A69535:486
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
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.
Reply.
We confess it is desirable that all our distempers, and unfitnesses should be healed; and we desire with you that Sacraments may be oftener: But that every person in the Parish that is unfit, be forced to receive, is that which we cannot concur with you to be guilty of. Two sorts we think unfit, to be so forced (at least.) First, abundance of people, grossly ignorant and scandalous, that will eat and drink judgment to themselves, not discerning the Lords Body. Secondly, many melancholy, and otherwise troubled doubting Souls, that if they should receive the Sacrament before they find themselves more fit, would be in danger to go out of their wits, with fear, lest it would seal them to destruction, and as the ⟨p. 128⟩Liturgy saith, lest the Devil enter into them as into Judas: or at least it would grievously deject them. As formerly, so now, there is great reason at once to desire, that the unprepared be not forced to the Sacrament, and yet that so great a part of the body of the Church may not be let alone in your Communion, without due admonition and discipline, that ordinarily neglect or refuse the Churches Communion in this Sacrament: those that are so profane should be kept away, but withal they should be proceeded with by discipline, till they repent, or are cast out of the Church.
We confess it is desireable that all our distempers, and unfitnesses should be healed; and we desire with you that Sacraments may be oftner: But that every person in the Parish that is unfit, be forced to receive, is that which we cannot concurre with you to be guilty of. Two sorts we think unfit, to be so forced (at least.) First, abundance of people, grossely ignorant and scandalous, that will eat and drink judgment to themselves, not discerning the Lords Body. Secondly, many melancholy, and otherwise troubled doubting Souls, that if they should receive the Sacrament before they find themselves more fit, would be in danger to go out of their wits, with fear, lest it would seal them to destruction, and as the