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…

4. Whereas he saith, that the Church hath power to prescribe such Rites & Ceremonies, as may cause a due respect unto, & regard of the works of Gods service, and thereby stir men up to greater fervour and devotion: by his own words shall he be condemned. For a little before, he reprehendeth the Romanists for maintaining that the Church hath power to annex unto the Ceremonies which she deviseth, the working of Spiritual and supernatural effects. And a little after, he saith, that the Church hath no power to ordain such Ceremonies as serve to signify, assure and convey unto men, such benefits of saving grace, as God in Christ is pleased to bestow on them. Now, to cause a regard of, and a respect unto the works of Gods service, and thereby to stir up men to fervour and devotion, what is it but the working of a Spiritual & supernatural effect, & the conveying unto men such a benefit of saving grace, as God in Christ is pleased to bestow on them? In like manner, whereas he holdeth, that the Church hath power to ordain such Ceremonies, as serve to express those Spiritual and Heavenly affections, dispositions, motions or desires, which are or should be in men; In the very same place he confuteth himself, whileas he affirmeth that the Church hath no power to ordain such Ceremonies as serve to signify unto men those benefits of saving grace, which God in Christ is pleased to bestow on them. Now, to express such Heavenly & Spiritual affections, dispositions, motions, or desires, as should be in men; is (I suppose) to signify unto men such benefits of saving grace, as God in Christ is pleased to bestow on them. Who dare deny it?

4. Whereas he saith, that the Church hath power to prescribe such Rites & Ceremonies, as may cause a due respect unto, & regard of the workes of Gods service, and thereby stirre men up to greater fervour and devotion: by his owne words shall he be condemned. For a little before, he reprehendeth the Romanists for maintaining that the Church hath power to annex unto the Ceremonies which she deviseth, the working of Spirituall and supernaturall effects. And a litle after, he saith, that the Church hath no power to ordaine such Ceremonies as serve to signify, assure and convey unto men, such benefites of sauing grace, as God in Christ is pleased to bestow on them. Now, to cause a regard of, and a respect unto the works of Gods service, and thereby to stirre up men to •ervour and devotion, what is it but the working of a Spirituall & supernaturall effect, & the conveying unto men such a benefit of saving grace, as God in Christ is pleased to bestow on them? In like manner, whereas he holdeth, that the Church hath power to ordaine such Ceremonies, as serve to expresse those Spirituall and Heavenly affections, dispositions, motions or desires, which are or should be in men; In the very same place he confuteth himselfe, whileas he affirmeth that the Church hath no power to ordaine such Ceremonies as serve to signifie unto men those benefites of saving grace, which God in Christ is pleased to bestow on them. Now, to expresse such Heavenly & Spirituall affections, dispositions, motions, or desires, as should be in men; is (I suppose) to signify unto men such benefites of saving grace, as God in Christ is pleased to bestow on them. Who dare deny it?