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…

But to discover the appearance of evil which is in the Ceremonies, let us consider with ^sZanchius, that the appearance of evil, from which the Apostle exhorteth to abstain, may be expounded two ways. First, it may be referred to the preceding words, and so meant of Prophecy and trying the Doctrine of Prophets or Preachers, for we should be ware in this matter, of all which hath any appearance of evil, that is, from all things, quae ab Haereticis in suam sententiam, malamque consequentiam trahi possunt. For example saith Zanchius, Nestorius said that we are saved by the blood, not of the Son of God, but of the son of man. Now if any suppressing that negative, should say, we are saved by the blood of the son of man, though this might receive a right explication, yet it hath an appearance of evil, because from it Nestorius might confirm his heresy. Appearance of evil thus expounded, will be found in the Ceremonies in question. If a Phrase or form of speaking, from which Heretics may draw bad consequences, & confirm their errors, though not truly, yet in show, be an appearance of evil; then much more are visible Ceremonies and received Customs, from which Heretics get occasion to confirm their heretical errors and damnable superstitions, very plain and undeniable appearances of much evil.

But to discover the appearance of evill which is in the Ceremonies, let us consider with ^sZanchius, that the appearance of evill, from which the Apostle exhorteth to abstaine, may be expounded two wayes. First, it may be referred to the preceeding words, and so meant of Prophecie and trying the Doctrine of Prophets or Preachers, for we should be ware in this matter, of all which hath any appearance of evill, that is, from all things, quae ab Haereticis in suam sententiam, malamque consequentiam trahi possunt. For example saith Zanchius, Nestorius said that we are saved by the blood, not of the Sonne of God, but of the sonne of man. Now if any suppressing that negative, should say, we are saved by the blood of the sonne of man, though this might receave a right explication, yet it hath an appearance of evill, because from it Nestorius might confirme his heresie. Appearance of evill thus expounded, will be found in the Ceremonies in question. If a Phrase or forme of speaking, from which Heretikes may draw bad consequences, & confirme their errors, though not truly, yet in shew, be an appearance of evill; then much more are visible Ceremonies and receaved Customes, from which Heretikes get occasion to confirme their hereticall errors and damnable superstitions, very plaine and undeniable appearances of much evill.