356 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. " The second article was, that I did not use the cross in baptism. And when the bishop asked me why I did not, I replied, that I didnot use it, because it was not required in the word of God. At this he scoffed, saying, neither is it required what kind of boots you shall wear. I replied, that my boots were not offensive, and what kind I shall wear is at my discretion, and therefore lawful ; but God hath set down the holy sacraments in his word, and not left the ordering to our discretion. He then abusedme as before. ",In the next place, when heasked me why I catechized all persons, both old and young, I replied, that I had the charge of all, and must, therefore, instruct all. When he said that old people should not be catechized, and that they did not stand in need of it, I desired him to promote, and not to hinder good things. " Another charge was, that I omitted the litany on sabbath days. When I replied, that I preachedon sabbath days, he said, that whether I preached or not, the litany must be read. When he asked why I kept persons from the communion, I answered, because they would not submit to be examined. He then said, that I should adbiit them, if they could say the Lord's prayer and ten commandments. " There were many other articles charged .against me," says Mr. Elliston, " to each of which I answered as the occasion served. At my departure, he suspended me,, saying, I should not remain in his diocese if I would not subscribe. I said, if I do not remain in your diocese, the earth is the Lord's, and he hath a place for me to live in ; and so I departed. " March 6th following, he cited me, and several other ministers, to appear before him, and required us to sub- scribe. And May 30th he cited me a third time ; but not having sufficient warning, he deprived me before I could appear before him. I, therefore, appealed against his unjust sentence, and told him that hedid not deal with me with uprightness, though I wished to discharge my duties with a good conscience ; and that he treated others with great kindness, it' they would only subscribe, though they had neither learning nor honesty. But if you go about to discredit us, you will gain no credit to yourself. After this I had four journies to Peterborough ; and though it was at least thirty-six miles from the place where I lived, I went seven times in little more than one year " April 6th I went to London for an inhibition ; and upon my return, I went again to Peterborough, to have it
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