examine_v this_o text_n further_o and_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o this_o text_n can_v intend_v or_o be_v mean_v that_o upon_o church-officer_n but_o must_v mean_v that_o sort_n now_o contend_v for_o and_o i_o be_o more_o willing_a to_o speak_v further_o to_o this_o objection_n because_o this_o be_v answer_v our_o work_n be_v do_v 1._o mind_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v speak_v only_o here_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v they_o not_o so_o call_v i._o e._n doctrinae_fw-la christianae_n initia_fw-la seu_fw-la rudimenta_fw-la the_o beginning_n or_o rudiment_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o as_o beza_n prima_fw-la christianismi_fw-la principia_fw-la the_o first_o principle_n of_o christianity_n now_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n be_v not_o a_o beginning_n principle_n nor_o of_o the_o alphabet_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o think_v they_o will_v not_o affirm_v it_o so_o to_o be_v may_v not_o a_o church_n or_o people_n profess_v and_o practice_v the_o first_o or_o begin_v principle_n of_o religion_n and_o proceed_v very_o far_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o officer_n orderly_o ordain_v among_o they_o but_o 2._o these_o principle_n appertain_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n house_n be_v such_o on_o which_o the_o house_n be_v build_v they_o be_v all_o equal_a in_o kind_n nature_n and_o quality_n and_o one_o not_o to_o be_v without_o the_o other_o god_n have_v join_v they_o together_o as_o all_o of_o one_o rank_n for_o the_o bear_n up_o this_o spiritual_a fabric_n see_v vers_fw-la 1._o but_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o another_o rank_n and_o nature_n a_o church_n must_v be_v first_o gather_v or_o constitute_v and_o person_n make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n before_o they_o can_v orderly_o be_v choose_v or_o ordain_v to_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n or_o deacon_n in_o short_a officer_n be_v not_o for_o the_o be_v but_o well-being_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n can_v be_v intend_v here_o we_o read_v of_o church_n who_o have_v no_o officer_n among_o they_o tit._n 1.5_o 6._o if_o a_o minister_n be_v to_o preach_v unto_o a_o people_n what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o a_o gospel-church_n viz._n what_o person_n ought_v to_o do_v that_o so_o in_o a_o orderly_a way_n they_o may_v be_v congregat_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o be_v make_v regular_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n will_v he_o tell_v they_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n be_v one_o principle_n sure_o no_o he_o will_v not_o affirm_v this_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o rudiment_n of_o christian_a practice_n that_o which_o first_o of_o all_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o and_o come_v under_o that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o be_v in_o god_n house_n nor_o a_o foundation-principle_n of_o church-constitution_n but_o that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n speak_v of_o heb._n 6._o be_v so_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o foundation_n either_o it_o must_v be_v a_o fundamental_a of_o salvation_n or_o of_o church-constitution_n but_o none_o will_v say_v of_o the_o former_a therefore_o it_o wust_z be_v of_o the_o latter_a 3._o that_o it_o can_v intend_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o church-officer_n may_v appear_v further_o because_o it_o be_v join_v to_o or_o couple_v with_o baptism_n why_o shall_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lay_v down_o after_o this_o sort_n repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o eternal_a judgement_n may_v we_o not_o safe_o argue_v that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n which_o follow_v here_o in_o order_n of_o word_n be_v what_o follow_v in_o order_n of_o practice_n see_v act_n 8.17_o and_o 19.6_o and_o be_v it_o not_o according_a to_o what_o they_o acknowledge_v sound_a reason_n in_o another_o case_n upon_o mat._n 28.20_o and_o mark_v 16._o that_o baptism_n mention_v in_o the_o commission_n join_v to_o and_o follow_v faith_n and_o illumination_n in_o order_n of_o word_n be_v what_o the_o apostle_n in_o order_n of_o practice_n viz._n after_o faith_n and_o illumination_n do_v baptize_v with_o act_n 2.41_o act_n 8._o and_o 10._o but_o that_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o water_n which_o therefore_o be_v only_o intend_v in_o the_o commission_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o by_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o at_o first_o seem_v doubtful_a 4._o it_o can_v be_v mean_v here_o because_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o hebrew_n as_o well_o as_o that_o in_o samaria_n act_v 8._o and_o consequent_o all_o other_o church_n have_v lay_v or_o come_v under_o this_o principle_n as_o they_o have_v lay_v repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n when_o they_o be_v babe_n now_o who_o can_v reasonable_o imagine_v either_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v officer_n or_o that_o officer_n be_v babe_n in_o christ_n that_o this_o be_v the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o baptize_v believer_n be_v easy_a to_o understand_v 1._o because_o teach_v to_o babe_n heb._n 5.12_o 2._o babe_n be_v capable_a or_o meet_v subject_n thereof_o 3._o babe_n have_v need_n of_o it_o as_o child_n of_o milk_n 4._o babe_n we_o read_v be_v in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o act_v 8._o and_o 19.5_o because_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o such_o and_o be_v at_o first_o teach_v it_o heb._n 5._o and_o 6.1_o 2._o this_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o sort_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o only_o add_v something_o out_o of_o dr._n jer._n taylor_n of_o confirm_v p._n 45_o 48._o full_a to_o our_o purpose_n which_o consider_v the_o learning_n and_o worthiness_n of_o the_o author_n i_o judge_v may_v be_v useful_a what_o he_o mind_v take_v as_o follow_v speak_v of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n call_v confirmation_n we_o have_v see_v say_v he_o the_o original_a from_o christ_n the_o practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o convert_v in_o christianity_n what_o i_o shall_v now_o remark_n be_v that_o this_o be_v establish_v and_o pass_v into_o a_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o warranty_n for_o what_o i_o say_v be_v heb._n 6.1_o where_o the_o holy_a rite_n of_o confirmation_n so_o call_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o administration_n and_o express_v by_o the_o ritual_a part_n of_o it_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v reckon_v a_o fundamental_a point_n and_o here_o be_v six_o fundamental_a point_n of_o st._n paul_n '_o s_o catechism_n which_o he_o lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n or_o beginning_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o deny_v it_o dig_v up_o foundation_n now_o that_o this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v what_o the_o apostle_n use_v in_o confirm_v the_o baptise_a and_o invocate_a the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o they_o remain_v to_o be_v prove_v which_o be_v do_v by_o show_v 1._o it_o can_v intend_v absolution_n nor_o 2._o ordination_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n will_v henceforth_o leave_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n and_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n that_o be_v to_o high_a mystery_n now_o in_o ritual_n there_o be_v none_o high_a than_o ordination_n 2._o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o will_v speak_v no_o more_o of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n present_o discourse_n of_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o the_o evangelical_n priesthood_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o vocation_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o speak_v nothing_o of_o ordination_n in_o the_o catechism_n or_o narrative_n of_o fundamental_o 3._o this_o also_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n not_o only_o because_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v immediate_o set_v after_o baptism_n but_o because_o in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o enumerate_v and_o apportion_n to_o these_o ordinance_n their_o proper_a proportion_a effect_n i._n e._n to_o faith_n and_o baptism_n illumination_n to_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n the_o taste_v the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o thing_n signify_v declare_v the_o sign_n and_o by_o hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n taste_v of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v he_o that_o fall_v from_o this_o state_n and_o turn_v apostate_n from_o this_o whole_a dispensation_n dig_v down_o and_o turn_v up_o these_o foundation_n shall_v never_o be_v build_v again_o he_o can_v never_o be_v baptize_v again_o and_o never_o confirm_v any_o more_o if_o he_o remain_v on_o these_o foundation_n though_o he_o sin_n
communion_n with_o himself_o and_o with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o righteousness_n and_o enable_v you_o to_o walk_v inoffensive_o in_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n will_v establish_v strengthen_v and_o settle_v you_o in_o his_o truth_n and_o way_n that_o so_o you_o may_v remain_v unmovable_a like_o a_o rock_n in_o these_o evil_a and_o perilous_a time_n wherein_o so_o many_o turn_n aside_o giving_z ear_n to_o seducer_n impostor_n and_o lie_v spirit_n with_o which_o our_o day_n so_o abound_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o choice_a blessing_n to_o be_v keep_v from_o fall_v and_o preserve_v without_o blame_n till_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o that_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n that_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n will_v sanctify_v you_o throughout_o and_o keep_v you_o from_o fall_v and_o present_v you_o without_o spot_n before_o he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o glorious_a appearance_n shall_v be_v the_o constant_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o your_o brother_n and_o servant_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n sake_n benjamin_n keach_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o substance_n of_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v former_o write_v and_o publish_v in_o answer_n to_o mr._n danvers_n book_n against_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n but_o the_o former_a impression_n call_v darkness_n vanquish_v be_v quite_o go_v i_o now_o upon_o earnest_a desire_n thereto_o present_v thou_o with_o a_o new_a one_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o a_o late_a and_o short_a tract_n write_v by_o a_o nameless_a author_n against_o this_o sacred_a ordinance_n which_o be_v also_o here_o brief_o answer_v i_o have_v also_o some_o hope_n it_o may_v tend_v to_o establish_v such_o church_n and_o christian_n as_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o convince_v such_o as_o do_v oppose_v it_o that_o so_o clear_a and_o precious_a a_o ordinance_n may_v not_o be_v lose_v destroy_v it_o not_o for_o a_o blessing_n that_o be_v in_o it_o but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v tedious_a to_o thou_o i_o commit_v it_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n who_o appointment_n it_o be_v farewell_o decem._n 13_o 1697._o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o baptise_a believer_n as_o such_o prove_v both_o from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n to_o be_v a_o holy_a institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o introduction_n as_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o grief_n and_o trouble_n to_o many_o sober_a and_o pious_a christian_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o of_o admiration_n to_o see_v such_o eminent_a and_o worthy_a person_n becloud_v and_o darken_v concern_v one_o ordinance_n that_o be_v so_o clear_a in_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o another_o how_o well_o have_v some_o of_o our_o brethren_n write_v concern_v baptism_n and_o how_o have_v they_o defend_v it_o against_o the_o strong_a opposition_n as_o a_o glorious_a institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o yet_o how_o have_v they_o oppose_v this_o other_o sacred_a ordinance_n or_o holy_a oracle_n of_o god_n heb._n 5.12_o and_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n imposition_n position_n of_o hand_n upon_o baptize_v believer_n as_o such_o which_o they_o have_v some_o of_o they_o cry_v down_o as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v cry_v baptism_n up_o render_v it_o nothing_o save_o a_o mere_a human_a innovation_n or_o antichristian_a forgery_n whereas_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o authority_n with_o baptism_n and_o ought_v equal_o to_o be_v contend_v for_o be_v inter_fw-la prima_fw-la rudimenta_fw-la fidei_fw-la christianae_n among_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o pull_v one_o stone_n out_o of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n open_v their_o eye_n to_o see_v their_o weakness_n however_o what_o they_o have_v write_v concern_v this_o principle_n be_v in_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n examine_v weigh_v and_o particular_o answer_v chap._n i._n mr._n danvers_n in_o his_o introduction_n tell_v we_o pag._n 3._o after_o have_v give_v we_o a_o account_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n of_o the_o business_n of_o baptism_n in_o its_o institution_n subject_a manner_n and_o end_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o may_v neither_o be_v unnecessary_a nor_o unprofitable_a to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n not_o only_o because_o it_o immediate_o follow_v that_o of_o baptism_n heb._n 6.1_o 2._o but_o more_o especial_o because_o for_o confirmation_n as_o it_o have_v be_v call_v it_o have_v be_v next_o after_o baptism_n so_o solemn_o assert_v practise_v and_o enjoin_v both_o in_o former_a and_o late_a time_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o essential_o necessary_a to_o church-communion_n but_o what_o this_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v and_o how_o that_o of_o confirmation_n be_v found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o tell_v we_o he_o shall_v consider_v examine_v and_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o discern_a and_o impartial_a christian_n reply_n he_o have_v in_o his_o treatise_n of_o baptism_n do_v well_o jehovah_n bless_v his_o work_n and_o pain_n therein_o and_o be_v it_o so_o in_o very_a deed_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o he_o undertake_v to_o write_v about_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n because_o it_o immediate_o follow_v baptism_n heb._n 6.1_o 2_o do_v he_o find_v it_o so_o clear_o there_o and_o have_v that_o of_o confirmation_n as_o it_o be_v call_v be_v so_o solemn_o assert_v in_o former_a and_o late_a time_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o necessary_a to_o church-communion_n methinks_v if_o this_o be_v so_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v very_o careful_a how_o he_o speak_v or_o write_v against_o such_o a_o ordnance_n which_o so_o immediate_o follow_v baptism_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o more_o especial_o consider_v what_o he_o say_v about_o author_n and_o antiquity_n concern_v confirmation_n or_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n it_o have_v be_v so_o solemn_o assert_v practise_v and_o enjoin_v as_o above_o say_v though_o for_o my_o part_n i_o judge_v it_o not_o worth_a my_o while_n to_o make_v such_o a_o narrow_a search_n into_o author_n canon_n decree_n of_o general_a council_n and_o the_o like_a as_o probable_o he_o and_o many_o may_v do_v consider_v we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n so_o plain_a and_o clear_a in_o the_o case_n what_o need_v we_o trouble_v ourselves_o further_o especial_o be_v satisfy_v as_o some_o of_o the_o father_n have_v say_v themselves_o that_o no_o doctor_n nor_o council_n be_v of_o any_o authority_n or_o credit_n without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o find_v so_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n speak_v so_o clear_o touch_v this_o ordinance_n though_o under_o another_o name_n it_o confirm_v i_o in_o my_o belief_n and_o practice_n herein_o and_o one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v the_o more_o stumble_v they_o for_o whatsoever_o credit_n or_o esteem_v some_o of_o those_o author_n have_v who_o he_o mention_n yet_o i_o judge_v he_o will_v grant_v several_a of_o they_o to_o be_v as_o famous_a as_o most_v who_o have_v write_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o hereafter_o may_v be_v hint_v in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o method_n he_o will_v observe_v in_o write_v his_o treatise_n viz._n first_o give_v we_o a_o account_n what_o he_o find_v of_o this_o rite_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n second_o how_o assert_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o ancient_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n and_o decree_n of_o council_n three_o how_o practise_v and_o enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n four_o how_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n five_o how_o maintain_v by_o some_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_a persuasion_n six_o how_o practise_v and_o enjoin_v by_o several_a of_o the_o baptise_a church_n in_o this_o nation_n then_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n 1._o in_o benediction_n mark_v 10.16_o 2._o for_o healing_n mark_n 6.5_o 3._o for_o confer_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n before_o baptism_n act_v 9.17_o after_o baptism_n act_v 8.14_o 4._o in_o ordination_n act_v 6.6_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o act_n 13.3_o reply_n i_o ready_o grant_v what_o he_o say_v about_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o they_o but_o must_v needs_o except_v against_o what_o he_o speak_v concern_v the_o three_o sort_n he_o affirm_v that_o hand_n be_v lay_v upon_o person_n for_o confer_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o
whit_n and_o when_o he_o have_v answer_v our_o argument_n against_o this_o strange_a exposition_n we_o will_v argue_v that_o point_n further_o but_o do_v he_o not_o hereby_o make_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o miraculous_a healing_n a_o perpetual_a administration_n it_o be_v a_o part_n in_o his_o sense_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n house_n we_o have_v show_v why_o it_o can_v intend_v that_o on_o sick_a person_n nor_o on_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o to_o extraordinary_a gift_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o he_o mean_v that_o speak_v of_o act_n 8.17_o and_o 19.6_o we_o utter_o deny_v it_o and_o clear_o prove_v the_o contrary_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o end_n of_o that_o service_n etc._n etc._n no_o more_o than_o of_o assemble_v together_o prayer_n preach_v etc._n etc._n since_o such_o miraculous_a effect_n follow_v more_o or_o less_o every_o one_o of_o those_o and_o other_o gospel-ministrations_a as_o well_o as_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o baptize_v believer_n this_o consider_v it_o be_v strange_a he_o shall_v reason_v after_o this_o manner_n but_o we_o further_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n intend_v in_o heb._n 6.1_o 2._o because_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o not_o laying_n etc._n etc._n mr._n danvers_n say_v this_o be_v a_o mere_a criticism_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o it_o he_o affirm_v that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v as_o plural_a as_o baptism_n this_o be_v all_o the_o answer_v he_o give_v see_v page_n 51._o answ_n if_o a_o bare_a affirmation_n may_v be_v take_v for_o a_o proof_n in_o this_o we_o be_v answer_v and_o mr._n danvers_n have_v do_v his_o business_n what_o be_v here_o more_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o he_o will_v write_v be_v he_o to_o distinguish_v between_o one_o hand_n and_o several_a since_o hand_n be_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n the_o administrator_n be_v not_o to_o lay_v one_o only_o but_o both_o his_o hand_n there_o can_v be_v no_o distinguish_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o mistake_v between_o one_o and_o divers_a kind_n for_o wherever_o the_o scripture_n speak_v but_o of_o one_o sort_n in_o our_o opponent_n judgement_n it_o be_v express_a as_o it_o be_v here_o viz._n lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o so_o as_o plural_a see_v 1_o tim._n 4.14_o i_o need_v not_o say_v more_o only_o cite_v a_o passage_n of_o a_o learned_a writer_n upon_o this_o very_a place_n and_o objection_n it_o be_v most_o palpable_o apparent_a say_v he_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o asleep_a in_o their_o read_n of_o that_o text_n heb._n 6.1_o 2._o that_o it_o speak_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n of_o one_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n alone_o and_o not_o of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o it_o must_v have_v be_v express_v have_v he_o mean_v more_o kind_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n than_o one_o for_o though_o hand_n be_v the_o plural_a number_n '_o yet_o note_n lay_v which_o be_v the_o phrase_n you_o speak_v to_o or_o else_o you_o speak_v nihil_fw-la ad_fw-la rhombum_fw-la be_v a_o substantive_n of_o the_o singular_a number_n both_o in_o the_o english_a and_o the_o greek_a but_o to_o proceed_v mr._n d._n p._n 51_o 52._o give_v we_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o offence_n concern_v the_o nature_n or_o manner_n of_o our_o maintain_v this_o principle_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n 1._o negative_o he_o tell_v we_o wherein_o his_o offence_n lie_v not_o viz._n not_o because_o we_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n on_o our_o brethren_n and_o sister_n or_o for_o the_o practice_n or_o gesture_n of_o lift_v up_o or_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o urge_v as_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n etc._n etc._n but_o 2._o when_o impose_v as_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n a_o beginning_n doctrine_n or_o oracle_n of_o god_n a_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o which_o every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o submit_v on_o penalty_n of_o non-communion_n for_o reject_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n though_o not_o one_o word_n of_o institution_n command_n precept_n or_o example_n for_o the_o same_o and_o that_o under_o pretence_n of_o receive_v more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n thereby_o which_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o love_n meekness_n etc._n etc._n there_o appear_v the_o spirit_n of_o uncharitableness_n judge_v rend_n and_o divide_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o assert_v for_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n the_o custom_n and_o command_n of_o man_n it_o be_v for_o these_o thing_n our_o offence_n lie_v so_o well_o found_v upon_o deut._n 4.2_o and_o 12.23_o rev._n 22.18_o prov._n 30.6_o answ_n 1._o can_v we_o have_v such_o a_o liberty_n as_o to_o make_v a_o holy_a institution_n of_o christ_n only_o a_o formal_a or_o civil_a ceremony_n or_o gesture_n or_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o do_v or_o not_o do_v our_o brethren_n it_o seem_v will_v not_o be_v offend_v 2._o be_v it_o a_o true_a charge_n he_o bring_v he_o will_v have_v cause_n to_o be_v offend_v with_o we_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o oracle_n of_o god_n or_o a_o tradition_n of_o man_n which_o we_o contend_v for_o let_v the_o impartial_a reader_n judge_n here_o be_v nothing_o offer_v by_o our_o opponent_n to_o deserve_v any_o further_a answer_n it_o call_v more_o for_o reprehension_n than_o confutation_n who_o seem_v more_o censorious_a than_o mr._n danvers_n who_o charge_v his_o brethren_n with_o what_o they_o most_o abominate_v viz._n tear_v and_o divide_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n will-worship_n nay_o be_v under_o the_o dreadful_a curse_n of_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o whether_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n rend_v and_o tear_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o those_o who_o neglect_v his_o word_n or_o foundation-principle_n of_o his_o doctrine_n i_o may_v say_v reject_v it_o be_v full_o manifest_v in_o a_o late_a book_n entitle_v the_o searcher_n for_o schism_n search_v that_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v answer_v 4._o may_v not_o the_o independent_o and_o other_o charge_v you_o on_o the_o account_n of_o baptism_n with_o rend_v and_o tear_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n since_o you_o deny_v break_v of_o bread_n with_o they_o on_o that_o consideration_n as_o some_o do_v with_o you_o about_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n a_o principle_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n do_v not_o mr._n will_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o your_o former_a book_n of_o baptism_n charge_v you_o in_o much_o like_a word_n as_o you_o do_v we_o here_o and_o true_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o mr._n d._n have_v clear_v we_o from_o schism_n and_o well_o answer_v himself_o in_o his_o late_a reply_n page_n 169_o 170_o 171._o as_o he_o say_v of_o baptism_n vindicate_v suffer_v i_o to_o speak_v of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o principle_n itself_o but_o what_o incline_v to_o piety_n and_o unity_n it_o be_v design_v by_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o promote_v sanctification_n but_o to_o further_a love_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n why_o shall_v baptism_n be_v esteem_v the_o whole_a and_o only_a inlet_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n when_o it_o be_v but_o one_o of_o the_o six_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o church-constitution_n why_o shall_v he_o have_v a_o great_a esteem_n for_o one_o than_o for_o another_o institution_n do_v our_o brethren_n see_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o baptism_n i_o may_v hope_v they_o will_v not_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n some_o be_v of_o it_o be_v sad_a when_o a_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v make_v indifferent_a i_o have_v a_o tender_a respect_n to_o all_o that_o love_n christ_n yet_o dare_v not_o violate_v that_o holy_a order_n leave_v in_o his_o word_n know_v how_o severe_o he_o have_v manifest_v his_o displeasure_n against_o such_o as_o have_v be_v negligent_a therein_o 5._o now_o though_o we_o grant_v baptism_n a_o initiate_a ordinance_n yet_o not_o that_o alone_a there_o be_v two_o door_n to_o be_v pass_v through_o say_v a_o learned_a writer_n before_o we_o can_v come_v ad_fw-la adyta_fw-la &_o intima_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la penetralia_fw-la viz._n baptism_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n whereof_o the_o latter_a proper_o and_o immediate_o give_v admittance_n mr._n hanmer_n p._n 22._o cite_v some_o ancient_a christian_n speak_v thus_o confirmatione_fw-la protinus_fw-la data_fw-la plena_fw-la authoritas_fw-la &_o jus_o corpori_fw-la christi_fw-la &_o sanguini_fw-la cum_fw-la omnibus_fw-la fidâ—libus_fw-la communicandi_fw-la that_o be_v confirmation_n or_o imposition_n of_o hand_n forthwith_o give_v full_a authority_n and_o right_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o another_o place_n say_v the_o same_o person_n he_o that_o be_v not_o confirm_v
do_v so_o too_o no_o sure_a 11_o lie_n their_o eleven_o reason_n be_v because_o none_o but_o such_o person_n as_o be_v eminent_o gift_v do_v impose_v hand_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr the_o apostle_n do_v all_o they_o do_v as_o eminent_o gift_v but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v by_o all_o regular_a pastor_n or_o elder_n only_o ordinary_o gift_v in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n than_o not_o in_o preach_v baptise_v nor_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o other_o gospel-ordinance_n but_o this_o be_v also_o full_o answer_v in_o the_o precede_a treatise_n in_o pag._n 17_o 18_o etc._n etc._n they_o will_v make_v the_o reader_n conclude_v that_o the_o hebrew_n be_v say_v to_o be_v dull_a of_o hear_v and_o so_o need_v to_o be_v teach_v again_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o refer_v to_o these_o six_o principle_n but_o to_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o priestly_a office_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o be_v true_a the_o apostle_n be_v about_o to_o instruct_v they_o into_o high_a mystery_n viz._n about_o christ_n priesthood_n but_o he_o find_v they_o to_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n and_o not_o strong_a meat_n and_o most_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o by_o strong_a meat_n he_o refer_v to_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o proceed_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o but_o the_o milk_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v these_o thing_n viz._n repentance_n faith_n baptism_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n etc._n etc._n they_o hardly_o understand_v the_o first_o rudiment_n or_o a_o b_o c_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o suppose_v that_o milk_n or_o those_o first_o principle_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o strong_a meat_n be_v preposterous_a true_o christ_n be_v proper_o the_o foundation_n but_o by_o the_o foundation_n here_o be_v mean_v those_o first_o principle_n which_o every_o babe_n in_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o and_o to_o practice_v and_o then_o to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n do_v it_o follow_v because_o it_o be_v say_v not_o lay_v again_o the_o foundation_n of_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o apostle_n only_o refer_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o of_o every_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o foundation-principle_n not_o that_o they_o be_v all_o fundamental_o of_o salvation_n but_o of_o church-constitution_n for_o we_o will_v not_o say_v nor_o any_o else_o we_o hope_v that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v who_o be_v not_o baptize_v and_o come_v not_o under_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n yet_o every_o true_a regular_a church_n and_o regular_a member_n aught_o to_o be_v under_o the_o practice_n of_o both_o those_o principle_n but_o i_o see_v no_o need_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n further_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o treatise_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v the_o least_o of_o argument_n in_o it_o of_o any_o book_n i_o have_v see_v write_v against_o this_o ordinance_n finis_fw-la postscript_n now_o though_o i_o be_o full_o establish_v in_o this_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o baptism_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o such_o member_n in_o a_o church_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o be_v under_o it_o aught_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n because_o the_o other_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n see_v it_o not_o no_o but_o they_o ought_v to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o until_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o open_v their_o eye_n we_o all_o see_v but_o in_o part_n and_o know_v but_o in_o part_n therefore_o aught_o to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o yet_o let_v that_o church_n who_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n walk_v as_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o let_v all_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o set_v light_a by_o any_o holy_a precept_n and_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n much_o less_o to_o teach_v man_n to_o break_v the_o least_o of_o his_o commandment_n or_o to_o cast_v such_o under_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n who_o in_o conscience_n towards_o god_n speak_v and_o write_v according_a to_o the_o light_n they_o have_v receive_v in_o this_o and_o other_o case_n must_v we_o be_v their_o enemy_n for_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n farewell_o see_v god_n oracle_n p._n 62_o 63._o 63._o the_o seeker_n use_v this_o objection_n against_o all_o ordinance_n say_v none_o be_v impower_v to_o administer_v any_o because_o not_o so_o endow_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o their_o argument_n full_o agree_v with_o they_o herein_o against_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n of_o this_o let_v the_o rational_a judge_n judge_n if_o any_o shall_v object_v against_o i_o mark_v 16.17_o 18._o and_o say_v miraculous_a gift_n be_v promise_v to_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v that_o by_o believe_v can_v be_v mean_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n in_o that_o place_n for_o if_o it_o shall_v we_o may_v say_v no_o man_n do_v now_o believe_v or_o have_v true_a faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v therefore_o mean_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o faith_n or_o faith_n of_o miracle_n according_a to_o 1_o cor._n 12.9_o and_o 13.2_o he_o that_o so_o believe_v nothing_o can_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o ☜_o ☜_o see_v mr._n hanmer_n on_o confirmation_n the_o ancient_a way_n of_o complete_n church-member_n pag._n 45._o independent_o and_o presbyterian_o clear_v touch_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o refine_v from_o popish_a pollution_n those_o of_o the_o ancient_n he_o cite_v tertul._n de_fw-fr bapt._n ad_fw-la quintil._n cap._n 8._o a.d._n 250._o cyprian_a ep._n ad_fw-la jubar_fw-la 73._o 73._o dr._n hammond_n say_v it_o be_v that_o of_o absolution_n absolution_n confirm_v &_o restaurat_fw-la pag._n 123._o 123._o will_v any_o say_v to_o drink_v poison_n or_o any_o deadly_a thing_n or_o take_v up_o serpent_n be_v milk_n for_o babe_n babe_n filling_n with_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n god_n give_v more_o or_o great_a measure_n of_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n dispensation_n &_o since_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n than_o before_o before_o m._n blackwood_n note_v the_o emphasis_n to_o lie_v in_o this_o pronoun_n relative_n they_o the_o antecedent_n hereunto_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o baptise_a etc._n etc._n etc._n how_o many_o woman_n be_v not_o express_v they_o be_v seldom_o the_o lesser_a number_n mr._n d_o his_o innocency_n and_o truth_n vindicate_v