CARTWRIGHT. 139 avoided speaking against the habits ; but acknowledged his having taught, that the ministry of the church of England had declined, in some points, from the ministry of the apostolic church, and that he wished it to be restored to greater purity. But these sentiments, he said, he had delivered with all imaginable caution, and in such a manner as could give offence to none, excepting the ignorant, the malignant, or those who wished to catch at something to calumniate him ; of which things, nearly all the university, if they might be allowed, would bear witness. He, therefore, entreated the chancellor to hear and judge the cans( himself.. Mr. Cartwright had, indeed, numerous friends, ornaments to the university, by whom he was exceedingly admired, and who now stuck close to him. They came forwards at this juncture; and declared in their testimonial sent to the chancellor, 44 That he never touched upon. the controversy of the habits; and though he had advanced some propositions respecting the ministry, accord- ing to which he wished things might be regulated, he did it with all possible caution and modesty." This was signed by fifteen hands; and other letters of commendation were written in his favour, signed by many names, some of whom afterwards became bishops ;t but all was to no purpose. It was too obvious, that his adversaries were resolved to make him a public example. Chancellor Cecil was, indeed, inclined to treat Mr. Cartwright with candour and moderation ;t but his oppo- nents were determined to prosecute him with the utmost rigour and severity. He was cited before the vice-chan- cellor, Dr. May, and other doctors, and examined upon sundry articles, which he was said to have delivered. The points alleged against him, they affirmed to be contrary to the religion established by public authority ; and, there- fore, demanded whether he would revoke his opinions, or abide by them. Mr. Cartwright desiring to be permitted to commit his sentiments upon these points to writing, was allowed the favour. He then drew up his opinions in six propositions, and presented them to the vice-chancellor, who admonished him to revokethem , and, upon his refusal, deprived him of his stipend, but allowed him to continue his lecture.§ During this year, Dr. Whitgift was chosen vice-than, Strype's Annals, vol. ii. p. 3. t Ibid. p. 2-4. Appen. p. 1-4, t Ibid. vol. i, p. 586, 587. S Clark's Lives, p. 17.-Strype's Whitgift, Appen. p. 11.
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