most masterly confutation of them. He then specifies the particulars alleged against him as Popish, which were these: "The Independency of the Church, of the State, as to pure spiritual powers. The Divine Right of Episcopacy. The Oblation in the Eucharist. The Necessity of Sacerdotal Absolution. The Unction of the Sick. And the Middle State of separate Souls." These various opinions are explained and defended from the charge of Popery. Now, whatever we may think of the views of Brett, on these subjects, we have no right to call them Popish, because we do not receive them. Whether erroneous or not, they are not Popish.
Several works appeared on both sides, besides those already enumerated. Among others I wish to specify one in particular, because it contains an account of the discussions, which led to the separation into two distinct communions. This work was intitled briefly "Mr. Collier's Desertion Discussed," and Collier is charged, as the title implies, with having deserted the Church of England.[1] The author commences by lamenting the divisions in their little flock, and asks what is to be thought of the Bishops, Clergy, and convocations of the Church, who served God by the Established Liturgy; and in the constant reception of the Holy Sacrament according to her Communion Office, even to their last breath, and dying devotions: never imagining, that not praying for the dead, and not mixing water with the eucharistical wine were
- ↑ Mr. Collier's Desertion Discussed: or the Offices of Worship in the Liturgy of the Church of England Defended: against the bold attacks of that gentleman, late of her communion, now of his own. In a Letter to a Friend. To which is added a second Letter by way of Appendix, containing some desiderata. Second Edition, London, 1720. The first Edition was published in 1718.
