LIVES OF THE PURITANS. U. It is to me a matter of great importance. For with what conscience can I call the Lord towitness, and protest byhis name, that I will answer I know not what ? Dean. Mr. Udal, the things objected against you, I dare say, are against your doctrine, or your life, which are no secrets. B. Nay, they charge nothing against his life, but his doctrine only U. The greater is the mercy of God towards me. For I have given the greater offence by my life ; but it hath pleased him so to keep my sins from their sight, that I might suffer for his sake. Your restraining me from my ministry, makes the world believe, that the slanders raised against me are true; the ignorant call in question the gospel which I have preached ; and thus a door is widely opened for every wicked man to contemn the doctrine of our Saviour. Here the bishop laid all the blame on Mr. Udal, and discovered so hard a heart against the suffering church of God, that Mr. Udal burst into a flood of tears, and was constrained to turn aside, to weep for the space of half an hour. Upon his return, he was addressed as follows : B. Will you answer the articles charged against you, that these things may be redressed ? U. If I may first see them, I shall be satisfied. B. Mr. Hartwell, write to the register to let him see them ; then go with him to some of the commissioners to swear him. U. Thiswill be a long course. I pray you, that, in the mean time, I may continue my ministry, for the good of the poor people. B. That you maynot. Now that you are suspended, you must so abide, until you be cleared. U. Then whatsoever,becomes of me, I beseech you, let the poor people have a preacher. B. That is a good motion, and I will look after it. Mr. Udal then receiving the letter, departed ; and the articles being shewn him, he was taken to Dr. Hammond to be sworn, who said, " You must swear to answer these articles, so far as the law bineleth you." " Do you mean," said Mr. Udal, " that I shall 'answer them, so far as it appeareth to me, that I am by law required ?" And finding that be might, he took the oath, and delivered to the register his answers to all the articles in writing. These articles, with the answers, are now before me, and are
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