in some other way yet we ought not to neglect our Duty Because I have obtained Faith in some other than God's usual way for the begetting it shall I not hear the Word preached for the further increasing it in my Heart Again because I have remission of Sins and other Blessings promised in Baptism before baptized shall I reject that Ordinance Sure Cornelius did not do so Acts 10. 45 47. And again I feed by Faith on Jesus Christ and receive his Flesh which is Meat indeed and his Blood which is Drink indeed shall I therefore refuse the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper which is appointed as the Ministry of his Body and Blood God forbid Even so let none neglect this Appointment nothwithstanding any Gift or Measure of the Holy Spirit they have received since it has pleased God to direct to it and left it in his House as a perpetual Ministration Destroy it not for a Blessing that is in it Isa 65.8 Motive 5. Consider the great need thou hast of the Holy Spirit yea and of a further increase thereof tho I should grant thou hast received it already for without it none can savingly believe nor call Jesus Lord. Yet there is a further Promise made to thee as thou art a Believer in Jesus Christ and what can a poor Saint do without the Spirit what Temptations dost thou meet with what Lusts and Corruptions still hast thou to mortify and what outward Tribulations art thou who professest the Gospel exposed to O therefore use all means and particularly this which God injoins thee that thou mayst obtain a further measure and increase of the Spirit of God Motive 6. Lastly Consider the excellent and unspeakable worth and usefulness of the Holy Spirit O what spiritual Profit and Advantage do the Saints of God receive hereby 1. 'T is the Holy Spirit that enlightens the eyes of our Vnderstandings 1 Cor. 2. 10 11 12 13. Eph. 1.17 we cannot see afar off without our Eyes are anointed with this Eye-salve And O what Beauty do we hereby behold in Jesus Christ how are our Souls taken with invisible Objects and what an empty and nothing-World is this when we look through the Prospect-glass of the Spirit of God upon it 2. 'T is the Holy Spirit that revives and quickens us and makes us lively in the Paths of Righteousness Joh. 6.63 Col. 2.13 3. 'T is the Spirit that leads us in the way we should walk Rom. 8.14 yea and makes them Paths of peace and pleasantness unto our Souls Prov. 3.17 't is he that guides us into all Truth and brings Christ's Words to our remembrance Joh. 14.26 4. 'T is the Holy Spirit that comforts us when cast down 't is from hence we receive all Heavenly Consolation Joh. 14. 16 26. 5. 'T is the Holy Spirit that makes us profit under the Word and means of Grace 't is that which maketh our Souls to grow and flourish in the Courts of the Lord's House Heb. 4.2 1 Cor. 3.6 6. 'T is the Spirit that helps us to pray helps our Infirmities and teacheth us what to pray for and gives us access at the Throne of Grace yea makes Intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered Rom. 8.26 7. 'T is by the Spirit we cry Abba Father 't is that which bears witness with our Spirits that we are the Children of God Rom. 8. 13 15 16. 8. 'T is by the Holy Spirit we mortify the Deeds of the body Gal. 5.22 't is by that we live and stand and are confirmed in Christ Jesus and sanctified throughout 9. 'T is from the Holy Spirit that all heavenly Grace and spiritual Gifts flow 't is he that divides to every man severally as he will 1 Cor. 12. 5 8 9. 10. 'T is the Holy Spirit which is the Earnest of our Inheritance and which gives an Assurance of the purchased Possession unto our Souls Eph. 1. 10 14. 11. 'T is the Holy Spirit by which we are sealed to the day of Redemption Eph. 1.13 12. 'T is by the Spirit we are made strong and enabled to overcome all Enemies and helped to triumph over Death 1 Cor. 15. 55 57. 't is by the Spirit we know that when our earthly House is dissolved we have a Building of God a House not made with hands eternal in the Heavens 2 Cor. 5.1 These things considered let none blame us that we so earnestly contend for the Holy Ordinance of Prayer with Imposition of Hands in which God has promised and so sweetly communicated as through a Conduit-Pipe such blessed Water of Life to our Souls Shall it not trouble our Spirits when Persons labour to take away the Childrens Bread or spill any of their sweet and heavenly Milk upon the ground CHAP. IX In answer to the Conclusion of Mr. Danvers's Book Mr. Danvers's Conclusion THus you have had a candid Account of the rise growth and progress of this Rite of Confirmation or Laying on of hands from the beginning to this day amongst all that have owned it with the Authorities on which it hath been found and imposed together with a genuine Examination of the Grounds and Reasons each Party have given to justify the same And may we not upon the whole fairly come to the following Conclusions viz. 1. That there doth not appear to be the least Scripture precept or Practice for any such Ordinance of Confirmation or an imposing of hands upon all the Baptized before they break bread or are admitted into Church-communion 2. That the Instances produced to prove it an Apostolical Tradition are impious Lies and Forgeries 3. That the Authorities by which it hath been heretofore enjoined were nothing but Antichristian Can. Decrees 4. That the most eminent Witnesses and Confessors that opposed the Antichristian Vsurpations and Innovations have all along witnessed against and impugned this of Confirmation viz. the Novations Donatists Waldenses Greek Churches Wicklissians All which are worthy the serious consideration of all sober and judicious Christians and especially recommended to them who having rejected Infants and imbraced Believers Baptism do yet cleave to this Practice with these following Observations viz. 1. It is most manifest that those Popes Councils and Fathers that have enjoined and imposed Infants sprinkling for a Sacrament or an Ordinance of Christ have enjoined this also as such 2. That the principal Arguments pretended for the one have been urged and pleaded for the other also viz. Apostolical Tradition and pretended Inferences and Consequences from Scripture 3. That the famous Churches and Confessors that have opposed Infants sprinkling as superstitious Popish and Antichristian have upon the same account opposed this also 4. That it doth not appear that any baptized Church or People did ever in any Age or Country own such a Principle or Practice to this day except some in this Nation in these late times CHAP. IX In answer to the Conclusion of Mr. Danvers's Book The Conclusion of this Treatise in opposition to his
is the Comforter that leads us into all Truth and helps the Saints in their Testimony and Sufferings for Christ and 't is that by which they are sealed also to the day of Redemption Eph. 1.13 Who after that ye believed ye were sealed by that Spirit of Promise He speaks it to the Ephesians who well understood his meaning by remembring what was done to them by the Apostle who a while before after he had baptized them laid his Hands upon them saith the Doctor so they received and were sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise Now do not we as much need the Spirit 's guidance and to be born up in our Testimony Sufferings and Temptations as the Saints of former Ages and to be sealed by the Spirit of Promise as they did Why then should we not be willing to wait on God in the same way he has prescribed for receiving a further increase of it even in which the primitive Saints did yield obedience Object But some will say We have the Spirit in as great a measure as you who never came under Laying on of Hands and what greater measure have you after your obedience thereto than before Ans 1. We dare not boast of our Indowments we are poor and needy and therefore willing to use all Advantages and be found in every Ordinance to meet with more of Christ and his Spirit and if you have so much that you need not pray nor use the means God directs to for obtaining more 't is a rare state you are arrived to 2. If God be better than his Word we will not complain he hath many ways to convey his Spirit into our hearts yet this is the great Ordinance for distributing of it to baptized Believers But may we not say with one of the Antients By this rite of Imposition of Hands God hath promised and the Saints received the Holy Ghost for tho saith he the Spirit of God was given extraregularly and at all times as God pleased yet this of Imposition of Hands was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this was the Ministry of the Spirit we receive Christ when we hear and obey his Word we eat Christ by Faith and yet the blessed Eucharist is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Ministry of the Body and Blood of Christ the Lord's Supper is appointed ritually to convey Christ's Body and Blood to us so is Laying on of Hands ordained ritually to give us the Spirit Now probably some who are against the Lord's Supper may say they feed upon Christ and have as much Communion with him and Faith in him as many of us who often partake thereof and may be can say as much on this account as you on the other will you therefore neglect your Duty touching breaking of Bread There is a Promise of the Spirit made in Baptism yet some may say they have more of the Spirit than you or I and yet never were baptized Cornelius tho he had received a large measure of the Spirit yet was very willing to be baptized and to do what ever Peter from Christ's command enjoined him And thus the Objection is answered Object But extraordinary Effects did accompany this Administration and such do not follow now therefore the thing you plead for is ceased Answ Let Dr. Taylor speak now for I have largely answered this Objection elsewhere before I met with the learned Doctor If this be all saith he p. 57 59. that can be said in opposition to it it is infinitely vain 1. In the days of the Apostles the Holy Spirit produced miraculous Effects but neither always nor at all in all Men Are all workers of Miracles do all speak with Tongues c. the Wind bloweth where it listeth some have Gifts after this manner some after that 2. These Gifts were not necessary at all Times any more than to all Persons but the Promise of the Holy Spirit did belong to all and was performed to all but not in the like manner Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit of Faith and Power the Holy Ghost was given to him to fulfil his Faith principally working Miracles was but collateral and incident but there is also an Infusion of the Holy Spirit to all and that for ever The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every Man to profit withal And therefore if the Grace be given to all there is no reason that the ritual Ministration of that Grace should cease on pretence that the Spirit is not given extraordinarily 3. Those extraordinary Gifts were indeed at first necessary he gives several reasons thereof one because of them who could not receive the understanding of an incorporeal Nature that if afterwards they be not so done they may be believed by those things which were already done another because of the state of the Church But the greater Gifts saith he were to abide for ever therefore 't is observable that St. Paul says that the Gift of Tongues is one of the least and most useless things a meer sign and not so much as a sign to a Believer but to Infidels and Vnbelievers 4. To every ordinary and perpetual Ministry at first there were extraordinary Effects and miraculous Consignations We find 3000 converted at one Sermon 5000 at another and Persons were miraculously cured by Prayer at the visitation of the Sick and Devils cast out in the conversion of a Sinner And now tho we see no such extraordinary Effects it follows not that the Visitation of the Sick Preaching Sermons c. are not ordinary and perpetual Ministrations and therefore to fancy that Invocation of the Holy Spirit and Imposition of Hands is to cease when the extraordinary and temporary Contingencies of it are gone is too trifling a fancy to be put into the balance against so sacred an Institution relying upon so many Scriptures 5. He argues yet further shewing tho the Gifts of Tongues and outward Miracles remain not with the Church yet the greater or more transcendent Gifts of the Spirit do continue viz. Sanctification and Power Fortitude and Faith Hope and Love c. These are saith he the Miracles of Grace to throw down the pride of Lucifer to tread on the great Dragon and to triumph over our spiritual Enemies to cure a diseased Soul to be unharmed by the poison of Temptation c. This is more than to receive the Spirit or a power of Miracles and supernatural Products in a natural Matter for this is from a supernatural Principle to receive supernatural Aids to a supernatural End in the Diviner spirit of a Man and this being more miraculous than the other it ought not to be pretended that the discontinuance of extraordinary Miracles should cause the discontinuance of an ordinary Ministration and this is that saith he which I was to prove He proceeds to other Reasons but I think he has said enough and therefore I shall return to Mr. Danvers p. 48. who labours against the stream and would make us believe that
Laying on of Hands UPON BAPTIZED BELIEVERS As such Proved an Ordinance of Christ In Answer to Mr. Danvers's former Book Intituled A Treatise of Laying on of Hands The Second Edition WITH A brief ANSWER to a late Book called A Treatise concerning Laying on of Hands written by a nameless Author By B. K. Psal 119.141 I am small and despised yet do not I forget thy Precepts LONDON Printed are to be Sold by Benj. Harris at the Upper-end of Grace-church-street near Cornhil 1698. The Epistle Dedicatory To the Congregations of our Lord Jesus Christ baptiz'd upon Confession of Faith and under Imposition of Hands particularly in South Wales and more generally throughout England Grace Mercy and Peace be multiplied Brethren NOtwithstanding the glorious Light broken forth among us in these later Times yet we see gross Darkness covering the face of the Earth nay and our Heavens are not so clear as we hope e're long to behold them for tho the Light is come yet the Glory of the Lord is but rising upon us ours is but the Morning of that long'd-for Day and poor Sion is but looking forth of the Wilderness hence are so many Divisions amongst us we speak as we see and according to the Light received and as we are bound by the Authority of Divine Precept to walk God gradually discovers Himself and the true Order and Form of his House and Worship unto us and tho we are still labouring under many difficulties having had much Rubbish to remove like the Israelites when they came out of the 70 years Captivity and many have endeavoured to weaken our Hands yet through infinite Grace we may say the Foundation of God's House is laid Tho some who would build cannot find the Wall and some strive to bring in a Stone of Babylon for a Corner whilst others endeavour to cast away a principal Pillar because it has lain a long time corrupted and covered amongst the Antichristian Rubbish Reformation is a glorious work and 't is what we all long and breathe after Mr. D. and others have been helpful to the Church of God with respect to Baptism but for want of further Light have lost their way by which means I perceive many in one respect much behind them in another are got before them and may as far as I can judg get into Canaan as soon as they Imposition of Hands is the Principle of our present Controversy and it is to be lamented that in this day we should be forced to a Work of this nature Our Brother on this Consideration was disswaded from doing what we now see published and rather on this account than any other and tho some judg'd it would do the Truth it self much injury by weakning the hearts or hands of those established in it or enquiring after it yet some judg'd it scarce deserved an Answer But others considering how well he wrote on the other Principle thought it might the more likely tend to intangle the weak and more unwary Christian Now as to my undertaking the Work as I judged my self uncapable in respect of others so it was not my purpose to have been concerned till put upon it by some in this City and considering the backwardness of others it the more induc'd me to it And tho but abruptly done yet such as it is I present it to the serious perusal and consideration of all whose Souls long after the good full restoration and perfection of Sion hoping the God of Truth will cause it to entertainment in the hearts of the humble tho I expect it will be slighted by such as are passionately opinionated of their own attainments and perswasions and who are below receiving instruction from their Inferiours It is the grief of some of you as I believe to see any whom you love and tender in the Lord opposing so holy an Institution of Jesus Christ but however this you will find in perusal of this Discourse that tho too many Baptized Christians utterly disallow and reject it nay seem not desirous to know the Mind of God herein yet many godly Persons both of the Presbyterian and Independent Perswasions tho dark and negligent about the business of Baptism have longed and searched after the knowledg and discovery of this Truth nay have attained to a good understanding and satisfaction herein having laboured after a perfect restoration of it to its primitive use and purity refining it from the Corruptions and Mutations of the Popish Church not only in respect of those abominable additions and mixtures of Chrism and other ridiculous Ceremonies in its administration but also of the Subject to whom of right it belongs as abundantly appears in a Treatise of Mr. Jonathan Hanmar's writ 1658. when 't is apparent their Spirits were very hot upon it I find Mr. Caryl writing Epistolary wise in commendation of the said Book speaking thus I conceive saith he the Learned Author of these elaborate Exercitations has deserved well of the Churches by clearing the way of those admissions from Scripture-grounds and the concurrent Testimony of many both Antient and Modern Writers also by discovering and removing those Popish Additions and Pollutions which by several steps have crept into it And further he says that this ingenious and pious Overture holds forth more than most Churches have hitherto attained Also Mr. Vennings's honest and judicious expressions in his Epistle to the same Treatise I can't well omit who speaking of Reformation and Godliness saith Either by reason of our dim-sightedness being not able to see afar off nor penetrate into the depth and bottom of them or by reason of the abusive Traditions and corrupt Glosses with which for many Ages they have been clouded and over-cast many Truths seem not so clear but they need further clearing among others such as relate to Church-Discipline and Order have long been under debate and not without some considerable advantage tho I humbly conceive we have not attained so far as to be already perfect It remains therefore that we press forward and not be so passionately fond of our prepossest Conceptions as not to have the patience to consider what may be offered to us especially by such as wish well to Sion and desire to see the Gospel-Temple in its Beauty If any Persons are spirited to search after further knowledg in these Affairs to dig for it as for hid Treasures and when they have found a Vein of Golden Ore to refine and stamp it for us we should be in readiness to receive the Truth in the love of it and pay the tribute and homage of Obedience for the sake of the God of Truth whose Image and Superscription it bears What great and profitable Pains my much honoured Friend the Reverend Author of the ensuing Exercitation has taken in this one Particular presented to consideration and with what Curiousness without Curiosity with what Learning without Ostentation c. you will best perceive by the perusal of it and tho my
mentions two Scriptures for proof viz. Acts 9.17 and Acts 8.14 15. in which affirmation he altogether begs the question and proves nothing nor removes what has been said to this very point In this I must withstand him for he goes too fast I should be glad could I be an Instrument in the hand of Christ to rectify their understanding herein who doubt about it for they seem to be much mistaken about that Text Acts 9.17 but especially that in Acts 8.14 15. I shall therefore offer something in the first place to this Doth not the Scripture say plainly in Acts 9.17 that Ananias put his hands upon Saul that he might receive his sight why should he say then it was for the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit If that which is exprest to be the effects of Ananias his putting his hands on Paul was the only end of that Service which is according to his own arguings upon Acts 8.14 Acts 19.16 then it was only for his sight for it is said he received his sight but not a word of his receiving the Holy Ghost when he laid his hand upon him that he was sent to Saul that he might receive the Spirit is granted but whether by laying on of hands or some other means is yet to be proved And this being an extraordinary case and different from that in Acts 8.14 15. viz. Ananias his laying hands on Saul as a blind Man that he might receive his sight which answers to that in Mark 16.18 and Peter and John laying their hands on them in Acts 8.14 as on baptized Believers as such for their receiving the Holy Spirit makes nothing to the Controversy depending tho Mr. D. hath put them together as if the Subject Manner and End were one and the same But Secondly to proceed to that Scripture Acts 8.14 where mention is made of Peter and John's laying their hands on baptized Believers in Samaria which our Brethren affirm was also to confer the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit but how much they are mistaken herein shall be examined Since it appears not that the Apostles at Jerusalem did either send Peter and John to Samaria upon that account or that they laid their hands upon those believing Samaritans to that only end 't is very strange Mr. D. or others should affirm any such thing therefore to prevent this mistake let us once again examine these Texts Now when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God they sent unto them Peter and John who when they were come down prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 't is not said the extraordinary Gifts but the Holy Spirit those you see are the express words for as yet saith the Text he was fallen upon none of them only they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus then laid they their hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost Vers 14 25. I know 't is objected from the following words that the Spirit came upon them in some visible or extraordinary manner because Simon saw that thro' laying on of the Apostles hands the Holy Spirit was given This is only a supposition for who can tell what kind of Manifestations of the Spirit might appear in them to convince Simon that they had the Holy Spirit The Text doth not say they either spake with Tongues or wrought Miracles But if for arguments sake we should grant they receiv'd the Spirit in some extraordinary manner as those in Acts 19. it would not follow that this was the absolute end of this Service for if we may reason as they and others have done after this manner that what was the effects of their laying their hands upon them was the end why they laid on their hands and that End is by none attained in these days therefore Laying on of hands is not practicable in these days we shall shew you the sad Consequences and Absurdities that would follow such an Inference To proceed 't is said Acts 4.31 that when the Apostles had prayed the place was shaken where they were assembled Now mark because this Miracle was wrought as the effect of their praying can it be thought that was the end of Prayer or that we must not pray because no such effects are wrought now And when Philip had baptized the Eunuch Acts 8.39 't is said the Spirit caught away Philip that the Eunuch saw him no more what a strange thing was this that followed Baptism But now because this Miracle followed as the effect of that Administration then shall we conclude it was the end of the Ordinance of Baptism But again in Acts 10.44 while Peter was preaching the Word to Cornelius and unto those that were in his House 't is said The Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the Word so that they spake with Tongues c. Now shall we say the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit or Miracles were the end of Preaching because such kind of Effects followed preaching Surely none will argue so that understand themselves for if that was the End of preaching because it was the Effect that followed and that Effect now never following we may say as many do Preaching is ceased if he and others argue right for such and such extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit followed say they when baptized Believers did come under laying on of hands in the Apostles days and these Gifts are not given now therefore that Ordinance is ceased it being only for the Confirmation of the Gospel Now say I by the same Argument all the Institutions of Christ may be denied as well as laying on of hands As First Meeting and assembling together see Acts 2.1 't is said They were all met together with one accord in one place and suddenly there came a Sound from Heaven as of a rushing Wind and it filled all the House where they were sitting Vers 2. And there appeared unto them cloven Tongues like fire and sat upon each of them Vers 3. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with Tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance Here is no mention of any other Ordinance save only assembling together God graciously being pleased first to confirm the Time of Worship under the Gospel viz. the first Day of the Week for so was the day of Pentecost as Tradition has handed it down and mind what effects followed But First 'T is not so now shall we therefore assemble together no more Secondly When the Apostles prayed the House was shaken but 't is not so now doth Prayer therefore cease to be a duty Thirdly When Christ was baptized there was a voice heard from Heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased and the Spirit came down in likeness of a Dove And when the Eunuch was baptized the Spirit caught away Philip but such Effects follow not now when Persons are baptized ergo it's not the duty of any
Faith and Repentance be the Qualifications then say I the Promise of the extraordinary Gift is made to every Christian Man and Woman yea and every sincere Believer must receive those Gifts or God doth fail of his Promise For I am sure there is not one Soul that is a Believer indeed having obeyed from the heart the form of Doctrine taught and delivered to the Saints but hath more or less received the Spirit of God according to the Promise or Promises made to them as Persons so and so qualified or called as hath already been minded Fourthly The end of that Laying on of hands Acts 8. could not be for the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit because those extraordinary Gifts or Miracles serve not for them that believe but for them that believe not Now can any think Peter and John were sent by the Apostles from Jerusalem to those that had received the Word and were baptized in Samaria for the profit and benefit only of the Unbelievers there that they viz. such as did not believe in Samaria might by beholding the Miracles or extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit given to them that did believe be convinced that Jesus was the Christ Surely no Man can think or imagine such a thing especially considering the Text says plainly They were sent to them that had received the Word and were baptized sent for their particular Comfort and further Consolation in Christ Jesus that so they might stand compleat in the whole Will of God and might be made Partakers of the Spirit of Promise made to every believing Soul baptized Acts 2.38 for as much as it was their right and they stood in great need of it as all poor Souls do who enter themselves under Christ's Banner For as our Lord Jesus after he was baptized had the Spirit descending upon him and was straightway exposed to temptation from the Devil even so are all his Followers when they take up the Profession of the Gospel to expect to meet with sore Trials Temptations and Afflictions and therefore have need of more of the Spirit to strengthen encourage support and comfort them and to give them further assurance of the Love of God that they may not flag nor be disheartned but may be abundantly enabled to overcome all Enemies and Opposition and remain faithful to the Lord Jesus unto the death To this end doubtless the Apostles sent Peter and John from Jerusalem who when they came pray'd and lay'd their hands upon those Men and Women baptized even for the Holy Spirit of Promise for their particular profit comfort and benefit and not for extraordinary Gifts or Miracles which was 't is plain from Heb. 2.4 for the Confirmation of the Gospel to them that believe not according to 1 Cor. 14.22 Wherefore Tongues are for a sign not to them that believe but to them that believe not but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not but them which believe Fifthly This being so it could not be for the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit that the Apostles laid their hands on those in Samaria because there was no need of further Miracles forasmuch as Philip had wrought such mighty Miracles and Wonders in that City before in so much that they were all convinced yea the very Sorcerer himself believed and continued with Philip and wondred beholding the Miracles and Signs which were done Acts 8.13 Surely the Apostles at Jerusalem hearing of those things and how the People yea the whole City were convinced and satisfied that Jesus was the Christ would never have sent Peter and John to do that work which was so effectually done before by Philip and therefore I conclude that that laying on of hands Acts 8. was not for Tongues Miracles or the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit as our Brethren affirm and this being so my work is near done already for if they miss in giving us a true Account how Laying on of hands was used in the New Testament they miss in the main case of all and if that Laying on of hands Acts 8.14 15. and Acts 19. was not for the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit the greatest Objection is answered and the chief stumbling-block taken out of the way of God's People For if Prayer and Laying on of hands was practised upon baptized Believers as such as a Principle of Christ's Doctrine for the promised Spirit the Comforter as so considered which is the absolute Right Portion and Privilege of every believing Soul to the end of the World then doubtless the Ordinance must needs remain in full force and virtue as God's way means or method of conveyance of the said Spirit to all his Chosen always even until the end But because I shall have occasion to speak more to this anon I forbear inlarging upon it here CHAP. II. Shewing that tho this holy Institution of Christ hath been corrupted by Antichrist yet it ought not therefore to be rejected MR. Danvers Pag. 6. proceeds to shew how Laying on of hands has been asserted by the Antients and by the Canons and Decrees of several Councils Pag. 15. how by the Church of Rome Pag. 17. how by the Church of England Pag. 24. how asserted by some both of the Presbyterian and Independent Perswasion c. What earnings or advantage he could propound to himself by filling up so many Pages in his Book with Stories of this kind I know not Many as I am informed and some in my owm hearing do judg what he has done in this respect makes more against himself than us Nay some who are for this Ordinance seem to be much confirmed by what he has said concerning Antiquity in respect thereof and look upon themselves as beholden to Mr. Danvers for his pains in searching into Authors and in producing so much both from Antient and Modern Writers for Laying on of hands as immediately following Baptism and as necessary to Church-Communion And I must confess I did not think so much could have been produced from Authors and Antiquity in the case as I perceive there may having through his means according as I am capable made some search Tho I must say if there were ten times more to be urged on that account had we not the Authority of God's Word to warrant our Practice it would signify nothing For we will say with Ignatius Whosoever speaks more than is written altho he fast altho he keep his Virginity altho he work Miracles altho he prophesy yet let him seem to thee a Wolf amongst the Sheep Epist ad Hierom. But to proceed I wonder Mr. Danvers should condemn and wholly cast away Laying on of hands upon baptized Believers and have nothing to do with it because it had been corrupted by the false Church the Subject and Manner of Administration being quite altered and changed the Ordinance or pure Institution being turned into abominable Superstition may he not as well cast away Baptism and the Lord's Supper also since they have been every way
hands on all that were baptized without exception Nay it follows roundly that where ever the Apostles found any particular Disciple or Disciples that had not received those visible or extraordinary Gifts they were to lay their hands on them to that end For I presume Mr. Danvers judges had Paul found 1200 as he found 12 at Ephesus who had not received nor heard of the Holy Ghost he would have laid hands on them which presupposes also that those miraculous Gifts were promised and belong to every particular Member in the Church which is directly contrary to 1 Cor. 12.4 7 8 9 29 30. for tho as we have proved the Holy Spirit be promised to every sincere Believer in the Lord Jesus yet are not the extraordinary Gifts promised to any in particular being only reserved in the bosom or breast of the Almighty to whom and after what manner he will distribute them 1 Cor. 12.4 There are diversities of Gifts but the same Spirit to one is given by the same Spirit the word of Wisdom to another the word of Knowledg to another Faith to another the gift of Healing by the same Spirit to another the working of Miracles to another Prophecy to another discerning of Tongues v. 8 9 10. Are all Prophets are all workers of Miracles have all the Gift of Healing do all speak with Tongues c. Hence nothing can be clearer than this that tho all have right to the Spirit yet but very few had the extraordinary Gifts thereof in the primitive Times The Third thing Mr. Danvers seems to affirm is that all in Samaria that were baptized had not hands laid upon them because it is said of Simon he had no part nor lot in that matter 1. Here he begs the Question taking for granted that Simon had not hands laid upon him but why might not Simon have lot and part in that matter if by Lot and Part be meant the visible or miraculous Gifts of the Spirit since Hypocrites may partake of them as our Saviour plainly signifies and also doth our Apostle 1 Cor. 13.1 2 2. He might come under the Ordinance and yet his heart not being right with God he might not have any part or lot in the blessed Comforter the Spirit of Promise which the World receiveth not nor can an unsanctified Heart partake of 3. Their reception of the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit was partly to convince the Apostles and Believers themselves that Christ had made good his promise of sending the Comforter the Holy Spirit to them 4. By Lot or Part in that matter may not be meant partaking of the ritual or external part of the Ordinance but rather refers to his desire of having power to be an Administrator of it upon others so that the Holy Spirit might be given to those he laid his hands on But 5. If we should grant Simon had not hands imposed upon him which I rather incline to yet would it not hurt our Cause in the least because he might be discovered to be a profane Wretch before it came to be his lot to partake thereof if therefore it appears and may be granted that all that were baptized in Samaria came under this Appointment save Simon we have as much as we desire And surely this cannot rationally be denied by any that read the words vers 12. When they believed they were baptized both Men and Women Compare this with vers 16. that the Holy Spirit was fallen on none of them only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Must not they and them mean all who are said to be baptized So likewise when 't is said ver 13. they laid their hands upon them doth not them intend the very same they prayed for and shall we think they did not pray for them all had not all the like need of God's Spirit and is it not promised to all the Sons and Handmaids Or shall we think the Apostle did not pray for the Women as well as the Men the weaker Vessels as well as the stronger In Mat. 28.19 20. as 't is well noted by Mr. Fisher 't is said Go teach all Nations baptizing them and in the words following teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you By them must needs intend them all and every of them that were made Disciples and baptized One word or two further concerning what Mr. D. objects against us from Acts 19.6 from the Effects that followed this Administration he still arguing as if that were the absolute End thereof Which as a great Doctor well observes is too trifling a fancy to be put in balance against so sacred an Institution But let us examin this Scripture a little more Have you received the Holy Spirit since ye believed saith our Apostle They said unto him We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Spirit Vnto what then were ye baptized c. Two things are here very remarkable 1. That the Holy Spirit according to the sense of the Apostle inquiring after their reception of it is the undoubted Right of every baptized Believer in Christ Jesus appears from these two expressions Have ye received the Spirit since ye believed No. Vnto what then were ye baptized It seems strange as if Paul should say that you having believed in Christ and been baptized have not yet received the Holy Spirit since it is the great Legacy our Lord and Master left to every one of his Disciples 2. 'T is evident that whosoever was baptized after Christ's resurrection in his Name was instructed into the Promise of the Holy Ghost and consequently into Laying on of Hands the outward Ceremony or Ministry of it belonging to them as Persons so considered Paul seems to question their Baptism since they were wholly ignorant of that glorious Promise of Blessing annexed thereto which considered may fully satisfy any unbiassed Person that the extraordinary or miraculous Gifts could not be the End of this Administration and as touching those Effects that followed 't is clear the like Effects followed all other Ordinances as well as this Object And whereas Mr. D. presumes to say They were some of the Church of Ephesus and again not the whole Church Answ 1. Can it be thought that those were at that time Members of the Church and yet so ignorant of the Holy Spirit And surely Paul would not have baptized them again if they had been Members of the Church before 2. They are not called the Church nor of the Church nor some of the Church but certain Disciples yea and such as appears were only instructed into the Baptism of John 3. Tho we read but of 12 that had hands laid on them which was the number of the Men that Paul found at that time who lay short of their Duty and Privilege in that respect since we see the Spirit was their Right as baptized Believers it follows that it is the duty of every Believer to yield obedience to
this Ordinance as well as those twelve The way of God touching the Administration of Gospel-Institutions being one and the same in all the Churches of the Saints notwithstanding what has already been offered may be a satisfactory Answer to Mr. D. concerning what he minds from those two Scriptures yet finding so many Learned Men both antient and of later times agreeing with us in their Expositions on these two Places and not knowing but their Words may with some take more place than what such a one as I may speak I 'll cite a Passage or two Cyprian speaking of Acts 8.17 saith It was not necessary they should be baptized again only what was wanting was performed by Peter and John that by Prayer and Imposition of Hands the Holy Spirit should be invocated Saith Hierom on the Acts of the Apostles We find another Instance of the Celebration of this ritual Mystery for it is signally exprest of the Baptized at Ephesus Paul first baptized them and then laid his Hands upon them and they received the Holy Spirit And these Testimonies are the great Warranty for this holy Ordinance Eucherites is cited by Dr. Taylor p. 43. speaking thus The same thing now done in Imposition of Hands on single Persons is no other than what was done upon all Believers in the descent of the H. Spirit He mentions Zanchius saying I wish the Examples of the Apostles and Primitive Churches were of more value amongst Christians It were well if they were so saith the Doctor but there is more than meer Examples these Examples of such Solemnities the Apostles are our Masters in them and have given Rules and Precedents for the Church to follow this is a Christian Law and written as all Scriptures are for our Instruction Estius on Heb. 6.2 affirms that the Laying on of Hands mentioned Acts 8.17 Acts 19.6 by St. Luke is that of Confirmation whereby the Spirit of God is given to Persons baptized wherewith with they being strengthned confess the Name of Christ undauntedly among the Enemies of the Faith And again saith he That Hands were wont to be laid upon Persons baptized after the example of the Apostles all Antiquity teacheth Dr. Hammond also in his Annot. on Acts 8.17 saith That it was Confirmation may appear probable because it so soon attended their Conversion and Baptism When the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God they sent Peter and John vers 14. Which agrees well saith he with that of Confirmation which is an Act reserved to the Rulers of the Church and not communicated or allowed to inferior Officers such as Philip the Deacon here And then paraphasing upon Acts 19.6 he saith After this Paul by Imposition of hands and benediction gave them Confirmation by which means the Holy Spirit came on them Mr. Ralph Venning in his Remains speaking of Acts 8.17 and 19.6 gives his understanding upon them That it was the practice of the Apostles after they had baptized Persons sooner or later to lay Hands upon them Thus from what has been said I hope it may appear to all inquiring Souls in opposition to what Mr. Danvers saith page 47. that these two Places are clear Precedents and Rules for this Practice as well as Heb. 6.1 2. and other Scriptures we have insisted upon for as much as there was a Laying on of Hands practised immediately after Baptism and with much certainty upon every Member or baptized Believer and to such an End as is attainable in these times CHAP. VII Further shewing that Prayer with Imposition of Hands upon baptized Believers remains for ever as a standing or perpetual Administration BUT lest any should still object this Ordinance doth not continue neither is the End attainable now I am willing to add two or three Arguments for the further evincing of these particulars Arg. 1. Because the Lord was pleased to bear witness to or ratify this blessed Ordinance or Principle of Christ's Doctrine with the like Signs Wonders and Gifts of the Holy Spirit as he did any other Word Command or Principle of the said Doctrine Now what was thus established must needs remain in full force to the end of the World as our duty and dangerous it is to labour to make it void for by the same Argument may an Enemy lay waste and take away another yea and consequently every one Arg. 2. Because it is a Foundation-principle of God's House or one of the great Pillars next to Christ on which it is built it must needs remain and very dangerous it is for any to take away a Foundation-stone 'T is very absurd saith Mr. Blackwood on Matth. p. 688. to think that one of the six Foundation-principles commended to us by the Apostle should cease and all the other remain to the end of the World Nay is not Imposition of Hands placed in the midst betwixt Faith and Repentance on the one side and Eternal Judgment on the other 't is fenced in on every side there is no coming to slight it 'T is absurd to think the Apostle would place one temporary Principle that was to last but a short time amongst five perpetual Principles and call them all by the same name of a Foundation c. Arg. 3. Because the Promise of the Spirit is very extensive 't is made to all believing and obedient Souls to the end of the World Matt. 28. ult Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you always to the end of the World John 14.15 16 17. If you love me keep my Commandments and I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of Truth which the World cannot receive c. Dr. Jer. Taylor p. 53. speaks excellently concerning the perpetuity of this Ordinance And from this very ground take his own words The perpetuity of this holy Rite appears 1. Because the great Gift of the Holy Ghost was promised to abide with the Church for ever Repent and be baptized every one of you and ye shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost not the meanest Person amongst you but shall receive this great thing for the Promise is to you and to your Children and to all that are afar off even so many as the Lord our God shall call this Promise is made to all and unto all for ever And presently speaking as to Laying on of Hands as God's way for the ministring of it I say such a Solemnity saith he 't is not easie to be supposed should be appointed that is it is not imaginable that a solemn Rite annex'd to a perpetual Promise should be transient and temporary for by the nature of Relatives they must be of equal abode the Promise is of a thing for ever the Ceremony or Rite was annexed to the Promise and therefore this also must abide for ever Arg. 4. Because the Spirit which is promised
God forbid we should be guilty of such things Rome and others may herein justly be charged but our Souls witness against it as an abominable Assertion And that remarkable Expression of Dr. Owen's as Mr. D. calls it we can with all readiness and simplicity close in with and judg it necessary once more to recite it viz. This then they who hold Communion with Christ are careful of they will admit nothing practise nothing in the Worship of God private or publick but what they have his Warrant for for unless it comes in his Name with Thus saith the Lord Jesus they will not hear an Angel from Heaven they know the Apostles themselves were to teach the Saints only what Christ commanded them Communion with God p. 171. The Doctor 's Rule is ever to be followed the Lord open his eyes for how doth this clearly overthrow all his Arguments for Infant-Baptism c. But what injury doth it do us who can say Thus saith the Lord Jesus 't is left on record amongst the first Principles of his Doctrine Heb. 6. 1 2. 't is a Command of God if the Oracles of God be his Command Heb. 5.12 which sure none will deny since the Apostle Paul and Stephen a Man full of the Holy Spirit affirm them so to be We believe what the Doctor saith viz. that the Apostles were to teach nothing but what Christ commanded them to whom they were obedient therein and surely then all may see a Divine Institution for this Practice for was it not taught to the Hebrew Church Heb. 5.12 And did not Peter and John teach it to the Saints at Samaria and Paul to the Disciples at Ephesus and to Timothy yea and made them obedient thereto Acts 8.17 19.6 2 Tim. 1.6 If Laying on of hands were not an Ordinance of God and of Divine Institution saith Mr. Blackwood Annot. on Matth. p. 690. then the Apostles in the administration thereof had practised Will-worship nay which is more had left a Rule of Will-worship unto us Heb. 6.1 But 't is absurd to think that the Apostle would do either of these therefore Laying on of hands upon baptized Persons is an Apostolical Institution Far be it from us or any Christian to harbour so uncharitable thoughts of the blessed Apostles viz. that they would do any thing in Christ's Name without his Warrant If any Man saith Paul think himself to be a Prophet or Spiritual let him acknowledg that the things I write unto you are the Commandments of the Lord 1 Cor. 14.37 Compare this with Rom. 15.18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me to make the Gentiles obedient by word or deed CHAP. VIII Containing a few Motives or Arguments provoking and encouraging to Obedience to the Holy Ordinance of Imposition of Hands BEfore I conclude I judg it necessary to offer two or three Motives to stir up to Obedience such as desire to be found sincere Followers of the Lord Jesus and of the primitive Saints and to walk in all the Commandments of the Lord blameless and to consider whether they do not lie short of their Duty and Privilege whilst they omit or neglect this precious tho despised Ordinance of Imposition of Hands Motive 1. Brethren Consider you have the holy Pattern of the Saints of old to stir you up to a diligent search in the Book of God's Law to find out what his Mind and Will may be concerning you How glad were the Children of Israel when upon enquiry they found out that long-neglected Ordinance of sitting in Booths in the Feast of Tabernacles Neh. 8.14 17. they did not then contend against it or raise Objections saying it has not been done for many years Samuel David Hezekiah and Josiah did it not who had glorious Light and were great Reformers and we have no immediate Vision or miraculous Appearance of God to revive this Institution We find nothing of this nature stumbled them but as they found it written they set about the Work and there was great Joy They were not like many Souls in our days who make Objections against Baptism and Laying on of hands such and such eminent Men say they see it not practise it not 't is not an Institution of Christ if it were sure Mr. such a one a learned Minister and Brother would be for it he is a Man of greater light and understanding than you c. 'T is no marvel they are thus beclouded whilst their eyes are so fixt on Men and instead of walking by the perfect Light of God's Word walk by the Light of those that are so imperfect Motive 2. Consider that by a universal obedience to Christ you will appear to be his Disciples indeed and of the Remnant of the Woman's Seed Rev. 12.17 Yea you will enter into strong bands of Alliance and Friendstip with the Lord Jesus You are my Friends saith he if you do whatsoever I command you Joh. 15.14 This also will add boldness to the Saints Then shall I not be ashamed saith David when I have respect to all thy Commandments Mot. 3. Let the Nature of the Ordinance move you to consider your fault and neglect herein and as you desire that the Church you have given up your selves to walk in the order of the Gospel with being knit and fitly framed together may grow into a Holy Temple in the Lord. Be sure see there is no defect in the Foundation take heed it wants not one principal Pillar and let none speak slightingly of this Institution lest he provoke Jesus Christ thereby Did he command any thing in vain And by the same Argument you adventure to cast off this Principle another may do so by Baptism and consequently all the rest and so in time God's Spiritual House be like unto the literal Temple viz. not have one Stone left upon another which will not be thrown down Motive 4. Consider that those blessed Promises God has made of giving the Comforter the Spirit of Truth which the World cannot receive are entailed to the obedient Soul if we will have the Blessing we must be found in our Duty And how has God crowned this Service as has been shewed with wonderful manifestations thereof Nay consider what measure soever God has given thee of his Spirit by waiting upon him in other Ordinances yet this of Imposition of hands Christ has appointed as the Ministry thereof to baptized Believers as such to every particular Institution there is some special and peculiar Blessing annexed and 't is ordained as God's ordinary way for the conveyance of it as I might largely shew in respect of Preaching the Word Baptism the Lord's Supper Church-Censures c. and the like also in this of Laying on of hands and tho God is not tied to this or that Ordinance yet he hath tied us to the exact observation of them He may anticipate his own Order and give us the Mercy promised in part
REider Thou hast had a faithful and impartial Account of the rise growth and progress of this holy tho contemned Ordinance of Imposition of hands from the beginning of the Gospel-Ministration to this day and how asserted amongst many Perswasions with the Authorities on which it has been enjoined together with the grounds given by Antient and Modern Writers to justify it And from the whole we also may come to these following Conclusions viz. 1. That there appears full and ample Precept and Practice from Scripture for this Ordinance of Imposition of hands on all baptized Believers as such before admitted to the Lord's Table 2. That the Instances to prove it an Apostolical Tradition or Institution are the pious Sayings and written Verities of Christ's Disciples 3. That the Authorities by which it was at first enjoined were none else save Great Jehovah Father Son and Holy Spirit 4. That many eminent Writers both antient and modern have born witness for it All which is worthy to be minded and commended to the consideration of those who having rejected Infants and imbraced Believers Baptism do oppose a Principle of the same nature and annexed to it with these following Observations 1. It is most manifest that those Popes Councils and Fathers that have corrupted polluted and changed the holy Ordinance of Baptism and the Lord's Supper did also change alter and corrupt this of Imposition of Hands 2. That tho the principal Arguments the Church of Rome and others who have drunk of the Whore's Cup do bring to defend the Rite called Confirmation is humane Tradition and far-fetch'd Consequences from Scripture yet there is plain Scripture-proof for the holy Institution of Imposition of hands upon baptized Believers 3. That many godly Persons in several ages have opposed Popish laying on of hands on the same account that we reject Popish Baptism and not otherwise 4. It appears not that any baptized Church in any Country have denied Imposition of hands upon Believers baptized as such to be an Institution of Jesus Christ nor ever writ against it as some in this Nation have done no ways for their Credit nor Honour of the Gospel These things being so it may be enquired what ground and reason our Brethren in this Nation had at first or have now to oppose this Divine Institution of the Lord Jesus Christ A brief Reply to a Book called A Treatise concerning Laying on of Hands Written by a nameless Author and published in the Year 1691. THE first Reason he says why they cannot own Laying on of Hands on all Believers is because there must be a Command or at least some Example for it pag. 3. Answ We have proved in the preceding Treatise that we have both a Command and Example for it if a Command of God and an Oracle of God is all one See Heb. 5.12 That which is an Oracle of God is a Command of God but Laying on of Hands c. is an Oracle of God Ergo. And as to Examples we have them also see Acts 8. and Acts 19. 2 ly Because they say they believe neither our Lord nor his Disciples were under it pag. 4. Answ Our Lord we have shewed was under it the Father laid his Hands upon him when he came out of the Water and thereby sealed him the Holy Ghost in the likeness of a Dove rested upon him And no doubt but our Lord laid his Hands upon his Disciples since he taught this Precept as a Principle of his Doctrine Heb. 6. 1 2. True we read not of their Baptism nor of this neither therefore from thence they may as well say they were not baptized as that they had not Hands laid upon them 3 ly Because say they if the Apostles were under it they must have an Administrator and who say they should that be p. 4. But there is nothing said of it c. Answ 1. Our Lord Christ might be the Administrator who is the great Shepherd and Bishop of our Souls as I said afore 2. And it no more follows that they were not baptized than that they were not under Laying on of Hands i. e. because there is nothing said of either 4 ly Their fourth Reason is the same with their first 5 ly Their fifth Reason is because they say the Church at Jerusalem was not under it pag. 5. Answ Was not the Hebrew Church the Church at Jerusalem Now they 't is evident were under it or had laid it Not laying again presupposeth they had once laid it or were under it as well as Baptized 6 ly Their sixth Reason is because an Ordinance necessary to Church-Communion ought very plainly to be expressed p. 6. Answ So is this of Imposition of Hands Heb. 5.12 Heb. 6. 1 2. Acts 8. and Acts 19.6 7 ly Because they say our Lord did leave no Ordinance as absolutely necessary to Church-Communion but such as holds forth his Death and Resurrection p. 9. as Baptism and the Lord's Supper c. Answ Who told them so or doth it follow that because Baptism and the Supper are Figures of our Lord's Death c. therefore this must be a figure of the same or no Ordinance This is not argumentative nor demonstrative 8 ly Because Salvation is promised on the Terms of Faith Repentance and Baptism and from hence they argue there is no need of any such Ordinance as this of Laying on of Hands p. 7. Answ Salvation is promised particularly to Faith He that believeth hath the Son hath Life and shall be saved Mark 16.16 therefore need not I be baptized Moreover I deny that any Ordinance gives a right to Salvation any other ways than as it is an evidence of that Right or Title to our Consciences Our Right or Title is Christ's Righteousness or his active and passive Obedience only But should a Man be convinced that Laying on of Hands Church-Communion Order and Discipline or giving to the Poor c. were Duties which he omitted would his pretended Faith Repentance and Baptism render him a sincere Christian No he must do all things Christ commanded or taught to be done which he is convinced of as well as those three things 9 ly Their ninth Reason against Laying on of Hands is taken from those Effects that followed this Ordinance viz. the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit Answ The same Effects followed all other Gospel-Ordinances this we have also answered in the precedent Treatise 10 ly Their tenth Reason is because the Holy Spirit was sometimes given without Laying on of Hands pag. 8. Answ The Holy Spirit is promised to them that are baptized but because some received the Spirit before baptized needed they not be baptized In Acts 10.44 Cornelius received the Spirit to confirm the Ministration of the Word to the Gentiles before baptized yet was commanded to be baptized nor had he so much of the Spirit as to need no more and therefore came under this Ordinance also Besides because God may step out of his usual way must we