310 LIVES OF THE PURITANS, Conference," instead of informing us what he said upon this point, is pleased to observe, that his discourse was so extremely perplexed that it was very difficult to beunder- stood.* This, surely, is a short and easy method ofanswer- ing an argument, and of reproaching an adversary. Mr. Knewstubs also excepted against the cross in baptism0- because, as be observed, it gave offence to many weak brethren, contrary to Rom. xiv. and 2 Cor. viii., where their consciences are not to be offended. He inquired whether the church had power to add external significant signs. Then, if it had such power, whether it might add them whereChrist hath already ordained one. To attempt this, appeared to himno less derogatory to the institution of Christ. than if anyperson in the land should presume to addhis own seal to the great seal of England. But if the church had this power also, Mr, Knewstubs further inquired, How far is such an ordinance to bind us, without impeach- ing our christian liberty ? The king, hearing this, was greatly moved, and said it smelt rankly of anabaptism ; and, therefore,he would not argue the point with him ! " I will," added his majesty, " have one doctrine, one dis- cipline, and one religion, in substance and in ceremony ; and, therefore, I charge you never more tospeak upon that point, how far you are to obey, when the church hath ordained it!", Such was the logic of that prince who was styled the.tSolomon of the age ! Towards the close of the conference, Dr. Chadderton having requested that the wearing of the surplice, and the use of the cross in baptism, might not be urged upon certain pious and painful ministers in Lancashire, Mr. Knewstubs, upon, his knees, requested the like favour and forbearance for certain of his brethren in Suffolk, saying, it would be much against them to require these things. "..Sir," replied the king, " you shewyourself to be uncha- ritable. We have taken pains, and in the end have con- cluded on unity and uniformity ; and you, forsooth, must prefer the credit of a few p,rivate men, before the peace Barlow's Account, p. 163. + He might withpropriety have asked, Whymay not any other sign be used in baptism, as well as the sign of the cross ? If it had been said, Because our Saviour was crucified upon the cross ; he mighthave inquired of what shape or figure was the Saviour's cross ; lest, in making the sign of it, they should not make the sign of that cross, but of some other. And how shall we know the exact figure of our Saviour's cross ? The original word, as used in the New Testament, according to the opinion of the learned, signifies a stake orpost, as well as a cross. Ibid. p.164-166.
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