Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

3. To symbolize, or comply with those, whom we would persuade to embrace the Gospel, in their Superstitious Customs, and Observances, is not the way, to promote the entertainment of it, but to obstruct it. Under the name of Customs, I do not comprehend, the using of the same Diet, or wearing the same Stuff, or Fashion in Apparel: for, possibly, the Temperature of the Climate, and other considerations may make them Necessary. Nor, do I mean, merely Political Customs, which are subservient to public order, justice, and tranquillity: But I intend Superstitious customs, and observances, wherein somewhat of Religion, or sanctity is placed. There are some things, which may pass in the rank of indifferent, in their own nature; which, yet, become Superstitious, when men place Religion, or Holiness in them. It is well, known, that Tertullian wrote his Book, De Coronâ militis, to justify the practice of a Christian Soldier, who refused to wear a Crown, or Garland of leaves on his Head, because the Gentiles were wont to go so adorned, in their Solemnities, and Processions, accounting it a Religious Rite. But, in regard that the Jesuits, are reported, to practice, and applaud their Method of Compliance with their Converts (as they call them) in India, or China, and other places; so far as to allow them to retain their Pa-gods, and to worship them, with some Mental reservations, and the right direction of their Intentions; it will be necessary to say something more of this, because I have mentioned it as an Obstruction, that hinders the entertainment of the Gospel. I shall therefore, briefly, set before you, (1.) What we may collect from the Authority of the Scripture; touching the case we are upon. (2.) What have been the Sentiments of some, in after-ages.

3. To symbolize, or comply with those, whom we would perswade to embrace the Gospel, in their Superstitious Customs, and Observances, is not the way, to promote the entertainment of it, but to obstruct it. Under the name of Customs, I do not comprehend, the using of the same Diet, or wearing the same Stuff, or Fashion in Apparel: for, possibly, the Temperature of the Climate, and other considerations may make them Necessary. Nor, do I mean, meerly Political Customs, which are subservient to publick order, justice, and tranquillity: But I intend Superstitious customs, and observances, wherein somewhat of Religion, or sanctity is placed. There are some things, which may pass in the rank of indifferent, in their own nature; which, yet, become Superstitious, when men place Religion, or Holiness in them. It is well, known, that Tertullian wrote his Book, De Coronâ militis, to justifie the practice of a Christian Souldier, who refused to wear a Crown, or Garland of leaves on his Head, because the Gentiles were wont to go so adorned, in their Solemnities, and Processions, accounting it a Religious Rite. But, in regard that the Jesuites, are reported, to practice, and applaud their Method of Compliance with their Converts (as they call them) in India, or China, and other places; so far as to allow them to retain their Pa-gods, and to worship them, with some Mental reservations, and the right direction of their Intentions; it will be necessary to say something more of this, because I have mentioned it as an Obstruction, that hinders the entertainment of the Gospel. I shall therefore, briefly, set before you, (1.) What we may collect from the Authority of the Scripture; touching the case we are upon. (2.) What have been the Sentiments of some, in after-ages.