A discourse concerning liturgies, and their imposition

CHAP. VII.

The Question stated. First Argument against the Composing and Imposing of Liturgies. Arbitrary Additions to the Worship of God rejected. Liturgies not appointed by God. Made necessary in their Imposition: and a part of the Worship of God. Of Circumstances of Worship. Instituted Adjuncts of Worship not Circumstances. Circumstances of Actions as such, not Circumstances of Worship. Circumstances commanded made parts of Worship. Prohibitions of Additions produced, considered, applied.

The Question stated. First Argument against the Composing and Imposing of Liturgies. Arbitrary Additions to the Worship of God rejected. Liturgies not appointed by God. Made necessary in their Imposition: and a part of the Worship of God. Of Circumstances of Worship. Instituted Adjuncts of Worship not Circumstances. Circumstances of Actions as such, not Circumstances of Worship. Circumstances commanded made parts of Worship. Prohibitions of Additions produced, considered, applyed.

TO clear up what it is in Particular that we insist upon, some few things are to be premised. 1. Then I do not in especial intend the Liturgy now in use in England, any farther then to make it an Instance of such Imposed Liturgies, whereof we treat. I shall not then at all enquire what footing it hath in the Law, how nor when established, nor what particular failings are pleaded to be in it, nor what Conformity it bears with the Roman Offices, with the like things that are usually Objected against it. Nor, Secondly, do I oppose the directive part of this Liturgy as to the reading of the Scripture, when it requires that which is Scripture to be read, the Administration of the Ordinances by Christ appointed, nor the Composition of Forms of Prayer suited to the nature of the Institutions to which they relate, so they be not Imposed on the Administrators of them, to be read precisely, as prescribed. But, Thirdly, this is that alone which I shall speak unto; the Composing of Forms of Prayer in the Worship of God, in all Gospel Administrations, to be used by the Ministers of the Churches, in all Public Assemblies, by a precise reading of the words prescribed unto them; with Commands for the reading of other things, which they are not to omit, upon the penalty contained in the Sanction of the whole Service and the several parts of it. The liberty which some say is granted for a man to use their own Gifts and Abilities in Prayer before and after Sermons, will I fear as things now stand, upon due Consideration, appear rather to be taken then given. However it concerns not our present question, because it is taken for granted by those that plead for the strict Observation