868 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. we may be obliged to have shaven crowns, and to make use of oil, Spittle, cream, and all other papistical additions to the ordinances of Christ". Humphrey and Sampson having thus openly and fully delivered their opinions, a pacific proposition was drawn up, which they both subscribed, with the reserve of the apostle, All things are lawful, but all things are not expe- dient. All things are lawful, but all things edify not. Upon this, it seems, they were both released. Dr. Humphrey, about the same time, wrote a very excellent letter to the queen, in which he addressed her majesty as follows:- "Kings being kindled with zeal for the house of God, " have removed all the relics of superstition ; so that no " token thereof remained. This form and pattern of " reformation is then perfect, when there is no blemish in " the face, and when, in religion and ceremonies, nothing " is taken from the enemies of the truth. Youknow, that in " things indifferent, especially those which are in contro " versy, it is lawful for every man, without prejudice to " others, to have his full persuasion, and that the con- " science ought not in any case to be bound. That the " matter which we handle is agreeable to religion and " equity, I think there is no man that doubteth. Seeing, " therefore, the thing which we request is honest, and " that which is commandedis doubtful ; and theywhomake " the request, are your most loving and obedient subjects, " and ministers of the word, why should your mercy, 0 " queen ! which is usually open for all, be shut up from " us ? You being the prince will not give place to your " subjects ; yet being merciful, you may spare them who " are in misery. You will not disannul a public decree ; " yet you may mitigate it. You cannot abolish a law; " yet you may grant a toleration. It is not meet you " should follow every man's affections ; yet it is most right " and convenient, that the mind and conscience be not " forced. " We do not go about, 0 most gracious queen, to bear " rule, who ought to be subjects; but we would that reason, " the queen of queens, should rule, and that the humble " entreaty of the ministersof Christ, might obtain that which " religion commandeth. Wherefore, 0most noble prince, " I do in most humble sort, request and earnestly desire, " that yourmajesty would seriously and attentivelyconsider Strype's Parker, p. 166-171.
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