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CHAP. IX. (Book 9)
CHurch officers must be ordained by laying on of hands; in this they agree with us, concerning the ceremonie it selfe, albeit nei∣ther in the parties by whom, nor on whom it must be conferred. The profit of this Ceremonie appeareth in reasons following.
1. That which stirreth up every partie, to pray with more fervencie, is profitable to be used: But such is this Ceremonie, for it affecteth the ordainers, when they feele him for whom they pray; and the ordai∣ned when he feeleth a calling and charge from God (as it were) sen∣sibly comming upon him, and the congregation, when they see him se∣parated from the rest, by whom they shall reape much comfort or griefe: Therefore the use of it is very profitable.
2. That which helpeth forward the party ordained in his care, to walke with a good conscience in his calling, is profitable to be used: Such is the imposition of hands, for both it declareth unto him, that he is separated of God for that purpose, and also giveth him hope, that his hand who allotted him thereunto, will alwayes assist him in the course of that calling: Therefore it is of a profitable use.
3. That which worketh a more acknowledgment of Gods ordinance in the hearts of the people, is profitable to be used: such is the laying on of hands, for it declareth unto them, that the Lord hath placed him in that Calling over them: Therefore it is profitable to be used.
* 1.1Therefore seeing the Ceremonie of laying on hands is forcible, to increase the fervencie of every partie, when they pray; seeing it assureth the calling to the party ordained, and giveth him an argument of good hope, for the blessing of God upon him in the course of the same; and seeing it procureth a more perswasion in the people, that he is allotted unto them from the Lord himselfe; it is evident that it is not a vaine and idle ceremonie (as many doe imagine) but of good and profitable use, in all ordinations.