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…

For this was nothing but by an unseasonable desire to retain the same ceremonies in all churches to rent and tear a pieces the unity of the Churches. I therefore so soon as I heard that so great a ruin hanged over the Church of Christ in that kingdom, presently, in respect of that duty which I owe to the Church of Christ, to your gracious Majesty, and to that whole kingdom, intended to write thither, and to try by my uttermost endeavour whether so great a mischief might possibly be withstood: some that fear Christ, and wish well to your Majesty, exhorting me to the performance of this duty. But when I had scarcely begun to think of this course, behold our most illustrious. Prince commanded […] to do it, which command of his did not only spur me one, who of mine owe accord was ⟨p. 100⟩already running, but laid a necessity of writing upon me. Wherefore this my boldness will seem the less strange unto your gracious Majesty, seeing my writing proceedeth not so much from mine own will and counsel of friends, as from the commandment of my most Noble Prince, who is one of your gracious Majesties special friends. Now I thought I should do a matter very worth the pains taking, if first I should humbly admonish your most famous Majesty what your duty is in this cause: and secondly, if as your humble suppliant I should beseech you for our Lord Jesus Christs sake, to perform the same. I beseech your gracious Majesty to take this my writing in good part, for it proceedeth from a Christian love toward the Church, and from an especial reverend respect that I bear to your most gracious Majesty. The Lord knoweth all things. Now to the matter in hand. Whereas the Apostle writing to Timothy, commandeth that prayers be made for Kings, and all other that be in authority, and saith, that the end wherefore they be ordained, is, that we may lead a peaceable and quiet life in all (that is, perfect) godliness and honesty, he teacheth plainly enough what is the duty of godly Kings and Princes, namely, that they take care, and bring to pass, that first and above all things, true religion, and the true worship of God, where it is banished, be restored, and being restored, be kept pure: all things which smell of impiety being far removed. Secondly, that men may live honestly and holily, all kinds of uncleannesses being abandoned.

For this was nothing but by an unseasonable desire to retaine the same ceremonies in all churches to rent and teare a peeces the vnitie of the Churches. I therefore so soone as I heard that so great a ruine hanged over the Church of Christ in that kingdome, presently, in respect of that dutie which I owe to the Church of Christ, to your gracious Maiestie, and to that whole kingdom, intended to write thither, and to try by my uttermost endevor whether so great a mischiefe might possibly be withstood: some that fear Christ, and wish wel to your Maiestie, exhorting me to the performance of this dutie. But when I had scarcely begun to think of this course, behold our most illustrious. Prince commanded to do it, which command of his did not onely spurre me one, who of mine owe accord was