A dispute against the English-popish ceremonies, obtruded upon the Church of Scotland Wherein not…A dispute against the English-popish ceremonies, obtruded vpon the Church of Scotland Wherein not…

I. When you see so much diversity both of opinion and practise in things pertaining to Religion, the rather you ought to give all diligence, ^1xfor trying the things which are different. If you Judge us ⟨image 5⟩before you hear us, then ^ydo you contrary to the very Law of Nature and Nations. Neither will it help you at your reckoning, to say, we believed our spiritual Guides, our Prelates and Preachers whom God had set over us. Nay: What if your Guides be blind? Then they do not only fall in the ditch themselves, but ^zyou with them. ^aOur Master would not have the Jews to rest upon the Testimony of John Baptist himself, but would have them to search the Scriptures: by which touch-stone ^bthe Bereans tried the Apostles own Doctrine, and are commended for so doing. But as we wish you not to condemn our cause, without examining the same by the Word, so neither do we desire you blindly to follow us in adhering unto it. For what if your seeing Guides be taken from you? How then shall you see to keep out of the ditch? We would neither have you to fight for us, nor against us, like the blind swordplayers Andabatae, a people who were said to fight with their eyes closed. ^cConsider therefore what we say, and the Lord give you understanding in all things.

I. When you see so much diversity both of opinion and practise in things pertaining to Religion, the rather you ought to give all diligence, ^1xfor trying the things which are different. If you Iudge us