on which they most disagreed from the Church. The Puritans stated their objections first by speaking on matters of doctrine, then on their view of the Church's ministry and the desire for a revision of the Prayer Book. Finally, they spoke upon the subject of Church government, and pleaded for the right of holding the meetings, which they named prophesyings. It is only fair to say that the Puritans did not receive a patient hearing. James told Reynolds, one of their number, that they should conform to the Church or else, said he, "I will harrie them out of the land, or hang them." The Conference was a failure, as far as the Puritans were concerned. The chief reforms which they desired were not granted them. James was immovable on the point that it should not be left to the caprice of any clergyman as to whether he should wear the black gown or the surplice in the public services. It should not be left to his will to mar the beauty of the Church's worship. It should not be left to the clergyman's will as to whether the ring should be used in marriage or not, or whether the cross should be used in Baptism.
Gardiner, the historian, says: [1]"It cannot be said that James's decision was entirely unreasonable. If every minister is to be allowed to take his own course he may possibly give offence to his congregation, by omitting some ceremony to which they are accustomed as well as by adopting some ceremony to which they are unaccustomed." We must call to mind in this connection that in the days of King James no one had any idea, as some people have to-day, that separate bodies should exist with different forms of worship.
- ↑ The Puritan Revolution, p.14. Epochs of Modern History.
