. This, Commiflion leads to fome Remarks a~ 
 bout Baptifm. 
 
 i. Hence the Baptifm of the children of 
 the Church, even in their Minority, appears 
 lawful and expedient. 
 
 i. Becaufe there is a Gofpel for every creature, 
 2. Becaufe the word He is to be taken for I 
 
 firft believer in his political capacity for Himfelf 
 
 and all His. 
 
 1. Becaufe the firft Churches were founded in 
 believing families. 
 
 4. Becaufe the believing Gentiles are as the 
 Profelites adopted into Abrahams covenant. 
 
 5. Becaufe Baptifm refpetts the remiffion of 
 the fins of Forefathers not only Original butNa- 
 tional, of Jews and Gentiles. 
 
 6. Becaufe the Baptifm of Children is a pub- 
 lick teftimony that the prefent church continues! 
 in theprofeffion of the ancient faith, firft given to 
 the Saints. 
 
 7. Becaufe Baptifm is an engagement to £ 
 chrijftian education: And education is not only 
 
 H 1 a means 
 
( ioo ) 
 
 a means but a degree of regeneration. 
 
 8. Becaufe Baptifm of Children is an open 
 confeflion of the Parents of their Faith in Chnft, 
 when they are of undemanding, whereby the 
 Church is not deftitute of perfonal confcffions 
 ofth>Adult,whichis an advantage to the minifte- 
 rial work. 
 
 c£ Becaufe if children fhould not be engaged 
 to the Faith before they are Adult ', they would 
 be tempted to take what Religion they pleafe, 
 which the Lord prevented among the Jews,know- 
 ing their pronenefs to offer their children and 
 themfelves to fallegods and falfe worfhips. 
 
 10. Becaule the way of firft planting the 
 Church, is to teach that they might Baptife : But 
 the way of continuing the Church is to teach the 
 Baptiled or to Baptife that they might be taught 
 and To believe : for the power of Faith firft 
 brought iq Form, but afterward Form introduces 
 Power. Abraham believed that he' might be cir- 
 cumcifedj Ifaacw&s circumcjfed that he might 
 believe. 
 
 1 1 .Becaufe the children of the Faithful are the 
 children of the Church, as well as their natural 
 parents, and j the charge of the Miniftry as the 
 Lambs ofChrift,//*. 4-9. 22. Thy flail bring thy 
 fens of their Arms. 
 
 2. Hence appears the reafon thattheBaptifedi 
 are to have honorable Titles given them. As Re- 
 "oenei ate, called, Saints,wamt.juftified,fanclificd, 
 To be in Chrift, Buried and rifen with Chrift,Dead 
 to fm,aliveto God: Not becaule they have attain- 
 ed the powerdf alF.thiF;but becaufe of the forma' 
 an& Mini {lerfcM Work whereby the Baptifed ar 
 
 unde 
 
under a Repute both in their ovyn and the Church- 
 es Judgment,that they are in iuch-a ftate of pro- 
 feflion and engagement and under means to befo, 
 ( Rom. 6- 1 1. Reckon your ielves dead to fin and 
 alive to God, {'peaking of their Baptifmal (late) 
 And iuch as have already attained the firft ftep of 
 Regeneration though very low, as the firft ftep 
 of the ladder which if improved 'will lead to the 
 top: He that is Baptifed is already entred into the 
 Kingdom fo far as to come under a Gapacityor to 
 be in the way of the promile ofthe fpirit for a 
 more Abundant enteranCe. The formal, or Mini- 
 fterial work if done in fincerity is a good begin- 
 ning of Regeneration. The power of Regenerati- 
 on is in a progrefs from this beginning, therefore 
 the Apoftle doth exhort to mortifie (in with power, 
 becaufe they are dead to fin in their formal and 
 Minifterial ftate. Col. 5. 2. 5. and doth in all his 
 Epiftles prefTe the Churches to attain the power 
 of that they had already attained. To inform the 
 formal and Minifterial work is indeed but low, 
 and weak of it felf and not fuffkient : That which 
 is but flefh, and water, and a female but it is not 
 to be lookt on as a thing of nothing: Tis a divine 
 beginning as an Introduction to an higher work: 
 As the egge which being warm'd with the fpirit 
 will produce a living Creature John 5.5,6. The 
 Church in refpeft ofthe Minifterial work may be 
 called the mother and nurfe of grace, but Chrift 
 himfelf is the everlafting father,from whom the 
 fpirit of life flows. In refpett of the Churches 
 work, the Baptifed are fa id to be in Chrift, im- 
 planted into him , reputed members of him : In 
 refpe&of the workpeculiartoChrift ) d>n]? is fad 
 H 1 to 
 
( 102 ) 
 
 to he in the 'Ba.ftifed^ namely , when bis word 
 
 Joh.i .5.4, abides in them,Know ye not faith Paul that Chrift 
 
 5' 7 ' is inyoH unlels ye be reprobates : As if he ftiould 
 
 2 Cor.13. fay for you to be approved in the faith, tis' 
 
 5? not enough that you be in Chrift which the formal 
 
 work implies by being wafht,& dedicated to him, 
 
 and Juftified from forefathers fins, and become 
 
 members of his Church: But Chrift muft be in you 
 
 in the power and truth of what you profefs. 
 
 3. From the comparing this Commiffion with 
 Heb.dXx may probably begathered if not certain. 
 Jy concluded. That where the miraculous befto- 
 wing of the gifts of the Holy Ghoft on fome emi- 
 nent believers at the firft ended ( which was gi- 
 ven immediatly by Chrift, or by the hands of the 
 Apoftles and them only as a fign and teftimony of 
 Chrift Afcending into Heaven, his acceptance of 
 the Gentiles to be his people, and their union with 
 .the Jews,and as a means for the fpeedy propaga- 
 tion of the Gofpel 1 Cor. 16. Jtt. 15. 8.) I fay 
 where this ended there the ordinary way of re- 
 ceiving the fpirit in the education of the Church 
 began: Which was this. The Baptifed were in- 
 ftruftedinthedoftrineofGodthe Father, Son, 
 and Spirit: And Repentance from dead works, 
 the Refurreclion anJdlaft Judgment, which were 
 galled doctrine of Baptifms-, becaufe they had a 
 peculiar refpeft to the underftanding the Baptis- 
 mal engagement and profeffion. And upon the 
 proficiency of the Baptife,Hands were laid upon 
 themjthat upon Examination were approved , in 
 fign thereof, with prayer for a futher Increafe 
 and ftrength, which was as a folemn admittance in- 
 to the number > and Communion of the approved: 
 
 And 
 
( »>3 ) 
 
 And fach as were not approved did remain as 
 probationers: Thole that wereapproved were cal- 
 led or thole that were Baptifed,tnlightened Heb. 
 6. 4. and C/?. 10. $2.Thisieems to be the fence 
 of Htb. 6. If thofe words the Dottrine ofBaptifes 
 and laying on cf bands, be read within a parenthefis. 
 And then they are as an Hiftorical narration, 
 what was the way of the Church after the extra- 
 ordinary way ccafecT: And this agrees with two 
 paffagesin this Commirfion I. He that Believes 
 notjliall be damned, or judged and condemned, 
 which words may not only refer to the final fen- 
 tence at the laft day, but to the Minifterial or 
 Church power of Recieying or rejet"Hng,opening 
 and (hutting , binding and loofing ( as was obfer- 
 ved that the word faved was a direction to the 
 Church howtoefteem the Baptifed, as well as a 
 promife ) So that thefe words may comprehend 
 this threefold fence: He that believes not the 
 Gofpeland recieves it not when tis Preached to 
 him, {hall be condemned, at the laft day for re- 
 fufing mercy offered: 2. He that believes not 
 and declares it by refufingBaptifm,fhall be reject- 
 ed and condemned by the Church as no member 
 ofit. ?. He that Believes not, or approves not 
 himfelf found in the faith, though he be Baptifed, 
 yet (hall be condemned as not fit for Communion 
 of the Church. All which fences may be in the 
 words. For we are bound to take the fcriptures 
 in the Iargeft fence as David fays,ThyCommand- ^ I9 * 
 ment are exceeding large. 
 
 2. Another paffage is Teaching the Baptifed 
 
 to obferve all things I command you among the 
 
 things they were to obferve, one was unpoubted- 
 
 H4 H 
 
( ^4) 
 ly the memorial of Ghrifts death: The Baptifed 
 therefore were to be taught and lb approved in, 
 order to communicating in the Lords Supper. To 
 ail which may be added that the word Adokunos 
 which is oft tranflated Reprobate as i Cor. g. 27. 
 2 Cor. 13.5.2 Tim. 3. %.Tit. 1. 16. fignifies not 
 a finally rejected ftate with God, but only that 
 Judgment the Church made of her officers, and 
 members.- as found or unfound in the faith, and fo 
 fit for Communion with the Church whence the 
 word Dokmos is frequently applied to the ap- 
 probation of men as well as of God Rom. 14. 16. 
 Acceptable to God and approved of men Rom. 
 1 6. id. Aplks approved in Chrift, that is, in the 
 Christian doctrine 1 Cor. 11. \g. There muft be 
 hereiiesythat the approved may be manifeft. Thus 
 Jmpofition of hands was The rite of approbation, 
 and they that were not approved and continued 
 fo, were laid to have a form of Godlinefs, but 
 denied the power, being Reprobate or never ap- 
 proved of the Church concerning the faith 2 
 Tim. £.5, 8. Of which the Apoflle prophefies 
 there would be a great number in the Church in 
 the Jaft times that would make the times very 
 difficult to the Timothies of the Miniftery, who 
 labour to keep up the power of Godlinefs, 
 
 4. Kence Baptifm h but once folemnly admini- 
 fieredjbut may be often renewed: For the whole • 
 courfe of a Chr'iftians li r e is nothing elfe but a 
 continued Baptifm oracling the Batifpmal cove- 
 nant. I&pofition of hands was the fir ft Recognition 
 cfthe Bapfifinal Covenant. And as the Jews were 
 cald upon after ibme notable recedinations fo 
 c jrcumcife themselves to the Lord, and take away 
 
 the 
 
( io5 ) 
 
 the foreskin oftheirheart.Jfr.^.So it may be 
 laid oft to Chnftians, Baptife your lelves to the 
 Lord, leaft his fury come forth like fire, and bum 
 that none can quench itj becauie of the evil of 
 your doings. 
 
 5. Touching the perfection of Baptifm. Hence 
 appears that Baptifm is a perfect engagement and 
 dedication to the faith and fervice of Chrift,both 
 as his fcholar,and hislbulder, without the help of 
 any humane ceremony whatfoever : Yet Baptifm 
 is not faid to be perfected and to attain its full end 
 till the power of Regeneration is attained •, and 
 the inward Adoption lea led by the fpirit ofHoIi- 
 nefs. 
 
 6. Hence appears that the understanding the 
 Baptiimal profeflfion and engagement is the firft 
 lefTon to be learned in the education of the 
 Church: That Minifters fhould often Preach and 
 preffe Baptifm on their hearers the honorable 
 titles they afe under, the great pofiibilities , 
 the ftrong engagements, the certain performance 
 of the grace and peace promifed, the danger of 
 receding and grieving the fpirit, being certain re- 
 jection. That this was the way of the Apoftles 
 when they fpoke to Baptifed Chriftians, arguing 
 from the form to the power, hath been already in 
 part noted, and may be further remarkt in Peters 
 Epiftles-, when he prefTes them as new born babes 
 1 Tet. 2. 1. He has refpect to their Baptifmal 
 birth: ThenCb. 5. 21. he tells them Baptifm faves 
 us, and explains how: Then in the fecond Epiftle 
 the firft hTteene verfes. The things he chooies 
 to put them in mind of before his martyrdom, are 
 thele things which are the Concernments of Bap- 
 
 Y . tifm 
 
( 106 ) 
 
 tifm. For to compare v. i. and 9. and there is the 
 fubftanceofthe Baptifmal form and profeflion, 
 for Baptifm is a profeflion of the jipoftolical faith 
 and to be purged from our old fins: Then there 
 are the honorable titles given the Baptifed. v. 10. 
 Called and Eletted, and v. 3. Called to glory and 
 virtue. Then there is the making this fure by a 
 diligent endeavour to abound in faith and vertue 
 &c. v. 5. 6. 7. 8. Then there is the aflurance of 
 grace and peace to be multiplied, as the perfor- 
 mance of Gods promife in the covenant in the way 
 of our endeavour and diligence to keep the faith, 
 and to efcape the corruptions of the world, v. 2. 
 3. 4. and the certainty of a rich and abundant 
 entrance into the everlafting Kingdom of Chrift, 
 which Baptifm is a feal to them that endeavour 
 after the power of it. 
 
 Nothing more effectual to perfwade to continue 
 in the faith, or for a prodigal to return do his 
 duty. Nothing fitter for a Chriftian to have in re- 
 membrance to ftablifh him, or if he be ftablifht 
 to theprefent truth,to comfort him in tribulations 
 or tentations when he may fyllogize, or Reaibn 
 with himfelf as the Apoftle commands Rom.6. 1 1. 
 Am I not dead to fin and alive to God ? am I not 
 Rifen with Chrift ? am I not purged from my old 
 fins ? am I not under a law of grace ? am I not un- 
 der a promife of eternal life? fhall fuch an one as 
 I return as the dog to his vomit? fhall fuch an one 
 as I faint and be weary, and not hold up the buck- 
 lers, againft the enemy and avenger, fighting un- 
 der fuch affiftances ? David comforted himfelf 
 with this argument,/ 5 / 116. 16. O Lord I am 
 thy (ervant and the fon of thy handmaidjthou haft 
 
 broken 
 
f 107 ; 
 
 broken ray bonds. And Pf. 8. 7. 5, Of Zionit 
 fhall be faid this and that man was born in her. 
 and the Apoftle Paul and Peter {hew that a Chrifti- 
 an hath great hope of attainning to perfe&ion 
 from his anfwering the firft beginnings. Phil. 1.6. 
 1 Pet.ty 10. Heb: gJ 14. We are made partakers 
 of Chrift ( his gratfc and glory ) If we hold the 
 beginning of our confidence(this is our Baptifma! 
 profeflion) ftedfaft unto the end. 
 
 7. Thiscortimiffion affords feveral obfervables 
 about the Miniftery of Chrift, and the duty of 
 the Baptiied in relation thereto. Which it may 
 fuflfice to name. 
 
 Hence is the antiquity, dignity ,unity, neceflity 
 ot the Miniftery: hence is the proper work of the 
 Miniftery; their power and authority \ and the 
 bounds Chrift hath fet to it, 
 
 Hence is the true fucceffion of the Miniftery 
 ( by the fpirit ) Hence is the education for it and 
 what preparation to it. What abilities to teach* 
 What Love to Chrift: To all men in general. To 
 the Lambs and fheep of Chrift in particular what 
 tendernefs: Who is weak and lam not weak, who 
 is offended and I burn not. What wifdom to go- 
 vern : What courage to overcome difficulties. 
 What contentednefs with necefTary provifions , 
 what patience in afflictions. 
 
 Hence is the account they muft render to 
 Chrift the chief fhepherd &c. 
 
 And on the other fide,Hence appears what love 
 and high efteem the baptifed ought to have of their 
 teachers, what fubjeclion in the Lord that they 
 may give account with joy. And what willingneis 
 to communicate to them in all good things. &c. 
 
 The 
 
( io8; 
 
 The conelufion from the whole matter , may 
 be: That it is no preemption from hence to P>\o- 
 f he fie. That when the Miniftery fliall be wrought 
 up to the life and power of this commiflion accor- 
 ding to the fimplicity and planenefs of the Gofpel 
 ofChrift:: And when the Baptifed fha.ll rightly 
 underftand their Baptifm, and be educated, and 
 approved according to their jBaptifmal engage- 
 ment: Then will our Lord Jeius .manifeft his 
 prefence more fully to his Church ^ his contro- 
 verfie and occafion of hiding .his face removed: 
 The difference of conformity and non-cpruormi- 
 ty ceafed: The complaints of letting up partition 
 walls, and laying occafions of (tumbling in one 
 another s way, and of divifions and reparations 
 ended: And God our God wiilblefs us and all 
 the ends of the earth, will fear him. To him be 
 Glory and Dominion in all generations. 
 • Amen. 
 
 THE 
 
('to? ) 
 
 THE 
 
 ■ 
 
 INTRODUCTORY 
 
 MEDITATIONS 
 
 TO THE 
 
 HISTORY 
 
 O F 
 
 w 
 
 Hen a Chriftian fets himfelf to 
 meditate on *hc noble Subjeft 
 of the works of God, he may 
 well fit down and fay : Many, pfaU ^ 
 O Lord my God j are thy wonderful Works which ^ ?# 
 thou haft done : And thy thoughts to tu-ward, they pf #I11 . \ 
 cannot be reckoned up in order to thee\ would I de- 
 clare and fieal^of 'them, they art more than can be 
 numbred : yet when he confiders that the great 
 works of God are to be fought out, and not only 
 fo, but preach'd to the great C ongregation, and 
 that it is a work of much profit able delight, and 
 
 delight- 
 
( no) 
 
 delightful profit to the foul that is taken with the 
 loveofChrift, herifes up from his meer admi- 
 ring thoughts, and betakes himfelf to the Word 
 ofGodto fee what is revealed there, and to im- 
 plore the Spirit of Chrift, that what is revealed 
 there,may be revealed to him,that fo having right 
 apprehenfions of God and his ways, he may ac- 
 cording to the meafure of light vouchfafed, a- 
 dore and honour him who is blefled for ever, 
 Amen. 
 
 Ifa. 28. 29. He is wonderful in counfel, excel- 
 lent in Working. 
 
 His works are the produft of his counfels. The 
 excellency of his workings argues the excellency 
 of his counfels. As we cannot conceive the excel - 
 lency of his working, fo we cannot comprehend 
 the greatnefs of his counfels. His counfels are 
 wonderful, becaufe they prodeed from fuch an 
 one as himfelf: His works are excellent becaufe 
 they center in himfelf. 
 
 Act:. 15. 18. Known to the Lord are all his 
 Work* from the beginning of the world. 
 
 God doth not do his work at a venture, but 
 hath laid the whole plot aforehand, how every 
 thing fhall be , one thing in order to another, 
 from the firft day of the creation to the Iaft day 
 of the diffolution. So that every thing hath a be- 
 ing in the divine Platform before they have a be- 
 ing in themfelves, and are known to God before 
 they are, and foretold by Him before they come 
 
 to 
 
( III ) 
 
 to pafs. And if any thing feem weak or imperfett 
 in his work as the fall of Angels, the fin of man, 
 death and miferyin theworld,contrarietiesand 
 contradi&ions to that which is good: yet as it 
 itands in the divine Platform Introductory to 
 ibiie other works, it is good and perfect and 
 could not be better : The Chaos or confufed Mafs * 
 created thefirft day, was very good and perfect 
 as it ftood in order to the work of the other 
 days. 
 
 Rom. 11.3d. Of him and through him^ and for 
 him are all things. 
 
 As all things are laid out in the divine Plat* 
 form how they fhall be in their leverall times: 
 So there is an Influence of divine power and pro- 
 vidence for the enlivening and production of 
 everything in itsfeafon.Nothing is impoflible, no- 
 thing is difficult to him : Nothing comes on him 
 by chance or unawares which he could not forfee, 
 or prevent: He will norland who can let it: And Ifa.43.13, 
 whatioever comes to pafs it is ordered by him to 
 ferve the end by himfelf intended , wherein he is 
 never difappointed. 
 
 John 5. 17. The father Worketh hitherto ^ and I 
 worl^ 
 
 Col 2. 16. Allthings are by Chriil and fir 
 Chritt. 
 
 Mat. 6. 13. Thine x> Kingdom power and Glory 
 for ever. 
 
 We may confider Go ds order of working & the 
 order of his works .7*^ order of his working is in the 
 
 order 
 
9. ic 
 
 <V 112 ) 
 
 order of the divine relations in his own nature , 
 according to which he works and manifefts him- 
 felf. The Father work* by the Son, the Son with 
 the Father, the Father and the Son by the Spirit. 
 The Fathers Kingdom is the utmoft end of all the, 
 Fathers contrivanccs,thathe may be all in all: He 
 ,j is abfolutely the firft and the laft.The Kingdom of 
 the Son is the great means to accomplish the King- 
 dom of the Father, as the mafter-wheel that turns 
 the IefTer Wheeles to ftrike the hour the Hand ( 
 points to. Hence all things are by Chrift and for i 
 Chrift, all things (hut into his hand that he may I 
 effect the glory of theFathers Kingdom,and when 
 he hath done the work the Father gave him to do, 
 he will refign the Kingdom to the Father: Hence 
 the Son is the firft and the laft of all thofe m:ans 
 the Farfier hath defigned to effect his Kingdom } 
 and therefore our Saviour who fought the glory 
 of him that fent him, taught us to pray to the Fa- 
 ther, anddifire that his name as the utmoft end 
 may be glorified, that his Kingdom, the King- 
 dom of the Father may come as the way to his glo- 1 
 ry, and that his will may be done as the meansto 
 accomplifh his Kingdom: Now this doing the Fa- 
 thers will in order to his Kingdom is by Jefus 
 Chrift, the Son of God. As he himfelf fays, lo I 
 ^ come to do thy will O God, by which doing of 
 1 ?# the Fathers will we are fancTified. And ieing this 
 will of the Father was to be done on earth ,as well 
 as inHeaven therefore he dcfcended and afcended, 
 and will come again to finilli the work upon earth 
 and in the Heavens. And this our Saviour teach- 
 es us todefire, becaufe th<~ work of the Kingdom 
 is the Fathers contrivance Thine is the Kingdom. 
 ■ ' And 
 
 
An Expofitory Index to the 
 Treatife of the Htftory of 
 Baptifm and Appendix 
 thereunto* 
 
 OR, 
 
 A Summany of certain difinitions, and diftintti- 
 ons ufed by S. Paul in the explication of the 
 ChriftianReligion : Collected out of his Divine 
 Epiftles,andexpreftfor the moft part in his 
 own terms, 
 
 Phil. I. lO. 'EtertJbiv(M%stp{ftaifc -m Jiajpifovni 
 That ye may try things that differ. 
 
 Godlinefs. 
 The Chriflian Religion is by S.Paul noted by God' 
 linefs, 2 Tim. 3.5, which he 
 
 ( The great principle of it : Godma- 
 Defcribesby < nifeftinthe fiefr^and 1 Tim. 5. 16. 
 |_ The exercife of it, 1 Tim. 4. 7. 
 The exercife of Godlinefs is. 
 
 Faith 9 r- Faith 
 
 and Y of J and 
 
 FellowfiipJ £ Order. 
 
 Phil. 1. 5. C0I.2.5. 
 
 Moreover : Godlinefs is confidefed by S. Pad 
 
 with reference to 5 Form and 1 2 Tim. 
 ? Power. $ 3.5. 
 I Form 
 
Form and Power fhottld be ]oyned together in God- 
 
 linefs. 
 Sincerity is a common Ad]unt~b to Form and 
 
 Tower. 
 Hypocrifie is the dividing of Power from Form, or 
 
 Form from Power, i John 4. 2o. 
 Or the falftfying of Form or Tower, Phi!. 3. 2. 
 
 Judc4. 
 
 Form. 
 
 Form is oft fignified by Wordy 1 Cor. 4. 20. Letter, 
 
 2Cor. 3. 6. Pattern, 2 Tim. 1. ii- Flefh, Gal. 
 
 6. i2.Phil. 3. 4. Ftf^/Ckr//?, 2 Cor. 4* 6 - 
 Form implies in it 
 Aprofejfion of Godlwefs , Tit. l. 16. 
 Adegree or beginning of Grace, 2 Pet. 2. 20, 21. 
 
 Heb.6.1 10. 27,28. 2 Cor. 6. 1. 
 A means cfprogrefs, Phil. 2. 1 2. 
 
 Form contains the pattern of wholefom words 
 
 in Faith and Love. 
 
 Form of Do&rine touching Faith^ Rom, 6. 17. 
 Rom. 2. 20. 2 Tim. 1. 1 3. Gal. 4. Iy. 
 
 The DoBrine of Faith is conftdered by 5. Paul /'« 
 
 the explication of 
 
 A Law ofworkf ? Or 5 T/tf righteoufnefs of man. 
 The Law of grace » £ 77?^ righteoufnefs of Cjod 
 Rom. 3. 27. 6. 14. Phil. j. 9. 
 
 A 
 
A Law of works. 
 A Law of works is explicated in afferttng fame pb* 
 fitiens and refolving certain Queries about Law* 
 
 Pofitions. 
 
 1. All men by nature as Sons o/Adam, and crta- 
 tures of God are under the Obligation anddifpen- 
 fationcfaLawofiVorkj,Kom. 10. 5. Gal. 5. 
 
 12.5. 18. Rom. 2. 6. to 14. 
 
 ^ Obligation to yield per feci and perfonal obe- 
 y dience in the power of created nature to 
 The r all Gods Commands , againfi all tentati- 
 J ons. 
 
 C. Dijpenfation, Oeconottiy or government ( the 
 word in Eph. 1. 1 o.J Tofiand or fall: Be 
 jufiified, or condemned by it. 
 
 2. A Law of worlds is common to all mankindyRom. 
 2. 12. to 18. or particular to the Jews, Rom. 
 5. 13. 
 
 3 . A Law of Works came forth in fever al editi- 
 ons. From Adam to Mofes unwritten, Rom. 5. 
 
 14. From Mofes to Chrifi, written or literal, 
 1 Cor. 3. 6. Then by Chrifi himfelf interpreted. 
 Mat. 5. 17.21,22. 
 
 l.If there had been a Law that could have given 
 Life y verily Right eoufnefs, that is,Jufiificathn 
 and Glorification, hadbeen by the Law of works 7 
 Gal. 3. 21. 
 
 I 2 5. Both 
 
5. Both Jews and Gentiles in their ft ate of nature 
 are tranfgrejfors of the Law of works they are 
 reflectively under ,Rom. 3. 19,20. 
 
 6. God fore feeing the impojfibility of a Law of works 
 juslifymg man by reafon of the weaknefs of tnans 
 nature to re fift Tentations, ordained a remedy by 
 Grace, Rom. 8. 3, 4. 
 
 Queries. 
 
 Qu. 1 . How a Law of works is contrary to , and 
 
 inconfiftent with grace. 
 Anf. Becaufe he that is juftified by the one, cannot 
 
 be juftified by the ot her ,Rom, 11 . 6. 
 Qu. 2. Why did Godpublifij a Law of works after 
 the promt fe of Grace wasgiven to Adam and A- 
 braham,Gal. 3. 17, 18, 19. 
 Anf. It was in fubferviency to Grace. 
 C To difcoverfin, Rom. 3. 20. 
 "S To refrain fin, 1 Tim. 1.9. 
 *• To illuftrate Grace, Rom. 5. 20, 21. 
 
 Qu. 3 .How grace eftablifheth a Law ofworks,Kom. 
 
 3. 31. 
 
 Anf. 1. By hinging in Chrift, fulfilling the rigor 
 of a Law of 'workl in mans nature , Gal* 3. 13. 
 
 4. 4. 
 
 2. By bringing in a believer fulfilling the Righteouf- 
 nefsofa LaW in fpiritual obedience, Rom. 8. 4. 
 
 3 . By not hindering but that God may govern man 
 by a L.iw of works, and judge him by it, Rom. 
 2.0-. 
 
 The 
 
The Law of Grace. 
 
 The LaWcfCjraceisthewayofCjodswifdom and 
 goodnefs, whereby he hath made Juflif cation and 
 Glorification fojjible to fallen man y Aft. 1?. j8, 
 $9.Eph. 2.8. 2 Tim. i. y. 
 
 This is called the Righteoufnefs of God. Ifa. 5 6 . 1 , 
 Rom. 3.21. 
 
 The Law of Grace eame forth in federal editions 
 running paralel with a Law of Works, Rom. 5. 
 12, I?, 14. 
 
 This Law is accomplijlied in three atts of grace 
 which are denoted by the name of Law. 
 
 C The Law of the Mediator. 
 •\ The Law of Faith. 
 C The Law of the Spirit. 
 
 The Law of the Mediator. 
 
 The Law of the Mediator is that which Chrifi him- 
 felf is under as Mediator , to the performance 
 whereof he was Anointed, John 6. 58. Ifa. 
 55. 10. 
 
 This Law in the general was to do the will of the 
 Father in the body or humane nature^ Heb. 10. 
 S, <5, 7, 8. with Pfal.40. 8. 
 
 I j Or 
 
Or to be a fecond Adam, a root of Righteoufnefs 
 and Life , i Cor . 15.47,48. 
 
 Chrifis Obedience to this Law is the foundation of 
 all grace given to man, Rom. 5. 19. 
 
 In particular. This Law was that Chrifi Jhouldbe, 
 A Redemption. 
 
 A propitiation through Faith , Rom. 
 5- 25. 
 
 A Redemption. 
 
 Chrifi Was a Redemption, 
 By power to recover mans nature from the power and 
 headjhipofSatan y Gen. $. 15. John 12. 3 J. 
 Eph.4.8. 
 
 By price. By prefenting mans nature an unfpotted 
 facrifice to God : To pnrchafe and purifie to him- 
 felf a peculiar people, Y\t. 2. 14. Afts 20.28. 
 Rev. i. 5, (V 
 
 By reafon of this Redemption and Reconciliation 
 made in mans nature, there redounds thefe bene- 
 fits to mtihkttid in general^ without which the 
 Church could not be gathered. 
 
 1 . A Reconciliation of all things in Heaven and 
 garth: Chrifi hath put all things into a Confi- 
 fiancy, and orderly frame (being as it were out of 
 joynt by the fall ) fo as all things may ferve the de- 
 fign of grace in carrying it on in the difpenfation 
 
 of 
 
of thefulnefs of times, Col. 1. 1 7. with 20 and 
 w*V/?Eph. 1. 10. If. 49.8. Gen. 9- 9, 10. 
 
 2 . -^ ^^ of Gods patience. So that judgement is not 
 
 fpeedily executed at all times , but man allured by 
 
 many benefits and deliver ances^and the fever ity of 
 
 the Law of Wor^s mitigated ', Gen. 8. 20, 2 1 . 
 
 2 Pet. 3.9. Ecdef. 8. 1 1. 1 Tim. 4. 10. 
 
 3. A Dominion over the creatures for his neceffary 
 and comfortable ufe^Gcn.9. l ,2, $• with 21. 
 
 4. ./4 blefftng on mans diligence to improve that little 
 Stocky of Light that is left for the goodof humane 
 foaety, Prov. 1. 2, 3,4. 8. 31. Mat. 25. 29. 
 
 John i. 4)S . 
 
 ■ - 
 
 Si Apojfibilitytobefavedfrom the wrath to come 
 by embracing the terms of Reconciliation to be 
 manifefled m the Mimflery of Reconciliation, 
 Jer. 8. 4. 5. 
 
 Or, A right or liberty for any that hath the na- 
 ture of man in him to fly to Chrifl as a refuge 
 from divine wrath. John 3. l<5. 
 
 A propitiation through faith. 
 
 A mercy- feat, a throne of grace where Chrifl is rea- 
 dy to Reconcile and interceed for the perfons of 
 menyfinglyorcolleliivelyconfidered that come to 
 Cod by to. Rom. 3. 25. Heb. 4. 16. Heb. 7. 
 25. 1 John 2, 2. Heb. 2. 17. 
 
 1 4 Col" 
 
Colleflively in family relation. Gal. 3.9. Gen. 17. 
 7. with iGox. 1. 20. Aft. 2. 38. W 18. 8. 1, 
 Cor. 6, 1 1. w>/>/7 1 Cor. 1. 14. 16. 1 Cor. 7. 
 
 14. 
 
 Chrift's propitiation includes. 
 
 fits treating or interceding with God for thofe that 
 Believe Heb. 7. 25. 
 
 His treating with man by a Minifiery of Recon- 
 ciliation to perfwade him to Believe and turn to 
 God: Which Minifiery is fuccefsf nil by the blef- 
 fing of Chrift's fpirit promifedMzt. 28.26. John 
 20. 22. 2. Cor. 5. 10. 
 
 7 'has faith is the gift of God by hearing y Kom. 
 10. 17. 
 
 Thus whom he predestinates he calls Rom. 10. 17, 
 Rom. 8. 30. 
 
 From ChrifPs propitiation two ejfecls follow to. Be- 
 lievers as obtained thereby, 
 
 Bemijfion of fin. Rom. 5, 25, 26. Rev. 1.5,6. 
 Adoption and the fpirit of Adoption : Which is 
 
 an atlnal e legion to glory. Tit. 3. 7. Col. I. 
 
 21,22. 2Thef. 2.13. j Pet. 1.2. 
 Thus whom he jufiified he glorified, Rom. 
 
 $. 30. 
 
 Re» 
 
Redemption and Propitiation differ ^ 
 
 1 . jis jbedding the blood in offering the facrifice to 
 God and fpr inkling the blood on the per fan or thing 
 to be atoned and reconciled,Heh. 10. 10. with 
 j2. 24. Heb. 9. 13, 19. 
 
 I. Redemption is to be conceived as the objett of 
 Faith and before Faith, 1 John 4. 1 6 . Propitia- 
 tion is to be conceived after Faith , Rom. 3. 24. 
 A Propitiation through Faith, 
 
 \ Redemption refpeHs the nature, Propitiation the 
 perfon ftngly or collective ly, Heb. 2. 17. 
 
 The Law of Faith, Rom. 3 . 27. 
 
 The Uw of Faith is that att of Gods grace which 
 declares his requiring and accepting of Faith as 
 the worj^ on our part, in order to the enjoyment 
 of the benefit of thrifts Propitiation, John 6. 2o. 
 1 John 3. 23. 
 
 jjjK, 'Tis Gods imputing, accounting, or free ac- 
 cepting of Faith for righteoufnefs, as that wor\ 
 in ui which he will freely reward with remiffwn- 
 of fin for Chrifis fake, Rom. 4. 22. 
 
 The La w of Faith 5 Juflifcation. 
 yefpe&s I Adoption. 
 
Juftification. 
 
 The Law of Faith as it relates to Justification it dt- 
 fcribedat large by S. Paul, Rom. 3 . 20. to 27. 
 
 The grace of Faith that is imputed for righteoufnefs^ 
 and is re quired to partake ofChrifts Propitiation 
 is dcferibed, Rom. 4. 23 , 24, 25. 
 
 Which defer ipt ion of Faith , fuppofes what our Sa< 
 viour required in a Dtfeiple before his fufferingss 
 to deny himfelf and follow him, which is to be ad 
 dedtoS. Pauls defer iption, thus ■> 
 
 The Faith of a Chriflianfwce Chrift s Refurrettionh 
 a Willingnefs to deny our [elves and follow Chrift} 
 whom We believe to have died for our fins, and rofi 
 for our Juftification. And it is a believing in Go* 
 the Father, who hath raifed Chrift from the dead! 
 and is well pie a fed with what Chrift hath dam 
 for us, 1 Pet. 1. 21. 
 
 Or Faith is a flying to Chrifl for refuge denying cm 
 fe Ives, Heb. 4. 16. 6. i3. 
 
 I ^ The righteoufnefs of God. 
 This Juftifdation is J The righteoufnefs of and fa 
 I Faith. 
 
 'Tisthe righteoufnefs of God, becaufe it is the refuh 
 of his free grace and unfearchable wifdom it 
 ordaining, propounding and accepting Chrift for 
 a redemption and propitiation through Faith foi 
 
 tht 
 
the granting Remijfion *nd Adoption, Rom 3, 
 26. Iia.46. 12, 13* 56. i« 
 
 Tis the righteoufnefs of faith becaufe the 
 righteoufnefs of God is not made ours but by the 
 righteoufnefs of Faith yKom. 4. 22. 10. 6. Heb. 
 11. 7. 
 
 Thus our fins are forgiven for his names fake, 1 Job . 
 
 2. 12. 
 By the obedience of one many are made righteom. 
 
 Rom. 5. 19. 
 We are made the righteoufnefs of God inChrift, 
 
 2 Cor. 5.21. 
 The righteoufnefs of God is in all and upon all that 
 believe, Rom. 3.22. 
 
 Pauls definition or refolves about Juftification 
 do refpect, 
 
 $ The way of Juftification. 
 
 <- The perfonal comfort of Juftification. 
 
 The way of Juftification. 
 
 M<w is jufltfiedin the fight ofGodbythe law of faith 
 exclufive to a law of works. 
 
 1 Man muft be juftified byfome law, ' 
 
 2 That law muft be the law of worlds or the law of 
 faith or grace yKom.3. 27. 4. l6- 
 
 The law of works teacheth to reft in our created fuf- 
 ficiency,and expect the reward as a debt, Rom. 
 
 The law of faith teacheth to deny our felvcs and flee 
 
 to 
 
flee to the way of mercy by a Redeemer, and ex- 
 pert the reward** a free gift, R m. 4, 4, *, 6. 
 6.23. 
 
 3. Man cannot bejufi by a law of worlds becaufe all 
 men are finners, Rom. 3. 20. 
 
 4. We condude that man is justified by the law of 
 Faith only and not by a law of worlds. 
 
 Rom. 3 28. Faith fignifies the I aw of faith, andi 
 works of the law fhould be read the law of: 
 Works, as is clear from,v.2j. • 
 
 5. This law of Faith, excludes , makes void, or a~ 
 boltfhethalawofworksasto its disjenfatipn to 
 jufitfe and glorife: but eflablifheth a law of 
 Works ff t0 its obligation to duty . Rom . 3 . 3 1 . 
 
 Hence, Though the law of faith is not a law 
 of works : Tet it is a working law, or a law 
 with works. 
 
 The perfonal comfort of Juftification. 
 
 The perfonal comfort of Juftification is by the con* 
 ttnuedatts of faith. Hive by the faith of the 
 Son of God who loved me and gave himfelf for 
 me, Gal. 2. 20. Whofoever calls on the name of 
 the Lord, fhall befaved^ Rom . 10. 13. 
 
 Let us come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain' 
 tnercy,Hcb.4. 16. 
 
 We haveflrong confolation who have fled for re- 
 fuge to the hope fit before hs, Heb. 6. 18. 
 
 When 
 
When the Confciencewitnefles on this manner. 
 
 miftrable fnner condemned by the law of works do 
 from time to time> continually fie to Chrifi as a 
 refuge from divine wrath , with a fllf denying 
 and Chrifi obeying fpirit according to his com- 
 mand^ Mat. 1 1. 28,29. Pfal. 66. 18. 
 And in his name I make my prayer and fupplica- 
 tion to the father for obtaining mercy and help in 
 time of need. 
 
 believe that hereupon Jefus Chrifi according to 
 his promife, John 6. 37. and the riches of his 
 grace to poor finners is propitious to me and makes 
 interceffwn for me in the virtue ofthatfacrifice he 
 once offered in my nature , and hefprinfcles me 
 with his blood^Hcb. 12. 24. 1 Pet. 1.2. Heb.io. 
 22. Heb. 7.25. 
 believe that the Father is wellpleafed with Chrifi s 
 I interceffwn for me> according to his promife to 
 him, Pfal. 2. 8. Ifa. 53. 11. And thereupon 
 doth difcharge me of the laws condemnation , and 
 gives me power to become a Son of God. 
 
 Hence 1 live a life of peace and comfort in af- 
 fured hope that Cod will make good all his 
 promifes to me in particular in his due 
 time,?h\. 57. 1,2,3. 
 
 f his is the work^of faith with power , 2 Thef. 1. 1 1. 
 
 r hus Chrifi rofe for our jufiifi cation that by our 
 continual intercejfion by his fpirit to the Father 
 in his name here upon earth : and by his con- 
 tinual 
 
tinual interceffion for us to the Father in Hea- 
 ven we might have the comfort of our continual 
 J unification and Adoption , Pf.66 . 1 8 , 1 9, 2©* 
 
 Adoption and the law of the fpirit. 
 
 The law of faith at it refpeSts Adoption^ contain^ 
 in it the law of the fpirit. John. 1. lZj 13. 
 
 The law of the fpirit ts that Alt of Gods graces 
 whereby a 'Believer is glorified. Rom. 8. 30. 
 Whom he Juflified he glorified. \ Pet. 4- 14. 
 The fpirit of glory refls upon you. This glorifica- 
 tion is eppojed to the glory loft, Rom, 3 .23 • 
 
 We are glorified. 
 
 When we are transformed into the Image of Chrifp 
 
 2 Cor. 3. 18. 
 Adopted to the Inheritance. 1 . Pet. 3.4. 
 
 The Spirit is ca!d a Law. Rem. 8. 2. 
 
 i. Becaufe ' 'tis promifed Jer. 31. 3 3. Gal. 3. 14.. 
 
 2. Becaufe T0 powerful. The Spirit of Life. 
 
 3. Becaufe 9 tx obliging to walkafterit, Rom. 8. 1 . 
 
 The promife of the fpirit refpc&s. 
 
 The body of the Church as a fign of their vi- 
 fible Adoption and a means of their edi- 
 fication, called the bleffmg of Abraham, 
 Gal. 3. 14. 
 Single believers in particular. Rom. 8. 2. And 
 is the power of regeneration or a fpirit ual life i 
 Rom. 8.2. The' 
 
r The fpirit as promt fed to the Body, the Church 
 ^ is thefpint ofCbrifiian prophefie ,or the Mini- 
 ftenal fpirit 2 Tim. 1.6. 7. Eph. 4.7, 8.&0 
 The fpirit as fromifedto particular Believers is 
 
 ESn c ■ ■ tkifi ZRom.8.2. 
 ) The Spirit of J Liberty 5 
 
 b 2. Adoption, Gal. 4. 6. 
 
 ' And its called r A transforming into the image 
 
 ofChrift, 2 Cor. 3. 18. 
 
 J A conforming to his death and 
 
 2 refurreclion, Phil. 3. 10. 
 
 A partaking the divine nature^ 
 
 [ 2 Pet. 1.4. 
 
 He that is under the government of this 
 Law is freed. 
 From the Law of fin : That is the dominion 
 ) and power of fin dwelling in him Rom. 7. 23. 
 ) Gal. 5.18. 
 
 ^From the Law of death : To dy the death end 
 not rife to Life Rom. 8. 1 1. 
 
 This fpirit of life , or fpiritttal Life is called 
 thefpirit of Adoption. Rom. 8. 15. Be- 
 caufe^ 
 
 i. It is an effential property of Sons 
 
 einv $ An °h' in £ ft iri h Rom - 8 - H- 
 
 * £ A praying and interceding fpirit^Kom.S. 
 
 15, 16. 
 
 It is a witnefi together with our fpirit s of our 
 
 fonjhip. 
 
 om. 8, \6.The felf fame fpirit, eLvn to thv^a 
 
 (namely of regeneration) beareth witnefs &c. 
 
 3. It 
 
3. It isanearnejl and pledge of the Refurrcfiiotl 
 
 of the body Rom. 8. 1 1 . 
 a. It is the firft fruits of eternal life* Rom. 8. 2§J 
 ^ In Heavenly mindednefs. Phil .3.20. 
 j In Heavenly peace.Fhil. 4. 7. 
 £In Heavenly Joy. Kom. 5- 2. 
 
 Moreover the law of grace which the Bapifedl 
 are uhder^ontains in it three forts of promifes. 
 
 C The fr ft vifiting grace . 
 Promifes for s improvement of grace received. 
 
 (- St abli fiing grace upon improvement. 
 
 For the firft vifiting grace 1 Tet 2. \ii 
 
 Thefe prcmfcs are made to Chrift for m according 
 to the Fathers good pteafure^as ifa. 55. 5.2 Tim. 
 1. 9. Tit. 1. 1,2. Aft. 16. 6, 7. Rom. 10. 20. 
 When vce are in our blood ) Ezek. 16. 6. 
 
 For improving grace. 
 
 Thife promifes are propounded to us and' tr an fatted 
 with us, w the Alrmftery as perfons called in a 
 Conditional way for Hirring up our diligenct 
 Pf. 18. 24, 25. 2 Chron. 15.2 Mat. 7. 7 
 Mat. 25. 29-Heb. 3.7, 14. Heb. 4. 1. John 
 8. 12 Hof.6. 3. 
 
 'This is the ftretching out the hand all the day 
 long. Rom. 10. 21. 
 
 This is the vifible Adoption withtreatingCovenants. 
 Rom. 9. 4. 
 
 Note 
 
Note hereabout Conditions. 
 
 ^Propofed between equals, fo there is 
 Conditions are*S no covenant twixt God and man. 
 ^- Im$o fed from fuperiors either. 
 
 r To vein the reward as Wages fo to boafi of their 
 
 J own fufficiency : this is the Law or Covenant 
 
 J of works. 
 
 - To win the reward as a free gift on fuch terms 
 as imply felf -denial and repycing in God only : 
 this is the covenantor conditions of grace. 
 
 Rom.4. 1 6. It is by Faith,bythat it might be Grace, 
 Phil. 3. 8, i 4 . 
 
 For Stablifhing Grace. 
 
 Thefe promifes are made not only to Chrisl for m 
 but alfo to us ,as diligent and tried Chriflians (as 
 Abraham and David were ) to fettle our com- 
 forts , 2 Pet. i. 5 .to i2.<z/.Gen.22. 16, 17. 
 
 This is called the everlafiing covenant andfure mer- 
 cies of David, Ifa. 55. 3. with Pfal. 89. 28. 
 
 The everlafiing covenant never to depart, Jer. 
 32. 40. 
 
 Signified by the Anointing, Sealing, Ear ne fling, 
 2 Cor. 1. 21,22, which imply a confirmation 
 of the everlasting Covenant. Alfo by the immu- 
 table word of the oath, Heb. 6. 17. 
 
 jBy Gods counting ui worthy of our Call, 2 Thef. 
 J. 11. 
 
 *£y everlafiing confolation and good hope through 
 gract % iThef.2. 16,17. 
 
 K This 
 
This eftablifinng grace Was given to many of the 
 fir ft Chrifttans immediately upm their believing 
 ChriftsRefurreftion,zCor. l> 21. Eph.i* 13 • 
 
 A&s to. 44. 
 But afterward it was attained by payer and a walk: 
 ing worthy of the Gofpel^ Eph* 1.15.5.1 4,&c* 
 and Of. 30. efpecially m times of trial, 1 Pet. I. 
 5, 6,7. with 1 Pet. 9. 10. 
 
 Hence are three forts of Chriftiatis. 
 
 1 Beginners dying in the fir ft vifits of Grace as 
 fome Infants and the Thief on the Crofs. 
 
 2. Beginners who go onto perfeftion>and by diligence 
 working out their falvation, notwithftandwg 
 many falls find infirmities , attain tofullaffurance 
 of hope, and are under the immutable word of the 
 oath, Heb. 6. 1 1, 17. 
 
 a Beginners, who are flothful , loofe, ungirt, wot 
 anfwertng the Call. Receiving the grace of God 
 in vain : finning againft poffibilities: grieving 
 the Spirit: never ftablifht, 2 Pet. I. 9. Heb. 6. 
 6,7,8. 2 Cor. 6. 1. 
 
 Moreover the Law of Grace which the Baptifed 
 are under , contains in it three forts of proraifes. 
 
 rThe firft vifiting Grace, 
 promifes for J Improvement of Grace received. 
 
 l_Stabliftnng Grace upon improvement. 
 
 For the firft vifiting Grace. 
 
 By the immutable Word of ibt Onth t fleb. «. 17. | 
 J By 
 
By Gods counting us worthy of our Call, 2 Thef. 
 
 1. 11. 
 By ewerlafiing confolatjon and good hope through 
 Grace, 2 TheC 2. 16, 17. 
 
 this ftablijliing Grace was given to many of the firfi 
 Cbriftians immediately upon believing Chrifis Re- 
 fury^im, 2 Cor. 1. 2*. Epn. j. 13. A&. 
 
 10. 44. 
 
 Form of Do&rine touching Love, Eello wfhip 
 andQr&t. 
 
 Fellow Jhip in the Gofpel is the public}^ and open de- 
 monfiration of Faith pro fejfed* Fjttth works by 
 Love,Ga\. 5. 6. 
 
 This is the good Work, which fheWj it felf fmm the 
 firfi day of a peoples converfon, Phil, i.j, 6. 
 
 This is called Order, and is by the Apoftle named 
 before Faith, Col. 2. 5. becaufe by this, Faith 
 is firfi feen y and continually nurfed and prefer- 
 red* 
 
 Order is conjidered by the Apofile as referring to 
 the fubfiantials offeHowjhip, and may be called 
 Order ordered •' or to the circumfiantials } and 
 may be 9 i Cor. 4. 14. called Qrder ordering Fel- 
 lowship of the Gofpel contains 
 
 S Order of A£niflry. 
 
 * Order of ? holding j4jfembli.es* 
 
 H % Mini- 
 
Miniftry. 
 
 Minifiry is the foundation of the fellow finp of the 
 (jo/pel, 2 Cor. 8i 5. Eph. 4. 1 ly j 2) i- 3 . 
 
 S. F&uldefcribes the Minifiry. 
 
 ^enumeration of gifts given immediately by Chrifi 
 and the Affiles hands only, at the fir fi edition of 
 the Minifiry m planting the fir si Churches, 1 Cor . 
 12. Eph. 4. 
 
 By the fettled order h be continued to the Church in 
 a mediate Way,2T\m. 3. 15. with 6. 13 , 14. 
 
 Tit. I.5. »WW hti7IW7Zt Zfad)op$U&) 
 
 Thm S. Paul confiders the Minifiry. 
 
 € Confiitutingl Tit. 1. 5. 
 As< > 
 
 L Conslituted J ?&m.dw 
 
 the Minifiry conftituting is reprefented in the per- 
 fons of 'Timothy and Titus who are charged with 
 the care of 
 ■ Mini fie rial education: That the depofited 
 ) Truth may be committed to faithful men, 
 
 2 Tim. 2. 2. • 
 
 ) 
 
 .Minifierial approbation and invefiiture of 
 per fons approved by Timothy* and an affotiated 
 Presbytery as Tvmthjhimfelf was approved by 
 5. Paul and his affociates, 1 Tim. 4. 14. 2 Tim. 
 I. 6. with 1 Tim.5.22. 
 
 Ape 
 
Apo files did ufe to AEl with ajfifiance of elders. 
 Aft. 15. 4. In the greekChnrch or AJfembly both of 
 Ape i files and Elders Aft. 15. 6. 22. Aft. 20. 4.- 
 Aft. 21. 18. 
 The Miniftry constituted is defer ibed by their names 
 which are 
 <- Common to all Presbyters br Elders 
 I Appropriate as r 'Bijhops 
 I Deacons 
 C Teaching'? 
 By their worj^ : % and C" 1 Tim. 5. 17. 
 t Ruling ~* 
 
 Aflemblies. 
 
 Ajfemblies are the means for the exercife of fellow- 
 flip in the Gosjel, Heb. 10. 25. 
 
 S. Paul direfts aflemblies to be held. 
 
 1. For Miniflration of the Word. 
 
 ThewordisMiniftred 
 
 r To the ear by preaching &c. 2 Tim. 4. 1 . 2. ' 
 \ To the eye by holy figns or Sacraments. 
 
 Holy figns are 
 • 
 .Baptifay with its Appendant Jmpofitionof hands 
 Heb. 6. 2. The Dottrine of Baptifms and- 
 lmpofition of hands joynd together in one 
 parent hefe. 
 'The Lords Supper. K5 Baptifm 
 
 1 
 
Baptifm. 
 
 h a fign to the Church ,and to the Baptifed. 
 
 Baptifm a fign to the Church. 
 
 rOf the firfi "Believers of their Receiving and 
 «) entrance into the Faith, Gal. $. 27. 
 tPf the fucceeding Believers : Of their Continu- 
 ing in the faith firfi recieved, by educating their 
 Children in the farnt faith Eph. 1 . 12. with. 2. 7. 
 and 1 . 6. Eph. 6. 4. Jude. 4* Gen. 18.18. 
 
 Baptirm a fign to the Baptifed. 
 
 o Aprofeffing and engaging fign on the 
 A M n *0 : f*rt *f the Baptifed 
 a Covenant} A teaching and afiitring fign on the 
 
 C part ofChrifi. 
 
 The Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11. 17. Which is, 
 
 A prof effing -fign in the Recievers } that they continue 
 in the faith ptoftffidin Baptifm. 
 
 A teaching fign of the fpir it ual union and Communion 
 ofChrifi mthh'ii Church. 
 
 A feahng^ or fign of remembrance of the truth of 
 Chrifis death and blood Jhedding to feal and con- 
 firm the promifesof 'the new Tefiament or Cove- 
 nant of grace or everlafiing Covenant for Re- 
 mifiion offinjmd Adoption to the Inheritance- 
 
 An applying fign to the Wfaf&rl of the Worthy re- 
 ctever. 
 
 2. Affemblies 
 
2. Ajfemblies are to be held for grayer and fraife 
 i Tim. 2. i. 
 
 3. Ajfemblies are to be held for Alms when need re- 
 quires 1 Cor. 16. 2. Hcb. 13. 15,16. 
 
 ^.Ajfemblies are to be held for judicial proceedings^ 
 1 Cor. 5. 5. 1 Tim. 5. i9> 2 °>2i- 
 
 Power of Godlinefs. 
 
 TheApofllescheiffcopein all his fyi (lies is to work. 
 upCbriftiansto the power of Godlinefs^ the form 
 being mojl what fuppofed in their first plantati- 
 on. 
 
 The power of Godlinefs is the feriotu reality and ra- 
 ve ardnefs of the form and profeffion of Godlinefs: 
 When we bring forth that in workwhich is profef- 
 fed in word. John. 8. 31. Tit. \. 16. 1 John. ?. 
 18. 1 John. 4. 20. 
 
 The power of Godlinefs is fet forth. 
 
 ^ Mind 
 Sometime in reference to the J Will 
 
 ^Afeclions 
 
 The mind. 
 
 When we k"ow the Myftery ofChrifi with Meditati- 
 on^a-nd obfervationfhis is cald being in the fpirit 
 Rev . 1 . 10. And the fpirit of Wifdom and Reve- 
 lation Eph. \Z.And being tranfformed by the re- 
 newing of the mind. Rom. 12. 2. 
 
 When we know by experimental fence in our/elves. 
 K 4 Eph. 
 
Eph. i. io. Heb. 5. 14: 
 When we know the My fiery with admiration of his 
 mfdom and love, fo as to be [wallowed up in his 
 Xcw.Eph. 3. 17, iS, j 9 . 7 
 
 The Will. 
 
 ^-W tt*/>^ our bodies a living facrifice. Rom, 
 
 rvbeweyeild o^fehestogod,Kom. 6, 13. 
 
 The Affeftions. 
 
 S&* "' JSS2L26W inthe LordFhiU. 4. 
 H ^ w, arefiird With all joy and peace in believina. 
 Korti. 25. 13. r«s* 
 
 tiolyGhofl. Aft.9. jl ' - 1 
 
 Some tiipethe power of Godlinefs is fet forth by 
 
 s5tst s , ioynedtothe ^ of 
 
 When f nth is unfeigned. EjfeSlual, 2 Tim. M 
 1 lnel. 1. 3. f 
 
 Wh^bope hathpatience and an earneft expectation. 
 
 When love is Mario*, diligent, fervent, without 
 delation forbearing, forgiving, extending to 
 enemies Heb. 6. 10. Rom. 12. 9. iPet. 4 .3. 
 
 Sometimes the power is fet forth by perfection 
 and the degrees of attainment in grace Phil. 3.15. 
 
 When 
 
fVhen with purpofe of heart we cleave to the Lord, 
 
 Aft. 11.23. 
 When we are efiabliftid and unloveable, 1 Cor. 
 
 15. 58. 1 Pet. 5. 10. 
 When we abonndin the fruits ofrighteoufnefs, Phil. 
 
 1. 11. 
 When we lay hold of eternal life and prefs hard to 
 
 the markj ?hi\. 3. 13,14. 1 Tim.6.12. 
 When we are perfwaded that nothing jhall Jeparate 
 
 us f row Gods Love, Rom. 8. 38, 39. 
 
 Sometime the power is fet forth by a Chriftians 
 care to difcharge the duties of his relations. 
 
 As he jlands related 
 
 I To the Commonwealth, a Magiflrate or Jnb']et~h, 
 \ Rom. 13. Tit. 3. 1. 
 
 5 A teacher, iThd.%.12,1 1,14 
 An hearer, Gal. 6. 6. 
 y A fellow member, Rom. 14. 1. 
 C and 15. 1. Phil. 2. 1, 2. 
 C An husband or wife. 
 ^ A parent or child 
 To the family^. AMafierorfervant. 
 
 J Eph. 5. 21 , &c. Chap. 6. 
 *- 1, &c. 
 
 Sometime the power of godlinefs is fpoken of in 
 reference to the ordinances or means of grace, 
 and ways of fellowfhip. 
 
 So there is the power of the Minijlry. 
 When the preaching is in the demonstration of the 
 Spirit, 1 Cor. 2. 4. When 
 
When tetchm are like minded as Timothy, Phil) 
 
 2. 20, 21. 
 When they are examples of what they teach, Tit. 
 
 2, 7. 2 Tinu 2. 22, 
 
 The power of Prayer. 
 
 When all manner of prayer is ufed in the fpirit in 
 the exercifs of faith y hope, and love with ferven- 
 cy and feeling. 
 
 When watching is joyned with prayer,Eph. 6. 18, 
 The power of Baptifm. 
 
 When we holdfafi the beginning of our confidence 
 
 (the faith profeffed in Baptifm ) fiedfaft unto 
 
 the end, Heb. 3. 14. 
 When the world is cruet fed to us, and we unto the 
 
 Word,and we rife with Chrift in feeding the things 
 
 that are above, Gal.6. 14. & 2. 20. Col. 3. 1. 
 When We have a good Qonfcience an fevering, truly 
 
 teaching,putting of the old man, and putting on 
 
 the new, \ Pet. 3.21. Thm 
 
 He that hath put off the old man, &c. is a new 
 creature, andafon of God and heir of Glory, 
 1 have put off the old man, &c. 
 This istheanfwer of a good Canfcience. 
 Therefore J am a Son of God, &c. 
 Thus Baptifm faveth, 1 Pet. 3 . 2 1 . 
 
 The- 
 
The power of the Lords Supper. 
 
 When we live upon Chrifi, for continual remffion of 
 fin,andfupplyofhis Spirit. 
 
 Hethateatethmejhalllivebyme, John 6. 37. 
 
 I live, yet not J, butChrift lives in me. Gal. 2. 20. 
 1 Cor. 10. 16. 
 
 Whenwe love the Brother-hood, Vnion and Com- 
 munion with the Church of God, 1 Pet. 2. 17. 
 
 1 Cor. 10. 17. We are one Bread and one Body, 
 1 Cor. 12. 23. We drink^into onefpirit. 
 
 The power of Judicial proceedings. 
 
 When the Kingdom of Cod is not in word but in 
 
 power, 1 Cor. 4. 20, 2 1 . 
 When all is done without prejudice or partiality, 
 
 1 Viva. 5. 19,20,2 1,22. 
 
 A N 
 
A N 
 
 ADVERTISEMENT 
 T O T H E 
 
 READ ER. 
 
 \0 fave fame labour in writing, 
 here are many places of. Scri- 
 pture cited but not tranfcribed, 
 l / kwJFSK * Writable preemption, 
 that the Reader who is not fi well acquainted 
 
 wthhis Bibleasto know meerly by Quotati- 
 on, will turn to the places and examin the 
 matter : elfe he will read fuch compendiums 
 mth little profit. 
 
 Th. 
 
The Conclufion. 
 
 THe definitions ; and diflinftions of S. 
 Paul are the more to be remarked, be- 
 caufeour blejfed Saviour having delivered 
 the Doctrine of the Gofpel in a Parabolical 
 way in his life time promifed to jheiv his A- 
 fottles plainly of the Father after his Afcen- 
 (ion, John 16.25. 
 
 And S. Paul received the DoBrine by 
 immediate revelation from Chrijl now y at the 
 Fathers right band, 2 Cor. 12.4. 2 Cor. 
 4. 6. 12.4. 
 
 And of all the Apoflles S. Paul hath 
 moft fully methodized the Doctrine of the 
 Gofpel ; not in the words which mans wifdom 
 teacheth ( whether Rhetorical, Logic -at, or 
 Metaphyftcal ) but which the Holy Ghost 
 teacheth, 1 Cor. 2. 13. For this divine fci- 
 ence hath terms proper to it f elf and is un- 
 derftood by comparing fpiritual things with 
 fpiritual. If therefore a ChriHian /hall flu- 
 ay to under fl and Scripture Amotions by Scri- 
 pture exprefflons he will find it wholefom 7 
 fafe, and plea/ant y yea frveeter than the honey 
 and the honey-comb. 
 
 F I NI S. 
 
" 
 
I 'IMk** 
 
V