the Constitution, Discipline, &c. of the Primitive Church." In this work, the author labours to prove, that no settled form of Church government could be gathered from Holy Scripture and primitive practice—a sentiment quite compatible with the latitudinarian notions of the day. A second part was subsequently published: and editions of the complete work were extensively circulated. As no answer appeared after several years, the enemies of the Church pretended, that King's Inquiry was unanswerable. Undoubtedly many of the Clergy, influenced by the Erastian notions of the day, were indifferent on the subject. Sclater at length stepped forward, and it is said that King was not only convinced by his arguments, but that he made him the offer of a living in the Church of England. Sclater was a Nonjuring Clergyman: consequently he could not accept of preferment in the Anglican Church, which involved the taking the Oath of Allegiance. All the arguments in King's book were considered by Sclater with the greatest candour and ability. The author was a man of singular modesty, of unaffected piety, and of uncommon learning, of which this work affords the most abundant evidence.[1]
- ↑ An Original Draught of the Primitive Church: in Answer to a Discourse intituled, "An Inquiry, &c." By a Presbyter of the Church of England. London, 8vo. 1717
