A53684:106
A discourse concerning liturgies, and their imposition
London : s.n., 1662
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.
Argument Second. Necessary use of the Liturgy exclusive of the use of the means appointed by Christ for the Edification of his Church.
WE proceed to some further Considerations upon the state of the Question before laid down; and shall insist on some other Argument against the Imposition pleaded ⟨p. 56⟩for. We have spoken to the Authority Imposing; our next Argument is taken from the Thing or Matter Imposed, and the End of that Imposition.
An Humane Provision of means for the accomplishing of any End or Ends in the Worship of God, for which Jesus Christ himself hath made and doth continue to make Provision, to the exclusion of that Provision so by him made, is not allowable, About this Assertion I suppose we shall have no Contention. To assert the Lawfulness of such Provisions, is in the first instance to exalt the Wisdom and Authority of men, above that of Christ, and that in his own house. This men will not nakedly and openly do, though by just consequence it be done every day. But we have secured our Proposition by the plainness of its terms, against which no Exception can lye. It remaineth then that we show, that the things mentioned in it, and rejected as disallowable are directly applicable to the Imposition of Liturgies contended about.
An Humane Provision of means for the accomplishing of any End or Ends in the Worship of God, for which Jesus Christ himself hath made and doth continue to make Provision, to the exclusion of that Provision so by him made, is not allowable, About this Assertion I suppose we shall have no Contention. To assert the Lawfulness of such Provisions, is in the first instance to exalt the Wisdome and Authority of men, above that of Christ, and that in his own house. This men will not nakedly and openly do, though by just consequence it be done every day. But we have secured our Proposition by the plainness of its terms, against which no Exception can lye. It remaineth then that we shew, that the things mentioned in it, and rejected as disallowable are directly applicable to the Imposition of Liturgies contended about.