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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

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

that know the will of God yet walk not in the practise thereof It likewise reproves those congregations that have for some season looked upon themselves as Churches of Christ and yet want this order among them Oh that they would consider the reason why they are short in this particular that they might see whether or no the Lord have not a controversie with them for their neglect and their opposition against one principle of his Doctrine that which Christ taught unto which believers as believers were obedient which is a great transgression their neglecting to hear Christ in that saying of his which is the last particular of laying on of hands I have minded as I shall indeavour in it's place by the Lords assistance to make forth unto you Secondly Of laying on of hands upon persons to office THis was likewise an Ordinance or way of God by which those persons who were called to office by the Church of Christ were set apart and so indeed are to be set apart as it was the practise of the first Churches and of those who first trusted in Christ whose footsteps we are to follow in this way they went see Acts 13. 3 vers. And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them to wit Paul and Barnabas they sent them away From whence observe and that first the work it was great it was to the Ministry according to what the Lord had spoken concerning Paul that he was a chosen vessel and that to preach the Gospel unto the Gentiles as you may see in the 26 of the Acts 15. 16 17 vers. so the work was great to the performance of which they would need much of the power and presence of the Lord with them therefore they fasted and prayed and layed their hands on them c. 2. Observe the persons who laid on hands they were the Prophets and Teachers in this Church as in the 1 and 2 verses So likewise somtimes it was done by the Apostles themselves as Acts 6. 6 vers. so also by Paul and Barnabas who were called as before to the office of Apostles to lay the foundation to do the work of an Apostle Acts 14. 23 vers. so also by Timothy who was the first Bishop of the Church of Ephesus 1 Tim. 5. 22. vers. and also Titus Tit. 1. 5. vers. so likewise by the Presbytery the Company of Eldership in the Church who were by the Church of Christ called to officiate in the wayes of God unto his people by whom Timothy was ordained a Bishop 1 Timot. 4. 14. vers. So that we see this way of God and the manner of the performance thereof in some small measure discovered I shall give but this touch of this second thing minded and that for this reason Because our opposers of laying on of hands upon believers as believers have owned the laying on of hands upon officers though in a disorderly manner they have gone forth in the practise thereof as will appear First from what Mr. Collier writes in his book of Right Constitution pag. 31. where saith he the qualifications of Elders and Deacons are expressed 1 Timot. 3. Answ. I have read of Bishops and Deacons and of Apostles and Elders who were Deacons but never of Elders and Deacons My reason is because a Deacon is an Elder in the Church 2. This discovers according to their practise what they have set persons apart for as their pastoral Charge in the Church of Christ they were set apart for Elders so also as Ministers of the Gospel they were ordained for Elders though their great disorder is in building before the foundation was rightly laid yet observe the wise mistaken in their proceeding though by this practise of theirs with fair words they have stopped the mouths of many poor souls who were clearing themselves from such disorder as they were in they stopped their consciences with this that they are under laying on of hands as well as those that do practise it upon believers as believers I say In this how confused have they appeared in their setting persons apart for Elders not knowing or at least not minding that in the word Elders is comprehended all officers in the Church with the Ministerial work also 1 Pet. 5. 1 vers. 2 Epistle Iohn 1. vers. 3. 1. vers. and so Elders is distinguished into several offices in the Church as Bishops and Deacons the Deacons were to be men full of the Holy Spirit and faith so indeed fit for the work of the Lord among his people as well as Bishops and so were Elders in the Church see Acts 6. 6. vers. and Act. 15. 22. vers. where the Deacons spoken of in the 6 Chapter are called Elders in the 15 Chapter again Philip 1. 1. vers. where the Apostle writeth to the Saints with the Bishops and Deacons so Paul to Timothy writes of the qualifications of the Bishops and Deacons not Elders and Deacons you shall never in all the Scripture find Elders and Deacons expressed So that I hope this may be a word of use unto them however it will be unto the Church of Christ though from a weak and unworthy instrument I shall now leave them as to this but as for the ordination it self they having now at last come forth in the practise thereof they must stand to maintain it and therefore knowing their abilities I shall leave them to contend for this truth with those if there be any that do oppose it it being that I do believe and have allowed of therefore I shall only take notice of one or two objections made by some and then proceed to the third thing minded Objection Some there are who say there are no Apostles now they laid hands upon persons to office then therefore that practise is deased To which I shall give this two-fold answer 1. That those who were not Apostles as to their call But Bishops or Pastors of Churches were exhorted to walk in this way Tit. 1. 5. vers. 1 Tim. 5. 22. vers. yea Prophets and Teachers by the authority of the Church of Christ may lay on hands Acts 13. 1 2 3 vers. 2. By this appears a great mistake in the understanding of many men according to this objection Object That the Ministry of the Apostles is ceased I Answer The office of an Apostle is the first office in the Church of Christ and that is to lay the foundation the foundation of the service of God therefore saith Paul I have laid the foundation 1 Cor. 3. 10. vers. the foundation that is the Lord Jesus Christ in his Doctrine that which Christ and his Apostles did teach upon which the Church of Christ was built see Ephes. 2. 20. which foundation was the beginning-beginning-Word of Christ that which persons ought to know and to believe before they are sit for the service of God But now that this viz. to lay the foundation is the first office in the house of God see the 1 Corint 12. 28 vers.

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-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

and more then Baptism for so much the Text doth hold forth and being added they continued in the Apostles Doctrine and so it is plain as it is part of the foundation so it followed Baptisme as you may see by the practise thereof Acts 8. 17 19. Chapter 6. 7. 3. Reason Because as Christ and his Apostles did teach it so they taught it as a principle of the foundation of the service of God a foundation-principle of that service wherein they were to live to the Glory of God and upon which they were to stand to go on to perfection read Heb. 6. 1 2. When Moses was to build a Tabernacle unto God he had a strict charge that he should do every thing according to the pattern the Lord had given him Exod. 25. 40. and so afterward when Solomon was to build the Temple he likewise was to do it according to the pattern which David had received by the Spirit and as it is said which he was made to understand by the hand of God upon him the first of Chron. 28. 11 12. and 19. Now as Moses and Solomon were not left at liberty to follow their own understanding but were faithfull to make all things according to the pattern of Gods will So neither were the Apostles but also were faithful stewards of the will and commands of the Lord Jesus the first of Cor. 4. 1. which Jesus the Christ likewise was a Messenger and the great Prophet of the eternal God whose word is Gods will unto his people Acts 7. 37. and who as a Son even as Moses a Servant was faithful over his own house Heb 3. 2. Who was faithful to him that appointed him even as Moses was faithfull in all his house Even as Moses as Moses was faithful to do every thing exactly according to the pattern so was the Lord Jesus Christ faithfull unto him who did appoint him And surely this considered we may easily see there is not less exactness and circumspection to be used now in times of the Gospel in building a Spiritual house unto God then there was under the Law in that which was typical for that exactness under the Law served but as an example or shadow of Heavenly things that is to say Spiritual or Gospel-things Heb. 8. 5. Now this being a foundation-principle it ought to be laid in every Church of Christ for it is no way consonant to truth for a man to think ever to make a lasting building either in Spirituals or Civils without a good foundation for saith David Psal. 11. 3. If the foundations be destroyed what can the righteous do read Luke 6. 49. This being a principle of Gods chusing to be laid in the beginning or foundation of his service How doth it concern us and all those who put to their hands to erect and constitute a Church unto Christ to do whatever they do as much as in them lies according to the pattern given by God that in building they leave out no part of his foundation for a principle is a main support unto the building especially where God himself layes it 4. Reason Because laying on of hands is an oracle of God one of those commands that God gave unto his Church read Heb. 5. 12. with Heb. 6. 1 2. saith the Apostle You have need to be taught again which be the first principles of the oracles of God that is of his Commands for so the word oracle doth imply as you may see Acts 7. 38. This is he that was in the Church in the Wilderness with the Angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai and with our Fathers who received the lively oracles to give unto us that is the whole word of the Law or Commands of God declared unto his people by the mouth of Moses for their obedience as also Rom. 3. 1 2 vers. bears witness unto this What advantage then hath the Iew or what profit is there of circumcision much every way because unto them were committed the Oracles of God Where by Oracles is signified the whole Law committed unto them as in Heb. 5. 12. the word Oracles being in the plural number doth signifie the whole will of God committed to believers the Doctrine of Christ and the beginning of the Oracles of God is the first part of Christ his Doctrine the things which Christ first revealed and preached to them as the Apostle bears witness Heb. 6. 1 2 verses Yea the word Oracle doth hold forth the counsel of God which is the will and minde of God unto his people for their obedience therefore saith the Apostle 1 Pet. 4. 11. If any man speak let him speak as an Oracle of God that is as the will and minde of God for souls obedience the Apostle Paul tells the Ephesians Acts 20. 20 vers. that he kept back nothing that was profitable unto them and in the 27 vers. that he had declared unto them the whole Counsel of God a part whereof was laying on of hands it being that he taught and practised among them as Acts 19. 6. Object But now to turn aside this truth saith Mr Collier in his book of Right Constitution in the 76 page Oracles do not alwayes imply commands though all commands are Oracles yet all Oracles are not commands Answer Two which I answer that though all commands are Oracles and all Oracles are not commands yet what is this unto the purpose doth this prove that laying on of hands is not one of those Oracles that are the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ for was it not reckoned with and so left upon record as that which Christ did teach with repentance faith and Baptism resurrection and eternal Judgment as the foundation of the service of God to every believing Soul Heb. 6. 1 2. was it not that which the Apostles taught that unto which Baptized believers as such were obedient as Act. 8. 17. 19. 6. this considered were excuse to answer this objection But surely the weakness of this objection is discovered if we consider Mr Colliers reasoning in the 78 page of his book saith he The word truly read both in Heb. 5. 12. and 6. 1. is not the principles but the begining of the Oracles of God and the word of the begining of Christ and so cites the Greek words to hold forth not principles of the doctrine but beginning of the word the same as in the 1 Iohn 1. In the begining was the word c. To which I answer that it is easily discovered and I think upon second consideration himself will grant that the word signifies principles as well as beginnings although I do grant that in other places it may so signifie and in this place to be so rendred may not be altogether improper Yet I must tell him and I would have others minde it that as he saith if the words be truly read they do so signifie so I say If the words have their proper sence given to them they

are good men that I have Communion with such among whom I have found much comfort therefore I cannot withdraw from them 1. We may take notice as this is an Objection made by some amongst the Baptized people so likewise by some that are Baptized who walk with the Independents so called O say they they are good men and we walk lovingly together therefore we cannot withdraw from them not considering that in this they have no rule of Christ and that God never gave unto persons such Liberty of loving each other as that thereby his wayes and truths should be rejected and neglected by them 2. To the Objection I answer that by this thou doest discover how little thy love is to the Lord Jesus Christ and his wayes and how low an esteem thou hast of them that thou preferrest thy love to the Creature before thy love to thy Creator It is true it is that which is thy duty to love those with whom thou hast Communion yea thy Enemies but in this thy loving of them thou must know that thou art to walk according to the Law or rule of Christ towards them for thy love towards them must be subordinate to thy love unto God and his truth and to this purpose Christ speaks Mat. 16. Luke 14. 26. that if any man loved Father or Mother more then him he is not worthy of him yea if a man doth not hate his own life if once it come in Competition with Christ or any one of his Laws that he can rather part with truth then deny his life he cannot be Christs Disciple Thou oughtest to praise thy duty in its place and to perform it but if once it come in Competition with Christ or his truth that thou must either suffer the truth of Christ to fall or else be accounted of by some that thou hast little love in thee towards them I say if thou preferrest thy love towards them before the truth that notwithstanding Christ calls upon thee to be a follower of him yet thou wilt not because it may make a breach in thy love towards them thou discoverst thy self to have little love in thee towards Christ and that thou art mistaken in thy right loving of them For thou canst not better love them then to be faithful unto God wherein thou wilt give them a good example for that which is thy duty in this particular ought also to be theirs if so convinced of the truth as thou art Especially in the consideration of this that there are several persons amongst them that have Apostatized from this truth and Doctrine of Christ that have declared for it and have been obedient unto Christ therein but now deny it and are great opposers of it which if thou hadst not ground from the Scripture to maintain separation from them upon any other account thou couldst not according to order Communicate with them Object But say some I dare not deny them to be a Church of Christ as they say you do and therefore they will charge me as they have done others that I do greatly sin in departing from them 1. I Answer do thou follow Christ in his Word according to the form and order appointed by him in his house and though they charge thee with departing from them God will Justifie thee for it is not their crying the Temple of Lord the Temple of the Lord that will excuse their disobedience Ier. 7. 4. for when truth is declared he commands all men to receive it and therefore when it once comes to thy Soul he requires thy obedience For to what end doth God manifest his truth by any poor Soul by any of his people but that others should be obedient consider was it not ever that which followed that old principle of confusion wherewith poor Souls were frighted by them if possible they could into that state wherein both matter and form subjects and order were all contrary to the minde of God Oh! what a noise and cry did they make after poor Souls who for conscience towards God did separate from them O say they they leave the Church and O! what a great evil would they make of this thereby possessing the people as if they had done very wickedly Not to go for further instance Was not this the practise of the Bishops and Prelates and after them the Presbyterians then the Independants and now it is come to be the practise of the Baptized people whereby it is manifest that this is but one of the last shifts of a confused principle When they cannot overturn the truth they will labour to lay stumbling blocks in the wayes of Gods people 2. I Answer though they look upon themselves to be a Church of Christ yet thou by the light of truth manifested to thy Soul doest see that they are short in a principle of the foundation thereof Is not the Church of Christ the house of God and is not Repentance faith Baptismes laying on of hands the Resurrection of the dead and eternal Judgement the foundation thereof see Heb. 6. 1 2. what will you say to make void this truth will you say as many do Christ is the foundation but is he any otherwise a foundation then in his Doctrine as he is declared and is not this his Doctrine or Teaching doth not the Apostle Heb. 6. 1. call it the Doctrine of Christ and is not his Doctrine one with himself Surely Christ his truth are one so far as a Soul knows Christ he will walk in obedience to him and doth not their disobedience to this way of the Lord discover the disorder they are in that indeed they build before the foundation is rightly layed denying a principle thereof 3. Whereas they say we deny them to be a Church it is not true For we desire not to enter Judgement in things that are too deep for us But this is that we have said and do still say let them prove themselves a Church of Christ which if they can so do we can prove them short in a foundation-principle of the service thereof and so disorderly For consider is it according to the rule of Christ to admit of persons though Baptized to Communion that shall say of a principle of the foundation of the service of God upon which he should stand to go on to perfection It is a lye that which Christ never taught though it be in so many words declared Surely such a practise God will never own neither dare we lest he disown us But here I shall take liberty to write Mr. Colliers own Argument for the discovering of a true Church of Christ in the first Page of his book of Right constitution saith he A true visible Church of Christ consisteth both of matter and form or of subjects and order for saith he it is Christs Kingdome and those subjects must be such visibly as Christ owns and that form and order according to Christs Rule or else saith he it cannot be