χειÏοθεσια_fw-gr or_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o apostolical_a confirmation_n of_o child_n set_v forth_o the_o divine_a ground_n end_n and_o use_v of_o that_o too_o much_o neglect_v institution_n and_o now_o publish_v as_o a_o excellent_a expedient_a to_o truth_n and_o peace_n by_o jos._n hall_n d._n d._n b._n norwich_n london_n print_v for_o john_n place_n at_o furnival_n inn-gate_n in_o holborn_n 1651._o to_o all_o god_n faithful_a people_n everywhere_o grace_n and_o peace_n not_o out_o of_o any_o light_a affectation_n or_o out_o of_o a_o cross_n humour_n of_o vain_o strive_v against_o the_o stream_n my_o witness_n be_v in_o heaven_n but_o out_o of_o a_o care_n to_o approve_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o god_n church_n have_v i_o undertake_v this_o subject_a my_o eye_n tell_v i_o too_o plain_o that_o a_o apostolical_a institution_n be_v palpable_o neglect_v and_o my_o heart_n tell_v i_o both_o how_o infinite_o advantageous_a and_o beneficial_a the_o practice_n of_o it_o if_o due_o revive_v may_v be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o extreme_a loser_n god_n people_n be_v by_o the_o want_n of_o it_o i_o dare_v not_o therefore_o but_o impart_v these_o thought_n to_o the_o world_n before_o i_o leave_v it_o humble_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o all_o well-affected_a christian_n who_o shall_v soon_o find_v upon_o these_o poor_a suggestion_n how_o happy_a it_o be_v if_o in_o this_o case_n we_o can_v walk_v with_o a_o even_a foot_n in_o the_o midway_n betwixt_o romish_a superstition_n and_o profane_a neglect_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n amen_n the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a section_n 1._o no_o notice_n take_v of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n yet_o how_o important_a it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v esteem_v pag._n 1._o 2._o what_o kind_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v mean_v heb._n 6._o 2._o namely_o that_o of_o confirmation_n p._n 3._o 3._o wrong_n do_v to_o this_o institution_n of_o confirmation_n and_o first_o in_o the_o excess_n in_o make_v it_o a_o sacrament_n p._n 6._o 4._o a_o second_o wrong_n in_o excess_n prefer_v it_o before_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n p._n 12._o 5._o wrong_n do_v to_o it_o in_o the_o defect_n by_o the_o utter_a neglect_n and_o misconstruction_n of_o it_o p._n 18._o 5._o confirmation_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n not_o die_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n after_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n p._n 21._o 7._o the_o deduction_n of_o the_o use_n of_o confirmation_n through_o the_o primitive_a time_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n p._n 27._o 8._o imposition_n of_o hand_n not_o a_o dumb_a ceremony_n but_o join_v with_o prayer_n p._n 34._o 9_o the_o order_n of_o confirmation_n as_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n p._n 41._o 10._o the_o consideration_n whereupon_o the_o church_n order_v confirmation_n to_o be_v give_v to_o those_o that_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n p._n 46._o 11._o the_o judgement_n of_o foreign_a divine_n and_o church_n concerning_o confirmation_n p._n 50._o 12._o motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o confirmation_n first_o from_o conformity_n with_o the_o primitive_a church_n p._n 65._o 13._o the_o second_o motive_n from_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n that_o arise_v therefrom_o p._n 69._o 14._o the_o three_o motive_n from_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o grow_v from_o the_o neglect_n and_o disuse_n of_o it_o p._n 73._o 15._o the_o objection_n of_o the_o disorder_n and_o inefficacy_n of_o our_o late_a practice_n of_o confirmation_n answer_v p._n 78._o imposition_n of_o hand_n sect._n 1._o it_o be_v no_o small_a wonder_n to_o i_o that_o among_o all_o those_o great_a wit_n of_o the_o late_a time_n that_o have_v so_o curious_o pry_v into_o all_o the_o corner_n of_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o practice_n i_o can_v meet_v with_o no_o one_o that_o have_v so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o yet_o all_o the_o while_n lay_v so_o broad_a open_a before_o they_o as_o that_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v among_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v it_o for_o that_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o know_v some_o truth_n who_o unpleasing_a consequence_n they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o own_o or_o be_v it_o that_o they_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o so_o high_a a_o prejudice_n against_o this_o practice_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o extreme_a abuse_n of_o it_o as_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o entertain_v any_o thought_n concerning_o it_o however_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o 2._o doubt_v to_o place_v this_o amidst_o the_o rank_n of_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o concerning_o verity_n and_o among_o such_o as_o be_v essential_o fundamental_a to_o our_o christian_a profession_n join_v it_o together_o with_o those_o main_a principle_n of_o faith_n repentance_n baptism_n resurrection_n and_o judgement_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o dare_v any_o christian_a presume_v to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n the_o great_a and_o wise_a master-builder_n of_o the_o 10._o church_n mistake_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o he_o build_v or_o dare_v any_o presumptuous_a soul_n single_a this_o one_o article_n from_o the_o rest_n as_o mere_o temporary_a when_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v of_o eternal_a use_n can_v there_o be_v any_o time_n wherein_o faith_n and_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n shall_v not_o be_v necessary_a both_o for_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n can_v it_o be_v that_o baptism_n shall_v be_v ever_o out_o of_o date_n can_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v ever_o unseasonable_a and_o super_fw-la annated_a how_o or_o why_o then_o shall_v that_o of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o be_v indivisible_o marshal_v with_o all_o these_o by_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v shuffle_v out_o from_o the_o rest_n as_o arbitrary_a and_o altogether_o unnecessary_a sect._n 2._o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n account_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o be_v both_o of_o excellent_a use_n and_o as_o then_o of_o great_a importance_n and_o necessity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v we_o inquire_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o so_o requisite_a imposition_n and_o of_o what_o kind_n it_o be_v beside_o that_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o lay_v on_o the_o hand_n for_o cure_v of_o disease_n and_o infirmity_n practise_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o for_o convey_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n there_o be_v three_o occasion_n and_o usage_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o case_n of_o i_o confirmation_n 2_o of_o ordination_n 3._o of_o absolution_n and_o readmission_n of_o penitent_n that_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v here_o intend_a not_o only_o all_o antiquity_n but_o all_o late_a interpreter_n except_o some_o few_o straggler_n do_v unanimous_o agree_v neither_o indeed_o can_v it_o with_o any_o probability_n be_v take_v of_o either_o of_o the_o other_o not_o of_o ordination_n what_o shall_v novice_n have_v to_o do_v with_o that_o business_n now_o in_o the_o primer_n of_o their_o christianity_n their_o teacher_n be_v only_o concern_v herein_o not_o the_o puisnes_n in_o that_o school_n of_o christ_n not_o of_o readmission_n of_o penitent_n the_o ceremony_n whereof_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v find_v begin_v not_o till_o after_o the_o apostle_n doubtless_o therefore_o of_o confirmation_n for_o which_o cause_n also_o as_o calvin_n locum_fw-la well_o note_v it_o be_v pair_v together_o with_o baptism_n as_o a_o ordinary_a subsequent_a thereof_o so_o as_o this_o practice_n thus_o hint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o make_v good_a as_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o show_v by_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o all_o follow_a time_n be_v plain_o derive_v even_o by_o mr._n calvin_n own_o confession_n from_o no_o less_o than_o apostolical_a institution_n sect._n 3._o it_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o this_o sacred_a rite_n to_o fall_v into_o ill_a hand_n and_o to_o be_v foul_o wrong_v by_o a_o double_a extreme_a the_o one_o of_o excess_n the_o other_o of_o defect_n the_o excess_n in_o a_o superstitious_a overdo_n and_o overvalue_n it_o the_o defect_n in_o a_o neglective_a disestimation_n both_o which_o must_v be_v clear_o evict_v and_o quit_v ere_o we_o can_v present_v this_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o the_o beholder_n in_o its_o native_a beauty_n and_o perfection_n first_o then_o it_o be_v a_o injurious_a excess_n of_o respect_n that_o be_v give_v to_o confirmation_n by_o they_o who_o have_v advance_v it_o into_o the_o rank_n of_o sacrament_n force_v upon_o it_o that_o honour_n which_o it_o never_o
original_o affect_v and_o which_o it_o utter_o with_o due_a modesty_n refuse_v to_o undergo_v to_o make_v up_o a_o christian_a sacrament_n requiruntur_fw-la cardinal_n bellarmine_n himself_o stick_v not_o to_o profess_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v necessary_o require_v first_o a_o promise_n of_o grace_n second_o a_o sensible_a sign_n together_o with_o a_o word_n whereby_o that_o promise_n be_v apply_v three_o a_o command_n from_o god_n enjoin_v the_o ministration_n of_o it_o now_o after_o all_o his_o confident_a undertake_n where_o be_v all_o where_o be_v any_o of_o these_o to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o business_n of_o confirmation_n for_o the_o promise_n he_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o comforter_n who_o our_o lord_n jesus_n preingage_v himself_o to_o send_v and_o of_o that_o gracious_a word_n at_o his_o last_o farewell_n you_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o 8._o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o confirmation_n all_o this_o may_v well_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o no_o hand_n impose_v no_o confirmation_n employ_v well_o may_v this_o promise_n confirm_v the_o apostle_n in_o a_o confident_a expectation_n of_o some_o miraculous_a work_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o they_o but_o can_v give_v no_o intimation_n of_o a_o new_a sacrament_n to_o be_v erect_v no_o specialty_n of_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o imposition_n that_o distinction_n 3._o therefore_o of_o alphonsus_n vivaldus_n that_o christ_n institute_v this_o sacrament_n though_o not_o exhibendo_fw-la yet_o promittendo_fw-la be_v no_o better_a than_o frivolous_a unless_o he_o can_v show_v that_o our_o saviour_n apply_v that_o general_a promise_n to_o this_o special_a institution_n which_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v for_o the_o sensible_a sign_n here_o be_v hand_n indeed_o lay_v on_o but_o not_o with_o any_o intention_n of_o act_v or_o constitute_v a_o sacrament_n and_o where_o be_v the_o solemn_a word_n whereby_o that_o promise_n be_v apply_v and_o that_o sign_n actuate_v sure_o here_o god_n be_v silent_a man_n may_v speak_v for_o that_o set_a form_n which_o they_o bind_v their_o tongue_n unto_o i_o sign_v thou_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o confirm_v thou_o with_o the_o chrism_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v it_o they_o dare_v not_o father_n it_o upon_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a author_n of_o sacrament_n it_o be_v a_o device_n of_o their_o own_o and_o thereupon_o subject_a to_o much_o variation_n of_o expression_n as_o their_o casuist_n stick_v not_o to_o confess_v as_o for_o any_o command_n it_o be_v as_o far_o to_o seek_v as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o what_o scripture_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o carry_v the_o least_o colour_n of_o a_o mandate_n it_o be_v a_o poor_a shift_n of_o the_o cardinal_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o word_n of_o injunction_n to_o flap_n we_o off_o with_o the_o execution_n of_o 2._o the_o act_n it_o be_v true_a hand_n be_v lay_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v but_o be_v this_o do_v with_o either_o purpose_n or_o charge_n to_o make_v this_o a_o perpetual_a sacrament_n unto_o the_o church_n or_o if_o this_o be_v anywhere_o to_o be_v find_v yet_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o rite_n use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o pretend_a sacrament_n wherein_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n act_n be_v quite_o forget_v there_o be_v no_o imposition_n of_o hand_n at_o all_o only_o some_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a rite_n be_v foist_v in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v never_o guilty_a of_o think_v of_o for_o in_o what_o scripture_n shall_v we_o look_v for_o the_o chrism_n compound_v as_o it_o needs_o must_v be_v of_o oil_n and_o balsam_n where_o shall_v we_o look_v for_o the_o consignation_n with_o the_o cross_n in_o the_o forehead_n for_o the_o box_n on_o the_o ear_n give_v to_o the_o confirm_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o compliment_n of_o that_o pretendedly-sacramental_a action_n so_o as_o now_o the_o cardinal_n may_v spread_v before_o we_o the_o testimony_n of_o ten_o pope_n nine_o counsel_n nine_o supra_fw-la greek_a father_n ten_o latin_a beside_o middle_a age_a author_n and_o schoolman_n for_o the_o avow_n of_o this_o their_o sacrament_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o holy_a appendance_n of_o it_o but_o all_o these_o fall_n too_o short_a for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o true_a and_o genuine_a sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n a_o truth_n that_o be_v well_o see_v by_o the_o quick_a and_o sacr._n pierce_a eye_n of_o our_o alexander_n of_o hales_n the_o father_n of_o the_o schoolman_n who_o they_o style_v the_o irrefragable_a doctor_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n as_o also_o by_o his_o acute_a disciple_n cardinal_n bonaventure_n who_o they_o have_v honour_v with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o saint_n both_o which_o flat_o deny_v any_o such_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o christ_n or_o so_o much_o as_o by_o his_o apostle_n send_v we_o for_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o it_o to_o a_o french_a council_n hold_v at_o melde_n which_o be_v not_o till_o the_o year_n of_o grace_n 845._o so_o as_o the_o roman_a catechism_n which_o from_o the_o counterfeit_a authority_n of_o their_o fabian_n will_v cast_v their_o holy_a chrism_n upon_o christ_n himself_o and_o scotus_n who_o yet_o suffer_v for_o stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o fetch_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n be_v quite_o beside_o the_o cushion_n sect._n 4._o yet_o a_o far_o more_o injurious_a degree_n austriac_a of_o excess_n it_o be_v that_o confirmation_n be_v not_o only_o range_v together_o with_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n but_o also_o equal_v and_o not_o without_o a_o high_a and_o intolerable_a affront_n prefer_v to_o baptism_n itself_o not_o so_o much_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n who_o hand_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o action_n hold_v common_o and_o of_o old_a in_o a_o key_n above_o presbytery_n or_o as_o primus_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la in_o the_o low_a style_n as_o of_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o act_n itself_o without_o which_o the_o eminence_n of_o the_o agent_n can_v avail_v little_a to_o the_o dignify_n of_o the_o work_n we_o know_v the_o very_a angel_n be_v content_a to_o condescend_v to_o mean_a office_n for_o the_o good_a of_o we_o wretched_a man_n yet_o those_o act_n to_o which_o they_o have_v stoop_v have_v be_v never_o the_o more_o ennoble_v in_o themselves_o and_o if_o cerem_fw-la a_o emperor_n shall_v be_v design_v to_o hold_v a_o pope_n stirrup_n the_o act_n be_v never_o the_o less_o servile_a because_o the_o agent_n be_v royal_a it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o in_o this_o case_n to_o stand_v upon_o the_o person_n to_o who_o if_o it_o be_v appropriate_v of_o old_a as_o hierome_n speak_v propter_fw-la honorem_fw-la sacerdotii_fw-la i_o fear_v it_o be_v now_o by_o some_o deny_v propter_fw-la invidiam_fw-la sacerdotii_fw-la the_o case_n be_v herein_o much_o alter_v once_o man_n can_v have_v be_v content_a with_o the_o galatian_n to_o have_v pull_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o have_v give_v they_o to_o we_o but_o in_o these_o last_o time_n too_o many_o can_v be_v content_a to_o lose_v one_o of_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v lose_v both_o we_o however_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n and_o sin_n that_o so_o holy_a a_o act_n shall_v lie_v still_o as_o dead_a while_o we_o strain_v courtesy_n who_o shall_v take_v it_o up_o but_o it_o be_v not_o as_o i_o say_v so_o much_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o agent_n that_o be_v insist_v upon_o as_o the_o power_n and_o energy_n of_o the_o act_n of_o confirmation_n which_o be_v by_o our_o romish_a doctor_n set_v up_o proud_o to_o contest_v with_o and_o overtop_v the_o acknowledge_a sacrament_n of_o baptism_n if_o baptism_n confirmat_fw-la be_v yield_v to_o begin_v our_o christendom_n confirmation_n they_o say_v perfect_v it_o and_o all_o the_o praise_n which_o they_o from_o their_o urban_n melchiade_n clemens_n fabian_n and_o other_o yield_v unto_o their_o confirmation_n be_v understand_v as_o chemnitius_n well_o construe_v they_o as_o antitheticall_a so_o many_o derogation_n from_o the_o power_n of_o baptism_n in_o baptism_n say_v they_o we_o be_v regenerate_v to_o life_n in_o confirmation_n we_o be_v arm_v to_o fight_v in_o baptism_n jejuni_fw-la there_o be_v only_a preparation_n make_v for_o god_n indwelling_n in_o our_o heart_n in_o confirmation_n he_o actual_o take_v up_o the_o houseroom_n for_o himself_o yea_o in_o flat_a term_n they_o dare_v say_v he_o shall_v never_o be_v a_o christian_a that_o be_v not_o anoint_v by_o episcopal_a confirmation_n and_o it_o be_v the_o title_n of_o one_o of_o the_o chapter_n of_o their_o decretum_fw-la manus_fw-la impositionis_fw-la saer_fw-mi etc._n etc._n ibid._n the_o sacrament_n
of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v more_o worthy_a than_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n these_o and_o whatever_o other_o excess_n of_o title_n and_o prerogative_n have_v be_v cast_v upon_o this_o holy_a institution_n to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o other_o more_o noble_a ordinance_n have_v not_o a_o little_a blemish_v the_o face_n of_o it_o in_o some_o undistinguishing_a eye_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o over-eager_a and_o tumultuous_a affectation_n wherewith_o it_o be_v wont_a not_o very_o long_o since_o to_o be_v prosecute_v devon_n in_o some_o part_n the_o western_a especial_o of_o this_o church_n it_o can_v be_v speak_v with_o what_o fervour_n and_o violence_n of_o desire_n that_o people_n be_v wont_a to_o sue_v for_o this_o sacred_a ceremony_n what_o fair-like_a confluence_n have_v we_o there_o see_v of_o zealous_a ambient_n how_o have_v we_o be_v tire_v with_o the_o importunity_n of_o suitor_n impatient_a of_o either_o denial_n or_o delay_n how_o have_v we_o be_v oppress_v with_o the_o throng_n of_o the_o multitude_n strive_v for_o the_o first_o admission_n insomuch_o as_o we_o have_v be_v force_v to_o call_v for_o the_o help_n of_o officer_n to_o our_o rescue_n from_o that_o well-meant_a impetuousness_n yea_o so_o have_v that_o people_n be_v former_o devote_v to_o this_o religious_a institution_n that_o the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o insurrection_n in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o fall_v out_o as_o then_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o absence_n or_o willing_a forbearance_n of_o miles_n coverdale_n their_o elect_a bishop_n now_o i_o must_v be_v pardon_v if_o i_o impute_v some_o part_n of_o this_o height_n of_o zeal_n in_o those_o our_o modern_a client_n to_o a_o ungrounded_a overween_n of_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v conceive_v of_o this_o godly_a ordinance_n traduce_v unto_o they_o by_o their_o forefather_n whereof_o if_o need_n be_v i_o can_v give_v too_o sufficient_a a_o account_n to_o the_o reader_n a_o error_n which_o by_o good_a counsel_n may_v in_o good_a time_n be_v redress_v sect._n 5._o but_o leave_v the_o consideration_n of_o a_o excessive_a overvaluation_n whereof_o i_o dare_v undertake_v the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o nation_n at_o this_o day_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v guilty_a we_o descend_v to_o that_o other_o extreme_a of_o defect_n whereof_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v not_o too_o many_o free_a what_o a_o universal_a neglect_n be_v there_o of_o this_o holy_a duty_n in_o all_o the_o church_n that_o profess_v reformation_n what_o a_o willing_a forgetfulness_n of_o it_o as_o if_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o such_o matter_n practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n never_o any_o such_o ceremony_n so_o much_o as_o intimate_v by_o any_o apostle_n never_o any_o mention_n or_o memory_n of_o it_o in_o the_o succeed_a age_n last_o as_o if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v never_o can_v be_v any_o profitable_a or_o godly_a use_n of_o it_o among_o christian_n yea_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o odious_a be_v the_o very_a name_n of_o it_o grow_v to_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o strict_a godliness_n how_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o cry_v down_o and_o hoot_v at_o as_o mere_o superstitious_a and_o antichristian_a who_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o this_o strange_a partiality_n that_o man_n who_o profess_v so_o awful_a a_o observance_n and_o so_o strict_a and_o punctual_a imitation_n of_o all_o the_o apostolical_a ordination_n and_o action_n shall_v willing_o abandon_v and_o careless_o slight_v one_o of_o their_o prime_n and_o most_o apparent_a institution_n fain_o will_v i_o know_v what_o they_o can_v say_v to_o this_o irrefragable_a text_n be_v there_o not_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n as_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o hold_v so_o useful_a as_o that_o it_o be_v single_v out_o for_o one_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v there_o not_o as_o much_o occasion_n and_o need_n of_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o ever_o be_v this_o only_a a_o temporary_a institution_n soon_o after_o to_o be_v abrogate_a what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o to_o trouble_v the_o 2._o head_n and_o to_o clog_v the_o catechism_n of_o christian_a novice_n with_o a_o vanish_v and_o now_o already-gasp_a ceremony_n and_o why_o be_v it_o rank_v in_o the_o style_n of_o faith_n repentance_n baptism_n etc._n etc._n who_o use_n and_o practice_n must_v be_v perpetual_a sure_o to_o coop_v up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o a_o parenthesis_n as_o some_o have_v poor_o devise_v be_v both_o very_a unreasonable_a and_o injurious_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o will_v have_v this_o scripture_n to_o run_v free_o in_o all_o equal_a relation_n to_o the_o foregoing_a and_o follow_a clause_n what_o god_n will_v have_v lay_v open_a it_o be_v high_a presumption_n in_o any_o man_n to_o enclose_v sect._n 6._o that_o the_o apostle_n lay_v their_o hand_n on_o person_n former_o baptise_v and_o hereby_o convey_v unto_o they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o clear_a a_o truth_n as_o none_o dare_v ever_o deny_v but_o do_v not_o this_o privilege_n rest_n only_o in_o they_o and_o die_v with_o they_o as_o it_o can_v not_o be_v buy_v and_o sell_v according_a to_o the_o profane_a and_o sacrilegious_a offer_n of_o the_o wicked_a sorcerer_n so_o can_v it_o be_v bequeathe_v unto_o and_o feoff_v upon_o their_o holy_a successor_n sure_o we_o hear_v our_o bless_a saviour_n at_o his_o part_n say_v lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 20._o world_n those_o bless_a man_n to_o who_o these_o cordial_a word_n be_v speak_v be_v not_o to_o stay_v long_o in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o their_o person_n therefore_o but_o to_o their_o succession_n be_v this_o promise_n both_o make_v and_o verify_v not_o in_o respect_n to_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o as_o person_n extraordinary_a they_o both_o have_v and_o confer_v in_o this_o singular_a qualification_n they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o successor_n in_o the_o follow_a time_n but_o in_o respect_n to_o those_o better_a grace_n which_o as_o predecessor_n to_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n their_o ministry_n shall_v convey_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o their_o successor_n do_v just_o claim_v a_o true_a right_n to_o this_o divine_a privilege_n and_o find_v a_o just_a warrant_n for_o their_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o the_o effectual_a performance_n whereof_o yet_o they_o challenge_v not_o any_o power_n by_o a_o inherent_a virtue_n in_o themselves_o or_o by_o any_o authoritative_a bequest_n from_o or_o to_o other_o but_o only_o in_o a_o humble_a way_n of_o impetration_n by_o their_o faithful_a prayer_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o that_o holy_a ceremony_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o though_o miraculous_o gift_v yet_o aid_v still_o their_o hand_n with_o their_o tongue_n devout_o sue_v for_o what_o they_o intend_v to_o give_v let_v no_o man_n therefore_o pretend_v that_o because_o the_o miraculous_a effect_n of_o the_o apostolical_a imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v long_o since_o cease_v therefore_o the_o act_n be_v now_o idle_a and_o useless_a divine_a institution_n be_v ill-measured_a by_o sensible_a operation_n there_o be_v spiritual_a confirmat_fw-la and_o indivisible_a fruit_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n which_o as_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o they_o shall_v be_v perpetual_o produce_v by_o they_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o almighty_a even_o when_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o any_o outward_a efficiency_n such_o be_v they_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o imposition_n of_o sacred_a and_o authorize_v hand_n if_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o learned_a father_n and_o eminent_a saint_n may_v find_v place_n with_o we_o it_o be_v not_o now_o 16._o say_v he_o as_o it_o be_v that_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o temporal_a and_o sensible_a miracle_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n give_v as_o former_o it_o be_v for_o the_o commendation_n and_o better_a set_v forth_o of_o the_o then_o new_o mould_v faith_n and_o for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o newbegun_a church_n for_o who_o do_v now_o expect_v that_o those_o upon_o who_o hand_n be_v impose_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v sudden_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n but_o invisible_o and_o secret_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n conceive_v to_o be_v thus_o inspire_v into_o their_o heart_n the_o instance_n that_o bellarmine_n 2._o himself_o give_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v beyond_o exception_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o church_n those_o that_o believe_v wrought_v miracle_n as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v his_o apostle_n now_o that_o
effect_n have_v long_o cease_v shall_v we_o therefore_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v vain_a and_o forceless_a far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o so_o to_o slander_v that_o divine_a grace_n which_o still_o and_o ever_o exercise_v a_o more_o excellent_a power_n in_o the_o believer_n in_o that_o it_o quicken_v he_o to_o a_o new_a life_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n although_o then_o we_o presume_v not_o to_o affect_v the_o work_n of_o wonder_n by_o the_o impose_n of_o our_o handsupon_o the_o head_n of_o the_o baptise_v yet_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o dare_v to_o hope_v that_o the_o solemn_a lay_n on_o of_o approve_a hand_n second_v by_o our_o fervent_a prayer_n shall_v help_v to_o work_v a_o increase_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o capable_a receiver_n now_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o match_v this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n upon_o the_o baptise_v with_o the_o anoint_v the_o sick_a with_o oil_n mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n 14._o which_o be_v both_o use_v and_o require_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n have_v doubtless_o a_o sovereign_a effect_n but_o now_o the_o power_n of_o heal_v be_v lose_v be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o purposelesse_a and_o vain_a ceremony_n let_v he_o know_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n to_o be_v put_v betwixt_o both_o these_o that_o oil_n be_v profess_o intend_v and_o use_v for_o a_o bodily_a cure_n only_o receive_v its_o virtue_n from_o a_o power_n above_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o just_o range_v among_o those_o primtive_a miracle_n which_o continue_v not_o age_n in_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v direct_v to_o spiritual_a end_n and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o eternal_a use_n and_o benefit_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o anoint_v with_o oil_n have_v never_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v number_v among_o christian_a principle_n which_o yet_o be_v yield_v to_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o great_a herald_n of_o the_o church_n sect._n 7._o have_v the_o apostle_n only_o by_o the_o way_n so_o let_v fall_v the_o mention_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o no_o further_a noise_n have_v be_v afterwards_o make_v of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v perhaps_o have_v be_v suppose_v some_o occasional_a ceremony_n not_o intend_v for_o perpetuity_n but_o now_o when_o we_o find_v the_o continuation_n of_o both_o the_o precept_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o immediately-succee_a time_n deduce_v itself_o through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o church_n though_o lateward_o not_o without_o some_o taint_n of_o superstitious_a interspersion_n which_o be_v easy_o wipe_v away_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v it_o be_v never_o distine_v to_o a_o abrogation_n clemens_n the_o fellow-labourer_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o epistle_n which_o he_o write_v to_o his_o disciple_n julius_n and_o julianus_n juliano_n make_v a_o honourable_a commendation_n of_o it_o to_o all_o christian_n charge_v they_o to_o hasten_v both_o their_o baptism_n and_o confirmation_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o the_o time_n of_o their_o dissolution_n attribute_v to_o it_o the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o sevenfold_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o receiver_n i_o may_v not_o conceal_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o this_o epistle_n among_o the_o rest_n have_v undergo_v question_n which_o indeed_o none_o of_o his_o letter_n have_v escape_v as_o be_v confess_v by_o eusebius_n save_v only_o that_o to_o the_o corinthian_n now_o late_o publish_v but_o not_o to_o stand_v upon_o turrianus_n his_o term_n of_o apology_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v this_o one_o carry_v simplicity_n in_o the_o face_n of_o it_o pass_v under_o no_o other_o style_n then_o of_o clemens_n bishop_n of_o the_o city_n episcopus_fw-la of_o rome_n and_o that_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v suspect_v yet_o the_o age_n can_v so_o as_o if_o not_o authentical_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v exceed_o ancient_a that_o story_n be_v famous_a which_o 20._o be_v report_v by_o eusebius_n from_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n concerning_o the_o young_a man_n who_o saint_n john_n the_o apostle_n after_o his_o return_n from_o pathmos_n deliver_v and_o double_o recommend_v to_o the_o careful_a custody_n of_o a_o grave_a bishop_n under_o a_o vehement_a adjuration_n the_o bishop_n say_v that_o ancient_a and_o unquestionable_a author_n receive_v the_o young_a man_n to_o his_o charge_n train_v he_o up_o in_o his_o house_n and_o at_o last_o *_o {non-roman}_o christen_v he_o and_o after_o that_o proceed_v yet_o to_o such_o height_n of_o diligent_a observance_n of_o he_o as_o that_o for_o a_o singular_a preservative_n he_o add_v moreover_o to_o he_o the_o obsignation_n with_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o wit_v his_o confirmation_n who_o yet_o prove_v afterward_o miserable_o debauch_v be_v by_o the_o apostle_n gracious_o reclaim_v not_o to_o take_v in_o our_o way_n the_o full_a testimony_n of_o dennis_n the_o 2._o areopagite_n and_o origen_n that_o of_o tertullian_n be_v most_o clear_a the_o flesh_n be_v overshadow_a with_o the_o imposition_n levit._n of_o the_o hand_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o elsewhere_o then_o baptismo_fw-la be_v the_o hand_n lay_v on_o by_o that_o benediction_n call_v in_o and_o invite_v the_o holy_a ghost_n how_o frequent_a his_o scholar_n the_o bless_a martyr_n cyprian_n be_v in_o the_o report_n of_o this_o practice_n no_o man_n that_o have_v turn_v over_o his_o epistle_n can_v be_v ignorant_a and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v say_v these_o if_o hundred_o more_o such_o be_v but_o single_a witness_n the_o council_n of_o arles_n 8._o in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a consist_v as_o binius_n number_v they_o of_o two_o hundred_o or_o as_o ado_n in_o his_o chronicle_n of_o six_o hundred_o bishop_n ordain_v that_o if_o any_o shall_v return_v to_o the_o church_n from_o their_o former_a heresy_n they_o shall_v be_v examine_v concerning_o the_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n and_o if_o it_o be_v find_v that_o they_o have_v be_v baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n hand_n shall_v be_v only_o lay_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v i_o press_v my_o reader_n with_o throng_n of_o witness_n when_o all_o those_o testimony_n which_o be_v misalleged_a by_o romish_a author_n whether_o of_o counsel_n or_o father_n or_o doctor_n to_o prove_v their_o confirmation_n a_o sacrament_n yet_o can_v be_v deny_v thus_o much_o validity_n as_o to_o prove_v there_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o confirmation_n if_o they_o have_v unjust_o contend_v to_o impose_v a_o wrong_a title_n upon_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o less_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v imposition_n then_o that_o there_o be_v hand_n to_o be_v impose_v and_o if_o they_o have_v palpable_o corrupt_v that_o wholesome_a institution_n with_o the_o inter-mixture_n of_o their_o own_o misbecome_a device_n this_o can_v be_v no_o more_o prejudice_n to_o the_o true_a original_a purity_n of_o it_o than_o it_o can_v derogate_v from_o a_o beautiful_a face_n that_o it_o be_v once_o besmear_v with_o a_o foul_a lineament_n wipe_v off_o the_o filth_n and_o the_o face_n be_v still_o itself_o it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o of_o their_o additional_a ceremony_n come_v in_o betimes_o but_o late_o enough_o to_o disprove_v their_o pedigree_n from_o any_o apostolic_a authority_n other_o of_o they_o as_o clap_v on_o the_o cheek_n the_o cross_n of_o the_o thumb_n tread_v on_o the_o toe_n fillete_v the_o forehead_n for_o seven_o day_n and_o the_o like_a may_v just_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o less_o vain_a than_o new_a and_o to_o serve_v only_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o lightness_n and_o indiscretion_n of_o their_o founder_n cast_v aside_o therefore_o all_o those_o foppery_n wherewith_o time_n and_o weak_a superstition_n have_v clog_v this_o holy_a ordinance_n let_v we_o look_v at_o it_o in_o that_o native_a and_o thereupon_o most_o comely_a simplicity_n wherein_o it_o pass_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o in_o that_o plain_a and_o holy_a dress_n wherein_o they_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n wherewith_o they_o be_v inspire_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o ensue_a world_n sect._n 8._o that_o our_o saviour_n lay_v his_o sacred_a hand_n on_o the_o child_n that_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o in_o way_n of_o benediction_n and_o that_o his_o apostle_n lay_v their_o hand_n on_o 19_o person_n that_o have_v be_v baptise_v for_o confer_v on_o they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a neither_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o pastoral_a charge_n of_o the_o church_n lay_v their_o hand_n likewise_o upon_o the_o former_o baptise_v otherwise_o have_v not_o this_o be_v familiar_o know_v both_o in_o the_o practice_n and_o use_v of_o it_o imposition_n of_o hand_n have_v
never_o be_v record_v for_o a_o point_n of_o the_o ancient_a catechism_n of_o christ_n church_n â—_z the_o succeed_a hand_n than_o be_v also_o impose_v but_o to_o what_o purpose_n sure_o no_o man_n can_v think_v the_o end_n of_o this_o act_n can_v in_o they_o be_v other_o then_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a as_o they_o in_o their_o call_n succeed_v those_o prime_a founder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o this_o act_n also_o succeed_v they_o though_o not_o in_o give_v the_o visible_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o in_o they_o be_v miraculous_a yet_o in_o obtain_v a_o increase_n of_o invisible_a grace_n to_o the_o receiver_n as_o they_o also_o more_o effectual_o do_v for_o certain_o we_o shall_v gross_o mistake_v this_o whole_a act_n if_o we_o shall_v conceive_v it_o to_o have_v be_v only_o a_o dumb_a or_o dead_a ceremony_n complete_v in_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o hand_n and_o touch_v of_o a_o head_n there_o be_v withal_o a_o life_n and_o vigour_n put_v into_o it_o by_o the_o zealous_a prayer_n of_o the_o godly_a pastor_n and_o congregation_n which_o may_v not_o return_v to_o he_o without_o a_o blessing_n neither_o be_v it_o otherwise_o of_o old_a when_o the_o patriarch_n jacob_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o ephraim_n and_o manasses_n 17._o head_n it_o be_v not_o without_o a_o fervent_a apprecation_n god_n before_o who_o my_o father_n abraham_n and_o isaac_n do_v walk_v the_o god_n which_o feed_v i_o all_o my_o life-long_a unto_o this_o day_n the_o angel_n which_o redeem_v i_o from_o all_o evil_a bless_v the_o lad_n it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a hand_n of_o moses_n 3_o lay_v upon_o joshua_n that_o can_v replenish_v he_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n without_o his_o prayer_n yea_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v 34._o give_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n when_o he_o touch_v the_o dumb_a man_n and_o say_v ephatah_n he_o look_v up_o into_o heaven_n as_o thence_o fetch_v his_o cure_n the_o apostle_n when_o the_o seven_o elect_a deacon_n be_v present_v unto_o they_o do_v not_o without_o solemn_a prayer_n lay_v their_o hand_n 6._o upon_o they_o when_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n be_v separate_v by_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v hand_n be_v lay_v on_o they_o but_o 3._o withal_o prayer_n be_v make_v for_o they_o so_o in_o this_o very_a case_n when_o the_o baptise_a samaritan_n shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o peter_n 15._o and_o john_n their_o hand_n be_v lay_v on_o with_o prayer_n these_o these_o be_v they_o which_o give_v virtue_n to_o the_o hand_n which_o certain_o without_o these_o be_v but_o flesh_n can_v have_v no_o spiritual_a operation_n upon_o the_o soul_n but_o be_v thus_o second_v can_v not_o but_o be_v available_a to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o receiver_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n which_o holy_a cyprian_n tell_v be_v successive_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o samaritan_n jubaianum_fw-la baptise_v by_o philip_n and_o confirm_v afterwards_o by_o the_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o forementioned_a apostle_n add_v quod_fw-la nunc_fw-la quoque_fw-la etc._n etc._n which_o be_v still_o say_v he_o practise_v among_o we_o that_o those_o which_o be_v baptise_v in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n present_v unto_o we_o and_o by_o our_o prayer_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o our_o hand_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v utter_o needless_a to_o cite_v any_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o point_n or_o any_o particular_a attestation_n to_o the_o act_n of_o confirmation_n do_v with_o great_a consent_n and_o allowance_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o s._n jerom_n 2._o in_o his_o dialogue_n against_o the_o luciferian_n have_v say_v that_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o authorize_a hand_n the_o holyghost_n be_v still_o convey_v to_o the_o baptise_v add_v do_v thou_o ask_v i_o where_o this_o be_v write_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n of_o scripture_n at_o all_o for_o it_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o this_o point_n may_v well_o challenge_v the_o force_n of_o a_o precept_n thus_o he_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v undeniable_o certain_a that_o after_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v cease_v yet_o still_o this_o practice_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v with_o the_o general_a approbation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n continue_v to_o succeed_a age_n i_o ask_v when_o and_o why_o it_o cease_v have_v we_o any_o warrant_n for_o banish_v it_o out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v we_o any_o just_a ground_n of_o reason_n to_o forbear_v and_o discontinue_v the_o use_n of_o it_o have_v we_o less_o need_v of_o grace_n or_o confirmation_n than_o our_o forefather_n or_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n ordinance_n abate_v and_o now_o languish_v with_o age_n or_o be_v we_o less_o qualify_v to_o perform_v this_o gracious_a act_n then_o our_o predecessor_n sure_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o to_o her_o eternal_a praise_n and_o honour_n be_v it_o speak_v have_v ever_o be_v studious_o careful_a to_o maintain_v all_o apostolical_a constitution_n and_o practice_n above_o all_o her_o reform_a sister_n have_v not_o fail_v to_o hold_v out_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o to_o recommend_v it_o in_o the_o most_o ancient_a simple_a and_o inoffensive_a form_n to_o all_o her_o obedient_a child_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v that_o the_o present_a time_n though_o too_o full_a of_o distraction_n and_o quarrel_n have_v ever_o declare_v any_o opposition_n to_o or_o dislike_n of_o that_o never-interrupted_a never-disallow_a institution_n so_o as_o we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o it_o both_o shall_v and_o do_v continue_v in_o its_o full_a right_n and_o vigour_n sect._n 9_o but_o lest_o the_o discontinuance_n of_o the_o act_n together_o with_o some_o prejudice_n of_o the_o otherwise_o affect_v shall_v have_v wear_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o memory_n of_o that_o laudable_a and_o godly_a practice_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o recall_v unto_o our_o thought_n the_o wise_a and_o exemplary_a order_n wherein_o that_o holy_a rite_n be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v administer_v first_o therefore_o have_v remove_v away_o all_o the_o trash_n of_o superstitious_a and_o frivolous_a appendance_n as_o the_o cross_n the_o chrism_n the_o stripe_n the_o fillet_n and_o the_o rest_n as_o aim_v only_o at_o the_o original_a simplicity_n of_o that_o religious_a ceremony_n second_o have_v remove_v away_o all_o opinion_n of_o a_o sacrament_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v unjust_o struggle_v and_o therewith_o disclaim_v all_o derogation_n from_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o baptism_n and_o three_o have_v solemn_o profess_v against_o the_o misconceit_n of_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o this_o rite_n to_o salvation_n in_o they_o which_o die_v after_o baptism_n before_o hand_n can_v be_v lay_v upon_o they_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v pious_o order_v the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n so_o to_o be_v administer_v as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o have_v ordain_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v confirm_v but_o such_o as_o can_v give_v account_n of_o have_v learn_v the_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o that_o initiatory_a catechism_n which_o be_v purposely_o appoint_v for_o their_o preparation_n wherein_o this_o church_n have_v judicious_o and_o not_o without_o good_a ground_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o religion_n reform_v that_o common_a error_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o common_o cast_v away_o their_o confirmation_n upon_o babe_n in_o the_o cradle_n of_o their_o first_o infancy_n for_o though_o some_o of_o their_o doctor_n be_v willing_a to_o limit_v aurelian_n this_o act_n unto_o the_o age_n of_o their_o puberty_n which_o be_v the_o twelve_o year_n other_o to_o the_o seven_o that_o so_o the_o child_n may_v at_o least_o remember_v though_o yet_o he_o understand_v not_o what_o be_v do_v to_o he_o yet_o the_o most_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o defer_v their_o confirmation_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o do_v practise_v according_o so_o as_o alphonsus_n vivaldus_n confirm_v tell_v we_o that_o common_o in_o spain_n all_o child_n of_o two_o or_o three_o year_n old_a be_v wont_a to_o be_v confirm_v and_o petrus_n a_o soto_n and_o cassander_n profess_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o ancient_a order_n of_o the_o church_n that_o forthwith_o after_o their_o baptism_n
be_v so_o ready_o carry_v away_o with_o new_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n thus_o he_o tell_v i_o now_o reader_n whether_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o eminent_a divine_a who_o authothority_n be_v just_o wont_a to_o sway_v so_o much_o with_o all_o reform_a church_n we_o have_v not_o great_a reason_n to_o plead_v for_o the_o continuance_n and_o enforcement_n of_o holy_a confirmation_n and_o to_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o guide_n of_o our_o wise_a predecessor_n into_o those_o safe_a way_n which_o other_o complain_v to_o have_v miss_v and_o earnest_o to_o desire_v that_o this_o religious_a and_o beneficial_a action_n may_v be_v so_o reverent_o and_o zealous_o perform_v as_o may_v most_o conduce_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o god_n church_n sect._n 12_o to_o the_o careful_a ideavour_n whereof_o though_o i_o may_v urge_v many_o motive_n yet_o i_o shall_v take_v up_o with_o these_o follow_v not_o more_o few_o in_o number_n then_o considerable_a in_o weight_n the_o first_o shall_v be_v the_o agreement_n and_o contesseration_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n with_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o who_o example_n doubtless_o the_o near_o we_o draw_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v approach_v towards_o purity_n and_o perfection_n now_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o divine_n both_o romish_a and_o reform_a there_o be_v a_o confirmation_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o all_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o be_v the_o true_a pattern_n of_o we_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o those_o protestant_a author_n which_o i_o have_v former_o cite_v and_o be_o ready_a if_o need_n be_v to_o second_v it_o with_o many_o more_o and_o why_o my_o dear_a brethren_n shall_v we_o think_v it_o fit_a or_o safe_a to_o leave_v so_o gracious_a a_o example_n and_o to_o walk_v alone_o in_o our_o own_o way_n untrack_v untrodden_a with_o the_o holy_a foot_n of_o our_o first_o and_o sure_a guide_n where_o the_o practice_n begin_v sensible_o to_o degenerate_v in_o adulterate_v the_o ordinance_n with_o superstitious_a addition_n both_o of_o rite_n and_o opinion_n there_o we_o have_v just_o decline_v it_o and_o do_v with_o the_o zealous_a professor_n cry_v down_o the_o gross_a abuse_n of_o that_o godly_a institution_n to_o the_o pit_n of_o hell_n whence_o certain_o it_o come_v but_o shall_v we_o upon_o this_o pretence_n cast_v off_o that_o gracious_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v send_v we_o from_o heaven_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o if_o we_o can_v second_v our_o imposition_n of_o hand_n with_o sensible_a wonder_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v else_o as_o oecumenius_n well_o observe_v simon_n magus_n can_v not_o have_v see_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v by_o they_o though_o we_o can_v work_v miracle_n yet_o we_o can_v pray_v and_o our_o prayer_n have_v the_o same_o spiritual_a effect_n with_o they_o neither_o do_v the_o ordinary_a pastor_n that_o succeed_v those_o bless_a apostle_n expect_v any_o other_o issue_n of_o their_o hand_n impose_v yet_o still_o impose_v their_o hand_n and_o whether_o shall_v we_o affect_v to_o be_v like_o they_o in_o act_v and_o approve_v the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n or_o to_o some_o hesternall_a teacher_n that_o refuse_v and_o disallow_v of_o it_o the_o common_a plea_n of_o those_o gainsayer_n be_v the_o cessation_n of_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n by_o their_o only_a hand_n bestow_v other_o in_o great_a number_n have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n none_o give_v it_o but_o they_o whereupon_o they_o argue_v as_o they_o think_v strong_o that_o the_o effect_n cease_v the_o cause_n be_v useless_a who_o i_o send_v to_o our_o learned_a fulk_n for_o satisfaction_n there_o be_v say_v he_o another_o kind_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n beside_o that_o miraculous_a one_o mention_v hebr._n 6._o 2._o whereof_o there_o may_v be_v perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o same_o which_o saint_n austin_n call_v nothing_o else_o but_o prayer_n over_o a_o man_n and_o whereof_o he_o speak_v tract._n 6._o on_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n etc._n etc._n and_o soon_o after_o we_o acknowledge_v imposition_n of_o hand_n with_o prayer_n that_o they_o which_o be_v so_o teach_v and_o instruct_v may_v receive_v strength_n of_o god_n spirit_n so_o to_o continue_v so_o he_o this_o be_v that_o only_a which_o we_o profess_v and_o glory_n to_o imitate_v as_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o the_o faithful_a prayer_n of_o godly_a pastor_n and_o christian_a congregation_n can_v never_o either_o be_v out_o of_o date_n or_o acceptation_n sect._n 13_o the_o second_o motive_n shall_v be_v the_o great_a benefit_n which_o accrue_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ordinance_n which_o i_o have_v rather_o to_o express_v in_o the_o elegant_a and_o solid_a term_n of_o learned_a hooker_n then_o in_o my_o own_o by_o this_o mean_n say_v he_o it_o 66._o come_v to_o pass_v that_o child_n in_o expectation_n thereof_o be_v season_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n before_o malice_n and_o corrupt_a example_n deprave_v their_o mind_n a_o good_a foundation_n be_v lay_v betimes_o for_o direction_n of_o the_o course_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v preserve_v sincere_a and_o sound_a the_o prelate_n and_o father_n of_o god_n family_n to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n belong_v see_v by_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o a_o part_n of_o their_o own_o heavy_a burden_n discharge_v reap_v comfort_n by_o behold_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o true_a godliness_n in_o tender_a year_n glorify_v he_o who_o praise_n they_o find_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o infant_n and_o neglect_v not_o so_o fit_a a_o opportunity_n of_o give_v every_o one_o fatherly_a encouragement_n and_o exhortation_n whereunto_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n be_v add_v our_o warrant_n for_o the_o great_a good_a effect_n thereof_o be_v the_o same_o which_o patriarch_n prophet_n priest_n apostle_n father_n and_o man_n of_o god_n have_v have_v for_o such_o their_o particular_a invocation_n and_o benediction_n as_o no_o man_n i_o suppose_v profess_v truth_n of_o religion_n will_v easy_o think_v to_o have_v be_v without_o fruit_n thus_o he_o and_o sure_o these_o be_v so_o excellent_a fruit_n of_o this_o work_n of_o confirmation_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o seek_v out_o for_o more_o yet_o i_o may_v not_o pass_v over_o a_o serious_a and_o important_a passage_n of_o a_o late_a writer_n who_o in_o a_o profitable_a and_o well-laboured_a etc._n discourse_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o pedobaptism_n take_v a_o hint_n from_o calvin_n as_o he_o well_o may_v to_o prove_v the_o high_a antiquity_n of_o baptise_v of_o infant_n by_o the_o primitive_a practice_n of_o their_o confirmation_n which_o be_v under_o the_o name_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n place_n couple_v together_o therewith_o and_o have_v well_o make_v out_o his_o argument_n by_o the_o receive_a distinction_n of_o catechumeni_fw-la take_v occasion_n to_o set_v forth_o that_o ordinance_n in_o the_o primitive_a institution_n of_o it_o recommend_v it_o with_o those_o grave_a author_n forementioned_a to_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n if_o it_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o original_a purity_n and_o recount_v the_o benefit_n that_o may_v arise_v therefrom_o instance_v in_o these_o follow_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o neglect_a exercise_n of_o catechise_v will_v be_v bring_v in_o life_n and_o credit_n second_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n will_v be_v maintain_v three_o parent_n will_v be_v quicken_v up_o to_o a_o further_a care_n of_o the_o religious_a education_n of_o their_o child_n four_o child_n themselves_o will_v be_v put_v on_o to_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n whereto_o he_o add_v two_o other_o not_o hint_v former_o by_o any_o author_n five_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n person_n ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a may_v be_v keep_v out_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o so_o the_o stumble_a block_n of_o mix_a communion_n remove_v six_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o time_n about_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o church-covenant_n in_o receive_v in_o of_o member_n as_o they_o call_v they_o may_v be_v compremise_v and_o take_v up_o there_o be_v here_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v there_o contend_v for_o and_o that_o better_o bottom_v as_o he_o conceive_v than_o the_o former_a all_o which_o as_o they_o be_v exceed_o weighty_a and_o worthy_a of_o sad_a consideration_n so_o methinks_v this_o last_o shall_v be_v hold_v fit_a to_o be_v listen_v unto_o by_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o churchway_n who_o may_v easy_o see_v how_o by_o but_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o true_o apostolical_a institution_n they_o may_v effect_v that_o which_o not_o without_o great_a
child_n shall_v also_o receive_v their_o confirmation_n in_o which_o point_n i_o can_v but_o allow_v the_o moderate_a determination_n of_o c._n bellarmine_n ult._n who_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o person_n of_o ripe_a age_n come_v to_o be_v baptise_v the_o same_o day_n together_o with_o baptism_n they_o receceive_v both_o confirmation_n and_o eucharist_n but_o when_o they_o be_v baptise_v be_v infant_n the_o other_o two_o be_v just_o defer_v till_o the_o receiver_n attain_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n since_o as_o he_o true_o resolve_v neither_o of_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o infant_n and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v receive_v with_o more_o fruit_n and_o great_a reverence_n by_o those_o which_o be_v come_v to_o a_o mature_a age_n but_o though_o he_o come_v home_o to_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o time_n yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v beyond_o he_o in_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n in_o who_o he_o as_o hold_v grace_n give_v by_o the_o very_a work_n wrought_v profess_v not_o to_o require_v that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o preparation_n which_o we_o call_v for_o and_o presuppose_v in_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o imposition_n of_o our_o hand_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o ancient_n stand_v not_o upon_o catechism_n and_o examination_n in_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o their_o hand_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n but_o confer_v their_o confirmation_n upon_o infant_n whereat_o no_o man_n can_v wonder_v that_o know_v they_o be_v also_o wont_a of_o old_a upon_o a_o weak_a misprision_n to_o cram_v the_o bless_a eucharist_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infant_n to_o the_o due_a participation_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o we_o know_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o self-examination_n ought_v to_o be_v require_v doubtless_o if_o a_o meet_a time_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v stand_v upon_o much_o more_o a_o meet_a ability_n of_o understanding_n so_o as_o in_o this_o point_n i_o may_v safe_o appeal_v to_o any_o well-informed_a conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v not_o choose_v the_o better_a part_n and_o with_o great_a judgement_n reform_v a_o palpable_a defect_n in_o the_o roman_a profession_n sect._n 10_o and_o certain_o the_o consideration_n whereupon_o this_o church_n confirmation_n profess_v to_o be_v lead_v into_o this_o just_a and_o pious_a resolution_n be_v such_o as_o may_v well_o become_v the_o gravity_n and_o godly_a care_n of_o our_o gracious_a mother_n which_o the_o rubric_n thus_o express_v first_o because_o that_o when_o child_n come_v to_o the_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o have_v learn_v what_o their_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n promise_v for_o they_o in_o baptism_n they_o may_v then_o themselves_o with_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o own_o consent_n open_o confirmat_fw-la before_o the_o church_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o and_o also_o promise_v that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o will_v evermore_o endeavour_v themselves_o faithful_o to_o observe_v and_o keep_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o by_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o confession_n have_v assent_v unto_o second_o for_o as_o much_o as_o confirmation_n be_v minister_v to_o they_o that_o be_v baptise_v that_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n they_o may_v receive_v strength_n and_o defence_n against_o all_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v most_o meet_a to_o be_v administer_v when_o child_n come_v to_o that_o age_n that_o partly_o by_o the_o frailty_n of_o their_o own_o flesh_n partly_o by_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n they_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o fall_v into_o sundry_a kind_n of_o sin_n three_o for_o that_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n in_o time_n past_a whereby_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o confirmation_n shall_v be_v minister_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o perfect_a age_n that_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o christ_n religion_n shall_v open_o profess_v their_o own_o faith_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o let_v any_o reader_n let_v any_o adversary_n say_v whether_o any_o determination_n can_v be_v more_o holily-rational_a or_o more_o evident_o conduce_v to_o the_o further_n of_o the_o welfare_n and_o salvation_n of_o christian_a soul_n in_o this_o case_n than_o this_o which_o our_o mother_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v upon_o sad_a and_o serious_a deliberation_n fix_v upon_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v according_o execute_v with_o that_o constant_a care_n and_o fidelity_n as_o it_o ought_v will_v certain_o have_v prevent_v many_o foul_a and_o monstrous_a exorbitance_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o many_o horrible_a enormity_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n life_n with_o both_o which_o we_o be_v now_o miserable_o pester_v and_o overrun_v when_o the_o party_n than_o be_v upon_o due_a examination_n find_v fit_a both_o for_o age_n and_o knowledge_n he_o be_v to_o be_v in_o due_a season_n present_v to_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o such_o holy_a comeliness_n and_o such_o vigour_n of_o devotion_n as_o be_v it_o speak_v without_o envy_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v herein_o well_o propose_v as_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n doubtless_o if_o 8._o there_o be_v any_o church_n under_o heaven_n that_o have_v continue_v the_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o the_o native_a simplicity_n and_o purity_n thereof_o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o more_o eminent_a in_o this_o point_n then_o her_o other_o sister_n go_v alone_o in_o her_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o confirmation_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n let_v we_o see_v the_o free_a and_o full_a astipulation_n of_o other_o famous_a divine_n and_o church_n to_o she_o in_o both_o these_o philip_n melancthon_n as_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n of_o saxony_n have_v thus_o in_fw-la ritu_fw-la confirmationis_fw-la fiebat_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o rite_n of_o unctione_fw-la confirmation_n there_o be_v of_o old_a a_o explication_n of_o doctrine_n wherein_o every_o one_o be_v to_o recite_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o open_o to_o profess_v his_o detestation_n of_o all_o both_o heathen_a and_o heretical_a frenzy_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v and_o ever_o remain_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o depart_v from_o the_o true_a belief_n which_o he_o then_o profess_v this_o custom_n be_v profitable_a both_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n and_o for_o the_o retain_n of_o they_o in_o the_o true_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n flac._n illyricus_n thus_o porro_fw-la 6._o autem_fw-la impositionem_fw-la manuum_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o further_a also_o they_o have_v wont_v of_o old_a in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o church_n to_o use_v imposition_n of_o hand_n after_o a_o more_o accurate_a instruction_n in_o the_o catechism_n with_o public_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v for_o they_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o we_o read_v it_o be_v do_v to_o the_o samaritan_n act_n 8._o and_o i_o believe_v that_o so_o they_o be_v wont_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o remove_v those_o which_o be_v novice_n from_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la to_o the_o rank_n of_o those_o auditor_n which_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v of_o great_a maturity_n that_o so_o now_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o as_o those_o that_o be_v judge_v worthy_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n learned_a chemnitius_n as_o for_o confirmat_fw-la the_o protestant_a church_n in_o general_a thus_o nostri_fw-la saepe_fw-la ostenderunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n our_o doctor_n have_v often_o show_v that_o the_o rite_n of_o confirmation_n may_v very_o well_o set_v aside_o those_o unprofitable_a and_o superstitious_a tradition_n and_o indeed_o such_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o make_v use_n of_o even_o according_a to_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz_n that_o those_o which_o be_v baptise_v in_o their_o infancy_n for_o such_o be_v now_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o year_n of_o discretion_n shall_v be_v diligent_o instruct_v in_o a_o certain_a and_o simple_a catechism_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v in_o some_o good_a sort_n attain_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o principle_n that_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v present_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o church_n and_o there_o the_o child_n which_o be_v baptise_v in_o his_o infancy_n shall_v first_o by_o a_o short_a and_o plain_a admonition_n be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o his_o baptism_n wherewith_o how_o why_o and_o into_o what_o he_o be_v baptise_v