A76157:241
Confirmation and restoration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of…Confirmation and restauration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of…
Confirmation and restoration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of the corruptions and divisions of the churches: submissively, but earnestly tendered to the consideration of the sovereign powers, magistrates, ministers, and people, that they may awake, and be up and doing in the execution of so much, as appeareth to be necessary as they are true to Christ, his Church and Gospel, and to their own and others souls, and to the peace and welfare of the nations; and as they will answer the neglect to Christ, at their peril. / By Richard Baxter, an unworthy minister of Christ, that longeth to see the healing of the churches.Confirmation and restauration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of the corruptions and divisions of the churches: submissively, but earnestly tendered to the consideration of the soveraigne powers, magistrates, ministers, and people, that they may awake, and be up and doing in the execution of so much, as appeareth to be necessary as they are true to Christ, his Church and Gospel, and to their own and others souls, and to the peace and wellfare of the nations; and as they will answer the neglect to Christ, at their peril. / By Richard Baxter, an unworthy minister of Christ, that longeth to see the healing of the churches.
London: printed by A.M. for Nevil Simmons book-seller, 1658
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
3. The Scripture signifieth to us, that Imposition of hands was of standing use in the Church, and therefore not to cease with Miracles. In Heb. 6. 2. We find it named among the parts of the Foundation, Laying on of hands. Now all the doubt is, what Imposition of hands is there mentioned. 1. For them that think the Apostle meaneth Jewish Imposition, when he mentioneth the Christian Foundation Points, I think their Opinion ⟨p. 122⟩saveth me the labour of Confuting it. 2. Either then it is Imposition of hands, in case of Ordination, or in case of Confirmation, or in case of Absolution, or for working Miraculous cures. The last alone it cannot be, because we find it among Foundation Points, and find it a continued thing; and because there is no evidence, to lead us to such a restrained exposition. And if it be in the case of Absolution, or Ordination, that Imposition is to continue, it will by consequence be proved, that it no more ceaseth here then there. And usually they that question the use of it in one case, question it in the rest. 3. For my part, I think that it is no one of these cases alone, that the Scripture here speaketh of, but of the Power and use of it in General, for the Ministers of Christ to be his Instruments, in conferring Evangelical Gifts, and Power, by imposition of hands. We must not limit, and restrain the sense of Scripture, without Evident cause. It is as if the Apostle had said, You are long ago taught the Necessity of Repenting, and forsaking the works of Death, and of Believing in the true God, and of being Dedicated, and Engaged to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost in the Baptismal Covenant, in which you your selves have been consecrated unto God, and ⟨p. 123⟩received the remission of sin; and you have seen the Power that is given to the Ministers of Christ, that by their Prayers, and Imposition of hands, Miracles have been wrought to confirm their Doctrine, and Grace is given to confirm the Soul, and Absolution and Peace is given to the Penitent, and Ministerial Power delivered to others, &c. But however you understand this Imposition of hands, without apparent violence, you must confess either Imposition in the case that we are speaking of, or that which will warrant it, and stands on the same ground, to be here meant.