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

Now there is mention in the Scripture of a fourfold Imposition of hands used by the Lord Christ and his Apostles. The first was peculiar unto his own person in the way of Authoritative Benediction. Thus when he owned little Children to belong to his Covenant and Kingdom, He laid his hands on them, and blessed them, Mark 10. 16. But this was peculiar to himself, who had all blessings in his Power, and hereof this is the only instance. Secondly, This Rite was used in the healing of Diseases. They laid their hands on sick, weak and impotent people, healing them in a miraculous manner, Luke 4. 40. Mark 16. 18. Acts 28. 8. This was the sign of the Communication of healing virtue from the Lord Christ by their Ministry. Thirdly, Imposition of hands was used in the setting apart of persons to the office and work of the Ministry, 1 Tim. 4. 14. Chap. 5. 22. Acts 6. 6. the Rite herein was derived from the Old Testament, Numb. 8. 11. the whole Congregation laid hands on the Levites in their Consecration. And it was of old of common use among the Jews in the dedication of their Rulers, Rabbi's or Teachers, being called by them [Greek or Hebrew]. Fourthly, It was used by the Apostles in the collation of the supernatural spiritual Gifts of the Holy Ghost unto them who were baptized, Acts. 8. 17. Acts 19. 6. In no other Duties of Religion was this Rite made use of, as to any mention that is made thereof in the New Testament, or Records concerning the practice of the Primitive Churches. The first of these as we observed was only a personal action of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that in one single instance, so not here intended. The second was extraordinary also, and that wherein the generality of Christians was not concerned, nor can any reason be given, why the mention of a thing extraordinary, occasional and temporary, should be here inserted. The third was a Rite of standing use in the Church, and that wherein Church Order is much concerned. But as to the use of it one sort of persons only was concerned therein. And no just reason can be given why the Apostle from the Doctrine of the first intrants of Christian Religion, should proceed to the Ordination of Ministers, omitting all other Rites of the Church, especially that of the Supper of the Lord, wherein so great a part of the Worship of the Church consisted.