/SO LIVES or THE PURITANS. purpose, Mr. Johnson delivered August-6, 1573, subscribed with his own hand We do not, indeed, find what immediately followed Isis refusing to subscribe; whetherhe wasdismissed, and allowed to go on in his ministry, or sent to prison. Most probably he was released ; for he afterwards became minister of St. Clement's church, London. Here, however,he enjoyed but little repose; for towards the close of December, in the above year, he and some others were committed close prisonersto the Gatehouse, for nonconformity. + February2d, following, Mr. Johnson being still in prison, wrote a letter to Dr. Sandys, bishop of London, whom he styles " super- intendant of popish corruptions in the diocese of London." In this letter, he reminds his lordship of some of the existing evils, especially that of professed christians persecuting one another. " There is," says he, " persecution enough. Some are imprisoned, and are in danger of losing, not only their liberty, but also their lives, being compelled to remain in filthy jails, more unwholesome than dunghills, and more stinking than pig-styes. Others are persecuted in their minds, by being enforced to subscribe to those things against which every good man's conscience makes a stand, and every godlyman disallows. It is a great evil for a man to lose or spend his property in prison ; it is a greater, to lose his reputation ; it is greater still, to lose his liberty ; but it is greatest of all, to be greatlydistressed and disquieted in his conscience. Take heed, therefore, lest you get your nameenrolled amongst the number of persecutors. Let not worldly policy prevail more than true divinity. Let not man cause you to do that which Godhas forbidden. Let not the commission draw you further than God's word will allow. Let not your honour hereon earth, cause you to do that which is against the honour of God. Let not your palace makeyou forget the temple of Christ. " Thepresent persecution is among brethren, not only of one nation, but of one profession : those who persecute, and those who are persecuted, believing in one God, professing one Christ, embracing one religion, receiving one gospel, communicating in one sacrament, and having one hope of salvation. Dissention in a kingdom, discord in a nation, controversy among neighbours, and contention among brethren, are more to be feared than any of them among enemies. You say, 'you are our chief pastor, we desire r. arteo Baker's MS. CO110. vol. xxii. p:440.
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