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 greatest scandal of all (saith the Defend.) is against the Church. Now this Non-conformists are made guilty of two ways: 1. comparatively in this section, and then absolutely in the next. The comparative accusation is, that we for avoiding of offence towards our brethren, grievously offend our mother, in that wherein ⟨p. 90⟩we owe obedience unto her. Where 1. the question is taken for granted, for we deny that we owe obedience in the ceremonies to any man or society of men. 2. If our mother be somewhat angry, that is not presently a scandal by his definition, sect. 1. but when she is provoked to a mortal error. Now what mortal error do we provoke the Church to? Our desire and scope is, that the ceremonies should be either wholly removed, or else left free to use or disuse: this is no mortal error, I hope. The event by accident is the silencing, depriving, excluding, and molesting of us for Non-conformitie: This indeed is a great error and sin of the Prelates; but as was formerly showed, the beginning of it is in their irregular Canons, and the ending of it, in their cruel executions. 3. by applying our selves to the will of the Prelates in these ceremonies, we should, though not anger, yet greatly scandalize them, by confirming them in a sin of making their own will a rule to the Churches, even in mystical ceremonies of superstitious worship, contrary to their and our daily prayer, Thy will be done. 4. The convocation doth not carry herself like a mother toward us: neither do we acknowledge any such honour to belong unto it. As for the faithful congregations of England, the greattest part of them would willingly be rid of these burdens.