A41326:317
The liturgical considerator considered, or, A brief view of Dr. Gauden's considerations touching the…
The liturgical considerator considered, or, A brief view of Dr. Gauden's considerations touching the liturgy of the Church of England wherein the reasons by him produced for imposing the said liturgy upon all, are found to be so weak, his defence of things offensive in it so slight, the arguments against the liturgy by himself afforded, are so strong, that some, who upon His Majesties declaration did incline to the liturgy, are now further from it, by reading his wordy discourse about it : also some reasons humbly rendered, why many ministers, as yet cannot conform to that liturgy, but not out of disloyalty, pride, ingratitude, peevishness, nor schismatical petulancy, as the sarcastical pen of this uncharitable doctor hath published ... / by G.F.The liturgical considerator considered, or, A brief view of Dr. Gauden's considerations touching the liturgy of the Church of England wherein the reasons by him produced for imposing the said liturgy upon all, are found to be so weak, his defence of things offensive in it so slight, the arguments against the liturgy by himselfe afforded, are so strong, that some, who upon His Majesties declaration did incline to the liturgy, are now further from it, by reading his wordy discourse about it : also some reasons humbly rendered, why many ministers, as yet cannot conform to that liturgy, but not out of disloyalty, pride, ingratitude, peevishness, nor schismatical petulancy, as the sarcastical pen of this uncharitable doctor hath published ... / by G.F.
London: printed for Ralph Smith, 1661
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Secondly, I cannot admit that Liturgy, being but an human constitution, when it hath that attributed to it which is proper only to the Word of God. The Text saith, To the Law, 1to the Testimony; Dr. Gauden saith, To the Liturgy for your Test, your main Standard, your Measure in your public worship of God. And look what the Apostle said, Gal. 6.16. As many as walk according to this Rule, Peace be on them; the same saith the Doctor, as many as walk according to his Rule, syllabically, peace to them, and •o•e else.
Secondly, I cannot admit that Liturgy, being but an human constitution, when it hath that attributed to it which is proper onely to the Word of God. The Text saith, To the Law, 1to the Testimony; Dr. Gauden saith, To the Liturgy for your Test, your main Standard, your Measure in your publick worship of God. And look what the Apostle said, Gal. 6.16. As many as walk according to this Rule, Peace be on them; the same saith the Doctor, as many as walk according to his Rule, syllabically, peace to them, and •o•e else.
Thirdly, Religion, Piety, Reformation, come or go, are put or removed, according as Gods Word, Gods own Institutions are set up in their purity and power; but they depend not upon a human constitution, a humane mode of Worship, as Doctor Gauden makes them all depend on this Liturgy, so that they come or go with it. I am sure this humane constitution wants Reformation, and it was taken away by Ordinance of Parliament in order to Reformation. Liturgy is concretum quid, 'tis not bare Doctrine; nay, the Doctor takes it strictly for a Form of prayer. Since then he puts so much upon it, I cannot admit it; strange that these three should depend upon such Forms of prayer.