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…

SECT. XXIX.

Here is alleged the universal custom of the ancient Church, even from the Apostles times for confirmation of humane mystical ceremonies in Gods worship. To which I answer, 1 of the first and purest times, next after the Apostles, this cannot be proved: nor is likely, because it is not to be thought that all Churches would immediately admit of any thing which they had not received from the Apostles. 2 For the next ages it may easily be showed, that the best Writers taught many general rules concerning the perfection of Scripture, and the purity of Gods worship, which cannot stand with these humane inventions: howsoever in their practise they were carried away unto other customs. 3 The infinite troubles of those times against Infidels and Heretics, about the chief grounds and main foundations of faith, would not suffer them to examine these points of less moment as they should. And in deed, they were so taken up with those conflicts, that they neglected many usual truths. So that if all should be received which the Fathers practised, neither any thing understood but by their interpretations, we should be destitute of much truth, and overcharged with the burden of humane presumptions, as Augustine complained in his time, ep. 119, 4 the Lord in justice would have Antichrist to prevail: which mystery could never have grown to any ripeness, had the worship of God been preserved sincere. That corruption begot him, and the reformation thereof must be his utter ruin. It is sufficient that the lamentable experience of fifteen hundred years hath declared unto us, what fruit of significant ceremonies brought by man into Gods worship are wont to afford unto those that affect them. To fetch authority in this case, from their practise, by which hath ensued such inestimable hurt to the Church of God, is not the wisdom of the burnt child, who dreadeth the fire.

HEere is alledged the universal custome of the ancient Church, even from the Apostles times for confirmation of humane mysticall ceremonies in Gods vvorship. To vvhich I answer, 1 of the first and purest times, next after the Apostles, this cannot be proved: nor is likely, because it is not to be thought that all Churches vvould immediately admit of any thing vvhich they had not received from the Apostles. 2 For the next ages it may easily be shewed, that the best Writers taught many generall rules concerning the perfection of Scripture, and the purity of Gods worship, vvhich cannot stand vvith these humane inventions: howsoever in their practise they vvere carried away unto other customes. 3 The infinite troubles of those times against Infidels and Heretickes, about the chiefe grounds and maine foundations of faith, vvould not suffer them to examine these points of lesse moment as they should. And in deed, they vvere so taken up with those conflicts, that they neglected many usuall truths. So that if all should be received vvhich the Fathers practised, neither any thing understood but by their interpretations, vve should be destitute of much truth, and overcharged vvith the burthen of humane presumptions, as Augustine complained in his time, ep. 119, 4 the Lord in justice vvould haue Antichrist to prevail: which mysterie could never haue grown to any ripenesse, had the worship of God been preserved sincere. That corruption begot him, and the reformation thereof must be his utter ruine. It is sufficient that the lamentable experience of fifteen hundred yeres hath declared unto us, vvhat fruit of significant ceremonies brought by man into Gods worship are wont to affoord unto those that affect them. To fetch authority in this case, from their practise, by which hath insued such inestimable hurt to the Church of God, is not the vvisedome of the burnt child, vvho dreadeth the fire.