which is worship devised by man and arbitrary or free is abhorred by the Lord. The second commandement forbids making to our selues the least sign fying ceremony Numb 15.39 Col. 2 noth ng pleaseth God but what comes from heaven for outward service pleaseth no further then it is done in obedience to God and is an expressing of inward worship Therefore this wil-worship being done not in obedience to God but to our own and others will Isa 24.13 it is not accepted of God To this all agree for it was the Pharisies sinne that they took up of themselues many washings not commanded of God nor forbidden by him but indifferent in themselues 2 The Lord hath given a perfect Platform and absolute Rule how hee will be worshipped in the time of the new Testament For Christ that hath ever taught the Church and directed Moses and David much more comming in his own person hath fully manifested the will of his Father Else he should be lesse faithfull then the servant in him are hid all the treasures of wisedom and knowledge so as in him we are compleat and need not further to seek nor borrow any light from the greatest Angells in heaven for matters concerning God or his worship Therfore they are accursed Gal. 1 that preach any other doctrine besides that the Apostles haue preached and left unto us 2 Tim. 3 The Scripture makes the man of God perfect and absolute to every good work and it is a light unto our feet and to our pathes so as not a foot is set towards heaven but where and how it should be placed is evidently shewed The Scripture is so large that it meets with all doubts else the Lord should not be so provident as man who meet in their lawes with all they can conceiue Now the Lord foresees all doubts Further the Scripture g ues direction how to use things indifferent 1 Tim. 4 in our common use therfore much more in a religious This for the substance is held by all our sound Divines against the Papists 3 The Lord is very strict for observing every thing commanded in his service without any addition or detraction in the least things Deut. 4.2 Moses must doe all according to the pattern shewed in the mount The Lord punished Aarons sonnes for offering strange fire Vzzah for offering to stay the Ark hee forbids to be called Baali Hes 2. The Lord is a jealous God 2 Com. and his authority is weakned when men presume to doe any thing in his worship and serv ce God will be the same in punishing that he is in forbidding Math. 5 the least jo e or title shall not passe but all must see fulfilled 4 The least sin may not be committed to injoy all the Ordinances of God Rom. 3. For 1 The Lord may take men away in the act of doing evill afore they come to any good 2 It is is a great dishonour to God to doe any sinne to a good end as though the Lord could not provide for thy soule without sinning against him and sâ—rving Satan first 3 It opens a gap to all superstitâ—on upon a good meaning and a gap to injustâ—ce in mens dealings 4 The least sinne done especâ—ally wittâ—ngly and willingly brings judgement upon the doer 5 God in such times when without sinning against him wee cannot enjoy them calls us for the while to humiliation or removing his glory from that place calls otherwhere to ab de Matth. 15 Men Men may not deny duety to these parents in rele ving them to offer unto God it makes the commandement of God of none effect which for to doe for any man whatsoever is a most hoâ—r bâ—e sinne 5 A little leaven leavens the whole lumpe 1 Cor. 5 men dote ever upon their own dev sâ—s and hav ng oâ—c◠〈◊〉 the bounds God hath set them run fuâ—tâ—er further Besides the Lord so knâ—tâ—a hâ—s worship and oâ—dinances togethâ—r that â—orruption of one coâ—rupts the â—est and without curing and restoring in time expells all Gods institutions and leaues men nothing but their own stuffe For men withholding the truth in injustice are forsaken of God and become fooles because they worship not God as God that is as he reveales himselfe in his workes and word Leaven is a Gangreen 2 Tim. 3. 6 The offence of the weak in the abuse of things indifferent much more superstitious which none in earth can command this may bring damnation unto thy brother Therfore that is most uncharitable and none can command against charity The Magâ—strate is keeper of this Law and ought not to see it broken This is a sin against Christ Woe be to him that offends the least of these little ones Math. 18. In this the Scripture is so large 1 Cor. 10 Rom. 14 because men are witty having no sense nor tendernesse of conscience in themselues nor true loue towards the sincere servants of God and therfore no care of their growth in grace and prosperity of their soules onely puft up with knowledge and a forme of Religion that they haue devised I say they are so cunning to offend their weak brethren for which Christ dyed under colourable pretences Math. 12.23 ad 8. Divine order it selfe giues way to charity towards mens bodies much more a humane to mens soules All power is to edification not destruct on 7 All men are bound to protest and stand out against all superstitious will-worship especially that of the Church of Rome so as they may leaue the pure truth to posterity now in this light of the Gospell 2 Cor. 6 Apoc 14.4 Saints are redeemed and bought from among men and virgins which are not defiled with women that is w th whorish and idolatrous service Else how doe wee answer the great mercy and goodnesse of the Lord if we deny not all ungodlâ—nesse Tit. 2. 2 They are guilty of former superst tions if they cast not away all idols 2 Command 3 They wrong their posterity making them e ther to drink troubled waters or suffer persecution for standing against that wh ch they yeelded unto 4 This is a part of that victory which Christ hath gotten for all his over the world that will lay claime unto it 8 To doe a th ng doubtingly by the example of others may bring damnat on to the party so sinn ng Rom. 14.23 Men may sinne aga nst the r conscience and so stumble and fall 2 Men may be given over in other things to the like to follow men And this holds in following any one though never so learned For not many nor prudent haue the truth revealed unto them in every age there being some misteries in Religion which learning or study cannot attain to without a speciall assistance and working of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 2. 9 It is a great sinne to obserue pleasing Traditions because they are commanded by men and haue a shew of wisedom Col. 2 Esa 29. It argues men are led onely by an humane
HAving hitherto treated of some mayne grounds of the Magistrates authority the pillar of arbitrary government It remaines to come to the controversie concerning the persons by whom the Church is to be governed In handling whereof I desire the Christian Reader well to weigh the grounds against the form so much extolled now a dayes I know there are three special things that make men otherwise not evill-minded quâ—te rejâ—â—t our cause whâ—ch hee that wâ—ll jâ—dge â—â—ght of must lay aside else he shall bâ—â— blâ—ndâ—d so as he cannot dâ—scern the truth 1 The first is long and ancient custom in the Church of Christ wh ch to many is a law standâ—ng in great force For thâ—s first poâ—nt know there is no prescription against the King mâ—ch lesse against the King or heaven and even the best Churches haue had bad customes wâ—tnesse the Patrâ—aâ—kes Polligamy in doâ—ng evill and the omission of the feast of Boothes which was not kept from Ieshua till Iosiah Therfore thou must not so look what this or that man that were before thee haue done as what Christ the ancient of dares hath commanded thee to doe And the longer by any forged evidence his right hath been kept from him the more sâ—ould every one striue in his place to set him in possesâ—â—on again 2 A gâ—eat Obstacle is the allowance of the Magistrate of this government therfore sâ—ch as stand aga nst this form seem to derogate from Pr ncâ—s authority For thâ—t then though I know t dangerous to meddle w th â—uch persons yet the controversie being twâ—xt God and man who feares not the Lord more then all men Therefore this must firmly be held ever That the best Princes are subject to command appoint things unlawfull and hurtfull to the people Thus did David in numbring of the people thus Salomâ—n 2 The Magistrate is overborn with shews of reason as though this were the most profitable form So the sinne lies heavy upon them that perswade him 3 They that are the Defendants farre more incroach upon the Magistrates right then we doe As God willingâ—â— all be shewed in the things that follow hereafter 4 Reade in Hos 5 the great sin of the Isâ—aâ—lites for following the command of the Prince in subjecting themselues to the Trad tions then in force For Magistrates as they haue all authority from the God of heaven so ought they and all others to obey absolutely so far as may stand with his good pleasure Men must not like flattering Athiests imagine that Princes commands eâ—ther justifie evill or abolish the nature of that whâ—ch is good A third let is old Adam yet raignâ—ng in men which is the greatest enemy to the Kingdom of Christ and in this â—gnorance in many makes them stand for the present government dreaming that we would haue a strange confusion in the Church of Chrâ—st not conceiving what order was established in the Apostles time and that this order now in place keeps out the order which the Lord himselfe hath established Therefore reade first I beseech you brethren and then judge righteous judgment we would haue Christ raigne over all and each keep in that compasse he hath appointed doing their severall offices without intermedling with strange businesses which weaken and unfit them for the Churches service A second argument of corrupt nature is carnall desire of liberty which is the strongest adversary to beat down and vanquish For men haue ever resolved to break the bonds of Christ and not to haue him raign over them This makes many to rage and blaspheme the contrary form to these times because they are like untamed heyfers that cannot bear the yoke of Christ This should rather perswade against this present form of government since men naturally are enemies to God and cannot brook the Ordinances rightly to be administred and sâ—condly that to suffer men to haue their own will is a thing most dangerous to them as to the Israelites in choosing their King or obtaining Quailes Oh consider thou man that art called a Christian how thy disobedient life causeth the way of God to be evill spoken of and so thou layest stumbling blocks before Papists and Turkes and bringest fearfull woes upon thy selfe This comes in part for want of strict discipline and therefore be content to deny thy selfe and fall not upon Christ And ô yee that sit in the throne of God make way that Christ this King of glory may come in and set up his throne amongst us outwardly Many objections against this truth are brought especially the antiquity of Diocesan Bishops which haue been even since the Apostles times the seven Angels Rev. 2.3 they say were Diocesan Bishops and Histories mention the being and continuance of them in the Church To this it is and may be truely answered That there are divers kinds of Bishops 1 Apostolicall which onely are parishionall these were Pastors Teachers and Elders 2 Such as were Pastors onely though over many Churches such were the Bishops of the Primitiue times 3 Diocesan Bishops which came in afterwards and so they rose till they came to the Popedom That Diocesan Bishops were in the Apostles times it wants all shew of reason as is proved sufficiently before For that out of Rev. 2. 3 I referre the Reader to the discourse betwixt Mr. Downam and the Answerer of hâ—s Sermon Onely consider that cannot possibly be meant of Diocesan Bishops For Acts 20 Paul left none such but there all Elders are Bishops 2 All Ministers are Angels therfore it cannot be meant of Diocesan Bishops 3 It is against all hâ—istorie both Divine and Ecclesiasticall to bring in any such consoc ation of Churches witnesse the Centuries 4 The Lord if there had been divers Congregations in those places would haue spoken as Paul doth Gal. 1 To the Churches of Galatia to the Angell of the Church of Ephesus c. 1 It may be demanded how these could creep into the Church and men never espy them Answ Those first times were very troublesome which cunning and deceitfull men make their advantage for they fish in troublâ—d waters best of all 2 In Cities there was but one Congregâ—tâ—on when the churches were first planted and so but one Pastor which was called Bâ—shop onely which when the Church increased more congregations were established yet continued his carefull oversight which was then his Bishoprick not so much for desire of preeminence as either of ignorance of his duty in this kinde or provident care and respect such had of their brethren 3 Men gaue reason and caâ—nall policy too great rule both in ceremonies and discipline and the Church then labouring with contentâ—ons thought that the appointing of one over the rest would bee a meanes to still all and keep them in order 4 Men being chosen at first as arbitrators rather then Iudges for the excellency of their graces and deserts to the Church then for any authority of their places Others following in the same
not haue omitted if they had judged this form best and fitting For they set down both by precept and example what respect and regard is due to other Churches much more would they haue set down what respect men owe to their Diocesan And particularizing the duties of servants to their Masters and people to their Ministers Did they not adde some precepts how Minister and People should obey their Ordinary This argument holds firmly especially considering the Apostle Iohn survived all the other Apostles who saw the state of the Congregations and wrote the prophecie of the future estate of the Church what it should suffer Without question if there had been any such innovation he would haue mentioned it 2 Our Saviour Christ Mat. 18 from the reproofe of one or two referres it to the Congregation not to a Diocesan Bishop and ratifies in heaven what they doe in his name heâ—re on earth If they could produce any such promise and direction for their Diocesan Bishops we would with all willingnesse subject unto them for we stand out for Christ not for our selues 3 The Apostles wrote unto the Churches as Parishionall not Diocesan Gal. 1.2 to the Churches of Galatia 1 Pet. 5.2 which argues that â—n these dayes they were free and entire not having such dependance of an other by bond and duty 4 Every Congregation had power to exercise all discipline to elect their own officers and to depose as occasion and necessity required 1 Cor. 5 Rom. 16 Cenchrea had her Deacon and was a Church Ioh. epist 3 Acts 14. 5 The Apostle Iohn reproved Diotrephes that affected superiority 3 epist and that he cast out such as the Church would haue received or reteâ—ned 6 There is no such title given to any in all the Scriptures as argue they had any soveraignty or rule over other Congregations Now titles are Symbola rerum notes and evidences of things signified by them and the Scripture giues each other for the purpose and office fitting titles 7 It was in use in the times of the primitiue Church as both the Acts of the Apostles and the Ecclesiasticall history witnesse that one Church should help an other in all duties both in soule and body without exercising authority one over another so did Ierusalem Antioch and Samaria When they doubted in like manner of any question if private answer could not satisfie publique Synods were appointed Act. 15 other consociation then this the Church knew none till at least three or foure hundred years after Christ neither can an Author of credit be brought to the contrary as witnesse Centuriae Magdeburgenses Now as this Diocesan Church hath no ground in Scriptures nor in antiquity till things began to decline so neither can it haue any being in true reason as may appear by these Reasons Reas 1. Because whole Christ is where his Word is preached and Sacraments administred There is his whole Kingdom This is Bucers Argument to proue Discipline in every Congregation and not to haue them depend one upon an other in every Congregation there is the Word and Sacraments 2 It is most fit in all sense that the Ministers which teach should also exercise Discipline as those which haue most exact knowledg of the persons amongst whom they liue Secondly as they that are to giue account for the people And thirdly that preach to them and therfore are to govern theÌ„ outwardly which is lesse then to preach Fourthly as they that are hereby to maintain there respect and place by the sword which the Lord hath given them 3 This conceit raysed up by the Pope and partly holds him up till this day For if there may be Diocesan Churches why not universall Both sprâ—ng and are grounded upon the same sandy foundation of carnall policy and from time to time still nourished by Ambition Why doe men then take the one being alike and leaue the other 4 This excludes that holy communion which every Congregation might haue one with an other as it was in the Primitiue times when they sent to the neighbour Churches who were not slack either to send Ministers or letters wherby they might be informed and receiue satisfaction in all doubts wheras now many Churches are bound to one mans pleasure and arbitrament whom by his definitiue sentence determining matters though never so unrighteously men are bound to obey as their ordinary without further adoe 5 The Lord was wont howsoever the Apostles and Prophets were ceased yet to raise up men of excellent gifts and graces who like the Iudges amongst the Israelites with their light after a sort directed the whole Church not by any authority but as the Modern Divines Calvin Beza Bucer P. Martyr and the rest by manifesting the good will of the Lord. Now men by bringing in this devise of theirs haue stopt the course of Gods blessing as much as in them lies 6 This hath brought the people to exceeding trouble bondage and costs it brings in a rabble of Appaâ—ators that sell sin and procure pardons for others which doings officers with the Proctors and the rest what blemish are they to our Protestant reformed Churches To conclude all with that place before mentioned Acts 20 Ministers are to take heed to all their Flock which these cannot doe Secondly they must be set over the flock by the Holy Ghost Now what hee doth hee doth by the Word which is flat against these therfore there is no Diocesan Church Thirdly neither can whole Diocesses and Provinces come together to hear their Shepheards and Pastors which were fit wheras thus in all their life many neither see nor know him that pretends to be over them as their Bishop 7 Is not this a tying of the Church to places and persons to binde men to Bishops seas like that sea of Rome Wherfore Brethren yee that haue been deceived think not scorn to learn from one inferiour farre in gifts in these things But hearken to the Lord that it may goe well with you You see you haue no evidence for these places but prescription and possession which though with men they may seem good yet with the Lord they are nothing he respects not custom nor long continuance of time but the right and that which was from the beginning Wherfore look as the men that had marryed them wiues of the heathens at Nehemiaes command put them away so since you haue undertaken a strange charge such as the Lord forbids dare not to continue not He that will forsake father and mother house and lands for Christs names sake shall receiue an hundred fold even in this life besides assurance of heaven A great reward is in this promise of God and should be valued by you more worth then all the present honours and possessions you are endowed by man with all Wherefore consider what an offer the Lord makes to buy your places of you wheras he might throw you out as usurpers at a deare rate he offers an 100 fold If men
but in circumstances agreeable to the will of the Lord therfore this manner of worship of God though it be sound in the substance 2 in the Ministers lawfull yet in circumstances it is unlawfull Ob. God had tyed his worship to IerusaleÌ„ so he hath not now to this or that manner Answ 1. His not commanding of the manner â—s a forbidding of the same 2 He hath as hath been and by Gods blessing shall be hereafter proved forbidden this manner 3 The very nature of the covenant now made with us shews it which is not obscure typicall adumbratory but all things are plain secondly here the Lord giues freedom from all Ceremonies Gal. 4 thirdly his children haue abundance of spirit in sted of Ceremonies 4 The faithfulnesse of Christ proues it who left all things as perfect as Moses Arg. 16. People forsaking the puâ—e worship of God can never stay as appears in Ieroboam all the Kings of Iudah that were evill grew worse and worse This Argument is plain against our Ceremonies which being â—etained will bring in other things of the same and like nature that may be justified by the like grounds The reason of this is men forsaking God wittingly and willingly in the least things the Lord forsakes them and giues them over into a reprobate sense 2 Men take not the Word to stay them now for they haue trangrest the bounds and limits of it 3 It is nature of will-worship Rom. 1 Isa 29 to destroy the wisedom of the wise and make men sottish Arg. 17 All uncleannesse and filthinesse ought to be carried out of the house of God before Gods worship be erected in it 2 Chron. 29. Hence these ought to be expelled for they are spotted by the flesh defiled by Antichrist and what superstition hath defiled if the Lord ordain it not cannot be cleansed againe 2 These were never clean nor holy for there is no word to warrant them which must sanctifie all Arg. 18 2 King 18.4 1 True zeal and hatred of Superstition abolisheth all monuments of Idolatry 2 Things though of good use at their first Institution yet being abused to Idolatry ought to be abolished as the Brazen serpent 3 Many things passe unreformed even through the hands of good men 4 Abuse of things to Idolatry doth abase them and should make them vile in our eyes if they be not perpetuall Ordinances of God It is not enough to take away the abuse of Idolatrous reliques but the very matter should be removed burst and burnt according to the nature of it This place is very firm against these Cemonies in question 1 Because these were never of good use in the Church 2 Though they had yet being now so grosly abused they ought to be quite abolished since they haue now no necessary use in the Church 3 They are too vile a filthy Surplus and Crosse to come into the presence of Lord who likes nothing but what he appoints himselfe 4 Men cannot prevent the abuse of Idolatrous reliques they being continued 5 Though they could yet â—t were not lawfull to surfâ—r them for civill uses This example binds us as is plain out of the text For first the Holy Ghost commends it in Hezekiah and such things are written for our learning 2 He did câ—eau to the Lords commandement and departed not from him 3 these Commandements were given Moses Arg. 19. Psal 137.3.4.5 1 There ought to be nothing in the worship of God but what is from the Lord. 2 Men are bound in circumstances to worship the Lord according to his commandement and will in the Place therfore also in Garments 3 Affirmatiue Commands in the service of God exclude all mens own inventions though they be not specified 4 Men forget Ierusalem and are carelesse of the Church that please Idolaters and worship God after their desire in any corrupt manner 5 It is better a man never preach then doe any evill in preaching This Psalm quite overthrows our Ceremonies now imposed 1 They are not from the Lord no more then the reading of Apocriphall scripture 2 Men are bound to administer Sacraments as the Lord hath commanded 〈◊〉 sâ—ch ordinary garments as our Saviour Christ and his Apostles used as they administâ—ed Baptism in they that would not sing the Lords song in a strange place would much more refuse to doe it in a strange garment 3 Though these particulars Crosse Surplus and Kneeling be not specified yet in that they are not mentioned in the Woâ—d it is enough to proue they should not be used for each strange manner of worshipping the true God is hatefull in Gods eyes 4 It is plain therfore that Ministers refusing to yeeld to these things imposed doe not sinne though they be hâ—ndred so as they cannot execute their Calling Ob. God had bound his worship to Ierusalem therfore it was unlawfull to worship in any other place But he hath not bound himself to be worshiped in this manner without Crosse and Surplus and kneeling Answ The Lord hath plainly bound men to worship him in spirit and in truth 2 The Lord in his new covenant hath aswell manifested his will as in the old there men might adde and annex nothing without speciall and imediate revelation from God therfore not now 3 As IerusaleÌ„ because it was chosen of the Lord appointed the place where he wold be worshiped was by this made holy and so it lawfull for to worship there and no where else So the Lord having chosen no peculiar garment nor appointed any crosse or kneeling they are not holy but to be accounted as strangers that may not come neare the house of the Lord. Arg. 20 Isa 30.22 Men inwardly taught by the Lord cannot endure the least cover of Idols 2 True turning to God maks men cast away the precious monuments of Idolatry 3 Gods children must be pure inwardly and outwardly casting away all tokens of spirituall adultery 4 Men taught by the Lord see filthines in garments abused to Idolatrie 5 Men that return to the Lord must goe as far as is possible from superstition 6 Things abused to Idolatry should be cast away with reproach and disgrace This place is firm against our Ceremonies in controversie 1 Because these were covers and ornaments of Idols the priest being an Idoll to offer up Christ and to forgiue sins which are priviledges of God 2 Vnder this all Idolatrous signes and garments are contayned 3 The best and sincerest Christians through the land abhorr these The second ground is also against these because they haue been ornaments of Idols for to that end doth the Masse-priest weare them 2 If precious ornaments should be cast away how much more these base Ceremonies 3 The children of God must not haue one taken from Idolaters nor one ceremony or sign of Idolatry past these are signs of Superstition past therfore to be cast away 4 Filthy menstruous clouts ought not to be brought near the Lord nor are decent garments
for the minister of the gospell such are these therfore not fit to come near the Lord nor are decent garments for the minister of the Gospell 5 Men must protest against it and goe as far as is possible froÌ„ it But now men protest for the covering though they forsake the Idolatry 2 Men cast it not away but draw it near unto them and come near the Papists herein 6 Men cast them not away with disgrace but honour them in bringing them into the service of the Lord and speak well of them Hence we see it is not nicenes but a care to keep a good conscience makes the ministers and people of God abhor these Ceremonies in question Arg. 21. Out of Hos 2.16.17 Things lawfull abused to Idolatry are defiled and ought to be abandoned as the name of Baali 2 The Lord will haue nothing like Idolaters in his service he hates all names and memorialls of Idols 3 The Lords people should not name Idols without detestation 4 The utter abolishing of Idolatry is the way to all happines for a kingdom This place is playn against our Ceremonies though they were lawfull at first institution yet now Idolatry defiles them and they ought to be abandoned 2 The Lord will not haue us serue him outwardly like Idolaters in the least Ceremonie For names are lesse then Ceremonies Therfore what the Lord abhors no man must dare to bring near him But he hates and forbids these as it is playn in the text 3 The Lord is wonderful Iealous of his true worship he will not haue the heart lift up unto vanity nor the mouth speak of Idols except it be to reproue them the Lord makes all his people such Consider yourselues therfore all yee that can endure well enough these Ceremonies whether the Image of God in this respect be in you or no Hence it is playn men are bound to that utter detestation and loathing of idolatrous signes and garments and gestures which some shew in England Because this promise must be fulfilled 2 Men are married to Christ therfore it fits they should be chast and far from all shew of whorish behaviour and lightnesse such as the whore of Rome teacheth 3 This is the best way to root out Idolatry utterly and to establish the true service of God 4 This is the best way to all happinesse to a Kingdom which we ought by all lawfull meanes to procure What haue they deserved therfore at your hands that you should thus deal with them that seek your good in all their courses Their preaching praying and living you cannot deny And in this the Holy Ghost clears them Be encouraged therfore every faithfull subject and good Christian to continue thine hatred of all Romish Reliques for certainly this will bring good to your selues and the land too Arg. 22. Mat. 15.3.4.5 1 All Traditions that cause the breach of any commandement are utterly unlawfull 2 It is the property of humane Traditions to cause the breach of Gods commandements 3 Men that joyn their traditions with Gods commandements doe what lies in them to throw the Lord out of his Throne 4 It is a sign of hipocrisie to be zealous in urging humane Traditions 5 The breach of a human Tradition doth not defile men 6 Men are not bound to the Traditions of the Elders This place is plain against our Ceremonies 1 Doe they not cause the breach of each commandement of God as is learnedly proved in a discourse of the Crosse and especially this commandement that men should be apt to teach and carefull to teach which now is made voide by this For men say if he be a quiet peaceable conformable man it is well 2 They cause those the Lord hath sent to be thrust out and the fathers of mens spirituall life to be neglected 3 That which causeth breach of Gods commandements should not men abandon and abhor 2 Should men bring their own traditions into the Church 3 These Ceremonies will doe hurt if they be not cast out before it is their nature and property to doe hurt and they are ever worse in the latter end then at first 4 Is it not presumption and rebellion against God to joyn mens own devises to the Ordinances of God without warrant from God And are not men to keep the Lords right in standing against them 5 Should such hypocrisie be seen amongst us that men should presse with violence their own traditions and be like the Scribes who when they teach the law of God are without power Mat. 7. 6 These commandements of men are made doctrines to teach So are all our Ceremonies as it is plain by the Preface to them Grounds therfore besides these mentionâ—d why we should stand against them are out of this place 1 The servants of God are not bound to mens traditions 2 The great esteem men haue of their own traditions which Gods servants should protest against 3 The great inconvenience that comes by some of their traditions in sight as hath been shewed before and shall be God willing hereafter 4 The true zeal men should bear to haue the Lords commandements kept which cannot be where these are so much esteemed 5 Avoyding hypocrisie 6 It is but lost labour to worship God thus 23 Arg. out of Mark. 11.16 1 Things of good use out of Gods service ought not to come into the house of the Lord. 2 Nothing but that which the Lord hath sâ—nctified ought to come neer him witnesse Naâ—ab and Abihues strange fire This place is plain against all our Cereremonies even Kneeling because though of good use in other parts of Gods worship yet in this it ought not to come 2 These Ceremonies should not be admitted nâ—ere the Lord since they are not sanctified and men endanger themselues that presum to bring them neer the Lord. Wherfore Ministers ought to their uttermost power seek the abolishing of these ceremonies in this they are like unto Christ Arg. 24. Ioh. 2.15.16 1 In darksome times many things are corrupted in the service of God as twixt Malachy and Christ which the light comming burns up 2 The Lord will not admit any mans devises to further the service of God besides the Word 3 Mens colourablest devises in Gods worship when they are considered by a zealous heart are vile and odious 4 True zeal is for the Lords pure worship and service 4 True zeal is with fervent desire of reformation of small matters in shew being amisse This place is plain against our Ceremonies they came in in the times of Popery and the light of the Gospell discovers them to be filthy and hath cast them out of many places already 2 The Lord will not admit these ceremonies to further his worship what he saw convenient and fitting he commanded neither let men think their comelinesse and decency shall be omitted for these are commanded by the Word These Ceremonies haue not so good use as those mens commodities wherin they seemed to doe good and