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If all that have gifts may preach, then all that have gifts may Baptize.
But all that have gifts (say you) may Preach:
Ergo, All that have gifts may Baptize.
Here the gifted Brethren (for I know not what else to call them: should I call them Lay-preachers, it may be twould be offensive:) de∣nied the sequel of the major: For though private persons might preach
as gifted men, yet none might Baptize but Officers. And herein they a∣gree with Mr. Robinson and the Independents, who confesse, that none may Baptize but men in Office.
To this I replyed thus,
What Christ hath joyned together none may separate.
But Christ hath joyned Preaching and Baptizing:
Therefore none may separate them.
He that hath the power of Preaching, to him Christ hath given the power of Baptizing.
Q. But where say they, do you prove this?
A. I answer, Matth. 28. 19. Go, Preach and Baptize, where, that Christ speakes not onely to the Apostles, but also to all ordinary Pastors, their successors, is clear, verse 30. Lo, I am with you, &c. He speaks it to such Officers as were to remaine in the Church to the end of the world.
Here I called againe for an answer; but the gifted Brethren wanted the gift: They were like men in a Net; they could neither go forward nor backward, but like Cuckowes they still sung one and the same song, viz. Though they might Preach as gifted Brethren, yet none but men in Office might Baptize.
I Replyed, If they had power to do the one, they had power to do the other; which I proved thus.
Those that have power to do the greater work, have power to do the lesse. Preaching is the great work, and Baptizing the lesse. Here the Apostle prefers Preaching before Baptism, 1 Cor. 1. 17. Christ sent me not to Bap∣tize, but to preach the Gospell, (i. e.) comparatively; not so much to Bap∣tize, as to Preach.
Now if none may Baptize without a Cal, then, à fortiori, it concludes more strongly that none may Preach without a Cal: If I may not do the lesse without a Cal, surely I may not do the greater uncalled.
2 See whasw absurdities follow this absurd Tenent: For, if men may Preach without a Call, then they may Baptize without a Call; and if they may Baptize, they may deliver the Lords Supper, and Church cen∣sures, &c.
Then gifted Boyes, and gifted Women, and gifted Midwives, may Preach and Baptize; and if all gifted persons be sent, it will necessarily follow.
I proceed now to those Arguments which I could not prosecute in publike for want of time, and by reason ofx Tumult.
Divino praece∣pto intonante, obediendum est non dispu∣tandum. Aug. Cottons Keyes, p. 20. c. 5.
And his way of the Churches in New-Eng∣land, c. 4. f. 2. p. 67.
It is a harder work to Preach, then to Baptize Infants.
Vide p. 17.
Mihi est cor∣di Aug. illud, statui nihil de hac ••e agere cum Antagoni∣stis nisi per li∣teras ub•• nul∣lus turbarum tumultus. Aug.