CERTAIN REASONS OF A PRIVATE CHRISTIAN AGAINST Conformity to kneeling in the very act of receiving the Lords Supper.  
By Tho: Dighton Gent.  GAL. 6. 9 Let us not be weary of well-doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. 
Anno 1618.   

TO ALL PRIVATE CHRISTIANS Unfeignedly desiring to serve the Lord Christ, and preparing themselves, gird up the loins of their mind, & wait for his appearing, grace and peace be multiplied for ever.  
BRETHREN, hearing what pains and labour many of your reverend and learned Pastors (who sometimes were otherwise minded) do lately undertake in many places, by their public teaching and example, by their private conference, and all other means possible, to persuade to conformity; I am bold (lest they should rejoice in your flesh) to present this my poor mite unto your godly consideration, as casting it into our Lord's Treasury, most humbly beseeching those that are rich in grace, and have silver, gold, and precious stones conferred upon them, to offer them freely and seasonably for the service of his Sanctuary, even to build up the decayed places of the gates, bars, and walls of the most holy City. Always provided, that nothing be done confusedly, or at a very venture; upon the warrant of no ill meaning, or a supposed liberty, as if it had been sufficient to bring wood and timber, stone and mortar, and all other needful provision in all abundance, of any kind or fashion, length, breadth, thickness or temper, even as the most learned and wise of those times thought meet, and not to have every thing fitted and prepared by the Lords own direction, so as there may need neither axe nor hammer, nor any tool of Iron to be heard to reform and amend the same; 
1. King. 6. 7.  but if any thing be not well, to put to or take from as occasion shall require: No, no, all Gods outward worship, 
Deut. 12. 32. & 32. 47.  and public or divine service, must in every part and ceremony or gesture thereof, be so pure and free from all kind of mixture of any human invention, as all things of the very lest moment whatsoever, being directly ordered according to the pattern showed in the Mount of God's holy word, every believing heart may rejoice at the most comely order and holy beauty of Gods own Ordinances, and adjudge it high presumption to tender any innovation by far-fetched devices and novelties, or some old Tradition, or worm-eaten Ceremony, full of incertainty, to the direct disabling of the all-sufficient truth, and offence of tender consciences. In all humility therefore labour to be able to give good and sound reasons why you dare not conform to the questioned gesture and ceremonies, nor to any thing else which is not within the compass of the most un-erring pattern, the holy word of the all-commanding God, and be sure to build your refusal safely upon the rock, and not upon the sand; upon the commandment of Christ, and not upon your own humours, or any men's judgement and practice, be they never so learned, zealous and holy: yea, in whatsoever you have not God's word for your warrant (Thus saith the Lord, thus did our Lord, or the Lord never tequired this at our hands) therein submit yourselves lovingly and peaceably, yea most readily to them that are over you in the Lord. And in any case nourish not that most pestilent humour of that man of Sin, a delight in opposition to superiority, but in all humility, in matters that are but merely grounded on opinion, and not on the Scriptures, think better of other men's judgements then your own: for God gives no saving grace but to the humble, to the humble in deed, not to the humble in show. Get this virtue therefore my brethren, for then the yoke of Christ, 
Math. 11. 29. 30.  which now you are to draw in, will be most easy and without grief; and his burden, part whereof you are presently to bear, light and full of comfort: yea, though you be made the gazing-stockes of the world, and be hated and scorned of all men, as the very offscouring of the earth, for bearing witness to this part of the truth, yet shall you by humility be enabled with much cheerfulness and spiritual consolations, to endure all things, and to suffer all things; yea, consider I pray you, that the very true and most direct way to reign with Christ hereafter, is of necessity to suffer for him in this evil world; and to suffer for any part of the truth in God's worship, is to suffer for Christ. Believe it therefore as verily as you do any other thing, that God hath purposely predestinated you to these particular trials, even in every circumstance and instrument thereof. Seeing then you must drink of this Cup, pray heartily that his name may be glorified, and then what matters it though we be despised, disgraced, scorned and derided, so long as our Lord and master may have honour thereby? Will not every true hearted subject suffer and endure any pains, travel, or loss of goods and life for his King and Sovereign's sake, yea and that most cheerfully with a manly and valiant courage? And shall not we much more do the like for the King of Kings, who hath done and suffered a hundred thousand of millions more for us? he lost not an eye, a hand, or a foot for us, but was content to give his whole body and soul also, yea he spared not his whole person for us, and that also when we were his enemies; 
Rom. 8. 5. 10.  he suffered disgrace, not only before the Princes, but all manner of contempt by the vilest, and of torment by the cruelest, yea and the most grievous pains that the fierce wrath of God in all extremity of his justice, could possibly inflict upon his soul and body. Do you think he hath forgotten these things? No my dear brethren, in that he suffered and was tempted,, he is able to succour them that are tempted; yea assure yourselves he puts every one of your tears into his own bottle, observes every hidden device and close practice of your adversaries, keeps a Register (not to be corrupted) of every word, presentment, information or certificate, that is made, signed, put up, exhibited or uttered against you, and sets down also every disgrace and contempt that is cast upon you, and keeps a just reckoning of every penny for fees that is exhausted from you for exactions, excommunications, absolutions, and of whatsoever other open or underhand proceedings practised against you, and will assuredly call to judgement both you and all your adversaries, and back or hollow friends, every one to give a particular and most strict account of all these things, and to them that have done well herein, he will give everlasting life and glory; but they that have done ill and unconscionably, rather serving the time than the Lord, shall certainly go into eternal fire. 
1. Pet. 1. 13  Gird up therefore the loins of your mind, and fear not them that have only power to imprison your bodies, and take away your goods or lives, let neither their persuasions nor threatenings cause you to conform to error (of which nature is every thing not warranted by the word of truth) but fear him, who when he hath done as much as they possibly can, is able also to cast body and soul into hell fire, Christ saith unto us all, 
Luk. 12. 4. 5.  Him fear, even fear to do any thing in his worship & service, but what you have good warrant for, under his hand and seal in the sacred Scriptures that he will not be offended at it, but acceptably receive it at your hands, and so bless the use thereof unto your souls. For else (at the very best that can be said for it) is not this directly to tempt the Lord, and to dare him to his face, when in his public worship we dare do some things of special note, which he most carefully observes, and that before his face and most assured presence, yet only upon the Canons or persuasions of sinful men not consulting with the word whether God will be pleased or offended therewith or no? 
Deut. 18. 19 20.  There is difference (I confess) betwixt that which the Lord hath expressly forbidden, and that which he hath not directly nor by any good consequent commanded, but yet it is only secundum magis & minus, to conform to the latter is to do wickedly, but to subscribe to the other, is to become abominable. Therefore in such cases of extremity, the choosing of the less sin may very well argue a most wise and carnal discretion, but not any honest heart or sincere affection. You know brethren, that in the beginning the Lord put an everlasting enmity betwixt the seed of the Woman and the seed of the Serpent, distinguished afterwards into the City or Kingdom of God, where himself is pleased to dwell as supreme Lord and King peramount, ruling & governing his people especially in his own service) by his own Spirit according to his own Laws in his own Word; and into the Synagogue of Satan, where he also sits upon a Royal throne (indeed not in his own likeness, but most exactly tricked up and transformed into the similitude of an Angel of light) teaching by his servants many things, commendable by the light of nature, yea and commanding with great authority (of all possible learning, reason, discretion, wisdom and Philosophical understanding, garnished with the precious ornaments of most admirable Oratory) many divine and excellent truths of the word, but interlacing ever and anon some doctrines of darkness, yet very covertly, always in outward show for holy ends and godly purposes, and never undertaken but upon most grave and good advice, yea very learned, sound, and divine deliberation, renouncing the Devil (forsooth) most directly and professedly, out upon him naughty meat, what did ever any body mean to bestow the scalding and plucking of him, the very savour or sent of him is death irrecoverable; but retaining the broth wherein he was sodden, or the principal brewis, or some special part thereof, oh it is very good and most wholesome diet indeed, (the holy father his benedicite light upon them that saved it, for else all the fat had been in the fire) yea I tell you this with good household bread is even Angel's food, (full glad would they be the proudest of them to lick their lips after the leave of it) though indeed every common understanding cannot dive into the deep mystery thereof: Separating from and quite banishing for ever and a day, the grosser doctrines of Popery, the real presence, praying to the Saints departed, the supremacy of the Apostolic Sea, and such like, fie for shame, that any body should so much as once name them, seeing without all question they are most damnable, and came verily from hell; but yet retaining divers gestures and ceremonies thereto appropriated, and thereby first begotten, oh here be many rare bits and sweet morsels, even admirable and most excellent uses of, such as the Holy Ghost could never for his life foresee or think of, and therefore indeed it never came into the mind of the Lord to require them, even because he did not providently enough consider what decency and comeliness, what unity and much other undiscerned goodness their general conformity would instantly produce. For seeing the Devils to deceive the world with greater ease, and to be more free from suspicion, will put upon them the likeness of God's holy Angels, why should not these again to be revenged on their enemies, transform themselves into the likeness of Devils, by conforming to some of their ceremonies, that so more powerfully they might draw the servants of Satan unto God? What if the damned crew were gulled a little, and some other fools made fain a while, yet were not this an admirable piece of service, and do they not deserve all the pack of them to be hanged up, yea by the very heels, that will not subscribe to the lawfulness hereof? All which premises being most gravely pondered, and carefully considered, certain nice and nimble wits, of a very deep diving reach, and most high soaring humour, are lately risen up, and now grown full ripe, who have undertaken, not to dispatch all the labours of Hercules in one hour, nor by their sweet melody to make the wild beasts, the sea hideous monsters, the fell fowls of heaven, and all the huge mountains of the earth in one instant to be silent, and at a trice to conform to their measures of most indifferent mildness; but with great facility (though it be a very strange wonder I tell you, yet do not think it incredible) to reconcile even these two so contrary seeds, and by divine appointment directly opposite Cities, (O what a blessing are these peacemakers worthy to have?) for the speedier and more safe accomplishment whereof, they have most wisely provided and discovered to all our horizon; the full perfection of their so learned sufficiency, for they have most strongly builded and highly erected (even in the very air) a very great, yea without all question the goodliest castle that ever mortal eye beheld, called Saint Neuter-hall, or as the base vulgar speak. Newt-hall, which is furnished with all store of every kind of warlike munition either for offence or defence, so that by the place it is inaccessible, and by the power of it utterly impregnable, (all their adversaries may cast their caps at it) the constituted Regent hereof is a most sage and honourable grave person, Lorded out of their own loins, one Grando, Magnifico, Cavileiro, Segnioro Indifferento, whose colours under the conduct of two great commanders they have made full (not a man missing I warrant you) with most able followers of an invincible temper, and indefatigable constitution, neither hot nor cold, neither flesh nor spirit, but indifferently disposed (I do not say for God or the Devil, but) as times and occasions do best serve for their purposes. Now this is the man, and these be his forces and arguments my brethren, that make strongest head against you: he perhaps will feign hypocritically, that he is at utter defiance with all the seed of the Serpent, and would not for a world be a means to persuade you to conform to any of his damnable devices, no not in the least circumstance whatsoever, because they all come from one root, and flow from the same fountain; and to make this good, he will not stick by Drum and Trumpet to proclaim open and intestine wars against all their damnable courses and dissembling proceedings; yea, to give you full satisfaction, he will take his corporal oath that his judgement is directly contrary to them, though for some special considerations him thereunto moving, his practice in outward show carries some image or resemblance of them: yea and at the very worst he protests to take neither part, but being of a most quiet and peaceable disposition, too too unwilling to disturb the rest and ease of the Church in which he was bred and lives, but rather to be conformable to the times, he pretends only to stand indifferently minded, and equally disposed till matters be settled, and in the mean season look which way the most take, 
1. King. ●●. 6. 8.  he will incline, presuming they are absolutely in the right; yet trust him not my brethren, for he that is not with Christ, will easily be hired by this great man's two gallant commanders knight marshal Fear, and Lord general Favour (men of exceeding prowess, and great experience) to take Arms against Christ; yea all that are not professed and public friends to the City of God, will be content (under pretence of preserving the Church's peace) at their request secretly to labour, and underhand closely, yea most strongly to practise for Satan's Synagogue, and when time and opportunity serves to show forth yea openly to profess their dissembled malice. In the mean season learned subtlety, and great shows of peaceable honesty, do but quite cover over gross deformity, and most cleanly conceal vile and abominable hypocrisy. Stand fast therefore and quit yourselves like men, 
Eph. 6. 10.  take unto you the whole armour of God, but in any case beware of the weapons of the Synagogue, 
1 Cor. 2. 1. 4. 6.  Excellency of words, enticing speeches of man's wisdom, and the wisdom of this world, which will, seem most learnedly and fully to give any man sufficient satisfaction, if he tie not himself precisely to the word of God: for they have in them as enticing allurements hereunto, as any beautiful harlot in the world. Look you therefore unto jesus Christ our Lord, who is the author and finisher of our faith, and of all the means substantial or ceremonial thereof, or any way circumstantially conducent thereunto, and is gone up on high, and given gifts unto men, according to his word, even whatsoever in calling, in doctrine, in ceremony, or in gesture is to be conformed unto: he is gone I say to prepare a kingdom and an eternal weight of glory to bestow upon every one of his Cittizes, who have fought the good fight of faith, such honour shall all his Saints have in the very presence and sight of all your Synagoguish adversaries that now so molest and trouble you, who standing neither on the right hand nor on the left, but aloof off in their airy Castle, even indifferently disposed betwixt both, shall find to their cost, that whosoever is not in the right is verily in the wrong (be it doctrine or gesture) and not being of the City of God, is certainly for the Synagogue of Satan (be it for calling or ceremony) and he that is not directly for the truth so far as he sees, is (at the very best) indifferently for error and falsehood: yea and therefore whatsoever they pretend, all that love not the Sheep of Christ, but woorry his Lambs, and persecute his servants, shall have their full portion with the filthy goats. And as for my Lord Indifferent, who will not lose his present wages of unrighteousness for the most assured hope of future glory, unless his honour very nimbly bestir himself, and retire quickly into the old, or some new erected Purgatory; ten thousand to one, his portion will be fearful in the everflaming furnace, though now for the present he triumphs and makes a most glorious flourish. Look therefore my brethren to the last end of these things, and then shall you never do amiss. Now the God of peace, who will shortly send our Lord jesus to make trial of every man's work, preserve and keep you, and make you wise according unto godliness, that you may discern things that differ, and so be of one mind and of one practice, and so may have peace, not with the world, for all that will live godly, and conform only to him, must have tribulation therein; but with God, and amongst yourselves having your consciences pure within, and lives outwardly unspotted in the world, for nothing is available but a new creature, godliness is the mortar whereby the house of God is builded: all the gifts of Art and nature without this, do pull down and not set up; yea, though they have both zeal and knowledge. I beseech you therefore let this be well tempered before any stone be laid, and then may we safely fall to building, yea then shall the work prosper in our hands, let Tobiah, Shamballet, and all the dissembling enemies of the truth do what they can. Therefore my brethren, whatsoever in the worship of God, helps not by his own appointment unto holiness, cannot possibly be of Christ. For is it not the fruit of the Spirit? (if it be conformed unto) then must it needs be a fruit of the flesh, and therefore lusteth (though perhaps closely and secretly, yet most naturally and constantly) against the spirit, 
Gal. 5. 17.  for these two ever were, are, and will be contrary one to the other: yea all the Lord Indifferents in the world with all their learned tricks, and artificial devices, can never reconcile them. Keep that therefore which by the faithful ministry of our godly and zealous pastors hath been committed to you, take heed of curious, vain, and unmortified spirits, nimbleness of wit is no help to sanctification of the spirit. Seeing then you know the truth of the things in question, beware lest ye also be ●lucked away with the bewitching errors of them that are carnally minded, and so by little & little, conforming first to this, then to that, at length by degrees you fall from your former steadfastness, rather strive to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord jesus Christ, by cleaving more and more to Gods own ordinances, and hating more and more all human Inventions as most vain devices and false ways. 
Psal. 129. 128.  Conform therefore to nothing in Gods public worship, but what is revealed in the word, which if you desire to know, 
Math. 7. 7.  seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you, for to him that hath and useth it well, 
Mat. 25. 29. & 13. 12.  more shall be given, yea he shall have abundance. Decline not therefore, hide not your knowledge, or any other Talon upon any cause or consideration, seem it never so reasonable, but abstain from all things wherein there is any appearance or likeness of evil; ye 〈…〉 form to nothing, be it gesture, action, or ceremony in Gods public worship, (if it be not the commandment of Christ) which hath any resemblance of Idolatry in it, though the Idolatry itself be sent packing, for verily such inventions have in them (though purified never so often) an Idolatheous disposition. Have you no fellowship therefore with them: and so I pray that the peace of God may be with you all that are in Christ jesus. Now unto him that is able to keep you that you fall not in these times of trial, and to present you faultless before the presence of of his glory, with joys unspeakable and glorious, even to God only wise, be glory and majesty, dominion, and power both now and for evermore, Amen.  
T. D.   

CERTAIN REASONS OF APRIVATE Christian against Conformity to keeling in the very act of Receiving the Lords Supper.  
THE Eternal son of God our blessed Lord spoke always to his church even from the beginning and directed all his servants for their manner of worship as well outward as inward, even to the fathers before the flood, to the patriarchs, prophets and holy men of God after, and this he did in divers and sundry manners, but now since his coming in the flesh he hath tied all Churches and all persons that desire to have eternal life to the sole direction of his word, 
joh. 5. 39  which is his own and only personal voice and doth testify of him whatsoever is profitable for the Church to conform unto, 
2 Tim. 3. 16  either for doctrine or government, or for whatsoever else that is any way or in any degree helpful unto godliness, for this and this only is the immortal seed or the seed of immortality, 
1. Pet. 1. 23.  all other doctrines for any Religious uses raised else where, are merely mortal, or seeds of death and therefore utterly uncapable of any good use in the public worship of God. Seing than we must wholly and only depend upon the scriptures for direction in all the actions of God's public worship, which are to be conformed unto, let us in these controversies about kneeling in the very act of receiving the Lords supper, & whatsoever else is in question being of Religious use, diligently give heed, 
Heb. 2. 1.  to the things we have heard and learned therein, being truly or evidently grounded thereon, and by no means approve in any degree of any thing else, for that will make us one time or other, in one thing or other to run out and fall from our first love yea do what possibly we can to decline & scatter. 
Reu. 2. 4.  hearken therefore to that which the Lord jesus himself did purposely speak in this his own voice concerning this very point. I thank thee o father Lord of heaven and earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise & hast opened or (as Luk renders it) revealed them to babes, 
Mat. 11. 25  even so father because it so pleased thee. 
Luk. 19 21  Whence he gives all his ●ervants plainly to understand, that all the wit, learning, discretion, experience, and judgement in the whole world is not possibly able to find out the mysteries of Religion, or to determine with what ceremonies, actions, & gestures Gods public worship & service is to be performed, no though they be Rabbis & Doctors or the most absolute teachers in Israel, but that this is a special & peculiar privilege or grace treasured up in the word and reserved purposely for such persons as will dig and search for it and rather desire and labour to have dominion over all their known corruptions and so to be glorious within then to exercise any outward glorious & pompous domination in the world, 
Psa. 45. 23.  for those that rest themselves and depend on God's holy & own ordinances, 
Luk. 24. 45  shall have their hearts or understanding thereby opened or enlightened & so made able to know the hope of their calling, 
Act. 16. 14.  the riches of the glorious inheritance of the saints & the exceeding greatness of God's power towards all which believe, 
Eph. 1. 18. 19  but those that depend upon the wisdom and learning of men can not possibly attain hereunto; because Gods own ordinances, (though they do enjoy them, yet) are not esteemed of them further than the excellency of the outward gifts therein give content to their senses; 
Ezek. 33. 32  for though they hear yet they will not do or obey, & all such be they never so wise and learned are in the flesh and therefore, 
Rom. 8. 8.  cannot possibly please God, 
1. Cor. 2. 15  but those in whom the Spirit of God doth dwell shall be enlightened and made able to discern all things, which the other, though of never so great learning, & most admirable parts having even the very spirit of the world, 
vers. 12. 13  in them, can not do, because they have but man's wisdom, & that perceiveth not the things of God, 
14  nay they are foolishness unto him, here, therefore for distinction sake and that every one might judge his own heart whether he be of that number to whom God hath revealed these things or no, our Saviour calls them Babes, not in sanctification of life and power of God's spirit, but in their sense & feeling being privy to their manifold weaknesses & ignorances, & therefore in all humbleness of mind and meekness of spirit they renounce their own wisdom, and submit themselves to the word of God; as also being in the account & esteem of the world, when they are compared with those that be contrary minded, no better then very Babes, even base & contemptible persons not worthy so much as to carry their books after them, & yet these are the people and thus must they find themselves qualified, men, women or children, whom Christ hath chosen to Reveal his holy and divine mysteries unto. So that howsoever learning and wisdom are highly to be reverenced as being very excellent gifts of God ordained for special helps in the ministery of the Church both for the finding out of the truth, & also for the dividing of it aright (therefore they that despise them cannot be of God, 
1 King. 22. 6. 10. 11. 12.  yet many times men of Belial do enjoy them, even false Prophets & profane preachers who are many of them of most excellent parts, 
Mat. 7. 22.  so that from this place, 
Note.  it is most evident, that very often and not unusually, learned and wise, grave and understanding men, yea famous and of principal note, even Chief Rulers and principal pillars in the Churches of Christ, having as much in them for all manner of learning in humanity, in divinity, and in whatsoever as nature and industry can possibly attain unto are (notwithstanding all this & more than this, if more can be) teachers, defenders maintainers of many gross and horrible errors yea vice and damnable heresies, which yet Babes do separate and fly from, if any be pleased to restrain these words of Christ to the doctrines of faith and justification (though every branch have interest in the privileges of the tree) I will not contend about it, but only presuming on their patience be bold to conclude that if such worthy and reverend men even masters in in Israel may not simply be relied on, or trusted unto, in those great things of the Law. Wherein they are most exercised and take greatest pains, much more probable it is that they may err in matters of ceremony which they count trivial, and therefore do not half so carefully look into, so that undeniably it follows, that it is no sufficient argument to bind the consciences of Christians to conform to this or that gesture in God's worship because many grave and learned divines do hold it indifferent and lawful, yea (as the cause standeth) most fit and convenient: seeing as wise, reverend, and learned as they are, have done as much for most horrible errors, as the doctrine of Purgatory, free-will, merit; yea & that most damnable heresy of depriving of Princes. Neither is it any disparagement to the truth, because those that profess it, and will not betray it, to conform to error (even men's mere devices) are but Bibes, some of them ministers and perhaps preachers, but of no Reputation or account in the world) seeing these, yea these only do see and believe the truth when it is hid from the wise and men of understanding. Unless therefore those Reverend and learned persons (the patrons of conformity) do make it apparent, that they ground their persuasions & practise not barely (though in seeming most strongly upon wit and reason, antiquity wisdom or learning, but sound and evidently upon the word of God, there is no force to move or bind the conscience in all their arguments or reasons whatsoever, yea much rather and more safely they are at the very best) to be but esteemed of that number from whom the Lord hath as yet hidden these things.  
In this case therefore, that most excellent and primcely saying of his majesty concerning his laws may very fitly in my understanding be used, 
His majesties speech in the star-chamber, Pag. 17.  that special care is to be had to purge them from two corruptions incertainty and Novelty. For if our church government or laws ecclesiastical were freed from these, that we might be certain which are the true callings and which be the true ceremonies, then let all perverse, and froward spirits, that upon mere peevishness or other refractory humour will not conform and subscribe, be irrevocably adjudged utterly unworthy the gracious protection of so singular a sovereignty. But surely if in his most princely care to settle his subjects estates, and to prevent the miseries of endless & impoverishing suits, he truly foresees the absolute necessity of reforming these two corruptions in the Civil government; Let our lamentation find favour in his ears who are daily subject to be most violencly traduced, scornfully entreated and very grievously fined, even in the triple value of our whole personal estates, yea and to be perpetually imprisoned without bail or main prize, only because we dare not in God's public worship conform unto men's Inventions, nor bow down unto these devowring Cankers that do secretly consume the special and most principal ministerial members of the Churches of Christ, 
2 Tim. 2. 17  yea and have hitherto fed upon and are much strengthened or confirmed, by every remedy which hath been applied for their cure or removal, for if religion, or the outward part thereof consisting in Religious rites be subject to these two Corruptions: Alas how can poor Christians with any comfort or assurance of faith, order their outward serving of God seeing they have no certain rule for their actions, gestures, & Ceremonies therein and appropriated thereunto, but must either forsake the fellowship of the Churches, or conform to the orders, canons and directions which the Ecclesiastical governors in every age successively shall in their wisdom and discretion think to be most fit for the times, and meet or convenient for the occasions. Are not the outward actions and ceremonies ordained by the Lord himself for his public worship, most certain seals, and assured evidences of his very true and essential presence hath our holy faith any other help from the senses but by this means: and do not all they that hinder the magistrate from establishing them, say unto God depart from us we will none of these thy ways? and from the contrary, are not the Inventions or traditions of men established in God's outward worship infallible evidences, and unerring testimonies of the real presence of Satan and do not they then that hinder the magistrate from casting them out fall down and worship him.  
The Reverend Bishops in King Edward's days, and all the first times of the most famous and blessed Qu. Eliz. of holy and verlasting memory held it necessary that the Ancient and primitive discipline should be restored and therefore these controverted ceremonies to be only for a time retained, as by the public decree of the whole state more at large doth appear (which blessed be God, 
Preface to the book of come. prayer.  is most religiously by our dread and sovereign Lord still retained and kept in force.) Now the most learned & grave Bishops of this age profess, that the King and state shall commit a grievous sin against the Lord if they do remove any one of these things in question whatsoever, and their Reason is undeniable, if they can make it good, viz. because they are every one of them ordained by God, for so much directly doth their jure divino and no Ceremony no Bishop being put together necessarily imply.  
Now let our adversaries search all the the reporrs of the Common laws, and see if it be possible to find any one case so full of contradiction and manifest Incertainty for suppose the next succession of these seas (a thing I tell your greatly to be feared) shall think it fit upon certain good causes and considerations, to bring in Images into our churches, pressing only the old pretence ornamenti gratia, and the cross into the Lord's supper for Reverence, spittle and salt into Baptism only for significancy and mystery, where shall Incertainty have an end, unless of absolute necessity an unerring power be established, for whose safe foundation they have in these things most wisely provided; for can any doubtful matter possibly be of Faith, & may any thing of religious use which is not of faith be conformed unto in the worship of God? and can any thing of this nature have certainty for the lawfulness of it, unless it be evidently warranted by the word of God? I conclude therefore that to conform to any thing of religious use, which is not commanded in the word of God, or (which is all one) truly grounded thereon and so warranted thereby, is to conform to mere Incertainty & Novelty, 
joh. 4. 22.  even to I know not what, which at the very best must needs be an ignorant worship a gesture at Random and a ceremony at all a very venture; 
Mat. 12. 36   
And if it be sin to use Idle words in our ordinary talk, 
Eph. 5. 11.  and if those civil works of our callings (be they gestures or other actions) if they be unfruitful, not savouring of the spirit of Christ, are to be esteemed, 
Eph. 5. 11.  even the least of them in their degree, mere works of Darkness; must it not needs follow even by infinite degrees that much more, it is horrible iniquity to conform to or use idle words or gestures not comely in the most special presence of our most holy God, 
Eccles. 5. 1.  even when we are at his own holy table; and is not every thing Rash, hasty, Idle & uncomely which is not warranted by the word of God? 
Psa. 101. 1  must not the heart be prepared before the body or any part thereof can bring forth any word action or gesture which is good, 
Mat. 12. 35  and can the heart possibly be prepared any way but by conforming to the spirit of God according to the scriptures? yea is not every other conformity parcel of that Evil treasure? Incertainty therefore and Novelty are very evil yea most deadly corruptions and being thus justified in the public worship of God, will corrupt and eat into all the civil proceedings of the state whatsoever. 
His majesties speech. pag. 18.  If then it be subject to his non fuit sic ab initio, though it be of never so great antiquity, yea therein may be coryval with the real presence and though the ordeyners thereof and pleaders for it had all the wit and learning of whole universities and the most absolute wisdom of a national Synod, 
Math. 5. 32. 48. & 1●. ●  yet he that could not err hath adjudged it to be a mere Novilty, was it not so from the beginning of the sacrament, did this gesture or these ceremonies, creep into the worship of God, after the Apostolical times mentioned in the scripture? then with out all question though all the learned men in the whole world, hold it and them lawful, yet it is a Novelty and they mere and idle Incerteinties, for nullum tempus occurrit Regi, wherefore as our said sovereign Lord and most learned King said to the grave and learned judges of the land, Remember you are no makers of law, 
Pag. 19  but interpreters of the Law, according to the true sense thereof; even so I beseech all godly pastors and learned divines (if they sincerely desire to build up the house of God and not to break down the carved work thereof with axes and hammers) be pleased to remember that they are not to make rules or laws, cannons or constitutions in the Churches of Christ to bind the Consciences of Christians withal, but only to interpret and divide the word of God aright, being the only Cannon and sole rule of the Conscience, and that not after this fathers or that Counsel's opinion or judgement, or the practice of later or more ancient Churches, but according to the true sense of the spirit, always and only evident in the scriptures. 
Pag. 7.  And is it the King's office to protect and settle the true interpretation of the law of God within his Dominions? (oh blessed and for ever blessed shall such be) then questionless will our Lord and master, the great King of heaven and earth protect all those that stand for the true interpretation thereof and are ready to conform to any thing that is evidently grounded thereon, and refuse not conformity unto anything but what is not warranted thereby. Therefore brethren all that seek the Lord with upright and honest hearts, let them in these cases of Controversy not Run into this or that Corner or country after an old rabbi or a new Doctor but go directly and plainly to the Law and to the testimony, 
Esay 8. 20.  for, resolution truly given by the word of God doth only bind the consciences of men: And all Fathers, or Counsels, Doctors, or Canons, how Ancient and universal soever, which Command or persuade to Conform to any thing in God's worship of Religious use, and do not speak according to this word, it is most certain they have no light in them. 
Object.   
But here my Lord indifferents light horsemen offer a light skirmish, and say that these things not being forbidden in the word, Christians have liberty to use or not to use as they think good, or as the magistrate is pleased to command. 
Answ.   
No saith the holy Ghost, whosoever speaks not according to the word, that is according to the doctrine of the word, or practise of the Church mentioned in and approved by the word there is verily nothing but darkness in them, for Christ is that light even the whole and only light of the whole universal Church, 
joh. 8. 12.  and is not the light of his word in these things which are so pressed and urged? then whosoever follows or conforms unto them walks in darkness, even as those that conform to any thing truly grounded on the word, follow Christ and so do not walk in darkness. Is not his light of the word then, but the darkness of man's wisdom and human learning only, in these things? then verily is the Prince of darkness strongly and most firmly for them, oh how fearful (if he prevail which the Lord of light forbid) must needs that darkness be, and who dare conform thereunto; will the pretence of not being forbidden shift off these things? If therefore your pastors cannot make it appear, that the things which they persuade you to conform unto are according to the word of God, you are bound in conscience not to yield unto them, because you may not have any kind of fellowship with any actions gestures or other works which have no light but Darkness in them, 
Eph. 5. 11.  and all things are made manifest only by the light of the word, 
13.  likewise you know that Jesus Christ is that faithful and true witness we may more falsely depend on his Testimony 
Reu. 1. 5. & 3. 14.  then on all the fathers and Counsels, Cannons and Doctors in the whole world.  
But they say that all these do swear directly that kneeling even as it is urged (and so all things else in controversy) is both lawful and Convenient; but what saith that uneerring witness, here our adversaries reply that as he saith nothing for the gesture so he hath not one word against it or any of the rest. I demand then, whether this gesture be a true gesture or a lying gesture, they must needs say a true gesture; or else they shame all but can it possibly be so, and that faithful and true witness never gave any kind of testimony unto it, and we have a direct commandment to hear him in all things, 
Acts. 3. 22.  not in doctrines of faith only, but in doctrines of gestures and ceremonies also, yea in whatsoever is in any degree of religious use? (do not stumble at the next words, for they are all plain to him that will, 
Pro: 8. 8. 9  understand) for wherein consists the faithfulness of Christ his Testimony but in revealing or making known all things concerning faith or government gestures or ceremonis, 
joh. 15. 15.  yea whatsoever the father would have the Churches at any time in his worship and service to conform unto? but to use only his own words All things that I have heard of my father, I have made known unto you, but he made known unto them that a table gesture was the only true gesture in the administration of this sacrament, (which at this very instant he immediately instituted and delivered, for else he would never have used it.) Therefore by this his own action, he hath made known to all true Churches for ever, that he heard or learned the table gesture of the father, and therefore they may not in any case or upon any terms conform to any other▪ unless in like manner it be apparent that it comes also from the father: also he never made known unto them, that kneeling as it is urged was lawful therefore he never learned or heard it of his father. And because the disciples should not forget this or any thing else which by precept or practice he had told them, he promised to send the holy Ghost unto them, 
joh. 14. 26.  both to teach and also to bring all things to their remembrance which he had told them, now seeing they never used any other (for it is that most fearful sin of presumption the mother of final Apostasy to suppose they used any thing of Religious use needful for the Churches afterward to use and Conform unto which the scriptures do not directly mention & approve) it is more than evident, that they never heard of Christ that any other gesture was lawful or night in any respect be conformed unto in the act of receving the sacrament, especially seeing he bears witness to the truth, 
joh. 18. 37.  even to the whole truth & not to some special parts only, if then this be a gesture of truth, and the other be ceremonies of truth, though in the lowest degree of Religious use Christ doth certainly bear witness in the word that they are good and lawful, and then indeed we ought to conform unto them, seeing Every one that is of the truth heareth his voice, that is obeyeth his will, and is not the word his voice or hath he any other. All therefore that conform to any thing of Religious use, without safe warrant from the word, are not of the truth, but directly of error. If then Christians are bound to conform to any thing, yea for conscience sake, which yet Christ hath not made known in the Scriptures to be good and lawful then do your Adversaries of necessity infer that Christ hath not made known, All things of necessary use (at some times and in some cases at least) in the worship of God unto his Churches and servants, and so denying the faithfulness of his prophetical office in this particular, they come near to that Apostatical heresy, 
1. joh. 2. 22  even to deny that jesus is that Christ, or that anounted prophet whom we must hear in all things, yea by this their strict pressing of conformity they do intimate that he is not the Lord, not Lord or author of the whole truth for they say kneeling and the other things in controversy, are not lies or novelties, fantasies or Incerteinties, but of the truth and and therefore to be conformed unto, and yet for their hearts cannot prove that Christ is Lord or author of them.  
And even as he which denies the divine providence in the particular government of all things even to the falling of the hairs of our head, 
Luc. 12. 7,  doth say in his heart there is no God, 
Psal. 14. 1.  or frames his affections and disposes of his Courses, as if God were otherwise then he hath in his word revealed himself to be, and so denying his particular providence, sets up in his heart the Gods or Idols of Chance and Fortune good or evil: so they that affirm that because Christ hath not particularly or expressly forbidden these things in the word therefore we may, yea and being commanded aught to conform unto them, though there be no warrant in scripture for them; do in effect in these hairs (as I may say) or ceremonies of his worship or as they count them the small and trivial matters of his service deny that he is Lord in his Church, that is not such an absolute Lord as the sacred Scriptures describe him to be, and so set up in their hearts the Idols of Novelty and Incerteinty, or the Gods of human Inventions and worldly traditions, or the precepts and pleasures of men, and so dispose of Religious ceremonies in Gods public worship as their occasions may happen or chance to move them unto: so that though without any stop they readily take the oath of allegiance unto Christ, yet by a mental reservation, they intent and mean that jure divino their callings with these appurtenances are not subject to the supremacy of his word. Therefore let all God's servants rather reason thus, what profiteth the Image or any human Invention▪ 
Abac. 2. 18.  Verily they are teachers of lies. Do they no good then do they much hurt? teach they not the truth? (if they do then Christ in the word bears witness unto them) then do they confirm error & falsehood. Woe therefore unto him that saith, that these devices are sufficient to teach the Churches & that some good lesson or instruction may be gotten by them, 
vers. 19  no, no, though they be laid over with gold & silver and have the most excellent and learnedest wits in the world to justify and defend them, yet when they have done all that possibly they can there is no breath in them, they cannot for their lives make them of any profitable use for the service of the Church in the worship of God, but the Lord is in his holy temple only in his own ordinances, 
vers. 20.  there is the blessing for evermore, & not in men's devices, therefore let all the earth keep silence before him, & hereafter hold their peace, and never open their mouths in the defence or excuse of these vanities. But why I pray you will some say, 
Object.  should not Images, or this gesture, and these ceremonies or other like human Inventions, yield as much comfort and stir up as true devotion in our conformity to them, as well as the Ark & Cherubins, or the table gesture and other of the like nature?  
Even because the Lord in his infinite wisdom and love hath devised and commanded these, 
Answer.  and therefore how silly or contemptible soever they seem to the wisdom of the world, yet his divine power is always present, and doth inseparably work in the holy using & partaking of his own divine ordinances, but he never ordained the other, and therefore all the power which is in them is from Satan, & stirs up to error and superstition, or to schism and Apostasy. All the teaching and preaching therefore and other pains whatsoever undertaken for their justification and upholding is but in vain, utterly unprofitable for the Churches of Christ, 
Math. 15. 9  for all the devotion Reverence and seemliness which these do beget is but vain and deceitful, even only in seeming not in substance. For what are the opinions and imaginations of the most wise and learnedst men in the whole world not being truly grounded on the word of God, are they not absolutely Evil? and that not now and then, 
Gen. 6. 5.  or only in some damnable points of Machiavelisme, 
jer. 17. 9  Mahometism, Popery, or Arianism, but continually even in all things, especially much more in those that concern the worship & service of God, till he have opened their understandings. 
Luk. 24. 25.  To Conform then to any thing of Religious use without warrant from God's word, though learned and wise men, yea grave and godly preachers are verily persuaded, that rather than the Churches should be untaught, or Christians want and be deprived of the sacrament and other exercises of Religion we very safely may so do, is absolutely (notwithstanding the said opinion of very worthy men) to conform to Evil. Therefore it were far better for the true Churches of Christ in this case, 
Reu. 12, 6,  to be driven into the wilderness, & so deprived of all public visibility in the world (for even there is a place prepared of God, yea they shall verily be fed there) then thus by conforming to Incerteinties and Novelties to be either quite starved or most grossly infected. Every thing therefore of Religious use which hath not warrant from the word of God is directly Evil, and to contend and to be zealous for it, is to go a whoring after our own Inventions. 
Psa. 106. 39   
But here it may be said, there is as much virtue, 
Object.  reverence and devotion (if the affections be rightly ordered) in one gesture as in another, in that of kneeling as in a table gesture, and so in the other questioned: Ceremonies as well as in any other whatsoever.  
Sure●y matters being simply considered by themselves, 
Answ.  and so compared together these men speak to very good sense and reason, yea with very great judgement and understanding? 
Act. 10. 15  but yet The things which God himself hath purified or set apart for Religion's uses, 
Mark. 10. 9  let no man pollute or separate by mixing any human inventions therewith: And from the Contrary, let no man 〈…〉 urifie or enjoin for religious use in the worship of God any thing which (not being warranted in the word) God hath polluted▪ for they may as well defend and that with as good colour and show of natural reason and human understanding, that there is as much divine virtue in beer, ale or water, as in wine in the sacrament, and therefore also rather, then to break the peace of the church in which we live, and not to have the blessed sacrament administered; ministers and people were better to conform & subscribe to the use of them if they in like manner should be enjoined. And with as good probability they may avow there was as much virtue in any other rod as in that which was in the hand of moyses, 
Exo. 4. 2.  and in any other salt as in that wherewith the prophet healed the waters; 
2. king. 2. 21.  yet at the very best this is but a mere carnal or a proud Syrians argument, 
2. king. 5. 1. 12.  and though it seem very probable, yea and to some the more they ponder on it the more unanswerable it is, yet is it exceedingly leprous and infections. To make which good let them be pleased to consider the argument and manner thereof which in the very like case the lord himself framed and pressed, yea and purposely no● contingently but in the most absolute perfection of his divine wisdom committed the same not to tradition but to writing, for the use and direction of all posterity in the like occasions, to be their precedent for ever. 
2. Tim. 3. 16.  For the whole Scripture, (and therefore also this part) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable to teach and defend all truth which is to be conformed unto, either concerning faith or godliness, and to convince or disprove all error for doctrine or ceremony, to correct all vice, and to instruct in all righteousness, and therefore why should I fear to profess that I verily believe that even this place which I urge, and every other portion of sacred writ, was even therefore written that we might believe that jesus is the Christ (being some way helpful thereunto) and that in believing we might have life tbrough his name, 
joh. 20 31.  as helping much therefore for the confirmation of our faith in the holy Scriptures absolute and most perfect sufficiency, and for the assuring of our hearts that we may not conform to any thing of religious use in the public worship of God, but what is truly grounded on them.  
Mark I pray you reverently and religiously the true reason why Nadab and Abihu were so fearfully and miraculously consumed and devoured; 
Leu. 10. 1, 2  would not the fire think you, which they brought in their Censors, have served well enough to have burnt up the incense? was there not as much natural virtue in that fire, and as sufficient power (in any man's reason) to perform that service, as in any other, yea and as in that which was upon the Altar? yes verily, no indifferent man that hears and knows the matter, will say otherwise: why then what need the Lord to have made so exceeding much ado about a little fire, or others about a poor gesture, as if the very foundations of religion had thereby been grievously shaken? Fire must be absolutely had, and so they use it reverently, and carry themselves decently and orderly (and here is no mention to the contrary) what can any peaceable minded man say against them? Even this is said against them by the Lord himself, the very God of peace, They put fire: what? which the Lord had forbidden? No, the Lord purposely refuses to reason in that manner, to make us able to meet our adversaries in the gate, and saith, Tbey offered strange fire before the Lord, that was a strange and remarkable presumption indeed, and full worthy of a strange and remarkable punishment, to teach all posterity for ever, whether Counsels or Churches, particular or general, to take special heed, that they never presume to bring any strange fire, strange gestures, strange callings, or strange ceremonies into the public worship and divine service of our most holy and jealous God, especially in the clear sunshine of the Gospel.  
But was this fire made by Philosophy, 
Object.  Alchemy, or Necromancy? For than it must needs be confessed that this were a very foul fault in any, and most worthy of deprivation ipso facto? No such matter; how shall we then know which fire or callings, which ceremonies or gestures are strange, that we may take heed (whatsoever come of it) we never conform unto them▪ seeing Nadab and Abihu, and men of eminent place and excellent parts, do stand very confidently for the absolute lawfulness, yea and direct fitness of these things of this nature questioned amongst us? 
Psal. 119. 18  (Lord open thou our eyes, that we may see these wonderful things in thy Law.  
To help us in this case against all cunning questionists & subtle disputers, 
Answ.  which the Lord foresaw would even pester this last age of the world, he is pleased to speak in words and syllables, that the simplest may understand if they will not stop their ears, and most easily discern if they will n●t wink with their eyes, and saith in the first verse which he had not commanded them, what could it advantage them to plead (as these men do) the Lord hath not forbidden it, therefore we may conform unto it, & seeing there is no ill meaning nor any the least purpose to bring in Idolatry, or to confirm any therein, but the clean contrary, as it is well enough known, why should any be so precise to abridge us of our liberty? But the Lord foreseeing that all the other eight commandments would not have half so much oppsition as this of his outward worship, yea knowing that all the witty objections, and the very quintessence of all the subtle distinctions that the bottomless pit could possibly afford, would be set abroach in these last times under colour of unity and decency for the more easy making way to the breach thereof, this being the very key to all the other following: for keep this sincerely, and faithfulness and truth will flourish in all the rest; but suffer wicked men by carnal devices to make a breach in this, and to justify the same, and there will be nothing but carnal policy and dissimulation in all the rest. Now to prevent this misery which all callings and conditions else will feel the smart of, he teaches Magistrates by his own practice how to deal with their Nadab's & Abihues (for every age will have some such) and by this his argument, o● manner of reasoning, teaches all private Christians how to behave themselves in these occasions, as if he had said, That fire which the Lord hath not commanded, is strange, or a novelty; that gesture in God's worship, that ceremony or calling in the Church which the Lord hath not ordained, is strange, and a mere Innovation. Is it a matter of religious use? yes. And hath not the Lord in the word commanded it? no. Then it is strange, and thou mayst not in any case subscribe or conform unto it.  
And lest the impudent importunity of these indifferent ones should prevail in his Churches, the Lord is pleased for our better confirmation, to afford us this invincible reason, 
jer. 29. 23.  Those that teach words in my name (he doth not say which I have forbidden; but) which I have not commanded, teacblying words; so that whatsoever is ministerially taught and expressed in the Churches of Christ which God hath not commanded, is of a lying disposition, even of no other use but to oppose the truth, and to justify error. Those callings then which the Lord hath not commanded, are lying callings. Those ceremonies and gestures which the Lord hath not commanded, are lying ceremonies & gestures, & serve for no other end, but under colour to thrust out God's holy ordinances and to bring in by degrees even any of men's Inventions.  
But here me thinks I hear one crying out, 
Object.  this is not to the point though they grant all that I have said, for Nadab and Abihu were violent and unstaid young men and that which they did was the friute of rash and green heads and they were never Enjoined by Moses to take any other fire than that which was of Divine institution, and came down from heaven but voluntarily & presumptuously without any danger of losing their livings, or having any Ecclesiastical ordinance or allowance for the same, they very unadvisedly, yea desperately ventured on it: whereas otherwise if they had been grave and discreet persons, the action not being forbidden by God, & the magistrate commanding it, and that otherwise they might not have ministered at the Altar, but should have been deprived both of their places and maintenance? In such a case rather than the daily sacrifice should cease and the people be untaught, it were better a thousand times to take any fire, yea and to wear a fools or a red pied Coat in steed of the Priests garments and to conform or subscribe to any thing whatsoever in cases of such desperate extremity; and so there appears an exceeding great difference betwixt their case and ours.  
I must needs confess this to be true, 
Answ.  and he were worthy of a fools Coat and coxcomb too, that will not acknowledge this so great a difference in many of you. But is it any other then that, which was betwixt joabs killing of Abner in his own private quarrel, 
2 Sam. 3. 27  voluntarily, 
1 Sam. 22. 9 18.  presumptuously, and of malice forethought. And of Doeg, that Edomite, his running upon and slaying fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen Ephod, by the direct, but most unjust commandment of Saul the anointed of the Lord? He that voluntarily makes himself a Fool and a Knave, is worthy of repose: but he that is commanded to do wickedly, and damnably, as to take away a man's living, good name, or life, by some canonshot, poison, or other damnable practice, is not to be held any strange man, but by this strange inference of these strange disputers, to be justified, because though to break any of Gods lest commandments, 
Math. 5. 19  even the least branch of any of them wilfully against knowledge, and to teach others so to do, or to persuade them to conform thereto, in cases of extremity, will certainly keep out of the kingdom of God, in the judgement or opinion of Christ; yet if the magistrate will have it so (saith our learned masters sweet inference) than any, even the greatest commandments of God's Law in any branch thereof, may very safely be broken, & without all danger conformed unto. Is not this most horribly though most closely to vilify supreme authority? let no son of Esau or cursed Amalekite gather that from hence, which was never so much as Intended, as if I inferred that either such an unlawful decree may in any fashion be resisted, seeing, all the servants of Christ though in in such cases they cannot be obedient because it is not in the Lord, yet of absolute necessity they must be subject; for the Lord's sake, or because David a man after Gods own heart, gave forth a commandment (occasionally wicked) which yet being merely civil, 
2. sam. 24. 2. 3. 4.  joab (unwillingly) obeyed, that therefore David is to be esteemed a Saul, a persecutor, an hypocrite & a reprobate? God forbid, if it be a sin of the second table (though great and filthy) yet with Shem and japhet cover it, 
Dan. 9 6. 7. 8 10. 11.  but if directly against God, confess it if ever we look for mercy. Not, but that God himself may dispense with any of his Commandments, but for us to give this his glory or a special prerogative to any other is to blaspheme him that made us. Moses' therefore knowing the absolute necessity (in the ordinary way to salvation) of the knowledge in this principal and fundamental point of faith and Religion, viz. that the Lord will be sanctified (both by using his own ordinances reverently and holily, and especially or principally in having nothing in his public worship of religious use but what he hath Commanded) in them that come near him (and can we possibly come nearer him, then when we are with him and he by his special presence with us at his own table) and before all the people will be glorified, by an open and manifest declaration of our conformity to him and not to men's devices. Doth it not most plainly declare to all generations for ever, that to do or conform to any thing of Religious use in God's public worship, which he hath not commanded is a most fearful sin which he will grievously punish, yea clean contrary even to profane the Lord: for when we do not herein tie ourselves precisely to keep and do all the word of the Law (and those only) which are written (not in men's cannons and constitutions but) in this book (even the sacred and inspired scriptures) we do most plainly manifest, 
Deut. 28. 58. 59  that whatsoever outwardly we profess, yet in our hearts, we do not stand in awe of, or fear that glorious and fearful name▪ The Lord thy God, yea and notwithstanding our saying (or often repeating) Lord Lord, 
Mat. 7. 21.  and making a most open profession of all fundamental points concerning the act of justification, nay, though it be granted that those excellent devices of pomp and state and all variety of delicacies & most pleasing Inventions ordained to have state in God's public worship, do exceedingly work upon the affections of carnal men, and draw them by these means to come near unto God (in the place of his public worship) with their lips (making outward semblance of great devotion and reverence of his majesty which before they never regarded; 
Esa. 29. 13.  yet seeing this fear of God (or religion) is begotten in them, not by Gods own ordinances but by conforming to the precepts and cannons of wise and learned men, it is only carnal and worldly (what holy devout and charitable shows soever it makes) and is so far off from knitting or joining our soul to God which is our greatest happiness, as it Removes ou● heart (more and more) from him which is our greatest misery. So that this Christian liberty which these men do so boast of that if God have not forbidden it, than we may safely conform unto it and so not tying ourselves strictly to that only which is commanded or written in the word, is a mere slavery and bondage, and the very next, yea most direct way to bring us back again in these ships of human Inventions into spiritual Egypt, 
Deut. 28. 68  where under colour of most learned prophesying, jezabel plays false even closely professeth spiritual bawdry the most abominable mother of that damnable Idolatry.  
All will worship then, even whatsoever God hath not commanded, though it be ordained by men of never so great wisdom, understanding and discretion, and all other most excellent parts, and upon most wise considerations, good purposes and holy Intentions, is notwithstanding nothing in all the world but mere alluring enticements to make the way plain for spirittuall filthiness, and therefore by no means upon any terms to be conformed unto, but to be held and adjudged most unlawful yea execrable and therefore to submit ourselves thereunto especially in these days of knowledge, must needs at the very best (though not in every one in the same degree) be but Nadab's and Abihues' case. For if will worship or men's Inventions be tolerable in these, why not upon like consideration in any other? if in new Ceremonies, why not in new sacraments? for if we acknowledge man to have privilege or prerogative divino jure, in devising some Religious actions or gesture in God's public worship, do what they can, out of this seed by degrees, of absolute necessity will the pope's supremacy arise, seeing all the other Eight Commanments have a kind of dependency (for so much as concerns the outward man) upon the second, as all the duties of the inward man have of the first, and therefore the conforming to, and so justifying the lawfulness of the seed, must needs give strong approbation to the goodness of the fruit. Seeing then the warranty, virtue or power of every Religious calling, action, ceremony or gesture, comes not from the doer but from the ordainer, and that all the good Intentions or learned Imaginations in the whole world can neither devise them nor make them lawful or profitable; let us acknowledge that God only can take a Rib out of Adam and make it a fit help for man, and that he only can ordain callings Ceremonies & gestures for his Church & worship, yea & make them profitable helps for his servants therein, though he take them any where, and from whence soever he pleaseth, yea though they had formerly been Idolized or made blind, & lame, or leprous, yet he (yea he only) can cleanse them and make them holy, 
Luc. 6. 44.  for is it possible that an evil tree (human wisdom) should bring forth good fruit (any acceptable service?) 
Luc. 18. 19  or is there any primarily good but God, 
jam. 2. 17.  from whom Every good gift doth come; Either the Lord is the author of the calling, gesture and Ceremony or else of absolute necessity it follows, there cannot possibly in any rerespect or to any intent & purpose be any goodness therein at all. And therefore the Churches of Christ have no promise of a blessing but absolutely of a Curse by conforming thereunto, especially seeing all human Inventions or traditions (of this nature,) assume by little and little yea at length without blushing challenge to themselves even by divine right, that holy respect & religious reverence which is only due to God's ordinances, which sin all they do commit who teach for doctrines (concerning the government of the Church, 
Mat. 1 〈…〉 9.  or the ceremonies and gestures in public worship of God) men's precepts (even the mere opinions or authorities of fathers, the grave Counsels or cannons of learned men,) and not one divine dram of the holy and inspired scripture, and thus by the alluring contentments which always accompany these human devices, they steal away the heart, and make it go a-whoring after them, with a most violent delight in, and approbation of them far beyond Gods own ordinances, even as the filthy (though snout fair or painted) harlot, steals away the affection of the husband from his wife to herself, and therefore conformity must needs be at least accessary unto this sacrilege; are you not much bound to your learned pastors, who take such pains to persuade you to it?  
Now in the act of receiving the Lords supper at the Lords own table, some gesture is absolutely and (for the former as I may say essentially) necessary, but a wrong and a false gesture is utterly unlawful (will any in his right mind deny either of these?) Therefore in the act of receiving we may only conform to the true gesture, and not indifferently to any, unless they can prove by God's word, that every gesture warranted only by the precepts of men, is the true and lawful gesture, the want of which warrant, and yet pressing conformity to them, is absolutely to make the commandments of God (concerning these things in question) of none authority) and to set up and exalt in their steads men's mere traditions and devices. 
●er. 6.   
The main question than is, which is the true gesture; for on all sides it will be granted, that that only is to be conformed unto? Shall we take the Reed of reason, or the Rule of man's wisdom and learning to measure this withal? 
Rom. 8. 5. 7.  verily no, for these savour not the things of the spirit, neither are they, neither can they be subject to the Law of God. Let us look therefore what was in the beginning, Our Lord and Saviour used (without all question) in the first institution of the Supper, whatsoever was essentially necessary either for substance or decency, but a gesture, yea & a true gesture in the institution was essentially necessary (for a false gesture had been sin, and without a gesture it could neither be delivered nor received) therefore that which he used, was and is without all contradiction the true gesture; and therefore also that which was and is only and for the action essentially necessary. Seeing then he used a table gesture, and all they that did represent the whole, universal, and particular succeeding Churches to the end of the world, did receive the blessed Sacrament of the most precious body and blood of our Lord, with a table gesture, unless like Divine authority for another gesture (as well as for altering the time, place, and number of communicants) can be produced; Gods holy word, and my blessed Saviour's and his Apostles example, are sufficient and sound warrant for my faith to believe, that a Table gesture is the only true and lawful gesture, and that no other in any respect ought to be conformed unto.  
But here starts out a gallant company of most brave fellows, that have lain close in ambush till fit opportunity served, and they set very hotly upon the hinder parts of the truth, with a terrible noise crying out, 
Obict.  That this is utterly against the current of the Scripture, yea directly against that liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free. 
gala. 5. ●.  For howsoever to conform to the jewish ceremonies, is not only to be entangled again with the yoke of bondage (for look whose ceremonies we use or conform to, we make ourselves thereby his bondmen) but to lose the whole profit and benefit of all Christ his merits, 
ver. 2.  yea even to be utterly abolished from Christ, 
ver. 4.  and to fall from grace; (how fearful a thing therefore is conformity to unwarranted ceremonies) yet notwithstanding in cases of conveniency (though nothing of the like extremity as ours) and for the preservation of the Church's peace (as very now it fares with us) the same Apostle was content for a time to conform himself to diverse of those very ceremonies, and therefore where the like causes do concur, 
Acts. 16. 13.  we may yield to the like effects.  
Here of necessity we must make a stand, they come on so hotly, as if they meant to share the spoil forthwith, and making strong head against them, as with a valiant crew of Targetteers of good proof. We refer therefore to their learned consideration, first, that the jewish ceremonies here spoken of, were in their first original good and holy, being ordained by God himself, so was never any of these things in controversy, but at the very first unwarrantable, and therefore wicked and sinful; and secondly we give them to understand out of the English long bow, that though these ceremonies were indeed to be abolished, yet the time of their enduring was not fully expired till that the Gospel was planted: and lastly, by the report of a Canon, their security is to be admonished, and themselves informed, that the ceremonies of the Law were to be buried with honour, and entombed in princely sepulchres; but these of men's devising with all possible reproach, contempt, and disgrace, so that here is no proportion betwixt the liberty of Paul, and that which they pretend and brag of: unless therefore they can show that in some place where the Gospel was planted, Paul did conform to some of the said ceremonies, as of religious use in God's public worship, they may very well lay down their weapons; and betake them to their heels. What needs that (quoth a bold Corporal) when a better man than ever Paul was, did absolutely conform in the first famous Church that was called Christian, even Peter the Prince of all the Apostles: 
Galat. 2. 11.  but good sir, the Holy Ghost his directly reproving him by PAUL for the same, doth fully answer all objections of that kind.  
But here fearing a foil, 
Object.  they wind about and make two half circles, and with one wherein the principal of their force consists, they make quick reply and say, 
Deut. 17. 8.  that God commanded that in all matters too hard for us to judge, 
9 10. 11.  we must repair to the magistrate & priest & conform according to that which they shall inform & not decline to the right hand nor to the left, now both these they say in this controversy about the gesture and the other ceremonies do directly determine, that kneeling even as it is urged, is absolutely the true and best gesture, and all the other things in question both lawful and most convenient and therefore all that will do presumptuously and not conform to these things ex animo ought not to be fined in thousands and committed to perpetual imprisonment, 
12.  but even to lose their lives, for that is to take away Evil from Israel.  
Hereunto keeping our first ground without any alteration or disorder in our Ranks, 
Answ.  we do say, that the Priesthood is quite removed out of the Church, and ought not so much as once to be mentioned in these days of the clear light of the Gospel, as a title in any respect unbefitting the ministers of the word, yea seeing that government is absolutely taken away, this law, being merely political is utterly repealed.  
The other 2 quarters or half circles having by this time well refreshed themselves, thinking they had us now at a great advantage and in a strait, join with the former, & so make one full & complete body and making great show of a Resolution even to set their rest upon it, 
Object.  they come forward with great courage and in very good order, and reply that the Equity of that law is moral and binds perpetually and therefore by direct consequent obligeth us to conformity: Here the Corporal cries yield, yield.  
But to this, 
Answer.  knowing that there is not one jot of manhood or true valour in them, and that when it comes to the push indeed, they dare not for their lives abide the trial by dint of the sword of the spirit, 
Eph. 6. 17.  we join with them and receive their shock most joyfully, and tell them that this is very true, and we do most readily subscribe thereunto; seeing then, these and all other types were removed to Christ, 
Math. 17. 5.  this Equity being moral doth perpetually bind all Christian Churches in matters too hard, 
Act 3. 23.  and difficult, to hear him, 
Mark. 1. 11.  yea in all things, seeing he is that beloved Son in whom God is well (even fully and perfectly and only) pleased; look what he determines that is good and pleaseth God: but look what he doth not approve (though he do not forbid it) God will never accept it, so that now by their own Doom we must go to Christ in this so hard a controversy, to know which callings and ceremonies are lawful in the administration of the Church, and which gesture in the act of receiving the Lords supper is unlawful or wicked, and every soul that will not hearken and be obedient unto him in these and all other things, 
Aa. 3. 23.  we confess aught to be cut off & destroyed out of the people, as well as he that speaks in the name of other Gods, 
Deut. 18. 20.  or (which is all one) presumeth to speak a word in the name of the Lord which he never commanded him to speak, that is which teacheth the lawfulness of Conformity to some things of divine or religious use in the public worship of God, which the Lord never commanded. Doth not this full charged Canon most evidently threaten utter and unavoidable destruction to him that desperately or presumptuously without warrant from God's word, will come in the very mouth of it, to assault the City or sanctuary of our God, by pressing conformity to ceremonies and actions, callings & gestures of religious use in the worship of God, which the Lord never commanded.  
Here they are pleased to come to parley, & would fain persuade us that there shall be a final peace concluded, and to that end a truce is taken and afterwards yea divers times renewed, till spying some special advantage (which they will never overslip they presently pike quarrels at some thing publicly taught or privately practised, pretending forsooth that it is a violent and most dangerous breach of the peace of holy Church, and then by some stratagem (wherein they are admirable) by one devise or other, they put out by preferment the eyes of some (most judicious) cut out the learned tongues of other by suspension and the rest that will not wink and be as mute as fishes, shall be certainly cast into dark and noisome dungeons, or into the deep and dangerous seas, or exposed to a thousand other miseries, as woeful and very late experience doth manifestly testify, therefore what hope is there of all their fair offers yet that the world may take notice that we desire peace upon any outward terms whatsoever though never so unequal or prejudicial, so that we may hold our inward peace with God we do most reverently & respectively yield them audience. Now they being well acquainted (through their continual experience) with our resolution, and being privy to their own consciences that they are not able to stand before us, if the cause come once to be tried by the Scriptures, yet being very unwilling that the world should take notice hereof, they make solemn protestation, that they are most ready to refer the censure of this cause in question unto Christ himself. And therefore having submitted themselves unto him according to the Father's appointment, they do most diligently attend unto every word he hath spoken, and search every syllable, examine every letter, yea and try every root by the very original: and yet cannot find (as they offer to swear upon all the books in the world that he hath forbidden kneeling (no not as it is urged) in the very act of receiving the Lords supper in any place of holy Scripture, nor any other of the things in controversy and therefore conclude that we may very lawfully, and being commanded aught most readily (or else we sin greevoussy if we refuse) to conform thereunto.  
This had been a very pretty and witty shift in a young sophister, 
Answ.  and in controversies of their element tolerable, if not commendable; but being in the holy matters of the eternal God, shifts and tricks of wit, subtle evasions and nice distinctions, are in matters I say of religious use) but like the witty excuses of the whorish woman in the close carriage of her most filthy practices, and therefore I will even refer it to the Lords own censure, and for answer do say, that it is most true, that all that do sincerely desire to take away evil from Israel (or the Church) must of necessity take away all known presumptuous offenders, 
Dut. 17. 12.  either in the civil or Ecclesiastical estate, whether they be Hearers or Teachers: 
Ver. 11.  For if they teach & urge that which the Lord never commanded, 
Deut. 18. 20.  or is not warranted by the Scriptures, and yet hold that for these and those politic considerations, it may upon such and such terms or limitations, be conformed unto, they speak in the name of other Gods, even that golden God Policy, not that there is any intendment in pressing conformity to human inventions in God's worship, to draw any from believing in the true & everliving God, but that the Lord that made man's heart, and therefore knows what means are best to reform it hath ordained in the second commandment and the branches thereof, the most absolute and effectual means, which in his wisdom he saw to be best for the holy Ghost to work in, and by, and with, for the effecting of this new creation or regeneration of the heart unto which only (as I may say) he hath entailed by his faithful covenant the effectual working of his spirit, for that very end & purpose. As therefore those that maintain and teach these things purely and unmixed do set up the Lord to be their God, 
Deut 26. 17.  and by their holy partaking of them they may be assured of his love and favour even to be sealed up against the day of redemption: so they that do not tie themselves precisely hereunto, do verily serve other Gods, and have no promise of any grace but what the Devil (whose power only doth work where the Lords is wanting) can bestow upon them, because they do not serve the true God described in the first commandment for either he is God in every commandment or in no commandment, therefore to teach the doctrine of the first commandment never so sound and purely, and to corrupt the doctrine of the second commandment which concerns all things in the public worship of God needful in any respect for being or well being of the Churches of God, (by enjoining any Novelty or Incerteinty mere Inventions and devises of men,) is directly to teach in the name of other Gods, and seeing the Lord never made promise to be in such a worship no more than he hath done to the devotions of the Turks and Indians I would fain see a sound reason. How any of good Judgement and sincere hearts knowing the unwarrantableness of these things dare conform in any respect unto them, but rather to subscribe that they that will take evil away from Israel must of absolute necessity take order, that all such proud Prophets or ambitious preachers, and all such profane and presumptuous hearers as dare teach and will coform to men's inventions, be not fined in thousands or perpetually imprisoned, but utterly deprived not only of their livings and liberty but even of their lives also. And till this & the other laws of Christ (ordained in the second commandment) be in force; all the good that the most wholesome laws of most godly princes and Religious states can effect; is only to make Ambition a little more wary and subtle, more Cautelous and dissembling, or else more arrogant, even to devise new and more secret practices to hinder all means or purposes of reforming any thing in the worship or Church of God, yea by proposing one thing or other by one or other to have still in store such variety of fresh and most urgent occasions, as there shall not be the least breathing time so much as to think of Reformation. Much crying out there is (and that justly) of fearful depopulations, & how can it be otherwise, seeing the house of God lieth waste and is trodden under foot, his faithful ministers suspended, his faithful servants traduced and censured, God's ordinances neglected, and men's Inventions erected? Clients do grievously complain of delays, altering of orders, reversing of judgements and the like, so that poor souls, they cannot tell when they are sure of any thing they have, or that their suits will receive an end. Woe is me for them, but how can this be amended seeing the public worship of God is so ●ul of direct Incerteinties and absolute Novelties. One says they are indifferent and may be tolerated, another comes and proves them necessary because they are commanded by human authority, but at last starts one up and with his divino jure, makes all club sure that there is not a a word now to be uttered against conformity to them, thus look what is sown in the first table will bring forth fruit in the branches of the second. Whoredom and drunkenness do every where abound, yea are grown to be but civil recreations, and doth not superstitious Atheism adulterate the holy things of God? yea is it possible but that base and beastly gestures and and Carnal ceremonies in Gods public worship, will fill the civil estate full of all uncleanness and bastardies? is it not become the glory of many to sport with Religion, even to scoff at sincerity and to jerk and gibe at the upright in heart, have not the bastard poets and players and like profane humours a great pride to be singular in this pastine? Theft and deceit, oppression and cozenage, are grown to be great trades and professed occupations, and can all the world tell how to mend it, till the spiritual thieves who have securely made their dens in the very house of God be driven from their unlawful Callings and courses? great lamentation is made as for a most evil presage, that offices of justice are bought and sold (must not such of necessity proceed accordingly even for hire or reward?) but doth not the buying of all spiritual promotions justify and clear all such Courses?  
But to come to you that have so painfully searched all the words and syllables of Christ, not to find out that which he hath commanded (which is the study and meditation of all that are sincere in heart, 
Psal. 119. 77. 97. 98.  and therefore the whole word of God is often called the commandments of God, 
Deut. 4. 6. & 6. 6.  inferring directly that there ought to be no comformity to any thing but to that which is commanded) but to see what he hath not forbidden for therein lies all the peril, are not these think you worthy subjects that never care for not so much what their sovereign Lord would have done, as very curiously inquire & most painfully search out, what he hath forbidden that so being out of his reach and danger, they may follow their own devices. If any man will not conform to their precepts, how is he reproached and Reviled; but to speak against the lawfulness of them is petty treason. I heartily pray them therefore to consider from the Lords own mouth whether it be not high presumption to speak a word (ministerially) which he hath not commanded suppose he hath not forbidden it in particular or express terms yet doth he not directly in the former vers requi●e absolute obedience to whatsoever that great Prophet and shepherd of our souls shall teach us? 
Deut. 18. 20.  and doth he not most plainly forbid upon pain of death in this verse, to teach any thing which in the word he hath not commanded?  
How dare you then oh you men of learning, how dare you (I say) hazard your precious souls in conforming to such things? do not object that you have good warrant from the word so to do, because you are commanded to acknowledge them that are over you and labour among you, 
1. Thess. 5. 12. 13.  for I confess, we must have them in singular love for their works sake, so it be in the Lord, yea if they teach no thing but what he hath commanded them, 
Hebr. 13. 17.  we will obey, submit, and conform unto them, but if they will preach and press things which Christ never commanded though they cover them in sheep's clothing, 
Math. 7. 15.  even with words full of all excellent wisdom, and admirable learning, able to ravish the hearers and to entice any man, 
1. Cor. 2. 1. 4.  that hath reason and understanding and is able to judge wisely and discreetly of matters, to conform unto them, yet not being in plain evidence of the spirit and of power, we must esteem of them as wolves and false prophets rather watching all opportunity to maintain their pomp, state and glory, and to feed their own bellies by this conformity, then to feed the flocks or churches of Christ over which he hath made them overseers. If they say they are greatly wronged by such imputations and no man whosoever, dare justify this to their faces; for my part, I confess it will be much against my will if ever I come before them, but yet as good a man, as great a scholar, as wise, & as worthy, as holy and as godly (though perhaps not so great and Lordly) as any of them be, hath so taught and preached, and I will believe him before all of them, yea I will set down his own words whatsoever come of it, and will not alter one syllable, beware of false prophets (alas how can we tell which are they you shall know them by their fruits, 
Math. 7. 15. 16.  or doctrine which they teach, which not being the commandments of God are absolutely evil, even of a woolvish and devouring disposition in all the Churches of Christ; 
1. Tim. 3. 14  for the word or commandments of God or writings of the holy Ghost were sufficient to teach Timothy (a man not much inferior to the most of them for the inward glory of the soul) how to behave himself in the house of God which is the Church of the living God, 
Ps. 45. 13. vers. 15.  even what doctrines to teach & what callings, ceremonies, and gestures to press conformity unto, if then in their cannons or constitutions they will behave themselves otherwise then the word doth require, can there possibly be any safety in conformity to them? And as this concerns all our teachers, so our blessed Lord and Saviour lessons all hearers that as he hath manifested his love unto them in inviting them to his holy supper at his own table, to partake of such heavenly comforts as the eye of man never saw; so if they will prove themselves to be his Friends indeed and not only in show, 
john. 15. 10.  their carriage and behaviour must in all things, but especially in the actions and gestures of this sacrament (being at the very time of this intimation instituted) be only as he hath commanded and that must be done whatsoever it be, 
14.  so that not to do all that which he commands, or to conform to any thing which he hath not commanded, is to make ourselves his enemies, 
Luc. 19 27.  whereof a strange carriage or gesture is more than a most strong presumption.  
But hereto they say that not only men whose fruits and doctrines may yield some prejudice or give cause of suspicion, 
Object.  but even holy and godly men such as have approved themselves in God's house to be faithful, yet for the peace sake of the Church wherein they live, and because they would not offend others though they wish with all this hearts that all these things were quite taken away and do publicky teach that they sin in it, they are content notwithstanding (under going it as a heavy burden) to conform to the ceremonies of Rome when they are there, and else where as they find them established; and therefore much more we ought to do the same rather than to disturb the quiet estate of the peers of the Church, who have long lived at ease and rest.  
As though the practice of Gods own servants or true constituted Churches, 
Answ.  were a sufficient warrant to my conscience to conform to ceremonies and gestures of religious use in the public worship of God? no, if Peter himself that so loving & so much regarded an Apostle, will conform to gestures, actions or ceremonies not warrantable (though a thousand times more as we heard might have been said for him then for our ministers) yet must he be withstood openly, 
Galat. 2. 11.  even to his face, yea in his so doing to be condemned because howsoever flesh and blood can produce many strong reasons of indifferency, liberty, and (as matters stand) conveniency, especially in respect of peace and unity: yet the holy Ghost saith plainly, that whatsoever men pretend by preaching and manintaining many excellent truths and sincerely confuting many gross errors, yet this conformity to ceremonies of Religious use, (though it were not in the face and presence of God at his own table) is not the right way to the truth (or power) of the Gospel: 
ver. 14.  unless therefore we have warrant from the word of God for our so doing, Conformity to the things in question is without all contradiction the wrong way to the truth of the gospel▪ thou go the readiest way in the world to any spiritual promotion) and 〈…〉 hinder the efficacy and effectual working of the holy Ghost in the ministerial functions of the Gospel, yea in the Godly and best qualified servants of God (it is not my collection but the plain evidence of the spirit of truth) this kind of conformity (let the motives be what they possibly can) savour most strongly of dangerous Hypocrisy; 
vers. 13.  because nothing can by any means be warrantable in Religion, 
Act. 10. 33.  but that which is commanded by God.  
And therefore the crown of all ministers, yea the honour of all christians consists not in studying how to give content to the world, 
Acts 17, 11  but in searching the Scriptures (not once or twice over, but) daily, whether the things be so or no, for that may be discerned at the seventh consideration or perusing, which was thought before to be impossible (to bridle that unruly conceit which naturally, excellency of gifts doth always beget.) Neither have any pastors (if they be sent of Christ) warrant to teach to their charges or Churches, 
Mat. 28. 20.  and to exhort them to conform to, or observe any thing of religious use but what Christ hath commanded, If they do, he tells them plainly he is not with them, and therefore will not bless the ministry of such in their teaching (teaching and commanding being indifferently taken in the Scriptures:) 
Math. 11. 1.  for if Christ have not commanded it, that is, if it be not taught in the scriptures, 
Gala. 1. 6.  it is directly (whatsoever pretences are set upon it) in the nature of another Gospel, and the teachers, and justifiers or excusers thereof do no less in effect (take every one in his degree) than they that teach the Gospel of Saint Thomas. And therefore as those that taught his Gospel, so certainly these that teach and maintain the lawfulness of these unwarranted ceremonies and gestures) intent to pervert the Gospel of CHRIST JESUS, 
vers. 7.  though not in doctrine of justification, yet in the doctrines of Church government, and other matters of religious use in the worship of God, and these are they that trouble the Church, or break the peace thereof, though they are most like unto him that is only guilty of the Felony, yet in the pursuit cries out as mainly as ever he can, Stop Thief, stop Thief, not caring who is apprehended or imprisoned, yea and condemned as troublers of the Church's peace, so they may go away with it undiscerned.  
Is not here sufficient warrant then, not only to refuse conformity to these things, 
vers. 8.  but even to hold those preachers accursed, 
Rom. 9 3.  or separated from Christ? who go about to preswade us in the least measure to conform thereunto, yea though their gifts be most heavenly or Angelical; but on the other side to think most reverently of our Religious pastors, who have most sincerely, though to the loss of all that ever they have, taught us to the contrary? when therefore they say Christ never forbade it, if you have no other or better place of Scripture, remember this, that it is written, that whatsoever is otherwise then that which the word preacheth or commands, is to be held an accursed doctrine or opinion, concern it faith or government, ceremonies or gestures, or any thing of religious use whatsoever: yet do I not say, that all preachers that persuade, rebus sic stantibus, rather to conform in some things, then to stand out, do this out of malice, or any purpose to cause their hearers to decline, and so by degrees to fall from grace; but that whatsoever flesh and blood, wisdom and learning can devise for their defence or excuse, yet the holy Ghost teacheth us plainly, that though it cannot be denied, but that these most strong and vehement persuasions proceed from true and strong affections of carnal love, and (as it is to be hoped) that many of them are the dear servants of God; yet in this particular of persuading to conformity, we are to esteem them as Adversary's unto Christ, 
Mat. 16. 22.  yea and all their wise and learned arguments▪ so full of discretion, and all their conceited unanswerable satisfactions, 
ver. 23.  to be notwithstanding of a very Satanish descent, and mere devilish disposition, a most sensible savouring the things that are of men, as how we ought to pity ourselves, our wives and children, and so prevent the unavoidable evils of non-conformity, but yet they understand not (in this point) the things that are of God, namely, that rather than we should conform to any thing in his worship which he hath not in the word commanded, we must forsake, yea we must hate (or deny in this case all affection of duty, reverence, love, tender care, or whatsoever to) father and mother, 
Luc. 14. 26.  and wife and children, and brethren and sisters, yea and our own lives also, or else we cannot be the disciples of Christ. Must not these grave and learned persuaders then, of absolute necessity be an offence unto every faithful and tender heart? Go on therefore my brethren, and be of good courage, and assure yourselves that in suffering for not conformity to kneeling, you suffer for the Lord Christ, and to yield against the light of your hearts, 
Mar. 8. 38.  is to be ashamed of him, seeing these things do directly follow from his own words, even when for fear of men spiritually adulterated, we will conform to things of divine use in his worship which he never commanded, but are only warranted to our consciences by the advice of the learned or the precepts of men, the traditions of the Elders and other like human authorities. All which, without warrant from the word even every one of them in particular, 
Rom. 3. 4.  and generally altogether, are Liars: and therefore all the gestures or actions, ceremonies or or callings of religious use in the worship of God which they persuade unto without warrant from the word are lying gestures, lying actions, lying ceremonies, and lying callings, not but (like the Devil) they may speak, profess, and acknowledge some excellent truths, but that the main thing they aim at, is to maintain some error or other; and therefore all the volumes in the world, filled with all the Art, learning, wisdom, and discretion of the whole world, compared with, or set against one verse in the sacred Scriptures, are to be esteemed most filthy and stinking dung.  
But have we but one sentence in the Bible for a table-gesture? which (yet were sufficient against all human opinions and authorities whatsoever) have we the first institution only or barely mentioned? do not every one of the Evangelists make mention of a supper, or a table, of rising from supper, and sitting down, and of sitting even in the act of administering and receiving the sacrament? yea do not divers places in the Acts, and Epistles, plainly infer the continuance of a table gesture, and therefore to be the direct ordinance of Christ? But it seems an impudent generation is come up, who dare affirm that the Sun of the Church must, (if they make such a charm or Canon) stand still continually and not stir at all, as once it did for one whole day in Gibeon, 
josua. 10. 12. 13. 14.  but the Moon especially not to move one inch, as for that time it did not, in the valley of Aielon, further than they in their discretion shall think to be fit, and so by their wit and learning are bold to defend that the earth is in circular motion, all the world and the creatures therein turning round continually, yea they are most confident, if they may have audience, to make any indifferent hearer that comes without prejudice, to conform and subscribe to ●his opinion. Doth not the spirit of giddiness possess the heads of these men; are not these the true successors of those learned Divines, grave Rabbis, & great Doctors that still cried out to Christ, 
john. 2. 12.  Show us a sign, make it appear that there is a Sun in the firmament, prove unto us that there is a God, or (which was as evident) that thou art the Messias.  
Seeing then all things whatsoever of religious use, which the father would have the Church to know and conform unto are treasured up in the word though every one indeed can not come at them (deny this if they dare) it must needs follow that either the gesture of kneeling as it is urged is a a human Invention, or as you would say in plain terms, a very stark lie, though handsomely lapped up: and therefore of the devil the father of lies, though artificially painted perhaps by some of his limmers with the very best Italian beauties;) or else if it be a truth and therefore to be conformed unto, then there be some unwritten truths or vereties which the Churches are bound of conscience to believe and conform unto, and yet not commanded in the word of truth, than it must needs follow, besides the scriptures, and either let our learned adversaries make this large breach for the Jesuits at pleasure to enter by, or else for stark shame discharge no more such furious Cannon shot against our bullet-beaten fortress, The scriptures sufficiency. Is it not high time to take away these presumptuous causes (which purposely teach and persuade Conformity to such blasphemous doctrines) out of Israel, being the best seeds of the very worst evils thereof? I conclude therefore it is far better to expose our estates and bodies to the greatest malice of our grievous adversaries by standing for a gesture without all exception then by conforming to one which that Prophet never taught, 
Act. 3. 23.  no nor so much as once mentioned (in that manner and form as it is urged and so to be by him Destroyed out of the people. For must we have his warrant, and hear him only in the doctrine of the sacrament, and shall we not care for his warrant nor regard what his word saith for the gesture of the sacrament?  
And for those who in these matters of God concerning his public worship, insist so much and with such violence upon prohibitions (a service sometimes not very acceptable to them) crying out unto us, show one place where the Lord forbids these things and we will yield that it is a damnable sin to conform unto them. I am bold (with their good leave) to Remember them of one other argument, of the Lords own making, concerning this very subject of the actions, ceremonies and gestures in this public worship and service, which he purposely framed and committed also to writing for the use of all posterity even to be a lantern of our feet, 
Psalm. 119. 105.  and an unerring light to our paths in these very occasions, and in most plain evidence of the spirit it stands thus: By the light of nature all mankind knows that there is a God, & therefore every one will worship him as well as he can, though it be not according unto knowledge to glorify him as God, 
Rom. 1. 91.  for that is impossible without direction from his spirit according to the scriptures) but though they have excellent wisdom and admirable understanding, yet even the learnedest of them when they profess themselves greatest Clerks, prove themselves the veriest fools, 
vers. 22. 23.  because they become vain in their thoughts, & their foolish hearts are full of darkness; for they turn the glory of the incorruptible God (even the glory of his wisdom and love, of his goodness and power, of his mercy and truth, in devising & ordaining the ceremonies callings and gestures appropriated to his own outward worship, & making the same powerful & effectual to draw man's heart unto him by working effectual faith) into such Images, similitudes, resemblances and likenesses as they in their discretion thought fittest to stir up devotion, to beget reverence, or to show humility & thankfulness; by which in time by degrees will get a reverend estimation of God's ordinances, even his own attributes and titles, yea and will presume to profess that jure divino, these are thy Gods O Israel, that is, this is the true outward worship of the God of Israel, these be true callings, gestures and ceremonies which by divine institution are ordained to help to draw men to God through faith and sanctification of the spirit and so to be esteemed.  
Therefore the Lord makes it an ordinance for ever, that all his true Churches and true servants must only conform to such things in his worship and service as he hath in his word Required, 
Esa. 1. 12.  but the Lord never required kneeling as it is urged, nor the other things in controversy, therefore God's true Churches and faithful servants may not upon any never so reasonable terms conform thereunto. And here is either by direct consequent a manifest prohibition, or else the Lord reasons most absurdly, which is fearful blasphemy to think or infer, for else they might, (with the persuaders to conformity of these days) have replied, thou hast not forbidden it, therefore we may do it, and thou hast no reason to find fault with it, seeing we do it to good intents and holy purposes. But grant that the things which there are reproved were forbidden, yet the manner of Gods reasoning remains immutable. Is there no commandment in the word for it, or (which is all one) doth not the Lord require it? then doth he absolutely forbid conformity unto it, for the Lord hates whatsoever in the word is not required, 
ver. 14.  as these words being spoken with detestation do most manifestly declare. Seeing then there is not one word of God for kneeling in the very act of receiving the sacrament, nor any example of any Apostolic or Primitive Church for the practice thereof, 
Math. 19 8.  but from the beginning it was not so, and seeing we have Christ his own example for a table gesture, and the examples of all the blessed (and now glorious) Apostles who even after his ascension delivered that which they received of the Lord (which must needs be granted was a table gesture) and seeing we have a direct commandment from the holy Ghost to follow them as they follow Christ, 
1. Cor 11. 23.  it being their special care so to carry themselves in all actions (of religious use especially) as they might be Examples for all Churches and Christians to follow (for so I take this place to be understood and not to be restrained to that Church only, 
vers. 1.  or to any particular occasion therein.) 
2. Thess. 3. 9  Yea seeing this gesture as it is urged, is not only the Invention of man, but in the very first original establishment of it in the public worship of God, the direct commandment of that man of sin; I refer it to every godly heart to consider whether with safety of conscience we may leave a table gesture, for the use whereof we have Christ and his disciples in the Institution for a pattern, and the Apostles during their time, and all Apostolic Churches after them for 220. years for example and conform to the gesture of kneeling, never heard of in this kind, till the Real presence was established. Is this to walk so as having the Apostles of Christ for an ensample; 
Philip. 3. 17.  or is there not Just cause of lamentation and weeping to see so many worthy men and of most excellent parts for some worldly respects to become hereby the enemies of the cross of Christ conforming now to that which formerly they taught was to be abhorred? 
verse. 18.   
You do very ill therefore most reverent and learned men, in offering to deal with us poor and private Christians, after the scholarlike manner of reasoning both in your public teaching, pressing us continually with arguments and that with such vehemency as if nothing were wanting to our perfection but this conformity to kneeling, and in your private speeches tendering disputation, when alas for pity all our faithful pastors having given up their lives for the name of Christ, are taken from us, and if any remain, yet there is no safety to speak or write of those things. If therefore you cannot procure liberty for such a course, never yet obtained whatsoever you may pretend, wherein freely and fully these questions may be handled according to that modest offer of dispute long ago tendered, than I humbly beseech you, be pleased either to confute that (or the substance of it) which hath been written and published against this ceremony, or else to set down with the like conditions as the learned and godly men our late pastors have offered, your own arguments and reasons for this conformity which you so eagerly press and pursue; and (freeing the same from deceivable subtleties of that dissembling sophistry and vain philosophy, the special ornaments of that so affected kind of teaching, that we of the vulgar may see and conceive the force of them, and whence it is drawn, from God or men, from the holy and inspired scriptures: or from the writings and Canons of Counsels, or Testimonies of Fathers.)  
We do solemnly pofesse (I dare speak in the name of all) that in whatsoever we have no more for our warrant: but the grave counsel, learned opinion and holy practice of our most reverent pastors (which yet being sealed with their great and constant sufferings, ought highly to be regarded of us, for whatsoever they be to others or to yourselves, they are to us the most faithful messengers, true and powerful ministers of jesus Christ, since whose deprivations we never heard men speak like them in that evidence of the Spirit, and mighty power of the Holy Ghost, to draw from sin unto holiness. O ye men of God, you are in our very hearts to live and die with you, your memorial is precious, would God all that we have might redeem the liberty of the Gospel in your ministery, notwithstanding (I say) we will freely for peace sake conform unto you. But if we can evidently produce one word of God against you, or that you do not bring his sacred warrant with you, let it not seem strange unto you, that we run not for company into the broad and easy way with you (which none in this point Papist or Atheist will ever unfeignedly oppose) but rather expose ourselves by this our refusal, to open contempt, grievous bands, and perpetual imprisonment, professing publicly thereby our willingness, and most ready mind, yea hearty desire that that fire which our Lord and master brought with him, 
Luc. 12. 49. 10. 54.  and with his own hands, and mouth kindled, might never be quenched, seeing the unerring and burning light thereof is our only preservative through the effectual working of the Holy Ghost, against that fear of our adversaries: 
Math. 10. 28. to the end. Philip 1. 28. 29.  this grace of God being given unto us not only to believe in Christ, but to suffer also for his sake in bearing witness to this part of the truth, and not daring to conform to any other though it cost us full dearly▪ For thus only in such times of trial are all (that be called thereunto) preserved against all the powers and Principalities, Lordly Dominions, and other spiritual wickednesses in the whole and most unholy (though most learned) kingdom of darkness.  
Thus am I bold to present my poor endeavours and private labours concerning these things unto public view, private I say, not in regard of the truth generally in all true Christian Churches received & professed, but by reason of the danger of the times, I durst not receive direction from any who otherwise might have been a great help unto me. Only to this end have I done it (not to be famous in my person, for that were to be infamous in their prison) but to give some taste that the Lord hath many who have not bowed the knee in this kind as it is urged, as also to publish to all that fear the Lord, and yet do not see the sufficiency of our warrant for so resolute a refusal to conformity, that it is not faction or humour, nor the judgement or practice of good men (no not of our so endeared Pastors) or of the most holy and best reformed Churches, nor of all these together, which we wholly rest or depend upon, but that our consciences dare not conform to any thing of religious use, especially in the public worship of God, but what is safely and sound warranted by the word of our God; and likewise to stir up others who have receiceived more, and more worthy Talents, to put their helping hands to the work of the Lord.  
But me thinks I hear some black mouth roaring out, 
Object.  That this is neither so, nor so, but only an old patched Cloak to cover a peevish spirit withal, for (say such) you have the substance, yet through frowardness because you may not have your wills you are not content, but ensnare your minds, and bring your consciences into a needless bondage about gestures and ceremonies or matters of Indifferency which Christ hath fried us from.  
I most humbly pray and do heartily beseech even by the mercies of God in jesus Christ, 
Answ.  all such seriously to weigh & consider, whether any thing of divine use in the public worship of God can be indifferent; or if God have left it indifferent; whether any mortal power can possibly make it necessary, was it not the practice of that man of sin, first under pretence of Indifferency to make things common, to be of Religious use, then to bring them (in some civil respects) into God's public worship, and at length to have a necessary state therein, and so at last to be of Apostolical institution? 
Pro. 14. 12.  yet even this way seemeth right to our grave and learned adversaries, though the issues thereof bring forth most deadly (what if I said damnable) effects, 
Ps. 2. 2. 3.  even in all these Churches of Christ jesus.  
Break not, oh suffer not (you Christian princes) these men, thus scornfully to break the sacred bonds of the first table, lest you take away all conscience of the duties of the second, for Christ hath in them tied you and all under you most strictly to precise and sincere obedience in all things belonging to his public worship yet hath he left full scope, even large enough (so far as is fit for any mortal power) in the other six Commandments for your Regal powers ad pl●citum to exercise, your high prerogatives most supreamelie in: Be well content therewith, they that persuade you to encroach upon him, under colour of enlarging your sovereignty, do give that which you ought not take, being directly against the crown and dignity of the Lord Christ, & in lieu thereof are bold to challenge that from you (even of divine right) which by no means upon any terms you ought to part to them, they being withal persons utterly uncapable thereof.  
And as for our adversaries, I entreat all that are godly minded advisedly to bethink themselves, whether that substance which God be blest, we have being holy (& for which I confess we are nor sufficiently thankful) can make that same Ceremony also holy, which in it first original was impure and unwarrantable, yea most vile therefore and abominable; can any thing which is primarily evil ever possibly be made good, but only by the primary goodness himself? To make then that gesture, action, call, or ceremony, or the similitude and likeness of them good, which had their beginning, from Antichrist and not bringing God's word for it, and yet to hold it upon these terms necessary in Gods public worship, even conscience to be conformed unto, is directly to set up another God who must impart this goodness unto it. Doth it not plainly appear by this, that their Divino jure did never descend from Divine jehovah but from some black limping Vulcan or Olympian jupiter, the natural patron of all such dirty Diana's, yea I beseech them rather to observe, whether more probably the ceremony being thus known to be of human invention, and therefore of absolute necessity filthy and polluted (as every thing of religious use is, which is not commanded by God, in the word) do not make that holy substance which we have unprofitable and so unclean, also unprofitable (I say) though not for information of judgement, 
Hagg. 2. 13. 14.  yet for sanctification of life to the obedience of faith. For if holy flesh under the Law could none legally sanctify every thing (no nor any thing which was joined unto it) by touching of it; no more can the doctrines of faith and justification under the Gospel truly taught, and publicly professed in all the Churches of Christ amongst us, ever by any possible means make the callings, ceremonies, or gestures in controversy, lawful or indifferent, seeing these are not ordained by God, and therefore that ministry that spends it strength for the justification of them, though it may perhaps continue some measure of knowledge in the hearers, yet is it greatly to be feared, that all those who freely conform thereunto, and wholly depend thereon, shall rather scatter then gather any saving grace or sanctification thereby.  
But to this it is said that these ceremonies callings and gestures are not those of popery 
Object.  (for nullum simile est Idem) but the grave and advised ordinances of the holy Catholic Church that hath come from amongst them, and clean separated from Antichrist, at least in all fundamental points of doctrine concerning our justification, and therefore without all question ought by every obedient Child to be conformed unto.  
Alas what means then the lowing of these Oxen and bleating of the sheep? 
Answ.  Yea I do friendly entreat these Merchants of experience in and with these true west Churches of Christ, 
1. Sam. 15. 14.  advisedly to view and take particular notice of these pleasant 
Revel. 18. 11. 14.  wares so full of delicacy, which their souls by reason of their excellent fatness, do so greedily yea most violently thirst or lust after, and sincerely to consider whether they be not so like to those of popery as one naughty egg can possibly be like another, though perhaps one be but addle, and the rottenness of the other most offensively stinks; the one most noisome, the better very unwholesome.  
But here our adversaries will confess, 
Object.  that for the form they are alike indeed, as one partridge is to another, but in their use and intention most opposite, even clean contrary.  
But is not this I pray you, 
Answ.  some small parcel of the voice of that beast, yea is it not an apparent branch of his great blasphemy, to assume authority, to ordain ceremonies and callings for the public worship of God, and to appropriate unto them holy or religious uses, and spiritual intentions, which power is only proper and peculiar unto God himself; and yet even this divine authority do they dare to assume, as their divino iure hath publicly proclaimed to all the Churches in the world. But to leave this to their better consideration, and to assume that which which they must needs be willing to grant, that the things in question are in their outward form like unto those of popery, but not in their use (at least as it is preached.) I humbly desire them to consider whether this be not (without any turning or winding) a direct and manifest breach of the second commandment, where the Lord forbids all Churches under what climate or government soever, (not simply as I may say to have, but) to make Images, or any visible representations of the eternal love of God the Father, and of the incomprehensible, and invisible grace of JESUS CHRIST shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost; but as if the Lord had said, I know it is absolutely necessary in my outward and public worship, to have certain visible signs and forms (subject to common sense and reason) which must have this heavenly use, even to represent to the mind and understanding by the eye of faith, these spiritual graces, for else the imagination being left at liberty, and not precisely tied to these set forms, and divine ordinances, will be so full of wandering fantasies, in hearing, seeing, tasting, handling, and meditating, as the soul can never possibly be edified: But yet (saith the lord) Thou shalt not make or devise these: I do reserve that glory to myself, and will not under Law or Gospel, give it (no not in the least circumstance of public and religious use in my worship and service to any other.  
But (say our adversaries) we do not take that glory to ourselves, 
Object.  therefore we have not broken this commandment.  
I confess between the thief and the receiver, 
Answ.  the whore and the bawd there is indeed some manifest difference, and therefore to avoid all manner of contention herein, it is as if the Lord had said in plainer terms, Thou whosoever thou art general counsel, or national synod, civil magistrate, or ecclesiastical Ruler, or both together shalt not make, or being made, shalt not command, or teach any to conform unto any thing of Religious use, pertaining to my worship and service, which I may self have not commanded, no nor the likeness of any such thing, either in form or use so that if these things in question be but like popish devices and be not commanded by God, we may not for any cause or consideration or in any respect whatsoever bow down unto them, that is entertain or show forth any reverent estimation of them and so only in a good meaning, for peace and quietness sake coform unto them in the worship of God. Unless therefore the very touching of holy things in or by the soundness of some doctrines in our Church and so as it were carrying a part of holy flesh in the skirt of our garment or divine service be a sufficient warrant to make any ceremony lawful, 
Hag. 2. 13.  yea though it be taken from the heathen poets, from the Turkish Koran, or the Pope's massebook, yet upon intentional altering of the use, they may be, very safely conformed unto in the public worship of God? their argument of having the substance, hath no jot of substance in it at all. Therefore unless their words, reasons, and arguments whereby they persuade to conformity, 
Ezek 3. 17.  come from the mouth of God we have sufficient forewarning, no not in any case to conform unto the, but to esteem them as very chaff huft and puffed up perhaps into a very great bulk making a goodly show in outward appearance, 
jer. 23. 28.  by excellency of words and art, but being winnowed or tried by the fan of the Lord no corn of grace or one grain of goodness can be found therein, and this is the very cause why the Lord threatens to be or to come against such sweet tongued preachers that labour chiefly for a sweet delivery, 
vers. 31.  and to that end steal the word, 
vers. 30.  never applying it to the right end and use, but as it were by force and arms do take and carry away the true sense, intent and meaning of the scriptures ordained only to maintain the truth, & by tricks of wit, & terms of art, they enforce them (at least to seem) to maintain errors even the mere Inventions of men, and this, in some false; in many flattering, and in most a dreaming kind of preaching, is the only and main cause of error and schisms, 
vers. 32.  diversity of opinions & sects that are among the people, not bringing any other profit in the world unto their hearers, but either to nuzle them still in ignorance, or to be utterly out of love with the truth, from hence then have we good warrant to adjudge all their doctrines which are not according to the word of God to be very lies, though they show never so great art and learning and thereby give all good content to their auditory. For that high (or large) commission of all the true ministers of Christ extends only to Teach the Churches to observe and conform unto all things (not which they in wisdom and discretion shall adjudge meet and fit, 
Mat. 28. 2●  or think not to be forbidden but only) what-whatsoever Christ in the word hath commanded, (and we will abjure whatsoever we cannot prove to be his commandment) if then they press any thing which is not the commandment of Christ they go beyond the limits of their commission, yea do more than ever our Lord himself would do, for though indeed his 〈…〉 ctrines seemed very strange yea impossible to some and others marveiled or were astonished not at his allegation of fathers or patriarchs, 
joh. 3. 4. joh. 7. 15. Mat. 7. 28.  of Counsels or Rabbis and other learned authors, nor at his excellency of gifts: but at his knowledge in the Scriptures for he taught as one having authority & not as the learned Scribes, which he showed in opening the sense and meaning of the holy Ghost delivering fit doctrines and making profitable uses and applications from the word, so that he spoke to the hearts and consciences of his hearers in the power of his ministery which they do not, who teach the precepts of men, but speak only to the ears of their hearers, yet always the motives that he used to persuade them to conformity was (not these things are not forbidden, or they are the traditions of our godly Elders, or they are most fitting this state and present government, or it is the pleasure of the civil magistrate, or the Church Rulers hold it meet, though indeed diverse learned men at that very time used such kind of arguments in their ministery and teaching for that subscription which they required, but) his Doctrine which he preached and the things he urged and pressed was not his own but his that sent him, 
vers. 14.  it was not of his human Invention (which yet was a great deal freer from error then all the fathers and 〈…〉 cells in the world) but only such as 〈◊〉 (that sent him to preach and teach the glad tidings of salvation) was the author of.  
As whereas some might object unto him, these are thine own speeches, and in the pulpit you have liberty to say what you list, and to gird at whom you please, make it plain to our capacities, how we may know who is of God, and who is sent of the Devil, for thou and the Scribes and Pharisees teach both of you very learnedly and zealously but in very many things, especially in the ceremonies and callings, actions, and gestures of Religious use in the public worship of God directly contrary one against the other, and therefore most certain, that both of you cannot possibly be of God, he therefore gives them a plain and an unerring Rule, whereby the simplest in a congregation may discern which preacher teaches the doctrine that comes from God, and which speaks only from men or the devil, 
vers. 17  first do the will of God, get a good and an honest heart, free from prejudice and profaneness, ready to do whatsoever the Lord requires of thee in general as thou art a Christian, or in particular as thou art a magistrate or subject, minister or hearer, husband or wife, parent or child, master or servant, bond or free, old or young, rich or poor, married or single, or of what condition soever, for else if thou have never so much wit & learning, understanding & discretion, & hast not respect unto all his commandments, though thou fear and reverence the faithful ministers of God, 
Mark. 6. 20.  yea hear them gladly, and reform thyself in doing many things which they make plain to thy conscience, is not the will of God, yet if thou wilt not captivare thy judgement, and subdue thy will and affections to be obedient unto all that God requires, it is impossible for thee to discern the truth or to be preserved from error: but if thou wilt be sincere (which is evangelical perfection) & free thy heart from hypocrisy (and be that thou wouldst seem to be) then if thou wouldst know indeed which preachers are worthy of double honour, and which deserve shame & contempt; look not at their spruce neatness in their attire, or excellency of gifs or degrees of learning, for herein perhaps there will appear no great difference, both being grave, wise, and understanding men, but he that is sent of God seeketh his glory that sent him. 
john. 7. 18.  Yea, but which is that? the same is true, you shall never hear him press or teach novelties or incerteinties, but only such things as are plainly grounded on the word of truth, whatsoever they concern, faith or government, godliness or ceremonies, yea there is no unrighteousness in him nor any unrighteous inference, in his ministery, but Christians may most safely commit their souls to such a one, even to depend upon his ministery as a most powerful means ordained by God to bring them to salvation; the other seeks his own glory, that is a foul fault and he is a very proud fellow I warrant him, what show soever he make, but how may we take true notice of him? he speaketh of himself, and seeketh his own glory his manner of preaching is in one kind or other very vain glorious using all possible means (though in some very covertly) to set forth himself and to make known his great reading or judgement, his wit, art, and understanding in all manners or kinds of deep learning and true scholarship, and therefore he comes in Excellency of words, 
1. Cor. 2. 1.  and studies most painfully and carefully for such Enticing speeches witty and well ordered sayings, 
verse 4.  pleasing passages, pithy sentences, and elegant phrases even whatsoever might ravish the hearers, and by the admiration of the excellency of his gifts and exquisiteness of his Art might so prevail, that their faith might be in the wisdom of men, 
vers. 5.  even to believe only so much as flesh and blood can disclose, a man by nature may perceive, which kind of preaching with words and manner of handling, which man's wisdom teacheth, 
vers. 13. cap 1▪ 17.  makes the cross of Christ of none effect, and when excellency or grace of words is more affected than the dignity or worthiness of the matter which is entreated, then are their sermons beautified with most glorious speeches wherein the focre and power of eloquence doth show itself, to allure and delight the hearers, but he that is sent of God, labours and strives to speak in such words and phrases) seem they never so plain, base or contemptible) wherein the power of God may be made manifest to the consciences of their hearers; 
Vers. 18.  honour and reverence such, but it is most dangerous to commit thy soul unto and to depend upon the ministery of the other, though he be as great a scholar and as wise a man as is in all the World.  
These courses therefore all those that desire to use their talents profitably in the ministery of the Church must purposely avoid, even as they would the golden legend, 
2. Pe. 1, 16.  or like Deceivable fables, not but that those to whom God hath given a beautiful form of speaking may use it, as well as they that have comely shape or fairefaces, but as they that be black must not paint themselves, so preachers may not affect oratory to the ear but to the heart, nor yet, that rude and gross phrases are the only powerful manner of speaking, but that every one is to use that gift which God hath given him to the edification of his auditory, which consists in delivering the sense plainly in the evidence of the spirit, and applying it powerfully to the conscience, and this dividing the word aright that every one may have his portion seasonably, aught to be studied for and affected of all faithful ministers, & not a painted or penciled manner of speaking. But those that scorn this manner of handling the word, are to be esteemed vainglorious teachers, though their mouths even run over which all manner of art, eloquence, and learning. And as for those that preach any thing which God hath not commanded, or persuade to conform to any thing which is not grounded on the scriptures, from these words of Saint Peter, we may safely esteem them (whether they speak elegantly or rudely) but fabulous fellows and Deceivable doctors, in taking upon them like young masters, 
jam. 3. 1.  or old Rabbis, 
Mat. 23. 8.  to teach, defend, or maintain any thing in God's worship, which Christ the sole Doctor of all things whatsoever of Religious use, and which his Churches upon any cause and in any respect may conform unto, never commanded, taught, or in the scriptures published, or so much as once mentioned by precept or precedent, yea observe them well, and take heed of them, these are the teachers of false Christ's, for they may as well teach, 
Luc. 21. 8. & Mat. 24. 5. 23. 24. 26.  that here is Christ, or lo he is there, as press Christians to conform to this ceremony or that gesture, of religious use in the public worship of God, which Christ neither here nor there, nor any where, ever taught, or in any degree or respect commanded; so that if you hear any preachers teahing things with great zeal and learning, which are not the direct commandments of Christ, or grounded plainly in the evidence of the spirit upon the unerring rock of the sacred Scripture; I will not deny but such may speak in the power of a Spirit, but certainly not of God's Spirit, 
john. 16. 13.  For he even the Spirit of truth, teaches nothing of himself (though he be the very fountain of all truth) but only what he hath heard in the word of the Father, not that he needs any instructor or direction, but that the most glorius and blessed Trinity (as the sole and only way to preserve all true Churches or congregations in holy and heavenly unity) hath tied himself (as it were) or covenanted, that though there be many other things of most admirable excellency, 
john. 21. 25.  yet to require conformity to nothing but those things which are written in the scriptures; 
john. 20. 31.  seeing they are fully and perfectly sufficient unto faith or belief, and therefore unto all manner of godliness, the fruits of faith, and so to eternal life, the end or reward of faith through his name.  
If any man therefore undertake to teach the Churches of Christ let him speak as the words of God, 
1. Pet. 5. 11.  and not as the cannons and precepts of men do enjoin, for as God is glorified by those, so is he much dishonoured by these▪ yea though they speak the wisdom of this world which the great ones Commend, 
1. Cor. 2. 6.  the learned approve, and all do generally admire: for the kingdom of God (or preaching) consists not in word, 
1. Cor. 4. 20.  in phrases, in elegancy of speech, excellency of uttrance, or in any other endowments of Art & nature, but in the evidence of the spirit & of power, 
1. Cor. 2. 4.  when the cosciences of the hearers by the right handling of the word shall be wrought upon, by making manifest the very secrets of their hearts and so enforced to humble their souls and worship God, and confess not that great learning or reading is in the preacher, 
1. Cor. 14. 25.  but plainly that God is in that ministery indeed, because it casteth down (and doth not lift up as the word or doctrine of men doth, 
1. Thes. 2. 13.  because their manner of teaching is merely carnal even such as is approved by men but not warranted by the word) strong holds or the Imaginations and Inventions of men which in a high degree do exalt themselves against the knowledge of God, 
2. Cor. 10. 14.  even against those doctrines of ceremonies callings & gestures which God, 
vers. 5.  hath made known in the word, and set men's thoughts and consciences at liberty from the obedience of Christ, according to the scriptures concerning these things only under pretence of not being forbidden, and so by their conformity to that which Christ hath not commanded do most strongly repair and fortify t●ose strong holds of human devices concerning voluntary religions, or ceremonies, which the Lord by all means labours (as being the greatest hinderers of the peace of his kingdom, and fosterers of his rebellious enemies) to have utterly ruinated: yea, and as Christ hath ordained, 
Ephes. 5. 26.  to sanctify and cleanse his Church by the obedience of faith, which is the true conformity of the doctrines of the word: so these men by pressing conformity to ceremonies, callings, and gestures, which have no warrant in the word, do directly intimate (though they pretend the clean contrary) that their religion is but a doctrine of the tongue, and not of the reformation of the life. For if they subscribe and have understanding of the heavenly doctrines, and be able to retain them in memory, and so at a trice can discourse or reason of them, then are they absolutely qualified and excellent Divines, though they make no conscience of that which they know and profess, further than they see cause, & so indeed do most beastly pollute and by plain intimation both of their doctrine and life, persuade their hearers to defile the Church of Christ, and to take away the beauty & glory of it, 
vers. 27.  which is to be free from human inventions▪ & to fill it with all horrible spots and wrinkles of worldly traditions, that so it may never be holy, but full of blame.  
Are you not ashamed you deceitful guides, 
Pro. 26. 18, 19  to cast abroad these firebrands and mortal insinuations in your lectures, sermons, or writings & conversations, and yet protest you mean no hurt? is not your fiery heat in these courses a feigned madness, or do you make any more conscience thereof, then of your play or sport?  
Yea (say they) our purpose in so doing is to do much good, 
Object.  for we teach & press that in this conformity which we so persuade unto, every one should come with a good & honest heart to perform these actions & gestures withal, 
Pro. 23. 26.  for that is it which the Lord requires, yea he will pass by much infirmity where he finds true sincerity.  
So that belike if men seem to have good affections, 
Answ.  that shall be sufficient warrant to justify any strange or vncommanded gesture or ceremony in the public worship of God; yea though it be never so wickd (at least in appearance) and Idolatrous an action yet if they mean well and believe as the Church believes, that these things are indifferent and lawful, or not forbidden all shall be exceeding well: and what I pray you, if the jews with good and honest hearts even sincerely purposing and verily intending to win them unto God do marry wives of Ashdod Amon and Moab, 
Nehens. 13. 23. 24.  dare you say these marriages are lawful? or can their Children ever possibly (for all this good meaning) speak the language of Canaan sincerely or truly? no verily; though you charge them upon pain of death to prepare themselves thereunto never so heartily, yet do you but press them to a thing impossible, be not wiser than God lest it prove your confusion. Henceforth therefore I beseech you persuade no man to conformity to religious actions without a Religious warrant; no not upon any good meaning or holy intention but Reprove them rather and profess your dislike of them, 
vers. 25.  yea curse and smite them and pull of their hear, and take an oath of them by God, not to make any such marriages, but manifestly show your contempt of them, and howsoever the wisdom of this world will censure such proceedings for most uncivil parts and indiscreet actions, full of dangerous violence and unseemly rashness, ready to tumble down and overthrow all things that dislike you; yet you may remember that you have good Nehemiah a most zealous and godly prince, and Christ lesus the meekest of all the Lambs of God for your patterns and precedents and therefore most worthy patrons of such zealous courses for and in the causes of the house of God. Oh, how silly a part was it, (cry these Cool, temperate discreet and indifferent persons) and very much unbeseeeming the gravity of his person, and holiness of his profession, yea rather Child then Christ-like with a scourge, 
Ihon. 2. 15.  and that also (a hundred to one) of his own making to drive so many grave, Ancient, and most Reverend fathers out of their holy offices and most honourable functions, which they and their predecessors before them had long even time out out of mind to the comfort of many godly and well affected people peaceably and commendably enjoyed; grievously and most dangerously disturbing thereby the quiet & settled peace of the Church, which principally consisteth in these spiritual callings and outward condition thereof, which were largely allowed and highly approved of by the public consent of the whole Empire as most fitting for that present government, yea and not content herewith, to use them with most base unreverent and despiteful terms calling them (I mean these grave spiritual and reverend men) arrant thieves, 
Math. 21. 13.  & these their ecclesiastical callings very dens of theft, as if they had harboured the veriest knaves and most greedy devowring cormorants, that regarded nothing neither religion nor honesty but their ●own profit) in all the world, yea as if these proceedings and courses did waste more of the subjects estate and substance of the commonalty, than all the taxations or impositions of the civil magistrate (and yet I tell you in your ear, for I would be loath to be brought to rehearsal for it, a great deal more might be said for the justifying of the worst of these human inventions, & to prove them far more convenient and every way by many degrees more tolerable than the very best of these in controversy amongst us:) henceforth therefore (I advise you) unless you will openly profess your delight in, and therefore desire to have the speech of Ashdod still sounding in your ears, or dare reprove the holy Ghost for inserting in the sacred Scriptures by way of prophesy, his divine warrant (which always carries in it what form soever it be of, the nature of a precept) for the zeal of all God's servants in these causes of his house or public worship, 
Ps. 69. 9  I say for ever hereafter hold your peace and teach your people that they must bind themselves by an oath by God never to make any such marriages, 
Nehem. 13. 25.  I mean to Conform any more to any such mixtures in the gestures or ceremonies of religious uses in the public worship or divine service of our holy God, for do not these words, for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, infer plainly that strange ceremonies and callings uncommanded gestures or actions having state in Religious worship, are no more allowed of him but even as hateful and abominable at least, as these strange marriages? Though therefore your ministry abound in all excellent & admirable gifts that amongst many nations, there be none like unto you for your multitude and all manner of learning and other worthy endowments, yet as strange women caused even Solomon himself most fearfully to sin? so these unlawful ceremonies & callings, 
vers. 26.  and the amiable but most strange preferments which in & by conformity to them are obtained, do so entice and allure you, as they cause you (even many that are of most excellent parts) to suscribe to very strange positions and practices for the upholding the Reputation and credit of these Courses to put in practice strange conclusions. Shall we then obey you, 
vers. 27.  and do all this great evil and to transgress against our God even to marry strange wives, or to conform to these strange or uncommanded ceremonies & gestures in the worship of God; seeing though the Lord promiseth to show mercy unto thousands yet it is only to those that keep his commandments; so that unless these ceremonies, callings and gestures, be the commandments of God, the Church hath no promise of him for a blessing, what affections soever they use them with all, but rather of a curse though their intentions be never so good in their own persuasions) by conforming unto them. What then, though it were true, that they be not forbidden, yet I beseech you consider whether not being commanded, they be not (at the very best that can possibly be made of them) a spice of Ephraim's base mixture. 
Hose. 7. 8.   
Indeed our substance or doctrine of the Church publicly professed, is as one side of a cake upon the hearth, very well baked, but the other side of our worship consisting of ceremonies and callings, actions or gestures, is very dough, and was never yet thoroughly turned; who dare then have so base an opinion of the Almighty, as to consent or conform in any respect to offer such unsavoury bread in the divine worship of our holy God, seeing all the wit, Art, and learning in the whole world can never make it wholesome? What, are his eyes grown dim, that he cannot see both sides? or is his taste so decayed, that he cannot perceive our halfe-baked service? or is he no better, or no more to be regarded, but that any thing is good enough for him in his service? The watch, men of Ephraim should be with my God, 
Hose. 9 8.  and teach nothing but what he hath commanded, but the Prophet or Preacher is as the snare of a fowler in all his ways, all his study and care is how he may prevail with his hearers to ensnare their minds by conformity to men's Inventions in God's worship, and so bring hatred into the house of his God.  
O foolish people, how long will ye be ignorant, 
verse. ●.  and commit your souls to spiritual men, that are mad, even without any government of God's spirit, or direction of the scriptures: for is all the learning and wisdom in the world without these any better than lunacy? what lovely grapes did your father's times bring forth? 
vers. 10.  how many sweet clusters did flaming stakes afford? but you have separated yourselves by conformity unto the shame or similitude of the inventions of Baal Peor, which are the Abomination as well as the idolatry itself, therefore Ephraim thy glory decays, 
vers. 11.  yea flies away like a bird, there is none that do sincerely reverence thee, 
Hose. 7. 9  grey hairs are upon thee, though thou consider it not. Do not all men see that thou hast nothing but devices (mere tricks of wit though never so dishonest) to defend their own Invention many altars thou dost make (great shows of devotion, 
Hose. 8. 11.  and exceeding care of religion thou dost pretend) but all that thou dost is to defend thy sin even to gain estimation to thy carnal devices, which have no warrant from the Lord; nay those that dare not comforme to thy Canons or courses, 
vers. 12.  because the great things of God's law, written in the Scriptures do not require it (for all other writings are small in respect of these and and to be regarded but as trifles) thou countest them strange men, it being a strange thing with thee to lose any thing for Christ's sake, but to forsake their livings and liberties, to lose their Credits and reputations, rather than to conform to these human Inventions, yea thereby to expose themselves by their deprivation to open contempt, miserable poverty, bands and imprisonment, seems to be one of the strangest wonders of the world, that any of sound judgement should ever have so little wit in them, thus dost thou glorify thyself, though thou committest iniquity in Gilgal, for there is the cause why the Lord doth hate thee, even for the wickedness of thine Inventions in his worship which there thou hast set up in great pomp & state, 
Hose. 8. 15.  therefore will the Lord cast thee out of his house, or Church because all they spiritual Lords or princes are Rebels, 
vers. 7.  justifying these carnal devises against the plain evidence of the scripture, Increasing daily errors and lies, which in the end will be their own Destruction, 
Hose. 12. 1.  which yet they hope to prevent by making a covenant or contract with Ashur and carrying oil into Egypt, Refining and so refreshing their old Imagery with new painted devices, yet thou feedest thyself with this wind and art very confident that these secret and hidden plots of thy close and subtle fetches, shall maintain thy greatness, though thou grow graceless persuading Christians yea compelling some to conform to offer unclean bread upon the Lord's Altar and yet would have us subscribe that this is not contrary to the word of God. 
Mala. 1. 7.   
And in great disdain they demand wherein have we polluted the Lord, or the worship or service of God? alas when you press us to a gesture at the Lords own table, which is not warranted by the word do you not say or directly infer, the table of the Lord is not to be regarded: 
vers. 8.  for it matters not what gesture we use no say you, though our ceremonies be lame, 
Object.  and our callings blind, and our gestures sick, yet it is no evil, for they are ordained and have been long established by public decree, to be the offerings and sacrifices of the Lord, and therefore ought with all reverend respect to be conformed unto of all, rather than to disturb the quiet possession and peace of the Church, 
Luc. 11. 21.  (which by a strong hand these armed men have obtained and keep as the only entrance or rather maintenance of their glorious palaces.)  
Is it no matter then for the outward worship, 
Answ.  so the inward be intended and professed to be good and sound? why do you then condemn the papists for taking away the second commandment quite out of the table, and you letting it stand take the effect quite away? give them but the same liberty which yourselves exercise, and they will quickly agree with you for the substance of that which is inward I warrant you, for who can judge the mental reservation, and you require no more but an outward profession and subscription, at least though you teach the necessity of inward sincerity, yet your own practices do manifest that the other without this, will serve the turn well enough, but be pleased I pray you (if any thing possibly be able to satisfy you) to hear the Lords own answer, go your ways and when you have any purpose to show your love, and tender your service yea in a most special manner unto your prince, offer him such presents, will he be content with thee, or accept thy person saith the Lord of hosts? yea when thou invitest thy friends or neighbours to thy own table, do but serve them with such dainties and diet-bread, and mark how they like it; nay see if thy horse will not blow upon it and refuse it, though perhaps thy greedy dogs or grunting hogs will accept it, yea though neither side were ever baked on the hearth; yet you teach and preach, you profess and persuade, and spend a great deal of time (which you had need to redeem) by many long and (as you think) learned arguments and wise reasons, to prove that this is good enough for the Lord, that is, that he will verily accept such a public worship and service at our hands, though no body have any care to shut the doors, 
Mal. 1. 10.  to make due trial of that which is brought for an offering (as these things in controversy) whether it ought to enter into the Lord's house, as being commanded or required by him, or whether it be the mere invention or will-worship of men, and so (what goodly and golden shows soever it make) to have the doors shut against it, and not to offer abomination before the Lord: but come who will come, and bring with him what he will, though it be not according to the commandment and holy ordinance, yet if he will but come and conform, presently you receive him, and most readily kindle a fire, and offer up that which he hath brought, though there be never so evident appearance, similitude or likeness of Idolatry in it: Is not this directly to worship God in vain? even to kindle a fire upon his altar to no purpose? 
vers. 1▪ ●  yea you grow weary of the Lords own ordinances, they do not give full content to your senses, and therefore ye snuff at them as being too base for your greatness, wanting pomp and state, and I know not what, and approve rather of any thing never so absurd, ridiculous, and popish, even that which is torn, lame and sick, should I accept this of your hand saith the Lord? 
vers. 14.  but cursed be the deceaver, you that have my servants (the males in your flocks) whom I have fully qualified to make the truth of these things known, and who have faithfully spoken my word in my name and in this behalf, and will deprive them, and purposely maintain (though if need require you know how to make show of the clean contrary) Brokers of Corrupt doctrines, persuaders to, and defenders of unwarrantable ceremonies, callings, and gestures, and so deal deceitfully with the Lords people in these great things of his law or public worship, 
Hos. 8. 12.  teaching them in steed of these to sacrifice unto the Lord, a corrupt thing, you I say, 
Mala. 1. 14.  shall certainly be accursed, for I am a great King saith the Lord of hosts and my name is terrible among the heathen.  
Seeing then every David (Churches or particular persons after Gods own heart) doth banish such lame ceremonies blind callings, 
2. Sam. 5. 8.  and sick gestures from all the parts of God's public worship, as things which his soul hateth; Oh thou son of David smite them and deliver us from them for our very souls do abhor them, and put it into the faithful heart of thy friend and servant jacob, 
Gen. 35. 1. 2▪ 3. 4.  to put away these strange Gods and earrings, and so to cleanse all his kingdoms, by burying these human Inventions under the oak which is by Shechem. 
john. 2. 15.   
And you the faithful servants of that son of David, though the driving out of the temple (or place or callings appointed for Gods▪ public worship) not only the more gross abuses (which had been they will confess no more than was fit and convenient) but even All human Inventions which he found therein, with the sheep and oxen (things commanded by God to be used in his service, yet this manner of providing them and making them ready for the people of God, not being commanded by the Lord made them abominable) and pouring out the changers money, thereby discovering the gainfulnes of those places, which only kept and held in these abuses) and overthrowing the tables. And the rest of our Saviour's carriage (who is Lord and blessed for ever) when he would manifestly and mightily declare himself to be the only and sole king or supreme head of his Church: in general, and of all the national▪ or several congregations therein in particular by exercising dominion not only in the fundamental points of faith and justification, but in every things of Religious use seem it never so small even in these circumstances or appurtenances seemed unto flesh and blood something rude and indiscreet, and that the business was not so carried as the peace of that Church wherein he was borne and bred required, or as the reverence of the Ecclesiastical persons in authority deserved, yea seeing as carnal reason doth think and censure) these matters were but things indifferent; though there was questionless many excellent parts in him, yet his dissenting from the Church government, so ancient & so reverend, yea and by general consent upon most grave and learned consultation with all possible wisdom, with such good success so long established, must needs argue exceeding great weakness in him (by our learned adversaries lovely oratory) because he was so violent in these small trivial matters as if the very substance of Religion had consisted in them, surely (goodmen) they seem to be heartily sorry that he overshot himself more in this then all the things that ever he did in his whole life, and did not perform this action with such moderation and discretion as was fit, and as a matter of such high consequence deserved, notwithstanding all this, and whatsoever had been or shall be said against such proceedings, I humbly beseech all such as unfeinedlie desire to serve the Lord Christ to Remember, 
vers. 17.  that it is as a perpetual law to bind God's servannts even all posterity for ever, that, when the outward and public worship of God is thus corrupted and defiled by men's Inventions in the ceremonies, 
Ps. 69. 9.  callings gestures and actions thereof, all those in whom the spirit of true Zeal doth abide must be so far of from conforming upon any terms unto these things, or any of them as upon pain of God's high displeasure (according as it is written of them) they must in one degree or other manifest their judgement in the dislike of them and every of them yea though they expose their persons, their credit and reputations to the like disgraces and Rebukes by so doing.  
Finally you reverend and learned adversaries, seeing civil policy is the strongest argument that can be pressed for that conformity, which with might and main you do so eagerly persuade unto; Consider I beseech you the issue of the very like course (a remarkable precedent) against our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ. The Scribes and Pharisees, you know, though still they cried out for arguments, and miracles, 
john. 2▪ 18.  reasons and signs to prove his divine authority, 
john. 3. 2.  yet it was well known among themselves, though they made outward show of the contrary that he was a teacher come from God, but yet considering that his doctrine (though holy and divine in all things) tended directly to the overthrow of their Ecclesiastall policy and government, so that their authority and dignity, their reputation and greatness, must of necessity come down, if the truth which he taught were once received; they concluded, (merely at first in civil policy) that though he were a holy man in life, and of great power in his ministery, and did exceeding much good thereby, yea and held nothing but what was truly grounded on the word of God, yet of absolute necessity (upon the causes and considerations aforesaid, he must be opposed; even because he must: and so from this seeming small beginning, they fell to plots and devices how to bring his opinions into disgrace with the state in general, and with some special persons that were of greatest and highest account therein in particular, persuading them that they were his very purposed plots, and crafty devices to cross their designs, and so by degrees they came to a politic malice of his person (arising only from the hatred of his doctrine) which was the mother of their most fearful and final apostasy, never resting themselves till by flattering insinuations, false accusations, open slanders, falsifying men's testimonies or depositions, and like abominable practices (the particulars whereof are a most worthy work to discover, and at length by false witnesses, and plain perjury, they not only brought his doctrine and person into open and general hatred, but most maliciously practised, and perfidiously procured his cruel and bloody death. If then in your ignorance you have spoken a-against the Son of man in this cause of his servants (who dare not conform to human inventions, 
Luc. 12. 10.  but labour for reformation, that by the Magistrate's authority all these novelties might be driven away, and their favourers whipped out of the Temple) upon your repentance it shall be forgiven; but if when you have considered their arguments and reasons against conformity, you see the evidence of the spirit according to the Scriptures appearing therein, and yet for these or such like politic considerations you thereunto moving, 
Hebr. 10▪ 26. 27.  you persist willingly in the defence of conformity, your case is most dangerous, and to be lamented. Take heed therefore of transgressing maliciously, though it be never so politicly, the Lord of hosts, 
Psa. 1. 5.  the God of Israel will not be merciful unto such (the fervent prayer of all the faithful is against it.) Enter not then into the Council or convocations with the wicked, 
Ps. ●. 1.  how to justify and defend their courses, or if that be past, stand not therein, be not stiff and resolute in such wicked proceedings: for if once you sit down, or settle yourselves (with resolution) to prove the lawfulness of the seats of these scorners, or money-changers, you are near unto cursing, and far from the blessing, yea the Lord thinking upon his congregation which he hath possessed of old, 
vers. 4. 5. 6.  and on the rod of his inheritance which he hath redeemed, and measured out for himself, and on mount Zion wherein he hath dwelled, will verily lift up his strokes, 
Ps. 74. 1. 2. 3.  and destroy for ever every enemy that doth evil to the Sanctuary. Even so be it Lord jesus.  
If true Religion only knits our heart unto God, and all false Religions separate our hearts from God, than whatsoever is of Religious use and to be conformed unto in God's public worship, must be true (that is truly grounded in the word of God) or else it separats us from God.  
But true Religion doth only knit our hearts unto God etc. and the gesture of kneeling as it is urged being of Religious use and to be conformed unto in God's public worship is not true, (that is not truly grounded on the word of God.)  
Therefore to Conform to kneeling as it is urged is to separate from God.  
All fear or Religion towards God, not taught by the Scriptures, but by the precepts; of men, removes the heart far from God, yea the defence and justifying hereof works great wonders and marvels▪ the wisdom of such wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid: Esa. 29. 13, 14.   

TO THE CHURCH OF GREAT BRITtaine in general, or to the several congregations or Churches therein in particular, being the true visible Churches of Christ, grace & peace be multiplied for ever.  
IT is not unknown, how utterly unlawful, yea altogether impossible it is, to serve or conform to two masters; 
Mat. 6. 24  as also that by our fall in Adam we have not only forsaken our first master of Creation, who in our innocent estate did immediately direct, teach and lead us into all truth, but have betaken us to a new master whose Inventions or novelties we did most voluntarily subscribe unto, even Satan who now doth immediately in the estate of nature, guide and lead all the children of men (as well in the Church as out of it) into all falsity and error in all things concerning God and his Church and yet also how every one naturally doth most willingly (though some perhaps more wisely or learnedly, and others more vilely and desperately) yield their hearty obedience unto him, though not in their purpose and intention, yet at least in error of their judgement and corrupted resolution. For the understanding being utterly blinded, we think in our reason, wisdom and learning, that to be certe 〈…〉 lie good, which is directly evil, 
Ps▪ 78. 5●. 57 58. & 1. King 11. 4. to 12. & 2. Cron. 11. 15.  that to be clear light which is Egyptian darkness, that to be the service of God which is the apparent worship of Devils, and so think and are verily persuaded our master to be God, when in very truth it is Satan. True it is, that wisdom, discretion, learning, and many other excellent parts and gifts, (yea even in heavenly things) nature may and doth still by industry attain unto, but the saving or sanctfying graces of God which bring the heart unto Christ, (that new or renewing master) are supernatural, even the immediate work of the holy ghost, whose scholars or servants every one of necessity must be that will be saved, and thus far I take it is agrreed on all sides in all our Churches or congregations. (For I speak to none but to such among us as profess themselves to be the scholars of Christ) now being matriculated or by the blessed sacrament of holy Baptism Initiated into the school or corporation or body of our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ.  
I humbly beseech every one that doth sincerely purpose ever to take the lest degree of true holiness or sanctification (without which no man shall see God) seriously to consider what books (whether historical, prophetical, political, poetical, or evangelical) or authors (as they term them) must here to this purpose be learned and professed and these are all bound up together in one volume of the canonical, sacred or inspired scriptures, and for their excellency called the Bible, all other writers or authors differing from these in any thing concerning God or his worship, by teaching or pressing some things which are not truly grounded upon these, are to be esteemed books of our second master, 
Gal. 1. 8.  & therefore to be accursed how honest or holy soever their intention or drift pretends or seems to be; yea of most absolute necessity it follows, that all who do upon any terms learn their lessons from thence and so conform unto them, do thereby conform unto Satan, who of all men (in their wits) is acknowledged to be the author and teacher of all lessons or doctrines, concerning religious ceremonies, callings, or gestures in the worship of God which are not in evidence and power of the holy Ghost, plainly grounded upon the word of God, for there be but two masters, who are by Christ opposed the one to the other, All truth therefore is to be learned of the one, and to be collected or gathered only out of his books or sacred writings, even from God to whom only we must give credit in his word (for oportet discente credere) whatsoever then is learned elsewhere, must needs be from that other master as the proper lessons of his open and free school (wherein yet we confess all the excellencies of of all arts, and all the deepness of learning do abound) who must also in those arguments and reasons we ground or practise upon, be credited and believed to be the author of that supposed truth which we make profession of by our so doing.  
Let us therefore bring forth those books, or authors into the open view of the world, wherein this lesson of Conformity, or refusal thereunto is taught and learned, that so every Scholar may be known by his own Master, and the authors publicly taught in his school.  
Now if any be ashamed to profess that he obeys or learns this lesson of any other then of God, then must he either show his warrant and authority out of the sacred Scriptures, for the things he professeth and practiseth in this controversy, or else he plainly discovers whose scholar he is, for they only are the fountain of truth that which comes from them is holy and sincere, but if it be grounded upon men or Churches, though ancient and orthodox in many other things, yet the filthiness of their channel, in all matters (especially) of religious use will leave some infection behind it. Let us therefore try all things, 
1. Thes▪ 5. 21.  yea though they have been the received opinions or practices of the holiest men and purest churches in the world (whose judgement yet is highly to be reverenced, though it differ from ours till the word of God do evidently to our consciences dicide the Controversy) and keep or conform to that only in the divine service of God which is good, which nothing possibly can be, 
jam 1. 17.  but that which comes from God, the sole author of whatsoever is good. For howsoever it cannot be denied but that surely there is a spirit in man, 
job. 32. 8.  and great excellency of learning, wisdom, government and discretion in the subordinate tutors or teachers of this other master, yet the inspiration of the Almighty (or the inspired word of God only, by the effectual working of the holy Ghost) giveth understanding, especially in all things of a religious use in the public worship of God.  
To ground religious conformity therefore upon any thing else whatsoever, is directly to forsake the right way (and there is but two ways the one of truth which is straight and narrow, 
2 Pet. 2. 15.  and but a few that will subscribe unto it) and to go astray and follow the broad way (or to learn the easy lesson) of Balaam the son of Bosor which loved the wages of unrighteousness. 
verse▪ 2.  I judge none, 
Math. 7. 13. 14.  but entreat all to take heed of those swelling words of this other School or Synagogue full of vanity, 
2. Pet. 2. 1●.  lest they be beguiled by them and so be wrapped also in their error, especially to take heed of the second entangling: 
vers. 20.  for the latter end of such is far worse than the beginning, 
vers. 17.  to whom the black darkness is reserved for ever. Seeing then there be but two chief masters, God and the Devil, and but two ways, grace and nature, and seeing all that ground their conformity truly on the scriptures, are in the way of truth, (though imprisonment and other grievances inflicted on them make it some thing straight and narrow) and are verily taught of God, 
1. Thess. 4. 9  it must needs follow that all, that ground their conformity upon any thing else, or upon these erroneously, are taught of the devil, which their manner of reasoning & allegation of their best authorities doth not obscurely discover.  
But here perhaps one will strike me on the face and say, 
Rom. 9 20. 21.  why should the clay call the potter to account why he made it thus or so, or why should our adversaries demand, why this gesture of kneeling should not be as comely, and as comfortable as a table gesture.  
Surely I, for my part can say no more but ipse dixit, our master, whose teaching we only rely upon, hath by his own practice openly and solemnly published and proclaimed in the word as with a silver trumpet to all Churches and congregations for ever, the excellent and divine dignity thereof. The other master, teaches from fathers, and counsels, from the precepts of men, yea (as he brags) from unity, Antiquity, and universality, as with the very quintessence of Parnassus melody, that kneeling in the very act of receiving the holy bread and wine in the Lord's supper, is the most humble, thankful, reverend and fittest gesture in the the whole world, yea far beyond that of the table. Thus either master hath & flows in a different sense, let every servant, disciple or scholar therefore cleave fast to his own master, and quite forsake, yea hate and despise the other, 
Luc. 16. 13.  but o man who art thou? are thou mortal, must thou come to judgement, and yet darest thou ask a question of the immortal son of God (in his members or servants) why the gesture which he made choice of, and used and ordained should be better than that which the son of perdition devised and exalted? mayest thou not as well ask, why there should be any Sabbath or but one, not two, why two sacraments and not seven, why he wrote to 7. Churches and not only to the metropolitan? why wives should be subject to their husbands more than in name, 
Eph. 5. 22. 23.  or the Church unto Christ further then in show? 
2. Cor. 12. 5.  let us examine and try these things therefore whether they be of faith (for else they are sin) yea no man can be ignorant of this, 
Rom. 14. 23.  that if Christ do not warrant them by his word, they are reprobated and serve for no other use but to bring some to reprobation, and to hinder others in the means of their salvation, 
Gala. 5. 23.  for as there is no law or condemnation against any fruit of the spirit, or against them in whom it is, yea though the world make a law against it, yet is great consolation to be found in suffering for it: even so if these things in question be the lusts or inventions of the flesh, 
Eshes. 2. 3.  then can they not possibly serve to any other use but to fulfil the will of the flesh and of the mind, and so in their very nature are (as I may say) the children of wrath as well as others, even as well as those damnable devises of sacrificing for the quick and the dead, of disposing of crowns, of dispensations with corporal and spiritual adulteries, or Incests and other like hellish abominations or human inventions, for they all come from one & the same root, flow out of one & the same fountain, have all every one of them as good warrant (by the doctrine of this second master) one as another, even from the prince that ruleth in the air, 
vers. 2.  that spirit which worketh in whatsoever is not done in the obedience of faith in all things of Religious use.  
Dare we then conform in the Religious actions, or gestures of our body to the ceremonies of that spiritual harlot, 
1. Cor. 6. 15.  or to the likeness of them? especially seeing in this great secret or mystery of our union with Christ, 
Ephe. 5. 32.  we are now joined in a far nearer bond unto God then in the innocent estate, and therefore a far greater and stricter subjection is required at our hand. True indeed by creation we were the lovely sons and amiable daughters of the most high, having no thing uncomely, nor any disposition thereunto in any part of us, but by sin we made ourselves strangers yea enemies, 
Ephe. 2. 12. 19.  most filthy, and even loathsome to look upon, yet even in this estate to look upon, when he saw us polluted in our own blood (or filthy nature, 
vers. 4. 5.  when we were naked and bare, utterly void of all goodness or any disposition thereunto, 
Ezek. 16. 6. 7.  even stark dead by sin, in sin, I say in this hateful condition he looked upon 〈◊〉 with the eyes of his love, 
Eph. 2. 4. etc.  and covered, yea clothed our filthiness with the skirts of his own righteousness, 
Ezek. 16. ●  and swore unto us, even entered into covenant with us, and so contracted us to himself to be come wholly and in all things his, and his only, even flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone, 
vers. 9 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.  therefore did he wash us in that fountain of the house of David and anointed us with an ointment from that holy one, 
1. john. 2. 20.  decking us with all spiritual ornaments of grace, and sanctification of life so that his holiness in the Godly, though never so contemptible to the world, is become as truly glorious and honourable as a kingdom, (even as wickedness makes the mighty and great ones in the world ignominious and contemptible.)  
Is it possible therefore to express what great and just cause we have to forsake all other (how learned and reverend, 
Math. 19 5.  how wise and ancient, how holy and universal soever) and in our conformity in all matters of religious use, (especially in the public worship of his name (which being the marriage bed) of necessity is carefully to be kept holy and undefiled) cleave only unto him so long as we both shall live, being tied to him not only by our creation, with the great bonds of loyal subjection and cheerful obedience of loving and natural children; but in our redemption, with that indissoluble love and most loyal affection of a dear and faithful wife.  
Seeing then our nature is thus inseparably united unto the Godhead in the incarnation of our Lord, how dear any true member of his mystical body, in the religious actions of his divine service, conform to the devices of strange lovers? and such are all whatsoever they be, as require any other ceremonies, callings; or gestures, than Christ jesus the Lord is author of. Doth not every wife (if she desire to be found faithful) ●are how she may blessed her husband? 
1. Cor. 7. 34.  Hearken therefore O daughter, and consider, yea incline thine ear, 
Ps. 45. 10.  and give diligent attention, for thou shalt have many dissembling lovers who will persuade thee to the contrary, but thou must forget thine own people and thy father's house, and not regard the customs and traditions of nature, the devices of reason, or the innovations of wit and sense, though never so grave and learned, but in the obedience of faith, conform only to the holy and wise ordinances of thy Lord, yea in all religious actions give this honour and worship one lie to him; 
ver. 8.  let all thy garments (ceremonies or callings) smell of Myrrh, Aloes, and Cassia out of the Ivory Palaces (his own holy and glorious ordinances) which make the heart of the godly to rejoice, and not stink of novelties and incertainties out of the high places of men's precepts or devices, which make heavy the soul of the righteous, so shall the king have pleasure in thy beauty, 
vers. 11.  or in that worship which thou givest unto him, when it is pure and sincere, not painted or sophisticated with the Italian pencil, (whorish or carnal inventions) for he is thy Lord God, and therefore thus Reverence thou him, even perform every ceremony and gesture of religious use in his public worship, according to his own commandment, and no otherwise, for else thou deniest Reverence unto him, and givest it to those whom thou dost conform unto.  
Remember how he washed thee from Popish Antichristian (that whorish) Idolatry, 
Eze. 16, 9 10,  and clothed thee with broidered work (even the pure doctrine of justification by faith working by love, and many other divine truths and sanctifying graces) do not trust now in thine own beauty (or excellency of gifts) and so play the harlot, 
15.  presuming of thy renown; because thou art famous over the Christian world, for thy wisdom and learning and other worthy endowments, ●owr not out thy fornications on every one that passeth by and makes love unto thee, let no carnal respect ever kindle thy desire to such abominable courses; 
16,  Deck not thy high places or Cathedrals, with diverse colours, bring not into God's holy worship those sweet delights of the senses, which are no better than the alluring baits of an harlot, the like things shall not come, neither hath any sincere Church ever conformed to such abominations. Be not, I say, so presumptuous, 
17.  as to abuse those silver gifts and golden jewels which the Lord hath conferred upon thee (to purge his worship and to preserve his service pure and sincere from all kind of mixture of any carnal devices) to defend the indifferency or lawfulness of whoredom or human inventions therein, 
18.  offer them not thy broidered garments, neither set the oil & perfume of the Lord. 
19.  (Those divine truths which then teachest purely) before them. Thou thinkest in the pride of thy heart that these will be sweet and savoury unto them, 
20.  and so by an enforced subscription causest those sons whom thou hast borne unto God, to sacrifice their studies how to give best content to these strangers by mingling their abominations & Gods holy ordinances indifferently together, 
22.  is this they whoredom a small matter? Oh turn thee from all these most grievous and carnal inventions, 
30.  and remember the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and polluted in thy blood, how weak is thy heart saith the Lord God, seeing thou dost all these things, which are the works of a presumptuous whore, 
38.  or a Lordly lawless, and overruling woman. Yet for all this it is schism to deny that thou art a true Church, yea there is no doubt but when thy Harlots and Bawds with their carnal and fleshly devises, 
58.  have borne the punishment of their wickedness and abomination; 
60.  the Lord will remember his covenant made with thee in the days of thy youth, 
61.  and will confirm unto thee an everlasting covenant, than thou shalt remember thy ways and be ashamed.  
Oh our reverend and most dear mother, 
1. Cor. 11. 7.  is it not the glory of the man to have his wife humble & obedient; why wilt thou then thus press us even upon thy blessing as we would not incur thy displeasure and curse, to Conform to ceremonies, callings or gestures which bear no Image or resemblance, of the most holy ordinances of our heavenly father, but the direct similitude or likeness of that Character or mark of the Beast? oh forget not thou fair one the most amiable love of that son of his love, that we are the true or legitimate fruit of thy womb, is it possible for thee to be unmindful of this; can we ever forget those sweet instructions and most heavenly consolations which we sucked out of thy beautiful breasts; O thou sister and spouse of that holy one, call to mind what excellent graces he so enamelled thee withal that he cannot but love and delight in thee, unless he should hate himself, are all the gardens of the East, or living fountaints of the west, or sweet fruits of Camphir, spikenard, Calamus and Cinnamon, with all the trees of Incencer mirr●rand Aloes yea all the chief spices in the whole world possibly able to shadow out, that high excellency and most sovereign dignity where with out of his own very prerogative he hath truly and Really endowed thee? why then by thy conformity to these human devices, wilt thou shut the door against thy well beloved and not suffer him to enter into his garden to eat his pleasant fruit, but offers him grapes which thou hast gathered of these thorny Inventions, & figs which these thistly traditions have brought forth? was it not thine own instruction from our Creadle, that we must put of the old man with all his works and put on the new, 
Cososs. 3. 9  even be made conformable to the will or word of God in all things, both in our tender years and stronger age, and oldest days? and must we now learn another lesson or manner of perfection even to have our eyes opened, 
〈◊〉. 3. 5.  yea and be as Gods by conforming to these novelties? whose device is this? mark dear mother upon my bare knees I beseech thee who that is that talketh such things with thee? Do we sell Advowsions, depopulate towns, or houses, do we keep two benefices, or closely practise usury, are we partners in monopolies, have we a whore in a corner, do we dissemble and deceive, or are we unmerciful, unjust or any way dishonest; then let thy holy Censures cut us of from that blessed Communion of they heavenly family, and divine society. But oh thou sweetest among the loveliest who art the very choice of all the fairest, Enjoin us not we beseech thee to forget the name of our God, or to bow our knee or conform to any thing which is not truly grounded on his word, some thing indeed may be in these courses which we cannot discern, but no goodness or godliness can possibly be in them, unless they be his commandments.  
But thou sayest or rather thy minions inform thee, 
Object.  that the Lord did never forbid these things,  
The clean contrary seems most plain to us and that out of thine own doctrines, 
Answ.  but suppose he be pleased to be silent, to teach modesty and fear, shall we be bold therefore to fall into presumption? Consider, (oh thou that bore us the appointed months, and brought us forth in every ones due season) where did he forbid Adam to eat that particular fruit? true indeed that the tree was forbidden; and are not we in the same general terms directly forbidden to worship him in any other manner in his public service than he hath commanded? is not this the very tener purpose & drift of the second commandment, forbidden also to bow down or show any Reverend respect to the likeness of any thing which in his worship man hath devised?  
Oh thou that are the mother of us all, pluck up: these fruits of distraction even by the very roots, and suffer them no longer to breed divisions and separations among thy true children, deal truly with thine own soul and mark it well, though it come from such as excel all other in learning and wisdom, 
Gen. 3. 1. 4. 5.  yet whether it be not a tore of that En●ious-man, 
johu. 8. 44.  and whether those Resolute disputers for the justifying thereof be not his professed Children, for thou hast often taught us to take heed of sinning against our knowledge or certain persuasion though it be but in a matter of never so small consequence, but especially in all things of Religious use, seeing disobedience yea and Rebellion appeareth as well therein as in the grossest and foulest abomination of popery, yea this was the comely talk of thy scarlet lips, 
jam. 2, 10,  that whosoever keepeth the whole law and yet faileth in one point, he is guileie of all, and therefore though we have cast quite away the grosser point of popery, yet wilful conformity to any human Innvention of Religious use in the public worship of God, makes us guilty of the whole mass of that damnable Idolatry; according to an other lesson which most carefully thou didst often beat upon, 
1. Cor 5. 6.  that a little leaven doth sour the whole lump, 
jon. ●. 6.  yea whatsoever is borne of the very wisdom of the flesh, 
Rom. ●. 7.  is notwithstanding very Enmity with God, 
Luc. 3, 39  for howsoever Adam and all in his loins were by creation the sons of God, and whatsoever gestures they used in his worship were most pleasing and acceptable to him; yet now (by transgression) having changed their father and nature, all the ceremonies, callings, and gestures which they can possibly devise concerning the worship of God, or government of his Church are without contradiction the very works of their new father and nature, 
john, 8 41,  for who can possibly be ignorant of this, 
Rome, 6, 16,  that to whomsoever we give ourselves as servants to obey, his servants we are to whom by conformity we do obey, whether it be to human Inventions, or Gods holy ordinances, and the same rule holds in all matters of Religious use, 
Rome, 10, 14, 15  if they can not tell how to preach except they be sent, nor we how to pray or call upon God as we ought, 
Rom. 〈…〉.  but by the spirit of God, according to the Scriptures, how is it possible for all the learning and wisdom in the world to tell what ceremony, calling or gesture is fit and lawful in the service of God but by the same spirit▪  
Seeing then these devices (at the very best, the mocking, yea some of them persecuting sons of Agar) have no warrant from the word and spirit of God, 
Gen. 21. 9  what letteth but that safely we may, 
Gal. 4. 29.  yea ought to esteem them. Vagabonds & Runagates in the earth, howsoever not in the highest degree able to murder (or make an absolute nullity of religion) yet not being borne of God, 
1. john. 3. 9  or warranted by his word, they must of absolute necessity be confessed to be unrighteous, because the Lord our Righteousness is not author of them, and all unrighteousness (in substance or ceremony) is sin, 
john. 5. 15.  and therefore all that wittingly conform thereunto upon what terms of considerations soever though in the lowest and most tolerable degree that can be imagined) are (in the same degree that this their sin is of) verily and most certainly of the Devil, 
1. joh. 3. 8.   
Why should any wonder then or think it strange, 
Pro. 1. 20. 21.  that though wisdom have cried out and uttered her voice like a trumpet, in pulpits, in prisons, in words, in writings, in fiery zeal, in most humble and meekest manner, yet these carnal and worldly minded men love foolishness (even the devices of flesh and blood,) 
22  and take pleasure in scorning whatsoever and whosoever is contrary to them therein, and so despise all the counsel of the Lord: 
25.  shall not the end of these things be bitter? yea will not Destruction seize on them at length, 
26.  and will not the Lord rejoice and laugh thereat, even make joyful the hearts of his people, to see their cruel adversaries eat the fruit of their own way, 
31.  and be filled with their own devices?  
Yea most dear and tender mother, hast thou not often told us, that all that are disobedient unto, 
Rom. 10. 21.  or wilfully gainsay any thing truly and evidently taught from the Scriptures, were to be esteemed of all that desire sincerely to fear the Lord, stiffeneked resisters of the Holy Ghost? 
Act. 7. 51.  because by such proceedings they plainly proclaim that in their hearts they say th●re is no God, 
Psal. 14. 1.  or which is all one, that God is not so jealous of his worship, and every ceremony, calling, and gesture therein, so as he esteems them only his lovers and friends that subscribe only to his commandments therein; 
Exod. 20. 5, 6.  and holds them his enemies, yea such as hate him that conform to any thing therein which in his word he hath not commanded as in the second commandment more at large it doth appear? be pleased therefore to remember, from the very word of our father thou hast often instructed us, that though without all contradiction there is a spirit in man (and therefore it may be that some are called spiritual men) yet we should always find this to be true in all controversies o● proceedings about matters of Religious nature, 
1. Cor. 1. 26.  not many such how excellent soever (much less the greatest part of them) though most wise after the flesh, no though their counsel in their days be esteemed as free from error as the oracle of God, 
2, Sam, 16, 23,  are notwithstanding chosen of God to do any special good to his Churches, or servants: for indeed though their titles be spiritual, 
Hose, 9, 7,  yet their ways and courses do plainly testify that their hearts are Carnal and fleshly, 
Rom. 8, 5.  and therefore they do not savour the things of God's spirit no they seem mere foolishness unto them, 
1. Cor, 2, 14,  because indeed they are spiritually discerned, & therefore they esteem them very fools and asses that will lose a good living rather than conform to men's Inventions in God's worship, thus do they assume that sufficiency to themselves which is wholly of God Almighty whose inspiration only giveth understanding especially in all matters of Religious use, 
1. Cor, 3. 5.  and yet will these aspiring spirits presume to set the H. Ghost to school, 
job, 32, 8,  & most presumptuously read large lectures of discretion unto him in his servants, because they will not conform without his direct warrant, pretending that there is great truth (& no lies) in the things they press, and yet cannot possibly prove them to be commanded of God (as all truth necessary for the Church to conform unto, is) as though if there were any kind of truth in them the holy Ghost would not lead and direct us therein, 
joh. 16. 13.  and lest they should put this off, as a peculiar promise to the Apostles he hath purposely by precept and practise expressly in all such occasions, 
john 5. 39.  tied us absolutely to the Scriptures, 
2. Tim. 3. 17.  you have done foolishly therefore in this, 
Math. 12. 2. to 10, & 19 8.  O ye reverend and learned men, that ye● have not rested on the word of the Lord, in these thing in controversy which you so eagerly press conformity unto but (as it were upon the host of the Aramits) on the Ancient fathers, 
2. Chron. 16. 7. 9  general counsels, and canons, human reason, and the learning and wisdom of the world, hear therefore the word of the Lord henceforth you shall have wars, one or other shall set upon your ceremonies & all other your human inventions, and never give that argument over, till all ordinances in the Church which God hath not planted by the authority of the Scriptures be utterly rooted out.  
And this your Idol of conformity the ripe fruit of your proud hearts will deceive you, 
jer. 49. 16.  yea though thereby you are grown confident, because you have at length settled your seats as safely, as in the clefts of the Rock and made your nests the very next to the Eagle himself in the supremest mountains of the highest Region, yet, will I bring you down from thence saith the Lord, for though by thy wisdom and deep policies or undiscerned subtleties thou hast gotten thee great riches and prefer 〈…〉nts, 
Ezek. 28. 4. 5.  and hast increased very greatly thy power and authority and so art lifted up in thine heart as in a chair of security, conceiting thyself that thou art wiser than Daniel and hast more learning and wisdom, 
vers. 3.  greater reason and stronger arguments for thy conformity then all those that are of perfect or sincere hearts towards the Lord, 
2. Chron. 16. 9  and are contrary minded, and therefore dare no way conform unto you, with whom their fear even he whom they serve will show his strength) yet behold God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound you that are so wise, 
1. Cor. 1. 27.  yea vile and despised persons which in the opinion of the world being compared with you, did not so much as seem to exist, 
28  or bring to nought your strongest arguments for this your great goddess conformity, and that by a plain demonstration of their vanity, yea though they be neither prophets, or sons of the Prophets nor so much as brought up at the feet of some prophet, but in comparison mere strangers yet they be as a terrible nation and their arguments shall be as drawn swords against the very beauty of thy wisdom yea they shall defile thy brightness, 
Ezek. 28. 7.  your so admired understanding, by laying open your most dissembling and cunning practices, yea (in some of you) horrible and fearful blasphemies.  
Many have had I confess, too religious estimation of your learning, and other venerable endowments but finding it plain that in this Controversy with poor Christians you have cast off the word of the Lord, 
Esa. 30. 12.  and trust in violence and wickedness, and stay thereupon, for the justifying of your courses, not regarding the laws of God or man, but by one devise or other will break through all, therefore there is great hope that this iniquity which lies swelling within you, 
13  will make you so top-heavie, as your very height, the only thing you so wisely foresaw to be necessary, and therefore so providently by your deep reaches have attained, will be an unavoidable cause of your sudden and violent downfall, yea, and with that detestation, as no one human invention seem it never so tolerable, shall be left for the meanest use and office in the worship and public service of the Lord, no not so much as a little sheared to fetch fire or water: for as all God's ordinances are good, so no human invention of religious use in God's worship can be good, no not one. And whereas it is objected that the reverend Fathers of our Church hold them lawful and good jure divino, 
in a tract beginning 〈…〉 ddite quae sunt Caesaris Caesari etc.  even so that Reverend father Deterano, Chamberlain to urban 6. publicly taught with great approbation of many great Divines, that the very meaning of Christ in saying give to Caesar the things that be Caesars, was but till his ascension and that when he was lifted up he would draw all these things unto him, that is, Baronies, Earldoms, yea and kingdoms too, even all that was Caesar's, and that it is therefore of Divine Institution, that the ministers of the Gospel might challenge and enjoy these things as their proper and peculiar right, both revenues and honours, and that it was grievous sacrilege for any prince to withhold the same, or any civil authority from them, or to this effect was that which he held, & which hath sprung out of that slip which he then set, the several plants whereof have wonderfully thriven in all christendom; so likewise many great scholars and very learned divines have held it an invincible argument, that the Pope's government, Hierarchy, and supremacy is lawful, because it hath prospered and so long endured with good success, for else say they, God would never have suffered it. Is it not also avowed by many wise and reverent Doctors, 
In Canon. joco. frat. de consecra. dist. 1.  that james the brother of our Lord according to the flesh, did bring in the Mass and joined it to the scripture, and therefore that it is of Apostolical institution and aught to be conformed unto? In like manner it is a received opinion of great antiquity being one of the deep doctrines of divine Durandus, that every sunday and holiday the souls do play in Purgatory: Are they not worthy therefore to be presented that do any kind of work upon any holy day, yea though it be not in prayer time, unless it be to go to the Alehouse to be merry, and to leap and dance about the May-poule after a bagpipe, or so forth, for that helps forward the foresaid merriment? yea our own countryman Cardinal Poole, 
In his book upon the council of Trent.  a reverend Divine, and as great a Scholar as any of our great Adversaries, held and taught that the meaning of Christ in making Peter a fisher of men, was, that he would drive all Emperors and Kings, yea all the people of the world into the Pope's net, so that he might seethe, broil, or fry them in a pan, even as his Holiness should think best to use and order them, and his Prelates and their inferior officers also to make their best gain and advantage of them, and many other strange opinions concerning callings, and ceremonies in God's worship, have been published by great Scholars, and confirmed by whole Synods & Convocations; yea and general Counsels, with as great probability many of them, and show of all kind of true learning as all that is, which the reverend fathers and learned Divines of this age have published, or can say for these ceremonies, and the other things in controversy amongst us.  
Seeing then the Church in her wisdom establised them as divine truths, though not as necessary to salvation, yet profitable for unity, decency, and to try the obedience of her children, why should not they be as well conformed to as ours? were not their pure naturals as able to find out some things commendable, yea necessarily to be conformed unto in the worship of God, though they had no better ground for them in the Scripture, then as is formerly mentioned, as well as the naturals of this pure or learned and spiritual age? Degrees of Evil there is indeed, but nature admits not any one degree of goodness, no not one, for it is stark dead in trespasses and sins, 
Eph. 2. 1. & 4. 17. 18.  the mind vain, the understanding darkened, and full of ignorance, 
1. Cor. 2. 14.  the heart haidened not perceiving the things of the spirit of God, nay it thinks them to be mere foolishness, and more than needs; even most absurd and against common sense: must it not therefore be granted of absolute necessity, that all such spiritual persons, as well in these times as in those (by what name or title soever they be called, though they have all the learning and wisdom in the world; yet if they bring not the warrant of God's word plainly or truly for them in all their ceremonies, callings, gestures, and other devices whatsoever of religious use, are to be held, reputed, and adjudged liars, 
Rom. 3. 4.  and therefore all such their opinions of the Devil the father of lies, and therefore by no means upon any terms to be conformed unto? was not their verbum non scriptum, consuetudo sanstae Ecclesiae, traditiones patrum, bonae intentiones, constitutiones vel canon's, as tolerable and necessary as ours? was it not the practice of the serpent from the beginning, to prove by many wise and learned arguments, that the only way to aspire to spiritual preferments in this world, is absolutely to forsake and disclaim the warrant of the sacred scripture in all matters of ceremony, and to depend upon tradition, and the Catholic grounds aforesaid?  
Oh our most dear mother, we can never forget these weighty instructions which so carefully and constantly thou hast taught unto us, first that all manner of witchcraft is (in the degree) a direct forsaking of God, and a uniting and knitting unto the Devil, and therefore no manner of Witch, 
Leuit. 20. 6.  white or black, good or evil, nor any that seek after them, aught to live, (not that there is any of them good, but that like other human or devilish inventions they seem to do good, by maintaining diverse in unlawful callings, and by helping some to their stolen or lost goods, 
1. Sam. 15. 25.  or others of diseases in men or beasts, or the like.) Secondly that Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, yea that a Rebellious transgression though it be but in ceremony, calling or gesture is a wickedness not inferior to Idolatry▪ for the same ground or foundation serves for both, and that it is no● garments, music, and such like complement that the Lord accepts or takes any pleasure in (which yet he doth in every thing of Religious use which he would have his fervants in his worship to conform unto) but when his voice is obeyed. 
vers. 22.  Now his voice is in nothing, but what his word doth command; therefore thou didst conclude that he was not obeyed in any thing of religious use, which was not grounded upon his commandment, according to his own words whatsoever I command you (concerning my worship) that do, 
Deu. 12. 32  thou shalt not add any thing (whether ceremony, calling, gesture or whatsoever) thereto, for all counsels, or canons or whatsoever, that in God's worship require any thing of religious use which is not the commandment of the Lord or his voice, 
jer. 7, 23, 24,  is directly stubbornness of a wicked heart, which makes to go backward from God and sincerity, to all profanes and Apostasy, 
ver, 28.  truth is perished and clean gone out of the mouth of such preachers as maintain such things, and therefore thou didst charge us for ever, to continue (in our serving of God) in all things which are written in the word of God, 
Gal. 3. 10. ●.  to do them; yea them only and not any Invention or novelty whatsoever, which unavoidably, especially being once known and yet justified and defended; will bring Gods grievous plague and curse. 
Rom. 1. 17.  Is the Righteousness of the Church Revealed in the Gospel and that not torn or patched, but perfect and complete? and is the worship and ceremonies, callings and gestures, whereby the Church is made partaker of that righteousness, and shows her thankfulness unto God for the same, but lamely taught therein, or to the halves? part being left to traditions, unwritten verities, and human Inventions? verily as in that so in these, 
Rom. 4, 2. 1.  if there be any cause of Rejoicing it is not with God, and therefore must needs be with the Devil, for what, else can possibly be found concerning the flesh (be it never so wise or learned) or any work, fruit, or device thereof is not the justifying of human Inventions in God's worship without warrant from the word, a plain profession that they think though they be not more Just than GOD, 
job. 4, 17,  or more pure than their maker, yet verily there is some justice and purity in their nature, whereby they are able to find out a holy use of these things which God never commanded?  
Is not this a very natural branch of that folly which being found was punished so fearfully in the Angels; 
18  therefore didst thou warn us also for ever to take heed of unstedfastnes, & not to presume to conform to any invention of man (in this kind) seeing he dwells but in a house of clay whose foundation is in the dust, 
19  and therefore all his reasons and arguments are but dusty and dirty, and that fleshly liberty & carnal privileges which he claims proceeds but from his fatness even that abundance of earthly honours and preferments which pamper him, 
Deut. 32. 15  and by security makes him better fed then taught, and so to fall from sincerity and uprightness, and even to spurn with his heel at God's ordinances and servants, which in effect is to forsake God that made him, by not regarding the strong God of his salvation, but despising his gracious ordinances which he had made strong and effectual to bring him to the assurance thereof by faith in Christ, he sets up his own inventions, and magnifies his carnal devices, punishing most grievously all that will not conform thereunto.  
And thus by strange gods, or (which differs nothing in effect) by strange ceremonies callings and gestures of Religious use in God's worship which are Abominations they provoke the Lord to Anger, how can this be otherwise, seeing all such outward worship and service (though the Inward substance concerning the doctrine of faith in the Messias seem never so found) is a mere offering unto devils and not unto God, even new gods, newly come up, as every thing which God himself hath not commanded in the word is to be esteemed.  
Can we with any honesty condemn the inventions of popery in their religious worship whether they concern their callings, as their 7 orders of priests etc. or ceremonies, as voluntary vows, & like devotions as directly coming out of that smoke of the pit, because they thereby corrupt the true worship of God with profane & carnal devices, & must we not needs thereby subscribe that ours are of the same hatch, if they have no better warrant than they by the word of God? Their civil magistrates allow & command those as best fitting their government, & as having long experience of God's blessing on them for maintaining of them, & where is it forbidden in the Scriptures to have a most reverend opinion of the Relics of saints? suppose it be Joseph's breeches or our Lady's smock which are with great devotion reserved at Aken, or in what Epistle or Gospel is it prohibited that the town of Genua in Italy should keep in a reverend memorial of Christ, the tail of the Ass which he road upon to jerusalem, which if any man will not believe me, he may go thither and see very fresh and fair at this day, for aught I know not one hair wanting.  
Now may not they as well grievously punish and perpetually imprison) at least till death set them at liberty) all that will not conform to these, and many other as good as these, as having nothing in them contrary to the word of God, as well as our adversaries for these in question among us? for what greater decency can be found in a white shirt, or a well furred hood, then in these? Oh Lord, did not these plants come from Gomorah, 
vers, 32,  which have such dragonish poison, and Aspish cruelty in them? 
33  are not these their courses laid up in store with thee, yea are they not sealed most safely (till their full ripenesss be accomplished) among thy treasures? 
34  shall not their feet (whose beauty doth only consist in their golden buskins and slippers) in due time slide? 
35  Have they not some feeling already of the slipprinesse of their places, which makes them so extremely violent in their mischievous Courses? yes verily, dear mother, those that thus have abused thee and fed thy Children with corrupt food, the very Day of their Destruction is at hand and the things, 
36  that shall come upon them make haste, for the Lord shall judge his people, and repent towards his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and no man left either to speak or stand out for the truth, when men shall say, where are their Gods, 
37.  even that mighty God in whom they trusted, whom they did so rejoice with their prophesyings; and days of public humiliations and rejoicings, 
38,  Let them rise up and help you, let him be your refuge, and if he will have you, let him deliver you out of our courts, from our censures, from excommunicato capiendo, from our bands and imprisonment. 
Esa, 66, 5.  Oh hear the word of the Lord all ye that tremble at his word, your enemies, who termed themselves brethren, and hated you, which they evidently showed by casting you out for my name's sake, said, let the Lord be glorified, and so he will, for he shall appear to your joy, 
vers. 4.  and they shall be ashamed, for I will choose out their defusions wherewith they have so blinded and deceived the Princes and the Rulers, and discover their hypocrisy to all the world. For I know the thoughts that I have toward my people saith the Lord; 
jer. 29. 11.  even the thoughts of peace and not of trouble, 
12  to give you an end, and your hope; then shall you cry unto me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hear you, and ye shall seek me, and find me, because ye shall seek me with all your heart, yea you shall take up this curse against your adversaries, 
22  The Lord make thee like Zedechiah and Ahab, whom the King burnt in fire, because they committed villainy in Israel, 
23  even adultery with their neighbour's wives, and have spoke lying words in my name▪ which I have not commanded them, 
He saith not which I have forbidden.  even I know it; and testify it saith the Lord, though they walk so closely as they think no body shall find them out; yea, I will visit Shemaiah because he hath spoken rebelliously against the Lord, 
32  and hath prophesied and I sent him not.  
Thus we find it true (dear mother) which thou hast often repeated, that a little leaven in their corrupted minds being thus by ambition nourished, brings this lamentable sourness to the whole lump of all their proceedings, even a Rebellious wilfulness to break any of God's greatest commandments, if occasion so require, rather than to reform their fleshly and carnal devices, the only supporters of their lawless greatness. Yet we must needs acknowledge that howsoever diverse of our adversaries are exceeding violent, and will not stand to hear reason, or to give any for the things they require, but either conform, take the oath, or take him away jailor, or cast him out; yet diverse of them take exceeding great pains, and with many deep reasons full of learning and antiquity, discretion and wisdom, seem to say very much for conformity, but for mine own part I still say, and for ever must say, that I never heard or saw any dram of divine authority, nor any thing favouring of the spirit of grace come from them; & alas holy mother, thou hast taught us, over & over again, that we must esteem the most absolute perfection of the wisdom of the flesh, 
Rom. 8. 5● 6. 7. 8.  to be unsensible of the things of God, yea mere Enmity against him, and therefore in any case never to conform unto them, because in so doing we cannot possibly be subject to the law of God, but must needs Rebel against the holy Ghost by whose inspiration it was written. 
Act. 7. 51.   
Rebel therefore no longer you learned men by walking in a way which is not good even after your own Imaginations, 
Esa. 65. 2.  if you think it horrible blasphemy, that a priest of a piece of bread should make his maker, then judge it at least some smatch of like Idolatry, for men to presume without any warrant from the word, to create any thing whatsoever of Religious use for the service of their saviour, but if you be persuaded that those five words are of such efficacy, then hold on your course make more cannons to strengthen your Conformity.  
Lastly one word to you my dear brethren of the Separation and one word to the wise is sufficient. There is no one thing that our adversaries do more greedily desire, than how to raise divisions and dissensions amongst us, which most willingly, though dissemblingly, they usually for a time give way unto. Carefully looking what comes nearest to the truth; and therefore most directly opposing their kingdom and that with force and arms, even by fraud, and all abominable practices, they set against (which my trust is some good body will plainly discover to their perpetual shame) but tenl me true in good sadness did you never read the learned legend of that holy Nun, mother Hubberd, how that an Ass is still an Ass, though he have stolen a lions skin, & jets up and down like an irregular monster, a learned master I should say, even very so it is, I tell you a truth though indeed a great secret, they have bretrayed our dear mother who bore us all, and because she would not yield to their beastly lusts; by a trap door, yea in the place of holiness and that under pretence of devotion, have caused her ere she was aware of their guilefulness, to fall in a most deep dungeon, and having stripped her of all her goodly Raiment, they have power given them, there to detain her for a time, and so have clad their common harlot my Lady (sa-reverence) Superstition in our mother's best clothes, and painted her writhe face, filling up the pockholes etc. with such excellent art and learned devices, as they have made the filthy beast to seem ●erie like our holy mother, insomuch as a good while, we all were persuaded that it was she, but some of our elder brethren hearing her voice so strangely changed, began to suspect that some thing was in the wind, and so observing more diligently, perceived her box & pencil, attendans never to be from her, lest any accident should discover the knavery. Now you know she always abhorred painting (as all honest women do) and so it is evident that this filthy strumpet gulls the world, & abuses all that are sincerely affected, having such a Company of base and beastly followers, as will swear and forswear any thing for the preservation of her credit, for if her vizard be once plucked off, they know full well that they must be sent packing with a vengeance.  
My humble suit is therefore unto you, that in your wisdom you would be pleased seriously to moralise this fable, and to join with us in the means of the redemption of our mother, who I do assure you, recommends her love unto you, and desires greatly to embrace us all in her arms of unity and sincerity. The dungeon is an entire Rock and so hard that no tool will pierce it, only the tears of true Repentance, distilled in a limbeck of a lively faith, over a fire of a godly life, moderately kept burning with the bellows of holy zeal according unto knowledge, will absolutely dissolve it, yea I may tell you our mother is very confident that if you and we would lovingly join together in this business without fainting, separating ourselves from all singularity, pride, love of the world, even all the works of darkness, her sighs and groans have already so softened the inside, that the outside gapes as it were for our mollifying medicine. Up my brethren stir up one another, and let us never give over till by our earnest prayers and godly lives we have procured her liberty, then shall we see these Enchanters, and witches children with their goddess Conformity, sent home again to Egypt, where shortly together with all of that litter, they are to receive their portion: pardon my boldness dear mother, pass by my rudeness dear brethren, accept of my service to my Saviviour, for I desire only his praise and glory.  MALAC. 3. 1. 
The Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his Temple, even the messenger of the Covenant, whom ye delight in, behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.  
But who may abide his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiners fire, and like fullers soap, etc.  
I do most humbly entreat all Christians that are zealous of the Common salvation, wisely, yea and earnestly to Contend for the maintenance of all and every action, gesture, and ceremony of the faith which were once given to the saints, and never to conform to any other.  
FOR  
No omission of any action is Sin, but only of those actions which GOD hath Commanded, or have warrant from his word, but the actions of the gesture of kneeling and of the ceremonies in question in manner and form as they be urged, are not commanded by God, neither have warrant from the word therefore the omission of them is not sin,  
Let our adversaries prove that they be commanded by God, or are warranted by the word, and we will ipso facto conform unto them, but else their omission is no sin, and therefore we are punished for well doing.  Be of good courage and do it, and the Lord shall be with the good. 2. Chron. 19 11.