A70766:136
Moderation a virtue, or, A vindication of the principles and practices of the moderate…Moderation a vertue, or, A vindication of the principles and practices of the moderate…
Moderation a virtue, or, A vindication of the principles and practices of the moderate divines and laity of the Church of England represented in some late immoderate discourses, under the nick-names of Grindalizers and Trimmers / by a lover of moderation, resident upon his cure ; with an appendix, demonstrating that parish-churches are no conventicles ... in answer to a late pamphlet entitled, Parish-churches turned into conventicles, &c.Moderation a vertue, or, A vindication of the principles and practices of the moderate divines and laity of the Church of England represented in some late immoderate discourses, under the nick-names of Grindalizers and Trimmers / by a lover of moderation, resident upon his cure ; with an appendix, demonstrating that parish-churches are no conventicles ... in answer to a late pamphlet entitled, Parish-churches turned into conventicles, &c.
London: printed for Jonathan Robinson, 1683
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.
And considering the Premises, I say, He cannot infer that Conclusion from them; for there is more in his Inference, than is in the Premises. He infers as much, as that we are indispensably bound in all Times, Places, and on all Occasions, to a close strict Conformity, and that if we do not constantly observe it in all Points, we have broken our Faith. If so, then what Conformist is not guilty in a high degree of sinning? then who can conform? Or, who can, and be blameless? Is there such to be found at all times, even in Cathedral Churches?
And considering the Premises, I say, He cannot infer that Conclusion from them; for there is more in his Inference, than is in the Premises. He infers as much, as that we are indispensibly bound in all Times, Places, and on all Occasions, to a close strict Conformity, and that if we do not constantly observe it in all Points, we have broken our Faith. If so, then what Conformist is not guilty in a high degree of sinning? then who can conform? Or, who can, and be blameness? Is there such to be found at all times, even in Cathedral Churches?
There are many Occasions for an honest, wise, conscientious Minister to show Moderation, not only such as our Brother allows to Dissenters, in Words and Passion, but in Fact, or he sins more by a courteous refusal to yield, than by a prudent occasional Compliance; If not, then moderate Men cannot conform, but must abide without, among Dissenters. And our rigid Interpreters of the Laws do furnish them with an unanswerable Argument against Conformity, viz. That Conformity which leaves no room for Moderation, cannot be submitted to without Sin: but such is this rigid Conformity.1
There are many Occasions for an honest, wise, conscientious Minister to shew Moderation, not only such as our Brother allows to Dissenters, in Words and Passion, but in Fact, or he sins more by a courteous refusal to yield, than by a prudent occasional Compliance; If not, then moderate Men cannot conform, but must abide without, among Dissenters. And our rigid Interpreters of the Laws do furnish them with an unanswerable Argument against Conformity, viz. That Conformity which leaves no room for Moderation, cannot be submitted to without Sin: but such is this rigid Conformity.