Chap. V. 7/;e HIS T 0 R Y of the PuRITANS. 173 '• ing as it deferved; ·but fince it was otherwife, he mufl: condefcend to K. Charles I. '• treaties, and to all other expedients necdfary to reduce his rebellious~ " fubjects to their duty and obedience." Admirable arguments to heal divifions, and induce the parliame nr to put the fword into the king's hands! The article of religion was, in the opinion of lord Clarendon, of lefs Of religion, confequence with many in the parliame nt houfe, for if they could have obtained ajfcurity for tbeir lives and }ortunes, he apprehends this might have been accommodated, though confidering the influence of the fcots, and the growing firength of the prefbyterian and independent parties, 'tis very much to be doubted. However this being the firfl: point debated in the treaty, and a church controverfy, it will be proper to reprefent the infiructions on both fides. While this was upon the carpet, Dr. Steward clerk of the clofet, and a commiffioner for the king, fat covered with~ ou t the bar behind the commiffioners ; as did Mr. Hmderfrm behind thofe of the parliament. The affifiant divines were prefent in places appointtd for them , oppofite to each other. His majefiy's inflruttions to his commiffioners on the head of religion King': in- . were thefe: " Here (fays the king) the government of the church willflruthon tohzs b I h . f fl.' h · h' b r.d d ,r;. commiffi,ncrs. " et 1e c 1e quenion, w erem two t mgs are to e contl ere , con,;ctence Ru!hw. Vol: "and polity; for theji')l, I mufi declare, that I can't yield to the change V. p. 887. '' of the government by bi!hops, not only behaufe I fully concur with the " tnDfl general opinion of chrifiians in all ages, in epifcopacy's being the " bell: government, but likewife I hold myfelf particularly bound by the " oath I took at my coronation, not to alter the government of this " church from what I found it; and as for the church patrimony, I '' 1 can't fuffer any diminution or alienation of it, it being without per- " adventure facrilege, and likewife contrary to my coronation oath; but " whatfoever !hall be offered for rectifying abufes, if any have crept in, " or for the eafe of tender confciences, (provided the foundation be not " damaged) I am content to bear and willing to return a gracious anfwcr. "Touching tbefecond, that is the point of policy, as it is the king's duty " to protect the church, [o the church is reciprocally bound to affifi the "king, in the maintenance of his jufi authority. Upon thefe views my " predeceffors have been a\ ways careful (efpecially fince the reforma- ,, tion,) to keep the dependence of the clergy entirely upon the " crown, without which it will [carce [et fafl: on the king's head, " therefore you mufl do nothing to change.or leffen this natural depen,.. " dence." The commiffioners from the two houfes of parliament at Weflmin/ler, ';'arlia,~ent's inflead of being infirufled to treat about a reformation of the hierarchy., Jl!ur~~~om, were ordered to demand the palling of a bill for abolii11ing and ~ ta!{ing J66~ a e, P• · away
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