the

THE PREFACE.

dition, or otherwise, it shall suf­fice to give this general account, That most of the Alterations were made, either first, for the better direction of them that are to offi­ciate in any part of Divine Ser­vice; which is chiefly done in the Calendars and Rubricks: Or secondly, for the more proper ex­pressing of some words or phrases of ancient usage in terms more suitable to the language of the

In which review we have en­deavoured to observe the like mo­deration, as we find to have been used in the like case in former times. And therefore of the sun­dry alterations proposed unto us, we have rejected all such as were either of dangerous consequence ( as secretly striking at some esta blished doctrine, or laudable prac­tice of the Church of England, or indeed of the whole Catholick Church of Christ) or else of no present times, and the clearer consequence at all, but utterly fri- explanation of some other words volous and vain. But such alte- and phrases, that were either of rations as were tendered to us( by doubtful signification, or other­what persons, under what pre- wise liable to misconstruction: Or tences, or to what purpose soever thirdly, for a more perfect ren­tendered) as seemed to us in any dering of such portions of holy degree requisite or expedient, we Scripture, as are inserted into the have willingly, and of our own Liturgy; which, in the Epistles accord assented unto: not enforc- and Gospels especially, and in ed so to do by any strength of sundry other places, are now or­Argument, convincing us of the dered to be read according to the necessity of making the said Al- last Translation: and that it was terations: For we are fully per- thought convenient, that some suaded in our judgements( and we Prayers and Thanksgivings, fitted here profess it to the world) that to special occasions, should be the Book, as it stood before esta- added in their due places; parti­blished by Law, doth not contain cularly for those at Sea, together in it any thing contrary to the with an Office for the Baptism of Word of God, or to sound Doc- such as are of Riper Years: which, trine, or which a godly man may although not so necessary when not with a good Conscience use the former Book was compiled, and submit unto, or which is not yet by the growth of Anabaptism, fairly defensible against any that through the licentiousness of the shall oppose the same; if it shall late times crept in amongst us, be allowed such just and favour- is now become necessary, and able construction as in common may be always useful for the bap­equity ought to be allowed to all tizing of Natives in our Planta­human Writings, especially such tions, and others converted to the as are set forth by Authority, and Faith. If any man, who shall even to the very best translations desire a more particular account of the holy Scripture itself. of the several Alterations in any part of the Liturgy, shall take the pains to compare the present Book with the former; we doubt not but the reason of the change may easily appear.

Our general aim therefore in this undertaking was, not to gra­tify this or that party in any their unreasonable demands; but to do that, which to our best ander­standings we conceived might most tend to the preservation of Peace and Unity in the Church; the procuring of Reverence, and exciting of Piety and Devotion in the publick Worship of God; and the cutting off occasion from them that seek occasion of cavil or quarrel against the Liturgy of the Church. And as to the se­veral variations from the former Book, whether by Alteration, Ad­

V

And having thus endeavoured to discharge our duties in this weighty affair, as in the sight of God, and to approve our sincerity therein( so far as lay in us) to the consciences of all men; al­though we know it impossible ( in such variety of apprehensions, humours and interests, as are in the world) to please all; nor can expect that men of factious, peev­ish, and perverse spirits should

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