A47399:185
[The axe laid to the root, or, One blow more at the foundation of infant baptism and church-membership containing an exposition of that metaphorical text of Holy Scripture, Mat. 3, 10].
London : Printed for the author, and are to be sold by John Harris, 1693
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Reader, just as I had closed with all I intended to have added to this short Tract, a Gentleman brought me another Book newly Published; called, Plain Scripture-Proof, that John Baptist did certainly Baptize Infants, as the Adult: — This Book is written by one Mr. Exell, who calls himself a Minister of the Gospel: but with what good Conscience a Man of his Function can give a Book such a Title, I know not: for if there is such plain Scripture Proofs, that John the Baptist did baptize Infants, as he positively asserts; 'tis strange none ever saw, nor found out those Proofs: neither Paedo-Baptists, nor Antipaedo-Baptists till now: — but I will appeal to all thinking and impartial Persons, whether or no, this new and bold Attempt of this Man's, does not give cause to all People to doubt of all the former pretended Arguments and Proofs for Paedo-Baptism? since new ways are thought necessary to evince it; but such who read over this Man's plain Scripture Proofs, &c. will certainly conclude, that his Title contains a grand Untruth; (to speak no worse) it argues these Men are strangely left to themselves, or to Blindness, that shall undertake to affirm for Doctrine, without Scripture Demonstration or solid Reasons, such things, which are nothing but their own Fancies; but those who are willing to be mistaken or deceived, let them be deceived: but to undeceive them, I shall make some short Reflections upon his Proofs, and if any of my Brethren think it worth their while, to answer either of these two new Asserters of Paedo-Baptism, let them do it.—
REader, just as I had closed with all I intended to have added to this short Tract, a Gentleman brought me another Book newly Published; called, Plain Scripture-Proof, that John Baptist did certainly Baptize Infants, as the Adult: — This Book is written by one Mr. Exell, who calls himself a Minister of the Gospel: but with what good Conscience a Man of his Function can give a Book such a Title, I know not: for if there is such plain Scripture Proofs, that Iohu the Baptist did baptize Iufants, as he positively asserts; 'tis strange none ever saw, nor found out those Proofs: neither Paedo-Baptists, nor Antipaedo-Baptists till now: — but I will appeal to all thinking and impartial Persons, whether or no, this new and bold Attempt of this Man's, does not give cause to all People to doubt of all the former pretended Arguments and Proofs for Paedo-Baptism? since new ways are thought necessary to evince it; but such who read over this Man's plain Scripture Proofs, &c. will certainly conclude, that his Title contains a grand Untruth; (to speak no worse) it argues these Men are strangely left to themselves, or to Blindness, that shall undertake to affirm for Doctrine, without Scripture Demonstration or solid Reasons, such things, which are nothing but their own Fancies; but those who are willing to be mistaken or deceived, let them be deceived: but to undeceive them, I shall make some short Reflections upon his Proofs, and if any of my Brethren think it worth their while, to answer either of these two new Asserters of Paedo-Baptism, let them do it.—
The Texts he builds all his Proofs from, are these, viz. And there went out unto him, all the Land of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were Baptized of him in the River of Jordan, Mark, 1.5. Then went out to him Jerusalem and Judea, and all the Regions round about Jordan, and were Baptized, confessing their sins, Mat. 3.5, 6.
The Texts he builds all his Proofs from, are these, viz. And there went out unto him, all the Land of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were Baptized of him in the River of Jordan, Mark, 1.5. Then went out to him Jerurusalem and Judea, and all the Regions round about Jordan, and were Baptized, confessing their sins, Mat. 3.5, 6.
From hence he infers, (if I can gather up his Sense) 1. That by All, every individual Person, both Men, Women, and Children in Jerusalem, and in the Land of Judea, went out to be Baptized of John. Or, Secondly, Some of all sorts, Sexes and Conditions, and then some Infants, as well as some Adult. p. 9.
From hence he inferrs, (if I can gather up his Sense) 1. That by All, every individual Person, both Men, Women, and Children in Ierusalem, and in the Land of Iudea, went out to be Baptized of Iohn. Or, Secondly, Some of all sorts, Sexes and Conditions, and then some Infants, as well as some Adult. p. 9.
2. He labours to prove, That by Jerusalem is meant all, both Young and Old.
2. He labours to prove, That by Ierusalem is meant all, both Young and Old.
Answ. Put does it follow, because All sometimes doth include every one, both young and old; or else some of all sorts, Sexes and Conditions of People, that therefore All must be so taken in all places, and consequently so here.
I am sorry he shows no better skill in Scripture Rhetoric, where frequently by a Synecdoche, a part is put for the whole; and sometimes the far lesser part also: — 'Tis said, all the Cattle of Egypt dyed, Exod. 9.6. that is, all that were in the Field, as Famous Glassius and other Tropical Writers note; so Christ is said to die for all, yet we know he dyed (in a proper and true spiritual Sense) but for a few, i. e. for none but the Elect. Christ says, when he was lifted up, he would draw all men unto him, Joh. 12.32. doth that import every Man? or some of all degrees or sorts of Men? see the late Learned Annotators on that place: it signifies no more than many or some of all Nations: see these Scriptures, Exod. 32.3.26. Jer. 6.3. 1 Cor. 10, 7. so Isa. 2.2, 3. Mark. 9.23. Joh. 10.8. Act. 2.5. Phil. 2.21. for all seek their own, &c. Mat. 10.22. Ye shall be hated of all men for my Sake. Gen. 24.10. All the Goods of his Master was in his hand: these and many other Scriptures are to be taken Synecdoccally, and so is this; see Glassius Ill• ricus; also Philol•giae Sacra, and our Annotators on Mat. 3.5. The term All (say they) here is twice repeated, is enough to let us know, that it is often in Scripture significati•e no further than many: — for it cannot be imagined, that every individual person in Jerusalem, and the Regions round about Jordan went to har John the Baptist, but a great many,
If John baptized them all, and Jesus baptized them all, then they were all rebaptized; all Judea and Jerusalem come to John, and all Men (are here said to) come to Christ to be baptized; in both places it is meant but some, or it shows many came to them; nor can it be supposed, any that John the Baptist baptized, were re-baptized by Christ's Disciples; and yet the Disciples of Christ baptized more Disciples than John, Joh. 4.1.2. when the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard, that Jesus made and baptized more Disciples than John, tho' Jesus himself baptized not, but his Disciples, &c. he did it not personally with his own Hands; and this shows he baptized no ⟨p. 37⟩Infants, and then not those he laid his Hands upon: for if he baptized none, he did not baptize them; from thence I infer, that there is no ground to conclude from these Scriptures, Mr. Exell has reason to affirm, that by all Jerusalem and Judea, &c. must be intended either every individual Person, both Men, Women and Children; or some of all Sorts, Degrees, Sexes and Conditions: but only it shows that multitudes came to hear John Baptist, and many of them were baptized by him.
If Iohn baptized them all, and Jesus baptized them all, then they were all re•baptized; all Iudea and Ierusalem come to Iohn, and all Men (are here said to) come to Christ to be baptized; in both places it is meant but some, or it shews many came to them; nor can it be supposed, any that Iohn the Baptist baptized, were re-baptized by Christ's Disciples; and yet the Disciples of Christ baptized more Disciples than Iohn, Joh. 4.1.2. when the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard, that Iesus made and baptized more Disciples than John, tho' Iesus himself baptized not, but his Disciples, &c. he did it not personally with his own Hands; and this shews he baptized no ⟨p. 37⟩Infants, and then not those he laid his Hands upon: for if he baptized none, he did not baptize them; from thence I inferr, that there is no ground to conclude from these Scriptures, Mr. Exell has reason to affi•m, that by all Ierusalem and Iudea, &c. must be intended either every individual Person, both Men, Wemen and Children; or some of all Sorts, Degrees, Sexes and Conditions: but only it shews that multitudes came to hear Iohn Baptist, and many of them were baptized by him.
2. I would have him consider, tho' all Jerusalem may sometimes intend every individual, yet 'tis when the matter spoken of does equally refer to, and concern all; as when the Famine was in that City, no doubt the Children were as much concerned in that matter, as the Adult; (of which passage he would fain make great Improvement) but when the Holy Ghost gives an Account of a great Prophet Preaching God's Word in the Wilderness of Judea, and of Multitudes going forth to hear him, it is ridiculous to imagine, there went, or were carried little Children to hear him, or to be baptized by him; unless, either directly or indirectly the Scripture gave us any ground to believe the latter; (I am persuaded, this Man from his Arguments will not make any Proselytes) or confirm People in the Practice of Infant-Baptism. 'Tis said, Paul Preached Christ to the Jailer, Act. 16. and to all that were in his house; can any suppose that he preached Christ to his Infants? (if he had any) do People carry their Infants to hear God's Word? (if some poor Women do bring such with them, 'tis because of necessity, i. e. they can't leave them at home:) therefore, there seemeth not the least shadow of Reason, as far as I can see, to believe that Children went, or were carried to hear John Baptist, tho' it's said all Jerusalem and Judea went out to hear him, and were many of them baptized of him in the River Jordan: the Ministration of the Word belong not to Infants, — when God spoke to all Israel, Deut. 11.1. by Moses, That they should love and keep his Judgments and Commandments always, he adds vers 2. And know you this day, for I speak not with your Children, which have not known, and which have not seen the Chastisements of the Lord your God. — What tho' Circumcision belonged to Infants, under the Legal Church of Israel, so did the Passover, &c. and if Infants have from thence a Right to Baptism, they have also as much Right to the Lord's Supper: great part of your Book is answered in these preceding Sermons. But to proceed.
2. I would have him consider, tho' all Ierusalem may sometimes intend every individual, yet 'tis when the matter spoken of does equally referr to, and concern all; as when the Famine was in that City, no doubt the Children were as much concerned in that matter, as the Adult; (of which passage he would fain make great Improvement) but when the Holy Ghost gives an Account of a great Prophet Preaching God's Word in the Wilderness of Iudea, and of Multitudes going forth to hear him, it is ridiculous to imagine, there went, or were carryed little Children to hear him, or to be baptized by him; unless, either directly or indirectly the Scripture gave us any ground to believe the latter; (I am perswaded, this Man from his Arguments will not make any Proselytes) or confirm People in the Practice of Infant-Bapism. 'Tis said, Paul Preached Christ to the Iayler,
2. Is it not said he Preached the Baptism of Repentance for the Remission of Sins, Mark 1.4.
Do you suppose he did not require of such that came to his Baptism, first to repent, or that he would Baptize them, for Remission of Sins, without manifesting their Repentance? nay, and did he not refuse to baptize such he found, who did not bring forth Fruits meet for Repentance, or Works, that were the proper Product of true Repentance, Mat. 3.8. you would (with your Brother Rothwell) have Persons be first made ⟨p. 38⟩Christians by Baptism, and then afterwards bring forth Fruits of Repentance: but this, 'tis evident▪ was not the Doctrine, nor Practice of John the Baptist, nor of Christ, and his Apostles. If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest, Act. 8. He that truly repented, and did believe might, nay ought to be Baptised, and none else.
Do you suppose he did not require of such that came to his Baptism, first to repent, or that he would Baptize them, for Remission of Sins, without manifesting their Repentance? nay, and did he not refuse to baptize such he found, who did not bring forth Fruits meet for Repentance, or Works, that were the proper Product of true Repentance, Mat. 3.8. you would (with your Brother Rothwell) have Persons be first made ⟨p. 38⟩Christians by Baptism, and then afterwards bring forth Fruits of Repentance: but this, 'tis evident▪ was not the Doctrine, nor Practice of Iohn the Baptist, nor of Christ, and his Apostles. If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest, Act. 8. He that truly repented, and did believe might, nay ought to be Baptised, and none else.
Obj. May be, you will say, that respects the Adult.
Answ. I Answer, There is no Account given of any Infant that was Baptised, no Precept, no President; and that is forbidden which is not Commanded; or, for the Practice of which, there is no Ground, or Rule •rom God's Word; for all humane Innovations, and Inventions of Men are forbid, and sinful: I doubt not, but if a Man would try his Wit, he might say as much for Infants to receive the Lord's-Supper, as you have said, for the Baptising of them. Pray consider what you your self speak in p. 1.
And if all must be Accepters, or Rejecters, then all, and every individual Pers•• are under, and must have as great Express, particular and authoritive Command▪ to accept and receive Christ, and every Thing of Christianity, in its Right, Order▪ and Manner, as another, p. 1.
And if all must be Acccepters, or Rejecters, then all, and every individual Pers•• are under, and must have as great Express, particular and authoritive Command▪ to accept and receive Christ, and every Thing of Christianity, in its Right, Order▪ and Manner, as another, p. 1.
Tho' you bring this for to prove Infants must be Baptised, and so receive Jesus Christ,— yet, I must tell you, it quite overthrows all you strive to do. — For, 1. Where is there an express, particular, and authoritive Command for them, to receive Christ by Baptism, or any Ordinance, or Principle of Christianity, whilst Infants? And where is there any Rule, or Order in all the New Testament, that the Adult must first Believe, and then be Baptized; but Infants must be first Baptised, and then Believe: Sir, God's Word knows nothing of the last, and the Right of Baptism only depends upon Christ's positive Precept, and Example of the Apostolical Church. 2. I affirm, That Infants cannot be said, as such, to be Receivers of Christ, nor Rejectors of him, because they are capable to do neither; nor is there any other way taught in the Gospel of receiving Christ, but by Faith. He that is Baptised, who hath no Grace, no true Grace, true Faith, is but a Baptised Infidel.
Obj. You Object Infants have the the Habit of Faith, or the Habit of Grace.
I am sorry he shews no better skill in Scripture Rhetorick, where frequently by a Synecdoche, a part is put for the whole; and sometimes the far lesser part also: — 'Tis said, all the Cattle of Egypt dyed, Exod. 9.6. that is, all that were in the Field, as Famous Glassius and other Tropical Writers note; so Christ is said to die for all, yet we know he dyed (in a proper and true spiritual Sence) but for a few, i. e. for none but the Elect. Christ says, when he was lifted up, he would draw all men unto him, Joh. 12.32. doth that import every Man? or some of all degrees or sorts of Men? see the late Learned Annotators on that place: it signifies no more than many or some of all Nations: see these Scriptures, Exod. 32.3.26. Ier. 6.3. 1 Cor. 10, 7. so Isa. 2.2, 3. Mark. 9.23. Ioh. 10.8. Act. 2.5. Phil. 2.21. for all seek their own, &c. Mat. 10.22. Ye shall be hated of all men for my Sake. Gen. 24.10. All the Goods of his Master was in his hand: these and many other Scriptures are to be taken Synecdoccally, and so is this; see Glassius Ill• ricus; also Philol•giae Sacra, and our Annotators on Mat. 3.5. The term All (say they) here is twice repeated, is enough to let us know, that it is often in Scripture significati•e no further than many: — for it cannot be imagined, that every individual person in Jerusalem, and the Regions round about Jordan went to h•ar John the Baptist, but a great many, Joh. 3.26. behold the same Bap••th, and all M•n came to him, that is, to Jesus Christ.
