Sect. 2. P. 18. Homilies.
Ans. [Some Livings are so small, that they are not able to maintain a Li∣censed Preacher, and in such and the like Cases, this provision is necessary; nor can any reason be given, why the Ministers reading a [Homily] set forth by common Authority, should not be accounted Preaching of the Word, as well as his reading or pronouncing by heart, a Homily or Sermon of his own, or any o∣ther mans?]
Repl. 1. When the Usurpers would quickly have brought Livings to that competency, as would have maintained able Preachers, we may not que∣stion whether just Authority will do it. 2. When abundance of able Mini∣sters cast out, would be glad of liberty to Preach for nothing, this pretence hath no taste or sense in it. 3. When we may not without the imputation of uncharitableness, once imagine that your Lordships, with your Deans, and other Officers, do not value the saving of Souls above Money, we may conclude, that you will voluntarily allow so much out of your ample Reve∣nues, as will supply such places, or many of them: the rather, because we find you charging them, as [inordinately desiring the Honour and Wealth of the World] that would have had all Ministers to have had 100 l. or 80 l. per an∣num a piece; and therefore may conclude, that you will take no more, if you hate that sin, more than they do, that are accused of it: But the next part of your An••wer firghteth us more; to which we say, That we will not dif∣fer with you for the name, whether reading Homilies, may be called Preach∣ing;