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…

The Defendant here maketh great flourishing in nine whole Sections, defining, dividing, and subdividing a scandal, as if he would make all clear before him: but at the end of all this preparation, he maketh no application of these Rules unto the matter in hand at all: but only, telleth his Reader, p. 154, That these divisions and subdivisions will expedite all difficulties, so that out of them he may collect the true and false sense of Scriptures alleged. It were sufficient therefore either to deny this power to be in his divisions: or else to set down as many other subdivisions of scandal (which were easy to do) and then tell him that these vvill expedite the controversy, and that from them he may collect the errors of his answer. But I will notwithstanding briefly show my opinion concerning some of these dictates.

The Defendant heere maketh great flourishing in nine whole Sections, defining, dividing, and subdividing a scandall, as if he would make all cleare before him: but at the end of all this preparation, he maketh no application of these Rules unto the matter in hand at all: but onely, telleth his Reader, p. 154, That these divisions and subdivisions will expedite all difficulties, so that out of them he may collect the true and false sense of Scriptures alledged. It vvere sufficient therefore either to deny this power to be in his divisions: or else to set down as many other subdivisions of scandall (vvhich vvere easie to doe) and then tell him that these vvill expedite the controversie, and that from them hee may collect the errours of his answer. But I will notwithstanding briefly shew my opinion concerning some of these dictates.

The definition which he only alloweth of as accurate is, that a scandal is a wilful offence against Christians, in provoking of them unto any damnable error or sin, by any sensible external means: Sect. 1. Wherein notwithstanding many faults may be found. For 1 every scandal is not wilful, except the word be taken more largely then use of speech will allow. 2 Every scandal is not against Christians. 3 A scandal is not only by provoking to sin, but also in hindering from good. 4 what doth he mean to put in the word damnable? the occasioning of any sin, sufficeth to make up a scandal.