A69535:345
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.
[This which they call a defect, others think they have reason to 1account the perfection of the Liturgy, the Offices of which being intended for common and general services, would cease to be such, by descending to particulars, as in confession of Sin, while it is general, all persons may and must join in it, since in many things we offend all; But if there be a particular enumeration of sins, it cannot be so general a confession, because it may happen that some or other may by Gods Grace have been preserved from some of those sins enumerated, and therefore should by confessing themselves guilty, tell God a Lye, which needs a new Confession.]
[This which they call a defect, others think they have reason to 1account the perfection of the Liturgy, the Offices of which being intended for common and general services, would cease to be such, by descending to particulars, as in confession of Sin, while it is general, all persons may and must joyn in it, since in many things we offend all; But if there be a particular enumeration of sins, it cannot be so general a confession, because it may happen that some or other may by Gods Grace have been preserved from some of those sins enumerated, and therefore should by confessing themselves guilty, tell God a Lye, which needs a new Confession.]
- 1§. 2. Exc. 2.
Repl. If general words be its perfection, its very culpable in tediousness and vain repetitions; For what need you more than (Lord be merciful to us sinners.) There's together a general confession of Sin, and a general Prayer for mercy, which comprehend all the particulars of the peoples Sins, and wants. We gave you our reason, which you answer not; Confession is the exercise of Repentance, and also the helper of it; And it is no true repentance which is not particular, but only general. If you say that you repent that you have sinned, and know not where, or do not repent of any particular sin, you do not indeed repent, for Sin is not existent but in the Individuals: And if you ask for grace, and know nor what grace, or desire no particular graces; indeed you desire not grace at all: We know there is time and use for general Confessions, and Requests; But still as implying particulars, as having gone before, or following, or at least it must be supposed, that the people understand the particulars included and have inward confessions and desires of them: Which cannot here be supposed, when they are not all mentioned, not can the people generally be supposed to have such quick and comprehensive