PALMER. 37 and encouragement of the new master, the college flourished, evento the greatadmiration of all.* In 1645, he was appointed, by order of parliament, one of the committee of accom- modation.i- Mr. Palmer was always firm to his principles. Though he would denyhimselfwhen only his own interest was concerned, he was constantly zealous and unmoved in whatever con- cerned the honour of God and the glory of his kingdom. Therefore, when he was called to preach at the Bishop of Lincoln's visitation, he spoke with great freedom against the existing corruptions of the church, not fearing the conse- quences, though sensible of his great danger. When the Book of. Sports, bowing to the altar, reading part of the service in the chancel, and other innovations, were enjoined, he resolved to lose all, rather than offend God by the en- couragement of superstition and profaneness. He con- stantly and vigorously opposed the superstitious and unrigh- teous oath of canonical obedience.$ He was always a most consistent and conscientious nonconformist. This worthy divine, being highly reputed for learning and piety, was often called to preach before the parliament, for which he has incurred the severe displeasure of certain historians. One of these bitter writers, with an evident design to reproach his memory, has transcribed the following passage from one of Mr. Palmer's dedications addressed to the Earl of Essex, then general to the parliament's army : " God hath put you in his own place : God bath graced you with his own name, Lord of Hosts, general of armies. God bath committed to your care what is most precious to himself, precious gospel, precious ordinances, a precious parliament, a precious people. God hath called forth your excellency as a choice worthy to be a general, and the cham- pion of Jesus Christ, to fight the great and last battle with antichrist in this your native kingdom."§ Another of these writers observes, that, June 28, 1643, " Mr. Palmer made a long-winded tittle-tattle, stuft with rebellion and sedition, before the house of commons ; at the end of which he found . out a pretty device, to have all the cavaliers' throats cut; and,all this to be justified by inspiration of Almighty God. I humbly entreat you,' said he, to ask God's consent first, whether he will spare such or such, or pardon them; and f he will not, you must not.' Probably this politician,",adds Clark'sLives, p. 187-197. + Papers of Accommodation, p. 13. t Clark's Lives, L'Estrange's Dissenters' Sayings, part ii. p. 18. 199;
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