=20.= Among the instances recorded in the New Testament, we may mention the following: Peter and John conferred the Holy Ghost upon Philip's converts at Samaria, as already noted, and the ordinance was performed by prayer and the laying on of hands.[498] Paul operated in the same manner on the Ephesians whom he had caused to be baptized; and "when he had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied."[499] Paul also refers to this ordinance in his admonition to Timothy not to neglect the gift so bestowed.[500] The same apostle, in enumerating the cardinal principles and ordinances of the Church of Christ, includes the laying on of hands as following baptism.[501] [498] Acts viii, 14-17. Read the account of Simon, the magician, in the same chapter. [499] Acts xix, 2-6. [500] II Tim. i, 6. [501] Heb. vi, 1-2. =21.= Alma so invoked the power of the Holy Ghost in behalf of his co-laborers:[502]--"He clapped his hands upon all them who were with him. And behold, as he clapped his hands upon them they were filled with the Holy Spirit." The Savior gave authority to the twelve chosen Nephites,[503] by touching them one by one; they were thus commissioned to bestow the Holy Ghost. [502] Alma xxxi, 36. [503] III Nephi xviii, 36, 37. =22.= In this dispensation, it has been made a duty of the Priesthood "to confirm those who are baptized into the Church by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost."[504] The Lord has promised that the Holy Ghost shall follow these authoritative acts of His servants.[505] The ceremony of laying on of hands for the bestowal of the Holy Ghost is associated with that of confirmation in the Church. The officiating elder acting in the name and by the authority of Jesus Christ, says, "_Receive ye the Holy Ghost_;" and "_I confirm you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints_." Even these words are not prescribed, but their meaning should be expressed in the ceremony; and to such may be added other words of blessing and invocation as the Spirit of the Lord may dictate to the officiating elder. This act completes the outward form of the baptism so indispensable to salvation--the birth of water and of the Spirit. [504] Doc. and Cov. xx, 41, 43. [505] Doc. and Cov. xxxv, 6; xxxix, 6, 23; xlix, 11-14. =23.= The authority to so bestow the Holy Ghost belongs to the higher or Melchizedek Priesthood,[506] whereas water-baptism may be administered by a priest, officiating in the ordinances of the lesser or Aaronic order of priesthood.[507] This order of authority, as made known through revelation, explains that while Philip had authority to administer the ordinance of baptism to the converted Samaritans, others who held the higher priesthood had to be sent to confer upon them the Holy Ghost.[508] [506] Doc. and Cov. xx, 38-43. [507] Doc. and Cov. xx, 46, 50. [508] See Acts viii, 5-17.