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…

CHAP. VI.

SECT. III.

NOW we are come to the sixth and last general Argument, viz. that the imposition of these ceremonies is opposite unto Christian liberty. Here the Def. observeth first• that the state of this question is about liberty from the necessary observation of such things as are in their own nature indifferent. This (saith he) the Objector implieth. But I answer, the Objector doth not imply it: he speaketh of ceremonies lawfully appointed by man, that these are to be used as things indifferent. Neither if one private Obj. had granted it, ought it therefore to be set down as the received state of the question, seeing the Abridgement, which in this defence is chiefly opposed, doth every where deny the cerem• to be in their own nature indifferent. But let that pass & examine his resolution. There be two kinds of necessities incident unto humane ⟨p. 92⟩precepts and ordinances, in the case of indifferency: one is necessity of obedience to the command […] which can not properly prejudice Christiin […]: the other is doctri•• necessity: when any of those properties which are essential unto divine Ordinances are attributed unto a humane constitution: as I immediately to •inde the conscience: 2 to be a necessary means to salvation: 3 to hold it altogether unalterable by the authority of man: this is a presumption and prevarication, not only against Christian liberty, but also against the sovereignty of God himself. But I what meaneth this new distinction betwixt necessity doctrinal and obediential? doctrinal before p. 3 was opposed unto ceremoni now unto obediential; both without a logic, or sound reason. 2 He should have told us what kind of necessity obediential he meaneth: for Bll de. pont. rom. l. 4 c. 17, useth the same pretence of obedience, and allegeth the same places of Scripture for it: and yet is confuted by Junius, Whitakers and our Divines. 3 If there be doctrinal necessity, in all those humane constitutions, which have properties attributed unto them essential unto divine ordinances, then our ceremonies in controversy not only have such a mystical signification attributed unto them as is proper unto divine Ordinances; but also that they are imposed as parts of Gods worship. 4 For the three properties, which the Def.