INTRODUCTION.

At the restoration of Charles II.( 1661) a revision of the Liturgy took place at the Savoy, twelve Bishops, and twelve Presbyterian Divines being appointed; among the former, are the names of Sheldon, Bishop of London, and Sander­son, Bishop of Lincoln. Some alterations were effected; principally, the Epistles and Gospels were taken out of the last translation of the Bible, made in the time of K. James, ( those before being from what is called Cranmer's Transla­tion) and some of the occasional Services were added. Since this period, the alterations have been few, and not of any importance.

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' The Book of Common Prayer' thus framed, is acknow­ledged to come nearer to the primitive patterns, than the Liturgies of other reformed churches: by impartial judges, it will be owned to be so judiciously contrived, that the wisest may at once exercise their knowledge and devotion, yet so plain, that the most ignorant may pray out of it with under­standing its doctrine is pure and primitive; its ceremonies few and innocent; its language significant and perspicuous. Such venerable dignity is spread around it, such an impres­sive tone of solemn truth accompanies it, it is distinguished by such fervent piety, such unaffected, and comprehensive Charity, that it is at once delightful to the ear, and engaging to the understanding! No human composition can be com­pared with it!

He who has been familiar from his earliest infancy with this admirable Liturgy; who has lisped its contents in parental arms, and has been taught in his progress to man­hood to regard it with veneration, will assuredly derive solace from it through life, and especially in that hour, " when Nature sinks to rest."