Church History of Britain

17. The Bishop of Lincoln, Lord-Keeper, was now daily descendant in the Kings favor; who so highly distasted him, that he would not have him, as Dean of Westminster, to perform any part of His Coronation; yet so (was it a favor, or a trial?) that it was left to his free choice, to prefer any Prebendary of the Church to officiate in his place. The Bishop met with a Dilemma herein. To recommend Dr. Laud, Bishop of Saint David's (and Prebendary of Westminster ) for that performance, was to grace one of his greatest enemies: to pass him by, and prefer a private Prebendary for that purpose before a Bishop, would seem unhandsome, and be interpreted a neglect of his own Order. To avoid all exceptions, he presented a list of all the Prebendaries of that Church, referring the election to his Majesty himself, who made choice of Dr. Laud, Bishop of Saint David's, for that attendance.

18. Dr. Senhouse, Bishop of Carlisle (Chaplain to the King when Prince) preached at the Coronation; his text,— And I will give unto thee a Crown of life. In some sort it may be said, that he preached his own funeral, dying shortly after; and even then the black Jaundice had so possessed him (a disease which hangs the face with mourning as against its burial) that all despaired of his recovery. Now, seeing this Coronation cometh within (if not the pales and Park) the purlews of Ecclesiastical History, we will present so much thereof, as was acted in the Church of Westminster. Let Heralds marshall the solemnity of their advance from Westminster-Hall to this Church, where our pen takes the first possession of this subject.

19. But first we will premise the equipage, according to which they advanced from Westminster-Hall, to the Abbey-Church, in order as followeth.

• 1. The Aldermen of London two by two, ushered by an Herald.
• 2. Eightie Knights of the Bath in their Robes, each having an Esquire to support, and Page to attend him.
• 3. The Kings Serjeants at Law, Solicitor, Attorney, Masters of Request, and Judges.
• 4. Privy-Counselors that were Knights, and chief Officers of the Kings Household.
• 5. Barons of the Kingdom, all bareheaded, in their Parliament-Robes, with swords by their sides.
• 6. The Bishops with Scarlet-gowns, and Lawn-sleeves, bare-headed.
• 7. The Vice-Counts, and Earls (not in their Parliament, but) in their Coronation-Robes, with Coronetted-Caps on their Heads.
• 8. The Officers of State for the day; whereof these are the principal.

The Lord Major in a crimson Velvet gown, carried a short Scepter before the King, amongst the Serjeants. But I am not satisfied in the criticalness of his place.

The Earl of Arundel, as Earl-Marshall of England, and the Duke of Buckingham, as Lord High-Constable of England for that day, went before his Majestity in this great solemnity.

20. The King entered at the West-gate of the Church, under a rich Canopy carried by the Barons of the Cinque-Ports, his own person being supported by Dr. Neyle Bishop of Durham on the one hand; and Dr. Lake, Bishop of Bath and Wells, on the other. His train being six yards long of purple Velvet, was held up by the Lord Compton (as belonging to the Robes) and the Lord Viscount Dorcester. Here he was met by the Prebends of Westminster (Bishop Laud supplying the Dean his place) in their rich Copes, who delivered into his Majesty's hand the Staff of King Edward the Confessor, with which he walked upto the Scaffold.

21. This was made of wood at the upper end of the Church, from the Choir to the Altar. His Majesty mounted it, none under the degree of a Baron standing thereon, save only the Prebends of Westminster who attended on the Altar, three Chaires were appointed for him in several places; one of Repose, the second the ancient Chair of Coronation, and the third (placed on an high square of five Stairs ascent) being the Chair of State.

22. All being settled and reposed, the Lord Archbishop did present his Majesty to the Lord's and Commons, East, West, North, South, asking their minds four several times, if they did consent to the Coronation of King Charles their lawful Sovereign. The King mean time presented himself bare-headed: the consent being given four times with great acclamation, the King took his Chair of repose.

23. After the Sermon (whereof before) the L. Archbishop, invested in a rich Coape, tendered to the King (kneeling down on cushions at the Communion-Table ) a large Oath, then were his Majesty's Robes taken off him, and were offered on the Altar. He stood for a while stripped to his Doublet and Hose, which were of white Satten (with Ribbons on the Arms and Shoulders, to open them) and he appeared a proper Person to all that beheld him. Then was he led by the L. Archbishop and the Bishop of St. David's, and placed in the Chair of Coronation (a close Canopy being spread over him) the L. Archbishop anointing his head, shoulders, arms, and hands with a costly ointment, the Choir singing an Anthem of these words, Zadok the Priest anointed King Solomon.

24. Hence the King was led up in his Doublet and Hose with a white Coyfe on his head to the Communion Table, where Bishop Laud (Deputy for the Dean of Westminster ) brought forth the ancient Habiliments of King Edward the Confessor, and put them upon him. Then was his Majesty brought back to the Chair of Coronation, and received the Crown of King Edward (presented by Bishop Laud, and) put on his head by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Choir singing an Anthem, Thou shalt put a Crown of pure Gold upon his head. Whereupon the Earls and Viscounts put on their Crimson Velvet Caps with Coronets about them (the Barons and Bishops always standing bare headed) Then every Bishop came severally to his Majesty to bring his benediction upon him, and he in King Edwards Robes with the Crown upon his head, rose from his Chair, and did bow severally to every Bishop apart.

25. Then was King Edwards Sword girt about him, which he took off again and offered up at the Communion Table with two Swords more (surely not in relation to Scotland and Ireland, but to some ancient Princi palities his Predecessors enjoyed in France. ) Then the Duke of Buckingam (as Master of the Horse ) put on his Spurres, and thus completely crowned; his Majesty offered first Gold, then Silver at the Altar, and afterwards Bread and Wine which were to be used at the holy Communion.

26. Then was his Majesty conducted by the Nobility to the Throne upon that square B • fs of five ascents, the Choir singing Te deum. Here his Majesty took an Oath of homage from the Duke of Buckingam (as Lord high Constable for that day) and the Duke did swear all the Nobility besides to be Homagers to his Majesty at his Majesty's knees.

27. Then as many Earls and Barons as could conveniently stand about the Thrane, did lay their hands on the Crown on his Majesty's head, protesting to spend their bloods, to maintain it to him and his lawful Heirs. The Bishops severally kneeled down, but took no oath as the Barons did, the King kissing everyone of them.

28. Then the King took a Scrowle of parchment out of his bosom and gave it to the Lord Keeper Williams, who re • d it to the Commons four several times, East, West, North and South. The effect whereof was, that his Majesty did offer a pardon to all his Subjects-who would take it under his Broad-Seal.

29. From the Throne, his Majesty was conducted to the Communion Table, where the Lord Archbishop kneeling on the North side, read prayers in the Choir; and sung the Nicene Creed. The Bishop of Landaff and N •• ich, read the Epistle and Gospel, with whom the Bishops of Durham and St. David's in rich Copes kneeled with his Majesty and received the Communion; the bread, from the Archbishop, the wine, from the Bishop of St. David's, his Majesty receiving last of all, whilst Gloria in excelsis was sung by the Choir, and some prayers read by the Archbishop concluded the solemnity.

30. The King after he had disrobed himself in King Edwards Chapel, came forth in a short Robe of red Velvet girt unto him, lined with Ermins, and a Crown of his own on his head set with very precious stones, and thus the Train going to the Barges on the water side returned to White Hall in the same order wherein they came, about three a clock in the afternoon.

31. I have insisted the longer on this Subject moved thereunto by this consideration, that if it be the last Solemnity performed on an English King in this kind, Posterity will conceive my pains well bestowed, because on the last. But if hereafter Divine providence shall assign England another King, though the transactions herein be not wholly precedentiall, something of State may be chosen out grateful for imitation.

32. And here if a Blister was not, it deserved to be on the fingers of that scandalous Pamphleteer, who hath written that King Charles was not Crowned like other Kings. Whereas all essentills of his Coronation were performed with as much ceremony as ever before, and all Robes of State used according to ancient prescription. But if he indulged his own fancy for the color of his clothes, a White Sute &c. Persons meaner than Princes, have in greater matters assumed as much libery to themselves.

33. Indeed one Solemnity (no part of, but preface to the Coronation ) was declined on good consideration. For whereas the Kings of England used to ride from the Tower, through the City to Westminster; King Charles went thither by water, out of double providence, to save health and wealth thereby. For though the infectious Air in the City of London had lately been corrected with a sharp Winter, yet was it not so amended, but that a just suspicion of danger did remain. Besides such a procession would have cost him threescore thousand Pounds, to be disbursed on Scarler for his Train. A sum which if then demanded of his Exchequer, would scarce receive a satisfactory answer thereunto; and surely some who since condemn him for want of state, in omitting this Royal Pageant, would have condemned him more for prodigality, had he made use thereof.

34. As for any other alterations in Prayers or Ceremonies, though heavily charged on Bishop Laud, are since conceived by impartial people, done by a Committee, wherein (though the Bishop accused as most active) others did equally consent. Indeed a passage not in fashion, since the Reign of King Henry the sixth, was used in a prayer at this time. Obtineat gratiam huic populo sicut Aaron in Tabernaculo, Elisha in Fluvio, Zacharias in Templo, sit Petrus in Clave, Paulus in Dogmate. Let him obtain favor for this people like Aaron in the Tabernacle, Elisha in the Waters, Zacharias in the Temple, give him Peters Key of dicipline, Paul's Doctrine. This I may call a Protestant passage, though anciently used in Popish times, as fixing more spiritual power in the King, than the Pope will willingly allow, jealous that any should finger Peters Keys save himself.

35. A few days after a Parliament began, wherein M ^r . Montague was much troubled about his Book, but made a fhift by his powerful Friends to save himself. During the sitting whereof, at the instance and procurement of Robert Rich Earl of Warwick, a conference was Kept in York house, before the Duke of Buckingam and other Lord's, betwixt Dr. Buckridge, Bishop of Rochester, and Dr. White, Dean of Carlisle, on the one side, and Dr. Morton Bishop of Coventry, and Dr. Preston on the other, about Arminian points, and chiefly the possibility of one elected to fall from grace. The passages of which conference ar • variously reported. For it is not in tongue combats, as in other battails, where the victory cannot be disguised, as discovering itself in keeping the field, number of the slain, Captives, and Colours taken. Whilest here no such visible effects appearing, the persons present were left to their liberty, to judge of the Conquest, as each one stood affected. However William Earl of Pembroke was heard to say, that none returned Arminians thence, save such who repaired thither with the same opinions.

36. Soon after a second conference was entertained, in the same place, on the same points, before the same Persons; betwixt Dr. White Dean of Carlisle, and Mr. Montague, on the on side; and Dr. Morton, Bishop of Lichfield, and Dr. Preston on the other. Dr. Preston carried it clear at the first, by dividing his adversaries, who quickly perceiving their error, pieced themselves together in a joint opposition against him. The passages also of this conference, are as differently related as the former. Some making it a clear conquest on one, some on the other side, and a third sort a drawn battle betwixt both. Thus the success of these meetings, answered neither the commendable intentions, nor hopeful expectations, of such who procured them. Now whilst other dare say, Universally of such conferences, what David saith of mankind, that of them there is none that doth good, no not one, we dare only intimate, that (what Statesmen observe of Interviews betwixt Princes; so) these conferences betwixt Divines rather increase the differences than abate them.

37. The Bishop of Lincoln fell now through the Dukes, into the Kings displeasure; and such who will read the late letters in the Cabala, may conjecture the cause thereof, but the certainty we leave to be reported by the Historians of the State; belonging in his Episcopal capacity to my pen, but as Lord Keeper properly to theirs.

38. The Bishop finding his own tottering condition, addressed himself to all who had intimacie with the Duke to reingratiate himself. But such After-games at Court seldom succeed. All would not do, for as Amicus omnium optimus was part of the Dukes Epitaph , so no fiercer foe when displeased, and nothing under the Bishops removal from his office would give him satisfaction.

39. Sir John Suckling was sent unto him from the King, to demand the broad Seal of him, which the cautious Bishop refused to surrender into his hands, to prevent such uses as might be made thereof (by him or others ) in the interval betwixt this resigning it, and the Kings conferring it on another; but he charily locked it up in a Box, and sent the Box by the Knight, and Key thereof enclosed in a letter to his Majesty.

40. However his bruise was the less, because he fell but from the first Loft and saved himself on the second Floere. Outed his Lord Keepership, but keeping his Bishopric of Lincoln and Deanarie of Westminster, though forced to part with the Kings Purse, he held his own and that well replenished; And now he is retired to Bugden-great, where, whither greater his anger at his enemies for what he had lost, or gratitude to God, for what he had left, though others may conjecture, his own Conscience only could decide. Here we leave him at his hospitable Table, where sometimes he talked so loud, that his discourse at the second hand was heard to London, by those who bare no good will unto him.

41. An old Hall turned into a new College, was this year finished at Oxford. This formerly was called Broadegates Hall and had many Students therein, amongst whom Edmund Bonner afterwards Bishop of London ( Scholar enough and Tyrant too much ) had his education. But this place was not endowed with any Revenues till about this time, for Thomas Tisdale of Glimpton in the County of Oxford Esquire, bequeathed five thousand Pounds, wherewith Lands were purchased to the value of two hundred and fifty pounds per annum, for the maintenance of seven Fellowes and six Scholars. Afterwards Richard Wightwick Bachelor of Divinity, Rector of East-Isle in Barkshire, gave Lands to the yearly value of one hundred pounds, for the maintenance of three Fellowes and four Scholars; whereupon petition being made to King James, this new College was erected, and a Charter of Mortmain of seven hundred pounds per annum, granted thereunto.

42. It was called Pembrook College, partly in respect to William Earl of Pembrook, then Chancellor of the University, partly in expectation to receive some favor from him. And probably had not that noble Lord died suddenly soon after, this College might have received more than a bare Name from him. The best, where a Child hath rich parents it needeth the less any gifts from the Godfather.

So that this College consisteth of a Master, ten Fellowes, and ten Scholars with other Students and Officers to the number of one hundred sixty nine.

43. The Doctor and the Duke were both of them unwilling to an openbreach, loved for to temporise and wait upon events. Surely Temperise here is taken in the Apostle sense, according to some copies, serving the Times. And henceforwards the Duke resolved to shake off the Doctor, who would not stick close unto him, betaking himself to the opposite Interest. Nor was the other surprised herein, as expecting the alteration long before.

44. By the late conferences at York-house it appeared, that by the Dukes cold carriage towards him (and smiling on his Opponents ) Dr. Preston was now entering into the Autumn of the Dukes favor. Indeed they were well met, each observing, neither trusting other (as I read in the Doctors Life, written by his judicious Pupil.)

45. This year concluded the life of Arthur Lakes, Warden of New-College in Oxford, Master of St. Crosses, Dean of Worcester, and at last promoted Bishop of Bath and Wells, not so much by the power of his Brother Sir Thomas (Secretary to King James ) as his own desert; as one whose piety may be justly exemplary to all of his Order. He seldom (if at all) is said to have dreamt, justly imputed, not to the dullness of his fancy, in which faculty he had no defect, but to the staidness of his judgment, wherein he did much excel, as by his learned Sermons doth appear.)

46. About the sametime Lancelot Andrew's ended his religious life, born at Alhollows-Barking in London, Scholar, Fellow, and Master of Pembrook-Hall in Cambridge. Then Dean of Westminster, Bishop of Chicester, Eli, and at last of Winchester. The world wanted learning to know how learned this Man was, so skilled in all (especially oriental ) Languages, that some conceive he might (if then living) almost have served as an INTERPRETER GENERALL at the confusion of Tongues. Nor are the Fathers more faithfully cited in his books, than lively copied out in his countenance and carriage, his gravity in a manner awing King James, who refrained from that mirth and liberty, in the presence of this Prelate, which otherwise he assumed to himself. He lieth buried in the Chapel of St. Mary Overees, having on his Monument a large, elegant , and TRUE Epitaph.

47. Since his death some have unjustly snarld at his memory, accusing him for covetousness, who was neither rapax, to get by unjust courses (as a professed enemy to usury, simony, and bribery: ) nor tenax, to hold money when just occasion called for it: for in his life time he repaired all places he lived in, and at his death left the main of his Estate to pious uses. Indeed he was wont to say, that Good Husbandry was good Divinity, the truth whereof no wise man will deny.

48. Another falls foully upon him for the ornaments of his Chapel as Popish and superstitious, in the superabundant ceremonies thereof. To which I can say little; but this I dare affirm, that wheresoever he was a Parson, a Dean, or a Bishop, he never troubled Parish, College, or Diocese with pressing other ceremonies upon them, then such which he found used there before his coming thither. And it had not been amiss, if such who would be accounted his friends and admirers, had followed him in the footsteps of his moderation, content with the enjoying, without the enjoining their private practices, and opinions, on others.

49. As for such who causelessly have charged his Sermons as affected, and surcharged with verbal allusions, when they themselves have set forth the like, it will then be time enough to make this Bishops first defense, against their calumniations. Nor is it a wonder that the M • sters Pen, was so in his writings, whose very Servant (a Lay man) was so successful in the same: I mean Mr. Henry Isackson (lately gone to God) the industrious Author of the useful Chronology.

50. It is pity to part this Patron from his Chaplain, Nicholas Fuller, born, as I take it, in Hampshire, bred in Oxford, where he was Tutor to Sir Henry Walhop, who afterwards preferred him to the small Parsonage of Aldingeton in Wiltshire: And Robert Abbot, Bishop of Salisbury, made him Canon of that Church. Afterwards a Living of great value was sent by Bishop Andrew's (the Patron thereof) on the welcome errand to find out Mr. Fuller to accept the same, who was hardly contented to be surprised with a presentation thereunto; such his love to his former small Living and retired life. He was the Prince of all our English Critics; And whereas men of that tribe are generally morose, so that they cannot dissent from another without disdaining, nor oppose without inveighing against him, it is hard to say whether more candor, learning, or judgment, was blended in his Miscellanies. By discovering how much Hebrew there is in the New-Testament-Greek, he cleereth many real difficulties from his verbal observations.

51. A Commission was granted unto five Bishops (whereof Bishop Laud of the Quorum ) to suspend Archbishop Abbot from exercising his Authority any longer, because uncanonicall for casual Homicide; the proceeding against him being generally condemned as over-rigid and severe.

• 1. The Act was committed seven years since, in the reign of King James.
• 2. On a Commission then appointed for that purpose, he was cleared from all Irregularity, by Bishop Andrew's, in Divinity; Sir Ed. Coke, in Common; and Sir Henr. Martin, in Canon Law.
• 3. It would be of dangerous consequence to condemn him by the Canons of foreign Councils, which never were allowed any Legislative Power in this Land.
• 4. The Archbishop had manifested much remorse and self-affliction, for this (rather sad than sinful ) act.
• 5. God may be presumed to have forgotten so much as there was of fault in the fact, and why then should man remember it:
• 6. Ever since he had executed his Jurisdiction without any interruption.
• 7. The Archbishop had both feet in the Grave, and all his whole Body likely soon after to follow them.
• 8. Such heighsning of Casual-Homicide, did • avour of Intentional malice.

The truth is, the Archbishops own stiffness and averseness to comply with the Court-Designes, advantaged his Adversaries against him, and made him the more obnoxious to the Kings displeasure. But the blame did most light on Bishop Laud, men accounting this a kind of Filius ante diem, &c. As if not content to succeed, he indeavored to supplant him; who might well have suffered his decayed old age to have died in honor: What needs the felling of the tree a falling?

52. However a double good accrued hereby to the Archbishop. First, he became the more beloved of Men: (the Country hath constantly a blessing for those, for whom the Court hath a curse. ) And secondly, he may charitably be presumed to love God the more, whose service he did the better attend, being freed from the drudgery of the World, as that soul which hath the least of Martha, hath the most of Mary therein.

53. And although this Archbishop survived some years after, yet it will be seasonable here for us to take a fair farewell of his memory, seeing henceforward he was buried to the World. He was bred in Oxford, Master of University College; an excellent Preacher, as appears by his Lectures on Jonah; Chaplain to the Earl of Dunbar (with whom he was once solemnly sent by King James into Scotland to preach there) and afterwards by his means promoted to the Arch-bishop-rick of Canterbury, haply according to his own; but sure I am above, if not against, the expectations of others; A grave man in his conversavion, and unblameable in his life.

54. Indeed it is charged on him that non amavit Gentem nostram, he loved not our Nation, forsaking the Birds of his own feather to fly with others, and generally favoring the Laity above the Clergy, in all cases brought before him. But this he endeavored to excuse to a private friend, by protesting he was himself so severe to the Clergy on purpose to rescue them from the severity of others, and to prevent the punishment of them from Lay Judges to their greater shame.

55. I also read in a nameless Author, that towards his death he was not only discontented himself, but his house was the randezvouz of all male-contents in Church and State: making mid-night of noon-day, by constant keeping of candles light in his Chamber and Study; as also such visitants as repaired unto him, called themselves Nicodemits, because of their secret addresses. But a credible person, and one of his nearest relations knew nothing thereof, which with me much shaketh the probability of the report. And thus we leave this Archbishop, and the rest of his praises to be reported by the poor people of Gilford in Surrey, where he founded and endowed a fair Alms-house in the Town of his Nativity.

56. The Kings Treasury now began to grow low, and his expenses to mount high. No wonder then if the Statesmen were much troubled to make up the distance betwixt his Exchequer and his Occasions. Amongst other designs, the Papists in Ireland (taking advantage of the Kings wants) proffered to pay constantly 5000 Men, if they might but enjoy a Toleration. But that motion was crushed by the Bishops opposing it, and chiefly by Bishop Dounhams sermon in Dublin, on this Text, Luke 1. 74. That we being delivered from the hands of our Enemies might serve him without fear.

57. Many a man, sunk in his Estate in England, hath happily recovered it by removing into Ireland; whereas, by a contrary motion, this project, bankrupt in Ireland, presumed to make itself up in England: Where the Papists promised to maintain a proportion of Ships, on the aforesaid condition, of free exercise of their Religion. Some were desirous the King should accept their tender, who might lawfully take what they were so forward to give, seeing no injury is done to them who are willing.

58. It was urged on the other side, that where such willingness to be injured proceeds from the Principle of an erroneous conscience, there their simplicity ought to be informed, not abused. Grant Papists so weak as to buy, Protestants should be more honest than to sell such base wares unto them. Such Ships must needs spring many leaks, rig'd, victualed, and manned withil-gotten money, gained by the sale of Souls. And here all the objections were revived, which in the reign of King James were improved against such a Toleration.

59. Here Sir John Savil interposed, that if the King were pleased but to call on the Recusants to pay thirds (legally due to the Crown) it would prove a way more effectual and less offensive to raise a mass of Money: it being but just, who were so rich and free to purchase new Privileges, should first pay their old Penalties. This motion was listened unto, and Sir John (with some others) appointed for that purpose in the Counties beyond Trent, scarce a third of England in ground, but almost the half thereof for the growth of Recusants therein. But whether the Returns seasonably furnished the Kings occasions is to me unknown.

60. It is suspicious that all such Projects to quench the thirst of the Kings necessities proved no better then sucking-bottles, soon emptied, & but cold the liquor they afforded. Nothing so natural as the milk of the breast, I mean Subsidies granted by Parliament, which the King at this time assembled. But alas, to follow the Metaphor, both the breasts, the two Houses, were so sore with several grievances, that all money came from them with much pain and difficulty; the rather, because they complained of Doctrines destructive to their propriety, lately preached at Court.

61. For towards the end of this Session of Parliament Dr. Manwaring was severely censured for two Sermons he had preached and printed about the power of the Kings Prerogative. Such is the precipice of this matter (wherein each casual slip of my Pen may prove a deadly fall) that I had rather the Reader should take all from Mr. Pimm 's mouth, than from my hand, who thus uttered himself:

Here he produced the Book, particularly insisting on pag. 19. 29. and 30. in the first Sermon, pag. 35. 46. and 48 in the second Sermon. All which passages he heightened with much eloquence and acrimony; thus concluding his Speech, I have shown you an evil Tree that bringeth forth evil Fruit; and now it rests with you to determine, whether the following sentence shall follow, Cut it down and cast it into the fire.

62. Four days after the Parliament proceeded to his censure, consisting of eight particulars, it being ordered by the House of Lord's against him, as followeth:

• 1. To be imprisoned during the pleasure of the House.
• 2. To be fined a thousand pounds.
• 3. To make his submission at the Bar in this House, and in the House of Commons, at the Bar there, in verbis conceptis, by a Committee of this House.
• 4. To be suspended from his Ministerial function three years, and in the mean time a sufficient preaching man to be provided out of the profits of his living, and this to be left to be performed by the Ecclesiastical Court.
• 5. To be disabled forever hereafter from preaching at Court.
• 6. To be forever disabled of having any Ecclesiastical Dignity in the Church of England.
• 7. To be uncapable of any secular Office or preferment.
• 8. That his Books are worthy to be burned, and his Majesty to be moved that it may be so in London, and both the Universities.

But much of this censure was remitted, in consideration of the performance of his humble submission at both the Bars in Parliament:

63. Where he appeared on the three and twentieth of June following, and on his knees, before both Houses, submitted himself, as followeth, with outward expression of sorrow:

How this Doctor, Roger Manwaring (notwithstanding the foresaid censure) was afterwards preferred, first to the Deanarie of Worcester, next to the Bishopric of St. David's, God willing in due place thereof.

64. On Thursday the 26 ^th . of this month, ended the Session of Parliament, wherein little, relating to Religion, was concluded; save only that diverse abuses on the Lord's-day were restained: All Cariers, Carters, Waggoners, Wain-men, Drovers of Cattle forbidden to travel there • n, on the forfeit of twenty shillings for every offense. Likewise, Butchers to lose six shillings and eight pence for killing or selling any victuals on that day. A Law was also made, That whosoever goeth himself, or sendeth others beyond the Seas to be trained up in Popery, &c. shall be disabled to sue, &c. and shall lose all his Goods, and shall forfeit all his Lands, &c. for life. Five entire Subsidies were granted to the King by the Spirituality, and the said Grant confirmed by the Act of this Parliament, which now was first prorogued to the twentieth of October following, and then, (on some intervening obstructions) put off to the twentieth of January when it began again.

65. As for the Convocation, concurent [in time] with this Parliament, nothing considerable was acted therein. Dr. Thomas Winniff, Dean of Gloucester, preached the Latin Sermon; his text Acts 20. 28. Attendite ad vos ipsos, & totum gregem, &c. Dr. Curle was chosen Prolocutor: and a low voice would serve the turn where nothing was to be spoken.

66. On the twentieth of July following Dr. Preston died in his native Country of Northamptonshire, near the place of his birth, of a consumption, and was buried at Fawsley, Mr. Dod preaching his funeral Sermon: An excellent Preacher, of whom Mr. Noy was wont to say, that he preached as if he knew God's Will: a subtle Disputant and great Politician; so that his Foes must confess, that (if not having too little of the Dove) he had enough of the Serpent. Some will not stick to say he had large parts of sufficient receipt to manage the Broad Seal itself, which if the condition had pleased him, was proffered unto him: For he might have been the Dukes right hand, though at last less than his little finger unto him: Who despairing that this Patriarch of the Presbyterian Party would bring off his side unto him, used him no longer who would not or could not be useful unto him. Most of this Doctor's posthume-books have been happy in their education, I mean in being well brought forth into the World, though all of them have not lighted on so good guardians: But his life is so largely and learnedly written by one of his own Pupils, that nothing can be added unto it.

67. About this time George Carleton, that grave and godly Bishop of Chichester ended his pious life. He was born at Norham in Northumberland, where his Father was the Keeper of that important Castle in the Marches; an employment speaking him wise and valiant, in those dangerous and warlike days. He was bred and brought up under Mr. Bernard Gilpin, that Apostolical man (whose Life he wrote in gratitude to his memory) and retained his youthful and Poetical studies fresh in his old age. He was selected by King James one of the five Divines sent over to the Synod of Dort. He wrote many small Tracts (one against Sir John Heydon, about judicial Astrology) which conjoined would amount to a great volume. Mr. Richard Montague, one of a different judgment, succeeded in his See, who at first met with some small opposition on the following occasion.

68. There is a solemnity performed before the consecration of every Bishop, in this manner. The Royal assent being passed on his election, the Archbishops Vicar-general proceeds to his Confirmation, commonly kept in B • w Church. A Process is issued forth to call all persons to appear, to show cause why the Elect there present should not be confirmed. For, seeing a Bishop is in a manner married to his See (save that hereafter he taketh his surname from his Wife, and not she from him ) this ceremony is a kind of asking the Banes, to see if any can allege any lawful cause to forbid them. Now at the confirmation of Mr. Montague, when liberty was given to any objectors against him, one Mr. Humphreys (since a Parliament Colonel, lately deceased) and William Jones, a Stationer of London (who alone is mentioned in the Record) excepted against Mr. Montague, as unfitting for the Episcopal office, chiefly on this account, because lately censured by Parliament for his book, and rendered uncapable of all preferment in the Church.

69. But exception was taken at Jones his exceptions (which the Record calls praetensos articulos ) as defective in some legal formalities. I have been informed, it was alleged against him for bringing in his objections vivâ voice, and not by a Proctor, that Court adjudging all private persons effectually dumb, who speak not by one admitted to plead therein. Jones returned, that he could not get any Proctor, though pressing them importunately, and proffering them their fee, to present his exceptions, and therefore was necessitated ore tenus there to allege them against Mr. Montague. The Register mentioneth no particular defects in his exceptions, but Dr. Rives (Substitute at that time for the Vicar-general ) declined to take any notice of them, and concludeth Jones amongst the contumacious, quod nullo modo legitime comparuit, nec aliquid in hac parte juxta juris exigentiam diceret, exciperet, vel opponeret. Yet this good Jones did Bishop Montague, that he caused his addresses to the King to procure a pardon, which was granted unto him, in form like those given at the Coronation, save that some particulars were inserted therein, for the pardoning of all errors heretofore committed, either in speaking, writing, or printing, whereby he might hereafter be questioned. The like at the same time was granted to Dr. Manwaring, on whom the rich Parsonage of Stanford Rivers in Essex was conferred, as void by Bishop Montague's preferment.

70. An intention there was for the Bishop and all the company employed at his Confirmation, to dine at a Tavern, but Dr. Thomas Rives utterly refused it, rendering this reason; that he had heard, that the dining at a Tavern gave all the color to that far-spreading and long-lasting lie, of Matthew Parker his being consecrated at the Nags-Head in Cheapside; and, for ought he knew, captious people would be ready to raise the like report on the same occasion. It being therefore Christian caution, not only to quench the fire of sin, but also (if possible) to put out the smoke of scandal, they removed their dining to another place.

71. On the twentieth of January the Parliament was reassembled, which died issueless (as I may say) the March following, leaving no Acts ( abortions are no Children ) completed behind it. Let the Reader who desireth farther instructions of the passages herein consult the Historians of the State. Indeed if the way were good, and weather fair, a travailer, to please his curiosity in seeing the Country, might adventure to ride a little out of the rode; but he is none of the wisest, who in a tempest and mirie way will lose time and leave his own journey. If pleasant and generally acceptable were the transactions in this Parliament, it might have tempted me to touch a little thereon, out of the track of my Church-Story; but finding nothing but stirs and storms therein, I will only go on fair and softly in my beaten path of Ecclesiastical affairs. Bishop Land had no great cause to be a Mourner at the Funerals of this Parliament, having entered it in his Diarie, that it endeavored his destruction.

72. At this time Richard Smith (distinct from Henry Smith, aliàs Lloyd, a Jesuit, whom some confound as the same person) being in title Bishop of Chalcedon in Greece, in truth a dangerous English Priest, acted and exercised Episcopal Jurisdiction over the Catholics here, by Commission from the Pope, appearing in his Pontisicalibus in Lancashire, with his Miter and Crosier to the wonder of poor People, and conferring Orders, and the like. This was much offensive to the Regulars, as entrenching on their Privileges, who countermined him as much as they might. His Majesty, having notice of this Romish Agent, renewed his Proclamation (one of a former date taking no effect) for his apprehension, promising an hundred pounds to be presently paid to him that d • d it, besides all the profits which accrued to the Crown, as legally due from the person who entertained him.

72. However such as hid and harbored him, were neither frighted with the penalty, nor flattered with the profit, to discover him. But Smith, conceiving his longer stay here to be dangerous, conveyed himself over into France, where he became a Confident of Cardinal Richelieu's. The conveniency and validity of his Episcopal power was made the subject of several Books which were written thereon,

This Chalcedon Smith wrote a book called The Prudential Ballance, much commended by men of his own persuasion; and, for ought I know, is still alive.

74. Within the compass of this year died the Reverend Toby Matthew, Archbishop of York. He was born in the Somersetshire -side of Bristol, and in his childhood had a marvelous preservation, when with a fall he brake his foot, ancle, and small of his leg, which were so soon recovered to eye, use, sight, service, that not the least mark remained thereof. Coming to Oxford, he fixed at last in Christ-Church, and became Dean thereof. He was one of a proper person (such People, cateris paribus, and sometimes cateris imparibus, were preferred by the Queen) and an excellent Preacher, Campian himself confessing, that he did dominari in Concionibus. He was of a cheerful spirit, yet without any trespass on Episcopal gravity, there lying a real distinction between facetiousness and nugacitie. None could condemn him for his pleasant wit, though often he would condemn himself, as so habited therein, he could as well not be, as not be merry, and not take up an innocent jest as it lay in the way of his discourse.

75. One passage must not be forgotten. After he had arrived at his greatness, he made one journey into the West, to visit his two Mothers; her that bare him at Bristol, and her that bred him in learning, the University of Oxford. Coming near to the latter, attended with a train suitable to his present condition, he was met almost with an equal number, who came out of Oxford to give him entertainment. Thus augmented with another troop, and remembering he had passed over a small water a poor Scholar, when first coming to the University, he kneeled down and took up the expression of Jacob, With my staff came I over this Jordan, and now I am become two Bands. I am credibly informed, that, mutatis mutandis, the same was performed by his Predecessor, Archbishop Hutton at Sophisters Hills nigh Cambridge, and am so far from distrusting either, that I believe both.

76. He died yearly in report, and I doubt not, but that in the Apostles sense he died daily in his mortifying meditations. He went over the graves of many who looked for his Archbishopric; I will not say they catched a cold in waiting barefoot for a living man's shoes. His wife, the Daughter of Bishop Barlow (a Confessor in Queen Mary's days) was a prudent, and a provident matron. Of this extraction came Sir Toby Matthew, having all his Fathers name, many of his natural parts, few of his moral virtues, fewer of his spiritual graces, as being an inveterate enemy to the Protestant Religion. George Mountain succeeded him, scarce warm in his Church before cold in his Coffin, as not continuing many months therein.

77. I humbly crave the Readers Pardon for omitting due time of the death of reverend Dr. Nicholas Felton Bishop of Eli, as buried before (though dying some days after) Bishop Andrew's: and indeed great was the conformity betwixt them. Both being Sons of Seafaring Men, (who by God's blessing on their industry, attained comfortable estates) both Scholars, Fellows, and Masters of Pembrook Hall, both great Scholars, painful Preachers in London for many years, with no less profit to others than credit to themselves, both successively Bishops of Eli. This Bishop Felton had a sound Head and a sanctified Heart, beloved of God, and all good men, very Hospitable to all, and charitable to the poor. He died the 5. of October 1626, and lieth buried under the Communion Table in St. Antholins in London, whereof he had been Minister for twenty eight years. One (whilst a private man) happy in his Curates (whereof two Dr. Bowlles, and Dr. Westfield afterwards became Bishops) and (when a Bishop ) no less happy in his learned and religious Chaplains.

1. QUeen Mary surprised with some fright, (as is generally believed) antedated the time of her travel by some weeks, and was delivered of a Son. But a greater acceleration was endeavored in his Baptism, than what happened at his Birth, such the forwardness of the Popish Priests, to snatch him from the hands of those as dressed him, had not the care of K. Charles prevented t • em, assigning Dr. Web (then waiting his Moneth) to Christian him. He died about an hour after; the King very patiently bearing the loss, as receiving the first fruits of some of his Subjects estates, and as willingly paying those of his own Body, to the King of Heaven.

2. The University of Oxford, ( Cambridge being then heavily infected with the Plague) at once in their verses congratulated the safe Birth, and condoled the short life of this Prince, and a Tetrastich, made by one of ChristiChurch, (thus in making his address to the Queen ) I must not omit.

This Prince the next day after was buried by Bishop Laud in the Chapel at Westminster.

3. During the sitting of the last Parliament, one Leighton a Scottish-man presented a Book unto them: had he been an English man, we durst call him a Furious, and now will term him a fiery (whence kindled let other ghess) Writer. His Book consisted of a continued railing, from the beginaing to the end; exciting the Parliament and People to kill all the Bishops, and to smite them under the fifth Rib. He bitterly enveyed against the Queen calling her a Daughter of Heth, a Canaanite and Idolatress, and ZIONSPLEA was the specious Title of his Pamplhet; for which he was sentenced in the Star-chamber, to be whipt and stigmatized, to have his ears cropped and nose slit. But betwixt the pronouncing and inflicting this Censure, he makes his escape into Bedford-shire.

4. The Warden of the Fleet was in a Bushel of Troubles about his escape, though alleging that some helped him over the wall, and that he himself knew nothing thereof til the noon after. But no plea seemed available for one in his place but either the keeping, or recovering of his Prisoner; unfortunate in the former, he was happy in the latter, & brought him back into his custody; so that the aforesaid censure was inflicted on him. It is remarkable, that amongst the many accusations charged on Archbishop Laud at his trial, the severity on Leighton is not at all mentioned, chiefly because (though he might be suspected active therein) his faults were of so high a nature none then or since dare appear in his defense. The Papists boast that they have beyond the Seas, with them, his Son of another persuasion.

5. Some three years since, certain feoffees were (though not incorporated by the Kings Letters Patent, or any Act of Parliament ) legally settled in trust to purchase in impropriations with their own and other well disposed Persons money, and with their profit to set up and maintain a constant preaching Ministry in places of greatest need, where the word was most wanting. These consisted of a number neither too few, as the work should burden them, nor so many, as might be a burden to the work, twelve in all, diversely qualified.

• 1 William Gouge
• 2 Richard Sibbs
  • Drs. in Divinity.
• 3 C. Ofspring
• 4 J. Davenport
• 5 Ralph Eyre
• 6 S. Brown
  • of Lincolns Inn.
• 7 C. Sherland
• 8 John White
  • of
    • Grayes Inn.
    • Middle Temple.
• 9 John Geering
• 10 Richard Davis
• 11 George Harwood
• 12 Francis Bridges
  • Citizens.

Here were four Divines, to persuade men's consciences, four Lawyers to draw all conveiances, and four Citizens who commanded rich Coffers, wanting nothing, save (what since doth all things ) some Swordmen, to defend all the rest. Besides these the Capemerchants (as I may term them) there were other inferior Factors, Mr. Foxley, &c. who were employed by appointment, or of officiousnes employed themselves in this design.

6. It is incredible, what large sums were advanced in a short time towards so laudable an employment. There are indeed in England of Parish Churches, nine thousand two hundred eighty four, endowed with Glebe and Tithes. But of these, (when these Feoffees entered on their work) three thousand eight hundred forty five were either or

• Appropriated to Bishops, Cathedrals and Colleges,
• Impropriated (as Lay-fees ) to private persons, as formerly belonging to Abbeys.

The redeeming and restoring of the latter, was these Feoffees design, and it was verily believed (if not obstructed in their end •• vours) within fifty years, rather Purchases then Money would have been wanting unto them, buying them generally (as Candle-rents ) at or under twelve years valuation. My Pen passing by them at the present, may safely salute them with a God speed, as neither seeing nor suspecting any danger in the Design.

7. Richard Smith titulary Bishop of Calcedon taking his honor from Greece, his profit from England (where he Bishoped it over all the Romtsh Catholics ) was now very busy in his employment. But when, where and how oft he acted here, is past our discovery, it being never known when Men of his profession come hither, till they be caught here. Now if any demand why the Pope did not entitle him to some English rather then this Grecian Bishopric (the grant of both being but of the same price of his Holyness his breath, and the confirmation equally cheap in wax and parchment ) especially seeing that in Ireland he had made Anti-Bishops to all Sees, it is easy for one (though none of his Comclave ) to conjecture. For in Ireland he had in every Diocese and Parish a Counter-Part of People for number and quality, which he had not in England, and therefore to entitle Bishops here, had but rendered it the more ridiculous in the granter, and dangerous in the accepter thereof.

8. Nicholas Smith a Regular, (and perchance a Jesuit ) much stomacked the advancement and activity of Richard Smith Bishop of Calcedon and wrote bitterly against him, the hammer of one Smith clashing against another. He fell foul also on Dr. Kellison President of the College of Dowag, who lately set forth a Treatise of the Dignity and necessity of Bishop and Secular Clergy, generally opposing his Doctrine, and particularly in relation to the English Bishops, instancing in the following exceptions.

9. First a Bishop over the English was useless, and might well be spared in times of persecution, there being but two pecu • iar performances of a Bishop. viz. Ordination and Confirmation. For the former it might be supplied by Forreigne Bishops; the Priests of our English nation being generally bred beyond the Seas. As for confirmation of the Children of English Catholics, he much decried the necessity thereof (though not so far as to un-seven the Sacraments of the Church of Rome ) affirming it out of St. Thomas of Aquin, and other Divines, that, by commission from the Pope, a Priest, though no Bishop, might confirm. To this Dr. Kellison his Scholar (or himself under the vizard) replied, that in the definition of St. Cyprian. A Church was a people united to its Bishop, and therefore an absolutenecessity of that function.

10. Secondly he was burthensome to the Church, considering the present pressures of poor English Catholics, needing now no unnecessary exspences for the maintenance of the Bishop and his Agents. To this it was answered, that Mr. Nicholas Smith, and his Brethren, Regulars, daily put the Catholics to far greater charges, as appeareth by the stately Houses, Purchases &c. Indeed generally the little finger of a Jesuit was conceived, in his entertainment, heavier than the Loines of a Secular. Mean time in what care were our English Lay Catholics, with Issachar couching down between two burdens, bearing the weight of both Regulars and Seculars? But who need pity them who will not pity themselves?

11. Thirdly, he took exceptions at the person of this Bishop of Chalcedon, as not lawfully called in Canonical Criticisme. First, because not estated in his Episcopal inspection over England, during his life (as a Bishop ought to be) but only constituted ad beneplacitum Papae, at the pleasure of the Pope, which restriction destroyeth his being a Lawfull Ordinary. Secondly, he carpeth at him as made by Delegation and Commission, and therefore a Delegate not an Ordinary. To which the other replied, that even Legates have that clause in their Commission, limited to the Popes pleasure, and yet no Catholic will question them to be Lawfull Ordinaries. As to the second exception, the same (saith he) doth not dest ••• y his Ordinary-ship, but only showeth he was made an Ordinary, in an extraordinary manner: which distinction how far it will hold good in the Canon Law, let those inquire who are concerned therein.

12. Notwithstanding Dr. Kellison his confutation, the insolency of the Regulars daily increased in England, so that they themselves may seem the most seculars; so fixed were they to the wealth and vanity of this world. The Irish Regulars exceeded the English in pride, maintaining (amongst other printed propositions ) that the Superiors of Regulars are more worthy than Bishops themselves, because the honor of the Pastor is to be measured from the condition of the Flock: quemadmodum Opilio dignior est subulco, as a Shepherd is of more esteem than a Hoggard. In application of the first to themselves, the last to the Seculars, it is hard to say whether their pride was more in their own praise, or charity less in condemning of others. It was therefore high time for the Doctors of Sorbone in Paris (who for many ages have maintained in their College, the hereditary reputation of learning ) to take these Regulars to task. Sixty of the Sorbone Doctors censured the aforesaid proposition, and the Archbishop of Paris condemned the Book of Nicholas Smith, as also another tending to the same subject, made by one Daniel a Jesuit.

13. On what terms the Regulars and Seculars stand in England at this day, I neither know nor list to inquire. Probably they have learned wit from our woes, and our late sad differences have occasioned their reconcilement. Only I learn this distinction from them, the Catholics as Catholics agree always in matters of faith, but the best Catholics as men may vary in their opinions. I hope they will allow to us, what liberty they assume to themselves.

14. Dr. John Davenant Bishop of Salisbury preached his course on a Sunday in Lent at White-Hall before the King and Court, finishing a Text Rom. 6. 23. the former part whereof he had handled the year before. In prosecution whereof it seems he was conceived to fall on some forbidden points, in so much that his Majesty (whether at first by his own inclination, or others instigation, is uncertain) manifested much displeasure there at. Sermon ending his Adversaries at Court hoped hereby to make him fall totally and finally from the Kings favor, though missing their mark herein, as in fine it did appear.

15. Two days after he was called before the Privy Council; where he presented himself on his knees, and so had still continued for any favor he found from any of his own function there present. But the Temporal Lord's bad him arise and stand to his own defense, being as yet only accused, not convicted. Dr. Harsenet Archbishop of York managed all the business against him ( Bishop Laud walking by all the while in silence spake not one word) making a long oration uttered with much vehemency to this effect.

What the other answered hereunto will best appear by his own letter written to his worthy friend Doctor Ward, giving him an exact account of all proceedings herein in manner as followeth.

• 1. Happy in the Lord whom the serve: God or Christ Jesus.
• 2. Happy in the reward of their service: Eternal life.
• 3. Happy in the manner of their reward: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , or gratnitum donurn in Christo.

17. This year Thomas Dove Bishop of Peterborough ended his life. He was bred in Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge, chosen Tanquam therein, which it seems is a Fellow in all things save the name thereof. Afterwards Chaplain to Q. Eliz • beth who made him Dean of Norwich, being much affected with his Preaching, as wont to say that, The Holy Ghost was again come down in the Dove. He was a constant Housekeeper and Reliever of the Poor, so that such who in his life time condemned him for Covetousness, have since justly praised his Hospitality. Now though Doves are generally said to want gall, yet the Non-conformists in his Diocese will complain of his severity in asserting Ecclesiastical Discipline, when he silenced five of them in one morning, on the same token that King James is said to say it might have served for five years. He was an aged man, being the only Queen Elizabeth's Bishop of that Province which died in the Reign of King Charles, living in a poor Bishopric, and leaving a plentiful estate: to show that it is not the moisture of the Place, but the long lying of the stone, which gathereth the great moss therein. In a word, had he been more careful in conferring of Orders (too commonly bestowed by him) few of his Order had exceeded him for the unblamablenesse of his behavior.

18. Now began great discontents to grow up in the University of Oxford on this occasion. Many conceived that Innovations (defended by others for Renovations, and now only reduced, as used in the Primitive times ) were multiplied in Divine service. Offended whereat, they in their Sermons brake our into (what was interpreted) bitter invectives. Yea their very Texts gave some offense, one preaching on Numbers 14. 4. Let us make us a Captain, and let us return into Egypt. Another on 1 Kings 13. 2. And he cried against the Altar in the word of the Lord, and said, O Altar, Altar, &c. In prosecution whereof they had not only tart reflection on some eminent Persons in the Church, but also were apprehended to violate the Kings Declaration, for the sopiting of all Arminian controversies.

19. Dr. Smith Warden of Wadham convented the principal persons ( viz. Mr. Thorn of Bailiol Col. and Mr. Ford of Magdalene Hall ) as offenders against the Kings instructions, and ordered them to bring in the Copies of their Sermons. They suspecting partiality in the Vice-Chancellor, appealed from him to the Procters, two men of eminent integrity and ability, Mr. Atherton Bruch, and Mr. John Doughty, who received their appeal, presuming the same justifiable by the Statutes of the University. But it seems the Procters were better Scholars than Lawyers, except any will say both Law, and Learning must submit, when Power is pleased to interpose.

20. Archbishop Laud did not like these retrograde appeals, but sensible that his own strength moved rather ascendendo, than descendendo, procured the cause to be heard before the King at Woodstock, where it was so ordered, that,

• 1 The Preachers complained of, were expelled the University.
• 2 The Procters were deprived of their places for accepting their appeal.
• 3 Dr. Prideaux, and Dr. Wilkinson were shrewdly checked for engaging in their behalf.

21. The expulsion of these Preachers expelled not, but increased the differences in Oxford, which burnt the more for blaZing the less, many complaining, that the Sword of Justice did not cut indifferently on both sides, but that it was more Penal for some to touch, than others to break the Kings declaration.

22. This year ended the days of Mr. Arthur Hildersham, born at Stechworth in the County, bred in Christ-College in the University of Cambridge, whose education was an experimental Comment on the words of David, When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord taketh me up.

23. However, after he was entered in the Ministry, he met with many molestations, as hereby doth appear.

And now me thinks I hear the Spirit speaking unto him, as once to the Prophet Ezekiel, Thou shall speak and be no more dumb, singing now with the Celestial Choir of Saints and Angels. Indeed though himself a Non-conformist, he loved all honest men, were they of a different judgment, minded like Luther herein, who gave for his Motto, In quo aliquid CHRISTI video, illum diligo.

24. He was Minister of Ashby de la Zouch forty and three years. This putteth me in mind of Theodosiue and of Valentinian (two worthy Christian Emperors) their constitutions making those Readers of the Civil Law, Counts of the first Order, cùm adviginti annos observatione jugi, ac sedulo docendi labor pervenerint, when with da • lie observation and diligent labor of teaching they shall arrive at twenty years. Surely the Readers of God's Law which double that time shall not lose their reward.

25. The same year died Robert Bolton, born in Lancashire, bred in Brasennose College in Oxford, beneficed at Broughton in Northamptonshire. An authoritative Preacher, who majestically became the Pulpiz, and whose life is exactly written at large, to which I refer such as desire farther satisfaction. And here may the Reader be pleased to take notice, that henceforward we shall on just grounds for bear the description of such Divines, as yearly deceased. To say nothing of them save the dates of their deaths, will add little to the readers information, to say much in praise or dispraise of them, (wherein their relations are so nearly concerned) may add too much to the Writers danger. Except therefore they be persons so eminent for their learning, or active for their lives, as their omission may make a ma • m in our History, we shall pass them over in silence hereafter.

26. Archbishop Laud began to look with a jealous eye on the Feoffees for Impropriations, as who in process of time would prove a thorn in the sides of Episcopacy, and by their purchases become the prime Patrones, for number and greatness of benefices. This would multiply their dependents; and give a secret growth to Non-conformity. Whereupon by the Archbishops procurement a Bil was exhibited in the Exchequer Chamber, by Mr. Noy the Atturny General, against the Feoffees aforesaid, and that great Lawyer endeavored to overthrow (as one termed it) their Apocrypha Incorporation.

27. It was charged against them, first, that they diverted the charity, wherewith they were entrusted, to other uses, when erecting a Lecture every morning at St. Antholines in London. What was this but lighting candles to the Sun, London being already the Land of Goshen, and none of those dark and far distant corners, where Souls were ready to famish for lack of the food of the word? What was this but a bold breach of their trust, even in the Eye of the Kingdom?

28. They answered that London being the chief staple of charity and the place where the principal contributers to so pious a work did reside, it was but fit, that it should share in the benefit of their bounty. That they were not so confined to the uses in their Feoffment, but that in their choice they might reflect as well on the Eminency, as Necessity of the place; that they expended much of their own (as well as other men's ) money, and good reason they should do therewith as they pleased.

29. It was pressed against them, that they generally preferred Non conformists to the Lectures of their Erection. To this it was answered, that none were placed therein, but such whose Sufficiency and Conformity were first examined and approved by the Ordinary, to be to such a Degree as the Law required. Yea it is said that Mr. White, one of the Feoffees, privately proffered Bishop Laud at his house in Fulham, that if he disliked either the Persons, who managed, or Order which they took in this work, they would willingly submit the alteration to his Lordships discretion.

30. In conclusion the Court condemned their proceedings, as dangerous to the Church and State, pronouncing the Gifts, Feoffments and Contrivances made to the Uses aforesaid to be illegal, and so dissolved the same, confiscating their money unto the Kings use. Their criminal part was referred to, but never prosecuted in, the Star-chamber, because the Design was generally approved, and both discreet and devout men were (as desirous of the Regulation, so) doleful at the ruin of so pious a Project.

31. Samuel Harsenet about this time ended his life, born in Colchester, bred Scholar, Fellow, Master of Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge, afterwards Bishop of Chtchester and Norwich, Archbishop of York, and privy Counselor. He was a zealous asserter of ceremonies, using to complain of (the first I believe who used the expression ) of CONFORMABLE PURITANS, who practiced it out of policy, yet dissented from it in their judgments. He lieth buried in Chigwell Church in Essex, (where he built a School) with this Epit • ph, Indignus Eptscopus Clcestrensis, indignior Norvicensis, & indignissimus Archiepiscopus Eboracensis.

32. Now the Sabbatarian controversy begun to be revived, which brake forth into a long and hot contention. Theophilus Bradborn, a Minister of Suffolk, founded the first trumpet to this fight, who some five years since, namely anno 1628. set forth a Book, dedicated to his Majesty, entitled, A defense of the most ancient, and sacred ordinance of God, The Sabbath Day: maintaining therein,

• 1. The fourth Commandment simply, and entirely moral.
• 2. Christians, as well as Jews, obliged to the everlasting observation of that day.
• 3. That the Lord's-day is an ordinary working-day, it being will-worship, and superstition to make it a Sabbath by virtue of the fourth Commandment.

2. Francis White Bishop (formerly of Norwich ) then of Eli, was employed by his Majesty, to confute Mr. Bradborn his erroneous opinion. In the writing whereof, some expressions fell from his pen, whereat many strict people (but far enough from Bradborn's conceit) took great distaste. Hereupon Books begat Books, and controversies on this subject were multiplied, reducible to five principal heads.

• 1. What is the fittest name to signify the day set apart for God's public service?
• 2. When that day is to begin, and end?
• 3. Upon what authority the keeping thereof is bottomed?
• 4. Whether or no the day is alterable?
• 5. Whether any recreations, and what kinds of them, be lawful on that day?

And they are dinstinguishable into three several opinions:

A worthy Doctor, who in his Sermons at the Temple, no less piously than learnedly, handled the point of the Lord's-day, worthily pressed, that Gentle-folk were obliged to a stricter observation of the Lord's-day, than laboring people. The whole have no need of the Physician, but those who are sick. Such as are not annihilated with labor, have no title to be recreated with liberty. Let Servants, whose hands are ever working, whilst their eyes are waking; let such, who all the foregoing week had their Cheeks moistened with sweat, and hands hardened with labor; let such have some recreation on the Lord's day indulged unto them: whilst persons of quality, who may be said to keep Sabbath all the week long, I mean who rest from hard labor, are concerned in conscience, to observe the Lord's-day with the greater abstinence from recreations.

34. Pass we now from the pen, to the practical part of the Sabbatarian difference. Somerset-shire was the stage, whereon the first and fiercest Scene thereof was acted. Here Wakes (much different, I dare say, from the watching prescribed by our Savior) were kept on th • Lord's day, with Church-Ales, Bid-Ales, and Clerks-Ales. If the Reader know not the critical meaning, and difference of these words, I list not to be the interpreter; and his ignorance herein, neither is any disgrace, nor can be any damage unto him. The Gentry of that County, perceiving such revells the cause of many, and occasion of moe misdemeanors (many acts of wantonness bearing their dates from such meetings) importuned Sr. Thomas Richardson, Lord Chief Justice, and Baron Denham, then Judges, riding the Western circuit in the Lent-vacation, to make a severe Order for the suppressing of all Ales, and Revells on the Lord's-day.

35. In compliance with their desire, the aforesaid Judges made an order on the 19. day of March (founded on former precedents signed by Judge Popeham, Lord Chief Justice in the latter end of Queen Elizabeth her Reign) therein suppressing such Revells, in regard of the infinite number of inconveniences daily arising by means thereof, enjoining the Constables to deliver a copy thereof to the Minister of every Parish, who, on the first Sunday in February, and likewise the two first Sundays before Easter, was to publish the same every year.

36. The Archbishop of Canterbury beheld this as an usurpation on Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, and complained of the Judges to his Majesty, procuring a Commission to Bishop Pierce, and other Divines, to inquire into the manner of publishing this Order, and the Chief Justice his carriage in this business. Notwithstanding all which, the next Assise Judge Richardson gave another strict charge against these Revels, required an account of the publication, and execution of the aforesaid Order, punishing some persons for the breach thereof. After whose return to London the Archbishop sent for him, and commanded him to revoke his former Order, as he would answer the contrary at his peril, telling him it was his Majesty's pleasure he should reverse it. The Judge alleged it done at the request of the Justices of the Peace in the County, with the general consent of the whole Bench, on the view of ancient precedents in that kind. However, the next Assise he revoked his Order with this limitation, as much as in him lay. At what time also the Justices of the Peace in Somerset shire (who in birth, brains, spirit and estate were inferior to no County in England ) drew up an humble petition to his Majesty, for the suppressing of the aforesaid unlawful assemblies, concurring with the Lord Chief Justice therein, sending it up by the hand of the Custos Rotulorum, to deliver it to the Earl of Pembroke, Lord Lieutenant of their County, to present it to his Majesty.

37. Just in this juncture of time a Declaration for sports, set forth the fifteenth of King James, was revived, and enlarged. For, his Majesty being troubled with petitions on both sides, thought good to follow his Fathers royal example, upon the like occasion in Lancashire; and we refer the Reader to what we have written before, for arguments pro and con about the lawfulness of public reading thereof.

38. It was charged at his trial, on the Archbishop of Canterbury, that he had caused the reviving, and enlarging of this Declaration, strong presumptions being urged for the proof thereof. He denied it, yet professing his judgment for recreations on that day, alleging the practice of the Church of Geneva, allowing shooting in long Bows &c. thereon. Adding also, that, though indulging liberty to others, in his own person he strictly observed that day. A self-praise, or rather self-purging, because spoken on his life, which seemed uttered without pride, and with truth, and was not clearly confuted. Indeed they are the best carvers of liberty on that day, who cut most for others, and leave least for themselves.

39. However, there was no express in this Declaration, that the Minister of the Parish should be pressed to the publishing. Many counted it no Ministers work, and more proper for the place of the Constable, or Tithing-man to perform it. Must they, who were (if not worst able ) most unfitting; hold the Candle to lighten, and let in licentiousness? But, because the Judges had enjoined the Ministers to read their order in the Church, the Kings Declaration was enforced by the Bishops, to be published by them in the same place.

40. As for such whose consciences reluctated to publish the Declaration, various were their evasions. Some left it to their Curates to read. Nor was this the plucking out of a thorn from their own, to put it in another Mans conscience, seeing their Curates were persuaded of the lawfulness thereof. Others read it indeed themselves, but presently after read the fourth Commandment. And was this fair play, setting God and their King (as they conceived) at odds, that so they themselves might escape in the fray? Others point-blank refused the reading thereof; for which some of them were suspended ab officio & beneficio, some deprived, and moe molested in the High Commission: it being questionable, whether their sufferings procured more pity to them, or more hatred to the causers thereof.

41. All Bishops urged not the reading of the Book with rigor alike, nor punished the refusal with equal severity. I hear the loudest, longest, and thickest complaints come from the Diocese of Norwich, and of Bath and Wells. I knew a Bishop in the West (to whom I stood related in kindred, and service) who, being pressed by some to return the names of such as refused to read the Book, to the Archbishop of Canterbury, utterly denied: and his words to me were these, I will never turn an accuser of my Brethren, there be enough in the World to take that office. As for the Archbishop of Canterbury, much was his moderation in his own Diocese, silencing but three (in whom also a concurrence of other non-conformities) through the whole extent thereof. But oh! The necessity of the general day of Judgment, wherein all Men's actions shall be expounded according to their intentions, which here are interpretable according to other Men's inclinations! The Archbishops adversaries imputed this, not to his charity, but policy, Fox-like preying farthest from his own den, and instigating other Bishops to do more than he would appear in himself. As for his own Visitation-Articles, some complained they were but narrow as they were made, and broad as they were measured; his under-officers improving, and enforcing the same, by their enquiries, beyond the letter thereof.

42. Many complain that Mans badness took occasion to be worse, under the protection of these sports permitted unto them. For, although liberty on the Lord's-day may be so limited in the notions of learned men, as to make it lawful, it is difficult (if not impossible) so to confine it in the actions of lewd people, but that their liberty will degenerate into licentiousness.

43 Many moderate Men are of opinion, that this abuse of the Lord's day was a principal procurer of God's anger, since poured out on this land, in a long and bloody civil war. Such observe, that our fights of chief concernment were often fought on the Lord's-day, as pointing at the punishing of the profanation thereof. Indeed amongst so many battles which in ten years time have rent the bowels of England, some on necessity would fall on that day (seeing we have be-rubrick'd each day in the week, almost in the year, with English blood) and therefore to pick a solemn providence out of a common-casualty, savors more of curiosity than conscience. Ye • , seeing Edge-hill-fight (which first brake the peace, and made an irreconcilable breach betwixt the two parties) was fought on that day, and some battles since of greatest consequence, there may be more in the observation, than what many are willing to acknowledge. But, whatsoever it is which hence may be collected, sure I am, those are the best Christians, who least censure others, and most reform themselves.

44. But here it is much to be lamented, that such who at the time of the Sabbatarian controversy, were the strictest observers of the Lord's-day, are now reeled by their violence into another extreme, to be the greatest neglecters, yea, contemners thereof. These Transcendants, accounting themselves mounted above the Predicament of common piety, aver, they need not keep any, because they keep all days Lord's-days, in their elevated holiness. But alas, Christian duties said to be ever done, will prove never done, if not sometimes solemnly done. These are the most dangerous Levellers, equalling all times, places, and persons, making a general confusion to be Gospel-perfection. Whereas to speak plainly, we in England are, rebus sic stantibus, concerned now more strictly to observe the Lord's-day, than ever before. Holy-days are not, and Holy-eves are not, and Wednesday and Friday-Litanies are not, and Lord's-day eves are not, and now some (out of error, and others out of profaneness) go about to take away the Lord's-day also, all these things make against God's solemn and public service. Oh let not his public worship, now contracted to fewer chanells, have also a shallower stream. But enough of this subject; wherein if I have exceeded the bounds of an Historian, by being to large therein, such will pardon me, who know (if pleasing to remember) that Divinity is my proper profession.

45. At this time miserable the maintenance of the Irish Clergy, where Scandalous means, made Scandalous Ministers. And yet a Popish Priest would grow fat in that Parish where a Protestant would be famished, as have not their lively-hood on the oblations of those of their own Religion. But now such Impropriations as were in the Crown, by the King were restored to the Church, to a great diminution of the Royal-Revenew, though his Majesty never was sensible of any loss to himself, if thereby gain might redound to God, in his Ministers. Bishop Laud was a worthy Instrument in moving the King to so pious a work, and yet this his procuring the restoring of Irish, did not satisfy such discontented at his obstructing the buying in of English Impropriations: thus those conceived, to have done hurt at home will hardly make reparations with other good deeds at distance.

46. A Convocation (concurrent with a Parliament ) was called and kept at Dublin in Ireland, wherein the 39. Articles of the Church of England were received in Ireland for all to subscribe unto. It was adjudged fit, seeing that Kingdom complies with England in the Civil government; it should also conform thereto in matters of Religion. Mean time the Irish Articles concluded formerly in a Synod 1616. (wherein Arminianisne was condemned in terminis terminantibus, and the observation of the Lord's day resolved jure Divine ) were utterly excluded.

47. A Cardinals-Cap once and again offered by the Pope, to Bishop Laud, was as often refused by him. The fashion thereof, could not fit his Head, who had studied and written so much against the Romish Religion. He who formerly had foiled the Fisher himself in a public disputation, would not now be taken with so filly a bait, but accquainted the King therewith: timuit Roman vel donaferentem, refusing to receive anything from Rome till she was better reformed.

48. Doctor William Juxon Bishop of London, was by Bishop Lauds procurement made Lord Treasurer of England, entering on that Office with many and great disadvantages. First, because no Clergy-man had executed the same, since William Grey Bishop of Eli, almost two hundred year ago, in the reign of King Edward the fourth. Secondly, because the Treasury was very poor, and if in private houses, bare walls make giddy House-wives, in Princes Palaces, empty Coffers make unsteady Statesmen. Thirdly, because a very Potent (I cannot say Competitor, the Bishop himself being never a Petitor for the Place, but) desirer of this Office was frustrated in his [almost assured] expectation of the same to himself.

49. However so discreet his carriage in that place, it procured a general love unto him, and politick malice, despairing to bite, resolved not to bark at him. He had a perfect command of his passion, (an happiness not granted to all Clergy-men in that age, though privy-Counselors,) slow, not of speech as a defect, but to speak, out of discretion, because when speaking he plentifully paid the principal and interest of his Auditors expectation. No hands, having so much money passing thorough them, had their fingers less soiled there with. It is probable his frugality would have cured the consumption of the Kings Exchequer, had not the [unexpected] Scotch commotion, put it into a desperate relapse. In this particular he was happy above others of his order, that whereas they may be said, in some sort to have left their Bishoprics (flying into the Kings quarters for safety) he staid at home till his Bishopric left him, roused from his Swans-nest at Fulham for a bird of another feather to build therein.

50. Dr. Laud, (formerly Archbishop in power ) now so in place, after the decease of Bishop Abbots, this year kept his metropoliticall visitation, & hence-forward conformity was more vigorously pressed than before. Insomuch that a Minister was censured in the High-Commission for this expression in a sermon, That it was suspicious that now the night did approach because the shadows were so much longer then the body, and ceremonies more in force then the power of godliness. And now many differences about divine worship, began to arise, whereof many books were written pro and con. So common in all hands, that my pains may be well spared in rendering a particular account of what is so universally known. So that a word or two will suffice.

51. One controversy was about the Holiness of our Churches, some maintaining, that they succeed to the same degree of sanctity with the Tabernacle of Moses, & Temple of Solomon, which others flatly denied. First, because the Tabernacle, and Temple, were, and might be, but one at a time, whilst our Churches, without fault, may be multiplied without any [se • ] number. They both for their fashion, fabric, and utensils, were jure divino, their Architects being inspired, whilst our Churches are the product of human fancy. Thirdly, God gloriously appeared both in the Tabernacle and Temple, only graciously present in our Churches. Fourthly, The Temple was a type of Christ's Body, which ours are not. More true it is, our Churches are heirs to the holiness of the Jewish Synagogues, which were many, and to whom a reverence was due as publicly destined to divine service.

52. Not less the difference about the manner of adoration to be used in God's-House, which some would have done towards the Communion-Table, as the most remarkable place of God's presence. Those used a distinction between bowing ad altare towards the Altar, as directing their adoration that way, and ad altare to the Altar, as terminating their worship therein; the latter they detested as Idolatrous, the former they defended as lawful and necessary, such a slovenly unmannerlynes had lately possessed many people in their approaches to God's House that it was high time to reform.

53. But such as disliked the gesture, could not, or would not, understand the distinction as in the Suburbs of Superstition. These allowing some corporal adoration lawful, yea necessary, seeing no reason the Moity of Man, yea the Total Sun of Him, which is visible [his Body, ] should be exempted from God's service, except such a Writ of Ease could be produced and proved from Scripture. But they were displeased with this adoration because such as enjoin it maintain one kind of reverence due to the very place, another to the Elements of the Sacraments, if on the Table, a third to God himself: these several degrees of reverence ought to be railed about as well as the Communion-Table and clearly distinguished, lest that be given to the Creature which belongs to the Creator, and such as shun profanation run into Idolatry.

54. A controversy was also started about the Pasture of the Lord's Board, Communion-Table, or Altar, the last name beginning now in many Men's mouths to out the two former. Some would have it constantly fixed with the sides East and West ends North and South, on a graduated advance next the East-wall of the Chancel, citing a Canon and the practice in the Kings-Chapel for the same. Others pressed the Queens injunctions that (allowing it at other times to stand, but not Altar-wise in the Chancel) it ought to be set in the body of t • e Church when the Sacrament is celebrated thereon.

55. Such the heat about this Altar till both sides had almost Sacrificed up their mutual charity thereon, and this controversy was prosecuted with much needless animosity. This mindeth me of a passage in Cambridge, when King James was there present, to whom a great Person complained of the inverted situation of a College-Chapel, [North and South] out of design to put the House to the cost of new building the same. To whom the King answered, It matters not how the Chapel stands, so their hearts who go thither be set aright in God's service. Indeed if moderate men had had the managing of these matters, the accommodation had been easy with a little condescension on both sides. But as a small accidental heat or cold (such as a healthful body would not be sensible of) is enough to put him into a fit, who was formerly in latitudine febris, so men's minds distempered in this age with what I may call a mutinous tendency, were exasperated with such small occasions which otherwise might have been passed over and no notice taken thereof.

56. For now came the censure of Mr. Prinne, Dr. Bastwick, and Mr. Burton, and we must go a little backwards to take notice of the nature of their offenses. Mr. William Prinne born (about Bath ) in Gloucestershire, bred some time in Oxford, afterwards Utter-Baraster of Lincolns-Inn, began with the writing of some useful and Orthodox Books. I have heard some of his Detractours account him as only the hand of a better head setting forth at first the endeavors of others. Afterwards he delighted more to be numerous with many then ponderous with select quotations, which maketh his Books to swell with the loss ofttimes of the Reader, sometimes of the Printer, and his Pen generally querulous hath more of the Plaintiff then of the Defendant therein.

57. Some three years since he set forth a Book called Histriomastrix, or the Whip of Stage-players. Whip so held and used by his hand, that some conceived the Lashes thereof flew into the face of the Queen herself, as much delighted in Masques. For which he was severely censured to lose his EARES on the Pillory, and for a long time (after two removals to the Fleet ) imprisoned in the Tower. Where he wrote, and whence he dispersed new Pamphlets, which were interpreted to be Libells against the established Discipline of the Church of England, for which he was indicted in the Star-chamber.

58. Dr. John Bastwick (by vulgar error generally mistaken to be a Scotchman ) was born at Writtle in Essex, bred a short time in Immanuel-College, then travailed nine years beyond the Seas, made Dr. of Physic at Padua. Returning home he practiced it at Colchester, and set forth a Book in Latin (wherein his Pen commanded a pure and fluent style ) entitled Flagellum Pontificis, & Episcoporum Latialium. But it seems he confined not his character so to the Latian Bishops beyond the Alps, but that our English Prelates counted themselves touched therein. Hereupon he was accused in the High-Commission, committed to the Gate-house, where he wrote a second Book taxing the injustice of the proceedings of the High-Commission, for which he was indicted in the Star-Chamber.

59. Mr. Henry Burton Minister rather took a snap then made a meal in any University, was first Schoolmaster to the Sons of the Lord Cary (afterwards Earl of Monmouth ) whose Lady was Governesse to King Charles when Prince. And this opportunity (say some) more then his own deserts, preferred him to the service of Pr. Ch. being designed (as I have heard) to wait on him in Spain, but afterwards (when part of his goods were shipped for the voyage ) excluded the attendance. Whether because his parts and learning were conceived not such, as to credit our English Church in Forain-Countries, or because his Principles were accounted uncomplying with that employment.

60. The crudity of this affront lay long on his mind, hot stomachs (contrary to corporal concoction ) being in this kind the slowest of digestion. After the venting of many mediate discontents, on the last fifth of November he took for his Text Pro. 24. 21. My Son fear thou the Lord and the King, and meddle not with them that are given to change. This Sermon was afterwards printed, charging the Prelates for introducing of several innovations into Divine worship, for which, as a Libell, he was indicted in the Star-Chamber.

61. But the fault-general, which at this day was charged on these three Prisoners at the Barr in the Star-Chamber, was this. That they had not put in their effectual answer into that Court wherein they were accused, though sufficient notice, and competent time was allowed them for the performance thereof. The Lord-Keeper Coventry minded them, that for such neglect, they had a Precedent, wherein the Court after six days had taken a cause pro confesso, whereas the favor of six weeks was allowed unto them, and now leave given them to render reason, why the Court should not proceed to present censure.

62. Hereat Mr. Prinne first moved that they would be pleased to accept a cross Bill (which he there tendered) against the Prelates. This the Lord-Keeper refused to accept of at the present, as not being the business of the day. Then he moved that the Prelates might be dismissed the Court: It being agreeable neither to nature, reason, nor justice, that those who were their Adversaries should be their Judges. This also was rejected by the Lord-Keeper, because by the same proportion, had he libelled against the Temporal Lord's, Judges, and Privy Counselors in the place; by this Plea, none should pass censure upon them, because all were made Parties.

63. Mr. Prinne proceeded to show he had done his endeavor to prepare his answer, being hindered first by his close imprisonment, denied pen, ink and paper; and by the imprisonment also of his Servant, who was to solicit his business. That the Council assigned him came very late, and though twice paid for their pains, deferred the drawing up of his answer, and durst not set their hands unto it. Mr. Hole, one of his Council being present, confessed that he found his answer would be very long, and of such a nature as he durst not subscribe it, fearing to give their Lordships distaste.

64. Dr. Bastwick being spoken to, to speak for himself, why he brought not in his answer before; laid the blame on the cowardice of his Council that durst not sign it for fear of the Prelates. He there tendered his answer on oath with his own hand, which would not be accepted. He spake much of his own Abilities, that he had been a Soldier able to lead an Army of men into the Field, and now was a Physician able to cure Kings, Princes, and Emperors; and therefore how unworthy it was to curta • lize his EARES, generally given out by the Bishops Servants, as a punishment intended unto him. He minded them of the mutability of all earthly things, and chiefly of the changes in the Court; where he, lately the chief Judge therein, was the next day to have his own cause censured: wishing them seriously to consider, that some who now sat there on the Bench, might stand Prisoners at the Barre another day, and need the favor which now they denied.

65. Mr. Burton being asked what he could allege, why the Court should not take his Fault pro confesso, pleaded that he had put in his answer, drawn up with great pains and cost, signed by his Council, and received into the Court. The Lord-Keeper rejoined that the Judges had cast his answers out as imperfect. Judge Finch affirming that they did him a good turn in making it imperfect, being otherwise as libello • s as his Book, and deserving a censure alone.

66. Here the Prisoners desiring to speak were commanded silence, and the premises notwithstanding the Court proceeded to censure: namely, that they should lose their EARES in the Palace Yard at Westminster, fining them also five thousand pound a man to his Majesty, perpetual imprisonment in three remote places. The Lord Finch added to Mr. Prinnes censure, that he should be branded in each Cheek with S. L. for Slanderous Libeller, to which the whole Court agreed. The Archbishop of Canterbury made a long speech, since printed, to excuse himself from the introducing of any Innovations in the Church, concluding it, that he left the Prisoners to God's mercy and the Kings justice.

67. It will be lawful and safe to report the discourse of several persons hereon. This censure fell out scarce adaquate to any judgment, as conceiving it either too low, or too high for their offense. High Conformists counted it too low, and that it had been better if the Pillorie had been changed into a Gallows. They esteemed it improvident (but by their leaves more of Machiavill than of Christ in such Counsel ) to kindle revenge, and not to quench life in such turbulent Spirits. The only way with them, had been to rid them out of the way.

68. Most moderate men thought the censure too sharp, too base and ignominious for Gentlemen of their ingenuous vocation. Besides, though it be easy in the notion, it is hard in the action to fix shame on the Professors, and sever it from the Professions of Divinity, Law, and hysick As for the former, though Burton was first degraded, yet such who maintain an indelible character of Priesthood hold that Degradation cannot delete what Ordination hath impressed; and gran • the censure pronounced ad terrorem, it might have become the Bishops t ^d mediate for a mitigation thereof. Let Canv • s be rough and rugged, Lawn ought to be soft and smooth. Meekness, Mildness, and Mercy being more proper for men of the Episcopal Function.

69. Two days after, three Pillories were set up in the Palace-yard, or one double one, and a single one at some distance, for Mr. Prinne as the chief offender. Mr. Burton first suffered, making a long speech in the Pillorie, not entire and continued, but interrupted with occasional expressions. But the main intent thereof was to parallel his sufferings with our Savior's. For at the first sight of the Pillory, Me thinks, said he, I see Mount-Calvary whereon the three Crosses were erected. If Christ was numbered amongst Thieves, shall a Christian think much for his sake to be numbered amongst Rogues? And whereas one told an Halberter standing by, who had an old rusty Halbert (the Iron whereof was tacked to the staff with an old crooked nail) What an old rusty weapon is this? Mr. Burton over-hearing them answered: It seems to be one of those Halberts which accompanied Judas when Christ was betrayed and apprehended.

70. His Ears were cut off very close, so that the Temporal or Head Artery being cut, the blood in abundance streamed down upon the Scaffold, all which he manfully endured, without manifesting the least shrinking thereat. Indeed of such who measured his mind by his words, some conceived his carriage far above: others (though using the same scale ) suspected the same to be somewhat beside himself. But let such who desire more of his character, consult with his printed life, written with his own hand, though it be hard for the most Excellent Artist truly to draw his own Picture.

71. Dr. Bastwick succeeded him, making a Speech to this effect. Here are many spectators of us, who stand here as Delinquents, yet am I not conscious to my self of the least trespass, wherein I have deserved this outward shame. Indeed I wrote a Book against Antichrist the Pope, and the Pope of Canterbury said it was written against him. But were the Press open unto us, we would scatter his Kingdom, and fight courageously against Gog and Magog. There be many here that have set many days apart on our behalf (let the Prelates take notice thereof) and have sent up strong prayers to God for us, the strength and fruit whereof we have felt all along in this cause. In a word, so far am I from fear or care that had I as much blood as would swell the Thames ( then visible unto him, his face respecting the South) I would lose every drop thereof in this cause.

72. His Friends much admired and highly commended the erection of his mind triumphing over pain and shame, making the one easy, the other honorable, and imputed the same to an immediate Spiritual support. Others conceived that anger in him acted the part of patience, as to the stout undergoing of his sufferings, and that in a Christian there lieth a real distinction betwixt Spirit and Stomach, Valour and Stubbornness.

73. Mr. Prinne concluded the sad sight of that day, and spake to this purpose. The cause of my standing here is for not bringing in my Answer, God knoweth, my conscience beareth witness, and my Council can tell, for I paid them twice though to no purpose. But their cowardice stands upon Record. And that's the reason why they did proceed, and take the cause pro confesso against me. But rather then I would have my cause a leading cause to the depriving of the Subjects liberties, which I seek to maintain, I choose to suffer my body to become an example of this punishment.

74. The censure was with all rigor executed on him, and he who felt the most, fretted the least; commended for more kindly patience than either of his Predecessors in that place. So various were men's fancies in reading the same letters, imprinted in his face, that some made them to spell the guiltiness of the Sufferer, but others the cruelty of the Imposer. Of the latter sort many for the cause, more for the man, most for humanity sake bestowed pity upon him: and now all three were remanded 〈◊〉 their former Prisons; and Mr. Prinne as he returned by water to the T •• er, made this Distich upon his own stigmatizing.

Not long after they were removed: Mr. Prinne to Carnarvan-Castle in Wales: Dr. Bastwicke, and Mr. Burton; the one to Lancaster-Castle, the other to Lanceston in Cornewall.

75. But it seems these places were conceived to have, either too little of Privacy, or too much of Pleasure. The two latter therefore were removed again; One to the Isle of Scilly, the other to the Isle of • ernezey; and Mr. Prinne to Mount Orgueile-Castle in Jersey. This in vulgar apprehensions, added breadth to the former depth of their sufferings, scattering the same over all the English Dominions, making the Islands thereof as well as the Continent partake of their patience. And here we leave them all in their Prisons, and particularly Mr. Prinne improving the Rocks and the Seas (good Spiritual Husbandrie ) with pious meditations. But we shall hear more of them hereafter at the beginning of the Parliament.

76. Next came the Bishop of Lincoln to be censured in the Star-chamber, and something must be premised preparative thereunto. After the great Seal some ten years since was taken from him, he retired himself to Bugden in Huntingdonshire, where he may be said to have lived in a public privacie. So many his Visitants, hospital his house-keeping: it being hard to say, whether his Table were more free and full in diet or discourse: indeed he had a plentiful estate to maintain it, besides his purchased Land. The revenues of his Bishopric, and Deanery of Westminster, out of which, long since he had been shaken, if not fastened therein, by the Letters Patents of King James. His Adversaries beheld him with envious eyes, and one great Prelate plainly said in the presence of the King, that the Bishop of Lincoln lived, in as much pomp and plenty as any Cardinal in Rome, for Dy • t, Music, and attendance. They resolved therefore to humble his height, the concurrence of many matters ministering occasion thereunto.

77. Sir John Lamb Dean of the Arches formerly a Favorite of Lincoln (fe • cht off from being prosecuted in Parliament, and knighted by his means) with Dr. Sibthorp, Allen and Burden (two Proctors as I take them) were entertained at the Bishops talk at Bugden, where their table was (the discourse general of those days) against Puritans. The Bishop advised them to take off their heavy hand from them, informing them that his Majesty in • ended to use them hereafter with more mildness, as a considerable party •• ing great influence on the Parliament, without whose concurrence the 〈◊〉 could not comfortably supply his necessities: adding moreover that 〈◊〉 Majesty had communicated this unto him by his own mouth, with his ••• tions hereafter of more gentleness to men of that opinion.

〈◊〉 Some years after upon the denial of an Officials place in Leicester 〈◊〉 (which notwithstanding, he carried in despite of the Bishop ) Sir John ••• be fell foul with his old Friend, and in revenge complained of him for • evealing the Kings secrets concredited to his privacy. Hereupon Attorney Noy was employed to put the same into an Information in the Star-chamber; unto which Bishop Williams by good advise of counsel did plead and demure, as containing no matter fit for the cognizance of that Court, as concerning words spoken of matters done in Parliament, & secrets pretended to be revealed by him, a Privy Counselor and Peer of Parliament, and therefore not to be heard but in that High-Court. This Demurrer being heard & argued by Counsel Pro and Con in open Court for two or three hours (the Lord Keeper and other Lord's there present, finding no cause nor color to overrule it) was referred to Judge Richison (who lately having singded his Coat from blasts at the Court ) by him to be smothered, who in a private Chamber presently after dinner over-ruled the same in a quarter of an hour.

79. The Demurrer thus rendered useless in the Bishops defense, he used what means he could by the Lord Weston (a proper person, because Treasurer to meddle in money matters) to compound with his Majesty: but his Majesty resolved to have the Bishops answer, and confession of his fault before he would compound with him. Whereupon the Bishop quitting all thoughts of composition, resolved to weather out the Tempest of his Majesty's displeasure at open sea, either out of confidence of the strength of his tackling, his own innocence, or skill of his Pilots, who were to steer his suit, having the learnedst Counsel of the Land by whose advise he put in a strong plea, which likewise being argued and debated in open Court, came at last to 70. His Ears were cut off very close, so that the Temporal or Head Artery being cut, the blood in abundance streamed down upon the Scaffold, all which he manfully endured, without manifesting the least shrinking thereat. Indeed of such who measured his mind by his words, some conceived his carraige far above: others (though using the same scale ) suspected the same to be somewhat beside himself. But let such who desire more of his character, consult with his printed lite, written with his own hand, though it be hard for the most Excellent Artist truly to draw his own Picture.

71. Dr. Bastwick succeeded him, making a Speech to this effect. Here are many spectators of us, who stand here as Delinquents, yet am I not conscious to my self of the least trespass, wherein I have deserved this outward shame. Indeed I wrote a Book against Antichrist the Pope, and the Pope of Canterbury said it was written against him. But were the Press open unto us, we would scatter his Kingdom, and fight courageously against Gog and Magog. There be many here that have set many days apart on our behalf (let the Prelates take notice thereof) and have sent up strong prayers to God for us, the strength and fruit whereof we have felt all along in this cause. In a word, so far am I from fear or care that had I as much blood as would swell the Thames ( then visible unto him, his face respecting the South) I would lose every drop thereof in this cause.

72. His Friends much admired and highly commended the erection of his mind triumphing over pain and shame, making the one easy, the other honorable, and imputed the same to an immediate Sprituall support. Others conceived that anger in him acted the part of patience, as to the stout undergoing of his sufferings, and that in a Christian there lieth a real distinction betwixt Spirit and Stomach, Valour and Stubbornness.

73. Mr. Prince concluded the sad sight of that day, and spake to this purpose. The cause of my standing here is for not bringing in my Answer, God knoweth, my conscience beareth witness, and my Council can tell, for I paid them twice though to no purpose. But their cowardice stands upon Record. And that's the reason why they did proceed, and take the cause pro confesso against me. But rather then I would have my cause a leading cause to the depriving of the Subjects liberties, which I seek to maintain, I choose to suffer my body to become an example of this punishment.

74. The censure was with all rigor executed on him, and he who felt the most, fretted the least; commended for more kindly patience than either of his Predecessors in that place. So various were men's fancies in reading the same letters, imprinted in his face, that some made them to spell the guiltiness of the Sufferer, but others the cruelty of the Imposer. Of the latter sort many for the cause, more for the man, most for hu • anity sake bestowed pity upon him: and now all three were remanded 〈◊〉 their former Prisons; and Mr. Prinne as he returned by water to the T •• er, made this Distich upon his own stigmatizing.

Not long after they were removed: Mr. Prinne to Carnarvan-Castle in Wales: Dr. Bastwicke, and Mr. Burton; the one to Lancaster-Castle, the other to Lanceston in Cornewall.

75. But it seems these places were conceived to have, either too little of Privacy, or too much of Pleasure. The two latter therefore were removed again; One to the Isle of Scilly, the other to the Isle of Gernezey; and Mr. Prinne to Mount Orgueile-Castle in Jersey. This in vulgar apprehensions, added breadth to the former depth of their sufferings, scattering the same over all the English Dominions, making the Islands thereof as well as the Continent partake of their patience. And here we leave them all in their Prisons, and particularly Mr. Prinne improving the Rocks and the Seas (good Spiritual Husbandrie ) with pious meditations. But we shall hear more of them hereafter at the beginning of the Parliament.

76. Next came the Bishop of Lincoln to be censured in the Star-chamber, and something must be premised preparative thereunto. After the great Seal some ten years since was taken from him, he retired himself to Bugden in Huntingdonshire, where he may be said to have lived in a public privacie. So many his Visitants, hospital his house-keeping: it being hard to say, whether his Table were more free and full in diet or discourse: indeed he had a plentiful estate to maintain it, besides his purchased Land. The revenues of his Bishopric, and Deanery of Westminster, out of which, long since he had been shaken, if not fastened therein, by the Letters Patents of King James. His Adversaries beheld him with envious eyes, and one great Prelate plainly said in the presence of the King, that the Bishop of Lincoln lived in as much pomp and plenty as any Cardinal in Rome, for Dy • t, Music, and attendance. They resolved therefore to humble his height, the concurrence • f many matters ministering occasion thereunto.

77. Sir John Lamb Dean of the Arches formerly a Favorite of Lincoln (fe • cht off from being prosecuted in Parliament, and knighted by his means) with Dr. Sibthorp, Allen and Burden (two Proctors as I take them) were entertained at the Bishops talk at Bugden, where their table was (the discourse general of those days) against Puritans. The Bishop advised them to take off their heavy hand from them, informing them that his Majesty intended to use them hereafter with more mildness, as a considerable party having great influence on the Parliament, without whose concurrence the King could not comfortably supply his necessities: adding moreover that his Majesty had communicated this unto him by his own mouth, with his resolutions hereafter of more gentleness to men of that opinion.

78. Some years after upon the denial of an Officials place in Leicestershire (which notwithstanding, he carried in despite of the Bishop ) Sir John Lamb fell foul with his old Friend, and in revenge complained of him for revealing the Kings secrets concredited to his privacy. Hereupon Attorney Noy was employed to put the same into an Information in the Star-chamber; unto which Bishop Williams by good advise of counsel did plead and demure, as containing no matter fit for the cognizance of that Court, as concerning words spoken of matters done in Parliament, & secrets pretended to be revealed by him, a Privy Counselor and Peer of Parliament, and therefore not to be heard but in that High-Court. This Demurrer being heard & argued by Counsel Pro and Con in open Court for two or three hours (the Lord Keeper and other Lord's there present, finding no cause nor color to overrule it) was referred to Judge Richison (who lately having singded his Coat from blasts at the Court