suppositions or doubtfull suppositions wherein the Gent. so much toyls and entangles himself and his readers But have plainly and clearly proved that Laying on of hands is a doctrine of Christ or one of the words of the beginning of Christ a foundation Principle the Apostle teaching a command of the eternall King and he that hath an ear let him hear for it is the Spirit that speaks to the Churches But more dust in new doubts arise from the Gent. supposition or probability that Laying on of hands upon bare Disciples was rather concluded in the word Baptism then in the word Laying on of hands for if Laying on of hands be not one of the Baptisms here expressed he saith He would gladly know how we would make up Baptism according to the Scripture Heb. 6.2 Answ First I would demand of the Gent. whether ever he read that Laying on of hands is any where termed a Baptisme if not then it is a wilde supposition and hath no probability at all that Laying on of hands should be concluded as he phraseth it in the word Baptism Secondly I shall now I am set to it as gladly answer his demand that we can very currantly make up Baptism and never be beholding to imposition of hands for the matter There are three sorts of Baptisme Flaminis Fluminis Sanguinis Ephes 4.5 of Spirit of Water of Bloud and these three agree in one 1 Joh. 5.8 The first is that heavenly birth qualifying the subject for Water Joh. 3.3 as I long since deliverd in his hearing at Muggleswik from Heb. 10.22 In this the eternall dove with his extended wings Isa 30.1 Luk. 1.35 covereth or overshadoweth the believing soul who like the blessed Virgin conceiveth with his Jesus by the hearing of the ear The second is that externall administration in which the Disciple of Christ is buried with him as our Lord commanded and his Ministers practised Mat. 28 19. Act. 10.47 48. The third is that bitter cup the drinking whereof first baptized our Redeemer in a sea of sorrows Luk. 12.50 His Fathers wrath forcing his vitall bloud in streams through every pore of his body falling down to the ground Luk 22.44 This is that cup and Baptism which the true servants of Christ must also submit unto Mat. 20.23 following their Lord without the Camp through many tribulations bearing his reproach Heb. 10.32 Call to remembrance the former dayes in which after ye were illuminated ye endured a great fight of afflictions It is observed by one that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which we translate illuminated and that truly is rendred in the Syriack Arabick and Aethiopick Baptized And that the Greek fathers do sometimes call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Baptizo But enough hath been said and proved in answer to the Gentlemans demand so that I hope he and others will see that we are put to no straight at all to make up the Doctrine of Baptisms of Spirit of Water of Bloud without any need of imposition of hands upon that account And therefore this doubtfull supposition is utterly vanished and the fourth Foundation Doctrine of Christ established as an eternall * Mar. 24 35. with Heb 6.1 2. decree of his own lips which the Church throughout all ages Ephes 3.21 is obliged faithfully to observe Mat. 28.20 But the Gent. goes on to answer an objection made from Apostolicall example 1 Cor. 4.16 10.1 Concerning which before I reply to his answers let this be observed That although Apostolicall example be sufficient ground to practise Christian duties yet we have in this particular of hands much more then bare examples namely the teachings of Christ and his Apostles for it is already fully proved and I hope will be retained in obedient hearts 1. Institution That this foundation Principle is the expresse Doctrine or word of Christ 2. That such as be babes in Christ had need to be taught this Doctrine 3. That this Doctrine was religiously taught and practised in the Churches of the Hebrews c. And 4. That the Spirit of God enjoyns all that are truly spirituall to embrace the things written by the Apostles as none other then the commands of Christ 1 Cor. 14.37 First And as for Apostolicall examples we look upon them as binding 1. If they were performed in the Churches of Christ Phil. 4.9 2. If those Apostolicall practises were never solemnly repealed for there were some cerimonies wherewith for a time they complyed which were afterwards utterly abolished Gal. 2.3 4 5 12 13. 4.9 10 11. 5.2 3. If such performances be not impossible such as miracles for Christ doth not command impossibilities his yoak is easie his burden light yea the Gent. himself confesseth that we are not commanded to follow in acts of power I suppose he means miraculous acts which may serve as a just reply to his first consideration for though Christ hath left us an example that we should follow his steps yet it is only in his morall not in his mediatory actions Moreover let it be observed That miracles are no part of the Ordinance for though many miracles did attend Preaching Baptism Supper Laying on of hands and other Ordinances yet I hope the Gentleman will not conclude that the cessation of miracles doth strip us of these mercies These things being premised 1 Cor. 4.16 10.1 2. I do confidently assert from the two Scriptures he mentions That the Apostles examples are obliging to all believers 1. Because we have no other warrant for many of our Ordinances then Apostolicall example There is no expresse command for observing the Lords day and but one Apostolicall example but this I fear too many ungratefull that I say not ungracious spirits would readily and willingly dispense with 2. Where have we ought but Apostolicall example for women to receive the Lords supper 3. What shall we do for authority to ordain officers by imposition of hands if we refuse Apostolicall Precedents Secondly We must observe Apostolicall examples because they have exactly followed the commands of Christ That which we have seen and heard saith John 1 Epist 1.3 declare we unto you touching fellowship We have not fellowed cunningly devised fables saith Peter 2 Epist 1.16 I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you saith Paul 1 Cor. 11.23 So that whatsoever I finde the Apostles practising except before excepted I shall freely and chearfully observe and expect the presence of the God of peace in so doing Phil. 4.9 And in the very case in hand touching the Fourth foundation Principle had I no more to rest upon but the bare example of the Apostles in the Churches I would faithfully obey for I hope enough hath been said punctually proving that what they so practised Christ commanded them and though I have heard much ignorance in the handling of this point yet I hope none will henceforth be so blasphemous as to charge the Apostles of will-worship but
rather bewail their own blindnesse Well then if the Apostles laid on hands by command from Christ Certain I am that all Baptized Disciples are bound to observe it for so runs the Commission Mat. 28.19 20. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you He doth not say observe what I shall command them neither doth he leave them or us to teach and practise what and so much as we please But all things whatsoever I have commanded you You Peter and John c. so that if Peter and John were commanded to practise Laying on of hands then all Baptized Disciples are bound to observe it And upon these termes and none other Christ hath promised them his presence to the end of the world But the Gent. saith upon 1 Cor. 4.16 That the Apostle doth not intend fellowing him in all things I must needs say these are very slender Reply sorry shifts to shuffle off obedience since t is evident in the same Epistle 1 Cor. 11.1 that he commands them for remembring him in all things and keeping the ordinances as he delivered them to them And would the Apostle so praise them for that they were never exhorted to But secondly Whosoever in his right mind shall peruse that Chapter viz. 1 Cor. 4. may easily see that the Apostle intends all things even all the mysteries of God whereof he was a Steward v. 1 2. And as a Steward of such divine mysteries he shunned not to declare all the counsell of God his care being alike in all Churches Act. 20.27 1 Cor. 7.17 14.33 34. 2 Cor. 11.28 the care of all the Churches Yet the Gent. confidently affirmes That he did not teach the Laying on of hands upon all Disciples in any Churches nor to them To which I reply First It seems somewhat more then strange that the Apostle should be thus censured of Pharisaicall hypocrisie in making clean the outside of the cup and platter tithing Mint and Cummin and neglect the great and weighty matters of the Law Is he so carefull in all Churches about particular callings 1 Cor. 7.17 about orderly speaking 1 Cor. 14.33 34. about Almes 1 Cor. 16.1 And is he so carelesse in laying the Foundation Principles of Christian Religion Either the Apostle in neglecting or the Gent. in asserting such neglect 1 Cor. 4.1 2. must needs be grosly guilty of ignorance unfaithfulnesse or hypocrisie Secondly It 's plain the Apostle practised Laying on of hands in the Church and did he inforce obedience without teaching Act. 19.5 6. Chap. 17.11 Chap. 2.40 or were those Ephesian Disciples so ignoble to act by an implicite faith in submitting to they know not what The Bereans are recorded noble for not barely resting on the Apostles words it is said of Peter that with many other words he did testifie and exhort For the Gospel and Acts is but an Epitomy of what Jesus and his Apostles did and said Must it then be asserted that because it is not declared in so many words He taught laying on of hands that therefore he taught it not at all why then they practised what he never taught this is will-worship with a witnesse We do not finde that Philip spake one syllable of the Doctrine of Baptisme ether to the Samaritans or to the Eunuch Act. 8.12 36. and yet they are Baptized and he cals for the Ordinance so that I dare boldly affirme that Philip did teach the Doctrine of Baptisme though no mention be made of teaching and so of hands for what liberty soever others dare take yet I dare not charge the Apostles with acting besides their Commission and certain I am their Commission binds them to teach that which the Disciples are bound to observe Teaching them to observe Mat. 28.20 and Paul himself professeth That what he received of the Lord that he also delivered unto them by way of teaching 1 Cor. 11.23 And requires us to account of him and his fellow Ministers as faithfull stewards of the mysteries of God 1 Cor. 4.1 2. So that whatever the Gent. confidently affirmes to the contrary I dare boldly avouch that if there were no more but Apostolicall practise and Disciples observing Laying on of hands I say I dare from hence aver it with full assurance that the Apostle did teach Laying on of hands on all Disciples faithfully in all Churches Christ having purchased the same priviledges for all his Saints commanded the same exact rules for them all teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you And the Apostles most faithfully dispensing all to al Churches and particularly to this Church of Corinth for saith he 2 Cor 12.13 What is it wherein ye were inferior to other Churches Nay he professeth That in every thing they were enriched by him So that they came behind in no gift 1 Cor. 1.5 7. But if the Gent. speak true in saying that the Laying on of hands upon all Dyciples he taught in no Church nor to them I must be bold to say the Apostle spake false in affirming that they were enriched in every thing in all knowledge and that they came behind in no girt For I am sure that Laying on of hands is the Vehicle Vehiculum Spiritus or conduit pipe through which many gifts of the Spirit are conveyed And as sure that those divine ornaments wherewith the Corinthians were so enriched were graciously handed through Paul 1 Cor. 4.15 Lastly I do positively assert That the Apostle did expresly teach the Laying on of hands upon all Disciples in the Churches for besides the Church of Samaria Act 8. and the Church of Ephesus Act. 19.5 6. where it is declared that they heard before they observed either Baptisme or Laying on of hands When they heard this they were Baptized and Paul laid his hands upon them all I say besides the Apostles teachings in these Churches it is evident that they did expresly teach this Doctrine with other foundation words Act. 5.31 Gal. 1.22 once and again to the Churches of Judea or Christian Hebrews who were then comfortably walking in the compleat order of the Gospell Heb. 13.7 17.24 Yea this Doctrine is taught to all the Disciples or babes in Christ as milke fitter for constitution for though by the improvement of their time and talents they might have been teachers yet they were stil such babes not teachers that there was a necessity of teaching them again these first foundation Doctrines which possibly they had so forgot that young converts were deprived of them Thus 't is evident this Doctrine of hands was taught in the Churches to babes yea to the Hebrew Disciples and though it be so much slighted yet the Apostles do reckon it one of the six foundation Doctrines for Sions babes The Gent. proceeds to overturn Apostolicall example by his answer to the second Scripture brought to assert it namely 1 Cor. 11.1 Be ye
able to say The seal of mine Apostleship are ye in the Lord 1 Cor. 9.2 2 Cor. 3.2 Ye are our Epistle written in our hearts seen and read of all men Yet these signes will never satisfie a doubting Didymus no not all the attestation of all the Apostles except he shall see in his hands the print of the nails and put his finger into the print of the nails Joh. 20.25 and thrust his hand into his side he will not believe Such a faithlesse generation hath this age brought forth except they see the very same miracles as were wrought by Peter and Paul upon mens bodies they will not believe there are any Apostles now in being except they see the same gifts of tongues or some visible operation upon laying on of hands they will not believe there 's any such Ordinance now in force Although the same unbelieving professors will not reject preaching upon that account that were too open a discovery of a half Christian though the same signs did but now do not accompany that Ordinance Thus Herod may do many things and hear John gladly but foolish Virgins cannot be thorough spirited something will be found wanting in the day of Christ when it will be too late to go to buy what now they slight And then they shall experimentally finde the truth of St. James his Doctrine Jam. 2.10 Whosoever shall keep the whole Law and yet offend in one point one principle he is guilty of all Remember that after Trumpets Act. 13.41 come Vials Behold ye despisers and wonder and perish for I work a work in your dayes a work which you shall in no wise believe though a man declare it unto you But as for the gracious heart who puts forth his faith into obedience upon the account of a naked institution because he finds that Laying on of hands is the Doctrine or word of that Christ whom he loves and in whom he lives because it is one of his Foundation Principles because it is sincere milk for new born babes because the Master builders declare that such babes have need of such Principles because these were the Apostles teachings in and writings to the Churches because the eternall Spirit binds true Disciples to embrace the Apostles writings and teachings as none other then the commands of Christ Hence the faithfull soul mounted on the wings of love without attendance upon miraculous or visible operations divinely ecchoing to the language of his beloved cries Lo I come to do thy will O God yea thy law is within my heart I am weary with forbearing and I can no longer stay And thus putting resolution into action he frequently meets with such holy transportations and true spirituall refreshings far exceeding any miraculous visible operation that he breaths forth this or the like heavenly Rapture as being translated and transformed into the same image from glory to glory Cant. 6.10 by the Spirit of the Lord Or ever I was aware my soul made me like the Chariots of Amminadib These are no fancies we speak that we know and testifie that we have seen And thus the believing babe meets with that benediction which Christ entailed upon his obedience Joh. 20.29 Because thou hast seen thou hast believed blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed These are the proper objects of Christs prayer Joh. 17.20 Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word He doth not say through their miracles but through their word because it is a surer rule of direction then any miracle yea then any revelation vision or extraordinary voice from heaven whatsoever 2 Pet. 1.16 17 18 19. The Apostles voice is the tryall of spirits 1 Joh. 4.7 We are of God he that knoweth God heareth us hereby know we the Spirit of truth and the spirit of errour For further illustration of the end of this Ordinance of Laying on of hands namely A fuller attainment and greater measure of spirituall gifts Let it be observed that the gifts of the Spirit are of two sorts The first Externall and visibly miraculous and the se have two speciall uses 1. To confirm the word and ordinances 2. To convince unbelievers The second sort are more intrinsecall soul-satisfying and glorious for the sealing establishing and nourishing of Christ babes Those externall gifts which are of such excellent use Mark 6.7 13 and are accompanied with choice consolation to believers yet may a Judas Demas or any other reprobate be largely stored with them Mat. 7.22 and go to hell afterwards Those gifts are 1. Healing 2. Miracles 3. Extraordinary Prophesie 4. Divers kinds of tongues 5. Interpretation of tongues 1 Cor. 12.9 10. 1. For healing Although it be a gift continued in the Churches and is the proper work of Elders Jam. 5.14 15. and we enjoy it to this day and have sometimes seen and heard of wonderfull effects yet it cannot be constantly expected no not from the hands of Apostles If Paul could have healed his faithfull fellow-labourer Phil. 2.25 27 30. I am confident he would 2. If any are by this means healed Christ hath performed his promise If all were under the influence of this gift at all times mortality should cease no man would ever dye that might so easily injoy life 3. This gift is rather for confirming * Mark 16.20 the word and Ordinances and for the conviction of Heathens then for the recovery of Christians Act. 28.8 And thereupon Paul leaves the Heathen Parent of Publius at Miletum well But the Christian Trophimus he left at Miletum sick 2 Tim. 4.20 4. A reprobate may enjoy this gift and perish Luk. 9.6 Therefore this is no such desirable gift for beleevers to look for in Laying on of hands Secondly Miracles of what kind soever are 1. To confirme the word and Ordinances Heb. 2.4 Whereupon such Ordinances as God confirmed by Miracles are firmly to be retained and observed and not at any time to be let slip Heb. 2.1 Now it is most clear that Laying on of hands upon Disciples was confirmed by miracles so that this Ordinance amongst others must be carefully observed with earnest heed * Heb. 2.1 opened lest at at any time we should let it slip Observe poor soul thou that standest in awe of thy God must not let it slip at any time therefore hold it fast at this time 1. Because it is a super-angelicall ordinance and therefore to remain stedfast and unmoveable Heb. 2.2 Vers 2. 2. Because the slighting of this and other Gospel mercies will unavoidably bring the greatest miseries v. 3. Vers 3. no possibility of escape if every transgression and disobedience to Moses law * Heb. 10.28 29. every transgression were so severely punished how shall we escape Impossible to escape 3. Thou must take heed to this Fourth Principle as well as other duties earnest heed Because it was at first spoken by
and spear are but Christs condescensions to weak Christians Those tongues which were given once and but once that we know of in the laying on of hands and in Preaching although the Gent. do ever so highly magnifie them amongst professors and believers so as to rase the foundation of a foundation principle because he sees not that sign of tongues doth but feed his hearers with food that is not for them If we dare but give credit to that wise master builder he will clearly shew us what an unwise steward is this Gent. Mat. 24.45 Luk. 12.42 what an unfaithfull servant not dividing the word of truth aright not giving them their portion of meat in due season 2 Tim. 2.15 But indeed setting them a gaping for such food as Christ intends not for them Tongues being for a sign 1 Cor. 14.22 Not to them that believe but to them that believe not And while they are thus busily enquiring after the visible power the signs the miracles like that impertinent question Act. 1.6 they are robbed of that proper powerful food that Christ hath fitted for his table guests and conveyed through laying on of hands that true Manna which whosoever feeds upon shall never die I mean those best gifts which true Christians ought earnestly to covet and use all means to procure as Wisdome Knowledge Faith Prophesie Prayer and the rest wherein the mighty Almighty power of Christ is put forth and which sundry believing soules have felt and found in this Administration of hands some eminently and speedily others more obscurely and by insensible degrees The blessed Spirit dividing to every man severally as he will that is What he will how he will 1 Cor. 12.11 and when he will Lastly I must declare that the Gent. and others making so much noise about the visible Power the miraculous Power the externall glorious Power c. do but hereby proclaime their own unbelief The Apostle plainly telling us that tongues are for a sign not to believers but to unbelievers as above Secondly As for that reproof in Isa 1.12 I have already spoke to it and the God of heaven make it a warning to him that he may cease to reproach the wayes ordinances and servants of Christ And as for Gods demand how we know Heb. 6.2 is meant to lay hands on all Disciples though the Gent. sayes we can but answer we think so and how sad that would be I answer We can confidently tell him for God will make no such idle demands that we know so we know the fourth Principle belongs to all Disciples 1. Because it is one of the first Doctrines or Words of Christ 2. Because it 's one of the foundation Principles for Christians 3. Because it 's plainly called milk for babes Indefinitely 4. Because the Ministers of Christ taught and practised it to all his 5. Because Christs babes have need of it God himself hath spoken it and therefore will never question us for observing the Apostles writings and teachings 1 Cor. 11.37 which his holy Spirit hath testifyed are his own commands Thirdly the Gent. would have us consider How unlike this practise is to the primitive Churches and to Philip Act. 8.12 13. who wrought miracles more then we can do and Baptized with water but left the Laying on of hands to the Apostles Act. 8.14 Answ 1. We have diligently considered and through grace found our selves in the very steps of the primitive Churches whereof some are particularized as the Church of Samaria the Church of Ephesus the Churches of Judea or the Hebrewes who were taught and continued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine they being carefull to settle the same order in all Churches Especially in foundation Principles upon which all the Saints are built Now therefore ye are no more strangers and forainers Ephes 2.19 20. but fellow-citizens with the Saints and of the houshold of God and are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himselfe being the chiefe corner-stone 2. It 's too bold to say that Philip left Laying on of hands to the Apostles when it was the speciall work of God to employ Philip suddainly in the mighty service of converting that noble Aethiopian whom Historians record to be so famous in converting his whole Nation But secondly What a deal of stir here is to set up the poor weak instrument as though there were any power or virtue in one Ministers hands more then another or in one Ordinance then another Why this is nothing but the old Pope and Prelate masking in a new habit Let the eternall Spirit determine what difference there is between Peter and Philip I shall offer no violence to the text only change names a little 1 Cor. 3.5 6 7 8. Who then is Peter and who is Philip but Ministers by whom ye believed even as the Lord gave to every man Philip planted Peter and John watered but God gave the increase So then neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth but God that giveth the increase Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one And one would think this should satisfie an honest humble heart in this matter But thirdly Philip was an Evangelist in the very same rank with Timothy and it cannot be denyed but laying on of hands was the work of an Evangelist 1 Tim. 5.22 Lay hands suddenly on no man Fourthly Act. 9.17 Doubtlesse Philip had as much authority as Ananias for it is confidently asserted by some that Ananias was but a bare Disciple though 't is a wild assertion but let that passe at present Well certain it is Ananias who had power to Baptize had equall power to lay hands upon Paul upon a twofold account 1. For the cure of his body 2. For the filling of him with the holy Ghost The very end and use of this fourth Foundation Principle Paul was at present but a new-born-babe learning and observing or practising his Principles I hope none will presume to say that this main end of Ananias imposing hands that Paul might be filled with the Holy Spirit was any ordination to office unlesse they will be wise above what is written Paul was not then Baptized and not likely to receive ordination before his Foundation Principles were laid Besides Certain it is that his solemne Ordination by imposition of hands was long after namely Act. 13. But Lastly Philip being an Evangelist was not inferiour to the setled elders or Presbytery * 1 Tim. 4.14 and they had authority to impose hands If any shall object That was in Ordination I shall only answer this That strong meat for men is not inferior to milk for babes But enough hath been said to prove Christs Ministers equall in power The Gents. last Consideration warneth his dear friends of the danger of turning Acts of Power into bare imitation and want the power quoting Act. 19.13 14 15 16. Exod. 7. to 13. 8.16 17 18
of the beginning of Christ which the the Apostle saith Every Christian babe ought to be taught 1 Pet. 2.2 as being a part of that sincere milke of the word which he ought to use in the infancy of his profession whiles yet he is unskilfull in the word of righteousnesse Heb. 12.13 We have talked much of the Six Principles of Christian Religion but alas it hath been but an uncertain sound from unskilfull Trumpets whereby Christs Souldiers have not prepared themselves to the battell Act 8.30 through their obedience so that if a Philip should demand Vnderstandest thou what thou readest or hearest who could give a clear answer A great noise is made of Six Principles and yet this Gent. saith that one of them is not a standing Ordinance as wanting a warrantable foundation thus the number of our Principles are only five by his account And Christ himself affronted as a deceiver For if this be true that the Gent. saith there is a title yea and more then a title of a law word or doctrine far exceeding the law of Moses that is fallen to the ground and no more a standing Ordinance Christs lips being not a warrantable foundation it seems by this assrrtion to support it But who would not tremble that ever was truly awakened to hear a practicall Doctrine of Christ which at first was spoken by the Lord * Heb. 2.3 with 6.1 2. to be so flighted He that despised Moses law died without mercy O that timely repentance may avert that so much sorer punishment Heb. 10.29 due to those who bring another Doctrine to raise a foundation Principle of Christian Religion as no standing Ordinance Contrary to many clear Scriptures as Mat. 28. ult Phil. 4.9 2 Tim. 2.2 2 Pet. 1.15 Joh. 14.26 Heb. 2.1 2 3. which clear Scriptures with many more do prove the continuance of all Gospel Ordinances throughout all ages and yet this plain institution of Christ himself seems to the Gent. Luk. 24.11 like Maries message but an idle tale no standing Ordinance as having no warrantable foundation From which absurd and unjust conclusion the Gent. proceeds to twist a rope of sand in a strange Syllogism for the subverting a people who are little better acquainted with mood and figure then their plow-shares to whom Logick is as much a stranger as the truth of this Principle of Laying on of hands But though the Gent. differ not much from a Barbarian to them in this Logicall dresse yet to a prejudiced people set led upon their lees any thing that looks but against this truth will serve turn The substance of what he asserts in such a multitude of words is That Christ hath given no command to his Church to practise the Laying on of Hands upon all Disciples But so far are those Scriptures he quotes from proving his assertion that they return vigorously upon his own head For from the first of them I do in Gods name expostulate with him Isa 1.12 Who hath required this at your hands to contradict and oppose one of the Principles of Christian Religion Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Commandements and teach men so he shall be called the least in the Kingdome of heaven Mat. 5.19 that is utterly cut off Act. 3.22.23 His second Scripture directs us to the Law and to the testimony Isa 8.20 which through distinguishing grace hath engaged gratious hearts in obedience to this law of Laying on of hands whiles he rejecteth the Law and shunneth the clear testimony that Christ hath given to this equall with other of his Ordinances Heb. 2.4 His third Ezck. 43.7 Me thinks should lay a loving restraint upon him no more to defile the pretious things of Christs house of which Laying on of hands hath the fourth place And O that his fourth proof might prove armour of proof upon his Joh. 15.14 and many others hearts to stop their carreer against the commands of Christ for how can he mention this Scripture Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you whiles he sheweth himself an adversary to this command of Christ which the Apostle shews is necessary to be taught Christs babes Heb. 5.12 and doubtlesse they acted according to their commission which runs thus teaching them to do all things whatsoever I have commanded you Mat. 28.20 Yea the Spirit expresly testifyeth that what the Apostles did teach or write are the commands of Christ 1 Cor. 14.37 Then doubtlesse Christs true friends will hear and observe these teachings Heb. 5 12. Ye have need that one teach you again which are none other then Christs own commands The Gents. Rom. 4.15 fifth Scripture informs us that where no law is no trasgression But why did he produce this Scripture or what is this to the Fourth principle or Christian Religion but only to ratifie and confirm this law of Christ unlesse it can be imagined that Christs foundation principles are not his own lawes he commands nothing but what he teacheth he teacheth nothing but what he commands yea what his Apostles teach he teacheth Luk. 10 16. He that heareth you heareth me and he that despiseth you despiseth me Let such therefore as tremble at Gods word take heed of the transgression of his own laws issuing from his own lips such as this foundation Principle is fully proved Lest they share in Nadabs judgement Levit. 10.1 2.13 remembring that of the Apostle Jam. 2.10 Whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all for he that did teach repentance faith and Baptisme did also with the same lips teach Laying on of hands Now if thou be Baptized and yet doest not submit to the Fourth Principle thou art become a transgressour of the Law * Jam. 2.11 And when once the seal is opened and the trumpet hath sounded forth that opened Gospell truth nothing remains but the powring out of Gods Vials upon such as refuse it Certainly he hath no discerning eye that beholds not sad marks of Gods displeasure upon severall persons who have turn'd their backs upon this fourth foundation Principle in those parts where this Gents. papers are spread abroad of which I may speak particularly in a convenient season for because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved 2 Thess 2.10 11. therefore God doth send them strong delusions to believe lies The good Lord make the fearfull fals Schisms Apostasie and blindnesse of some to be a timely warning unto others 1 Cor. 10.6 7 8 9 10 11 12. 2 Cor. 4 3 4. But I must proceed to declare that we make no such matter of the word Oracle as the Gent. deems for though all the lively oracles of God are his commands to be imbraced if Notionall and to be obeyed if Practicall as Baptism and Laying on of hands yet they are no such niceties that we insist on neither resting on
followers of me even as I also am of Christ to which he sayes the Apostle did not intend acts of power but acts of imitation My reply is That if his meaning be Reply that the Apostle did not exhort all the Corinthians to exercise the Ministeriall function or to follow him in doing miracles 't is freely yeelded But if he mean that the Apostle did not command them to follow him in all imitable Christian duties 't is utterly denyed for what he commands more generally in this Scripture he he doth more particularize in Phil. 4.9 Those things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me do and the God of peace shall be with you Now to the point in hand such babes to whom he writes 1 Cor. 3 1 2. had learned the Doctrine of Laying on of hands Heb. 5.12 and this Doctrine they had also received Act. 19.6 which likewise they had heard and seen in Paul when he was a babe in Christ Act. 9.17 This therefore they ought to do as ever they expect the presence of the God of peace so that in this particular it is evident that Paul commands them Be ye followers of me as being fully proved a command of Christ and practise of the Churches But the Gent. saith That imposition of hands is an act of Power To which I reply 'T is no more an act of power then its fellow Principle Baptisme Preaching or any other Ordinance of Christ touching which that of the Wiseman may be applyed Say not this is better then that for they are all beautifull in their season It 's true the gifts of the H. Ghost were so eminently poured out through Laying on of hands that Simon Magus thought it an act of power Act. 8.19 But Simon Magus shall be no tutor of mine for Simon Peter teacheth me a contrary lesson Act. 3.12 namely that what gift Christ is pleased to convey through Ministers is not by any power in the poor instrument But wherein is Laying on of hands an act of power more then Baptisme or Preaching is it because the gifts of the Spirit were received by it Why so they were by Baptisme or else Peter preached false doctrine and failed in what he promised Act. 2.38 Repent and be Baptized every one of you and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Ghost Object Nay but there were miraculous gifts bestowed visibly upon Laying on of hands Act. 19.6 They spake with tonguet and prophesied Answ So there was in Preaching Act. 10 44. While Peter yet spake these words the holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word and they spake with tongues and magnified God vers 46. Now what reason or religion can call Laying on of hands a greater act of power then Preaching is Or who dare put an end to the Fourth Principle because the visible power is ceased and yet retain Preaching from which the very same visible power that did accompany it is also ceased But the Gent. Syllogistically asserts That the laying on of hands upon all Believers was never practised by any save only Apostles If by Apostles he means the Twelve Answ and Paul then I deny his assertion for Ananias was not such an Apostle and yet he did Lay hands on Paul presently after his conversion and before his Baptisme and that not for ordination to office but as the Scripture plainly declareth for these two ends 1. Act. 9.17 That he might receive his sight 2. That he might be filled with the holy Ghost Which latter is the very end of the administration of the Fourth Principle which is not buond up to any precise time but is here administred before Baptism In Act. 8. soon after Baptisme In Act. 19. long after Baptisme Which is the ground of our latitude in waiting for believers submission to thir holy Ordinance But Secondly If his assertion were true that none but Apostles may administer this Ordinance of hands yet must it not fall to the ground for want of such officers to administer it for Christs hand is not shortned neither are the gifts and graces of his Spirit restrained I know not of any gift that is ceased but what Reprobates may have and go to hell with Mat. 7.22 23. Neither are those gifts utterly ceased in the Churches of the Saints And as for those choise gifts of his love Jer. 3.15 Ephes 4.8.11.12 for the work of the Ministry those Pastors after his own heart which he that is faithfull hath promised no lesse hath been his liberality since his ascension then before Say not thou What is the cause that the former dayes were better then these for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this Eccles 7.10 I know that many deceived souls have traditionally received the cessation of Apostles with as much confidence as they dare blot out this Fourth Foundation Principle But where is that Scripture that saith Apostles are ceased To put a distinction between ordinary and extraordinary officers is to coyn such terms and conclusions as will never passe for currant in Gods account as being not once mentioned in the Scriptures of truth I have therefore laid down this as an eternall truth That Apostles are not ceased but by the free gift of Christ continued in and to the Churches of the Saints As Christ hath given them to Ephes 4.11.12 so he hath set them in the Church 1 Cor. 12.28 And in his Churches we frequently find these Apostles Epaphoditus was an Apostle of the Church of Philippi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which we translate Your Messenger so 2 Cor. Phil. 2.27 8.23 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Apostles of the Churches the glory of Christ So that we must not be unfaithfull to Christ to let fall one of his Foundation Principles for want of an officer to administer it If it were true as the Gent. saith that none but Apostles may do it yet 't is clear that Christ hath richly furnished his Churches even with Apostles so that neither Officer nor Ordinance is yet fallen to the ground Thirdly Gal. 2.18 the Apostle saith If I build again the things which I destroyed I make my self a transgressour Such a transgressour is this Gent. in bringing slime in stead of morter by these his Arguments to build again that Popish Prelaticall superiority which Christ and Saints have exploded It was indeed their aspiring project to uphold their tottering Babel that all the Ministers of Christ had not equall authority and therefore must not presume to administer all ordinances and particularly none but Lawn-sleeves must presume to medle with this Ordinance of hands either to private Disciples wherein they being purblind did grosly mistake the subject as they did also in Baptisme taking Carnall babes for Spirituall neither might any else without these Lordly Prelates ordain any to Church office And such a designe is this Gent. driving who would confine and limit this ordinance of hands to the hands of
Apostles 'T is strange that this foundation Principle must either be mounted and advanced above its fellowes or else it must be buried in oblivion and not practised at all What is imposition of hands more then the Doctrine of Faith Repentance Baptisme and the rest that the beautifull feet of him which bringeth the Doctrine of Faith and Baptizeth may not presume to administer hands Christs Doctrine owns no such difference in point of superiority but whosoever is orderly called to preach hath also full authority to carry on all Ordinances whatsoever Christ commanded his Apostles Mat. 28.19 20. If what hath been said doth not satisfie as to the equall power of all preaching Ministers to carry on all Ordinances let these Scriptures be considered 2 Tim. 2.2 Act. 20.28 1 Cor. 3.5.8 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3 4. 3 Joh. 9. 1 Thess 1.1 with many more which clearly hold out equall power not one for any superiority So that the Gent. is much mistaken in saying 't is an Absurdity yea that many Absurdities will follow our assertion that we are commanded to follow the Apostles in all things except stil before excepted Act. 9. And in this thing it 's plain Ananias did it and the Presbyterie did it and Timothy had power to do it 1 Tim. 4.14 5.22 and other Ministers may do it and God will blesse it And thus having answered the Gent. touching fit Ministers for this ordinance I shall in the second place take a view of the subjects which he saith were a people ignorant of and strangers to the holy Ghost Whereunto I answer 1. That it is true of those Act. 19. before Paul instructed them better but I hope the Gent. will bethink himself and confesse that before the Laying on of hands they were taught and believed in the holy Ghost And as for those Disciples of both sexes in Samaria they heard Christ faithfully preached Act. 8.5 6. they saw the power of the holy Spirit working by wonderfull miracles v. 6. unclean spirits cast out v. 7. they were filled with joy a lively fruit of the Spirit v. 8. they believed which is an eminent gift of the Spirit 1 Cor. 12.9 and were Baptized in the name of Jesus that is according to the command of Jesus v. 12. Now to affirme that these were ignorant of and strangers to the Holy Ghost is that which I dare not venture upon for the reverence I owe to God and fear lest his Saints should shun me for grosse untruth But however the Gent. at unawares hath thus far holpen us in acknowledging some truth namely That they were but yong beginners meer babes in Christ to whom this Ordinance of hands was administred Whereas he saith That there was no such practise amongst the 3000. Act. 2. nor Act. 4. nor in the Churches of Corinth Rome Thessalonica or any other setled Churches I answer If Laying on of hands be the Apostles Doctrine Answ then the 3000. did religiously practise it what a needlesse thing is it now to play the Logician and muster up a Minor and Conclusion But Laying on of hands is the Apostles Doctrine Ergo. Is it not much more substantiall to prove this truth by the plain word of God thus Act. 2.42 They continued stedfast in the Apostles Doctrine so that either the Gent. must deny Laying on of hands to be the Apostles Doctrine for babes or else he must perforce confesse with humility that they did practise it What wiseman will say this Church neglected what their messengers in another * Act. 8.14 15 16 17. Church practised And as for that uncouth reasoning that neither the Churches of Rome nor Corinth nor any setled Churches did practise the Fourth Principle As it is not true in it self as I have already fully proved so it must unavoidably bring in such grosse Absurdities if he talks of Absurdities as shall shake yea and overturn most of our Ordinances For I may as well conclude that breaking of bread and the Lords Supper is not to be practised because neither the Churches of Rome of Ephesus of Philippi of Colosse of Thessalonica nor any of the seven Churches of Asia have any mention of it I know not of any more then three Churches that mention the Lords supper namely Judea Troas and Corinth and in so many at least is the Fourth Principle recorded viz. the Hebrews Samaria and Ephesus I might produce many Churches where not a syllable of Baptisme is once mentioned and the like of severall other Ordinances but I am perswaded so of the Gent. that he will ingenuously acknowledge it was for want of a better reason that he produced this From the subjects he proceeds to the end of this Ordinance which he saith Was not to put persons in expectation of or waiting for the Holy Ghost but immediately to communicate the Spirit in the action T is strange to me that the Apostles should so earnestly pray for the holy Spirit Answ Act. 8.19 to fill them that were not to expect or wait for it Deserves he food that thinks it vain to gape The Lord Jesus hath put all his upon earnest prayer and expectation for his Spirit Luk. 11. Neither is it in the power of any creature to communicate of the Spirit through any ordinance for the Wind or Spirit bloweth where and how it listeth having severall gifts which he distributeth as he pleaseth 1 Cor. 12.11 whether sooner or later 't is worth the waiting for Now the just end of this Ordinance of hands as of all other ordinances is for spirituall babes to obtain a geater measure of the same Spirit some heavenly qualification some sealing confirming mercy such as Believers have need of as Ephes 1.13 In whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed by that holy Spirit of promise that is after the poor babe hath rolled it self upon Christ by a faith of adherence God is pleased to seal it by faith of assurance sometimes sooner sometimes later sometimes in Baptisme or after sometims through laying on of hands Lords Supper Prayer Preaching how he will and when he will wherefore it behoves the gratious soul to wait upon him for his Spirit in all his holy appointments for there he will hand out his loves Cant. 7.12 There is a generation of professors that are rather principled by sight then faith who will not believe except they see signes and wonders but they should remember that an evill and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign And yet they might see signs and wonders every day 2 Cor. 12.12 yea the signs and wonders of Apostles wrought amongst them that is those greater works that Christ promised his Disciples should do Joh. 14.12 Greater miracles they never could they never did do But greater works of conversion were wrought by them and these are the great signes and seals and mighty deeds that God is working by his Apostles even before our eyes There being many through grace that are
edifie thy self nor others vers 14 17. No no thou little one thou suckling Luk. 10.21 to whom the good pleasure of thy Father is to reveal the mysteries of his Kingdome which he conceals from the wise and prudent I stand as one of wisdomes maidens to give thee an earnest invitation yea to compell thee to come Prov. 9.3 Luk. 14.23 and sup with the Lord upon a daintier dish then tongues or any such externall things Upon that hidden manna the bread that cometh down from Heaven Joh. 6.50 Cant. 1.3 4. 2.4 which whosoever eats of shall never die I would lead thee and all thy virgin companions by the savor of his good oyntments into the inner chambers of the King yea into his banqueting house where thou shalt be presented with his choisest gifts Wisdome Knowledge Faith c. The Wisdome of God in a Mystery not an external sound Col. 2.3 Ephes 3.17 18 19 20. to satisfie a carnall heart but all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge such as will warm thy inside and by degrees so root thee and ground thee in love that at length thou shalt be filled with all the fulnesse of God Col. 2.2 Vnto all riches of the full assurance of understanding to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God and of the Father and of Christ Come then Rev. 22.17 let heaven and earth ring together The Spirit and the Bride say Come and let him that heareth say Come and let him that is athirst Come and whosoeverwill let him take of the water of life freely Who so is simple let him turn in bither Pov. 9.4 5. as for him that wanteth understanding she saith unto him Come eat of my bread and drink of the wine which I have mingled Ah thou beloved believer here 's a feast for a King such a King as thou art and thou shalt be a welcome guest the more thou shalt eat Cant. 5.1 the better welcome Eat O friends drink abundantly O beloved I have acquainted thee in what dishes this supper is served through what pipes these best gifts are conveyed Act. 10.44 2.38 9.17 namely through the word Preached through Baptism through Laying on of hands and other Ordinances Thy obedience will dispell the clouds of thy Ignorance If any man will do his will he shall know of the dectrine whether it be of God or whether I speak of my self Joh. 7.17 Rom. 2.13 For not the hearers but the doers of the Law are justified Therefore look upon them as the enemies of thy soul that tell thee thou must learn the fourth Principle but not practise it Thy dear Redeemer learns thee another lesson If ye know these things Joh. 13.17 happy are ye if ye do them Do them therefore and wait upon God for what he pleaseth to give and when The sucking babe is not alwayes sensible of its grouth in drawing the breasts Possibly God may give thee an Eunuch's portion speedily possibly by insensible degrees The Christian Hebrews had been in the use of this milk this fourth Principle and in the other five a considerable time Heb. 5.12 13. before they had any eminent gift wherefore let not any pretious soul in this practise either say God is a hard master or question his own condition if gifts do not presently or eminently flow as they desire O Augustine he is come he is come warmed the Martyr within when the flames were most scorching without Possibly God reserves his gifts till thou hast most need of them Some sooner some later If any shall say the Hebrews were not in the practise of this Doctrine of Laying on of hands because they were not eminent in gifts I must tell such persons that they flatly contradict the Scriptures which tessifie Act. 2.42 Heb. 5.12.13 That they continued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine yea that they had been taught it and did use it And to say That they were taught Baptisme and did practise it and were taught Laying on of hands but did not practise it is such a sign of a shallow capacity as deserves no answer but silence and pity Wherefore I invite thee again thou troubled tempted soul whom the enemy keeps back with scruples it is thy Lord cals for thee Behold I have prepared my dinner Mat. 22.4 my oxen and my fatlings are killed and all things are ready come unto the marriage Take heed thou tender Lamb of making light of these invitations beware of delaies they are very dangerous as thou tenderest the good of thy soul look not upon thy livings or livelihood but especially thy relations Luk 14.18 19 20. Ch. 9.59 61. Ch. 14.27 no not so much as bury thy dead or take leave of them that are at home He that loveth father and mother more then me is not worthy of me And whosoever doth not bear his crosse and come after me cannot be my disciple How many poor souls have I known some at the very door of Baptisme and while they have delayed slumbred and loitered the enemy came and sowed tares Mat. 13.25 by some deluded Quaker or otherwise slighting Christs Ordinances I am come in my Fathers name and ye receive me not Joh. 5.43 if another come in his own name crying up his light within in the secret chambers Mat. 24.26 him ye will receive Some have been ready to fall upon their knees for convenience sake to have hands laid upon them and though God hath had mercy upon any that have afterwards obeyed yet others have been left to strong delusions to believe 2 Thess 2.11 write and practise lies If any man draw back Heb. 10.38 my soul shall have no pleasure in him And others who have slighted the fellowship of the Saints neglecting Christ invitation I have seen death surprise them in their disobedience Luk. 14.24 For I say unto you that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my Supper And is not that sad thou poor enquiring soul But in the last place If God have drawn out thy heart by the smell of Christs garments I say Christs garments those outward things which proud ones passe by and deluded souls disdain Which yet the Spirit sayes Psal 45.8 Come out of the Ivory Palaces casting forth the fragrant odours and cordiall perfumes of myrrhe Aloes and Cassia If these have made glad thy gracious heart whiles thy Queen-like virgin-soul hath adorned her self with the choice embroyderies of thy beloved not contenting thy self wich a fancied light in thy conscience but approving thy self the Kings daughter indeed Vers 13. legitimately descended all glorious within and thy clothing of wrought gold That is if thou have yeelded thine obedience to those principles and other Ordinances * Zech. 4.12 through which the golden gifts and graces of his Spirit flow Let no man deceive thee with vain words giving thee leave to learn but not to practise