Laying on of hands upon baptized believers, as such, proved an ordinance of Christ…

Reply. I readily grant what he says about the several sorts of Laying on of hands, and the use and end of them, but must needs except against what ⟨p. 5⟩he speaks concerning the third sort: he affirms that Hands were laid upon Persons for conferring the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit; and mentions two Scriptures for proof,viz. ¹Acts 9.17. and Acts 8.14, 15. in which affirmation he altogether begs the question, and proves nothing, nor removes what has been said to this very point. In this I must withstand him, for he goes too fast. I should be glad could I be an Instrument in the hand of Christ to rectify their understanding herein who doubt about it; for they seem to be much mistaken about that Text, Acts 9.17. but especially that in Acts 8.14, 15. I shall therefore offer something in the first place to this; Doth not the Scripture say plainly in Acts 9.17. that Ananias put his hands upon Saul, that he might receive his sight? why should he say then, it was for the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit? If that which is expressed to be the effects of Ananias his putting his hands on Paul, was the only end of that Service, which is according to his own arguings upon Acts 8.14. Acts 19.16. then it was only for his sight; for it is said he received his sight, but not a word of his receiving the Holy Ghost, when he laid his hand upon him: that he was sent to Saul, that he might receive the Spirit, is granted; but whether by laying on of hands, or some other means, is yet to be proved: And this being an extraordinary case, and different from that in Acts 8.14, 15. viz. Ananias his laying hands on Saul as a blind Man, that he might receive his sight (which answers to that in