2. The dissenting Brethren (commonly call'd Independents) were hard∣ly
perswaded to consent to a Directory. Even libera custodia, (though it be
the best of Restraints) is but a restraint; and they suspected such a Directory
would (if inforced) be an infringing of the Christian-liberty; However, they
consented at last, the rather because a Preface was prefixed before it, which
did much moderate the matter, and mitigate the rigorous imposition there∣of.
3. In this preface, respectful terms are (no less discreetly than chari∣tably)
afforded to the first compilers of the Liturgie, allowing them wise
and pious, in redressing many things which were vain, erroneous, superstitious,
and idolatrous, affirming also, that many Godly and Learned men of that age,
rejoyced much in the Liturgie at that time set forth; But adding withall, that
they would rejoyce more, had it been their happiness to behold this present re∣formation,
they themselves were perswaded, that these first Reformers (were
they now alive) would joyn with them in this work at advanting the Directory.
4. The Assemblie-work of the Directorie thus ended, the Lords and
Commons began therewith, prefixing an Ordinance thereunto (made much
up of forms of repeal) laying down the motives inclining them to think, the
abolishing of the Common-Prayer, and establishement of this Directory necessary
for this Nation. First, the consideration of the many inconveniences risen by
that book in this Kingdom. Secondly, their Covenant-Resolution to reform
Religion according to Gods word and the best reformed Churches. Thirdly,
their consulting with the learned, p••••us, and reverend Divines for that purpose.
5. The Benefit of Printing the Directorie was bestowed on Mr Rowbor∣rough,
and Mr Byfield Scribes to the Assembly, who are said to have sold the
same for some hundreds of pounds. Surely the Stationer who bought it,
did not with the dishonest, Chap-man, first decry the worth thereof, and then
hoast of his penniworth: If since he hath proved a loser thereby, I am confi∣dent,
that they who sold it him, carried such a Chancery in their bosoms, as
to make him fair satisfaction.
6. Now because it was hard to turn people out of their old track, and
put them from a beaten path, (such was, call it constuncy or obstinacy, love or
doting, of the generality of the Nation, on the Common-Prayer the Parliament
found it fit, yea necessary to back their former Ordinance with a second, da∣ted
twenty third of August 1645. And entitled an Ordinance of the Lords and
Commons for the more effectual putting in execution the Directorie &c. Where∣in
directions were not only given for the dispersing and publishing of the Di∣rectory,
in all Parishes, Chappelries, and Donatives, but also for the calling in,
and suppressing of all books of Common-Prayer, and several forfeitures and pe∣nalties
to be levied and imposed upon conviction before justices of Assize, or of Oyer
and terminer, &c.
7. But in opposition hereunto, the King at Oxford set forth a Proclama∣tion
(bearing date the thirteenth of November 1645.) enjoyning the use of
Common-Prayer, according to the Law▪ notwithstanding the pretended ordinances
for the new Directory. Thus as the waves, commanded one way by the Tide, and countermanded another with the wind, know not which to obey; so,
people stood amused betwixt these two forms of service, line upon line, pre∣cept
upon precept, being the easiest way to edifie, whilst line against line, pre∣cept
against precept, did much disturb and distract.
8. The King and Parliament being thus at difference, no wonder if the
pens of the Chaplains followed their Patrons, and engaged violently pro
and con in the controversy. I presume it will be lawful and safe for me, to
give in a breviat of the Arguments on both sides, reserving my private opi∣nion
to my self, as not worthy the readers taking notice thereof; for as it
hath been permitted in the height and heat of our Civil man, for Trumpeters
and Messengers, to have fair and free passage on both sides, pleading the