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…

First, he giveth five reasons for the abolishing of the brazen serpent. As if any of us doubted, but that Hezekiah had reason enough for that he did: Or, as if there could not be reasons enough alleged, and those almost the very same, for abolishing of our ceremonies. Let them be abolished by public authority, and I vvill undertake reasons to justify, the action done, vvill easily be acknowledged even of those that now can see none to persuade unto the doing of it.

First, he giveth fiue reasons for the abolishing of the brazen serpent. As if any of us doubted, but that Hezekiah had reason enough for that he did: Or, as if there could not be reasons enough alledged, and those almost the very same, for abolishing of our ceremonies. Let them be abolished by publick authority, and I vvill undertake reasons to justifie, the action done, vvill easily be acknowledged even of those that now can see none to perswade unto the doing of it.

Secondly, he propoundeth, as very observable, that Hezekiah did not abolish the idols which Solomon suffered to be set up, because they were neglected. But 1 it may well be thought that those idols were destroyed by Hezekiah, and set up again before the time of Josiah, as many other superstitions were. 2 It cannot be doubted but they should have been destroyed, even though they were for the time neglected: because either Hezekiah had as good cause to destroy them as Josiah: or else he might have prevented that cause which Josiah had: and to prevent evil, we are as well bound, as to correct it.

Secondly, he propoundeth, as very observable, that Hezekiah did not abolish the idols vvhich Salomon suffered to be set up, because they were neglected. But 1 it may vvell be thought that those idols vvere destroyed by Hezekiah, and set up againe before the time of Iosiah, as many other superstitions were. 2 It cannot be doubted but they should haue been destroyed, even though they were for the time neglected: because either Hezekiah had as good cause to destroy them as Iosiah: or else he might haue prevented that cause which Iosiah had: and to prevent evill, we are as well bound, as to correct it.