A19178:164
A reply to Dr. Mortons general Defence of three nocent [sic] ceremonies viz. the…A reply to Dr. Mortons generall Defence of three nocent [sic] ceremonies viz. the…
A reply to Dr. Mortons general Defence of three nocent [sic] ceremonies viz. the surplice, cross in baptism, and kneeling at the receiving of the sacramental elements of bread and wine.A reply to Dr. Mortons generall Defence of three nocent [sic] ceremonies viz. the surplice, crosse in baptisme, and kneeling at the receiving of the sacramentall elements of bread and wine.
Amsterdam: printed by Giles Thorp, 1622
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4 Whatsoever is ordained in the Church as a teaching sign, that ought often to be interpreted unto the people in Sermons: for that is the teaching which must clear and perfect all teaching of signs: and should not they preach fairly in the name and words of Christ, that should expound unto the people the signification of a surplice and a cross? Would not this also be much for the edification of the people, that sometime they must hear of the moral good which the ceremonies teach: and sometime be admonished of the right meaning of our convocation house in the appointing of these ceremonies, left they turn them to moral evil in superstition: and at other times they must be instructed, how to defend these ceremonies against the opposers of them, lest otherwise they use them without faith? Surely all the Sermons which many Parishes hear, would •caree be sufficient for this doctrine of Ceremonies.
4 Whatsoever is ordained in the Church as a teaching signe, that ought often to bee interpreted unto the people in Sermons: for that is the teaching which must cleare and perfect all teaching of signes: and should not they preach fairly in the name and words of Christ, that should expound unto the people the signification of a surplice and a crosse? Would not this also be much for the edification of the people, that sometime they must heare of the morall good vvhich the ceremonies teach: and sometime be admonished of the right meaning of our convocation house in the appointing of these ceremonies, left they turne them to morall evill in superstition: and at other times they must be instructed, how to defend these ceremonies against the opposers of them, lest otherwise they use them without faith? Surely all the Sermons which many Parishes heare, would •caree be sufficient for this doctrine of Ceremonies.
5 I dare appeal to the eonfciences of the best conforming Christians, whether ever they found themselves truly stirred up to holiness, by the Surplice, or to constancy by the Cross? one thing I am sure of, that in some one congregation where these ceremonies have not appeared for 20 or 30 years together, there hath been more holiness and constancy of faith, then in many Cathedral Churches where they were never omitted.