A sermon preached in the parish church of St. Magnus the Martyr, by London-Bridge, on Sunday February 11th, 1699/700 at the baptizing of some persons of riper years, brought up by Quakers and anabaptists, but now conform'd to the Church of England / by Richard Holland ... Holland, Richard, 1679-1706. 1700 Approx. 57 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 18 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A44168 Wing H2436A ESTC R804 13065062 ocm 13065062 97062 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A44168) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 97062) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 742:15) A sermon preached in the parish church of St. Magnus the Martyr, by London-Bridge, on Sunday February 11th, 1699/700 at the baptizing of some persons of riper years, brought up by Quakers and anabaptists, but now conform'd to the Church of England / by Richard Holland ... Holland, Richard, 1679-1706. The second edition. [4], 30 p. Printed by F. Richardson for F. Back ..., London : 1700. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Bible. -- N.T. -- Acts II, 38 -- Sermons. Baptism -- Early works to 1800. Sermons, English -- 17th century. 2005-12 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-12 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-10 Taryn Hakala Sampled and proofread 2006-10 Taryn Hakala Text and markup reviewed and edited 2007-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A SERMON Preached in the Parish Church of St. Magnus the Martyr , By London-Bridge , On Sunday February 11th , 1699-1700 . AT THE BAPTIZING Of some Persons of Riper Years , brought up by Quakers and Anabaptists , but now Conform'd to the Church of England . Published at the Request of them and their Friends . By RICHARD HOLLAND , M. A. Chaplain to his Grace the DVKE of RICHMOND , Curate of St. Magnus , and Lecturer of Allhallows the Great ; who has since Baptized several others . The Second Edition . LONDON . Printed by J. Richardson , for J. Back , at the Black-Boy on London-Bridge , 1700. To all those who have newly Embraced the Church of England , especially whom I have lately Baptized in this City ; some brought up by Quakers , others amongst Anabaptists . T Is the Honour of our Established Church to carry the demonstration of the best and happiest Constitution in the World ; whose Articles are sound , Canons and Discipline easy ; whose Sacraments are of our Lords own appointing ; whose Ceremonies are but few , and those Decent ; whose Orders are Apostolical , and Guardians watchful ; whose Prayers are truly Divine , and Preaching from the Word of God , not from the Whims or Policies of Men ; this Church , admired by the Learned , even amongst its Enemies , desired and prayed for by all the truly Pious abroad , despised and neglected at home only thro' the Prejudice and great Vnhappiness of Education in some , and Willful Ignorance in others ; this Church , you now are become Members of , at your Earnest desire , & ( as I thank God , I have very good Reason to hope ) after a due preparation . As for this Discourse , t is properly yours ; t was prepared for you , and that with a Plainess answering the Honesty and Importunity which you discovered in your Request , both to understand and enjoy this holy Sacrament . And thus to do , I found convenient , if not necessary , and to me very tempting ; not only as a Curate conversant with people , who ( blessed be God ) have had the good Effect of convincing and informing some , who thought themselves Wise : But because also of those odd Notions and strange Enthusiastick Fancies , which you formerly were , and others stil are teized and exercised with , from their unteaching Guides ; which instead of Comfort , have improved to the Ruin of their Proselytes . Among the many proofs of this , that sad story of the dearest Relation of one of you , will not yet be forgotten ; who under great perplexity of thoughts from some strange Doctrines amazing and disturbing him , when he apply'd himself to his Teacher to instruct and assist him , that he might find Peace and Comfort , receiv'd from him only this Answer , Go Home , and get Faith. Which was so far from easing his Troubled Mind , that he immediately fell distracted , was obliged to be lyed and Bound in his Bed , and lived about a Week in that dreadful condition , and then was relieved only by Death . But our Church , as it has no such Vnintelligible Distracting Notions , nor Vnmerciful Tyranizing Discipline ; so you receive this , containing the true Christian Doctrine of it ; discovering the Bowels of the Mercy and Love of our blessed Saviour , the Head of it ; and Published at the Request of you , and your chosen Witnesses , I hope for your Benefit , and the Benefit of those who are yet Ignorant of the Excellencies of now your Church , and misled by Crafty and Designing Men. And therefore , as when Instructing you , so in this Sermon , I attended to the most easy , familiar , and aptest Expressions to inform you ; using in Comments and Expositions , the best Authors , and sometimes also ( because I could not do better ) their own words ; Endeavouring to keep true to the Orders , and excellent Doctrine of our Church , as every Faithful and Honest Man ought to do . That the Honour of God , and Interest of the Church , might be advanced , and that you and others may be bettered by this , and at last all our Souls Saved , is the Prayer of , Your Faithful Friend and Servant , In the Cause of God and the Church , Richard Holland . A SERMON Preached at the BAPTIZING , &c. Acts II. 38. Then Peter said unto them , Repent , & be Baptized every one of you , in the Name of Jesus Christ . THE Occasion of these words was this : St. Peter , with great Earnestness , had just Demonstrated to the Jews , the great Glory of Christ : Who. tho' He was taken by wicked hands , Crucified and Slain ; yet did He Rise again , thereby making a perfect Conquest over the Grave , and all the Powers of Darkness ; and entering upon his Government , as He is appointed an everlasting King , whose Dominion endureth from Generation to Generation , to take Vengeance of all His Enemies . Of which these Men of Israel , having from the Apostles words clear Conviction , they stop their Mouths ; ( for before they did but Scoff at the power of Godliness ; ) their Minds are now perfectly changed , they are very sensible of their evil condition , were prick'd at their Hearts , and with great Importunity and forward Earnestness apply themselves to the Apostles for Relief , for Comfort , and Advice , in these extraordinary thoughtful words , Men and Brethren , what shall we do ? It may not be amiss to take notice of that part of St. Peter's Sermon that Introduces all this , and caused so suddain an alteration in those Jews . He very plainly argues the Messias , and proves his Resurrection ; beginning ver . 22. Ye Men of Israel , hear these words , Jesus of Nazareth , a man approved of God among you , by Miracles , and Wonders , and Signs , &c. And here he tells them how barbarously they had dealt with the Son of God , and their own Messias : And then he brings to their remembrance some of the Prophecies of David , and explains them , particularly of His Resurrection , That His Soul was not left in Hell , neither did his Flesh see corruption . Again , The Lord said unto my Lord , Sit thou upon my right hand , until I make thy Foes thy Foot-Stool . This he proves David to speak of Christ , not of himself , v. 29. whose words may admit of this Comment : Some amongst you , perhaps , may conclude these Prophecies to belong to David , and not to Jesus : I know you had a good value for that Royal Prophet , and he deserv'd it , being the Man after Gods own heart , blessed of and beloved by Him : But let me be so free and plain with you , as to advise , that you must not give to him that is due to the Messias . The thing does truly declare it self ; and this Prophecy neither agrees with David , nor any other Prophet or Patriarch . As for David , you all know well enough that he Dyed ▪ was Buried , and never came to Life again ; his Sepultchre is with us to this day ; there is nothing in it burdry Bones and Dust , and no sign at all that he eve , after Revived . And all this David knew very well , that he should fare like other Men ; Dye , be Buried , and molder to dust in the Grave : Therefore he said none of these things of himself : but being Inspired of God , he knew that Christ should be Born of his Line and Family , be a most glorious King , and Reign for ever . And since it is plain that this Jesus , this Son of David , did not sit upon his Fathers Throne : he must therefore mean some other Kingdom and Throne , and he does express it to be such an one too , as shall have no End. Now he could not sit on this Eternal Throne , he could not Reign in this his Everlasting Kingdom , if after having once submitted to Death , he had not come to Life again . He therefore is risen from Death to Life , on purpose to enter upon this his Government , to sit upon this glorious Seat , the Seat of the Eternal Father , the Lord both of Heaven and Earth . And all this David himself spoke of , and what he said so long ago , is now come to pass . This same Jesus Dyed , You Crucifyed him , and he lay some time in the Grave , but did not Putrefie there , making good all the Prophecies of him : For he rose again to take his Government , to enter upon his Kingdom . And we are Witnesses of all this ; we saw him , have Eat , Drank and Convers'd with him , since his Resurrection ; and we are not , we cannot be Deceiv'd in him ; we knew him well in Person and Voice ; and besides , we saw and felt his wounded Hands and Side ; and many others also can testifie the same , who saw and heard him as well as we . And this very same Jesus whom ye slew and hanged on a Tree , thus raised up by the Power of God , we also saw ascend into Heaven : And he , having promised to send to us the Holy Ghost from thence , has now performed that too , which you cannot but own by this evidence which you now see and hear , those several Languages we now speak , which before we knew nothing at all of , we never were bred up in . By all this it is very plain , That this same Jesus is advanced to His Kingdom ; is now Lord over all ; is the very Messias promised in the Prophets , whom ye look for ; and who will most certainly one day take Vengeance of all his Enemies . This surprizing Relation , carrying with it such Demonstration and Evidence , touch'd them to the quick , who had consented to the thing , and who had acted in the Crucifying of Him ; being fearful therefore now , and apprehensive of their great danger ; and that they were soon to be brought under His Foot-stool , they cry out for help , they intreat the Apostles to relieve them , they have no Patience , but begg as for Life , Men and Brethren , what shall we do ? The Apostle is as quick , has a Remedy at hand for them , Repent , and be Baptized every one of you , in the Name of Jesus Christ . There are some excellent Lessons in this Sacred History , which , before we proceed , I shall but just mention . The Apostle here charges the whole body of the Jews , and especially all the City of Jerusalem , with that barbarous Murder of their King. Ye men of Israel ( says he ) both High and Low , Great and Small , 't is you that by wicked hands have Crucified and Slain the Holy One. He could not but know that the Soldiers mostly were the Executioners : But the whole Nation being Guilty ; he charges all in general with it ; those who Consented to it , as well as the Actors , and those who with mighty Clamours cry'd out , Crucify Him , Crucify Him. We have indeed a Record of one not to be forgotten , a Good Man and a Just . who did not consent to the counsel and deed of them ; St. Luke 23. 51. 't was Joseph of Arimathea , who took worthy care of the Corps also , whose Humanity therefore is Honourably noted . But for the body of the Jews , they were all Guilty , as well as the poor Heathen Soldiers . St. Peter then teaches us , That in Preaching the Gospel of Christ , the first thing must be to Convince Men of their Sins , to charge them home with them , and bring them to a general acknowledgment thereof , For , as no Physitian knows well what to do with that sick Patient , who conceals , or dissembles his Distemper : so , nor can Christ profit any who will not be brought to a true sence of their Sins . For which reason Christ calls himself a Physitian , and says , That He came to Heal the Sick ; and again , Not for the Just , but to call Sinners to Repentance . And the Office of the Holy Ghost , He says , is to Convince , and to Accuse the World of Sin. And in his last words to his Disciples , when he commands them to Preach Repentance ; to Encourage them , he immediately joyns thereto Remission of Sins , St. Luke 24. 47. Nor does the Apostle seem to charge the Mobb only , the common Rout of Crucifiers , but their Captains too : You , say he , who by wicked and unjust hands have slain , &c. Judas in the first place , once the Disciple and Apostle of Christ , but now their Leader , and who deliver'd him to them ; so the High Priest , and all the Colledges of Scribes and Pharisees , who corrupted Judas , and gave him Mony for his part in the Fact : Pilate too , who sat in the Emperours Seat , and gave the unjust Sentence against Him , to gratify the importunity of the People ; Herod also , in whose power it was to let him go , who instead thereof Mock'd Him , and sent Him back to Pilate : All these , tho never so Great , who were guilty as well as those common People who cryed out , His Blood be upon us , and on our Children , the Apostle boldly charges , notwithstanding their Grandeur and Authority . Tho' by some it might have been esteem'd no less than Treason , to charge the Government with Unrighteousness and Injustice in their Sentence : yet he plainly does it , without that wretched Fear , and those fawning Hopes , which too oft Tempts Men , even in good things , to Prevaricate . And this is the Duty of every one who comes from God : for , a Minister is a publick Person ; an Ambassador , and that from the Almighty : and his Business is to tell his Masters Mind , to deliver his Errands , discover his Truths and Pleasure only : and not to sew Pillows under the Peoples Arms , not to bolster them up in any of their Errors . And tho' thus to do is somewhat Irksome , as the Prophet Jeremiah complains , Wo is me that thou hast made me a Contentious Man , and a Man that striveth with the whole Earth , &c. Jer. 15. 10. Tho' it appears uneasie , and troublous to thwart the Inclinations of Men , and discharge them of their own Humours , yet we find it plainly intimated in their Commission , so the aforesaid prophet Jer. c. 1. v. 28. For behold , I have made thee a Defenced City , and an Iron Pillar , and Walls of Brass against the whole Land , against the Kings , against the Princes , against the Priests , and against all the People of the Land. In the next place , this Honestly and plain Dealing in the Apostle , had very good effect upon those Jews : they were Pricked at the Heart : they were sensible how ill they had done : they own'd their Evil Condition , and looked out for help . This is the beginning of true Reformation , to be deeply impressed with their Guilt and Danger , to be really apprehensive both of their Folly , and Desperate Condition , both of their want of a Saviour , and Misery without him ; this will soon make the Sinner cry out with David , I have Sinned , I acknowledge my Faults , and my Sin is ever before me , Psal . 51. 2. And this Sense of his Condition will Encourage him to call for relief , to ask Counsel how to get out of such a dreadful Condition , to cry out in good earnest , What shall we do to be Saved ? Again , We see farther the good Nature and Faithfulness of the Apostle , who as soon as they had discovered the extraordinariness of their Concern and Misery , does not in the least delay or dispute their Cure : He does not put them upon any Costly and Troublesome thing to Atone their Sin ; neither does he Upbraid them for their mighty Cruetly to the Blessed Jesus , nor reflect any more on what is past , their long Neglect or Carelesness ; but looks forward , helps them in Earnest , tells them the only , and that an easie and reasonable Remedy ; comforts therefore their Hearts directly , keeps them no longer in Suspence , hides not their Cure , but says , Repent , and be Baptized every one of you , &c. You see how proper this Subject is for our present Discourse , having just now receiv'd Persons into the Pale of the Church , who formerly were trained in Errors , and by the Authority of Relations kept from this happy Call. And since by their Earnest desire they have now Enjoyed this blessed Sacrament , that as soon as conveniently can be , they may be admitted to the other , let one word first be permised concerning the holy Sacraments , and their Number . Sacraments are the outward means whereby God does Represent , Exhibit , and Seal to us our Redemption . And they are called Signs , and Seals , and Badges , and Pledges : As Signs , they represent the great performances of Christ for us under Visible Elements ; Water represents his washing away our Sins ; the Bread Broken , and Wine poured out , represent his Body Crucified , and his Blood Shed for us . Thus are they Tokens and Monuments of his Love , truly Signs of Heavenly things . By them Grace is exhibited and conveyed to the faithful , Pardon ensured , and Favour and Reconciliation obtained . They are the Marks and Badges of our Profession : they are our Lords Livery , by which all we his Servants are known and discover'd to belong to him : they proclaim us to be his Right and Property : so that all the World may see and know what a Master we have , in whose Service we are Engaged , and whose Favour and Protection we shall be sure always to Enjoy . And they are Pledges also , or Pawns of his Care and Mercy , they are our Security of Heaven , and the ground of our Hopes and Confidence in God. For , there is an holy Contract betwixt God and us : Obedience is our part , Salvation is his ; and by the Holy Sacraments , as by Deeds and Indentures , is our Happiness conveyed , made over , Seal'd and Deliver'd to us . If we would be Saved then , it must be by these means , and if we refuse these means , the Pledges of his Love , the Badges of our Profession , the Securities of our Happiness : we Rob our Souls of Heaven , we exclude our selves from Salvation . Not that God cannot save without them , For his hand is not shortned , but they are the ordinary Means , and appointed Instruments , by which he has promised to convey the Merits of Christ to us , and commanded us this way to receive them . Willfully then to Neglect them , or to Want them , when they may be had , is perfectly to despise God , and cast aside his Ordinances . As for their Number , they are but two ; tho' the Church of Rome has Established more , yet the Ancients never acknowledged anymore . Nay , one of the greatest amongst the Romanists , confesses it in these Words : 'T is a common receiv'd saying amongst us Catholicks , That all the Sacraments did flow out of the Side of the Lord , but thence only Issued out Water and Blood ; Water , as the matter of Baptism ; and Blood , of the Eucharist ; and thence concludes , that properly there is no more . Thus Cardinal Richlieu . True it is , that the Sacraments strictly and properly taken for Seals and Badges of our Profession , they are , and the Church never acknowledged anymore than two , and those of our Lords own Ordaining . The first , Baptism , from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that signifies to Wash , Dip , Dive , or Sprinkle . The second , The Supper of the Lord , because ordain'd at , or after his last Supper . And these two he only institutes ; some have guessed that the Gospel Sacraments might correspond with those two old ones of the Law , Circumcision and the Passover : But rather , because these two are sufficient . Nothing is required to make any one a true Master of any Profession than these two things . 1. To be legally Enter'd , fairly admitted into it ; and then , 2 To be consummate in it , to be fully possessed of the Priviledges and Immunities of it . To Illustrate this , by what you all know very well . In order to become a free Denison and worthy Member of this Honourable City , or of any Society therein , this is required , 1. That the Person be Lawfully Admitted , you call it Bound : By which he is obliged to learn the Art or Mystery of his Profession , is Engaged to the Rules thereof , and at the same time is become the Care and under the Patronage of the Governours of the City . And having behav'd himself well in that Station , his appointed time , he is then , 2. Made Free ; has Title to the Priviledges and Immunities both of the City and his own Society ; to exercise his Function without Controul , and in his Course to perform the Noble Duties , enjoy the Offices , and receive the worthy Honours of the same . And as it is in these outward Worldly Societies ; so is it in our best most Holy and Religious one , as we are Christians , Members of Christ Sons of Heaven , and Heirs of Salvation . For , 1. By Baptism we are Bound ; bound to the great Father and Master of all the World ; made Servants to the most high God ; one of his so glorious a Family ; Members of Christ ; and under the Guidance , Instruction , and Conduct of the Holy Ghost . And our Employment under that our Master , and in his Houshold , is to learn the Art of being and doing Good , the great Mystery of the Christian Religion . And in that High and Honourable Imployment , in that Valuable Service , we are under the Care , Government , and Protection , the Tuition and Instruction of God the Son , from whom we receive all the Rules of our Office , the Laws and Statutes of our Calling : And in order to our most Faithful Service and absolute Obedience , we are Assisted , Comforted , Eased , Relieved , and Sanctified by God the Holy Ghost . And then , 2. In this Station behaving our selves Faithfully and Honestly , till we understand our Business , know well our Duty , and are fit to set up for the Practice of Piety , willing to Devote our selves to that Imployment ; we are admitted then to our Masters Table , to Eat and Drink of those his Holy Viands , in the other Sacrament of the Eucharist ; and there Enjoy , in that Feast of Souls , the Lord of all Glory , by which we are Fed and Nourished even to Eternal Life . And thus you see how your Earthly , does exhibit and represent to you the Glory of your Heavenly Imployment ; and that if you would be Masters , enjoy Liberty , even the glorious Liberty of the Sons of God , you must first be Bound , must be admitted into the Family regularly and fairly , as he has Ordain'd ; you must be Baptized every one of you , in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ ; and then proceed from one Degree of Grace unto another ; so you will obtain what St. Peter's Congregation here aim'd at , viz. To be Everlastingly Saved . For this reason it is that the Font stands at the lower-end , but at our Enterance into the Church ; where having been received and admitted into the Congregation , and afterwards Instructed in our several Duties , till we are well prepared for the Nobler Mysteries of our Profession , the higher Cordials of the Gospel ; we then come to be advanced to the Lords Table , that Holy Christian . Altar , at the Upper-end of all , the most Honourable Place in Gods House , that Royal Seat and Throne of the Blessed Jesus : Where Injoying him in those his appointed Elements in their Season , during the Course of our Lives , with Honest , Faithful , and Repenting Hearts ; we shall perceive the constant refreshings of a good Conscience and Joyous Heart , and at last be Translated to the Everlasting Arms of our Blessed Saviour , and Enjoy Him in the highest Heavens . But the first of those Holy Sacraments is our Province now . In Discoursing upon which , we shall a little more particularly consider , 1. The Nature , 2. The Necessity of it , 3. The Qualifications for it , 4. The several Duties we are Engaged in by it , 5. The extraordinary Benefits and Advantages of it . 1. For the Nature of Baptism . It was always a Custom amongst the Jews , that when any Proselyte was Receiv'd , Enter'd , and Admitted into the Church , they were wont to use several Washings , thereby denoting their Leaving off , Forsaking , or Washing away all their former Pollutions , their old Prophane and Heathen Practises : Nay , the Jewish Authors say , that not only Proselytes , and those newly Converted from Heathenism , but also the Natural Jews themselves , were mitiated by these three things , Circumcision , Baptism , and Sacrifices . As this was the custom amongst the Jews , so it pleas'd the Lord of Life , the Author and Finisher of our Faith , to appoint , That whosoever should at any time be receiv'd into His Family , admitted into His House and Fellowship , shall be receiv'd by this very same Ceremony and Element of Water ; and the Holy Ghost has order'd this Form of words , I Baptize thee in the Name of the Father , and of the Son , and of the Holy Ghost . Baptism then is the Door , by which we enter into the visible Church of Christ ; and it is administred to Beginners in Christianity , who are Initiated by Water . This is done by Dipping , or Sprinkling , for the word signifies both , and our Church makes the Action Indifferent ; leaving it to Discretion , and to be regulated by Charity . Dipping was first in use in hot Countries , and when the greatest part were well grown People : But when the Gospel was spread into colder Climates , as ours , Sprinkling only was thought sufficient . And so does the wisdom of our Church conclude , That if a Spoonful of Wine in the other Sacrament , be as significative of the whole Mass of Christ's Blood , as a greater quantity ; then a few Drops of Water may be a representative of Washing , as well as a River . And this Sprinkling , perhaps , the Apostles themselves used , even in those hot Countries , since we Read of them calling sometimes for Water in Houses , to Baptize new Converts , Acts 10. 47. 'T is to be done in the Name of the Father , and of the Son , and of the Holy Ghost : Intimating , That what the Minister does , is not of himself , or on his own head ; but in the Name and Power , by the Command and Commission of the whole Trinity ; God the Father , God the Son , and God the Holy Ghost : And this Obliging the Person Baptized to own , 1. The Glorious Trinity of Persons , and consequently the whole Creed , in the words of the Church Catechism , to Believe in God the Father , who made him and all the World. 2. In God the Son , who Redeem'd him and all Mankind ; That is , who was pleased to undergo the Wrath of His Heavenly Father , and all those Scourges due to our Sins , that we might be free from Sin and Sorrow , the power and danger of Death and Satan . 3. In God the Holy Ghost , who Sanctifies him , and all the Elect People of God ; That is , who Guides and Directs him , and who Comforts and Refreshes him in the ways of Godliness . As he thus owns and acknowledges the Holy Trinity , so 2dly . He yields himself an absolute Proselyte to the Faith , of it , excluding all other Gods , or any other Authors , and Patrons of Religion . The● ▪ 3dly . He devotes himself to follow the Rules , and obey the Comands of this his new Master , is always ready to be Govern'd , and Guided by him ; and by all cheerful dispatch of Religious Duties , demonstrates himself a very willing Disciple of this Blessed Trinity . Now this Water , and these Words , is called the Form , or the Outward part of Baptism : And they have a great meaning in them , which is called the Inward ; being a Death to Sin , and a new Birth to Righteousness : By Dying to Sin , is only meant leaving it off , washing away all Pollutions , getting clear of them , out of the Power and Dominion of them . The Apostle also calls it , A Quickening of us , who were dead in Trespasses and Sins . And St. John calls it , Overcoming of the World. For nothing makes a Man more a Slave than Sin ; nothing betrays Men more to Servitude , then living in Sin ; nothing else but Sin can Domineer : He then that overcomes it , is a brave Commander , is truly Master of himself , and Enjoys the best Liberty . And now very plain appears the meaning of a New Birth to Righteousness , and being Born of God , mention'd so frequently in Scripture ; which is only our Lords Enabling of us to Live Religiously , and Act Honestly , To have our Conversation here in Simplicity , and Godly Sincerity ; and to keep our Consciences void of Offence both towards God and Man : So we prove our selves Members of Christ ; and he will plentifully bestow upon us the Provisions of his Grace and Favour , that is , Mercy , and Peace , and Pardon of Sins here , and Eternal Life & Glory hereafter . I come now to the Second thing , To Consider the Necessity of Baptism : The Word is here , Be Baptized every one of you ; and this is , if you have a mind to be Saved . Besides which , in St. John's Gospel , c. 3. v. 5. Jesus himself says , Except a Man be Born of Water , and of the Spirit , he cannot Enter into the Kingdom of God. That is , except a Man be Born again by the effectual working of Gods Spirit , as by the Author of this New Birth ; and ( in the ordinary course of Gods Proceedings in his Church ) by the Water of Baptism , as the Sign appointed by God in the Sacrament of our Regeneration , he cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven . Therefore he says again , v. 7. Let not this seem so strange a thing , Marvel not that I said unto you , You must thus be Born again . And I think , that Christs own words , with such a Condition , that without it , they shall not obtain Heaven , is enough to urge the Necessity of this Holy Sacrament . What then do they do ? What have they to answer , who with hardned Confidence , and willful Obstinacy , and scornful Ignorance , keep themselves and their Children out of the Pale of the Church , refuse and slight this Great Grace , and shut themselves out of Heavens Gate ? They are indeed in a most dreadful Condition , who tho' Light be come into the World , will Love Darkness rather than Light ; and bereave both themselves and off-spring of that Happiness , and those mighty favours of God. What Value have these Men for Gods Command , to take the Sign and Seal of his Covenant of Grace to his People , and their Seed , throughout all Generations ? What Value have they for Jesus Christ , confirming the same , when he sent forth his Apostles and appointed them to make all the Nations Disciples , and to Baptize them all in the Name of the Father , Son , and Holy Ghost ? Which they did thro' all the World , where they came . But more dreadfull still is it , that the Men of this Perswasion , are generally so Stubborn and Resolute , as to be in Danger of never Repenting and Returning to the Church : Some indeed , by the blessing of God , and a good Disposition , have led the way ; may the rest of them Speedily follow ; and let not that Fate and Doom of a Reprobate , which is to be of strong Delusion , and to Believe a Lye , ( the worst of all Judgments ) let not that , or its Imputation , any longer rest upon them . I am thirdly to speak to the qualification for this Holy Sacrament , which is Repentance : Repent and be Baptized . Repentance is that that re-enstates us in Gods Favour , assures our Happiness , and makes Joy in Heaven . We all know our selves , to be Fools and Vile Sinners ; and when ever we shall be brought to our Senses , to acknowledge our Sin and Folly ; we shall Act like Men , and make our selves of the Number of those that God will accept , that Christ came to Save and Dyed for , and most certainly will Receive into his Everlasting Arms , when he shall come again to make up his Jewels . But our Repentance must be made up of these Parts , 1. There must be a Sense of Sin , 2. An Hearty Sorrow for it , 3. A free Acknowledgement and Confession of it , 4. An utter Abhorrence and forsaking of it . 1. There must be a Sense of Sin , if we would Heartily Repent of it . That it is Abominable , the Bratt of the Devil , that that God Hates , the thing that he never can or will Endure to behold with the least Approbation . That it really grieves the blessed Spirit , that it Crucifies the Lord of Life afresh , and puts Him to an open Shame ; and that it made Him , who is the same Yesterday , to Day , and for ever , to alter his Decrees concerning Man , and Cancel that Covenant of Uninterrupted Happiness . Of so Mischievous Nature it is , that it turn'd Angels into Devils , Men into Beasts ; and Tumbled them down from Life to the Grave , from a Throne to a Prison , from Heaven , and a Title to never-ceasing Joys , to Hell , and the assurance of Eternal Torments . This is Sin , and thus we must acknowledge it to be exceeding Sinful . And then , 2. We must proceed to Godly Sorrow for it . We must Heartily bewail it , express sensibly our Dissatisfaction in , and Dislike of it ; and that from a true Apprehension of its own Vileness , and that most wretched Folly , that betray'd us into it . And this Sorrow must be not only because we have brought our selves into great Danger , contracted Guilt , and wrought our own Ruin : But because also we have dealt so Unkindly and Ungratefully , with so good a God : Because we have provoked so Compassionate a Father , slighted so Gracious a Redeemer , and quench'd the Motions of , and grieved so Blessed a Sanctifier . Thus should we abound in Holy Sorrow , with respect both to our God and our selves ; for our God , that we have thus Basely , Treacherously , and Ungratefully , done as much as in us lay , to the very Dethroning of Him ; as well as for our selves , whom this filthy Sin has sunk into so wretched a Condition . 3. If we would perfect our Repentance , we must truly acknowledge and confess our Sins , not Hide them , not Palliate and Excuse them , not Stifle and Endeavour to put them out of our Minds , but to own them , and our selves for Sinners . When ever we desire to enter the Temple , when ever we prepare to return to our Fathers House , and there hope to be Receiv'd and Wellcom'd , we cannot do better , then take to our selves the Words of the old repenting Prodigal , and say , Father I have sinned against Heaven , and before thee , and am no more worthy to be called Thy Son , St. Luke 15. 21. Thus freely should we expose our Vileness , acknowledge our Transgressions , and that we have worthily deserv'd Gods Wrath ; that we have added Sin to Sin , Treasured our Vices , and Aggravated them with the most heightening Circumstances . And who knows then , but at our Meeting , as the tender Father in the Gospel receiv'd his Rebellious Son , so our Heavenly Father will receive us also , forgive us , and Enthrone us in his Kingdom . And here that I be not Misunderstood , let me hint to you the Excellency of our Church , in this particular . We are not obliged to an exact Discovery of every Secret of our Hearts to Men of Cunning and Art , and yet of like Passions with our selves ; which is the Arbitrary management of other Churches and Sects ; by which the poor People are lyable to be Ruin'd on Earth , their Secrets being extorted , and they thereby exposed to the shock and prey of Cruel and Unreasonable Men. But our Church requires General Confessions only , such as she has provided ; as We have Erred and Strayed from thy ways like lost Sheep , we have followed two much the Devices and Desires of our own Hearts , we have offended against thy Holy Laws , &c. Save in the matter of Scruples ; and then also it is order'd with that Ease and Security for the quieting of the Conscience , and relieving the troubled Mind , as to Demonstrate the Divinity of the Constitution , and that Holy Spirit which conferr'd the Directions . All this I have said is of our Church and Publick Confessions ; but for our Private ones , those in our Closets , we must be sure there to ransack every corner of our Hearts , to Confess and Bewail every Particular of our Sins , to our God ; so he that seeth , he that heareth in Secret , will reward openly ; we shall not fail then of Pardon , and Forgiveness , if we add that that 's next to be Consider'd to make up our Repentance , and that is , 4. A Forsaking of all our Sins , and an utter abhorrence of them for the future . He that Confesseth and Forsaketh , it is that shall find Mercy . Would we then perfect our Repentance , and be truly Welcome to our Lord and Saviour in His House and Family ? Thus we must do ; Confess , and Forsake ; own our former Follies , and resolve upon a new and better Life ; promise to our Lord more Faithful Obedience , and then take Care to perform it ; resign up our selves intirely to the Will of God , and then indeavour to walk with him all the Days of our Lives . So shall we be truly Wellcome to our Lord now in this Sacrament , and ever afterwards in his House ; so shall we Enjoy the Comfortable Presence of the blessed Spirit here , and even the Lord of Life in that Spiritual Banquet , the other Sacrament . And when these Earthly Services and Mercies shall fail us , we shall receive Eternal Comforts , be possest of Blessings Unspeakable and full of Glory ; so shall none of our former sinful Actions ever rise against us , to Accuse or Condemn us , or our Consciences to affright us ; but in Peace and Quietness , in a Sedate and Calm Composure of Spirit , we shall at last resign our Souls into the hands of God , in sure and certain hope of a joyful Resurrection . I am now in the 4. Place to consider the several Duties we are Engaged in by our Baptism ; and these are exactly set down in our Catechism ; when we Vow and Promise , 1. To Renounce the Devil and all his Works , the Pomps and Vanities of this wicked World , with all the Sinful Lusts of the Flesh . This Vow is of three parts : The 1. To Renounce the Devil and all his Works . By this the Church generally understands Renouncing of all false Gods , and false Worship . The World at the coming of our Saviour , was full of Idolatry ; and therefore it was very proper that all those that were willing to engage in , and be happy by the benefits of the true Religion , should be obliged to Renounce absolutely all the false : And this not only in Tongue , but in Heart also ; not only in Profession , but in Action . As we are not to believe in , & pay Devotion to an Idol ; so , nor are we to act any of those bruitish Villanies which took up the Lives of those Idolatrous Heathens . As we are not to consult Witches and Devils , so , nor must we have such low and mean apprehensions of God and His wise Providence , as to sink our Hearts , and suffer them to be betrayed to any base and unlawful Compliances : And therefore more especially by the Works of the Devil here , was meant those abominable Villanies ( the Apostle says ) not to be Named among Christians ; which was the usual practise of those Heathen Idolators ; and for which the greatest of Gods Judgments have formerly been brought upon the Earth ; even fire and Brimstone , upon particular Cities , famous for those Brutalities ; Nay , even that Deluge of Water upon the whole Earth . But , besides those , there are others that may properly be called the Works of the Devil ; being such he delights in , and is very diligent in Tempting us to . Amongst these is Pride , that Usurping and Ambitious Desire that made the first Devil , and Dethroned him from an Empire in Heaven , to the infernal Abyss of Hell ; such also is Lying ; for he is called a Lyar , and the Father of it , St. John 8. 44. Such also is Slandering , for he is famously also called the Accuser of the Brethren ; such also , is Malice and Envy , being hateful , and hating one another . These are the proper Practises of him , whom the Scripture calls a Murderer from the Beginning : And such also , is all Pleasure , Contentedness and Delight in Sin , and Encouraging and Tempting others to commit it ; all these are truly and properly called the Works of the Devil . The second part of the Vow is , To Renounce the Pomps and Vanities of this wicked World. By these were meant formerly some Villanous and Unlawful Sports of the Heathens , which we now ( thanks be to God ) know nothing of ; and as it respects us , may be understood by them mostly , all undue and sinful Compliances with any of the things of the World ; whether they be Riches , or Pleasures , or Honours ; whether it be Meat , or Drink , or Apparel ; whether it be Rest , or Sport , or Imployment ; or indeed any inordinate Enjoyment of any of these Earthly things . Now many of all these things , as they are Blessings , when well used ; so when abused , they become Curses , Pomps and Vanities of this World , and to be Renounced . The third part of the Vow , is to Renounce all the Sinful Lusts of the Flesh ; that is , all Vile Affections , and Beastly Humours , and Greedy Cravings ; the Conquering of which is true Self Denyal , and Mortification , the great Duty of the approaching Season ; which I have endeavour'd to inculcate to you , and which you will have many opportunities of improving in the knowledge of , during Lent. And so I come to the Second part of the Vow and Promise , which is , To Believe all the Articles of our Christian Faith : which consists not only in the being rightly inform'd in the Articles of our Faith ; in Learning , Endeavouring to Vnderstand , and giving full Consent unto them ; but ( which perfects and compleats our Faith ) in Living accordingly , in doing those things that will prove and well Demonstrate our Faith. And particularly , to explain this in the Apostles Creed ; When I say , I Believe in God the Father Almighty ; I must Honour and Reverence Him , as my God ; Love and Obey Him , as a tender Father ; Fear and Own Him , as he is Almighty : Maker off Heaven and Earth ; Here I must attribute the Glory of all the Works of the Creation to Him ; admire his great Love in Communicating Being to us and all his Creatures ; give him only the Honour and Glory of Preserving and Blessing us ; and Love , Admire , and Praise his Universal Providence over the World. At the same rate we must reduce to Practise , all the rest of the Articles of our Faith ; and so doing is truly Believing of them . The third part of our Vow and Obligation in Baptism , is , That we Keep Gods Holy Will and Commands , and walk in the same , all the Days of our Lives . By which is meant , that we will make it our Business , as much as in us lies , to walk according to the Direction of Gods ways ; that we will use our best Endeavours to work his Righteousness , and apply our selves with all Diligence and Care to the discharge of all the several Duties of our Lives . That we will not Practise Holiness by Fits and Starts only ; allow time for Devotions and Holy Duties , when we have nothing else to do ; as is too much the Practise of some . But that our whole Life shall be one continued Act of Honesty and Piety ; and we always will Endeavour to grow in Grace , and in the Knowledge and Love of our Saviour , Jesus Christ ; that we will keep true and undaunted to the end , and Fight our good Fight , and Finish our Course , and keep the Faith ; knowing that all this Labour will not be in Vain , but that we shall receive an Ample and most Glorious Reward in the Final and Compleat Salvation of our Immortal Souls . And this leads to the Last particular , the Consideration of those glorious Benefits of Baptism . By this it is that we assure our Salvation , we enter into Covenant with the Lord of Life , who has engaged himself ( we performing our parts ) to make us easie and happy here , and glorious hereafter ; to afford us his Grace and Favour , his Mercy and Love in this Life ; then to receive us to himself , to partake of Eternal Glory in the Life to come . By this we become Sons of God , Heirs of Heaven , and Members of Christ . By this we have our Pardon Sealed , and it is at our own Will and Pleasure afterwards , whether we will be happy or not , whether we will be Saved or Ruined . By this we have the Favour and Grace of God Ascertain'd ; and in this , we enter upon all those Glorious Fruits of our Blessed Lords Death and Passion , of his Glorious Resurrection and Ascension . And who can esteem these poor and mean things ? Who , of any Sense and Thought , can count them Indifferent ? Who , but must highly Value , and with all his Powers attempt to obtain them ? Happy most certainly are all they , who are thought worthy of them ; Happy indeed all we who are capable of them ; who by the Care of our Parents , in our Early Adoption and good Education , may be properly said to be Born Heirs to them . Happy our Nation that Enjoys the best of Churches , and happy all those People who are brought up in the most Excellent Discipline of it . Happy all we who had Christian and Conscientious Parents , and were early Instructed in these Noble Principles ; thrice happy we , who have so great , and so many Encouragements to our Duty , and may perceive so much Ease and Pleasure , so much Joy and Satisfaction , in the Discharge of it . Happy are all they , who square their Lives according to these Rules , and makes it their Business to follow the Captain of their Salvation . Happy all they , who when denied and refused these Blessednesses by the Misfortune of Education , or the Force and Violence of Commanding Relations , do at last by the Grace of God , and the Power of his Righteousness in their Hearts ; or by the Conviction of their own Sins , and Misery in the want of a Saviour , as the Men of Israel in the Text , and these Persons here present , do Heartily desire , and in this Sacrament , espouse Jesus Christ and Him Crucifyed . Happy all those , who omit no opportunities of securing all this Happiness , Improving all these Glorious Priviledges : Happy indeed , the People that are in such a Case ; truly Blessed all they , who thus have the Lord for their God. I have still the Application to press to us all on these two Accounts , both as we have obtained , and as we have very Early and Long-ago obtained this Happiness . To you first , who now have obtained this Happiness , this Christian Fraternity ; as you are now admitted into the Church of God , and made Members of Christ , suffer this Word of Advice . You see how Glorious is your Imployment , how great the Reward of it ; how Sacred the Profession is which you have now undertaken , how serious and earnest are all the Rules and Laws of it . You see how good is your security of reward from your Heavenly Father ; how necessary therefore is it for you not to be behind-hand , but to make good your part . You see that all the conditions are absolutely in Favour of you , and that if you keep faithful to the end , you 'll obtain such glory as does pass all understanding . You see that you have enter'd upon an Holy Employment , a Serious and Sacred Conversation ; you see what you have now Promised and Engaged , even to put off and Renounce your former Natural Habits , and Sinful Inclinations . Nay , you Solemnly have Vowed before God and good Witnesses , a great Number of Christians in this Congregation , that you would do your best so to do , following the Commands of God , and walking from henceforth in Newness of Life . Lastly , you see what you lose , if you forfeit this your Trust , and Break your Obligations ; and what you 'll gain : You lose then no less than God , and Heaven , Joys Vnspeakable and full of Glory ; and you 'll gain only Disappointments , and Vexations , Torments and Trouble , Vneasiness and the Gripes of Conscience , while you 're on Earth ; and afterwards anguish of Soul , Judgment with Despair , all the Treasures of Hell , even Eternal Desolations . Be assured then that this is no Jest , 't is no less than your Interest , than your best Interest , the Interest of your Souls : And you will find that your Duty will require your utmost Care. Baptism indeed begins an Happy Life , but yet a Life not free from Trouble and Temptation ; the Devil is always very busie with New-beginners ; as soon as our Lord himself was Baptiz'd , he had the Impudence to Attack and Tempt Him : But he who overcame him , will also guard you , if you keep true to him , and will take Care that you shall not be Tempted , above what in will Enable you to bear ; and God grant that you may so Consider all these things , as to answer the great end of this your Noble and so Glorious Call. Lastly , To all us who have been so long Engaged in this mighty Covenant , let one Word be added . We were early admitted into the Church , with all the Ease and Satisfaction Imaginable ; with the Comfort of Friends , the Joy of Neighbours , the Assistance of Relations , and all manner of Encouragement : We have frequently repeated this Holy Contract , Solemnly renewed it in the other Sacrament , that of our Dear Lords Blessed Body and Blood. Let us all remember , and most earnestly Consider the Sacredness of our Obligation , the necessity of our Obedience , and the wonderful Indulgence of our Lord and Master ; who , tho' we have been so long Bound , and frequently have forfeited our Condition of the Contract , and added many great , Voluntary , Obstinate , and Vngrateful Violations of that most Holy Covenant , yet is pleased not to take the Advantage of us , but rather Forgive us , and wait still for us , is still open and ready to receive us , willing and desirous to be Fully Reconciled to us . And therefore we see the Reason for that Fatherly admonition we lately received from our Right Reverend careful Diocesan , that that holy Sacrament be administred here in Gods own House , at the place and times appointed by the Church ; not only to keep up the Honour of that Holy Sacrament of our Lord , of late sunk to a most dreadful Disesteem by many ; but also , that we our selves might there be Reminded of our own Promises , our own former Vows and Obligations , and brought thereby to a speedier Examination how we have answered those our Vows . Let us all then who by this opportunity are refreshed with the Remembrance of our Duties , let us take Care speedily to Return to our Lord , Humble our selves before him , truly Repent us of all our forfeitures and carelesness , and apply our selves more diligently in our Masters Service for the future : So shall we obtain Mercy and Ease , Relief and Comfort , Joy and Satisfaction , while we continue amongst Men ; and when we shall have done with this World , we shall receive a Welcome into the other , ev'n to God Almighty our Eternal Father ; to our Lord and Master Jesus Christ , who was Baptiz'd himself , who Died and Rose again for us , and to the Blessed Comforter who preserves and directs us : To which most Glorious Trinity , but one Only God , let there be ascribed , by all Men and Angels , and created Brings , all Honour Power and Glory , Might , Majesty and Dominion , both now and Evermore . Amen . FINIS .