hat undecencies and
confusions in sacred Administrations? what sacrilegious Invasions upon
the Rights and Revenues of the Church? what contempt and oppressions
of the Clergie? what injurious diminutions and persecutings of Me
have followed (as showers do warm gleams) the talk of Reformation, all
sober men are Witnesses, and with my self, sad Spectators hitherto.

The great miscarriage (I think) is, that popular clamours and fury
have been allowed the reputation of zeal, and the Publick sense; so
that the studies to please some Parties, hath indeed injured all.

Freedom, Moderation and Impartiality are sure the best tempers of
reforming Counsels and endeavours; what is acted by Factions, cannot
but offend more then it pleaseth.

I have offered to put all differences in Church affairs and Religion
to the free consultation of a Synod or Convocation rightly chosen; the
results of whose Councels, as they would have included the Votes of
all, so its like they would have given most satisfaction to all.

The Assembly of Divines, whom the two Houses have applied (in an
unwonted way) to advise of Church affairs, I dislike not farther, then
that they are not legally convened and chosen; nor act in the name of
all the Clergy of _England_; nor with freedom and impartiality can
do any thing, being limited and confined, if not overawed, to do and
declare what they do.

For I cannot think so many men cried up for learning and piety,
who formerly allowed the Liturgy and Government of the Church of
_England_, as to the main, would have so suddenly agreed quite
to abolish both of them, (the last of which, they know to be of
Apostolicall institution, at least; as of Primitive and Universall
practice) if they had been left to the liberty of their own
suffrages, and if the influence of contrary factions had not by secret
encroachments of hopes and fears, prevailed upon them, to comply with
so great and dangerous Innovations in the Church; without any regard
to their own former judgment and practice, or to the common interest
and honour of all the Clergy, and in them of Order, learning, and
Religion against examples of all Ancient Churches; the Lawes in force
and my consent; which is never to be gained, against so pregnant
light, as in that point shines on my understanding.

For I conceive, that where the Scripture is not so clear and punctuall
in precepts, there the constant and Universall practice of the Church,
in things not contrar