XXXIV. Of the Traditions of the
Church.
It is not necessary that the Traditions
and Ceremonies be in all places one, or utterly like; for at all times they
have been divers, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries,
times, and men's manners, so that nothing be ordained against God's Word.
Whosoever, through his private judgment, willingly and purposely, doth openly
break the Traditions and Ceremonies of the Church, which be not repugnant to
the Word of God, and be ordained and approved by common authority, ought to
be rebuked openly, (that others may fear to do the like,) as he that
offendeth against the common order of the Church, and hurteth the authority
of the Magistrate, and woundeth the consciences of the weak brethren.
Every particular or national Church
hath authority to ordain, change, and abolish, Ceremonies or Rites of the
Church ordained only by man's authority, so that all things be done to
edifying.