to be baptized now if theirs be right Reason Fourthly Peter preached to the Jews Acts 2. and at one Sermon three thousand were converted And he preached to Cornelius Acts 10. and while he preached the holy Spirit came upon them that heard the Word that they spake with Tongues and magnified God But such Effects as these follow not now when we preach ergo no Man is authorized to preach now by their arguing Fifthly When Paul laid his hands on those baptized Believers Acts 19. the holy Spirit came upon them and they spake with Tongues c. but these Effects follow not now when baptized Believers have hands laid upon them must we therefore lay hands no more Surely we have no more reason to neglect or lay this aside than we have all the other Ordinances considering the like Effects followed them respectively as well as Laying on of hands But contrariwise I must needs say instead of being stumbled or weakned in my Faith and Practice concerning laying on of hands from the consideration of those extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit being the Effects that followed once or twice as exprest in the Scripture that I am thereby abundantly confirmed and established in it and that because I find every Gospel-Ordinance and Institution of Christ was in the primitive time more or less confirmed according to Heb. 2.4 by Signs Wonders and divers Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Ghost according to his own Will And finding this Ordinance of Imposition of Hands so visibly owned by Jehovah and wonderfully confirmed by the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit like as Assembling together Prayer Preaching and Baptizing hath been it is I say of an establishing nature to me And I see no ground to except against this Ordinance more than any of the other notwithstanding what ever hath been said or written against it from hence And because I know it has stumbled many that the end of laying on of hands Acts 8.19 was for the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit I shall be the larger upon this particular fully to remove and take off this Objection which in part has already been done But to proceed I affirm again that the end of that laying on of Hands Acts 8.14 15. and Acts 19.6 was not for the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit and I argue thus First Because it was never propounded as the End of it neither can it be prov'd it was What can they instance in the Case since what they mention of such and such Effects which followed proves nothing in the least Secondly It could not be for the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit or Miracles because not promised unto baptized Believers as such nor was it ever given but to some particular Persons only I grant the Holy Spirit is promised to all as he is the Comforter according to John 14.16 If ye love me keep my Commandments And I will pray the Father and he shall send you another Comforter even the Spirit of Truth which shall abide with you for ever All the Disciples of Christ who believe and are baptized have the Spirit promised to them as further might be made appear Act. 2.38 Then said Peter Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of Sins and ye shall receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit for the Promise is to you and to your Children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call The Spirit being so plainly promised to all that were obedient to Jesus Christ or the Called of God the Apostles that were at Jerusalem hearing how God had called by his blessed Word and Spirit the Samaritans to Obedience they well knew and were assured that the Holy Spirit the Comforter was their Right Promise and Privilege as well as any other Gospel-Believers and therefore sent them Peter and John that they might receive through the use of that holy Ordinance the Promise of the Father and upon consideration that the Samaritans were Gentiles or a mixt People or such as were not of the Seed of Abraham according to the Flesh and some of the first of the Gentile Race that were called by the preaching of the Gospel Jehovah was pleased to give some visible sign and demonstration of his receiving them into his Grace and Favour to satisfy any of the Jewish Disciples that might doubt concerning the extent of the Blessings of Christ and the Gospel for palpable it is that for some time after the Death and Resurrection of Christ few of the Apostles themselves understood the glorious intent and purpose of the Almighty in bringing in the Gentiles making them fellow-Heirs and of the same Body and Partakers of his Promise in Christ through the Gospel Eph. 3.6 This I conceive to be one reason why God so visibly own'd the Ordinance of Laying on of hands when administred as well as for the Confirmation of the Ordinance it self and that Christ might convince them he had made good his Promise John 14.16 But if you will still say that the Reason End or Cause why Peter and John did lay their hands on those baptized Believers was not for the Spirit the Comforter as so considered but for the extraordinary Gifts thereof I shall proceed to a third Reason and thus I argue Thirdly Either Peter and John when they laid their hands on those Believers and prayed for the Spirit prayed in Faith or not in Faith If in Faith then they had I presume some ground or Promise of God and Christ to build their Faith upon as to what they prayed for But if it was for the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit as some affirm where shall we find any such Promise that they might ground their Faith upon And is it not sinful to pray for that which God has no where promised considering what the Scripture saith Rom. 14.23 There are divers Promises as hath been hinted made by God of giving the Spirit I grant but not the extraordinary Gifts God promised he would pour out his Spirit on his Servants and Hand-maids and our Lord Jesus in John 14.16 promised the Comforter to all that love him and keep his Commandments And in Acts 2.38 it is promised to all that repent and are baptized And doubtless it was by virtue of these Premisses or Promises of the like nature that Peter and John prayed and laid their hands on those Believers in Samaria and Paul on those at Ephesus Acts 19. or else shew us what Ground or Promise they had If you say the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit were promised then say I they were promised to Persons of such or such a Name or so or so qualified Now surely none will say to Persons of such or such a Name therefore it must be promised to Persons so or so qualified and those Qualifications also must be known if the Qualifications be not Repentance Faith and Baptism then assign what they are If you say
and have need of it as well as others besides this sort concerns not all no only sick Persons and may be practised again and again as oft as Persons may be sick or under bodily infirmities but that Principle that is one of the beginning words of Christ's Doctrine is only to be laid or practised once Heb. 6.1 Not Laying again c. 2ly Unbelievers had hands laid upon them for healing and therefore I might also argue it appertains not unto Babes as such Moreover anointing with Oil is left as the Ordinance for healing in the Church 3. Mr. Danvers should make a difference between what Christ taught as a Promise or Gift to some particular Persons and what he taught as a general Practice that which is minded in Mark 16. is laid down promissory-wise to such as should have the gift of Faith or the Faith of Miracles and is therefore nothing to the purpose 4. They distinguish not between the Word or Doctrine of Christ and Miracles which were for the confirmation thereof which in Mark 16.20 the Spirit doth which causeth their mistake But do they not confute themselves by thus arguing they own the Doctrine of Laying on of hands to be a Foundation-principle of Christ but this they speak of here must needs be granted to be temporary being for the confirmation of the Word as he himself confesseth and every Word or Ordinance of Christ as I have shewed was more or less confirmed with Signs and Wonders according to this Promise of Christ I shall say no more to this but proceed to his next Objection 2. Object Page 44. If every one of these Principles in Heb. 6.2 are so absolutely to be taken in by Babes and without which we are not to esteem them communicable what do you say to the Doctrine of Baptisms in the Text one of the Principles must all be baptized with the Baptism of the Spirit and of Sufferings c. Answ We answer by distinguishing between that Baptism that is a practical Duty and that which is taught or laid down by our Lord Jesus to be believed that that is commanded ought absolutely to be obeyed by every Babe and 't is as necessary for every Babe to believe the Doctrine of Sufferings which Jesus Christ preached to all that would follow him and be his Disciples this was that which he taught Mat. 20.22 23. to the two Sons of Zebedee that they and consequently all God's Children should more or less be baptized with In the World saith Christ you shall have tribulation John 16.33 'T is necessary every Saint should be instructed into this and believe this that through much Tribulation we must enter into the Kingdom of God Acts 14.22 and all those who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2 Tim. 3.12 We say not that every one must actually forsake House and Lands and Life for Christ's sake and the Gospel or else be none of his Disciples but be ready in holy disposition so to do when call'd to it And as to the Baptism of the Spirit that the Spirit is promised to every true Believer see Joel 2.28 29. which Peter Acts 2.17 compared with vers 38 39. applies indefinitely to all penitent baptized Persons whether Jews or Gentiles as their Right by promise of the Father to receive and not to them of that Generation only but also to such as should repent and be baptized in all succeeding Ages this Promise is one and the same with that in John 7.38 called Rivers of Water implying fillings with the Spirit In Acts 2.38 't is said to be the Gift of the Holy Spirit In Acts 11.17 like Gifts In Acts 8.15 the Holy Spirit which the Apostles in the belief of the promise Joel 2. and Joh. 14.16 Acts 2.38 prayed for From which Scriptures it appears that all Believers are under the like Promises of the Holy Ghost on like terms of Repentance Faith c. And according to the measure of Faith given us by Christ may our fillings with the Holy Spirit be And thus it is the duty of every Disciple to believe he shall receive or be baptized with the Spirit according as the Will of the same Spirit is that divides to every Man the particular measures thereof having the Promise of a faithful and never-failing God to rely upon provided he go on in his Obedience as directed in the blessed Word for the attaining of it Object But if it be objected none are baptized with the Holy Spirit but such as receive it visibly and in its extraordinary Gifts Answ 1. Suppose none are so baptized now yet all the Saints are to believe the Promise of the Spirit and do receive it too and doth not God perform his Promise because none so receive the Spirit viz. to be baptiz'd therewith 1 Cor. 12.13 2. All are to believe the Baptism of the Spirit was given in the Apostles days to confirm the Gospel or Word of Christ And 't is to be observed that Paul to the Ephesians on whom he had imposed hands Acts 19.6 and the spake with Tongues and prophesied takes no notice of those visible Gifts but saith In whom also after ye believed ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise Eph. 1.13 plainly shewing 'tis the great Benefit received and enjoyed by Believers to be sealed by the Spirit 't is not matter of rejoicing to work Miracles as 't is to know our Names are written in Heaven And thus we have explained the Doctrine of Baptisms Now to what he says in the 3d place p. 45 That the Laying on of hands Heb. 6.2 may respect the Laying on of hands upon the Ministry for their solemn Investiture into their Office whether Deacons Elders or Messengers which he says is necessary to be taught known and understood by all tho all are not commanded into the personal practice of it for all are not Prophets Apostles Teachers and 't is most remarkable that the Doctrine or teaching of Laying on of hands is all that is mentioned in this Scripture all baptized Believers must be taught it that 's plain but that they are obliged therefore to practise it is not here or elsewhere to be found Answ Before I give a further Answer to this grand Objection I can't but observe how he mistakes the Text i. e. than the Doctrine or teaching of Laying on of hands only is mentioned in this Scripture why does he speak thus of Imposition of hands only may he not as well speak so concerning Repentance Faith and Baptism as of this Principle i. e. they also are necessary only to be taught and known by all and none concern'd in the personal practice of them Would any judg this Good Divinity What reason can he give seeing all the four are practical Ordinances that the three first should be taught so as to be personally practis'd by all and the other only to be believ'd Tho what he says here has already been fully answer'd yet I shall
this Ordinance as well as those twelve The way of God touching the Administration of Gospel-Institutions being one and the same in all the Churches of the Saints notwithstanding what has already been offered may be a satisfactory Answer to Mr. D. concerning what he minds from those two Scriptures yet finding so many Learned Men both antient and of later times agreeing with us in their Expositions on these two Places and not knowing but their Words may with some take more place than what such a one as I may speak I 'll cite a Passage or two Cyprian speaking of Acts 8.17 saith It was not necessary they should be baptized again only what was wanting was performed by Peter and John that by Prayer and Imposition of Hands the Holy Spirit should be invocated Saith Hierom on the Acts of the Apostles We find another Instance of the Celebration of this ritual Mystery for it is signally exprest of the Baptized at Ephesus Paul first baptized them and then laid his Hands upon them and they received the Holy Spirit And these Testimonies are the great Warranty for this holy Ordinance Eucherites is cited by Dr. Taylor p. 43. speaking thus The same thing now done in Imposition of Hands on single Persons is no other than what was done upon all Believers in the descent of the H. Spirit He mentions Zanchius saying I wish the Examples of the Apostles and Primitive Churches were of more value amongst Christians It were well if they were so saith the Doctor but there is more than meer Examples these Examples of such Solemnities the Apostles are our Masters in them and have given Rules and Precedents for the Church to follow this is a Christian Law and written as all Scriptures are for our Instruction Estius on Heb. 6.2 affirms that the Laying on of Hands mentioned Acts 8.17 Acts 19.6 by St. Luke is that of Confirmation whereby the Spirit of God is given to Persons baptized wherewith with they being strengthned confess the Name of Christ undauntedly among the Enemies of the Faith And again saith he That Hands were wont to be laid upon Persons baptized after the example of the Apostles all Antiquity teacheth Dr. Hammond also in his Annot. on Acts 8.17 saith That it was Confirmation may appear probable because it so soon attended their Conversion and Baptism When the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God they sent Peter and John vers 14. Which agrees well saith he with that of Confirmation which is an Act reserved to the Rulers of the Church and not communicated or allowed to inferior Officers such as Philip the Deacon here And then paraphasing upon Acts 19.6 he saith After this Paul by Imposition of hands and benediction gave them Confirmation by which means the Holy Spirit came on them Mr. Ralph Venning in his Remains speaking of Acts 8.17 and 19.6 gives his understanding upon them That it was the practice of the Apostles after they had baptized Persons sooner or later to lay Hands upon them Thus from what has been said I hope it may appear to all inquiring Souls in opposition to what Mr. Danvers saith page 47. that these two Places are clear Precedents and Rules for this Practice as well as Heb. 6.1 2. and other Scriptures we have insisted upon for as much as there was a Laying on of Hands practised immediately after Baptism and with much certainty upon every Member or baptized Believer and to such an End as is attainable in these times CHAP. VII Further shewing that Prayer with Imposition of Hands upon baptized Believers remains for ever as a standing or perpetual Administration BUT lest any should still object this Ordinance doth not continue neither is the End attainable now I am willing to add two or three Arguments for the further evincing of these particulars Arg. 1. Because the Lord was pleased to bear witness to or ratify this blessed Ordinance or Principle of Christ's Doctrine with the like Signs Wonders and Gifts of the Holy Spirit as he did any other Word Command or Principle of the said Doctrine Now what was thus established must needs remain in full force to the end of the World as our duty and dangerous it is to labour to make it void for by the same Argument may an Enemy lay waste and take away another yea and consequently every one Arg. 2. Because it is a Foundation-principle of God's House or one of the great Pillars next to Christ on which it is built it must needs remain and very dangerous it is for any to take away a Foundation-stone 'T is very absurd saith Mr. Blackwood on Matth. p. 688. to think that one of the six Foundation-principles commended to us by the Apostle should cease and all the other remain to the end of the World Nay is not Imposition of Hands placed in the midst betwixt Faith and Repentance on the one side and Eternal Judgment on the other 't is fenced in on every side there is no coming to slight it 'T is absurd to think the Apostle would place one temporary Principle that was to last but a short time amongst five perpetual Principles and call them all by the same name of a Foundation c. Arg. 3. Because the Promise of the Spirit is very extensive 't is made to all believing and obedient Souls to the end of the World Matt. 28. ult Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you always to the end of the World John 14.15 16 17. If you love me keep my Commandments and I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of Truth which the World cannot receive c. Dr. Jer. Taylor p. 53. speaks excellently concerning the perpetuity of this Ordinance And from this very ground take his own words The perpetuity of this holy Rite appears 1. Because the great Gift of the Holy Ghost was promised to abide with the Church for ever Repent and be baptized every one of you and ye shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost not the meanest Person amongst you but shall receive this great thing for the Promise is to you and to your Children and to all that are afar off even so many as the Lord our God shall call this Promise is made to all and unto all for ever And presently speaking as to Laying on of Hands as God's way for the ministring of it I say such a Solemnity saith he 't is not easie to be supposed should be appointed that is it is not imaginable that a solemn Rite annex'd to a perpetual Promise should be transient and temporary for by the nature of Relatives they must be of equal abode the Promise is of a thing for ever the Ceremony or Rite was annexed to the Promise and therefore this also must abide for ever Arg. 4. Because the Spirit which is promised
in some other way yet we ought not to neglect our Duty Because I have obtained Faith in some other than God's usual way for the begetting it shall I not hear the Word preached for the further increasing it in my Heart Again because I have remission of Sins and other Blessings promised in Baptism before baptized shall I reject that Ordinance Sure Cornelius did not do so Acts 10. 45 47. And again I feed by Faith on Jesus Christ and receive his Flesh which is Meat indeed and his Blood which is Drink indeed shall I therefore refuse the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper which is appointed as the Ministry of his Body and Blood God forbid Even so let none neglect this Appointment nothwithstanding any Gift or Measure of the Holy Spirit they have received since it has pleased God to direct to it and left it in his House as a perpetual Ministration Destroy it not for a Blessing that is in it Isa 65.8 Motive 5. Consider the great need thou hast of the Holy Spirit yea and of a further increase thereof tho I should grant thou hast received it already for without it none can savingly believe nor call Jesus Lord. Yet there is a further Promise made to thee as thou art a Believer in Jesus Christ and what can a poor Saint do without the Spirit what Temptations dost thou meet with what Lusts and Corruptions still hast thou to mortify and what outward Tribulations art thou who professest the Gospel exposed to O therefore use all means and particularly this which God injoins thee that thou mayst obtain a further measure and increase of the Spirit of God Motive 6. Lastly Consider the excellent and unspeakable worth and usefulness of the Holy Spirit O what spiritual Profit and Advantage do the Saints of God receive hereby 1. 'T is the Holy Spirit that enlightens the eyes of our Vnderstandings 1 Cor. 2. 10 11 12 13. Eph. 1.17 we cannot see afar off without our Eyes are anointed with this Eye-salve And O what Beauty do we hereby behold in Jesus Christ how are our Souls taken with invisible Objects and what an empty and nothing-World is this when we look through the Prospect-glass of the Spirit of God upon it 2. 'T is the Holy Spirit that revives and quickens us and makes us lively in the Paths of Righteousness Joh. 6.63 Col. 2.13 3. 'T is the Spirit that leads us in the way we should walk Rom. 8.14 yea and makes them Paths of peace and pleasantness unto our Souls Prov. 3.17 't is he that guides us into all Truth and brings Christ's Words to our remembrance Joh. 14.26 4. 'T is the Holy Spirit that comforts us when cast down 't is from hence we receive all Heavenly Consolation Joh. 14. 16 26. 5. 'T is the Holy Spirit that makes us profit under the Word and means of Grace 't is that which maketh our Souls to grow and flourish in the Courts of the Lord's House Heb. 4.2 1 Cor. 3.6 6. 'T is the Spirit that helps us to pray helps our Infirmities and teacheth us what to pray for and gives us access at the Throne of Grace yea makes Intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered Rom. 8.26 7. 'T is by the Spirit we cry Abba Father 't is that which bears witness with our Spirits that we are the Children of God Rom. 8. 13 15 16. 8. 'T is by the Holy Spirit we mortify the Deeds of the body Gal. 5.22 't is by that we live and stand and are confirmed in Christ Jesus and sanctified throughout 9. 'T is from the Holy Spirit that all heavenly Grace and spiritual Gifts flow 't is he that divides to every man severally as he will 1 Cor. 12. 5 8 9. 10. 'T is the Holy Spirit which is the Earnest of our Inheritance and which gives an Assurance of the purchased Possession unto our Souls Eph. 1. 10 14. 11. 'T is the Holy Spirit by which we are sealed to the day of Redemption Eph. 1.13 12. 'T is by the Spirit we are made strong and enabled to overcome all Enemies and helped to triumph over Death 1 Cor. 15. 55 57. 't is by the Spirit we know that when our earthly House is dissolved we have a Building of God a House not made with hands eternal in the Heavens 2 Cor. 5.1 These things considered let none blame us that we so earnestly contend for the Holy Ordinance of Prayer with Imposition of Hands in which God has promised and so sweetly communicated as through a Conduit-Pipe such blessed Water of Life to our Souls Shall it not trouble our Spirits when Persons labour to take away the Childrens Bread or spill any of their sweet and heavenly Milk upon the ground CHAP. IX In answer to the Conclusion of Mr. Danvers's Book Mr. Danvers's Conclusion THus you have had a candid Account of the rise growth and progress of this Rite of Confirmation or Laying on of hands from the beginning to this day amongst all that have owned it with the Authorities on which it hath been found and imposed together with a genuine Examination of the Grounds and Reasons each Party have given to justify the same And may we not upon the whole fairly come to the following Conclusions viz. 1. That there doth not appear to be the least Scripture precept or Practice for any such Ordinance of Confirmation or an imposing of hands upon all the Baptized before they break bread or are admitted into Church-communion 2. That the Instances produced to prove it an Apostolical Tradition are impious Lies and Forgeries 3. That the Authorities by which it hath been heretofore enjoined were nothing but Antichristian Can. Decrees 4. That the most eminent Witnesses and Confessors that opposed the Antichristian Vsurpations and Innovations have all along witnessed against and impugned this of Confirmation viz. the Novations Donatists Waldenses Greek Churches Wicklissians All which are worthy the serious consideration of all sober and judicious Christians and especially recommended to them who having rejected Infants and imbraced Believers Baptism do yet cleave to this Practice with these following Observations viz. 1. It is most manifest that those Popes Councils and Fathers that have enjoined and imposed Infants sprinkling for a Sacrament or an Ordinance of Christ have enjoined this also as such 2. That the principal Arguments pretended for the one have been urged and pleaded for the other also viz. Apostolical Tradition and pretended Inferences and Consequences from Scripture 3. That the famous Churches and Confessors that have opposed Infants sprinkling as superstitious Popish and Antichristian have upon the same account opposed this also 4. That it doth not appear that any baptized Church or People did ever in any Age or Country own such a Principle or Practice to this day except some in this Nation in these late times CHAP. IX In answer to the Conclusion of Mr. Danvers's Book The Conclusion of this Treatise in opposition to his
as much corrupted changed and polluted as this Nay what Ordinance has not Our work is to discover and remove all Popish Additions and Pollutions which in the days of darkness crept in that so we may see every Institution shining forth in its primitive purity and splendor and not reject any Ordinance of Christ because polluted by Antichrist What tho as he said those Popes Councils and Fathers that enjoined and imposed Infants Baptism for an Ordinance of Christ enjoined that of Confirming Infants Reply If it was as early corrupted altered and changed as Baptism ought we not since God has given us the Light of his Word and Spirit to recover it from those Corruptions as well as Baptism Infants Baptism we all say is a Popish Tradition or humane Innovation yet is Baptism Christ's Ordinance so in like manner we say is laying on of hands upon Infants or such as have only been baptized in Infancy a meer Popish Rite and Innovation yet Laying on of hands upon baptized Believers as such is an Ordinance of Christ as divers worthy Men have clearly proved from God's Word And tho the Antient Fathers and Councils he speaks of together with those of the Church of Rome and England do wholly fly unto Tradition to prove their practice of Laying on of hands upon Children this will no more weaken our practice of Laying on of hands upon baptized Believers than their flying to Tradition and Usage of the Church to prove their Infants Baptism weakens our practice of baptizing Believers Moreover those of the false Church who wholly make use of Tradition to prove their Pedobaptism might without doubt had God been pleased to open their eyes seen that Baptism was a Divine Institution practised by the Apostles even so might they also have easily seen that that Laying on of hands practised by the Apostles next after Baptism was Christ's holy Appointment tho they could not find their ridiculous Rite and Popish Ceremony of Confirming Children so to be there being not the least Word of God for it But from what our Opponents say of Authors I observe that in the Antichristian Church ever since the Apostacy from the good old way of the Gospel there has been somewhat practised and kept up in the room and imitation of that Laying on of hands instituted by Christ and practised by the Apostles upon baptized Believers as such and as necessary to Church-Communion as well as they have kept up something they call Baptism in imitation of the true Baptism And 't is evident that as the Romish Church has abominably corrupted the Ordinance of Baptism as to the Subject and Manner of Administration and added many ridiculous and superstitious Fopperies to it even so they have done by Laying on of hands The Silver is become dross and the Wine mixed with Water Isa 1.22 He shall saith Daniel think to change Times and Laws speaking of the little Horn and they shall be given into his hand c. Chap. 7.25 But to proceed do our Brethren utterly detect all those impious Forgeries and Ceremonies used in Baptism and contended for by those Fathers Councils and corrupt Churches they speak of and so clearly witness against them for changing the Subject and Manner of Baptizing and yet all the while hold for Baptism it self and faithfully contend for it yea and conclude too notwithstanding those Abuses and Corruptions by the Antients and in the false Church Baptism all along was maintained this I say rather confirms and proves the thing it self to be an Ordinance of Jesus Christ than otherwise tho not as they perform and practise it why cannot they do the like concerning that Rite of Popish Confirmation We do detect and abominate all those superstitious Ceremonies used by them and witness against them for changing of the Subject viz. from baptized Believers to sprinkled Infants or such as were rantised in their Infancy and yet contend for the thing it self as practised in the Apostles time and little reason they have to blame us herein since the work of Reformation or to labour to reduce Ordinances to their primitive Purity and Lustre is by all accounted a glorious Work yea and it is a full and compleat Reformation we all long for not only for one Ordinance to be restored and refined from the dross and abominable filth of Popish Traditions but every Appointment and Ordinance of Christ Mr. Danvers p. 30. having given us an account how Laying on of hands or Confirmation has been asserted and practised By the Antients By Councils By the Church of Rome By the Church of England By some of the Independent and Presbyterian Perswasion And Lastly By some of the Baptized Churches He comes to examine upon what ground such a great Ordinance has been and is enjoined Reply Doubtless it concerns us all to see what ground or Scripture-warrant we have for whatever we do or is done in the Worship and Service of God and as to Confirmation or Laying on of hands as asserted and practised by some he speaks of I marvel not that they leave the Scripture and fly to Tradition For first as to that which the Popish Church calls an Ordinance of Jesus Christ 't is so blasphemous and ridiculous as he well observes that the very naming of the particulars thereof may fully detect the folly and impiety of it whether respecting the Name which is called Chrysm Vnction Perfection c. or the Nature which is done by putting the sign of the Cross with the Bishop's finger in the forehead of the Confirmed with these words I sign thee with the sign of the Cross and with the Chrysm of Salvation in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit the Party being in a white Garment his Head bound with Linen his Hair cut and attended with Gossips or Sureties this is saith Mr. Danvers what several Popes and Councils have by their Canons and Decrees determined and enjoined as the great Sacrament of Confirmation pag. 3. Reply Well might Hommius tell us that it is not only contrary to the Scriptures but Blasphemous and Idolatrous and the vain Invention of superstitious Men. And well might Tilenus call it an Excrement of Antichrist And Amesius say the reasons given for the same by the Papists are both empty and vain and Mr. Calvin cry out against it as is minded by Mr. Danvers To which I might add a passage out of a Treatise of Mr. Hanmer a Presbyterian who tho very clear as touching Laying on of hands upon Adult Persons Baptized before they are admitted to the Lord's Table yet cries down the Papists practice herein in respect of manner and form they use saith he anointing with Chrysm a compound of Oil and Balsam consecrated by the Bishop which as it was never instituted by Christ nor his Apostles so saith he as some affirm it had its original from Calixtus Bishop of Rome Anno 218 who ordained Confirmation to be performed with Chrysm which before was done with
on baptized Believers as such we have not only clear Examples but also the Scripture shews it was taught as a positive Command and Institution of Jesus Christ or what was commanded by him which I shall fully shew from Heb. 6.1 2. where the Apostle writing of the six Principles or Foundation-Doctrines of Christ uses the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the 1st Verse and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the 2d Verse that is Word and Doctrine so this of Laying on of Hands amongst other Principles the Apostle there by the Spirit of God calls the Word and Doctrine of Christ now the Words of Christ and Commands of Christ are Terms synonymous or of the like import as Deut. 10.4 shews where the ten Commandments are called in the margin ten Words as most suting with the Hebrew Text. Again John 14.21 with 23. and 24. v. compared with vers 21. further evinces it He that hath my Commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth me In Vers 23. If any Man love me he will keep my Words and in Verse 24. called Sayings and the Word is said in John 7.16 to be the Father's and Christ's Word said to be what he had from the Father So now Laying on of hands as well as Repentance Faith and Baptism is the Word and Doctrine of Christ and therefore equally to be observed and obeyed by all the Saints being one of the Principles or Fundamental Truths which the Hebrew Church at the Command and Word of Christ came under the practice of Heb. 5.12 and 6.1 2. Moreover this Principle is by the said Author to the Hebrews called one of the Oracles of God which he tells them they had need again to be instructed in plainly implying they had once been taught it and were in the practice thereof Now the Oracles of God are the Commands of God see Acts 7.38 where the ten Commandments are called lively Oracles compared with Rom. 3.2 Vnto them were committed the Oracles of God Methinks this might convince any dissatisfied Person that Laying on of hands as well as the other Principles was taught and commanded by Jesus Christ But yet again consider that what the Apostles wrote to the Churches as the Word of Christ ought to be owned by all that are Spriritual to be the Commands of God 1 Cor. 14.37 But vers 38. If any will be ignorant let him be ignorant Yet not withstanding what we say on this Account still I find this Objection brought against this Appointment viz. Object Where is Laying on of hands commanded by Christ we find nothing of it in the Commission Mat. 28. Answ 1. Why should you make such a stir about an express Command must it be plainly laid down or exprest in the Commission or else no Divine Institution Does not this make as much every way against Laying on of hands upon Officers as against that on baptized Believers as such We account that Man very malicious who resolves to wound his Neighbour tho himself be wounded thereby 2. We have as plain Precedents for Laying on of hands on baptized Believers as we have on Officers Acts 8.16 17. and Acts 19.6 yea and more than bare Examples for it it is called a Principle of the Doctrine of Christ but where that on Officers is call'd so I know not for that the Laying on of hands in Heb. 6.2 cannot intend that on Officers has been clearly proved by divers Arguments and that it intends Laying on of hands on the Baptized for the Spirit of Promise and to confirm them in the Faith newly received is not only our light and apprehension but has also been asserted to be the sense of that Text by many Antient and Modern Divines of several Perswasions as has been shewed Object But such a Laying on of hands you contend for was no where practised John did not lay hands upon Christ Answ We will grant you John Baptist did not lay hands on the Lord Jesus it cannot be rationally concluded he should considering the lesser is blessed of the greater Baptism might be administred by John it being a figure of Christ's Death Burial and Resurrection but the promised Spirit which is the end of the Ordinance of Laying on of hands is said to be Christ's own gift Eph. 4.7 But tho John laid not his hands on Christ being not a fit Administrator thereof yet I may say the Father laid his hands upon him and the Spirit came down visibly in the likeness of a Dove and rested on him just after he came out of the Water and this might as many of the Learned affirm contain the substance of this Administration contended for Moreover In this way Christ Jesus was visibly sealed by God the Father after he was baptized saith Dr. Taylor Confirm p. 12. He had another or new Administration past upon him for the reception of the Holy Spirit and this was done for our sakes we also must follow that Example and it plainly describes to us the Order of this Administration and the Blessing designed to us after we are baptized we need to be strengthned and confirmed And again he saith citing a passage of Optatus Christ was washed when he was in the hands of John and the Father finished what was wanting the Heavens were opened God the Father anointed him the Spiritual Vnction presently descended in the likeness of a Dove and sate upon his Head and was spread all over him when he was anointed of the Father to whom also lest Imposition of hands should seem to be wanting the Voice of God was heard from the Cloud saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased I shall leave this to consideration Object But further you affirm that Christ did not lay hands upon his Disciples Answ And how do you come to know he did not may be you will say 't is no where written that he did But pray where do you read that the 12 Disciples or Apostles of Christ were baptized Doth it follow because we read not of their Baptism they were not baptized Obj. But you say there is not one word of it in the Commission Answ 1. There is not one word in the Commission as I have shewed concerning any Laying on of hands yet you own that upon Officers to be a Principle of Christ's Doctrine 2. There is not one word in the Commission concerning the Resurrection of the Dead nor of Eternal Judgment nor Prayer nor Assembling together nor other things that are undoubtedly Gospel-Truths and Institutions yet tho they are not exprest they are included as those words plainly hold forth Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you And surely every one may see unless he wilfully shut his eyes that there are many more Precepts implied in the words of the Commission than are exprest for if nothing must be received for Gospel-Institutions but what are exprest in the Commission you must throw away the greatest part of those Precepts you
REider Thou hast had a faithful and impartial Account of the rise growth and progress of this holy tho contemned Ordinance of Imposition of hands from the beginning of the Gospel-Ministration to this day and how asserted amongst many Perswasions with the Authorities on which it has been enjoined together with the grounds given by Antient and Modern Writers to justify it And from the whole we also may come to these following Conclusions viz. 1. That there appears full and ample Precept and Practice from Scripture for this Ordinance of Imposition of hands on all baptized Believers as such before admitted to the Lord's Table 2. That the Instances to prove it an Apostolical Tradition or Institution are the pious Sayings and written Verities of Christ's Disciples 3. That the Authorities by which it was at first enjoined were none else save Great Jehovah Father Son and Holy Spirit 4. That many eminent Writers both antient and modern have born witness for it All which is worthy to be minded and commended to the consideration of those who having rejected Infants and imbraced Believers Baptism do oppose a Principle of the same nature and annexed to it with these following Observations 1. It is most manifest that those Popes Councils and Fathers that have corrupted polluted and changed the holy Ordinance of Baptism and the Lord's Supper did also change alter and corrupt this of Imposition of Hands 2. That tho the principal Arguments the Church of Rome and others who have drunk of the Whore's Cup do bring to defend the Rite called Confirmation is humane Tradition and far-fetch'd Consequences from Scripture yet there is plain Scripture-proof for the holy Institution of Imposition of hands upon baptized Believers 3. That many godly Persons in several ages have opposed Popish laying on of hands on the same account that we reject Popish Baptism and not otherwise 4. It appears not that any baptized Church in any Country have denied Imposition of hands upon Believers baptized as such to be an Institution of Jesus Christ nor ever writ against it as some in this Nation have done no ways for their Credit nor Honour of the Gospel These things being so it may be enquired what ground and reason our Brethren in this Nation had at first or have now to oppose this Divine Institution of the Lord Jesus Christ A brief Reply to a Book called A Treatise concerning Laying on of Hands Written by a nameless Author and published in the Year 1691. THE first Reason he says why they cannot own Laying on of Hands on all Believers is because there must be a Command or at least some Example for it pag. 3. Answ We have proved in the preceding Treatise that we have both a Command and Example for it if a Command of God and an Oracle of God is all one See Heb. 5.12 That which is an Oracle of God is a Command of God but Laying on of Hands c. is an Oracle of God Ergo. And as to Examples we have them also see Acts 8. and Acts 19. 2 ly Because they say they believe neither our Lord nor his Disciples were under it pag. 4. Answ Our Lord we have shewed was under it the Father laid his Hands upon him when he came out of the Water and thereby sealed him the Holy Ghost in the likeness of a Dove rested upon him And no doubt but our Lord laid his Hands upon his Disciples since he taught this Precept as a Principle of his Doctrine Heb. 6. 1 2. True we read not of their Baptism nor of this neither therefore from thence they may as well say they were not baptized as that they had not Hands laid upon them 3 ly Because say they if the Apostles were under it they must have an Administrator and who say they should that be p. 4. But there is nothing said of it c. Answ 1. Our Lord Christ might be the Administrator who is the great Shepherd and Bishop of our Souls as I said afore 2. And it no more follows that they were not baptized than that they were not under Laying on of Hands i. e. because there is nothing said of either 4 ly Their fourth Reason is the same with their first 5 ly Their fifth Reason is because they say the Church at Jerusalem was not under it pag. 5. Answ Was not the Hebrew Church the Church at Jerusalem Now they 't is evident were under it or had laid it Not laying again presupposeth they had once laid it or were under it as well as Baptized 6 ly Their sixth Reason is because an Ordinance necessary to Church-Communion ought very plainly to be expressed p. 6. Answ So is this of Imposition of Hands Heb. 5.12 Heb. 6. 1 2. Acts 8. and Acts 19.6 7 ly Because they say our Lord did leave no Ordinance as absolutely necessary to Church-Communion but such as holds forth his Death and Resurrection p. 9. as Baptism and the Lord's Supper c. Answ Who told them so or doth it follow that because Baptism and the Supper are Figures of our Lord's Death c. therefore this must be a figure of the same or no Ordinance This is not argumentative nor demonstrative 8 ly Because Salvation is promised on the Terms of Faith Repentance and Baptism and from hence they argue there is no need of any such Ordinance as this of Laying on of Hands p. 7. Answ Salvation is promised particularly to Faith He that believeth hath the Son hath Life and shall be saved Mark 16.16 therefore need not I be baptized Moreover I deny that any Ordinance gives a right to Salvation any other ways than as it is an evidence of that Right or Title to our Consciences Our Right or Title is Christ's Righteousness or his active and passive Obedience only But should a Man be convinced that Laying on of Hands Church-Communion Order and Discipline or giving to the Poor c. were Duties which he omitted would his pretended Faith Repentance and Baptism render him a sincere Christian No he must do all things Christ commanded or taught to be done which he is convinced of as well as those three things 9 ly Their ninth Reason against Laying on of Hands is taken from those Effects that followed this Ordinance viz. the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit Answ The same Effects followed all other Gospel-Ordinances this we have also answered in the precedent Treatise 10 ly Their tenth Reason is because the Holy Spirit was sometimes given without Laying on of Hands pag. 8. Answ The Holy Spirit is promised to them that are baptized but because some received the Spirit before baptized needed they not be baptized In Acts 10.44 Cornelius received the Spirit to confirm the Ministration of the Word to the Gentiles before baptized yet was commanded to be baptized nor had he so much of the Spirit as to need no more and therefore came under this Ordinance also Besides because God may step out of his usual way must we
mentions two Scriptures for proof viz. Acts 9.17 and Acts 8.14 15. in which affirmation he altogether begs the question and proves nothing nor removes what has been said to this very point In this I must withstand him for he goes too fast I should be glad could I be an Instrument in the hand of Christ to rectify their understanding herein who doubt about it for they seem to be much mistaken about that Text Acts 9.17 but especially that in Acts 8.14 15. I shall therefore offer something in the first place to this Doth not the Scripture say plainly in Acts 9.17 that Ananias put his hands upon Saul that he might receive his sight why should he say then it was for the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit If that which is exprest to be the effects of Ananias his putting his hands on Paul was the only end of that Service which is according to his own arguings upon Acts 8.14 Acts 19.16 then it was only for his sight for it is said he received his sight but not a word of his receiving the Holy Ghost when he laid his hand upon him that he was sent to Saul that he might receive the Spirit is granted but whether by laying on of hands or some other means is yet to be proved And this being an extraordinary case and different from that in Acts 8.14 15. viz. Ananias his laying hands on Saul as a blind Man that he might receive his sight which answers to that in Mark 16.18 and Peter and John laying their hands on them in Acts 8.14 as on baptized Believers as such for their receiving the Holy Spirit makes nothing to the Controversy depending tho Mr. D. hath put them together as if the Subject Manner and End were one and the same But Secondly to proceed to that Scripture Acts 8.14 where mention is made of Peter and John's laying their hands on baptized Believers in Samaria which our Brethren affirm was also to confer the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit but how much they are mistaken herein shall be examined Since it appears not that the Apostles at Jerusalem did either send Peter and John to Samaria upon that account or that they laid their hands upon those believing Samaritans to that only end 't is very strange Mr. D. or others should affirm any such thing therefore to prevent this mistake let us once again examine these Texts Now when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God they sent unto them Peter and John who when they were come down prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 't is not said the extraordinary Gifts but the Holy Spirit those you see are the express words for as yet saith the Text he was fallen upon none of them only they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus then laid they their hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost Vers 14 25. I know 't is objected from the following words that the Spirit came upon them in some visible or extraordinary manner because Simon saw that thro' laying on of the Apostles hands the Holy Spirit was given This is only a supposition for who can tell what kind of Manifestations of the Spirit might appear in them to convince Simon that they had the Holy Spirit The Text doth not say they either spake with Tongues or wrought Miracles But if for arguments sake we should grant they receiv'd the Spirit in some extraordinary manner as those in Acts 19. it would not follow that this was the absolute end of this Service for if we may reason as they and others have done after this manner that what was the effects of their laying their hands upon them was the end why they laid on their hands and that End is by none attained in these days therefore Laying on of hands is not practicable in these days we shall shew you the sad Consequences and Absurdities that would follow such an Inference To proceed 't is said Acts 4.31 that when the Apostles had prayed the place was shaken where they were assembled Now mark because this Miracle was wrought as the effect of their praying can it be thought that was the end of Prayer or that we must not pray because no such effects are wrought now And when Philip had baptized the Eunuch Acts 8.39 't is said the Spirit caught away Philip that the Eunuch saw him no more what a strange thing was this that followed Baptism But now because this Miracle followed as the effect of that Administration then shall we conclude it was the end of the Ordinance of Baptism But again in Acts 10.44 while Peter was preaching the Word to Cornelius and unto those that were in his House 't is said The Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the Word so that they spake with Tongues c. Now shall we say the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit or Miracles were the end of Preaching because such kind of Effects followed preaching Surely none will argue so that understand themselves for if that was the End of preaching because it was the Effect that followed and that Effect now never following we may say as many do Preaching is ceased if he and others argue right for such and such extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit followed say they when baptized Believers did come under laying on of hands in the Apostles days and these Gifts are not given now therefore that Ordinance is ceased it being only for the Confirmation of the Gospel Now say I by the same Argument all the Institutions of Christ may be denied as well as laying on of hands As First Meeting and assembling together see Acts 2.1 't is said They were all met together with one accord in one place and suddenly there came a Sound from Heaven as of a rushing Wind and it filled all the House where they were sitting Vers 2. And there appeared unto them cloven Tongues like fire and sat upon each of them Vers 3. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with Tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance Here is no mention of any other Ordinance save only assembling together God graciously being pleased first to confirm the Time of Worship under the Gospel viz. the first Day of the Week for so was the day of Pentecost as Tradition has handed it down and mind what effects followed But First 'T is not so now shall we therefore assemble together no more Secondly When the Apostles prayed the House was shaken but 't is not so now doth Prayer therefore cease to be a duty Thirdly When Christ was baptized there was a voice heard from Heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased and the Spirit came down in likeness of a Dove And when the Eunuch was baptized the Spirit caught away Philip but such Effects follow not now when Persons are baptized ergo it's not the duty of any
Faith and Repentance be the Qualifications then say I the Promise of the extraordinary Gift is made to every Christian Man and Woman yea and every sincere Believer must receive those Gifts or God doth fail of his Promise For I am sure there is not one Soul that is a Believer indeed having obeyed from the heart the form of Doctrine taught and delivered to the Saints but hath more or less received the Spirit of God according to the Promise or Promises made to them as Persons so and so qualified or called as hath already been minded Fourthly The end of that Laying on of hands Acts 8. could not be for the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit because those extraordinary Gifts or Miracles serve not for them that believe but for them that believe not Now can any think Peter and John were sent by the Apostles from Jerusalem to those that had received the Word and were baptized in Samaria for the profit and benefit only of the Unbelievers there that they viz. such as did not believe in Samaria might by beholding the Miracles or extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit given to them that did believe be convinced that Jesus was the Christ Surely no Man can think or imagine such a thing especially considering the Text says plainly They were sent to them that had received the Word and were baptized sent for their particular Comfort and further Consolation in Christ Jesus that so they might stand compleat in the whole Will of God and might be made Partakers of the Spirit of Promise made to every believing Soul baptized Acts 2.38 for as much as it was their right and they stood in great need of it as all poor Souls do who enter themselves under Christ's Banner For as our Lord Jesus after he was baptized had the Spirit descending upon him and was straightway exposed to temptation from the Devil even so are all his Followers when they take up the Profession of the Gospel to expect to meet with sore Trials Temptations and Afflictions and therefore have need of more of the Spirit to strengthen encourage support and comfort them and to give them further assurance of the Love of God that they may not flag nor be disheartned but may be abundantly enabled to overcome all Enemies and Opposition and remain faithful to the Lord Jesus unto the death To this end doubtless the Apostles sent Peter and John from Jerusalem who when they came pray'd and lay'd their hands upon those Men and Women baptized even for the Holy Spirit of Promise for their particular profit comfort and benefit and not for extraordinary Gifts or Miracles which was 't is plain from Heb. 2.4 for the Confirmation of the Gospel to them that believe not according to 1 Cor. 14.22 Wherefore Tongues are for a sign not to them that believe but to them that believe not but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not but them which believe Fifthly This being so it could not be for the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit that the Apostles laid their hands on those in Samaria because there was no need of further Miracles forasmuch as Philip had wrought such mighty Miracles and Wonders in that City before in so much that they were all convinced yea the very Sorcerer himself believed and continued with Philip and wondred beholding the Miracles and Signs which were done Acts 8.13 Surely the Apostles at Jerusalem hearing of those things and how the People yea the whole City were convinced and satisfied that Jesus was the Christ would never have sent Peter and John to do that work which was so effectually done before by Philip and therefore I conclude that that laying on of hands Acts 8. was not for Tongues Miracles or the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit as our Brethren affirm and this being so my work is near done already for if they miss in giving us a true Account how Laying on of hands was used in the New Testament they miss in the main case of all and if that Laying on of hands Acts 8.14 15. and Acts 19. was not for the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit the greatest Objection is answered and the chief stumbling-block taken out of the way of God's People For if Prayer and Laying on of hands was practised upon baptized Believers as such as a Principle of Christ's Doctrine for the promised Spirit the Comforter as so considered which is the absolute Right Portion and Privilege of every believing Soul to the end of the World then doubtless the Ordinance must needs remain in full force and virtue as God's way means or method of conveyance of the said Spirit to all his Chosen always even until the end But because I shall have occasion to speak more to this anon I forbear inlarging upon it here CHAP. II. Shewing that tho this holy Institution of Christ hath been corrupted by Antichrist yet it ought not therefore to be rejected MR. Danvers Pag. 6. proceeds to shew how Laying on of hands has been asserted by the Antients and by the Canons and Decrees of several Councils Pag. 15. how by the Church of Rome Pag. 17. how by the Church of England Pag. 24. how asserted by some both of the Presbyterian and Independent Perswasion c. What earnings or advantage he could propound to himself by filling up so many Pages in his Book with Stories of this kind I know not Many as I am informed and some in my owm hearing do judg what he has done in this respect makes more against himself than us Nay some who are for this Ordinance seem to be much confirmed by what he has said concerning Antiquity in respect thereof and look upon themselves as beholden to Mr. Danvers for his pains in searching into Authors and in producing so much both from Antient and Modern Writers for Laying on of hands as immediately following Baptism and as necessary to Church-Communion And I must confess I did not think so much could have been produced from Authors and Antiquity in the case as I perceive there may having through his means according as I am capable made some search Tho I must say if there were ten times more to be urged on that account had we not the Authority of God's Word to warrant our Practice it would signify nothing For we will say with Ignatius Whosoever speaks more than is written altho he fast altho he keep his Virginity altho he work Miracles altho he prophesy yet let him seem to thee a Wolf amongst the Sheep Epist ad Hierom. But to proceed I wonder Mr. Danvers should condemn and wholly cast away Laying on of hands upon baptized Believers and have nothing to do with it because it had been corrupted by the false Church the Subject and Manner of Administration being quite altered and changed the Ordinance or pure Institution being turned into abominable Superstition may he not as well cast away Baptism and the Lord's Supper also since they have been every way
it whose Authority he labours to disprove calling them suborned Witnesses and Knights of the Post CHAP. III Shewing who the Antients are and of their Credit and Authority who have born witness to Laying on of Hands ADmit we grant what Mr. Danvers speaks concerning Dionysius the Areopagite and the Decretal Epistles of the first Popes to be impious Lies and Forgeries shall we therefore conclude they are all suborned Witnesses viz. the Antients who have written concerning Laying on of Hands Surely many of the Fathers who have born witness thereunto are generally received and their Authority approved as the best of human Writers What say you to Tertullian shall we call him a Knight of the Post Take his Testimony A.D. 200. de Bapt. c. 6. Manus imponitur per benedictionem advocans invitans Spiritum Sanctum tunc ille Sanctissimus Spiritus super emundata benedicta Corpora libens à Patre descendit After Baptism the Hand is imposed by Blessing and calling and inviting of the Holy Spirit who willingly descends from the Father on the Bodies that are cleansed and blessed Moreover he saith It is the fleshly or outward act of Baptism that we are dipt in water the spiritual effects that we are freed from our Sins Then follows Laying on of hands the Dispenser inviting the Spirit of God by Prayer And being cleansed by Baptismal Water saith he we are disposed for the Holy Spirit under the Hands of the Angel of the Church And further speaking concerning the happy state of the Church in this day he saith de Script cap. 36. She believeth in God she signs with Water that is baptizeth she clothes with the Spirit viz. by Imposition of hands she feeds with the Eucharist and exhorts to Martyrdom and against this Order or Institution she receives no Man Another Witness I shall call in shall be Eusebius not the Pope of that Name but Eusebius Pamphilus who lived in the time of Constantinus Magnus the Emperor about three hundred Years after Christ he certifies fully to our purpose lib. 7. c. 2. that the antient manner of receiving Members into the Church was with Prayer and Laying on of hands Doubtless by calling it the antient manner he must needs refer to the Apostles time Again Eusebius declareth lib. 6. c. 26. That one Novatus being sick was baptized if it may be called a Baptism saith he which he received for he obtained not after his recovery that which he should have done by the Canon of the Church to wit Confirmation by the Hands of the Bishop which having not obtained how can he be supposed to have received the Holy Spirit This was about the Year 260. 'T is also to be noted that in neither of those places nor any where else in Eusebius is the least mention made of Crossing or Chrysm in the administration of this Ordinance Cyprian shall be the next whom none I suppose take for a suborned Witness having urged that of the Apostles going to Samaria to impose Hands on those that Philip had baptized saith he which Custom is also descended to us that they who are baptized might be brought by the Rulers of the Church and by Prayer and Imposition of Hands obtain the Holy Ghost Again saith St. Cyprian Ep. ad Steph. de Haereticis Ep. 72. It is of no purpose to lay Hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit unless they receive the Baptism of the Church I might produce Origen in his 7th Homily upon Ezekiel who speaks concerning it Also Hierom who answers this Question viz. Why he that is baptized in the Church doth not receive the Holy Ghost but by Imposition of hands saith he Dial. ad Lucifer This Observation for the honour of the Priesthood did descend from the Scriptures If you ask me where it is written 't is answered in Actibus Apostolorum in the Acts of the Apostles Ambrose is cited by Mr. Danvers himself with Augustin and others whose Authority is not questioned To which I might add Chrysostom Theodoret c. Several others yea many might be produced besides those he calls suborned Witnesses and yet have we far better Authors and Witnesses to defend this sacred Truth for we have the Authority of our Lord Jesus Christ 't is left on record amongst the first Principles of his Doctrine we have the Testimony of the Apostles Peter and John and one not inferior to them viz. blessed St. Paul Heb. 5. 12. and 6. 1 2. as hath and shall God assisting be made further evident And upon no better Authority I must confess is this sacred Ordinance imposed upon us But now to speak more directly to Mr. Danvers what he insists on in pag. 33. about the Rite of Confirmation as practised in the Church of Rome and as corrupted from the pure Institution we readily grant it is of no better Authority than Infants Baptism And as touching what he speaks of Rivet Controv. Tom. 2. Exercit. p. 44. that it was neither instituted by Christ nor his Apostles 't is spoken with respect of the Popish manner with Chrysm and other ridiculous Ceremonies which was before done with Prayer and Imposition of hands without Chrysm They did saith Mr. Baxter make haste to corrupt it they quickly introduced the Crosses and Chrysm but from the beginning it was not so And as to what he says concerning Ambrose Jerom Augustin and some others it is granted they lived in those times when the Church was adulterated and the holy Appointments of Christ corrupted and changed from their primitive purity yet this makes no more against the holy Ordinance of Laying on of hands than it doth against Baptism and the Supper of our Lord c. as I have already shewed All that Mr. Danvers hath said hitherto of Tradition and Fathers makes only against the Church of Rome and England and others who have drunk of the Whores Cup those things which they cry up for Apostolical Traditions are nought else save meer human Innovations and cursed Inventions of corrupt Men. I shall close this with a passage of Dr. Jer. Taylor who treating about Laying on of hands upon baptized Persons as such saith This was antient and long before Popery entred into the World and that this Rite has been more abused by Popery than by any thing As to what Mr. Danvers speaks of the Waldenses that the true ones were against Imposition of hands if that be true yet it must be understood of the Popish Confirmation which they disowned as a Sacrament accompanied with Ceremonies for so I find they express themselves Such a Confirmation I grant they witness against as being none of Christ's Institution but introduced by the Devil's Instigation 't was the corruption of it and not the thing it self doubtless they witness against but that they owned not Laying on of hands at all after Baptism before admission was granted to the Lord's Table I judg too hard for any to make appear But if they were ignorant of
this Truth 't is no marvel considering the Day they lived in Object If it be objected they with other Churches and People he mentions were much enlightned into the Truths of the Gospel Answ That is no good Argument since glorious Reformers and eminent enlightned Souls may notwithstanding lie short of some Institution of the Almighty as appears both in the Old and New Testament What glorious Light had David Solomon Hezekiah Josiah and many others of the Godly Kings and Prophets in Juda And yet one thing plainly laid down in the Book of the Law they were short in nay as some judg they did not see it viz. sitting in Booths in the Feast of the 7th Month of which we read in Nehem. 8. 13 14. They found written saith the Text in the Law which God commanded by Moses that the Children of Israel should dwell in Booths in the Feast of the seventh Month. Vers 15. And all the Congregation of them that were come again out of Captivity made Booths and sate under the Booths For since the days of Joshua the Son of Nun unto that day had not the Children of Israel done so and there was very great gladness verse 47. CHAP. IV. Shewing upon what ground some of the Independent and Presbyterian Perswasion have asserted Laying on of hands on baptised Persons IN Pag. 36. Mr. Danvers having done with Tradition and Fathers he tells us he will consider the Scripture-grounds urged in proof hereof by the Independents and those of the Presbyterian Perswasion In the first place which is the principal Heb. 6.1 2. which he saith Mr. Hanmer modestly expresses to be but a probable ground To which I shall give this answer that tho Mr. Hanmer uses such a Phrase viz. calling Heb. 6.1 2. a probable ground he doth not say 't is but a probable ground and those that read his Book shall find that by the Testimony of divers famous Men he abundantly endeavours to prove it to be absolutely the Laying on of hands intended in that Scripture See Page 25 26. And since I find many eminent Men speaking so plainly on this account of Heb. 6. 1 2. and to satisfy some Persons herein and prevent mistakes take a few instances out of Mr. Hanmer as the Judgment of several Divines upon that Text. The first I shall cite is Didoclavius who of three Interpretations of this Text mentioned by him admits of this Cap. 2. viz. Laying on of hands after Baptism and before admitted to the Lord's Table And gives a reason why it may be called Confirmatory Nempe ratione Ecclesiae approbantis confirmantis sua approbatione examinatum ad verum illud ac genuinum Confirmationis Sacramentum admittentis viz. Because of the Churches approving and by their approbation confirming of the Person examined and admitting him unto that true and genuine Rite of Confirmation The next is Major on Heb. 6.2 On this place saith he all that I have seen mark understand it of Imposition of hands on such as have been baptized only Bullinger Mr. Hooker Lib. 5. Sect. 6. in his Appendix Pag. 3. alledging T.C. thus speaking Tell me why there should be any such Confirmation seeing no one Tittle thereof can be found in Scripture Thus answers ironically except the Epistle to the Hebrews chap. 6. 2. be Scripture plainly intimating saith Mr. Hanmer he thought that place to be a sufficient ground for it and that to be the meaning of the Apostle there Mr. Parker de Polit. Eccles lib. 3. c. 15 16. refuting the Arguments of such as plead for Episcopal Confirmation at large assents saith our Author to what is by me delivered First He shews the general nature and end of it viz. admission of Members into the Communion of the Church which accordingly was used towards such as were converted This Imposition of hands saith he Heb. 6.2 is that very Ecclesiastical Union by a solemn professing of Faith and admission into the Church Secondly He shews the necessity of it from this Text Heb. 6.2 saith Mr. Hanmer Thirdly That it ought to be done publickly and before the Church Et hic ordo inter gravia negotia agitur enim de membro recipiendo publicum hoc est publici juris ideo non nisi Ecclesiae consensu ejusdem cui adjungendus est competens perficiendus This course is to be reckoned among the weighty affairs it is a publick thing and of publick right for the matter in agitation is concerning the receiving of a Member and therefore not to be performed without the consent of that same Church to which the Competent is to be joined Fourthly He shews the Antiquity thereof and that 't is an Apostolical Institution and the practice of the Antient Church He further affirms pag. 28. that Piscator so understood Heb. 6. 1 2. viz. to mean Laying on of hands upon the Baptized Also Beza Paraeus and Rivet whose words take as follows â—â—â—mpositio manuum cujus mentio fit Heb. 6.2 referenda est ad solennem Baptizatorum Benedictionem quae à Pastoribus solebat fieri eos in Christianismi vocationis confirmantibus Imposition of hands whereof mention is made Heb. 6.2 is to be referred to the solemn Benediction of the Baptized which was used to be performed by the Pastors confirming them in the calling of Christianity He mentions the Doctors of Leyden shewing this to be their sense upon this Text also Calvin who gives this only as the chief thing intended by the Apostle in this place from hence draws this remarkable Inference wherein saith Mr. Hanmer he plainly declares his apprehensions concerning the Original and Antiquity of this practice in the Church of Christ Hic unus locus c. This one place saith he abundantly testifies that the-original of this Ceremony viz. Confirmation or Laying on of hands flow'd from the Apostles which yet afterwards was turned into a Superstition as the World almost always degenerates from the best Institutions into Corruption Wherefore to this day this pure Institution mark ought to be retained but the Superstition to be corrected Why should Mr. Danvers presume to say these Men confess the Scripture is but a probable ground and that Tradition and Antiquity is the more certain And again that there is nothing but a faint insinuation from the Scripture to ground Laying on of hands upon What Men can speak more fully to a Text But to proceed he adds Hyperus who saith Imposition of hands Heb. 6.2 was in the confirmation of those that had been baptized and rightly instructed that they might receive the Holy Spirit He urgeth several other Persons of the same mind as Illyricus Mr. Deering c. To which I might add what Mr. Hughes late of Plymouth in his Ep. to Mr. Hanmer's Book mentions on this account speaking of Heb. 6.2 It is by some glorious Lights in the Church saith he understood of Confirmation in that Phrase of Imposition of hands annexed to Baptism Heb. 6. Whence it is said
do so too No sure 11 ly Their eleventh Reason is because none but such Persons as were eminently gifted did impose Hands c. Ans The Apostles did all they did as eminently gifted but if they are not to be followed by all regular Pastors or Elders only ordinarily gifted in Laying on of hands then not in Preaching Baptizing nor in the Administration of any other Gospel-Ordinance but this is also fully answered in the preceding Treatise In pag. 17 18 c. they would make the Reader conclude that the Hebrews being said to be dull of Hearing and so needed to be taught again the first Principles of the Doctrine of Christ doth not refer to these six Principles but to Matters relating to the Priestly Office of Christ c. Answ 'T is true the Apostle was about to instruct them into higher Mysteries viz. about Christ's Priesthood but he found them to have need of Milk and not strong Meat And most evident it is that by strong Meat he refers to the things which he proceeds to instruct them in but the Milk he speaks of are these things viz. Repentance Faith Baptism and Laying on of Hands c. They hardly understood the first Rudiments or A B C of the Christian Faith but to suppose that Milk or those first Principles he speaks of is the strong Meat is preposterous True Christ is properly the Foundation but by the Foundation here is meant those first Principles which every Babe in Christ was to be instructed in and to practise and then to go on to perfection Doth it follow because 't is said not laying again the Foundation of Repentance c. that the Apostle only refers to Christ who is the Foundation of our Salvation and of every Principle of the Christian Religion Evident it is that the first Principles of the Doctrine of Christ are here called the Foundation-principles not that they are all Fundamentals of Salvation but of Church-constitution for we will not say nor any else we hope that none can be saved who are not baptized and come not under Laying on of Hands yet every true regular Church and regular Member ought to be under the practice of both those Principles But I see no need to add any thing further in answer to this Treatise it seeming to me to have the least of Argument in it of any Book I have seen writ against this Ordinance FINIS Postscript NOw tho I am fully established in this Principle of Christ's Doctrine and do believe it is of the same nature with Baptism yet I am not of the opinion that such Members in a Church who are convinced of it and are under it ought to separate themselves from the Church because the other Members of the said Church see it not no but they ought to bear one with another until God shall please to open their eyes We all see but in part and know but in part therefore ought to bear one with another Yet let that Church who are of one Mind and Judgment in this matter walk as they have received and let all take heed how they set light by any Holy Precept and Principle of Christ's Doctrine much less to teach Men to break the least of his Commandments or to cast such under contempt and reproach who in conscience towards God speak and write according to the Light they have received in this and other Cases Must we be their Enemies for telling them the truth Farewel See God's Oracle p. 62 63. * The Seekers use this Objection against all Ordinances saying none are impowered to administer any because not so indowed with Power from on High and their Arguments fully agree with theirs herein against laying on of Hands Of this let the rational judg †If any should object against me Mark 16.17 18. and say miraculous Gifts are promised to such as do believe c. I answer that by believing cannot be meant the Grace of Faith in that place for if it should we may say no man doth now believe or hath true Faith in Christ it is therefore meant of the extraordinary Gift of Faith or Faith of Miracles according to 1 Cor. 12.9 and 13.2 He that so believes nothing can be too hard for him ☜ * See Mr. Hanmer on Confirmation the antient way of compleating Church-Members pag. 45. Independents and Presbyterians clear touching laying on of hands as refined from Popish Pollutions Those of the Antients he cites Tertul. de Bapt. ad Quintil. cap. 8. A.D. 250. Cyprian Ep. ad Jubar 73. * Dr. Hammond says 't is that of Absolution †Confirm Restaurat pag. 123. * Will any say to drink Poison or any deadly thing or take up Serpents is Milk for Babes * Fillings with the Spirit may be taken in a comparative sense God giving more or greater measures of it in the New Testament dispensation since the Ascension of Christ than before †M. Blackwood notes the emphasis to lie in this Pronoun Relative They the Antecedent hereunto must needs be the Baptized c. * How many Women is not expressed they are seldom the lesser number Mr. D 's Innocency and Truth vindicated