436 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. sent to the bishop, inquiring what were the charges against Mr. Cawdrey, and wishing to know the reasons of his hard dealing with him. He requested, at the same time, that his grace would send him the articles, and Mr. Cawdrey's answers, before any further steps were taken. Notwith- standing this, Mr. Cawdrey appearing before the com- mission the very same day, and his answers being read, the bishop demanded what he had to say. He then said, " If my answers there set down will not sufficiently acquit Inc of all accusations, I then crave, as I have a right to do, that I may enjoy the benefit of her majesty's gracious pardon." Dr. Stanhope, the bishop's chancellor, observed, as there was an exception against him in the statute, that would do him no good. But the exception, replied Mr. Cawdrey, related to thepapists and recusantsonly ; and the statute being produced and examined, his statement was found correct, This disappointment being extremely vexatious to his tyrannical persecutors, the angry prelate addressing his brethren upon the commission, said, " It is no matter whether it be so, or not; he shall be sworn to answer new articles." Accordingly, he was constrained to swear, and give direct answers to the two articles following :- " Whether he would hereafter observe the Book of Com- mon Prayer in every point, or not.-Andwhether he would wear the surplice, or not." To the former of these articles, he said, " I will so far as I may according tothe word of God, and with a good conscience." And to the latter, he said, " I am not yet resolved so to do." Thebishop then appointed him to appear again on the 30th of the same month. But previous to his next appearance, the lord treasurer, after an impartial hearing of both parties, sent an express order to the bishop, to, dismiss him, and trouble him no more. This was extremely galling to Aylmer, who replied, that as he was only one of the commission, he could do nothing without the other commissioners; adding, " he must appear on the day appointed, and we will consider his case according to equity and conscience.". But little equity and conscience was to be expected from Bishop Aylmer and his brethren of the high commission. This will, indeed, appear before the close of the present narrative. Mr. Cawdrey, in the above painful circumstances, made MS. Register, p. 794, 793,
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