Rome ruin'd by VVhite Hall, or, The papall crown demolisht

SECT. 2.

Obj. BƲt it seemeth that the Baptisme in the name of the Lord Jesus, was not altogether sufficient of it selfe, without the gift of the Holy Ghost, which the Apostles is said to give unto them (who had been formerly baptized, in the name of the Lord Jesus) by the laying on of their hands, as in Act. 8. 16, 17.

Ans. The gift of the Holy Ghost was a thing which was not* 1.1 alwaies confined to the act of Baptisme, yea very seldome or ne∣ver, as I have shewed; neither did the Apostles or any other of∣fend, in not giving it at that present time of Baptisme, (in regard there was no such command given by our Saviour to his Apostles, as that the one, should not be administred without the other, or that he, that had not the donation of the Holy Ghost, should not administer the Sacrament of Baptisme, as appeares by the Sama∣ritans who received that Sacrament, and not the Holy Ghost imediatly, at the same instant, as an inseperable concomitant

annexed unto it; as also by them whom Paul is said to lay his hands upon, Act. 19. 4. 5. by all which it appeares, that the gift of the Holy Ghost, was chiefly given to the Apostles, to testifie the dignity, and excellency of their calling and Ministry, and no more a concomitant to their Baptisme, then to their Preaching, it being as well given at the act of one, as of the other; instance in Peters preaching to Cornelius &c. and therefore it may be as wel argued, that none ought to preach, but such as is of Peters ability, to give the Holy Ghost with it; as that none ought to baptize, but such as are able, yea, and doth give the Holy Ghost with it.

But in regard that it is manifestly apparent that such have Bap∣tized,* 1.2 as either could not, or at the least did not give the Holy Ghost with it, we may safely conclude, that he that is thought able by the Church, to exercise the duty of a Pastor, (as Philip the Dea∣con was to the Samaritans,) may also administer the Sacrament of Baptism. And that such Ministers or Pastors, may permit such of the Brethren, whom they think fit, to execute the same office; and that by the aforesaid example of Peter, as Act. 10. 48. as also Act. 2. 41. where it is very probable, that the Apostles made use of such Brethren, as assistants to baptize, who had formerly been baptized of them.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Christ com∣manded not his Apostles to give the H••ly Ghost with bapism, mo••e then wi••h preach¦ing.
• * 1.2

  Such might Baptize that should no••, or at the least did not give the Holy Ghost with it.