THE AUTHORITY OF THE True Ministry, In baptising with the SPIRIT; and the IDOLATRY of such Men, as are doting about Shadows and Carnal Ordinances, and their Ignorance of the spirits Baptism (of which, Water Baptism was but a figure) discovered.  
And herein is showed, That Water Baptism is neither of necessity to Salvation, nor yet is it now practised either by Authority from Heaven, or by any New-Testament-Law that is in force upon Believers; seeing the Substance, and the End of things abolished is come and enjoyed, wherein the Types, Shadows and Figures, are ended.  
Being a short Return to a Book entitled, A Reply to a Scandalous Paper, subscribed by one Samuel Bradley, a Baptist Teacher, as concerning a dispute that was between some of the people called Quakers, and some BAPTISTS in Southwark.  
Act. 11. 15, 16. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning, than remembered I the Word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed Baptised with Water, but Ye shall be Baptised with the Holy Ghost.  
1 Pet. 3. 21. The like Figure whereunto, even Baptism doth also now save us; not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the Answer of a good Conscience towards God, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Ephes. 4. 5. There is one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism.  
LONDON, Printed for Robert Wilson, at the Sign of the Black-Spread-Eagle and windmill in martin's l' Grand, 1660.   

The AUTHORITY of the True MINISTRY, In Baptising with the Spirit, and the IDOLATYR of such men, as are doting about Shadows, and Carnal Ordinances, &c.  
SUrely the said Samuel Bradley hath had time sufficient to have studied and brought forth far more sound matter than he hath done in his pretended REPLY, it being above one year and a half since the paper touching our dispute went forth; when as his pretended REPLY to it came but lately abroad as to our hands, and exceeding darkly, as a false cover to his folly and Confusion, which so long since was discovered, and reproved by the Spirit of Truth in us; and in this his pretended Reply, hath he often Reproached and belied us, called Quakers; even in a time, in which the foggy mist is risen out of the pit, to darken the Air, and the Sun also if it were possible, and the multitude of slanders and lies is gone forth against us, and among them is this S. B. and his work found, which shall return back to perdition; who hath sought to guild and smooth over his former cause, as if he thought we had either forgotten his former folly that he vented at the dispute, or else, that he did not intend that his work should come forth to the Light to be tried, he sending it so hidenly in manuscript among his hearers: Therefore note his matter as followeth, and seriously read the Answer.  
Samuel Bradley the Baptist, to the Reader, says these words, viz. I must needs write myself less than the least of all Saints, and altogether unworthy to engage in any work for Jehovah; much more altogether unworthy to engage in a work so weighty, and so such public concernment as this is.  Answ. 
Then its evident, that this S. B. is not in God's work, but in his own work, he being altogether unworthy to engage in any work for JEHOVAH: so note that what he hath done, both in his opposing the people called Quakers, and in his writing against them, was not any work of JEHOVAH, but of his own; done in darkness, and the enmity of the wicked one, against JEHOVAH, and his work. And what profit can you that are the hearers of the said Samuel Bradley reap from him, since he is altogether unworthy to engage in any work for JEHOVAH? as also the sequel hereof will further discover; and this S. B. professeth himself to be a poor labourer in the Vineyard of Christ, and in the service of the Lord; and thus hath he played the hypocrite, and confounded himself; for how can he be either a Labourer in the Vineyard of Christ, or a Servant of the Lord, when he is altogether unworthy to engage in any work for JEHOVAH? So it's plainly manifest, that he is one of them that runs, & the Lord hath not sent him; and one of the false prophets, that steal the words from their neighbours, and say, Thus saith the Lord, when God hath not spoken to them: But all the true Ministers and Labourers in Christ Vineyard were in Jehovah's work, which S. B. is altogether unworthy to engage in; and therefore he had better been silent, and have done nothing than have uttered so many words without knowledge as he hath done; if he had been silent, his folly had not so much appeared as it now doth.  S. B. 
saith, I shall count it a mercy, that God hath given me such a fit opportunity to contend for the faith that was once delivered by Christ.  Ans. 
In this haste thou S. B. spoken falsely; for to contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the Saints, is a work for JEHOVAH, but thou art altogether unworthy to engage in any work for him, as thou hast Confessed.  S. B. 
Those people who are known by the name of Quakers, undertook to prove two things, 1st. That the Disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ were Commanded to Baptise with the Spirit. 2d. They undertook to prove that New Testament-Ordinances were abolished.  Answ. 
As for the former of these assertions upon the Quakers, (so called) we did say something in order to it, (& proved it also.) viz. That the Disciples of Christ were in his work, and had power given them to Baptise people into the Name of the Father, Son, & Holy Ghost, which was with the Spirit, as hereafter is further discovered: And as for the latter of them, its exceeding false; for we never affirmed that New Testament-Ordinances were abolished, nor undertook to prove it; but we opposed the Baptists affirming water Baptism, to be in force as a New Testament-Ordinance, from Mat. 28. 19 when there is no water mentioned, but Baptising them into the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, (as it is in the Greek {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} into the name) which Name, Baptising or plunging people in outward water, doth not Baptise men into; for the outward baptism was but a figure of the inward baptism, (and so had relation to the Law, and that state under it, which had the Figures and Shadows) and is not by these Baptists proved a New Testament-Ordinance, as in force by any New Testament Law; for New Testament-Ordinances, as Preaching, Praying, Baptising into the Name and Body of Christ, and other Ordinances which the Spirit of Christ leads to, we own, and are in the Life and practice of them, as Christ hath called us.  S. B. 
Water Baptism is an Ordinance of Christ still in force, and to continue till the second coming, and Glorious Appearing of our Lord Jesus.  
Answ. Then in his pleading for Water Baptism, to continue till the end of the World (according to his account) he hath denied that the Saints are yet come to the second coming of Christ to Salvation: wherein he hath discovered his ignorance, of Christ's appearance and Salvation, and so would keep the Saints under shadows, and from the Substance all their life time: When as the coming of Christ in the flesh, (wherein he was offered to bear the Sins of many, Heb. 9 28.) was one coming; and his appearance in Spirit, to save his people from sin, is another coming, which they that truly looked for did receive; and they that yet have that his coming to look for, and wait for it, he shall so appear to their Salvation.  
Sam. Bradley saith of the Quakers, The first thing they mention, as the Captain General of their manifold untruths, that Sam. Bradly a Baptist Teacher affirmed, That the Baptism of the Spirit was Metaphorically spoken of in that place, 1 Cor. 12. 13. and that the baptism of water was intended. To which I say, herein hath he wronged our words, and falsified our sayings; for we said, that S. B. affirmed, touching 1 Cor. 12. 13. That the baptism of the Spirit (there spoken of) was metaphorical, but the baptism of water was intended. And S. B. then Replies thus, viz. I did not, nor do not affirm, that the Baptism of the Spirit was metaphorically spoken of in 1 Cor. 12. 13. And that the baptism of water was there intended: Therefore, I would advise these men for to learn to speak the Truth.  Answ. 
We have affirmed no untruth against thee S. B. for what we said of thee in that particular mentioned, was, that thou saidst that the Baptism of the Spirit was metaphorical, but the baptism of water was intended: and this is notoriously known by many that thou affirmedst it upon our urging that 1 Cor. 12. 13. and one of thy brethren sought to vindicate thee in it, when thou wast baffled about it, as counting that the Apostle spoke metaphorically in that 1 Cor. 12. about the body and the members, (which was nothing to the purpose) also, it was several times upon thy assertion asked thee, What the Baptism of the Spirit was a Metaphor or a Figure of, if it was Metaphorical as thou saidst? about which thy mouth was plainly stopped, & it was so often in the Meeting cast upon thee; that thou discovers an exceeding impudent lying spirit in thee, now to deny it, and to say, that what we said of thee about it is altogether untrue, as thou sayest: About which I could produce several witnesses, who know that thou hast spoken absolute falsehood in this thing; and let the Reader mark thy silly shuffling in this thing, thou sayest, Thou didst not, neither dost affirm, that the baptism of the Spirit was metaphorically spoken of in that place, 1 Cor. 12. 13. which implies then, that thou hast counted it metaphorical in some other place, though not in that place; but where ever any true Minister counted the spirit's baptism metaphorical, and water baptism intended, that thou hast not shown so its evident, that in thy blindness thou hast set water baptism, above the baptism of the Spirit; and so hast made an idol of it, as also doth appear, where thou sayest thus, viz.  S. B. 
I did say the Apostle in Ephes. 4. Spoke of one Lord, one Faith, and one Baptism; which these men brought in opposition to water baptism; to it I made this Answer, thou sayest, This is not exclusive; for there be Lords many, as you may see 1 Cor. 8. 5. And yet but one Lord Jesus, and we read of divers baptisms, as of affliction, Luk. 12. 50. 2dly, The Baptism of the Spirit, which is spoken of in Acts 2. 3dly, The Baptism of water, as in Acts 8. and 10. and yet there is but one properly so called, to wit that of water: Also thou sayst, we instance three baptisms in Scripture, and prove one properly so called.  Ans. 
If there be so many baptisms, and yet but one propely called baptism, which is the Baptism of water; then from this it follows that the baptism of the Spirit, or the baptism by which the Saints were saved, was not properly called Baptism; and this would charge the Apostles with speaking improperly, or falsely, when they spoke of the Baptism by which they were saved, or of their being all baptised by one Spirit into one Body And thus this said Baptist's falsehood and folly appears, who here also counteth the one Baptism spoken of in Eph. 4. the Baptism of water; and so hath shut out the baptism of the Spirit, as not properly called Baptism, and Idollatrously hath set water baptism above it; when as the baptism of the Spirit was that which water baptism did but shadow or figure forth; for by one Spirit were the Saints baptised into the body of Christ, which the baptism of outward water doth not baptise any into; for such as uphold water baptism now are in the strife, and much in division, when as they who are baptised into the body of Christ are in unity. Though thus far we say of water baptism, that in its time it was a Command from heaven to John, which was in the time of the Law, and the least in the kingdom was greater than John, who decreased; and in the time of that baptisms decreasing, it was used by some of the Apostles in their freedom, for the sake of some that were weak or young in the truth, and not wholly redeemed out of the state that such carnal or weak ordinances related to, which were upheld in the time of the church's infancy: But when the carnal minds of some ran into these outward things, and something got up in the minds of the Corinthians to lead them too much to stick in them, the Apostle Paul tells them, That Christ sent him not to baptise, but to preach the Gospel, 1 Cor. 1. 17. and yet Paul's Commission was as large as any of the Apostles was, for he was not behind the very chief Apostles, and shunned not to declare all the council of God Act. 20. 27. And whereas S. Bradley instanceth as his parallel, That there be Lords many, and yet but one Lord Jesus, for the divers baptisms he speaks of, as of affliction, the baptism of the Spirit, the baptism of water, and yet but one properly so called, to wit that of water. To this I say, herein hath he discovered his gross darkness, and false comparison which will not hold parallel; for it's as if he had said there be Lords many, and Gods many, yet to us but one true God; and so there are many baptisms, as the baptism of affliction, the baptism of the Spirit, and the baptism of water; yet to us there is but one true baptism, to wit the baptism of water; and the other, as that of affliction, and the baptism of the Spirit are false baptisms, and not properly so called: For the many Gods and many Lords (or that are called Gods) are in the world, where the false Gods are. And thus S. B's. folly and Idolatrous Spirit is seen in his so confusedly setting up water baptism above the baptism of the Spirit, and so he is not at all fit for Jehovah's work indeed.  S. B. 
Saith. The ordinance of water baptism, was Commanded to be performed in so solemn a manner, as no ordinance in all the new Testament; In the Name of the Father, Son and holy Ghost; which notes the great honour Christ puts upon this ordinance.  Answ. 
I tell you this Baptist doth make an idol of water baptism, when he hath said all he can; for he hath here set it above all the ordinances of the New Testament, but he hath apparently in this preached false doctrine; for preaching the Gospel, was an ordinance of the New Testament, and it was done in the Name of the Father, Son and holy Ghost, as well as baptising; seeing the Disciples were commanded to teach (or disciple) all Nations baptising them into the Name of the Father, Son and holy Ghost: so that Teaching was commanded to be done in as solemn a manner as baptising, for both Teaching and baptising into the Name of the Father, &c. were performed by the power of God, which the Disciples of Christ were endued with, and which wrought by them, who were made instruments in that work of baptising into the Name of God and Christ, &c. And whereas I charged S. B. and his brethren with being ignorant of the baptism of the Spirit, he to prove that he is not ignorant of that baptism, answers thus, viz.  S. B. 
I do demand what they mean by the baptism of the Spirit, &c. If by the baptism of the Spirit, they mean the Spirit that doth bear witness that we are the Sons of God, we do experinence it, and are not ignorant of it.  Ans. 
What is this man but ignorant of the baptism of the Spirit, when you may see here he cannot distinguish between the Spirit and the baptism of it? for if by the baptism of the Spirit, we mean the Spirit that doth bear witness, they do experience it, he saith. Did you ever hear such a doctrine before, that the baptism of the Spirit is the Spirit? as if he had said, the work that is wrought is the worker of it: and thus whilst they are doting about outward shadows and signs, they are confounded and blinded, that they see not the substance, nor understand the work of the Spirit, which baptizeth into Christ, and into his Name, which is his Word, by which salvation comes; which is a working of men into the power and life, to which they are discipled, and led in the preaching of the gospel.  S. B. 
— The gift of tongues is called in Scripture the baptism of the Spirit, see Act. 1. 5. again he saith, we do not deny, but acknowledge that we are baptised by one Spirit into one body.  Ans. 
In this he hath rested the scripture, and spoken falsely; for the gift of tongues is not called the baptism of the Spirit, but the gift of it; now the baptism of the Spirit was a work of it, by which the Saints were all baptised into one body, many of whom had not the gift of tongues, for it was only a proper gift to some: and as for the baptists saying they are all baptised by one Spirit into one body, and yet hath called the gift to tongues the baptism of the Spirit, which he hath acknowledged they are ignorant of: herein he would make two baptisms of the Spirit, when as the Apostle said, there is one Faith, and one baptism Eph. 4. 5. and thus he showeth his ignorance of the baptism of the Spirit, and so is not worthy to engage in any work for JEHOVAH, as he hath confessed.  S. B. 
— We need not require an immediate Call or Authorithy from heaven to preach and baptize, in as much as we have a sufficient call or warrant granted us by Christ himself on earth, which doth plainly appear in the Commission itself, the Disciples being Commissioned, &c.  Answ. 
What falsehood and confusion is here? For both the Papists and the hireling Priests, and others (whom the Baptists themselves have declared against) do pretend as much for their call to preach and baptize as this baptist hath done; who hath pretended the Commission which the Disciples of Christ had, to be his warrant or call to preach, and baptize: when as he never had any immediate Call or Authority from heaven to either (and so he never had any Call or Authority from God, either to preach or baptize: Which is like as if that the false Prophets had said the Commission which the true Prophets had to preach, did Authorize and warrant them to preach also; What deceiver cannot get such a deceitful cloak as this? so it's evident that this S. Bradley is one of these deceivers who runs, and the Lord never sent him, and speaks when the Lord hath not spoken to him; and that commission, Mat. 28. which the Disciples of Christ received from him, was given by Authority from heaven (upon which this S. B. doth so much build and falsely argue) and it doth not warrant them to baptize with water neither, for it was to baptize into the Name of the Father, Son and holy Ghost, which Name many do profess in words, who are yet out of it as this Baptist is.  
And whereas I said to these Baptists, that they practise baptism by imitation, and carnal tradition, without a command from Christ's mouth for it: To this S. B. Replies in these words, viz.  S. B. 
Let those men put a stop unto their lying tongues, for fear vengeance suffer them not to live, &c. I demand then the meaning of these precious words that drop out of the sweet lips of our Lord Jesus in the Commission that he gave unto his Disciples, Go teach all Nations, baptising them, &c.  Answ. 
Oh! how Ignorant and full of gross darkness itself art thou S. Bradley? Surely thou mayest read these words to the Disciples (in the Scripture) Go teach all Nations, baptising them, and yet never hadst any command from Christ's mouth for to baptize with water, as the Jews read the Scriptures without, who had neither heard the voice of God at any time nor seen his shape and such art thou, who hast neither any immediate Call or Authority from Heaven to preach, and, therefore hast neither Call nor Authority from God, either to Preach or baptise, (and yet thou wouldest be counted a Minister of Christ) so its time for thee to stop thy mouth, for thou art one of them who are presumptuous, who take upon them to speak in the name of the Lord, whom he hath not sent, nor commanded; and such God will cut off, Deut. 18. 20.  S. B. 
— I do affirm that the Baptism spoken of in the Commission in the 28. of Matthew and the 16. of Mark, is the baptism of Water, and for proof, S. B. Argues thus,— It is not the baptism of the Spirit, because this Baptism is Commanded, but the baptism of the Spirit was never Commanded, nor was it any man's sin, not so to be baptised, therefore it cannot be meant the baptism of the Spirit, and to this S. B. adds this lie That we did not answer at all to this Argument.  Ans. 
This Argument is both False and Grounded upon a falsehood, and in it he hath confuted himself, for mark, that he hath owned, That they lay no stress for Salvation upon water baptism, neither is it of necessity unto Salvation, But that Baptism which Christ Commanded in Mat. 28. and Mark 16. is of necessity unto Salvation; for by it they were to baptise men into the Name of the Father, Son and holy Ghost: Now without being baptised into this Name a man cannot be saved, for by no other Name under heaven comes Salvation, but by the Name of Jesus; who is a Saviour of the people from their sins, Mat. 1. 21. Act. 4. 12. and Christ said, he that believeth and is baptised shall be saved, Mark. 16. 16. So that there is stress or necessity upon this Baptism which Christ commanded for Salvation; but so is there not upon water baptism as these Baptists confess; and therefore it was not water baptism but the spiritual baptism, which was an effect of the gospel which is the power of God, which the Disciples preached; for thereby they turned people from darkness to Light, and from the Power of Satan unto God, which is known in the Baptism of the Spirit: And the Baptism by which the Saints were saved, was not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good Conscience, 1 Pet. 3. 21. And whereas he saith That it was not any man's sin not to be baptised with the Spirit, in this he hath spoken falsely; for when men resist the Spirit of God, and refuse to be led or baptised by it, when it is tendered to them; than it is their sin, as it was the lawyer's sin to frustrate the council of God within themselves, not being baptised of John when his Baptism was (in its time) a Command from heaven, much more is it a sin in men now to resist the spirit of God, and thereby to reject its baptism.  S. B. 
If any should be so weak to say this baptism here (viz. in Mat. 28.) is meant the baptism of the Spirit; I demand once more of them to show me when and where the Disciples did obey this Command.  Answ. 
They did obey it, when they Discipled and Baptised men into the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; when they ministered the Spirit, and turned men from darkness to light; and a Testimony of this was manifest, when the Holy Ghost fell on them that heard the Disciples Preach; who were Instruments with whom God wrought, when they had received power from on high, and they were sent into the world, as Christ was sent into the world, Joh. 17. 18. who baptised with Fire and with the Holy Ghost; and in the same Power and Spirit they went forth, Preaching and Baptising people into the Word of God, which is the Name of Christ, Rev. 19 13. And moreover Peter said, as I began to speak the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning, than Remembered I the Word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptised with water, but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost, Acts 11. 16. which doth plainly evidence, That that Power or Holy Ghost, accompanied the Disciples Ministry, that did so baptise men (which was the end of John's Baptism) in which work, the True Ministers were Instruments, not of themselves, but by Christ the power of God in them; so that their Gospel went forth in Spirit and in Power.  S. B. 
We can prove that some were baptised with water after they had received the Holy Ghost, Acts 10. 46. And if these poor Creatures were not hardened in their apostasy, how might such a plain example or instance as this engage them unto obedience.  Answ. 
How poorly do these Baptists Argue for Water Baptism to Continue? who having denied any immediate Call or Authority from Heaven, either to Preach or Baptise, as this Baptist hath done, now would make an Example a Law, to engage us to be baptised (when as there are many Examples that are no laws) so that you may see these Baptists do not baptise by any Authority from Heaven, and so serve not in the newness of the Spirit, but merely Act by Tradition, and their Carnal Imitations without; and then why do they not as well Circumcise, keep the Passover, Purify in the Temple, all abstain from Blood and things strangled, and command men to keep the Law, and shave their Heads, & c? For there are as plain examples for the observing and doing these things from some of the Apostles Command and example, (after that baptising with water was spoken of Acts 10. 46.) see, Acts 15. 2, 6, 7, 20, & 16. 3. & 18. 18. & 21. 24, 25, & 24. 18. and the Apostles example of observing these things for a time, hinders them not from ending in Christ, as S. B. falsely intimates that water baptism ends not in Christ, because it was practised after his ascension; in like manner might he as well have pleaded for Circumcision, outward offerings, purifying in the Temple, & the like to continue because they were practised after Christ's ascension: But as people (who had a zeal for these outward Figures) grew into the Substance and Life wherein they ended, that they were able to bear the denying of them; the Apostles Preached the end of them, and refused to be in bondage to them again.  S. B. 
There be two things to be considered. 1st. That he must be a Teaching Disciple. 2d▪ No more is required but a Teaching Disciple.  Answ. 
Which is all one, as if he had said, the two things required, is▪ 1st. a Teaching Disciple, and 2d▪ a Teaching Disciple, (what no●cense is here?) this is but one thing. And again, if no more be required but a Teaching Disciple, than it is not required that a Disciple should baptise with water: and thus he throws all his other Doctrines for the continuing of water baptism in the dust and confounds himself.  S. B. 
Let these men know that water Baptism is a lively Representation of the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus.  Answ. 
Where provest thou that S. B? this is sure an Imagination of thy own; for how can your plunging people in water be a lively Representation of the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ? sure you are not so long dead in the water when you are plunged in it as Christ was dead as concerning the flesh, who was raised the third day by the Power of the Father; and it is that power that baptised his people into his death, and raiseth them up in the likeness of his Resurrection, and not outward water: touching which, that which this S. B. hath affirmed, it is as foolish as a Baptist Teacher's affirming to me, that the Baptism of water did baptise men into the death of Christ. Again, if what thou sayest were granted (which it is not) that which you Baptists do so greatly strive for, in your contending so hard for water baptism, (which you trake such an idol of) is but to bring people into a Representation of things; which while there minds stick in that, they come short of the Power and Life, whereby the one baptisms into the body is known of, which the outward baptisms at the most were but shadows or figures, which were to end in the Substance.  S. B. 
Where did the Disciples of Christ give the Spirit unto any, seeing it was the work of Christ alone to baptise with the Spirit?  Answ. 
In Answer to this I alleged, John 14. 12. He that believeth on me, the works that I do, he shall do also, and greater works than these, saith Christ; and Gal. 3. 3, 5. to prove that the Disciples ministered the Spirit, who were Ministers of the Spirit, to this the Baptist replies in these words, viz.  S. B. 
I humbly conceive that some Scriptures are not to be taken literally as they are laid down, as for instance, in the 13. verse of this Chapter, it is said, That whatsoever ye ask the Father in my Name, that will I do; yet God intends to give us the answer of no Prayer, but that prayer that comes up according to his will.  Answ. 
If Christ's Words in John 14. 12, 13. be not to be taken as they are laid down, as this Baptist plainly Intimates; then from this it follows, that Christ spoke not right or true, and therefore this S. B. with his own conception (who is but in his conceivings) would amend or correct what Christ hath said; and yet he hath no Authority from Heaven for it: Who is it that will believe his deceit and absurdity herein? again, his Instancing Christ's saying, Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my Name, that will I do, as not to be taken as it is laid down, and for his proof, saying, that God intends to give us the Answer of no Prayer, but the Prayer that's according to his will: This also implies, that Christ spoke not truly, as if something the Disciples might ask in his Name, which was not according to the will of God, and which was not to be answered; when as▪ it was the Disciples of Christ that asked in his Name, and they asking in that Name, they asked in the Word of God, Rev. 19 and this could not be contrary to the will of God. Again the Baptist (to prove that Christ's words in John 14. 12. are not to be taken as they are laid down) saith.  S. B. 
Christ speaks generally, he that believeth on me, the works that I do, he shall do, and greater works than these; this cannot be understood in this sense, that these men bring it for because there be some works that Christ did, as he was the only Son of God, which we cannot do; Christ did perfect and complete the work of Redemption for us by his death, and Sufferings upon the Cross.  
Rep. To this I say, what a silly shift is this, as also what falsehood is in it? for Christ said these words, in John 14. 12. (That he that believeth on him should do the works that he did) before he suffered on the Cross; and how was the work of Redemption perfected or completed by that his suffering, for thee S. B. and such as thou art, when you are yet in bondage to your sins and to the Spirit of delusion, which leads you to pervert the Scriptures, as thou hast done? But hadst thou proved that Christ's work of baptising with the Spirit (or any work tending to lead to it) was by Christ excepted, as not to be done by them that believed on him, than thou hadst done what thou aimedst at, and desired to do; but that thou couldst not do, seeing thy folly is so greatly manifest already in thy assaying it.  S. B. 
If water baptism be an Indifferent thing, it may be done, or it may be left undone.  Answ. 
What is it else but an indifferent thing, when there is no stress for Salvation laid upon it, neither is it of necessity to Salvation as these Baptists Confess? And how can water baptism be of absolute necessity to obedience, as this Baptist affirms, when he cannot produce any express Law, or Commission in force for it? for where there is no Law, there is no Transgression; and Paul, who was not behind the very chief Apostles, whose Commission extended as far as theirs, He was not sent by Christ to baptise; but to Preach the Gospel.  S. B. 
If the Church of Ephesus, was a Church of Christ in Gospel order, than they were baptised with water, and we must be plunged or dipped in outward water, if we do intend to walk according to the Rule of Christ, and the Pattern of his House.  Answ. 
So than this Baptist Judgeth all to be out of the Church of Christ, and out of the Gospel Order, and out of the Rule of Christ, who are not plunged or dipped in outward water: and thus he owns none to be of the Church of Christ, or in Gospel Order, but a company of Baptists, and yet they lay no stress for Salvation upon their water baptism, so that men may be saved without it: Now than the People of God that are saved, who are not plunged or dipped in outward water, hath this Baptist judged to be none of the Church of Christ, nor in Gospel Order; as if the Gospel Order consisted in people's being plunged or dipped in outward water; or as if that were the way to bring them into the Church of Christ, and yet men may be saved without it. Oh! what confusion and darkness hath this Baptist about this uttered? And as for S. B's. accusing us, with casting dirt in the Face of Christ (as he did) and to be led into a desperate Condition, for to fly in the very face of God, in his Holy appointments. To this I say, besides the falsehood of these two charges upon us, what absurdity is intimated in them? which is as if our opposing their baptising with water, (which they have no Authority from Heaven for) were a flying in the very face of God; as if the face of God were in water baptism, which he counts the Holy Appointment; wherein he shows that he never saw the Face of God: for as the Lord is departed from water baptism, since it was practised in men's wills without any Authority from God, and it hath been, and is made an idol of, neither the Face of God, nor his Power is seen in it; and where the Face of God is seen, there is a further State enjoyed, than that state which the outward Figures Related to; for there the thing that was figured forth is enjoyed, but the Face of God they see not, who are seeking it in Carnal or Shaddowy things, for it is spiritually discerned with a Spiritual eye.  
And whereas Sam. Bradley saith, They dare not Administer the Baptism of water unto any as fit Subjects of such a blessed ordinance as that is, till they can perceive that they have, and enjoy the Spirit of Adoption.  
To this I say, how doth this Assertion agree with some of these Baptists, saying, (at the dispute as this S. B. hath also related) That for people to make a visible confession of their faith, is enough to entitle unto water baptism? When as many can make such a confession of their faith, who enjoy not the Spirit of Adoption, being out of that Spirit: And thus these Baptists Confound themselves, one while saying that men must have and enjoy the Spirit of Adoption, before they be fit Subjects for water baptism; another while saying that a visible confession of faith is enough to entitle unto water baptism. Which is like the Baptists saying, that men must Repent, and be baptised with water, that they may receive the holy Ghost; and for it they instance Act. 2. 38. and Act. 8. 16. Another while saying they dare not admit people to water baptism, until they can perceive they have the holy Ghost or Spirit of Adoption; and for that instancing Act. 10. 47 and thus we see their confusion and uncertainty, which is like the Baptists, one sort of them pleading for water baptism from John's baptising; others of them deny to plead for it from John's Baptism, but set their baptism above John's, saying, as that they do it by the example of Christ's Disciples baptising, Joh. 3. 22. and 4. 2. And so they call theirs Christ's baptism; when as John's baptising with water, and the Disciples baptising with water, Joh. 3. was of one Nature or Kind; and as it was a figure of the inward baptism, so it had Relation to the State that was under the Law, before the Adoption of Sons was attained to, wherein the Redemption from the weak Elements which the world is in, is known: And in the time of John's administering water baptism, Christ had not fulfilled his Testimony upon Earth through suffering, by which he blotted out the handwriting of Ordinances, and Nailed it to his Cross, that one new man in him, and the Peace might be made which could not be done by John's Baptism, nor such Types, Figures, and shadows; for they being imposed since the Transgression entered, and being changeable, they do not reach the Seed (which must inherit the Peace and the Promises) but the changeable or earthly part in man which they have Relation to. And did not all Types Figures, and Shadows end in Christ the substance? Again, how should these Baptists perceive who do enjoy the Spirit of Adoption, when they have no immediate Call or Authority from heaven to Preach and baptise according to S. Bradley's confession? From which it follows, that these Baptists who have no Authority from Heaven to Teach or baptise, (and who are altogether unworthy to engage in any work for Jehovah, as S. B. is) they do set themselves to be Teachers and Baptizers of such as they say have the Spirit of Adoption; as if he had said, they that have not the Spirit or Authority from heaven, must be Teachers and Ministers to them, who have the Spirit or Authority from Heaven: and so in these things all may see their blindness, and what a Babel they have Builded in their Confusion.  
And now Samuel Bradley, to Thee I say, seeing that Thou art altogether unworthy to engage in any work for Jehovah; and hast showed thy ignorance so much, touching the baptism of the Spirit, having counted it metaphorical, and hast set water baptism so much above it, that thou hast accounted no baptism properly so called, but that of water, and hast not any Call, nor Authority from Heaven to Preach or baptise: it's high time for thee to be silent, and proceed no longer in thy folly, and intruding into things which thou hast not seen, and cease from slandering us, as thou hast done in many things which I have upon Record; as also much more of thy confusion, falsehoods, and absurdities, I have herein omitted to mention.  

Here are Samuel Bradley's Arguments, (which he hath made great account of,) for the continuance of water Baptism; and an Answer to them.  Argu. 1. 
WHatsoever the Apostles were Commanded, that they did practise; but they were commanded to baptize with water, and therefore they did practise it.  Answ. 
The Minor proposition of this Argument being grounded upon his supposed assertion, that it was water baptism that Christ commanded, in Mat. 28. Mark 16. It's already confuted; and however it being universal, its false; for Paul who was one of the chief Apostles, was not sent to baptize with water, but to preach the gospel.  Argu. 2. 
That which was commanded by Jesus Christ, the great Prophet of the New Testament, and never repealed by him, is still in force, and to continue; but water baptism never repealed by him, is still in force, and to continue; but water baptism the Lord's Supper, with the rest of the institutions of Christ, were commanded by Christ, and never repealed by him; therefore they are still in force, and to continue.  Ans. 
I deny the minor proposition again, so far as it relates to water baptism, for where provest thou by Scripture that water baptism was commanded by Christ, and never repealed by him; certainly if it had been so commanded, and never repealed by Christ, but still in force, it would have been in force by the same command upon the Apostle Paul; but he saith the contrary 1 Cor. 1.  Argu. 3. 
As long as teaching is in force, and to continue, so long is baptism in force; but that teaching is in force; and to continue to the end of the world all men will easily grant: therefore baptism, and all the rest of the Appointments of Christ, the scripture saith expressly they are to continue to the end of the world, Mat. 28. 20.  Answ. 
The Major proposition of this Argument is false, as the baptism of water is intended in it to be in force, as long as teaching; for teaching was of force, where that baptism was not, as Paul was a witness; who was sent to the one, not to the other; also Teaching is of force to many who are not plunged in outward water, and by true teaching are converted to Christ, when there is no stress for Salvation upon water baptism, neither is it of necessity to Salvation, as S. B: hath confessed: And where he concludes that baptism, and all the rest of the Appointments of Christ, are in force, and to continue to the end of the World, and for proof saith, that the Scripture saith expressly they are to continue to the end of the world, and quotes Matth. 28. and 20. I say this conclusion is as false as the major, and herein hath he perverted the Scripture, Math. 28. 20. For neither doth it expressly say that teaching and baptising with water, are to continue to the end of the world, nor yet doth it prove water baptism a command of Christ to his Disciples▪ But he saith, lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world: And not that water baptism is to continue unto the end of the world.  
And as for the rest of thy Arguments for the continuance of water baptism, which are grounded upon thy asserting, that it was water baptism that Christ Commanded, in Mat. 28. and Mark 16. They are herein confuted, in that the ground of them is overthrown.  
Here follows some Reasons or Arguments relating to the aforesaid Answer, to prove that in the Commission which Christ gave to his Disciples, in Mat. 28. 19 Mark 16. 16. Water baptism was not intended, but the baptism of the Spirit.  
1. If the baptism which Christ commanded in Mat. 28. 19 and Mark. 16. 16. was a Baptism without which a man cannot be saved, than it was not the baptism of outward water (for water baptism is not of necessity to Salvation, neither is there any stress of Salvation laid upon it,) But it was that baptism without which men cannot be saved; which Christ commanded, Mat 28. Mark 16. Therefore not water baptism. I prove the Minor proposition thus, No man can be saved without being baptised into the Name of God, and his Son Christ Jesus; for his Name is the Word of God, by which Salvation comes, and by no other Name; and the Lord is one, and his Name one, and it was into this Name that the Disciples were Commanded to baptize people.  
2. He that believeth and is baptised, shall be saved, Mark 16. 16. Which implies that this Baptism which Christ commanded is of necessity to Salvation; but so is not water baptism; for the Saints were saved by that Baptism which was not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the Answer of a Good Conscience, 1. Pet. 3. 21. Therefore it was not water baptism which Christ Commanded in Mat. 28. and Mark. 16.  
3. If the Apostle Paul had as large a Commission given him by Christ, as any of the Apostles had; then the commission which Christ gave to the Disciples Mat. 28. was not enjoining them to baptize with water; But Paul had as large a Commission as any of the Apostles had (for he was not behind the very chief Apostles) Therefore that Commission in Mat. 28. did not enjoin the Disciples to baptize with water. As both these propositions are clear according to Scripture; so the conclusion of each is as clear from Paul's own words, where he absolutely doth declare, That Christ sent him not to baptize, but to preach the gospel (notwithstanding he had baptised some as before he mentioned) And Paul doth not say as the Baptist falsely intimates, that baptising was some of Paul's work that he was sent to, but preaching the chief, as if he had said: Paul was not only sent by Christ to baptize, but also to preach, which would render Paul's words, in 1 Cor. 1. 17. both false and defective.  
And now you, whose hearts are simple, who are yet held in Bondage under outward Shadows, and Figures; which do decrease, wax old, and have an end; To you I say come to the Light of Christ in you, and muddle no more in the dark, nor dote any longer about Shadows, and Elementary Things; neither be ye in bondage to men, nor to their Doctrines, and Sleights, which tend to keep you in Shadows from the substance; for it was the Jews without, whose minds stuck in the Figures and Shadows, many of whom came so far as the baptism of John, who decreased, and yet they stumbled at Christ the Substance: but now he is not a Jew, that is one outward, but he is a Jew, that is one inward: and so it's not the outward Circumcision, nor the outward baptism that availeth any thing to Salvation, but a New Creature. So wait you in the Light of the Lord in you, that with it you may be led unto Christ, who is the Substance; and the one Bread, which he that careth of, shall live for ever; and receiving Christ, you come to feel the water of Life in you, and the one Baptism of the Spirit: of which things, the outward bread and the outward water, were but Figures, when as he that believeth, as the Scripture saith, (to wit in the Light of Christ, Joh. 12. 26.) Out of his belly shall flow Rivers of the water of Life, and he shall possess the end of the things abolished, and have a part in God, who is Light, by whom the veil comes to be destroyed, and the shadowy part removed, that the Shadows fly away, and the Lord God is become the Light and the Life of his people, and from his Throne comes the water of Life which waters his holy City, where the enduring substance is enjoyed.  
From a witness of that substance, who waits for the Redemption of the Captivated Seed: George Whitehead.   
The End