A19178:59
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…
A reply to Dr. Mortons general Defence of three nocent [sic] ceremonies viz. the surplice, cross in baptism, and kneeling at the receiving of the sacramental elements of bread and wine.A reply to Dr. Mortons generall Defence of three nocent [sic] ceremonies viz. the surplice, crosse in baptisme, and kneeling at the receiving of the sacramentall elements of bread and wine.
Amsterdam: printed by Giles Thorp, 1622
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
SECT. XVI.
THE Defendant here undertaketh to prove, that God in the scriptures hath granted a general licence or authority to all Churches, to ordain any ceremonies that may be fit for the better serving of God. But what if this were granted? what is it to the purpose? what maketh it for our ceremonies in controversy, except he can show that they are fit for the better serving of God? Now this he no where undertaketh to prove, nor dare, I think, profess so much in writing, without many unwarrantable limitations.
THE Defendant here undertaketh to proue, that God in the scriptures hath granted a generall licence or authoritie to all Churches, to ordaine any ceremonies that may be fit for the better serving of God. But what if this were granted? what is it to the purpose? what maketh it for our ceremonies in controversie, except he can shew that they are fit for the better serving of God? Now this he no where undertaketh to prove, nor dare, I thinke, professe so much in writing, without many vnwarrantable limitations.
The only scripture he bringeth is, 1. Cor. 14. 26. 40. concerning order and decency, a place much profaned by the patrons of our ceremonies, as shall be showed. This place is used (saith he) by Fathers and all Divines, for one and the same conclusion. It is much used, I grant, and as much abused. But 1. it is not used by all Divines, to prove the institution of such ceremonies as ours lawful. For they are much mistaken which think our ceremonies to be mere matters of order: and as for decency, they have been often proved to be far from it: which of it self to every indifferent eye is more then apparent. 2. it is not used to this purpose by any that have authority sufficient to persuade us that it will bear such a conclusion, except they will show us by what Logic they form their consequence, which the Defendant is not able to do for them. 3. This scripture being rightly understood, doth not only not justify such ceremonies as ours, but plainly condemneth them. For the manifesting of which assertion, because it may seem strange to those ears that are accustomed to other sounds, I will here distinctly set down an argument drawn out of these words, against such ceremonies as ours are.