cated to me; and I know not whether my hearkening to them was a fault, but I am sure it was a misfortune."

Lord Digby call'd up to the House of Peers.] June 10. This day the lord Digby eldest son of the earl of Bristol, one of the knights for Dorsetshire, whose case, before-mentioned, the commons had referred to a committee, was introduced into the hoe of lords, (his writ bearing date the day before) as appears by the Journals of that house. Dr. Nalson says, "That the very same day on which he was introduced into the house of lords, he was expelled the house of commons, as unworthy to continue any longer a member of it:" But of this there is no entry in their Journals; only an Order for the issuing out a writ for Dorsetshire in his room, without the least mention whether the vacancy was occasioned by expulsion or promotion: however, we find that the same day the lords made an order, That the lord Digby be added to all their standing committees. But though his lordship was thus preferred out of the way of the commons, their resentment of his behaviour in their house did not stop here, as will appear in the sequel.

being obtained, might be less just than the mands of this house, or an oath, extorted from thing itself which was desired; and I might be me a discovery; but, by a hasty open declarainvolved in their crimes that had further ends, tian, have broke the laws of amity and friendperhaps, than meerly the redress of our army's ship, and all former ties, to preserve the duty grievances, I thought it not amiss to take some of a subject; and as freely exposed the knowwitness of my integrity along with me; and ledge of all to the view of the world, as I have spake to a noble lord the very same day: 1 been tender in publishing these purposes, even assured him there were some officers of the to my nearest friends, which had weight enough army, that were least thought on, that had not to crush nothing but the undertakers of it. the greatest real to the proceedings of this And certainly, if they had staid where I left house; and I thought there would be an oc- them, there was no conclusion at all. It apcasion to let him know more of it within few pears there were two several intentions didays. After this, Mr. Jermyn and I were ad-gested by others before they were communimitted into a consultation, where we were tied to secrecy by an oath, in the company of those gentlemen I have named in my depositions; where their purpose was declared to us in some propositions, which were to this effect: 1. Patting the army into a posture to serve the king, 2. Tendering a declaration to the parliament, containing, That no act of parliament should be made contrary to any former act, wherein it was expressed, that episcopacy should be kept up as it is now. 3. That the king's revenue should be established.-This I thought unlawful for our undertakings, since they intended to interpose in the determinations of this house; and it belongs to an army to maintain, not to contrive the acts of state. I objected therefore against their propositions, and more the follies and difficulties, than the irrcgularities of them; not only because I thought reason a greater argument with them than couscience, but because I was so unhappy, of the two, to be thought a worse commonwealth's man than a soldier; and, in that quality, could procure most credit for my words. I endeavoured to shew them, that as the design would be impious, if the most desperate counsels had been followed, so it would have been the weakest that ever was undertaken, if they were omitted. And whereas I am said to have a part in this violent counsel; till the day before this meeting I never heard a word of it; and knew not, when I came to the room, whether theirs were not the same with the other: this they may witness for me; and that I declared I would have to do with neither; and that I expressed contempt of our meeting in that manner. But I rely upon the testimony of some noble lords of his majesty's council, and others, how I protested against all those violent counsels, even in the birth of them; and with what piety I looked towards the person of his majesty, and the whole kingdom, in this business. I appeal also to them and some members of this house, what my carriage was towards these gentlemen that were embarked in these undertakings; intending rather to prevent a mischief, by abandoning their counsels, than to ruin them by disclosing them. But mistake me not; for had I known of any former Plot proceeded in, that could indanger or disturb the quiet of his majesty, or the peace of the kingdom, I should not have been contented with declaring mine own innocency: nor have staid till the com

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Debate on the Bill for Abolishing Bishops, &c.] June 11. The commons in a grand committee, of which Mr. Hyde was chairman, resumed the consideration of the bill against Episcopacy; after a debate, which lasted from 7 in the morning till night, it was resolved, That the preamble of the bill should be as follows: "Whereas the government of the church of England, by Archbishops, Bishops, their Chancellors and Commissaries, Deans, Archdeacons, and other ecclesiastical officers, hath been found, by long experience, to be a great impediment to the perfect reformation and growth of religion, and very prejudicial to the civil state and government of this kingdom," &c.

The next day the committee proceeded farther in the said bill: this was distinguished from the former (which was only called a bill' For restraining of Bishops, and others in Holy Orders, from intermeddling in Secular Affairs') by the term of The Root and Branch Bill' We meet with the following speeches upon this occasion, which are omitted in Rushworth's Collections:

Sir Henry Vane, member for Wilton, spoke in favour of the bill, thus:* Mr. Hyde: The *From the original edition, printed for T.

building is so rotten and corrupt, from the foundation of it to the top, that if we p not down now, it will fall about the ears those that endeavour it, within a very years.-The universal rottenness or corru of this government, will most evidently ap by a disquisition into these ensuing par lars. 1st, Let us consider in what soil root grows: is it not in the Pope's parad Do not one and the same principles grounds maintain the Papacy, or universa

debate we are now upon is, Whether the go-to our civil state: for the whole fabrick o vernment by archbishops, bishops, chancellors, &c. should be taken away out of the church and kingdom of England. For tire right stating whercot, we must remember the vote that passed yesterday, not only by this committee, but the house; which was to this effect, That this government has been found, by long experience, to be a great impediment to the perfect reformation and growth of religion, and very prejudicial to the civil state.So that then the question willie thus before us; Whether a government, which long expe-shop, as do our Diocesan or Metropo.ita rience hath set so ill a character upon, import- shops? All these authorities, which have ing danger not only to our religion but the brought us out of the Fathers and antiq civil state, should be any longer continued will they not as well, if not better, support amongst us, or be utterly abolished? For my Popedoin as the order of our bishops? own part, I ain of the opinion of those who likewise all these arguments for its agrec a conceive, that the strength of reason, already ness to monarchy, and cure of schism, do set down in the preamble to this bill by yes- not much more strongly hold for the ackn terday's vote, is a necessary decision of this ledgment of the Pope than for our bishe question: for one of the main ends for which And yet have monarchies been ever a whit church government is set up, is to advance and more absolute for the Pope's universal mo further the perfect reformation and growth of chy, or their kingdoms less subject to schi religion; which we have already voted this go- and seditions? Whatsoever other kingd vernment doth contradict: so that it is des- have been, I am sure our histories can tel tructive to the very end for which it should be, this kingdom hath not; and therefore we h and is, most necessary and desirable; in which cast hini off long since, as he is foreign, tho respect, certainly, we have cause enough to we have not been without one in our o lay it aside, not only as useless, in that it at bowels: for the difference between a metro tains not its end; but as dangerous, in that it litan, diocesan, or universal bishop, is not destroys and contradicts it.-In the 2nd place, kinds but of degrees: and a metropolitan we have voted it prejudicial to the civil state: diocesan bishop is as ill able to perform as having so ill and so powerful an influence duty of a pastor to his diocese or province, upon our laws, the prerogative of the king, the universal bishop is able to do it to and liberties of the subject, that it is like a whole world; for the one cannot do but by spreading leprosy, which leaves nothing untain- puties, and no more can the other; and the ted and uninfected which it comes near. May fore, since we all confess the grounds up we not therefore well say of this government, which the papacy stands are rotten, how c as our Saviour speaks of salt, (give me leave we deny but these that maintain our bi-ho upon this occasion to make use of Scripture, are so too, since they are one and the sam as well as others have done in this debate)-2. Let us consider by what hand this root where it is said that salt is good; but if the salt hath lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. So church government, in the general, is good, and that which is necessary, and which we all desire; but when any particular form of it hath once lost its savour, by being destructive to its own ends for which it is set ap, (as by our vote already past, we say this bath) then surely, sir, we have no more to do but to cast it out; and endeavour, the best we can, to provide ourselves a better. But to this it hath been said, That the government now in question may be so amended and reformed, that it needs not be pulled quite down or abolished, because it is conceived it hath no original sin or evil in it; or, if it have, it is said regeneration will take that away.' Unto which I answer, I do consent that we should do with this government, as we are done by in legeneration in which all old things are to pass away, and all things are to become new; and this we must do, if we desire a perfect reformation and growth of our religion, or good

Episcopacy was planted, and how it came in the church. It is no difficult matter to fir this out; for is not the very spirit of th order a spirit of pride, exalting itself, the Temple of God over all that is calle God? First exalting itself above its fellow presbyters, under the form of a bishop; the over its fellow bishops, under the title of arch bishops; and so still mounting over those of i own profession, under the title of cardinal, till comes to be Pope; and then it sticks not t tread upon the necks of princes, kings, and em perors, and trample them under its feet. Als thus you may trace it from its first rise, an discern by what spirit this order came into the church, and by what door; even by the back door of pride and ambition, not by Chris Jesus. It is not a plant which God's Right Hand hath planted, but is full of rottenness and corruption; that mystery of iniquity which hath wrought thus long, and so fit to be plucked up, and removed out of the way.-3. Let us consider the very nature and quality of this tree, or root in itself, whether it be good or corrupt in its own nature. We all know where

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The Journals inform us, that, upon Mr. Hyde's report from the grand committee, it was resolved, That the taking away the several offices of Archbishops, Bishops, Chan cellors, and Commissaries, out of this church and kingdom, should be one clause in the atorementioned bill.'

The Lords vote the late Canons illegal June 12. The votes of the house of commons concerning the new Canons, made at the Synod in 1640, were read in the house of lords; and their lordships voted the same verbatim, as they are in the proceedings of the other house on the 16th of December. See p. 679.

This day a bill For restoring in blood ard honour sir Win. Wentworth, bart, and the rest of the child. en of the late earl of Stratford; and for setting the lands and tenements of the said late carl,' was read in the house of

commons.

but now that we have cut and pared them, in the church. And, as for abuses, where you (and may, if we see cause, yet reduce it are now, in the Remonstrance, told, what this into narrower bounds) it may, perhaps, be and that poor man hath suffered by the bishops, more agreeable. Howsoever, if they be still you may be presented with a thousand instances in passion, it becomes us soberly to consider of poor men that have received hard measure the right use and antiquity thereof; and not to | from their landlords; and of worldly goods comply further with a general desire, than abused, to the injury of others, and disad may stand with a general good. We have vantage of the owners. And therefore, my already shewed, that episcopacy, and the evils humble motion is, That we may settle men's thereof, are mingled like water and oil. We minds herein, and, by a question, declare our have also, in part, severed them. But I be-Resolution To reform,' that is, not to abulieve you will find, that our laws and the pre- lish Episcopacy.' sent government of the church are mingled like wine and water; so inseparable, that the abrogation of, at least, a hundred of our laws is desired in these Petitions. I have often heard a noble answer of the lords, commended in this house, to a proposition of like nature, but of less consequence; they gave no other reason of their refusal but this, Nolumus mutare leges Angliæ: It was the bishops who so answered then; and it would become the dignity and wisdom of this house to answer the people, now, with a Nolumus mutare.I see Some are moved with a number of hands against the bishops; which, I confess, rather inclines me to their defence: for I look upon episcopacy as a counterscarp, or outwork; which, if it be taken by this assault of the people, and, withall, this mystery once revealed, That we must deny then nothing when they ask it thus in troops.' We may, in the next place, have as hard a task to defend our pro- A Conference concerning disbanding the perty, as we have lately had to recover it from Army.] June 14. A message being sent to the prerogative. If by multiplying hands and the upper house from the commons, to desire petitions, they prevail for an equality in things a free conference about disbanding some regiecclesiastical; the next demand, perhaps, may ments in the king's Army, the same was co:nbe lex Agraria, the like equality in things tem- plied with; and the next day the earl of Bath poral. The Roman stery tells us, that when reported it to the lords, to this effect: "That the people began to flock about the senate, the commons had taken into consideration the and were more curious to direct and know vast charge, that the kingdom laid under in what was done, than to obey, that common- maintaining the two armies: that they have wealth soon came to ruin their legem rogare used their utinost endeavours in providing grew quickly to be a legem ferre; and after, money, for disbanding both of them: that neceswhen their legions had found that they could sity enforceth them to disband the king's army by make a dictator, they never suffered the se- parts as they shall be able to provide money, and nate to have a voice any more in such election. the Scots army wholly and altogether. In disIf these great innovations proceed, I shall ex-banding the king's army, they will first disband pect a flat and level in learning too, as well as in church-preferments: honos alit artes. And though it be true, that grave and pious men do study for learning-sake, and embrace virtue for itself; yet it is as true, that youth, which is the season when learning is gotten, is not without ambition; nor will ever take pains to excel in any thing, when there is not some hope of excelling others in reward and dignity. There are two reasons chiefly alledged against our church-government. 1. Scripture, which, as some men think, points out another form. 2. The abuses of the present superiors. For Scripture, I will not dispute it in this place; but I am confident that, whenever an equal division of lands and goods shall be desired, there will be as many places in Scripture found out, which seem to favour that, as there are now ailedged against the prelacy or preferment

those that lie in the more Southern parts: that they intend to disband five regiments; the regiment of Huil, and the earl of Nithsdale's company, in the regiment of sir Ch. Vavasor; and so other regiments to march to give way, but not above 300 in a company.' Upon this report another conference was appointed on the same subject.

Debate on a Motion for abolishing of Deans, Chapters, &c.] June 15. The commons went into a grand committee on the bill For the utter Abolishing of Bishops,' &c. when a motion being made for the taking away of Deans and Chapters out of the church of England,

Mr. William Thomas, member for Carnarvon, spoke as follows: Mr. Hyde; the office of

* From the original edition, printed by T. Harper, 1641.

Deans doth neither tend or conduce, as some nostras, conscientiæ satisfaciamus, nihil infame have alledged, to the honour of God, the pro- laboremus; consentiamus in eo quod convenit, pagation of piety, the advancement of learning, non in eo quod traditum.'-But, granting the or benefit of the commonwealth: but, è contra, name and office, we fad them to be only catethey occasion the dishonour and disservice of rers, or stewards, to provide food and raiment God; the hinderance, if not destruction of for the monks; whose garments as they were piety; the suppression and discouragement of not costly, so was not their fare dainty, being learning and learned men; and the detriment but bread and water. To have the like employand prejudice of church and commonwealth. ment now, I neither deny nor envy thein.1. I humbly crave leave to declare what deans Well now, let us see how they increased in were originally in their first birth. 2. What authority, and came to be accounted officers in their increase and further growth. 3. Their of great dignity. Why, thus: when, for the present condition, being at their fall, and, as austerity of their lives, and opinion of their I hope, their final period. As to their Original; sanctity, princes and others did bestow lands it is not to be denied but themselves and their and revenues upon the monks; then their office are of great antiquity, St. Augustine de- Præpositi, the deans, did partake of their hoclaring both; but I do not say that it is an nours and possessions; and then began the antient office in the church. What officers corruption and poisoning of them; Tunc venedeans then were, be pleased to hear from St. num infundituin in decanos, religio peperit Augustine's own delivery, in his book de Mo- divitias, & filia devoravit matrem." Answerribus Ecclesia Catholicæ.' The monks, saithable whereto is that of St. Hierom, Since holy he, for their more retiredness and better church increased in possessions, it decreased in contemplation, appointed officers, which they virtues.' The like hath St. Bernard, and many called, Decanos: the office of them, and why others. Thus we see that the spring that was they were so called he delivereth in these clear in the barren mountains, descending words as near as I remember, Opus autein tra- down to the richer vallies, becomes thick and dunt illis quos decanos vocant, eo quod sunt muddy; and, at last, is swallowed up by the denis præpositi, ut neminem illorum cura sui brinish ocean; • Salsum perdulces imbibet corporis tangat, neque in cibo, neque in vesti- æquor aquas.' But, to deliver it in the words mento,neque si quid aliud vel quotidiana necessi- of an honourable author: Time,' saith he, tate, vel mutata, ut assolet, valetudine; hi autem is most truly compared to a stream that condecani, magna solicitudine, omnia disponentes veyeth down fresh and pure water into the & præsto facientes quicquid illa vita, propter salt-sca of corruption, which invironeth al imbecillitatem corporis, postulet.'-Here we human actions; and therefore if a man shall see the office of deans in St. Augustine's time; not, by his industry, virtue, and policy, as it antiquity sufficient, but not antiquity for being were with the oar, row against the stream and officers in the church: therefore they do not inclination of time, all institutions and ordirightly plead antiquity, as to the point now nances be they never so pure, will corrupt and Controverted, the question being, Whether the degenerate.' This we shall see veritied in odice, as now it is exercised, be the same that it deaus and their officers.--These deans being was then? Surely they shall find it not only thus endowed with great possessions, it was different, but in a nanner quite contrary, ordained they should be chosen, out of the They are deceived that urge it; but they are presbytery, to that place; Ne sit decanus to know that this judicious house is able to dis- nisi presbyter,' as I find in St. Bernard. Well, cern and distinguish a counterfeit face of anti- did they rest in this state and condition? No: quity from the true; and in vain do they, with they must be civil magistrates, chancellors, or the Gibeonites, labour to deceive us by old keepers of the seal, lord treasurers, privy counsacks, old shoes, old garments, old boots, and sellors; and what have they not of lay offices, old bread that is dry and mouldy; therefore dignities and titles? I will not trouble you to no purpose, and causelesly, do they charge with enumeration of particular deans, I will us to affect novelty, by our offering to take only cite one, (though, if time permitted, I away church-governors and government.- might cite 21) and that is the Dean of St. What these men, I mean deans, were origi- Paul's, who was made lord treasurer about nally, we sec; and how they came to be pres- 1197, and, carrying that office, quickly hoarded byters, and ministers, and for what cause, I up a great treasure; at last, falling into a shall berefter declare: but we may not think deadly disease past recovery, he was exhorted this charging of us as innovators strange, when by the bishops and great men to receive the Christ himself had his doctrine censured as sacrament of Christ's body and blood, which new; What doctrine is this,' said the Jews, he trembling at refused to do; but, upon the in St. Mark? We are not then to expect that king's admonishing and commanding him to we shall escape the like censure of innovating. do it, he promised him thereupon to do it the The servant is not above his lord, nor the dis-next day being advised also to make his will, ciple above his master' and indeed so St. Paul found it, for the Athenians made the same demand to him; May we,' say they, know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? Acts xvii. 19. But let us liberare animas

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he corumanded all to void the room but one scribe; who beginning to write his will in the accustomed form, In the name of the Father, of the Son, &c.' the dean perceiving it, com manded him, in a rage, to blot it out, and