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…

belike if these our Opposites had been their counsellors, they had advised them to be contented with such a moderation: yet we see they were better counselled, when they destroyed utterly the things themselves: whereby we know, that they were of the same mind with us, and thought that things abused to Idolatry, if they have no necessary use, are far better away then a place. Did Daniel refuse Bells meat, because it was not restored to the right use? Nay, if that had been all, it might have been quickly helped, and the meat sanctified by the word of God and prayer. Finally, were the Churches of Pergamos and Theatyra, reproved, because they did not restore things sacrificed to Idols, to their right use? or, were they not rather reproved for having any thing at all a doe with the things themselves?

belike if these our Opposites had beene their counsellers, they had advised them to be contented with such a moderation: yet we see they were better counselled, when they destroyed utterly the things themselves: whereby we know, that they were of the same mind with us, and thought that things abused to Idolatry, if they have no necessary use, are farre better away then aplace. Did Daniel refuse Bels meate, because it was not restored to the right use? Nay, if that had beene all, it might have beene quickly helped, and the meate sanctified by the word of God and prayer. Finally, were the Churches of Pergamos and Theatyra, reprooved, because they did not restore things sacrificed to Idolls, to their right use? or, were they not rather reprooved for having any thing at all a doe with the things themselves?

3. As for that which Dr. Forbesse objecteth to us, we answer, that Sect. 8 Temples, places of Prayer, Chairs, Vessels, and Bells, are of a necessary use, by the light and guidance of nature it self, and Matrimonial benediction is necessary by Gods institution, Gen. 1. 28. So that all those examples do except themselves from the argument in hand. But ^fthe Dr. intendeth to bring those things within the category of things indifferent, and to this purpose he allegeth, that it is indifferent to use this, or that place, for a Temple, or a place of prayer: also to use these Vessels, and Bells, or others; And of Matrimonial benediction to be performed by a Pastor, he saith, there is nothing commanded in scripture. Ans. Though it be indifferent to choose this place, or that place, &c. also to use these Vessels, or other Vessels, &c. yet the Dr (I trust) will not deny that Temples, houses of prayer, Vessels, and Bells are of a necessary use, (which exeemeth them from the touch of our present argument:) whereas beside, that it is not necessary to kneel in the communion in this place, more then in that place, neither to keep the feasts of Christs Nativity, Passion, &c. upon these days more then upon other days, &c. the things themselves are not necessary in their kind, and it is not necessary to keep any festival day, nor to kneel at all in the act of receiving the communion. There is also another respect which hindereth Temples, Vessels, &c. from coming within the compass of this our argument: but neither doth it agree to the controverted Ceremonies. Temples, houses of Prayer, Vessels for the ministration of the Sacraments, and Bells, are not used by us in Divine worship, as things Sacred; or as holier then other houses, Vessels, and Bells; But we use them only for