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It were not hard to shew the same considerations in the seuerall things which are mentioned o〈1 line〉〈1 line〉 in this Admonition, as for example in the ceremonies of prayer, whiche is here to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉,* 1.1 we reade that Tertullian woulde not haue the Christians sitte after they had prayed, bycause the Idolaters dyd so: but hauing shewed thys in generall to bee the pollicie
of God firste, and of his people afterward, to put as much difference as can be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be∣tweene the people of God and others which are not, I shall not neede to shew the same in the par∣ticulars.
If it wer not too hard, I doubt not but that you woulde saye something more in the matter, than you haue done. I know not to what purpose you haue alleadged Ter∣tul〈1 line〉〈1 line〉ian for not sitting after prayer. &c. except your meaning be, that we shall not knéele in praying, bycause the Papists did vse that gesture. Howbeit there is no such thing to be found in that booke of Tertullian. Wherefore you are to carelesse in alleadging your Authors, and giue to much credite (as it should séeme) to other mens collecti∣ons. In his booke de oratione, He reproueth certaine that vsed to sit after prayer, alled∣ging for their Author Hermas to whome the booke called Pastor is ascribed, he she∣sheth that no such thing can be gathered of Hermas his words, and further addeth, that this gesture is to be reproued, not onely bycause idolaters did vse it in worship∣ping their idols, but also bycause it is an vnreuerent gesture. His words be these. Eò* 1.2 apponitur & irreuerentiae crimen. &c. Herevnto is added the fault of vnreuerence, that might be vnderstoode euen of the gentiles themselues, if they were wise: for it is an vnreuerente thing to sit in the sight, and against the face of him, whome thou wouldest especially reue∣rence and worship, how much more is this deede most prophane in the sight of the liuing God, his Angell being as yet present at this prayer. Truly your generall reasons hither∣to vsed, are neyther of sufficient pollicie 〈1 line〉〈1 line〉or mighte to deface a booke, with so greate wisedome, learning and zeale collected and approued. If your particular reasons be no better, a small confutation will serue.
Lib. de ani∣ma.
Tertullian.