Christianismus primitivus, or, The ancient Christian religion, in its nature, certainty, excellency, and beauty, (internal and external) particularly considered, asserted, and vindicated from the many abuses which have invaded that sacred profession, by humane innovation, or pretended revelation comprehending likewise the general duties of mankind, in their respective relations : and particularly the obedience of all Christians to magistrates, and the necessity of Christian-moderation about things dispensible in matters of religion : with divers cases of conscience discussed and resolved / by Thomas Grantham ...

SECT VIII. Of the necessity of holy Baptism to a true Church-state, From the nature and import of the ordinance it self.

Greatly hath the wisedom of God appeared in forming this holy ordinance of Baptism, that it might be serviceable to his glory and and the good of his people, as will easily be perceived by him that considereth the significant expressions, and high titles which the Spi∣rit of God in sacred Scripture joyneth with it, thereby to raise up the minds of the Children of men, to a pious conformity to the will of God requiring it; and to the due observation of the mystery held forth by it. Hence it is called the Councel of God, Luke 7. 30. The laver of regeneration, Tit. 3. 5. The similitude of Christs death. Rom. 6. 4. The figure by which we are saved. 1 Pet, 3. 21. That wherein we are bu∣ried with Christ. Colos. 2. 12. Not that the water doth any thing in all this, otherwise then as it is sanctified by the word of God to set forth Christ and him Crucified, and to shew on the creatures part his so∣lemn resignation to the will of God, revealed in the Gospel, &c. Even as the Sanctified bread and wine in the Table of the Lord, is called the body and blood of the Lord, because of it's Divine use and signification, to set forth (in the Church of God) Christ and him crucified.

Nor is this wisdome of God less, in pitching upon such a service, that as to outward appearance, hath but little beauty or excellency in it, and to place it among the beginnings of Christian religion; but rather very great, * 1.1 seeing by this means he makes manifest the loftyness of many hearts, calling hereby for such kind of abasement as that we find more to follow the example of the Pharisees and law∣yers, Luke 7. 30. then follows the example of the Publicans. verse the 29. the former rejected the Councel of God, being not Baptized, the lat∣ter justified God being Baptized.

And indeed, he that comes rightly to this path of Christianity, doth openly acknowledge (even in this very act) before God and man that he is a poor unclean Creature, and therefore doth wholly cast himself upon the free grace of God, for remission of his Trespasses; and though never so high, is glad to receive this low pledge of Gods mercy, at the hands of a despised Minister of Christ, and this in the ablution or

washing in the River after the example of the Chamberlain, or Lord Treasurer of the Queen of Candice. All which proud Flesh observing, streight through Satans Instigation, abhorreth this as a low and base performance, and though they be convinced, there is none to save them but Christ, and therefore are willing he should serve with their sins, and to be laden with their iniquities, yet will they not have him here∣in their Lord, or leader though himself hath gon this path before them: and exciting them after this manner. Thus it becometh us to full fill all righteousness Matth. 3. 15.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Baptism tryeth lofty Hearts; and they commonly reject it.