Five disputations of church-government and worship

In this Proposition are these considerable points implied, and expressed. 1. That it is not unfit to have forms by the common Agreement of the Pastors, to be used when its meet (as is before and after expressed.) There are few Nations in the world, so well provided for with able Ministers, but that some places must be supplied with men that have need of forms of Prayer, if not of Preaching, composed by others. And therefore it is fittest that such should have Forms that are Agreed on by all. And therefore I doubt not but when we came newly out of Popery, and had not a full supply of preachers, it was a wise and lawful course to compose a common form of Prayer. For, 1. It will be the surest way to keep out unsoundness and abusive passages, when nothing is allowed as a public form but what hath obtained the common consent. 2. It will be the way of fullest concord: when forms are necessary, there is more of Concord ⟨p. 382⟩in it, to have one that is approved sound) then to have as many as men please. 3 The Churches may the better know whom to hold communion with in Prayer, (though the Pastors may be unable to pray without forms) when they know the substance of their Prayers. 4. The Magistrate may the better do his duty and be responsible for the service that is offered to God, even by the weakest Pastors, and see that Gods name be not abused. It is therefore desirable that a Common Liturgy be extant.

In this Proposition are these considerable points implyed, and expressed. 1. That it is not unfit to have forms by the common Agreement of the Pastors, to be used when its meet (as is before and after expressed.) There are few Nations in the world, so well provided for with able Ministers, but that some places must be supplied with men that have need of forms of Prayer, if not of Preaching, composed by others. And therefore it is fittest that such should have Forms that are Agreed on by all. And therefore I doubt not but when we came newly out of Popery, and had not a full supply of preachers, it was a wise and lawfull course to compose a common form of Prayer. For, 1. It will be the surest way to keep out unsoundness and abusive passages, when nothing is allowed as a publick form but what hath obtained the common consent. 2. It will be the way of fullest concord: when forms are necessary, there is more of Concord ⟨p. 382⟩in it, to have one •that is approved sound) then to have as many as men please. 3 The Churches may the better know whom to hold communion with in Prayer, (though the Pastors may be unable to pray without forms) when they know the substance of their Prayers. 4. The Magistrate may the better do his duty and be responsible for the service that is offered to God, even by the weakest Pastors, and see that Gods name be not abused. It is therefore desirable that a Common Liturgy be extant.