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. XVII.

Concerning the Fathers we are told out of Zanchius, that they had always some universal ceremonies, as certain feast days, not appointed by God. To this we answer, 1 If this always be taken in the largest extent, to signify from the beginning, we cannot believe the truth of this Assertion: neither can the Defend. prove it. Who can think, that presently upon the Apostles departure, their disciples should presume to be wiser then their Masters? 2 the first beginning of these feasts, was not by canonical imposition to bind men unto new ceremonies, but a voluntary accommodation in respect of the infirmity of some in the Church, or coming towards it. This appeareth by the variety which was betwixt one Church and another in observing of them; and by the testimony of Socrates, alleged and allowed by this Defend. himself, Apol. p. 2 lib. 2 c. 9. 3 The mischief that came in by these observations, in that they so soon overshadowed, obscured, and jostled out of doors the simplicity of the Gospel, and many ordinances of Christ, do sufficiently show, that the fathers in these things had neither direction nor blessing from God.

COncerning the Fathers vve are told out of Zanchius, that they had alwaies some universall ceremonies, as certaine feast daies, not appointed by God. To this vve answer, 1 If this alwaies bee taken in the largest extent, to signifie from the beginning, wee cannot beleeue the truth of this Assertion: neither can the Defend. proue it. Who can think, that presently upon the Apostles departure, their disciples should presume to be vviser then their Masters? 2 the first beginning of these feasts, vvas not by canonicall imposition to binde men unto new ceremonies, but a voluntarie accommodation in respect of the infirmity of some in the Church, or comming towards it. This appeareth by the variety vvhich was betwixt one Church and another in observing of them; and by the testimonie of Socrates, alledged and allowed by this Defend. himselfe, Apol. p. 2 lib. 2 c. 9. 3 The mischiefe that came in by these observations, in that they so soone overshadowed, obscured, and justled out of dores the simplicitie of the Gospell, and many ordinances of Christ, do sufficiently shew, that the fathers in these things had neither direction nor blessing from God.