SECT. XXIX.
HEere is alledged the universal custome of the ancient Church, even from the Apostles times for confirmation of humane mysticall ceremonies in Gods vvorship. To vvhich I answer, 1 of the first and purest times, next after the Apostles, this can∣not be proved: nor is likely, because it is not to be thought that all Churches vvould immediately admit of any thing vvhich they had not received from the Apostles. 2 For the next ages it may easily be shewed, that the best Writers taught many generall rules concerning the perfection of Scripture, and the purity of Gods worship, vvhich cannot stand vvith these humane inventions: howsoever in their practise they vvere carried away unto other customes. 3 The infinite troubles of those times against Infidels and Heretickes, about the chiefe grounds and maine foundations of faith, vvould not suffer them to examine these points of lesse moment as they should. And in deed, they vvere so taken up with those conflicts, that they neglected many usuall truths. So that if all should be received vvhich the Fathers practised, neither any thing understood but by their interpretations, vve should be de∣stitute of much truth, and overcharged vvith the burthen of hu∣mane presumptions, as Augustine complained in his time, ep. 119, 4 the Lord in justice vvould haue Antichrist to prevail: which my∣sterie could never haue grown to any ripenesse, had the worship of God been preserved sincere. That corruption begot him, and the reformation thereof must be his utter ruine. It is sufficient that the lamentable experience of fifteen hundred yeres hath de∣clared unto us, vvhat fruit of significant ceremonies brought by man into Gods worship are wont to affoord unto those that affect them. To fetch authority in this case, from their practise, by which hath insued such inestimable hurt to the Church of God, is not the vvisedome of the burnt child, vvho dreadeth the fire.