Reply. We marvel that you say nothing at all to our desire, (that it be expressed in a Rubrick, that prayers and exhortations there used, be not for the benefit of the dead, but only for the instruction &c. comfort of the living.) You intend to have a very indiscreet Ministry, if such a needlesse Circumstance may not be left to their discretion. The contri∣vance of a Cap instead of a Rubr. sheweth that you are all unacquainted with the subject, of which you speak: and if you speak for want of expe∣rience of the Case of Souls, as you now do about the Case of mens bo∣dies, we could wish you some of our experience of one sort (by more Converse with all the Members of the Flock) though not of the other. But we would here put these three or four Questions to you.
1. Whether such of our selves as cannot stand still in the cold winter at the Grave, half so long as the Office of Burial requireth, without the certain hazard of our lives, (though while we are in motion, we can stay out longer) are bound to believe your Lordships, that a Cap will cure this better then a Rubr. though we have proved the contrary to our cost? and know it as well as we know that cold is cold Do you think no place but that which a Cap or Clothes do cover, is capable of letting in the excessively refrigerating Air?
2. Whether a man that hath the most rational probability, if not a mo∣ral certainty, that it would be his death, or dangerous sickness (though he wore 20. Caps) is bound to obey you in this Case.
3. Whether usually the most studious laborious Ministers, be not the most invaletudinary and infirm? And 4ly, Whether the health of such should be made a jest of, by the more healthful; and be made so light of, as to be cast away, rather then a Ceremony sometime be left to their discretion? And whether it be a sign of the right and genuine spirit of Religion, to subject to such a Ceremony, both the life of godliness, and the lives of Ministers, and the peoples souls? Much of this concerneth the people also: as well as the Ministers.