An Apology for the True Christian Divinity / Being an explanation and vindication of the principles and doctrines of the people called Quakers

by Robert Barclay

§. V.

I.John’s Baptism was a Figure of Christ’s. That John’s Baptism was a Figure of Christ’s Baptism, I judge will not readily be denied; but in Case it should, it can easily be proved from the Nature of it. John’s Baptism was a being baptized with Water, but Christ’s is a Baptizing with the Spirit; therefore John’s Baptism must have been a Figure of Christ’s. But further, that Water-Baptism was John’s Baptism, will not be denied: That Water-baptism is not Christ’s Baptism, is already proved. From which doth arise the Confirmation of our Proposition thus:

There is no Baptism to continue now, but the one Baptism of Christ:

Therefore Water-baptism is not to continue now, because it is not the one Baptism of Christ.

II.John’s Baptism is ceased our Opposers confess. That John’s Baptism is ceased, many of our Adversaries confess; but if any should allege it is otherwise, it may be easily proved by the express Words of John, not only as being insinuated there, where he contra-distinguisheth his Baptism from that of Christ, but particularly where he saith, John iii. 30. He [Christ] must increase, but I [John] must decrease. From whence it clearly follows, that the Increasing or taking Place of Christ’s Baptism is the Decreasing or Abolishing of John’s Baptism; so that if Water-baptism was a particular Part of John’s Ministry, and is no Part of Christ’s Baptism, as we have already proved, it will necessarily follow that it is not to continue.

Arg.Secondly, if Water-baptism had been to continue a perpetual Ordinance of Christ in his Church, he would either have practised it himself, or commanded his Apostles so to do.

But that he practised it not, the Scripture plainly affirms, John iv. 2. And that he commanded his Disciples to baptize with Water, I could never yet read. As for what is alleged, that, Matt. xxviii. 19. &c. where he bids them baptize, is to be understood of Water-baptism, that is but to beg the Question, and the Grounds for that shall be hereafter examined.

Therefore to baptize with Water is no perpetual Ordinance of Christ to his Church.

This hath had the more Weight with me, because I find not any standing Ordinance or Appointment of Christ necessary to Christians, for which we have not either Christ’s own Practice or Command, as to obey all the Commandments which comprehend both our Duty towards God and Man, &c. and where the Gospel requires more than the Law, which is abundantly signified in the 5th and 6th Chapters of Matthew, and elsewhere. Besides, as to the Duties of Worship, he exhorts us to meet, promising his Presence; commands to pray, preach, watch, &c. and gives Precepts concerning some temporary Things, as the Washing of one another’s Feet, the Breaking of Bread, hereafter to be discussed; only for this one Thing of Baptizing with Water, though so earnestly contended for, we find not any Precept of Christ.