3dly. Therefore, a third proof, from scripture, of the institution of water-baptism, as a special ordinance or sacrament in Christ's kingdom, or spiritual religion, is that his disciples, after he had entered upon his public Ministry, _statedly_ practised it. This must be a satisfactory proof to all, who are willing to follow Christ and his Apostles, and not to set up a religion of their own making. Deluded and visionary men have often undertaken to make schemes of religion of their own. What daring impiety!--That Christ's chosen disciples or Apostles, during his public Ministry on earth, practiced water baptism the Evangelist John tells us. John iii. 22. _After these things, came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea, and THERE, he tarried with them and BAPTIZED._ iv. 1, 2, 3. _When therefore the Lord knew, how the pharisees had heard that Jesus made and BAPTIZED more disciples than John; though Jesus himself BAPTIZED not, but his disciples, he left Judea, and departed again into Galilee._ Making disciples and baptizing them were two entirely different acts. To _make disciples_ was to teach them his doctrines, and to persuade them to embrace his religion. To _baptize_ them was to apply water to them, as an ordinance or sacramental sign. _Baptizing_ these professed followers of Christ was the application of water to them, as a sign, or symbol, whether by immersion or sprinkling, is not now material to enquire, and not the _renewing of the_ holy Ghost. In the first cited passage, it is said, _Jesus BAPTIZED._ In the last, it is said, he _himself BAPTIZED_ not, but his disciples. There is no manner of difficulty in reconciling these two different accounts. For Christ is said, and with the most evident propriety, to do, what he ordered and directed his twelve Apostles to do. They were only his organs; and as his TEACHERS, they did nothing but by his order and direction.
Had our Lord no design in this? He had now been some time on his public Ministry. He had begun the promulgation of his Gospel-kingdom, the new religion, which he came into the world to erect. He had collected many followers. And his Apostles BAPTIZED them all. The words are, _made_ and BAPTIZED disciples. All that were made disciples, the necessary inference is, were BAPTIZED. It follows, then, that every one that was _made_ a disciple, was _baptized,_ without one exception. There was but one way of practice. All or none were _baptized._ These chosen Ministers of Christ did not venture, of their own heads, in imitation of John the baptist, to administer baptism. Neither did the son of God commit an error. He was perfect: a teacher come from God, both impeccable and infallible. As people, in various parts, where he and his disciples travelled to preach, hearkened to him and owned him, as the true Messiah and Saviour, the disciples were bidden to _baptize_ them.--How did they BAPTIZE them? Doubtless as professed followers of Jesus of Nazareth. The form of words made use of, is not recorded; neither is it of any importance that it should be, at this time; because Christ intended to prescribe the VERY FORM, at the proper time, just before he ascended into heaven.--Did Christ allow his disciples to _baptize,_ accidentally, or undesignedly, or by mistake, or merely because his forerunner John did? Can any one believe this, who has his intellectual powers underanged, or any honourable thoughts of his Saviour? Nay, would not this be to blaspheme the son of God? All he did, in his public Ministry, and as an infallible Teacher, was of design.--Or again, did he admit his Apostles _to baptize_ all who professed to believe in him, to gratify the caprice, humours, and prejudices of the people? Did the glorious and divine Jesus act from such base and low motives? Did he make these WHIMS and PREJUDICES the rule of his public conduct as Messiah? Dare we bring in against him, such a false and groundless charge?----We come, therefore, to this conclusion, that we only follow him, when we administer water-baptism to all, who profess their faith in him and love and obedience; or to visible believers; the promise being to them, and their seed. And in things of religion we are safe, and only safe, when we most strictly follow him.----