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…

As touching matrimonial benediction, it also is exeemed out of Sect. 10 the compass of our present argument, because through Divine institution, it hath a necessary use, as we have said. And though the Dr to make it appear, that a Pastors performing of the same is a thing indifferent, allegeth, that in Scripture there is nothing commanded thereanent. Yet plain it is from Scripture it self, that Matrimonial benediction ought to be given by a Pastor, for ^pGod hath commanded his Ministers, to bless his people, which by just Analogy belongeth to the Ministers of the Gospel; neither is there any ground for making herein a difference, betwixt them and the Ministers of the Law, but we must conceive the commandment, to t•e both alike to the blessing of Gods People. Unto which Ministerial duty of blessing, because no such limits can be set, as may exclude Matrimonial blessing; therefore they are bound to the performance of it also. And if further we consider ^qthat the duty of blessing was performed by the Minister of the Lord, even before the law of Moses, we are yet more confirmed, to think that the ⟨p. 25⟩blessing of the people, was not commanded in the Law as a thing peculiar and proper to the Levitical Priesthood, but as a Moral & perpetual duty, belonging to the Lords Ministers for ever. Wherefore notwithstanding of any abuse of Matrimonial benediction among Papists, yet forasmuch as it hath a necessary use in the Church, and may not (as the controverted Ceremonies may) be well spared; It is manifest, that it cometh not under the respect and account of those things, whereof our Argument speaketh.

As touching matrimoniall benediction, it also is exeemed out of Sect. 10 the compasse of our present argument, because through Divine institution, it hath a necessary use, as we have said. And though the Dr to make it appeare, that a Pastors performing of the same is a thing indifferent, alledgeth, that in Scripture there is nothing commanded thereanent. Yet plaine it is from Scripture it selfe, that Matrimoniall benediction ought to be given by a Pastor, for ^pGod hath commanded his Ministers, to blesse his people, which by just Analogy belongeth to the Ministers of the Gospell; neither is there any ground for making herein a difference, betwixt them and the Ministers of the Law, but we must conceive the commandement, to te both alike to the blessing of Gods People. Vnto which Ministeriall duty of blessing, because no such limits can be set, as may exclude Matrimoniall blessing; therefore they are bound to the performance of it also. And if further we consider