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…

Fourthly and lastly (which only in deed is to the purpose) the Def. would show us a disparity betwixt the idolatry of the Jews, and that of the Papists. The first is, that that idolatry of the Jews was done publicly, and generally, and in the bowels of the same Church: but the Papists is not so. To which I answer 1 these circumstances are not rendered as reasons of the abolishing in the text, but invented by the Def. 2 private particular idolatry is to be removed as well as public and general: 3 all these circumstances did more then agree to our ceremonies in the beginning of our reformation. And sure they are not grown better since, by any good that they have done.

Fourthly and lastly (vvhich onely in deed is to the purpose) the Def. vvould shew us a disparity betwixt the idolatry of the Iewes, and that of the Papists. The first is, that that idolatry of the Iewes was done publickely, and generally, and in the bowels of the same Church: but the Papists is not so. To which I answer 1 these circumstances are not rendred as reasons of the abolishing in the text, but invented by the Def. 2 private particular idolatry is to be removed as well as publick and generall: 3 all these circumstances did more then agree to our ceremonies in the beginning of our reformation. And sure they are not grown better since, by any good that they haue done.

The second difference which the Def. imagineth, is that there was no other means to cure the idolatry of those times: but now there is. I answ. 1 this is the very question whether there be any other sufficient means to cure the disease of humane ceremonies idolatrously abused beside abolishing. 2 It is a vain imagination whereby this difference is confirmed, and no reason at all. In the Dominions of our Hezekiah (saith the Def.) this disease would be found curable without any such extremity. But the experience of 50 or 60 years show, that hitherto it is not cured neither in Ireland, nor Wales, to say nothing of England. Surely our Prelates are miserable Physicians, that in a disease so easy to be cured, suffer the patients to languish under their hands, unto death. Especially (saith he) in this our most truly reformed Church, which doth most lively express the face and full body of her primitive mother Church. This he hath now 3 or 4 times repeated: as if he did desire to make a question of it: and here propounds it with a doubt, if you will allow. It is not sit here to make a long digression about this matter. In short therefore thus, we allow with all thankfulness, that our Church is to be called a reformed Church in regard of the main points of faith, which are purely and freely taught among us with public approbation: and also in regard that the grossest superstitions are by public authority cast out of our Assembles. But if our Ecclesiastical government be considered, and some ceremonious superstitions, we deny utterly, that we have such a reformation therein, as may represent the face of the primitive Church. Let the Defendant tell us, if ever the primitive Church had such chanting idol service as is every day to be seen in our Cathedral Churches? If there were in the primitive Church Chancellors, Commissaries, Officials under the