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…

We will begin with Laws Ecclesiastical: where first of all, it must be considered well, what power the Church hath to make laws about things pertaining to Religion & the Worship of God, and how far the same doth extend it self. D. Fields resolution, touching this Question, is as followeth. Thus, saith ^ehe, we see our Adversaries cannot prove that the Church hath power to annex unto such Ceremonies and observations as she deviseth, the remission of sins, and the working of other Spiritual and supernatural effects, which is the only thing questioned between them and us about the power of the Church. So that all the power the Church hath, more then by her power to publish the Commandments of Christ the Son of God, and by her censures to punish the offenders against the same, is only in prescribing things that pertain to comeliness and order. Comeliness requireth that not only that gravity and modesty do appear in the performance of the works of Gods service, that beseemeth actions of that nature, but also that such Rites and Ceremonies be used, as may cause a due respect unto and regard of the things performed, and thereby stir men up to greater fervour and devotion.

We will beginne with Lawes Ecclesiasticall: where first of all, it must be considered well, what power the Church hath to make lawes about things pertaining to Religion & the Worship of God, and how farre the same doth extend it self. D. Fields resolution, touching this Question, is as followeth. Thus, saith ^ehe, we see our Adversaries cannot prove that the Church hath power to annex unto such Ceremonies and observations as she deviseth, the remission of sinnes, and the working of other Spirituall and supernaturall effects, which is the only thing questioned between them and us about the power of the Church. So that all the power the Church hath, more then by her power to publish the Commandements of Christ the Sonne of God, and by her censures to punish the offenders against the same, is only in prescribing things that pertaine to comelinesse and order. Comelinesse requireth that not only that gravity and modesty doe appeare in the performance of the works of Gods service, that beseemeth actions of that nature, but also that such Rites and Ceremonies bee used, as may cause a due respect unto and regard of the things performed, and thereby stirre men up to greater fervour and devotion.