$16 LIVES Of THE PURITANS. yea, out of the world, and this soul out of this body, than I would subscribe to that submission. A. I hear that in prison thou hast great liberty, and that thou lovest it. It is that which maketh thee so boldand stubborn, but I will remove thee thence. W. I have no cause to complain of my keeper. And as to my liberty, it is confined within the walls of the castle. I knownot how you would haveme handled, unless you would have me into the lower prison, where you would soon haveray skin for your fees : But you can do nothing, except it be given you from above. A. I tell thee plainly, that if thou wilt not yield, I will remove thee to Hull jail, and afterwards to other places. W. My lord, the word of God will strengthen and comfort me, more than your threatenings can hurt me or make me afraid. I carenot for all your prisons. Remove me where you please. God will strengthenme against all your extremities. I will not yield so long as I live, and so long As the word of God persuades me to the contrary. A. Thou art an arrogant puritan. W. Gross errors and slanderous abuses have been cast upon the godly in all ages. Your charges against me are uncharitable and unjust. A. Thou art a rebel, an enemy to .her majesty, and an underminer of the state. W. These speeches savour not of the spirit of God. I am as true a subject, and as good a friend to her majesty and the state, according to my ability, as you are. A. tell thee, the queen said, that these puritans are greater enemies to her than the papists. W. What just cause she had so to say, all the world knoweth; and the Lord will one day judge the numerous traitorous conspiracies that have been detected. When did any, who are slanderously called puritans, give the least cause of any such susp:cion ? Their lives and writings testify,to all the world, how far they are from such things. Therefore, they who charge them with these things, have the greater sin. A. If we suffer thee to prattle, thy tongue will never cease. Therefore, that we may make an end of it, I counsel thee to admit the conditions proposed. W. If your grace will show me the least warrant from the word of God, I am ready to submit. Though you
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