Repl. As we took it to be no controversy between us,1 whether the mention of Gods Name is deservedly sweet to all his servants, so we thought it was none, that this reverent Name is reverently to be used, and not too lightly; and therefore not with a causeless frequency tossed in mens mouths, even in Prayer it self: and that ⟨p. 62⟩Tautologies and vain repetitions, are not the better, but the worse, because Gods Name is made the matter of them: Is it not you that have expressed your offence (as well as we) against those weak Ministers that repeat too frequently the Name and Attributes of God, in their extemporary Prayers? and is it ill in them? and is the same, and much more, well in the Common Prayer? Oh, have not the Faith of Worship of our Glorious God, in respect of Persons. Let not that be called ridiculous, idle, impertinent, or worse in one, which is accounted commendable in others. Do you think it were not a faulty crossing of the mind, and Method of Jesus Christ, if you should make six Prayers of the six Petitions of the Lords Prayer, and set the Preface and Conclusion unto each. As, [Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name, for thine is the Kingdom, &c.] and so on all the rest. Yet we know that the same words may be oft repeated (as David doth Gods enduring mercy) without such Tautological vanity, when it is not from emptiness, or neglect of order, or affectation; But in Psalms, or Hymns, where affections are to be elevated by such Figurative Elegancies, and strains, as are best beseeming Poetry or rapture, we are not against such Repetitions. But if we may (according to the Common Prayer Book) begin, and end, and begin, and seem to withdraw again, and make a Prayer of every Petition or two, and begin and end every such Petition, with Gods Name, and Christs Merits, as making up half the Form, or near; nothing is an affected, empty tossing of Gods Name in Prayer, if this be not? We are persuaded if you should hear a man in a known extemporary Prayer do thus, it would seem strange and harsh, even to your selves.
Repl. As we took it to be no controversie between us,1 whether the mention of Gods Name is deservedly sweet to all his servants, so we thought it was none, that this reverent Name is reverently to be used, and not too lightly; and therefore not with a causeless frequency tossed in mens mouths, even in Prayer it self: and that ⟨p. 62⟩Tautologies and vain repetitions, are not the better, but the worse, because Gods Name is made the matter of them: Is it not you that have expressed your offence (as well as we) against those weak Ministers that repeat too frequently the Name and Attributes of God, in their extemporary Prayers? and is it ill in them? and is the same, and much more, well in the Common Prayer? Oh, have not the Faith of Worship of our Glorious God, in respect of Persons. Let not that be called rediculous, idle, impertinent, or worse in one, which is accounted commendable in others. Do you think it were not a faulty crossing of the mind, and Method of Jesus Christ, if you should make six Prayers of the six Petitions of the Lords Prayer, and set the Preface and Conclusion unto each. As, [Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name, for thine is the Kingdom, &c.] and so on all the rest. Yet we know that the same words may be oft repeated (as David doth Gods enduring mercy) without such Tautological vanity, when it is not from emptiness, or neglect of order, or affectation; But in Psalms, or Hymnes, where affections are to be elevated by such Figurative Elegancies, and strains, as are best beseeming Poetry or rapture, we are not against such Repetitions. But if we may (according to the Common Prayer Book) begin, and end, and begin, and seem to withdraw again, and make a Prayer of every Petition or two, and begin and end every such Petition, with Gods Name, and Christs Merits, as making up half the Form, or neer; nothing is an affected, empty tossing of Gods Name in Prayer, if this be not? We are perswaded if you should hear a man in a known extemporary Prayer do thus, it would seem strange and harsh, even to your selves.
- 1Rep.
