INTRODUCTION. XV practical piety. It is unnecessary to notice any particular passages. It is clear, that her mind was imbued with the doctrines and disci- pline of Calvin, which were at this time working powerfully in manyof the most learned, pious and patriotic people, lay and clerical, of this country. Numerous allusions attest the accuracy of her in- formation, and the interest she took in public affairs, and in the pro- ceedings of the Parliament. She deeply sympathized in the feelings of her husband in his varied employments, and entered fully into his interests and pursuits. They agreed in regarding Episcopacy as Anti-Christ, and nothing short of " down with it, down with it, even to the ground," would satisfy their zeal. Theministrations of Brampton Bryan under two successive rectors, accorded with their views, and afforded them ample opportunities of religiousexercises, in the observance of public and private fasts ; how strictly they were there observed, appears by the memorandum now in the register of that parish,a copy of which will be found in the Notes. The rectors here alluded to, were Thomas Pierson and Stanley Gower. The Rev: Thos. Peacock, Fellow of Brazennose college, had preceded Pierson, but appears from Froysell's sermon, already mentioned, never to have resided at Brampton. Sir Robert had no doubt been acquainted with him in Oxford, and not improbably de- rived benefit from his advice and instruction, as he was " highly esteemed for his great learning, great sanctity of life, and counsel," andwas known as the convertor of Robert Bolton, awell -knownpuritan divine; by whom "an account of the last visitation, conflict, and death of Mr. Peacock was published, 1646." a Pierson had been brought up a Wood's in Emmanuel college,b where he resided for several years, andwas the Alhen P 514. friend of the learned Calvinist William Perkins, whose works he had b MS. Notice of been engaged in editing, and also in the publication of Brightman's sT Pton work on the Apocalypse, and was known as a profound scholar and Bryan, in Brit. Museum. theologian. Instituted in 1612, he continued to reside at Brampton
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