rates(842)), that as many other things crept in
of custom in sundry places, so the feast of Easter to have prevailed among
all people, of a certain private custom and observation."

But whereas Bishop Lindsey, in defence of Bishop Andrews, replieth, that
Socrates propoundeth this for his own opinion only:

I answer, that Socrates, in that chapter, proveth his opinion from the
very same ground which Bishop Andrews wresteth to prove that this feast is
apostolical. For while as in that hot controversy about the keeping of
Easter, they of the East alleged John the apostle for their author, and
they of the West alleged Peter and Paul for themselves, "Yet (saith
Socrates), there is none that can shew in writing any testimony of theirs
for confirmation and proof of their custom. And hereby I do gather, that
the celebration of the feast of Easter came up more of custom than by any
law or canon."

_Sect._ 7. Downame (as I touched before) allegeth the fourth commandment
for holidays of the church's institution. But Dr Bastwick allegeth more
truly the fourth commandment against them:(843) "Six days shalt thou
labour." This argument I have made good elsewhere; so that now I need not
insist upon it. There are further two examples alleged against us for
holidays, out of Esth. ix. 17, 18, 27, 28, and John x. 22.

Whereunto we answer, 1. That both those feasts were appointed to be kept
with the consent of the whole congregation of Israel and body of the
people, as is plain from Esth. ix. 32, and 1 Maccab. iv. 59. Therefore,
they have no show of making aught of such feasts as ours, which are
tyrannically urged upon such as in their consciences do condemn them.

2. It appears, that the days of Purim were only appointed to be days of
civil mirth and gladness, such as are in use with us, when we set out
bonfires, and other tokens of civil joy, for some memorable benefit which
the kingdom or commonwealth hath received. For they are not called the
holidays of Purim, but simply the days of Purim,--"A day of feasting and of
sending portions one to another," Esth. ix. 19, 22. No word of any worship
of God in those days. And whereas it seemeth to Bishop Lindsey,(844) that
those days were holy, because of that rest which was observed upon them;
he must know that the text interpreteth itself, and it is evident from
ver. 16 and 22, that this rest was not a rest from labour, for waiting
upon the worshipping of God, but only a rest from their enem