A reply to Dr. Mortons generall Defence of three nocent [sic] ceremonies viz. the surplice, crosse in baptisme, and kneeling at the receiving of the sacramentall elements of bread and wine.

SECT. XIII.

THe omission of ceremonies is here alledged to be more sharp∣ly punished, then many great sinnes against the law of God, though it be vvithout so and all and contempt. To this the Def. answereth, first by denying the consequence, viz. that if this be so, then these ceremonies are preferred before the precepts of God, and unlawfull. But 1 vvhy saith he nothing to the Churches of Germanie, to Melancton, Martyr, Chemnitius, Bez••, Iunius, Lub∣bertus, Polanus, Bucanus, Pilkinton, Perkins, and the whole Clergie of England, brought in as allowing of this consequence, in the A∣bridgement? Are not all these worth one answer of the Defen∣dants? 2 The reason that he giveth for punishing more severely the omission of a ceremony, then hainous sins, is frivolous. For the true peace of the Church doth more depend on the keeping of Gods lawes, then of observing mans inventions: especially of such things vvhich never brought peace vvith them to any Church, but as fire from hell haue alwaies bred a combustion. Neither yet can the Defendant justifie that vvhich he saith of civill governments, that they lawfully at any time more severely punish that offence which is every way lesse, then another vvhich is greater. Howso∣ever, he that hath but halfe an eye may see that it is but a sophisti∣call evasion, common to our Prelates with the Papists. I will not therfore insist in this: if you please, you may see more of this matter in M. Parker of the Crosse, part. 2 c. 1 s. 16 17. He answereth in the second place, That it is not omission, but contempt that is punished,

••s if 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Counsellour should refuse to weare 〈◊〉〈◊〉 L••••yers gowne. But •• meere omission hath been often punished with suspension. 2 The Con∣vocation house by their Canons haue provided and appointed pu∣nishments for meere omissions. If those canons be not in all such points rigorously executed, it is either some personall good vvhich is found in some Officers, or else meere shame. For though canons doe not blush, yet the executioners haue some forhead left. 3 There may be continued omission, upon other causes beside con∣tempt, as ignorance, conscience &c. so that vvhile the Def. so pe∣remptorily chargeth others for slandering the Church of God, he manifestly slandereth them, which for any thing I know are as much the Church of God as the Prelates. Concerning this con∣tempt see more in M. Parker p. 2c. 1 s. 14. As for the Lawyers gowne, it is not long enough to cover the nakednesse of this an∣swer; no though it be stretched to the length of one of our great Prelates long traines vvhich are carryed up after them. For ex∣cept the Counsellour would swear that he refused on conscience, and that he could shew the judgement of the best Lawyers for his opinion, condemning such a robe as unlawfull, the case is not like: and if the case be so put, I account that Lawyer worthy to be tur∣ned over the bar, that could not defend himselfe from contempt.