still. But now, as concerning those persons which peradventure will be offended, for that some of the old ceremonies are retained still: if they consider that without some ceremonies it is not possible to keep any order or quiet discipline in the Church, they shall easily perceive iust cause to reform their iudgements. And if they think much that any of the old do remain, and would rather have all devised anew: then such men granting some ceremonies convenient to be had; surely where the old may be well vsed, there they cannot reasonably reprove the old, only for their age, without bewraying of their own folly. For in such a case they ought rather to have reverence vnto them for their antiquitie: if they will declare themselves to be more studious of vnitie and concord, then of innovations, and newfangleness, which (as much as may be with the true setting forth of Christs religion) is alwayes to be eschewed. Furthermore such shall have no iust cause with the Ceremonies reserved to be offended. For as those be taken away which were most abused, and did burden mens consciences without any cause; so the other that remain, are retained for a discipline and order, which (vpon iust causes) may be altered and changed, and therefore are not to be esteemed equall with Gods law. And moreover they be neither dark nor dumb ceremonies, but are so set forth, that every man may vnderstand what they do mean, and to what vse they do serve. So that it is not like that they in time to come should be abused, as other have been. And in these our doings we condemn no other Nations, nor prescribe any thing, but to our own people only. For we think it convenient that every country should vse such ceremonies as they shall think best to the setting forth of Gods honour and glory, and to the reducing of the people to a most perfect and godly living without errour or superstition: And that they should put away other things, which from time to time they perceive to be most abused, as in mens ordinances it often chanceth diversly in divers countries.
