A69535:271
The grand debate between the most reverend bishops and the Presbyterian divines appointed by…
The grand debate between the most reverend bishops and the Presbyterian divines appointed by His Sacred Majesty as commissioners for the review and alteration of the Book of common prayer, &c. : being an exact account of their whole proceedings : the most perfect copy.
London printed : s.n., 1661
THE PAPERS That passed between the COMMISSIONERS Appointed by His M… › Section
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[If it be objected, That the Liturgy is in any way sinful and unlawful for us to join with, it is but reason that this be first proved evidently, before any thing be altered: it is no Argument to say, that multitudes of sober pious persons scruple the use of it, unless it be made to appear by evident reasons, that the Liturgy gave the just grounds to make such scruples. For if the bare pretence of scruples be sufficient to exempt us from Obedience, all Law and Order is gone.]
1[If it be objected, That the Liturgy is in any way sinful and unlawful for us to joyn with, it is but reason that this be first proved evidently, before any thing be altered: it is no Argument to say, that multitudes of sober pious persons scruple the use of it, unless it be made to appear by evident reasons, that the Liturgy gave the just grounds to make such scruples. For if the bare pretence of scruples be sufficient to exempt us from Obedience, all Law and Order is gone.]
- 1Sect 5.
Reply. To this passage we humbly crave your consideration of these Answers; 1. We have not only said, (that sober pious persons scruple the Liturgy) but we have opened to you those defects, and disorders, and corruptions, which must needs make the imposing of it unlawful, when God might be more fitly served. 2. It is strange, that you must see it first evidently proved unlawful for men to join with the Liturgy (you mean, we suppose, to join with you in the using of it, or when you use it,) before you will see reason to alter any thing in it: what if it be only proved unlawful for you to impose it, though not for others to join with you when you do impose it, is this no reason to alter it? should you not have some care to avoid sin your selves, as well as to preserve others from it? An inconvenient mode of Worship is a sin in the Imposer, and in the Chooser, and voluntary User, that might offer God better, and will not,