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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A57271	Laying on of hands asserted: or, A plain discovery of the truth thereof under those several considerations, minded in the New Testament. 1. Upon persons for healing: with a brief discovery of that ordinance of Christ, (to wit) anointing with oile. 2. Upon persons to office. 3. Upon believers, baptized, as such: and that principle of Christs doctrine cleared, for their obedience: with objections answered to each particular. To which is annexed, a confutation of four chapters written by some person, or persons, in opposition to this principle of the doctrine of Christ, (to wit) laying on of hands upon believers baptized, as such; wherein the weakness of their reasons against the truth, is plainly discovered, and the truth further asserted, and vindicated. By VVilliam Rider, servant to the Church of Christ.	Rider, William, fl. 1656.	1656 (1656)	Wing R1444A; ESTC R217997	59,976	201

God hath set some in the Church first Apostles c. so Christ did ascend and gave gifts unto men and that some to be Apostles as well as other offices in the Church Ephes. 4. 8. compared with the 11. vers. Object But now some may say Christ did chuse Apostles he chose Twelve which he called Apostles therefore they ceasing the office ceased Answer To which I Answer that this was before Christ ascended but after he ascended he gave some Apostles that is to that work to lay the foundation Ephes. 4. 11 vers. and so Paul and Barnabas were Apostles Acts 14. 4. and 14. vers. and others also spoken of in the 2 Cor. 8. 23. vers. 1 Cor. 14. 1. compared with 6. and 9. vers. He that doth authoritatively as the first Apostles or by vertue of the authority of the Church of Christ lay the foundation of the service of God he is properly an Apostle he doth the work of an Apostle for other foundation no man can lay that is to be approved of by the Lord yet other men may lay the same even preach the same Doctrine of Christ which he did c. Thirdly Of laying on of hands upon Baptized believers as such to the end they might receive the Spirit THat laying on of hands upon Baptized believers as such is one part of their obedience to the Lord which he requires of them an Ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ I shall thus prove unto you First because it is a saying of our Lord Jesus Christ that which he taught and that for believers obedience as well as repentance faith and Baptisme see Heb. 6. 1 2. Many persons do say If we could but see where ever Christ taught it Surely we should not gainsay it O that now they would consider for their conviction this Scripture Heb. 6. 1. vers. where the Apostle calls it the Doctrine or Teaching of Christ and a more sufficient witness that Christ taught it we cannot have then the Apostle is The Doctrine of Christ that which he taught as he did repentance faith resurrection and eternal judgment Now consider Doctrine doth imply teaching and teaching doth infer practise that so believers might learn for teaching and learning are relations as a Father and Child the one infers the other Now to inforce this reason for our obedience we may consider these three things First what the Apostle saith in Acts 3. 22. vers. where we are injoyned to a hearing of Christ in all things and that also from the danger that will follow our neglect as in the 23 verse 2. In that it is placed amongst those foundation-principles Hebr. 6. 1 2. and that in the midst of them as if the Spirit of the Lord did foresee the opposition that would be made against this truth 3. Because it is one of Christs first teachings and therefore those words in Heb. 6. 1. may be rendered the beginning-word of Christ the A.B.C. of a Christian one of those first lessons that believers then did learn and now should learn which is this to wait upon God in this way of his for the Spirit of promise which is their right whereby they might be inabled as they do desire to do him service Object But now unto this some object and say that all things that Christ did and said we are not to be followers of him in as to raise the dead to command the winde to cease and the like Answer To which I answer though this may be true yet what is this to the purpose Because we are not to say in all things as he did therefore we must say in nothing as he did neither as he taught us this is error with a witness We grant that in all things we are not to do and say as Christ did But yet in all things that does relate to the worship and service of God as repentance faith and Baptism or our duty in our conversation we are to do as he hath said for unto this God himself commands us see Luke 9. 35. Acts 3. 22. Him shall ye hear in all things c. Object Further to make voyd this reason some object and say that Christ taught the resurrection of the dead and eternal Judgment as well as laying on of hands but that is only to be believed the resurrection and Judgment we know we cannot practise Answ. To which I answer first This is that we ought as believers to do if possible we can to attain to the resurrection of the dead Phil. 3. 11. 2. That Christ taught it we grant and that it is for our obedience we do also affirm and that is so far as he requires it 3. I do hope you do also know that so far as Christ hath taught us we ought to be obedient to him that which he taught which was Notional we ought to believe that which he taught which was practical we ought to obey Now consider laying on of hands is a practical Doctrine as is manifest by the Apostles actings and the Saints obedience Acts 8. 17. Acts 19. 6. Now let the opposers of this truth of Christ shew where ever laying on of hands was taught by Christ as the resurrection and eternal Judgment only to be believed and then they will say and do somthing to their purpose Object But say some In Heb. 6. 1. the Apostle calls it a Doctrine but not a practise and so by this would make voyd this way of God Answ. This objection was answered by Doctor Chamberlain in his dispute with Captain Kiffin as you may see in the 10th page of his book where saith Doctor Chamberlain Because the Apostle calls it a Doctrine therefore so far from being not practised that it ought the rather to be practised for without practising no learning Again saith he you wrest this Scripture whereas the express purpose of the Holy Spirit is To teach Doctrines that so believers might do what is taught For the proof of which he cites Mat. 28. 20. Mat. 7. 21 24. Ioh. 13. 17. and 15. 14. Iam. 22. 23 24 25. Phil. 4. 9. and many other places yet saith he you wrest it to the direct contrary and you say therefore it is called a Doctrine that it might not be practised for indeed so much such an objection doth import But Mr Perry in his book of Animadversions in answer to Doctor Chamberlain pag. 14. as he doth therein conceive that which is true so he doth suppose that where in he is mistaken and that is to think and so to write that Doctor Chamberlain minded Mr Kiffens wresting of the Scriptures above mentioned whereas indeed we may plainly see in his book and in this I have written of his words that he minded him of wresting Heb. 6. 1. which was the ground of this objection and therefore we may take notice that the Scriptures above mentioned do sufficient prove what Doctor Chamberlain brought them for which was this that Heb. 6. 1. was wrested by Mr Kiffin from

Teachings them to observe all things whatsoever I have Commanded you unless saith he you will deny that Doctrine is Teaching or that the Apostles taught what they were not commanded as some have presumptuously affirmed This argument was indeavoured yet not in the least answered by Mr. Perry as you may see in the 23 page of his Book of animadversions 2. You may also see Mr. Griffiths Arguments one of which I shall name why this is so Because saith he the Apostles did administer such a thing on dipped believers as such Acts 8. 17. and 19. 6. Now saith he either they did administer it upon the account of Christs Requirement command or injunction or upon an account of their own But it was not upon an account of their own therefore it was upon the account of Christs Requirement command or injunction This he proves as you may see in the sixth page of his book in answer to Mr. Harrison this was never that I know of answered by any of you with many more he layes down in his book of the six principles Surely you could not be ignorant of those Arguments and therefore how you could retain this Objection when it hath been by such Arguments refuted and yet not take notice of those Arguments so as to answer them I know not 3. You may likewise see what Mr Tillam writes in the 10 11 12 13. and 14 page of his book it being an answer to Mr. Paul Hobson and to this very Objection 4. Amongst the rest for further witness herein I shall refer you to what I have written in answer to this very Objection laid down and answered in my book which I desire the Lord may help you to weigh and consider of that the truth of God may have place in your hearts For I must tell you it will be little comfort to you if Christ as he suddenly will come shall finde you opposing the reformation of his house And further I desire the Lord may keep you from this temptation which too many are subject to run into to wit Now truth is displayed presently to make war therewith indeavouring the suppressing thereof There being little in this fourth Chapter then this bare Syllogisme more then frivolous discourse with reflections and unsavoury and hard speeches which do discover the bitterness of the minde from whence they proceeded I shall take as little notice as I can with wisdome of them and draw to a conclusion of my answer to your book only shall observe some few things 1. You labour to darken the truth and that with your slighting of those things that have been written in the vindication thereof and those Scriptures which have been affirmed by those that have written thereby seeking to possess the minds of people with an understanding from several Scriptures as if they were ours but is indeed your own imagination that thereby you might hinder the proceeding of this truth amongst the people of God And therefore I do affirm that what hath been affirmed by any of us from those Scriptures doth still stand good to what they were intended and are true witnesses in this case for the proof of this truth And when by those persons that shall duly weight and consider the matter you have written with the answer thereunto without prejudice of Spirit but with love towards God to finde out his truth they will easily see your errour herein and that in this matter we have not as your selves have done handled the Word of God deceitfully 2 Cor. 2. 17. and 4. 2. 2. You say that we say you are Babes taking that as matter of great disdain but how like Children you do and have acted I do believe will be easily seen by those who have their eyes open 3. And whereas you say we are much at loss about the end of this Ordinance and so by this would cast dust into the eyes of persons to blind them the more I Answer that if there be any that doth affirm this or that or a third thing to be the end of this Ordinance yet I hope you will grant us the same liberty to come to the knowledge of this truth you your selves take to attain the highth of opposition against it is there not divisions among your selves in your opposing of us what 's the Reason that you affirm one thing Mr. Kiffin another and Mr. Harrison a third Mr. Harrison he saith it is laying on of hands for healing is the principle Heb. 6. 2. Mr. Kiffin he saith missing the end of that we practise that it was only dispensed for the confirmation of the Gospel I could tell you that others who do oppose it do say Not the practise of laying on of hands is the foundation-principle but the effects of laying on of hands which is as false and the words unsound and you after all affirm laying on of hands upon persons to office to be the foundation-principle Heb. 6. 2. which is not so therefore consider w●o is more at loss then your selves Remember what is written and take good cognizance of your books you have written against us and the truth surely your opposition is much heighthened by the bitterness of your Spirit against us because we cannot deny this Word of the Lord we are conscious of Not because the Bishops did practise it as you say we do but because we finde it written as that which Christ and his Apostles taught and that unto which believers as such were obedient What though some among us though I know not of any should understand the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit to be the end of this Ordinance wherein they should be deceived with your selves doth this make voyd the truth of God God forbid We know that the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit did follow the Preaching of the VVord and so was a fruit of that Ordinance as well as laying on of hands but the proper end of neither of them Is there no gifts of the Spirit of God which believers then did and do now receive according to the promise of God but such as are given in an Extraordinary manner Surely you dare not say there is not But I shall leave this and take as little notice as possible of the frames of your Spirits which are as if you were bent and resolved to fight against truth and to tread under and render odious the maintainers thereof The ground whereof I conceive is because we cannot communicate with you who reject and deny this teaching of Christ and bring your own with the new-conceited opinion of Doctor Gouge and others in the room thereof and though you are pleased to say that our best Argument is the Common prayer book yet we would give you to know that we have a more sure VVord of Prophesie 2 Pet. 1. 19. our witness is in the word of truth and your Reasons with all the wisdome of those men you minded in this case will be found too light being weighed in the Balance of the truth that laying on of hands in Heb. 6. 2. is meant upon persons to office But wherefore are we branded with the names of censoriousness Rigid Hatred and such Judgments as if we had as you say received the Spirit of Satan in stead of the Spirit of God 1. Is it because some of us as you say forbid you their houses but I pray you in your writing of this did you carefully observe and remember the frames of your Spirit whatsoever your carriage was towards your Brethren of whom you thus speak I know not yet sure I am in this your writing you go beyond your bounds but what is this Spirit which is discovered to be in you but that old Maligne Spirit that seeks the destruction of the truth and way of God who alwayes reaps up the failings if there be any in any poor soul thereby to dishonour and cast dirt upon the face of truth or 2. Is it because as you say we deny you Communion why consider is it not upon the same ground that you your selves have denyed others and have not you dealt with some poor souls who have been convinced of this truth and for truths sake in duty towards God have been obedient thereunto Surely to withdraw from those who deny truth and turn their backs upon truth is from a better understanding and is more agreeable to the minde of God then to withdraw from poor souls who are followers of truth The first is ours the second your practise the Lord he is Judge and will certainly Judge between us and make his truth manifest for it is time for thee Lord to work when men make voyd thy Law Psalm 119. 126. vers. The End Post-script Reader I would have thee take notice that whereas I have made mention of the names of some particular persons in my book It is not from any Spirit of prejudice that I have toward them for the Lord he knows they are men I do love and esteem but my mentioning of them was for this end that believers might see the weakness of their Objections and the difference that is in their understandings about this truth of laying on of hands upon believers Baptized as such that so indeed the great Mountains that are raised up in the wayes of poor souls in their obedience unto Christ in this Ordinance may be removed and therefore I hope there i● none that will harbor such a conceit from what I have written as that I should have ever the l●ss esteem of them for the mentioning of their names in the cases I have minded neither that others should have ever the less esteem of them but that indeed so far as they follow truth they should be esteemed for the sake thereof and therefore I do desire that Satan may have no advantage by any thing I have written for I have indeavoured both in my book and in my Answering of these four Chapters to write without reflecting Language which as I know it would not profit my self nor the truth So likewise would but raise up the Spirits of those who are opposers thereof and therefore now that God may give thee a Spirit of Wisedome that thou maist know and understand what is written is the Prayer of him who is willing to serve thee wherein he may be instrumental for thy good and the blessing of God go along with this his weak indeavours Amen W. R. FINIS

by this we may see that Satan will leave no stone unturned if possible he can overturn the truth Your third Reason is because if this laying on of hands to wit upon believers Baptized as such were the foundation-principle then this very Church of the Hebrews the first constituted Church in the New Testament after Christs Ascension this Church being the same with that Acts 1. and 2 Chapt. had wanted a principle in Religion which were very absurd to imagine for they had not laying on of hands to this end Acts the 8. being the first place that ever this was practised and surely in all matters about worship the written word must be our Rule and to the Scriptures silence we must give consent according to the Proverb where God hath not a Mouth to speak we must not have an ear to hear To which long discourse or Reason of yours whereby the truth is evaded and something Eclipsed I answer that this Church of Christ did wait upon God in this way contrary to what you have spoken and this I do affirm for if they continued in the Apostles Doctrine then in this practise it being that the Apostles did teach as before is plainly discovered in the second Reason laid down in my book for the proof of this truth likewise in the answer there to an Objection but they did continue in the Apostles Doctrine Acts 2. 42. therefore in their obedience to this truth read the 41. and 42 verses And therefore Acts 8. was not the first place that ever it was practised Neither were they in Acts 2. without this principle in Religion for as I have said how should they continue in the Apostles Doctrine and yet short in the principles thereof and therefore the minde of God being thus declared it plainly discovers his mouth speaking to you and that your ears should be obedient But you proceed further and say they had not laying on of hands to this end because they received the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit without it I answer first taking notice you say that those in Acts the 1. and 2. were not under it but this as before is false but if your saying were true that they were not under it then I pray you to what end did they receive it why surely by your Reason they did not receive it Yet you say they had not laying on of hands to this end because they received the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit without it and so instance Acts 2. 1 2 3 4 5. vers. To which I answer they that are there said to receive the Holy Spirit were under the promise thereof without any more Baptizing with water this was the promise and the Command of Christ unto them Luke 24. 49 50. Behold I will send the promise of my Father upon you but tarry ye at Ierusalem until you be indued with power from on high and He led them out as far as to Bethany and lift up his hands and blessed them and Acts 1. 5. saith Christ to his Disciples John truly Baptized with water but you shall be Baptized with the Holy Spirit not many dayes hence see vers. the 4. Now though it were thus with the Apostles and those who were immediately under this promise yet I do affirm that those three thousand who are in Acts 2. 41. and 42. vers. there said gladly to receive the Word and to be Baptized and were added to this Church were under this practise and that 1. Because they two wit those spoken of in the 41. and 42. vers. were not immediately under the promise as those spoken of in the 2 3 4. and 5 vers. but I may say conditionally as the Apostle saith vers. 38. and 39. Repent and be Baptized for the Remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit for saith he the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are afar off even to as many as the Lord our God shall call where you may see he doth annex the end of this Ordinance to wit the promised Spirit unto faith and Baptisme 2. If the Apostles did not teach laying on of hands unto these Jews Acts 2. 41. they had been defective in a principle of Christs Doctrine of what Christ taught unto them as Heb. 6. 1. But the Apostles did teach laying on of hands to these Jews as Heb. 5. and 12. compared with the 6. 1 2. vers. doth manifest and therefore were not defective in Christs Doctrine which Hebrews by your own confession were the Jews spoken of in Acts 2. Now I would query of you whether you will still affirm upon due consideration of this also That the Apostle Peter having told the Jews in Acts 2. 38. that God would make good this promise of giving his Spirit unto them upon their obedience unto him whether you will still affirm that he did not Act in the same manner for their being made partakers thereof as he did with those at Samaria Acts 8. or as Paul did with those at Ephesus Acts 19. or upon Timothy at Derbe or Lystra as in my book I have minded Surely I think upon due consideration you dare not so affirm Neither deny what I have written and herein queryed to be truth So that it doth appear in the conclusion of the Examination of your second Chapt. that you are mistaken in the laying on of hands which say you is not and cannot be meant Heb. 6. 2. Your 3. Chapter contains according to your mistaken Judgement what laying on of hands is and must be meant Heb. 6. 2. And therefore you begin For the better resolving of this Question we must take notice that it is laying on of hands here in the singular Number therefore can be but one laying on of hands that is called here a principle and not more as some would have it for then it should be layings on of hands in the plural Number These are all your own Words which I do the rather cite because I do own them to be words of truth but I pray you who would have it in the plural Number why surely your selves and therefore take notice that herein you are also divided and agree not in crucifying of the truth see the 7 Page of Mr Harrisons Touchstone But now say you this being considered we must remember what went before that it is not laying on of hands for healing nor for giving the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit I Answer that it was not for healing I have before proved and your labour in the proof of this might have been spared unless it had been by any of us affirmed But that it was for the giving of the gift of the Spirit do affirm for the gift of the Spirit is the promise of God unto believers Baptized as such Acts 2. 38. Now whereas you would have the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit to be the end of this Ordinance you are still mistaken as I have

and more then Baptism for so much the Text doth hold forth and being added they continued in the Apostles Doctrine and so it is plain as it is part of the foundation so it followed Baptisme as you may see by the practise thereof Acts 8. 17 19. Chapter 6. 7. 3. Reason Because as Christ and his Apostles did teach it so they taught it as a principle of the foundation of the service of God a foundation-principle of that service wherein they were to live to the Glory of God and upon which they were to stand to go on to perfection read Heb. 6. 1 2. When Moses was to build a Tabernacle unto God he had a strict charge that he should do every thing according to the pattern the Lord had given him Exod. 25. 40. and so afterward when Solomon was to build the Temple he likewise was to do it according to the pattern which David had received by the Spirit and as it is said which he was made to understand by the hand of God upon him the first of Chron. 28. 11 12. and 19. Now as Moses and Solomon were not left at liberty to follow their own understanding but were faithfull to make all things according to the pattern of Gods will So neither were the Apostles but also were faithful stewards of the will and commands of the Lord Jesus the first of Cor. 4. 1. which Jesus the Christ likewise was a Messenger and the great Prophet of the eternal God whose word is Gods will unto his people Acts 7. 37. and who as a Son even as Moses a Servant was faithful over his own house Heb 3. 2. Who was faithful to him that appointed him even as Moses was faithfull in all his house Even as Moses as Moses was faithful to do every thing exactly according to the pattern so was the Lord Jesus Christ faithfull unto him who did appoint him And surely this considered we may easily see there is not less exactness and circumspection to be used now in times of the Gospel in building a Spiritual house unto God then there was under the Law in that which was typical for that exactness under the Law served but as an example or shadow of Heavenly things that is to say Spiritual or Gospel-things Heb. 8. 5. Now this being a foundation-principle it ought to be laid in every Church of Christ for it is no way consonant to truth for a man to think ever to make a lasting building either in Spirituals or Civils without a good foundation for saith David Psal. 11. 3. If the foundations be destroyed what can the righteous do read Luke 6. 49. This being a principle of Gods chusing to be laid in the beginning or foundation of his service How doth it concern us and all those who put to their hands to erect and constitute a Church unto Christ to do whatever they do as much as in them lies according to the pattern given by God that in building they leave out no part of his foundation for a principle is a main support unto the building especially where God himself layes it 4. Reason Because laying on of hands is an oracle of God one of those commands that God gave unto his Church read Heb. 5. 12. with Heb. 6. 1 2. saith the Apostle You have need to be taught again which be the first principles of the oracles of God that is of his Commands for so the word oracle doth imply as you may see Acts 7. 38. This is he that was in the Church in the Wilderness with the Angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai and with our Fathers who received the lively oracles to give unto us that is the whole word of the Law or Commands of God declared unto his people by the mouth of Moses for their obedience as also Rom. 3. 1 2 vers. bears witness unto this What advantage then hath the Iew or what profit is there of circumcision much every way because unto them were committed the Oracles of God Where by Oracles is signified the whole Law committed unto them as in Heb. 5. 12. the word Oracles being in the plural number doth signifie the whole will of God committed to believers the Doctrine of Christ and the beginning of the Oracles of God is the first part of Christ his Doctrine the things which Christ first revealed and preached to them as the Apostle bears witness Heb. 6. 1 2 verses Yea the word Oracle doth hold forth the counsel of God which is the will and minde of God unto his people for their obedience therefore saith the Apostle 1 Pet. 4. 11. If any man speak let him speak as an Oracle of God that is as the will and minde of God for souls obedience the Apostle Paul tells the Ephesians Acts 20. 20 vers. that he kept back nothing that was profitable unto them and in the 27 vers. that he had declared unto them the whole Counsel of God a part whereof was laying on of hands it being that he taught and practised among them as Acts 19. 6. Object But now to turn aside this truth saith Mr Collier in his book of Right Constitution in the 76 page Oracles do not alwayes imply commands though all commands are Oracles yet all Oracles are not commands Answer Two which I answer that though all commands are Oracles and all Oracles are not commands yet what is this unto the purpose doth this prove that laying on of hands is not one of those Oracles that are the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ for was it not reckoned with and so left upon record as that which Christ did teach with repentance faith and Baptism resurrection and eternal Judgment as the foundation of the service of God to every believing Soul Heb. 6. 1 2. was it not that which the Apostles taught that unto which Baptized believers as such were obedient as Act. 8. 17. 19. 6. this considered were excuse to answer this objection But surely the weakness of this objection is discovered if we consider Mr Colliers reasoning in the 78 page of his book saith he The word truly read both in Heb. 5. 12. and 6. 1. is not the principles but the begining of the Oracles of God and the word of the begining of Christ and so cites the Greek words to hold forth not principles of the doctrine but beginning of the word the same as in the 1 Iohn 1. In the begining was the word c. To which I answer that it is easily discovered and I think upon second consideration himself will grant that the word signifies principles as well as beginnings although I do grant that in other places it may so signifie and in this place to be so rendred may not be altogether improper Yet I must tell him and I would have others minde it that as he saith if the words be truly read they do so signifie so I say If the words have their proper sence given to them they

me in them and this I must tell you that it is a rotten-principle and that which God will never approve of for any one to yeild obedience to him meerly because they shall receive such or such a gift from him And I wish this may not be an evil of many Professours in this our day not only those who have been in our practise but in yours also who have upon such grounds submitted propounding such or such benefits to themselves then missing of their ends they have been offended and so have rejected the Word of the Lord and the good wayes of God Alas we may say when we have done all we are unprofitable Servants and having done the whole will of God we have need of patience We do confess we are weak and possible may come under that reproof the Apostle gives the Hebrew Church who were under this principle of Christs Doctrine as well as we that for the time we might have been Teachers yet we have need to be taught again but this is our Comfort that God doth in any measure accept of us and though we have but a little strength yet it 's our duty to hold fast the Word of the Lord and in so doing we are confident he will approve of us Rev. 3. 8 9 10. But this we know that the people of God though never so much indued with his wisdome were still fools in the wise Worlds account as possible we may be in your eyes and though we are so accounted by you yet learn to know that God makes use of foolish instruments And therefore farther to this I may say that what God bestows upon us in this or any of his wayes It is our duty to be thankful to him for and if we can learn this lesson to make a right use of what we have received we may be confident of receiving more from God Likewise to call this a principle to wit laying on of hands upon believers Baptized as such is not to grant as you say that one of the foundation-stones is now lost but is indeed again restored and that to it's right use which hath been for a long season in a wrong manner applyed and now by you wholly rejected Your second Reason is that this laying on of hands cannot be the principle because this laying on of hands is there called a Doctrine but that laying on of hands to give the Holy Spirit was never once taught in all the New Testament no not by them that practised it I answer first taking notice that the opposers of this truth of Christ agree not for Mr Harrison in his Touch-stone as he calls it of this truth affirms the laying on of hands in Heb. 6. 2. to be meant upon persons for healing which is the laying on of hands spoken of and promised in Mark 16. 18. vers. and Mr Kiffin he affirmed in his dispute with Doctor Chamberlain that laying on of hands in Acts 8. and Acts 19. 6. is not a Doctrine practicable to all Saints but was dispensed for the confirmation of the Gospel and this is Mr Per●yes Judgement as you may see in the 19 page of his book and so they understand Heb. 6. 2. vers. to hold forth so that the one holds forth laying on of hands for healing to be the foundation-principle Heb. 6. 2. and the other two to be for the Confirmation of the Gospel and so a foundation-principle as minded to the Hebrews But now as Mr. Harrison and Mr. Kiffin differ each from other so do these differ likewise from them for say they laying on of hands here in Heb. 6. 2. was upon persons to office All which as you have heard and may plainly see comparing Spiritual things together are untrue but more of this in the next Chapter 2. You say this laying on of hands to wit upon believers as such cannot be the principle and that because the laying on of hands in Heb. 6. 1 2. is there called a Doctrine which laying on of hands you minde was upon persons to office Answ. I do grant that laying on of hands upon persons to office is the Doctrine or Teaching of Christ his will and minde unto his people wherein they ought as they have occasion to be exercised that for the good of the body of Christ But I do deny it according to the answers already given in my book and yet shall minde unto this in the 3 Chapt. that laying on of hands upon persons to office was ever laid down a foundation-principle Neither is it your Reasons in your 3 Chapt. that will make it so to appear and therefore cannot be that meant Heb. 6. 2. 3. You say the laying on of hands upon believers as such for the receiving of the Spirit was never once taught in all the New Testament no not by them that practised it Answ. First that the Apostles did teach this unto believers as such see the second Reason or ground in my book laid down for the proof of this truth of Christ which you may take notice of for the Confutation of this Assertion 2. I answer further that this were very strange that the Apostles should administer in this way unto believers whereunto believers as such were obedient as I have sufficiently proved and yet this way or practise by the Apostles was never taught them they not once say you taught or instructed thereunto what may we gather from this Teaching of yours why surely this that there were some wayes wherein the Apostles did administer and whereunto believers as such were obedient wherein they knew their duty and the Apostles meanings without their Teaching O! that you might see your weakness in this your striving against truth 3. That the Apostles did administer unto believers in this way and that this practise of theirs believers were obedient to I think you dare not deny Now this being that as hath been plainly manifested to be the teaching not onely of the Apoles but of Christ himself from whom they received their authority for what they did then this being so for you to affirm the Apostles never taught this unto believers Now what is this but to put a lie upon the Spirit of God and lay a stumbling block in the wayes of his people 4. Let 's minde further was this Ordinance performed without prayer Acts 8. 15. they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit Now were these believers at Samaria in the Expectation and practise of that the Apostles never taught them Surely you have cause to be humbled for this your wresting of and deceitful dealing with the Word of the Lord Again herein you may see what confusion God leaves you to who are opposers of this truth for Mr. Kiffin he affirms in his dispute with Doctor Chamberlain that though it were a principle and Doctrine of Christ to wit laying on of hands upon believers yet ought not to be practised but you deny it to be either principle or Doctrine Surely

and 19. 6. Where when they were Baptized they had hands laid upon them and in this very order it is laid down in Heb. 6. 1 2. 2. That this laying on of hands was upon believers Baptized as such is likewise plain from those places of Scripture and therefore this laying on of hands must be there meant the foundation-principle in Heb. 6. 2. And so in the next place I say with you that Baptisme and laying on of hands is necessary to a right and orderly Church-constitution but whereas you say Baptisme was to admit believers into the Church if you mean so as to joyn them members of the body then I do deny it for their addition to the Church followed after their Baptisme as I have fully proved in my book in Answer to an Objection following my second Reason given for the proof of this truth from Acts 2. 42. Lastly Whereas you say that this is the Judgement of most Modern and later VVriters upon this Text Heb. 6. 2. for which you instance Doctor Gouge Wilson Trap and Cartwright Answ. I fear you being so much learned in these mens Judgements makes you the less knowing in the Scriptures 2. Had you had sufficient Testimony for what you said from the Scripture as in your Reasons you pretend to have then what need you instance these mens Judgements unless you did think as I think you do not that what they spake were Oracles and therefore 3. Doth not this discover in some measure the weakness of your Reasons or arguments before minded for what in this Chapter you have affirmed Surely by this your arguments were not good that you must run to these mens Judgements and I wonder you having recorded this Testimony for your Judgement in your third Chapter you were not ashamed in your fourth Chapter to declare that our best argument for this practise is the Common Prayer book if the Judgments of men should end this controversie unless you do Judge these men you bring did not love the Common Prayer book or there were not amongst those that did love it men partakers of as much wisdome as these you instance Now what would you say if I should now instance that laying on of hands according to the sence I have minded was the Judgements of as good men according to the test although it was by them wrongly applyed as those you do bring will you say that this is therefore true I do think you would not otherwise you would not have instanced the Common Prayer book well though this may be done yet I must tell you that we have a more sure word of Prophesie and this is that I do desire to stand unto and to be tried by and not by mens Judgements and therefore now do refer what I have spoken to be tryed by the Scriptures and the Lord hasten a clear discovery of his truth in what I have now written and make you sensible wherein you have wrested the good Word of the Lord from the proper and true meaning thereof and so I shall proceed to your fourth and last Chapter Your 4. Chapter which doth contain according to your mistaken Judgement that the laying on of hands practised by some in these our dayes on all Baptized believers was never instituted commanded or practised by Christ or his Apostles in all the New Testament And herein say you doth lie the stress of this controversie which doth occasion this your writing to undeceive and reduce those who are under the vanity of this practise and to prevent others from owning of and submitting to such a Scriptureless thing as this is c. Answ. First I hope the Reader will well consider of what I have written in Answer to your book and in the discovery I have made according to the measure of faith I have received in this book of this truth of Christ before he do as you too confidently have already done pass Judgement upon this truth the Lord give you to see it and to repent lest God suffer you to go on in labouring to turn poor Souls aside from this truth or right way of the Lord and so to deceive and seduce those that are unstable to the belief of your lyes 2. I wish you may see the evil of your Language which this Chapter contains little else in it which you have vented forth against this truth and the maintainers thereof Oh! how little therein you have savoured of grace and how much the vanity of your minde is discovered in seeking to possesse the hearts of poor Souls with that which is not and therefore I may truly say in stead of what you speak of us that you speak evill of the things you know not and call that a foundation-principle which by your arguments you prove not Neither have you the least word or warrant for it in all the New Testament But now to make good your assertion which is the ground of your 4. Chapter you have framed this Syllogisme That which hath not one word of institution or command for it in all the New Testament is no Ordinance of Christ but will-worship and Superstition But this laying on of hands on all Baptized believers hath not one word of institution or command for it in all the New Testament therefore no Ordinance of Christ but will-worship and superstition To which I answer that practise which hath not one word of institution or command for it in all the New Testament I do grant is will-worship and Superstition But that laying on of hands upon believers Baptized as such is without institution or command from Christ this I do deny the contrary being already made to appear both in my answer to your book and also before in what I have written in my Book and therefore it is not your saying of what we do aleage wherein you minde Scriptures we minde not in this particular case that will prove there is not Neither your sence and interpretations you put upon those Scriptures we do aleage I wish you would consider how you have wrested those Scriptures which have been minded for the proof of this truth to wit laying on of hands upon believers Baptized as such and so by your wiles if possible the truth of God out of our hands I wonder you Answer not the Arguments layd down by some for the proof of this to wit that we have a command for laying on of hands as for instance Doctor Chamberlain in his dispute with Mr. Kiffin in the 16. page of his book saith he For a command we have it in Mat. 28. 20. For whatsoever is a Doctrine of the Apostles is the Command of Christ But imposition of hands is a Doctrine of the Apostles The minor is granted by you in your first Assertion where you say you grant it is a Doctrine or principle but not to be practised and the Text doth also number it up amongst the Doctrines and principles The Major is the very words of the Text