IMPOSITION, which a bishop lays his hand on the head of a person, in ordination, confirmation, or in uttering a blessing. This practice is also frequently observed by the dissenters at the ordination of their ministers, when all the ministers present place their hands on the head of him whom they are ordaining, while one of them prays for a blessing on him and his future labours. This some of them retain as an ancient practice, justified by the example of the apostles, when no extraordinary gifts are conveyed. However, they are not agreed as to the propriety of this ceremony; nor do they consider it as an essential part of ordination.