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

Repl. As we took it to be no Controversy between us, whether the mention of Gods Name is deservedly sweet to all his Servants; So we thought it was none, that this reverend Name is reverently to be used, and not too lightly, and therefore not with a causeless frequency tossed in mens mouths, even in prayer itself; and that tautologies and vain repetitions, are not the ⟨p. 84⟩better but the worse, because Gods Name is made the matter of them. It is not you that have expressed your offence (as well as we) against those weak Ministers that repeat too frequently the Name and Attributes of God, in their extemporate Prayers? And is it ill in them? and is the same, and much more well in the Common Prayer? O have not the Faith or worship of our glorious God in respect of persons. Let not that be called ridiculous idle, impertinent, or worse in one, which is accounted commendable in others. Do you think it were not a faulty crossing, of the mind and method of Jesus Christ, if you should make 6. Prayers of it he 6. Petitions of the Lords Prayer, and set the Preface and Conclusion unto each? as (Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name, for thine is the Kingdom, &c. and so over all the rest; Yet we know that the same words may be oft repeated (as David doth Gods enduring mercy,) without such tautological vanity: when it is not from emptiness or neglect of order, or affectation; But in Psalms or Hymns where affections are to be elevated by such figurative elegancies, and strains as are best beseeming Poetry or Rapture, we are not against such repetitions; But if we may (according to the Common-Prayer-book) begin and end, and begin and seem to withdraw again, and make a Prayer of every Petition or two, and begin and end every such petition, with Gods name, and Christs merits, as making up half the form, or near, nothing is an affected empty tossing of Gods name in Prayer if this be not: We are persuaded if you should hear a man in a known extemporate prayer do thus, it would seem strange and harsh even to your selves.

Repl. As we took it to be no Controversy between us, whether the mention of Gods Name is deservedly sweet to all his Servants; So we thought it was none, that this reverend Name is reverently to be used, and not too lightly, and therefore not with a causelesse frequency tossed in mens mouthes, even in prayer itself; and that tautologies and vain repetitions, are not the