Obj. THe Apostle seemes to c••••••radict that Precept, given by our Saviour unto t••••••▪ Mat. 28. 19. willing them to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; it being the Apostles practise to baptize only in the name of the Lord Iesus, as these Scriptures witnesse, viz. Act. 2. 38. and 10. 48. & 19. 5. & 8. 16. Rom. 6. 3.
Ans. There is no question but the Apostles did follow that* 1.1 direction of our Saviour during the time he was resident in the flesh with them, but after his ascention, their usuall practise was to baptize in the name of the Lord Iesus, the reasons of which might be these, viz.
1. Because that then they knew that through faith in him alone (viz. as he was the Son of God, and the Redeemer of his elect) we should receive remission of fins, and eternall life.
2. In that they were satisfied, that in him was contained the other persons in the God-head, viz. the Father, and the Holy Ghost, in whose names they formerly used to baptize.
3. In that they were to preach Salvation only in his name, Act. 4. 12. of which Misteries (before his ascention) they were almost, if not altogether ignorant, as may appeare by their question unto him, Act. 1. 6. Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the Kingdome againe unto Israel? Intimating, that they knowing him to be of the Seed of David (according to the Flesh) thought he would like another Alexander the Great, in a glorious manner have restored their former immunities, and priviledges, which they enjoyed before, their Conquest by the Romans, to which thing, the request of the two ambitious Sutors did alude unto, Mat. 20. 20. &c.