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…

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.

Among his subdivisions, the first thing I except against is, section 5, vvhere 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 scandall: and onely 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 haue been propounded, or else to be well confirmed either with testimonies, or vvith reasons drawn out of Scripture. But alas the Def. thrusteth it upon us without any such vvarrant. The peace of the Church (saith he) is to be preferred before the grievance i. e. scandall of any sort of men. As if the peace of the Church did not more consist in avoyding of scandals, then in observing of humane ceremonies! it is not the peace of God which is broken by a charitable care of avoyding offences, but by rushing into them.