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…

We all know what praise those common-wealths deserve, which make good laws that the subjects shall not wear out-landish and strange apparel, nor bring it into the Common-wealths, because it is a corruption of good and honest manners, and of the Common-wealths themselves. How then can that counsel which is given to your Majesty, be commended, to wit, that garments unknown to the Christian world in the time of the Apostles, and Apostolical men, should be brought into the Church of Christ. A•d if an out-landish kind of attire be not tolerated in well-governed Common-wealths▪ how much less are Idolatrous, and heathenish garments to be borne with in the Church, where God is to be worshipped in spirit and truth, and where he would have few and very simple ceremonies? Also if God established by his Law, that a woman may not put on a mans apparel, not a man a woman's, the one being so well of it self dishonest, and contrary to nature as the other: Why then should godly Bishops,^† and the servants of Christ be clothed, or rather shamed and deformed with the garments of godless Priests, and slaves of Antichrist? Why should we not rather, as we be of a divers religion from them, so also be discerned from them, at least in the performance of such duties as belong unto Gods worship, by outward signs, such as garments be? Verily this was Gods will, and he required of his people, that it should be discerned from the profane Gentiles, as by other things, so also by a divers sort of apparel, and so should profess by this public sign, that it would have nothing to do with the Gentiles. ⟨p. 106⟩And why should not we do the same? Are we not the people of God? abides not the equity of the same commandment? And if the word honest be derived of honour, what honour will it be for the Church of Christ to have Bishops attired and disguised with Popish visors in the administration of the Gospel and Sacraments, so as they shall rather be derided then be reverenced any whit by the people? And what commendation shall it be for your gracious Majesty in true Churches, and among true believers, that you permit such trifles to be called back into your Church? Therefore it standeth not with honesty, that holy Bishops^† be compelled to receive such visors, neither is it indeed a matter worthy of honour and praise, neither deserveth it the name of virtue.