Institutions of Christian religion framed out of Gods word, and the writings of the best diuines, methodically handled by questions and answers, fit for all such as desire to know, or practise the will of God. Written in Latin by William Bucanus Professor of Diuinitie in the Vniuersitie of Lausanna. And published in English by Robert Hill, Bachelor in Diuinitie, and Fellow of Saint Iohns Colledge in Cambridge, for the benefit of our English nation, to which is added in the end the practise of papists against Protestant princes.

With what right or ceremonie are Ministers to be ordained or consecrated, and put into possession of their office?

In time past vnder the Law, laying on of hands was vsed, First in consectating of sacrifices vnto Goda 1.1. Secondly, in prayers and priuate blessingsb 1.2. Thirdly, In the consecrating of Magistrates, Le∣uites, and Priestsc 1.3, Christ also, adding prosperous prayers, vsed the samed 1.4. The Apostles therefore, and Apostolicall men, whether one as the chiefe, in the name of the Eldershippe, or moe did or∣daine Ministers after they were elected, by solemne prayers, and laying on of hands, and did, as it were, offer and consecrate them

vnto God. Whereupon the Latines called this solemne ordination, and consecration. The Greekes of the Ceremony did name it Lay∣ing on of hands, obserued of the Apostlese 1.5, where there is no men∣tion made of Chrisme, shauing, wax-candles and such like toyes. Yea, further the Apostles vsed also a miraculous laying on of hands both in curing of the sick, of which Christ speakes, They shal lay hands vpon the sick, and they shall recouer. Mar. 16.18.f 1.6 and also in bestowing the visible gifts of the holy ghostg 1.7, the vse whereof to∣gether with other miracles hath now ceased.

Yet it is thought good, that the former sort of laying on of hands should still be vsed, not onely for decencie, but that by the symbol or token of such blessing, both the dignitie of the Ministery may be commended to the people, & also that he who is so ordained & put into possession of his office, may be better assured of his voca∣tion & put in mind. First that he is not now his owne, but adiudg∣ed to the seruice of God and his Church. Secondly, that a great charge is laid vpon him, and therefore that he ought diligently to call vpon God, that he may be able to discharge his duety. Thirdly that he ought to aske and expect from God blessing, helpe, defēce perseuerance, patience, counsell, comfort, more full vnderstanding of the Scriptures, and other gifts of the spirit. 4. That he is offered vnto God for a cleane, pure, and chast sacrifice, and therfore that he ought to endeauour to be pure both in bodie and soule.

But farre be all conceipt of necessity and worship, for the auoi∣ding of which, many had rather vse in stead of laying on of hands, the holding vp of hands, or giuing of hands in token of faith, loue society, and consent in doctrine after the example of the Apostles which gaue vnto Paule and Barnabas, the right hand of fellowship.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Leu. 1.4.
• b 1.2

  Gen. 4.14.
• c 1.3

  Num. 8.10
• d 1.4

  Mat. 19.15
• e 1.5

  Act. 6.6. &. 13.3 1 Tim. 4 14 & 5.22. 2 Tim. 1, 6
• f 1.6

  Act, 28.8,
• g 1.7

  Act, 8, 16 17, &, 9, 17 &. 19, 6.