A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

But I yet adhere to the former Exposition, and that also because unto Baptisms, Imposition of hands, whose nature we must netly enquire into, is added.

But I yet adhere to the former Eposition, and that also because unto Baptisms, Imposition of hands, whose nature we must netly enquire into, is added.

Some suppose that by this Imposition of hands that Rite in the Church which was afterward called Confirmation, is intended. For whereas there were two sorts of persons ¹that were baptized, namely, those that were adult at their first hearing of the Gospel, and the infant Children of Believers who were admitted to be members of the Church; the first sort were instructed in the principles mentioned before they were admitted unto Baptism, by the profession whereof they laid the foundation of their own personal Right thereunto. But the other being received as a part and branches of a Family whereupon the blessing of Abraham was come, and to whom the Promise of the Covenant was extended, being thereon baptized in their Infancy, were to be instructed in them, as they grew up unto years of understanding. Afterwards when they were established in the ⟨p. 33⟩knowledge of these necessary truths, and had resolved on personal Obedience unto the Gospel, they were offered unto the fellowship of the Faithful. And hereon giving the same account of their Faith and Repentance which others had done before they were baptized, they were admitted into the Communion of the Church, the Elders thereof laying their hands on them in token of their Acceptation, and praying for their Confirmation in the Faith. Hence the same Doctrines became previously necessary unto both these Rites, before Baptism to them that were adult, and towards them who were baptized in Infancy before the Imposition of hands. And I do acknowledge that this was the state of things in the Apostolical Churches, and that it ought to be so in all others. Persons baptized in their Infancy ought to be instructed in the fundamental principles of Religion, and make profession of their own Faith and Repentance before they are admitted into the Society of the Church. But that in those first days of the first Churches, persons were ordinarily after Baptism admitted into their Societies by Imposition of hands, is no where intimated in the Scripture. And the whole business of Confirmation is of a much later date, so that it cannot be here intended. For it must have respect unto, and express somewhat that was then in common use.