174 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. Laud's vicar-general, from part of his public ministerialexer- cises. But, upon the publication of the Book of Sports, he refused to read it, when the archbishop sent for him to Lam- beth ; and, April 29, 1635, no less than fourteen charges were exhibited against him, to each of which he gave his answer, May 28th following. The substance of these articles, together with Mr. Wilson's atewers, was as follows: 1. That canonical obedience is due by your oath, taken at your institution. Answer. It is true, as I understand the oath, it is accord- ing to the canons of the church of England. 2. That a minister must have a popular election, as neces- sary to hold his place. Ans. I never held such an opinion, nor ever spoke it, pri- vately or publicly. 3. That there is little comfort for a minister instituted and inducted, without the approbation of the people. Ans. I know and believe the contrary. 4. You have held conventicles in your house, and in other houses in the town of Otham, within this two years, and used exercises of religion by law prohibited. Ans. I deny that I have holden conventicles, and used exercises of religion by law prohibited. ° 5. Within this four years you have collected in private houses, or caused to be collected, forty or fifty persons, and to them repeated sermons, expounded scripture, made tedious extemporary prayers, full of tautologies, and delivered dan- gerous doctrine, to the perverting and corrupting of his majesty's subjects. Ans. I protest against such doctrine, and any such effect, I also deny,that I collected, or caused to be collected, any such persons. 6. You refused to read the King's Declaration for Sports on Sundays, and spoke disdainfully to the apparitor and officer of the court. Ans. I said to the apparitor, " Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy ;" and I said no more. I refused to read the book, not out of contempt of any authority, being com- manded by no law. The king's majesty doth not in the, book command or appoint the minister to read it, nor it to be read, but published. And seeing there is no penalty threatened, nor authority given to any one oto question those who refuse torread it, my refusal to read it was upon sufficient grounds of law and conscience ; which, for the satisfaction of this high court, and to clear myself from contempt, I shall
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