But let vs begin with prayer , and so we shall speed the better .

It is well said , I like that wel , conceiue you the prayer , and I shall ioyne with you .

O Lord thou hast giuen vs thy holy word , as a lantern to our feete , and a light vnto our pathes : illuminate our vnderstanding , thou that art the father of lights , with the light of thy spirit : and let the sunne beames of thy holy word shine vpon our heartes : that the eye of our inward man may be opened , and we may see the trueth , and follow it in loue , and with one mind glorifie thy name , and seeke the peace and tranquillity of the Church , and the common saluation . Amen .

Amen .

Well then Antimachus , that we may haue some ground to stand on , what are the points that you stand vpon , that you do mislike ?

I differ chiefly from you in two points : namely in the garments of the ministers , and especially in the surplesse : but most of all in the crosse in baptisme .

Why in the garments ?

1. First , because this distinction of garments that are enioyned vs , doe properly appertaine to the priesthood of Aaron : which is now out of date , and is not to be reuersed , answer me to that .

That is a knot easie to be vndone , and I thus aunswer you . In the law and priesthood of Aaron , there were sacraments , by which it pleased God to consigne his promises of Christ , that was to come , all which I acknowledge to be repealed , and that we are to beleeue that Christ is giuen , and is not now to be giuen , and , other new signes and charters of his promises , in the roome of the old , being ordained vnder the gospell , by the Lord himself , which are bread and wine , we are not to bring into vse againe , the old seales and markes . But yet notwithstanding , there were there some actions , that were of that nature , as they could not kindlie be called sacraments , for they serued for decencie , and order , and some apt vse , which as hauing good congruitie with the light of nature , and somwhat appertaining to our good , I am of the mind , that they may be reuiued and retayned ; who doth not know , that the Apostles for the peace and fellowship of the faithfull , did giue in commaundement to the Church , that they should abstaine from thinges , offered to Idols , and from bloud , and that is strangled : which questionlesse , were prouisoes in the law , belonging to the priesthood of Aaron , if we will generally respect what that law deliuered . Tythes also are in vse , in most churches , which we shal not find mentioned in the new Testament , which we doubt not to be due by the law of god now ▪ it being as free for any Christian magistrate , to deduct ciuill lawes from the Iewish policie , as for the Romanes , to borrow from the Athenians , and some cities of Germanie , from the Venetians , certaine of their ordinances , Moses was the captaine lawgiuer , with whome Theseus , Romulus , Minos , Numa , Solon , are no way to be compared . We also giue instance of Psalmes and Hymnes , which take not I suppose any authority from the lawe of the gospell , but they haue very good foundation , in the old charter . Moreouer , Ambrose expounding the fourteenth chapter and 26. verse of the first epistle to the Corinthians , plainly sayth , that the manner of prophecying , there deliuered by Paul , was borrowed from the synagogues , and brought into our churches . We haue also festiuall dayes , in remembrance of the birth , death , resurrection , ascension of our Sauiour Christ ▪ Shall we abolish all these , because they haue so nigh neighbourhood , and cognation with the old legall , and leuiticall ceremonies ?

You haue here opened a gap , to manie superstitions , as to holy water , perfumes , and infinite such trinkets .

Not so , for we replie further , that there is a meane and moderation to be holden , in the entertaining of primatiue ceremonies , that the church be not aggrauated or surcharged , with these things : and that we are not to giue any religion vnto them , as there was to holy water , incense and such things . Againe , we warne Christians to be cautelous , that they endanger not their Christian liberty , that albeit some antienter ceremonies , be restored , yet they be not so receiued , as necessary to saluation . But so to tolerate and vse them , as when it shall seeme good by higher powers , they may as superfluous or little profitable , grow out of vse , as it may well be done in these garments , when it shall please our commaunders . In the meane while , let vs be contented , and imbrace the sweet peace and welfare offered vs , vnder such gentle fauourable , and honest conditions . The learned brethren in the daies of Queen Marie , would haue embraced with both armes , such a consideration as this for the purchase of their liues and liberty .

It is to purpose that you say , but I assault you with a new argument , thus . These garments that are enioyned vs , are reliques of Rome , and old Popish trash : wherfore , as we haue renounced the Pope and his religion , we ought to haue no thing to do with his reliques of superstition .

You shall neuer prooue , that this different habite , of the ministers , that you can not like , was first founded by the Pope . I am sure that the Aegyptians in the sacrifices of Isis long before euer there was a Pope , were cloathed with white garments , as the Poet Ouid testifieth , saying ;

Nunc dea linigera colitur celeberrima turba .

The goddesse great , by euerie wight , Ouidlus .

Is now ador'd with garments white .

And we find in the stories of the Church , that Iohn the Apostle ware at Ephesus a pontificall breast plate . And the Deacon Pontius witnesseth of Cyprian the Martyr , that when he was to dye , he gaue his surplesse to the Deacons , and stood in linnen robes . Hierome sheweth , that there was an vniforme habite of ministers in ministration and seruice of religion ? Hieron . li. 13. in 44. Ezech. and a diftering attire for the vse of common life . This vniforme habite which was vsed in the religion of god , by the Bishop , priest , and Deacon , was the white vesture as the same father elsewhere teacheth , Hieron . li. 1. aduers . pelag. lib. 1. cap. 9. saying : Is it any enmitie to god , if I weare a white garment , that is comelie ? If the Bishop , priest , or Deacon , and the rest of Ecclesiasticall ranke , come to administer the vsuall sacrifice in a white vesture , are they therefore hereby Gods aduersaries ? Now that it was the receiued vse of those times , wherein that holy father Hierom liued , to put on white garments , in the execution of diuine seruice , and in the celebration of the blessed sacraments , the counsell of Carthage maketh proofe , at which were present , two hundred and fourteen Bishops , among whome was Augustine . The testimony of that Counsell is this Diaconus tempore oblationis tantum vel lectionis alba induitur . Concil. Carthage Canon 46. The Deacon onelie in the time of oblation or reading , is cloathed in white raiment . Chrisostome , also maketh mention , of the white garments of the ministers of the church . Antient writers do report , that the Christians when they were conuerted to Christ , changed their habit , & in stead of their gowne , tooke a cloake : for which when they were flowted by the heathens , Tertullian wrote a learned treatise of the cloake . And we may not be ignorant , that to such as were entred the church by baptisme , an Albe or white garment was deliuered . Wherefore hence it is a cleere case , that before the popes vsurped tyranny had beginning , there were no few differences of garments in the church . But to yeld you so much for further conference sake , that the Pope was the Patrone of these garments : your consequence will not hold , that therefore they are to be absolutely refused . For to restrain vs from euery thing that the Pope vseth , is to nip the neck of the Church with too straight a yoake , and to lay too great a burden of bondage vpon it . Truly our forefathers in a good discretion coulde appropriate the temples of Idols vnto religious vses , and to the trew seruice and worship of god , and diuert such reuenues as had bin formerly deuoted to vild vses , as to the imaginary gods of the gentiles , to theatricall pastimes , to their vestall virgines : to the maintenance of Church ministers . Wheras before they serued not only Antichrist , but the diuell . The Poets did dedicate the fruits of their wits , their verses , and pamphlets to their seueral Muses and Gods , yet holy writers , where they haue found any good stuffe , in them worthy of their vse , they haue bin bold to make benefit of them , wherin they haue the Apostle Paul their example , who brought three quotations of poets , as of Menander , Aratus , Epimenides , into the body of the Bible . Who doth not also know that wine was consecrated to Bacchus , bread to Ceres , water to Neptune , oyle to Minerua , learning to Mercurie , Musick to the Muses or Apollo , and many other such things yee may reade in Tertullian his treatise , De corona militis , where he dealeth with this subiect matter : all which we make no bones to vse , as well in sacred as prophane vses , albeit they had bin dedicated to Idols or deuils ?

You haue set a good die vpon a course cloath . This fashion and forme of ministers attire , is but an humane inuention : is it any more ?

It is . For the linuen garment and vestiments of the church , haue very nigh resemblance of Aarons Ephod , and his other pontificall induments ordained by god . The linnen garment was after that a symbole of a professor of religion , 1. Sam. 2. 2. Sam. 6. as Samuels linnen coate was to him , and as Dauids linnen Ephod was , wherwith he was girded when he danced before the Ark. And the roabes of our Bishops are taken vp in immitation of the high priests robes , enioyned at the appointment of God by Moses . But let it be an humane inuention , because it pleaseth you to think no better of it . Are you in that mind , that all humane inuentions , are to be throwen out of the church ? If you thinke so , then must we alter the time of our Communions , it being at supper , and first of all celebrated by Christ at night , and humane wisedome hath lawfully enough dispensed with the time , Act. 4.37 . and translated it to the morning . So that receiued order of the primitiue church , that the price of such things , that were sould , should be laide at the Apostles feet , was meerly mans ordination and constitution : wherefore you may aswell stomack that , and except against it .

But I pray you what vse is there of them , that you please to pleade so for them ?

Truly , much euery way . For they are not without good and proper signification . 1. For the linnen garment in diuine seruice is more commendable then that which is of woole , because it is a symbole and signe of innocencye and puritie : wherfore it is said in the Reuelation , of the saints , that they shal be cloathed with long white robes .

Our sacred profession signifieth so much , let vs therfore sample it , not signifie that purity .

You may tell Paul so much , when he decreed among the Corinthians , 1. Co. 11.5 . that the woman should haue her head couered and the man should be bareheaded , and standeth only vpon the signification of it . You may herin say vnto him , let the man shew himselfe his wiues head , and let the womans behauiour declare that shee is subiect to her husband , and let them not by dum signes demonstrate it . But the Apostles wisedom thought it behoofefull , that both by sayings and signes they should be lessoned in their duties .

Is there no other vse of the garmentes but this ?

Pithagor as giueth me this vse beside , that the linnen garment putteth me mind of my first estate , before sin came into the world , that I should labour what I might to recouer that againe : as the wollen weed doth set before mine eyes , the miseries of this present life , of sin , of death , the wages of sin due vnto vs all , by the fall of Adam . For you cannot haue a garment of wollen without the death or iniury offered to the beasts that giue them , for which cause ( as Pythagor as sayth ) wollen was an abhomination in a garment : but line and flax whereof the linnen garment is made , because it groweth out of the earth without wrong done to the life of that is had .

Can you yet make more meaning hereof ?

3. Further the linnen garment is the marke of my high calling , Mal. 3.1 . of the dignity of my place and person . For the ministers are called the Angels and messengers of the Lorde of hoasts : and Angels almost alwayes appeared to men cloathed in white garments . Why should we therfore come with such shredding kniues , to pare the church of her lawfull liberty in the garments that it vseth , and enioyneth , placing no religion therin , and being so spare of ceremonies as it is ? Ierome in his second booke against Iouinian , inhibiteth this white attire to Monkes , because it was so triumphant and stately , as it was euer so in account among the very heathens . Wherfore their magistrates were called Candidati , because they came into the senate of Rome , in white robes : Afterward , there were those that were thus cloathed , that were called Candidati Caesaris , who were Caesars Secretaries , and read the Emperors letters openly in the Counsell house . In those times none might weare such a garment , but great men , such as were called albae gallinae filij , men of great fortunes , and excelling in authority . Now then because we haue obteined so high a name , as to be the Lords Angels , and Embassadors , let vs be thus apparelled like men of our degree . Achab and Iehosophat went in royall robes . And religious Queen Ester was apparrelled according to her estate . 2. Ring . 22. 2. Chr. 18. Esth. 2 , Esth 8. Dan. 5. Act. 12. And her good vncle Mordechai , was arrayed like an honourable man . So was Daniel , when he was aduanced , suite accordingly . So was Herod . A long gowne is fitting a counsellor , a short vesture is for a day labourer or vulgar lay person , and the white ornament hath best correspondency with the ministers office , of such dignity and preheminency .

But in my mind the eyes of the people , that are wholy fixed vpon such objects , draw away their minds from better thoughts . For as children delight more in the pictures , that are in their bookes , then in their lessons : so the people , to feed their fancies , do more regard such apparell , then the preaching of him that weareth it .

It will not be so if the outward ornaments of the church be but such , as commonly haue bin vsed , especially if they be plaine as the surplesse , rotchet , and the habite of our ministers and Bishop is . For the vse , and plainnesse of them preuent and take away al manner of admiration . I would also think it more likely , that the people , whilest in wonder they behould such things , would fall into further and deeper meditations of diuine matters .

How happeneth it , seeing there is such multiplicity of good vse in these garments , that many other reformed churches entertain them not ?

Non est eadem ratio vrbis & orbis . Lawes may differ according to the nature and condition of the place . For other manners agree with other men , other meats delight other stomacks , other ayer is more fit for other natures , and so may other lawes be for other countries . But it is needefull that one state should be vnder one discipline . lib. 10. It is Curtius his saying , Eiusdem iuris esse debent , qui sub eodem rege victurisunt . They ought to be vnder one law , that are vnder one Prince . For diuision in lawes , maketh a diuision , and partition in the Kingdom . For as a painter , though he be neuer so cunning a workman , and shaddoweth his worke with neuer such liuely and orient colours , to make two boords seem one ; yet if those boords be not better glued together , they will be seen to be two : so , that the church or common wealth may be one , the people must be coadunated or coanimated in one ; or else a rupture in the frame of gouernment , Delegib . lib. 6. will very soone appeare . It is equality that conioyneth friendship , and is the mother of friendship , as Plato sayth . And inequality as Aristotle saith , is the foundation and ground of suspition . Polit. lib. 5 cap. 1. & 2. Now there is no equality in this , that some should be square , and others round : some white , some black . But hereof we will intreat more afterward .

But might we not haue an absolute discipline and gouernement for the Church , though there were no cannons for apparell ; but euery one were left to his owne choyce therin ?

Though there were no Prouiso in this case , yet reason should perswade vs that we should , as in other things , be vniforme in apparell . Gratian doth aduise vs to suite our selues in our habite , to those among whome we do conuerse : plainly saying , that he that doth otherwise , is eyther superstitious , or humorous . The glossary propoundeth vs this rule to obserue , that in the forme of our apparell , we would apply our selues to the custome of the place wherin we liue . Aug. de doctr. Christiana lib. 3. To him consent Panoruntanus , Benedictus , Caprea , Baldus , Thomas Ierom , who commendeth Nepotian for obseruing this rule . And it is Augustines direction in his volume of Christian learning , that we diuide not our selues in these transitory things , from the vnity of the church , and from the vse of the times , and places where we liue . And Ambrose holdeth it very decent , and becomming our duty , to accommodate our selues to the customs of the countries where we conuerse , if we would not be offensiue to any , or haue any offensiue to vs . In old time at Rome , and afterward at Constantinople , there were exercises and games of running kept , which continued to the time of Phocas the Emperour , where the actors and cursitors diuided themselues by their colours in their suites of apparel , some in green , some in a sadder white . Hereupon there grew partaking among the people , and choosing of sides , and therwithall such enuy , emulations , affections , as after they had done their sports , they began to be in earnest , and each part to fight vnder his colours , that it cost a deale of bloud in Aegypt , Syria , Greece . Ochosias asked his Legats , whom he had sent to the god of Archaron for oracle , 2. King . 1. of what forme and habite the man was , that met them : and they answered , he was a hayry man , and was girded about the reynes with a lether girdle . Which was a marke of knowledge enough to the king , though they knew not his name : It is Elias the Thisbite sayth he . So , as the Prophet was knowne by his habite , it were well that the Lords ministers might be known by their formall attyre . It can not be deuised how we should treade awrie , in framing our selues to forme of lawe herein , seeing no religion is reposed in them , and that it is with other externe ceremonies , a mixt matter of indifferrent & middle nature , & may adessevel abesse sine interitu subiects . And as S. Paul sayth , Let no man iudge you of meate or drinke , or in respect of an holy day , or of the new moone , or of the sabbaoth daies : so we may say , let no man iudge vs of apparell . Col. 2. For as meat , so rayment , commendeth vs not to god . The superstition in this ceremonie is among the desidious and resty Cloisterers , the mopish monks , to whom it is great religion to bee buried in a Cowle , or monastichall habit .

You haue said in the matter of the garments , enough , and I hold them tollerable . But that which stabbeth my conscience , is the crosse in Baptisme . And that is the hooke I can not swallow : 1. because it is a dangerous addition to the institution of the sacrament : 2. there is no warrant in the worde of god for it : 3. and no one thing so much as that , hath bin superstitiously abused : 4. and there is no vse of it .

All your reasons by your leaue are loose , and we will prooue them so to be . 1. If your first supposall were true , you had said enough . For the viall of the Lords curse is powred vpon them , Reuel. 22. that shall adde , or withdraw from his booke , he shall be sure to be blotted out of the booke of life , and to haue no part in the holy city . Be this formidable presumption therefore far from euery Christian : sure we are , it concerneth not our church . For the institution of baptisme is performed by vs , as Christ commaunded , and no otherwise . The forme thereof is finished , the sacrament absolued , and the child absolutely Christianized , before it is signed .

Your second argument , wherby you would conclude it to be vnlawfull , because the word of God hath not warranted it , is not so warrantable . Our consciences are satisfied in this action , because the word standeth not against vs . I doubt not that it is lawfull for the chiefe magistrate , to giue lawes and Canons for the church or ciuil state , though they concur not so absolutely with the word of god : so as they no way be repugnant vnto it . The Lord hath put the sword into the magistrates hand , and there withall power to ordaine what decrees the thinketh good , in points of outward gouernment , so as they crosse not or confront his royal lawes . Adoniah , Ioab , Agag and sundry others in the old testament , were cut off by the sword . But where find we this allowed , in the old lawe ? For these statutes deale but with these three kinds of death , hanging , stoning , burning . Dauid decreed fowre fould restitution of the stolne lamb , and determined beside the fellone to the death : wherein two wayes he ran before the law , and strained it as it were a scrowle of parchment . 1. For neyther was the crime capital : 2. neyther was the delinquent to make so large a restitution . For the law case was this , If the theft were taken in the hand of the theef , he was to redeliuer it . If he had killed it or sold it , he was but to restore fowre oxen for one , and fiue sheep for one , now fowre fowre fould are eight , the duplicate of the oxen . Neyther is there any exception to be made against Dauid , as of this course were exorbitant from Iustice , or that he wringed or wronged gods lawe , it being the prerogatiue of his place , according to the circumstances of the cryme , eyther to extentd or remit the punishment awarded by gods lawe . I may yeeld that you say truth , in your third reason , that nothing hath bin so miserably abused , as the most sacred signe of the Crosse , and that from the beginning , while some haue adored it , and haue signed their breast and forehead , with it , as armour of proofe , against diuels and all mishappes : and we confesse that the Christians , as Tertullian sayth , at the first , did take the outward sign of the Crosse for a supine security for their indemnity . And Gregorie of Rome , in his 3 booke of Dialogues lendeth vs a lye , and that a lusty one , as hee hath pestered that booke with a noysome companie of very fabulous and ridiculous things . A Iewe ( sayth he ) entred by night into the temple of an Idoll , there to take his rest , but agast at the sight of so many euill spirits in that place , he armed himselfe with the signe of the crosse : now when the head deuil perceiued that a man was come , he dispatched an vnder diuel vnto him to examine him , what he was , but when he had seen him he returned and sayde . I found indeed an empty vessell , but it was sealed , and so left the Iewe and did him no harme : which while he recounted with himselfe , he became a Christian . Also we are not ignorant what slauer and blasphemies haue been thrown vp to heauen , in their adorations and orisons made to the Crosse : as when they haue chaunted in this wise in their churches . O Crux aue spes vnica , Hoc passionis tempore , Auge piis iustitiam , Ressque dona veniam . All haile ô Crosse , our onlie hope in this time of the passion , Increase in the godly righteousnesse , and giue pardon to the guiltie . All which words are the very vomit of an Aspe . Againe , they roare in the congregation thus : Ecce signum cruc is venite adoremus , Behold the roode of the Crosse , let vs come and worship it . Which is horrible sacriledge . Againe , thus they powre out the surcharge of their stomacks vpon the churches lap : Crucem tuam adoramus Domine resurrectionem tuam sanctam glorificamus . Where , they set the Crosse in the higher roome , and make the resurrection vnderling vnto it . I dare not stir this deuilish dunghill any more , least I stifle your stomack . The sacrificing shauelings drinke down deeplie this damnable opinion , and feede vpon it as vpon a restoratiue to the enchantment of their soules , that they consecrate and sanctifie all things , by the signe of the Crosse . Thus we graunte , that neuer poore signe was so tormented , as the crosse hath been : they hauing stretched euery ioynte thereof , vpon the rack of their most execrable blasphemies . But what would you euict from hence ? that therfore it is vtterly vnlawfull to vse the signe of the Crosse at all ? Then I deny your consecution . For , is the vse of a thing to be taken away for the abuse sake , that is cast vpon it ? then take away the Sunne out of the firmament , for that hath bin worshipped : take awaye the Physicians sawes and instruments , because many dogleaches with their vnskilfulnesse haue abused them , to the spoyle of many . Take away all weapons of warfare , and let vs goe naked into the field against the enemy , because many haue taken them vp against their countrie ; take away wine and strong drinke , because more haue perished by that then by the sword . Take away our wits , memory , health , strength , and the whole man , be cause euery part , and the whole , is miserably abused by vs all , through our sins .