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…

Secondly, I marvel with what conscience this man can spend a great part of his Epistle in stirring up a Courtier unto the opposing of. Non-conformists? As if this were a great point of admirable wisdom and zeal, as he calleth it: and the Courtiers such, as stood in most need of instigations to the zeal of Formality, being otherwise for substance such as they should be.

Secondly, I marvaile with what conscience this man can spend a great part of his Epistle in stirring up a Courtier unto the opposing of. Non-conformists? As if this were a great point of admirable wisedome and zeale, as he calleth it: and the Courtiers such, as stood in most need of instigations to the zeale of Formalitie, being otherwise for substance such as they should be.

Thirdly, what agreement is there in this Argument, to conjure a man by the obligation of his Baptism, to stand for the defence of certain ceremonies? was he baptized into the faith of the ceremonies? or is he bound to maintain every ceremony which men have brought into that Church where he was baptized? If he were conjured by his Bishoping to such things as these, there would be more reason in the consequence.

Thirdlie, what agreement is there in this Argument, to conjure a man by the obligation of his Baptisme, to stand for the defence of certaine ceremonies? was he baptized into the faith of the cermonies? or is he bound to maintaine everie ceremonie which men haue brought into that Church where he was baptized? If he were conjured by his Bishoping to such things as these, there would be more reason in the consequence.

Fourthly, what need is there that great men should be called to aide and assist the Prelates against Non-conformists? have they not power enough in their own hands? can they not at their own pleasure suspend, deprive, excommunicate, & what almost they please? Do they not tread these poor men under their feet? Is it because that the Prelates cannot yet sufficiently prevail against them in the consciences of men, and therefore call for further help in vain? Or is the meaning, that such men should be helped unto great Bishoprics, as are most Zealous against Non-conformists? If this be the matter, I dare say the Petition shall be granted, and yet the Petitioner, except he make great progress in this eagerness, will hardly get beyond Lichfield, at least not to Canterbury.