The unlimited Authority OF Christ's Disciples cleared, OR The present Church and Ministry vindicated. Or Christ's Disciples Authority for the practice of his Commands is unlimited. BEING A brief answer to a Book entitled (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, than the Authority or Commissions given to Apostles. Written by THOMAS KILCOP. Bind up the Testimony, seal 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 stairs; 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) entitled, (A sober word to a serious people.) It opposeth all Churches or Ministry, that this day be, and none (as yet) hath put forth any answer thereto; wherefore I thought myself 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 Commandments above Gold, yea fine Gold; therefore I esteem all thy precepts, concerning all things to be right, and I hate every false way. The unlimited Authority of Christ's 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 Alms, from Acts 8. & 10.1.2. and this for several ends, p. 3. but for the present Churches and Ministry, 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. I answer; Christ requireth not only reading, praying, and almes-giving; but also Church-meeting and Ministry, as, forsake not the fellowship that you have among yourselves, exhort one another daily, love brotherly fellowship, Heb. 3.13. and 10.25. 1 Pet. 2.17. such as gladly received his word were baptised, 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, etc. surely if these be wanting, not Church & Ministry only; but praying, reading, and alms 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 impossible to please God. Heb. 11.5. but it by gifts he mean tongues and Miracles, as I judge he doth) than 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 God's 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 some thing. But the inference of these words (to these he gave gifts) is, that the Church or Ministry that hath them not, is not Christ's Church or Ministry, 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 Ministry, 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: then for want of these, to question the truth of the Church and Ministry, which those by you judged believers do enjoy. 2. You herein question the truth of the Church and Ministry, that have been as much as those that now are; for John a Gospel-Minister, Mark. 1.1, 2, 3, 4. did not 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 elsewhere the general Assembly of the first born written in Heaven, Heb. 12. of which if we be not Members, not only Church and Ministry, 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, etc. 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, wherein we stand, Rom. 5.2. Rejoice not in men, for all is ours, Paul, Apollo, things present, or to come, all is ours, and we Christ's, 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 Ministry, 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 Ministry, their unsutablenes may be paralleled by some owned in Scripture for Churches, and the Temple (he saith elsewhere) was a Type of the Gospel Church State; but in that, though the free hearted could not come nigh the first pattern, how doth God encourage them notwithstanding, Haggai 2.4, 5, 6. therefore if you can pray, and read, etc. though you therein come short of the primitive pattern, you might also conform to the present Church and Ministry 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 limited 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 unlimited, 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. 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 than 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 lo, I am with you always, &c: teaching them, to wit, the disciplised, whether Jew or Gentile, to observe, to do, to practise 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 baptised, ●o pray, to preach, to baptise, to assemble, to 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 find in Scripture be Christ's Gospel commands. Consider also these things. 1. Were those to whom in person this commission was given, Apostles, then, the same Gospel 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 Christ's ascension, than the same commands that were to be observed while Christ was present, and before his ascension: 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 boundless Therefore the authority of Disciples is far greater than the authority of Apostles. 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 baptising to a Ministry. p. 7. Mar. 3. Lu. 6. Acts. 10 1. & 1, 2.17.25. I Answ. As then the Levits were chosen for priest's, and Aaron's family for high Priests. Ex. ●8. So now is Christ our high Priest, and his disciples are Priests. Heb. 3.1. 1 Pet. 2.5, 6. and faith●●ll preachers are choice men. His quotations were minded in the 2d. chap. Only here are two more added by him, as Act. 1. Acts 10. but both do gain, 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, Ministry and Apostleship, verse 25. Seconly, That Apostles did not only preach and baptise, but were also eye-witnesses of Christ's death and resurrection. v. 22. Thirdly, this place showeth plainly that the Ministry was bounded in Discipls, & that Disciples have authority to rectify what by Scripture they find to be amiss, 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 fulfiled. etc. 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 etc. they appointed, they cast Lots, they numbered him with then Apostles; thus his own quottaion is sufficient against him. Ob. Verse 1 He gave commandment to the Apostles whom he had chosen, & Act 10 but to us chosen before of God and he commanded us to preach etc. I Answ. That he now did give Commandments 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 risen again, and he commanded us to preach, etc. 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 expressed 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, 〈◊〉 edify; some in the world to precede the Church, ●●me placed in it, to edify p. 10, Mu Saints be perfected and edified, not by one, but by all these? p. 11. than is Christ's ministry breeding, and feeding; one prepares gathereth, the other buildeth further, both are one ministry, fruits of one purchase, both needful, one to convert and enlighten, the other to edify 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 ministry, 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 oppose a Feeding ministry, that hath not pertaked of the breeding ministry. Secondly, The denying this ministry 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 ministering are Ministers, that about which they minister is the ministry; the breeding and feeding ministry is where conversion and edifying is; The Jews had Moses and the Profits, when they had their writings; in the same sense now, have we the Apostles, and Prophets; which is a ministry both breeding and feeding; 'tis breeding Joh. 20.30▪ 31. Many other signs 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 believe in the name of the Son of God; that ye may know ye have eternal life, and may believe on the name of the Son of GOD. Yet these writings neither beget nor feed, if God assist not, neither did Paul's personal planting, nor Apollo's watering, except God gave the increase. Fourthly let us honour the Ministry above Ministers. God begets by his word Jam 1.18, sometime through the mouth of one unbegot himself as we see, Esa 42 19 20 His opening of Perfecting Edifying I oppose not CHAP. FOUR HIs third affirmation is, Scripture doth not clear Church gathering, without Ministry and Baptism preceding p 12 I Answer, true, and we by the aforesaid ministry were converted, and were also baptised, before we congregated. He addeth some say believers may consent to be a Church, etc. & as a visible church appoint one to baptise, etc. 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 baptism, 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 Christ's name) Judge him fit; but (saith he p 13) who at first declared in Christ's name to us, that Christ accepted of us as a Church? but some were disigned thereto (saith he) a preceding ministry 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 fitness 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 practice. And that some were designed, to judge whether Christ would accept of a people etc. is false and against the Gospel; 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 willing he accepteth according to what we have. 2. Cor. 8.12. he despiseth not the day of small things. He respecteth tender Grapes: Cant. 2.14 15. and so, he designeth some to strengthen weak hands, to confirm feeble knees: to say to the fearful in heart, be ye strong, etc. 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 Gospel, in another he saith, that he in Christ's stead entreated 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 people's 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. See how opposite his quotations are to him, and he to them. 'tis one thing to beget people by the word, to entreat 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 persuade them to accept of Christ's espousals, by declaring his readiness, 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 eclipse God's grace to sadden his people, to bolster up people in disobedience to their own hurt and God's dishonour, who is glorified by people's being Christ's Disciples. Joh. 15.8. Luk. 7.29.30. and so much to the third particular. CHAP V. HIs last affirmation is, that the present Ministry, is not Christ's, his being p. 15. called immediately Mat. 10.1. & 28.16. Ga●. 1.12. with suitable gifts Mar. 1.15. Act. 1.4, 8. these are Ministers of Christ 1. Cor. 4.1. Or called mediately 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 Church's Messengers 2 Cor. 8 23. Phil. 2.25. these must be called by Apostles, or Apostolical Ministry Act. 14.14.23. or by the Bride into whose Custody administrations were left, 1. Cor. 11.2 who convey gifts on them. 2 Tim. 1 6 But the call of the present Ministry, 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 established order (faith and Baptism) and so, a powerlesse people call a giftlesse Ministry, p 17, 18 who wanting gift study arts, fullfilling Es. 28 7 8 till that enlightening be. Rev. 18 1 & 14 6 In the mean while, believers make not haste. Es. 24.28 16 & 37.32. I Answer first, doth Christ give call to the Ministry, a first, a second and a third way, than 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, than 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 Ministry may be rightly called, though not called either of the three first ways. But Philip and others scattered ones, Act. 8. & 11. which were not Ministers of the Word before were called to the ministry of the word and Baptism. 1. Not by Christ immediately. 2. Nor by Apostles with Church's election. 3. Nor by the Church, but 4ly. By a providence, (being scattered) there is therefore a providential 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 qualified. 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 sixth way. So than if the present Ministry, be thereto called, neither of the three first ways; yet are they rightly called, if by either of the three last ways, providential, Evangelicall, or desirable, if they be suitably qualyfied, 1 Tim. 3. Tit. 1. But is their call neither of the three first ways, 1. To Disciples Christ gave his commission, they have authority given them, and they have given call to this Ministry. 2. The Apostles Ministry, I mean the Scripture calleth those that are suitably qualified thereto. 3. Christ immediately hath inwardly called, and sterd them up thereto, which is authoritive for the practice 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 mean in the main) and consisting of Discples, they are not powerlesse, as in chap. 2. is shown, and if our Ministers do instrumentally convert and edify and be endued with extraordinary virtuousness, as, if they be blameless the Husband of one Wife, having children not accused of riot, nor unruly 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 suitably gifted, Tit. 1.5, 6, 7, 8, 9 1 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3. any man that is thus qualified is suitably gifted: Therefore saith Paul to Timothy, if any desire the office, &c: and to Titus, bidding ordain Elders, he addeth if any be blameless, the Husband of one wife, etc. Showing plainly, that these are the suitable 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 virtue of his call, but by laying on of hands. 4. Neither was it the gift of Miracles; for he might by stirring it up enlarge it. And the signs, to wit, Miracles that did follow, or accompany the word Mark 16 are not minded as a Minister's Character, 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 Baptism 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 empowered. 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 enlightening 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 haste to keep Christ's 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 clear 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 Baptise, 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 Christ's stead, than Disciples, now Master-builders; their Ministry is Apostleship, not Discipleship, Act 1.2 & 2 41. I Reply, Though Christ be not present now, as than he was, yet are his commands as forcible now, as they were then; he will destroy at his next coming such as disobey him in the time of his absence's; Luke 19 14 17. 2. The same men, (than Disciples, now master-builders) are employed 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) than their preaching and baptising 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 John's imprisonment, though mentioned after. I reply, not so, for it is said, they baptised in Jordan, and john in Enon; for john was not yet in prison. 2. He answereth if they were only Disciples, yet Baptism was not theirs but Christ's, 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 Christ's 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 baptised, witness the unfitness of many that they did baptise. Also, John confessed that he that came after him, was he that had his fan in his hand, and which would throughly purge his floor. 3 Before he said power was given to Christ after his Resurrection, and now (saith he) it was Christ's 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 practice 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 preached the Gospel to the Jews, and so was a Minister of the Circumcission, in the same sense after Christ's 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 Ministry; but in preaching and baptising they executed Gospel-Ministery: therefore well may their practice be our pattern. And that he did also after his resurrection impowr Disciples as Disciples: I have shown in chap. 2. from Math. 28. for he called them Disciples, bid them teach the Disciplised, to do what ever he had taught them to do, etc. 2. Obj. Gifted Disciples, men able to preach may Baptise 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 shown, and so to the 70. if they were with them, (and may be they were) for, whom he appeared to, and gave commission to; those he also at the same time bid wait at jerusalem, etc. 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 preached, 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 means was to the Apostles so rare, that they sent Peter and John, which needed not, had their Ministry been sufficient, p. 26. I answ as Disciples declared and Baptised; 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 administered the word and Baptism, but conveyed not the Spirit, Act 8.16, 17. Also they were sent to Phillip's converts, so that he opposeth Baptism administered by that Preacher, as much as the baptism administered 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, till long after. His third answer, If these Disciples did preach, yet not baptise, p. 27. or if they did baptise, they were baptised 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 Christ's power and presence with us promised, Mat. 28. for they went not forth to preach without miracles. p 28. Mar. 16.20. I reply, Disciples did baptise, sigh 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 Baptism for Act. 2.41. they that gladly received his word were baptised 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 Countrymen 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 baptising so to it as on consideration, to be, by one that is no visible Church-Member; for john preached and baptised, and in so doing began the Gospel. 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 preached to, and baptised, 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 miracles must be wrought by every preacher is directly false: for John did none it preached Jo. 10 41. Fourthly, if miracles be the promised presence, than John had it not, but this presence, Mat. 28. is an accepting, or liking presence, so as Paul was present in spirit, when absent in body joying 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 duty 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 less. He ans. not sent to baptise, not in express 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 express 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 virtue of the general commission 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 jews, the same to us since, as to them before Christ's ascension. 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 world's end. He answers, if it were given only to the eleven, than we are otherwise to understand, (world's 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 temporals, 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 enlightening, 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 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 God's 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 enlightened 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 hearty endeavouring, God accepteth according to what we have, Haggai 2.4.5. 4. The best way for more light is to practise 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. 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 chief Corner stone, than the last that shall be, for no other foundation may be laid nor this laid again who ever bringeth another Gospel, than what hath been brought, is to be accursed, Gal. 1. 1 Cor. 3. And others beside such personal Apostles have been employed 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 guide, and so do we, and God that sent him one, may send us one if he see our need etc. I reply, as he granteth we have the Apostles in their writings, so I grant we need a guide, but a guide directeth in ways we know not, and is useless in known ways; he knew not of whom the Prophet spoke; and so needed guiding; but we know this and much more. We know we should believe in Christ, should pray, should be baptised should assemble, should teach, hear, break bread, etc. as God giveth ability and opportunity. 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 faithful 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 Laws 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 royal priesthood Exo. 19.6. and kingly people, 1 Cor. 16.12.) went not to repair without their King; therefore the first bvilders should be restorers. Christ administered once by himself, then by Apostles, but never by the people etc. but by chosen men p 4●. 45. Eph. 4.11, 12. 1 Cor 12.29. Act. 10.41. furnished with such a power and presence of Christ as declared them to be sent. I reply, as Christ hath administered by himself, and his Apostles: so also by the people, to wit Disciples, for first (as hath been shown) those to whom that general 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 liars which said they were Jews and were not Rev. 2. and who cast lots for an Apostle in Judas room, 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 (straight ways, 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 administered by Apostles but also, and equally by other Disciples, and they when need is, aught 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 Christ's universal Church (as before minded) yet not one saith, he never administered by the people to wit, Disciples. Quest. Is not the Apostles ministry, as efficacious, to possess people of liberty, and put them on their duty, now, as formerly; sigh they should teach Nations to observe, what ever was commanded them? Mat. 28. 2 Tim. 2.2. He premiseth, that their Ministry, 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 Ministry, so far put on duty as it cometh with power 1 Cor. 1.5. 2 Cor. 3.6. & 4.5. and though believers had the spirits demonstration, yet are they not furnished 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 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 God's Law be in the heart, the tongue speaks to edifying, the feet eat sliding Psa. 37.31 Though some have the form of Godliness, that deny the power, none have the power that deny the form. 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, real 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 ability, Authority to pray, preach, choose 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 till 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 till ability be also given. He whose heart is Godward, having ability and opportunity, wanteth not authority, for [as was shown] authority hath its residence among Disciples, and so in this that he most glorieth in, he mainly mistakes. Quest. Were not miracles rather to confirm the word, then to witness persons being sent? Heb. 2.4 He ans. as to confirm the word, Mar. 16 20: so also to witness persons being sent, Christ's 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 testify their being sent of Christ the signs of an Apostle were wrought among you 2 Cor: 12 12. I Answer the people oposing Christ, he tells them of several that bore witness of him, as first john 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 witness that Christ is the Messiah is true, but that they were also appointed to witness who are the witnesses of Christ is false, for john who did bear witness of Christ, wrought none, joh. 10 41 also some that oppose the truths of God, have wrought miracles, and shall again Deuter. 13 1, 2, 3 Rev. 13. 1●. Ob. As he was sent, so he sent them into be World john 17, 18. I answer though in some things these be sent as he was, yet not in every thing, not with miracles to witness that they are Messiahs, as he was sent with miracles to witness himself to be the Messiah, but as he was sent to bear witness to the truth, so were they, and so was john, who wrought not miracles, as Christ did. Secondly those scent 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 signs of an Apostle were wrought among you. I answer that miracles are not the Character of an Apostle, was lately shown. Secondly this place would have proved it, if the following words were not added, with signs, wonders, and mighty deeds, these signs 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 signs of an Apostle, as his having seen Christ, and his having brought them into the direct ways of 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 doubtless 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 characters without doubt. Therefore would professed Christians try again whether they have share in the Apostles ministry, let them not try it by the miracles that the instruments of their good have wrought: but whether the Doctrine taught them, and the ways they are brought into, be indeed the truths and ways 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 wisdom knowledge faith, miracles healing prophecy, etc. 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 be in vain, in vain saith Paul, stir the gift that is in thee, 2 Tim. 1 6 in vain saith Peter, let every man as he hath received the gift, so administer, 1 Pet. 4 10. in vain saith John, these things I writ to you that your joy might be full. He answers further, what was ever written is for our learning, they in the Templestate and wilderness, 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 public, should be in the land of their Captivity, p. 50.51. 1 King. 1 & 44.50 51. etc. 4, 5, 16 to teach us, that now, something is peculiar to a Church (as binding and losing etc. I answer, it hath been shown first, that we are a Church, and that preaching and baptising hath been by John out of a visible Church state, though binding and losing hath not. He addeth, some say we have truth, others say we have: bvilders and stones are at odds; If the true ministry were on foot, would this confusion be, is not might therefore your vision, and a rend your Girdle; but God hath given us hope if we cry mightily. I reply, this declares it so with some, but not withal, when Michah and others contended, the word of the Lord came to me saith one, 'tis not so saith t'other, but Michah had the word of the Lord, and night was not his vision. Also that famous Gospel's 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 bvilders 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 ministry. Obj. How shall God's 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. Secondly, in the time of Captivity some dwelled in fieled houses when God's 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 ministry 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 meant the Jews 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 meant the Jews, I fully grant, and yet he answers not the Objection for the Apostle draweth their particular from the general, faith cometh saith he) by hearing, and hearing, by the Word preached; so that no preaching no hearing, no hearing, no believing, how then can they, (the Jews) believe except they hear, or hear, without a preacher? He addeth, not, but that some Jews and Gentiles may hear of God and Christ and believe to salvation without a special sending to preach, but the Nation shall not. The Samaritans and Cornelius believed without authoritive preaching, some may by a Godly life, 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 ministry lest also they question their own believing, etc. I reply, If some Jews (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, than was the Apostle out, in saying faith cometh by hearing, and hearing, by the word preached. 4thly, If Paul speak truth in saying faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word preached, 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 jointly with the word, 1 Pet. 3.1. 6ly, Were those scattered far from being sent, and yet declared and baptised, then may Disciples also do so now, though no more sent than 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 ministry but their own believing also, for want of miracles etc. 9ly, Though there doth arise comfort; not only to the Churches but to such as have not light therein; if their conscience can truly witness, that they have a willing mind; then God accepteth according to what we have; and so it was with the Eunuch and Cornelius; etc. but if our not being of a Church, and in Christ's 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 shown, 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. ● Mind further these ten Notes. I Apostles practice is Disciples pattern, Phil. 3 1 Thes. 3 6, 7. TWO 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 ways, to keep his Ordinances, his commands & laws 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 ways, aught to inquire for the good old way and to walk therein, jer. 6.16. V God is by promise engaged, to teach all that are humble and inquisitive, the knowledge of himself and his ways, Prov. 5.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Psa. 25: 9 VI The Scripture is a guide, to find out God's ways 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 jews by reading Scripture found dwelling in Booths, a Law for them to observe, and so betook themselves to the practice of it with great joy, for they had been so long without it, that they know it not to be a Law till 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, and therefore Disciples may set to the practice of them, Matth. 28 19, 20 Bind 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 Christ's Disciples or servants, Rom. 6.19. IX Miracles do not declare, who are Disciples, or who have authority to practise Christ's commands, for 1 False Prophets shall in latter days, work mira●les, 2 Thes. 2 9 2 To believe and obey without seeing miracles is commendable, and the contrary reprovable, John 4.48 & 20▪ 29 1 Pet. 1 8. 3 The miracles that in Scripture we read of, are in all ages useful, john 20 30 31. 4 Signs 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 ministry is the gathering Saints together. Eph. 4. 2 To such as gather together in Christ's name hath he promised his presence i.e. acceptance Math. 18. 3 The most necessary duties cannot be observed, without Church-meetings; we are to break bread in remembrance of 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 public prayer be without Church meeting Act. 1 4 We are to love brotherly fellowship, 1 Pe. 2.17. Page 29 line 17, for on read▪ no. FINIS.