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. II.

THE Abridgement beginneth the proof of the proposition thus. This may appear 1 by the second Come: which forbids all provocation unto spiritual fornication, as the seventh doth unto that which is carnal. 2 By ••e commandment and direction God hath given as in his word, 3 By the equity and reason of these commandments. Now the Def. though he professeth a full answer to all that is objected, yet he silently passeth over the first proof out of the second Command. wholly: and in the 2 and 3 proof, where about forty places of Scripture are cited for confirmation of them, he doth not attempt to answer above 8 or 9. But let us examine his answer to these.

THE Abridgement beginneth the proofe of the proposition thus. This may appeare 1 by the second Com: vvhich forbids all provocation unto spiritual fornication, as the seventh doth unto that which is carnall. 2 By ••e commandement and direction God hath given as in his vvord, 3 By the equity and reason of these commandements. Now the Def. though he professeth a full answer to all that is objected, yet he silently passeth over the first proofe out of the second Command. vvholly: and in the 2 and 3 proofe, vvhere about forty places of Scripture are cited for confirmation of them, he doth not attempt to answer aboue 8 or 9. But let us examine his answer to these.

Lev. 18 &c. three kind of things are forbidden, 1 incest, 2 rounding their heads and cutting their flesh for the dead, 3 sowing with diverse seeds, and letting diverse beasts to engender together. The first was a sin against nature: the second was a wicked custom of infidelity; the third did signify adultery: in all which our ceremonies are innocent. He answereth here only unto the places taken out of the 18 and 19 of Lev. concerning which I reply 1 that in the first place the words are general, v. 3 4: howsoever therefore in the following verses they be applied unto foul sins, yet seeing in other places of Scripture the like application is made unto ceremonies, they were therefore mentioned as the general ground, comprehending both kinds in it, and joined unto other places condemning conformity with idolaters even in matters of ceremony. 2 The second and third were no more wicked, nor yet so much in any respect among the Heathen, as our ceremonies have been among the Papists: And therefore in these, M. Calvins collection in