[Footnote 167:  Lib. de Bapt. p. 56, tom. 2.  Oper.]

On the word “name,” the Quakers observe, that, when it relates to the Lord, it frequently signifies in scripture, his life, or his spirit, or his power.  Thus, [168] “in my name, shall they cast out devils.”  And, [169] “by what power, or by what name have ye done this?”

[Footnote 168:  Mark 16. 17.]

[Footnote 169:  Acts 4. 7.]

From the interpretation, which has now been given of the meaning of several of the words in the verses, that have been quoted from St. Matthew, the sense of the commission, according to the Quakers, will stand thus:  “All power is given to me in Heaven and in earth.  In virtue of the power which I have, I will give you power also.  I will confer upon you the gift of the Holy Spirit.  When you have received it, go into different and distant lands; go to the Gentiles who live in ignorance, darkness, and idolatry, and make them proselytes to my new dispensation; so purifying their hearts, or burning the chaff of their corrupt affections by the active fire of the Holy Spirit, which shall accompany your preaching, that they may be made partakers of the divine nature, and walk in newness of life.  And lest this should appear to be too great a work for your faith, I, who have the power, promise to be with you with this my spirit in the work, till the end of the world.”

The Quakers contend, that this is the true interpretation of this commission, because it exactly coincides with the meaning of the same commission as described by St. Luke and St. Mark, and of that also which was given to St. Paul.

St. Luke states the commission given to the Apostles to have been [170] “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”  The meaning therefore of the commission, as stated by St. Luke, is precisely the same as that stated by St. Matthew.  For first, all nations are included in it.  Secondly, purification of heart, or conversion from sin, is insisted upon to be the object of it.  And thirdly, this object is to be effected, not by the baptism of water, (for baptism is no where mentioned,) but by preaching, in which is included the idea of the baptism of the spirit.

[Footnote 170:  Luke 24. 47]

St. Mark also states the commission to be the same, in the following words:  [171] “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved.”  Here all nations, and the preaching of the Gospel, are mentioned again; but baptism is now added.  But the baptism that was to go with this preaching, the Quakers contend to be the baptism of the spirit.  For first, the baptism here mentioned is connected with salvation.  But the baptism, according to St. Peter, which doth also now save us, “is not the putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience