176 LIFE OF RICHARD BAXTER "And though, through the great mercy of God, I"had longbeen learning not to overvalue the thoughts of men, no, not so much as the reputation of honesty, or innocency, yet I was somewhat wearied with this kind of life, to be every day calumniated, and hear new slanders raised of me, and court and country ring of that which no man ever mentioned tomy face ; and I was oft thinking; to, go beyond sea, that I. might find some place in retired privacy, to live and end my days in quietness, out of the noise of a peace- hating generation. But my acquaintance thought I might be more serviceable here, though there I might live more in quietness ; and having not the vulgar language of any country to enable me to preach to them, or converse with them; and being so infirm as not to be like to bear the voyage and change of air; these, with other impediments which God laid in my way, hindered me from putting my thoughts in execution." The sham plots having had the desired effect ; and the Convo- cation having revised the prayer book, and having made it more grievous to men of Pdritan principles than before, by the addition have an act so framed as would reach every Puritan in the kingdom; and that, if they thought any ofthem would sostretch their consciences,asto be compre- hended by it, they would insert Yet other conditions and subscriptions, so as that they should haveno benefit by it. To pave the way for it, they contrive a Presbyterian plot, whichwas laid in about thirty-six several counties.' As to Worcestershire, he gives a like account.with Mr. Baxter, only with the addi- tion of many particulars. He says, several letters weredrawn up and delivered by Sir John P to one Rich. N, his neighbor, to convey them to one Cole of Martley, who, with One Churn, brings them again to-Sir John P , from whom they came,making affidavit,. That he found the packet left by a Scotch pedlar under a hedge. In this packet, when it was opened, there were found several letters, discovering aconspiracy to raise a rebellion. There were letters to the captain; one from Mr. Baxter of Kidderminster, intimat- ing,Thathe had provided a considerable bodyof men, well armed, which should be ready againstthe time 'appointed. And another from Mr. Sperry, intimeting, He had ordered him 5001. lodged ina friend's hand, &c. Upon this, the mili- tiaof the county was raised immediately,and the city ofWorcester filled with them the very night after the packet was opened. The next morning thecap- tain was seized by a troop of horse, and brought prisoner toWorcester; and so also were Mr. Sperry; Mr. Oasland, Mr. Moor,and Mr. Brian,ministers, together with some scores ofothers. They were all kept close prisoners for ten days; by which time the trained bandsbeingweary, most ofthem were discharged,paying their fees. But the captain, Mr. Sperry, and the two Oaslands, were still kept close prisoners in the George Inn, the dignitaries ofthe cathedral taking care, when the trained bands retired, to raise sixty foot soldiers (who had double pay, and were called the clergy band) to secure these criminals. And besides the sentinels uponeach of the prisoners, they had a court of guard at the town hall of Worcester." " At length Mrs. Yarrington discovering the sham intrigue, by the acknowledgment which the person employed by Sir J. P. to carry the packet to Cote of Martley, made -to his brother, she gives notice of it to her husband in his confinement, who immediately enters actions against those that imprisoned him. Being at-last discharged, he comes up to London, and .pre- veiled with the lord of Bristol to acquaint the king how his ministers imposed upon him by such sham plots, &c. Upon this, the deputy lieutenants were ordered to appear at the council board. They endeavored to clear themselves,
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=