mr._n prowde_n confirmation-sermon_n preach_v at_o bridgewater_n july_n 16._o 1693._o imprimatur_fw-la lambeth_n nou._n 17._o 1693._o ra._n barker_n a_o sermon_n preach_v in_o the_o parish-church_n of_o bridgewater_n july_n 16._o 1693._o before_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n richard_n lord_z bishop_n of_o bath_n and_o wells_n at_o a_o confirmation_n by_o fran._n proud_a m._n a._n vicar_n of_o woollavington_n in_o somersetshire_n london_n print_v by_o j._n h._n for_o w._n rogers_n over_o against_o s._n dunstan's-church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1694._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n richard_n lord_z bishop_n of_o bath_n and_o wells_n may_v it_o please_v your_o lordship_n the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v sole_o the_o product_n of_o your_o lordship_n command_n seem_v natural_o to_o fly_v to_o you_o for_o patronage_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a it_o must_v meet_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o goodness_n of_o soul_n and_o pious_a inclination_n which_o belong_v to_o your_o lordship_n to_o render_v it_o acceptable_a but_o the_o deference_n i_o owe_v your_o injunction_n for_o have_v it_o make_v public_a encourage_v i_o to_o hope_v it_o may_v occasion_v some_o good_a thought_n and_o endeavour_n in_o the_o world_n which_o that_o it_o may_v i_o hearty_o beg_v of_o god_n and_o humble_o subscribe_v myself_o your_o lordship_n most_o obedient_a servant_n fran._n proud_a act_v viii_o 17._o then_o lay_v they_o their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o result_n of_o the_o wise_a solomon_n mature_a thought_n he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n be_v not_o more_o sad_o experiment_a than_o while_o we_o contemplate_v the_o religious_a strife_n which_o be_v so_o eager_o maintain_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o among_o all_o the_o perplex_v controversy_n of_o this_o unhappy_a nature_n that_o about_o the_o doctrine_n which_o this_o text_n of_o scripture_n present_v to_o our_o consideration_n be_v not_o the_o least_o it_o be_v strange_a even_o to_o prodigy_n to_o consider_v that_o after_o the_o office_n of_o confirmation_n be_v so_o plain_o deliver_v and_o recommend_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o religious_o observe_v in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o christianity_n so_o general_o own_a in_o the_o main_a as_o to_o its_o nature_n and_o obligation_n even_o by_o the_o most_o considerable_a party_n now_o among_o we_o shall_v after_o all_o seem_v neglect_v and_o despise_v what_o can_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o melancholy_a scene_n of_o thing_n and_o whence_o must_v the_o contradiction_n between_o the_o evident_a ground_n of_o this_o belief_n and_o practice_n derive_v indeed_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o but_o that_o the_o true_o primitive_a spirit_n of_o piety_n and_o unity_n with_o which_o the_o holy_a jesus_n by_o visit_v these_o low_a region_n bless_v the_o world_n be_v for_o want_v of_o entertainment_n here_o flee_v to_o heaven_n the_o great_a and_o incomprehensible_a god_n have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o we_o all_o his_o favour_n be_v free_a and_o in_o strictness_n of_o sense_n unmerited_a by_o we_o the_o method_n of_o our_o happiness_n though_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o high_o worthy_a our_o rational_a choice_n yet_o they_o be_v assign_v we_o by_o god_n and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a we_o must_v make_v our_o self_n so_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v if_o through_o carelessness_n or_o obstinacy_n we_o take_v wrong_a method_n and_o refuse_v or_o oppose_v those_o which_o god_n have_v ordain_v we_o then_o grieve_v and_o contradict_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o unnatural_o bring_v on_o our_o present_a and_o eternal_a ruin_n our_o compassionate_a saviour_n at_o his_o departure_n hence_o promise_v we_o the_o comfortable_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o how_o the_o divine_a efflux_n shall_v be_v communicate_v he_o himself_o and_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o by_o their_o precept_n and_o example_n have_v so_o plain_o teach_v we_o that_o in_o short_a nothing_o but_o our_o own_o perverseness_n can_v undo_v we_o particular_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n according_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o happy_a interpreter_n of_o sacred_a writ_n we_o have_v present_v to_o our_o thought_n one_o of_o the_o admirable_a way_n or_o mean_n whereby_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o convey_v both_o the_o outward_a to_o wit_n the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a and_o the_o inward_a to_o wit_n the_o save_n and_o last_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o short_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o context_n it_o make_v it_o clear_a beyond_o denial_n that_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n join_v with_o prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n and_o effect_n of_o confirmation_n for_o those_o prayer_n which_o we_o read_v be_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n vers_fw-la 15._o do_v so_o soon_o attend_v the_o conversion_n and_o baptism_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o samaria_n that_o it_o must_v signify_v confirmation_n when_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n say_v the_o text_n hear_v that_o samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o philip_n they_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n vers_n 14._o which_o exact_o agree_v with_o this_o doctrine_n and_o usage_n be_v a_o act_n which_o we_o find_v primitive_o reserve_v to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o allow_v to_o inferior_a officer_n such_o as_o philip_n the_o deacon_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n 17._o annotation_n on_o act_v 8._o vers_fw-la 17._o though_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o this_o notion_n dr._n hammond_n observe_v that_o bishop_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d doctor_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o far_a instruct_v they_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v former_o preach_v and_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d differ_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v from_o teach_v and_o in_o confirmation_n it_o certain_o be_v that_o in_o these_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o the_o save_n and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n use_v to_o be_v confer_v but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v far_a probable_a that_o the_o faith_n be_v plant_v at_o samaria_n by_o philip_n and_o the_o apostle_n come_v thither_o to_o confirm_v and_o not_o stay_v there_o corin._n act_n 8._o v._o 25._o act_n 14._o v._o 23._o tit._n 1._o v._n 5._o epist_n 1._o ad_fw-la corin._n but_o return_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o do_v at_o their_o be_v there_o ordain_v elder_n or_o bishop_n in_o their_o several_a city_n as_o we_o find_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v and_o as_o we_o read_v titus_n do_v also_o in_o crete_n this_o say_v clemens_n romanus_n the_o apostle_n do_v in_o their_o journeying_n when_o they_o go_v out_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n preach_v through_o region_n and_o city_n they_o constitute_v their_o first-fruit_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v and_o thus_o before_o this_o time_n they_o have_v constitute_v james_n the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n bishop_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o first_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n shall_v come_v down_o to_o samaria_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v so_o universal_o receive_v and_o not_o also_o ordain_v some_o governor_n over_o they_o before_o they_o return_v in_o short_a therefore_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n join_v with_o prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n mention_v in_o my_o text_n both_o according_a to_o the_o context_n and_o general_a suffrage_n of_o expositor_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v confirmation_n and_o ordination_n the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n come_v on_o all_o the_o sincere_a believer_n and_o endow_v they_o with_o the_o internal_a save_v and_o last_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o some_o of_o they_o with_o external_a and_o miraculous_a power_n and_o the_o apostle_n also_o by_o lay_v on_o their_o hand_n on_o some_o signalise_v person_n ordain_v they_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n in_o several_a city_n the_o power_n of_o do_v which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n to_o exercise_v and_o be_v not_o philip_n business_n though_o he_o have_v power_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v nay_o though_o himself_o be_v endow_v with_o miraculous_a gift_n now_o these_o thing_n premise_v in_o account_v for_o my_o text_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o present_a occasion_n i_o shall_v pursue_v this_o follow_a method_n 1._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o true_a and_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o
confirmation_n observe_v whence_o it_o derive_v how_o it_o obtain_v and_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n 2._o i_o shall_v brief_o observe_v the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o original_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v assign_v 3._o i_o shall_v answer_v some_o objection_n which_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o and_o 4._o and_o last_o by_o way_n of_o application_n i_o shall_v propound_v some_o consideration_n evince_v the_o reasonableness_n divine_a excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o its_o practice_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o particular_n to_o wit_n to_o present_v a_o true_a and_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o confirmation_n observe_v whence_o it_o derive_v how_o it_o obtain_v and_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n the_o learned_a grotius_n tell_v we_o 2._o grot._n annot_n cap._n 6._o paul_n ad_fw-la hebr._fw-la v._n 2._o that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n join_v with_o prayer_n be_v peculiar_o use_v in_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n in_o these_o five_o follow_a case_n baptizatis_fw-la ad_fw-la obtinendam_fw-la vim_o confirmantem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la ordinatis_fw-la ad_fw-la presbyterium_fw-la post_fw-la peccata_fw-la reconciliatis_fw-la corpore_fw-la infirmis_fw-la imò_fw-la &_o novis_fw-la conjugibus_fw-la benedictionem_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la postulantibus_fw-la i._n e._n to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o confirm_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o ordination_n to_o the_o penitent_a in_o case_n of_o sickness_n and_o to_o the_o new_o marry_v and_o most_o of_o these_o if_o not_o all_o as_o he_o hint_n derive_v from_o hebrew_n custom_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o find_v it_o record_v in_o these_o follow_a part_n of_o divine_a writ_n gen._n 48._o verse_n 14_o 15_o and_o 16._o and_o israel_n stretch_v out_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o lay_v it_o on_o ephraim_n head_n who_o be_v the_o young_a and_o his_o left_a hand_n upon_o manasses_n head_n guide_v his_o hand_n witting_o for_o manasses_n be_v the_o first_o bear_v and_o he_o bless_a joseph_n and_o say_v god_n before_o who_o my_o father_n abraham_n and_o isaac_n do_v walk_v the_o god_n that_o feed_v i_o all_o my_o life_n long_o bless_v the_o lad_n here_o we_o find_v the_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n join_v with_o prayer_n use_v to_o confer_v divine_a grace_n thus_o we_o likewise_o find_v it_o practise_v numb_a 6._o vers_fw-la 27._o be_v a_o account_n of_o that_o sacred_a form_n of_o blessing_n wherewith_o god_n himself_o teach_v aaron_n and_o his_o son_n to_o bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n our_o english_a translation_n read_v it_o they_o shall_v put_v my_o name_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o i_o will_v bless_v they_o junius_n and_o tremellius_n paraphrase_n the_o word_n et_fw-la imponentes_fw-la manus_fw-la filiis_fw-la israelis_fw-la invocabunt_fw-la nomen_fw-la meum_fw-la &_o ego_fw-la benedicam_fw-la eye_n put_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n they_o shall_v pray_v to_o i_o for_o they_o and_o i_o will_v bless_v they_o and_o in_o their_o note_n on_o this_o text_n of_o scripture_n they_o add_v far_o in_o these_o word_n duobus_fw-la signis_fw-la testatum_fw-la facient_fw-la populo_fw-la meo_fw-la gratiam_fw-la meam_fw-la etc._n etc._n by_o these_o two_o sign_n call_v on_o my_o name_n and_o the_o solemn_a lay_v on_o of_o their_o own_o hand_n they_o shall_v assure_v my_o people_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o i_o according_a to_o my_o promise_n will_v bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o grace_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o blessing_n as_o the_o learned_a dr._n patrick_n observe_v gâ—â—talis_fw-la dr._n paâ—â—_n aqua_fw-la gâ—â—talis_fw-la from_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a rabbin_n use_v to_o be_v call_v the_o weapon_n and_o armour_n of_o israel_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o read_v numb_a 8._o vers_fw-la 10_o 11_o and_o 14._o thou_o shall_v bring_v the_o levite_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n shall_v put_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n and_o aaron_n shall_v offer_v the_o levite_n before_o the_o lord_n thus_o shall_v thou_o separate_v the_o levite_n from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o levite_n shall_v be_v i_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v one_o instance_n more_o numb_a 27._o vers_fw-la 18._o that_o when_o moses_n be_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o his_o troublesome_a charge_n the_o israelite_n he_o be_v order_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o constitute_v joshua_n his_o successor_n after_o this_o manner_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o text_n say_v unto_o moses_n take_v thou_o joshua_n the_o son_n of_o nun_n a_o man_n in_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o he_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o other_o passage_n to_o this_o same_o purpose_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o point_n to_o we_o whence_o the_o sacred_a usage_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n derive_v its_o original_a and_o to_o apply_v this_o more_o particular_o to_o our_o present_a case_n the_o jew_n have_v circumcise_v their_o child_n at_o eight_o day_n old_a so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o instruction_n they_o take_v the_o great_a care_n of_o they_o imaginable_a particular_o when_o their_o son_n be_v five_o year_n old_a they_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o law_n when_o they_o be_v ten_o year_n old_a they_o put_v they_o to_o the_o text_n of_o the_o talmud_n and_o when_o they_o arrive_v at_o thirteen_o they_o be_v public_o present_v in_o a_o holy_a assembly_n there_o solemn_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o be_v filii_fw-la praecepti_fw-la subject_n to_o the_o law_n to_o keep_v the_o pascha_fw-la sabbath_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o ceremony_n â—â—daic_a veem'_v â—â—eposit_v of_o â—â—e_z moral_a â—â—w_n buxâ—â—rf_n syn._n â—â—daic_a thence_o forward_o they_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o hereupon_o prayer_n be_v make_v for_o they_o with_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o high-priest_n hand_n in_o order_n to_o the_o confer_v divine_a strength_n in_o short_a agreeable_a to_o these_o and_o such_o usage_n during_o the_o patriarchal_a and_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n we_o find_v it_o practise_v under_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n for_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o a_o applicatory_a sign_n join_v with_o prayer_n do_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o immediate_a follower_n heal_v disease_n thus_o our_o bless_a lord_n demean_v himself_o towards_o the_o child_n which_o come_v unto_o he_o he_o put_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o bless_v they_o praise_v their_o inoffensive_a and_o unprejudiced_a temper_n as_o resemble_v that_o happy_a habit_n of_o thought_n which_o dispose_v to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o his_o divine_a religion_n this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n join_v with_o prayer_n we_o read_v our_o saviour_n apostle_n evident_o practise_v 1._o â—â—â—ts_n 6._o v._o 1._o thus_o they_o invest_v the_o seven_o deacon_n in_o their_o office_n thus_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n at_o antioch_n be_v consecrate_v to_o that_o divine_a undertake_n which_o god_n have_v assign_v they_o thus_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n and_o thus_o all_o along_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n it_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a and_o allow_v way_n to_o bless_v consecrate_v and_o confer_v grace_n by_o prayer_n and_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o thus_o particular_o in_o reference_n to_o confirmation_n these_o follow_a text_n of_o scripture_n be_v almost_o universal_o interpret_v as_o precedent_n for_o our_o instruction_n and_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o my_o text_n which_o i_o have_v already_o explain_v thus_o we_o read_v act_v 19_o vers_fw-la 5_o 6._o when_o they_o hear_v this_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o when_o paul_n have_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v on_o they_o and_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o prophesy_v indeed_o we_o find_v mention_v here_o only_o the_o miraculous_a effect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a then_o and_o allow_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n for_o the_o infant_n state_n of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o the_o save_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v ever_o necessary_a so_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o they_o be_v then_o confer_v though_o the_o external_n operation_n which_o present_o demonstrate_v their_o collation_n perhaps_o for_o that_o reason_n only_o be_v particularise_v but_o far_a the_o doctrine_n of_o confirmation_n be_v plain_o record_v in_o hebrew_n 6._o vers_fw-la 2._o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n leave_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n not_o lay_v again_o the_o foundation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o of_o faith_n towards_o god_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o
baptism_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o of_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o eternal_a judgement_n here_o we_o find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o confirmation_n place_v among_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o necessary_a christian_a truth_n such_o as_o be_v essential_o of_o our_o religion_n faith_n repentance_n baptism_n resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o eternal_a judgement_n and_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o this_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o either_o the_o doctrine_n of_o confirmation_n be_v not_o here_o design_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o expositor_n or_o else_o we_o must_v infer_v that_o the_o apostle_n rank_v these_o christian_a doctrine_n very_o unagreeable_o which_o be_v a_o too_o strange_o severe_a reflection_n upon_o the_o great_a apostle_n or_o else_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o we_o be_v hence_o oblige_v to_o pay_v a_o extraordinary_a deference_n to_o this_o apostolical_a usage_n consider_v and_o esteem_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o happy_a advances_n towards_o heaven_n which_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v assign_v we_o now_o according_a to_o these_o and_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n those_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n adult_n person_n soon_o after_o baptism_n child_n when_o be_v teach_v and_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o bishop_n public_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o confirm_v their_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o bishop_n hand_n join_v with_o devout_a prayer_n for_o they_o be_v bless_v by_o he_o in_o order_n to_o their_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jul._n epist_n 3._o ad_fw-la jul._n this_o in_o short_a be_v the_o usage_n which_o cyprian_n declare_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o example_n who_o mention_v the_o samaritan_n baptize_v by_o philip_n and_o afterward_o confirm_v by_o peter_n and_o john_n as_o we_o read_v in_o my_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v receive_v baptism_n it_o be_v still_o the_o custom_n that_o they_o be_v offer_v and_o by_o our_o prayer_n say_v he_o and_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o our_o hand_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n lucif_n book_n i._o against_o martion_n contra_fw-la lucif_n the_o flesh_n say_v tertullian_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v shadow_v that_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v illuminate_v st._n jerom_n have_v declare_v that_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o authorize_v hand_n and_o prayer_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v still_o convey_v to_o the_o baptise_a expostulate_v thus_o do_v thou_o ask_v i_o where_o it_o be_v write_v i_o answer_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o so_o plain_a authority_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n in_o this_o particular_a may_v challenge_v the_o force_n of_o a_o command_n st._n austin_n discourse_v on_o this_o subject_a express_v himself_o thus_o 8._o rhemist_n be_v testa_n act_n 8._o be_v there_o any_o man_n of_o so_o perverse_a a_o heart_n as_o to_o deny_v those_o child_n on_o who_o we_o impose_v hand_n in_o confirmation_n to_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o they_o speak_v not_o with_o tongue_n as_o be_v frequent_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o time_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o plant_v to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v the_o suffrage_n of_o many_o more_o but_o this_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o confirmation_n from_o antiquity_n be_v so_o apparent_a and_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o learned_o perform_v that_o i_o own_v myself_o oblige_v to_o apologise_v for_o pretend_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o add_v these_o two_o remark_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v observable_a par._n cornel._n epist_n ad_fw-la fabium_fw-la apud_fw-la euseb_n opt._n l._n 2._o cont_n par._n that_o the_o first_o opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o novatian_o and_o the_o donatist_n 2._o it_o be_v likewise_o observable_a that_o no_o one_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o confirmation_n and_o so_o great_a a_o veneration_n have_v the_o than_o christian_a world_n for_o that_o sacrament_n that_o there_o be_v no_o public_a assembly_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n without_o a_o communion_n and_o as_o this_o particular_a christian_a zeal_n begin_v to_o decline_v impiety_n and_o wickedness_n gradual_o prevail_v but_o while_o i_o insist_v on_o this_o particular_a i_o shall_v brief_o observe_v that_o this_o christian_a usage_n have_v be_v recommend_v to_o our_o practice_n by_o protestant_n of_o the_o great_a character_n even_o among_o all_o party_n pver_fw-la apol._n part_n 4._o de_fw-fr baptis_n pver_fw-la the_o waldenses_n in_o their_o apology_n to_o the_o marquis_n of_o brandenburg_n 1532._o speak_v of_o child_n which_o have_v be_v baptize_v thus_o express_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n confir_n confess_v walden_v de_fw-fr confir_n and_o can_v give_v a_o competent_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o begin_v true_o to_o love_n christ_n we_o bring_v they_o to_o profess_v these_o thing_n whatever_o their_o parent_n or_o godfather_n or_o the_o church_n have_v teach_v they_o that_o on_o their_o own_o accord_n they_o may_v make_v a_o free_a profession_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n before_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o their_o own_o salvation_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o be_v perform_v they_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o bishop_n confir_n confess_v walden_v de_fw-fr confir_n they_o ex._n council_n triden_n de_fw-fr confir_n and_o this_o they_o tell_v we_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n thus_o likewise_o chemnitius_n that_o extraordinary_a person_n account_n for_o this_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o general_n nostri_fw-la saepè_fw-la ostenderunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n our_o divine_n have_v often_o prove_v that_o the_o rite_n of_o confirmation_n be_v separate_v from_o popish_a superstition_n may_v be_v very_o happy_o use_v even_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n shall_v be_v careful_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o short_a and_o easy_a catechism_n and_o when_o they_o be_v find_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n to_o understand_v it_o that_o then_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o child_n who_o in_o his_o infancy_n be_v baptize_v shall_v 1._o in_o short_a be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o his_o baptism_n what_o be_v then_o bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o what_o he_o likewise_o then_o promise_v to_o do_v that_o he_o will_v renounce_v the_o devil_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o endeavour_v after_o all_o holy_a obedience_n 2._o that_o the_o child_n public_o before_o the_o congregation_n own_o this_o faith_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v add_v a_o serious_a exhortation_n out_o of_o god_n word_n that_o he_o will_v continue_v in_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v in_o baptism_n and_o that_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o he_o then_o profess_v 4._o that_o public_a prayer_n be_v make_v for_o those_o child_n that_o god_n will_v govern_v preserve_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o profession_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n at_o which_o prayer_n without_o all_o superstition_n may_v be_v use_v the_o put_v on_o of_o hand_n neither_o will_v such_o a_o prayer_n say_v he_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v warrant_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o perseverance_n and_o the_o confirm_v grace_n such_o a_o confirmation_n say_v he_o will_v afford_v great_a advantage_n both_o to_o the_o young_a sort_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v how_o agreeable_a this_o will_v be_v to_o scripture_n prove_v several_a particular_n out_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n chap._n 8_o 14_o 19_o and_o from_o several_a canon_n make_v in_o several_a council_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 19_o melanct._n confess_v ecclesiarum_fw-la sax._n cap._n de_fw-fr confirm_v hemin_fw-fr syntag._n cap._n 22._o calv._n inst_z l._n 4._o c_o 19_o melancthon_n declare_v for_o this_o usage_n in_o the_o church_n of_o saxony_n and_o hemingius_n for_o those_o of_o denmark_n thus_o likewise_o mr._n calvin_n hic_fw-la mos_fw-la olim_fw-la fuit_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o have_v be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n that_o child_n be_v instruct_v in_o a_o easy_a and_o short_a catechism_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v confirm_v by_o he_o and_o in_o his_o commentary_n on_o hebrew_n 6._o he_o have_v these_o word_n transactâ_fw-la infantiâ_fw-la etc._n etc._n
their_o infancy_n pass_v over_o and_o be_v catechize_v child_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o symbol_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n 19_o inst_z l._n 4._o c._n 19_o and_o this_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n say_v mr._n calvin_n plain_o prove_v that_o this_o practice_n derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v these_o word_n utinam_fw-la verò_fw-la morem_fw-la hunc_fw-la etc._n etc._n will_v to_o god_n we_o may_v retain_v this_o custom_n of_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o these_o i_o find_v beza_n piscator_fw-la marloret_fw-la and_o several_a other_o and_o here_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o extraordinary_a zeal_n for_o this_o doctrine_n declare_v by_o the_o many_o great_a man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o learning_n and_o piety_n be_v famous_a throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n i_o say_v not_o to_o mention_v these_o in_o our_o own_o cause_n i_o shall_v only_o in_o short_a remark_n two_o instance_n more_o mr._n baxter_n judgement_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o of_o the_o assembly_n in_o their_o annotation_n mr._n baxter_n p._n 102._o in_o his_o tract_n on_o confirmation_n beside_o many_o other_o to_o the_o same_o end_n have_v these_o word_n 1._o say_v he_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n a_o blessing_n of_o church-member_n with_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n 2._o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n promise_v to_o believer_n over_o and_o above_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o cause_v they_o to_o believe_v 3._o we_o find_v that_o prayer_n with_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v the_o outward_a mean_n to_o be_v use_v by_o christ_n minister_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o this_o blessing_n 4._o we_o sin_v that_o this_o be_v a_o fix_a ordinance_n to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o a_o temporary_a thing_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n declare_v his_o judgement_n the_o assembly_n in_o their_o annotation_n express_v themselves_o thus_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v confirmation_n consist_v 1._o in_o examine_v those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v what_o progress_n they_o have_v make_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n 2._o in_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o god_n will_v continue_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o give_v they_o more_o grace_n strengthen_v they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o when_o the_o chief_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n pray_v for_o they_o they_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o whence_o the_o apostolical_a constitution_n be_v call_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n so_o they_o so_o st._n augustin_n and_o so_o most_o of_o the_o father_n with_o one_o consent_n now_o from_o all_o this_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v just_o infer_v and_o that_o even_o from_o the_o confession_n of_o some_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v unhappy_o prejudice_v against_o our_o communion_n that_o the_o design_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o case_n of_o confirmation_n owe_v itself_o to_o a_o pious_a and_o judicious_a respect_n to_o a_o true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a institution_n practise_v and_o recommend_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o mean_n of_o confer_v far_a spiritual_a strength_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o impress_v upon_o tender_a and_o capable_a thought_n a_o signal_n and_o last_a reverence_n and_o dread_a of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o a_o agreeable_a care_n and_o concern_v for_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o they_o espouse_v in_o their_o baptism_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o other_o but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a brief_o to_o observe_v the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o administer_a of_o confirmation_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v original_o assign_v and_o here_o it_o be_v much_o more_o than_o probable_a that_o according_a to_o apostolical_a example_n and_o all_o along_o after_o the_o apostle_n till_o of_o very_a late_a year_n the_o office_n of_o confirmation_n be_v constant_o perform_v by_o the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n call_v bishop_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o make_v a_o original_a distinction_n among_o those_o who_o he_o constitute_v and_o ordain_v officer_n in_o in_o his_o church_n he_o well_o know_v that_o a_o imparity_n in_o church_n officer_n natural_o promote_v peace_n will_v lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o that_o unity_n which_o he_o all_o along_o so_o high_o recommend_v and_o which_o indeed_o belong_v to_o the._n nature_n and_o design_n of_o that_o happy_a religion_n which_o he_o come_v to_o establish_v and_o promote_v in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o find_v the_o plain_a distinction_n of_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o or_o seventy_o two_o disciple_n when_o one_o of_o the_o select_a twelve_o betray_v his_o master_n immediate_o one_o of_o the_o seventy_o be_v choose_v in_o his_o place_n now_o if_o the_o office_n of_o these_o and_o their_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o why_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o this_o distinction_n between_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n some_o inequality_n of_o order_n and_o power_n in_o the_o then_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v hence_o discover_v and_o that_o likewise_o institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o this_o distinction_n which_o be_v found_v even_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v forget_v by_o our_o bless_a lord_n who_o know_v all_o thing_n now_o agreeable_o to_o this_o notion_n to_o go_v no_o far_o than_o my_o text_n and_o the_o precede_a verse_n we_o read_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n then_o belong_v be_v at_o jerusalem_n hear_v that_o samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o immediate_o send_v two_o of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o wit_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n john_n to_o administer_v confirmation_n for_o though_o we_o read_v that_o the_o samaritan_n be_v baptize_v by_o philip_n and_o that_o his_o miraculous_a work_n among_o they_o demonstrate_v he_o to_o be_v a_o very_a extraordinary_a person_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o do_v not_o qualify_v he_o for_o administer_a confirmation_n that_o be_v a_o office_n which_o then_o belong_v to_o the_o apostle_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o superiority_n over_o the_o then_o infant_n church_n our_o saviour_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o which_o according_a to_o this_o his_o first_o institution_n be_v all_o along_o afterward_o continue_v in_o a_o succession_n of_o bishop_n blondel_n and_o salmasius_n themselves_o the_o great_a and_o learned_a defender_n of_o presbytery_n own_o bishop_n to_o have_v be_v account_v superior_a to_o presbyter_n even_o in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o this_o they_o labour_v to_o prove_v be_v a_o encroachment_n of_o episcopacy_n but_o whoever_o sincere_o read_v their_o write_n and_o the_o famous_a mounseur_fw-fr daillé_fw-fr on_o the_o same_o subject_a will_v find_v such_o struggle_v of_o thought_n and_o force_v of_o argument_n in_o short_a such_o obstinate_a resolve_n to_o maintain_v a_o cause_n as_o instead_o of_o disapprove_v recommend_v the_o truth_n they_o design_v to_o baffle_v particular_o whoever_o calm_o observe_v mr._n daillé_fw-fr s_o violent_a effort_n against_o ignatius_n epistle_n which_o clear_o give_v the_o cause_n for_o episcopacy_n must_v needs_o own_o that_o he_o never_o see_v opinion_n more_o strange_o prevail_v against_o truth_n and_o judgement_n for_o that_o great_a man_n observe_v several_a of_o ignatius_n his_o epistle_n describe_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n in_o his_o time_n by_o the_o several_a distinct_a order_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n be_v so_o extreme_o furious_a against_o they_o that_o rather_o than_o drop_v his_o own_o dear_a opinion_n he_o offer_v such_o argument_n as_o indeed_o reflect_v upon_o all_o antiquity_n even_o the_o sacred_a canon_n of_o scripture_n itself_o not_o except_v but_o have_v brief_o hint_v thus_o much_o i_o may_v proceed_v to_o show_v that_o according_a to_o this_o superiority_n of_o order_n and_o office_n this_o right_a of_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o be_v first_o lodge_v in_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o wherewith_o the_o bishop_n be_v after_o they_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la invest_v i_o say_v according_a to_o this_o primitive_a custom_n and_o example_n be_v the_o administration_n of_o confirmation_n assign_v to_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o purpose_n lucif_n dialog_n advers._fw-la lucif_n st._n hierom_n tell_v we_o that_o non_fw-la nisi_fw-la per_fw-la manus_fw-la episcopi_fw-la etc._n etc._n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n only_o be_v confirmation_n administer_v but_o wave_v this_o sort_n of_o proof_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o plain_a confession_n in_o this_o case_n of_o some_o person_n who_o be_v far_o from_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o episcopal_a cause_n hic_fw-la mos_fw-la olim_fw-la