_Share of Presbyters in Ordination_ (Vol. iv., p. 273.).--As a
contribution towards answering MR. GATTY'S question, I send the
following extract from Hooker:
"Here it will perhaps be objected, that the power of ordination
itself was not everywhere peculiar and proper unto bishops, as may
be seen by a council of Carthage, which showeth their church's
order to have been, that presbyters should, together with the
bishop, lay hands upon the ordained. But doth it therefore follow
that the power of ordination was not principally and originally in
the bishop?... With us, even at this day, presbyters are licensed
to do as much as that council speaketh of, _if any be
present_."--_Eccl. Pol._ b. vii, c. vi. 5. vol. iii. pp. 207-8.
ed. Keble, 1836.