she has suffered by interested views, by foreign direction, and Calvinistical alloy. Thus I humbly conceive she will be remarkably Decus et tutamen, and have new strength and lustre upon her. Thus she will better endure the test of antiquity, be more covered from assault, and stand impregnable."[1]
The author of "No Reason for restoring," &c. very soon published another Pamphlet in reply to Collier, in titled "No Sufficient Reason for Restoring some Prayers and Directions of King Edward VI.'s First Liturgy." Collier immediately replied, for his answer was published in the same year.[2] This is a work of considerable size; and every page affords evidence of the learning and talents of the author. "The Vindication" was replied to by the author of "No Reason," &c. and "No Sufficient Reason:" &c. After which Collier published in the year 1720, "A Farther Defence &c. being an Answer to a Reply to the Vindication of the Reasons and Defence for Restoring," &c.
Collier preferred the First Communion Book, while his opponent was strenuous for adhering to our present Form. The latter considered the practices as immaterial: and consequently, that no sufficient reason could be pleaded for their restoration. It will be seen, that the controversy continued several years: and that the parties became embittered towards each other as it proceeded.[3]
- ↑ A Defence of the Reasons, &c. p. 122.
- ↑ A Vindication of the Reasons and Defence, &c. Part I. Being a Reply to the First Part of No Sufficient Reason, &c. 1718. Part II. Being a Reply to the Second Part of No Sufficient Reason, &c. 1719.
- ↑ After Collier's death these Tracts were collected together and issued with a new Title Page of the date of 1736, with a Portrait of the Author.
