History of the Nonjurors.
293
nion Office after the First Liturgy of King Edward. He also enters into particulars, stating the reasons for departing in some things from Edward's First Book, and for preferring the older Liturgies.[1] The arguments, in favour of all the disputed points, are most elaborately stated: and the work itself was originally intended as a defence of the points at issue between the two parties. All the Liturgies, which are reprinted in the volume, contain the Prayers and Directions; so that, it was thought, that no more effectual method could be adopted, than the republication of these ancient offices. Accordingly Brett states, that they sometimes depart even from King
- ↑ Brett, 380, 381. Sir John Hawkins says: "Johnson once told me, he had heard his father say, that when he was young in trade King Edward VI's. Liturgy was much inquired for, and fetched a great price; but that the publication of this book which contained the whole Communion Office, as it stands in the former, reduced the price of it to that of a common book." Hawkins's Life of Johnson, 448. How different a result has been produced in our day by the reprints of King Edward's Books. Attention being directed to the originals, their price is greatly enhanced. I need only refer to the sale of the library of the late Duke of Sussex. The Books of 1549, 1552, 1559, and 1604, are of excessive rarity. The last, that of 1604, being the first of the reign of James I, is perhaps rarer even than the earlier editions. Of this I had evidence when preparing my History of the Convocation for the press, being unable to procure a copy by any means. Since its publication, however, I have met with a fine copy of this very scarce book. I am unable to account for the excessive rarity of the Book of 1604. While on this subject, I may be permitted to mention, that I possess the book of 1625—the identical copy used by Secretary Nicholas, during the civil wars, in his own family. In the margin, opposite the Prayer for the King in the Communion Service, the following clause is written in Nicholas's own hand: "may turn and submit unto him and faithfully."
