The grand debate between the most reverend bishops and the Presbyterian divines appointed by His Sacred Majesty as commissioners for the review and alteration of the Book of common prayer, &c. : being an exact account of their whole proceedings : the most perfect copy.

The Concessions.

WE are willing that all the Epistles and Gospels be used according to the last Translation.

Reply. We still beseech you, that all the Psalms, and other Scriptures in the Liturgy recited, may (for the same reason) be used according to the last Translation.

That when any thing is read for an Epistle, which is not in the Epistles, the Superscription be, [for the Epistle.]

Repl. We beseech you, speak as the vulgar may understand you: [for the Epi∣stle] signifieth not plain enough to such, that is indeed none of the Epistles.

That the Psalms be collated with the former Translation, mentioned in Rubr. and Printed according to it.

Reply. We understand not what Translation, or Rubr. you mean.

That the words (this day) both in the Collects, and Prefaces, be used only up∣on the day itself, and for the following dayes, it be said (as about this time.)

Reply. And yet there is no certainty, Which was the day it self.

That a longer time be required for signification of the names of the Com. and the words of the Rubr. be changed into these (at least some time the day before.)

Reply. (Sometime the day before) may be, near or at night, which will

not allow any leisure at all, to take notice of the proofs of peoples scan∣dals or to help them in preparation.

That the power of keeping scandalous Sinners from the Communion, may be expressed in the Rubr. according to the 26. and 27. Canons, so the Minister be obliged to give an account of the same immediately after to the Ordinary.

Reply. We were about returning you our very great thanks, for gran∣ting us the benefit of the 26. Canon, as that which exceedeth all the rest of your Concessious; But we see you will not make us too much beholden to you: and poor Christians that will not receive the Sacrament contra∣ry to the example of Christ and his Apostles, and the custom of the Catho∣lick primitive Church, and the Canons of general Councils) must be also used as the notorious impenitent sinners. But the Canon requireth us not to signifie the cause, but upon complaint, or being required by the ordinary

That the whole Preface be prefixed to the Commandments.

Reply. And why not the word (Sabbath day) be put for the (seventh day) in the end. Must not such a falsification be amended?

That the second Exhortation be read some Sunday, or Holy-day, before the celebration of the Communion, at the discretion of the Minister.

That the general Confession at the Communion be pronounced by one of the Ministers, the people saying after him, all kneeling humbly upon their knees.

That the manner of consecrating the Elements, may be made more explicit, and express; and to that purpose, those words be put into the Rub. [then shall he put his hand upon the Bread, & break it] then shall he put his hand unto the Cup.]

That if the Font be so placed as the Congregation cannot hear, it may be re∣ferred to the Ordinary, to place it more conveniently.

That those words [yes they do perform them, &c.] nay be altered thus: [be∣cause they promise them both, by their Sureties, &c.

That the words of the last Rubr before the Catechism, may be thus altered, (that children being baptized have all things necessary for their salvation, and dying before they commit any actual sins, be undoubtedly saved, though they be not Confirmed.]

That to the Rubr. after Confirmation, these words may be added (Or be rea∣dy, and desirous to be Confirmed.]

That those words (with my body I thee worship) may be altered thus: (with my body I thee honour.)

That those words (til death us depart) be thus altered (till death us do part.)

That the words (sure and certain) may be left out.

Reply. For all the rest we thank you, but have given our reasons against your sense expressed in Sect. 13. before, and for satisfactoriness of the last: And we must say, in the conclusion, That, if these be all the abatements and amendments you will admit, you sell your innocency, and the Chur∣che's peace for nothing.

Notes

• Sect. 1.
• Sect. 2.
• Sect. 3.
• Sect. 4.
• Sect. 5.
• Sect 6.
• Sect. 7.
• Sect. 8.
• Sect. 9.
• Sect. 10.
• Sect. 11.
• Sect. 12.
• Sect. 13.
• Sect. 14.
• Sect. 15.
• Sect. 16.
• Sect. 17.