ed. But, 2. Though there could be more alleged
for the ceremonies than truly there can be, either from the customs of the
ancient or reformed churches, yet do our opposites themselves profess,
that they will not justify all the ceremonies either of the ancient or
reformed churches. And, indeed, who dare take this for a sure rule, that
we ought to follow every ancient and universally received custom? For as
Casaubon showeth, though the church's consent ought not to be contemned,
yet we are not always to hold it for a law or a right rule. And do not our
divines teach, that _nihil faciendum est ad ahorum exemplum, sed juxta
verbum_--Nothing is to be done according to the example of others, but
according to the word _Ut autem_, &c. "As the multitude of them who err
(saith Osiander), so long prescription of time purchaseth no patrociny to
error."

VIII. Moreover, because the foredeck and hind deck of all our opposites'
probations do resolve and rest finally into the authority of a law, and
authority they use as a sharp knife to cut every Gordian knot which they
cannot unloose, and as a dreadful peal to sound so loud in all ears that
reason cannot be heard, therefore we certiorate you with Calvin, that _a
acquievistis imperio, pessimo laqueo vos in duistis_--If you have
acquiesced in authority, you have wrapped yourselves in a very evil snare.
As touching any ordinance of the church we say with Whittaker, _Obediendum
ecclesioe est sed jubents ac docenti recta_--We are to obey the church but
commanding and teaching right things. Surely, if we have not proved the
controverted ceremonies to be such things as are not right to be done we
shall straight obey all the ceremonial laws made thereanent, and as for
the civil magistrate's part, is it not holden that he may not enjoin us
"to do that whereof we have not good ground to do it of faith?" and that,
"although all thy external condition is in the power of the magistrate,
yet internal things, as the keeping of faith, and obedience, and a good
conscience, are not in his power." For every one of us "shall give account
of himself to God," Rom. xiv. 12, but until you hear more in the dispute
of the power which either the church or the magistrate hath to enact laws
anent things belonging to the worship of God, and of the binding power of
the same, let me add here touching human laws in general, that where we
have no other reason to warrant unto us the doing of that which a human
law pre