A defence of the innocencie of the three ceremonies of the Church of England viz. the surplice, crosse after baptisme, and kneeling at the receiuing of the blessed Sacrament. Diuided into two parts: in the former whereof the generall arguments vrged by the non-conformists; and, in the second part, their particular accusations, against these III. ceremonies seuerally, are answered, and refuted. Published by authoritie.

THE CONTENTS OF THIS ENSVING TREATISE.

PART. 1.

It consisteth of Two parts:

• 1. A general De∣fence of the Ce∣remonies aboue mentioned.
• 2. A particular Defence of each one seue∣rally.

CHAP. 1.

In the first Part the Non con∣formists vse sixe Arguments against the foresaid Ceremonies.

• Their first generall Argument is, because, Euery Ceremonie should haue Special warrant frō Scrip∣ture, which (as they say) these haue not.
• The Propositiō of this Argument they labour to proue by Scriptures.
  • Their I. Text is Heb. 3.2. of Christs faithfulnesse in Gods house. Our Answer Sect. 3. &c.
  • II. Text, 2. Sam. 7.7. God saying to Dauid, Shalt thou build me an house? Our An∣swer Sect. 6. &c.
  • III. Text, Ier. 7.22.23. I commanded not your fathers concerning Sacrifices, &c. Our Answer, Sect. 8. &c.
  • IV. Text, Esa. 1.11. Who required these things at your hands? Our Answer, Sect. 11.
  • V. Text, Ier. 7.31. God say∣ing. Which I comm••nded you not. Our Answer, Sect. 12.
• Their second proofe, for their Ne∣gatiue arguing from Scriptures, is from the iudgement of ancient Fa∣thers. Our Answer, Sect. 13. &c.
• Their third proofe is from the Te∣stimonies of Protestant Diuines. Our Answer, Sect. 15.
• Our generall Confutation of their first Argument, in disputing Nega∣tiuely from Scripture, in the que∣stion of Ceremonies; by Reasons.
  • Our I. Reason, from that place of 1. Cor. 14. v. 40. Sect. 16.
  • II. Reason, from Fathers. Sect. 17.
  • III. Reason, frō the iudgement of Protestant Diuines. Sect. 18.
  • IV. Reason, from the nature o•• Ceremonies; according to the Practises of other reformed Churches. Sect. 20.
  • V. Reason, from the Confession, and Practise of the Non-con∣formists themselues. Sect. 21.
• The Assumption of their Argu∣ment (namely that these our Cere∣monies want due warrant from Scripture) which the Non-confor∣mists labour to proue. Our Answer, Sect. 22. to the end of the Chap.

CHAP. 2.

• Their second generall Argument is, Because Ceremonies are parts of Gods worship; which no man can lawfully ordaine. Ergo, &c.
• The Proofe first of their Maior.
  • Their I. Proofe from Scrip∣tures; Esa. 29.13. Deut. Co∣loss. &c. Our Answer, Sect. 3. and confutation of their interpre∣tation of such Scriptures. Sec. 4.
  • II. Proofe from the iudgement of ancient Fathers. Our Answer, Sect. 5.
  • III. Proofe from Protestant Authors. Our Answer, Sect. 6.
• The proofes of their Assumption, to shew that our Ceremonies are held as parts of Gods worship.
  • I. Proofe, because they are impo∣ted as parts of Gods worship. Our Answer. Sect. 8. &c.
  • II. Proofe, Because imposed with an opinion of holinesse. Our Answer. Sect. 10.
  • III. Proofe; Because preferred before preaching, and other necessary duties. Our Answer. Sect. 11.
  • IIII. Proofe; Because the peo∣ple conceiue them to be ne∣cessarie. Our Answer. Sect. 12.
  • V. Proofe, Because the punish∣ment is so seuere against the Transgressors of them. Our An∣swer. Sect. 13.
  • VI. Proofe; Because the cen∣sure against the contrary-min∣ded is to terme them Schisma∣ticks. Our Answer. Sect. 14.
• Our generall confutation of this second generall Argument of the Non-conformists, concerning the es∣sentiall parts of Gods worship: from the plaine and expresse Profes∣sion of our Church. Sect. 15.

CHAP. 3.

• Their third generall Argument a∣gainst these Ceremonies is, be∣cause they are made Significant.
• Their Proofes from
  • 1. Scriptures.
  • 2. Fathers.
  • 3. Protestant diuines.
  • 4. Reasons.
• I. Proofe from Scriptures of Mar. 7.8. Mat. 15. You haue made the Cōmandements of God of none effect, by the traditions of men Our Answer, Sect. 2.
• II. Proofe, from Fathers. Our Answer, Sect. 3.
• III. Proofe, from the testimonies of Protestant Diuines. Our An∣swer, Sect. 4.
• IV. Proofe, from Reasons.
  • I. Reason; Because a Ceremo∣nie is a chiefe part of Gods worship. Our Answer, Sect. 5.
  • II. Because Gods owne Ce∣remonies of the old law are not to be vsed. Ergo, &c. Our Answer, Sect. 6.
  • III. Because this openeth a gap to other Popish trash. Our Answer, Sect. 7.
• ...

• The Non-conformists Assumptiō: and our Answer. Sect. 8.
• Our gene••al Confutations of their third generall Argument, concerning a Ceremonie significant.
• Our I. Confutation by Scriptures: II. Fathers: III. Reasons: IV. The Non-conformists owne Witnesses: V. By the practise of the Non-confor∣mists themselues: VI. Reason: to proue the lawfuln••sse of Significant Ceremonies.
  • Our I. Example out of Scrip∣ture, is of Abraham before the law. Gen. 24.
  • II. Examples vnder the law: first, in the ordination of Festiuall dayes, as the Feast of lots, Est. 9. Sect. 9.10. Second, in the Feast of the Dedication, 1. Machab. 2. Iustified by Christ, Ioh. 10. Sect. 12. & 13. Next instance in the Ceremoniall instruments, both in the Altar of the Gileadites, Ios. 22. Sect. 15.16. and secondly in Salomons Altar. 1. King. 8. Sect. 17.18.19.20.21. and in the Iewish Synagogues, Sect. 22.
  • III. Examples in the time of the Apostles. As first, the Feasts of Charitie. Sect. 23.24.25.26.27. Second, the Holy Kisse. Sect. 26.27. and third, Womans coue∣ring of her head. Sect. 28.
• Our second Confutation, by the v∣niuersall custome of all Christian Churches, as well Primitiue as Successiue. Sect. 29.
• Our third confutation, from the testimonies of the Non-conformists owne Witnesses. Sect. 30.
• Our fourth confutation is from the confessions and practise of the Non-conformists thēselues: by example in taking an Oath, Sect. 31. And in the obseruation of the Lords day, and other Festiuals. Sect. 32.
• Our fift confutation is from Rea∣son, taken from the nature of a Ce∣remonie, that it must not be dumb. Sect. 33.34.

CHAP. 4.

• The fourth generall Argument of the Non-conformists, against these ceremonies, is, Because they haue bin abused in Popery: and, There∣fore ought to be vtterly aboli∣shed.
• For proofe of their Maior, they al∣ledge the reproofes vsed against Ce∣remonies, either Heathenishly, Iewishly, or Heretically abused: which they endeuour to euince, from
  • 1. Authoritie of Scripture.
  • 2. Of ancient Councels, and Fathers.
• Their I and II. Scriptures, Leuit. 18. &c. Our Answer, Sect. 2.3.
• III. Deut. 7. cōmanding the names of Heathenish superstition to be abandoned. Our Answer, Sect. 4.
• IV. Dan. 1. Daniel would not be defiled with the Kings meate. Our Answer, Sect. 5.
• V. The example ••f Hezechias, in demolishing of the Brazen Serpent,

• 2. Reg. 18. Our Answer, Sect. 6.
• Their obiections of the second kind, concerning Heathenish Rites, is from Councels and Fathers.
  • I. Instance in the Councell of Carthage, against Altars in Highwayes, abu••ed by Pagans. Our Answer, Sect. 7.
  • II. In the sam•• Councel, ••gainst Relickes of idolatrie. Our An∣swer. Sect. 8.
  • III. In the Councell of Brac. concerning greene bay-••e••ues. Our Answer. Sect. 9.
  • IIII. In the Councel of Afro••k, ag••inst the Birth daze of Mar∣terse. Our Answer. Sect. 10.
  • V. In Tertullian, forbidding to borrow any thing of an Idoll. Our Answer. Sect. 11.
  • VI. Againe in Tert. concerning washi••g of hands, and laying aside Clokes. Our Answ. Se. 12.
  • VII. in Miltiades, concerning Fasting on Friday, Our Answer. Sect. 13
  • VIII. In Ambrose, about offe∣ring Cakes. Our Answer. Se. 14.
  • IX. In August, to leaue the heathenish toyes, &c. Our An∣swer. Sect. 15.
• Their second kind of Obiections, con∣cerning Iewish Rites.
  • Their Instance in the Councell of Nice, concerning the Feast of Easter. Our Answer. Sect. 16.
• Their third kind of Obiections is concerning Heathenish Rites.
  • I. Instance in the Councell of Gangris, about Fasting on the Lords day, abused by the Mani∣chees. Our answer. Sect. 17.
  • II. Instance in t••e Councell of Brac. about Eating of fl••sh a∣bused by the Pricilianists. Our Answer. Sect. 18.
  • III. Instance in Gregory, against Thrice dipping in Baptisme. Our Answer. Sect. 19.
  • IIII. Instance in Leo, against the a••use in Conference with Hereticks. Our Answer. Sect. 20
• Their general Assumption, to proue that our Ceremonies haue bene as ill as Heathenishly abused by Papists. Our Answer. Sect. 21.
• Our general Confutation of their ge∣nerall Argument; for the abolish∣ing such things as haue bin abused.
  • Our I. Proofe, is from Scriptures. Sect. 23.
  • II. Proofe from Fathers. Sect. 24.
  • III Frō 4. Rea∣sons.
    • 1. From Inconueniency. Sect. 25.
    • 2. From the absurdity of the Non-confor∣mists Rule. Sect. 26.
    • 3. From other meanes of reforming abuses, thā by abolishing the things Sect. 27.
    • 4. From the difference betweene Pagans & Papists. Sect. 28.
  • IV. From the Testimonies of their principall Witnesses. Sect. 29.
  • ...

• ...
  • V. From the confessions, and Practises of the Non-confor∣mists themselues. Sect. 30.

CHAP. 5.

• The fift generall Argument of the Non-conformists, against the foresaid Ceremonies, is taken from the Scandall which is pretended to bee occasioned by them.
• ...Our An∣swer.
  • 1. By exposition, of the word Scandall. Sect. 1.
  • 2 By diuisi∣on of it into
    • Actiue.
    • Passiue. Sect. 2.
  • Actiue Scandall subdiuided.
    • 1. In respect of the Parties Agent,
      • Direct.
      • Indirect. Sect. 3.
    • 2. In respect of the parties offended,
      • Weake,
      • Strong. Sect. 4.
    • 3. In respect both of Persons and Cause, either
      • Determined.
      • Vndetermi∣ned. Sect. 5.
    • 4. In respect of the effects
      • Lapse into sin, or error.
      • Hinderance frō God. Sect. 6.
  • The Passiue Scan∣dall diuided in re∣spect of the
    • party offēded matter of of∣fence. Sect. 7.
  • 1. Subdiuision, concerning the party offēded, either in respect
    • Of his iudgment Or,
    • of his affection. Sect. 8.
  • II. Subdiuision, in respect of the opini∣on of
    • Indifferen∣cie.
    • Necessity, Sect. 9.
  • The generall Assumption of the Non-conformists, proouing our Ce∣remonies to be Scandalous.
    • I. Against superstitious Papists Our answer. Sect. 10.
    • II. Against Profane persons, Our answer. Sect. 11.
    • III. Against weake brethren, Our answer. Sect. 12.
    • IV. Against vnconformable Congregations. Sect. 13.
    • V. Against vnconformable Mi∣nisters. Our answer. Sect. 14.
    • VI. Against all sorts, by appa∣rance of euil, Our answ. Sect. 15
  • Our generall Confutation of their former Assumption, concerning Scandall, by prouing the Non-con∣formists themselues guilty of the manifest Scandal, as both in Actiue and Passiue. Sect. 16.
    • I. Actiue Scandall, by weake∣ning some that remaine in the Church. Sect. 17.
    • II. By driuing some out of the Church as Separatists, Sect. 18.
    • III. Hindering some from the Church, as Papists. Sect. 19.
    • IV. Against the Church it selfe: first Comparatiuely, by rather of∣fending their Mother, than their Brother. Sect. 21. By Con∣tempt. Sect. 22.

CHAP. VI.

• The sixt generall Argument of the Non-conformists, against our Cere∣monies, is taken from Preiudice a∣gainst the Liberty of Christians. Sect. 1.2.3.
• Our distinction betweene Necessity of doctrine, and Necessitie of o∣bedience. Sect. 3.
• The first Proofe of the Non-confor∣mists is from Scriptures.
  • I. Scripture. 1. Cor. 7. forbid••ing to Cast a snare vpon Christi∣ans. Our answer. Sect. 4.
  • II. Script. Gal. 5. Stand fast in the liberty &c. Our answer. Sect. 5.
• Their second Proofe from Reason.
  • I. Reason, thus; Else, how shall not the Popish Ceremonies be excusable? Our answer. Sect. 6.
  • II. Reason; They are imposed with an Opinion of binding mens consciences. Sect. 7.
• ...Our particular Answeres.
  • I. Distinguishing betweene ma∣ner, and measure of binding mens consciences. Sect. 7.
  • II. Confuting the Non-confor∣mists from their own Witnesses. Sect. 8.
  • III. She••ing that Ecclesi∣asticall Lawes haue a kind of force to binde mens consciences. Sect. 10.
  • The Non-conformists Obiection, from Bowling. Our answ. Se. 11.
• Our Generall Confutation of the foresaid sixt generall Argument of the Non-conformists, concerning the impeaching of Christian Liberty; and Proouing our Church free from this error.
  • I. Reason, from the acknowledg∣ment of the Non-conformists themselues. Sect· 12.
  • II. Reason from the profession of our Church. Sect. 13.
  • III. From the contrary: shewing that the Non-conformists opi∣nion of Refusall is the very breach of Christian Libertie. Sect. 14.

To the end of the first part.

The second Part of our Defence by particular Answers to the par∣ticular Accusations of the Non-conformists, against the III. Cere∣monies of our Church, viz. Sur∣plice, Crosse after Baptisme, and Kneeling at the receiuing of the B. Communion.

CHAP. 1.

• I. Of the Surplice: and our parti∣cular defence thereof, against their seuerall Accusations.
  • The I. Accusation of the Non-c••nformists, against the Surplice, is in respect of the distinction of Ap∣parell. Our Answer. Sect. 1.
  • II. Accusation, in respect of the Office, wherunto the Surplice is applied, which is Ecclesiasticall. Our Answer, Sect. 2.
  • III. Accusation is in respect of

• ...
  • the colour, as not anciently vsed. Our Answer, Sect. 3.
  • IV. Accusation, because it is made Significant. Our Answer, Sect. 4.
  • V. Accusation, because it hath resemblance with the Iewish at∣tire. Our Answer, Sect. 5.
  • VI. Accusation, both in respect of the Resemblance, and of the Signification ioyntly together. Our Answer. Sect. 6.
  • VII. Accusation, from the pre∣tended Author thereof, as being a Pope. Our Answer, Sect. 7.
  • VIII. Accusation, from the former abuse of it in Poperie. Our answer, Sect. 8.
  • IX. Accusation, that the Peo∣ple account it Holy; and others thinke it Scandalous, &c. Our answer, Sect. 9.
• Our summarie Confutation of the Non-conformists, arguing against the Surplice.

CHAP. 2.

• Our particular Defence of the second Ceremonie, which is the Crosse after Baptisme; against their seuerall Accusations.
• ...Their Accusations.
  • I. That It is contrary to the second Commandement. Our answer, Sect. 1.2.
  • II. That It detracteth from the perfection of Baptisme, in many respects: as,
    • 1. Because it is made a part of Baptisme. Our answer, Sect. 3.
    • 2. It is sometime vsed, whilest the words of Bap∣tisme are in pronouncing. Our answer, Sect. 4.
    • 3. It is vsed after Bap∣tisme, which is worse. Our answer. Sect. 5.
    • 4. It is called a Token of our profession—. Our an∣swer, Sect. 6.
    • 5. It is said, that the child is dedicated thereby, &c. Our answer, Sect. 7.
  • III. Accusation; that it is abu∣sed by Papists. Our answ. Sec. 8.
  • IV. That This crossing of the forehead, being allowed, many iustifie the Popish crossing of their brests. Our answer, Sect. 9.
  • V. That The Author of it was the hereticke Valentinus. Our answer, Sect. 10.11.
  • VI. That The Countenancer thereof was Montanus an he∣reticke. Our answer, Sect. 12.
  • VII. The superstitious abuse of it by ancient Fathers, whom they grosly imitate. Our answer, Sect. 13.
• Our summarie Confutation of the Non-conformists; concerning the vse of the Crosse after Baptisme. Sect. 14.

CHAP. 3.

• ...Our particular Defence of the

• third Ceremonie of Kneeling at the receiuing of the holy Cōmunion, against their seuerall Accusations.
• Their first Accusation is from the Example of Christ. Our answer, Sect. 2.3.
• ...Our Confutation of their former Accusation:
  • I. By Reasons,
    • 1. Frō the words of the Euange∣lists. Sect. 4.
    • 2. From the like action of Christ. Sect. 5.
  • II. By their owne Witnesses. Sect. 6.
  • III. By the practise of the Non-conformists themselues. Sect. 7.
• ... Our Determination of the point, concerning the first Accusation.
• Their second Accusation, Because Kneeling is contrary to the in∣tention of Christ. Their Reasons;
  • I. Because contrary to the nature of a banquet. Our an∣swer. Sect. 9.
  • II. Contrary to the nature of a Table-gesture. Our answer, Sect 11.
  • III. Contrary to the due dis∣position of the Receiuer, which should be in Thankfulnesse, &c. Our answer, Sect. 12.
  • IV. Because such Reuerence becometh not the meannesse of the Elements. Our answer, Sect. 13.
  • V. Contrary to the example of the Apostles. Our answer, Sect. 14.
• ...Our summarie Confutation of the Non-conformists second Accusation:
  • I. From Reason. Sect. 15.
  • II. From their owne Witnes∣ses. Sect. 16.
  • III. From the practise of the Non-conformists themselues, Sect. 17.
• Their third Accusation, from the Exāple of the Primitiue Church, which was Standing, &c. Our an∣swer. Sect. 18.
  • Their IIII. Accusation, Because the opinion of the people hol∣deth them necessary. And the like is the opinion of the learned. Our Answer. Sect. 19.20.
  • Their V. Accusation, that the first inuention thereof was Anti∣christian. Our Answer. Sect. 21.
  • Their VI. Accusation, that it hath bene Idolatrously abused. Our answer. Sect. 22.
  • Their VII. That it is still vsed as a part of Gods worship. Our answer. Sect. 23.
  • Their VIII. Accusation, that This gesture of kneeling is Ido∣latrous in it selfe. Prooued by Rea∣sons:
    • I. Because before a Creature. Our answer. Sect. 24.
    • II. Because a Relatiue wor∣ship. Our answer. Sect. 25.
      • Their 1. Confirmation thereof,

• ...
  • ...
    • ...
      • Because this kind of wor∣ship was the worke of Ido∣latry. Our answer. Sect. 26.
      • Their 2. Else why vse wee not the same in Baptisme? Our answer. Sect. 27.
      • Their 3. Else why cōdemne we Papists in the worship∣ping of Images? Our answer. Sect. 28.
• Our Confutations of the Non-con∣formists, and Iustification of our Church concerning Relatiue wor∣ship. Sect. 29.
  • I. By Reasons; shewing our diffe∣rence from the Relatiue wor∣ship of the Papists.
    • 1. Difference, manifesting the Two Romish opinions. Se. 30.31. & 32.
    • 2. The Romish worship (ab∣solute) of an Image. Sect. 33. And of the Sacrament, Sect. 34. Our contrary vse, Sect. 35. Illustrated by a similitude. Sect. 36.37.
• Our second ground of Confutation is taken from the Non-conformists owne Witnesses, concerning the re∣uerent receiuing of this Sacrament. Sect. 38.
• Our third Confutation of the Non-conformists, from the confession of Bellarmine, concerning the Pro∣testants opinion of Adoration. sect. 39. & 40.
• Our fourth Confutation of the Non-conformists, is from the Non-conformists owne Practises.
  • I. From their Intentionall reue∣rence. Sect. 40.
  • II. From their Bodily presence, in cōmunicating with vs. sect. 41.
  • IIII. From their bodily reuerence, at the receiuing both of their
    • Corporal foode. Sect. 42.
    • And Sacra∣mentall. Sect. 43.