the first and purest ages." Then he adds: "and now ye gentlemen of the concision, consider, I pray, what ground there can be to justify your separation from such a Church."[1]
In the Appendix the Author gives an historical Sketch of the division. On the 23rd of July 1717, some mention was made in conversation of King Edward the VIth's First Liturgy, with certain proposals for its revival. After several conversations, the advocates for its revival wished a time and place to be fixed, for the consideration of the subject. At the first interview few persons were present; but a chairman was appointed, who was to summon the parties to future meetings. Nothing, the author says, was settled at this meeting, except the appointment of another, though some individuals stated, that the points were determined. The second meeting took place on the 27th of July. A Petition in favour of the alterations was produced and read: but the opponents of change did not expect, that any such step would have been adopted, or many more signatures would have been procured to an opposite Paper. A large majority, however, decided against any alterations: after which it was moved, that each one should be left at his own option. For some time all things proceeded as usual: but at length, it was whispered abroad, that every one was left to his own liberty in the matter: "whereas," says the author, "in fact every one knew, the only vote which passed was, No alterations. This candid report thickened about midsummer 1717." At length the Advocates for the changes sent two proposals to the other party; and on their refusal to depart from the decision of the
- ↑ Collier's Desertion Discussed, p. 105.
