Dr. Hammond. sect. 20, 21.
In these it is certain, custome is the rule and the onely rule of 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Neither na∣ture nor Gods Law obliges all mankind to this, or that expression 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nations have their several manners of doing 〈◊〉〈◊〉; onely nature tels us, that the most re∣verent manner of treating is best becomming God, and that it cannot be decent, to treat 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in that manner as we would not doe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 beside, and Gods 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 about the offering of polluted bread 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and of sacrificing the lame and the sick, Mal. 1. 8. is a confirmation of that; Offer it now, saith God, unto thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉, will he be pleased with thee?
21. Apply this to a particular case, to a Nation, where 'tis customary to address to Kings kneeling, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will 〈◊〉〈◊〉 exactly (but not where that is not cu∣stome) Among such I may say, Did ever any man that had his limbs and health offer a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to his Prince in the gesture of sitting, or lying along upon a table? and if he did not, then I 〈◊〉〈◊〉, I suppose, regularly conclude from custome, the only rule of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 matters, that according to Gods arguing it cannot be decently done in his service, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is the tendring our petitions or requests to that infinite Majesty. And so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in other things.