The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their…

§. 29. P. 325. I instance in the institution of significant Ceremonies, that is, such which are not matters of order and decency, but merely for signification and the representment of some truth or mystery— ⟨p. 102⟩(as pictures in the Greek and Lutheran Churches)— Because these can and do often degenerate into abuse and invade religion, to make a Law of these is not safe; and when that Law does prevail to any evil that is not easily by other means cured, it does not prevail upon the Conscience: And indeed to make a Law for the use of them, is not directly within the Commission of the Ecclesiastical power.]

§. 29. P. 325. I instance in the institution of significant Ceremonies, that is, such which are not matters of order and decency, but meerly for signification and the representment of some truth or mystery— ⟨p. 102⟩(as pictures in the Greek and Lutheran Churches)— Because these can and do often degenerate into abuse and invade religion, to make a Law of these is not safe; and when that Law does prevail to any evil that is not easily by other means cured, it does not prevail upon the Conscience: And indeed to make a Law for the use of them, is not directly within the Commission of the Ecclesiastical power.]

But there is more in it than thus. For though significant Ceremonies can be for edification to the Church in some degree, and in some persons, yet it's to be considered whether the introducing of such things doth not DESTROY THE CHURCH, not only in her Christian Liberty, but in the simplicity and purity and spirituality of her religion, by insensible changing it into a Ceremonial and external service. To the Ceremonial Law of the Jews, nothing was to be added. —And in Christianity we have less reason to add any thing of Ceremony, except the circumstances and advantages of the very Ministry, as time and place, and Vessels and Ornaments and necessary appendages. When we speak of Rituals or Ceremonies, that is, exterior actions or things besides the institutions and commands of Christ, either we intend them as part of the Divine service, and then they are unlawful and intolerable; or if only for signification, that is so little a thing, and of so inconsiderable use in the fullness and clarity of the revelation Evangelical, that besides that it keeps Christians still in the state of infancies and minority, —it ought not to stand against any danger or offence that can by them be brought to ANY WISE and GOOD CHRISTIANS.