Page:The Book of Common Prayer.djvu/26

Rh lation. And that it was thought convenient that some prayers and thanksgivings fitted to speciall occasions should be added in their due places, particularly for those at Sea, Together with an Office for the baptism of such as are of riper years ; (which although not so necessary when the former Book was compiled, yet by the growth of Anabaptism, through the licentiousness of the late times crept in amongst vs, is now become necessary) and may be alwayes vsefull for the baptizing of Natives in out plantations, and others converted to the Faith.

Jf any man who shall desire a more particular account of the severall alterations in any part of the Liturgie, shall take the pains to compare the present book with the former, : we doubt not, but the reason of the change may easily appear.

And having thus indeavored to discharge our duties in this weighty affair, as in the sight of God, and to approve our sincerity therein (so far as lay in vs) to the consciences of all men : Although we know it impossible (in such variety of Apprehensions, humors, and interests as are in the world) to please all ; nor can expect that men of factious, peevish, and perverse spirits should be satisfied with any thing that can be don in this kind, by any other then themselves : Yet we have good hope, that what is here presented, and hath been by the Convocations of both Provinces with great diligence examined and approved; will be also well accepted and approved by all sober, peaceable, and truly conscientious Sons of the Church of England.