SECT. XXI. Our last proofe is from the confession and practise of the Non-conformists themselues.
The Lyncolneshire Opposites, and euery Non-con∣formist require in all their bookes and writings to haue their Ceremonies so free, that euery Parish may vse such Rites, as by the discretion of the choycest Parishioners may be held most expedient: by vertue of which their conceipted freedome, it cometh to passe that Some Parishes will sit at the receiuing of the Communion; and some stand: Some will haue Godfathers and Godmothers, and witnesses; and some will be content onely with the na∣turall father: Some will admit of publike Festiuals and holy∣daies; and some of none. And all this varietie they are per∣swaded may be had in diuers Churches, without any variance at all. Which Circumstantiall points are so far to be accounted Ceremoniall, as they serue for a mo∣dification of our actions and gestures in the worship of God. Hence I may argue. If all these were of diuine au∣thoritie, then could they not be so diuerse; for the law of Gods word is to all Nations the same. But if they be of humaine institution, then are they in that respect either vnlawfull, or lawfull: if vnlawfull, then ought you not to vse the Ceremonies of mans ordinance; if lawfull, then you ought not to impugne them.