The baptized Turk, or, A narrative of the happy conversion of Signior Rigep Dandulo, the onely son of a silk merchant in the Isle of Tzio, from the delusions of that great impostor Mahomet, unto the Christian religion and of his admission unto baptism by Mr. Gunning at Excester-house Chappel the 8th of Novemb., 1657 / drawn up by Tho. Warmstry.

THat the Reader may be satisfied, who will pro∣bably desire to know what that last Discourse was betwixt Mr. Gunning and Signior Dandulo, which obtained from him his consent to be Bapti∣zed, Dr. Warmstry by Letter intreated Mr Gun∣ning, that he would be pleased to set down that last Discourse, which at Dr. Warmstry's request, Mr. Gunning hath done in the following account.

Mr. Gunning.

SIgnior, You may remember that when I was with you before, I told you that we must found our discourse concerning our two different Religions on that wherein we both are agreed concern∣ing Religion; which was this; That the Light of Nature and Right Reason common to us both, hath confessedly taught us both, that one onely true God is to be worshipped, the Maker, Con∣server,

Governor, and Judge of the world, and that the Dictates of Right Reason and of the Law of Nature are the Laws of that One God, in obedience whereto, to serve that One God true Religion. Now whatever Religion supe adds more then this, which the light of Nature teacheth, pretending supernatural Revelation for its perfecting, clearing, and repairing what by sin is become maimed, corrupt and obliterate, in the dim light of Nature which needeth medi∣cine, (as both Christianity and Turcism do su∣peradd) must either bring proofs of such their superaddition, & pretended supernatural Reve∣lation, or must justly be suspected of Imposture. The proof of a supernatural Revelation and Re∣ligion made by Jesus Christ to the world, I having instantly offered you, you tell me it is unnecessary for that your own Religion doth confess and witness that already, and if Jesus Christ were not a true Prophet come from God, Mahomet must confess himself a false Prophet. It remains therefore, as I told you, and now this second time expect your deliberate Answer, viz. That you bring some proof that Mahomet hath received from God any such supernatural Reve∣lation for the founding of his new Religion.

I askt you if it can be well proved concerning any supernatural Miracles which he wrought, or any Prophecy concerning him that had been known or affirmed by any, before his affirming it himself.

Sig. Dandulo.

I told you that Christ Jesus himself did foretell of Mahomet to come.

Mr. G.

If this can be proved, you say well and beleive well, for I having proved the Truth of Christianity, from the Confession of Mahometa∣nism; if you can prove the Religion of Maho∣met

from the Prediction of Christ, then you have also the confession of Christianity: But now I Convene your Conscience, and require you before Christ Jesus, whom you call The Spirit of the living God, and we the Word and Son of the living God, to whose Prediction you now appeal, and to which we Christians must certainly be most obliged and willing to stand, to alledge and assign if you can through all that six hundred years that past 'twixt Christ and Mahomets time, any words witnessed to have come from Jesus Christ by any Disciple of his, or any deriving from them, or any Book extant before Mahomets birth written by any of the followers of Jesus Christ, or by Jesus Christ himself; or thirdly, any Company or communion of men that profest Religion in Jesus Christ, who lived in that six hundred years 'twixt Christ and Mahomet, that ever witnessed that any such prediction or promise was made by Jesus Christ concerning Mahomet, or held any such Tradition amongst them. If you are able to name any, let us hear the Author of such words or Books, or such company or communion of men, where or when they lived, or who ever heard of them. In sum, shew any thing of Christ's or Christians speaking concerning Mahomet before Maho∣mets first saying it of himself. Or else if no∣thing can be shewed, then tell me what could an Impostor have done other then Mahomet hath done in this? viz. either himself onely to witness of himself without doing any superna∣tural Miracles, which might bear witness to him, or to alleadge a witness for himself, which none ever heard speak, nor ever said that he so witness'd, except and before himself. If to this you are still unable to reply any thing, we are

both willing to put our selves upon that issue for the tryal of our grounds of our beleiving in Christ, which Jesus Christ himself offered his Adversaries for the proof of his Doctrine.(a) 1.1 The works that I do, they bear witness of me.(b) 1.2 If I do not the works of my Father beleive me not; but if I do, though you beleeve not me, beleeve the works.(c) 1.3 And in another place, if I had not done among them the works which none other did, they had not had sin.

And secondly, We are ready to alledge num∣berless Volumes written by the followers of Jesus Christ within that six hundred years be∣twixt Christs Ascension, and Mahomets com∣ing, and living Societies of Christian Professors throughout the World, and throughout those six. Ages which witnessed to certain Books as containing the Doctrines, and Institutions, and Precepts, and Predictions made by Jesus Christ; in all which Books, according to any Copies in any Language extant within those 600 years, there is not any word of mention concerning such a Prophet as Mahomet to come, nor any Tradition ever heard of amongst those Christians concerning such a Prophet to come: Whereas we fetch our witness concerning the Prophesies of the coming of Jesus Christ from Books writ∣ten many Ages before Christs coming, which our bitterest Adversaries the Jews keep, and at∣test, and own as the Oracles of God, confirmed to be such at first by supernatural miracles; and which Books our other Adversaries the Pagans had read and acknowledged to be extant be∣fore the coming of Christ. Indeed, whereas Je∣sus Christ prophesied that after his departure, he would, send the Holy Ghost the Paraclete to lead his Apostles into all truth, and so it must needs

be whilst the Apostles were yet alive, he having promised it to them. Simon Magus first about the fortieth year of Christ, gave out him∣self to be that promised Holy Ghost, or Paraclete among the Gentiles; and about the year 220. af∣ter Christ(d) 1.4 Montanus pretended that he was that Paraclete, and that Jesus Christ had prophe∣cied of him; and about the year 278 after Christ(e) 1.5 Manes or Manicheus gave out himself to be that Paraclete, and that Jesus Christ had prophesied of him; all which could shew in the Books of Jesus Christ a Paraclete foretold should come, but no reason of their blasphe∣mous affirmation, that they were that Para∣clete: Then, 600 years after Christ Mahomet, pre∣tends that Jesus Christ had prophesied of him as a great Prophet that should come into the world, but he not able so much as to shew any such Prophesie of any Prophet; now this Im∣posture being so gross, what can your Conscience have to answer before God, to follow longer, and to transmit to posterity by your adhaesion, such a cousenage in so great a matter, concern∣ing the Religion of the most High God, and the eternal woe or welfare of your own and others immortal Souls, contrary to the Religion both that which the light of Nature and right Reason, I told you taught us both, and that which he whom you call the Spirit of God, and we call the Word of God (by and from whom all Pro∣phets, if Prophets of God, must speak) hath taught the whole world; and which Prophets cannot speak contrary one to another, nor to the Spirit of God, by whose inspiration they are prophets, nor to the Word of God who speaks by them.

Sir, I pray tell me, need I further to prove to

you Christianity, or need I further explain to you the Articles of Christianity then has been done?

Sig. D.

No, They are true.

Mr. G.

If so you beleive, will you be bapti∣zed into that Faith?

Sig. D.

How think you I can do that without danger to my life? except I should resolve never to see more my Country, and Parents, and Friends, and all that is in this world dear unto me?

Mr. G.

I know well and consider that you cannot, without suffering that loss for Christ his sake, and yet for your own sake also; for you must remember that we took the rise of our discourse from what we were both agreed in, viz. the Light of Nature and Right Reason, which teacheth us, and hath taught many Hea∣then Philosophers, that the eternal concern∣ment of our immortal Souls after this life, is to be infinitely preferred before any such con∣siderations of such worldly and temporary los∣ses; and that the one true living God, which Right Reason teaches is the Author of all good things Temporal and Eternal, and All-suffici∣ent to make good to us any thing we lose for his sake, and is most certainly the rewarder of them that seek out the true Religion, and ho∣nestly follow it when they finde it. Also when you began any discourse about Religion, we took it for granted on both sides, that they are most unworthy to hear or make any such dis∣course, who are not resolved to adhere to the Truth, whatever worldly inconvenience come thereby. Also I now inform you of one part of the Revelation made by Jesus Christ, viz. That there is no man who forsakes Father, or Mo∣ther, or Brethren, or Sisters, or Houses, or Lands

for his sake and the Gospels, but he shall receive in this world an hundred fold (however in spiritu∣al benedictions and consolations) with persecu∣tions, and in the world to come everlasting life. Having food and rayment we are bid therewith to be content; and that he hath promised to our prayers and honest endeavors, having left us this assurance, that the godliness of Christian Re∣ligion hath the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. But tell me Signior, is it not everlasting life, and the true Religion, which leads thereto, concerning which you de∣sired to discourse with me?

Sig D.

Yes, that, that only is considerable, what∣ever becomes of my Body. But tell me, I pray Sir, may I not hold this Religion which you have taught me without being baptized, which is the onely thing will bring danger to me from my Country-men?

Mr. G.

Nay, you must, as believe, so also con∣fess the Faith of Jesus Christ, and set to your seal that this is the True Religion, and receive the seal of Gods Covenant, and not be ashamed to renounce that shameful Imposture of Maho∣mer, and own the Faith of the Lord of Glory Jesus Christ, whom we teach and preach unto you.

Sig. D.

But where is that in your Books requi∣red, that I must needs be Baptized?

Mr. G.

Hear me read out of that Book of God I pray you.(f) 1.6 Amen, Amen, I say unto thee, except any one be born of Water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God; that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.(g) 1.7 And another place, Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature; He that believes and is

baptized shall be saved, he that believes not shall be damned,(h) 1.8 And in another place, Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Sig. D.

To morrow, to morrow I will be bapti∣zed.

Mr. G.

Nay, our Religion and Discipline per∣mits not that hastiness in this weighty matter, you must first be more fully instructed in the necessary works of Repentance, and Articles of Faith and Vows to be made in your Baptism, all which we will immediately go about, and within convenient time, through the mercy of God, you shall receive holy Baptism.

Sig. D.

But what if I should die in the mean time of this deferring?

Mr. G.

God will accept your present will, and desires for that deed, which it is his will should not be performed, but upon due prepa∣ration; in the mean time, let us humbly ad∣dress our selves to prayers unto God through Jesus Christ, and call upon him on whom you have believed, that he will fit you for Baptism, by perfecting in you true Repentance, and a lively faith, and vouchsafe you remission of all your sins, and renewing of the Holy Ghost in the Laver of holy Baptism.

PETER GƲNNING.

Notes

• (a) 1.1

  Joh. 10.25.
• (b) 1.2

  Joh. 10.37, 38.
• (c) 1.3

  Joh. 15.24.
• (d) 1.4

  Epiph. Haeres. 48 Aug. Hae∣res. 20.86.
• (e) 1.5

  Epiph. Haeres. 66. Aug. Haeres. 46.
• (f) 1.6

  Joh. 3.6, 5.
• (g) 1.7

  Mark. 16.15, 16
• (h) 1.8

  A &. 22.16.