The grand debate between the most reverend bishops and the Presbyterian divines appointed by…

The rather because these Ceremonies have for above an hundred years been the fountain of manifold evils in this Church and Nation, occasioning sad Divisions between Ministers and Ministers, and also between Ministers and people, exposing many orthodox, pious, and peaceable Ministers to the displeasure of their Rulers, casting them upon the edge of the penal Statutes, to the loss not only of their Livings and liberties, but also of their opportunities for the service of Christ and his Church, and forcing people either to worship God in such a manner as their own consciences condemn, or doubt of, or else to forsake our Assemblies, as thousands have done, and no better fruits than these can be looked for from the retaining and imposing these Ceremonies. unless we could presume that all his Majesties Subjects should have the same subtlety of Judgement to discern even to a Ceremony how far the Power extends in the things of God. which is not to be expected, or should yield obedience to all the Impositions of men concerning them, without enquiring into the will of God, which is not to be desired.

The rather because these Ceremonies have for above an hundred years been the fountain of manifold evils in this Church and Nation, occasioning sad Divisions between Ministers and Ministers, and also between Ministers and people, exposing many orthodox, pious, and peaceable Ministers to the displeasure of their Rulers, casting them upon the edge of the penal Statutes, to the loss not only of their Livings and liberties, but also of their opportunities for the service of Christ and his Church, and forcing people either to worship God in such a manner as their own consciences condemn, or doubt of, or else to forsake our Assemblies, as thousands have done, and no better fruits than these can be lookt for from the retaining and imposing these Ceremonies. unless we could presume that all his Majesties Subjects should have the same subtilty of Judgement to discern even to a Ceremony how farr the Power extends in the things of God. which is not to be expected, or should yeeld obedience to all the Impositions of men concerning them, without enquiring into the will of God, which is not to be desired.

We do therefore most earnestly entreat the Right Reverend Fathers and Brethren, to whom these Papers are delivered, as they tender the Glory of God, the Honour of Religion, the Peace of the Church, the Service of His Majesty in the accomplishment of that happy Union which his Majesty hath so abundantly testified his desires of, to join with us in importuning His most Excellent Majesty that His most gracious Indulgence, as to these Ceremonies granted in His Royal Declaration, may be confirmed and continued to us, and our posterities, and extended to such as do not yet enjoy the benefit thereof.