THeir confirmation, or laying on of hands is also of the same* 1.1 linage, for though the Apostles had power to give the Holy Ghost to whom they were directed so to doe, by a secret inspira∣tion of the same Spirit; it doth not follow, that the Mitered Bishops hath the like priviledge, or power, to grant the like strength of Spirituall grace in that manner, and that for these reasons:
1. Because they are usurpers of that Office, and calling which* 1.2 was conferred by Christ or his Apostles, and so cannot any way justly claime any such power and anthority as the Apostles had; which may appeare in that Christ did not commit the Govern∣ment of his Church to dumbe Priests, for whom he sent, he sent to preach, Luke 10. and not to make Crucifixes, and blesse Al∣tars, or to observe mens traditions; he meant not to play a Pa∣giant, that men should disguise themselves, by wearing Rochets, Copes, Surplices, &c. neither to preach his Gospel with windy eloquence, but in the celestiall power of the Spirit, as the Apo∣stle saith, 1 Cor. 2. 1. 4. but all these are done by these Prelates, ergo not fit instruments to preach the Gospel.