invented by men, when (_coeteris
paribus_) there is no other difference betwixt them, considered as objects
of adoration, but that of the ordinance and institution which they have?
What if I fall down at the hearing of a sermon, and religiously adore
before the pastor, as the vicarious sign of Christ himself, who stands
there, in Christ's stead, 2 Cor. v. 20, referring my adoration to Christ
only, yet in or by that ambassador who stands in Christ's stead? If this
my adoration should be called so great idolatry as if I should fall down
before a graven image, to worship God in or by it (for it is, indeed, as
great every way), our kneelers, I perceive, would permit me to answer for
myself, that my worshipping of God by the minister cannot be called
idolatrous, by this reason, (because the worshipping of God by a graven
image is such, therefore also the worshipping of him by a living image is
no other,) since images of God's institution must not be paralleled with
those of men's invention. As to the second difference, I answer, 1. Though
the Bishop muttereth here that no true worship can be occasioned by an
image, yet belike he and his fellows will not stand to it, for many of
them allow the historical use of images; and the Bishop hath not denied,
though his antagonist objecteth it. Dr Mortoune(688) plainly alloweth of
images for historical commemoration; and herein he is followed by Dr
Burges.(689) 2. Whereas he saith that the blessed sacrament is instituted
by Christ to call to our remembrance his death, this inferreth not that it
is an occasion of thanksgiving and praise in the very act of receiving, as
we shall see afterward. Our question is only about kneeling in the act of
receiving. 3. We confess that the sacrament is an occasion of inward
worship in the receiving of it; for in _eucharistia exercetur summa fides,
spes, charitas, religio, caeteraeque virtutes, quibus Deum colimus et
glorificamus_.(690) But the outward adoration of kneeling down upon our
knees can be no more occasioned by the blessed sacrament, in the act of
receiving it, than by a graven image in the act of beholding it. The point
which the Bishop had to prove is, that whereas an image cannot be the
occasion of outward adoration and kneeling to God before it in the act of
looking upon it, the sacrament may be, and is, an occasion of kneeling,
when it is set before us in the act of receiving. This neither he, nor any
for him, shall ever make good.

_S