Dr. HAMMOND.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Decently, and according to appointment.
1. SInce the publishing that Answer to Mr. J. concerning the degrees of ardency in Christs Prayer, I am advertised of another passage in that volume, in which I am concerned, relating to some words of mine in the view of the Directory, pag. 19. on the head of Uniformity in Gods Service, and particular∣ly respecting my rendring of the Apostle, 1 Cor. 14 40. Let all things be done 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
2. These indeed I thus rendred [decently and according to order or appointment] and affirmed the importance of that place to be, that all be done in the Church according to Custome and appointment, rendring this reason of the former, because it was implyed in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, decently (custome being the onely rule of decency, &c.) and of the latter, because the words do literally import this, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. according to order or appointment.
3. To the former of these he makes his first exception, thus, [he dares not affirme that this is the immediate sense of the place, but onely that it is implyed; it cannot be denyed, but that decency doth imply such customes, the omission of which doth necessarily infer indecency; but that the omission of such ceremonies as ours, doth infer indecency, the Doctor and all his party can never make good: What undecencie can the Doctor prove to be in the administration of Baptism without the Crosse; as also in publique Prayers and Preaching without a Surplice? But of this see farther in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the places but new quoted: The Doctor may perhaps look upon him as an inconsiderable adversary. But we shall think his Arguments considerable, untill the Doctor, or some other of his party give a satisfactory answer unto them. In the mean while let us examine the proof that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Doctor brings for this sense: and it is because custome is the onely rule of decency.
This Proposition, though very strange, is 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and therefore we might as well reject it, as the Doctor dictates it. But I shall adde a consutation of it, from these follow: ing arguments.
- 1. If custome be the only rule of decency, then nothing else can be a rule thereof