THE PREFACE.

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 esta­blished doctrine, or laudable prac­tice of the Church of England, or indeed of the whole Catholick Church of Christ) or else of no consequence at all, but utterly frivolous and vain. But such al­terations as were tendered to us, ( by what persons, under v hat pre­tences, or to what purpose soever tendered) as seemed to us in any degree requisite or expedient, we have willingly, and of our own accord assented unto: not en­forced so to do by any strength of argument, convincing us of the necessity of making the said al­terations: for we are fully per­suaded in our judgments( and we here profess it to the world) that the Book, as it stood before esta­blished by law, doth not contain in it any thing contrary to the Word of God, or to sound doc­trine, or which a godly man may not with a good conscience use and submit unto, or which is not fairly defensible against any that shall oppose the same; if it shall be allowed such just and favour­able construction as in common equity ought to be allowed to all human writings, especially such as are set forth by authority, and even to the very best translations of the holy Scripture itself. 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 under standings 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

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

ix

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 present times, and the clearer explanation of some other words and phrases, that were either of doubtful signification, or other­wise liable to misconstruction: Or thirdly, for a more perfect ren­dering of such portions of holy Scripture, as are inserted into the Liturgy: which, in the Epistles and Gospels especial.y, and in sundry other places, are now or­dered to be read according to the last Translation: and that it was thought convenient, that some Prayers and Thanksgivings, fitted to special occasions, should be added in their due places; parti­cularly for those at Sea, together with an Office for the Baptism of such as are of Riper Years: which, although not so necessary when the former Book was compiled, yet by the growth of Anabaptism, through the licentiousness of the late times crept in amongst us, is now become necessary, and may be always useful for the bap­tizing of natives in our planta­tions, and others converted to the faith. If any man, who shall desire a more particular account 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.