The grand debate between the most reverend bishops and the Presbyterian divines appointed by…

Repl. To what you allege out of two Councils, we answer, 1. The Acts of more venerable Councils are not now at all observed (as Nice 1. Can. ult. &c.) nor many of these same which you cite. 2. The Scripture, and the constant practice of the more ancient Church allowed what they forbid. 3. Even these Canons show that then the Churches thought not our Liturgy to be necessary to their Concord: Nor indeed had then any such form imposed on all, or many Churches to that end. For the Can. of Counc. Carth.) we suppose you meant Council 3. Can. 23.) mentioneth Prayers even at the Alter, and alloweth any man to describe and use his own Prayers, so he do but first, cum instructionibus fratribus eas confer, Take advice about them with the abler Brethren. If there had been a stated form before imposed on the Churches, what room could there be for this course. And even this much seems but a Caution, made newly upon some late abuse of Prayer. The same we may say de Concil. Male Can. 12.: If they were but a prudentioribus tractata, vel comprobata in Synodo, new Prayers might by any man at any time be brought in, which showeth they had no such stated public Liturgy as is now pleaded for. And even this seemeth occasioned by Pelagianism, which by this Caution they would keep out.

Repl. To what you allege out of two Councils, we answer, 1. The Acts of more venerable Councils are not now at all observed (as Nice 1. Can. ult. &c.) nor many of these same which you cite. 2. The Scripture, and the constant practice of the more antient Church allowed what they forbid. 3. Even these Canons shew that then the Churches thought not our Liturgy to be necessary to their Concord: Nor indeed had then any such form imposed on all, or many Churches to that end. For the Can. of Counc. Carth.) we suppose you meant Council 3. Can. 23.) mentioneth Prayers even at the Alter, and alloweth any man to describe and use his own Prayers, so he do but first, cum instructionibus fratribus eas conferre, Take advice about them with the abler Brethren. If there had been a stated form before imposed on the Churches, what room could there be for this course. And even this much seems but a Caution, made newly upon some late abuse of Prayer. The same we may say de Concil. Male Can. 12.: If they were but a prudentioribus tractata, vel comprobata in Synodo, new Prayers might by any man at any time be brought in, which sheweth they had no such stated publick Liturgy as is now pleaded for. And even this seemeth occasioned by Pelagianisme, which by this Caution they would keep out.