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 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.

The definition vvhich he onely alloweth of as accurate is, that a scandall is a wilfull offence against Christians, in provoking of them unto any damnable errour or sinne, by any sensible externall meanes: Sect. 1. Wherein notwithstanding many faults may be found. For 1 every scandall is not wilfull, except the word be taken more largely then use of speech will allow. 2 Every scandall is not against Christians. 3 A scandall is not onely by provoking to sinne, but also in hindring from good. 4 what doth he meane to put in the word damnable? the occasioning of any sin, sufficeth to make up a scandall.

Among his subdivisions, the first thing I except against is, section 5, where he distinguisheth so betwixt persons and causes, ⟨p. 76⟩either determined or undetermined, that in matters determined by the Church (as he teacheth) obedience is to be given without respect of scandal: and only in matters undetermined there is a charitable consideration to be had of other mens consciences. This is a new and a tickle point of Divinity touching the tenderest part of our spirits, even our consciences, and other mens also. It ought therefore either not to have been propounded, or else to be well confirmed either with testimonies, or with reasons drawn out of Scripture. But alas the Def. thrusteth it upon us without any such warrant. The peace of the Church (saith he) is to be preferred before the grievance i. e. scandal of any sort of men. As if the peace of the Church did not more consist in avoiding of scandals, then in observing of humane ceremonies! it is not the peace of God which is broken by a charitable care of avoiding offences, but by rushing into them.