ceaseth? Such Reasoning would only spring from man's corrupt heart, for it would lead to the Neglect of all Christian Ordinances. Let us not suffer such dangerous Reasoning to keep us back from our Obedience to our Lord. Let us do as our Lord Jesus bids us, and he saith, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world, Amen. Matt. 28. 19, 20.

CHAP. VI.

That no Measures of Grace or of the Spirit are a sufficient Ground to keep any from Water-Baptism.

if you

HAT no Measures of Grace or of the Spirit are a sufficient Ground to keep from Baptism, may plainly appear,

1. Consider, that Baptism is from Heaven, as you see, Matt. 21. 25. Now what should keep us from obeying a Heavenly Command?

2. Consider, the Lord Jesus had all grace, and the Spirit without Measure; as John 3. 34. and yet he was Baptized in the River of Jordan as you may see in Matt. 3. 13, 14, 15. Is not Christ a Good Pattern for Believers to follow ?

3. Consider, that God hath nowhere limited

Baptism to Persons having little Grace, or little of the Spirit. Nay, on the Contrary, hath not God promised his Spirit, that you may keep his Ordinances and do them? And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you, and I will take th stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. Ezek. 11. 19, 20.

4. Consider, the Apostle makes receiving the Spirit an Argument to encourage to Baptism. Can any man forbid water, that these should be baptized, who have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Acts 10. 47. Now if you mind, these were so baptized with the Spirit, that they spake with Tongues and Prophesied; it was a great gift to Prophesy and speak with Tongues; such a Measure of the Spirit is not enjoyed in our days, yet he Commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Ver. 48.

CHAP.

VII.

Believers' Baptism a great Ordinance.

HE greatness of the Ordinance of Believers' Baptism may appear, if you consider these seven particulars.

1. Consider, that Baptism is an Ordinance which hath the great Pattern to enforce it; for the Captain of our Salvation himself did practise it; as you see, Matt. 3. 13: Then cometh Jesus to be baptized. If any man serve me, saith Christ, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be, John 12. 26. Christ is the best Example; will you not follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth?

2. Consider the great Name in which Bap tism is Administered, Matt. 28. 19, 20. Baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. This Name must not be slighted; it is the Name of the great God.

3. Consider, Baptism is a great business, it is called Righteousness: Righteousness is a great

matter. Christ calls it a comely and becoming thing, Matt. 3. 15. Thus it becometh us to fulfil all Righteousness: it is a fulfilling all Righteousness, and therefore no small concern.

4. Consider, Baptism is in the great Commission; it is one of the last Commands of our blessed Saviour after his Resurrection, a little before his Ascension, as appears, Matt. 28. 19, 20. Go Teach and Baptize.

5. Consider, that Baptism is joined with great Promises, Matt. 28. 19, 20. Go, teach and baptize, and, lo, I am with you alway; here is the Promise of the glorious Presence of Christ with those who teach and baptize. Then you have also the promise of the Holy Ghost, Repent and be baptized, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, Acts 2. 38.

You have also the Promise, Assurance or Token, of the washing away of sins, Acts 22. 16. Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins. Water-Baptism of itself cleanseth not, for Simon Magus was Baptized and yet abode in the gall of bitterness; yet when it is practised in Faith it is to the Baptized Believer a lively Emblem, and refreshing Token of his being washed from Sin. Doubtless this meaneth that the washing of Baptism is the outward token of the cleansing of sin by the blood of