A63200:245
A trial of the new-church way in New-England and in old ... by that…A tryall of the nevv-church vvay in New-England and in old ... by that…
A trial of the new-church way in New-England and in old ... by that learned and godly minister of Christ, John Ball of Whitmore ; penned a little before his death and sent over to the New England ministers, anno 1637, as a reply to an answer of theirs in justification of the said positions ... ; now published ... by William Rathband and Simeon Ash.A tryall of the nevv-church vvay in New-England and in old ... by that learned and godly minister of Christ, John Ball of Whitmore ; penned a little before his death and sent over to the New England ministers, anno 1637, as a reply to an answer of theirs in justification of the said positions ... ; now published ... by William Rathband and Simeon Ash.
London: printed by T. Paine and M. Simmons for Thomas Underhill, 1644
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.
1. For first, the baptism of John was true baptism, and truly administered by him: And they that were baptized by him received the seals of the Covenant, and were esteemed members of the visible Church: But John never demanded of them who came to his baptism whether they were entered into spiritual fellowship by mutual covenant one with another.1 This was not then known to be a necessary and essential point in the lawful, due, and orderly administration of the Sacrament. The disciples of our Saviour made and baptised disciples professing the faith, but not combined into Church-state or fellowship.2 The Apostles commission was first to teach the Gentiles,3 and then to baptise them having received their doctrine. And this they carefully observed in the execution of their ministry upon grounds and reasons common to them and us: for as soon as any man or number of men gladly received the doctrine of salvation, and gave their names to Jesus Christ, if they desired to be baptised forthwith they accepted them, never excepting, that they were no set members of a distinct visible congregation. When the first 3000. converts, being pricked in their consciences, came to Peter, 4and the rest of the Apostles, saying, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Peter returns this answer, Repent and be baptised ⟨p. 59⟩every one of you in the Name of Jesus, &c. For to you is the promise made, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, &c. As soon as the Samaritans believed, Philip who preached the things that concerned the kingdom of God, 5they were baptised both men and women. 6When the Eunuch asked of Philip, See here is water, what doth let me to be baptised? he answereth not if thou beest first received as a set member into a visible congregation thou mayest: 7