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History of the Nonjurors.
175

unanswered, was soon ready with a reply. The only point which it is necessary to notice, relates to the same question as the preceding extract: and as Collier enters fully into the matter, which is really one of great interest, another quotation will not be unacceptable to the reader. The animadverter states, that the ceremony is not retained by the Church of England: and that consequently ministers should not make use of any, which are not positively enjoined. Collier replies as follows. "His affirming that imposition of hands is not retained in the Church of England, will not hold generally speaking. For this ceremony is retained both in orders and confirmation: which is a sufficient argument of its being approved by the Church. But the Church does not retain it in her absolutions. I grant 'tis not in the rubric for that purpose. And therefore, had it been used at the Daily Service or upon any solemn occasion regulated by the Church there might have been some pretence for exception: but the rubric and act of uniformity, mentioned by the animadverter, provide only against innovations, in stated and public administrations. 'Tis in Churches and Church appointments that the rubric condemns adding or diminishing. But this is none of the present case. For the Church has not prescribed us any office for executions. Every priest is here left to his liberty, both as to office and gesture, to substance and ceremony. The devotion may be all private composition, if the confessor pleases. And when out of respect to the Church, he selects any part of her liturgy, though the form is public, the choice and occasion are private, which makes it fall under another denomination. The selected office in this case, is like coin melted into bullion. The public impression is gone: and with