and lamed him so that he was forced to stay a weeke longer in the Country then he intended September 9. 1624. my Lord Duke of Buckingham consulted with me about a man that offered him a strange way of cure for himselfe and his Brother At that time I delivered his Grace my Copies of the two little Bookes which he desired me to write out September 25. My Lord Dukes proposall about an Army and the meanes And whether Suttons Hospitall might not c. October 10. I fell at night in passionem Iliacam which had almost put me into a feaver I continued ill 14. dayes October 13. I delivered up my Answere about Suttons Hospitall November 26. I went to my L. Keeper and had a Messenger sent to bring up a Salt-Peeter man who had digged in the Colledge Church at Brecknock being too bold upon his Commission to answere that sacrilegious abuse He prevented his punishment by death December 23. I delivered my Lord Duke a littele Booke about Doctrinall Puritanisme in some ten heads which his Grace had spoken to me that J would draw for him that he might be acquainted with them Ian. 5. My L. Duke of Buckingham shewed me two letters of c. the falshood of c. Ian. 15. The speech which I had with my L. Duke at Wallingford House January 21. The businesse of my Lady Purbecke made knowne unto me by my Lord Duke January 23. The discourse which my Lord Duke had with them about Witches and Astrologers January 25. I acquainted my Lord Duke with my hard hap in my businesse with L. C. D. for which I had beene so often blamed Jan. 28. I tooke my leave of my Lord Duke His wish that he had knowne K. L. sooner but c. An 1625. March 27. Advent Sunday I preached at White-Hall when I went into the Pulpit there was a prevayling Rumour that King Iames was dead being called away with the dolor of the Duke of Buckingham I broke off my Sermon in the midst The King died that day of a Tertian Ague at Theobalds Prince Charles that day was proclaimed King Aprill 3. I delivered into the hands of the Duke of Buckingham briefe Annotations upon the life and death of most renouned King Iames which he Commanded me to describe The Copy whereof found in the Bishops Study under his owne hand is here inserted The Memorables of our late deare and Dread Soveraigne King IAMES of famous memory 1. HE was a King almost from his Birth 2. His great Clemency that he should Raigne so long and so moderatly that knew nothing else but to raigne 3. The difficult times in Scotland during his Minority as much perplexed with Church as State factions 4. His admirable patience in those younger times and his wisedome to goe by those many and great difficulties till God opend him the wayes to his just Inheritance of this Crowne 5. His peaceable entry into this Kingdome contrary to the feares at home and the Hopes abroad not without Gods great blessing both on him and us 6. His ability as strong in Grace as Nature to forgive some occurrences 7. The continuance of full 22. yeares Raigne all in peace without war from forraine Enemy or Rebellion at home 8. The infinit advantage which people of all sorts might have brought to themselves and the enriching of the State if they would have used such a government with answerable care and not made the worst use of peace 9. Gods great mercy over him in many deliverances from private conspirators and above the rest that which would have blowne up his posterity and the state by Gunpouder 10. That in all this time of his Raigne of England he tooke away the life of no one Noble man but restored many 11. That the sweetnesse of his nature was scarce to be paralleld by any other 12. It is little lesse then a miracle that so much sweetnesse should be found in so great a hart as besides other things sicknes and death it selfe shewed to be in him 13. Clemency Mercy Justice and holding the State in peace have ever bin accounted the great vertues of Kings And they were all eminent in him 14. He was not only apreserver of peace at home but the great peace maker abroad to settle Christendome against the Common Enemy the Turke which might have beene a glorious worke if others had beene as true to him as he was to the Common good 15. He was in privat to his servants the best Master that ever was and the most free 16. He was the Justest Man that could sit betwene parties and as patient to heare 17. He was bountifull to the highest pitch of a King 18. He was the greatest Patron to the Church which hath been in many ages 19. The most learned Prince that this Kingdome hath ever knowne for matters of Religion 20. His Integrity and soundnesse in Religion to write and speake Beleeve and doe Live and die one and the same and all Arthodox 21. His tender love to the King his son our most gratious Soveraigne that now is and his constant reverence in performance of all duties to his Father the greatest blessing and the greatest example of this and many Ages 22. The education of his Majesty whome we now enjoy and I hope and pray that we may long and in hapinesse enjoy to be an able King as Christendome hath any the very first day of his Raigne The benefit whereof is ours and the honour his 23. His sicknesse from the begining more grevious then it seemed A sharp Melancholy humour set on fire though usherd in by an ordinary Tertian Agu 24. He was from the begining of his sicknesse scarce out of an opinion that hee should dye and therefore did not suffer the great affaires of Christendome to move him more then was fit for hee thought of his end 25. His devout receiving of the blessod sacrament 26. His Regall sensure of the moderate Reformation of the Church of England and particulerly for the care of retayning of absolution the comfort of distressed soules 27 His continuall calling for prayers with an assured confidence in Christ 28. His death as full of patience as could be found in so strong a death 29. His rest no Question is in Abrahams bosome and his Crowne changed into a Crowne of Glory Aprill 6. 1625. I gave the Duke a Schedule wherein the names of Ecclesiasticall persons were described under the Letters O. Orthodox and P. Puritans The Duke of Buckingham himselfe commanded that I should thus digest then to shew them as he said to King Charles Aprill 9. The Duke of Buckingham most venerable to mee by all Titles certified mee that some body I know not out of what envy had blemished my name with King Charles his most Excellent Majesty taking occasion from the error into which I know not by what fate I fell heretofore in the case of Charles Earle of Devon December 26. 1605. The same day I
were approved by all September 18. My election to the Bishopricke of Bath and Wells was confirmed September 19 I went my selfe to the King at Theobalds who there presently restored me to the temporalities from the time of my Predecessors death What things happened betweene me and the Lord Baron Conway the Kings principall Secretary whiles we returned together September 21. Lancelot Andrewes Bishop of Winchester and Deane of the Kings Chapell died about foure a clocke in the morning September 30. The Duke of Buckingham certified me that the King had determined that I should succeed the Bishop of Winchester then dead in the office of Deane of the Kings Chappell October 2. The same Duke told me what the King of that day further determined concerning me if A. B. C. c. that is if the Archbishop of Canterburie died to wit that he should succeed him October 2 I went to the Court which was at Hampton there I gave the King thanks for the Deanery of the Chapell he granted to me whence I returned to London October 6. I tooke the Oath appointed for the Deane of the Chapell to take in the Chapple before the right Honourable Philip Earle of Mountgomery Lord Chamberlaine Stephen Boutin Subdeacon ministring the Oath November 14. or there about having taken an occasion both from the abrupt beginning and also ending of publique prayers on the 5th of November I requested of my Gratious King Charles that he wold be present at the Liturgy as wel as at the Sermon every Lords day and that at whatsoever time of Prayers he came the Preist who ministred should proceed to the end of Prayers The most religious King not only assented but likewise gave me thanks This was not done before from the beginning of King Iames Raigne till this day Now thankes be to God it takes place December 21. I dreamed of the buriall of I know not whom and that I stood by the dust and I awaked sorrowfull December 25. Christmas day I made my first Sermon as Deane of the Chapell at White-Hall Ianuary 6. I dreamed in the night that my Mother dead long before stood by my bed side and drawing the Curtaines a little looked chearefully upon me I was glad to see her looke so merrily After that shee shewed me an old man dead long before whom I knew and loved whiles he lived He seemed to have laine on the ground merry enough but with a wrinckled face his name was Grove whilest I prepared to salute him I awaked Ianuary 8. I went to visit the Duke of Buckingham he rejoyced and gave into my hands Papers concerning the Invocation of Saints which his mother gave him I know not what Priest gave them to her Ianuary 13. The Bishop of Lincolne desired reconciliation with the Duke of Buckingham c. Ian. 14. Towards the morning I dreamed that the Bishop of Lincolne I know not with whom came with Iron chaines but returning freed from them he leaped upon a horse departed neither could I overtake him Ianuary 16. I dreamed that the King went out of a standing and that when he was hungry I led him away at unawares into the house of Francis Windebancke my friend Whiles he prepared to eate I whiles others were absent held the City to him after the accustomed manner I brought beare but it pleased him not I brought some again but in a silver Cup The most Gratious King said Thou knowest I alwayes drink out of a Glasse I went againe and awaked Ianu. 17. I shewed reasons to the King why the Papers of the deceased Bishop of Winchester concerning Bishops That they are Iure Divino were to bee printed contrary to that which the Bishop of Lincolne miserably and to the great detriment of the Church signified to the King as the King Himselfe had told me formerly Febr. 7. I dreamed in the night that I was sicke of the Scurvey and that all my Teeth were suddainly loose especially one in my lower jaw-bone which I could hardly keep in with my finger untill I might get help c. Febr. 20. Iohn Fenton began the cure of a certaine Itch c. Febr 22. I tooke a journey towards New-Market where the King then was March 8. I came to London The night following I Dreamed I had been Reconciled to the Church of Rome This distracted me and I wondred much whence it hapned being troubled at the scandall and this my fall which would weaken many excellent and learned men in the Church of England Thus troubled in my dreame I said with my selfe that I would presently goe and making confession aske pardon of the Church of England As I was going to doe it a certaine Priest met me and would hinder me but being moved with indignation I went on my way and when I had wearied my selfe with wayward Cogitations I awaked I felt such impressions that I could scarce believe I had dreamed March 12. I went with the King to Theobalds March 17. about midnight I buried Charles Viscount Buckingham eldest and the only sonne of George Duke of Buckingham being a yeare and neare 4. months old March 27. 1627. I had this ensuing dreame There were certaine Legacies given to Dame Dorathy Wright Widow of George Wright Knight my familiar acquaintance The Legacies were 430l and more given by a certain Kinsman named Farnham to the Widow and her Children At the instance of the widow when as the Executor denied or delayed to pay the Legacies I obtained Letters from the most illustrious Duke of Buckingham in favour of the Widow for the Duke was Mr. of the Horse and the said George Wright was one of the Kings servants under him when I had now the Letters in my hand and was about to give them to the Widdow to send into Ireland where the Executor lived this night George Wright appeared to me in a dreame dead at least two yeares before hee seemed to me very handsome and merry enough I told him what I had then done for his Wife and Children He considering with himselfe a little answered that the Executor had satisfied him those legacies whiles he was living and presently looking into some papers in his Study adjoyning he added again that it was so And moreover he whispered me in the eare That I was the cause why the Bishop of Lincolne should not bee againe admitted into favour and into the Court Aprill 4. When King Charles absolved Doctor Dun about some slips in a Sermon preached before him on Sunday Aprill 1. That which he then most Gratiously said to me I writ in my heart in indeleble Characters with greatest giving of thanks to God and the King April 7. Whiles I went to the Court to wait on the King at Supper going out of my Coach my foot stumbling I fell head-long I never fell a more grievous fall but through Gods mercie I escaped with the contusion of my hip and that but lightly April 24.
blesse him that his eyes may see the Prince safely delivered to the King and State And after it live long in hapinesse to doe them and thee service through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen After this upon the Dukes unhappy voyage to Ree which lost Rochell and all the Protestant Townes in France he made this speciall prayer for him O Most gratious God and mercifull Father Thou art the Lord of Hosts all victory over our Enemies all safety against them is from thee I humbly beseech thee goe out with our Armies and blesse them Blesse my deare Lord the Duke that is gone Admirall with them that Wisedom may attend all his Councells and courage and successe all his enterprises That by his and their meanes thou wilt be pleased to bring safety to this Kingdome strength and Comfort to Religion victory and reputation to our Country And that he may returne with the Navy committed to him and with safety honour and love both of Prince and People Grant this for thy deare sonnes sake Jesus Christ our Lord Amen When this Duke was slaine he made this speciall prayer on that occasion much daubed through frequent use with his fingers O Mercifull God thy Judgements are often secret alwayes just At this time they were temporally heavey upon the poore Duke of Buckingham upon me upon all that had the honour to be neare him Lord thou hast I doubt not given him rest and light and blessednesse in thee give also I beseech the comfort to his Ladie blesse his Children uphould his freinds forget not his servants Laye open the bottome of all that irreligious and gracelesse plot that spilt his blood Blesse and preserve the King from danger and from security in these dangerous times And for my selfe O Lord though the sorrowes of my heart are inlarged in that thou gavest this most honourable freind into my bosome and hast taken him againe from me yet blessed be thy name O Lord that hast given me patience I shall now see him no more till we meet at the Resurrection O make that joyfull to us and all thy faithfull servants Even for Jesus Christ his sake Amen But to returne to his Diary where he proceeds thus Wednesday August 27 Mr. Elphinston brought me a very gratious Message from his Majesty upon my Lord Duks death August 30. As I was going out to meete the Corps of the Duke which that night was brought to London Sir W. Fleetwood brought me very gratious letters from the K. Majesty written with his owne hand Tuesday September 19. The first time that I went to Court after the death of the D. of Buckingham my deare Lord The gratious speech which that night the King was pleased to use to me Saturday Sept. 27. I fell sicke and came sicke from Hampton-Court Tuesday September ult. I was sore plucked with this sicknesse c. Munday October 20. I was forced to put on a Trusse for a rupture I know not how occasioned unlesse it were with swinging of a booke for my exercise in private November 29. Felton was executed at Tiborne for killing the Duke and afterwards his body was sent to be hanged in Chaines at Portsmouth It was Saturday and Saint Andrewes even and he killed the Duke upon Saturday Saint Bartholmews even December 25. I preached at Whit-Hall Wednesday December 30. The Statutes which I had drawne for the reducing of the factious and tumultuary election of Proctors in Oxford to severall Colledges by course and so to continue were passed in Convocation at Oxford no voyces dissenting Munday Ianuary 26. The 240. Greeke Manuscrips were sent to London House these I got my Lord of Pembrooke to buy and give to Oxford Saturday night Ianuary 31. I lay in Court I dreamed that I put of my Rochet all save one sleeve and when I would have put it on againe I could not finde it Friday February 6. Sir Thomas Roe sent to London House 20. Manuscripts in Greeke to have a Catalogue drawne and the Bookes to be for Oxford Munday March 2. the Parliament to be disolved declared by Proclamation upon some disobedient passages to his Majesty that day in the House of Commons March· 10. Thursday the Parliament dissolved the King present The Parliament which was broken up this March 10th laboured my ruine March 29. 1629. Sunday two papers were found in the Deane of Paules his Yeard before his house the one was to this effect concerning my selfe Laud looke to thy selfe be assured thy life is sought as thou art the fountaine of all wickednesse repent repent thee of thy monstrous sinnes before thou be taken out of the world c. And assure thy selfe neither God nor the world can endure such a vile Counceller to live or such a whisperer or to this effect The other was as had as this against the Lord Treasurer Master Deane delivered both papers to the King that night Lord I am a grevious sinner but I beseech thee deliver my soule from them that hate me without a cause Aprill 2 Maunday Thursday as it came this yeare about three of the clocke in the morning the Lady Dutches of Buckingham was delivered of her sonne the Lord Francis Villiers whom I Christened Tuesday 21. I preached Wednesday May 13. this morning about three of the clocke the Queene was delivered before her time of a sonne he was christened and dyed within short space His name Charles This was Ascention Eve May 14. The next day being Ascention day paulo ante mediam noctem I buried him at Westminster If God repaire not this losse I much feare it was Descention Day to this State August 14. dies erat veneris I fell sicke upon the way towards the Court at Woodstooke I tooke up my*lodging at my Ancient freinds house Master Francis Windebancke there I lay in a most grevious burning Feaver till Munday September 7. on which day I had my last fit I was brought so low that I was not able to returne towards my owne house at London till Tuesday October 20. I went first to present my humble dutie and service to his Majesty at Denmarke house Munday October 26. After this I had divers plunges and was not able to put my selfe into the service of my place till Palme sunday which was March 21. Aprill 10. The Earle of Pembrooke Lord Steward being Chancellor of the Vniversity of Oxford dyed of an Apoplexy Aprill 12. The Vniversity of Oxford chose me Chauncellor and word was brought me of it the next morning Wednesday Aprill 28. The Vniversity came up to the Ceremony and gave me my Oath Saturday May 29. Prince Charles was borne at Saint Iames paulo ante horam primam post merediem I was in the house three howres before and had the honour and the happines to see the Prince before he was full one hower old The King sent this Letter to him under the Privy signet to give him notice of the Princes Birth Charles Rex
downe Wednesday Febr. 13. The Feoffees that pretended to buy in impropriations were dissolved in the Chequer Chamber They were the maine instruments for the Puritan faction to undoe the Church The Criminall part reserved Febr. 18. Thursday Master Chancellour of London Doctor Ducke brought me word how miserably I was slandered by some seperatists I pray God give me patience and forgive them March 6. Ashwensday I preached at White-Hall Aprill 13. 1633. The great meeting at the Counsell Table c. when the Earle of Holland made his submission to the King May 13. Munday I set out of London to attend King Charles into Scotland May 24. The King was to enter into Yorke in State June 6. I came to Barwicke that night I dreamed that K. B. sent to mee in Westminster Church that hee was now as desirous to see me as I him and that hee was then entring into the Church I went with hope but met another in the middle of the Church who seemed to know the businesse and laughed but K. B. was not there June 8. Whitsun Eve I received Letters from K. B. unalterable c. By this if I returne I shall see how true or false my Dreame is c. Saturday June 15. I was sworne Councellor of Scotland June 18. Tuesday after Trinitie Sunday K. Charles Crowned at Holy-rood Church in Edenborough I never saw more expressions of joy then were after it c. June 19. Wednesday I received second Letters from K. B. no changling c. within three houres after other Letters from K. B. believe all that I say c. June 29. Friday Letters from K. B. no D. true if not to my contentment c. June 30. I preached to His Majestie in the Chappell in Holy-rood House at Edenborough July 1. Munday I went over Forth to Brunt Iland July 2. Tuesday to Saint Andrewes July 3. Wednesday over Taye to Dundee July 4. Thursday to Faukland July 7. Sunday to S. Johnston July 8. Munday to Dumblaine Stirling my dangerous cruel Journey crossing part of the Hilands by Coach which was a wonder there July 9. Tuesd to Lithcoe and so to Edenborough July 10. Wednesday His Majesties dangerous passage from Brunt Iland to Edenborough July 11. Thursday I began my Journie from Edenburgh towards London July 13. Friday that night at Anderweeke I dreamed that L. L. * the Bishop of Lincolne came and offered to sit above me at the Councell Table and that L. H. came in and placed him there July 20. Saturday the King came from Scotland to Greenwich having come Post from Barwicke in foure dayes Friday July 26. I came to my House at Fulham from Scotland July 28. Sunday K. B. and I met all the strange discourses mistaken I went away much troubled but all setled againe well Aug. 3. Saturday following Sunday Aug. 4. news came to Court of the Lord Archbishop of Canterburies death and the King-resolved presently to give it me which he did Aug. 6. Aug. 4. That very morning at Greenwich there came one to me seriously and that avowed abilitie to performe it and offered mee to bee a Cardinall I went presently to the King and acquainted him both with the thing and person Aug. 7. Wednesday Absolute settlement betweene me and K B. after I had made knowne my case at large God blesse me in it Aug. 14. Wednesday A report brought me that I was poysoned Aug. 17. Saturday I had a serious offer made me againe to be a Cardinall I was then from Court but so soone as I came thither which was Wednesday Aug. 21. I acquainted His Majestie with it But my answer againe was that some what dwelt within mee which would not suffer that till Rome were other then it is Aug. 25. Sunday My Election to the Archbishopprick was returned to the King then being at Wood-stocke Sep. 19. I was translated to the Archbishopricke of Canterburie the Lord make me able c. The day before when I first went to Lambeth my Coach-Horses and men sunke to the bottome of the Thames in the Ferry-Boate which was over laden but I praise God for it I lost neither man nor Horse Novem. 13. Wednesday Richard Boyer who had formerly named himselfe Lodowick was brought into the Starre-Chamber for most grossely misusing me and accusing me of no lesse then Treason c. He had broke prison for Felony when he did this His censure is upon record And God forgive him About the beginning of this moneth the Lady Davis prophesie against me that I should very few dayes out-live the Fift of Novem. And a little after that one Greene came into the Court at Saint Jamses with a great sword by his side swearing the King should doe him Justice against me or he would take another course with me All the wrong I ever did this man was that being a poore Printer I procured him of the Company of the Stationers five pounds a yeare during his life God preserve mee and forgive him Hee was committed to New-Gate Sunday Novem. 24. in the afternoone I Christned King CHARLES His second sonne James Duke of YORKE at Saint Jamses Decem. 10. 29. twice or thrice in the interim I advertised His Majestie of the false-hood and practise that was against me by L. T. c. This brake out then March 30. 1634. Palme Sunday I preached to the King at White-Hall May 13. I received the seales of my being chosen Chanceller of the Vniversity of Dublin in Ireland to which office I was chosen September 14. 1633. There were now somewhat before great factions in Court and I doubt many private ends followed to the prejudice of publicke service Good Lord preserve me Iune 11. Wednesday Master Pryn sent me a letter about his censure in the Starre Chamber for his Histriomastix and what I said at that Censure in which he hath many wayes hath no wayes mistaken me and spoken untruth of me Iune 16. I shewed this letter to the King and by his Command * sent it to Master Atturney Noye June 17. Master Atturney sent for Mr. Pryn to his Chamber shewed him the letter asked him whether it were his hand Mr. Pryn said he could not tell unles he might read it the letter being given into his hand * he tare it into small peeces threw it out at window fearing it seemes an Ore tenus For this Iune 18. Mr. * Atturney brought him into the Star-Chamber where all this appeared I there forgave him Iuly 26. I received word from Oxford that the Statutes were accepted and published according to my letters in the Convocation house that weeke August 9. Saturday Master William Noy his Majesties Attorney Generall died at Brainford circa horam noctis decimam And Sunday morning August 10. his servant brought me word of it to Croyden before I was out of my bed * I have lost a deare freind of him and the Church the
through the remainder of my life And this for thy own goodnes sake and the merits of my Saviour Jesus Christ Amen After all this Decemb. 18. 1640. He was accused by the House of Commons of High-Treason as well he deserved upon which he composed this prayer wherein he most arrogantly pleades his innocency before God though hee appeares most criminall and guiltie to the eyes of most men O Eternall God and mercifull Father I humbly beseech thee looke downe upon me in this time of my great and grievous affliction Lord if it bee thy blessed will make my innocencie appeare and free both me and my profession from all scandall thus raised on me And however if thou be pleased to try me to the uttermost I humbly beseech thee give me full patience proportionable comfort contentment with whatsoever thou sendest and a heart ready to dye for thy Honour the Kings Happinesse and this Churches preservation And my zeale to these is all the sinne humane frailtie excepted which is yet known to me in this particular for which I thus suffer Lord look upon me in mercy and for the merits of Jesus Christ pardon all my sins many and great which have drawne downe this judgment upon mee and then in all things doe with me as seemes best in thine owne eyes And make me not onely patient under but thankefull for whatsoever thou doest O Lord my strength and my Redeemer AMEN His speciall prayers made upon sundry publike occasions registred with his owne hand in his * Booke of devotions were all formerly printed and read in Churches the two last of them against the Scots being most memorable are only necessary to be here recorded he being the * Arch-Incendiarie against them O Eternall God and mercifull Father by whom alone Kings Raigne thou Lord of Hosts and giver of all victorie Wee humbly beseech thee to gard Our most Gracious Soveraigne Lord KING CHARLES To blesse him in His person with health and safetie in His Councells with wisdome and prudence and in all His actions with Honour and good successe Grant blessed Lord that Victorie may attend His designes and that His Liege people may rejoyce in thee but that shame may cover the face of thine and His Treacherous enemies Give him blessed Father so to settle His Subjects in Peace and the true feare of thy Divine Majestie that Hee may returne with joy and honour and proceed long to governe his Kingdomes in * Peace and plentie and in the happinesse of true Religion and Pietie all his dayes These blessings and whatsoever else shall bee necessary for him or for our selves Wee humbly begge of thee O mercifull Father for Jesus Christ His sake Our only Mediator and Redeemer AMEN O Eternall God Mercifull Father by whom alone Kings raign thou Lord of Hosts and giver of all Victory Wee humbly beseech thee both now and ever to guide and preserve Our most Gracious Soveraigne Lord KING CHARLES To blesse him in his Person with health and safetie in His Councells with wisdome and prudence and in all his actions with honour and good successe Especially against those his traiterous Subjects who having cast off all Obedience to their Anoynted Soveraigne doe at this time in rebellious manner invade this Realme Grant blessed LORD that victory may attend His Majesties designes that His Liege people may rejoyce in thee but that shame may cover the face of thine and his Treacherous enemies Inable him blessed Father so to vanquish and subdue them all that His Loyall Subjects being setled in Peace and the true feare of thy Holy Name He may returne with joy and honour and continue to governe His Kingdome in peace and plentie and in the happinesse of true Religion and Pietie all his dayes These blessings and whatsoever else shall be necessary for him we humbly begge of thee O mermercifull Father for Jesus Christ his sake our onely Mediator and Redeemer AMEN These prayers were strictly enjoyned to be daily read in Churches and were so by the Prelaticall party with greatest Zeale and devotion and many Godly Ministers were questioned pursevanted suspended for not reading them Since his Imprisonment in the Tower he received severall letters from the King under the privy signet and other Malignants in opposition to the Parliament and some proceedings in it take one or two instead of many Charles Rex MOst reverend Father in God and right trusty and right welbeloved We greet you well We are informed that Doctor Isaak Bargrave Dean of our Cathedrall of Cant. is very lately deceased by his death the Parsonage of Chartham neere Cant. become voyde Many good motives and reasons have graciously inclined Vs to favour therewith Iohn Reading Clark now beneficed at Dover in Our Country of Kent but deprived as we understand of the small lively-hood he had thence accrewing by the perverse disposition of some of his turbulent Parishioners Wherefore we very earnestly desire you to bestow the said Parsonage of Chartham upon the said Iohn Reading or at the least that if you shall be restrained from so doing by either or both Houses of Parliament you then forbeare to present any other to the same that so the said Parsonage lapsing into our guift We may as We intend conferre it on him This We are confident of from you both in regard of the persons worthinesse and sufferings and that We shal therein receive very good content and satisfaction Given at Our Court at Oxford the 27th of January 1642. To the most Reverend Father in God our right trustie and right welbeloved Councellor William Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury his Grace These directions of his Majesty he punctually observed as appeares by his Diary February 3. 14. 25. An. 1642. and March 28. Aprill 11. 13. 14. 21. 22 1643. Other Letters he received from his Majesty for the speedy payment of his first fruits to his Officers to which he returned an Answere under his owne hand And this ensuing letter from the Lady Aubigny a grand Malignant after the slaughter of her Husband in a fight against the Parliament My Lord THe former letter J sent your Grace was written before J knew what great affliction God had laid upon me by the unfortunat losse of my deare Lord whereby I am made unfit to stir abroad to receive them or any other comfort and this Gentleman for the most part being at Cambridge since this miserable accident hath been the true cause I have not importuned your Grace to know if there can be any thing done in this businesse till J wait upon you which shall be as soone as J am fit to appeare in any place for as yet I confesse I cannot be so much my selfe to overcome my passion though I know my Lord dyed in a * just and honourable action and that I hope his soule finds which consideration is the only satisfaction of Your Graces humble servant Kath. Aubigny Ianuary 2. Comming from so distracted