and 19. 6. Where when they were Baptized they had hands laid upon them and in this very order it is laid down in Heb. 6. 1 2. 2. That this laying on of hands was upon believers Baptized as such is likewise plain from those places of Scripture and therefore this laying on of hands must be there meant the foundation-principle in Heb. 6. 2. And so in the next place I say with you that Baptisme and laying on of hands is necessary to a right and orderly Church-constitution but whereas you say Baptisme was to admit believers into the Church if you mean so as to joyn them members of the body then I do deny it for their addition to the Church followed after their Baptisme as I have fully proved in my book in Answer to an Objection following my second Reason given for the proof of this truth from Acts 2. 42. Lastly Whereas you say that this is the Judgement of most Modern and later VVriters upon this Text Heb. 6. 2. for which you instance Doctor Gouge Wilson Trap and Cartwright Answ. I fear you being so much learned in these mens Judgements makes you the less knowing in the Scriptures 2. Had you had sufficient Testimony for what you said from the Scripture as in your Reasons you pretend to have then what need you instance these mens Judgements unless you did think as I think you do not that what they spake were Oracles and therefore 3. Doth not this discover in some measure the weakness of your Reasons or arguments before minded for what in this Chapter you have affirmed Surely by this your arguments were not good that you must run to these mens Judgements and I wonder you having recorded this Testimony for your Judgement in your third Chapter you were not ashamed in your fourth Chapter to declare that our best argument for this practise is the Common Prayer book if the Judgments of men should end this controversie unless you do Judge these men you bring did not love the Common Prayer book or there were not amongst those that did love it men partakers of as much wisdome as these you instance Now what would you say if I should now instance that laying on of hands according to the sence I have minded was the Judgements of as good men according to the test although it was by them wrongly applyed as those you do bring will you say that this is therefore true I do think you would not otherwise you would not have instanced the Common Prayer book well though this may be done yet I must tell you that we have a more sure word of Prophesie and this is that I do desire to stand unto and to be tried by and not by mens Judgements and therefore now do refer what I have spoken to be tryed by the Scriptures and the Lord hasten a clear discovery of his truth in what I have now written and make you sensible wherein you have wrested the good Word of the Lord from the proper and true meaning thereof and so I shall proceed to your fourth and last Chapter Your 4. Chapter which doth contain according to your mistaken Judgement that the laying on of hands practised by some in these our dayes on all Baptized believers was never instituted commanded or practised by Christ or his Apostles in all the New Testament And herein say you doth lie the stress of this controversie which doth occasion this your writing to undeceive and reduce those who are under the vanity of this practise and to prevent others from owning of and submitting to such a Scriptureless thing as this is c. Answ. First I hope the Reader will well consider of what I have written in Answer to your book and in the discovery I have made according to the measure of faith I have received in this book of this truth of Christ before he do as you too confidently have already done pass Judgement upon this truth the Lord give you to see it and to repent lest God suffer you to go on in labouring to turn poor Souls aside from this truth or right way of the Lord and so to deceive and seduce those that are unstable to the belief of your lyes 2. I wish you may see the evil of your Language which this Chapter contains little else in it which you have vented forth against this truth and the maintainers thereof Oh! how little therein you have savoured of grace and how much the vanity of your minde is discovered in seeking to possesse the hearts of poor Souls with that which is not and therefore I may truly say in stead of what you speak of us that you speak evill of the things you know not and call that a foundation-principle which by your arguments you prove not Neither have you the least word or warrant for it in all the New Testament But now to make good your assertion which is the ground of your 4. Chapter you have framed this Syllogisme That which hath not one word of institution or command for it in all the New Testament is no Ordinance of Christ but will-worship and Superstition But this laying on of hands on all Baptized believers hath not one word of institution or command for it in all the New Testament therefore no Ordinance of Christ but will-worship and superstition To which I answer that practise which hath not one word of institution or command for it in all the New Testament I do grant is will-worship and Superstition But that laying on of hands upon believers Baptized as such is without institution or command from Christ this I do deny the contrary being already made to appear both in my answer to your book and also before in what I have written in my Book and therefore it is not your saying of what we do aleage wherein you minde Scriptures we minde not in this particular case that will prove there is not Neither your sence and interpretations you put upon those Scriptures we do aleage I wish you would consider how you have wrested those Scriptures which have been minded for the proof of this truth to wit laying on of hands upon believers Baptized as such and so by your wiles if possible the truth of God out of our hands I wonder you Answer not the Arguments layd down by some for the proof of this to wit that we have a command for laying on of hands as for instance Doctor Chamberlain in his dispute with Mr. Kiffin in the 16. page of his book saith he For a command we have it in Mat. 28. 20. For whatsoever is a Doctrine of the Apostles is the Command of Christ But imposition of hands is a Doctrine of the Apostles The minor is granted by you in your first Assertion where you say you grant it is a Doctrine or principle but not to be practised and the Text doth also number it up amongst the Doctrines and principles The Major is the very words of the Text
laying on of hands in the Hebrews Samaria and Ephesia yea a fourth witness we have unto this truth which was Pauls laying on his hands upon Timothy as is before minded so that I say persons may as well object against other truths of Christ as against this But this we know In the mouth of two or three witnesses every Word of Christ shall be established therefore let us beware lest we as many do Kick against this truth of Christ and as many do and have done against Baptisme 6. Reason Because it is that which is milk for Babes a beginning-beginning-Word of Christ read Heb. 5. 12 13. You are saith the Apostle such as have need of milk and not of strong meat Now consider was it for Babes then and is it onely for strong men now as many persons who deny it to believers as believers yet will own it for setting persons apart for office O what deceit is wrapped up in this But surely this was for Babes and the Hebrews learnt it in that condition and this is certain that which was for Babes then is for Babes now and that which was for strong men then is for strong men now for so the Apostle reasoneth Heb. 5. 14. Strong meat belongeth unto strong men who by reason of use have their sences excercised to discern both good and evil Object But now some object that laying on of hands Heb. 6. 2. may be meant to heal the sick according to these Scriptures Mark 16. 18. and Acts 28. 8. or else for setting persons apart for office according to Acts 6. 6. or Acts 13. 3. Answ. To which I answer that it cannot be so meant for this reason Because in none of those Scriptures laying on of hands is laid down as a foundation-principle as we see here in Heb. 6. 2. laying on of hands is so laid down For consider those Scriptures Mark 16. 18. and Acts 28. 8. do hold forth no such thing as a foundation-principle but that particular men may receive such a particular gift of God as to heal the sick according as Christ promised Mark 16. 18. and Paul received Acts 28. 8. as also Philip Acts 8. and many others as many in the Church of Corinth which is no more a foundation-principle neither in the practise milk for Babes then laying on of hands which some make mention of in Luke 21. 12. So likewise those Scriptures Acts 6. 6. and 13. 3. hold forth no more a foundation-principle then the former and that Because laying on of hands here was upon particular men who were set apart for particular offices and that for the good of the Church of Christ this was not to Babes but strong men the Apostle reckons up the Hebrews Babes as Heb. 5. 12. but these were strong men who were fit to be imployed in the work of the Ministry such as the Apostle speaks of in Heb. 5. 14. Who by reason of use had their sences exercised to discern both good and evil Such who were gone beyond those spoken of in the 12. and 13. vers. being in a capacity of teaching others therefore laying on of hands in the fore-mentioned Scriptures upon persons for healing or for setting persons apart for office cannot be that meant in Heb. 6. 2. as the foundation or beginning-principle which is milk for Babes Heb. 5. 12. And therefore I do conclude that laying on of hands upon believers as believers is the foundation-principle the beginning-Word of Christ that which concerns every believing soul which is food to it and nourishment to it which is that they are capable of but not of the former they being not in the like capacity Therefore my Brethren as we find it written we should not take away the Childrens Bread and give it unto Dogs so let us not take away their milk but feed them with it c. 7. Reason Because it is part of the Word of the Lord that was confirmed unto us that it was the Word of Christ hath been plainly manifested it being that which he taught his Doctrine Heb. 6. 1. Also you may see the first reason for the proof of this Now that it was confirmed to us read Mark 16. 20. And they went forth and Preached everywhere the Lord working with them and confirmed the Word with signes following Now whereas some object that laying on of hands was for the confirmation of the Gospel they may now by what hath been said plainly see that it was part of the Word of the Lord or saying of Christ even his teaching unto which believers as such were obedient one part of his Doctrine which therefore was as the rest confirmed with signes miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit But for further answer to this objection we may consider that which confirmed the Word and the Word were different laying on of hands as you have heard was the Word of God the teaching of Christ but signes miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit were the confirmation thereof Mark 16. 20. they appeared whereby this word and way of God was and is confirmed unto us to be the stedfast Word of Christ Miracles are no foundation-principles they are not any part of the Word of the beginning of Christ but those things by which the Word of God was is confirmed unto us to be the stedfast Word of Christ the neglect of any part thereof God will punish for saith the Apostle Heb. 2. 2 3. If the Word spoken by Angels were stedfast and every transgression and disobedience deserved a just recompence of reward how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him Therefore my Brethren as the same Apostle saith Heb. 12. 25. so my exhortation is unto you See that you refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven Now truth being declared the Lord requires obedience and therefore it lies as a duty upon every believing Soul to consider his wayes and with the good man David to turn his feet into the wayes of God Psal. 119. 59. and to set shoulders to the work of the Lord that the breaches in Sion may be again repaired and the paths therein may be again restored according to the Word of the Lord Isai. 58. 12. vers. 61. 4. vers. and in so doing we shall be partakers of those promises which are annexed as the reward of such service In the next place I shall proceed to answer some objections which many persons make further against this truth and then shall lay down some Incouragements unto persons to the performance of this duty and in the last place shall lay down some grounds of our withdrawing from those that obey not Christ in his Ordinance answering some objections Object The first and greatest of them is this That
from hence I would Query by what rule of Christ it is that you could have Communion with us and the case being thus we can any longer Communicate with you For my part I must profess before the Lord and before the whole World that how to satisfie my conscience and maintain the truth of God in such Communion I know not if I could I should do it I know it 's that they reflect upon us that we want love to them as the ground why we cannot Communicate with them But the Lord he is Judge and he knows that it 's our love to the truth of Christ and the order he hath prescribed in his house that will not suffer us Especially as the case stands with them as is before minded And therefore if there be any love in them towards us let us be partakers of those weighty Reasons grounded upon the Word of truth which may convince us that it is our duty still to have Communion with them notwithstanding their opposition against this truth Object But by this some may say It seems that if they did not oppose the truth you could Communicate with them Answ. I answer No for we have no such custome neither the Churches of Christ Search the Scriptures and see if ever Christ left such a rule to walk by or that God allowed or approved of any such practise We are glad to hear where there is any so moderate as not to oppose it and it is not burden some to us to wait upon God in his way labouring their convincement and imbracing of the truth for it is that which is their duty as well as Baptisme and a part of the foundation of the house of God as well as repentance and faith and therefore to build with them without this principle in the foundation were to presume to do that we have no warrant for and to make a breach in that order God hath appointed and that in the very foundation of his service 2. I Answer that we have good ground to maintain separation from those though Baptized that deny this Ordinance of laying on of hands and that 1. Because we are Commanded to keep the Ordinances as they were delivered 2 Thes. 2. 15. Therefore Brethren standfast and hold the Traditions which you have been taught whether by Word or our Epistle and herein were the Corinthians praised by the Apostle which is also written for our Example 1 Cor. 11. 2. Now I praise you Brethren that you remember me in all things and keep the Ordinances as I delivered them unto you From whence it is manifest that to keep the Ordinances as they were delivered is that which is praise-worthy to the Saints well pleasing unto God and the will and minde of God unto his people But to Communicate with those that do deny the laying on of hands will put us out of that capacity this our experience doth witness to us VVe might speak much unto this of the opposition we had when I was in such a condition 2. Because from those persons who do not hold the Ordinances as they were delivered we are commanded to withdraw 2 Thes. 3. 6. Now we command you Brethren in the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ that you withdraw your selves from every Brother that walketh disorderly and not after the Tradition you have received of us yea a good ground we have to observe this Command from their opposition in that they raile print speak and dispute against the truth calling it a Doctrine from beneath a counterfeit thing which gives us a good ground to observe the Apostles Exhortation 1 Tim. 6. 5. From such withdraw thyself and certainly as we are to withdraw from those who are evil in their Conversation so likewise from those who do declare against that which is part of the worship of God yea a foundation-principle of his service 3. Because laying on of hands is a foundation-Doctrine a principle upon which a right constituted Church of Christ is built Heb. 6. 1 2. A Doctrine which was not notionally as many say but practically imbraced by the first Churches as the Hebrews the Samaritans and the Ephesians which were exactly built according to the direction of Christ himself Now this is generally received that though there may be Communion with persons where differences are in circumstantials yet not where they are in fundamentals and for this reason those who are Baptized have refused Communion with the Independants because they erre in a fundamental point therefore they cannot build with them and is not this reason strong for us because laying on of hands is a foundation-Doctrine or principle as well as Repentance faith Baptismes and Resurrection and eternal Judgement therefore this being a foundation-principle we ought not to build with those who are destroyers thereof and therefore for this Reason we ought not to Communicate with them 4. Because they live in the Breach of and in opposition against a Command of God Even this beginning-word of Christ and so indeed to partake with them were to make our selves guilty of their sin Now that they are such that they do so live is plainly manifest by their writing printing preaching and disputing Thus opposing this Law oracle of God Heb. 5. 12. and as they do thus live in the Breach of a Command of God an oracle and a principle of Christ Doctrine so certain it is that we cannot have Communion with them without transgressing the Command of the Spirit of God where we are exhorted to withdraw from such 1 Tim. 6. 3 4 5. 5. Because where there is not an uniting in the principles of the foundation of the service of Christ there can be no safe or comfortable Communion for indeed Union is the ground of Communion Amos 3. 3. Can two walk together except they are agreed and saith our Saviour Wherein two of you shall agree on Earth as touching any thing that you shall ask it shall be done for them of my Father which is in Heaven Mat. 18. 19. from whence it is plain that where there is no Union no Agreement there can be no fellowship no walking together no asking the Father for any thing for consider how can we ask the Spirit of God to be given and that according to his promise with or among them who do oppose the means to wit laying on of hands it's abomination unto them and therefore how can we have Communion with them or they with us Surely if things were rightly considered our separating from them will be found upon as good ground if not better then their separating from the Independants so called for wherein do they differ but in Baptizing the practise of Baptisme they deny not though not rightly performed nor applyed But the practise of laying on of hands upon believers Baptized as such is denyed by our opposers Object But now some may say Though I am satisfied that laying on of hands is an Ordinance of Christ yet they
Teachings them to observe all things whatsoever I have Commanded you unless saith he you will deny that Doctrine is Teaching or that the Apostles taught what they were not commanded as some have presumptuously affirmed This argument was indeavoured yet not in the least answered by Mr. Perry as you may see in the 23 page of his Book of animadversions 2. You may also see Mr. Griffiths Arguments one of which I shall name why this is so Because saith he the Apostles did administer such a thing on dipped believers as such Acts 8. 17. and 19. 6. Now saith he either they did administer it upon the account of Christs Requirement command or injunction or upon an account of their own But it was not upon an account of their own therefore it was upon the account of Christs Requirement command or injunction This he proves as you may see in the sixth page of his book in answer to Mr. Harrison this was never that I know of answered by any of you with many more he layes down in his book of the six principles Surely you could not be ignorant of those Arguments and therefore how you could retain this Objection when it hath been by such Arguments refuted and yet not take notice of those Arguments so as to answer them I know not 3. You may likewise see what Mr Tillam writes in the 10 11 12 13. and 14 page of his book it being an answer to Mr. Paul Hobson and to this very Objection 4. Amongst the rest for further witness herein I shall refer you to what I have written in answer to this very Objection laid down and answered in my book which I desire the Lord may help you to weigh and consider of that the truth of God may have place in your hearts For I must tell you it will be little comfort to you if Christ as he suddenly will come shall finde you opposing the reformation of his house And further I desire the Lord may keep you from this temptation which too many are subject to run into to wit Now truth is displayed presently to make war therewith indeavouring the suppressing thereof There being little in this fourth Chapter then this bare Syllogisme more then frivolous discourse with reflections and unsavoury and hard speeches which do discover the bitterness of the minde from whence they proceeded I shall take as little notice as I can with wisdome of them and draw to a conclusion of my answer to your book only shall observe some few things 1. You labour to darken the truth and that with your slighting of those things that have been written in the vindication thereof and those Scriptures which have been affirmed by those that have written thereby seeking to possess the minds of people with an understanding from several Scriptures as if they were ours but is indeed your own imagination that thereby you might hinder the proceeding of this truth amongst the people of God And therefore I do affirm that what hath been affirmed by any of us from those Scriptures doth still stand good to what they were intended and are true witnesses in this case for the proof of this truth And when by those persons that shall duly weight and consider the matter you have written with the answer thereunto without prejudice of Spirit but with love towards God to finde out his truth they will easily see your errour herein and that in this matter we have not as your selves have done handled the Word of God deceitfully 2 Cor. 2. 17. and 4. 2. 2. You say that we say you are Babes taking that as matter of great disdain but how like Children you do and have acted I do believe will be easily seen by those who have their eyes open 3. And whereas you say we are much at loss about the end of this Ordinance and so by this would cast dust into the eyes of persons to blind them the more I Answer that if there be any that doth affirm this or that or a third thing to be the end of this Ordinance yet I hope you will grant us the same liberty to come to the knowledge of this truth you your selves take to attain the highth of opposition against it is there not divisions among your selves in your opposing of us what 's the Reason that you affirm one thing Mr. Kiffin another and Mr. Harrison a third Mr. Harrison he saith it is laying on of hands for healing is the principle Heb. 6. 2. Mr. Kiffin he saith missing the end of that we practise that it was only dispensed for the confirmation of the Gospel I could tell you that others who do oppose it do say Not the practise of laying on of hands is the foundation-principle but the effects of laying on of hands which is as false and the words unsound and you after all affirm laying on of hands upon persons to office to be the foundation-principle Heb. 6. 2. which is not so therefore consider wâ—o is more at loss then your selves Remember what is written and take good cognizance of your books you have written against us and the truth surely your opposition is much heighthened by the bitterness of your Spirit against us because we cannot deny this Word of the Lord we are conscious of Not because the Bishops did practise it as you say we do but because we finde it written as that which Christ and his Apostles taught and that unto which believers as such were obedient What though some among us though I know not of any should understand the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit to be the end of this Ordinance wherein they should be deceived with your selves doth this make voyd the truth of God God forbid We know that the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit did follow the Preaching of the VVord and so was a fruit of that Ordinance as well as laying on of hands but the proper end of neither of them Is there no gifts of the Spirit of God which believers then did and do now receive according to the promise of God but such as are given in an Extraordinary manner Surely you dare not say there is not But I shall leave this and take as little notice as possible of the frames of your Spirits which are as if you were bent and resolved to fight against truth and to tread under and render odious the maintainers thereof The ground whereof I conceive is because we cannot communicate with you who reject and deny this teaching of Christ and bring your own with the new-conceited opinion of Doctor Gouge and others in the room thereof and though you are pleased to say that our best Argument is the Common prayer book yet we would give you to know that we have a more sure VVord of Prophesie 2 Pet. 1. 19. our witness is in the word of truth and your Reasons with all the wisdome of those men you minded in this case will be found too light being weighed in the Balance of the truth that laying on of hands in Heb. 6. 2. is meant upon persons to office But wherefore are we branded with the names of censoriousness Rigid Hatred and such Judgments as if we had as you say received the Spirit of Satan in stead of the Spirit of God 1. Is it because some of us as you say forbid you their houses but I pray you in your writing of this did you carefully observe and remember the frames of your Spirit whatsoever your carriage was towards your Brethren of whom you thus speak I know not yet sure I am in this your writing you go beyond your bounds but what is this Spirit which is discovered to be in you but that old Maligne Spirit that seeks the destruction of the truth and way of God who alwayes reaps up the failings if there be any in any poor soul thereby to dishonour and cast dirt upon the face of truth or 2. Is it because as you say we deny you Communion why consider is it not upon the same ground that you your selves have denyed others and have not you dealt with some poor souls who have been convinced of this truth and for truths sake in duty towards God have been obedient thereunto Surely to withdraw from those who deny truth and turn their backs upon truth is from a better understanding and is more agreeable to the minde of God then to withdraw from poor souls who are followers of truth The first is ours the second your practise the Lord he is Judge and will certainly Judge between us and make his truth manifest for it is time for thee Lord to work when men make voyd thy Law Psalm 119. 126. vers. The End Post-script Reader I would have thee take notice that whereas I have made mention of the names of some particular persons in my book It is not from any Spirit of prejudice that I have toward them for the Lord he knows they are men I do love and esteem but my mentioning of them was for this end that believers might see the weakness of their Objections and the difference that is in their understandings about this truth of laying on of hands upon believers Baptized as such that so indeed the great Mountains that are raised up in the wayes of poor souls in their obedience unto Christ in this Ordinance may be removed and therefore I hope there iâ— none that will harbor such a conceit from what I have written as that I should have ever the lâ—ss esteem of them for the mentioning of their names in the cases I have minded neither that others should have ever the less esteem of them but that indeed so far as they follow truth they should be esteemed for the sake thereof and therefore I do desire that Satan may have no advantage by any thing I have written for I have indeavoured both in my book and in my Answering of these four Chapters to write without reflecting Language which as I know it would not profit my self nor the truth So likewise would but raise up the Spirits of those who are opposers thereof and therefore now that God may give thee a Spirit of Wisedome that thou maist know and understand what is written is the Prayer of him who is willing to serve thee wherein he may be instrumental for thy good and the blessing of God go along with this his weak indeavours Amen W. R. FINIS
Layings on of Hands ASSERTED Or A plain discovery of the truth thereof under those several considerations minded in the New Testament 1. Vpon persons for healing with a Brief discovery of that Ordinance of Christ to wit anointing with Oile 2. Vpon persons to Office 3. Vpon 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 WILLIAM RIDER Servant to the Church of Christ Printed for the Author and are to be sold by R. Moon at the seven Stars in Pauls-Church-yard near the great North door 1656. To all those in this Nation or elsewhere who upon the Profession of their faith have been Baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus MY BRETHREN THough my Prayer unto God is that what I have written may tend to the establishing of those who have already been obedient yet unto you I do chiefly recommend this following discourse and my Reason is Because it doth more principally concern you it being a discovery of part of the minde of Christ yea part of the foundation of his service whereunto the greatest Number of you have not yet been obedient And now my Brethren you that by Baptisme have declared your selves to be followers of the Lord Iesus Christ I do Begg and intreat of you to Examine your principles and see whether or no you have obeyed Christ according to the Commission he gave to his Disciples Mat. 28. 20. Wherein you are injoyned the Observation of all things he commanded for your obedience according to his Teaching being forty dayes with his Apostles and Disciples after his Resurrection in which time he gave Commandments unto his Apostles whom he had chosen and was speaking unto them of the things pertaining to the Kingdome of God Acts 1. 2 3. vers. I beseech you consider have you obeyed the form of Doctrine Rom. 6. 18. which you shall finde laid down in Heb. 6. 1 2. See I pray you whether the beginning-Word of Christ is that you have received whether you stand upon that foundation the Doctrine of Christ and his Apostles upon which the first Churches were built Ephes. 2. 20. Heb. 6. 1. Consider God in these last dayes hath spoken unto us by his Son Heb. 1. 2. the Lord Iesus Christ is our great Doctor the Prophet whom Moses spake of Acts 3. 21. therefore we must learn of him we must hear him in all things Therefore know it is your duty to be followers of God according to your Profession in Baptisme and to Act in no way but what Christ hath appointed for you Even that way whose foundation is upon the lips of Christ which he also hath appointed a foundation for us to build upon Wherefore examine if you have laid your foundation with this Corner-stone with Repentance from dead works faith towards God the Doctrine of Baptismes and laying on of hands the Resurrection of the dead and eternal Iudgement Whether these be the principles of your Religion Heb. 6. 1 2. Consider wherein you are defective in these principles are you not in Repentance I wish I could not charge you herein yet I must tell you the Hire of the Harlot is found amongst you the burden of which your poor Brethren have long mourned under and suffered for I know it is not the practise of all of you yet those that do it were never to this day disowned by you O! that you would therefore try your selves have you turned your selves from the vain worships of the men of this World and from such who teach for Doctrines mens traditions are you according to your Profession of Christ in Baptism dead to the rudiments of this World Col. 2. 20. Why know it is your duty not only to cleanse your selves from Temporal but Spiritual delfiements 2 Cor. 7. 1. and as you are not to act any thing contrary to the Law of righteousness in your Conversation so to do nothing in the worship of God but by rule for that which hath proceeded from our Lord Iesus Christ is the rule for Saints to walk by Know this that all the misery and sin in the World came in at this door viz. by hearkning to Reason the wisdome of the flesh against that which God hath spoken it is mans deformity to walk according to his own invention and at last as experience doth teach will prove his own destruction Surely God will not indure to be prescribed by his Creatures no it hath been wickedness in those that have done it and God hath found it out but he takes pleasure in them that fear him and teaches them in his wayes Psa. 25. 12. but when men change his Laws and Ordinances although it proceeds from no wicked intent yet it provokes him to Iudgment as it did in Uzza 1 Chro. 15. therefore learn to know the voyce of Christ for his Sheep hear it and they follow him It hath been the work of Satan and his Instruments such who first did forsake the right way whom God gave up unto strong delusions to believe lyes because they received not the truth in the love thereof to corrupt the Word of God and to change his Laws and to set up their posts by the posts of God or rather in their stead and who knows not that knows Christ that now all his endeavours are to make voyd those truths and the right way of the Lord either in whole or in part if he cannot keep people wholly in blindness he will labour to insnare them through pretended wayes of light which is indeed darkness O! how doth he now perswade the poor soul that either the wayes of God are not now to be practised or else the practise of them is but an indifferent thing O! let 's beware of this deceit for he that saith I know him and keepeth not his commandments is a lyer and the truth is not in him 1 John 2. 4. therefore I desire you to examine your selves and see wherein you are short of obeying the voice of Christ being careful of receiving any thing but what is recorded the Word of the Lord and be also as careful of rejecting any thing that is his will And wherein he speaks unto you as you are Baptized believers know it is your duty to be obedient to be followers of him to set shoulders to his work for unto that this day you are called that the foundation in Sion may again be laid the Walls of Jerusalem may be again repaired and then they that be of thee shall build the old waste places Isai. 58. 11. Let not the wisdome of man beguile you whereby he labours when any truth of God
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 proper true meaning of the Spirit of God therein Mr Perries words you may see are these saith Mr Perry I conceive that every Doctrine of Christ that he hath commanded to be taught by his Apostles and his Disciples were commanded to observe and practise ought to be practised but if this appear not in this particular thing in any of those Scriptures wherein hath Mr Kiffin wrested them I know not but saith he in the contrary I suppose he doth own them in what the Spirit of God means in them according to what light he hath received To the later part of these words I answer thus much Who knows not what Mr Perry saith of Mr Kiffin to be true and so indeed of all men unless they walk contrary to their light But from the former part of his discourse we may observe two things 1. His mistake as you have already heard c. 2. His granting what we contend for viz. that every Doctrine of Christ which he commands to be taught by his Apostles and his Disciples were commanded to observe and practise ought to be practised this is that we do affirm and therefore do contend for this truth or Doctrine of Christ with him and others that do oppose it For did Christ teach it as you have heard and did the Apostles teach it as you shall hear in the next reason for the proof of this truth and did Baptized believers as such observe and practise it as Acts 8. 17. Acts 19. 6. and shall not believers now practise it Shall not they tread in the footsteps of the flocks of Christ be followers of those who first trusted in him Shall the cunning working of Satan prevail alwayes as he hath done for a long time to the perverting and destroying of the truths of Christ and as he doth to this day to the denying of them I say shall he alwayes prevail God forbid O let God be true but every man a lyer for what was written afore-time was written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Rom. 15. 4. O therefore let not truth be destroyed his Doctrine was sealed with his blood even the death of Christ and shall we alter or deny his will God forbid shall not we hope to find acceptance with God in his appointment Surely the contrary will discover us to be such that little regard his Laws whose precepts are not our delight 2. Reason As Christ taught it so the Apostles taught it read Heb. 5. 12. compared with Chapter 6. 1 2. in the first Chapter 12 vers. saith the Apostle Whereas for the time you ought to be Teachers you have need to be taught again which are the first principles of the oracles of God c. where by these words you have need to be taught again is plainly implyed they were once taught this principle and that this the Apostles did teach them is also manifest in that they laid the foundation of this Church of the Hebrews who were those Jews spoken of in Acts 2. 42. who are there said to continue in the Apostles Doctrine and as they taught it so it was a way of God wherein they did administer unto his people and unto which they were obedient see Acts 8. and Acts 19. Object But now some will say In Acts 2. is not mentioned laying on of hands therefore believers there were not under it Answ. Two which I answer as laying on of hands is not in so many words there laid down no more there is not the resurrection from the dead and eternal Judgement in so many words expressed doth that therefore prove they were not taught them Surely the Apostles would not have baptized them but upon that profession that their bodies should be raised as well as Christ dyed for them Again to say that the Apostles did not there preach laying on of hands in Acts 2. proves no more or is to no more purpose then to say that Philip did not preach Baptisme to the Eunuch when we read of not one word he spake of it although he Baptized him as you may see Acts 8. 35. But now that the Jews who did believe were taught laying on of hands resurrection and eternal Judgment is plainly manifest from Heb. 5. 12. compared with Heb. 6. 1 2. where as you have heard he minds them of it as one of those first lessons they had learned and as a principle of the foundation or beginning-word of Christ committed to them 2. Consider what is written they to wit those that were Baptized and added to the Church who gladly received the word continued in the Apostles Doctrine see Acts 2. 42. Now this they could not do if they had not been taught laying on of hands which was a principle thereof part of what Christ and his Apostles taught them as you have already heard or may see in the Reasons given unless we deny their wayes to be the same in every Church 1 Cor. 4. 17. Again consider how can it be thought with honour to God and his truth that a man can be said to continue in the Doctrine of the Apostles or word of Christ when they were not in the practise of it for say the Objectors There is no mention made of laying on of hands no more say I there is not of the resurrection and eternal Judgment and yet both preached and received by them 3. Consider they are here said to be added to the Church as well as they received the word and were Baptized Object But now some may and do say By this you make laying on of hands to be an Ordinance whereby those that did believe and were Baptized were added to the Church Answ. To which I answer Yes and that because laying on of hands was next administred after Baptisme and that in order to the placing of the Soul in the house of God it being part of its foundation the beginning-Word of Christ and in this order was both preached and practised by the Apostles This likewise we may consider that the end of this Ordinance is promised and applyed to those that are Baptized see Acts 2. 38. where saith the Apostle And you shall receive the gift of Holy Spirit for the promise is to you yea saith he to as many as the Lord our God shall call that is the promised Spirit should be given according to the will of God and in the 41 vers. it is said They that gladly received the Word were Baptized and the same day were added unto them three thousand Souls where we may take notice of this order 1. They gladly received the Word 2. Were Baptized 3. Were added to the Church From whence we may learn thus much that by Baptisme they were not added because their addition to the Church followed after their Baptisme for as their gladsome receiving of the Word went before their Baptisme so did their Baptisme before their addition which addition was something else besides
we have no command for the laying on of hands Answ. Now that we have a command appears First from Christs teaching of it there is a positive Command for what he taught as a part of his service we are injoyned to be obedient unto but Christ did teach this as a part of his service yea as a principal part thereof not onely relating to the building but to the foundation of the building which is of more weight as Heb. 6. 1 2. Now that this we are commanded to observe see how full that Scripture comes upon us Acts 3. 22. A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your Brethren like unto me him shall you hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you yea this command is followed with a curse if we obey not verse 23. And it shall come to passe that every Soul which will not hear that Prophet shall be destroyed from amongst the people 2. Answer VVe have a command and that also from the Apostles teaching and practise of it that they did teach it and practise it you have already heard in the second Reason Now as they did teach it and practise it see how positive the command lies upon us Phil. 4. 9. Those things which you have both learned and received and heard and seen in me do and the God of love and peace shall be with you also minde 2 Thes. 2. 15. Therefore Brethren stand fast and hold the Traditions which you have been taught whether by Word or our Epistle Now beloved this was one of those things or of those traditions the Apostles had delivered to the Churches yea one of those things they had both heard learned and received and seen in Paul which the Apostle commands them to do to be exercised in to hold fast and this is Pauls exhortation unto Timothy and that by way of command 2 Tim. 2. 2. The things thou hast heard of me amongst many witnesses the same commit thou unto faithful men that they may be able to teach others also Now this was one things that Timothy had heard and learned of Paul and that which he received from him as is plainly manifest in the 5 Reason Object But now whereas some may object and say that Pauls laying on his hands upon Timothy was to office Answ. I answer that it was not to office but for the receiving of the promised Spirit which promised Spirit God did so pour forth upon Timothy that he was made according to the Prophecies that went before of him a good Souldier of Christ one fit to war in his Kingdome to be exercised in the work of the Lord the ministerial office therefore saith the Apostle 1 Tim. 1. 18. This charge I commit unto thee son Timothy according to the Prophecies that went before of thee that thou by them mightest War a good warfare This charge to wit that you shall finde in the 3 vers. to be this that he should charge some they should preach no other Doctrine and whereas he saith according to the Prophesies that went before of thee that thou by them mightest War a good warfare that was those revelations that God manifested unto some of his people whereby he discovered Timothy to be one whom he had chosen to the work of the Ministry and so by them that was those Prophesies the Apostle was assured that his calling was of God and that his blessing would accompany him So that when Paul laid his hands upon him he received the Holy Spirit and that in such manner as that he was fitted abundantly for the work of the Lord which when this was manifested and he had by the people of God or Church of Christ a call thereunto he was by the laying on of hands of the Eldership or Presbytery set apart for the work of the Ministry as you may see 1 Tim. 4. 14. So that it is plainly manifest that by the imposition of Pauls hands Timothy received the Spirit in the gifts thereof 2 Tim. 1. 6. And by the imposition of the hands of the Eldership he was separated to the work of the Ministry according to the Prophesies that went before of him 1 Tim. 4. 14. 3. We have a command and that from the Commission the Lord Jesus gave his Disciples Mat. 28. 20. Teaching them to wit those that believe and are Baptised to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you From whence this truth appears That if Christ did command the Apostles to lay on hands they were to teach those whom they should Baptize to submit thereunto as the words do plainly manifest Teaching them to observe But Christ did command the Apostles to lay on hands For what they did in any service of Christ unto believers as such was by the command or authority of the Lord Jesus and therefore say they 1 Cor. 4. 1. Let a man so account of us as of the Ministers of Christ and Stewards of the Mysteries of God and in the 14 Chap. v. 37. If any man think himself to be a Prophet or Spiritual let him acknowledge the things I write unto you are Commandments of the Lord this was the account they gave of their authority And it is observable I never knew that opposer yet of this truth of Christ that durst affirm the Apostles had no command for laying on of hands So that I say if they had a command for laying on of hands the Observation thereof was taught by them and is that which God by vertue of his Commission given doth require of us for saith Christ Teaching them that is those that are Baptized to observe all things whatsoever I have Commanded you Object But now some will say Laying on of hands is not there expressed Answ. I answer Though it be not expressed it is plainly implyed for whatsoever the Apostles did teach and practise was by vertue of their Commission received from Christ But this they did teach Heb. 5. 12. and also practise Acts 8. 17. and 19. 6. and therefore it was by vertue of their Commission received from Christ And their very manner of teaching and practising discovers it to be the mind and Command of God unto believers as such 1. Because they taught it as a first principle or beginning-Word of Christ unto young believers and therefore it 's reckoned up milk for Babes Heb. 6. 1. 5. 12. 2. Because they taught it as a principle of the foundation of the service of Christ and that as repentance faith Baptisme Resurrection and eternal Iudgement Heb. 6. 1 2. 3. Because they taught it as that which Christ taught unto them or gave in charge unto them as he appointed them to be Stewards of the mysteries of God and therefore they witness it the Doctrine or teaching of Christ Heb. 6. 1. that which they had received from him even the Lord Jesus Christ So that from the Commission doth likewise appear the force also of this obedience whereby those that resist the truth
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
by this we may see that Satan will leave no stone unturned if possible he can overturn the truth Your third Reason is because if this laying on of hands to wit upon believers Baptized as such were the foundation-principle then this very Church of the Hebrews the first constituted Church in the New Testament after Christs Ascension this Church being the same with that Acts 1. and 2 Chapt. had wanted a principle in Religion which were very absurd to imagine for they had not laying on of hands to this end Acts the 8. being the first place that ever this was practised and surely in all matters about worship the written word must be our Rule and to the Scriptures silence we must give consent according to the Proverb where God hath not a Mouth to speak we must not have an ear to hear To which long discourse or Reason of yours whereby the truth is evaded and something Eclipsed I answer that this Church of Christ did wait upon God in this way contrary to what you have spoken and this I do affirm for if they continued in the Apostles Doctrine then in this practise it being that the Apostles did teach as before is plainly discovered in the second Reason laid down in my book for the proof of this truth likewise in the answer there to an Objection but they did continue in the Apostles Doctrine Acts 2. 42. therefore in their obedience to this truth read the 41. and 42 verses And therefore Acts 8. was not the first place that ever it was practised Neither were they in Acts 2. without this principle in Religion for as I have said how should they continue in the Apostles Doctrine and yet short in the principles thereof and therefore the minde of God being thus declared it plainly discovers his mouth speaking to you and that your ears should be obedient But you proceed further and say they had not laying on of hands to this end because they received the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit without it I answer first taking notice you say that those in Acts the 1. and 2. were not under it but this as before is false but if your saying were true that they were not under it then I pray you to what end did they receive it why surely by your Reason they did not receive it Yet you say they had not laying on of hands to this end because they received the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit without it and so instance Acts 2. 1 2 3 4 5. vers. To which I answer they that are there said to receive the Holy Spirit were under the promise thereof without any more Baptizing with water this was the promise and the Command of Christ unto them Luke 24. 49 50. Behold I will send the promise of my Father upon you but tarry ye at Ierusalem until you be indued with power from on high and He led them out as far as to Bethany and lift up his hands and blessed them and Acts 1. 5. saith Christ to his Disciples John truly Baptized with water but you shall be Baptized with the Holy Spirit not many dayes hence see vers. the 4. Now though it were thus with the Apostles and those who were immediately under this promise yet I do affirm that those three thousand who are in Acts 2. 41. and 42. vers. there said gladly to receive the Word and to be Baptized and were added to this Church were under this practise and that 1. Because they two wit those spoken of in the 41. and 42. vers. were not immediately under the promise as those spoken of in the 2 3 4. and 5 vers. but I may say conditionally as the Apostle saith vers. 38. and 39. Repent and be Baptized for the Remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit for saith he the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are afar off even to as many as the Lord our God shall call where you may see he doth annex the end of this Ordinance to wit the promised Spirit unto faith and Baptisme 2. If the Apostles did not teach laying on of hands unto these Jews Acts 2. 41. they had been defective in a principle of Christs Doctrine of what Christ taught unto them as Heb. 6. 1. But the Apostles did teach laying on of hands to these Jews as Heb. 5. and 12. compared with the 6. 1 2. vers. doth manifest and therefore were not defective in Christs Doctrine which Hebrews by your own confession were the Jews spoken of in Acts 2. Now I would query of you whether you will still affirm upon due consideration of this also That the Apostle Peter having told the Jews in Acts 2. 38. that God would make good this promise of giving his Spirit unto them upon their obedience unto him whether you will still affirm that he did not Act in the same manner for their being made partakers thereof as he did with those at Samaria Acts 8. or as Paul did with those at Ephesus Acts 19. or upon Timothy at Derbe or Lystra as in my book I have minded Surely I think upon due consideration you dare not so affirm Neither deny what I have written and herein queryed to be truth So that it doth appear in the conclusion of the Examination of your second Chapt. that you are mistaken in the laying on of hands which say you is not and cannot be meant Heb. 6. 2. Your 3. Chapter contains according to your mistaken Judgement what laying on of hands is and must be meant Heb. 6. 2. And therefore you begin For the better resolving of this Question we must take notice that it is laying on of hands here in the singular Number therefore can be but one laying on of hands that is called here a principle and not more as some would have it for then it should be layings on of hands in the plural Number These are all your own Words which I do the rather cite because I do own them to be words of truth but I pray you who would have it in the plural Number why surely your selves and therefore take notice that herein you are also divided and agree not in crucifying of the truth see the 7 Page of Mr Harrisons Touchstone But now say you this being considered we must remember what went before that it is not laying on of hands for healing nor for giving the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit I Answer that it was not for healing I have before proved and your labour in the proof of this might have been spared unless it had been by any of us affirmed But that it was for the giving of the gift of the Spirit do affirm for the gift of the Spirit is the promise of God unto believers Baptized as such Acts 2. 38. Now whereas you would have the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit to be the end of this Ordinance you are still mistaken as I have