A63200:257
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.
Secondly, In the particular Instances given, it is not probable that Baptism was evermore administered by Apostles or Evangelists; For before the death of Christ, the Disciples baptized when they were properly neither Apostles nor Evangelists:1 After the death of Christ (not to insist upon conjectures whether any assisted the Apostles in the baptizing of the first three thousand converted) it is not certain, whether Peter baptized Cornelius and his family,2 or commanded others then present with ⟨p. 63⟩him to baptize them:3 the words may be read: Et jussit eos baptizari in nomine Domini. Syr. & Arab. Praecepit eis ut baptizarentur. The Interlineary gloss leaveth it doubtful, Associis suis vel a seipso. Others are of opinion that Peter did baptize them himself. It cannot be proved that Philip and Ananias were both Evangelists,4 when the one baptized the Samaritans and the Eunuch, 5the other Paul. Paul himself baptized but a few as he testifieth of himself, and reason to convince that others converted by his preaching were baptized by Evangelists, we know not any. And if Philip, Ananias, and others might baptize such as had right and title to the Seals, being as yet no set members of any particular Congregation: and a Congregation destitute of their proper Pastor, may desire another to baptize their Infants, and dispense the Sacrament of the Supper to them in that their necessity. And if the members of one Congregation may lawfully communicate in another, then may the Pastors of particular Congregations upon occasion admit to the Seals of the Covenant such known and approved Christians, as have right and title thereunto, and duly and orderly require the same; for of all these the reason is like and perpetual.
Secondly, In the particular Instances given, it is not probable that Baptisme was evermore administred by Apostles or Evangelists; For before the death of Christ, the Disciples baptized when they were properly neither Apostles nor Evangelists: