A CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN POSITIONS archiepiscopal. 1 Religion cannot stand without some Ceremonies, as kneeling etc. REligion is the fear of God to serve him precisely according to his word, and therefore it is called Godliness. Isa: 29.13. Act: 2.5. & 10; 2. & 26.5. 2: Tim: 3.5. Heb: 9.1. jam. 1.27. As by Superstition his Majesty meaneth, when one restreignes himself to any other rule in the service of God, than is warranted by the word. Bas. dor. pag 15. Which is therefore called Wilworship. Col: 2.21.23. Howsoever it be Religion, out of the fear and love of God, to keep his commandments as well of the second as first table, yet the conscionable observing of the commandments contein●d in the first table is, by an excellency, called Religion; And whereas man cannot judge of such observing the first and third commandments therefore is he esteemed Religious, who maketh conscience of the 2 and 4: commandments; In sanctifying the Sabbath with such an outward manner of worship, as is not after man's invention, but according to God's word. So that by Religion, in this position is meant the outward (especially public) worship of God: Religion being put for worship, because the fear of God to serve him precisely according to his word, is, of all the actions of men, especially to be manifested in worshipping God. Who will be sanctified in all them that come near him if they offer strange fire. Levit: 10.3. Religion (then) being put for Outward worship, the position is granted. For in deed the outward worship of God doth consist only of ceremonies, that is, outward demonstrations of inward worship. But, how doth this follow, The outward worship of God cannot stand without some Ceremonies, ergo. It cannot stand without the ceremonies in question? As though Religion had no better ground than Diocesan Bishops have, according to this maxim: No Ceremony, no Bishop. But more clearly to perceive the truth, it is to be considered that some ceremonies by nature, or general custom demonstrate inward worship is not only signs thereof, but effects also. Other do the same, as signs only by institution. By which instituted ceremonies God is not worshipped except they be by himself prescribed; For as no fire could make any sacrifice a savour of rest to God, but that which came from God. Levit. 9.24. and 10.1.2: So no warrant can make outward worship, or any part thereof acceptable to God, but that which cometh from God. Math. 15.9. Therefore it doth not follow, that because kneeling in prayer is lawful, therefore the ceremonies in question (namely the Surplice) be so to. For 1: Nature teacheth us to manifest inward reverence by outward gestures. 2 General custom amongst us maketh kneeling the most solemn sign of the greatest reverence. 3 In true worshippers of God kneeling is not only a sign of inward worship, but an effect also. 4: It is warranted by the word. And 5 it is not appropriated to the outward worship of God: For men do usually, & may lawfully, demonstrat their inward reverencing of men by kneeling. Whereas the ceremonies in question (namely the surplice) do not demonstrat inward worship by nature: For then all religious worshippers would (at least) have a disposition to use the surplice at all times, and in all places. (2) None can affirm, that general custom maketh a Surplice a sign of inward worship. Because the public use of it is most what omitted or enforced, and there is no such matter as the private use thereof, and by private persons. In both which considerations it may be (3) denied to be an effect of inward worship, and the rather if it cannot be proved to be an effect of the obedience of faith to some commandment of God, prescribing the same. Which (4) cannot be; Seeing in all the new Testament there is neither precept, nor example; nor other matter of necessary conclusion warranting the same. And yet (5 It is appropriated to the service of God, and therefore superstitious, and not religious, especially being urged as it is. 2 Ceremonies are lawful, when their doctrine is lawful. If by Doctrine of ceremonies be meant their signification, than the Th' this is denied: For then other Popish ceremonies may be restored. As setting up of Candles to signify that the works of all christians, Phil. 2.15. especially Ministers. Math: 5.14.16. should shine before men; and yet it is pronounced in the 3 Injunction to be devised by man's fantasy, besides scripture, and therefore Superstitious. And unleavened bread in the Lord's supper may signify Sincerity & truth. 1: Cor: 5.8. And yet by the Communion book (Rub: after the Communion sect: 5.) it is reform, To take away the superstition, which any person hath, or might have: But many have, and may have Superstition in Ceremonies retained. If the meaning of the position be this Ceremonies are lawful, when they are warranted by lawful doctrine, it is to be granted; but then the Hypothess●● must be denied. For it is petitio principii to affirm; that Ceremonies in question are so warranted. 3 The doctrine of Ceremonies is part of the Gospel. This position is true, but only according to the distinction of the doctrine ●f ceremonies by institution. Which doctrine is either affirmative, showing what Ceremonies by institution are to be used, and those be only the two Sacraments, which are indeed Seal s, and not only Ceremonies. Or Negative, teaching what ceremonies are not to be used. viz: Neither Ceremonies of the jews, nor traditions of Elders. john 4. 20.21.23. Neither Carnal rites. Gal. 3.3. Heb. 9.10. Nor commandments of men. Col. 2.22. Which negative doctrine of Ceremonies, is indeed according to the truth of the Gospel. Gal. 2.3.5.12.14 and that is contrary to the Ceremonial law of Moses. Because that law stood in carnal rites. Heb. 9.10.11. That is, Ceremonies instituted to instruct & direct the outward man unto the inward service of God, & therefore was that law called a carnal commandment. Heb: 7.16. and those Ceremonies accounted Rudiments of the world. Gal 4.3. So that after faith (that is the Gospel) came, that law, and the Ceremonies thereof gave place, as being less perfect, a childish pedagogy & beggarly rudiments. 1 Cor: 13.10.11. Gal. 3 25▪ and 4.2.3.9. In respect of the more perfect word of Christ, Col: 3.16. 2 Cor: 3.13.17.18. Who is that Messias, who, when he cam●, did tell us allthings concerning the outward worship of God. john. 4. 19.20.25.26. But Christ never told us the ceremonies in question. Therefore if the negative doctrine against jewish Ceremonies instituted by God to the purposes aforesaid, be part of the Gospel, or word of Christ, much more is the negative doctrine against ceremonies instituted by man to the same purposes, without warrant of the word, part of the Gospel. Col. 2.20.22.23. Gal: 1.6.7.8.10. And ●e rather; because the word saith, ●●at they, who burden the Church ●ith ordinances of the world, which ●e traditions after the commandments and doctrines of men, do not ●old Christ the head. Col. 2.19.20.22 & 3.1. and opposing such traditions ●o the commandments of God, and ●●ith of jesus, maketh them part of ●●e beasts mark. Revel. 14.9 12. Here ●nto accordeth that which is affirmed in the book of Common prayer, in the preface of Ceremonies, viz. Christ his Gospel is not a Ceremonial law (as much of Moses was) but it is a religi●● to serve God, not in bondage of the figure or shadow, but in the freedom of spirit. 4 Ministers refusing Conformity are Schismatics. This word Schism according to thnow received use thereof in the Church, signifieth A voluntary renting of the Church only for matters of the outward government thereof. So that Schismatics are by Doctor Bancroft, in his Notes before his Sermon at Paul's cross, Anno 1588. defined as out of Augustine, to be such, as retaining with us the true faith, separate themselves from us for orders and Ceremonies. In which sense though Brownist: (so called) may be deemed schismatics, yet ●●n●ot Ministers refusing only to Conform; be so accounted: Because, their deprivation or suspension notwithstanding, they do not separate themselves from the church, neither do they (indeed) forsake the Ministry of the gospel, which they desire (before all worldly benefits whatsoever) to execure with a good conscience, but are thrust from it; and therefore, if men driven by excommunication out of the Church be not schismatics, much less Ministers driven by deprivation or suspension only from the execution of their Ministry. This word Schism is sometimes ta●en for any dissension in the church, ●herby the peace, but not the unity, ●hereof is broken. 1. Cor: 11.18. In which sense they are to be called schismatics, who are specially to be blamed for such dissension. But if all the Prelates cannot give one Argument sound concluded from the word, to prove, that the Ceremonies in question may be prescribed by authority, and yielded unto by the Ministry, without sin, then are they schismatics, according to the judgement of the Apostle. Who beseecheth the brethren, to mark them diligently, who cause division & offences, besides the doctrine which they have learned, and to avoid them. For they that are such, serve not the Lord jesus Christ but their own bellies, and with fair speech and flattering, deceive the hearts of the simple. Rom. 16.17.18. By which answer Protestants do sufficiently justify their separation from Papists. Much more may Ministers justify their refusing to Conform yet without separation. But when any such Argument shall be given (which hath not yet been heard of) then are Ministers refusing Conformity to be deemed Schismatics. In mean while this Position is to be taken for Petitio principii. A PROPOSITION. CONCERNING KNEELING in the very act of receiving Howsoever. Published to satisfy professors, yet humbly, Submitted to the judgement of Prophets. Rom. 14.10.11.12. Why dost thou condemn thy brother, for it is written I live (saith the Lord) and every Knee shall bow unto me. So then, every one of us shall give accounts of himself unto God. Cor. 10.14 22. Flee from Idolatry, Ye cannot be partakers of the Lords table, & of the table of Devils. PRINTED. 1605. To my Christian friend, N. grace & peace. Howsoever it grieveth me to hear o● much more to see the troubles wherewith Satan (knowing his time to be short) doth trouble the Church of God in all places about unprofitable and Popish Ceremonies, yet (to tell you the whole troth) my grief is the less when I consider that both they themselves, who be most troublesome, and do most urge those Relics of Rome be ambitious, Rom. 16.17, 18 Phillip 3.2.19 Gal. 6.12. or Dumb Dogs or, non Resident, serving their bellies, and minding Earthly things, even like their Predecessors, who urged the Ceremonies of Mozes in the Primitive Churches, and their proceedings (like themselves) be so exorbitant that they cannot but prove odious to all men. What a- matter is this, that after the Sacramental Bread is ministered, the Cup should be denied because of not kneeling? If any of these scrupulous Ministers had played such apart, though it were with one, openly known to li●e in sin notorious without repentance, whom by the 26. canon no Minister shall in any wise admit to the receiving of the holy Communion, how would that Precisian be trounced But in this Puritan Government of the Church there is no fault but non conformity to superstitious vanities, A Bird of their feather may Preach scores of Popish Doctrines, be scandalous in life, and at his last cast at dice when he hath lost all, say, In the Spite of God let him do now what he can, and yet hold his own well enough, another man's own and ill enough I might well say if the law might have due course well, God amend all, and restrain the remnant of this Rage. In mean while I rejoice to hear that it is given to any of God's people not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for his sake, having the same fight which they see or hear to be in their Ministers, Phil, 1, 27: as it becometh the Gospel of Christ, the sincerity whereof belongeth as well to the people as to the Ministers of Christ. for howsoever all are not to wear the where of Babylon's Smock, yet all are to make cons●ence of bowing the knee to Baal. To confirm your zeal against the superstition of Kneeling I have long sought (being often solicited so to do by you) and at length found a short but (in my poor judgement at least to me) a sufficient discourse which I have printed, that I may comfort not only you but many other also who are in doubt, with that comfort wherewith I myself am comforted of God. I say Comforted. For when the judgement is satisfied the heart is comforted▪ This only I require of you that there be no enquiring after or guessing at the author or publisher. If that hurtful curiosity were mortified learned men now fearing that humour would be boulder to wright and publish their Godly judgements, touching points in controversy among other I hear of a more large & learned treatise of this point which no doubt the author will publish in time or other for him if cursous heads itching ears, and wanton tongues do not hinder. In mean while let us make as good use of this, as we can. And the Lord give us understanding in all things Farewell KNEELING IN THE VERY act of taking, eating and drinking the Sacramental bread and wine, in the holy Communion cannot be without sin. IT is to be under stood, that, howsoever Kneeling may (in itself considered) be esteemed a natural gesture of the body, as standing, sitting, etc. yet in this case, it is by Institution of man. For neiher nature nor custom, doth teach us ordinarily to kneel when we eat & drink neither doth the word require Kneeling in this case. If it be by Institution, it must be either in respect of a more reverent receiving, or Not. But if the most solemn sign of reverence (used in these parts of the world) be with out all respect of reverence, and that by Institution of authority, in so high a part of God's service may not such Kneeling be judged, if not a gross mocking of Christ, as was the soldiers their bowing of knes before him, M●●h 27.29 Mal. 1.6 7. yet a taking of the name of god in vain. Seeing all significations of honour, in God's service, aught to be to the honour of his name, T●● 4.2 2 King 5.18. and an oath not religiously intended (as in the nature thereof it ought to be) to the honour of God, is the taking of God's name in vain. Did Naaman newly brought to the knowledge of God, attribute so much to bowing in the house of Rimmon when his master leaned on him, so that it was not his voluntary act? And shalwe, who have had the Gospel long, kneeling by institution and determination, in a principal part of God's service, make no account whether we honour god, or no, by such kneeling? If kneeling be Instituted for a more reverent receiving, than it must be either in regard of God, or of bread and wine If in regard of god then must we be well persuaded that such kneeling is an acceptable service unto his Majesty. Rom 12.1 & 1, 23. Isa 29 13. M●●h 1●. ●. And that this may be, we must consider, whether such kneeling be a wilworshipp or a service reasonable, and according to Gods will. Lest otherwise we find ourselves so far from honouring God, as that we provoke him. As did Nadab and Abihu, Levit. ●0. 1.2 3 who offered in●ense, but not with the very fire which God appointed, 1 Chro 13.10 & 15.12.13. and were therefore devoured with fire. And as did King David, & the priests, who carried the Ark otherwise than it ought to have been, and therefore Yzza died for it, with a sudden death. For God willbe sanctified (if not By yet) In all them that come near him. But kneeling is contrary to the example of Christ, and his Apostles, Luke 22.14. 1 Cor: 11.1. who ministered & received sitting, or in such a gesture, as in those countries was most used at eating. From which example to differ, without warrant from God's word cannot be without fault. Seeing examples of holy men, much more of Christ, are to be followed, except there be some reasonable cause to the contrary. And the Apostle to reform an abuse which crept (even in their times) into love feasts, which were immediately before, or after the Lord's supper, did banish them thence, & reduced the manner of administering the Lords supper to the first institution, saying: 1 Cor. 11.22 23. shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. For I have received of the Lord that which I have also delivered unto you etc. Whereby it is apparent, that that form of administration, which differeth from the first institution, is worthy no praise and therefore no acceptable service to God. For if the Apostle would not tolerate an indifferent thing (as was a love feast till then) to continue so near the L. supper, when it was abus d, how would they allow the change of sitting into kneeling, especially in these two considerations? First, because the abuse of love feasts (viz. superfluity) was never so great, and scandalous, in the Apostles time, as the abuse of kneeling (viz. Idolatry) was and is in the synagogue of Rome: And beside, Love feasts w●re either before, or after the L. supper, wh●ras kneeling is in the principal part of the holy Communion. Therefore if the Apostl banished Love feasts from the I supper, because of the abuse, & brought the Church to the simplicity of the first in 〈◊〉, Is it not a tempting sin to retain the Idolatrous kneeling of Papists, and reject the exemplary sitting of our M. Christ? And the rather, because it is in that sacrament, & in that part of the sacrament, which especially setteth forth our communion with Christ, & his Church, and is therefore called The communion. 1 Cor: 10.16 17. In due consideration whereof, how can we imagine, that Christ hath any honour by our kneeling? Seeing it swarneth, not only from his example, but also from the practice of all reformed Churches, except in England, Concertatio Ecclesiae Cathol●n argu. which the Papists themselves call puritan-papistical, for retaining this, and other popish corruptions, and, it may be an argument (especially to a papist not understanding our tongue, that we have communion with Antichrist, & & his synagogue, at least in the Idolatry of bread worship. Which our failing, or carelessness to avow our communion with Christ and his church, and not abhorring all communion with Antichrist & his synagogue cannot be without grievous sin. Or else Paul sinned, Gal 2.11, 12 1 Co● 11. ●6 2 〈◊〉 6. 1●●7. D●●t. 12, 30, 3●. when he rebuked Peter for not holding communion with the Gentiles converted, and wrote without good warrant, where he saith: If any lust to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the Churches of God. & in another place: What communion hath Christ with belial? Com● out, and touch no unclean thing. Doth not God straightly forbid us to serve him, as idolaters do their gods. These things considered, Can kneeling wherewith Papists do honour their breaden God, be honourable to Christ, in his holy sacrament? Secondly, whereas the end of a sacrament is to inform the outward man, by sensible d●monstrations, it pleased our M. Christ to use such a gesture, as, agreeably with bread and wine, setteth out our communion and spiritual familiarity with him, and rejoicing in him. And therefore as he saith, ●en●l. 3.20. ●ath, 8.11, If any hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him and he with me, so he saith, Many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit with Abraham etc. By which places it appeareth that as by supper, so by sitting, familiar rejoicing, or rreioycing familiarity is expressed. In which respects the communion ●s called the Lord's supper & not A Sacrifice, & we are said to be partakers of the L. table, & not of an altar. 1 Cor. 11.20 & 10: 21 And therefore not kneeling, and sitting is for receiving. We read not of any gesture of body prescribed, or observed in Circumcision, and Baptism as in the Passover & L. supper Because there needeth no material regard to be had of any certain gesture in the 2. Exod 12.11 Numb. 9, 3.11.12. Math 5 17. & 26.20. former sacraments, so the foreskin were cut of, and water be used: But in the other two, a gesture, answerable to the action is requisite. And therefore God prescribed to his people: when they were to fly out of Egeipt, the gesture of loins girded, & staves in their hands, because the eating then of the passover was in haste. But that gesture being but for that time, as may appear by the omission thereof, when the observation of the passover was established, our Master Christ, who came not to break but fulfil the law, and knew what was sitest to be done, did not eat the passover sitting, a gesture more answerable to eating in peace, than the former used in Egeipt. Whereby kneeling is convinced, as being a-gesture altogether unanswerable to eating And the rather, because it darkeneth the counsel of God, and being a sign of the greatest Submission obscureth that Rejoicing familiarity, job. 38.2. 1 Cor. 11.25 26. which the L. supper signifieth, and sealeth. Do we not condemn the papists for ministering the communion in one kind, because such an administration is against Christ his example, and doth not lively demonstrate the Lords death? Here a caveat is to be given, that none take occasion by this discourse, to justify the childish pedagogy of signifiynge ceremonies devised by man, Seeing sitting was used by Christ, and the signification thereof is found in scripture. And therefore that childish pedagogy is not justified by that worthy servant of Christ, M. Cartwright, his judgement, viz. That sitting doth signify our rest in Christ jesus. That kneeling may be more sound convinced as a wilworship, objections are to be answered. Therefore where it is supposed that Christ and his Apostles ministered & received sitting but by occasion, and not of purpose: because they were sitting before in eating the whereas if Christ had sitten down of purpose to administer the communion, than all that is said is granted to be some purpose. The answer is short, yet full: Christ did sit of purpose, when he ministered his last supper. For after the he rose, washed his disciples feet, and sat down again. If it be demanded, why the Church is not bound to the time of evening, as well as to the gesture of sitting, sith Christ observed the one, as well as the other? It may be answered: Time being a common circumstance to every action (for nothing can be done, joh. 13. 4.1● Gen. 2, 2 3. but in some time) the particular time is not to be observed, except Christ had sanctified it to the communion, as God sanctified the 7. day, on which he rested, Math 26.31: ●5 Lek 22.53 or (at least) chosen it of purpose, a● he did sitting. But whereas it was upon special, and necessary occasion, for the must eaten before the L. supper could be instituted instead thereof, and presently after supper the hour came, when Christ was to be betrayed, therefore if the jews transgressed not the institution of the passover, by changing a gesture, at the first prescribed by God according to that their present occasion, in another sitter for a tine of rest, much less do christians transgrese the institution of the L. supper, by changing the time taken by Christ upon occasion, but not prescribed, into some other fit (in discretion) for the ordinary celebration of the L. supper. As probably the Primitive Churches did. For every first day of the week (viz. the L. day) the brethren came together to break bread, Act 2: 42. & 20.7: 1 Cor: 16, 2. Revel: 1.10: id est, to minister the communion. So that either th●y never met upon the L. day, but in the evenning, or else they celebrated the communion at some other times, but for ●y alteration of the gestures of sitting, especially into kneeling there is not the least probability. It is further objected. That we may kneel in regard of prayers to be used, by prescription of authority, at the delivering of the bread and wine. viz. The body of our Lord jesus Christ which was given for thee, preseru thy body and soul into eternal life, and take and eat this. etc. Hear unto these answers may be returned. we reject Christ his example of sitting for kneeling, we must not stand upon what we may do, but humbly consider what we must do. For if there be not a necessary, and a justifiable cause both of those prayers, and of Kneeling in regard of them, do we not presume upon Christ his patience, in rejecting his example? Now, what necessity is there of those prayers, at that very time? Seeing prayers go before, and follow after. Again, must we needs kneel at every bit of a prayer? Is their more necessity to obey a needless direction to kneel at those prayers, than to follow the example of Christ, In sitting when we take eat and drink, ●hings required in the same sentences? And w●● must the people kneel, when they hea●● those prayers, rather than the minist●● who pronounceth them? But it is a question, Wither those prayers be justifiable o● no. For besides that, by reason of them, Kneeling, devised and abused by Antichrist, doth cross the practice of Chri●● and his Apostles, and they may seem a● vain repetition: Even the adding of th●● to the words of institution is contrary t● the mind of Christ. For he did first bless● or pray, and after gave the Elements, in a sacramental form of words, Math. 6 7 & 26 26. c. ●. Mark 14.21 Luk: 22.19, etc: without any addition, saying, take, eat, etc. Which order of administration, and form of words, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Paul do so constantly, precisly, and sincerely relate, that any may perceive the meaning of the spirit to be. That the sacramental form of words ought precisely to be observed, without any addition. And the rather because Paul beginneth his relation thus, ●aue received of the Lord, 1 Cor. 11, 23 ●4, that which I ●aue also delivered, etc. So that it may ●●me to be against religion and reason, ●●at to a sacramental form of speech, therein the minister should only supply the ●●rson of Christ, there should be added a ●rayer, as in the name of the Church. This ●●fusion is fit for Babylon, than for ●●on. Lastly, Why is not a short prayer, af●r other going before, aswell joined to the sacramental form of Baptism: viz. N. baptism thee In the name of the Father, etc. 〈◊〉 then this addition of prayer to the sacramental form of words, be not of faith, Rom 14.5, 23 ●ow can we, with faith and a good conscience, confirm, or allow the same with our kneeling? Lastly for justifying of Kneeling, it is affirmed. That it is indifferent whither ●e sit, stand, or kn●●l●: Seeing Christ did sit, when he did eat the pass●●●r. Whereas God commanded the children of Israel ●n Egypt to eat the passover standing, and some reformed churches receive standing, for all that Christ did sit at his last supper: Therefore the King may appoint Kneeling, as the most reverend gesture, and best beseeming so holy an action. For answer whereunto, howsoever that which is already said, may suffice, Yet it may be further considered, That though it be admitted, that it is indifferent to sit, or to stand, yet it doth not follow, that Kneeling is indifferent, For sitting is the example, and standing is a gesture sometimes used in ordinary eating, and (in the objection) it is said to be prescribed at a sacramental feast. Again, It doth not follow, That because Christ used a gesture fit for eating in his time, instead of a gesture prescribed upon occasion, it is therefore lawful to use a gesture nothing answerable to eating, and that taken out of the Synagogue of Antichrist (as though the word of God came out of it, 1 Cor. 14.36 or to it only) instead of a gesture most answerable to eating, & of purpose used by Christ at the institution of the sacrament. So that, notwithstanding all that is said for Kneeling, His Majesty (upon whom the burthern as of this gesture so of other ceremonies, is laid) may remember, 2 Chro▪ 29 25, That Hezekiah appointed Levites in the house of the Lord with Cimballs, etc. according to the commandment of David, and Gad the King's Seer, and Nathan the Prophet, for the commandment was by the hand of the Lord, and by the hand of his prophets. And withal consider, that if Kneeling were the most reverend gesture, & best be seeming the holy communion, our L. & Master would not have sitten down of purpose, at his last supper. And that Ahaz was deceived In deeming the Altar at Damascus, 2 King 16 10, 12: 14 15 more honourable for God's service, than the altar of the Lord. Having said that which may be sufficient to a man reasonable, and not contentious, against the iustitution of kneeling for supposed reverence in regard of God, it remaineth that somewhat be said against the institution of Kneeling, for reverence in regard of bread and wine. Which need not be much, For no sound protestant, of any knowledge, will affirm it, but rather presently consider, That if kneeling be instituted for reverence in regard of bread and wine, It must be either because they represent the body & blood of Christ, though remaining bread and wine touching there substance: And then for like reason, we may worship the crucifix, and image of God, as the papists do: Or, because Christ is really, bodily, & locally, though invisibly, present in them, either by Transubstantiation, according to the heresy of the papists, or by consubstantiation, according to the heresy of the Lutherans. These things cannot but be considered, And then it must needs follow, that if we abjure these herisyes of Papists, & Lutherans, we must also abhor idolatrous, & superstitious kneeling, their daughter and Nurse, which was never heard of before Transubstantiation was hatched in the synagogue of Antichrist. Risks of R●●●●. 〈…〉. So that immediately after Pope Innocent decreed Transubstantiation, Pope Honorius decreed kneeling. Auns to 〈◊〉 jewels ch fol. 111 Therefore if Harding doth grant that it is not well to kneel: but in regard of a real, & bodily presence, a sound protestant should infer, But I detest your real presence, therefore I abhor your Idolatrous kneeling. We are to abhor kneeling, not only because we abhor the herisyes of worshipping images, Transubstantiation, & Consubstantiation, but also, Because it is the show of the greatest evils that ever were, viz Idolatry in worshipping a God made of a piece of bread, 1 Thess. 5 1● and of communion with Antichrist, rather than, with Christ, and therefore the greatest scandal that ever was or can be, both in regard of those evils it doth occasionally teach, or confirm, As also in regard of multitudes (indeed the most part of people) either not sufficiently instructed in the right understanding, & use of the sacrament, and therefore carried with a blind devotion learned by tradition, or corrupted (more or less) with the leaven of popery. Who all in regard of their weakness, are endangered by this gesture, either grossly to commit the Idolatry of papists, or to have a superstitious estimation of the cutward elements. And the rather, because by the 21 Canon it is provided: That no b●ead, and wine newly brought, shallbe used, but first the words of institution shall be rehearsed, when the said bread & wine be present upon the Communion table. As if the words were incantations, & the table like the altar which sanctifieth the sacrifice. May not this proviso seem (at least to the simple) to make way at least to the Popish cons●●ration? How grievous a sin it is to scandalise the make, Ma●h, 18.6. may appear by the word●● of Christ● viz. whosoever shall offend one of these little ones, it were better for him, that a millstone were hanged about his ne●●e, and that he were drowned in the depth of the Sea. C●o 8.13. And of Paul: If meat offend my brother. I will ea●e no flesh, while the world standeth, that I may not offend my brother. What an offence or scandal is, the Ap●s●l● show th' in the same chapter, viz. An occasion of falling to the weak. The particular offence he speaketh of is this: Notwithstanding the gospel was preached a convenient time, and that by the Apostles, yet many wanted knowledge, &, vers 7: 10. even unto that time, did eat as a thing sacrificed to an Idol. Of whom if any should see a man endued with knowledge sit at table in the Idols temple, his weak conscience might occasionally be imboldeved to eat those things which are sacrificed to Idols. If Paul would never eat flesh rather than he would offend in this case, because in so doing he should sin against Christ, how dare a christian, ver. 12 having knowledge, kneel in the presence of any, who, for want of knowledge, receive superstitiously. Of which sort, seeing there be so many even until this hour, and ever likely to be, that we know not when, and where to communicate without some such, either old, or young: it followeth, that as sitting at table in the Idols temple, could not be with out sin, in the Apostles time, so kneeling cannot be without sin in these days, when the number of faithful teachers is much decreased, but of papists much increased, & by our kneeling much confirmed in their bread worship. Sum of the confe. pa. 74 Therefore If his majesties judgement be sound, that the surplice is not to be worn, if Heathenish men were commorant among us, who, thereby, might take occasion to be strengthened in their paganism? shall we by our corrupt practice of kneeling, strengthen the papists, who swarm among us, in their Idolatry? If the State doth well, in ordaining the sacrament to be administered in usual bread to take away superstition, Rub. after the come, sect 5. whereas Christ did by occasion, minister in unleavened bread, shall not we do ill, In teaching, or confirming superstition by kneeling, whereas Christ did of purpose minister sitting? Hom. against peril of Idol part 3 a Setting up of images in churches only to be lay men's books, is, by authority condemned, Levit: 19.14 because they are as stumbling blocks in way of the blind So that they have been, are still, and will be hereafter worshipped by ignorant persons. Is not kneeling as scandalous? How can it then be justified? But it is said, that the King's commandment taketh away scandal, in things indifferent. And it may be averred that this is a begging of the question, except it be proved by the word, that kneeling may be without sin, and that notwithstanding it be an institution of man, contrary to the example of Christ, a sign of communion rather with Antichrist and his synagogue of Rone, than with Christ and his Church, it have no proportion with sacramental eating, and have been, is, and will be bread worship. But suppose that in itself it whereas indifferent as was eating of flesh sacrificed to an Idol, not in the Idols temple, 1 Cor: 10.17 28. but at a private table where no weak ones were, in the Apostles time: yet how doth the King's commandment take away scandal from kneeling in public places? Doth it make all so sure, that none can be scandalised? Or, if that cannot be, doth it take away guiltiness from the scandalizer, as if all the blame of scandalising, were in the King's commandment? Su●rly it must be in the former, or else the latter cannot be, For by scandalising a weak brother perisheth. Cor 8.11. ●mb: 35 Of whose blood, the scandalizer is guilty, as joab was of Vriahs' blood, ●am, 11: 15 ●, 17, notwithstanding the King's commandment. Here his Majesty known to be of a gentle disposition, & to have learned, yea professed better things in Scotland, is most humbly prayed, to take this word (King) as spoken in imitation, and understood of Cantor: who known to be of a violent disposition, did carry matters in the Convocation, and published Canons not orderly, & fully concluded, as some of his suffragan prelate's report, But it is impossible, that the King's commandment should make all so sure, that none can be scandalised, the general ignorance of the people, the disposition of the ignorant unto superstition, the old leaven of popery not purged, & the multipliing of papists, all well considered. Nay rather, It is likely, that by the commandment, the scandal will be the greater. Especially in regard of the 27 Canon, where ministers are commanded, under pain of suspension, Not wittingly to administer the sacrament to any, but such as kneel. May not simple, & superstitious persons take occasion thus to argue? Why should kneeling be thus urged by authority, if the sacramental signs of the body, and blood of Christ, be no more to be reverenced, than water applied in baptizing children? Seeing that is also a sanctified sign of Christ his blood, that wishes away our sins, and iniquities. To conclude, If kneeling in the very act of taking, eating & drinking the sacramental bread & wine, in the holy communion, be (1) an institution of man. (2) If it be the taking of God's name in vain, when it is without all respect of reverence (3) If God be not honoured thereby, except it be according to his will. (4) If it serve from the example of Christ his sitting, & therefore deserveth no praise. (5) If it be a provoking sin to reject the exemplary sitting of christ, whereby we sh●w ourselves to be in communion with Christ, & the reformed churches, and to retain kneeling, which for bread worship, aught to be banished, & whereby we seem to be in communion with Antichrist, & his synagogue. 6) If it obscureth that rejoicing familiarity in & with Christ which the L. supper signifieth (7) if the argument from Christ his example be made the stronger, in that he sat of purpose. 8) If the lawfulness of chase a fit time than the evening cannot justify our rejecting Christ his exemplary sitting (9) if the bits of prayer joined with the words of institution do make kneeling the more sinful (10) If kneeling be not as indifferent, as standing, nor best beseeming the holy communion, and the King must appoint nothing but by the hand of the lord (11) If we ought to abhor kneeling, as we abhor the worshipping of Images, Transubstantiation, & Consubstantiation (12) If to scandalise be grievously to sin, and kneeling ●e a sh●w of the greatest evils, and withal the greatest scandal. And (13) If it be a begging of be question to affirm, kneeling to be indifferent, & the King's commandment ●●so called) doth rather increase, than lesson scandal by kneeling, It may be averred, that kneeling in the very act of Taking, eating, and drinking the sacramental bread & wine, in the holy communion, cannot be without sin. The Printer to the reader. The copy sent me wanted direction for the quotations▪ & I wanted an English corrector therefore have I failed more ●hen I would: especially in placing them. ●ut pardon I pray, and take knowledge of these principals: Errata, Pag 2 put down Rom, 16, 17, 18, phil, 3, 2. 19, gall, 6, 12 lines, 2 pag, 5, pu, d, mal. 1, 6, 7. l 2 pa 6, 2 king 5, 18 l 3, pa 7, 1 cor. 11, 1, l 5, pa 10, 1 cor, 11, 16 l 3 & 2 cor 6, 15, 17 l 4, & deut 12, 30, 31 l 5, math 8, 11 l 2, pa, 11 set up 1 cor 11, 20 & 10, 21 l 2 & p, d, exo, 12 11 16, num, 3, 11, 12 math, 5, 17 & 26, 20 l 12. pa 12, l 1. put out not. & set up job 38. 2 l 1, p, d, 1 cor, 11, 25, 26, l 6, pa 13 s, v: john 13, 4, 12 l 10. p, d gen, 2, 2, 3, l 3. pa: 14 pu, d: Math 26: 31: 45: Luke 22: 53: lin 4 read must be eaten lin 11. read into another. pa. 16. li: 2 read sentences prescribed & s: v: math 6. 7 l 5