F. JOHNSON. 95 out of doubt that here I shall find no more justice, the proctor being checked for dealing in my appeal, and threatened to be called to his answer, do most instantly in God's behalf; and for righteous dealing, beg and beseech you to take my cause to your lordship's hearing, and to rescue me from this grievous imprisonment, which, un- deservedly, the Lord of heaven knoweth, I sustain. I do appeal unto your lordship's wisdom, justice and authority, as being honourable chancellor of this our university. The Lord give me favour in the sight of your honour, and the Lord move your honour's heart to have compassion on my. calamity. Unto his will and wisdom I humbly submit myself, and my cause, making my humble prayer to Almighty God, to endue yourlordship with godly wisdom and zeal for his glory, both in this and all other causes. " Your honour's humble supplicant, " FRANCIS JOHNSON. " Cambridge, December 22, 1589.". Two supplications, subscribed by sixty-eight scholars, all fellows of the university, were at the same time presented to Burleigh, in behalf of Mr. Johnson and his appeal. In the latter, dated December 23, 1589, they observe, that the privileges granted by the queen's majesty, and the statutes of the university, were violently torn from them, by those who ought to have shewn them a better example ; and then add,---" Mr. Francis Johnson, a man whose cause and estate, by reason of his long trouble andother grievances, are well known unto your lordship, being prohibited by Mr. Vice-chancellor and some others, from presenting his lawful appeal to the university, madeand intimated to the proctor, according to statute, from the sentence of expulsiongiven by the late vice-chancellor ; and not finding any means here to help himself, repaired untoyour honour for succour, and was, as we understand, remitted to the university, to which he had appealed. Now since his last return, Mr. Vice-chancellor that now is, citing him before the heads, charged him to depart the university ; but he still challeng- ing the benefit of his appeal, was by the vice-chancellor committed to close prison without bail or mainprize. We doubt not that your lordship soon perceiveth how unequal it is that the parties, fromwhom the appeal was made, should be judges whether the appeal be lawful or not : as alsohow the statute of appeal is utterly made void, if for appealing Baker's MS. Collec. vol. iv. p. 85; 86.
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