Jeanes.
The Surplice was used not onely as a note of distinction, but also for its mysti∣cal signification, to betoken sanctity of life, and untill this latter use of them be proved lawfull, your four arguments will be but a begging of the Question, as you will soon perceive, when you attempt the reducing of them into forme.
This may suffice for answer unto all your arguments; but I shall also give unto each of them a several answer.
The first argument is taken from the Analogy betwixt civill and sacred per∣sons and actions: Civil persons wear solemn garments for solemn actions, which they doe not use at other times; therefore it is decent for Ministers to weare solemne garments in their solemne sacred actions, which they doe not use in common occasions, as whilst they are walking in the streets, or the like.
To answer this, I need not trouble my 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but only referre the Reader unto what Ames answereth unto the like objection of Bishop Mortons in his Reply to his particular Def. &c pag. 4. To which I answer.
1. That if all this be granted, yet it maketh not for the Surplice; which is not a Civil 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an Ecclesiastical, Religious habit; there is great difference be∣twixt a grave, civil habit, and a mystical garment.
2. The consequence doth not follow; because in the exercising of the Mi∣nisterial duty, nothing is requisite which the Lord himselfe doth not impose upon his Ministers. A Minister then hath another person, than when he walk∣oth in the street.
3. There is a great disparity betwixt Judges and Ministers, in regard of their Functions; for Judges Functions are civill, and therefore subject unto mans Institutions: but Ministers in their Functions are onely to observe what he, whose service they are to perform hath appointed.
This answer fits your argument, as if it had been purposely made for it, and by this the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may see, that it was baffled long agoe, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you should not have propounded it anew without some reinforcement.
But your second argument will strike the matter dead; The Command of our Superiours added unto the decency of the matter. But this mends the matter nothing at all; for our Superiours, as well as others, are prohibited to make any additionals unto the Worship instituted by the supream Law-giver, who had in∣finite Wisdome, and so could sufficiently provide whatsoever was fitting in his own Worship and Service: All additions unto the Ceremonial Law under the Old Testament 〈◊〉〈◊〉 unlawfull, Deur. 12. 32. And why then should it be law∣full