A69535:317
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… › Reply
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.
Repl. The Text speaks (as Dr. Hammond well shows) of a subjection to that Prophet himself, who was the Speaker; Inspiration excluded not the prudent exercise of Reason; But it is a strange ordering, that totally excludeth the thing ordered. The Gift of Preaching (as distinct from reading) is to be orderly and with due subjection exercised; But not to be on that pretence extinguished and cast out of the Church: And indeed if you should command it, you are not to be obeyed, whatever we suffer; And why then should the Gift of Prayer (distinct from reading) be cast out.
Repl. The Text speaks (as Dr. Hammond well shews) of a subjection to that Prophet himself, who was the Speaker; Inspiration excluded not the prudent exercise of Reason; But it is a strange ordering, that totally excludeth the thing ordered. The Gift of Preaching (as distinct from reading) is to be orderly and with due subjection exercised; But not to be on that pretence extinguished and cast out of the Church: And indeed if you should command it, you are not to be obeyed, whatever we suffer; And why then should the Gift of Prayer (distinct from reading) be cast out.
[The mischiefs that come by Idle, Impertinent, Ridiculous, sometimes 1Seditious, Impious, and Blasphemous expressions under pretence of the Gift, to the dishonour of God, and scorn of Religion, being far greater than the pretended good of exercising the Gift: It is fit that they who desire such liberty in public devotions, should first give the Church security, that no private opinions; should be put into their Prayers, as is desired in the first Proposal, and that nothing contrary to the Faith should be uttered before God, or offered up to him in the Church.]