Reliquiæ Baxterianæ, or, Mr. Richard Baxters narrative of the most memorable passages of his…

§ 192. When they had cast out that part of our desired Conference, our next business was to desire them by friendly Conference, to go over the Particulars which we excepted against, and to tell us how much they could abate, and what Alterations they could yield to. This Bishop Reignolds oft pressed them to, and so did all the rest of us that spake. But they resolutely insisted on it, that they had nothing to do till we had proved that there was any necessary of Alteration, which we had not yet done; and that they were there ready to answer to our Proofs: We urged them again and again with the very Words of the King's Declaration ⟨p. 336⟩and Commission, 1. That the ends expressed are [for the removal of all Exceptions and Occasions of Exceptions, and Differences from among our good Subjects,] and [for giving Satisfaction to tender Consciences, and the restoring and continuance of Peace and Unity in the Churches.] 2. And the means is (to make such reasonable and necessary Alterations, Corrections, and Amendments therein, as shall be agreed upon to be needful and expedient, for the giving Satisfaction to tender Consciences, and restoring and continuing Peace, &c.] We plainly showed hence that the King supposeth that some Alterations must be made: But the Bishops insisted on two Words [necessary] Alterations, and [such as should be agreed on]. We answered them, That the Word [necessary] hath reference to the Ends expressed, viz. [the satisfying tender Consciences] and is joined with [Expedient]: And its strange if when the King hath so long and publicly determined of the End, and called us to consult of the means, we should presume now at last to contradict him, and to determine that the End it self is unnecessary, and consequently no means necessary thereto: What then have we all this while been doing? 2. And when they are called to [agree] on such necessary means, if they will take the Advantage of that Word, to [agree on nothing] that so all Endeavours may be frustrated for want of their Agreement, God and the World would judge between us, who it is that frustrateth the King's Commission, and the Hopes of a divided bleeding Church. Thus we continued a long time contending about this Point, [Whether some Alterations be supposed by the King's Declaration and Commission to be made by us? or whether we were anew to dispute that Point?

§ 192. When they had cast out that part of our desired Conference, our next business was to desire them by friendly Conference, to go over the Particulars which we excepted against, and to tell us how much they could abate, and what Alterations they could yield to. This Bishop Reignolds oft prest them to, and so did all the rest of us that spake. But they resolutely insisted on it, that they had nothing to do till we had proved that there was any necessary of Alteration, which we had not yet done; and that they were there ready to answer to our Proofs: We urged them again and again with the very Words of the King's Declaration