Note: The complete title of the book is: A treatise of baptism wherein, that of believers, and that of infants, is examined by the Scriptures: with the history of both out of antiquity: making it appear, that infants-baptism was not practiced for near three hundred years. - London, Second edition, 1674.
The "f " is changed to "s" for easier reading. - Transcribed by Jim Duvall.
Henry Danvers writes in this section:"The Ancient Britains, who practised the Baptizing of Believers, did by Evangelists sent from the Apostles themselves, receive the Gospel under Tiberius the Emperour; as saith Gildas in his Book, called De Victoria Aurelius Ambrosius, p. 48.
p. 40.A Treatise of Baptism
By Henry Danvers, 1674
Chapter VIIWherein there is an account of Believers Baptism, in a brief History thereof; not only from the Scriptures in the first Century, but from Humane Authors also, confirming the necessity of Instruction and Profession of Faith before Baptism, in all the Centuries. And that the Children of Christians, as well as Pagans, were not otherwise baptized; whereof you have some famous Instances, especially in the fourth Century, of several eminent Christians that deferred the Baptizing of their Children till they could give an Account of their Faith. Collected out of several Authors, especially the famous Magdiburgensian History.
CENTURY I A brief Historical Account of Baptism from the Scriptures, both of its Original, and continued Practice, in the times of John the Baptist, Christ, and his Apostles; in the first Century.
In the fifteenth year of the Reign of Tiberias Casar, Pontius Pilate being Governor
p. 41
of Judea, and Herod Tetrarch of Galilee, &c. Annas and Caiaphas being the High Priests; the Word of God came unto John the Son of Zacharias, in the wilderness (where his Father dwelt) Luke 3.1,2,3. Luke 1.39, viz. By a Commission and Direction to him from Heaven, to preach and baptize, John 1.33. Mat. 11.30, 31. And who in obedience thereto, (being the greatest Prophet that ever was born of a Woman, Luke 7.28.) did in all the Countries about Jordan, Luke 3.3. preach the Doctrine of Repentance [or Regeneration] Mat. 3.2 Mark 1.4. Luke 3.11,12,13, 14. And Faith in Christ, the promised Messiah, and his approaching Kingdom, Acts 19.4. Mat. 3.2 (whose fore-runner he was, to prepare his way, as foretold by the Prophet Esay, Luke 3.4,5,6.)And then and there did he also baptize or dip in water the penitent Believers that flock'd to his Ministry from Jerusalem and all the Land of Judea, confessing their sins, Luke 3.16. Mark 1.8. Mat.3.5,6. And upon no other terms did he admit to baptism, but upon Fruits meet for Repentance and amendment of Life. For when the Pharisees and Saduces, who were conceite4d of their own Righteousness, and that they stood in no need of Repentance, Luke 18.9. came to his Baptism without that due Qualification of Repentance, he refused them, Mat. 3.7,8,9,10. Luke 3.7,8. Because they refused to accept it upon the aforesaid terms, tendered; and therefore 'tis said them, that they rejected the Counsel of God against themselves, not being baptized with the Baptism of
p. 42
John, [viz. upon the terms John offered it] Luke 7.29,30. whilst the Publicans and others did justifie God, being baptized by him, confessing their sins, Math. 3.6And this Ministration of John thus entered upon, is called the beginning of the Gospel-state, or Kingdom of heaven, Mark 1.1,2,&c. Whilst John was thus Preaching and Baptizing, Jesus Christ cometh from Galilee to Jordan, Mat. 3.13. being about thirty years of Age, Luke 3.23. to be baptized of him; which John (knowing him to be the Messiah) with modesty, in sense of his own unworthiness, forbad; saying I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? [implying that Christ through his personal holiness, had no need of such an addition from him; but he much rather to receive some such benefit from him] But our savior urging it as requisite and expedient to fulfill all Righteousness, viz. that it became him, who was to be our Example in all Obedience, and all his followers, so to conform to the Fathers appointment: Thereupon john consented, and dipped him in water; who, when baptized, went up straightway out of the water, and addressed himself by Prayer unto the Father, Luke 3.21. And whilst he was at Prayer, the Heavens were opened unto him, and he [viz. John, John 1.33.] saw the spirit of God descending like a Dove, and lighting upon him; and lo a voice from Heaven, saying, This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, Mat. 3.13, &c. Which was to be a further confirmation to John, that he was the Messiah.
p. 43
Jesus Christ being now Qualified with all Prophetical Gifts at his Baptism, doth (after his temptation, Luke 4.1 &c.) enter upon his Publick Ministry, teaching in Galilee in their Synagogues, being glorified of all, Luke 4.14,15. Who afterwards came into the Land of Judea with the Disciples, and tarried there with them, and baptized, all men flocking to his Baptism, John 3.22,26. Making and Baptizing now more Disciples than John; though ('tis said) that he himself baptized not, but his Disciples, John 4. 1,2.Jesus Christ after his resurrection, Having received all power in Heaven and Earth, gives further direction to his Apostles about their Ministerial work; that whereas neither John's nor his ministration had extended further than the Territories of Judea, and the Jewish Nation and Profession, as appears by his limitation of his first Missionaries, both of the Twelve, and the Seventy, Mat. 10.5,6. viz. Not to go into the way of the Gentiles, nor to enter into any of the Cities of the Samaritans, but to seek only the lost sheep of the house of Israel; doth now extend and enlarge his Commission for preaching and baptizing all the world over, viz. to the Gentiles as well as the Jews; that whoever of either did repent and believe, should now be baptized, and be entered into the Gospel Church, Mat. 28. 18,19,20. Mark 16. 15,16.
And accordingly, in obedience hereto, the Apostles did practice throughout the whole world, receiving to Baptism those, that, after instruction, did profess Faith in Christ, and
p. 44
bring forth fruits meet for Repentance; as appears from divers instances, both of Jews and Gentiles, viz.The three thousand Jews in Acts 2. That had their hands in crucifying of Christ; who upon Repentance, gladly received the Word, were baptized, and added to the Church at Jerusalem, in the day of Pentecost, upon Peter's Sermon, Acts 2. 37, &c.
The Samaritans, who after they believed Philip's Preaching the things concerning the Kingdom of god, and the Name of Jesus Christ, were baptized both men and women, Acts 8.12.
The Eunuch, upon Philip's preaching to him, and the Evidence that he gave, that he believed in Jesus Christ with all his heart, was baptized by Philip, going down with him into the water, Acts 8.35, &c.
Paul, after his Conversion and Believing in Christ, was by the Lord's special appointment, forthwith baptized by Ananias at Damascus, Acts 9.
Cornelius and his Friends and Companions, upon their witnessing their Faith inj Jesus Christ, were baptized by Peter at Cesarea, Acts 10.47.48.
Lydia and her Household believing in the Lord, were baptized at Philippi by Paul, Acts 16.14
And the Jailer, in the same place, believing in the Lord, with all his house, were baptized by Paul and Silas, Acts 16.33,34.
The Corinthians, hearing and believing, were baptized by Paul, Acts 18.18.
p. 45
The Colossians were baptized in like manner, Col. 2.10,11,12.The believing Romans were also baptized, Rom. 6.3.
The Galatians believing in Christ, were baptized, Gal. 3.26,27.
The Ephesians also, upon the profession of Faith, were baptized, Acts 19.1,2,3.
Thus have we gone through the History of Baptism, as we find it recorded in the Scriptures.
____________ Secondly, An Historical Account of Baptism, as we find it was upon the Profession of Faith owned to be pratised by the Testimony of Antiquity, both in the first, as well as the remaining Centuries.
In the next place we shall proceed to give an Account of some Humane Authorities also; which we produce not for any proof, but by way of Illustration only; because they may be of weight with some, and whereby it may be manifest, that not only Scripture-Authority, but even Antiquity itself (which hath been so much boasted of) is altogether for Believers, and not for Infant-Baptism.
We shall begin with the account of the Magdeburgenses do give us in their Excellent history; how they say they find their business of
p. 46
Baptism to stand in this first Century, viz.First, As to the Subjects of Baptism; they tell us, that in this Age they find they baptized only the Adult or Aged, whether Jews or Gentiles, whereof they say we have instances in the 2, 8, 10, 16 & 19 Chapters of the Acts; but as to the Baptizing of Infants, they confess they read of no Example, De Infantibus Baptizatis Exempla non legunt, Madgiburg. Cent. I. L. 2. p. 496. Of the Edit. Of Basil, in 7 Tomes.
Secondly, As to the Administrators of Baptism; they say, they find that other Ministers of the Church, besides the Apostles, did baptize, which in After-Ages came more especially to be fixed upon Bishops; though, in case of necessity, not only Lay-men, but women also, were admitted to administer that Ordinance.
Thirdly, As to the Place of Baptism; they find it was as occasion offered; where Rivers and Fountains, and other Conveniences for Baptizing, were; and which was done as well privately, here only two Persons, Philip and the eunuch were, as in a great congregation, Acts 2.
Neither do they find, as they say, that the Water was in this Age first consecrated before Baptism, which with so much Ceremony was after enjoyned to be in Fonts and Baptisterions fixed in the Temple.
Fourthly, As to the Time when it was to be done; they say, they find it to be at any fit season, no certain Day or Feast, being either by Christ or his Apostles appropriated thereto, as after it was to Easter and Whitsontide.
p. 47
Fifthly, As to the Manner of baptizing; It was by dipping or Plunging in the Water into the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost; which was (they say) so agreeable not only to the sense of the Word, which signifies immersion in water; but to the Allegory of Death, Burial, and Resurrection; to which the Apostle so properly alludes, Rom. 6. Col. 2. As also to the many places, where it is used for the washing away of sin; as, I Pet. 3. Heb. 2.10. Eph. 5. Tit. 3. And in the 22. of the Acts, where they observe that Ananias commands Paul to be baptized, and to wash away his sins; which said Custom of Dipping the whole body in water, was changed into sprinkling a little water in the face.Sixthly, As to the Ceremonies; they tell us, the parties baptized did freely come and offer themselves, professing their Faith, though not in any formal way of confession, which after was enjoyned, and that without any Gossips or Sureties, to confess or undertake for them, which after was required both for the Adult, as for the Infant; neither were there any giving of Names in Baptizing, no Exorcisms, Chrismes or Anointings; no Consignations, Albes, Salt, Spittle; no Gifts given or received, no Confirmation or Bishopping, no giving of Meats, Milk or Honey; all which were after introduced and enjoyned, as you will hear, , Madgiburg. Cent. I. L. 2. Ch. 6. p. 496, 497.
Clemens asserts who are the right Subjects of Baptism, and in what Order they ought, after due Examinations and instructions, to be baptized. As saith
p. 48
Jacob Marningus in his History of Baptism, p. 2. Upon 2 Cent. P. 209. out of Clem. 3 Epist. Also Dutch Martyrology.Ignatius in his Discourses about Baptism, asserts that it ought to be accompanied with Faith, Love and Patience after Preaching; as you will find in his Letters to Polycarp. Tralienses, and in his Letters to them of Philadelphia;
For which,See H. Montanus, p. 45. And Jacob Du Bois p. 16. To 22. And the Dutch Martyrology, called the Bloody Theater, Century I.
Auxibius was baptized upon Confession of Faith, by the Apostle Mark; as Jacob Marningus, p. 578. out of Metaphrastes, by D. Vicecomes, L. I Ch. 4. in the Life of Auxibius.
The Waldenses and Albigenses did in this Age profess and practice the baptizing of Believers. D. Balthazar Lidius, in his Treatise of the Church, p. 2. Col. 2. out of Renarius.
The Ancient Britains, who practised the Baptizing of Believers, did by Evangelists sent from the Apostles themselves, receive the Gospel under Tiberius the Emperour; as saith Gildas in his Book, called De Victoria Aurelius Ambrosius .
p. 49
CENTURY II As to baptism in the second Century, they say, Cent. 2. c. 6. p. 109. That it doth not appear by any approved Authors, that there was any mutation or variation from the former; and in confirmation thereof, quote what Justin Martyr saith in his second Apology to Ant. Pius the Emperor. Which because it is so considerable an Instance, I shall give it you at large, as I find it in the Apology it self, in the words that Mr. Baxter himself hath rendered in his Saints Rest, c. 8. sect. 5. viz.
I will declare unto you how we offer up our selves to god after that we are renewed through Christ. Those amongst us that are Instructed in the faith, and believe that which we teach them is true, being willing to live according to the same, we do admonish to fast and pray for the forgiveness of sins, and we also fast and pray with them; And when they are brought by us unto the Water, and there as we were NEW BORN, are they also by new birth renewed; and then in calling upon God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy spirit, they are washed in water. Then we bring the Person thus washed and instructed to the Brethren, (as they are called) where the Assemblies are, that we may pray both for our selves and the new illuminated Person, that we may be found by true Doctrine, and by good works worthy observers and keepers of the Commandments, and that we may attain Eternal Life and Salvation. Then Bread and Wine being brought to the chief Brother (so they
p. 50
call the chief Minister) he taketh it and offereth Praise and Thanksgiving to the Father, by the name of the Son and Holy Spirit, And so awhile he celebrateth Thanksgiving: after Prayers and Thanksgiving the whole Assembly saith, Amen.Thanksgiving being ended by the President (or chief Guide) and the consent of the whole People, the Deacons, as we call them, do give to every one present part of the Bread and Wine, over which Thanks was given, and they also suffer them to bring to the absent.
This food we call the Eucharist; to which no man is admitted, but only he that believeth the Truth of the Doctrine, being washed in the Laver of Regeneration for Remission of sins, and that so liveth as Christ hath taught. And this, saith Mr. Baxter, is, you see, no new way.
This Justin Martyr is believed to have been converted to Christ within thirty years after the Apostle John, when it is credible also, very many were living, who had been frequent Auditors of the Apostle, who was beheaded under Verus the Emperor.
Now they that shall consider this description he makes of the Christian Baptism, and the manner that Christians were admitted after it, into the Churches of Christ in those days, can hardly, I presume, pick out any good warranty for Infants Church Membership, or Baptism out of the same.
Dionysius Alexandrinus in his Fifth Book of Baptism, writing to Sextus Bishop of Rome, testifies, that it was their Custom to Baptize upon Profession of Faith; and that one who had
p. 51
been baptized by Hendricks, not upon Profession of Faith, did desire to be so baptized, accounting his former for no baptism.Eusebius Pamphilius, Eccl. History. Edit. 1588. Lib. 7. Ch. 8. out of Dionysius. Also Dutch Martyrol. Cent. 2.Clemens Alexandrinus wrote largely for baptism accompanying Faith and Repentance; not at all mentioning that of Infants: saying, that the Baptized ought to be Children, viz. in malice, but not in understanding; even such Children, who, as the Children of god, have put off the old man, and the Garment of wickedness, and have put on the new man. Fac. Merningus, Hist. Bapt. part 2. P. 213, 214.Walafred Strabe saith, That non Children, but aged, understanding person, were, upon profession of Faith, baptized this Age. Walafred Strabe, in Eccl. Hist. c. 26. Vicecom. L. I. ch. 30.
CENTURY III In this third Century, they say as to the Rites of Baptism in the Asiatick Churches, they have no testimony as to alteration; but concerning the African churches, they give some account, and of the great corruptions creeping in the Church, respecting this Ordinance of Baptism at least in Opinion (though as to practice; they say they cannot give any particular Instance) both as to Subject, Time, Manner, and Ceremonies. Cent. 3. c. 6. p. 123, 124, 125.
They tell us, that Tertullian in his Book De Baptismos
p. 52
opposeth himself (by several Arguments at large) to some that asserted Infants Baptism, affirming, that the _____? were the only proper Subjects of Baptism; because, saith he, Fasting, confession of sins, Prayer, Profession, Renouncing the Devil and his works , is required from the Baptized.And further, Tertullian in his Book of Repentance, c. 6. That we are not baptized, because we should cease from sin, but because we have ceased from sin, and are purified in heart; referring the Opposers of Christian Baptism to the Practice of the Churches of Corinth, Philippi, Thessalonica, Ephesus, and Rome, &c. Mentioned by Jacob du Bois, in his Assurance, Printed in 1648. p. 47, 24.
Origin saith, They are rightly baptized who are washed unto Salvation, but so was not Simon Magus; He that is baptized unto salvation receives the water and the Holy Ghost, which Simon did not, but water only.
Hom. 6. upon Ezek. c. 16. v. 4. Montanus p. 36, 37.And further, in his Commentary on Romans 6. saith, that such Baptism as was accompanied with the crucifying of the Flesh, and rising again to newness of life, was the approved Baptism.How Origen's writings were injured by Rus____, and made to speak for Infants-Baptism, contrary to Truth, appears by Erasmus upon the Life of Origin, Printed before his Works; as Jacob Merningus, p. 283, 291. and Montanus p. 29, to 35. 42, 43. - Whereof more hereafter.
p. 53
Mr. Baxter is pleased to give us this farther account of Baptism in this Age, in hhis Saints Rest, Part. I. c. 8. Sect. 5. In these words, viz. That Tertullian, Origin, and Cyprian, who lived, saith he, in the second and third Centuries, do all of them affirm, that in the Primitive times, none were baptized without an express covenanting, wherein they renounced the World, Flesh, and Devil, and ingaged themselves to Christ, and promised to obey him.And again, he is pleased to tell us in his defence of the Principles of Love, p. 7. in these words. That he knew that in the days of Tertullian, Nazianzen and Austin, Men had liberty to be baptized, or to bring their Children, when, and at what age they pleased, and that none were to go against their Consciences therein. And that he knew not that our Rule of Religion is changed, or that we are grown any wiser or better than they.
Eusebius Lib. 6. Hist. Eccles. saith, That Origen was appointed by Demetrius, to be at Alexandria a Catechist, that is a Teacher of those that were Disciples and Scholars in the Faith; which Office, before his time after the Apostles, Plautius and Clemens did execute, whose Disciples, he saith, were Plutarch, Serenus, Heraclus, and Heron; and that a woman, after she was baptized with Water, was, a Martyr, put to death, and baptized with fire for Christ's sake: after Origin, Heracles; and after him Dionysius taught in the said School of Alexandria, those that were to be instructed in the Faith before Baptism. And again, in Lib. 7. ch. 8. Thee was with us a Brother which believed, who
p. 54
being present among those that were to be baptized, and heard how they were questioned, and how they answered, came weeping to me, and desired of me to be cleansed, and washed by Christian Baptism.Cyril exhorts his Auditors that they would not go to Baptism as the Guest in the gospel, who had not on the Wedding-Garment: but having their sins first washed away by Repentance, they might be found worthy at the Marriage of the Lamb.
Cyril in Catech. 2. Mystog. Bapt. Histor. p. 318.Justinus, after he had instructed Virianus, Marcalinus, and Justinus, three Learned me, in the Faith baptized them.Twisk, Chron. lib. 3. p. 68. D. Martyrol. Cent. 3.Paneratius, after he had been instructed in the Faith, was baptized at fifteen years old.Twisk, Chron. lib. 3. p. 71. D. Martyrol. Cent. 3.Pontus, the son of Christian man, was after his Instruction in the Faith, baptized by Pontianus.Twisk, Chron. lib. 3. p. 73.Nemesius, with many others that were instructed in the Faith, after the keeping of a Fast were baptized at Rome.Twisk, Chron. p. 75. D. Martyrlog.
p. 55
CENTURY IV In this Age they tell us, That it was the universal practice to baptize the Adult upon profession of Faith, and for which they give us several Authorities out of the Learned Fathers and Councils at that time, some whereof you have, as followeth.
Athanasius contra Arianos. Our Saviour, saith he, did not slightly command us to baptize: For, first of all, he said, TEACH, and then BAPTIZE, that true Faith might come by teaching, and Baptism PERSEDED [sic] by FAITH.
Hilary, Lib. 2. de Trinate. The Lord hath commanded to baptize into the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; that is, upon confession of the beginner, the only begotten, and him that was given. And farther, the said Hilary prayeth thus to god; O living Lord, preserve my Faith, and the Testimony of my Conscience; so that I may always keep what I have confessed in the Sacrament of my Regeneration, when I was baptized in the Name of the Father, son and Holy spirit; namely, that I may worship thee, O God our Father, with thy Son, and stir up thy Holy spirit in me, which proceedeth or goeth out from thee.
And again saith, That all the Eastern Churches did only baptize the ADULT.
Basil contra Eunomium, lib. 3. Must the faithful be sealed with Baptism? Faith must needs precede and go before. And in the Exhortation to Baptism, saith That none were to be baptized but the Catachumens, and those that
p. 56
were duly instructed in the Faith.Gregory Nazianzen, in his third Oration, saith, that the Baptized used in the first place to Confess their SINS, and to renounce the Devil and all his works before many witnesses. And again, That none were baptized of old, but they that did so confess their sins: and how dangerous it was headily, and without due preparation, to partake thereof.
He therefore adviseth, That the Baptism of Infants be deferred till they could give an Account of the Faith, as Dr. Taylor, p. 239.
Ambrose saith in his Third Book De Sacramentis, c. 2. That the baptized did not only make confession of his Faith, but was to desire the same.
And in his Second Book De Spiritu Sancto; In our Sacrament, saith he, there are three Questions propounded, and three Confessions made, without which none can be washed.
Arnobius, in Psal. 146. Thou art not first (saith he) baptized, and then beginnest first to affect and embrace the Faith: but when thou art to be baptized, thou signifest unto the Priest what thy desire is, and makest they confession with thy mouth.
Jerom upon Matthew, saith, The Lord commanded his Apostles, that they should first Instruct and Teach all Nations, and afterwards should baptize those that were instructed in the Mysteries of the Faith; for it cannot be saith he, that the body should receive that Sacrament of Baptism, till the Soul have before received the true Faith.
Jerom saith, That in the Eastern Churches,
p. 57
the Adult were only baptized; in his Epist. against the Errors of John of Jerusalem. And again, in his Epistle to Pamuchius, saith, That they are to be admitted to Baptism, to whom [?] it doth properly belong, viz. those only who have been Instructed in the Faith.Atbanasius defends Baptism, after profession, to be according to Christ's Command, against those that pretend it might be administered before profession: for, saith he, our Saviour hath not simply commanded, but first said, Teach, then Baptize; because true Faith proceeds from Teaching, and Baptism then rightly follows Faith; In his third Sermon against the Arians. As Merning. part. 2. cent. 4. pag. 370.
And the said Merning. saith, p. 360. That the Book called Questions out of the Holy Scripture, fathered upon Athanasius, speaking contrary hereto, is false and spurious. And so saith Montanus also, p. 69.
Marius Victorinus against the Arians, in his third Book, saith, That every Believer that is baptized upon profession of Faith, receives the holy Spirit, and is made holy thereby, Merning, p. 305.
Ephrim Syrus relates, That in his time, it was the manner or custom, when any one was baptized, to declare they did forsake the Devil and all his works, viz. Adultry, Uncleanness, Lying, Stealing, &c. And that the baptized used to confess their sins; In his Third Oration of Baptism.
And again, in his Book of Repentance, saith, that the Baptized did confess their sins, and testified
p. 58
their Faith before many witnesses. As Merningus, pag. 328, 336.Epiphanius, after Bishop of Cyrus, was, with his Sister, baptized upon profession of Faith, by Stephanis, and did immediately receive the Lord's Supper with 108 persons of the Church; as Vice-conses, out of Metaphrastes, l. x. c. 30. Epiphan.
Epiphanius did afterwards himself assert for Doctrine, That none ought to be baptized without some good assurance for the same, and a confession of Faith, Merning. pag. 366.
=============
British History
Baptist History Homepage