a_o sigh_n for_o peace_n or_o the_o cause_n of_o division_n discover_v wherein_o the_o great_a gospel_n promise_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o the_o way_n ordain_v of_o god_n to_o seek_v for_o it_o be_v assert_v and_o vindicate_v as_o the_o interest_n and_o duty_n of_o christ_n disciple_n in_o general_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o search_n for_o schism_n by_o tho._n grantham_n a_o servant_n of_o christ_n gal._n 5._o 7_o 8_o 9_o you_o do_v run_v well_o who_o do_v hinder_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n this_o persuasion_n come_v not_o of_o he_o that_o call_v you_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n i_o have_v confidence_n in_o you_o through_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v be_v none_o otherwise_o mind_v but_o he_o that_o trouble_v you_o shall_v bear_v his_o burden_n whosoever_o he_o be_v wherefore_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n zech._n 8._o 19_o print_v for_o the_o author_n 1671._o the_o epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o london_n with_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o messenger_n elder_n and_o brethren_n occasional_o meet_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n salutation_n etc._n etc._n brethren_n when_o i_o consider_v how_o much_o it_o be_v your_o desire_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o brotherly_a concord_n peace_n and_o truth_n may_v possess_v the_o room_n of_o all_o our_o division_n in_o affection_n judgement_n and_o practice_v and_o particular_o in_o the_o four_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o how_o many_o prayer_n be_v daily_o make_v to_o god_n for_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n and_o that_o hopeful_a way_n we_o late_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o desire_v and_o therewithal_o that_o most_o unhappy_a obstruction_n of_o our_o hope_n as_o you_o know_v arise_v from_o one_o who_o shall_v rather_o have_v be_v a_o restorer_n of_o the_o ancient_a path_n which_o many_o have_v forsake_v and_o so_o a_o healer_n of_o the_o breach_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o its_o be_v neglect_v who_o be_v in_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n have_v therewithal_o great_a opportunity_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v real_o intend_v to_o do_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n much_o good_a even_o then_o by_o a_o little_a solly_n follow_v his_o own_o counsel_n doubtless_o through_o satan_n malice_n who_o envy_v our_o good_a have_v make_v himself_o and_o his_o enterprise_n obnoxious_a and_o our_o wound_n more_o grievous_a i_o say_v when_o i_o consider_v these_o thing_n i_o can_v not_o pass_v they_o over_o without_o a_o sigh_n even_o this_o which_o here_o i_o present_a unto_o you_o say_v in_o my_o heart_n why_o have_v the_o lord_n do_v this_o which_o be_v no_o soon_o conceive_v but_o i_o be_v immediate_o satisfy_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v jealous_a for_o his_o holy_a way_n which_o have_v be_v gris_o profane_v by_o a_o hypocritical_a conformity_n thereunto_o and_o true_a for_o ever_o be_v that_o word_n hosea_n 14._o ult_n all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o the_o just_a shall_v walk_v therein_o but_o the_o transgressor_n shall_v fall_v therein_o and_o certain_o as_o our_o brethren_n resuse_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n after_o the_o due_a order_n at_o the_o first_o so_o this_o prodigious_a hypocrisy_n at_o the_o last_o may_v too_o true_o be_v call_v church_n perrez_n ecclesia_fw-la at_o this_o day_n thou_o lord_n be_v righteous_a thou_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o have_v discover_v the_o hide_a thing_n thereof_o and_o have_v plead_v the_o cause_n of_o thy_o precious_a though_o much_o abuse_v truth_n even_o so_o lord_n let_v our_o iniquity_n be_v ever_o correct_v but_o yet_o in_o mercy_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v shall_v we_o now_o no_o more_o go_v about_o this_o dreadful_a work_n to_o bring_v the_o ark_n the_o four_o principle_n of_o christianity_n i_o mean_v to_o its_o proper_a place_n in_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o some_o irregular_a church_n to_o their_o due_a reverence_n unto_o it_o if_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v his_o servant_n still_o convene_v to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n perhaps_o we_o shall_v find_v grace_n in_o his_o sight_n for_o there_o be_v hope_n that_o we_o shall_v one_o understand_v another_o and_o with_o one_o consent_n seek_v and_o serve_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o our_o forefather_n and_o this_o i_o be_o the_o more_o induce_v to_o believe_v or_o hope_v for_o from_o not_o only_o the_o great_a desire_n which_o i_o yet_o find_v to_o be_v alive_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n general_o that_o peace_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v upon_o israel_n but_o also_o from_o the_o great_a forwardness_n which_o i_o find_v in_o the_o searcher_n themselves_o to_o consent_v unto_o certain_a proposal_n for_o peace_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v grant_v and_o profess_v on_o all_o side_n by_o the_o former_o divide_a party_n that_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v one_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n this_o proposition_n be_v consider_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o there_o want_v but_o a_o step_n as_o it_o be_v to_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o so_o to_o a_o last_a peace_n one_o with_o another_o and_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o impossible_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o agree_v about_o the_o particular_a service_n intend_v heb._n 6._o 2._o unless_o a_o spirit_n of_o perverseness_n be_v mingle_v among_o we_o towards_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o difficulty_n something_o be_v say_v in_o the_o sequel_n which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v consider_v why_o the_o searcher_n shall_v so_o much_o declaim_v against_o you_o as_o if_o you_o unchurch_v all_o churchâ—s_n but_o yourselves_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n have_v never_o understand_v that_o you_o do_v at_o any_o time_n by_o any_o agreement_n deliver_v such_o a_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o much_o your_o business_n to_o meddle_v with_o unchurch_v any_o body_n as_o to_o keep_v yourselves_o from_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n indeed_o the_o point_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o reject_v or_o oppose_v your_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o case_n depend_v have_v be_v much_o debate_v and_o resolve_v in_o the_o negative_a èspecial_o touch_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o you_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o plain_o argue_v you_o own_o they_o for_o such_o but_o yet_o such_o as_o for_o their_o reject_v or_o oppose_v some_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o uncapable_a of_o present_a communion_n with_o those_o that_o religious_o observe_v the_o truth_n by_o they_o reject_v and_o oppose_v for_o if_o you_o deem_v they_o to_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o what_o need_v any_o debate_n be_v have_v whether_o it_o be_v orderly_a or_o safe_a to_o communicate_v with_o they_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n now_o that_o person_n may_v be_v allow_v the_o appellation_n of_o christian_n and_o so_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v circumstance_v concern_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v hold_v at_o some_o distance_n in_o respect_n of_o present_a communion_n with_o other_o christian_n or_o church_n imply_v no_o absurdity_n but_o be_v rather_o very_o necessary_a i_o hope_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v demonstrate_v something_o also_o i_o have_v say_v in_o vindication_n of_o the_o messenger_n office_n which_o i_o perceive_v to_o be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o i_o confess_v myself_o nothing_o so_o fit_a a_o person_n to_o plead_v this_o cause_n as_o some_o other_o however_o if_o that_o which_o i_o have_v do_v may_v give_v occasion_n to_o any_o other_o to_o do_v more_o or_o more_o effectual_o in_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v think_v my_o pain_n well_o bestow_v i_o commit_v all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o church_n your_o brother_n and_o servant_n tho._n grantham_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n entitle_v a_o search_n for_o schism_n brethren_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o god_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v good_a thing_n for_o his_o people_n by_o contrary_a way_n even_o by_o turn_v the_o unkindness_n of_o brethren_n into_o mean_n of_o preservation_n to_o the_o family_n gen._n 50._o 20._o we_o be_v make_v even_o against_o hope_n to_o believe_v in_o hope_n that_o the_o product_n of_o your_o do_n in_o your_o search_n and_o the_o epistle_n prefix_v may_v be_v good_a although_o its_o procedure_n in_o respect_n
to_o work_v a_o miracle_n for_o every_o disciple_n at_o samaria_n and_o for_o every_o one_o of_o those_o certain_a disciple_n at_o ephesus_n reason_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v or_o else_o that_o they_o do_v in_o this_o service_n more_o than_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v either_o by_o virtue_n of_o gift_n or_o office_n which_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o any_o man_n yet_o certain_o they_o have_v power_n or_o authority_n from_o god_n to_o pray_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o heavenly_a confirmation_n which_o ensue_v upon_o their_o performance_n insomuch_o as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v this_o service_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n be_v as_o much_o confirm_v from_o heaven_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n well_o please_v to_o he_o as_o any_o other_o ordinance_n whatsoever_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o la_v on_o of_o hand_n with_o prayer_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v evince_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o that_o importance_n that_o even_o thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o many_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v viz._n a_o temporary_a practice_n only_o fit_v for_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o some_o few_o have_v practise_v or_o submit_v to_o it_o it_o be_v to_o cease_v be_v only_o perform_v for_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v therefore_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o to_o demonstrate_v this_o service_n to_o be_v very_o universal_a it_o may_v appear_v to_o all_o indifferent_a man_n that_o very_o many_o thousand_o be_v in_o the_o religious_a practice_n of_o this_o ministration_n in_o the_o first_o church_n and_o first_o from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o samaria_n in_o its_o plantation_n where_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n be_v very_o great_a in_o likelihood_n not_o less_o than_o a_o hunâ—red_n thousand_o as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o act_n 8._o vers_fw-la 14._o it_o be_v say_v samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n and_o vers_fw-la 8._o there_o be_v great_a joy_n in_o that_o city_n which_o expression_n that_o they_o include_v each_o individual_a i_o will_v not_o affirm_v for_o if_o they_o import_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n as_o that_o will_v appear_v it_o suffice_v for_o my_o purpose_n this_o be_v evident_a partly_o for_o that_o we_o hear_v not_o of_o so_o much_o as_o one_o person_n who_o oppose_v himself_o against_o philip_n preach_v in_o that_o city_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o simon_n the_o sorcerer_n for_o he_o consent_v to_o philip_n doctrine_n and_o partly_o for_o that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o the_o generality_n thereof_o be_v convert_v by_o philip_n as_o that_o they_o have_v be_v general_o deceive_v by_o simon_n the_o witch_n as_o that_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o as_o it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 9_o he_o bewitch_v they_o to_o wit_n the_o people_n of_o samaria_n which_o be_v interpret_v of_o all_o or_o the_o generality_n verse_n 11._o to_o he_o they_o have_v regard_n from_o the_o least_o even_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 5._o that_o philip_n go_v down_o to_o samaria_n and_o preach_v christ_n to_o they_o i._n e._n all_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v rational_o gather_v from_o vers_fw-la 6._o aâ—d_v the_o people_n with_o one_o accord_n give_v heed_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o philip_n speak_v heâ—ring_v and_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v hence_o we_o may_v perceive_v a_o very_a general_n if_o not_o a_o universal_a conversion_n of_o this_o city_n who_o like_a as_o in_o time_n past_a they_o give_v regard_n to_o the_o sorcerer_n both_o the_o least_o and_o great_a of_o they_o but_o now_o with_o one_o accord_n they_o give_v heed_n to_o what_o philip_n speak_v even_o so_o vers_n 12._o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o very_a same_o people_n without_o exception_n that_o when_o they_o believe_v philip_n preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v baptize_v and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v whether_o the_o account_v give_v be_v so_o general_a as_o the_o term_n already_o note_v may_v imply_v it_o be_v add_v by_o way_n of_o explication_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n yea_o further_o as_o the_o deceive_a city_n be_v now_o record_v to_o be_v convert_v so_o the_o very_a deceiver_n himself_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o believe_v and_o baptize_v vers_fw-la 13._o we_o have_v therefore_o not_o only_o a_o general_n or_o indefinite_a account_n of_o the_o disciple_n at_o samaria_n but_o what_o be_v general_o or_o indefinite_o deliver_v in_o the_o word_n samaria_n receive_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n be_v sufficient_o define_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o people_n with_o one_o accord_n of_o the_o deceiver_n and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v deceive_v of_o the_o people_n of_o both_o sex_n to_o wit_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o upon_o those_o very_a person_n it_o be_v say_v without_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o exception_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n lay_v their_o hand_n after_o they_o have_v pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v fall_v on_o none_o of_o they_o note_v on_o none_o of_o they_o wherefore_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o all_o therefore_o they_o impose_v hand_n on_o they_o all_o now_o suppose_v that_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n will_v afford_v but_o three_o hundred_o thousand_o inhabitant_n capable_a of_o instruction_n if_o then_o i_o do_v allow_v two_o part_n out_o of_o three_o yet_o there_o remain_v 100000_o convert_v probable_o however_o infallible_o a_o great_a multitude_n to_o who_o we_o may_v well_o add_v as_o a_o people_n own_v the_o doctrine_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o thousand_o by_o who_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v send_v to_o samaria_n and_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o think_v that_o they_o will_v now_o innovate_v a_o service_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n at_o samaria_n which_o be_v not_o before_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n that_o send_v they_o thither_o but_o this_o service_n be_v number_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o hebrew_n church_n and_o find_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n whence_o it_o appear_v this_o ministration_n be_v as_o universal_a as_o other_o ordinance_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v for_o the_o general_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n ergo_fw-la not_o for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n only_o nor_o do_v that_o text_n deut._n 34._o 9_o allege_v by_o the_o searcher_n prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v that_o joshua_n be_v full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisedâ—me_n for_o moses_n have_v lay_v his_o hand_n on_o he_o etc._n etc._n which_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o timothy_n receive_v by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o pauâ—'s_n hand_n viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n or_o judgement_n which_o may_v be_v receive_v where_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v want_v doubtless_o it_o may_v be_v say_v without_o boast_v that_o some_o christian_n in_o these_o day_n be_v so_o endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n at_o least_o in_o comparison_n of_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n servant_n that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n yet_o the_o searcher_n will_v not_o say_v they_o be_v full_a of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n see_v they_o have_v tell_v we_o though_o very_o untrue_o that_o the_o end_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n act_n 8._o act_n 19_o be_v cease_v or_o not_o attainable_a which_o they_o conceive_v be_v only_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o conceit_n of_o they_o be_v the_o more_o prodigious_a when_o we_o consider_v that_o some_o of_o they_o do_v late_o submit_v to_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n with_o prayer_n to_o god_n but_o i_o marvel_n with_o what_o conscience_n if_o indeed_o he_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n that_o the_o end_n of_o that_o service_n be_v not_o attainable_a it_o be_v worthy_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n at_o ephesus_n long_o before_o paul_n lay_v hand_n on_o those_o certain_a disciple_n which_o he_o find_v there_o at_o his_o second_o come_v to_o that_o city_n act_n 18._o 19_o 20_o 26_o 27._o so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v be_v confirm_v there_o for_o many_o year_n
advantage_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v much_o doubt_v whether_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v ever_o teach_v or_o command_v by_o authority_n from_o heaven_n i_o think_v this_o shall_v not_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v unless_o we_o can_v be_v so_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o to_o dream_v that_o peter_n and_o john_n when_o they_o come_v among_o the_o disciple_n go_v preposterous_o from_o person_n to_o person_n pray_v and_o put_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o without_o tell_v they_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o it_o which_o to_o do_v be_v enough_o to_o amaze_v the_o spectator_n and_o iâ—_n contrary_a to_o the_o glory_n and_o gravity_n of_o gospel_n performance_n which_o as_o they_o must_v be_v act_n oâ—_n subjection_n of_o faith_n if_o they_o do_v please_v god_n so_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o act_n or_o subjection_n musâ—_n come_v by_o hear_v with_o understand_v whaâ—_n they_o must_v do_v or_o to_o what_o they_o must_v submit_v and_o to_o what_o end_n and_o this_o hear_n must_v be_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n else_o there_o iâ—_n no_o ground_n for_o faith_n or_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n but_o goâ—_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o apostle_n act_v anâ—_n the_o samaritan_n submission_n in_o the_o case_n of_o prayer_n with_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o bear_v witness_n from_o heaven_n that_o he_o approve_v it_o therefore_o their_o obedience_n be_v of_o faith_n therefore_o they_o hear_v with_o understanding_n that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v their_o duty_n &_o therefore_o the_o lord_n teach_v they_o both_o concern_v the_o duty_n and_o the_o end_n thereof_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v practice_v with_o such_o frequency_n this_o service_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n upon_o disciple_n general_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v record_v among_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o act_n in_o promote_a the_o gospel_n and_o settle_v of_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v place_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o this_o without_o authority_n from_o heaven_n be_v unworthy_a the_o follower_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n to_o imagine_v but_o forasmuch_o as_o divers_a have_v labour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o contrary_n mind_v in_o this_o point_n who_o work_n be_v extant_a &_o unanswered_a i_o shall_v not_o insist_v far_o save_v that_o i_o do_v brief_o show_v that_o our_o brethren_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a for_o they_o do_v that_o themselves_o which_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v themselves_o to_o do_v for_o they_o practise_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n for_o which_o there_o be_v as_o little_a by_o way_n of_o precept_n as_o for_o the_o lay_v hand_n on_o disciple_n or_o rather_o less_o for_o since_o they_o do_v now_o acquit_v that_o text_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o as_o not_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o the_o business_n of_o ordination_n and_o to_o strengthen_v a_o contrary_a interpretation_n do_v bring_v the_o suffrage_n of_o dr._n hammond_n victor_n cyprian_n and_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n sure_o i_o be_o they_o have_v no_o text_n which_o have_v so_o much_o as_o the_o face_n of_o a_o precept_n i_o mean_v in_o so_o many_o word_n for_o lay_v hand_n upon_o officer_n although_o it_o be_v beyond_o doubt_n with_o i_o that_o that_o way_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o depute_v his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n to_o their_o work_n respective_o wherefore_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o this_o enthememe_n there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o lay_v hand_n on_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o our_o brethren_n do_v make_v a_o show_n by_o their_o action_n out_o of_o some_o ancient_a author_n as_o well_o as_o modern_a as_o if_o antiquity_n be_v on_o their_o part_n in_o this_o controversy_n i_o will_v therefore_o put_v in_o something_o by_o way_n of_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o i_o find_v they_o partly_o from_o the_o author_n themselves_o and_o partly_o from_o such_o as_o have_v gather_v certain_a sentence_n out_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ancient_n concern_v this_o matter_n 8._o tertullian_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o like_o as_o in_o baptism_n the_o flesh_n be_v wash_v that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v make_v clean_o so_o in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n the_o flesh_n be_v overshadow_a that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o clemens_n there_o be_v say_v to_o be_v this_o passage_n viz._n we_o must_v all_o hasten_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o god_n mean_v by_o baptism_n and_o at_o length_n to_o be_v sign_v by_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o seven_o fold_v grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n otherwise_o a_o person_n can_v perfect_o be_v a_o christian_n if_o careless_o and_o willing_o and_o not_o of_o necessity_n he_o remain_v without_o it_o jubi_fw-la cyprian_a speak_v of_o the_o samaritan_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n say_v which_o also_o be_v do_v with_o we_o that_o they_o which_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v present_v to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n that_o by_o prayer_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n may_v obtain_v the_o holy_a ghost_n lucif_n jerom_n according_a to_o andrea_n willet_n touch_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n have_v these_o word_n viz._n it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n 42._o eusebius_n have_v a_o passage_n concern_v novatus_n who_o live_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o century_n how_o he_o slight_v the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n these_o be_v his_o word_n after_o mention_n make_v of_o his_o be_v baptize_v he_o say_v he_o obtain_v not_o that_o which_o he_o shall_v have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n confirmation_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n insomuch_o than_o he_o obtain_v not_o that_o how_o come_v he_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n see_v also_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n the_o seven_o book_n of_o eusebius_n c._n 2._o for_o modern_a writer_n erasmus_n in_o my_o opinion_n as_o he_o be_v most_o clear_a without_o mixture_n in_o most_o of_o his_o exposition_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o point_n he_o be_v most_o clear_a these_o be_v his_o word_n upon_o the_o principle_n heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o 2._o the_o first_o degree_n unto_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v repentant_a of_o our_o former_a life_n and_o to_o forsake_v sin_n next_o of_o all_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o true_a innocency_n and_o soul-health_n be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o of_o god_n then_o forthwith_o that_o we_o be_v purge_v by_o holy_a baptism_n from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o restore_v again_o to_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n then_o that_o we_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a to_o come_v and_o also_o that_o last_o judgement_n that_o shall_v award_v some_o to_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o other_o some_o to_o everlasting_a pain_n and_o damnation_n 2._o diodate_v have_v these_o word_n lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v a_o ceremony_n join_v to_o baptism_n for_o a_o sign_n of_o blessing_n and_o consecration_n to_o god_n and_o he_o call_v these_o principle_n the_o first_o ground_n of_o christian_a catechism_n and_o the_o head_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n 6._o as_o in_o baptism_n the_o outward_a ministry_n or_o mystical_a wash_n do_v regenerate_v wash_v away_o sin_n cleanse_v and_o purge_v we_o from_o our_o filthiness_n so_o do_v the_o imsition_n or_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n give_v we_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o outward_a and_o mystical_a wash_n do_v only_o represent_v unto_o we_o that_o in_o christ_n blood_n our_o sin_n be_v clean_o wash_v away_o etc._n etc._n from_o these_o testimony_n it_o appear_v that_o what_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o contend_v for_o touch_v the_o practice_n and_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o end_n of_o prayer_n with_o laying_z on_o of_o hand_n be_v no_o novel_a thing_n but_o as_o the_o institution_n of_o that_o ordinance_n be_v find_v in_o holy_a writ_n as_o we_o have_v show_v so_o it_o have_v continue_v in_o use_n as_o necessary_a in_o place_n the_o next_o to_o holy_a baptism_n among_o christian_n general_o a_o appendix_n meet_v late_o with_o a_o very_a worthy_a brother_n at_o east_n haddon_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n he_o do_v much_o importune_v i_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o short_a dispute_n with_o he_o about_o the_o principle_n under_o consideration_n to_o who_o i_o consent_v and_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o assertion_n that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n
in_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v neither_o male_a nor_o female_a but_o if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o abraham_n seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o promise_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o do_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o again_o he_o that_o stabiish_v we_o in_o chrâ—st_n and_o have_v anoint_v we_o be_v god_n who_o also_o have_v seâ—led_v we_o and_o give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n yea_o this_o even_o this_o spirit_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n according_a to_o 2_o pet._n 1_o 3_o 4._o thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v evince_n that_o the_o handmaid_n as_o well_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n without_o exception_n that_o â—he_v church_n of_o god_n without_o rejection_n of_o any_o true_a member_n thereof_o have_v a_o clear_a indubitate_a right_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o hâ—ly_a spirit_n and_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v not_o only_o no_o nor_o chief_o in_o those_o gift_n which_o some_o say_v be_v now_o cease_v to_o wit_n of_o miracle_n tongue_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o have_v no_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o this_o promise_n chief_o consist_v in_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o soul_a ablish_v comfort_n thereof_o yea_o in_o that_o which_o seal_v a_o christian_a to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n which_o tongue_n and_o miracle_n will_v fail_v to_o do_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v like_a water_n to_o he_o that_o iâ—_n thirsty_a as_o before_o we_o have_v see_v it_o be_v that_o unction_n which_o the_o holy_a one_o which_o teach_v christian_n all_o thing_n or_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n iâ—_n a_o word_n it_o be_v that_o reception_n of_o the_o spiriâ—_n which_o be_v above_o all_o gift_n of_o tongue_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n call_v charity_n and_o be_v branch_v into_o meekness_n temperance_n goodness_n and_o faith_n yea_o '_o tiâ—_n that_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n power_n and_o a_o sound_a mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o i_o mean_v this_o gift_n oâ—_n the_o spirit_n a_o christian_a be_v both_o accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n so_o then_o we_o have_v the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n remain_v for_o and_o pertain_v to_o the_o handmaid_n and_o servant_n oâ—_n the_o lord_n in_o the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n thereoâ—_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o and_o consequent_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o as_o ever_o any_o be_v and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o my_o proposition_n viz._n the_o dutiful_a observance_n of_o that_o way_n which_o be_v allow_v and_o confirm_v from_o heaven_n for_o obtain_v that_o heavenly_a donation_n that_o god_n shall_v by_o his_o prophet_n foretell_v oâ—_n such_o grace_n and_o so_o often_o mention_v it_o as_o so_o greaâ—_n a_o promise_n the_o reception_n whereof_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o without_o which_o christian_n do_v want_v the_o lively_a evidence_n â—eaâ—_n &_o confirmation_n that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n with_o christ_n &_o not_o assign_v some_o peculiar_a way_n and_o special_a mean_n for_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o order_n to_o their_o obtain_n it_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v credible_a which_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o do_v if_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o church_n or_o her_o delegate_n be_v reject_v if_o otherwise_o it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o body_n will_v assign_v we_o what_o peculiar_a way_n the_o word_n of_o god_n direct_v we_o to_o as_o be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v ratify_v from_o heaven_n as_o a_o mean_n peculiar_a for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n which_o if_o any_o assay_n to_o show_v we_o let_v they_o also_o consider_v why_o the_o apostle_n take_v that_o way_n which_o be_v so_o much_o neglect_v by_o our_o brethren_n if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o particular_a mean_n and_o way_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o no_o special_a way_n or_o mean_n be_v leave_v we_o but_o the_o general_a ordinance_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v then_o say_v it_o be_v not_o like_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n in_o other_o case_n for_o ordinary_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o promise_v or_o give_v some_o special_a favour_n or_o gift_n unto_o his_o church_n he_o therewithal_o order_v some_o solemn_a or_o service_n to_o keep_v in_o memory_n that_o his_o favour_n and_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o promise_n thus_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n the_o deliverance_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o they_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o he_o promise_v they_o must_v be_v perpetuate_v and_o wait_v for_o in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o way_n as_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o memorial_n or_o reception_n of_o these_o favour_n respective_o and_o so_o must_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v seek_v for_o and_o signify_v not_o only_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o general_a but_o particular_o in_o the_o baptism_n of_o of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n also_o nor_o must_v we_o only_o receive_v the_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v but_o particular_o in_o the_o solemn_a use_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n also_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o seek_v to_o god_n for_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o prayer_n but_o also_o in_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a way_n of_o prayer_n allow_v and_o confirm_v from_o heaven_n for_o that_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n which_o be_v the_o point_n to_o be_v demonstrate_v according_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n in_o that_o behalf_n do_v teach_v we_o and_o first_o from_o that_o place_n act_v 8._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o now_o when_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v at_o jerusaâ—em_n hear_v that_o samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n who_o when_o they_o be_v come_v down_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o lay_v they_o their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a gâ—ost_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n it_o be_v meet_v to_o consider_v that_o such_o as_o pray_v to_o god_n aught_o to_o know_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o pray_v for_o be_v attainable_a and_o that_o they_o know_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v of_o he_o that_o very_a thing_n which_o they_o pray_v for_o especial_o when_o the_o prayer_n be_v make_v positive_o i_o mean_v without_o conditional_a expression_n as_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o prayer_n be_v such_o as_o indeed_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v without_o doubt_v when_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n those_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v james_n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7._o but_o if_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o place_n be_v mean_v only_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n thereof_o such_o as_o tongue_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n then_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o any_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v that_o all_o those_o person_n which_o be_v baptise_a in_o samaria_n shall_v so_o receive_v the_o spirit_n no_o nor_o any_o ground_n from_o any_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o particular_a person_n among_o they_o â—lâ—_n since_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o that_o case_n be_v not_o make_v to_o this_o or_o that_o man_n or_o woman_n by_o name_n and_o consequent_o here_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o pray_v absolute_o and_o believe_o but_o rather_o doubt_o for_o that_o very_a thing_n which_o they_o purposely_o pray_v for_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o rather_o very_a few_o and_o they_o also_o unknown_a by_o name_n to_o any_o man_n no_o not_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 11_o 29._o act_n 1._o 24._o be_v choose_v to_o be_v prophet_n worker_n of_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n at_o all_o practise_v here_o as_o some_o imagine_v namely_o a_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n do_v sometime_o give_v such_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n with_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n yet_o
that_o such_o gift_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a end_n of_o that_o service_n be_v confident_o deny_v because_o as_o before_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v in_o any_o ordinary_a way_n for_o who_o to_o pray_v or_o on_o who_o to_o impose_v hand_n whether_o on_o man_n or_o woman_n see_v neither_o sex_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o extraor_n dinarie_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n give_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n act_n 10._o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v thence_o that_o such_o gift_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a end_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n but_o the_o undoubted_a end_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o ordinance_n be_v that_o man_n believe_v and_o be_v save_v though_o perhaps_o they_o never_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n pprophecy_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v certain_o that_o end_n which_o shall_v be_v attain_v by_o all_o that_o right_o accept_v that_o mean_n of_o salvation_n john_n 20._o 31._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v and_o in_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n nor_o will_v act_n 19_o 6._o prove_v that_o there_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o for_o still_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o effect_n only_o and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a end_n of_o any_o service_n the_o reason_n even_o now_o urge_v do_v forbid_v we_o to_o say_v that_o tongue_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o undoubted_a or_o precise_a end_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n act_n 19_o because_o the_o service_n be_v universal_a but_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v particular_a only_o and_o let_v it_o be_v serious_o consider_v that_o if_o paul_n have_v find_v twelve_o hundred_o man_n instead_o of_o twelve_o who_o have_v not_o receiuâ—d_v the_o holy_a ghâ—st_n since_o they_o believe_v ought_v he_o not_o to_o have_v do_v that_o to_o they_o all_o which_o he_o do_v to_o these_o doubtless_o he_o ought_v yet_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o such_o gift_n as_o tongue_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v give_v to_o each_o individual_a this_o will_v be_v far_o from_o that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v beautify_v his_o church_n withal_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 29_o 30._o and_o whereas_o paul_n in_o this_o place_n and_o peter_n and_o john_n in_o act_n 8._o be_v conceive_v by_o some_o of_o our_o opposite_n to_o have_v impose_v hand_n to_o work_v miracle_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o word_n this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n shall_v have_v be_v general_a as_o doubtless_o it_o be_v for_o see_v that_o the_o heal_n of_o one_o cripple_n act_n 4._o 16._o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v open_a enemy_n that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v with_o his_o apostle_n then_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o all_o the_o baptise_a shall_v miraculous_o speak_v with_o tongue_n for_o to_o convince_v themselves_o or_o other_o that_o the_o word_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v be_v from_o heaven_n but_o alas_o man_n fall_v into_o thiâ—_n error_n by_o their_o unwillingness_n to_o see_v the_o truth_n for_o sign_n be_v not_o for_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o philip_n at_o sâ—mâ—ria_n to_o confirm_v the_o word_n before_o peter_n and_o john_n come_v there_o act_n 8._o 6_o 7._o and_o all_o that_o we_o read_v of_o peter_n and_o john_n in_o respect_n of_o confirm_v the_o word_n be_v only_o this_o that_o they_o testify_v and_o preach_v it_o and_o depart_v vers_fw-la 25._o now_o that_o all_o the_o disciple_n at_o samaria_n have_v hand_n impose_v on_o they_o can_v without_o absurdity_n be_v deny_v for_o certain_o they_o impose_v hand_n on_o all_o in_o whose_o hehalf_n they_o pray_v but_o will_v anyman_n say_v that_o they_o pray_v but_o for_o some_o of_o they_o only_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n must_v be_v exclude_v both_o from_o the_o prayer_n and_o the_o gift_n pray_v for_o sure_o such_o a_o conceit_n will_v make_v peter_n and_o john_n miserable_a comforter_n to_o those_o disciple_n who_o they_o shall_v thus_o neglect_v in_o their_o prayer_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o all_o the_o woman_n which_o be_v baptise_a be_v so_o neglect_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o searcher_n for_o they_o by_o their_o demand_n will_v needs_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o impose_v hand_n on_o woman_n as_o if_o woman_n have_v not_o as_o clear_v a_o right_n to_o the_o promise_a spirit_n as_o man_n they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v doubt_v whether_o peter_n and_o john_n lay_v hand_n on_o man_n see_v the_o text_n say_v nothing_o particular_o of_o they_o any_o more_o than_o of_o the_o woman_n but_o i_o say_v these_o imagination_n be_v very_o irrational_a since_o as_o before_o it_o be_v not_o know_v to_o peter_n or_o john_n what_o person_n by_o name_n shall_v have_v extraordinary_a gift_n whether_o the_o servant_n or_o handmaid_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o whether_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v prophet_n or_o â—peakers_n with_o tongue_n but_o this_o they_o know_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n belong_v to_o they_o all_o for_o so_o they_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o act_n â—_o 38._o and_o therefore_o certain_o they_o pray_v for_o all_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n do_v belong_v and_o then_o doubtless_o for_o who_o they_o pray_v on_o they_o they_o lay_v their_o hand_n and_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o all_o the_o same_o may_v be_v note_v from_o paul_n question_n act_v 19_o 2._o have_v you_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n since_o you_o believe_v where_o certain_o he_o include_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o these_o certain_a disciple_n who_o by_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n be_v all_o discover_v â—o_o be_v want_v in_o respect_n of_o that_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n paul_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o partial_a if_o he_o have_v not_o the_o same_o care_n for_o all_o that_o he_o have_v for_o some_o and_o if_o his_o care_n be_v equal_o for_o they_o all_o â—hen_o reason_n tell_v we_o he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o of_o they_o in_o his_o endeavour_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v that_o spirit_n which_o as_o 〈◊〉_d they_o have_v not_o receive_v so_o that_o still_o we_o see_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v practise_v as_o general_o as_o baptism_n or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n where_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v record_v and_o that_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o end_n of_o that_o service_n be_v that_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v general_a and_o consequent_o not_o for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n otherwise_o then_o as_o they_o be_v include_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o gracious_a promise_n that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n act_n 8._o act_n 19_o be_v not_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n for_o extraordinary_a gift_n but_o for_o the_o general_a donation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o disciple_n indifferent_o be_v yet_o more_o manifest_a because_o upon_o this_o only_a ground_n can_v paul_n ask_v the_o disciple_n whether_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n since_o they_o believe_v and_o upon_o this_o only_a ground_n may_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n ask_v this_o question_n of_o the_o disciple_n at_o this_o day_n i_o mean_v so_o to_o ask_v it_o as_o thereby_o imply_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v it_o for_o so_o much_o paul_n question_n do_v plain_o imply_v as_o appear_v by_o his_o endeavour_n that_o they_o who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o without_o it_o may_v now_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o they_o all_o indifferent_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n only_o can_v peter_n and_o john_n use_v the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o spirit_n for_o the_o disciple_n at_o samaria_n general_o namely_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v universal_a again_o from_o this_o consideration_n that_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n act_n 8._o act_n 19_o be_v a_o general_a practice_n and_o the_o gift_n pray_v for_o in_o that_o service_n a_o general_a gift_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o apostle_n perform_v this_o service_n of_o prayer_n with_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o particular_a power_n they_o have_v to_o give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o some_o do_v vain_o imagine_v otherwise_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o by_o their_o gift_n of_o miracle_n they_o be_v bind_v
priscilla_n and_o aquilla_n have_v be_v leave_v there_o who_o teach_v such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n more_o perfect_o apollo_n also_o mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n we_o can_v now_o reasonable_o think_v that_o paul_n will_v settle_v those_o certain_a disciple_n act_n 19_o in_o a_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n already_o much_o less_o in_o a_o way_n or_o practice_v contradistinct_a from_o the_o church_n and_o if_o not_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v also_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o those_o certain_a disciple_n who_o be_v now_o to_o be_v lay_v into_o the_o build_n with_o the_o rest_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o more_o considerable_a if_o we_o note_v that_o passage_n in_o ephesian_n 1._o 13._o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o ephesus_n and_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o spirit_n of_o promise_n after_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o full_o agree_v with_o the_o order_n wherein_o the_o certain_a disciple_n also_o receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o here_o let_v we_o not_o omit_v that_o passage_n act_v 22._o 10._o &_o 9_o 17._o whence_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o paul_n the_o elect_a uâ—ssel_n must_v be_v send_v to_o damaseus_fw-la to_o be_v teach_v the_o principle_n or_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n by_o he_o ananias_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_o in_o respect_v of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v a_o doubt_n among_o christian_n whether_o he_o speak_v with_o tongue_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o proper_a gift_n or_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o education_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n power_n and_o of_o a_o second_o mind_n which_o he_o affirm_v god_n have_v give_v he_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 7._o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o variaiton_n in_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n in_o paul_n case_n that_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o general_a there_o be_v a_o emergency_n which_o may_v occasion_v it_o and_o a_o special_a allowance_n from_o heaven_n for_o it_o at_o that_o time_n nor_o may_v this_o variation_n be_v a_o precedent_n for_o we_o to_o vary_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v no_o such_o occasion_n for_o it_o any_o more_o than_o the_o israelite_n eat_v the_o passover_n without_o be_v cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n when_o a_o emergency_n call_v for_o it_o and_o the_o lord_n allow_v it_o give_v they_o ground_n to_o do_v so_o again_o when_o there_o be_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v it_o material_a against_o aught_o that_o we_o have_v say_v that_o ananias_n be_v no_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o impose_v hand_n on_o paul_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n only_o for_o unless_o we_o imagine_v the_o church_n to_o have_v great_a power_n than_o god_n we_o can_v deny_v ananias_n to_o have_v authority_n for_o all_o that_o he_o say_v and_o do_v to_o saul_n see_v he_o have_v immediate_a mission_n from_o heaven_n which_o be_v equivolent_a to_o the_o church_n mission_n at_o least_o nor_o be_v it_o â—easonable_a to_o think_v that_o power_n to_o act_v in_o gospel_n ordinance_n be_v so_o tie_v to_o the_o church_n as_o that_o god_n may_v not_o anticipate_v that_o order_n when_o it_o please_v he_o and_o as_o this_o choose_a vessel_n be_v teach_v the_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n so_o he_o instruct_v other_o in_o the_o same_o as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o part_n and_o may_v see_v yet_o further_o in_o his_o writing_n to_o timothy_a who_o be_v under_o some_o fear_n and_o temptation_n he_o labour_v to_o comfort_v he_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n power_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n which_o he_o remind_v he_o of_o by_o mention_v the_o mean_n use_v for_o obtain_v it_o which_o be_v the_o put_v on_o of_o paul_n hand_n see_v and_o consider_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o point_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v â—hat_n epistle_n which_o paul_n write_v unto_o the_o hebrew_n church_n who_o as_o he_o himself_o have_v learned_a and_o teach_v other_o concern_v the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o so_o he_o â—uts_v the_o first_o of_o gospel_n church_n in_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v as_o a_o standard_n to_o the_o rest_n have_v be_v teach_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o principle_n as_o christian_n heb._n 5._o â—2_n and_o particular_o concern_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o concern_v which_o particular_a as_o i_o shall_v have_v too_o much_o occasion_n to_o note_v the_o differ_a opinion_n among_o the_o baptise_a congregation_n so_o i_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v general_o agree_v or_o rather_o that_o which_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o searcher_n and_o first_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o suppose_v they_o mean_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v frequent_o teach_v as_o a_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o they_o give_v we_o no_o reason_n why_o it_o ought_v not_o with_o like_a frequency_n to_o be_v teach_v as_o a_o principle_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n now_o second_o they_o grant_v that_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n book_n now_o either_o they_o must_v grant_v that_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n with_o prayer_n to_o obtain_v it_o make_v but_o one_o principle_n of_o christianity_n or_o else_o they_o fall_v into_o that_o which_o they_o condemn_v viz._n the_o make_v seven_o principle_n but_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n they_o seem_v to_o make_v these_o two_o to_o be_v but_o one_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o will_v destroy_v the_o practic_a part_n for_o they_o demand_v whether_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o may_v not_o be_v figurative_o understand_v for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v give_v thereby_o but_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a and_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o â—his_v be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v such_o a_o figurative_a foundation_n as_o babe_n in_o christ_n can_v never_o understand_v and_o then_o will_v come_v in_o a_o figurative_a baptism_n only_o yea_o a_o figurative_a resurrection_n too_o â—ould_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n at_o the_o heel_n of_o â—he_n other_o figure_n till_o at_o last_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o â—he_n principle_n will_v stand_v only_o for_o a_o cyber_n but_o the_o instance_n which_o the_o searcher_n bring_v â—o_o strengthen_v this_o their_o figurative_a interpretation_n very_o providential_o overthrow_v it_o for_o â—hough_o the_o cup_n be_v take_v for_o the_o wine_n and_o the_o â—read_n and_o wine_n for_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n â—et_o we_o know_v that_o the_o sign_n and_o thing_n signify_v do_v both_o remain_v for_o the_o use_n and_o comâ—â—rt_n of_o the_o church_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v â—rayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o sign_n be_v make_v void_a by_o the_o promise_n of_o â—he_n spirit_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n these_o â—hings_n premise_v the_o searcher_n twenty_o five_o â—emand_n and_o the_o discourse_n thereon_o depend_v 〈◊〉_d discern_v to_o be_v frivolous_a because_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v please_v to_o write_v it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o writing_n otherwise_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v not_o only_o the_o novelty_n of_o their_o conceit_n in_o the_o say_a question_n but_o the_o vanity_n of_o such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n foundation_n as_o thâ—re_o they_o bring_v may_v be_v discover_v for_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o same_o which_o be_v call_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o milk_n for_o babe_n vers_fw-la 12._o be_v call_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o christian_a man_n which_o now_o the_o author_n will_v intermit_v and_o the_o foundation_n which_o he_o will_v not_o lay_v again_o which_o foundation_n when_o he_o come_v to_o set_v down_o in_o its_o part_n which_o principle_n when_o he_o come_v to_o enumerate_v be_v thus_o set_v forth_o of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o of_o faith_n towards_o god_n of_o the_o
determine_v positive_o concern_v this_o principle_n what_o it_o be_v and_o let_v their_o diligence_n appear_v in_o teach_v it_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o principle_n which_o yet_o to_o use_v their_o own_o dialect_n i_o despair_v ever_o to_o see_v they_o perform_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o at_o least_o so_o long_o as_o they_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o those_o who_o show_v they_o that_o which_o they_o so_o ignorant_o pretend_v to_o own_o so_o much_o like_o the_o athenian_n as_o to_o account_v of_o those_o to_o be_v setter_n forth_o of_o strange_a principle_n as_o they_o account_v paul_n a_o letter_n forth_o of_o strange_a god_n and_o though_o you_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o hear_v what_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v to_o say_v yet_o when_o we_o have_v tell_v you_o the_o truth_n then_o as_o they_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v raise_v the_o dead_a so_o you_o think_v it_o incredible_a that_o we_o shall_v receive_v any_o blessing_n in_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n as_o evident_o appear_v by_o your_o demand_n in_o these_o word_n how_o do_v your_o practice_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n agree_v with_o they_o mean_v the_o apostle_n act_n 8._o act_n 19_o have_v no_o such_o blessing_n to_o communicate_v as_o they_o have_v in_o which_o demand_n you_o seem_v to_o lie_v under_o two_o very_a great_a mistake_n as_o first_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o communicate_v to_o other_o as_o if_o they_o can_v give_v the_o gift_n of_o pprophecy_n tongue_n miracle_z &_o c_o second_o that_o on_o whosoever_o they_o lay_v their_o hand_n the_o same_o receive_v such_o a_o blessing_n to_o wit_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o blind_a conceit_n you_o never_o learn_v of_o simon_n peter_n for_o they_o be_v the_o error_n of_o simon_n magus_n act_v 8._o who_o blindness_n be_v rebuke_v by_o peter_n affirm_v that_o that_o blessing_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n yea_o it_o be_v write_v and_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v break_v that_o every-good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o spirit_n itself_o be_v free_a blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o be_v therefore_o not_o to_o be_v communicate_v by_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o blessing_n to_o communicate_v to_o those_o on_o who_o they_o lay_v their_o hand_n but_o can_v only_o beg_v it_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o text_n do_v show_v act_v 8._o they_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o text_n thus_o consider_v i_o argue_v he_o do_v communicate_v the_o blessing_n only_o to_o who_o the_o prayer_n be_v make_v for_o it_o but_o the_o prayer_n be_v only_o make_v to_o god_n therefore_o he_o only_o do_v communicate_v the_o blessing_n again_o they_o that_o beg_v a_o blessing_n for_o themselves_o or_o for_o other_o do_v not_o communicate_v that_o blessing_n to_o themselves_o or_o to_o other_o but_o the_o apostle_n do_v only_o beg_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o do_v not_o communicate_v it_o etc._n etc._n let_v it_o further_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o that_o which_o they_o ask_v be_v obtainable_a and_o obtain_v by_o those_o that_o now_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n than_o our_o practice_n do_v agree_v very_o well_o with_o they_o now_o what_o do_v they_o ask_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n no_o they_o only_o ask_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o sure_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v now_o attainable_a and_o attain_v even_o there_o where_o tongue_n be_v not_o attain_v otherwise_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o well_o as_o the_o saint_n in_o these_o day_n have_v not_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v not_o only_o foolish_a but_o very_o pernicious_a to_o imagine_v for_o act_n 13._o 32._o be_v say_v the_o disciple_n be_v fill_v with_o â—oy_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o church_n be_v exhort_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n all_o which_o may_v be_v attain_v to_o now_o although_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o attain_v nor_o indeed_o be_v they_o necessary_a in_o order_n thereunto_o as_o the_o place_n last_o quote_v do_v show_v now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n between_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n act_n 8._o act_n 19_o heb._n 6._o 2._o and_o that_o which_o we_o practise_v will_v further_o appear_v by_o this_o parallel_n the_o apostle_n perform_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n with_o prayer_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o do_v we_o they_o perform_v this_o service_n on_o disciple_n as_o such_o whether_o male_a or_o female_a and_o so_o do_v we_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o it_o be_v by_o we_o they_o place_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o the_o four_o place_n of_o christian_a principle_n and_o so_o do_v we_o they_o ask_v not_o tongue_n and_o miraculous_a gift_n no_o more_o do_v we_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o service_n depend_v not_o on_o they_o no_o more_o it_o do_v on_o we_o but_o that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n then_o and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o we_o just_o may_v we_o return_v our_o brethren_n demand_n upon_o themselves_o in_o their_o practice_n of_o prayer_n and_o preach_v when_o we_o consider_v how_o god_n give_v the_o spirit_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n to_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o disciple_n who_o pray_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n the_o like_a to_o which_o effect_n never_o follow_v the_o most_o serious_a prayer_n that_o ever_o proceed_v from_o our_o brethren_n must_v we_o then_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o agreement_n between_o their_o prayer_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v void_a the_o the_o way_n of_o god_n unless_o he_o give_v we_o the_o like_a effect_n at_o all_o time_n which_o he_o ever_o give_v to_o any_o at_o any_o time_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o preach_v for_o when_o peter_n preach_v act_v 10._o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n so_o as_o that_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n will_v it_o not_o be_v absurd_a now_o to_o say_v that_o peter_n do_v communicate_v the_o blessing_n of_o tongue_n here_o and_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o none_o may_v preach_v unless_o they_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o tongue_n to_o communicate_v to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v nor_o may_v we_o say_v that_o the_o like_a effect_n do_v always_o follow_v the_o preach_n of_o peter_n himself_o no_o nor_o his_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n neither_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n that_o those_o disciple_n at_o samaria_n receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n but_o only_o that_o they_o reeeive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v receive_v so_o as_o that_o person_n may_v be_v know_v and_o say_v by_o other_o to_o be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o yet_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v absent_a nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o simon_n magus_n have_v hand_n impose_v on_o he_o in_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n since_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n and_o baptise_a and_o show_v as_o much_o zeal_n as_o the_o rest_n if_o not_o more_o for_o it_o be_v say_v he_o continue_v with_o philip_n and_o wonder_v behold_v the_o miracle_n which_o be_v do_v etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v the_o deceit_n of_o his_o heart_n perceive_v till_o after_o the_o service_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v perform_v act_v 8._o and_o yet_o certain_o his_o receiving_n in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a blessing_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v safe_o presume_v that_o many_o christian_n in_o these_o day_n do_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o much_o as_o simon_n mâ—gus_n do_v and_o though_o peter_n say_v to_o he_o thou_o have_v no_o part_n or_o lot_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o the_o word_n this_o matter_n can_v refer_v to_o simons_n desire_v of_o subjection_n to_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n but_o to_o his_o ambitious_a and_o avaritious_a desire_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n to_o dispense_v that_o ordinance_n to_o other_o for_o carnal_a
of_o its_o chief_a patriot_n be_v certain_o from_o a_o mind_n fill_v with_o perturbation_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v with_o no_o small_a emulation_n against_o some_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n then_o for_o their_o confidence_n and_o constancy_n in_o that_o which_o by_o the_o vision_n of_o truth_n be_v make_v know_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n for_o how_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o a_o pure_a fountain_n or_o mind_n fill_v with_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v ever_o send_v forth_o such_o dreadful_a stream_n of_o slander_n against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o can_v hardly_o be_v paralel_v in_o any_o author_n as_o if_o the_o congregation_n of_o christian_n under_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v invader_n and_o usurper_n of_o the_o lord_n peculiar_a prerogative_n such_o as_o will_v irrevocable_o throw_v their_o fellow_n servant_n into_o hell_n and_o death_n such_o as_o lock_v heaven-gate_n against_o the_o strict_a piety_n of_o a_o dissent_v brother_n and_o open_v it_o wide_o to_o those_o that_o be_v defective_a in_o moral_n such_o as_o heat_v the_o furnace_n seven_o time_n for_o those_o which_o bow_v not_o to_o their_o dictate_v such_o as_o make_v conscience_n a_o make_v bate_v such_o as_o kindle_v flame_n in_o god_n house_n by_o fire_n take_v from_o the_o altar_n and_o bring_v the_o fat_a oblation_n to_o maintain_v that_o fire_n of_o contention_n such_o as_o will_v rather_o fire_v the_o house_n of_o god_n than_o die_v without_o do_v somewhat_o which_o may_v perpetuate_v their_o name_n yea_o such_o as_o be_v satan_n â—urveyers_n to_o bring_v prey_n to_o his_o den_n and_o to_o make_v the_o measure_n run_v over_o and_o over_o such_o as_o if_o they_o can_v execute_v all_o that_o they_o condemn_v few_o or_o none_o can_v be_v save_v it_o be_v true_a after_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n you_o stroke_v we_o on_o the_o head_n and_o tell_v we_o though_o you_o thus_o speak_v yet_o you_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o â—he_n most_o of_o we_o a_o narrow_a plaster_n for_o so_o great_a a_o wound_n be_v no_o more_o than_o must_v â—e_v say_v if_o charity_n bear_v any_o sway_n of_o the_o manifold_a sect_n which_o now_o profess_v christianity_n among_o who_o there_o be_v many_o â—_o who_o according_a to_o their_o light_n be_v pious_a peaceable_a and_o serious_a but_o alas_o who_o will_v believe_v that_o many_o among_o we_o be_v good_a christian_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o one_o part_n of_o our_o church_n consist_v of_o such_o as_o be_v notorious_o know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o you_o have_v characterise_a but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v shall_v we_o render_v rail_v for_o rail_v god_n forbid_v for_o we_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a nor_o will_v we_o revenge_v ourselves_o by_o recrimination_n and_o as_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o our_o innocency_n will_v in_o these_o thing_n great_o plead_v against_o you_o so_o we_o trust_v there_o be_v no_o such_o impiety_n and_o execrable_a doer_n among_o you_o if_o this_o your_o search_n have_v not_o tincture_v you_o the_o lord_n know_v and_o israel_n shall_v know_v that_o if_o we_o know_v any_o such_o evil_a worker_n in_o our_o congregation_n they_o shall_v either_o reform_v or_o go_v to_o their_o place_n and_o if_o you_o know_v any_o such_o you_o may_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v single_v they_o out_o that_o we_o may_v have_v know_v they_o by_o name_n and_o not_o have_v thus_o sell_v we_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o scorner_n to_o be_v a_o derision_n to_o the_o foolish_a prov._n 12._o 18._o there_o be_v that_o speak_v like_o the_o piercing_n of_o a_o sword_n but_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v health_n nor_o do_v we_o doubt_v but_o that_o many_o of_o you_o be_v mere_o ensnare_v in_o the_o publication_n of_o your_o epistle_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a you_o shall_v imply_v his_o pen_n in_o this_o matter_n who_o you_o know_v to_o be_v too_o much_o entangle_v in_o the_o folly_n of_o his_o own_o way_n at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v true_o serviceable_a to_o god_n and_o his_o people_n whatever_o he_o have_v be_v in_o time_n past_a what_o be_v here_o write_v now_o offer_v itself_o to_o your_o consideration_n as_o a_o thing_n compel_v from_o we_o at_o this_o time_n by_o your_o high_a provocation_n well_o know_v it_o to_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o time_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n to_o be_v study_v for_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n than_o argument_n for_o disputation_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v wish_v that_o christian_n will_v not_o thus_o put_v one_o another_o to_o business_n see_v they_o do_v bear_v and_o be_v like_a to_o bear_v in_o their_o body_n the_o mark_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n according_a to_o that_o say_n gal._n 6._o 17._o nor_o be_v it_o needful_a to_o set_v down_o your_o demand_n in_o this_o our_o answer_n partly_o for_o that_o the_o substance_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v and_o partly_o for_o that_o you_o have_v make_v your_o book_n so_o public_a as_o that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o every_o brother_n hand_n who_o therefore_o when_o he_o see_v this_o answer_n may_v compare_v it_o with_o your_o search_n for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n your_o brother_n tho._n grantham_n a_o sigh_n for_o peace_n or_o the_o cause_n of_o division_n discover_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v certain_o a_o easy_a thing_n though_o very_o pernicious_a to_o fill_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o question_n and_o such_o too_o as_o may_v carry_v a_o show_n of_o strength_n against_o the_o most_o important_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o those_o who_o be_v sick_a of_o question_n or_o demand_n to_o receive_v satisfaction_n by_o any_o endeavour_n whatsoever_o and_o as_o in_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n the_o question_n of_o some_o have_v be_v endless_a even_o so_o now_o that_o humour_n have_v be_v and_o be_v much_o at_o work_n against_o that_o solemn_a service_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o the_o promise_a spirit_n of_o god_n as_o a_o gift_n pertain_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v too_o apparent_a by_o sundry_a paper_n extant_a and_o among_o the_o rest_n one_o entitle_v a_o search_n for_o schism_n contain_v no_o less_o than_o a_o hundred_o demand_n though_o 40._o only_o be_v the_o number_n set_v down_o by_o the_o demandant_n which_o be_v the_o more_o prodigious_a for_o that_o divers_a of_o they_o have_v be_v answer_v by_o divers_a hand_n and_o no_o reply_n make_v by_o the_o enquirer_n what_o the_o reason_n hereof_o shall_v be_v be_v doubtful_a unless_o the_o opposer_n of_o this_o truth_n intend_v to_o state_n the_o controversy_n anew_o for_o i_o be_v tell_v that_o this_o book_n of_o demand_n be_v but_o a_o preparatory_a to_o a_o great_a work_n and_o thereby_o become_v more_o effectual_o the_o disturber_n and_o obstructer_n of_o that_o measure_n of_o unity_n remain_v and_o peace_n pretend_v but_o as_o in_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v too_o solicitous_a so_o neither_o in_o our_o answer_n shall_v we_o need_v to_o be_v ouluminous_a by_o trace_v their_o demand_n one_o by_o one_o for_o though_o the_o number_n thereof_o be_v many_o yet_o they_o be_v reducible_a to_o three_o head_n touch_v which_o the_o truth_n be_v evince_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o their_o demand_n be_v answer_v now_o the_o head_n to_o which_o their_o demand_n may_v be_v reduce_v be_v these_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o those_o congregation_n of_o baptise_a disciple_n who_o reject_v that_o solemn_a service_n of_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o the_o promise_a spirit_n viz._n whether_o they_o be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o the_o second_o respect_v the_o matter_n of_o communion_n between_o those_o christian_n who_o religious_o observe_v prayer_n with_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n pertain_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o christian_a man_n and_o these_o who_o reject_v and_o oppose_v it_o the_o three_o be_v touch_v the_o service_n itself_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o ground_n and_o end_n as_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o at_o this_o day_n that_o i_o may_v with_o the_o more_o facility_n and_o clearness_n proceed_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o particular_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o last_o first_o touch_v which_o particular_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a this_o proposttion_n viz._n that_o as_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n or_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o that_o be_v the_o call_v of_o the_o lord_n so_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o solemn_a way_n wherein_o his_o servant_n and_o handmaid_n