366 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. purpose. They could not procure their release ; but were obliged to continue their attendance. The commissioners themselves werevery much divided in their opinions. Some wished to have their reasons answered, and the habits enforced : others were for a connivance. But the arch- bishop, who was at the head of the commission, would abate nothing. For April 29th; he peremptorily declared in open court, "That they should conform to wear the square cap and no hats, in their long gowns ; to wear the surplice with non-regent's hoods in the choirs, according to ancient custom; and to communicate kneeling, with wafer bread ; or immediately part with their preferment." To this they replied, that their consciences would not suffer them to comply, whatever might be the consequences... Upon this, they were still kept under confinement; but the storm fell chiefly upon Dr. Sampson.f In one of their examinations, during this year, the arch- bishop put the following questions to them, to which they gave the answers subjoined. Question. Is the surplice a thing evil and wicked, or is it indifferent? Answer. Though the surplice in substance be indifferent, yet in the present circumstance it is not, being of the same nature as the garment of an harlot, or the apparel of idolatry ; for which God, by the prophet, threatens to visit the people. Q. If it be not indifferent, for what cause ? A. Because things consecrated to idolatry ate not indif- ferent. Q. May the bishop detesting popery, enjoin the surplice to be worn, and enforce his injunctions ? A. It may be said to such a one, in the words of Tertullian, " If thou hatest the pomp and pageantry of the devil, whatsoever of it thou meddlest with, is idolatry." Which, if he believe, he will not enforce. Q. Is the cope a thing indifferent, being prescribed by law for decency and reverence, and not in respect of super- stition or holiness ? A. Decency is not promoted by a cope, which was de- vised to deface the sacrament. St. Jerome says, " That the gold, ordained by God for the reverence and decency of the Jewish temple, is not fit to be admitted to beautify the church of Christ;" and if so, how much less copes brought ' Strype's Parker, p. 164. -1- See Art, Sampson.
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