Five disputations of church-government and worship

CHAP. XI. Prop. 11. The Commands of Lawful Governors about Lawful Ceremonies, must be understood and obeyed with such exceptions as do secure the End; and not to the subverting of it.

CHAP. XI. Prop. 11. The Commands of Lawfull Governors about Lawfull Ceremonies, must be understood and obeyed with such exceptions as do secure the End; and not to the subverting of it.

§. 1. THE proof of this is obvious. These humane Ceremonies are appointed but as means to a further end. But that which would cross and overthrow the end, doth cease to be a Means; and cannot be used sub ratione medii.

§. 2. Order, and Decency are the pretended ends of the Imposed Ceremonies; and the right worshipping of God, and the good of mens souls are said to be the greater and remoter ends, •nd the glory of God the ultimate end. If then I have good assurance that I cannot use such or such a ceremony but it will prove the subversion of Order, or Edification, (though it should be by accident, through the infirmity of men,) I know no reason I have to use them, when such a mischief would follow, unless they can show me some greater good that also will follow, which may recompense it.

§. 2. Order, and Decency are the pretended ends of the Imposed Ceremonies; and the right worshiping of God, and the good of mens souls are said to be the greater and remoter ends, •nd the glory of God the ultimate end. If then I have good assurance that I cannot use such or such a ceremony but it will prove the subversion of Order, or Edification, (though it should be by accident, through the infirmity of men,) I know no reason I have to use them, when such a mischief would follow, unless they can shew me some greater good that also will follow, which may recompence it.