Gold refin'd, or, Baptism in its primitive purity proving baptism in water an holy institution of Jesus Christ ... : wherein it is clearly evinced that baptism ... is immersion, or dipping the whole body, &c : also that believers are only the true subjects (and not infants) of that holy sacrament : likewise Mr. Smythies arguments for infant-baptism in his late book entitled, The non-communicant ... fully answered / by Benj. Keach ...

CHAP. II. Shewing what Baptism is from the literal and true genuine and proper Significa∣tion of the word Baptism. (Book 2)

IN shewing the signification of the word Bap∣tism, we will, with all Impartiality, give the Judgment of the Learned; 'tis a Greek word, therefore let us see what the Learned in that Tongue generally have, and do affirm to be the express signification thereof: And such hath been our care and pains, together with a Friend of mine, (some time since deceased* 1.1, who was several months in my House) as to examine the Writings of divers eminent Men upon this Ac∣count, amongst which are Scapula and Stephanus, Pasor, Minshew, and Leighs Critica Sacra; Grotius, Vossius, Casaubon, Selden, Mr. Daniel Rogers, Mede, Chamiers, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Hammond, Dr. Cave, He∣fychius,

Budaeus, Beza, Erasmus, Buchanan, Luther, Illyri∣cus, Zanchy, Glassius, &c. who with many other Learned Men, nay all indeed who are impartial, agree with one Voice, that the primary, proper, and literal signification of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Baptiso is mergo, immergo, submergo, obr••o, item tingo quod fit immergendo, that is, in English, to immerge, plunge under, overwhelm, as also to dip, which is done by plunging.

True in a less proper or remote sense, because thing that are washed, are commonly dipped or covered all over in Water, it is put for washing, Luke 11. 38. Heb. 9. 10. Mark 7. 4. And we dare modestly assert, that no Greek Author of any credit, whether Heathenish or Christian, has ever put Baptizing for Sprinkling, or used those words promiscuously; the Greeks have a peculiar word to express Sprinkling, viz. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Rantizo, which as a Learned* 1.2 Author ob∣serves, is ever used in Scripture by the Holy Spi∣rit, when he speaks of such a thing as 〈…〉〈…〉 yea, 'tis used three times in one Chapter, viz. Heb. 9. 13, 19, 21. and is always translated Sprink∣ling: Neither is there, saith he, any one place of Scripture, wherein the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is rendred to baptize, or used to signify baptizing: Neither is there one Scripture wherein the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Baptizo, is rendred Sprinkling, or used to signify such a thing as Sprinkling. This being so, and certainly so it is; How strangely hath the World, and many Godly Christians, been deceived, thinking they have been Baptized, when in truth they never were to this day, but only Rantized.

We have had many long and tedious Disputes, and perplex'd Controversies, about the true. Form or Manner of Baptizing, whereas the thing

in difference, is properly not the Manner or Form of Baptizing, but what Baptism is; for, as one observes, A Man may ride many ways, viz. East, West, &c. backward, forward, apace, or slowly, &c. yet all this is riding still, whilst the Man moves to and fro on Horse-back, be∣cause the very formality of that Action of riding, consists is being carried by a Beast; but while he moves upon his own Legs up and down, you can∣not at that time denominate him riding. In like manner a Man may be Baptized [Anglicè, Dipped] or put under the Water many ways, viz. forward, backward, sideway, towards the right Hand or Left, with a quick or slow Motion, and yet all the while be Baptized; if he is put under the Water, for in such respect the Form or manner of Baptizing, i.e. Dipping, doth consist: the manner of Baptizing is one thing, and the manner of Rantizing is another: Sprinkling is Sprinkling, let it be done how you please, but it never was, nor never will be Baptizing.

And that Baptism is any thing else than Dip∣ping, or Washing, which is by plunging or dip∣ping, we do utterly deny; for as the cutting off a little bit of the Foreskin of the Flesh, and not the twentieth part round, is not Circumci∣sion;* 1.3 so sprinkling a little Water on the Face is not Baptism: As it would be ridiculous, and ve∣ry absurd to call that Circumcision, so it is as false and ridiculous to call Sprinkling, Baptizing.

If Accidentals, or meer Accessaries, be want∣ing unto Baptism (saith one) there may be right Baptism notwithstanding, but abstract the absolutely Necessaries, 'tis not only none of the Baptism of Christ, but truly not any Baptism at all.

Object. But the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, though it sig∣nifies not to Sprinkle, yet not only to Dip and overwhelm in Water, but also to Wash, and so 'tis rendred in the Lexicons, as must be ac∣knowledged by you.

Answ. If the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 do signify to wash, yet it is a real total washing, only such a washing as is by Dipping, Plunging, or swilling the Subject in Water, and that signification is far off from Sprinkling: Can any thing be said to be truly wash'd, that hath only a little Water sprinkled upon it?

The best Lexicons, and most eminent Cri∣ticks,* 1.4 as well as the holy Scripture, do most plainly decide the Controversy, as Mr. Danvers and others observe.

Scapula and Stephens, two as great Masters of the Greek Tongue as most we have, do tell us, in their Lexicons, that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, signifies mergo, immergo, obruo; item tingo, quod sit immergendo, inficere imbuere, viz. to dip, plunge, overwhelm, put under, cover over, to die in colour, which is done by plunging.

Grotius says it signifies to dip over Head and Ears.* 1.5

Pasor, An Immersion, Dipping, or Submer∣sion.* 1.6

Vossius says, It implieth a washing the whole Body.* 1.7

Mincoeus in his Dictionary, says,* 1.8 that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is in the Latin Baptismus, in the Dutch Doopset, or Doopen Baptismus or Baptisme, to dive or duck in Water; and the same with the Hebrew Tabal, which the Septuagint,* 1.9 or Seventy Interpreters, render by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Baptiso to dip, as these Texts in the old Testament shew, Gen. 37. 31. Exod. 12. 22. Lev. 4. 6. and 17. 14.

Deut. 33. 24. Num. 16. 18. 2 King. 5. 14, &c.

This, saith Casaubon,* 1.10 was the Rite of Bapti∣zing, that Persons were plunged into the Wa∣ter, which the very word Baptizo sufficiently de∣monstrates. Which as it does not extend so far as to sink down to the Bottom, to the hurt of the Person, so is it not to swim upon the Su∣perficies—Baptism ought to be administred by plunging the whole Body in Water.

Also I find our late Famous,* 1.11 Learned, and Re∣verend Dr. Du-Veil, in his Literal Explanation of the Acts, Chap. 1. vers. 5. citing the same Author in these words, The word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, says Casaubon, is to dip or plunge, as if it were to dye Colour.

Leigh in his Critica Sacra,* 1.12 saith, its native and proper signification, is to dip into the Water, or to plunge under Water, Mat. 3. 6. Acts 8. 38. and that it is taken from a Dyer's Fat, and imports a dying, or giving a fresh Colour; for which also he quotes Casaubon, Bucanan, Bullinger, Zanchy, Spanhemius: He saith withal, that some would have it signify Washing; which sense Erasmus, he saith, opposed, affirming that it was not other∣wise so, than by Consequence; for the proper signification was such a dipping or plunging, as Dyers use for dying of Clothes.

Salmasius saith,* 1.13 that that is not Baptism which they give to Children, but Rantism.

Beza,* 1.14 on Mat. 3. 11. saith, the word Baptizo sig∣nifies to dye, by dipping or washing.

Selden saith,* 1.15 That the Jews took that Baptism wherein the whole Body was not baptized, to be void.

Mr. Daniel Rogers saith,* 1.16 That the Minister is to dip in Water, as the meetest Act the word Bap∣tizo notes it, for the Greeks wanted not other

words to express any other Act besides Dipping, if the Institution could bear it. What resem∣blance of the Burial and Resurrection of Christ is in Sprinkling? All Antiquity and Scripture confirm, that it was Dipping.

If you would, saith Dr. Taylor,* 1.17 attend to the proper signification of the word, Baptism signi∣fies plunging in Water, or dipping with wash∣ing.

In the Synod of Celichyth,* 1.18 where Wolfred Arch-Bishop of Canterbury presided, as 'tis cited by Dr. Du-Veil, it was ordered that the Presbyters should take heed, that when they administred the Sacrament of Baptism, they should not do it by pouring Water, but always by plunging, ac∣cording to the Example of the Son of God, who was plunged in the Waters of Jordan.

The same Learned Author affirms, this was the constant practice of the Universal Church, till the time of Clement the 5th, who was crowned Pope, saith he, Anno 1305, under whom first of all the Second Synod of Ravenna approved the Abuse introduc'd into some Churches, about an hundred Years before that Baptism, without any Necessity, should be administred by Asper∣sion. Hence, saith he, it came to pass, that con∣trary to the Analogy, or intended mystical sig∣nification of this Sacrament, all the VVest, for the most part in this Age, they use Rantism, that is, Sprinkling instead of Baptism, as Zepper speaks, to the great scandal of the Greeks and Russians, who to this day plunge into the VVater those they Baptize,* 1.19 and deny any one rightly baptized, who is not plung'd into the VVater, according to the Precept of Christ, as we may find in Sylvester, Sguropalus, and Cassander; the Custom of the Ancient Church was not Sprink∣ling,

but Immersion, in pursuance of the sense of the word Baptizo in the Commandment, and of the Example of our Blessed Saviour,* 1.20 saith Dr. Taylor.

The Greek word Baptein, (saith Salmasius) ftom which the word Baptizein derives, signi∣fies Immersion; nor did the Ancients other∣ways Baptize.

Mr. Joseph Mede saith,* 1.21 that there was no such thing as Sprinkling or Rantism used in Baptism in the Apostles Days, nor many Ages after: He had spoke more proper if he had said, there was no Rantism used in the Apostles Days but Baptism, than to say no Rantism used in Baptism, sith he could not be ignorant but that they are two distinct Actions, and it cannot be Baptism at all if it be only Sprinkling or Rantism as is now used, Dipping or Immersion being the very Thing, not an Accident, but an Essential, so ab∣solutely necessary, that it can't be the thing without it.

The ancient Vse of Baptism,* 1.22 saith Chamier, was to dip the whole Body into the Element, therefore did John baptize in a River.

Neither is it amiss to give you what Dr.* 1.23 Ham∣mond speaks upon this account in his Annota∣tions upon John 13. 10. where he saith, that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifies an Immersion, or washing the whole Body, and which answereth to the Hebrew Word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 used for dipping in the Old Testament, and therefore tells us upon Matth. 3. 1. that John baptized in a River, viz. in Jordan, Mark 1. 5. in a Confluence of Water, as Aenon, John 3. 23. because 'tis said there was much Water; which he fur∣ther makes out by the Name by which the Greeks called the Lakes where they used to wash; also the Ancients, he says, called their Baptisterions, or the

Vessels containing their Baptismal Water, Colum∣bethras, viz. swimming or diving-places, being made very large with Partitions for Men and Wo∣men.

To all these famous Authors, it may do well to add our late Annotations, begun by the Learned Mr. Pool, newly printed,* 1.24 see what they say on Mat. 3. 6. A great part of those who went out to hear John were baptized, that is, dipped in Jordan, and on Mat. 28. 20. say they, it is true, the first Baptism of which we read in holy Writ, were by Dipping the Persons baptized.

The Dutch Translation, according to their Language, reads Dipping.

Matth. 3. 20. Jesus ge doopt zijnde, is terstont opge-klommon uit het Water.

And when Jesus was dipp'd he came out of the Water; hence they, for John the Baptist, read John the Dipper; and for he baptized them, he dipp'd them. Why our Translators, who have been so faithful and exact generally in all things (as is acknowledged by all Learned Godly Men in the translating the holy Bible) should leave the word Baptism (it being a Greek Word) and not translate it into our Language, as the Dutch have done into theirs, I know not, unless it were to favour their own Practice of Bantising or Sprinkling, which the word Baptize will in no wise bear, as is confest by a whole cloud of Witnesses.

Mr. Ball in his Catechism renders it washing by Dipping.* 1.25

See also Dr. Ames in his Marrow of Divini∣ty.* 1.26

Mr. Wilson* 1.27 in his Dictionary saith, to baptize, is to dip into the Water, or to plunge one into the Water.

Also in the Common-Prayer-Book dipping into the Water is given as the proper and pri∣mary Signification of the word.

We will leave this to the Consideration of all thinking Men, it being so, i. e. that Baptism is Dipping or Plunging the Body all over in Wa∣ter, whether Infants can be the Subjects of it, sith their tender Bodies cannot bear being plun∣ged thus into the Water in cold Climates, with∣out palpable danger of their Lives.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Mr. De∣laune.
• * 1.2

  S. Fisher.
• * 1.3

  Circumci∣sion, •• cut∣ting the fore-Skin round about quite off.
• * 1.4

  Danvers Treatise of Baptism, 2d. Edit. p. 182.
• * 1.5

  Grotius.
• * 1.6

  Pasor.
• * 1.7

  Vossius.
• * 1.8

  Mincaeus.
• * 1.9

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.10

  Casau∣bon.
• * 1.11

  Dr. Du-Veil.
• * 1.12

  Liegh.
• * 1.13

  De prim. papae, p. 193.
• * 1.14

  Beza.
• * 1.15

  De Jure Nat. &c. l. 2. c. 2.
• * 1.16

  Treatise of Sacr. par. 1. c. 8. p. 177.
• * 1.17

  Rule of Conscience, l. 3. c. 4.
• * 1.18

  An. D. 816.
• * 1.19

  Conc. Flor. §. 9. c. 9. & lib. of Infant Baptism, p 693.
• * 1.20

  Ductor Du∣bit. l. 3. c. 4. Reg. 15. Num. 9. St. Martins Life, N. 16.
• * 1.21

  Diatribe on Titus 3. 2.
• * 1.22

  Pan. Ca∣thol. Tom. 4. l. 5. c. 2.
• * 1.23

  Annotat. on John 13. Mat. 3.
• * 1.24

  Pool's Annotat.
• * 1.25

  Ball.
• * 1.26

  Book 1. Cap. 40.
• * 1.27

  Wilson.