A second true defence of the mere nonconformists against the untrue accusations, reasonings, and…A second true defence of the meer nonconformists against the untrue accusations, reasonings, and…

Answ. Mere repeated forgery, not becoming his profession. I never spake for praying before it, much less as an object to stir up worshipping affections: But only that I am not bound to fly at prayer from a room that hath only ornamental pictures; and that as in the Geneva Bible there be Historical pictures, and few but Turks are against them, it is lawful (I say not kneeling before them at prayer, but out of cases of scandal and danger) to be excited by them to good affections, and indeed good affections are worshipping affections. Dare any Christian say that it is a sin to think reverently of God when we see his works, or see but a picture of Scripture History (as Abraham offering Isaac, Christ dying and rising, &c.) Nonconformists have still taken them for Liars that said they were against Historical pictures; and showed it in the Geneva Bible. I have seen in many pious country Houses all the story of Dives and Lazarus painted over their Tables, and never heard the good use of it accused. But I desire the Reader to peruse my words, which he citeth, Quest. 113. and judge with what honesty we are accused. I there say, 1. It is unlawful to make any Image of God. 4. It is unlawful to make, place or use an Image as is like to do more hurt than good, or to tempt to ⟨p. 158⟩sin:—And all such Images of creatures as others use to give unlawful worship or honour to, when like to tempt others to the like; as among the Papists the Image of the Crucifix, the Virgin Mary and Angels may not be made, placed or used so as may tempt any to worship them sinfully as they do. 11. It is unlawful to place Images in Churches or in secret before our eyes when we are worshipping God, when it tendeth to corrupt the mind—which is the ordinary effect of Images. 12. It is unlawful to use Images scandalously, as any of the aforesaid sinners use them, though we do it not with the same intent: that is, so as in outward appearance is the same with their use, Because so we shall dishonour God as they do, and harden them in sin: Therefore Images in Churches or in Oratories in those Countries where others use them sinfully, or near such Countries, where the same may harden men in their sin, is evil. 21. I think it unlawful to make an Image or any equal instituted sign to be the public common symbol of the Christian Religion, though but a professing sign (as they make the Cross.)

Answ. Meer repeated forgery, not becoming his profession. I never spake for praying before it, much less as an object to stir up worshipping affections: But only that I am not bound to fly at prayer from a room that hath only ornamental pictures; and that as in the Geneva Bible there be Historical pictures, and few but Turks are against them, it is lawful (I say not kneeling before them at prayer, but out of cases of scandal and danger) to be excited by them to good affections, and indeed good affections are worshipping affections. Dare any Christian say that it is a sin to think reverently of God when we see his works, or see but a picture of Scripture History (as Abraham offering Isaac, Christ dying and rising, &c.) Nonconformists have still taken them for Lyers that said they were against Historical pictures; and shewed it in the Geneva Bible. I have seen in many pious country Houses all the story of Dives and Lazarus painted over their Tables, and never heard the good use of it accused. But I desire the Reader to peruse my words, which he citeth, Quest. 113. and judge with what honesty we are accused. I there say, 1. It is unlawful to make any Image of God. 4. It is unlawful to make, place or use an Image as is like to do more hurt than good, or to tempt to