and her power to make laws binding the
conscience, both which controversies are touched by himself.(877)

2. He saith, that comeliness requireth the use of such ceremonies as may
cause a due respect unto, and regard of, the works of God's service, and
thereby stir men up to greater fervour and devotion. But it hath been
already showed(878) that the comeliness which the Apostle requireth in the
church and service of God cannot comprehend such ceremonies under it, and
that it is no other than that very common external decency which is
beseeming for all the assemblies of men, as well civil as sacred.

3. Whilst he is discoursing of the church's power to prescribe things
pertaining to order, contra-distinguished from her power which she hath to
publish the commandments of Christ, he reckons forth among his other
examples, women's silence in the church, as if the church did prescribe
this as a matter of order left to her determination, and not publish it as
the commandment of Christ in his word.

4. Whereas he saith that the church hath power to prescribe such rites and
ceremonies as may cause a due respect unto, and regard of, the works of
God's service, and thereby stir men up to greater fervour and devotion, by
his own words shall he be condemned: for a little before he reprehendeth
the Romanists for maintaining that the church hath power to annex unto the
ceremonies which she deviseth the working of spiritual and supernatural
effects. And a little after he saith, that the church hath no power to
ordain such ceremonies as serve to signify, assure, and convey unto men
such benefits of saving grace as God in Christ is pleased to bestow on
them. Now, to cause a regard of, and a respect unto the works of God's
service, and thereby to stir up men to fervour and devotion, what is it
but the working of a spiritual and supernatural effect, and the conveying
unto men such a benefit of saving grace as God in Christ is pleased to
bestow on them? In like manner, whereas he holdeth that the church hath
power to ordain such ceremonies as serve to express those spiritual and
heavenly affections, dispositions, motions, or desires, which are or
should be in men, in the very same place he confuteth himself, whilst he
affirmeth that the church hath no power to ordain such ceremonies as serve
to signify unto men those benefits of saving grace which God in Christ is
pleased to bestow on them. Now, to express such heavenly and spiritual
affec