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
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
this Question you grant that a laying on of hands is a principle of Religion and a part of the foundation of Christian building Heb. 5. 12. 6. 1 2. And your Reason is because the Holy Spirit by this Penman doth Reckon it amongst those principles of Religion as repentance faith Baptisme the Resurrection and eternal Judgment and these granted by all under the least profession of Christianity to be the foundation-Doctrines I have thought good to minde your Reason because it doth fully prove laying on of hands to be a principle of Religion and a part of the foundation of Christian building And therefore in the first place it is well that the Word of the Lord hath so much weight upon you that you dare not deny it but that you do confess it to be a foundation-principle a part of the foundation of Christian building I am glad to see you thus far own the truth which makes me hope you may in time come to a fuller acknowledgement thereof and to see wherein you are mistaken and that when your demises and denials will be found too light being weighed in the Balance of the Sanctuary 2. I shall examine which of those laying on of hands you say is not and cannot be that meant Heb. 6. 2. And first you say it cannot be meant of laying on hands for healing and that for these Reasons 1. Because the gift of healing by laying on of hands is now ceased But you might better have answered because this laying on of hands was never laid down a foundation-principle and this is that which if you please may be work for you or others who are more of that minde then you are to make appear that ever it was so laid down as a foundation-principle As for laying on of hands for healing I do grant that no one ought to do unless he is partaker of that gift of healing and so your second Reason is very true 2. Because a foundation-principle concerns the whole every part of the building to support and uphold it And therefore I say if there were any that had this particular gift of faith the healing of one particular member could not concern the whole body as a principle How doth this confute Mr Harrisons Arguments in the 8 page of his book which he draws from Mark 16. and the 18 v. that laying on of hands for healing is the principle mentioned Heb. 6. 2. but that book of his was fully answered by Mr Griffith 3. I would have you know that this was not the way those that did believe and were Baptized did wait upon Christ in for healing for amongst them as a Church miracles were not wrought but for the conviction of unbelievers 1 Cor. 14. 22. For signs were not for those who did believe but for those that believed not But the way of God for believers to wait upon him in in the time of sickness was prayer and anointing with Oile as in the beginning of my book I have discovered But secondly you say that laying on of hands for giving the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit cannot be here meant and that for these Reasons 1. Because the power of giving the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit is now ceased 2. Because this laying on of hands cannot be the principle Heb. 6. because that laying on of hands is there called a Doctrine vers. 1. and 2. 3. Because if this laying on of hands to wit upon believers Baptized as such were the principle then this Church of the Hebrews the first constituted Church of Christ in all the New Testament after Christs Ascention which is say you the same with that in Acts the first and second Chapters had wanted a principle in Religion which were very absurd to Imagine These be your Reasons that the laying on of hands we practise cannot be that meant Heb. 6. 2. Unto these Reasons as the Lord shall help me I shall particularly give answer First taking notice that here is still affirmed that which never will be proved but is already disproved that laying on of hands was only for the giving the Miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit Therefore I say as I have made to appear the giving of the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit was never assigned the end of this Ordinance But you say the power of giving the Holy Spirit in the Extraordinary gifts thereof is now ceased 1. To which I answer first if the Apostles had power to give the Holy Spirit through laying on of hands then they had through the preaching of the Word but though through their preaching the Word the Holy Spirit was given Acts 10. 44. as well as through laying on of hands Acts 19. 6. yet it was never in the Apostles power to bestow it upon any as is Ignorantly imagined and as I have already made to appear and therefore so to think were absurd and ridiculous for it is the gift of God Acts 5. 32. and Acts 8. 20. 2. I answer you do much mistake your selves for the power of giving the Holy Spirit is not ceased for Gods hand is not shortened he is the same yesterday to day and for ever he that is unchangeable is the giver thereof the Lord Jesus received of his Father this promise and this promise he hath given and doth give and will yet make good unto his people Ezech. 39. 29. Acts 2. 38 39. But to strengthen your Reason you say that this appears to be ceased by the practise thereof at this day for though so many persons have hands laid upon them to this end yet those Extraordinary gifts have never followed to any one of them but both they and the administrators are and remain as other men Answ. First minde your absurdity the power is not ceased God is the same 2. Whereas you say we practise it to this end I answer That here again you are mistaken though in your last Chapter you are pleased to say that some of us do so which is that I never yet heard to be the Judgment of any in this practise and therefore I suppose you wrong us 3. But you say For all this practise we remain as other men I answer It is very true but we may easily see your sore which I wish the Lord may heal among you and that is this if you could see a sign or a wonder you would believe But take heed you may not be as unworthy of it as the generation unto whom Christ spake Mat. 12. 38 39. 16 1 2 3. and 4. For my self it was my Judgment and practise in this way of God that I ought to be obedient not for what I should receive but because the Lord Jesus taught and left such a way for believers to wait upon him in Yet I would have you know I did never yeeld obedience unto Christ in any of his wayes but I did indeavour to exercise faith upon him therein and that for his presence and blessing with
a gift he is to be up and doing to administer the same Query But some may say Is there no Ordinance that the Lord Jesus Christ hath left unto his people to wait upon him in for healing in the time of sickness Answer Yes and that is prayer and anoynting with Oile in the Name of the Lord this is left as an Ordinance or way unto believers to wait upon the Lord in in the time of sickness wherein the Elders of the Church of Christ ought to administer as is manifest from Iam. 5. 14 15 vers. Is any sick amongst you let him call for the Elders of the Church and let them pray over him anoynting him with Oile in the Name of the Lord and the prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up and if he have committed sins they shall be forgiven him From whence we may observe that this duty is injoyned by the Apostle upon those that are sick Herein the soul ought to wait upon God and in this way to look up unto God for healing But Oh! the evil of professors in this our day who run to the Physitian but not to God but few wait upon God in his way the Lord complained of this of old as a great evil as the 2 Kings 1. 16 vers. yea we may see this was Asa's sin 2 Chro. 16. 12 vers. though he were in much affliction yet he sought not unto the Lord but to the Physitian And is not this the sin of many Professors in this our day O! that God would make them sensible thereof and make this word of use to them that they may look more up unto God that they may exercise more faith upon him for healing that if they can but with the poor Woman Mark 5. 26 27 28 vers. touch the hem of Christs garment for there is much vertue still in him Object Some will say We cannot see this way to continue in the Church of Christ amongst believers unless we did see the effect thereof Answer First If you Judge of the minde of God that which is laid down your duty by the effect you may run your selves into many temptations as the Jews of old did when they saw not the glory of the last Temple to be so great as the glory of the first Temple was Hag. 2. 3 vers. they were discouraged in the work of the Lord which God required and so indeed this temptation got upon them as in the first Chapter the second verse The time is not come the time that the Lords House should be built but the Lord for this reproves them with Judgments as you may see in the 4 5 and 6 verses and after by his servant Haggai exhorteth them unto the work as in the 8 verse and incourageth them unto it in the 13 vers. Then spake Haggai in the Lords Message unto the people saying I am with you saith the Lord and in the second Chapter 5 vers. According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came up out of Egypt so my Spirit remaineth amongst you fear you not So I say God is a God in Covenant with believers his truths are sealed by the blood of Christ O then take heed of questioning his faithfulness in making good his promise from whence doth this proceed our looking for such and such effects but indeed from our unbelief not believing the promise of God therefore take heed of judging the minde of God by the effects for in so doing you will make the way of God of no force or weight for souls obedience 2. How can you see the effect of that you have never yet attained unto nor believed therefore I may say to you as the Lord Jesus did unto the Jews If you will do his will you shall know of the Doctrine Iohn 7. 17. 3. What effect have you seen of the laying on of hands upon persons to office it is true as many write and do say laying on of hands is a resignation of a person or persons to office therefore they instance Moses laying on his hands upon Ioshua Numb. 27. 23 vers. but you shall find a more excellent effect that which fitted him for that work which he was called unto as Deut. 34. 9 vers. Ioshua the Son of Nun was full of the Spirit of wisdom for Moses had laid his hands upon him Learn from hence that as it is Gods way so he meets with his people therein and as in that Ordinance of laying on of hands upon persons to office so also in this of anointing with Oile For his wayes are not in vain unto his people 4. Those who have waited upon God in this Ordinance have found the effect thereof they have met with God therein they have seen his faithfulness been partaker of his grace received healing not onely to their bodies but also to their souls this effect some poor souls who waited upon God in this way have been partakers of so that they are able to bear witness to this truth and also to set to their seals that God is true a faithful God meeting with those who wait upon him in his way therefore I may say of this truth of Christ as one may say of the new Wine in the cluster Isai. 65. 8 vers. Destroy it not for a blessing is in it 5. We do not so much minde in our waiting upon God in this way to see an immediate work of healing which is that which too many doat upon and so like Thomas unless they see a sign they will not believe Iohn 20. 25 vers. But we do chiefly mind our duty believing that it shall not be in vain our waiting upon him therein so leaving the effect of it unto God who knows best when to give in mercyes to his people Now this may be matter of information especially to those who look upon laying on of hands for healing to be the anointing with Oile spoken of by the Apostle Iames that they are and were two distinct things the one being a particular gift of the Spirit which a person might receive of healing immediately by the laying on of hands as the Apostle Paul did Acts 28. 8 vers. and many others also The other an Ordinance of Christ wherein the Ministry of the Church were to act and that not by vertue of any particular gift but of their ministerial office and therefore saith the Apostle Iam. 5. Let him call for the Elders of the Church and let them pray over him anointing him with Oile in the Name of the Lord wherein they ought as in all other appointments to look up unto the Lord for a blessing leaving the giving forth of his grace to the poor soul unto himself 2. By what hath been said is reproved the ignorance of the people of God this day that have been long reading and learning of the Scripture and yet are ignorant of this command and likewise those that are Teachers and Leaders of congregations
may be left without excuse Object But yet some will and do say The Apostles did lay on hands by vertue of a particular gift which God had given them to give the Spirit Answ. The Apostles did never lay on hands by vertue of those particular gifts they had received but by vertue of their ministerial office for laying on of hands being an Ordinance of Christ a way unto believers as Baptisme or other of his appointments The Apostles did never officiate in them by vertue of any particular gift neither any other Minister of the Gospel but by vertue of their ministerial office as they were called of God to administer in those wayes to his people and so did leaving the effect thereof unto God c. Object But some do say the Apostles by laying on of hands did give the Spirit Answ. First though this be one of their greatest Objections and Blocks against which they Stumble Yet our greatest opposers are herein divided for though some do affirm that the Apostles had power to give the Spirit yet others of them cannot so believe and who would think men of such parts and wisdome as they are should so affirm but that indeed the carnal minde of man will ever oppose the things of God 2. I answer and that positively that the Apostles by laying on of hands did give the Spirit of God no more in this Ordinance then Peter did in the preaching of the Word Acts 10. 44. While he spake the Word the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard it and they spake with Tongues and glorified God VVhy so it was that while Peter Iohn and Paul were exercised in this Ordinance even laying on of hands God gave his Spirit to his people But alas what is Peter Iohn and Paul but Ministers by whom they believed the one may Plant and the other VVater but it 's God that must give the increase 1 Cor. 3. 5 6. And surely this what gifts Christ is pleased to convey through Ministers is not by any power that is in them as is plainly discovered from Acts 3. 12. Neither was it ever in the Apostles power to give the Spirit of promise unto any man and so the Apostle plainly declares unto me in his answer to Simon Magus who certainly did think as too many do this day that the Apostles had power to give the Spirit and therefore he offered them mony for that gift or power the Apostle thereby seeing the corruption of his heart saith unto him Thy mony perish with thee because thou thinkest the gift of God may be obtained with mony Acts 8. 18 19 20. 3. Further take notice that this power or prerogative of giving the Spirit the Lord Jesus Christ alwayes keeps in his own hands he giveth it to whom he pleaseth as you may plainly see by these Scriptures Acts 2. 32 33. This Iesus hath God raised up whereof we are al witnesses therefore being by the right hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit he hath shed forth this which you now see and hear Mark this he hath done it even this Jesus but not the Apostles And saith our Saviour Iohn 14. 16 17. I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter Even the Spirit of truth and in the 26 vers. But the Comforter which is the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my Name the 15. 26. vers. But when the Comforter is come whom saith Christ I will send unto you from the Father Even the Spirit of truth Luke 11. 13. and Acts 5. 32. saith the Apostle We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit whom God hath given to them that obey him By all which places it is plainly manifest that this power or prerogative of giving the Spirit the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father alwayes keep in their own hands c. 4. It is further â—anifest that it was not in the Apostles power to give the Holy Spirit of promise and that from the administration of the Ordinance Acts 8. 15. When Peter and John came down to Samaria they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit VVhich doth discover it was not in their power to give it but they prayed for them that so indeed God would give it to them according to his promise Again as it is manifest that this power belongs unto the Lord Jesus Christ he having received of his Father this promise of the Holy Spirit and so gives it forth upon his people So likewise we may observe that he also gives the gifts or operations thereof or the Spirit of God doth work and operate in poor Souls according to his wisdom For as there are members of the body of Christ so every member hath it's office given him of God this the Apostle plainly discovers 1 Corinth the 12 Chapter in the 4. 5 6 7 8 9 10. saith he There are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit and there are differences of administrations but the same Lord and there are diversities of operations but it is the same God which worketh all in all but the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every one to profit withall for to one is given by the Spirit the Word of wisdome and so he goes on making mention of the gifts and operations thereof and in the 18 vers. thus declareth But now hath God set the members in the body as it hath pleased him again saith he in the 27. and 28. vers. Now you are the body of Christ and members in particular and God hath set some in the Church first the Apostles secondly Prophets c. From all which as before we may minde that as the Spirit of God is given to every believing obedient Soul and this by the Lord so every ones gift or office likewise proceeds from him Again saith the Apostle Ephes. 4. 7. speaking of the Church But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ Now if any should say How would this appear the Apostle makes answer vers. the 8. Because he ascended up on high he led speaking of Christ Captivity captive and gave gifts unto men and vers. the 11. it 's said he gave some to be Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers and this for the good of the body of Christ and this work of Christ of giving his Spirit unto men to be continued so long as the Saints are to be perfected and the body of Christ to receive edification as we may plainly see from the 12. and 13. verses So that to say the Apostles had power to give the Holy Spirit or Spirit of promise is untrue absurd and ridiculous Object Again some there are who make this a great obstacle in the way thereby hindering poor Souls from their obedience even the Words of the Apostle Acts 8. 16. for as yet he
me in them and this I must tell you that it is a rotten-principle and that which God will never approve of for any one to yeild obedience to him meerly because they shall receive such or such a gift from him And I wish this may not be an evil of many Professours in this our day not only those who have been in our practise but in yours also who have upon such grounds submitted propounding such or such benefits to themselves then missing of their ends they have been offended and so have rejected the Word of the Lord and the good wayes of God Alas we may say when we have done all we are unprofitable Servants and having done the whole will of God we have need of patience We do confess we are weak and possible may come under that reproof the Apostle gives the Hebrew Church who were under this principle of Christs Doctrine as well as we that for the time we might have been Teachers yet we have need to be taught again but this is our Comfort that God doth in any measure accept of us and though we have but a little strength yet it 's our duty to hold fast the Word of the Lord and in so doing we are confident he will approve of us Rev. 3. 8 9 10. But this we know that the people of God though never so much indued with his wisdome were still fools in the wise Worlds account as possible we may be in your eyes and though we are so accounted by you yet learn to know that God makes use of foolish instruments And therefore farther to this I may say that what God bestows upon us in this or any of his wayes It is our duty to be thankful to him for and if we can learn this lesson to make a right use of what we have received we may be confident of receiving more from God Likewise to call this a principle to wit laying on of hands upon believers Baptized as such is not to grant as you say that one of the foundation-stones is now lost but is indeed again restored and that to it's right use which hath been for a long season in a wrong manner applyed and now by you wholly rejected Your second Reason is that this laying on of hands cannot be the principle because this laying on of hands is there called a Doctrine but that laying on of hands to give the Holy Spirit was never once taught in all the New Testament no not by them that practised it I answer first taking notice that the opposers of this truth of Christ agree not for Mr Harrison in his Touch-stone as he calls it of this truth affirms the laying on of hands in Heb. 6. 2. to be meant upon persons for healing which is the laying on of hands spoken of and promised in Mark 16. 18. vers. and Mr Kiffin he affirmed in his dispute with Doctor Chamberlain that laying on of hands in Acts 8. and Acts 19. 6. is not a Doctrine practicable to all Saints but was dispensed for the confirmation of the Gospel and this is Mr Perâ—yes Judgement as you may see in the 19 page of his book and so they understand Heb. 6. 2. vers. to hold forth so that the one holds forth laying on of hands for healing to be the foundation-principle Heb. 6. 2. and the other two to be for the Confirmation of the Gospel and so a foundation-principle as minded to the Hebrews But now as Mr. Harrison and Mr. Kiffin differ each from other so do these differ likewise from them for say they laying on of hands here in Heb. 6. 2. was upon persons to office All which as you have heard and may plainly see comparing Spiritual things together are untrue but more of this in the next Chapter 2. You say this laying on of hands to wit upon believers as such cannot be the principle and that because the laying on of hands in Heb. 6. 1 2. is there called a Doctrine which laying on of hands you minde was upon persons to office Answ. I do grant that laying on of hands upon persons to office is the Doctrine or Teaching of Christ his will and minde unto his people wherein they ought as they have occasion to be exercised that for the good of the body of Christ But I do deny it according to the answers already given in my book and yet shall minde unto this in the 3 Chapt. that laying on of hands upon persons to office was ever laid down a foundation-principle Neither is it your Reasons in your 3 Chapt. that will make it so to appear and therefore cannot be that meant Heb. 6. 2. 3. You say the laying on of hands upon believers as such for the receiving of the Spirit was never once taught in all the New Testament no not by them that practised it Answ. First that the Apostles did teach this unto believers as such see the second Reason or ground in my book laid down for the proof of this truth of Christ which you may take notice of for the Confutation of this Assertion 2. I answer further that this were very strange that the Apostles should administer in this way unto believers whereunto believers as such were obedient as I have sufficiently proved and yet this way or practise by the Apostles was never taught them they not once say you taught or instructed thereunto what may we gather from this Teaching of yours why surely this that there were some wayes wherein the Apostles did administer and whereunto believers as such were obedient wherein they knew their duty and the Apostles meanings without their Teaching O! that you might see your weakness in this your striving against truth 3. That the Apostles did administer unto believers in this way and that this practise of theirs believers were obedient to I think you dare not deny Now this being that as hath been plainly manifested to be the teaching not onely of the Apoles but of Christ himself from whom they received their authority for what they did then this being so for you to affirm the Apostles never taught this unto believers Now what is this but to put a lie upon the Spirit of God and lay a stumbling block in the wayes of his people 4. Let 's minde further was this Ordinance performed without prayer Acts 8. 15. they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit Now were these believers at Samaria in the Expectation and practise of that the Apostles never taught them Surely you have cause to be humbled for this your wresting of and deceitful dealing with the Word of the Lord Again herein you may see what confusion God leaves you to who are opposers of this truth for Mr. Kiffin he affirms in his dispute with Doctor Chamberlain that though it were a principle and Doctrine of Christ to wit laying on of hands upon believers yet ought not to be practised but you deny it to be either principle or Doctrine Surely
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
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
already made to appear that it is the end no more of this ordinance then of the preaching of the word and prayer it may be an effect of them or a fruit of the Spirit of God being given therein but the proper end of neither of them But say you laying on of hands in Heb. 6. 2. must be meant for the ordaining of officers and this you labour to make appear by several Arguments 1. Say you it must be laying on of hands for healing the sick or for giving the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit or for ordaining of officers but neither for healing the sick nor for giving the Extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit therefore for ordaining of officers Answ. Your first proposition I do grant considering what I have spoken wherein you have missed the right end of laying on of hands which is the foundation-principle for not the Extraordinary gifts of the Spirit but the Spirit it self is the end of this Ordinance This considered I do grant that one of those 3. laying on of hands is the foundation-principle yet if there be but 3 ends of laying on of hands in the Scripture then why did any of you query about that wicked laying on of hands in Luke 21. 12. vers. as you may see Mr. Griffith takes notice thereof in the 38 Page of his book of the 6 principles Now to your second proposition say you it is neither for healing the sick nor for giving the Holy Spirit hath been already proved in your second Chapter To which I answer that it was not for healing the sick I have already granted But that it was for the giving of the Holy Spirit I have as you may plainly see in my Exposition of your second Chapt. plainly discovered and therefore your conclusion proves false that it must be for appointing of officers 2. Your second Argument that laying on of hands upon officers must be here meant because laying on of hands Heb. 6. 1. is called a Doctrine and therefore must be a laying on of hands which is somewhere else taught but the other laying on of hands was never once taught Answ. I have fully answered this Argument as may be plainly seen in my Answer to your second Reason in your second Chapter to which I shall for the confutation of this Argument refer you But only thus much I would further minde you that this laying on of hands upon believers as such was the Doctrine of Christ Heb. 6. 1. The Word or Oracle of God Heb. 1. 12. vers. and that for this Reason because God did bear witness to it by his Spirit Acts 8. 17. 19. 6. which if compared with Heb. 2. 4. is plainly discovered that what God did bear witness to by the gift of his Spirit was confirmed to be the Word of Christ which must not be neglected as in the 2. 3. vers. Further to answer a query of your own making you seek to resolve at the heels of your Argument I shall propound this Query Query Whether persons ignorance of laying on of hands be a sufficient ground to deny any one the administration of Baptisme To which I answer No and that for this Reason Because we do suppose young Professors to be Ignorant and therefore if any one doth propose himself for obedience unto Christ and that in Baptisme he is to be Baptized and instructed according to the Commission our Saviour gives Mat. 28. 19. and 20. Teaching them to wit those that are Baptized to observe all things c. But if any after they be Baptized and Instructed shall refuse submission to other of the Commands of Christ either through ignorance or obstinacy they are not to be Communicated with but to be sharply reproved And therefore whereas you say it is sore against our wills if we may not suddenly lay hands on those we do Baptize if by the Word suddenly you do minde a time for persons to be instructed that you do allow of Instruction to come between their being Baptized and having hands laid upon them then we do grant it for there is no soul that desires to follow Christ But is our desire they should receive and walk in obedience to the whole Doctrine of Christ Further I cannot but take notice how confident you are that laying on of hands to office in Acts 13. 23. was injoyned and Commanded by the Holy Spirit and that the laying on of hands upon believers was never in the least commanded by the Holy Spirit Answ. Surely It is not there said so and therefore you do but suppose it to be so for is there any Command expressed in those verses for that practise I grant there is Example which is of weight and ought to be followed But whereas you say we have no Command for the laying on of hands upon believers Surely if such a Command as here you bring would have served you your mouths had been long before this stopped for is there not as much command from the Apostles practise in these Scriptures Acts 8. 17. and 19. 6. as there is for what you affirm from Acts 13. 3. But this know for what I now plead we have Command as well as Example as is fully discovered in answer to this Objection made by you to wit that we have no command for laying on of hands upon believers Baptized as such 3. Your third Argument because this laying on of hands to wit on officers this Church of the Hebrews had practised amongst them Act. 6. 6. they laid their hands upon the Deacons to assign them to office but none of the other laying on of hands was practised amongst them that you finde I Answer first to the first part of your Argument that this laying on of hands to wit upon officers was practised in this Church of the Hebrews I do grant and so ought to be the practise of all Churches in this matter of appointing officers it being the way and order of God in his house according as they shall finde occasion thereof But that this laying on of hands was ever laid down the foundation-principle in Heb. 6. 2. I do deny 1. Because laying on of hands in Acts 6. 6. was as I have minded in my book upon particular men who were set a part for particular offices and that for the good of the Church of Christ this was not to Babes but strong men but the Apostle reckons up the Hebrews Babes Heb. 5. 12 13. 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 and therefore this laying on of hands cannot be that meant Heb. 6. 2. But we may safely conclude that laying on of hands upon believers for the receiving of the Holy Spirit may
be here meant and that for these Reasons 1. Because every Babe is capable thereof which they are not of the former 2. Because every Babe hath need thereof which he hath not of the former 3. Because we finde Babes in the practise thereof Acts 8. 17. Acts 19. 6. yea the Hebrews when Babes were in this practise they learnt it in that condition Heb. 5. 12 13. 2. Because officers are not for the being but the well-being of a Church of Christ When things are not in such a Capacity as in their beginning to watch over one another then they are to consider of some amongst themselves according to their wisdome who are faithful into whose hands in the Name of Christ they give authority committing the Charge of the house of God unto them Also we finde the foundation of the service of God laid and a house unto God built before there were officers chosen amongst them as these Scriptures do witness Acts 13. 1 2 3 4. Chapt. 14. 23. Tit. 1. 5. And therefore laying on of hands upon persons to office is not the foundation-principle minded in Heb. 6. 2. To the second part of your proposition whereas you say that none of the other laying on of hands was practised amongst them this is false for the contrary hath been already proved that the Jews in Acts the 2. were under it yea they were in the practise thereof as it was milk for Babes Heb. 5. 12. so that as your former Arguments did not neither doth this prove the laying on of hands upon persons to office to be the foundation-principle Heb. 6. 2. verse 4. Your fourth Argument is this Because this laying on of hands to wit upon officers onely remains in force the other two not capable to be practised nor have been for many hundred of years 1. Whereas you say this laying on of hands to wit upon officers only remains to be practised To which I answer you are herein mistaken For as hath been already manifest laying on of hands upon believers as such being an Ordinance of Christ is still in force for their obedience and therefore capable to be practised 2. Whereas you say that this laying on of hands upon believers as such hath not been capable of practise for many hundred of years I Answer it is very true but let 's consider what 's the Reason that this Ordinance of Christ was not capable to be practised is not the same why other Ordinances of Christ were uncapable of practise was it not because of that confusion or Mystery of Iniquity that hath long reigned and doth to this day 3. I answer if the promise of God which is the end of this Ordinance to wit laying on of hands upon believers as such be now made good upon his people then they are capable of this Ordinance But the promise of God is still made good unto his people Acts 2. 38. it being made unto them for Christ is the same Yesterday to day and for ever and his Word yea and Amen Likewise this Ordinance was the way or means through which God made good his promise as is plainly seen Acts 8. 17. 19. 6. Therefore I conclude they are capable of this Ordinance and therefore neither doth this Argument of yours serve the purpose you bring it to 5. Your fifth Argument because this laying on of hands to wit upon officers concerns the whole Church which is necessary a principle should do but the other do not concern the whole as I have shewed To which I answer 1. That there are many things that do concern the whole Church of Christ which are no principles of the foundation as for Instance breaking of Bread with many other duties which may be minded doth concern the whole and yet no principle of the foundation and therefore this considered your Argument is void 2. Whereas you say it doth concern the whole body as a principle But I pray how doth your Argument make it to appear that it is one of the principles Heb. 6. 2. vers. which if your Argument were good it should do I do grant that laying on of hands upon officers doth concern the whole body and that thus God having appointed this way and order in his house for setting persons apart for office Now this way and order the Church of Christ ought to maintain and this doth concern them as well as a principle of the foundation doth concerne them which yet is not the principle Heb. 6. 2. and therefore you are mistaken for I have already shewed you how laying on of hands upon believers as such doth concern the whole body yea every particular member thereof as the principle Heb. 6. 2. and that as they are Babes in Christ which the other in this sence doth not but to some particulars who are strong men as is before minded though of concernment to the whole 3. Whereas you say you have shewed how the other doth not concern the whole you may by what I have said plainly see your mistake which I wish the Lord may shew unto you for laying on of hands upon believers as such doth concern the whole body not only as a principle but as the principle as is before discovered But you have a seeming Reason to prove your Argument which is because every member is bound to live under the Government of the Church and to be obedient to their officers to whom the rule and care of the whole Church is committed and therefore this must be the principle Heb. 6. 2. Answ. To which I answer granting your proposition yet denying your conclusion because it 's every ones duty to maintain communion with the Church in breaking of Bread doth it therfore follow that breaking of Bread is a foundation-principle Thus you may see the weakness of your Reasons which you bring to prove laying on of hands upon persons to office to be the foundation-principle Heb. 6. 2. As for your Phrase of laying on of hands upon persons to office that it holds forth the Government of the Church I shall not at this time enter the debate thereof though I do Judge there is some exception in it as it 's laid down by you But you further say to inforce what you have spoken that this is the very order of the principles as they are laid down Heb. 6. 2. I Answer that here again you are mistaken for laying on of hands upon persons to office is no foundation-principle as I have already proved And therefore what the principle is we contend for which is indeed that in order there laid down I shall further clear unto you by this Argument That which was administred next in order after Baptisme is the foundation-principle But laying on of hands upon believers Baptized as such was administred next in order after Baptisme and therefore the foundation-principle as it is laid down Heb. 6. 2. 1. That it was administred next in order after Baptisme is very plain from Acts 8. 17.
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