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…

SECT. XVII.

Among his accusations wherein he chargeth us with manifold scandals, the first is, that some weak ones by occasion of these differences, stand amazed, and so become more remiss in profession of religion. Where 1. it is to be observed, that when we spake of weak-ones sect. 12. it was put off with this pretence, that they were such as we had catechised. Now then, who are these weak ones? I hope the Bishops provide that people of their Dioceses are well catechised: whence then is this weakness. 2. Differences in matters of circumstance are not wont to breed scandal, until some authority enjoin uniformity, as we may see in the primitive churches. 3. If differences be the occasion of this scandal, surely those that differ from us, may as well be accused therefore, as we that differ from them, especially when we urge nothing of ours upon them, but they impose their own devices upon us, and so are causes of the differences. 4. the amazement which some have, wondering what vvill be the event of differences, is no damnable error, which by the Def. is required to a scandal, sect. 1. And if they grow remiss in religion upon it, that is their sin. I am sure zeal against superstition, and for pure and undefiled worship, hath no fitness in it to work remissness in religion: but urging of humane devices in Gods worship, tendeth directly thither.

AMong his accusations wherein he chargeth us with manifold scandalls, the first is, that some weak ones by occasion of these differences, stand amazed, and so become more remisse in profession of religion. Where 1. it is to bee observed, that when wee spake of weake-ones sect. 12. it was put off with this pretence, that they vvere such as we had catechised. Now then, vvho are these vveak ones? I hope the Bishops provide that people of their Diocesses are well catechised: whence then is this weaknesse. 2. Differences in matters of circumstance are not wont to breed scandal, vntill some authoritie injoyne uniformitie, as vve may see in the primitiue churches. 3. If differences be the occasion of this scandal, surely those that differ from us, may as vvell be accused therefore, as we that differ from them, especially vvhen we urge nothing of ours upon them, but they impose their owne devices upon us, and so are causes of the differences. 4. the amazement vvhich some haue, vvondring vvhat vvill be the event of differences, is no damnable error, which by the Def. is required to a scandall, sect. 1. And if they grow remisse in religion upon it, that is their sinne. I am sure zeale against superstition, and for pure and undefiled worship, hath no fitnesse in it to vvork remissenesse in religion: but urging of humane devices in Gods vvorship, tendeth directly thither.