"ONE convenient and meet order, rite and fashion of Common and open Prayer and administration of the Sacraments. . . . at this time, by the aid of the Holy Ghost, with one uniform agreement is of them concluded. . . . in a book entitled, "The Book of the Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments and other rites and ceremonies of the Church after the use of the Church of England.' ́ -2 and 3 Edward VI. c. 1. [1549.] "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 understandings 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."-Preface to the Book of Common Prayer. [1662] |