eunto made, as should be thought
requisite for the ease of tender Consciences: whereunto His
Majesty, out of his pious inclination to give satisfaction (so
far as could be reasonably expected) to all his subjects of what
persuasion soever, did graciously condescend.

In which review we have endeavoured to observe the like moderation,
as we find to have been used in the like case in former times.
And therefore of the sundry Alterations proposed unto us, we
have rejected all such as were either of dangerous consequence
(as secretly striking at some established Doctrine, or laudable
Practice of the Church of England, or indeed of the whole Catholic
Church of Christ) or else of no consequence at all, but utterly
frivolous and vain. But such Alterations as were tendered to us
(by what persons, under what pretences, or to what purpose soever
so tendered) as seemed to us in any degree requisite or expedient,
we have willingly, and of our own accord assented unto: not
enforced so to do by any strength of Argument, convincing us
of the necessity of making the said Alterations: For we are
fully persuaded in our judgements (and we here profess it to
the world) that the Book, as it stood before established by
Law, doth not contain in it any thing contrary to the Word of
God, or to sound Doctrine, or which a godly man may not with a
good Conscience use and submit unto, or which is not fairly
defensible against any that shall oppose the same; if it shall
be allowed such just and favourable construction as in common
Equity ought to be allowed to all human Writings, especially
such as are set forth by Authority, and even to the very best
translations of the holy Scripture itself.

Our general aim therefore in this undertaking was, not to gratify
this or that party in any their unreasonable demands; but to do
that, which to our best understandings we conceived might most
tend to the preservation of Peace and Unity in the Church; the
procuring of Reverence, and exciting of Piety and Devotion in
the Public Worship of God; and the cutting off occasion from
them that seek occasion of cavil or quarrel against the Liturgy
of the Church. And as to the several variations from the former
Book, whether by Alteration, Addition, or otherwise, it shall
suffice to give this general account, That most of the Alterations
were made, either first, for the better direction of them that
are to officiate in any part of Divine Service; which is chiefly