Certain Observations, Section 19
SECTION. XIX.
THough it may ſeem loſt labour to goe over this ſubject, which is ſo largely and learnedly handled by men of excellent gifts; yet ſince the ceremonies remain, and are more ſtraitly urged then before. Therfore it is fitting we ſhould never reſt till theſe bleyns of our Church be removed: we muſt contend for the faith, and leaue many teſtimonies to poſterity, of the diſlike of theſe human inventions.
Firſt, therfore to propound ſome generall grounds touching the nature and uſe of theſe things.
1 It muſt be remembred that the Communion book contains in the judgment of our adverſaries, a briefe and ſumme of Gods outward worſhip. This is plain ſince themſelues call it divine Service. 2 They require more reverence to this, then to the Ordinances of God: 3 They command this chiefly, and puniſh men moſt for abſence from this: 4 They giuegive charge none of this ſhould bee omitted for preaching: 5 They appoint ſuch Miniſters as can doe nothing elſe but read this: 6 They binde men to this, though they hauehave no preaching in the Congregation.
2 Theſe now controverted Ceremonies are impoſed to ſtir up the dull mind of man to the remembrance of his duty; in their Preface to the Ceremonies.
3 They are ſo impoſed, as men muſt be in bondage to them and uſe them, without reſpect of any mans weakneſſe whatſoever.
4 Men deem them fitting not onelyonly for theſe times, and this preſent Church, but fitting every place: for they deſire and labour to bring all ſtrangers to the ſame Ceremonies.
5 In experience, theſe Ceremonies are utterly unprofitable, and doe not further the Goſpell of Chriſt.
6 Theſe ceremonies hauehave been too long in the Church.
7 They were brought in, in times of darkneſſe, when many corruptions had gotten in. The Surplus and Kneeling can not bee proved to hauehave been before the height of Popery.
8 Theſe Ceremonies hauehave been all groſly abuſed to Idolatry, and will-worſhip by the Papiſts, from whoſe hands we receiu them.
9 There is no damage nor hurt at all, to any Ordinance of God, or Calling he hath ſet in his Church, by the removall of them.
10 They are chiefly held and maintained now, as it ſeemeth by the Prelates words, to uphold their Lordſhip. For no Ceremony, no Biſhop. If they hauehave not theſe Ceremonies, wherewith ſhall they ſmite their fellow-ſervants? whoſe abode in the Miniſtery, by the light of the Goſpell, would cauſe ſuch light to ſhine, that all would eaſily diſcern the unlawfulneſſe of theſ… Callings.
11 They are burdens, and matters of griefe to all, or the moſt conſcionable Miniſters in the land.
12 They ſo count of theſe, that they had rather looſe 300 godly able Preachers, then not hauehave theſe Ceremonies uſed every where.
The firſt argument againſt Ceremonies, is out of Ex. 20.24.25, where note theſe two Concluſions. 1 That the Lord loues not outward pompe, nor mans inventions in his ſervice: for the Lord will hauehave the altar of earth; or if it be of ſtone, it muſt not be of hewen ſtone. 2 That mans polliſhing, and adorning any thing, without ſpeciall warrant, defiles the ſame.
Theſe arguments are firm againſt our Cemonies: 1 Becauſe they are but outward pompe, and mans inventions, as themſelues grant: 2 Outward adorning of the Miniſter with this ſurplus-garment pollutes him, ſince they hauehave no warrant for the ſame.
Argum. 2. Lev. 18.3, After the doings of the land of Aegipt, and after the doings of the land of Canaan ſhall yee not doe, neither walk in their Ordinances.
This place proues that men muſt not doe as idolatrous heathens doe. Whence obſeru.
1 That which is an ordinance of the heathens ought to be abhorred, being not grounded on the Word, or light of nature: To worſhip God outwardly after their own manner, with any thing whatſoever men deviſe is the manner of heathen, and idolaters. This place and the like made the Cemonies unlawfull at the very firſt bringing in of them.
2 That we muſt not walk in their Ordinances: but to uſe the Croſſe and Surplus are the ordinances of the Papiſts now: they ſtraightly injoyn them; they can and doe lay beſt claim unto them: other Reformed Churches hauehave rejected them.
If any man ſay this place is meant of their abomination in uncleanneſſe, defiling themſelues after their manner.
The Anſwer is plain, the place is generall, including all their manners and cuſtomes, as may be gathered out of the text. Ordinances ſignifie for the moſt part, if not ever, the Ceremonies. 2 Becauſe the Lord binds them onelyonly to his Statuts and Ordinances, v. 4. 3 The Lord abhorrs as much or more, the inventions of men, and the manner of the heathens in his ſervice, as outward uncleannes. Therfore argumentum à pari neceſſario concludit.
Arg. 3. The Lord will hauehave his children unlike Idolaters outwardly, and eſpecially the Miniſters of his Word. This propoſition is grounded on Lev. 19.27.28, compared with Lev. 21.5. Whence it is plain, that to injoyn miniſters conformity with idolaters, is unlawfull for him that commands, and him that obeys. For the Lord forbids it by this reaſon, which none can ſatisfie; for he offereth the bread of the Lord. Whence learn, that he that performes publique worſhip to God, muſt not be like Idolaters. Miniſters now perform publique worſhip to the Lord. Neither let any ſay, that the Croſſe, Surplus, and Kneeling are trifles: for ſo men might ſay of cutting round the corners of their head, or marring the corners of their bea…d.
Argu. 4. From Deut. 4.3.4, &c. Whence we learn: 1 That the Lord w… ha…e no more done in his worſhip, then he teacheth and commandeth in his Word. 2 That adding or detracting n the ſervice of the Lord by doctrine or ceremonies, without ſpeciall warrant hinders the keeping of Gods commandements. 3 That the keeping of thoſe things God commands will onelyonly make people wiſe, and happy. 4 That the Lord is neer in mercy to them that walk in his wayes. 5 That men muſt make no ſimilitude or likeneſſe of any thing in the ſervice of God; but they muſt learn by hearing the Word of the Lord.
Which things are plain againſt our Ceremonies. For, 1 men hauehave no word for theſe, therfore they are unlawfull. 2 Men adde by carnall reaſon unto the ordinances and worſhip of God theſe Ceremonies: which is as unlawfull as to detract any Ceremony and ordinance God hath appointed to his people.
3 Theſe hinder the keeping of Gods Commandements. 1 Becauſe carnall reaſon is unmortified that leads men. 2 Men pleaſe their affections: both which hinder Gods Commandements from being kept Rom. 8. 3 Men dote upon their deviſes whē they are uſed, which hinders them frō …ouing the Lord and his ordinances with all their hea…t. 4 Men ſo ſtriue to bring in theſe, and to keep them in, as that all their labour is ſpent herein.
If it be ſaid that this is meant of adding or detracting, in the ſubſtance of Gods worſhip.
Anſw. This cannot be ſo underſtood. 1. Becauſe the Lord forbids all adding, and this in Ceremonies is adding: 2 Becauſe the Lord binds to the manner preſcribed, as well as to the matter, Deut. 32. 3. Men may not adde in doctrine, nor detract; therfore not in Ceremonies. 4 Becauſe the Lord puniſhed them when they varied in the leaſt Ceremonie and circumſtance from the pattern in the mo…nt.
Arg. 5. Deut. 7. All the monuments of Idolatry ſhould be deſtroyed.
2 The Church ought to hauehave ſpeciall outward holines more then any other people hath: a part wherof is in overthrowing ſuch pollutions.
3 The Lord will hauehave all ſorts of Images to be deſtroyed. The Lord will not have his chidren communicate with Idolaters either in their religious Ceremonies or outward communion.
Hence we learn: 1 That theſe ought to be deſtroyed, ſince they are to us monuments of Popery; they bring that to our remembrance: 2 Now they are appendants of that religion onelyonly at this day 3 They are as dangerous to us as the monuments of theſe Gentils were to the Iews.
4 The Lord will hauehave his children goe as far from Idolatry as is poſſible; now wee retayning their Ceromonies hauehave Communion with them.
If it be ſaid this place ſpeaks of them that are open Idolaters and had deviſed theſe things themſelues. The Anſwer is, that Papiſts are open Idolaters, 2 They deviſed theſe things of themſelues, and though they ſhould be before Popery, yet they might be and were beginnings of Popery.
Arg. 6 Dev. 7. two laſt verſes. Things dedicated to Idols, and abuſed in ſtate of worſhip, may not be turned to private uſes, much leſſe to publick in the ſervice of God.
2 That men ſhould utterly deteſt and ſhew their greateſt hatred againſt the monuments, and things abuſed to Idolatry.
3 Theſe are accurſed things and men coveting the ſame become accurſed.
4 Man may not pick things lawfull in themſelues out of idolatrous worſhip, and apply them to what uſe he will.
This place is againſt theſe Ceremonies in queſtion that hauehave been in ſtate of religious worſhip: therfore ought to be abandoned.
2 Men are bound both inwardly, and outwardly, to manifeſt their great deteſtation and loathing of ſuch things; therfore ought not to uſe them. 3 The retaining of th…ſe things brings curſes upon miniſter and people. God Layes a ſpeciall curſe upon his own creatures abuſed to Idolatry, much more upon mans deviſes.
Object. This place holds, but for the individuals, not for the generals. For Gold might be uſed, and that afterwards about the ſervice of God.
Anſw. 1. Theſe Ceremonies were never in uſe, but Religious, and therfore the Argument holds firm à pari, from the like. All the Gold that was defiled by Idolaters ought to be abhorred: So all Croſſes and Surpluſſes hauehave been abuſed, for they had no other uſe; therfore to be abhorred.
2 Gold in it ſelfe, as it is the creature, is not here deteſted, but in this form, and for this uſe. So the matter ſimply of a Surplus, as it is the creature, is not unlawful, no the other Ceremonies, but in this form, and applyed to this uſe, which is in the generall of Croſſes and Surp…eſſes: which was but in ſpeciall for the other.
3 The Lord brought in Gold and Images too of diverſe creatures into the Temple: But this Law is not to binde the Lord, as none other is. For laws binds the creature, not the Creator: therfore it remains firm; that theſe being ſuch accurſed things ſhould be utt…r…y abandoned, and though pickt out amongſt many; yet without queſtion, far worſe then the gold about the Images.
Arg. 7. Deut. 12.3, the very names of idols ought to be rooted out of the places where they hauehave been worſhipped, and v. 30 & 31, men may not chuſe how they will ſeru the Lord. 2 God will not be ſerved by his people, in the manner, nor with thoſe things appointed by man, that Idolaters worſhip their God withall; for they bring in every thing that the Lord abhors. 3 Men are not to adde any thing to the worſhip commanded of God, though they keep the ſubſtance and adde but little. 4 Whatſoever is not commanded in the worſhip of God is forbidden.
Theſe grounds are plain out of the text; and they are ſufficient, if we had no more places of Scripture to overthrow theſe Ceremonies. For 1 if the names of Idolls ſhould be deſtroyed, then much more theſe ceremonies, which are much more accurſed.
2 Theſe Ceremonies were of mens chuſing at firſt, and therfore unlawfull then.
3 Idolaters, worſhip God at their Idols, after the ſame manner, with theſe things, therfore they are unlawfull: and if theſe be admitted, why not all Popiſh trumpery upon the ſame grounds?
4 Our Churches retain the ſubſtance of Gods worſhip, yet they adde theſe of their own deviſing, which is directly againſt the commandement.
5 They are not warranted any where, wherfore forbidden to all.
Arg. 8, Deut. 14.1.2. 1 Men in civill things ſhould not be like Idolaters, nor follow their faſhions.
2 Holy people muſt avoide all outward things which may defile them, and they muſt be as the Lord would hauehave them.
3 The Lord ſevers his people from all other people in their Rytes and Ceremonies.
This place is very direct againſt theſe things.
1 Becauſe it is more to be like Idolaters in religious reverence, then in civill faſhions. And ſuppoſe theſe ſhould be uſed but for a civill reſpect amongſt us, they were unlawfull, as they are now uſed, in the Colledges of the Vniverſities.
2 It is not in any mans power to ordain and appoint what garment they will, or Ceremonies to be uſed.
3 It is ſin to joyn and be one with thoſe from whom the Lord ſevers; now the Lord ſevers us from Papiſts, and the Lords will is, we ſhould differ from them in theſe rites, as well as in doctrine.
Obj. This was ſpoken to the Iſraelites in reſpect of the heathens.
Anſw. The cauſes are generall, wee are the children of the Lord: 2 We ought to be as holy as they: 3 the Lord hath choſen us to be a peculiar people unto himſelfe from Popery, and Mahumetaniſm, and Iudaiſm, and Heatheniſm.
Arg. 9. Deut. 16.21, Men muſt not bring any thing of their own deviſing, neer the Ordinances of God.
1 Men may not ſet up ſtatues, or pillars, for religious uſe. This place is firm againſt the Ceremonies controverted; becauſe Croſſe, Surplus, and Kneeling, are brought neer the Ordinances of God, which makes the ſame unlawfull, as if they were parts of Gods worſhip; in their Confeſſion.
2 They are ſtatutes and pillars for religious uſes.
Iudg. 8.29. Good intents, not directed by the Word, proue very hurtfull in the end to the deviſers.
2 All men take the leaſt occaſions to follow ſuperſtition.
3 Mens inventions draw their hearts wholly to them from the Lords true worſhip, ſince they are their own children, as it were.
This place is direct againſt our Ceremonies: they hauehave good intents, as order and decency &c. But men are not directed by the Word, no more then Gideon was in his Ephod: therfore they will proue hurtfull, even to be a ſnare to them that eſtabliſh them, and their poſterity. And they are not friends nor Seers, to the State that draw authority to preſſe theſe upon any.
2 When occaſions and ſtumbling blocks are laid before men, they fall ſtraight generally, neither will doctrine prevent the ſame; therfore theſe ought to be abandoned; and it is preſumpt on in any to uſe, or retain them.
3 Theſe rob the Lord of that due worſhip he ſhould rece…u from us: wherfore as theeus, ſuch ceremonies ought to be ſeverely dealt withall, and quite caſt out, like Agar when ſhe beganne to be ſo preſumptuous, as to exalt her ſelfe aboue her Miſtreſſe, as theſe doe already; the moſt, more eſteeming them then they doe the Ordinances of God.
Arg. 10. From examples, 2 Chron. 29.25, David and Salomon did nothing in the ſervice of God, but what they had expreſſe particular direction for, 1 Chron. 28.11.19.
Hence we obſeru: that that which was not lawfull for Prophets, and men of ſuch excellent pa…ts and authority, is not lawfull for any other Magiſtrate or Miniſter. Theſe had ſhewed them how they ſhould build the Lords Temple, in every particular work for his ſervice.
This reaſon is firm, becauſe all the Kings of Iudah, as they were zealous and forward for the truth, ſo they had care to bring the people and Prieſts to that form which David and Solomon left for Religion.
And hence it may appear that mens wiſedom is to doe things according to the will of the Lord, not to vary any thing from the pattern given, and bring in Ceremonies or their own deviſing.
Arg. 11, out of 1 King 12.28, Ieroboams ſinne was in departing from the pure worſhip of God.
1 In regard of the place, he choſe Dan and Bethel.
2 In the manner, hee ſet up Calucs, as ſignes of Gods preſence.
3 He made a houſe of high places, where they ſhould offer ſacrifice.
4 That he made Prieſts of the loweſt of the people.
5 That he ordained a feaſt of his own heart.
6 All this hee did for carnall policy, leſt the people ſhould again return to Rehoboam.
7 This he did in ſhew, with great adviſe, and counſell, wheras he had reſolved afore what to doe.
As for the firſt, things cannot be committed ſo now, ſince the Lord hath not bound his people to any certain place; yet this is to be obſerved, how they doe enjoyn men not to go where the Word is moſt purely & ſincerely taught, and take ſuch places, where there is nothing many times acceptable to the Lord.
1 Though men ſet not up graven Images, yet theſe Ceremonies are breaches of the ſecond commandement, as thoſe were; ſince they are ſimilitudes for Religious ends.
2 Men tye the Lord to teach by them, and put his children in remembrance, and work upon the affections, by them to ſtirre up the dull minde of man, and to teach man, not to be aſhamed of Chriſt.
3 What are their great Cathedrall Churches, but houſes of high places? Firſt, becauſe they draw men from their particular Congregations: Secondly, becauſe they are built in that form, and for ſuch uſe, as is not warranted, to hauehave their ſinging and chanting, which is as meer Barbariſm, as if they did it in a ſtrange language.
4 Doe not theſe make their Prieſts of the loweſt of the people, ignorant ſots? This is too plaine. Doe they not admit their ſinging men to offer up prayers and thankſgiving unto God? 2 Every man that hath ſome learning though unfit to teach, and ſcandalous in life is ſuffered.
5 Doe they not ordain feaſts of their own heart, as are all the feaſtivall daies?
6 Is not their fear, if the people ſhould hauehave the true manner of Gods worſhip; they would depart from their Canonicall Obedience?
7 Doe they not ſeem to conſult and proceed by adviſe in their Convocation houſe; when it is plain they had determined what to doe before?
Arg. 12, 2 King. 21.4 & 7, In Ieruſalem will I put my name.
Hence Obſeru, 1 that the worſhip of the Lord is his name.
2 Where the Lord is worſhipped, nothing but of the Lords appointment ought to come.
This place is direct againſt theſe ceremomonies: Firſt, becauſe none is to manifeſt the Lords face, in any manner or inſtitution, beſides the Lord himſelfe: Secondly, the Lord being worſhipped amongſt us, none of theſe, being humane inventions, ought to come in place.
Arg. 13. 2 Kings 23.
1 All the inſtruments of Idolatry ought to be deſtroyed.
2 The places that hauehave been hallowed for Idolatrous ſervice, men ought chiefly to pollute.
3 The Prieſts that hauehave been Idolaters, ſhould not bee admitted to the Altar of God.
This proues theſe Ceremonies ſhould be quite aboliſhed, ſince they hauehave been, and are inſtruments of Idolatry, as it is apparant in Popery.
2 If places ſhould be defiled, then much more ceremonies, that are more ta…nt…d: ſecondly, leſſe neceſſary.
3 Miniſters may repent, and yet in this caſe not be admitted. What then ſhall wee ſay of Ceremonies, that cannot be ſanctified nor cleanſed by any man, as men may be, and are repenting, by the Lord?
Grounds of this law and practiſe.
1 The great purity and holineſſe of the Lord.
2 The deteſtation and hatred all ought to hauehave and to ſhew againſt all Idolatry, and falſe worſhip: we ought to be jealous, as the Lord is.
3 To prevent apoſtacy and backſliding in times to come.
4 To prevent danger to the weak.
Arg. 14, 2 Chron. 15, The order amongſt Miniſters and publique perſons ought to be obſerved, v. 10.
2 True Miniſters muſt keep the charge of the Lord, v. 11.
Hence it is plain that Gods order, and that diſtinction he hath made ſhould ſtand, and none of mans be brought in. 2 Miniſters muſt ſerue the Lord onelyonly according to his commandement, and not worſhip God according to mans will.
Argum. 15, 2 Chron. 15.17, the high places ought to hauehave been removed.
Hence obſeru: 1 that all worſhip ought not onelyonly to be for the ſubſtance allowed of God, and 2 for the perſon performing it; 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 Ieruſalē, ſo he hath not now to this or that manner.
Anſw. 1. His not commanding of the manner, …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 hauehave 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 pu…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 …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 hauehave 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 hauehave 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 …t were not lawfull to ſurf…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 c…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, … ſ…ch ordinary garments as our Saviour Chriſt and his Apoſtles uſed, as they adminiſt…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 Wo…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 h…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 Ieruſalē, 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 VnderUnder 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 hauehave 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 hauehave 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 frō 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 hauehave 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 hauehave 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 hauehave 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 hauehave 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 mention…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 hauehave 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 hauehave 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 ſ…nctified ought to come neer him, witneſſe Na…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 n…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 hauehave not ſo good uſe as thoſe mens commodities, wherin they ſeemed to doe good, and ſhew care both of Gods worſhip, that it might be ever provided for; and mans eaſe and ſpeed, that he might hauehave ready at hand, ſacrifices to offer.
3 What true zeal abhors, ought to be conſtant: but true zeal abhors theſe; therfore.
Here are Grounds therfore to ſtand againſt all.
1 Becauſe ſhew of reaſon is no ſufficient ground to bring any thing into the ſervice of God.
2 Bringing in of theſe things defiles the houſe of God.
It is not therfore fooliſh preciſeneſſe, but the image of Chriſt, that would hauehave theſe things utterly caſt out of Gods worſhip.
Arg. 25, out of Ioh. 4.22 & 23.
1 Men that worſhip the true God after their own manner, worſhip they know no… what.
2 The worſhip of God in the time of the new Teſtament, is not carnall but ſpirituall.
This place is directly againſt all our Ceremonies now in controverſie.
1 Becauſe men worſhip without ground, as the Samaritans did, neither doe they know they are accepted.
2 This worſhip is carnall, and Iewiſh, we ought to worſhip God in ſpirit, and not in any outward things of mans appointing.
This place therfore doth warrant men to ſtand againſt theſe traditions of men.
1 Becauſe every one ought to be aſſured, that that which he doth unto the Lord, bee accepted of him; which the Word onelyonly doth teach.
2 The true worſhip of God onelyonly brings ſalvation and good unto men.
3 Men muſt worſhip God in ſpirit and truth; and ſo they hauehave all ſuch promiſes made good unto them as the Lord manifeſts in his Word. Such are promiſed to hauehave their hearts circumciſed, to judg themſelues vile &c.
Hence therfore, it may well be demanded; how men can ſuſpend Miniſters for not conforming to ſuch things as ought not to be uſed in time of the new Teſtament?
Arg. 26, out of Col. 2.
1 Ʋerſ. 3. All the Church needs to know, is manifeſted by Chriſt, in his Word, Sacraments, and Diſcipline.
2 Verſ. 6. As men hauehave received Chriſt, ſo they muſt walk in him, without adding or diminiſhing or altering.
3 V. 8. Traditions of men that are not from Chriſt deceiu…, and ought to be taken heed of.
4 V. 10. Whatſoever the Lord would hauehave us know or doe in his ſervice, hee hath revealed by Chriſt: therfore Order is taught.
5 Men that walk according to the light received by Chriſt are perfect, and need not (nor ought they take) from any other.
6 V. 18. Men muſt not ſubject themſelus to be taught or judged by others, without the word, and except they hauehave that doctrin and judgment from Chriſt.
7 V. 20. It is a thing very abſurd, for Chriſtians freed by Chriſt from Ceremonies of God, to be brought in bondage to mens traditions.
8 It is the world, not the true Church that ſtands upon human deviſes.
9 V. 21. Falſe Teachers ſanctifie that which God leaues indifferent.
10 Ʋ. 22. Mens meer commands and doctrine in matters of religion are of ſmall value: the word of God onelyonly giues life to outward Ordinances to be the worſhip of God.
11 Mens deviſed traditions hauehave but a ſhew of wiſedom; men endued with the ſpirit can ſee fooliſhneſſe in them.
12 Mans moſt glorious inventions in any will-worſhip are of no reckoning or worth.
13 Mens traditions that ſeem moſt to profit in any kinde, doe not, but nouriſh corruption directly.
Theſe grounds plainly overthrow all our traditions and government Eccleſiaſticall, as may appear in each particular.
1 If theſe things had been neceſſary, Chriſt would hauehave taught them, and they might hauehave been learned from his Word.
2 Every man is bound out directly from altering any thing, or adding, in doctrine or traditions to the Church. Therfore wee are bound to the primitiue times, and the example of Chriſt and his Apoſtles. Now we hauehave nothing for theſe Ceremonies, nor this Government from Chriſt; but receiu him without Croſſe or Surplus, from the Apoſtles; therfore wee ought not to receiue the ſame, nor walk in them,
3 Men doe but deceiue others that urge theſe Ceremonies. 2 We are in effect bidden here not to Croſſe, wear the Surplus, or Kneel, ſince they are but traditions of men.
4 This order is not from Chriſt, nor is it pleaſing to the Lord.
5 It is fooliſhneſſe to ſuperad to Chriſts bond of perfection, which hee hath ſet Chriſtians: 2 Nothing deviſed by man can make any jot better; for they are perfect by Chriſt: 3 None ought to put away ſuch as obſeru Chriſts rules from the ſervice of God, being Miniſters or people, ſince the Lord counts them perfect: 4 to receiue theſe, as better then without, is to deny perfection by Chriſt.
6 The Churches doctrine, if it be not Chriſts doctrine is nothing: 2 Men muſt not beleeue ſuch as preach things they cannot proue by the Word: 3 Mens judging thee, except the Word condemns thy doing, and thy perſon, ſhould not fear thee.
7 It is not the ſpirit of the Apoſtles to urg humane Ceremonies ſo ſtrictly upon men. 2 Chriſt hath ſet us free from all manner of Ordinances in his worſhip, that are not from him, and will juſtifie our not conforming to them.
8 To urge theſe upon us, is to make the Church like the world; Chriſts Spouſe like the whore of Babel. 2 It is a note of worldlings, that they urge and yeeld with all willingneſſe to humane traditions.
9 Doe not men ſanctifie the Croſſe, and Surplus, Feſtivall times, and this Government, which Chriſt hath never commanded but forbidden?
10 There is no word for theſe Ceremonies, and therfore they are none of Gods worſhip.
11 Theſe ceremonies are but the commandements of men, and doctrines of men, and therfore in Gods worſhip not to be yeelded unto, ſince human authority is not ſufficient to bind in Gods worſhip.
12 This government ſeems onelyonly to be, but is not, a wiſe invention: for it is a means rather of much confuſion and hurt, as is ſhewed before: 2 Ceremonies hauehave done no good, but hurt, both to Papiſts and Proteſtants, though in carnall policy they were retained at firſt; therfore all arguments for theſe, are but a ſhew of wiſedom; let none be deceived with them. 2 Men that refuſe theſe ceremon…es hauehave true knowledg, and diſcern that the oppoſits are deceived and miſſed: 3 Men are not to uſe them, ſince Chriſtians are to be truely wiſe, not in ſhew onelyonly.
13 Men are not to offer up that to the Lord, which is nothing worth, halt and maimed things: 2 Men are not one whit the worſe for omitting humane traditions: 3 How can this be juſtified in the ſight of God, to depriue Miniſters of their Miniſtery, and people of their food for trifles?
14 Theſe Ceremonies pleaſe the fleſh onelyonly, and therfore are not to be uſed.
By all theſe it may appear, that Chriſtians hauehave great cauſe to withſtand all human traditions.
1 The commandement of the Apoſtle ſpeaking immediatly from Chriſt.
2 Chriſtian liberty dearly purchaſed, for which we are to ſtand.
3 Theſe things are meerly unprofitable.
Therfore doe not pleaſe your ſelues: 2 Reſolu that if you doe forſake all for Chriſt, to giuegive his Goſpell paſſage, you ſhall hauehave all, and more then you hauehave: 3 God will finde out all the ſhifts and fair pretences, wherby wrong to the brethren is done.
Our Ceremonies are farre worſe now then they were at the firſt, For
1 Becauſe the danger was not then ſo diſcerned.
2 Queſtion was not made of them, nor did the light then appear in theſe things.
3 They had not been ſo abuſed: a man though he like a ſtranger, and could be content to marry her a virgin; yet having plaid the whore openly, who of any honeſt diſpoſition would take her to wife?
4 Now it is more ſcandalous to Papiſts.
5 Then it brought no ſuch loſſe of Miniſters to the Church as now it doth.
Further it will not be amiſſe to explicate ſuch grounds as thoſe holy men hauehave brought to light in this matter, eſpecially ſince my chiefeſt indevour in this whole Treatiſe, and aim is, to inform the weake and ignorant.
Numb. 15.37, to the end. Where the Lord having taught the people his whole will before, now addes ſome helps wherby they may keep in remembrance the things delivered; whence we may note:
1 The property of thoſe times was to be taught by Ceremonies, and ſhadows, they being then children.
2 The priviledg and care of the Lord, that when his people are to bee taught by Ceremonies, hee appoints and inſtitutes them.
3 The Lord inſtitutes ſuch Ceremonies as are in civill uſe to put his children in remembrance of good duties.
4 The Lord appoints in Ceremonies the matter and manner both, leaving nothing to man.
5 Man may not appoint what helps hee will, but muſt ſtick to the helps ordained by God, which are ſufficient.
6 The Lord when he appoints Ceremonies of remembrance, inſtitutes ſuch as are continually before us, in ſight or hearing.
7 The Lord teacheth the ſignification and uſe of his Ceremonies; ſo as hee appoints no Ceremony but for ſome ſpeciall good unto man.
8 Men in religion muſt not follow their affection, to frame ſuch a form of Religion, as pleaſeth nature.
9 Men are directly forbidden to make their own wiſedom any guide and leader in the things of God.
10 It is ſpirituall whoring in the ſervice of God to doe any thing by changing, adding or detracting, for to pleaſe our ſelues, or by our own underſtanding.
11 Men are exceeding prone both to invent and follow others inventions, in the ſervice of God, wherby their hearts are turned from God.
It is a moſt dangerous practice, and can never be juſtified, to bring human ceremonies into the ſervice of the Lord; ſpeaking againſt them will not prevail, nor ſuffice, to keep men from abuſing them.
1 While men teach the uſe of theſe, their own inventions; they leau untaught the doctrine of God.
2 The moſt teach very ſeldom, wheras theſe Ceremonies are uſed continually.
3 Teaching and avoiding occaſions of ſin muſt goe together.
4 Men are ſet on fire with luſt after theſe, before doctrine come, and the heart being fixed upon them will not hear.
5 Though teaching might prevail with thoſe of underſtanding, conſcience, and ſound heart; yet in every Congregation, there are many ignorant and carnall, both yong and old.
Who would ſay that it were wiſedom, charity, or conſcience, to bring a whoremonger, an harlot into the room with him, and ſuch a harlot as he delighted in, onelyonly bidding him not abuſe her, what though hee ſhould not commit the fact? which were ſtrange, there being great luſt in one, and no reſiſtance in the other. (For human Ceremonies hauehave no divine power in them to hinder ſpirituall fornication, but rather power to draw men on to commit this ſin) Yet would not the heart be ſtirred up? For is it not the nature of the objects to ſtir up the faculties, and bring to act what elſe ſhould ly dead?
Wherfore without queſtion this is a tempting of God, when there is no neceſſity of theſe things that are ſo dangerous, that they ſhould be uſed, and impoſed with ſuch neceſſity. Further men ſo extoll them for the moſt part; that with their prayſing of them, the ſimple are bewitched, and their corrupt nature which ſhould be mort fied, is the more increaſed. Plain experience witneſſeth, that this is not able to …oot out that religious reſpect and kinde of holines men put in theſe Ceremonies.
Obje…. If men affirm theſe and the like places are not to us but to the Iſraelits. I Anſwer, they are for us, Rom. 15.
2 We hauehave the ſame corrupt nature and diſpoſition.
3 The Lord is as ſtrict for himſelfe, & as careful to prevent ſin in us, as in the Iſraelits.
4 Theſe are morall, and therfore common to all.
5 We hauehave the ſins of theſe ſet down expreſly in the new Teſtament, which are equivalent to them, 2 Cor. 6.
6 Theſe are expoſitions of the ſecond commandement, & therfore appertain to us.
Ezech. 43.7.8. The Holy Ghoſt brings in, and deſcribes the practiſe of men truely repenting and turning unto God.
1 Shewing that their former evil courſes begin to be utterly loathed, eſpecially corruption in Gods worſhip, which is his Name. Hence obſeru; that the Lord accounts nothing his, but what he himſelfe inſtitutes.
2 That mans inſtitutions, though intended to Gods honour, defiles his name.
3 Men truely turning from Popery, ſhould not, nor wil not defile Gods worſhip with their deviſes.
4 All human deviſes, joyned to the word & worſhip of God, are abominable in his ſight.
5 Conjoyning of mens deviſed Ceremonies to the Lord, though men retain the worſhip of God, and his inſtitutions, defiles the name of Gods holineſſe.
6 Adjoyning of mens deviſes, makes a ſeparation twixt the Lord and his people: 1 It remoues Miniſters: 2 It leſſens Gods gifts in many: 3 It withdraws the peoples hearts from the pure worſhip of God: 4 It grieues the ſpirit of the Lord in his children.
7 Mens joyning of inventions brings down the wrath of the Lord upon a people.
8 The full removing of mens corrupt inventions, brings the Lords continuall preſence.
9 When men are aſhamed of their own deviſes, then the Lord will ſhew them how he will be worſhipped.
All which are ſtrong Arguments to an heart tendring the good of his own and others ſoules, to root, out and caſt far away all theſe deviſed Ceremonies of man: therfore as Eliah ſaid to Ahab, It is not I that trouble Iſrael, but thou and thy fathers houſe that forſake the commandement of the Lord. So I ſay from God, that it is not we that trouble the land, but it is theſe men that will hauehave on foot their own deviſes, as though the Lord ſhould hauehave no lights in his Sanctuary. It is they that bring in Popery: they that provoke the Lords anger: it is they that fight and ſpeak againſt heaven: they hinder a learned and able Miniſtery; they rent in ſunder Paſtour and people: they make the Altar of the Lord and his worſhip, either to be deſpiſed, or to be covered with teares. And yet theſe men are had in requeſt, and honoured, and thought favourers of the State, and friends to the Kingdom and Church. Oh England, who hath bewitched thee, that thou ſhouldſt not know the things that belong unto thy peace? Oh that thou wouldeſt know and receiu inſtruction and correction from God himſelfe? What mean ſo many judgments in our land, if the Lord be not angry? And diſcipline being neglected amongſt us, doe you not feel the ſtrokes of God, avowing the truth and calling of thoſe Miniſters, that hauehave pronounced threats againſt the land? Is not the hand of the Lord heavier, and the burthen hee makes you bear greater, then the burthen which he would hauehave you take up?
Obj. To alter were a diſgrace for the Church.
Anſ. 1 It is more diſgrace not to alter.
2 Mens Credit muſt giuegive way to Gods glory and the Churches good.
3 It cauſeth wonderfull rents in the Church, which are a greater diſgrace then this would be.
4 The Lord will certainly reform, if men doe not.
5 Men at firſt did not intend this ſhould be a perpetuall rule to poſterity, but onelyonly for the preſent it ſeemed the beſt way to draw on the people to our religion.
Obj. 2. This doctrine brings confuſion, and ſo much adoe.
Anſ. Zeal in reforming ſeems tumultuous, as our Saviour Chriſt, when he overthrew the tables of the money changers.
2 It ſeems much adoe, becauſe men are loth to part with their own conceits; elſe things were ſoon ended, and ordred.
3 It is no ſmall matter to bring the Church from the darkneſſe of Popery, to that meaſure of reformation which is required.
Queſt. Why hauehave men joyned with theſe hitherto?
Anſ. 1 Want of conſideration of theſe particulars.
2 Many no doubt hauehave ſejoyned, and ſevered from them, at leaſt in affection.
3 Men muſt doe as they are farther enlightened and guided by the ſpirit of God, who from ſtep to ſtep leads his people.
Iewiſh Ceremonies might better be tollerated then ours.
1 Theſe were once commanded by the Lord, ours never.
2 Thoſe were not commanded as neceſſary: but onelyonly ſome things to be done or forborn for offence ſake.
3 Thoſe the Apoſtles knew would periſh of themſelues, Ieruſalem being deſtroyed; But theſe being joyned to the worſhip of God as things decent will not fall with Rome.
4 There was a time for the death & burial of thoſe Ceremonies which was to be effected by the miniſtry of the Apoſtles, informing the Churches, of the right uſe and abolition of theſe Ceremonies; till which time ſome Ceremonies were indifferent in right uſe.