Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
spirit_n	heart_n	holy_a	jesus_n	6,908	5	5.5429	4	false

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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A57271	Laying on of hands asserted: or, A plain discovery of the truth thereof under those several considerations, minded in the New Testament. 1. Upon persons for healing: with a brief discovery of that ordinance of Christ, (to wit) anointing with oile. 2. Upon persons to office. 3. Upon believers, baptized, as such: and that principle of Christs doctrine cleared, for their obedience: with objections answered to each particular. To which is annexed, a confutation of four chapters written by some person, or persons, in opposition to this principle of the doctrine of Christ, (to wit) laying on of hands upon believers baptized, as such; wherein the weakness of their reasons against the truth, is plainly discovered, and the truth further asserted, and vindicated. By VVilliam Rider, servant to the Church of Christ.	Rider, William, fl. 1656.	1656 (1656)	Wing R1444A; ESTC R217997	59,976	201

may be left without excuse Object But yet some will and do say The Apostles did lay on hands by vertue of a particular gift which God had given them to give the Spirit Answ. The Apostles did never lay on hands by vertue of those particular gifts they had received but by vertue of their ministerial office for laying on of hands being an Ordinance of Christ a way unto believers as Baptisme or other of his appointments The Apostles did never officiate in them by vertue of any particular gift neither any other Minister of the Gospel but by vertue of their ministerial office as they were called of God to administer in those wayes to his people and so did leaving the effect thereof unto God c. Object But some do say the Apostles by laying on of hands did give the Spirit Answ. First though this be one of their greatest Objections and Blocks against which they Stumble Yet our greatest opposers are herein divided for though some do affirm that the Apostles had power to give the Spirit yet others of them cannot so believe and who would think men of such parts and wisdome as they are should so affirm but that indeed the carnal minde of man will ever oppose the things of God 2. I answer and that positively that the Apostles by laying on of hands did give the Spirit of God no more in this Ordinance then Peter did in the preaching of the Word Acts 10. 44. While he spake the Word the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard it and they spake with Tongues and glorified God VVhy so it was that while Peter Iohn and Paul were exercised in this Ordinance even laying on of hands God gave his Spirit to his people But alas what is Peter Iohn and Paul but Ministers by whom they believed the one may Plant and the other VVater but it 's God that must give the increase 1 Cor. 3. 5 6. And surely this what gifts Christ is pleased to convey through Ministers is not by any power that is in them as is plainly discovered from Acts 3. 12. Neither was it ever in the Apostles power to give the Spirit of promise unto any man and so the Apostle plainly declares unto me in his answer to Simon Magus who certainly did think as too many do this day that the Apostles had power to give the Spirit and therefore he offered them mony for that gift or power the Apostle thereby seeing the corruption of his heart saith unto him Thy mony perish with thee because thou thinkest the gift of God may be obtained with mony Acts 8. 18 19 20. 3. Further take notice that this power or prerogative of giving the Spirit the Lord Jesus Christ alwayes keeps in his own hands he giveth it to whom he pleaseth as you may plainly see by these Scriptures Acts 2. 32 33. This Iesus hath God raised up whereof we are al witnesses therefore being by the right hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit he hath shed forth this which you now see and hear Mark this he hath done it even this Jesus but not the Apostles And saith our Saviour Iohn 14. 16 17. I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter Even the Spirit of truth and in the 26 vers. But the Comforter which is the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my Name the 15. 26. vers. But when the Comforter is come whom saith Christ I will send unto you from the Father Even the Spirit of truth Luke 11. 13. and Acts 5. 32. saith the Apostle We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit whom God hath given to them that obey him By all which places it is plainly manifest that this power or prerogative of giving the Spirit the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father alwayes keep in their own hands c. 4. It is further ●anifest that it was not in the Apostles power to give the Holy Spirit of promise and that from the administration of the Ordinance Acts 8. 15. When Peter and John came down to Samaria they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit VVhich doth discover it was not in their power to give it but they prayed for them that so indeed God would give it to them according to his promise Again as it is manifest that this power belongs unto the Lord Jesus Christ he having received of his Father this promise of the Holy Spirit and so gives it forth upon his people So likewise we may observe that he also gives the gifts or operations thereof or the Spirit of God doth work and operate in poor Souls according to his wisdom For as there are members of the body of Christ so every member hath it's office given him of God this the Apostle plainly discovers 1 Corinth the 12 Chapter in the 4. 5 6 7 8 9 10. saith he There are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit and there are differences of administrations but the same Lord and there are diversities of operations but it is the same God which worketh all in all but the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every one to profit withall for to one is given by the Spirit the Word of wisdome and so he goes on making mention of the gifts and operations thereof and in the 18 vers. thus declareth But now hath God set the members in the body as it hath pleased him again saith he in the 27. and 28. vers. Now you are the body of Christ and members in particular and God hath set some in the Church first the Apostles secondly Prophets c. From all which as before we may minde that as the Spirit of God is given to every believing obedient Soul and this by the Lord so every ones gift or office likewise proceeds from him Again saith the Apostle Ephes. 4. 7. speaking of the Church But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ Now if any should say How would this appear the Apostle makes answer vers. the 8. Because he ascended up on high he led speaking of Christ Captivity captive and gave gifts unto men and vers. the 11. it 's said he gave some to be Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers and this for the good of the body of Christ and this work of Christ of giving his Spirit unto men to be continued so long as the Saints are to be perfected and the body of Christ to receive edification as we may plainly see from the 12. and 13. verses So that to say the Apostles had power to give the Holy Spirit or Spirit of promise is untrue absurd and ridiculous Object Again some there are who make this a great obstacle in the way thereby hindering poor Souls from their obedience even the Words of the Apostle Acts 8. 16. for as yet he

is discovered to pervert it or to turn you aside from following of it know this is but one of Satans old plots and deceitful workings and marvel not that he works in good men in our dayes for this is certain that if persons dissent from truth so far they serve for his design which is alwayes against the truth which is the Law of God that which God hath commanded thus he wrought in the Prophet of the Lord who told a lye in the Name of the Lord unto which the young Prophet yeilded contrary to what God had Commanded him 1 King 13. 18 and was destroyed of a Lyon know he many times makes use of good men to carry on his design therefore though you may judge they are good men that speak against a truth of the Lord let not that turn you aside knowing it is your duty to be a follower of him in what he hath spoken that doth relate to the worship of God or your duty in your conversation which doth concern you as you are believers and would be partakers of the promises especially those things that are principles of your faith and Religion yea principles of the worship and service of that God whom we profess to fear yea and to obey And take heed of those who teach you only to believe that unto which you ought to manifest your obedience to the great God Such persons who call that which Christ taught and whereunto believers were obedient a Doctrine but not a practise such words are corrupt but let us know this that so far as Christ hath taught us we ought to be obedient and therefore let your obedience be manifest to all men For the Lord is at hand to give recompence unto you and let not the opposition which truth meets withal be a stumbling-block unto you You may see how easily confusion and errour take place upon the hearts of men this day O let truth have place upon your Souls O it grieves my Soul to see how easily that which hath but a colour or shew of truth from the Scriptures takes place upon the hearts of men and many Professors this day and yet that which is real truth hath little entertainment in the World What 's the Reason was not this alwayes it 's too low it 's too mean it 's too plain it is indeed without the wisdome of man and therefore finds little entertainment amongst men Alas saith the Wiseman what 's a little water this is a poor thing others have as low an esteem of laying on of hands besides it 's a riddle unto them thus God makes foolishness the wisdome of this World But now some do say Did we see these Ordinances to continue we should willingly obey I Answer Do you think the Scribes and Pharisees would not have made as large a Profession as this when they rejected the Counsel of God against themselves being not Baptized Luke 7. 30. or do you not think that those who are short of any truth if they profess any thing but will as readily make this Objection as your selves yet will this excuse them or would the Iews ignorance of the Lord of life excuse their Crucifying the Lord of Glory 1 Cor. 2. 8. surely no Therefore know it 's your duty to seek after truth and to yeild obedience to it Christ requires it of you therefore come in unto him and be willing to take upon you his yoak and despised wayes and be sure you shall be no losers by it Now the Lord help you you that have put on Christ by Baptisme to read what I have written in this book without prejudice and with a heart lifted up to God for wisdome to direct to give you to see truth from errour And that this truth which I do principally mind and drive at to wit laying on of hands upon believers Baptized as such may have the Spirit of God making of it forth unto your Souls in the Reading and Consideration thereof that so you may be followers of God therein is the Prayer of him who is willing to serve you for truths sake WILLIAM RIDER ERRATA Page 1. line 8. for the Spirit read the Holy Spirit p. 42. l. 13. for excuse read enough p. 46. l. 11. for their read then p. 59. l. 3. for his read this p. 100. l. 5. for praise read prise p. 112. l. 7. for would read do p. 147. l. 8. for do affirm read we do affirm p. 152. l. 14. for was enjoyned read was there enjoyned p. 159. l. 17. for I read you A DISCOVERY Of Layings on of hands according to the wisdom of God given under the several considerations thereof minded in the New Testament THE Scripture of the New Testament speaks of laying on of hands upon three several accounts or ends First upon Baptized believers as such To the end they might receive the Spirit which is the promise of God unto them as Acts the 8. and Acts 19. 2. On Ministers to the end they might be separated to the work of the Ministry Acts 6. 6 13 3. 1 Tim. 4. 14 5. 22 vers. 3. On the sick for healing to the end they might recover as Mark 16. 18. Acts 28. 8 vers. I shall as the Lord shall help me speak somthing to the two last briefly and then to the first I shall be more large it being the duty of all believers to submit unto and that which is chiefly in my eye in this discourse First of the laying on of hands for healing it was a particular gift of faith which the Lord Jesus did promise to give unto his people as is plain from Mark 16. 17 18 vers. These signes shall follow them that believe in my Name they shall cast out Devils they shall speak with new tongues they shall take up Serpents and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover in which enumeration of signs we find laying on of hands for healing which signs as the Spirit of the Lord teacheth us were given for those who believed not 1 Cor. 14. 22 vers. But this promise of healing by laying on of hands as we may observe the Lord made good upon many of his people as believers in the Church of Corinth who were partakers of this gift which they were to go forth in the practise thereof according as the Apostle Paul did Acts 28. 8 vers. yea as Christ himself Mark 6. 5 vers. Luk. 4. 40 vers. Object But now some may say Was this practise to continue amongst believers to which take this two-fold answer First If the gift be continued that is of healing then this practise for we cannot Act unless we have received 2. If any have or shall receive such a gift of faith they are to go forth in the practise thereof for gifts are given to profit withal that is for the good of others 1 Cor. 12. 7 vers. therefore if any one have received such

God hath set some in the Church first Apostles c. so Christ did ascend and gave gifts unto men and that some to be Apostles as well as other offices in the Church Ephes. 4. 8. compared with the 11. vers. Object But now some may say Christ did chuse Apostles he chose Twelve which he called Apostles therefore they ceasing the office ceased Answer To which I Answer that this was before Christ ascended but after he ascended he gave some Apostles that is to that work to lay the foundation Ephes. 4. 11 vers. and so Paul and Barnabas were Apostles Acts 14. 4. and 14. vers. and others also spoken of in the 2 Cor. 8. 23. vers. 1 Cor. 14. 1. compared with 6. and 9. vers. He that doth authoritatively as the first Apostles or by vertue of the authority of the Church of Christ lay the foundation of the service of God he is properly an Apostle he doth the work of an Apostle for other foundation no man can lay that is to be approved of by the Lord yet other men may lay the same even preach the same Doctrine of Christ which he did c. Thirdly Of laying on of hands upon Baptized believers as such to the end they might receive the Spirit THat laying on of hands upon Baptized believers as such is one part of their obedience to the Lord which he requires of them an Ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ I shall thus prove unto you First because it is a saying of our Lord Jesus Christ that which he taught and that for believers obedience as well as repentance faith and Baptisme see Heb. 6. 1 2. Many persons do say If we could but see where ever Christ taught it Surely we should not gainsay it O that now they would consider for their conviction this Scripture Heb. 6. 1. vers. where the Apostle calls it the Doctrine or Teaching of Christ and a more sufficient witness that Christ taught it we cannot have then the Apostle is The Doctrine of Christ that which he taught as he did repentance faith resurrection and eternal judgment Now consider Doctrine doth imply teaching and teaching doth infer practise that so believers might learn for teaching and learning are relations as a Father and Child the one infers the other Now to inforce this reason for our obedience we may consider these three things First what the Apostle saith in Acts 3. 22. vers. where we are injoyned to a hearing of Christ in all things and that also from the danger that will follow our neglect as in the 23 verse 2. In that it is placed amongst those foundation-principles Hebr. 6. 1 2. and that in the midst of them as if the Spirit of the Lord did foresee the opposition that would be made against this truth 3. Because it is one of Christs first teachings and therefore those words in Heb. 6. 1. may be rendered the beginning-word of Christ the A.B.C. of a Christian one of those first lessons that believers then did learn and now should learn which is this to wait upon God in this way of his for the Spirit of promise which is their right whereby they might be inabled as they do desire to do him service Object But now unto this some object and say that all things that Christ did and said we are not to be followers of him in as to raise the dead to command the winde to cease and the like Answer To which I answer though this may be true yet what is this to the purpose Because we are not to say in all things as he did therefore we must say in nothing as he did neither as he taught us this is error with a witness We grant that in all things we are not to do and say as Christ did But yet in all things that does relate to the worship and service of God as repentance faith and Baptism or our duty in our conversation we are to do as he hath said for unto this God himself commands us see Luke 9. 35. Acts 3. 22. Him shall ye hear in all things c. Object Further to make voyd this reason some object and say that Christ taught the resurrection of the dead and eternal Judgment as well as laying on of hands but that is only to be believed the resurrection and Judgment we know we cannot practise Answ. To which I answer first This is that we ought as believers to do if possible we can to attain to the resurrection of the dead Phil. 3. 11. 2. That Christ taught it we grant and that it is for our obedience we do also affirm and that is so far as he requires it 3. I do hope you do also know that so far as Christ hath taught us we ought to be obedient to him that which he taught which was Notional we ought to believe that which he taught which was practical we ought to obey Now consider laying on of hands is a practical Doctrine as is manifest by the Apostles actings and the Saints obedience Acts 8. 17. Acts 19. 6. Now let the opposers of this truth of Christ shew where ever laying on of hands was taught by Christ as the resurrection and eternal Judgment only to be believed and then they will say and do somthing to their purpose Object But say some In Heb. 6. 1. the Apostle calls it a Doctrine but not a practise and so by this would make voyd this way of God Answ. This objection was answered by Doctor Chamberlain in his dispute with Captain Kiffin as you may see in the 10th page of his book where saith Doctor Chamberlain Because the Apostle calls it a Doctrine therefore so far from being not practised that it ought the rather to be practised for without practising no learning Again saith he you wrest this Scripture whereas the express purpose of the Holy Spirit is To teach Doctrines that so believers might do what is taught For the proof of which he cites Mat. 28. 20. Mat. 7. 21 24. Ioh. 13. 17. and 15. 14. Iam. 22. 23 24 25. Phil. 4. 9. and many other places yet saith he you wrest it to the direct contrary and you say therefore it is called a Doctrine that it might not be practised for indeed so much such an objection doth import But Mr Perry in his book of Animadversions in answer to Doctor Chamberlain pag. 14. as he doth therein conceive that which is true so he doth suppose that where in he is mistaken and that is to think and so to write that Doctor Chamberlain minded Mr Kiffens wresting of the Scriptures above mentioned whereas indeed we may plainly see in his book and in this I have written of his words that he minded him of wresting Heb. 6. 1. which was the ground of this objection and therefore we may take notice that the Scriptures above mentioned do sufficient prove what Doctor Chamberlain brought them for which was this that Heb. 6. 1. was wrested by Mr Kiffin from

the Spirit is made good unto poor souls And this promise of the Spirit the Apostle doth annex unto faith and Baptisme as the right and portion of every believing obedient soul Acts 2. 38. Repent and be Baptized for the Remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit From which Scriptures it is manifest that the promise of the Spirit is made unto believers Baptized as such and therefore the Apostle in the 39 vers. doth apply it unto believers Baptized as such as their right and portion For the promise is unto you and to your Children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call Which promise of God in general was the ground of the Apostles assurance of faith in this particular that God would give his Spirit in this his own appointment to his people So that a better ground to Act upon in any way or service of God we cannot have then the Word and promise of God is Therefore in the next place for your incouragement in this Ordinance consider these few things obedience to God is First that which makes a soul capable of knowing the mind of God therefore saith our Saviour to the Jews If you will do his will you shall know of the Doctrine 2. Obedience unto Christ is that whereby believers do enter friendship with the Lord Jesus Christ even as by their profession they do enter battle or wage war with the greatest Enemy Even the Dragon spoken of in Rev. 12. 17. who is there said to make war with the Woman and the Remnant of her seed which keep the commands of God and have the Testimony of Iesus Why so I say they do enter by their obedience unto Christ the greatest friendship that possible can be in the World Iohn 15. 14. You are my friends saith Christ if you do whatsoever I command you 3. There is much incouragement to this duty from the end of this Ordinance The Spirit of God is that the soul stands in continual need of yea the usefulness of the Spirit of God is very much discovered First in that it is the Teacher of the Saints the first Epistle of Iohn 2. 27. But the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you and you need not that any man teach you but as the anointing teacheth you Why it is the office of the Holy Spirit to be the Teacher of Gods people Iohn 14. 26. But the Comforter which is the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my Name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you Secondly as he is their Teacher so he is their Comforter yea and their Remembrancer as in this 26 vers. So likewise he is their Guide and their Leader Gal. 5. 18. so he is their strength Ephes. 3. 16. yea by the Spirit they have boldness at the Throne of grace Gal. 4. 6. Because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father So also it is their assistance at the Throne of grace Rom. 8. 26. saith the Apostle We know not what to pray for as we ought but the Spirit helpeth our infirmities Oh! how useful is the Spirit of God unto poor souls it 's a quickning Spirit and therein also it is very useful the people of God are apt to deadness and coldness in the things of God therefore saith the Apostle Rom. 8. 11. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Christ from the dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall quicken your mortal bodyes by his Spirit that dwelleth in you Again it 's by the Spirit that we must mortifie corruption the deeds of the body as in the 13 vers. Many other particulars may be minded wherein the usefulness of the Spirit of God doth consist therefore let these considerations incourage us to wait upon God in this his way 4. We have incouragement to wait upon God in his way even in this Ordinance and that from the general promises in the Scripture Gal. 3. 16. 2 Cor. 1. 20. Luke 11. 13. 5. A fifth ground of incouragement may be drawn from the Reasons why the Spirit of God is given forth unto poor souls and that first from the souls being in Covenant with the Lord for among the many precious promises of the new Covenant this you shall finde to be one Ezek. 36. 27. I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my Judgments and do them this Reason the Apostle also Renders Gal. 4. 6. Because you are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son c. Secondly from souls obedience the promise is made unto such Acts 2. 38. 5. 32. such as walk in obedience shall certainly be partakers of the Spirit of promise 6. Another ground of incouragement I shall mention may be taken from the Necessity of the Spirits being given with it's gifts and fruits amongst the people of God and that may be 1. Either first for the Glory of God 1 Cor. 12. 3. Iohn 4. 14. Rom. 12. 11. 2. For the general good of the people of God according to these Scriptures 1 Cor. 12. 7. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal and so he goes on discovering in the 8 9 10. vers. the several gifts and fruits of the Spirit from whence proceeds the usefulness of the members of the body of Christ one unto another the Spirit of God dividing to every man severally as he will as in the 11. vers. So that the Eye cannot say unto the hand I have no need of thee Neither the head to the feet I have no need of thee vers. 21. and the Reason is given vers. 25. that there should be no schisme or division in the body but that the members should have the same care one of another read also 14. Chapt. 12 vers. and Ephes. 4. 12. 3. For our particular good and help according to these Scriptures Iud. 20. 1 Pet. 1. 22. Gal. 5. 5. and the 16. Therefore now let these incourage you to make use of that means God hath appointed even this Ordinance wherein his people were made partakers of his Spirit Query But now some do Question What grounds we have that practise laying on of hands to separate from those who are Baptized for say they could you have Communion with us we could with you Answ. To which I answer and that first Considering the frames of your Spirits your denial of the truth calling it error and delusion a Doctrine from beneath an invention of the Devil that which is our own tradition a post we would set up by the posts of God that for which we have no better ground then the Common-prayer-book A new administration which never was either taught or commanded by Christ in all the new Testament

Christs Church Surely if what Mr. Collier writes and this truth of Christ to wit laying on of hands were rightly weighed what could he have spoken more against himself and for us in this case therefore let 's try seeing he hath thus spoken whether he doth own the form and order of Christs house which is plainly manifest he doth not for in that book as you may see from the 70 Page to the end thereof he opposes a principle of his Doctrine a part of the foundation of the service of Christ but I wish the Lord may give him and others to see this truth of Christ that they may be followers of him therein I shall now conclude leaving what I have written to the Judgments of all to whom it shall come desiring that they would with the noble Bereans search the Scriptures to see if what I have said be so or no that they would seriously weigh as in the sight of God the things laid down in this discourse having their Eyes up towards God knowing what is written That they which seek the Lord understand all things Prov. 28. 5. Further my desire is that if in their Consciences they do finde any convictions of the truth herein asserted they would take heed of opposing of it and that lest they be found fighters against God The End An ANSWER To a discourse containing 4 Chapters in opposition to this principle of Christs Doctrine to wit laying on of hands upon believers Baptized as such I Having almost ended my former discourse for the press it being a discovery and vindication of the truth there was presented to my hands a book having no Name thereunto consisting of two sheets of paper put forth as it doth appear unto me by several persons in opposition to this Ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ to wit laying on of hands upon believers Baptized as such To which as the Lord shall help me with as much soberness and moderation taking as little notice as possible I can of their reproachful speeches of us and of the truth according to the measure I have received having this opportunity give a brief answer thereunto hoping it may more tend to the Conviction of persons it being particularly answered although the substance thereof is already answered in my book likewise not doubting but that other Servants of Christ who may be more able will as God shall give opportunity more fully vindicate his truth from the opposers thereof Their book as I have already said doth consist of 4 Chapters First of the several ends of laying on of hands 2. What laying on of hands is not and cannot be meant Heb. 6. 2 vers. 3. What laying on of hands is and must be meant there 4. That the laying on of hands practised by some in these dayes on all Baptized believers was never Instituted Commanded nor practised at all by Jesus Christ or his Apostles in all the New Testament Now their first Chapter contains according to their Judgement the several ends of laying on of hands and they are three 1. For healing of the sick 2. For ministring or giving the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit 3. For ordaining and appointing of Officers Unto the first and last of these I shall not now speak having spoken my Judgement and Conscience of them in the beginning of my book which I do hope is according unto truth And therefore shall now take a little notice of what is written as to the other particular desiring the Reader to consider of what I have written to the other two in the beginning of my book And now whereas they lay down and thereby would affirm that laying on of hands was for giving the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit and for the proof of this they say that Peter and Iohn to this end laid their hands upon them at Samaria Acts 8. 17 18 19. I answer first that the end of this Ordinance is missed by the Author or Authors of this book for the end of this Ordinance is the promised Spirit which God will give to all those who from the heart obey his Doctrine are followers of his teaching for the gift of the Spirit is the promise of God to all those who do obey him Acts 2. 38 5. 32 vers. which promise of the Spirit is the end of this Ordinance which end also was assigned thereunto see Acts 8. 15. and to which end the Apostles did administer it that those persons to wit beleevers who by their obedience were under this promise of God might receive it of God whose gift this was and who alone not the Apostles did communicate it unto his people as these Scriptures do witness Ephes. 4. 6. Acts 5. 32. 2. 33. Mat. 3. 11. Iohn 14. 16 17. 15. 26. 16. 7. 2. I Answer that the giving the Extraordinary gifts of the Spirit was never propounded as an end of laying on of hands neither can our opposers prove it that persons by the submission to this Ordinance should be partakers of the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit or that persons were to expect this or that particular gift thereof but that as before they might be partaker of the Spirit of promise that whereas now they were to joyne themselves according to their profession with the body of Christ so they might Act in the body according to the will of God Object But now some may say By laying on of hands they received the Holy Spirit in an Extraordinary manner Answ. That they did receive the Holy Spirit in more then an ordinary manner by laying on of hands I do grant but that the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit is the end of this Ordinance I do deny For did they receive the Holy Spirit in a more then ordinary manner through this Ordinance Acts 19. 6. So they did through the preaching of the Word Acts 10. 44. yea and through prayer Acts 4. 31. which if considered we shall finde the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit to be the end no more of laying on of hands then of preaching the Word and Prayer they may be an effect or fruit of each of them but not the end for poor Souls by their obedience unto Christ are made partakers of the Spirit of promise which is the Producer of such effects or fruits in them 3. We may observe that the foundation of this discourse being missed and in the first place that which is untrue affirmed to wit that laying on of hands was for giving the Extraordinary gifts of the Spirit it 's no marvail they should run themselves into so many mistaken understandings of those that practise it and the hard Censures they put upon them with their Erronious Judgments about this truth which I pray God forgive them for they know not what they do and so I might put an end to their first Chapter only I shall take a little notice of the weight of those Reasons which they bring to

this Question you grant that a laying on of hands is a principle of Religion and a part of the foundation of Christian building Heb. 5. 12. 6. 1 2. And your Reason is because the Holy Spirit by this Penman doth Reckon it amongst those principles of Religion as repentance faith Baptisme the Resurrection and eternal Judgment and these granted by all under the least profession of Christianity to be the foundation-Doctrines I have thought good to minde your Reason because it doth fully prove laying on of hands to be a principle of Religion and a part of the foundation of Christian building And therefore in the first place it is well that the Word of the Lord hath so much weight upon you that you dare not deny it but that you do confess it to be a foundation-principle a part of the foundation of Christian building I am glad to see you thus far own the truth which makes me hope you may in time come to a fuller acknowledgement thereof and to see wherein you are mistaken and that when your demises and denials will be found too light being weighed in the Balance of the Sanctuary 2. I shall examine which of those laying on of hands you say is not and cannot be that meant Heb. 6. 2. And first you say it cannot be meant of laying on hands for healing and that for these Reasons 1. Because the gift of healing by laying on of hands is now ceased But you might better have answered because this laying on of hands was never laid down a foundation-principle and this is that which if you please may be work for you or others who are more of that minde then you are to make appear that ever it was so laid down as a foundation-principle As for laying on of hands for healing I do grant that no one ought to do unless he is partaker of that gift of healing and so your second Reason is very true 2. Because a foundation-principle concerns the whole every part of the building to support and uphold it And therefore I say if there were any that had this particular gift of faith the healing of one particular member could not concern the whole body as a principle How doth this confute Mr Harrisons Arguments in the 8 page of his book which he draws from Mark 16. and the 18 v. that laying on of hands for healing is the principle mentioned Heb. 6. 2. but that book of his was fully answered by Mr Griffith 3. I would have you know that this was not the way those that did believe and were Baptized did wait upon Christ in for healing for amongst them as a Church miracles were not wrought but for the conviction of unbelievers 1 Cor. 14. 22. For signs were not for those who did believe but for those that believed not But the way of God for believers to wait upon him in in the time of sickness was prayer and anointing with Oile as in the beginning of my book I have discovered But secondly you say that laying on of hands for giving the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit cannot be here meant and that for these Reasons 1. Because the power of giving the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit is now ceased 2. Because this laying on of hands cannot be the principle Heb. 6. because that laying on of hands is there called a Doctrine vers. 1. and 2. 3. Because if this laying on of hands to wit upon believers Baptized as such were the principle then this Church of the Hebrews the first constituted Church of Christ in all the New Testament after Christs Ascention which is say you the same with that in Acts the first and second Chapters had wanted a principle in Religion which were very absurd to Imagine These be your Reasons that the laying on of hands we practise cannot be that meant Heb. 6. 2. Unto these Reasons as the Lord shall help me I shall particularly give answer First taking notice that here is still affirmed that which never will be proved but is already disproved that laying on of hands was only for the giving the Miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit Therefore I say as I have made to appear the giving of the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit was never assigned the end of this Ordinance But you say the power of giving the Holy Spirit in the Extraordinary gifts thereof is now ceased 1. To which I answer first if the Apostles had power to give the Holy Spirit through laying on of hands then they had through the preaching of the Word but though through their preaching the Word the Holy Spirit was given Acts 10. 44. as well as through laying on of hands Acts 19. 6. yet it was never in the Apostles power to bestow it upon any as is Ignorantly imagined and as I have already made to appear and therefore so to think were absurd and ridiculous for it is the gift of God Acts 5. 32. and Acts 8. 20. 2. I answer you do much mistake your selves for the power of giving the Holy Spirit is not ceased for Gods hand is not shortened he is the same yesterday to day and for ever he that is unchangeable is the giver thereof the Lord Jesus received of his Father this promise and this promise he hath given and doth give and will yet make good unto his people Ezech. 39. 29. Acts 2. 38 39. But to strengthen your Reason you say that this appears to be ceased by the practise thereof at this day for though so many persons have hands laid upon them to this end yet those Extraordinary gifts have never followed to any one of them but both they and the administrators are and remain as other men Answ. First minde your absurdity the power is not ceased God is the same 2. Whereas you say we practise it to this end I answer That here again you are mistaken though in your last Chapter you are pleased to say that some of us do so which is that I never yet heard to be the Judgment of any in this practise and therefore I suppose you wrong us 3. But you say For all this practise we remain as other men I answer It is very true but we may easily see your sore which I wish the Lord may heal among you and that is this if you could see a sign or a wonder you would believe But take heed you may not be as unworthy of it as the generation unto whom Christ spake Mat. 12. 38 39. 16 1 2 3. and 4. For my self it was my Judgment and practise in this way of God that I ought to be obedient not for what I should receive but because the Lord Jesus taught and left such a way for believers to wait upon him in Yet I would have you know I did never yeeld obedience unto Christ in any of his wayes but I did indeavour to exercise faith upon him therein and that for his presence and blessing with