A discourse of schism

Order and Decency in the Worship of God are things necessary, not merely by a positive Law, but by a natural. Not only the Apostolical Precept, but the very dictate of Nature is, that the Service of God should be performed in an orderly and decent manner. The Heathen Oracle could say, That in the Worship of God men should follow, morem optimum, the best manner. ¹Seneca out of Aristotle tells us, That when men have to do with the Gods, they should be, verecundiores & compositi, modest and composed in their demeanour. The Light of Nature teacheth us, that we should serve God in a way suitable and congruous to his Divine Majesty. Thus Order and Decency are necessary, but so are not Ceremonies. Hence it appears, that the difference between ⟨p. 96⟩them is as great, as between necessary and unnecessary.

1. 1Nat. Quaest. l. 7. c. 30.

Order is nothing but a right disposition of things, Decency is nothing but the seemliness of Order. Order and Decency require not,¹ that some Holy things should be newly ordained; but that those which are ordained by God, should be used in a way congruous to their dignity. The Ceremonies, which are new Appointments, appertain not to Order and Decency. The institution of somewhat new is one thing; and the right and seemly disposition of that which is instituted, is another.

1. 1Vide Ames Medul. l. 2. c. 13.