G. GIFFORD. 275 but in the fear, ofGod, and from the necessity of conscience. The apostle teacheth, that a person who doubteth is con- demned if he eat. If a man then be condemned for doing a lawful action, because he doubts whether it be lawful; how much more should we incur the displeasure of the Lord, and justly deserve his wrath, if we should subscribe, being fully persuaded that there are some things in the book contrary to his word ! If our reasons might be so answered by the doctrine of the Bible, andwe could be persuaded that we might subscribe lawfully, and in the fear of God, we would willingly consent. In these and other respects we humbly crave your honourable protection, as those who from the heart do entirely love, honour, and obey her excellent majesty and your honours, in the Lord. Giving most hearty thanks to God for all theblessings we have received from him, by your government, constantly praying, night and day, that he will bless and preserve her majesty and your honours to eternal salvation. Your honours' poor and humble supplicants, " GEORGE GIFFORD, RICHARDROGERS, NICHOLAS COLPOTTS, LAWRANCE NEWMAN, WILLIAM DIKE, THOMAS CHAPLAIN, ARTHIM DENT, THOMAS REDRICH, GILES WHITING, RALPHHAWDEN, JEFFERY JESSELIN, THOMAS UPCHE, ROGER CARR, JOHN WILTON, SAMUEL COTESFORD, RICHARD ILLISON, WILLIAM SERDGE, EDMUND BARKER, RICHARD BLACKWELL, THOMAS HOWELL, MARK WIRSDALE, ROHERT EDMONDS, AUGUSTINE PIGOT, CAMILLUS RUSTICUS, JOHN HUCKLE, THOMAS CAREW, JOHN BISHOP.".. When Mr. Gifford was brought to trial before the high commission, his enemies utterly failed in their evidence, and he was accordingly released. This, however, was not the end of his troubles. He did not long enjoy his liberty. Bishop Aylmer appointed spies to watch him, and fresh complaints were soon brought against him onaccount of his nonconformity ; when he was again suspended and cast into prison.t. Upon this he made application to the lord treasurer, who endeavoured to obtain the favour of the MS. Register, p. 330. Strype's Whitgift, p. l52.-Nears Puritans, vol. i. p. 579.
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