From this Baptism of Christ, we may learn a practical necessary Truth;1 There is a Generation that cries down Baptism of water, and upon this score, because they suppose it was proper to John to Baptise only with water; and to Christ to Baptise only with the holy Ghost, and with fire. Indeed Christ in his own person Baptized none otherwise, but with the holy Ghost; immediately after his Ascension, he sent his Spirit upon the Church, and baptized them with fire, the spirit appearing like a flame; and to this day (though not visibly) he Baptizeth all his Saints with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: but for all this, he appointed John, and not only John, but all his Apostles, and their Successors for ever, to Baptise with water; and they did so, and yet do so, obeying the preceptive words of Christ, which are almost the last words that he spake upon the earth. And though Christ did not Baptize with water, yet Christ himself (we see here) was Baptized with water; he himself enters at that door, by which his Disciples must for ever follow after him; and indeed therefore he went in at that door of Baptism, that he might hallow, or sanctify the entrance which himself made to the house he was now a Building. And for the difference they make betwixt Christ's Baptism, and John's Baptism: what's this to the purpose? we all know, that in Baptism are two parts, the outward part, and the inward part; you may call them (if you please) the outward Baptism, and the inward Baptism: the outward Baptism is of the Minister, but the inward Baptism is of Christ. But must we separate these? or rather Join them (if these in ordinary must be joined) as we find them in Christ,2 and as we desire they may be in us? I cannot see, but the Baptism we use, and the Baptism of John are in nature and substance one, and the very same. 1.3 John preached the Baptism of Repentance for the remission of Sins; they have therefore the same Doctrine; and the same Promise. 2. The Baptism Ministered by John, pertained to the fulfilling of all Righteousness; and Luke testifies, that the Publicans and People being Baptized of John, they Justified God; but the Pharisees despised the Counsel of God against themselves, and were not Baptized: only herein lies the difference, that John Baptized in Christ that should die and rise again: but we Baptize into the Name of Christ that is dead, and risen again;
From this Baptism of Christ, we may learn a practical necessary Truth;1 There is a Generation that cries down Baptism of water, and upon this score, because they suppose it was proper to John to Baptise only with water; and to Christ to Baptise only with the holy Ghost, and with fire. Indeed Christ in his own person Baptized none otherwise, but with the holy Ghost; immediately after his Ascension, he sent his Spirit upon the Church, and baptized them with fire, the spirit appearing like a flame; and to this day (though not visibly) he Baptizeth all his Saints with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: but for all this, he appointed John, and not only John, but all his Apostles, and their Successors for ever, to Baptise with water; and they did so, and yet do so, obeying the preceptive words of Christ, which are almost the last words that he spake upon the earth. And though Christ did not Baptize with water, yet Christ himself (we see here) was Baptized with water; he himself enters at that door, by which his Disciples must for ever follow after him; and indeed therefore he went in at that door of Baptism, that he might hallow, or sanctifie the entrance which himself made to the house he was now a Building. And for the difference they make betwixt Christ's Baptism, and John's Baptism: what's this to the purpose? we all know, that in Baptism are two parts, the outward part, and the inward part; you may call them (if you please) the outward Baptism, and the inward Baptism: the outward Baptism is of the Minister, but the inward Baptism is of Christ. But must we separate these? or rather Joyn them (if these in ordinary must be joined) as we find them in Christ,2 and as we desire they may be in us? I cannot see, but the Baptism we use, and the Baptism of John are in nature and substance one, and the very same. 1.3 John preached the Baptism of Repentance for the remission of Sins; they have therefore the same Doctrine; and the same Promise. 2. The Baptism Ministred by John, pertained to the fulfilling of all Righteousness; and Luke testifies, that the Publicans and People being Baptized of John, they Justified God; but the Pharisees dispised the Councel of God against themselves, and were not Baptized: only herein lies the difference, that John Baptized in Christ that should die and rise again: but we Baptize into the Name of Christ that is dead, and risen again;
- 1Use.Ʋse.
- 2Mark 1.4.
- 3Mat. 3.15. Luk. 7.29, 30.
