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.

Repl. To what you object, to intimate your suspition of us) from N. 7. we have before answered: We must confesse the abatement of Ceremonies, with the exclusion of all Prayers, and exhortations, besides what's read will not satisfie us. The li∣berty which we desired in all the parts of Worship (not to adde to the Liturgy, nor take from it) but to interpose upon just oc∣casion, such words of Prayer, or exhortation, as are requisite, and not to be tyed at any time to read the whole, we are assured will do much to preserve the Liturgy, and bring it into more profitable use and take off much of mens offence. And pardon us while we tell you this certain truth, that if once it be known that you have a design to work out all Prayers (even those of the Pulpit) except such as you prescribe, it will make many thousand people, fearing God, to be averse to that which else they would have submitted to, and to distaste both your endeavours and ours, as if we were about drawing them into so great a snare. And as the Proverb is; You may as well think to make a Coat for the Moon, as to make a Liturgy that shall be sufficiently suited to the variety of places, times, subjects, accidents, without the Liber∣ty of intermixing such Prayers or exhortations, as alterations and diversities require.