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.
§. VI.
Obj. 1.If it be said, That God confers inward Grace upon some that are now baptized;
Answ.So no Doubt he did also upon some that used those Baptisms among the Jews.
Obj. 2.Or if it be said, Because it is commanded by Christ now, under the New Covenant;