A41330:235
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.
1. That Text, Ephes. 4 8, 11, 12. Christ when he ascended, gave gifts unto men, v. 8. and these men amongst others are Pastors and Teachers, v. 11. the end of these gifts and officers, For the perfecting of the Saints, &c. v. 12. True indeed these gifts differ very much in men. So the 7th. v. tells us, But unto every one of us is given grace, according ⟨p. 22⟩to the measure of the gift of Christ. But though the measure differ, yet so much is given to every Pastor and Teacher, let him but be faithful in the improvement of it, as shall serve the end Christ intended. Thus Rom. 12.6. Having gifts, &c.
1. That Text, Ephes. 4 8, 11, 12. Christ when he ascended, gave gifts unto men, v. 8. and these men amongst others are Pastors and Teachers, v. 11. the end of these gifts and officers, For the perfecting of the Saints, &c. v. 12. True indeed these gifts differ very much in men. So the 7th. v. tells us, But unto every one of us is given grace, according ⟨p. 22⟩to the measure of the gift of Christ. But though the measure differ, yet so much is given to every Pastor and Teacher, let him but be saithful in the improvement of it, as shall serve the end Christ intended. Thus Rom. 12.6. Having gifts, &c.
I am sure among these gifts the gift of Prayer is one so requisite in a Minister, and so common to all true Christians, yea to Hypocrites. But this practise renders Christs act but various, and crosses him in what he did, and doth in giving gifts; for though he doth give them, they must not use them, nor improve them; why then did he purchase them, and give them? it seems he gave gifts, to one or two in a Nation (composing of Prayers is not the work of a multitude), to compose Prayers, and these must be imposed on all the Ministers in a Nation, with a stamp of Authority; though Christ hath given gifts to all his Ministers, and many of them as able, and more able than are the Composers and Imposers; but their gift must lye dormant, they are tied up to words. It was a silly answer he gave, They may use their gifts at home. The Text confutes him.