, and
are assisted in all virtue.

If these things, I say, we call to mind, it will be more manifest that the
ceremonies are given out for sacred signs of the very same nature that
sacraments are of. For the sacraments are called by divines commemorative,
representative and exhibitive signs; and such signs are also the
ceremonies we have spoken of, in the opinion of Formalists.

_Sect._ 3. Mystical and significant ceremonies (to proceed to a second
reason), ordained by men, can be no other than mere delusions, and serve
only to feed men's minds with vain conceits. For to what other purpose do
_signa instituta_ serve, if it be not in the power of him who gives them
institution to give or to work that which is signified by them?

Now, it is not in the power of prelates, nor of any man living, to give us
these graces, or to work them in us, which they will have to be signified
by their mystical and symbolical ceremonies. Wherefore Beza saith(795)
well of such human rites as are thought to be significant: _Quum nulla res
signis illis subsit, propterea quod unius Dei est promittere, et suis
promissionibus sigillum suum opponere; consequitur omnia illa commenta,
inanes esse larvas, __ et vana opinione miseros homines illis propositis
signis deludi._ Dr Fulk thinks(796) he hath alleged enough against the
significative and commemorative use of the sign of the cross, when he hath
said that it is not ordained of Christ, nor taught by his apostles; from
which sort of reasoning it followeth, that all significant signs which are
not ordained of Christ, nor taught by his apostles, must be vain, false,
and superstitious.

_Sect._ 4. Thirdly, To introduce significant sacred ceremonies into the
New Testament other than the holy sacraments of God's own institution,
were to reduce Judaism, and to impose upon us again the yoke of a
ceremonial law, which Christ hath taken off.

Upon this ground doth Amandus Polanus reprehend the popish clergy,(797)
for that they would be distinguished from laics by their priestly apparel
in their holy actions, especially in the mass: _Illa vestium sacerdotalium
distinctio et varietas, erat in veteri Testamento typica; veritate autem
exhibita, quid amplius typos requirunt?_

Upon this ground also doth Perkins(798) condemn all human significant
ceremonies. "Ceremonies (saith he) are either of figure and signification,
or of order. The first are abrogated at the coming of Christ," &c.

Upon the same gro