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. VI.

Here an objection is feigned out of the Abridgement p. 34, I say feigned, because there is none such found in the place quoted. That which is there spoken concerning other Popish ceremonies, is a sixth proof of the second Argument, distinct from the fifth, whereto that of Christian liberty doth belong. That also is handled by the Def. c. 3 l. 7, and there maintained against him. So that this might well be omitted. Yet because there is some force in the consequence, let us hear his Defence. The objection which he frameth is this: If these ceremonies do not take away our Christian liberty, and ensnare the consciences of men, by their imposition; how shall not the Popish ceremonies be excusable, and free from accusation in this behalf? His answer is, that Popish ceremonies do infringe Christian ⟨p. 95⟩liberty both in regard of their nature, and also in regard of their number. And of both these M. Calvin giveth witness. I answer 1 for the nature, it hath been showed before, that a multitude of Popish ceremonies have no other nature and necessity allowed unto them by the learned Papists, then ours have by the Defendant himself. See for this Bellarmine de effect. sacr. c. 30. That which M. Calvin saith of this point is true notwithstanding in regard of the conceit which is commonly among the simple Papists, fostered by unlearned Monks, Friars, and other Priests, for filthy lucre sake. 2 The comparisons which M. Calvin use, viz. That it is held among the Papists a greater wickedness to omit auricular Confession, then to live impiously; eat flesh on fasting days, then to live in fornication; to work on Saints holy-days, then to act mischief, &c. These he gathereth principally from that practise of the Papists, whereby they punish more severely the breach of their ceremonies then of Gods law. Now this is not only practised by our Prelates, but also maintained by this Defendant, chap. 2 sect. 12, with such fair pretence, as the Papists may well use for the defence of their practise. 3 As for the multitude of ceremonies among the Papists, that maketh their bondage greater than ours; but doth it make ours none at all? Besides, when a few mystical humane ceremonies are admitted, the gate is let open for a multitude: even until the Convocation will say there be too many. For Bellarmine himself will grant that ceremonies are not to be multiplied over much.