A41330:226
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.
2ly. If this reason be forcible, was it not as strong in the Apostolical Churches, and much more than now? Why did they not leave their Liturgies that all Churches after them might know their way and man ner of worshipping God? all their words in prayer? So name you but one argument that was not of as much validity in the Apostles time as now. Uniformity, prevention of errors, of rude and slovenly words and expressions, and what else you please. Then do but bring us forth their Forms which they imposed upon the Churches, and give us but infallible ground for our faith to believe, that these they were, and no alteration in the least, then Sir, we shall listen to your reasons.
2ly. If this reason be forcible, was it not as strong in the Apostolical Churches, and much more than now? Why did they not leave their Liturgies that all Churches after them might know their way and man ner of worshipping God? all their words in prayer? So name you but one argument that was not of as much validity in the Apostles time as now. Ʋniformity, prevention of errors, of rude and slovenly words and expressions, and what else you please. Then do but bring us forth their Forms which they imposed upon the Churches, and give us but infallible ground for our faith to believe, that these they were, and no alteration in the least, then Sir, we shall listen to your reasons.
From other men I have heard other arguments: One I heard from a Learned Physician, who had it from Bishop Sparrow in a Sermon, and was much taken with the strength of it. Suppose, said he, their own prayers were better than the prayers of the Church, yet obedience is better than sacrifice. Saul's obedience had been more acceptable than the fat beasts he spared for sacrifice.
The strength of this argument let us see: Here is a King commanded to give obedience to God immediately, and that absolutely without any question. Our case is, we are called to give obedience to Superiors, but creatures; and that in such things which concern God immediately;