§. 16. Of Imposition of Hands.
THe fourth principle is thus set down, a 1.1 Of Imposition of Hands. This 〈◊〉〈◊〉 been an ancient right in the Church of God: no other so long continued. •…•…∣cob when he blessed the Sons of Ioseph, laid his hands upon them. Gen. 48. 14. Un∣der the Law it was usuall to lay hands on the Sacrifices that were offered up. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 4. 15. and 16. 21. Num. 8. 12.
But because we have to doe with the time of the Gospell, and with a rite 〈◊〉〈◊〉 used, we will pass over the times of the law, and shew about this rite of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Hands.
- 1. By what persons.
- 2. In what cases.
- 3. To what ends.
- 4. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 what exercises, it was used.
- 1. They were publique persons that used it, as Christ. (Mar. 10. 16. Luk. 4. •…•…0)* 1.2 his Apostles (Act. 8. 17.) other publique Ministers, and Elders. 1 Tim. 4. 14▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 5. 22.
- 2. It was used in extraordinary, and ordinary cases. The extraordinary 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spirituall, or temporall. Spirituall extraordinary cases wherein Imposition 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hands was used, were the giving of extraordinary gifts, oft expressed under 〈◊〉〈◊〉 title, the Holy Ghost, Act. 8. 17, 19. and 19. 6. extraordinary temporall cases were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 extraordinary manner of restoring health, and other like miracles. Luk. 4. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mar. 6. 5. Act. 28. 8. Ordinary cases wherein Imposition of Hands was used were
- 1. Blessing children: Mar. 10. 16.
- 2. Setting men apart to a publique function: as Ministers of the word, 1 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 22. and Deacons. Act. 6. 6.
- 3. Deputing men to some speciall work, Act. 13. 3.
- 4. Confirming such as had been instructed in the principles of Religion.
This last particular is not expresly set down in Scripture: but gathered out o•…•… it by the ancient orthodox Fathers: and with a joynt consent acknowledged by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Divines: not Papists only, but Protestants also. It hath indeed been much abu•…•… by Papists with their manifold superstitio•…•…s additions, and vain opinions the•…•…∣bout; which hath been, I suppose, one cause of Protestants much neglecting it.