A41330:177
The questions between the conformist and nonconformist, truly stated, and briefly discussed Dr. Falkner,…
The questions between the conformist and nonconformist, truly stated, and briefly discussed Dr. Falkner, The friendly debate &c., examined and answered : together with a discourse about separation, and some animadversions upon Dr. Stillingfleet's book entitled, The unreasonableness of separation : observations upon Dr. Templars sermon preached at a visitation in Cambridge : a brief vindication of Mr. Stephen Marshal.The questions between the conformist and nonconformist, truly stated, and briefly discussed Dr. Falkner, The friendly debate &c., examined and answered : together with a discourse about separation, and some animadversions upon Dr. Stillingfleet's book entituled, The unreasonableness of separation : observations upon Dr. Templers sermon preached at a visitation in Cambridge : a brief vindication of Mr. Stephen Marshal.
London: printed for Tho. Cockerill, 1681
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
But confession of sin, and petition for pardon of sin, are two different things, yea differ exceedingly; a man may pray, as most men do, for pardon of sin, from a principle of mere natural self-love; but confession of sin is a thing man cares not for; even good David was not very forward to it at one time, Psal. 32.3, 5. much of a gracious spirit may appear in confession of sin. Now one would think that this being one part to make up prayer, it should be as plainly expressed as other parts are, being a principle to which all Confessions different for Aggravations, Circumstances, &c. should belong and be reduced, as it is in Petition. And as it is in the Commandments, we reduce many sins and duties to these Commandments, but the Command to which they are reduced, is plainly expressed, and not tacitly only implied in another.
But confession of sin, and petition for pardon of sin, are two different things, yea differ exceedingly; a man may pray, as most men do, for pardon of sin, from a principle of meer natural self-love; but confession of sin is a thing man cares not for; even good David was not very forward to it at one time, Psal. 32.3, 5. much of a gracious spirit may appear in confession of sin. Now one would think that this being one part to make up prayer, it should be as plainly expressed as other parts are, being a principle to which all Confessions different for Aggravations, Circumstances, &c. should belong and be reduced, as it is in Petition. And as it is in the Commandments, we reduce many sins and duties to these Commandments, but the Command to which they are reduced, is plainly expressed, and not tacitely only implied in another.
So that I conclude with Grotius as before: It is a thing often observed, men that in their conversation live in open rebellion against God, while they are about Divine Worship, they carry themselves so profanely, that one would think these persons do not believe there is a God to worship; when they should attend to the Word preached, they are talking, or jeering, or sleeping; at the Ministers prayer, sit on their tails as if no such ordinance in hand; but if the Minister come to the Lords-Prayer, then clap their Hats before their eyes, and mumble over the words; and now I hope they have worshipped God well. But I leave it, let men use it, or not use it, at the end of their prayers, they shall not offend me.