Proof 5.Fifthly, That the one Baptism of Christ is not a Washing with Water, as it hath been proved by the Definition of the one Baptism, so it is also manifest from the necessary Fruits and Effects of it, which are three Times particularly expressed by the Apostle Paul; The Effects and Fruits of the Baptism of Christ.as first, Rom. vi. 3, 4. where he saith, That so many of them as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his Death, buried with him by Baptism into Death, that they should walk in Newness of Life. Secondly, to the Galatians iii. 27. he saith positively, For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. And thirdly, to the Colossians ii. 12. he saith, That they were buried with him in Baptism, and risen with him through the Faith of the Operation of God. It is to be observed here, that the Apostle speaks generally, without any exclusive Term, but comprehensive of all. He saith not, Some of you that were baptized into Christ, have put on Christ, but as many of you; which is as much as if he had said, Every one of you that hath been baptized into Christ, hath put on Christ. Whereby it is evident that this is not meant of Water-baptism, but of the Baptism of the Spirit; Which Effects Water-baptism wants.because else it would follow, that whosoever had been baptized with Water-baptism had put on Christ, and were risen with him, which all acknowledge to be most absurd. Now supposing all the visible Members of the Churches of Rome, Galatia, and Colosse had been outwardly baptized with Water (I do not say they were, but our Adversaries will not only readily grant it, but also contend for it) suppose, I say, the Case so, they will not say they had all put on Christ, since divers Expressions in these Epistles to them shew the contrary. So that the Apostle cannot mean Baptism with Water; and yet that he meaneth the Baptism of Christ, i. e. of the Spirit, cannot be denied; or that the Baptism wherewith these were baptized (of whom the Apostle here testifies that they had put on Christ) was the one Baptism, I think none will call in Question. Now admit, as our Adversaries contend, that many in these Churches who had been baptized with Water had not put on Christ, it will follow, that notwithstanding that Water-baptism, they were not baptized into Christ, or with the Baptism of Christ, seeing as many of them as were baptized into Christ had put on Christ, &c. From all which I thus argue:
Arg. 1.If the Baptism with Water were the one Baptism, i. e. the Baptism of Christ, as many as were baptized with Water would have put on Christ:
But the Last is false: Therefore also the First.
And again:
Arg. 2.Since as many as are baptized into Christ, i. e. with the one Baptism, which is the Baptism of Christ, have put on Christ, then Water-baptism is not the one Baptism, viz. the Baptism of Christ:
But the First is true: Therefore also the Last.
§. 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: