J: 6 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. held all forms of prayer to be unlawful ; and, as he was so. exceedingly popular, his opinion was likely to do the greater mischief'. Preston replied, that this was all a slander ; for he believed set forms to be lawful, and he refused not to use them. Upon this, the bishop promised to be his friend, and to procure his release from the present prosecution. Indeed, some of the courtiers wished well to Preston, but were reluctant to undertake his cause. Dr. Young, dean of Winchester, had the boldness and honesty to inform him, that Bishop Andrews was his grand adversary ; and that while he gave him kind words and fair promises, lie was labouring to have him expelled from the university. This, in fact, appeared too true, from the bishop's own conduct. For, afterPreston's frequent attend- ance upon his lordship, and all to no purpose, an order was issued, that on a certain Lord's day, he should declare his sentiments concerning forms of prayer, before the public congregation in Botolph's church ; or, in case of his refusal, undergo a further prosecution.. This was soon noised abroad ; and it was reported that he was required to preach a recantation sermon, which afforded much sport to those who envied his reputation, and sought his disgrace. These, with exultation and triumph, went crowding to hear him. He preached from the same text as before. The whole of the sermonwas close and searching ; and in the conclusion, he delivered his opinion concerning set forms. All who went to laugh were disappointed. Most persons returned silent home, not without evidence of some good impressions upon their minds. Those who wished his downfall were not quite so merry in the conclusion as at the beginning. Unprejudiced hearers praisedall, and were further confirmed in their high opinion of the preacher. His numerous friends were glad he came off so well, and were peculiarly gratified that he was at liberty again to preach. But the event proved extremely galling to men of high church principles.± Dr. Lancelot Andrews, successively bishop of Winchester; Ely and was a man of extensive ertidiflim,and much esteemed by several' reamed foreigners. He was rankest with the best preachers andcompletestscholars of his age, but appeared to much greateradvantage in the pulpit than he does now in his works ; which abound with Latin quotations, and trivial witticisms. He was a person of polite manners and lively conversation.; and was celebrated for his dexterity in punning. He was particularly , extolled on account of his piety, affability, liberality, and regard for the interests of literature. What a pity then it was that he took any share in the persecution of the puritans.-Granger's Biog. Hist. vol. i. p. Lives of Settles and Usher, p. 364. + Clark's Lives, p. 85-89.
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