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been considered by some zealous, learned, and eminent Pædobaptists, as the main pillar of the right and title of such to the said ordinance. But it is impossible for either party to raise a solid argument on so rotten a foundation.

What has been said, it is presumed, makes it sufficiently clear, that the law of BAPTISM is not yet become obsolete, but remains still as binding as ever upon the disciples of Christ. But while we affirm this, and are fully persuaded of its truth, it behoves us to take good heed to the design and import of the ordinance, and never lose sight of that doctrine, or those truths which it is intended to hold forth to us, and impress upon our minds; to which if we are inattentive, our attachment to the institution itself, or our zeal for it, can be of but little avail or worth to us. If we consult THE NEW TESTAMENT, we shall find in regard to Baptism

1. That it represents the Believer, or Subject, as assuming a new name, even that of CHRIST, or a Christian: hence the converts were baptized in or into the name of the Lord Jesus, and are said to put on Christ, in this ordinance. This is an important idea, and well adapted to keep us in mind that Christ is our Lord and Master, and that we ought, above all things, to obey and follow him, even through evil as well as good report.

2. That it represents the convert or subject, not only as assuming, or sustaining a new name, but also as being a new creature or new man; so that

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the change is not merely nominal, but real, implying a change of mind and character, as well as of name. In other words, that it represents the Convert, or Subject, as entering upon a new, holy, and divine life; and so it may be considered as a sign of regeneration, or that the person baptized is born from above, begotten of God, created anew in Christ Jesus, unto good works. John iii. 5. Rom. vi, 14. If Baptists are inattentive to the doctrine of the new birth, and to that of the new and divine life, or the obligation which the Gospel lays them under to walk in newness of life, conformably to their Saviour's doctrine and example, they must be more inexcusable than other men, seeing all that is strongly, and most solemnly inculcated upon them in their Baptism.

3. That it represents the Remission, or washing away of his sins, as a privilege which the convert, or believer, is now entered into the enjoyment of: accordingly Peter says to the convicted Jews, "Repent and BE BAPTIZED every one of you, in the name of the Lord Jesus, for the remission of sins;" and Ananias says to Paul, "Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts ii. 38. xxii. 16.

4. That it also represents the death, burial, and resurrection of CHRIST, together with the Christian's communion with, and conformity to him therein; as well as his firm belief of those facts, so important and interesting, as the principal grounds of his hope, and the main sources of his

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consolation, in this vale of sorrow and tears. Agreeably with this, are the Apostle's words to the Ro"So many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death: therefore we are buried with him, by Baptism, into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." To the same purpose he mentions also to the Colossians, being "Buried with him in Baptism, wherein also you are risen with him, through the faith of the operation of God, who raised him from the dead. And you being dead in your sins, and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with Christ, having forgiven you all trespasses."

Attention to these things, brethren, ought to be carefully and constantly recommended among you, as an incumbent duty, and as likely means of increasing your earnestness in your Christian profession, and of leading you to act as becometh the Gospel, and to be zealous of good works, to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of THE GREAT GOD, and our Saviour, JESUS CHRIST! AS CHRISTIANITY excels all other religions, its professors may be expected to excel all other men, or at least to be daily and earnestly aiming at it. CHRIST is a perfect character, the most excellent of all teachers, and most worthy of

being followed. Let the imitation of him be our constant and chief concern. As connected with him, more may be expected from us than from other men. "What do ye more than others?" was a question he once put to his primitive disciples, and a question which evidently implied that more was certainly required of them than of others. As Protestants, there is more required of us than if we were Papists, or Roman Catholics; and as Protestant Dissenters, more still; and most of all, as BAPTISTS, who profess to separate from Papists, from Protestants' Establishments or Hierarchies, and from other Protestant Dissenters, for the sake of Gospel purity, and unadulterated Christianity; or for the love of Christ, and in order to follow him, and adhere to THE NEW TESTAMENT more closely and fully than what is done by the other religious denominations of our country. May it be your daily and constant care to give unequivocal evidence and full proof, that your religion consists not in word only, but in power; not merely in name, but also in reality; not in profession, or vain pretence, but in deed, and in truth! Thus shall you most effectually stop the mouths of gainsayers, and under the blessing of God, ensure, through all the Churches, a happy revival, and the restoration of real, permanent, and increasing prosperity. Amen.

W. R.

Lynn, May, 1806.

IV. MISCELLANEOUS.

The Productions already enumerated, are all the published works of MR. RICHARDS, for the pieces remaining to be noticed, are not only inconsiderable in their size, but appeared in periodical publications. On these occasions, however, he threw off fifty or a hundred copies, to present to his friends. This was a practice which he indulged during the latter years of his life. The following is a correct list of

them :

A Brief Account of the original State of the Sacred Writings, contains much useful information respecting the division of the Old and New Testament into chapters and verses; their different translations, with the means taken towards their more general diffusion among the people. In his opinion THE SCRIPTURES were a treasure of unspeakable value, which ought to be thrown open to all the world.

Reflections on Allegorical Preaching, are judicious and impressive. To young ministers they afford hints tending to render more acceptable the labours of their ministry. His instances of Allegorical Preaching are ludicrous, and exposed in a happy strain of pleasantry. Robinson justly remarks, that the pulpit has been the seat of wisdom, and the sink of nonsense! Mr. Richards was of opinion, that judicious preaching was an effectual mode of promoting the interests of Christianity.

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