in_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v neither_o male_a nor_o female_a but_o if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o abraham_n seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o promise_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o do_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o again_o he_o that_o stabiish_v we_o in_o chrâ—st_n and_o have_v anoint_v we_o be_v god_n who_o also_o have_v seâ—led_v we_o and_o give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n yea_o this_o even_o this_o spirit_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n according_a to_o 2_o pet._n 1_o 3_o 4._o thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v evince_n that_o the_o handmaid_n as_o well_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n without_o exception_n that_o â—he_v church_n of_o god_n without_o rejection_n of_o any_o true_a member_n thereof_o have_v a_o clear_a indubitate_a right_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o hâ—ly_a spirit_n and_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v not_o only_o no_o nor_o chief_o in_o those_o gift_n which_o some_o say_v be_v now_o cease_v to_o wit_n of_o miracle_n tongue_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o have_v no_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o this_o promise_n chief_o consist_v in_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o soul_a ablish_v comfort_n thereof_o yea_o in_o that_o which_o seal_v a_o christian_a to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n which_o tongue_n and_o miracle_n will_v fail_v to_o do_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v like_a water_n to_o he_o that_o iâ—_n thirsty_a as_o before_o we_o have_v see_v it_o be_v that_o unction_n which_o the_o holy_a one_o which_o teach_v christian_n all_o thing_n or_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n iâ—_n a_o word_n it_o be_v that_o reception_n of_o the_o spiriâ—_n which_o be_v above_o all_o gift_n of_o tongue_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n call_v charity_n and_o be_v branch_v into_o meekness_n temperance_n goodness_n and_o faith_n yea_o '_o tiâ—_n that_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n power_n and_o a_o sound_a mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o i_o mean_v this_o gift_n oâ—_n the_o spirit_n a_o christian_a be_v both_o accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n so_o then_o we_o have_v the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n remain_v for_o and_o pertain_v to_o the_o handmaid_n and_o servant_n oâ—_n the_o lord_n in_o the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n thereoâ—_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o and_o consequent_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o as_o ever_o any_o be_v and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o my_o proposition_n viz._n the_o dutiful_a observance_n of_o that_o way_n which_o be_v allow_v and_o confirm_v from_o heaven_n for_o obtain_v that_o heavenly_a donation_n that_o god_n shall_v by_o his_o prophet_n foretell_v oâ—_n such_o grace_n and_o so_o often_o mention_v it_o as_o so_o greaâ—_n a_o promise_n the_o reception_n whereof_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o without_o which_o christian_n do_v want_v the_o lively_a evidence_n â—eaâ—_n &_o confirmation_n that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n with_o christ_n &_o not_o assign_v some_o peculiar_a way_n and_o special_a mean_n for_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o order_n to_o their_o obtain_n it_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v credible_a which_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o do_v if_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o church_n or_o her_o delegate_n be_v reject_v if_o otherwise_o it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o body_n will_v assign_v we_o what_o peculiar_a way_n the_o word_n of_o god_n direct_v we_o to_o as_o be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v ratify_v from_o heaven_n as_o a_o mean_n peculiar_a for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n which_o if_o any_o assay_n to_o show_v we_o let_v they_o also_o consider_v why_o the_o apostle_n take_v that_o way_n which_o be_v so_o much_o neglect_v by_o our_o brethren_n if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o particular_a mean_n and_o way_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o no_o special_a way_n or_o mean_n be_v leave_v we_o but_o the_o general_a ordinance_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v then_o say_v it_o be_v not_o like_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n in_o other_o case_n for_o ordinary_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o promise_v or_o give_v some_o special_a favour_n or_o gift_n unto_o his_o church_n he_o therewithal_o order_v some_o solemn_a or_o service_n to_o keep_v in_o memory_n that_o his_o favour_n and_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o promise_n thus_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n the_o deliverance_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o they_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o he_o promise_v they_o must_v be_v perpetuate_v and_o wait_v for_o in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o way_n as_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o memorial_n or_o reception_n of_o these_o favour_n respective_o and_o so_o must_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v seek_v for_o and_o signify_v not_o only_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o general_a but_o particular_o in_o the_o baptism_n of_o of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n also_o nor_o must_v we_o only_o receive_v the_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v but_o particular_o in_o the_o solemn_a use_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n also_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o seek_v to_o god_n for_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o prayer_n but_o also_o in_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a way_n of_o prayer_n allow_v and_o confirm_v from_o heaven_n for_o that_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n which_o be_v the_o point_n to_o be_v demonstrate_v according_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n in_o that_o behalf_n do_v teach_v we_o and_o first_o from_o that_o place_n act_v 8._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o now_o when_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v at_o jerusaâ—em_n hear_v that_o samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n who_o when_o they_o be_v come_v down_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o lay_v they_o their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a gâ—ost_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n it_o be_v meet_v to_o consider_v that_o such_o as_o pray_v to_o god_n aught_o to_o know_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o pray_v for_o be_v attainable_a and_o that_o they_o know_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v of_o he_o that_o very_a thing_n which_o they_o pray_v for_o especial_o when_o the_o prayer_n be_v make_v positive_o i_o mean_v without_o conditional_a expression_n as_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o prayer_n be_v such_o as_o indeed_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v without_o doubt_v when_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n those_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v james_n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7._o but_o if_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o place_n be_v mean_v only_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n thereof_o such_o as_o tongue_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n then_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o any_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v that_o all_o those_o person_n which_o be_v baptise_a in_o samaria_n shall_v so_o receive_v the_o spirit_n no_o nor_o any_o ground_n from_o any_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o particular_a person_n among_o they_o â—lâ—_n since_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o that_o case_n be_v not_o make_v to_o this_o or_o that_o man_n or_o woman_n by_o name_n and_o consequent_o here_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o pray_v absolute_o and_o believe_o but_o rather_o doubt_o for_o that_o very_a thing_n which_o they_o purposely_o pray_v for_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o rather_o very_a few_o and_o they_o also_o unknown_a by_o name_n to_o any_o man_n no_o not_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 11_o 29._o act_n 1._o 24._o be_v choose_v to_o be_v prophet_n worker_n of_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n at_o all_o practise_v here_o as_o some_o imagine_v namely_o a_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n do_v sometime_o give_v
brethren_n resolve_v we_o concern_v the_o proper_a time_n to_o begin_v to_o teach_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o that_o principle_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n mean_o while_o we_o conclude_v that_o the_o proper_a time_n to_o instruct_v man_n concern_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o touch_v the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o be_v at_o or_o about_o the_o time_n of_o their_o beginning_n their_o christian_a course_n or_o be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n because_o every_o member_n of_o that_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v vivify_v by_o that_o one_o spirit_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o again_o the_o whole_a foundation_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n ergo_fw-la all_o the_o principle_n heb_n 6._o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n the_o anteoedent_n will_v never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o wise_a builder_n for_o they_o know_v the_o superstructure_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v secure_a if_o the_o foundation_n be_v defective_a the_o consequence_n be_v good_a because_o every_o principle_n heb._n 6._o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o so_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n among_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n nor_o will_v our_o brethren_n demand_n ground_v on_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n prejudice_n ought_v that_o we_o have_v say_v see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o ignorant_a of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o shall_v be_v obtain_v but_o they_o be_v plain_o ignorant_a that_o christ_n must_v die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o their_o justification_n as_o appear_v luke_o 24._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o and_o he_o that_o be_v jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v his_o disciple_n what_o thing_n and_o they_o say_v unto_o he_o concern_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n which_o be_v a_o prophet_n mighty_a indeed_o and_o word_n before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o how_o our_o ruler_n deliver_v he_o to_o be_v condemn_v to_o death_n and_o have_v crucify_v he_o but_o we_o trust_v that_o it_o have_v be_v he_o that_o shall_v have_v deliver_v israel_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o to_o day_n be_v the_o three_o day_n since_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v yea_o and_o certain_a woman_n also_o of_o our_o own_o company_n make_v we_o astonish_v which_o be_v early_o at_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o when_o they_o find_v not_o his_o body_n they_o come_v say_v that_o they_o have_v also_o sein_fw-fr a_fw-fr vision_n of_o angel_n which_o say_v that_o he_o be_v alive_a and_o certain_a that_o be_v with_o we_o go_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o find_v it_o even_o as_o the_o woman_n have_v say_v but_o he_o they_o see_v not_o then_o he_o say_v that_o be_v jesus_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v his_o disciple_n o_n fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v ought_v not_o christ_n to_o have_v suffer_v these_o thing_n hence_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v evident_a 1._o that_o christ_n disciple_n be_v ignorant_a that_o he_o shall_v work_v man_n deliverance_n by_o die_v for_o they_o 2._o that_o he_o shall_v overcome_v death_n by_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a 3._o that_o christ_n both_o reprove_v their_o ignorance_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n touch_v these_o principle_n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o our_o brethren_n have_v gain_v by_o quere_a from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n sure_o not_o a_o hairs-breadth_n of_o proof_n that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n shall_v be_v dispense_v with_o in_o the_o perfect_a constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n any_o more_o than_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n may_v be_v dispense_v with_o in_o like_a manner_n but_o howsoever_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o wink_v at_o the_o day_n of_o this_o ignorance_n yet_o sure_o we_o know_v that_o man_n be_v not_o now_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n unless_o they_o confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v not_o to_o cry_v lord_n lord_n only_o but_o acknowledge_v he_o their_o lord_n purchaser_n and_o their_o lord_n commander_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a whence_o we_o conclude_v if_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n they_o be_v very_o unfit_a for_o church-communion_n and_o here_o we_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o your_o demand_n where_o the_o apostle_n lay_v hand_n upon_o any_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o demand_n seem_v to_o be_v corrupt_a in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o that_o it_o suppose_v that_o if_o the_o end_n of_o a_o ordinance_n be_v obtain_v the_o ordinance_n cease_v the_o contrary_a to_o which_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n act_v 10._o 47_o 48._o for_o baptism_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n communicate_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o reception_n thereof_o &_o be_v propound_v as_o a_o mean_n wherein_o not_o only_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o we_o but_o as_o a_o condition_n whereupon_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n acts._n 2._o 38._o yet_o we_o know_v the_o spirit_n be_v once_o at_o least_o give_v and_o receive_v before_o baptism_n be_v dispense_v yea_o those_o person_n have_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o baptism_n for_o god_n that_o know_v their_o heart_n do_v now_o evidence_n the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n purife_v their_o heart_n by_o faith_n act_v 11._o yet_o do_v not_o all_o this_o in_o the_o least_o make_v void_a that_o solemn_a ordinance_n the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v fore-ordained_n to_o signify_v and_o sacramental_o to_o confer_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o inward_a wash_n of_o the_o conscience_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o then_o the_o end_n of_o a_o ordinance_n be_v obtain_v do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o practic_a part_n during_o the_o time_n that_o the_o church_n be_v under_o ordinance_n than_o who_o can_v forbid_v prayer_n with_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o promise_a spirit_n even_o for_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v a_o measure_n thereof_o already_o see_v none_o will_v say_v i_o trust_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v so_o much_o but_o that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v more_o again_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n nor_o confusion_n in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o his_o holy_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o rom._n 16_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 14_o 33._o and_o therefore_o have_v not_o ordain_v a_o divide_a or_o confuse_a order_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n which_o yet_o can_v be_v avoid_v if_o once_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o part_n of_o a_o congregation_n under_o a_o pretence_n that_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n or_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n already_o must_v be_v admit_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o a_o ordinance_n or_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o observation_n whereof_o the_o other_o part_n can_v arrive_v at_o the_o privilege_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o same_o body_n without_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o order_n a_o weak_a sight_n may_v perceive_v whither_o such_o a_o conceit_n will_v lead_v we_o at_o last_o even_o into_o that_o wilderness_n whither_o many_o be_v go_v who_o forsooth_o because_o they_o have_v the_o kernel_n to_o wit_n the_o spirit_n they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o shell_n to_o wit_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o if_o that_o spirit_n which_o lead_v man_n into_o disobedience_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n till_o at_o length_n they_o have_v so_o much_o spirit_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n crucify_v without_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v of_o as_o little_a esteem_n with_o they_o as_o his_o ordinance_n the_o other_o corrupt_a ground_n of_o this_o demand_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o overweening_a conceit_n of_o present_a receiving_n and_o have_v too_o much_o of_o that_o language_n what_o profit_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o and_o seem_v to_o border_n much_o upon_o their_o apprehension_n who_o concern_v holy_a baptism_n do_v thus_o speak_v i_o be_o as_o well_o
of_o its_o chief_a patriot_n be_v certain_o from_o a_o mind_n fill_v with_o perturbation_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v with_o no_o small_a emulation_n against_o some_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n then_o for_o their_o confidence_n and_o constancy_n in_o that_o which_o by_o the_o vision_n of_o truth_n be_v make_v know_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n for_o how_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o a_o pure_a fountain_n or_o mind_n fill_v with_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v ever_o send_v forth_o such_o dreadful_a stream_n of_o slander_n against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o can_v hardly_o be_v paralel_v in_o any_o author_n as_o if_o the_o congregation_n of_o christian_n under_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v invader_n and_o usurper_n of_o the_o lord_n peculiar_a prerogative_n such_o as_o will_v irrevocable_o throw_v their_o fellow_n servant_n into_o hell_n and_o death_n such_o as_o lock_v heaven-gate_n against_o the_o strict_a piety_n of_o a_o dissent_v brother_n and_o open_v it_o wide_o to_o those_o that_o be_v defective_a in_o moral_n such_o as_o heat_v the_o furnace_n seven_o time_n for_o those_o which_o bow_v not_o to_o their_o dictate_v such_o as_o make_v conscience_n a_o make_v bate_v such_o as_o kindle_v flame_n in_o god_n house_n by_o fire_n take_v from_o the_o altar_n and_o bring_v the_o fat_a oblation_n to_o maintain_v that_o fire_n of_o contention_n such_o as_o will_v rather_o fire_v the_o house_n of_o god_n than_o die_v without_o do_v somewhat_o which_o may_v perpetuate_v their_o name_n yea_o such_o as_o be_v satan_n â—urveyers_n to_o bring_v prey_n to_o his_o den_n and_o to_o make_v the_o measure_n run_v over_o and_o over_o such_o as_o if_o they_o can_v execute_v all_o that_o they_o condemn_v few_o or_o none_o can_v be_v save_v it_o be_v true_a after_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n you_o stroke_v we_o on_o the_o head_n and_o tell_v we_o though_o you_o thus_o speak_v yet_o you_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o â—he_n most_o of_o we_o a_o narrow_a plaster_n for_o so_o great_a a_o wound_n be_v no_o more_o than_o must_v â—e_v say_v if_o charity_n bear_v any_o sway_n of_o the_o manifold_a sect_n which_o now_o profess_v christianity_n among_o who_o there_o be_v many_o â—_o who_o according_a to_o their_o light_n be_v pious_a peaceable_a and_o serious_a but_o alas_o who_o will_v believe_v that_o many_o among_o we_o be_v good_a christian_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o one_o part_n of_o our_o church_n consist_v of_o such_o as_o be_v notorious_o know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o you_o have_v characterise_a but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v shall_v we_o render_v rail_v for_o rail_v god_n forbid_v for_o we_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a nor_o will_v we_o revenge_v ourselves_o by_o recrimination_n and_o as_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o our_o innocency_n will_v in_o these_o thing_n great_o plead_v against_o you_o so_o we_o trust_v there_o be_v no_o such_o impiety_n and_o execrable_a doer_n among_o you_o if_o this_o your_o search_n have_v not_o tincture_v you_o the_o lord_n know_v and_o israel_n shall_v know_v that_o if_o we_o know_v any_o such_o evil_a worker_n in_o our_o congregation_n they_o shall_v either_o reform_v or_o go_v to_o their_o place_n and_o if_o you_o know_v any_o such_o you_o may_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v single_v they_o out_o that_o we_o may_v have_v know_v they_o by_o name_n and_o not_o have_v thus_o sell_v we_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o scorner_n to_o be_v a_o derision_n to_o the_o foolish_a prov._n 12._o 18._o there_o be_v that_o speak_v like_o the_o piercing_n of_o a_o sword_n but_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v health_n nor_o do_v we_o doubt_v but_o that_o many_o of_o you_o be_v mere_o ensnare_v in_o the_o publication_n of_o your_o epistle_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a you_o shall_v imply_v his_o pen_n in_o this_o matter_n who_o you_o know_v to_o be_v too_o much_o entangle_v in_o the_o folly_n of_o his_o own_o way_n at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v true_o serviceable_a to_o god_n and_o his_o people_n whatever_o he_o have_v be_v in_o time_n past_a what_o be_v here_o write_v now_o offer_v itself_o to_o your_o consideration_n as_o a_o thing_n compel_v from_o we_o at_o this_o time_n by_o your_o high_a provocation_n well_o know_v it_o to_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o time_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n to_o be_v study_v for_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n than_o argument_n for_o disputation_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v wish_v that_o christian_n will_v not_o thus_o put_v one_o another_o to_o business_n see_v they_o do_v bear_v and_o be_v like_a to_o bear_v in_o their_o body_n the_o mark_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n according_a to_o that_o say_n gal._n 6._o 17._o nor_o be_v it_o needful_a to_o set_v down_o your_o demand_n in_o this_o our_o answer_n partly_o for_o that_o the_o substance_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v and_o partly_o for_o that_o you_o have_v make_v your_o book_n so_o public_a as_o that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o every_o brother_n hand_n who_o therefore_o when_o he_o see_v this_o answer_n may_v compare_v it_o with_o your_o search_n for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n your_o brother_n tho._n grantham_n a_o sigh_n for_o peace_n or_o the_o cause_n of_o division_n discover_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v certain_o a_o easy_a thing_n though_o very_o pernicious_a to_o fill_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o question_n and_o such_o too_o as_o may_v carry_v a_o show_n of_o strength_n against_o the_o most_o important_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o those_o who_o be_v sick_a of_o question_n or_o demand_n to_o receive_v satisfaction_n by_o any_o endeavour_n whatsoever_o and_o as_o in_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n the_o question_n of_o some_o have_v be_v endless_a even_o so_o now_o that_o humour_n have_v be_v and_o be_v much_o at_o work_n against_o that_o solemn_a service_n of_o prayer_n 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peace_n pretend_v but_o as_o in_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v too_o solicitous_a so_o neither_o in_o our_o answer_n shall_v we_o need_v to_o be_v ouluminous_a by_o trace_v their_o demand_n one_o by_o one_o for_o though_o the_o number_n thereof_o be_v many_o yet_o they_o be_v reducible_a to_o three_o head_n touch_v which_o the_o truth_n be_v evince_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o their_o demand_n be_v answer_v now_o the_o head_n to_o which_o their_o demand_n may_v be_v reduce_v be_v these_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o those_o congregation_n of_o baptise_a disciple_n who_o reject_v that_o solemn_a service_n of_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o the_o promise_a spirit_n viz._n whether_o they_o be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o the_o second_o respect_v the_o matter_n of_o communion_n between_o those_o christian_n who_o religious_o observe_v prayer_n with_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n pertain_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o christian_a man_n and_o these_o who_o reject_v and_o oppose_v it_o the_o three_o be_v touch_v the_o service_n itself_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o ground_n and_o end_n as_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o at_o this_o day_n that_o i_o may_v with_o the_o more_o facility_n and_o clearness_n proceed_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o particular_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o last_o first_o touch_v which_o particular_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a this_o proposttion_n viz._n that_o as_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n or_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o that_o be_v the_o call_v of_o the_o lord_n so_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o solemn_a way_n wherein_o his_o servant_n and_o handmaid_n
priscilla_n and_o aquilla_n have_v be_v leave_v there_o who_o teach_v such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n more_o perfect_o apollo_n also_o mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n we_o can_v now_o reasonable_o think_v that_o paul_n will_v settle_v those_o certain_a disciple_n act_n 19_o in_o a_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n already_o much_o less_o in_o a_o way_n or_o practice_v contradistinct_a from_o the_o church_n and_o if_o not_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v also_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o those_o certain_a disciple_n who_o be_v now_o to_o be_v lay_v into_o the_o build_n with_o the_o rest_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o more_o considerable_a if_o we_o note_v that_o passage_n in_o ephesian_n 1._o 13._o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o ephesus_n and_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o spirit_n of_o promise_n after_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o full_o agree_v with_o the_o order_n wherein_o the_o certain_a disciple_n also_o receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o here_o let_v we_o not_o omit_v that_o passage_n act_v 22._o 10._o &_o 9_o 17._o whence_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o paul_n the_o elect_a uâ—ssel_n must_v be_v send_v to_o damaseus_fw-la to_o be_v teach_v the_o principle_n or_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n by_o he_o ananias_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_o in_o respect_v of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v a_o doubt_n among_o christian_n whether_o he_o speak_v with_o tongue_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o proper_a gift_n or_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o education_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n power_n and_o of_o a_o second_o mind_n which_o he_o affirm_v god_n have_v give_v he_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 7._o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o variaiton_n in_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n in_o paul_n case_n that_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o general_a there_o be_v a_o emergency_n which_o may_v occasion_v it_o and_o a_o special_a allowance_n from_o heaven_n for_o it_o at_o that_o time_n nor_o may_v this_o variation_n be_v a_o precedent_n for_o we_o to_o vary_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v no_o such_o occasion_n for_o it_o any_o more_o than_o the_o israelite_n eat_v the_o passover_n without_o be_v cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n when_o a_o emergency_n call_v for_o it_o and_o the_o lord_n allow_v it_o give_v they_o ground_n to_o do_v so_o again_o when_o there_o be_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v it_o material_a against_o aught_o that_o we_o have_v say_v that_o ananias_n be_v no_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o impose_v hand_n on_o paul_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n only_o for_o unless_o we_o imagine_v the_o church_n to_o have_v great_a power_n than_o god_n we_o can_v deny_v ananias_n to_o have_v authority_n for_o all_o that_o he_o say_v and_o do_v to_o saul_n see_v he_o have_v immediate_a mission_n from_o heaven_n which_o be_v equivolent_a to_o the_o church_n mission_n at_o least_o nor_o be_v it_o â—easonable_a to_o think_v that_o power_n to_o act_v in_o gospel_n ordinance_n be_v so_o tie_v to_o the_o church_n as_o that_o god_n may_v not_o anticipate_v that_o order_n when_o it_o please_v he_o and_o as_o this_o choose_a vessel_n be_v teach_v the_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n so_o he_o instruct_v other_o in_o the_o same_o as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o part_n and_o may_v see_v yet_o further_o in_o his_o writing_n to_o timothy_a who_o be_v under_o some_o fear_n and_o temptation_n he_o labour_v to_o comfort_v he_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n power_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n which_o he_o remind_v he_o of_o by_o mention_v the_o mean_n use_v for_o obtain_v it_o which_o be_v the_o put_v on_o of_o paul_n hand_n see_v and_o consider_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o point_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v â—hat_n epistle_n which_o paul_n write_v unto_o the_o hebrew_n church_n who_o as_o he_o himself_o have_v learned_a and_o teach_v other_o concern_v the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o so_o he_o â—uts_v the_o first_o of_o gospel_n church_n in_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v as_o a_o standard_n to_o the_o rest_n have_v be_v teach_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o principle_n as_o christian_n heb._n 5._o â—2_n and_o particular_o concern_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o concern_v which_o particular_a as_o i_o shall_v have_v too_o much_o occasion_n to_o note_v the_o differ_a opinion_n among_o the_o baptise_a congregation_n so_o i_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v general_o agree_v or_o rather_o that_o which_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o searcher_n and_o first_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o suppose_v they_o mean_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v frequent_o teach_v as_o a_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o they_o give_v we_o no_o reason_n why_o it_o ought_v not_o with_o like_a frequency_n to_o be_v teach_v as_o a_o principle_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n now_o second_o they_o grant_v that_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n book_n now_o either_o they_o must_v grant_v that_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n with_o prayer_n to_o obtain_v it_o make_v but_o one_o principle_n of_o christianity_n or_o else_o they_o fall_v into_o that_o which_o they_o condemn_v viz._n the_o make_v seven_o principle_n but_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n they_o seem_v to_o make_v these_o two_o to_o be_v but_o one_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o will_v destroy_v the_o practic_a part_n for_o they_o demand_v whether_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o may_v not_o be_v figurative_o understand_v for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v give_v thereby_o but_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a and_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o â—his_v be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v such_o a_o figurative_a foundation_n as_o babe_n in_o christ_n can_v never_o understand_v and_o then_o will_v come_v in_o a_o figurative_a baptism_n only_o yea_o a_o figurative_a resurrection_n too_o â—ould_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n at_o the_o heel_n of_o â—he_n other_o figure_n till_o at_o last_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o â—he_n principle_n will_v stand_v only_o for_o a_o cyber_n but_o the_o instance_n which_o the_o searcher_n bring_v â—o_o strengthen_v this_o their_o figurative_a interpretation_n very_o providential_o overthrow_v it_o for_o â—hough_o the_o cup_n be_v take_v for_o the_o wine_n and_o the_o â—read_n and_o wine_n for_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n â—et_o we_o know_v that_o the_o sign_n and_o thing_n signify_v do_v both_o remain_v for_o the_o use_n and_o comâ—â—rt_n of_o the_o church_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v â—rayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o sign_n be_v make_v void_a by_o the_o promise_n of_o â—he_n spirit_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n these_o â—hings_n premise_v the_o searcher_n twenty_o five_o â—emand_n and_o the_o discourse_n thereon_o depend_v 〈◊〉_d discern_v to_o be_v frivolous_a because_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v please_v to_o write_v it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o writing_n otherwise_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v not_o only_o the_o novelty_n of_o their_o conceit_n in_o the_o say_a question_n but_o the_o vanity_n of_o such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n foundation_n as_o thâ—re_o they_o bring_v may_v be_v discover_v for_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o same_o which_o be_v call_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o milk_n for_o babe_n vers_fw-la 12._o be_v call_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o christian_a man_n which_o now_o the_o author_n will_v intermit_v and_o the_o foundation_n which_o he_o will_v not_o lay_v again_o which_o foundation_n when_o he_o come_v to_o set_v down_o in_o its_o part_n which_o principle_n when_o he_o come_v to_o enumerate_v be_v thus_o set_v forth_o of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o of_o faith_n towards_o god_n of_o the_o
the_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n mark_v 16._o 17._o which_o be_v therefore_o a_o further_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v recount_v as_o milk_n for_o babe_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o will_v end_v this_o point_n with_o a_o argument_n from_o our_o brethren_n opinion_n which_o be_v that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o work_a miracle_n be_v cease_v whence_o i_o argue_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n do_v remain_v of_o which_o principle_n lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v one_o but_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o work_a miracle_n say_v our_o brethren_n be_v cease_v ergo_fw-la lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o work_a miracle_n be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n ergo_fw-la lay_v on_o of_o hand_n to_o heal_v the_o sick_a be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n act_n 8._o act_n 19_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v mention_v heb._n 6._o 2._o appear_v thus_o that_o in_o heb._n 6_o 2._o be_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n but_o why_o so_o not_o simple_o as_o a_o bare_a ceremony_n or_o act_n do_v by_o man_n but_o rather_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o divine_a thing_n signify_v and_o obtainable_a in_o the_o religious_a observation_n of_o it_o as_o the_o proper_a undoubted_a end_n of_o that_o service_n and_o that_o for_o babe_n in_o christ_n that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n act_n 8._o act_n 19_o do_v agree_v with_o these_o consideration_n be_v dispense_v to_o babe_n in_o christ_n religious_o perform_v with_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o signify_v a_o spiritual_a benediction_n and_o be_v useful_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o be_v therefore_o fundamental_a to_o their_o christian_a state_n again_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6_o 2._o do_v immediate_o follow_v baptism_n as_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o so_o do_v that_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n act_n 8._o and_o act_n 19_o which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n whatsoever_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o place_n of_o this_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v very_o material_a for_o our_o information_n what_o particular_a lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v intend_v heb._n 6._o 2._o yea_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o any_o case_n that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v maintain_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o preposterous_a in_o religion_n let_v we_o then_o reflect_v upon_o that_o order_n in_o which_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o here_o that_o faith_n which_o justify_v must_v needs_o follow_v brokenness_n of_o heart_n as_o not_o only_a scripture_n but_o christian_n experience_n do_v witness_v and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v follow_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 2._o 38._o and_o so_o do_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o obtain_v that_o gift_n or_o promise_n and_o so_o do_v the_o resurrection_n precede_v the_o eternal_a judgement_n nor_o can_v i_o imagine_v how_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n touch_v the_o place_n of_o that_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n which_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n for_o let_v those_o that_o say_v it_o be_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o the_o sick_a tell_v i_o where_o they_o will_v place_v it_o in_o the_o order_n of_o their_o principle_n and_o why_o it_o may_v not_o as_o well_o precede_v faith_n as_o follow_v baptism_n and_o how_o can_v those_o that_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n make_v it_o the_o four_o principle_n or_o fundamental_a to_o christianity_n since_o in_o reason_n the_o church_n must_v be_v found_v before_o she_o ordain_v her_o officer_n as_o for_o those_o which_o say_v the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v wicked_a man_n lay_n wicked_a hand_n on_o the_o saint_n i_o say_v a_o more_o prodigious_a dream_n be_v scarce_o ever_o hear_v of_o for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v the_o four_o principle_n of_o christ_n which_o neither_o he_o nor_o none_o by_o his_o appointment_n ever_o teach_v at_o all_o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a he_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o foretell_v it_o yet_o that_o prove_v it_o not_o his_o doctrine_n for_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o judas_n his_o treason_n and_o all_o the_o impious_a act_n foretold_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n nor_o shall_v we_o intermit_v doctor_n hammond_n conceit_n as_o if_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heâ—_n 6._o 2._o shall_v belong_v to_o those_o who_o fall_v after_o baptism_n which_o conceit_n our_o brethren_n do_v seem_v very_o high_o to_o approve_v of_o as_o if_o any_o thing_n but_o truth_n in_o this_o case_n be_v acceptable_a to_o they_o though_o it_o overthrow_v their_o own_o opinion_n for_o while_o they_o lean_v to_o the_o doctor_n they_o have_v quite_o forget_v that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n yea_o milk_n for_o babe_n in_o christ_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v do_v none_o attain_v to_o all_o the_o principle_n nor_o to_o every_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n but_o such_o as_o fall_v after_o baptism_n again_o be_v they_o only_a babe_n which_o fall_v so_o as_o to_o need_v the_o indulgence_n of_o reconciliarion_n or_o do_v not_o sometime_o strong_a man_n fall_v when_o babe_n hold_v on_o their_o way_n it_o be_v not_o forget_v that_o the_o chief_a author_n of_o this_o search_n do_v so_o fall_v as_o to_o need_v the_o indulgence_n of_o reconciliation_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o he_o either_o be_v a_o babe_n or_o else_o strong_a man_n may_v fall_v if_o the_o latter_a than_o i_o further_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n as_o the_o doctor_n suppose_v but_o prove_v not_o though_o our_o brethren_n unwary_o say_v that_o he_o do_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v that_o which_o be_v mention_v heâ—_n 6._o 2._o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a as_o also_o for_o that_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o this_o conceit_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n must_v have_v hand_n impose_v on_o he_o 70_o time_n and_o seven_o if_o he_o fall_v so_o often_o after_o his_o baptism_n and_o require_v the_o indulgence_n of_o reconciliation_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v easy_o grant_v that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v mention_v act_v 8._o act_n 19_o provide_v we_o do_v not_o urge_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o then_o i_o will_v know_v how_o we_o can_v right_o own_v that_o principle_n if_o we_o destroy_v the_o practic_a part_n and_o here_o let_v i_o serious_o ask_v our_o brethren_n what_o manner_n of_o instruction_n they_o give_v young_a disciple_n concern_v this_o matter_n or_o how_o they_o principle_n they_o in_o it_o or_o build_v they_o upon_o it_o their_o conscience_n be_v witness_n i_o speak_v what_o i_o know_v for_o i_o also_o be_v as_o they_o be_v that_o they_o either_o whole_o pass_v by_o that_o principle_n in_o silence_n not_o instruct_v they_o at_o all_o concern_v it_o or_o else_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v about_o it_o it_o be_v rather_o to_o make_v the_o matter_n doubtful_a than_o to_o clear_v their_o understanding_n in_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v for_o see_v they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v be_v therefore_o such_o i_o speak_v it_o confident_o yet_o i_o trust_v humble_o as_o notwithstanding_o their_o largeness_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o thing_n have_v need_n to_o be_v teach_v this_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n let_v it_o not_o offend_v they_o though_o i_o plain_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o this_o point_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v too_o much_o like_o the_o athenian_n in_o another_o case_n for_o as_o they_o by_o their_o inscription_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o ignorant_o worship_v he_o who_o they_o know_v not_o even_o so_o our_o brethren_n while_o they_o grant_v and_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o yet_o can_v determine_v what_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n that_o be_v they_o do_v little_o less_o than_o subscribe_v to_o the_o unknown_a principle_n or_o the_o vnkown_n part_n of_o the_o foundation_n if_o otherwise_o let_v they_o
advantage_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v much_o doubt_v whether_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v ever_o teach_v or_o command_v by_o authority_n from_o heaven_n i_o think_v this_o shall_v not_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v unless_o we_o can_v be_v so_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o to_o dream_v that_o peter_n and_o john_n when_o they_o come_v among_o the_o disciple_n go_v preposterous_o from_o person_n to_o person_n pray_v and_o put_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o without_o tell_v they_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o it_o which_o to_o do_v be_v enough_o to_o amaze_v the_o spectator_n and_o iâ—_n contrary_a to_o the_o glory_n and_o gravity_n of_o gospel_n performance_n which_o as_o they_o must_v be_v act_n oâ—_n subjection_n of_o faith_n if_o they_o do_v please_v god_n so_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o act_n or_o subjection_n musâ—_n come_v by_o hear_v with_o understand_v whaâ—_n they_o must_v do_v or_o to_o what_o they_o must_v submit_v and_o to_o what_o end_n and_o this_o hear_n must_v be_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n else_o there_o iâ—_n no_o ground_n for_o faith_n or_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n but_o goâ—_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o apostle_n act_v anâ—_n the_o samaritan_n submission_n in_o the_o case_n of_o prayer_n with_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o bear_v witness_n from_o heaven_n that_o he_o approve_v it_o therefore_o their_o obedience_n be_v of_o faith_n therefore_o they_o hear_v with_o understanding_n that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v their_o duty_n &_o therefore_o the_o lord_n teach_v they_o both_o concern_v the_o duty_n and_o the_o end_n thereof_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v practice_v with_o such_o frequency_n this_o service_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n upon_o disciple_n general_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v record_v among_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o act_n in_o promote_a the_o gospel_n and_o settle_v of_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v place_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o this_o without_o authority_n from_o heaven_n be_v unworthy_a the_o follower_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n to_o imagine_v but_o forasmuch_o as_o divers_a have_v labour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o contrary_n mind_v in_o this_o point_n who_o work_n be_v extant_a &_o unanswered_a i_o shall_v not_o insist_v far_o save_v that_o i_o do_v brief_o show_v that_o our_o brethren_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a for_o they_o do_v that_o themselves_o which_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v themselves_o to_o do_v for_o they_o practise_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n for_o which_o there_o be_v as_o little_a by_o way_n of_o precept_n as_o for_o the_o lay_v hand_n on_o disciple_n or_o rather_o less_o for_o since_o they_o do_v now_o acquit_v that_o text_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o as_o not_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o the_o business_n of_o ordination_n and_o to_o strengthen_v a_o contrary_a interpretation_n do_v bring_v the_o suffrage_n of_o dr._n hammond_n victor_n cyprian_n and_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n sure_o i_o be_o they_o have_v no_o text_n which_o have_v so_o much_o as_o the_o face_n of_o a_o precept_n i_o mean_v in_o so_o many_o word_n for_o lay_v hand_n upon_o officer_n although_o it_o be_v beyond_o doubt_n with_o i_o that_o that_o way_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o depute_v his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n to_o their_o work_n respective_o wherefore_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o this_o enthememe_n there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o lay_v hand_n on_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o our_o brethren_n do_v make_v a_o show_n by_o their_o action_n out_o of_o some_o ancient_a author_n as_o well_o as_o modern_a as_o if_o antiquity_n be_v on_o their_o part_n in_o this_o controversy_n i_o will_v therefore_o put_v in_o something_o by_o way_n of_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o i_o find_v they_o partly_o from_o the_o author_n themselves_o and_o partly_o from_o such_o as_o have_v gather_v certain_a sentence_n out_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ancient_n concern_v this_o matter_n 8._o tertullian_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o like_o as_o in_o baptism_n the_o flesh_n be_v wash_v that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v make_v clean_o so_o in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n the_o flesh_n be_v overshadow_a that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o clemens_n there_o be_v say_v to_o be_v this_o passage_n viz._n we_o must_v all_o hasten_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o god_n mean_v by_o baptism_n and_o at_o length_n to_o be_v sign_v by_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o seven_o fold_v grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n otherwise_o a_o person_n can_v perfect_o be_v a_o christian_n if_o careless_o and_o willing_o and_o not_o of_o necessity_n he_o remain_v without_o it_o jubi_fw-la cyprian_a speak_v of_o the_o samaritan_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n say_v which_o also_o be_v do_v with_o we_o that_o they_o which_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v present_v to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n that_o by_o prayer_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n may_v obtain_v the_o holy_a ghost_n lucif_n jerom_n according_a to_o andrea_n willet_n touch_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n have_v these_o word_n viz._n it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n 42._o eusebius_n have_v a_o passage_n concern_v novatus_n who_o live_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o century_n how_o he_o slight_v the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n these_o be_v his_o word_n after_o mention_n make_v of_o his_o be_v baptize_v he_o say_v he_o obtain_v not_o that_o which_o he_o shall_v have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n confirmation_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n insomuch_o than_o he_o obtain_v not_o that_o how_o come_v he_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n see_v also_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n the_o seven_o book_n of_o eusebius_n c._n 2._o for_o modern_a writer_n erasmus_n in_o my_o opinion_n as_o he_o be_v most_o clear_a without_o mixture_n in_o most_o of_o his_o exposition_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o point_n he_o be_v most_o clear_a these_o be_v his_o word_n upon_o the_o principle_n heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o 2._o the_o first_o degree_n unto_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v repentant_a of_o our_o former_a life_n and_o to_o forsake_v sin_n next_o of_o all_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o true_a innocency_n and_o soul-health_n be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o of_o god_n then_o forthwith_o that_o we_o be_v purge_v by_o holy_a baptism_n from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o restore_v again_o to_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n then_o that_o we_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a to_o come_v and_o also_o that_o last_o judgement_n that_o shall_v award_v some_o to_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o other_o some_o to_o everlasting_a pain_n and_o damnation_n 2._o diodate_v have_v these_o word_n lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v a_o ceremony_n join_v to_o baptism_n for_o a_o sign_n of_o blessing_n and_o consecration_n to_o god_n and_o he_o call_v these_o principle_n the_o first_o ground_n of_o christian_a catechism_n and_o the_o head_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n 6._o as_o in_o baptism_n the_o outward_a ministry_n or_o mystical_a wash_n do_v regenerate_v wash_v away_o sin_n cleanse_v and_o purge_v we_o from_o our_o filthiness_n so_o do_v the_o imsition_n or_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n give_v we_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o outward_a and_o mystical_a wash_n do_v only_o represent_v unto_o we_o that_o in_o christ_n blood_n our_o sin_n be_v clean_o wash_v away_o etc._n etc._n from_o these_o testimony_n it_o appear_v that_o what_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o contend_v for_o touch_v the_o practice_n and_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o end_n of_o prayer_n with_o laying_z on_o of_o hand_n be_v no_o novel_a thing_n but_o as_o the_o institution_n of_o that_o ordinance_n be_v find_v in_o holy_a writ_n as_o we_o have_v show_v so_o it_o have_v continue_v in_o use_n as_o necessary_a in_o place_n the_o next_o to_o holy_a baptism_n among_o christian_n general_o a_o appendix_n meet_v late_o with_o a_o very_a worthy_a brother_n at_o east_n haddon_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n he_o do_v much_o importune_v i_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o short_a dispute_n with_o he_o about_o the_o principle_n under_o consideration_n to_o who_o i_o consent_v and_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o assertion_n that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n