LOving and beloved freind, being pressed by your Christian importuni­ty, to declare my opinion in a poinct, which though it may seeme to be of small importance, and lesse consequence, yet hath proved matter of no small controversie, and fewell to sett on [...]ire some tongues, of those that would [...]eeme and affect to be some great Clerks; [...]o as they have not spared in the Pulpit [...]like proper Squires, but improper Prea­chers, to breake forth into bitter invec­tives, and have, as it were with the finger [Page 4] pointed at some, who have crossed the opinion herein; I thought it my dutie t [...] satisfie your desire, for your self, and you [...] Christian freinds; not to justifie my self [...] but the Truth of God, whose Childre [...] and Scholars we professe to be, so as w [...] ought to speake nothing against but fo [...] that Truth; herein having our Maste [...] Christ for our Precedent, who sai [...]h: Fo [...] this cause came I into the World, Ioh. 18, 37 that [...] should beare witnesse to the Truth.

The poinct in question is, about bovv [...]ing the Knee at the name or naming o [...] Iesus.

They that are for it, and tooth an [...] nayle do urge it, presse us with Antiquitie, and Authoritie. Antiquitie is venerable [...] indeed, if grounded on Veritie, Antiquitie is Auncient. Else, as Tertullianus saith,Consuc­tudo sine veritate vetustas erroris est Tertull. Custome without truth is but an old moath-eaten Errour. But this Custome (say they) is grounded upon, & backed by a double Authoritie: the one of the Church, the other of the expresse syllables of the Scripture. The authoritie of the Scrip­ture is to be adored, the authoritie of the [Page 5] Church to be obeyed, when grounded [...]n the Scripture.

First then, let us see what Antiquitie [...]n say for the poinct.Hinc non dubito quin pro­fecta sit il­la anti­quissima cōsuetudo in Eccle­sijs, ut cum nomina­tur Iesus, omnes ap­periūt ca­put, in te­stimoniū reverētiae & adora­tionis, &c. Zanch. in Phil. 2. 10 Zanchius is spe­ [...]ally here alleaged, who saith, Hinc non abito, &c. Hence I doubt not, but that most ancient custome sprang up in Churches, that [...]hen Iesus is named, all uncover their heads, [...] token of reverence and adoration. Zanchy [...]ubts it not, but with all he proves it [...]t. Only he addeth, This Custome (saith [...]) vvas confirmed against the Arrians, [...]d other Heretiques, vvho affirmed this Ie­ [...]s to be a meere man. And this Custome [...]as not to be disliked, but aftervvards it [...]as turned into Superstition, as also many [...]her pious and holy institntions. So he.

Now, it had been well, if this learned [...]uthor had distinctly sett downe, both [...]hen this Custome was instituted and [...]nfirmed, and when turned into super­ [...]tion, that so we might be resolved, whe­ [...]er the capping or crowching now in [...] be not the Relique of that superstitiō mentioned. Perhaps he fetcheth the first [...]stitution from the Counsell of Mentz, [Page 6] under Charles the Great Anno 813. cap.Pari reli­gione ad nomen Salvatoris nostri D. Iesu Chri­sti, simili­ter ad Euā gelium, Magnifi­cat, Bene­dictus, Nunc di­mittis, Gloria in Excelsis, Gloria Pa­tri, ceteras que id ge­nus divi­norum of­ficiorum partes, sic genuum flexione, apertione Capitis, ac totius cor­poris gestu se component, ut ad ea, quae ibi aguntur animum intendere videantur. Synopsis Pap. 9. Generall controversie concerning the saints departed. 59. as sett downe by our reverend Doc [...]tour Willet, in his Synopsis Papismi, Par [...] religione, &c. Let men vvith the like de­votion at the name of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ, as likevvise at the Gospell, th [...] Magnifica, Benedictus nunc dimittis, Glo [...]ria in Excelsis, Gloria Patri, and other part of the Divine Service, so commpose themselv [...] by bowing the knee uncovering the head, an [...] the like gesture of the whole body, as the may seeme to have their minde occupied [...] those things that are done. So the Counsell whereupon Dr. Willet saith this: I no [...] out of this Decree 3 things; First, that the should bovv at the name of Christ, as well a when Iesus is named; Secondly, that the lik [...] reverence should be vsed, when as othe [...] psalmes are sung, and vvhen mention is ma [...] of the Father, and the Holy Ghost, as in th [...] Gloria Patri; Thirdly, that this gestur [...] should not be done in reverence to name Words, or Syllables so pronounced, but on [...] to declare our attention.

[Page 7] Thus then we see, that this Superstitions Custom, in bowing to the name of Iesus only, [...]s contrarie even to their owne Popish Ca­ [...]ons and Decrees. The like thing also was decreed Synod. Augustens. cap. 23. So he.

This then happily being the institution mentioned by Zanchy, let us en­quire out the time, when it began to be [...]e turned to superstition. In the 13. Centurie, about Anno 1273. at Lyons in France was a Generall Counsell held, where Pope Gregorie the 10. instituted this Superstitious Custome, now in use in the Popish Synagogues.Genua cunctorū fidelium ad men­tionem S. Sti. nomi­nis Iesu, non solū corpore, sed, mente etiam flecti ibidem de­cernitur. Epitome mundi Cent. 13. ca. 9. de Synodis. Convenientes ibidem nomen il­lud, quod est supra omne nomen, a quo aliud subo caelo non est datum hominibus in quo salvôs fieri credē tes oporteat, nomē vid. Iesu Christi qui salvum faciet populum suum ex­hibitione reverētiae specialis attollant, & quod generali­ter scribi­tur ut in nomine Iesu om­ne genu flectitur, singuli sin gulariter inseipsis implētes, precipuè dum agū ­tur Missa­rum sacra mysteria, gloriosum illud, No­mēquoties cunque re colitur fl [...]ctant genua cordis sui, quod vel capitis sui inclinatione testentur. The Centu­riatours sett downe the Counsell words: Convenientes ibidem, &c. Let the people, assembling in the church, with an exhibition of speciall reverence honour that name, which is above every name under Heaven given to [Page 8] men, wherby beleevers must be saved, to weet, the name of Iesus Christ, who shall save his people from their sinnes; and vvhich is gene­rally written, that in the name of Iesus every knee should bow, every one performing it for himself in particular, and especially while the sacred mysteries of the Masse are in hand, so often as that glorious name is named, let them bow the knee of their hearts, testifying it vvith the bowing downe of their heads. So the Counsell. And these very words of the Counsell are recorded also in the Decretales of Boniface the S. in Sexti lib. 3. De immunitate Ecclesiae Tit. 23. cap. 2. Decret.

Now, hereby the way, it will not be impertinent to note some coincident cir­cumstances of the time of this supersti­tious Institution. Pope Gregorie, the Author of it, was he, who of an Arch­deacon was chosen Pope, after 3 yeares vacancie of the Popedome, such was the dissention and ambition of the Cardinals, each aspiring to make himself Pope, [...] that being assembled at Viterbium, to e­lect [Page 9] the Pope, and invocating the com­ming downe of the Holy Ghost, one of the Cardinalls said: O Lord, let us uucover the roofe of this House, because the Holy Ghost cannot come down amongst us, through [...]o many roofes and seelings. And when [...]his Archdeacon was chosen Pope, the same Cardinall made this Distick;

This may note the corruption pride & ambition of that Age, wherein this su­perstition obtained a Papall Institution. The superstition, if not Idolatrie, is pal­pable:Note. for we see honour and adoration [...]oth of mind and body, is given to the [...]ery Name Iesus, whensoever it is named, [...]nd that especially during the Mysterie of the Masse; as if this name had some sin­gular vertue, when mentioned in the [Page 10] Masse, more then out of all the Masse. And who doubteth, but this superstitious Institution was a notable meanes to mask the abominable Idole of their transub­stantiate breaden God, not long before decreed by Pope Innocent 3. in the Counsell of Lateran; the adoring now of the very name of jesus, making the a­doration of the corporall presence of Christ (as they imagine) the lesse to be stuck at; For if the very name be to be adored, much more the body it selfe. And by this bowing in the Masse, I take it, our ignorant people, in the beginning of the Reformation, had learned to make leggs at the naming of Iesus in the time of the Gospell, especially when the Gospell was not preached. But this may suffice briefly to have shewed the Gi­beonitish,See Sr. Edwin Sā ­dye his Europae speculum, 1629. pa. 16. This pope lived about the yeare 103. mouldie and hoary Antiquitie of this superstitious Institution, set up by Antichrist, not above 355 yeares ago.

Not but that this superstition was in use long before. As, Pope John the 20. gave Indulgence of 20 yeares pardon so often as any bowed at the name of Iesus; not un­practized [Page 11] in Italie at this day.

Now, to the avouched for this adora­tion; and 1. of the Church. For this the 15. Canon is alleaged. The words are, When in time of Divine Service the Lord Iesus shall be mentioned, due and lowly re­verence shall be done of all persons present, as it hath bene accustomed. Now first, who will understand that this due reverence is to be done, only in time of Divine Ser­vice, and not also of the Sermon? This might seeme to come too close at the heeles of Popish Superstition.

Secondly, it is not said (as in the Papall Canon) When the name of Iesus is named: but, When the Lord Iesus is mentioned▪ Now, the Lord Iesus is the person of Iesus (and not the name of Iesus) to whom all due reverence is to be done, by what name soever he is in Scripture made knowne unto us. For doe we reverence the per­son for the name-sake? or the name for the person-sake? If the person for the name-sake, that were flat Idolatrie: but if the name for the person-sake, then every name of the Lord Iesus, as Christ, Imma­nuell, [Page 12] &c. should draw from us reverence to our Lord Christ.

Thirdly, the Canon wills due reverence to the Lord Jesus, and who so imprudent, so impious, as to denie it? But this due reverence is such as is grounded on Gods Word; Else, it is no due reverence, but will-worship rather. Now,Note. Gods word putts no such difference betweene Iesus and Christ, as that we should more wor­ship the Lord Christ by the name Iesus, than the Lord Iesus by the name Christ; as we shall see anone.

Fourthly, the Canon commands such reverence, as hath beene accustomed. Now, I hope no good Protestant will say, that here we are sent to the superstitious cu­stome of the Synagogue of Antichrist, taken up from that Papall Institution a­bove named. For as for superstitious Ceremonies ourPreface to the Cō ­munion Booke: of Ceremo­nies, why some abo­lished, some reteined. Church hath long ago professedly abolished, & sent them pac­king to their mother and inventer at Rome. But if any former custome founded upon the Institution at Mentz (fore-specified) be there meant in the Ca­non, [Page 13] then this due lowly Reverence, what­soever it is, is to be done to Christ, whensoever by any of his names he is mentioned: as the Learned Doctor Willet (now with God) hath before observed.

In the second place, they presse us with the Authoritie of the Scripture; what Scripture? Phil. 2, 10. And hath given him a name above every name, that at the name of Iesus every knee should bow. But our comfort is, that the Canon expresseth no such thing, as grounding any such re­verence upon this Scripture: which is a thing well-worth our noting. Yet because many ground their bowing at the Name of Jesus upon the said place, there­in concurring with the Papall Institu­tion, fore-mentioned: Let us a little exa­mine the place.

First, our Church in all her Transla­tions of the Bible, hath by her judi­cious collations, and marginall quo­tations of other places of Scripture with that (Phil. 2. 10.) cleerely interpreted [Page 14] the place to meane, the supreame and So­vereigne Power of Christ over all Creatures, men and Angells, which shall be fully ac­complished at his comming to judge the quicke and the dead, when all knees shall bow unto him the knee of subjection, recei­ving at his mouth their sentence, either of Absolution or Condemnation: For these purpose, one place quoted in the margent, is Rom. 14, & 11. the other Isai. 45, and 23. Both which places shew that the bowing of the knee is taken metapho­rically, betokening subjection and acknow­ledgement of Christs supreame Authoritie over all Creatures in Heaven, Earth, and under Earth, as sole Iudge of all; So as the name of Iesus is taken for the Power of Ie­sus Christ over all Creatures, as Mark. 16. 17 Act. 3, 16, and 4, 10, Prov. 18, 10, and in­finite places more, and [...] in the originall, in the vulgar Latin, and our eldest English Translations render. In the name of Iesus. Not, at the name of Iesus. And though revereud Beza ren­der it, Ad nomen Iesu, yet in his Annota­tions he interprets it of Subjection of all [Page 15] creatures to Christ, taking bowing of the knee methaphorically, or in a borrowed sence.

Besides, this giving to Christ a name above every name, is not any addition, but a manifestation of Christs supreame Authoritie in the full execution of it, as Mediatour, now after his resurrection in the state of glory: as Matth. 28, 18, and Ioh. 5, 21. His Godhead now shining forth in its full brightnes (as Rom. 1, 4) Which had bene cloweded under the vayle of his flesh, in the State of his humiliation, Phil. 2, 7, 8. Theoph: Filius Dei vocabitur, quae ap­pellatio universo­rū nomen excedit. Theophylact by this name above every name, understands, the Son of God, which Title surpasseth all names. AndNullus nomen il­lud super omne no­men existēs populus Christi in hunc usque diem, praeterquam ad sanctam viuificantem Trinitatem retulit. Naz. in Epist Germani Episcopi Constantinop, ad Thomā Episco. Claudiopollôs. In Synodi Nycaenae 2. arti. 4. Gre­gory Nazianzen understands it of the Holy Trinitie, and saith, that the people of Christ to this day never understood it otherwise.

[Page 16] AndNomen super om­ne nomen est nomen explicans ineffabilē potestatem & naturam. Greg. Nyss. in Ec­clesiastem homil. 7. Gregory Nyssen saith, that this name above every name doth signifie an unspeake­able power and nature. AndNomen quod est supra omne nomen & cui n. Angelorum dixit filius meus tu es. S. Hierome in this place understands this name above every name of the Sonne of God. Thus the old Interpreters.

To these I might adde many more: as Hilary,Biblioth. Sacta. lib. 5. Annot. 150. to. 2. cited by Sixtus Senensis; who ex­pounds that in the second Psalme: I will give thee the Heathen for thine inheri­tance, &c. by Phil. 2, 10. So Tertullian; So Origen. Genu. flectere, non est carnaliter accipiēdū, sed sub­jecta esse omnia & cultui Dei obe­dire de­clarat. Origen; So Cyril. Thesauri lib. 3. cap. 2. So Chrysostome de Iona Propheta; Super verbis Zachariae, Ecce vir, Oriens nomen ejus. So Cyprian, expositio in Symbolum Apostolo­rum. Christus tria pariter regna subjecit: hoc judicat, ubi ait, Quia in nomine Iesu omne genu flectatur caelestium, &c. So A­thanasius, de incarnatione Christi. Et contra Arrianos lib. 2. Nomen super omne nomen: ut regnaret in Coelis, & potestatem haberet judicij cū faciendi, &c. So Ambr. in Phil. 2. [Page 17] So Augustin. in Psal. 109. So Gloss. in­ [...]rlin. & Ordinar. Quia Christus ostendi­ [...]r post Resurrectionem esse Dominus Caele­ [...]stium, & terrestrium, & infernorum, &c.

And all the Fathers [...]nanimously runn [...] this straine. And among Popish in­ [...]rpreters, let the testimony of Aquinas [...]d Anselme suffice, understanding it [...] the subjection of all Creatures. And [...]uno: Donavit nomen, id est, honorificen­ [...]m, ut ad honorem Iesu, omne genu flecta­ [...] [...]d est, omnia ipsi plene subjiciantur, Ho [...] [...]t in die judici [...]. And that this is the [...]e sense of the place, according to o­ [...]er Scriptures, the Church of England [...] testifie, which in the margent of the [...]glish Translations conferreth, Phil. [...] 10. with Rom. 14. 11. and Isay 45. 23. [...]sal. 2. 10.

For the latter, let Beza speak: This name [...]aith he signifieth dignitie, and renowne, [...]t joyned with the thing it selfe; as Ephe. [...] 21. For that Osiander referreth this to [...] very name of Iesus, which he confounded [...]th Iehovah, is the meere doctage of a mad [...]utheran. So he.

[Page 18] Againe, the Holy Ghost himself ex­poundeth the name of Iesus here, of [...] person of Iesus, as Isa. 45. 23. and Rom▪ 14. 11. to which this place hath speci [...] reference; as also Mal. 1. 1. and Ioh. 12. [...] ▪ as also of the power of Christ, Exod. 2 [...] ▪ 21. For my name is in him; that is, my [...] ­vine power is in him (that Angell of [...] Covenant) to protect or punish.

To this purpose, the late Revere [...] Bishop Babington (one of the late G [...] ­vernours of our Church) on the Lo [...] Prayer, the first Petition expounded these words, [that at the name of Iesus [...] ­ry knee should bow] thus: that is (saith [...] not when the word is pronounced, we sho [...] make a curtesie, but we shall all and ev [...] creature be subject to his power, authority, [...] dominion. The place is worth the r [...] ­ding at large: also in his exposition up [...] the Creed, where confuting the Pop [...] superstition about this name Iesus, as [...] ­mong the rest, how by this name a so [...] ­diour was helped out of S. Patricks P [...] ­gatorie, and the like: He saith, I thi [...] the place to the Philippians is not well und [...] ­stood [Page 19] hath and doth deceive them. Indeed [...]hey are easily deceived, that will not [...]earch [...]o [...] truth, and they are justly given [...]ver to strong delusions, that delight in [...]rrou [...], and have not a love of the Truth:

Otherwise the place to the Philip­ [...]ians would not be so grossely mistakē, if [...]e ma [...]ke whence the Apostle tooke it, [...]d compare spirituall things with spiri­ [...]uall things. The place is borrowed [...]rom the Prophet Isaih, and therefore by [...]onsequence evidēt, that the word name, [...]ignifieth Power glorie, honour, and autho­ [...]itie, above all powers, glories, honours, and [...]uthorities, and bowing the knee, signifieth [...]ubjection, submission, and obedience of all Creatures to his beck, rule, and Govern­ment.

This knew the auncient Fathers, S. Origen, (Non est carnaliter hoc accipiendum, [Page 20] quasi caelestia, ut Sol, Luna, Angeli, genu [...] aut lingua habeant: Sed genu flectere signifi­cat, cuncta subjecta esse, & cultui Dei obe [...] dire.) who upon Rom. 14. 11. where these words be againe saith, These words are no [...] to be taken carnally, as though things in Hea­ven, as the Sunne, Moone, Angels, &c. ha [...] knees, or tongues: but to bow the knee signi­fieth, that all things shall be subject and obe­dient to the service of God. So he; wher [...] he also alleageth Ierome, Theophylact, Am­brose, The Imperij ejus subji­ci fatean­tur Ange­li, Homi­nes Demo [...]nes, Gloss. so Anselm. so Bruno. Carthu­rianus. Glosse, Beda, and some Popis [...] Authours of the same mind. And Gre [...]gory Nyssen in his disputation, de Anim [...] & Resurrectione, saith, that this bowing [...] the knee signifyeth the unanimity of men an [...] Angells, in confessing Christ.

Hereunto let me ad whatSynopsis 9. generall contro­versy, Qu. 5. Appen­dix, con­cerning the name of Iesus. D. Wille [...] hath said of this matter in an answer to the Rhemists cavil against Protestāts abou [...] it. The name of Iesus, say they, ought to [...] worshipped by capping and kneeling there unto, by wearing it in their capps, vnd setti [...] it up in solemne places: alleaging for the [...] purpose that of S. Paul, that at the nam [...] of Iesus every knee should bow, Phi. 2, 10 [Page 21] Yea, they say, that Protestants, by aboli­shing the name and image of Christ, doe make a way for Antichrist. Rhem. Annot. Phil. 2, Sect. 2, and Rev. 13. 7.

To this he answereth in the Protestants name, saying: The bovving at the name of Iesus, as it is used in Poperie, to bend the knee at the sound thereof, is not commanded [...]n this place; which shevveth especially the subjection of all Creatures, of Turks, Iewes, Infidels, yea of the Devills themselves, to the power and judgement of Christ.

Secondly, Protestants have only taken away the Superstitious abuse of the name of Iesus.

Thirdly, the kneeling at the name of Iesus is Superstitiously abused in Poperie: For the people stoop only at the Sound, not uuder­standingThus is Idolatry commit­ted. what is read, and so make an Idoll of the Letters and Syllables, adoring & wor­shipping the very name, when they heare or see it: And againe, in sitting, and not v [...]il­ling at the name of Christ, Immauuell, God the Father, the Sonne, and the Holy Ghost, and bovving only at the name of Iesus. Dis Fulk ibid.

[Page 22] Fourthly, due reverence may be used to our Saviour, without any such Cere­mony of capping and kneeling saith Fulk: neither doc vve binde any of necessitie to use this Reverence to the Name of Iesus, as the Papists doe, which thinke Christ cannot otherwise be honoured; neither doe we judge and condemne those that doe use it, being free from Superstition, and groun­ded in knowledge, and carefull not to give offence; for superstitions and offensive igno­rance is not in any case to be defended.

Fifthly, this outward reverence at the name of Iesus was taken up amongst Chri­stians, because of all other names it was most derided and scorned of the Pagans and Iews: and therefore they did the more honour it. But now there is greater daunger of Popish Superstition, in abusing holy things,Note. than of Paganisme, in utterly contemning them, and therefore there is not such necessity, and just occasion of using this externall gesture, as was in former times: it was not used of necessitie [...]hen, much lesse now. So he. D. Fulk also in his answer to the Rhemists on that place, (besides that alleaged by Dr. [Page 23] Willet from him) saith, in particular, to the Iesuites. You complaine that to remove such impietie, as the Image and name of Ie­sus, is to abolish all true Religion out of the World; and to make men plaine Atheists. The same was the complaints of the Pagans against the Christians. But to worship God only, according to the Prescript of his HolyNote this well. Word, is true Religion, and to teach men to worship contrary thereunto, it maketh men either Idolaters, or altogether Atheists. And when you say the Popish Church doth not honour those things, nor count them holy, for their matter, colour, sound, &c. but for respect and relation they have to our Saviour; it is too short a Cloke to cover your Idolatry. For the same was the perswasion of the Israe­lites, in their Golden Calfe, which they did not honour for the matter, colour, fashion, but for the relation it had to God, that brought them out of Egypt, Exod. 32. 4. 5. The like of Ieroboams Golden Calves, 1 King. 12. 28. So he. Yea, we may note also from the Rhemists owne confession, that they place all their Religion in such supersti­tion, as the adoration of Images, of the [Page 24] Crosse, and of the name Iesus, &c. Seeing they charge Protestants, with abolishing all true Religion out of the world, by their abolishing Popish Superstitions. And howsoever, they would salve and colour over the matter, that they wor­ship no [...] the very syllables, and name sim­ply Rhemes Annot. on this place. of Iesus: yet in Revel. 13. 17. they bew [...]ay their Hypocrasie and Idolatrie, in charging Protestants, for taking away the honour and reverence of the name of Iesus: which name, as the Iesuites Cha­racterize in capitall Letters, so they doe not obscurely ascribe honour and reve­rence to the very name IESVS. But whereas they charge the Protestants by removing the worship of Images, Crosses of the name Iesus, and the like, together with the things themselves out of their Churches, to make roome for Antichrists Here is the de­cript of Sathan to bring in false wor­ship. Image, Marke, and Name; We answer, that these superstitions and idolatries of the whore of Babylon have beene the fittest Vshers, to make roome for the An­tichrist of Rome, and the fairest colours to painte the whores face wath all, spe­cially [Page 25] this seemingly pious word innocent bowing at the name of Iesus. And of all other, the Iesuites have most need to ad­vance the adoration of the name IEsus, they having nothing of Christ, but bare Iesus, to make them Bar Iesusses, to be­witch the World with this name, that when men either heare the Societate Iesu, they may bow to this Iesuiticall Societie, or when they see I [...]HS in the frōt of their Books, they may beleeve all to be Gospel written therein.

Thus we have sufficiently with a Cloud of witnesses cleered the Scripture from being any ground of superstitious adoration of the name of Iesus: to which might be added a Catalogue more both of old and new writers, and that both PROTESTANTS and Papists, but it were both needlesse, and would make an Epistle endlesse, as this allready hath passed the bounds of an ordinary Letter. And chiefly needlesse, to heap up more testimonies, seeing the Canon al­leaged doth not alleage this, or any [Page 26] other Scripture, as hath beene ob­served.

How far then reacheth the command of the Canon in this case? Surely, not to any superstitious adoration of the name Jesus. Superstition we all disclaime. If to cap or knee, bow or doffe, at the na­ming of Iesus, be superstitious, the Canon chargeth it not. Worship to Christ it commandeth, spirituall, and corporall, Right and reason. This command is Apostolicall, Corinth. 16. 20.

But corporally or spiritually to wor­ship Christ at the naming of Iesus, rather than at the naming of Christ, is to prefer the name Iesus before the name Christ, a [...] of higher accompt; whereas the Apostle Peter saith: Let all the House of IsraellAct. 2. 36. know assuredly, that God hath made that same Iesus, whom ye have crucified, both the Lord and Christ. So that, to be Lord & Christ, is that name above every name, seeing that Iesus, in his humiliation is now made Lord and Christ in his exaltation. Wherenpon it is, that Beleevers are called Christians, of Christ the Lord, though the [Page 27] Antichristian Society▪ affect to be called Iesuites, as the more honourable Title. When therefore the Canon saith, When [...]he Lord Iesus is mentioned, &c. it meaneth plainly the [...] of Christ by any of his Name, Titles, or Attributes, and so by a Synechdoche, a part for the whole, commandeth all due and lowly reverence to Christ, yea, to the whole Trinitie; when­soever they are solemly mentioned by other of their Names.

For the purpose, the person of Christ the Mediatour, is expressed by sundry nams, not only by the name IEsus, but by the name Christ, Immanuell, by the Titles of Mediatour, Saviour, (which is but Jesus in English) David our King, the Lord our righteousnesse, This is the name whereby he shall be called, The Lord our righteous­nesse: Ier. 33. 6. also Isa 9. 6. His name shall be called Wonderfull, Counseller, the Mightie God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace; Also Revel. 19. 13. His name is called the Word of God, and the like.

Now then, we being commanded, to give due and lowly reverence when we heare [Page 28] the Lord Iesus mentioned, to weet, when we heare his sacred Person mentioned: we are consequently enjoyned to give due and lowly reverence to Christ, when­soever by any of his sacred names what­soever made knowne unto us in Scrip­tyre, he is mentioned unto us.

Obj. But this, will some say, will be an in­finite labour, for then in time of divine service we should do nothing else almost, but be bovving or doffing, or the like.

Answ. Why? who prescribes bovving or dof­fing, or the like particular reverence, or gesture?

Would they force or streine the CA­NON beyond the due limites? It pre­scribes only due and lowly reverence in ge­nerall, How is that? Is not the ge­nerall externall reverence expressed in having our Heads uncovered in time of Service and Sermon? Is not this a token of our subjection to the Lord Iesus Christ? See Corinth. 1. 11. 3. 4.

So then we being in the Church with our heads uncovered, in time of prayer and preaching; Is not this a due and lowly [Page 29] reverenca? Yea, I say, during the time of prayer and preaching; For, is it not all done in the name of Iesus Christ? Doe we not pray in his name? Doe we not preach in his name?

Christs name then being the summe & subject of the sacred ministration, who shall denie all due and lowly, not only internall, but also externall reverence to the Lord Iesus, and to God the Father in his name, while all along and through­out the name of Christ is celebrated in the sacred Ministration? And this see­meth to be the summe of the CA­NON.

Obj. But some may object: That the Ca­non enjoyneth reverence in generall, as uncovering of the head, and also some speciall reverence over and above when the Lord Iesus is mentioned.

Answ. I answer; first, this speciall reverence is not expressed what, or how, but as hath beene accustomed.

But the Superstitious custome of the Synagogue of Rome, our Church dis­claimeth, as before.

[Page 30] Againe, saying, when the Lord Iesus is is mentioned (not when the name Iesus is named:) If there be a speciall outward reverence to be done, when the person of Christ, or the Lord Iesus is mentioned: then, by the very words of the Canon, this re­verence is to be done, wheu the Lord Ie­sus is expressed, or mentioned by any one of his names, titles, or attributes, as we shewed before; which agreeth with the Institution at the Councell of Mentz, ac­cording to Dr. Willets judicious obser­vation, fore-noted. Otherwise, to bo [...] or doe some other speciall outward reve­tence when Iesus is named, and not as well when Christ is named, or Immanuell, or the like, or the Father, or the Holy Ghost, is superstitiously to preferre Iesus before Christ, Thus doe men com­mitt Ido­latrie. if not to make an Idoll of the name IEsus, in the very syllables and let­tres of it, seeing those that bow at the name IEsus, do not bow at the name Sa­viour, which is the English of Iesus; This is to do reverence to IEsus in Greek or La­tine, but not in English. Or, is there more vertue, than in the name Christ? To think [Page 31] so, is popish superstition and sottish igno­rance, like that of the Iewes, in the scrupulous naming Iehovah.

Or, if a man will stiffly hold to the Letter of the Canon, then he must not simply do reverence, when IEsus is men­tioned, but when the Lord Iesus is mentio­ned. And this were a more safe way to prevent the perill of bowing to any other IEsus, as Iesus, which is Iosuah, or the like; Into which errour, the vulgar easily and usually runne into; (yea, and some great men in mine owne observation,) If men bowed onely at the mention of the Lord Jesus, (as the Canon hath it) which title of Lord, distinguisheth this IEsus from all other Iesusses in Scripture.

Here let me sett downe some form of Arguments, proving, that the CA­NON cannot meane, that externall Adoration is to be used at the na­ming of Jesus.

Whatsoever is spoken of the Lord Ie­sus, is spoken of the person of Iesus, and [Page 32] not of the name of Iesus.

Obj. But the Canon speaketh of the Lord Jesus. Ergo, the Canon speaketh, and so meaneth the person of the Lord Iesus, & not of the name Iesus, where it saith, when the Lord Iesus is mentioned.

The Minor is plaine. The Major is no lesse plaine.

Answ. But it is answered, the Lord Iesus is mētioned under the name Iesus. I answer, not only the name IEsus, but other names are aequall expressions of the person of the Lord Iesus. If therefore the person of the Lord Iesus be to be adored, when he is named, or mentioned, then as well when he is named Christ as Iesus. But the Canon mentioneth no Adoration at the name of Christ; Ergo, neither mea­neth any at the naming of Iesus.

Or thus:

Whatsoever is spoken of the Lord Iesus, is spoken of his Person. But the name of Iesus, is not the Person of the Lord Iesus; Ergo, the mention of the Lord [Page 33] Iesus, is not meant of the name of Ie­sus.

Or thus:

He that saith, that when the Lord Ie­sus, which is the Person of Iesus, is men­tioned, the name Iesus only of all his o­ther names is meant, he denieth and ex­cludeth all other names, whereby the per­son of Christ is expressed.

But the CANON doth not denie other names of Christ, wherby he is mentioned or expressed. Ergo, the Canon doth not mean by the mention of the Lord Iesus the name Iesus onely of all his other names.

Or thus:

He that saith, that by the mention of the Lord Iesus, is meant the name or the naming of Iesus,Observe this. confounds the name Iesus with the person of Iesus, and so makes the name Iesus an Idoll, as all one with the Lord Iesus.

But the Canon doth not confound the name Iesus with the Lord Iesus. Ergo, the Canon, by the mention of the Lord Iesus, [...]annot meane the name Iesus, when it is mentioned. [Page 34] Else it must necessarily command the Creature to be worshipped. If any reply that the adoration at the name Iesus hath relation to the Person of Iesus: The Ie­suites say as much for this adoration, and for all other Idoll worship. But the Canon speakes not of the name Jesus, but of the Lord Jesus personally.

Or thus:

He that worshippeth the Lord Iesus, when the name Iesus is only mentioned, and not when he is mentioned by any o­ther of his names, (because the Canon saith, when the Lord Iesus is mentio­ned, &c.) preferrs the name Iesus be­fore other of his names, as Christ, &c.

But the CANON doth not preferre the name Iesus before the name Christ.

Ergo, the Canon meaneth not by the Lord Iesus the name Iesus only.

Or thus:

If the CANON be taken and meant o [...] [Page 35] the name Iesus, when it saith vvhen the Lord Iesus is mentioned, then the name Iesus is the Lord Iesus.

But the name Iesus is not the Lord Iesus.

Ergo, the Canon cannot be taken and meant of the name Iesus, when it saith, when the Lord Iesus is mentioned.

Or thus:

All Adoration must be grounded on the Word of God. But this Adoration at the name Iesus, or naming of Iesus, is not grounded upon the Word of God.

Ergo, the Canon cannot mean adoration at the name Iesus, or the naming of Ie­sus.

The Major is proved, Isai. 29. 13, & Mar. 7. 7.

For the Minor, if it have any ground in Gods Word, then, Phil. 2. 10. But that is no ground, as hath beene proved. For it is not said there, In or at the name Iesus, but in or at the name of Iesus; so as Iesus there is plainly meant of the per­son, [Page 36] not of the name. And therefore all our Translations have it, either, In the name of Iesus, or, At the name of Iesus, and not, in, or at the name Iesus.

But here I am pressed by some (me thinks) to declare my conscience, whe­ther in good sadnesse I do not thinke it was the mind of those that compiled and cast the Canons, that an outward speciall reverence, as capping, or kneeing should be done when the name Iesus is named. I answer, first, we are to make the most charitables construction, and such as is agreeable to Truth, of the words, espe­cially of our Forefathers, as farre as they are capable.

Secondly, suppose some one or two of them had any such meaning, as so [...] would pin upon them, yet were it the duty of good Children to cover their Fathers naked meaning with the mantle of filiall charitie, and of a favourable construction.

Thirdly, howsoever, some perhaps in their meaning suffer as men, yet herein [Page 37] were they wise men, in not expressing more in words than Gods word doth warrant. And in a word, for my part, I have a good hope, that their meaning was no worse than their saying.

But at length,Note this well. to shut up all: Let me tell you what I have observed in those that are most superstitiously observant of bow­ing or doffing at the naming of Iesus: They are commonly ignorant, or very prophan persons, that with the Iewes will singe Hosanna to Iesus, and cry crucifie Christ. So these will deifie Iesus with their head, and crucifie him with their hands and tongues, by their lying and swearing and wicked living. Or else, such are couzening Papists, or popishly affected, combining and complying with Poperie, placing all their Religion in ex­ternall Rites, and Superstitious Ceremonies, and abandoning the power and sub­stance of true Religion, feeding Hypo­crasie, with a vaine opinion, that they have done God good service, when they thus honour this name IEsus, being mor­tall ennemies to Christ and his Gospell, and [Page 38] the true professours of it. Such are they that would set up Antichrist againe, that are so ready to bow, cap, cring, or kneel to this Superstitions,Phil. 3, 18, 19. being ennemies of the crosse of Christ; Whose end is damnation, whose God is their belly, which mind Earthly things.

Now, the Lord purge us more and more from all Antichristian Superstition and Idolatrie, and establish our hearts in his saving Truth, to our eternall salvation AMEN.