s were made to
enlarge the terms of her communion, and eject from her service-book any
lingering "relics of Popery" which might offend the weaker brethren yclept
the Puritans: thus to make a grand Comprehension Creed--a Church to include
all Protestants.

This was tried in James I.'s reign at the Savoy Conference; but in spite of
Baxter's strenuous efforts and model prayer-book, it was a failure. Even
Archbishop Sancroft was led to attempt a similar Comprehensive Scheme, so
terrified was he at the dominance of the Roman Church in the Second James's
reign: however, William's accession, and his becoming a nonjuror, crossed
his design. In 1689, Tillotson, Burnet, and a number of William's
"Latitudinarian" clergy made a bold push for it. A Comprehension Bill
actually passed the House of Lords, but was thrown out by the Commons and
Convocation. From William's time toleration and encouragement were extended
to all save "Popish Recusants;" so that there were a large number in the
Church of England ready to assist their comrades _outside_ in breaking down
her fences. The High Churchmen, however, as may be guessed, would not sit
tamely by, and see the leading idea of the Anglican Church thrown to the
winds, her _via media_ profaned, her park made a common, and her
distinctive doctrines and fences levelled to the ground. What _their_
feelings were, may be gathered from this indignant invective:

"The most of the inconveniences we labour under to this day, owe their
original to the weakness of some and to the cowardice of others of the
clergy. For had they stood stiff and inflexible at first against the
encroachments and intrigues of a Puritanical faction, like a threefold
cord, we could not have been so easily shattered and broken. The
dissenters, as well skilled in the art of war, have besieged the Church
in form: and at all periods and seasons have raised their batteries,
and carried on their saps and counter-scarps against her. They have
left no means unessayed or practised, to weaken her. And when open
violence has been baffled, and useless, _stratagem_ and contrivance
have supplied what force could never effect. Hence it is, that under
the cant of _conscience_ and _scruple_, they have feigned a compliance
of embracing her communion; if such and such ceremonies and rules that
then stood in force could be omitted, or connived at: and having once
broke ground on her di