DEERING. 195 congregation, and when such preachers were much wanted, should be put to silence ! In September this year, he wrote to the treasurer, request- ing that he might no more appear before the council, but be judged by the bishops themselves, at any time and place they should appoint. In order to the restoration of his lecture, he requested that judgment might not be deferred that he might be chargedwith some impropriety, either in his words or actions ; and that upon the knowledge of which, his honour might- himself be able to judge what he deserved. He beseeched his lordship to inquire into his character, and examine his actions, till he could find only two persons who had heard him speak evil : but if such evidence of his ill behaviour could not be obtained, he intreated him to become his friend. He urged further, that his lordship would either believe his own judgment, having himself sometimes heard him, or the report of multitudes, who were his constant hearers. And if his lecture might not be restored, as he was persuaded it was his duty to seek the good of souls, he earnestly prayed that he might have liberty to preach in some other place. Though the treasurer was undoubtedly willing and de- sirous to serve him, he obtained no redress ; but was cited to appear before the court of the star-chamber, when several articles wereexhibited againsthim. But before his appear- ance to answer these articles, he wrote a long letter to Burleigh, dated November 1, 1573, in which he addressed him with great spirit and freedom, concerning his own case, and several important points of controversy. This letter was as follows : " Grace and peace fromGod the Father, &c. " Bear withme, I beseech your honour, though I trouble " you ; and let the cause of my grief be the discharge ofnay " boldness. It behoveth me to discharge myself from " slander, lest the gospel should be reproached in me. And " it behoveth you to obey this commandment, Receive no 4, accusation against apreacher without g,00d and sufficient 4, witness. I know, my lord, you will not do it. I have " good evidence of your equity in this behalf. Yet I am " bold to put you in mind of the word of Christ, whichyou " cannot possibly too often remember. I ask no more than " what is due to me, even from her majesty's seat ofgovern- " ment and justice. IfI have done evil, let me be punished: "ifnot, let me be eased of undeserved blame. I crave no "partiality, but seek to answer, and tomake you (including
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