The unlimitted Authority OF Christs Disciples cleared, OR The present Church and Ministery vindicated. Or Christs Disciples Autho­rity for the practice of his Com­mands is unlimitted.

BEING A brief answer to a Book intituled (A sober Word to a serious People.) There the Wri­ter saith, Christ gave his Commissions not to Disciples as Disciples, but to Apostles.

But here is by Scripture proved, that the Authority & Commissions, given to Dis­ciples, (as Disciples considered) are of a far larger extent, then the Au­thority or Commissions given to Apostles.

Written by THOMAS KILCOP.

Bind up the Testimony, seale the Law among my Disciples, Esa 8.16. O my Dove, that art in the Clefts of the Rocks, in the secret places of the staires; let me see thy counte­nance, let me hear thy voice; f [...]r sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance comely.

LONDON, Printed by J. C. 1651.

TO THE READER,

CHristian Reader, there came to my hand a Book (with no name to it) intituled, (A sober word to a serious people.) It op­poseth all Churches or Ministery, that this day be, and none (as yet) hath put forth any answer thereto; wherefore I thought my self engaged, to spend my mite of opportunity therein. In the said Book are multiplicity of words and Scriptures quo­ted over and over: therefore for brevity sake, I mind only (yet exactly) the pith of it, and give thereto a brief, and punctual Answer, even by the word of truth, being very brief, the Reader should be the mere observant. Try all things, hold fast that which is good, 1 Thes. 5.21. Do men con­tend against truth? Oh then contend against such men. Do they make void Gods Commands? Oh then exalt them, it is time for thee Lord, to work (saith David) for they have made void thy Law: therefore I love thy Commandements above Gold, yea fine Gold; therefore I esteem all thy precepts, concerning all things to be right, and I hate every false way.

The unlimitted Authority of Christs Disciples cleared.

The first part

CHAP. 1.

IN that Book he mindeth what the better sort of Seekers (so called) can do, and what they cannot do, they ought (saith he) p. 2. to read, pray, and give Almes, from Acts 8. & 10.1.2. and this for several ends, p. 3. but for the present Churches and Ministery, they see no ground: these being Christ's grand, capital, and comprehensive institutions, to which he gave gifts, for comparing these with the word they conform not, p. 4.

[Page 3]I answer; Christ requireth not only reading, praying, and almes-giving; but also Church-meeting and Ministery, as, forsake not the fellowship that you have among your selves, exhort one another daily, love brotherly fellowship, Heb. 3.13. and 10.25. 1 Pet. 2.17. such as gladly received his word were baptized, and they continued in the Apostles Doctrine and fellowship, Act 2.41, 42.

Why can you not conform to one as well as to the other, since Christ requireth the one as much as the other?

1. These (saith he) are great and capital insti­tutions.

I answer, the more great and weighty, the ra­ther to be obeyed, they were hypocrites that ty­thed Mint and Annis, and left the weightiest matters of the Law, Mat. 23.23, 24.

2. To these (saith he) Christ gave gifts.

I answer, if by gifts he mean the gift of faith, love, joy, &c. surely if these be wanting, not Church & Ministery only; but praying, read­ing, and almes giving also, are alike vain; for who can call on him in whom they believe not, Rom. 10. and if we give all our Goods to the poor, and have not love, it profits not. 1 Cor. 13.3. and reading, if without faith profits not; for, without faith it is unpossible to please God. Heb. 11.5. but it by gifts he mean tongues and Miracles, as I judge [Page 4] he doth) then I reply, that miracles were to confirm the word, and not to beget obedience to it in such as before knew it, tongues also, were not for them that believe, but for them that believe not: these gifts were not given to make know­ers obey, but to make non knowers to know, Mark 16.20. 1 Cor. 14.22. Heb. 2.4. Do you own the Scripture to be Gods word, and there­fore read it, though you saw no miracle to confirm it? much more should you obey it though you see no miracle: or do you in some things conform to it without seeing miracles? you might do so also in other things on the same ground, and you cannot disobey it for want of miracles, without disowning it on the same account, and as well might you for want here of disobey it in every thing as in som thing.

But the inference of these words (to these he gave gifts) is, that the Church or Ministery that hath them not, is not Christs Church or Ministery, and then, Christ may be obeyed though these be rejected.

I answer, the Scripture saith, these tokens shall follow them that believe, Mark 16. but it doth not say, such tokens shall accompany the Mi­nistery, and be in every visible Church: therefore you might rather question (as some do) whether any in the world do believe, since these are wanting: [Page 5] then for want of these, to question the truth of the Church and Ministery, which those by you judged believers do enjoy.

2. You herein question the truth of the Church and Ministery, that have been as much as those that now are; for John a Gospel-Minister, Mark. 1.1, 2, 3, 4. did no Miracle, John 10.41. and though the Corinth. had all gifts, 1 Cor. 1.7. and the Gala­tians had some, yet we read not of any in the Churches of Macedonia, or Asia, or the Ephe­sians, Bereans, Philippians, or almost any Church spoken of.

Obj. God hath set such in the Church, 1 Cor. 12.28, 29.

I answer, it is in that place evident, that the Church there specified, is no particular Church, but the Church general, called else-where the general Assembly of the first born written in Heaven, Heb. 12. of which if we be not Mem­bers, not only Church and Ministery, but our readings, prayings, and distributions are little worth.

But if we be of this Church general, (as all believers be) then may we acceptably pray, read, &c. and as acceptably associate, preach, break bread, and what not? for if justified by faith, we have peace God-ward through our Lord Jesus Christ, by him also we have access to this grace, [Page 6] wherein we stand, Rom. 5.2. Rejoyce not in men, for all is ours, Paul, Apollo, things present, or to come, all is ours, and we Christs, 1 Cor. 3.21, 22, 23.

3. These saith he, if compared with the word con­form not.

I answer, as much as your praying, reading, or Almes-giving do; though we examine only his own quotations. The Eunuch and Corneli­us, who acceptably read, prayed and gave Alms, had quickly, the one a man, the other an Angel, sent them to estate them into Gospel Church and Ministery, which he hath not to this day enjoy­ed: therefore his own practice conformeth not to his own quotation.

Obj. They are not so unsuitable as to be disown­ed.

I answer, I say the same of the present Churches and Ministery, their unsutablenes may be parallel'd by some owned in Scripture for Churches, and the Temple (he saith else-where) was a Type of the Gospel Church State; but in that, though the free harted could not come nigh the first pattern, how doth God incourage them notwithstanding, Haggai 2.4, 5, 6. there­fore if you can pray, and read, &c. though you therein come short of the primitive pattern, you might also conform to the present Church and [Page 7] Ministery among the free and upright hearted, though they come short of the first pattern. And so much to that.

CHAP. 2.

IN the said Book he also saith, though some say the Commission, Mat. 28.19, 20. was given to Disciples as Disciples, or to preaching Disciples; but Christ (saith he) p. 5. singled out some from o­thers to preach, Mat. 10.1.16. Mark 3.13. Luke 6.13. and this Commission, Mat. 28. was given to the same persons, p. 6.

I answer, that Commission, Mat. 10. was in its extent limitted both for time and persons, it was to be expenced.

by—

  • singled out men
  • only to the [...]ews
  • before Christ's death.

But this Mat. 28. is every way unlimitted, it ex­tendeth to

  • all Nations.
  • all Ages.

And may be, yea must be dispensed by Disci­ples.

Obj: It was given to the very same persons.

[Page 8]I answer, it was given to them, and also to the rest that were with them, as Luke 24:33. to the end.

2 If it had been given personally to no more then the eleven; yet were they when that was given, Mat. 10. called Apostles; but now called disciples, verse 16. and Christ could as easily have called them Apostles as Disciples, had he herein considered them as Apostles, and not as Disci­ples.

3 If it had been given to them only, and if they had now also been termed Apostles; yet it would plainly appear to be given to them not considered as Apostles, but as Disciples; yea so, as to include therein the whole body of Disciples in all Nations, and in all Ages, as much as they.

For these are herein bid [...] [by teaching to make Disciples all Nations] with this addition, verse 20: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and loe, I am with you always, &c: teaching them, to wit, the disciplised, whether Jew or Gentile, to observe, to do, to practice all things, every Gos­pel Command, whatsoever I have ever since I estated to you, in Gospel Worship Commanded [...]ou.

But Christ had taught these to be baptized, [...]o pray, to preach, to baptize, to assemble, to [Page 9] break bread. Act. 2.41.42. Ergo the disciplised, must do the same, of what Nation or age soever, therefore as praying Disciples may pray, so preaching Disciples may preach, uniting Discipls may unite, if they have ability they want not au­thority, being Disciples, and so we being Disci­ples, learners of Christ, hearkners to Christ, have authority to practise what we finde in Scripture be Christs Gospell commands.

Consider also these things.

1. Were those to whom in person this commission was given, Apostles, then, the same Gospell com­mands, that Apostles were to observe, must Disci­ples observe also.

2. Were they Jews, then, the Gospell-commands that Jews were to practise, must Gentiles practise also.

3. Were they with Christ, and was this before Christs ascension, then the same commands that were to be observed while Christ was present, and before his ascention: must be observed after his a­scension and in his absence.

4. The same authority given before his death to singled out men, is after his resurrection given to them and others as Disciples but then it was limited to Apostles, but now to Disciples boundlesse Therefore the authority of Disciples is far greater then the authority of Apostles.

[Page 10]5. Sith this commission was given to Disciples before they had received the promised power from on high, we learn that Disciples authority was as great before they received that power as after, and then, the said power is ability, not authority.

6. Was this commission given to the eleven, and the others with then, as Luke 24.33.47, 48, 49. Those that could work miracles, and those that could not too; then, such Disciples as cannot work miracles, have as much authority as those that can, And so much to this also.

CHAP. 3.

In the next place he propoundeth 4. questions. p. 6. and giveth thereto 4 positive answers in sub­stance thus.

1. As of old: administrations were committed to choice men, Ex. 28.1.2. so now, is preaching and baptizing to a Ministery. p. 7. Mar. 3. Lu. 6. Acts. 10 1. & 1, 2.17.25.

I Answ. As then the Levits were chosen for [...]riests, and Aarons family for high Priests. Ex. [...]8.

So now is Christ our high Priest, and his disci­ [...]es are Priests. Heb. 3.1. 1 Pet. 2.5, 6. and faith­ [...]ll preachers are choice men.

[Page 11]His quotations were minded in the 2d. chap. Only here are two more added by him, as Act. 1. Acts 10. but both do gaine, say, what he draws from them.

Act. 1. declareth, first, That, that which he jumbles together, are distinct, and Judas had a share in both, Ministerie and Apostleship, verse 25. Secon­ly, That Apostles did not only preach and bap­tize, but were also eye-witnesses of Christs death and resurrection. v. 22.

Thirdly, this place sheweth plainly that the Ministerie was bounded in Discipls, & that Dis­ciples have authority to rectifie what by Scri­pture they find to be amisse, yea authority to place men into offices, yea into Apostleship, and so disciples authority is greater them Apostles authority: for Peter stood up among the Disciples and said Men and brethren, this Scripture must be fullfilled. &c. vers 15, 16. and then his advice being given to verse 22. the effect is, and they ap­pointed two: they, to wit, the disciples, the men and brethren, afore specified: and verse 24. 'tis said further, and they prayed &c. and they gave forth the Lots &c. they appointed, they cast Lots, they numbred him with then Apostles; thus his own quottaion is sufficient against him.

Ob. Verse 1 He gave commandement to the Apostles whom he had chosen, & Act 10 but to us [Page 12] chosen before of God and he commanded us to preach &c.

I Answ. That he now did give Commande­ments to those before chosen and called Apo­stles, is true, but that his commands were given but to them, or that they were herein consider­ed, not as disciples is false, for.

First, as they were given to them, so to the rest with them,

Secondly, they were to teach the disciplised, to observe the same, as in chap. 2

And so in act 10, 41, 42 He appeared openly, not to all the people, that is, not to all the Jews, good and bad, but to us chosen before of God, not us Apostles only, but to us brethren, to 500 at once, 1 Cor. 15, 6 even to us which did eat and drink with him after he rose againe, and he com­manded us to preach, &c. us that eat and drank with him, which is the eleven and the rest that were with them, as Lu [...] 24.33, 43, 48, 49. and so much to this,

His second affirmation is in p. 8 that the said Ministry is exprest Eph 4, 12, 13 for number, names, [...]nd, and duration; all these are set in the Church, [...]s institutions to abide 1 Cor 12, 28. p. 9, to perfect, [...] edifie; some in the world to precede the Church, [...]me placed in it, to edifie p. 10, Must Saints be [...]rfected and edified, not by one, but by all these? [Page 13] p. 11. then is Christs ministerie breeding, and feeding; one prepares gathereth, the other buildeth further, both are one ministerie, fruits of one purchase, both needfull, one to convert and enlighten, the other to edi­fie and strengthen, therefore to continue together; the latter hath not been without the former he thinks, as p. 12

I Answ. Is conversion by the first part of this ministery, and edification by the latter; then the first must be now, or no conversion now; and the latter now, or no edification now; and then, well may he opose a Feeding ministrie, that hath not pertak't of the breeding ministery.

Secondly, The denying this ministery now to be, is the belying that place, Eph. 4. for that (as he said) declareth not only the number, names, end, but also the duration of Gospel-ministerie, and that, till all the saints meet, to a perfect man. It is to perfect, till all are perfected (converted as he saith) by this it appeareth now to be, except conversion be past.

Thirdly Persons ministring are Ministers, that about which they minister is the ministrie; the breeding and feeding ministrie is where conver­sion and edifying is; The Jews had Moses and the Profits, when they had their writings; in the same sence now, have we the Apostles, and Pro­phets; which is a ministrie both breeding and fee­ding; [Page 14] tis breeding Joh. 20.30▪ 31. Many other signes he did which are not written in this book, but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and that in believing ye might have life through his name.

And feeding 1 Jo. 5.13. These things have I written unto you that beleeve in the name of the Son of God; that ye may know ye have eternall life, and may beleeve on the name of the Son of GOD.

Yet these writings neither beget nor feed, if God assist not, neither did Pauls personall plant­ing, nor Apollos watering, except God gave the encrease.

Fourthly let us honour the Ministerie above Ministers. God begets by his word Jam 1.18, som­time through the mouth of one unbegot him­selfe as we see, Esa 42 19 20

His opening of

  • Perfecting
  • Edifying

I oppose not

CHAP. IIII.

HIs third affirmation is, Scripture doth not clear Church gathering, without Ministerie and Baptisme preceding p 12

I Answer, true, and we by the aforesaid mini­stery [Page 17] were converted, and were also baptized, be­fore we congregated.

He addeth some say believers may consent to be a Church, &c. & as a visible church appoint one to bap­tize, &c.

I answer none but self-seekers will so say, who being before leaders would be so still, and so found out this by way: others after baptisme, by consent became a Church.

But this he opposeth also, as if we now err from our first principles, for saith he, we now take not one in, though he consent, till the Church (as in Christs name) Judge him fit; but (saith he p 13) who at first declared in Christs name to us, that Christ accepted of us as a Church? but some were disigned thereto (saith he) a preceding ministerie converting and espousing them p 14 1 Cor 4 15 2 Cor 5 25. & 11.2 & 8 5.

I answer, as now the whole Church Judgeth of the fitnesse of such as would be added, so at first, every particular was approved of by the whole; and so we swerve not from our first pra­ctise.

And that some were designed, to judge whe­ther Christ would accept of a people &c. is false and against the Gospell; for as touching believing who ever cometh to Christ, he will in no wi [...]e cast off, Joh. 6. so also in obedience, if the mind be [Page 18] willing he accepteth according to what we have. 2. Cor. 8.12. he dispiseth not the day of small things. He respecteth tender Grapes: Cant. 2.14 15. and so, he designeth some to strengthen weak hands, to confirme feeble knees: to say to the fearfull in heart, be ye strong, &c. Esa 35.3.4. he designeth none, to tell people (though they set themselves to serve the Lord, yet it is questionable whether he will accept of their so doing, and his quotations prove no such thing. Paul in one, telleth the Cor. that he was their Father, he had begot them through the Gospell, in another he saith, that he in Christs stead in­treated them to be reconciled, in the third place, he saith, he had espoused them to a Husband, and in the last place, speaking of the Macedonians saith, they gave themselves up▪ first to the Lord then to us by the will of God; here note, first their vo­luntary act, they gave up themselves.

2dly. to whom, first to the Lord, then to us, (saith he.)

3dly. by whose appointment? by the will of God.

Had the Apostles been designed to judge whether peoples submission would be accepted off, then should they have first given up them­selves to them, and then to the Lord, if the A­postles had judged them fit. Se how opposite [Page 19] his quotations are to him, and he to them.

Tis one thing to beget people by the word, to intreat people to be reconciled: and to be as judge, to judge whether such as are begotten, on are reconciled, shall be accepted off, is another thing, to espouse that is, to perswade them to ac­cept of Christs espousalls, by declaring his readi­nesse, to accept of any that give themselves up to him, is one thing, & to judge whether though people do so, Christ will accept of it, is another thing; some were by Christ designed to the first, but not the latter.

This Speech of his therefore tendeth to eclips Gods grace to sadden his people, to bolster up people in disobedience to their own hurt and Gods dishonour, who is glorified by peoples being Christs Disciples. Joh. 15.8. Luk. 7.29.30. and so much to the third particuler.

CHAP V.

HIs last affirmation is, that the present Mini­strie, is not Christs, his being p. 15. called im­mediatly Mat. 10.1. & 28.16. Ga [...]. 1.12. with sutable gifts Mar. 1.15. Act. 1.4, 8. these are Ministers of Christ 1. Cor. 4.1.

Or called mediatly that is, hereto impoured, by Apostles, for the Church: and with their suffrag and election. p. 16. Act. 6. Tit. 1.5. these are the Chur­ches [Page 20] Messengers 2 Cor. 8 23. Phil. 2.25. these must be called by Apostles, or Apostolicall Mini­sterie Act. 14.14.23. or by the Bride into whose Custodie administrations were left, 1. Cor. 11.2 who convey gifts on them. 2 Tim. 1 6

But the call of the present Ministery, was not immediate, nor by Apostles, nor by a true constitu­ted Church, espoused by some hereto designed, as 1. Cor. 11 2 according to the establish't order (faith and Baptisme) and so, a powerlesse people call a giftlesse Ministerie, p 17, 18 who wanting gift study arts, fullfilling Es. 28 7 8 till that en­lightening be. Rev. 18 1 & 14 6 In the meane while, believers make not hast. Es. 24.28 16 & 37.32.

I Answer first, doth Christ give call to the Mi­nistery, a first, a second and a third way, then they, that are called the first way only, or se­cond, or third way only: are notwithstanding rightly called, and if there be a fourth, or fifth way, then such as are called thereto, the fourth, or fift way, though not the first, second or third, are notwithstanding rightly called, and so, the present Ministery may be rightly called, though not called either of the three first wayes.

But Phillip and others scattered ones, Act. 8. [Page 21] & 11. which were not Ministers of the Word before were called to the ministery of the word and Baptisme.

1. Not by Christ immediatly.

2. Nor by Apostles with Churches election.

3. Nor by the Church, but 4ly. By a providence, (being scattered) there is therefore a providen­tiall call.

5. The Evangelist Titus was left in Creta to redress what was wanting, and ordain Elders in every City, only minding, that they be rightly quallified.

6. Paul bad Timothy not to hinder any that should desire this Office, in case they that de­sire it, are suitably qualified, this is a sixt way.

So then if the present Ministery, be thereto called, neither of the three first wayes; yet are they rightly called, if by either of the three last wayes, Providentiall, Evangelicall, or desirable, if they be suitably qualyfied, 1 Tim. 3. Tit. 1.

But is their call neither of the three first waies,

1. To Disciples Christ gave his commission, they have authority given them, and they have given call to this Ministery.

2. The Apostles Ministery, I mean the Scrip­ture calleth those that are suitably qualified thereto.

[Page 22]3. Christ immediatly hath inwardly called, and sterd them up thereto, which is authoritive for the practise of a precept already given out, as Hagg. 1.14. thus for our call.

2dly. Our Churches being in the right faith and order, Col. 2.5. (I meane in the main) and consisting of Discples, they are not powerlesse, as in chap. 2. is shewn, and if our Ministers do instrumentally convert and edefie and be indude with extraordinary vertuousnesse, as, if they be blameless the Husband of one Wife, having children not accused of riot, nor unrulie if he be, not selfe willed, not soon angry, [...]ot given to wi [...]e, nor filthy lukar, no striker, but a lover of Hosptality, and of good men, being, sober, Just, Holy Temperate, able to convince, then is he sutably gifted, Tit. 1.5, 6, 7, 8, 9. 1 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3. any man that is thus qualified is sutably gifted: Therefore saith Paul to Timothy, if any desire the office, &c: and to Titus, bidding ordain Elders, he addeth if any be blamelesse, the Husband of one wife, &c. Shewing plainly, that these are the sutable gifts.

2 Though Timothy had a gift conveyed, we read not so of all, neither is it minded as a requisite to a right call

3. Neither was it conveyed, by vertue of his call, but by laying on of hands.

4. Neither was it the gift of Miracles; for he might by stirring it up inlarge it.

[Page 23]And the signes, to wit, Miracles that did follow, or accompany the word Mark 16 are not mind­ed as a Ministers Caracter, neither can it so be, for some Ministers of Christ wanted these, and some false Ministers have them as John 10 41. with Dutr. 13 1, 2, 3. and Mat. 24.

And they that were bid wait for power Act 1 were not bid: not to Preach or Baptise till then, but to bide at Jerusalem, and not to go to the Nations to teach them till then; and so this power is not authority, but ability to teach Nations, which they had not, till with the gift of Tongues they were impowred.

And if studiousness in the Scripture, be the art he saith we have instead of gifts; I am sure, Paul bid gifted Timothy do this. 1 Tim. 4 13, 14, 15,

3. They called Messengers of the Churches 2 Cor. 8 23 Ph. 2 25 are such as were with some Message sent from one Church to another.

4 The enlightning he speaks of, is but a clea­rer discovery of received truths, for who so teacheth otherwise, is to be accursed; Gal, 8 and the best way to know, is to practise what we do know; John 7 17. & 8 31,

5. Without all dispute, Believers do make hast to keep Christs commands, Psal. 119 59 6 [...] Act 2 41 & 16 33 and so much to the substance of this Book.

The second part.

THough his Answer to Objections, hangs on these hinges, and what hath been spoken, might serve as answer to what follows, if seriously weighed, yet to cleare the truth the better to the weaker sort; I shall al­so wave his Objections and his Answers to them

The first Objection propounded and answer­ed by him, is for substance thus,

1 Ob. Commission to Preach and Baptize, was given to Disciples as Disciples, Mat. 28 and Dis­ciples while disciples so did; John 3 22 24 Mat. 4 21.

He Answerth, Christ was then with them, but when he left them, he deligated to them, the power that after his resurrection was given him, Mat. 28. John 17 18 now, they are in Christs stead, then Disciples, now Master-builders; their Ministery is Apostleship, not Discipleship, Act 1.2 & 2 41.

I Reply, Though Christ be not present now, as then he was, yet are his commands as forcible now, as they were then; he will destroy at his next [...]omming such as disobey him in the time of his ab­ [...]nce; Luke 19 14 17.

[Page 25]2. The same men, (then Disciples, now ma­ster-builders) are imployed in the same work now, that they were then.

3. And must teach Disciples now to do, what he then taught them, as minded, chap. 2.

4. If Christ had not power given him till af­ter his resurrection, (as he saith) then their preaching and baptizing is his presence, was as powerless as ours in his absence.

To the second branch of the question he an­swers.

1 They might be Apostles before Johns im­prisonment, though mentioned after.

I reply, not so, for it is said, they baptized in Jordan, and Iohn in Enon; for Iohn was not yet in prison.

2. He answereth if they were only Disciples, yet Baptisme was not theirs but Christs, autho­ritatively he did it: but he that hath authority, can judge of the fitness of those he baptizeth, as did John, Philip and Peter, Mat. 3. Acts 8 38. & 10.40.

I reply, was their Ministry Christs authori­tatively, so is ours; for, we as Disciples, do those things that they were bid in Mat. 28. to teach Disciples to do.

2 They could not judge infallibly of the fit­ness of those they baptized, witness the unfitness [Page 26] of many that they did baptize. Also, John con­fest that he that came after him, was he that had his fan in his hand, and which would throughly purge his floore.

3 Before he said power was given to Christ after his Resurrection, and now (saith he) it was Christs authoritively, a flat contradicti­on:

His third answer is, be it granted, that Disci­ples did preach and baptise, not only with, but a part from Christ: yet their practise is not our pattern, Christ being till his death, a Member and Minister of the Jewish Church, and they sub­servient to him, Rom. 15.8. but after his Re­surrection he gave power to preach and baptise, not to Disciples as Disciples,

I reply, he was not a Minister of that Church, he preacht the Gospel to the Jews, and so was a Minister of the Circumcission, in the same sence after Christs death was Paul a Minister of the Gentiles, and Peter of the Circumcision, but not of the Jews Church.

2 Had he been a Minister of that Church, it were not to his purpose, except in this he had executed that Ministery; but in preaching and baptizing they executed Gospel-Ministery: therefore well may their practise be our pat­tern.

[Page 27]And that he did also after his resurrection im­powr Disciples as Disciples: I have shewn in chap. 2. from Math. 28. for he called them Dis­ciples, bid them teach the Disciplised, to doe what ever he had taught them to do, &c.

2. Obj. Gifted Disciples, men able to preach may Baptize Act. 8. & Act 11.

He answ. They may not, excepe they also have power. 70. more were gifted, yet was the commission given only to the eleven. p. 22.

I reply, If it had been given only to them personally, yet being given to them as Disciples, and they bid teach Disciples to do the same; it must needs include preaching Disciples, but to the eleven and others with them, it was given, as before shewn, and so to the 70. if they were with them, (and may be they were) for, whom he apeared to, and gave commission to; those he also at the same time bid wait at jerusalem, &c. and (accordingly, wait they did, to the number of 120. which is above 70. read Luk 24.32. to the end, with Acts 1.13.14.15.

His second answer is, that there is difference be­tween preaching and declaring in p. 23, 24, 25. and that the scattered Disciples did but declare: only Philip preacht, and baptised, and good reason; he be­ing admitted to the service of the Church, and wa [...] an Evangelist, one of those mentioned; Eph. 4, 13 as Act. [...] 5. & 21.8. and conversion by this meanes [Page 28] was to the Apostles so rare, that they sent Peter and John, which needed not, had their Ministery been sufficient, p. 26.

I answ as Disciples declared and Baptized; so they may now, and if conversion by such, were rare then; slight not the same now.

2dly. Peter and John were not sent to mend what Disciples had done; but to do, what Dis­ciples could not: Disciples administred the word and Baptisme, but conveyed not the Spirit, Act 8.16, 17.

Also they were sent to Phillips converts, so that he opposeth Baptisme administred by that Preacher, as much as the baptisme administred by declarers, but he would have the reader think otherwise

3dly. Did Philip preach? then Disciples may, for his Deaconship was not to minister the Word, but to serve tables, Act. 6.2. and he was not an Evangelist, till after he had by preaching evangelized, nor so called, til long after.

His third answer, If these Disciples did prea [...]h, yet not baptize, p. 27. or if they did baptise, they were baptized Members of a Church, if this be our pat­tern, let us be, 1. Members of a true visible Church they were, and have gifts called extraordinary, they had.

3dly. Have Christs power and presence with us [Page 29] promised, Mat. 28. for they went not forth to preach without miracles. p 28. Mar. 16.20.

I reply, Disciples did baptize, sith Philip did (as before minded) and others too, for as they declared, the hand of the Lord went so with them, that many believed, and were added or turned to the Lord, Act. 11. how added? after believing, but by Baptisme for Act. 2.41. they that gladly received his word were baptized and that day there were added three thousand.

Secondly, as we want the gift of Tongues, so did they, they could declare the word but to their Countreymen Act. 11.19.20. but they that Tongues fell on, could speak in any Tongue to any people Acts 2. and as they were of a visible Church, so are we, though we limit not preach­ing and baptizing so to it as on consideration, to be, by one that is no visible Church-Member; for Iohn preacht and baptized, and in so doing began the Gospell. Mar. 1, 2, 3, 4. before a Gos­pel visible-Church had a being also though these had been of a visible Church, yet now their Church-state was broken by persecution, yea all people were preacht to, and baptized, before they became a visible Church (as he confes­eth.)

3ly. Here is no mention of their miracles, and that none went out to preach without, or that [Page 30] miracles must be wrought by every preacher is directly false: for John did none it preacht Jo. 10 41.

Fourthly, if miracles be the promised pre­sence, then John had it not, but this presence, Mat. 28. is an accepting, or likeing presence, so as Paul was present in spirit, when absent in body Ioying at their faith and order. Coll. 2.5.

Fifthly, were, miracles this promised presence (as it is not) yet it being a promise anixt to a dutie we should, first, do the duty, to wit, all things that were commnaded them, & then expect the promise.

Ob. 3. Paul was not sent to baptise but to preach, yet did baptise, he that doth the greater, may do the lesse.

He ans. not sent to baptise, not in expresse words said baptise as it was to others: so he authoritively might, they must. p. 29. 30. as Peter might preach to the Gentiles.

Secondly, institutions (saith he) are not one infe­rior to another.

I reply, If Paul was not by expresse word bid baptise, and yet authoritively might, by the same rule we may preach and baptise; though not by name called out thereto, for he could not authoritively go beyond his particular com­mission, but by vertue of the generall commssi­on [Page 31] given to Disciples, he being one and the same Commission giveth the same Authority to o­ther Disciples also. Yea the same to Disciples, as to Apostles, the same to Gentiles as to Iews, the same to us since, as to them before Christs as­cention.

2. He said p. 4. these two are the grand and capital institutions of Christ: and here, his in­stitutions are not inferior, one to another, a con­tradiction.

4. Obj. Mat. 28. is not fulfilled, if a Ministry be not to the worlds end.

He answers, if it were given only to the ele­ven, then we are otherwise to understand, (worlds end) Jer. 1.5.

2. If it respect a successive Ministry, 'tis ei­ther breeding or feeding, or both: neither of which hath been visible: yet Christ not un­faithful, since 'tis conditional, though for our eternal state, his foundation is sure, yet in tem­poralls, he forsaketh such as forsake him, and particularly in the Ministry, to this purpose is page 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37. but the number of Saints being not yet perfected, we may expect enlightning, if we cry mightily, page 38. 39. 40.

I reply, What he in 8 or 9 pages goeth to prove, I grant, to wit, that this promise is conditional, and [Page 32] so need not to wave such proofs, but being so?

1 Let us perform the condition, and then ex­pect the fullfilling of the promise.

2 This is that condition that God hath enga­ged himself to work in his people, he will teach the humble his way, Psal. 25.9. therefore though Gods foundation be sure, yet we may question our being in this foundation, if God teach us not his way.

3 Because we are not so enlightned as we may be, we should therefore walk by rule, so far as we have attained, Phil. 3.16. and though we come short of what we should do, or here­after may do, yet heartily endeavouring, God accepteth according to what we have, Haggai 2.4.5.

4. The best way for more light is to practice what we have, John 7.17. and 8.31. which if we do not, what we have will be lost, & though we cry we shall not be heard, Prov. 1.28.

5. Obj. We may not expect more Apostles, for the last have been, 1 Cor. 4.9.

He answers 1. that the same word in Luke 14.9. is lowest.

2 Be it last, it is the last that hath been, not that shall be; for by whom shall Israel be ga­thered, or Gentiles converted, Jer. 32.37, 38. and 22.3. Mark 13.10. Mat. 24.14. p. 41.

[Page 33]I reply, why not the last that shall be, fore, if Paul and others that Christ (as you say else where, singled out) be the lowest, who are the chiefest, and if they be the last, to wit, that had been, who were before them, and so the first, and if these (as he saith) be Church presceders and part of the foundation, Christ being the chiefe Corner stone, then the last that shall be, for no other foundation may be laid nor this laid again who ever bringeth another Gospell, then what hath beene brought, is to be accursed, Gal. 1. 1 Cor. 3.

And others beside such personall Apostles have been imployed in gathering Jew and Gen­tile into the true fold, Mat. 10. Act. 8. & 11. why not again.

Obj. 6. Apostles writings may be called Apostls.

He ans. In a figure they may, Esay was a Pro­phet to the Eunuch into whose hands his prophecy came, but he needed a guid, and so do we, and God that sent him one, may send us one if he see our need &c.

I reply, as he granteth we have the Apostles in their writings, so I grant we need a guid, but a guide directeth in wayes we know not, and is uselesse in known wayes; he knew not of whom the Prophet spake; and so needed guiding; but we know this and much more.

[Page 34]We know we should believe in Christ, should pray, should be baptized should assemble, should teach, heare, break bread, &c. as God giveth ability and oportunity.

Secondly, God himself will guide the meek in judgement he will teach the humble his way, Psa. 25.9.

Obj. 7. Paul took care for Churches, taught Timothy how to behave himself in the Church, did also bid him teach the same things to faithfull men, who might teach others also, 2 Tim. 2.2.

He ans. True, but Paul foretold a falling from it.

I reply, and therefore he bids the truly God­ly to contend earnestly for the faith that was once given them.

Obj. 8. May not the Saints (being Kings by Christ) restore worship as King Josiah did 2 2 King. 22.

He ans. Such Lawes God gave Prince Moses Ex. 39 32.42.43. and Josuah (types of Christ) and David had a pattern of the Temple 1 Cor. 28. the Kings built and restored, but the people (though a royall priesthood Exo. 19.6. and kingly people, 1 Cor. 16.12.) went not to repaire without their King; therefore the first builders should be resto­rers.

Christ administred once by himself, then by Ap­postles, [Page 35] but never by the people &c. but by chosen men p 4 [...].45. Eph. 4.11, 12. 1 Cor 12.29. Act. 10.41. furnisht with such a power and presence of Christ as declared them to be sent.

I reply, as Christ hath administred by himself, and his Apostles: so also by the people, to wit Disciples, for first (as hath been shown) those to whom that generall and durable commission Mat. 28. was given, were bid teach the Disci­plised Nations, or peoples, to do the same things that themselves were taught to do, and the A­postle Paul, bids the people to follow him as he did Christ, 1 Cor. 11. & to the people he saith ye ought so to walk as you have us (us Apostles) for an example and Christ commends the people, for trying and so finding them lyers which said they were Jews and were not Rev. 2. and who cast lots for an Apostle in Judas roome, namely the people, the men and brethren the Disciples Act. 1. yea to the Church or people Paul saith. what soever you have heard and seen, and learned, and received of me; those things do, and the God of peace shall be with you Phil. 4.9. and so for resto­ring, the people must contend earnestly for the faith (streight wayes, as Act. 13.) that was once given, Jud. 3. Christ bids the people repent and do their first work Rev 2.5. thus we see Christ hath not only administred by Apostles [Page 36] but also, and equally by other Disciples, and they when need is, ought to restore worship, and therefore when they do so; they do it not without their King. And though some of his quotations declare what Officers be in Christs universall Church (as before minded) yet not one saith, he never administred by the people to wit, Disciples.

Quest. Is not the Apostles ministery, as efficaci­ous, to possesse people of liberty, and put them on their duty, now, as formerly; sith they should teach Nations to observe, what ever was commanded them? Mat. 28. 2 Tim. 2.2.

He premiseth, that their Ministery, was in word only or power, 1 Thes 1.5. the power, is outward or inward Act. 19.6. Rom. 15.18.19. Heb. 2.4. be it outward, inward, or both obedience; is answe­rable Mat. 7.22. Luk 10.17. Gal. 5.22.23.26. 2 Cor. 2.4.

Then his answer is, we are by their Ministery, so far put on duty as it commeth with power 1 Cor. 1.5. 2 Cor. 3.6. & 4.5. and though believers had the spirits demonstration, yet are they not furnisht to obedience without power, Luk 24, 45.49. Act. 1, 2, 4: & 10.38. both ability to say thus saith Christ, and authority so to say, Act. 4.7. Mat. 9.6.8.

I reply, First it is in word only to them that [Page 37] obey it not, and in power to those in whom it produceth obedience.

Secondly outward power of conformity may be without the inward—but the inward is not without the outward, If Gods Law be in the heart, the tongue speaks to edifying, the feet shun slyding Psa. 37.31 Though some have the forme of Godlinesse, that deny the power, none have the power that deny the forme.

Thirdly the power specified, Thes. 1.5. is not, (as he would have it visible gifts, as tongues and miracles, but it is, what he by that place op­poseth, to wit, reall and visible obedience.

Fourthly the power promised and waited for, Luk, 24.45 49. is not (as he would have it) the power of authority; but of abillity, Authori­ty to pray, preach, chuse Officers and the like, was given, when that commission, Math. 28 was given, these they might do, and did do, while they waited, therefore was their waiting for the power of ability to teach all Nations, which they had not til tongues fell on them, they had authority to Disciplise the Nations, when the Commission so to do, was given them but they must abide at Jerusalem til ability be also given.

He whose heart is Godward, having abillity and oportunity, wanteth not authority, for [as was shewn] authority hath its residence among [Page 38] Disciples, and so in this that he most glorieth in, he mainly mistakes.

Quest. Were not miracles rather to confirme the word, then to witnesse persons being sent? Heb. 2.4

He ans. as to confirme the word, Mar. 16 20: so also to witnesse persons being sent, Christs works testified that the Father sent him, Io. 5 36 & 11 42 & 20 21 and as the Father sent forth him so he sent forth them, Jo. 17 18 Act 413, 14 [...]6 therefore their works testifie their being sent of Christ the signes of an Apostle were wrought among you 2 Cor: 12 12.

I Answer the people oposing Christ, he tells them of severall that bore witnesse of him, as first Iohn chap. 5. v 33. 2dly his works v 36 Third­ly the Father v 37. Fourthly the Scripture v 39 all these were witnesses of his being the Messiah: that so by coming to him they might have life v 40:

That miracles was (among others) one wit­nesse that Christ is the Messiah is true, but that they were also appointed to witnesse who are the witnesses of Christ is false, for Iohn who did bear witnesse of Christ, wrought none, Ioh. 10 41 also some that opose the truths of God, have wrought miracles, and shall againe Deuter. 13 1, 2, 3 Rev. 13.1 [...].

Ob. As he was sent, so he sent them into be World Iohn 17, 18.

[Page 39]I answer though in some things these be sent as he was, yet not in every thing, not with mi­racles to witnesse that they are Messiahs, as he was sent with miracles to witnesse himself to be the Messiah, but as he was sent to bear witnesse to the truth, so were they, and so was Iohn, who wrought not miracles, as Christ did.

Secondly those sent by Christ into the world; as he was sent into the World; are not Apostles only, [...]or only miracle workers, but other Saints those that were given him out of the World which received and kept his word, which knew him to be sent of God as verse 6, 7, 8 even such as are not of the World, as he is not of the world; are the ve­ry persons, that he sendeth into the world, as he was sent into the world as v 14 16, 17, 18.

Obj. But the signes of an Apostle were wrought among you.

I answer that miracles are not the Caracter of an Apostle, was lately shewn. Secondly this place would have proved it, if the fol [...]owing words were not added, with signes, wonders, and mighty deeds, these signes and mighty deeds, are an overplus, to the signs of an Apostle.

Thirdly the same Apostle doth to the same people declare other things to be the signes of an Apostle, as his having seen Christ, and his having brought them into the direct wayes of [Page 40] Christ, so in 1 Cor. 9.1.2. Am not I an Apostle? am not I free? have not I seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? if I be not an Apostle to others, yet doubtlesse I am to you: for ye are the seal of mine Apostleship in the Lord, here are Apostles Charactorized indeed, even by the Apostle himself minded as [...]aractors without doubt.

Therefore would professed Christians trye again whether they have share in the Apostles ministery, let them not try it by the miracles that the instruments of their good have wrought: but whether the Doctrine taught them, and the wayes they are brought into, be indeed the truths and wayes of Christ, as 2 Cor 13 verse 5.

Question Gifts are to be improved, for edifica­tion: and how can it be orderly done out of a Church state.

He answers, as the gift is, so must be the improve­ment, and where these are, the Church is so glori­ous they need not take care how to improve them out of a Church.

Be it wisdome knowledge faith, miracles healing prophesie, &c. or be it joy hope, love and the like, the spirit is not wanting to teach improvement p. 50.

I reply, by this rule exhortations and dehor­tations [Page 41] be in vain, in vaine saith Paul, stirre the gift that is in thee, 2 Tim. 1 6 in vaine saith Peter, let every man as he hath received the gift, so administer, 1 Pet. 4 10. in vain saith John, these things I write to you that your joy might be full.

He answers further, what was ever written is for our learning, they in the Templestate and wil­dernesse, are our types, 1 Cor. 10, 11 2 Cor. 6.16 Rev. 11 8. but some worship was to be in the Temple only Duter. 12. but prayer, private, or publick, should be in the land of their Captivity, p. 50.51. 1 King. 1 & 44.50 51. &c. 4, 5, 16 to teach us, that now, something is peculiar to a Church (as binding and loosing &c.

I answer, it hath been shewn first, that we are a Church, and that preaching and baptizing hath been by John out of a visible Church state, though binding and loosing hath not.

He addeth, some say we have truth, others say we have: builders and stones are at odds; If the true ministery were on foot, would this confusion be, is not might therefore your vision, and a rent your Girdle; but God hath given us hope if we cry mightily.

I reply, this declares it so with some, but not withall, when Michah and others contended, the word of the Lord came to me saith one, tis [Page 42] not so saith tother, but Michah had the word of the Lord, and night was not his vision.

Also that famous Gospell Church at Anti­och, contended about Circumcisition, Act. 15. & some had truth on their side, but the Church could not distinguish, and yet a Church of Christ still, and as they had recourse to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem, so may we to the A­postles writings, and if need be to other Chur­ches.

Ob. but saith he) the builders and stones are at odds.

I reply, So it was with Paul the Corinthians (though he had beg it, builded, espoused them) they questioned the truth of his Apostleship, 1 Cor. 9.1, 2, 3. & 2 Cor. 11 4, 5, 6 & 13.3. yet Paul a true an Apostle, they a true Church, and had the true ministery.

Obj. How shall Gods name be great among the Gentiles? Mat. 1.11.

He answers, God will provide, he can bring it a­bout Mich. 2.7 10 & 3 5 6 7 & 4 Esa 22, 7 Rom. 10 15.

I reply, Though God can and will bring his work about; yet it shall not be to our ho­nour or comfort, if we refuse to help, yea, though he want not might, yet such as come not forth to help the Lord, are cursed bitterly, Judg. 4 8, 9 & 5. 23, 24.

[Page 43]Secondly, in the time of Captivity som dwelt in fieled houses when Gods house lay waste, they said, the time is not come, but God sharply reproveth them, and giveth them to know they should have gained time for his as well as for their own.

Obj. No ministery no believing, how can they believe on him of whom they have not, heard or hear without a preacher, Rom. 10.14.

He answer by they is ment the Jewes p. 55. 56 they must have a preacher ere they believe, they have heard and rejected, and so are blinded, till the time come, for the dispersed to come to Zi­on,

I reply, that by they is ment the Jewes, I ful­ly grant, and yet he answers not the Objecti­on for the Apostle draweth their particular from the generall, faith cometh sayth he) by hea­ring, and hearing, by the Word preacht; so that no preaching no hearing, no hearing, no believing, how then can they, (the Jewes) believe except they heare, or heare, without a preacher?

He addeth, not, but that some Jewes and Gen­tiles may hear of God and Christ and believe to salvation without a speciall sending to preach, but the Nation shall not.

The Samaritans and Cornelius believed with­out authoritive preaching, some may by a Godly life, [Page 44] some by the scattered ones declaring, who were so far from being sent that they were sent after, p. 58 59.

Therefore though faith come by hearing; yet may some believe that have not so heard, and this adds strength to the mourners of Zion, and to free them from the Bull; not to question the present mi­nistery lest also they question their own belie­ving, &c.

I reply, If some Jewes (though not the Na­tion) may believe without preaching, then may some gentiles also; and it is but some, that now do belive and obey.

2dly, If some, may believe without preach­ing, why may not more do so also.

3dly. If some believe without so hearing, then was the Apostle out, in saying faith commeth by hearing, and hearing, by the word preacht.

4thly, If Paul speak truth in saying faith com­eth by hearing and hearing by the word preacht, then surely where believing is, hath been preaching, though we say otherwise.

5thly, It is where the word hath been de­clared, that holy life tends to conversion, it con­vens not without; but joyntly with the word, 1 Pet. 3.1.

6ly, Were those scattered far from being sent, and yet declared and baptized, then may Disci­ples [Page 45] also do so now, though no more sent then they were,

7thly, They that were sent (as he saith after the scantered ones,) were not sent, to declare null, nor yet to mend, what they had done; but to do what they could not do; to lay [...] hands and convey the spirit.

8ly, The b [...]ll he speaketh of; hath not been so much among the Churches as among the non-Church ones, they have not only questio­ned the present ministery but their own belie­ving also, for want of miracles &c.

9ly, Though there doth arise comfort; not only to the Churches but to such as have not light therein; if their conscience can truly witnesse, that they have a willing minde; then God accepteth according to what we have; and so it was with the Eunuch and Cornelius; &c. but if our not being of a Church, and in Christs way be not, through want of light but want of love thereto, then is our case very dan­gerous, and the true hearted shall not abide long ignorant hereof; as was shewn, and so it was with the Eunuch and Cornelius, and others

And therefore hinder not the work of Christ, as ye will answer it before the Apostle and high Priest of our profession, at the great day of his appearing; who will reward every one, according to what he did in the flesh whether good or bad.

[...] Minde further these ten Notes.
  • [Page 46]I Apostles practice is Disciples pattern, Phil. 3 1 Thes. 3 6, 7.
  • II When people set up God for their God, or when God sets up any for his precious people they are engaged to walk in his wayes, to keep his Ordinances, his commands & lawes Deut. 26.17, 18.
  • III The worshipping God as he appoints, is walking in his way, Levit. 26 3.
  • IIII Such as see themselves in wrong wayes, ought to enquire for the good old way and to walke therein, Ier. 6.16.
  • V God is by promise engaged, to teach all that are humble and inquisitive, the knowledge of him­self and his wayes, Prov. 5.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Psa. 25: 9.
  • VI The Scripture is a guide, to finde out Gods wayes and commands, to the Law and to the testimony if they speak not according to this word there is no light in them, Esa 8 20 the Iewes by reading Scripture found dwelling in Boothes, a Law for them to observe, and so betook themselves to the practise of it with great joy, for they had been so long without it, that they know it not to be a Law til they found it so to
  • VII be by reading Scripture. And as this being given to Israelites, Israelites might obey it, so Gospel commands were given by Christ to dis­ciples, [Page 47] and therefore Disciples may set to the practise of them, Matth. 28 19, 20 Binde up the testimony among my Disciples Esa. 8: 16
  • VIII They whose hearts are now as free, to obey Christ as once they were to ferve sin are Christs Disciples or servants, Rom. 6.19.
  • IX Miracles do not declare, who are Disciples, or who have authority to practise Christs com­mands, for
    • 1 False Prophets shall in latter daies, work mi­ra [...]les, 2 Thes. 2 9
    • 2 To believe and obey without seeing miracles is commendable, and the contrary reproveable, John 4.48 & 20▪29 1 Pet. 1 8.
    • 3 The miracles that in Scripture we read of, are in all ages usefull, Iohn 20 30 31.
    • 4 Signes are for such as believe not, 1 Cor. 14.
    • 5 Miracles seekers are by Christ termed adul­tereus, Mat. 12 39.
  • X Church meetings is Disciples duty also for:
    • 1 One main end of the ministery is the gathe­ring Saints together. Eph. 4.
    • 2 To such as gather together in Christs name hath he promised his presence i.e. acceptance Math. 18.
    • [Page 48]

      3 The most necessary duties cannot be observed, without Church-meetings; we are to break bread in remembrance ef Christ, but this cannot be done without Church assembling Act. 20.7. 1 Cor. 11.

      We need oft to exhort each other which cannot be except we assemble; Heb. 3 & 10 25 neither can publike prayer be without Church meeting Act. 1

    • 4 We are to love brotherly fellowship, 1 Pe. 2.17.

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FINIS.

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