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Lyte 2547

THE

HISTORY

OF

Ron-Conformity

As it was Argued and Stated by Com-
miffioners on both fides, in 1661.

CONTAINING,

L Two Papers of Propofals, concerning the Difcipline and Cere-
monies of the Church of England, Prefented to King Charles II.
by the Presbyterian Minifters

II. Their Pétition for Peace to the Bishops.

III. Their Reformation of the Liturgy.

IV. An Account of the Proceedings of the Commiffioners of both
fides, for Reviewing the Book of Common-Prayer. With the
Kings Commiffion prefix'd.

V. The Exceptions of the Presbyterians against the Liturgy.

VI. The Papers that pafs'd betwixt the Commiffioners on both fides,
wherein the matter is Argued, Pro and Con.

VII. A true Copy of the Difputation at the Savoy, as managed by the
Epifcopal Divines, to prove that there's nothing Sinful in the
Liturgy.

VIII. An Account of the Debate, and Petition to the King, by the
Presbyterian Minifters, who were appointed Commiffioners.
IX. Arch-Bishop Usher's Reduction of Epifcopacy, unto the Form
of Synodical Government, Receiv'd in the Antient Church :
Which the Presbyterians offer'd to fubmit to.

X. The Proceedings of Arch-Bishop Uher, the Bishop of Lincoln,
and fome other Church of England Divines in 1641. Touching In-
novations in the Doctrine and Difcipline of the Church. With
Confiderations on the Common-Prayer Book, Refer'd to, in
the Debate betwixt the Commiffioners on both fides.

To which is Prefix'd

A Preface Relating to Decafional Conformity.

LONDON Printed, and Sold by B. Bragg, at the
Blue-Ball, in Avemary-Lane, 1704.

I

T

THE

PREFACE.

HE Controverfie betwixt thofe call'd Churchmen and Diffenters, being unhappily reviv'd of late, and the Guilt of Hypocrife, Schifm. Faction, &c. violently charg'd upon the latter, the Publication of the following Papers was thought highly Neceffary. First, Becaufe they contain the Subftance of the Controverfie, as Manag'd by the Chief Men on both fides, Commiffioned by the King, and therefore, are of more Authority than the Wri tings of meer Private Perfons; because thefe Commiffioners were in a manner, Reprefentatives of both the Parties.

Secondly, Becaufe thofe Papers are known to few, but to Antient Men of both fides, and no where to be bad, but in the Clofets of the Curious, nor were they ever Publish'd be: fore in One Volume.

Thirdly, Because they fhew that the Presbyterians (who are by far, the molt Confiderable Diffenters, in regard of their Number and Quality, and Agreement with Foreign Proteftant Churches) differ fo very little from that, call'd the Church of England, that nothing but the Pernicious defigns of Crafty Statefmen, to bring this Nation under an Arbitrary Government, and the Bigotry of Superftitious Churchmen, who have all along aim'd at a Reconciliation with Rome, could have effected a Separation betwixt them, in their Publick Alfemblies, for Divine Worship. This will be plain to those who confider (1) The Continuance of the Old Puritans, in the Communion of the Church. (2.) The Moderation of many of the firft Protefant Bishops, in the points Controverted. (3.) The Reformation began, and further intended by the Pious King Edward VI. but pat back, and obftructed by bis untimely Death; which, therefore, by Doctor Heylin, and other HighChurchmen, was accounted Seafonable. (4) The Endeavours ufed in Parliament, and otherwife, in Queen Elizabeth's Reign, to obtain an Abatement of the things in Debate. (5) The Good Understanding there was betwixt the Moderate Bihops and Puritans in the Reigns of King Jaines, and King Charles 1.

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