Brooks - BX9338 .B7 1813 v1

INTRODUCTION. 33 hardships under which thepuritans groaned, were intended to be redressed.. The bills passed smoothly through the commons, andwere referred to a committee of both houses ; which so alarmed the bishops, and gave such offence to the queen, that, two days after, she acquainted the commons, that it was her royal pleasure, thatno bill relating to religion shouldhenceforth be introduced into that house, till after the same hadbeen considered and approved by the clergy ; and she commanded the house to deliver up the two bills last read, touching. rites and ceremonies.+ With this high stretch of her majesty's prerogative, the commons quietly and tamely complied, and their efforts came to nothing. In themean time, the bishops stuck close to the canonical discipline ; enforced conformity with the utmost rigour ; and, according to the computation of Mr. Strype4 there were at least one hundred ministers deprived this year, for refusing subscription. The university of Cambridge was, indeed, becomea nest of puritans. Dr. Browning and Mr. Brown, both fellows of Trinity college, were convened before the heads, and cast into prison for nonconformity. Mr. Clarke, fellowof Peter-house, and Mr. Millain, fellow of Christ's college, were expelled from their colleges, and banished from the university.5 But these severeproceedings had not the effect intended: for, instead of crushing the nonconformists, the more they were persecuted, thesnore they multiplied. The puritans having in vain sought for a reformation from the queen and the bishops, resolved to apply to the parliament., and stand by the constitution. They published a treatise, presenting their grievances in one view. It was compiled by Mr. Field, assisted by Mr. Wilcocks, and revised by others. The work was entitled ,4 An Admonition to the Parliament ;" to which were annexed, Beza's letter to the Earl of Leicester, and Gaulter's to Bishop Parkhurst, upon the reformation of church discipline. It contains a platform of thechurch; the mannersof electing ministers; with their several duties, and their equality in government. Strype's Parker, p. 394. ÷ D. Ewes's Touinal, p. 207.-Strype's Annals, vol. ii. p. 125. Strype's Annals, vol. ii. p. 187. In opposition to the above facts, Bishop Maddox insinuates that great favourand indulgencewere shewn to the puritans, during this year ; and refers to the words of Mr. Strype, saying, "That they were as gently treated as might be ; no kind of brotherly persuasion omitted towards them; and most of them as yet kept their livings ; though one or two were displaced." What degreeof truth is contained in this statement, every one will easily judge.-Maddox's Vindication, p. 173. VOL. I.

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