COMPREHENSION, in English church history, denotes a scheme proposed by Sir Orlando Bridgman in 1667-8, for relaxing the terms of conformity in behalf of Protestant dissenters, and admitting them into the communion of the church. A bill for this purpose was drawn up by Lord Chief Baron Hale, but disallowed. The attempt was renewed by Tillotson and Stillingfleet in 1674, and the terms were settled to the satisfaction of the non-conformists; but the bishops refused their assent. This scheme was likewise revived again immediately after the Revolution, the king and queen expressing their desire of an union; but the design failed after two attempts, and the act of toleration was passed.