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…

But why irreligious? because it is persisting in an error, for the preservation of their own credit. But 1 who taught the Def. to make that which is in question the ground of an accusation in dispute. First, let him prove that it is an error, before he take it so for granted, that upon that ground he vvill challenge mens reasons as irreligious. 2 It is not their credit, but the credit of their Ministry which they speak of. 3 Is it such an irreligious thing, to desire that certain ceremonies may not be imposed upon them, lest their Ministry be by that means prejudiced?

But vvhy irreligious? because it is persisting in an errour, for the preservation of their own credit. But 1 vvho taught the Def. to make that vvhich is in question the ground of an accusation in dispute. First, let him proue that it is an errour, before he take it so for granted, that upon that ground he vvill challenge mens reasons as irreligious. 2 It is not their credit, but the credit of their Ministery vvhich they speake of. 3 Is it such an irreligious thing, to desire that certaine ceremonies may not bee imposed upon them, lest their Ministery be by that meanes prejudiced?

Why partial? because men should rather yield to Conformity for the credit of the Church: i. e. for the credit of the Convocation house. Alas, the credit which a great part of that generation doth seek for, is that they may rejoice in our flesh. But suppose they meant sincerely: would the Def. have men discredit and prejudice their Ministry, to bring some credit unto other mens decrees? Or doth the forbearing of some ceremonies bring such discredit to the Authorizers of them? surely then they are more for the honour of mortal men, then for the honour of God. For Gods honour and worship is no ways prejudiced by their absence.

Why partiall? because men should rather yeeld to Conformitie for the credit of the Church: i. e. for the credit of the Convocation house. Alas, the credit which a great part of that generation doth seek for, is that they may rejoyce in our flesh. But suppose they meant sincerely: vvould the Def. haue men discredit and prejudice their Ministery, to bring some credit unto other mens decrees? Or doth the forbearing of some ceremonies bring such discredit to the Authorizers of them? surely then they are more for the honor of mortall men, then for the honour of God. For Gods honour and worship is no vvaies prejudiced by their absence.