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

That Calvin owned Confirmation, or Laying on of hands, to be a Divine Institution, take his own words: Nam neque satis pro sua utilitate commendari potest sanctum hoc Institutum, nec Papistae satis exprobari tam flagitiosa Corruptela, quod illud in pueriles vertendo Ineptias, non modo sustulerunt è medio, sed eo quoque ad impurae & impiae Superstitionis praetextum turpiter sunt abusi. For neither can this holy Institution (saith he) be enough commended for its Utility, nor the Papists be sufficiently upbraided with their so flagitious corruption of it, that by turning of it into childish Fopperies, they have not only taken it away, but have also so far shamefully abused it, for a colour of an impure and impious Superstition. And further he saith: Adulterinam enim illam Confirmationem, quam in ejus locum surrogarunt, instar Meretricis, magno Ceremoniarum splendour, multisque pomparum fucis, sine modo ornant. For they do beyond measure deck that Adulterous Confirmation, which they have substituted in its room, like a Harlot, with great splendour of Ceremonies. If therefore (saith that worthy Author in his said Excercitat. p. 51.) Confirmation shall be drained from these mixtures of humane Inventions that have for a long time so defaced and deformed it, viz. not called it a Sacrament; if their Popish matter (both remota, and proxima) of anointing with consecrated Chrism the forehead of the Confirmed in the form of a Cross, be removed; ⟨p. 25⟩if neither Infants nor Children, who are not yet arrived to years of discretion, be admitted, but such as are Adult, who are able to give an account of their Faith, and the work of Grace upon their hearts; finally if those feigned Effects, mentioned by them as the end and use of it, together with those idle Additions that have betided it in the declining times of the Church, be rejected and cast off; and if done only with Prayer and Laying on of hands, for the admission of Persons as full Members, to the enjoyment of all Church-Privileges, as most agreeable to that of the Apostolical and primitive times; it will (saith he) I conceive be found to be exceeding useful and advantageous, as a thing requisite, if not necessary to a right Reformation, and the reducing of the Churches of Christ to their native beauty, and primitive purest state and constitution, &c.

That Calvin owned Confirmation, or Laying on of hands, to be a Divine Institution, take his own words: Nam neque satis pro sua utilitate commendari potest sanctum hoc Institutum, nec Papistae satis exprobari tam flagitiosa Corruptela, quod illud in pueriles vertendo Ineptias, non modo sustulerunt è medio, sed eo quoque ad impurae & impiae Superstitionis praetextum turpiter sunt abusi. For neither can this holy Institution (saith he) be enough commended for its Ʋtility, nor the Papists be sufficiently upbraided with their so flagitious corruption of it, that by turning of it into childish Fopperies, they have not only taken it away, but have also so far shamefully abused it, for a colour of an impure and impious Superstition. And further he saith: Adulterinam enim illam Confirmationem, quam in ejus locum surrogarunt, instar Meretricis, magno Ceremoniarum splendore, multisque pomparum fucis, sine modo ornant. For they do beyond measure deck that Adulterous Confirmation, which they have substituted in its room, like a Harlot, with great splendor of Ceremonies. If therefore (saith that worthy Author in his said Excercitat. p. 51.) Confirmation shall be drained from these mixtures of humane Inventions that have for a long time so defaced and deformed it, viz. not called it a Sacrament; if their Popish matter (both remota, and proxima) of anointing with consecrated Chrysm the forehead of the Confirmed in the form of a Cross, be removed;