Answer.
This first limitation I borrowed from Dr Sclat••r upon the text: for the examination of it we must distinguish of humane Ceremo∣nies; they are of two sorts, Circumstantiall, or Doctrinall.
First, circumstantiall, such are the Circumstances of time or place, matters of order, decency, and the like. Now these are necessary in the generall, and the particulars may be determined by the Ma∣gistrate, or Church-officers v. g. that the publique assemblies be at such a convenient time of the day, in such a place, and that they be convocated by tolling of bells; that the Minister officiate in a grave habit, gowne, cloake, or coate, &c. Now though some of these may be by some causelesly imagined to be evill; yet they are not therefore to be forborne, if they be by lawfull command of the Magistrate, or Church, to be annexed with necessary duties; for necessary duties are not to be omitted for meere circumstan∣ces connexed with their performance.
Thus we are not to forsake, or refraine our publick assemblies, because some think there is some superstition in the places of them, our Churches, and the Convocation of them by bells, upon this ground, that both our Churches and bells have been abused by Papists. Dr Heylin [in a former edition of his Geography] relates this following story of Peter Du Moulin; that hearing how diverse English Ministers scrupled to officiate in a Surplice, he said, that he would willingly preach at Paris in a fooles coate, if leave could not be gotten of the King, upon any other condition. If this great light of France ever dropped such words, he had in them doubtlesse a very good, devout, and zealous meaning; but yet (under correction) I cannot see how his resolution can be ac∣corded with that rule of the Apostle; Let all things be done decently;