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…

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.

The onely scripture he bringeth is, 1. Cor. 14. 26. 40. concerning order and decencie, a place much profaned by the patrons of our ceremonies, as shall be shewed. This place is vsed (sayth 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 proue the institution of such ceremonies as ours lawfull. For they are much mistaken vvhich think our ceremonies to be mere matters of order: and as for decencie, they haue been often proved to be farre from it: which of it selfe to every indifferent eye is more then apparant. 2. it is not used to this purpose by any that haue authoritie sufficient to perswade us that it will beare such a conclusion, except they will shew us by what Logick they form their consequence, which the Defendant is not able to doe for them. 3. This scripture being rightly understood, doth not onely not justifie such ceremonies as ours, but plainly condemneth them. For the manifesting of which assertion, because it may seem strange to those eares 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.