2215 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. that fife years ago, I took a little soil there, I could accept of it, if her majesty will, and it be no trouble to your honour to speak to her highness for it. But I leave it to your sage direction. The other petition is of somewhat less. pains. The reverend and learned man, Dr. Rainolds, who, as I think, hath greatly hindered all his own and our religion, is now, I think, in. London ; with whom, if might talk but two words, before your lordship, a pacifica- tion, as I judge, might be made. I would demand what one word of mybook he dare blame,with any colour of reason; and shew that if his course had not been stayed, he offered advantage to turn all the sway of the Bible against him. By open speech it may best be declared. Your honour best knoweth your own leisure. So I commend both the causes to yourself, and your health to God. London, May 16, 1595. " Your lordship's to command, " HUGH BROUGHTON." It does not appear what answer Mr. Broughton received to this letter ; but he certainly failed of gaining the: Object of his former petition, if not of the latter also. His second return to England was at the time when the plague was in London. His old friends were much surprised to see him in a season of so much affliction. He was parti- cularly cheerful and happy, and not the least afraid of the distemper. His conversation very much savoured of the kingdom of God, and he spoke upon divine subjects greatly to their edification. In the year 1603, he preached before Prince Henry at Oatlands. He did not, however, continue long in his native country, but went abroad a third time, and was chosen preacher to the English congregation at Middleburg. During his abode at this place, he sent -a curious petition to King James, now of England, request- ing the favour of a pension, as the reward of his mani- fold labours and sufferings; of which the following is a copy 4 Mostgracious Sovereign. " Your majesty's most humble subject, Hugh Brough- ton, having suffered many years danger forpublishing your right and God's truth, by your unlearned bishops, who spent two impressions of libels to disgrace their Scottish mist; which libels their stationers deny that ever they sold. ,H6 requesteth your majesty's favour for a pension Harleian MSS. No. 787.
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