Apostles 'T is strange that this foundation Principle must either be mounted and advanced above its fellowes or else it must be buried in oblivion and not practised at all What is imposition of hands more then the Doctrine of Faith Repentance Baptisme and the rest that the beautifull feet of him which bringeth the Doctrine of Faith and Baptizeth may not presume to administer hands Christs Doctrine owns no such difference in point of superiority but whosoever is orderly called to preach hath also full authority to carry on all Ordinances whatsoever Christ commanded his Apostles Mat. 28.19 20. If what hath been said doth not satisfie as to the equall power of all preaching Ministers to carry on all Ordinances let these Scriptures be considered 2 Tim. 2.2 Act. 20.28 1 Cor. 3.5.8 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3 4. 3 Joh. 9. 1 Thess 1.1 with many more which clearly hold out equall power not one for any superiority So that the Gent. is much mistaken in saying 't is an Absurdity yea that many Absurdities will follow our assertion that we are commanded to follow the Apostles in all things except stil before excepted Act. 9. And in this thing it 's plain Ananias did it and the Presbyterie did it and Timothy had power to do it 1 Tim. 4.14 5.22 and other Ministers may do it and God will blesse it And thus having answered the Gent. touching fit Ministers for this ordinance I shall in the second place take a view of the subjects which he saith were a people ignorant of and strangers to the holy Ghost Whereunto I answer 1. That it is true of those Act. 19. before Paul instructed them better but I hope the Gent. will bethink himself and confesse that before the Laying on of hands they were taught and believed in the holy Ghost And as for those Disciples of both sexes in Samaria they heard Christ faithfully preached Act. 8.5 6. they saw the power of the holy Spirit working by wonderfull miracles v. 6. unclean spirits cast out v. 7. they were filled with joy a lively fruit of the Spirit v. 8. they believed which is an eminent gift of the Spirit 1 Cor. 12.9 and were Baptized in the name of Jesus that is according to the command of Jesus v. 12. Now to affirme that these were ignorant of and strangers to the Holy Ghost is that which I dare not venture upon for the reverence I owe to God and fear lest his Saints should shun me for grosse untruth But however the Gent. at unawares hath thus far holpen us in acknowledging some truth namely That they were but yong beginners meer babes in Christ to whom this Ordinance of hands was administred Whereas he saith That there was no such practise amongst the 3000. Act. 2. nor Act. 4. nor in the Churches of Corinth Rome Thessalonica or any other setled Churches I answer If Laying on of hands be the Apostles Doctrine Answ then the 3000. did religiously practise it what a needlesse thing is it now to play the Logician and muster up a Minor and Conclusion But Laying on of hands is the Apostles Doctrine Ergo. Is it not much more substantiall to prove this truth by the plain word of God thus Act. 2.42 They continued stedfast in the Apostles Doctrine so that either the Gent. must deny Laying on of hands to be the Apostles Doctrine for babes or else he must perforce confesse with humility that they did practise it What wiseman will say this Church neglected what their messengers in another * Act. 8.14 15 16 17. Church practised And as for that uncouth reasoning that neither the Churches of Rome nor Corinth nor any setled Churches did practise the Fourth Principle As it is not true in it self as I have already fully proved so it must unavoidably bring in such grosse Absurdities if he talks of Absurdities as shall shake yea and overturn most of our Ordinances For I may as well conclude that breaking of bread and the Lords Supper is not to be practised because neither the Churches of Rome of Ephesus of Philippi of Colosse of Thessalonica nor any of the seven Churches of Asia have any mention of it I know not of any more then three Churches that mention the Lords supper namely Judea Troas and Corinth and in so many at least is the Fourth Principle recorded viz. the Hebrews Samaria and Ephesus I might produce many Churches where not a syllable of Baptisme is once mentioned and the like of severall other Ordinances but I am perswaded so of the Gent. that he will ingenuously acknowledge it was for want of a better reason that he produced this From the subjects he proceeds to the end of this Ordinance which he saith Was not to put persons in expectation of or waiting for the Holy Ghost but immediately to communicate the Spirit in the action T is strange to me that the Apostles should so earnestly pray for the holy Spirit Answ Act. 8.19 to fill them that were not to expect or wait for it Deserves he food that thinks it vain to gape The Lord Jesus hath put all his upon earnest prayer and expectation for his Spirit Luk. 11. Neither is it in the power of any creature to communicate of the Spirit through any ordinance for the Wind or Spirit bloweth where and how it listeth having severall gifts which he distributeth as he pleaseth 1 Cor. 12.11 whether sooner or later 't is worth the waiting for Now the just end of this Ordinance of hands as of all other ordinances is for spirituall babes to obtain a geater measure of the same Spirit some heavenly qualification some sealing confirming mercy such as Believers have need of as Ephes 1.13 In whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed by that holy Spirit of promise that is after the poor babe hath rolled it self upon Christ by a faith of adherence God is pleased to seal it by faith of assurance sometimes sooner sometimes later sometimes in Baptisme or after sometims through laying on of hands Lords Supper Prayer Preaching how he will and when he will wherefore it behoves the gratious soul to wait upon him for his Spirit in all his holy appointments for there he will hand out his loves Cant. 7.12 There is a generation of professors that are rather principled by sight then faith who will not believe except they see signes and wonders but they should remember that an evill and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign And yet they might see signs and wonders every day 2 Cor. 12.12 yea the signs and wonders of Apostles wrought amongst them that is those greater works that Christ promised his Disciples should do Joh. 14.12 Greater miracles they never could they never did do But greater works of conversion were wrought by them and these are the great signes and seals and mighty deeds that God is working by his Apostles even before our eyes There being many through grace that are
and spear are but Christs condescensions to weak Christians Those tongues which were given once and but once that we know of in the laying on of hands and in Preaching although the Gent. do ever so highly magnifie them amongst professors and believers so as to rase the foundation of a foundation principle because he sees not that sign of tongues doth but feed his hearers with food that is not for them If we dare but give credit to that wise master builder he will clearly shew us what an unwise steward is this Gent. Mat. 24.45 Luk. 12.42 what an unfaithfull servant not dividing the word of truth aright not giving them their portion of meat in due season 2 Tim. 2.15 But indeed setting them a gaping for such food as Christ intends not for them Tongues being for a sign 1 Cor. 14.22 Not to them that believe but to them that believe not And while they are thus busily enquiring after the visible power the signs the miracles like that impertinent question Act. 1.6 they are robbed of that proper powerful food that Christ hath fitted for his table guests and conveyed through laying on of hands that true Manna which whosoever feeds upon shall never die I mean those best gifts which true Christians ought earnestly to covet and use all means to procure as Wisdome Knowledge Faith Prophesie Prayer and the rest wherein the mighty Almighty power of Christ is put forth and which sundry believing soules have felt and found in this Administration of hands some eminently and speedily others more obscurely and by insensible degrees The blessed Spirit dividing to every man severally as he will that is What he will how he will 1 Cor. 12.11 and when he will Lastly I must declare that the Gent. and others making so much noise about the visible Power the miraculous Power the externall glorious Power c. do but hereby proclaime their own unbelief The Apostle plainly telling us that tongues are for a sign not to believers but to unbelievers as above Secondly As for that reproof in Isa 1.12 I have already spoke to it and the God of heaven make it a warning to him that he may cease to reproach the wayes ordinances and servants of Christ And as for Gods demand how we know Heb. 6.2 is meant to lay hands on all Disciples though the Gent. sayes we can but answer we think so and how sad that would be I answer We can confidently tell him for God will make no such idle demands that we know so we know the fourth Principle belongs to all Disciples 1. Because it is one of the first Doctrines or Words of Christ 2. Because it 's one of the foundation Principles for Christians 3. Because it 's plainly called milk for babes Indefinitely 4. Because the Ministers of Christ taught and practised it to all his 5. Because Christs babes have need of it God himself hath spoken it and therefore will never question us for observing the Apostles writings and teachings 1 Cor. 11.37 which his holy Spirit hath testifyed are his own commands Thirdly the Gent. would have us consider How unlike this practise is to the primitive Churches and to Philip Act. 8.12 13. who wrought miracles more then we can do and Baptized with water but left the Laying on of hands to the Apostles Act. 8.14 Answ 1. We have diligently considered and through grace found our selves in the very steps of the primitive Churches whereof some are particularized as the Church of Samaria the Church of Ephesus the Churches of Judea or the Hebrewes who were taught and continued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine they being carefull to settle the same order in all Churches Especially in foundation Principles upon which all the Saints are built Now therefore ye are no more strangers and forainers Ephes 2.19 20. but fellow-citizens with the Saints and of the houshold of God and are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himselfe being the chiefe corner-stone 2. It 's too bold to say that Philip left Laying on of hands to the Apostles when it was the speciall work of God to employ Philip suddainly in the mighty service of converting that noble Aethiopian whom Historians record to be so famous in converting his whole Nation But secondly What a deal of stir here is to set up the poor weak instrument as though there were any power or virtue in one Ministers hands more then another or in one Ordinance then another Why this is nothing but the old Pope and Prelate masking in a new habit Let the eternall Spirit determine what difference there is between Peter and Philip I shall offer no violence to the text only change names a little 1 Cor. 3.5 6 7 8. Who then is Peter and who is Philip but Ministers by whom ye believed even as the Lord gave to every man Philip planted Peter and John watered but God gave the increase So then neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth but God that giveth the increase Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one And one would think this should satisfie an honest humble heart in this matter But thirdly Philip was an Evangelist in the very same rank with Timothy and it cannot be denyed but laying on of hands was the work of an Evangelist 1 Tim. 5.22 Lay hands suddenly on no man Fourthly Act. 9.17 Doubtlesse Philip had as much authority as Ananias for it is confidently asserted by some that Ananias was but a bare Disciple though 't is a wild assertion but let that passe at present Well certain it is Ananias who had power to Baptize had equall power to lay hands upon Paul upon a twofold account 1. For the cure of his body 2. For the filling of him with the holy Ghost The very end and use of this fourth Foundation Principle Paul was at present but a new-born-babe learning and observing or practising his Principles I hope none will presume to say that this main end of Ananias imposing hands that Paul might be filled with the Holy Spirit was any ordination to office unlesse they will be wise above what is written Paul was not then Baptized and not likely to receive ordination before his Foundation Principles were laid Besides Certain it is that his solemne Ordination by imposition of hands was long after namely Act. 13. But Lastly Philip being an Evangelist was not inferiour to the setled elders or Presbytery * 1 Tim. 4.14 and they had authority to impose hands If any shall object That was in Ordination I shall only answer this That strong meat for men is not inferior to milk for babes But enough hath been said to prove Christs Ministers equall in power The Gents. last Consideration warneth his dear friends of the danger of turning Acts of Power into bare imitation and want the power quoting Act. 19.13 14 15 16. Exod. 7. to 13. 8.16 17 18
able to say The seal of mine Apostleship are ye in the Lord 1 Cor. 9.2 2 Cor. 3.2 Ye are our Epistle written in our hearts seen and read of all men Yet these signes will never satisfie a doubting Didymus no not all the attestation of all the Apostles except he shall see in his hands the print of the nails and put his finger into the print of the nails Joh. 20.25 and thrust his hand into his side he will not believe Such a faithlesse generation hath this age brought forth except they see the very same miracles as were wrought by Peter and Paul upon mens bodies they will not believe there are any Apostles now in being except they see the same gifts of tongues or some visible operation upon laying on of hands they will not believe there 's any such Ordinance now in force Although the same unbelieving professors will not reject preaching upon that account that were too open a discovery of a half Christian though the same signs did but now do not accompany that Ordinance Thus Herod may do many things and hear John gladly but foolish Virgins cannot be thorough spirited something will be found wanting in the day of Christ when it will be too late to go to buy what now they slight And then they shall experimentally finde the truth of St. James his Doctrine Jam. 2.10 Whosoever shall keep the whole Law and yet offend in one point one principle he is guilty of all Remember that after Trumpets Act. 13.41 come Vials Behold ye despisers and wonder and perish for I work a work in your dayes a work which you shall in no wise believe though a man declare it unto you But as for the gracious heart who puts forth his faith into obedience upon the account of a naked institution because he finds that Laying on of hands is the Doctrine or word of that Christ whom he loves and in whom he lives because it is one of his Foundation Principles because it is sincere milk for new born babes because the Master builders declare that such babes have need of such Principles because these were the Apostles teachings in and writings to the Churches because the eternall Spirit binds true Disciples to embrace the Apostles writings and teachings as none other then the commands of Christ Hence the faithfull soul mounted on the wings of love without attendance upon miraculous or visible operations divinely ecchoing to the language of his beloved cries Lo I come to do thy will O God yea thy law is within my heart I am weary with forbearing and I can no longer stay And thus putting resolution into action he frequently meets with such holy transportations and true spirituall refreshings far exceeding any miraculous visible operation that he breaths forth this or the like heavenly Rapture as being translated and transformed into the same image from glory to glory Cant. 6.10 by the Spirit of the Lord Or ever I was aware my soul made me like the Chariots of Amminadib These are no fancies we speak that we know and testifie that we have seen And thus the believing babe meets with that benediction which Christ entailed upon his obedience Joh. 20.29 Because thou hast seen thou hast believed blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed These are the proper objects of Christs prayer Joh. 17.20 Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word He doth not say through their miracles but through their word because it is a surer rule of direction then any miracle yea then any revelation vision or extraordinary voice from heaven whatsoever 2 Pet. 1.16 17 18 19. The Apostles voice is the tryall of spirits 1 Joh. 4.7 We are of God he that knoweth God heareth us hereby know we the Spirit of truth and the spirit of errour For further illustration of the end of this Ordinance of Laying on of hands namely A fuller attainment and greater measure of spirituall gifts Let it be observed that the gifts of the Spirit are of two sorts The first Externall and visibly miraculous and the se have two speciall uses 1. To confirm the word and ordinances 2. To convince unbelievers The second sort are more intrinsecall soul-satisfying and glorious for the sealing establishing and nourishing of Christ babes Those externall gifts which are of such excellent use Mark 6.7 13 and are accompanied with choice consolation to believers yet may a Judas Demas or any other reprobate be largely stored with them Mat. 7.22 and go to hell afterwards Those gifts are 1. Healing 2. Miracles 3. Extraordinary Prophesie 4. Divers kinds of tongues 5. Interpretation of tongues 1 Cor. 12.9 10. 1. For healing Although it be a gift continued in the Churches and is the proper work of Elders Jam. 5.14 15. and we enjoy it to this day and have sometimes seen and heard of wonderfull effects yet it cannot be constantly expected no not from the hands of Apostles If Paul could have healed his faithfull fellow-labourer Phil. 2.25 27 30. I am confident he would 2. If any are by this means healed Christ hath performed his promise If all were under the influence of this gift at all times mortality should cease no man would ever dye that might so easily injoy life 3. This gift is rather for confirming * Mark 16.20 the word and Ordinances and for the conviction of Heathens then for the recovery of Christians Act. 28.8 And thereupon Paul leaves the Heathen Parent of Publius at Miletum well But the Christian Trophimus he left at Miletum sick 2 Tim. 4.20 4. A reprobate may enjoy this gift and perish Luk. 9.6 Therefore this is no such desirable gift for beleevers to look for in Laying on of hands Secondly Miracles of what kind soever are 1. To confirme the word and Ordinances Heb. 2.4 Whereupon such Ordinances as God confirmed by Miracles are firmly to be retained and observed and not at any time to be let slip Heb. 2.1 Now it is most clear that Laying on of hands upon Disciples was confirmed by miracles so that this Ordinance amongst others must be carefully observed with earnest heed * Heb. 2.1 opened lest at at any time we should let it slip Observe poor soul thou that standest in awe of thy God must not let it slip at any time therefore hold it fast at this time 1. Because it is a super-angelicall ordinance and therefore to remain stedfast and unmoveable Heb. 2.2 Vers 2. 2. Because the slighting of this and other Gospel mercies will unavoidably bring the greatest miseries v. 3. Vers 3. no possibility of escape if every transgression and disobedience to Moses law * Heb. 10.28 29. every transgression were so severely punished how shall we escape Impossible to escape 3. Thou must take heed to this Fourth Principle as well as other duties earnest heed Because it was at first spoken by
down a foundation Doctrine of Christ But let the true babes of Christ know to their comfort that the pwoer is not gone so long as this gift this best gift of the Spirit remains which is better then they all Wherefore get wisdome thou believing obedient soul Prov. 4.7 and with all thy getting get understanding forsake her not and she shall preserve thee love her and she shall keep thee exalt her and she shall promove thee she shall bring thee to honour when thou dost embrace her He that thus counsels thee hath richly experienced the truth of what he assures thee he asked wisdome and God gave him a large heart and was so well pleased with his choice 2 Chron. 1.10 11 12. and desire that he added to his request the greatest wealth honour and royalty that ever was given to mortall man This pretious gift shall conduct the true Christian to the Bridegrooms Chamber yea into his Masters joy Matth. 25. Dan. 12.3 where he shall shine as the brightnesse of the Firmament for he made wisdome his choice and used all means all the appointments of Christ to attain it and did not finde those pipes empty which others slighted and neglected but through those channels his vessell was filled wherefore he now lifts up his head with confidence Heb. 5.9 and Christ is become what he promised even the authour of eternall salvation to his obedient soul While those who lived in the profession of some it may be many truths are found with empty vessels void of this excellent gift of wisdome as refusing the channell through which it passeth so that now Psal 45. Mat. 25.10 11 12. when all too late they would run to buy the Bridegroom enters his royall chamber the Bride with the wise Virgins attend him and the door is shut eternally shut Lord Lord open to us is all too late Because I have called and ye refused O read and tremble Prov. 1.24 c. Hos 14. ult Who is wise and he shall understand these things prudent and he shall know them for the wayes of the Lord are right and the just shall walke in them but the transgressors shall fall therein By this time possibly some gratious soul will confesse that the best and most excellent gifts of the Spirit are not ceased But this powerfull yea most powerfull operation is continued in this principall gift of Wisdome and seeing the necessity of it may possibly cry out O help me to wisdome or else I die Which way is my beloved gone in what path doth this most excellent gift of wisdome passe Why thou poor enquiring soul it is the Prince of gifts thou enquirest after he is free and I dare not confine him to any particular passage he hath many walkes but I can point thee out which way he hath gone namely in yonder path which is one of his principall walks termed Laying on of hands 't is a path of his own preparing and indeed a foundation Doctrine of his own lips His servant Joshua found him in this very path and therein obtained this precious gift of wisdome which for the excellency of it beares his own name Deut. 34.9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the Spirit of wisdome for Moses had laid his hands upon him Was this transcendent gift of the Spirit conveyed through the Laying on of Moses hands Luk. 7.28 Why the least Gospell Minister is greater then Moses Object But Joshua was an Officer Answ He was a great Captain indeed and did conquer Canaan but there is not a Disciple of Christ but is a greater Captain even a King and a Priest and conquereth the world yea is more then a Conquerer through Christ Whatsoever priviledges the chiefest in Moses house enjoyed even the least member of Christs Kingdome is invested with that is to enter into the Sanctum Sanctorum or most holy place with boldnesse Heb. 10.19 which was the peculiar priviledge of their high Priests So that this way even through impositions of hands hath the blessed Spirit communicated wisdome his most excellent gift In the time of the Gospell we finde the great Apostle of the Gentiles rich in this gift A wise Master builder And St. Peter greatly admires this gift of Wisdome in him 2 Pet. 3.15 Even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the Wisdome given unto him Quest But when was this Wisdome given unto him Answ At the same time when the Holy Ghost first filled him that is when the first Messenger was sent for this as the chief end from the Lord Jesus to him Brother Saul said Ananias the Lord Jesus hath sent me that thou mightest receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost Act. 9.17 and accordingly the eyes of his mind as well as of his body were so enlightned with this choice gift of wisdome that he was able to preach Christ so that all which heard him were amazed he being so able presently to prove that he which bestowed this gift upon him is the very Christ So that here we have the precise time when this wisdome was given him Quest But how or by what means was this gift communicated Answ By that especiall Ordinance through which other gifts of the same Spirit were conveyed by Peter and John and Paul himself afterwards that is by imposition of hands Act. 9.17 And Ananias went his way and entered into the house and putting his hands on him said c. So that here in two lively examples the way and means of communicating this principall gift is discovered to thy inquiring soul I shall add no more at present concerning this gift which I would be found in at the sound of the great trumpet but to counsell thee in the words of my Redeemer in another case Go and do thou likewise Luk. 10.31 The second best gift which is also continued to and must be more and more encreased in the Saints as we may see this day is Knowledge Dan. 12.4 As this is honoured in the next place to Wisdome so are they both lock'd up together for the newborn babe in the richest Cabinet that heaven hath even in the heart of the Lords Christ and our Jesus Col. 2.3 in whom are hid all the treasures of Wisdome and knowledge This is one of those choice acquirements for the building up of the Saints which whosoever wants is blind 2 Pet. 1.5 8. and in a perishing condition My people are destroyed for want of knowledge is the great Gods patheticall expression Hos 4.6 Take heed therefore thou dost not reject it nor the means by and through which it is attained for as it is treasured up in the same magazin or storehouse so it runs in the same channel with wisdome that is communicated through the same Ordinance Then shall we know Hos 6.3 Hab. 2.14 if we follow on to know the Lord. Faith is the third continued gift running through severall channels
that is different administrations from the same Lord. 1 Cor. 12.5 But that saith which so runs as through Baptisme Supper Hands and other Ordinances I do not judge that foundation Principle Heb. 6. but a faith of assurance Ephes 1.13 or the sealing of the Spirit which hath been communicated to some upon their purpose to obey Christ in this Ordinance to others whiles they have been under the administration of hands to a third sort immediately after to divers at a greater distance yea I have seen such a presence and with an eye which the naturall man never enjoyed beheld so great a Majesty in the administration of this fourth Principle as hath constrained me to admire the mighty operation of the Spirit and to conclude that wonders are not totally ceased Let babes in Christ covet earnestly this great gift Gal. 2.20 Ephes 3.8 Hab. 3.17 18. 1 Sam. 30.6 Mat. 21.22 Josh 10.12 13. 1 Joh. 5.4 Isa 45.11 and be found in all the means and wayes of obtaining it for 't is a Christ-exalting gift a self-abasing gift a soul-satisfying gift a heart-encouraging gift a mercy-obtaining gift a wonder-working gift a world-conquering gift a God-commanding gift Now certainly if I have spoken truth concerning this pretious gift of Faith then it is not true which some have so confidently asserted namely that the powerfull operations of the Spirit are ceased But I know what they mean viz. the visible print of the nails and spear so that it appears to me they believe little further then they see and therefore slight this Doctrine of Laying on of hands Which I think few will deny to be a notable means for the conveyance of the fourth continued spirituall gift which is Prophesie All spirituall gifts are beautifull in their place but this rather to be desired for the edification of others as the Apostle saith 1 Cor. 14.1 I do not judge a person compleatly in Gods way how eminent soever he be gifted untill he have received this Ordinance of hands I look upon the Church as neglecting her duty when omitting it or employing persons in the Administration of Ordinances without it and hiding her talents when she doth not separate such persons by it as are fit for the Lords harvest And I esteem any man that sets to the Ministery without it if he may and doth not receive it as running without his errand Let none here mistake me as though I did confound the fourth Principle with Ordination I know the one is an initiating Ordinance proper for babes 2 Tim. 1 6. such as Timothy received at the hands of Paul by which often this gift of Prophesie is communicated which when it mounts to such a flame that the soul is constrained with the Prophet Jer. 20.9 to cry out I was weary with forbearing and I could not stay Then I judge it the Churches duty to set upon this separating administration with sasting and prayer according to pattern Act. 13.2 3. As the Eldership or Presbyterie did to Timothy 1 Tim. 4.14 Persons thus designed to the work are sent out by the Holy Spirit Act. 13.4 therefore prize it The last standing or continued gift here mentioned is Discerning of Spirits which raiseth the soul to a notable degree of spirituality * 1 Cor. 2.14 No wonder then that the Apostle urgeth the necessity of the Six Principles as being the dishes in and by which this spirituall gift is brought by degrees to the believing soul which when he heartily feeds of it is of that strengthning nature as transforming the Disciple from a babe to a strong man Heb. 5. ult 'T is no small mercy to be able to try the spirits whether they be of God and to know Christs voice from a stranger 1 Joh. 4.1 Joh. 10. Mat. 7.15 16. a wolf from a sheep Since therefore the use and end of Laying on of hands is for attaining the Spirit of Christ by degrees And that I have so fully proved that the choicest gifts of the Spirit are as largely that I say not more liberally handed to believers now as ever and that these heavenly gifts are so clearly communicated through this Ordinance of hands Let my counsell be acceptable to thee if ever thou desirest thy friends society get thee to his place of abode that is Can. 1.8 forth by the foot steps of the flock and feed thy kids besides the shepheards tents There he makes his flock to rest at noon There he will give thee his loves not every where but in wayes of his own appointment His flock have left thee fair prints of their footsteps both in Doctrine and practise A goodly flock hath the Shepherd of Israel whose faith follow and lean not to thine own understanding Say not the Lords hands is shortned or his power ceased thou seest his richest gifts are continued to thee and many more then I have mentioned as the spirit of grace and supplication Zech. 13.10 the gift of suffering Phil. 1.29 of courage and boldnesse Act. 4.10 13. and sundry others Be not wanting to thy self in slighting this or any Ordinance through which Christ is pleased to convey his gift Jonah 2.8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy If there be any breathings in thy soul after these spirituall treasures which will stand thee in stead when the trumpet sounds get thee to the Merchants now if thou drive off thy bargain till then the door will be shut Possibly thou mayest think this Ordinance of hands not worth half my writing or thy reading I am sure my pains is the greater and I do not think it too much to clear up an Ordinance whereby Christ hath sweetly refreshed my soul I know it hath long lien sullied amongst the Romish pots Psal 68.13 Isa 60.8 But God can give it the wings of a dove to thy bosome to engage thy dove-like soul to flie though in clouds to thy windowes What if thou shouldest look upon this Ordinance with a contemptible eye Joh. 9.6 7. and esteem it no better then clay and spittle yet use it because 't is the Doctrine or word of Christ possibly it may clear thy sight Thou hast many pretious Lambs of Christ in view that have led thee the way through this administration as Peter John Paul Ananias and thousands more who continued stedfastly in this and all the rest of the Apostles Doctrine And remember that thou art commanded to observe and do all things whatsoever Christ commanded his Disciples in those dayes so shalt thou be sure of the presence of Christ whose favour soever thou losest So shalt thou approve thy self a new-born-babe a new Creature a friend of Christ And as many as walke according to this rule peace be on them and mercy and upon the Israel of God I must now return to the Gent. my Antagonist to wipe off those Absurdities which he saith must of necessity follow this practise First We lay no unfaithfulnesse
pretend never so much ability or eminency or experience to teach others I dare boldly assert that untill such time as God shall draw out their hearts to use this milk of the fourth Principle they are but unskilfull in a Foundation Doctrine of the word of righteousnesse And truly that 's exceeding sad if we consider Tit. 1.9 Well then to weaklings in the faith to young Disciples hath Christ designed this A B C. Doctrine of six principles to be laid as their first foundation upon himself Ephes 2.20 which is so far from being A new Administration as our Antagonists term this fourth Principle by way of derision that what we contend for is one of the words of the beginning of Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heb. 6.1 one of those first things which Jesus began to do and teach which are not set down particularly by the Evangelists for if they should be written every one it 's supposed the world could not contain them Joh. 21.25 this is one of those Commandements which Christ gave to his Apostles after his resurrection one of those things that he spake to them concerning the Kingdome of God Act. 1.1 2 3. for as Christ was forty dayes instructing Moses in Sinai how to govern his house under the Law so he was forty dayes instructing his Apostles in Sion how to order his house under the Gospell not writing his Lawes then with inke and paper or in tables of stone but acccorto the tenour of the new Covenant he did engrave them in their minds Heb. 8.10 and write them in their hearts with this full assurance upon the word of a King Joh. 14.26 that his holy Spirit should bring all things to their remembrance whatsoever he had said unto them so that he hath been exactly faithfull in all his house Heb. 3. As truly therefore as Christ gave them Commandements Act. 1.2 so truly are those things which the Apostles taught Act. 2.40 41 42. and 8.17 and left in writing Heb. 5.12 6.1 2. so truly I say are these things the very Commandements of the Lord 1 Cor. 14.37 which at first began to be spoken by the Lord Heb. 2.3 So that the vanity of that taunt that Laying on of hands is A new Administration doth too much betray an ignorant that I say not an envious frame of spirit And as this foundation Principle was laid in Sion by those wise master-builders in the beginning of the Kingdom of Christ which is to be practised and observed equally with its fellow principles Faith Repentance Baptisme c. to the end of the world So was it religiously performed with the rest in the purest Churches for some hundreds of years after the Apostles as is fully and faithfully proved from the purest streams of Antiquity by those eminent shining lights in the Church of God to whom this present generation is so exceedingly obliged for their indefatigable labours in vindication of this and many other pretious truths of Christ namely Mr. John Tombs in his Anti-paedobaptism Second Part. 23. Sect. and Mr. Christopher Blackwood in his Soul-searching Catechism pag. 58. to whom I refer you Only one testimony I shall set down out of Eusebius lib. 6. cap. 42. Novatus saith he being very like to die was baptized in the bed where he lay if it may be termed a baptisme which he received for he obtained not after his recovery that which he should have done according to the Canon of the Church to wit confirmation by the hands of the Bishop In so much then as he obtained not that how came he by the Holy Ghost In which passage I observe First That in those dayes namely in the third Century it was not the custome to baptize Infants but Professors that lasie practice of Infant sprinkling being after wars fomented and advanced by the man of sin Secondly I observe That it could not be termed or judged a lawfull baptism which was Administred in bed for how was that a buriall Nay both the Clergy and Laity opposed his admission into the Ministery because they judged that bed-baptisme unlawfull pag. 118. Thirdly I observe That the Church had received the fourth Principle as one of their Canons Lawes or Rules Fourthly That he is recorded as a disobedient person to all posterity for neglecting and omitting that duty of Laying on of hands And lastly That it was so long received as an eternall truth that the holy Ghost was communicated in his gifts by Laying on of hands So that I hope God will cause shame to work unfeigned sorrow in such as have so rashly termed Laying on of hands A new administration My counsell and advice to all that truly fear the Lord and desire a greater measure of his Blessed Spirit in the gracious gifts and flourishing fruits thereof is speedily to hasten to the use of all means that the redeemer of our souls hath designed for his dear Disciples his babes his lambs which he folds in his bosome and hath enjoyned all his under-shepheards faithfully to feed as ever they would manifest their loves to him their Saviour Wherefore I as the unworthyest of them all would gladly serve thee thou espoused soul that hast devoted thy Virgin affections to the divine embraces of the King of Saints I beseech thee as Christs Ambassadour I humbly intreat thee open the mouth of thy enquiring thirsty soul that as a new-born-babe thou mayst receive this growing thriving food in the rich encreases of Gods holy Spirit 't is sincere milk fitted for thy constitution O tast and see how gratious the Lord is thou dost not yet know how he will communicate himself to thee through this Ordinance thou canst never experience the virtue and goodnesse of food till thou receive it I do not so earnestly invite thee to the meanest things of Christs house those inferiour gifts which Reprobates may have and Simon Magus would have purchased with money and which carnall Christians so much cry out for the power the visible miraculous power the tongues the signs the wonders c. Alas poor soul these will not feed thee the wisest Stewards that ever Christ employed 1 Cor. 14.22 tell thee thou panting spirit they are not for thee Why thou art a believer I prethee what good would tongues or miracles do thee would they satisfie thy gaping thirsty soul did not that excellent Apostle earnestly disswade Disciples from their vain affection of these externall gifts What if I should come with tongues to you saith he 1 Cor. 14.6 would that profit you I should not be understood ver 7.8 and if you did enjoy your desire of tongues ye should but speak to the aire and be a Barbarian vers 9 11. Ah brethren saith he after long labouring to blunt the edge of their fond desire of tongues above other gifts vers 20. Be not children in understanding as if he should say thy desires are childish in making such a noise about this lesser gift which will neither
thy Principles The Lord make my counsell acceptable to thee which is To live in the perpetuall exercise or practise of all thy Principles Yet mistake not I would not have thee set them up for Idols Judg. 17.13 and live upon them to say Now I know that the Lord will doe me good seeing I have got a Levite to my Priest Take heed of so practising any of thy Principles Now I have done enough once to believe a Magus may do so or repent Act. 8.13 Judas did it or be baptized so was Ananias and Sapphira In this respect Phil. 3.13 14. thou must forget what is behind and presse forward In this respect Heb. 6.1 thou must leave thy Principles and go on to perfection But how must thou leave thy Principles What never to look at them any more No such matter Mat. 19.5 But as thou must leave thy father and mother and cleave to thy wife so thou must leave thy Principles Whosoever shall teach thee in a marryed state to be disobedient to or utterly to leave and forsake thy Parents I shall bequeath to him the Legacie fit for a blind Pharisee Mat. 15.6 And the like portion to him that shall counsell thee to learn thy Six Principles but not to practise them or at any time to leave them so As for the first Principle which is Repentance Why thou poor soul as oft as thou callest for thy dayly bread so often thou must practise thy Repentance For thou dost dayly contract new flaines therefore thou must dayly go to that sountain * Zech. 13.1 Rev. 7.14 to wash thy robes and make them white in the bloud of the Lamb. Crying Father which art in heaven forgive my trespasses as I forgive others that is manifest forgivenesse seal my pardon satisfie my soul that all my sins are imputed unto Christ and his righte-ousnesse to me And can thy soul live a day without this satisfaction without this assurance The Lord would have thee aske to purpose not barely pardon but assurance that thou art pardoned Aske and ye may receive Joh. 16.24 that your joy may be full And thus thou must not leave but practise Repentance Secondly for Faith If ever thou didst receive it embrace it Rom. 1.5 and yeeld obedience to it be carefull constantly to live in the exercise of it Why thou no longer livest then thou believest Vers 17. therefore go thy wayes on from faith to faith in the mounting steps of Abrahams faith as one of the houshold of faith Rom. 4.12 Gal. 6.10 Take heed of Hymeneus sin * 1 Tim. 1.19 and let Pauls exercise be thine Act. 24.16 O beware of men that will yeeld thou shouldest learn it but not practise it As for Baptisme If ever thou was buried with Christ in it Rom. 6.4 one buriall will serve the turn 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he that is once baptized or washed needeth not save to wash his feet * Joh. 13.10 compared with 2 King 5.10 14. Heb. 10.22 and yet there is dayly need of Mortification Col. 3.5 this thou must be practising all the dayes of thy Pilgrimage thou dost never learn it till thou practise it There 's dayly need of a holy walk in newnesse of life Rom. 6.4 Wherefore thou Baptized Believer whatever men say be thou dayly in the practise of this Principle A chast Virgin often resisted Satans temptation with this weapon Christiana sum I am a Christian As oft as the enemy makes his appoaches against thee tell him thou art espoused to Christ and hast not in thy childish infant state when perhaps thou wast asleep made a bold manly profession of thy subjection to him in this Ordinance What should I fear if truth speak truth Mark 16.16 I did I do believe I was Baptized I shall be saved And for this fourth Principle Be sure thou practise it as ever thou desirest a larger measure of the Spirit for the communicating of which it is appropriated If God do immediatly confer his gifts in or soon after the administration be carefull to improve them to his glory put them not under a bed of ease or a bushell of gain If he deal with thee as with those Hebrew babes keep thee long in thy childhood without some eminent manly gift yet practise this Principle in the exercises of patience waiting for a return to those prayers that did accompany this Ordinance and indeed is an essentiall part of it without which neither this nor any thing else is or can be sanctifyed Luk. 11.13 and upon which pretious promises are entail'd Breaking bread is no ordinance of Christ 1 Cor. 12.11 without prayer and praise Remember the Spirits method who is a free Agent Dividing to every man severally as he will what how and when he pleaseth Some seed in some sort of ground will spring up speedily Though I do not say that is either the best seed or the best soil see Mat. 13.5 And such is the gift of tongnes to such as greedily gape after it and pettishly cast away the ordinance of hands if they may not have it That or nothing will please their palate But the Spirit hath another sort of seeds which may not so suddainly appear but possibly lie all winter under the clods and yet the ground very good and the seed lying so long in it makes it better and although it make not such speed in springing yet it is carefully kept Luk. 8.15 and brings forth fruit with patience At the first practise of this Principle the seed is sown Isa 45.19 and in a sutable season it will spring and appear Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord Jam. 5.7 Behold the Husbandman waiteth for the pretious fruit of the earth and hath long patience for it untill be receive the early and latter rain We are at a great losse for want of waiting for returns of duties Having therefore yeelded obedience to this Ordinance let no man perswade thee thou longing soul to cast off the exercises of a patient waiting for a return but take up thy resolution with the Prophet Psal 85.8 I will hear what God the Lord will speak for he will speak peace unto his people and to his Saints but let them not turn again to folly If God have but bestowed so much wisdome upon thine obedience as to wait with faith and patience for fuller manifestations of himself then I am sure thou hast not found this ordinance empty The fifth Principle If thou be truly spirituall must be thy dayly practise It is a duty incumbent upon thee and beares a date as antient as thy visible profession and reall subjection to Christs commands Rom. 6.4 For in thy buriall with thy Redeemer in the Baptismall sountain 2 Cor. 5.17 Heb. 10.20 thou didst begin thy case in the similitude of his resurrection with an engagement so to run by the rules of the new creature in that new and living way all the dayes of thy life Thou wast a miserable polluted creature Ephes 2.1 before he met with thee dead in trespasses and fins but he hath breathed upon thee by his quickning Spirit and therefore in the power of the same Spirit dayly thou must practise the resurrection Rom. 3.11 If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the death dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortall bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you Wherefore stop thy ears to any other Spirit that would dull the edge of thy devotion in the practise of the resurrection Live at present in the power of it and make use of all means with the Apostle Phil. 3.11 If by any means I might attain unto the refurrection of the dead Thy God will be found in the use of his own means Col. 3.1 If ye then be risen with Christ seek those things which are above And Lastly Let the eternall judgment be thy exercise continually Thou hast no other way in this world to avoid the horrour and terrour of it and this way whatever men talke to keep thee in idlenesse thou mayest escape it 1 Cor. 11.31 For if we would judge curselves we should not be judged Cheer up thy drooping spirit take courage and resolution and be as lively as possible in the practise and exercise of all thy Principles The more lively the more like Christ whose meat and drink was to do the will of his father and the more like Christ the more boldnesse thou shalt have in the day of judgement * 1 Joh. 4.17 Wherefore labour diligently to be found in all the will of thy God Let no man spoil thee of any truth but especially of one of thy Foundation principles What though this milk be never so mean 't is the more like a crucified Christ I confesse Laying on of hands is but a simple service Rom. 6.17 no more is its companion Baptisme but t is one of the first words of thy dear Redeemer a part of that form of Doctrine which he delivered and hath owned Act. 8. 19. and by signs and wonders confirmed which he would not so fignally have ratified had it not been a part of his owne service Let not mens conceits of the cessation of this holy Ordinance deprive thy pretious soul of those choice gifts which stream through it which thy panting spirit if thou be truly thirsty soul cannot but find as much need of as thy fellow saints sixteen hundred years since The promise runs as strenuously to this age and the Saints in it though we be those afar off as it did to them that were nigh * Act. 2.39 For he that made promise remains faithfull and what ever men dare affirme to the contrary yet he hath said that It is easier for heaven and earth to passe Luk. 16.17 then one tittle of the Law to fail THE END