A19178:219
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.
SECT. XXVII.
THE next instance (like the former) is the kiss of peace. To which our answer is, that it was a natural indicant sign of peace and reconciliation. But the Def. borrowing light from some oratorial phrases of the Fathers, will prove the contrary: though it be as manifest as any thing can be, both by Scripture, and also by other histories, that it was a civill natural fashion used in those parts upon civill occasions as well as holy. Now what doth he prove? First the institution, so far as it was not commanded by Christ, was humane. This he affirmeth, but proveth not: and in his affirmation wavereth like a reed shaken with some wind. So far it was from Christ; and so far it was from man: and yet we hear not how far from either. The plain truth is, it was of no institution ⟨p. 48⟩at all: but of natural inclination and civill custom, used long before the coming of Christ, as is to be seen every where in the old Testament, Gen. 29. 13. 1. Sam. 20. 41. &c. yet by direction or custom it received constant application unto some special acts. Secondly, he saith, it was significant, that is, it had a natural fitness to declare the inward affection of love. What is this to a signification imposed by man? it was so significant as shaking of hands: which gesture also used to be joined with it: Tunc ambo nexi ad invicem dextras damus in osculo pacis sacrae, &c. It did so signify love as the turning away of the face doth signify alienation of mind. But (saith he) it signified Christian love. As if Christian love had not in it the common nature of love, and therefore cannot be signified partly by natural signs common to love. Cleanliness in the celebration of the sacraments, is the same that it is at another feast; though in regard of that application, it may be called Christian or holy cleanliness or decency. Thirdly, he saith, it was used in time of holy worship. So no doubt was giving of the upper place unto the Elders, &c. in token of reverence: and yet it was no religious instituted sign of mystical signification: such reasons as these bewray more confidence then good consideration.