have_v come_v thither_o hereupon_o the_o parishioner_n of_o croyden_n once_o again_o most_o humble_o petition_v his_o majesty_n in_o council_n and_o annex_v their_o proposal_n aforesaid_a show_v how_o inevitable_o they_o must_v be_v ruin_v if_o he_o be_v continue_v and_o pray_v his_o removal_n whereupon_o the_o 28_o of_o may_v 1673_o it_o be_v order_v as_o follow_v at_o the_o court_n at_o whitehall_n 28_o of_o may_n 1673._o present_v the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n his_o royal_a highness_n the_o duke_n of_o york_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n lord_n chancellor_n lord_n treasurer_n lord_n privy-seal_n duke_n of_o lauderdail_n earl_n of_o ogle_n earl_n of_o bridgwater_n earl_n of_o bath_n earl_n of_o carlisle_n earl_n of_o arlington_n earl_n of_o craven_n earl_n of_o carbury_n viscount_n of_o hallifax_n lord_n maynard_n lord_n newport_n lord_n holles_n mr._n vice-chamberlain_n mr._n secretary_n coventry_n mr._n chancellor_n of_o the_o excheq_n mr._n chancellor_n of_o the_o duchy_n mr._n of_o the_o ordnance_n sr._n thomas_n osburn_n mr._n speaker_n whereas_o upon_o hear_v the_o complaint_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o croyden_n in_o the_o county_n of_o surrey_n against_o dr._n clewer_n vicar_n of_o that_o place_n concern_v several_a exorbitant_a course_n by_o he_o practise_v for_o recovery_n of_o his_o tithe_n it_o be_v the_o 4_o of_o april_n last_o refer_v to_o his_o grace_n the_o lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o the_o lord_n high-chancellor_n of_o england_n to_o endeavour_v to_o settle_v the_o business_n for_o the_o future_a quiet_a of_o the_o parishioner_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o constant_a maintenance_n for_o the_o vicar_n there_o and_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n by_o their_o humble_a petition_n this_o day_n read_v at_o the_o board_n pray_v his_o majesty_n to_o receive_v a_o report_n from_o the_o lord_n reference_n of_o their_o proceed_n therein_o and_o to_o suspend_v the_o say_a doctor_n and_o give_v the_o petitioner_n leave_v to_o proceed_v at_o law_n against_o he_o or_o otherwise_o to_o relieve_v they_o it_o be_v thereupon_o order_v by_o his_o majesty_n in_o council_n that_o it_o be_v again_o refer_v to_o his_o grace_n the_o lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n high_a chancellor_n of_o england_n who_o call_v all_o party_n before_o they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o compose_v and_o settle_v the_o say_a business_n according_a to_o the_o proposal_n make_v by_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n of_o croyden_n but_o if_o they_o can_v effect_v the_o same_o than_o it_o be_v order_v that_o the_o say_a matter_n in_o difference_n be_v hear_v at_o this_o board_n on_o wednesday_n the_o 11_o of_o june_n next_o at_o which_o time_n all_o party_n concern_v be_v to_o give_v their_o attendance_n edward_n walker_n before_o the_o time_n for_o this_o hear_n come_v unlucky_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o dr._n clewer_n have_v take_v a_o little_a too_o much_o of_o the_o creature_n in_o london_n be_v upon_o his_o journey_n home_o just_a as_o god_n will_v please_v to_o have_v it_o to_o show_v what_o he_o deserve_v against_o the_o gallow_n near_o newington-butt_n his_o horse_n throw_v he_o or_o he_o fall_v off_o from_o his_o horse_n break_v his_o leg_n in_o three_o piece_n and_o put_v his_o shoulder_n out_o there_o he_o lay_v and_o none_o will_v help_v he_o the_o people_n thereabouts_o know_v he_o so_o well_o that_o one_o cry_v there_o lie_v the_o vicar_n of_o croyden_n with_o his_o leg_n break_v i_o will_v to_o god_n he_o have_v break_v his_o neck_n the_o church_n will_v then_o be_v no_o more_o scandalize_v by_o such_o a_o rogue_n nor_o the_o poor_a people_n torment_v other_o wish_v more_o severe_a thing_n which_o savour_v not_o of_o christianity_n therefore_o we_o will_v not_o mention_v they_o but_o certain_a it_o be_v no_o one_o will_v help_v to_o remove_v he_o till_o they_o be_v pay_v beforehand_o because_o he_o be_v count_v so_o great_a a_o knave_n that_o none_o will_v trust_v he_o nor_o will_v a_o coachman_n take_v he_o up_o to_o carry_v he_o to_o dr._n welden_n house_n the_o parson_n of_o newington_n before_o he_o have_v ten_o shilling_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v not_o half_a a_o mile_n and_o when_o he_o be_v at_o doctor_n welden_n house_n he_o send_v for_o one_o doctor_n thorland_n the_o bonesetter_n from_o london_n who_o find_v he_o in_o a_o very_a ill_a condition_n but_o very_o glad_a he_o see_v he_o at_o all_o for_o it_o happen_v about_o twenty_o year_n since_o a_o accident_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n befall_v he_o in_o northamptonshire_n of_o which_o the_o say_a doctor_n thorland_n cure_v he_o but_o to_o this_o day_n be_v never_o pay_v for_o it_o nevertheless_o the_o good_a man_n as_o become_v a_o christian_a pity_v the_o doctor_n and_o see_v his_o misery_n apply_v himself_o to_o his_o cure_n and_o effect_v the_o same_o in_o about_o three_o month_n when_o he_o demand_v for_o his_o pain_n in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a cure_n fifty_o pound_n but_o the_o doctor_n will_v not_o pay_v he_o upon_o which_o he_o arrest_v he_o thereupon_o he_o plead_v himself_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n show_v a_o certificate_n of_o his_o be_v swear_v in_o that_o capacity_n and_o so_o get_v off_o without_o pay_v for_o his_o cure_n and_o as_o unworthy_o he_o serve_v doctor_n welden_n in_o who_o house_n he_o so_o long_o lie_v sick_a to_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o disorder_n of_o his_o family_n prejudice_n and_o spoil_v of_o his_o good_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o cause_n can_v not_o come_v to_o a_o hear_v as_o by_o the_o order_n of_o 28_o may_n 1673_o be_v direct_v but_o during_o this_o the_o doctor_n sickness_n he_o be_v several_a time_n send_v unto_o by_o his_o grace_n of_o canterbury_n and_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n to_o know_v if_o he_o will_v resign_v he_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v so_o soon_o as_o there_o be_v indifferent_a person_n nominate_v to_o arbitrate_v the_o difference_n between_o he_o and_o his_o parishioner_n concern_v arrear_n of_o tithe_n thereupon_o his_o parishioner_n present_v the_o petition_n annex_v and_o have_v the_o order_n of_o reference_n under-written_a make_v thereupon_o to_o his_o grace_n the_o lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n high_a chancellor_n of_o england_n the_o humble_a petition_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o croyden_n humble_o show_v that_o your_o petitioner_n most_o thankful_o acknowledge_v your_o lordship_n great_a favour_n in_o give_v they_o hope_n of_o the_o removal_n of_o doctor_n clewer_n their_o vicar_n and_o place_v among_o they_o mr._n hescott_n who_o have_v be_v two_o sunday_n with_o they_o and_o preach_v and_o the_o whole_a parish_n in_o general_n satisfy_v with_o he_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o make_v good_a their_o former_a proposal_n under_o their_o hand_n for_o make_v a_o settle_a maintenance_n of_o one_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o pound_n per_n ann_n to_o be_v secure_v and_o pay_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o therein_o be_v propose_v sunday_n the_o 22_o day_n of_o june_n instant_a the_o church_n doores_n be_v shut_v up_o there_o be_v no_o person_n to_o preach_v or_o read_v prayer_n which_o be_v a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o the_o parish_n that_o doctor_n clewer_n who_o as_o your_o petitioner_n be_v inform_v have_v resign_v his_o vicarage_n or_o promise_v on_o friday_n last_o be_v seven_o night_n so_o to_o have_v do_v do_v now_o refuse_v to_o make_v such_o surrender_n until_o by_o your_o lordship_n two_o gentleman_n be_v nominate_v and_o appoint_v to_o arbitrate_v the_o matter_n in_o difference_n between_o he_o and_o some_o of_o the_o parishioner_n concern_v his_o tithe_n in_o arrear_n to_o which_o your_o petitioner_n ready_o consent_v that_o by_o the_o order_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o council_n upon_o the_o last_o petition_n present_v by_o your_o petitioner_n it_o be_v refer_v to_o your_o lordship_n to_o end_v this_o business_n if_o you_o can_v or_o otherwise_o the_o cause_n upon_o the_o say_a petition_n to_o have_v be_v hear_v at_o that_o board_n the_o 11_o of_o june_n last_o pass_v that_o your_o petitioner_n have_v none_o to_o preach_v to_o they_o or_o christian_a marry_o or_o bury_v mr._n hescott_n be_v go_v into_o the_o country_n the_o premise_n consider_v they_o most_o humble_o implore_v your_o lordship_n favour_n to_o nominate_v and_o appoint_v under_o your_o hand_n two_o person_n to_o arbitrate_v the_o difference_n aforesaid_a and_o desire_v they_o to_o meet_v and_o end_v the_o same_o and_o that_o doctor_n clewer_n may_v give_v his_o final_a determination_n whether_o he_o will_v surrender_v or_o not_o and_o the_o cause_n thereupon_o to_o be_v set_v down_o to_o be_v hear_v in_o council_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o appoint_v some_o good_a man_n to_o preach_v among_o they_o and_o as_o in_o duty_n bind_v they_o shall_v pray_v
with_o such_o unreasonable_a charge_n as_o he_o demand_v of_o they_o 10._o he_o have_v cite_v several_a of_o his_o parishioner_n into_o the_o spiritual_a court_n for_o pretend_a crime_n because_o he_o can_v not_o have_v his_o unjust_a demand_n of_o they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v so_o cite_v they_o have_v take_v sum_n of_o money_n of_o they_o to_o excuse_v they_o be_v prosecute_v in_o the_o say_v court_n 11._o that_o have_v let_v a_o lease_n of_o his_o tithe_n to_o one_o mr._n wood_n for_o a_o certain_a rent_n wood_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o lease_n receive_v tithe_n of_o the_o parishioner_n and_o pay_v he_o his_o rent_n after_o which_o he_o sue_v the_o parishioner_n over_o again_o for_o the_o same_o tithe_n and_o force_v they_o for_o quietness_n to_o pay_v he_o declare_v the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v quiet_a be_v to_o pay_v both_o wood_n and_o he_o 12._o several_a poor_a people_n have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a dreadful_a sickness_n bury_v their_o relation_n in_o the_o wood_n the_o say_a doctor_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o necessity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o extend_v his_o charity_n towards_o their_o relief_n that_o he_o force_v they_o to_o pay_v unreasonable_a fee_n for_o their_o burial_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v bury_v by_o he_o in_o the_o churchyard_n those_o that_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o he_o he_o sue_v and_o extort_a great_a sum_n of_o money_n from_o they_o for_o his_o charge_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n before_o he_o will_v clear_v his_o prosecution_n 13._o he_o deny_v to_o receive_v his_o tithe_n in_o kind_n of_o several_a of_o his_o parishioner_n though_o due_o tender_v to_o he_o and_o he_o desire_v to_o accept_v of_o they_o demand_n of_o they_o what_o money_n he_o please_v in_o lieu_n thereof_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o pay_v what_o he_o demand_v he_o sue_v they_o at_o law_n and_o if_o they_o agree_v and_o pay_v for_o one_o two_o three_o four_o five_o or_o six_o year_n at_o the_o rate_n compound_v for_o then_o at_o the_o six_o year_n end_n he_o demand_v of_o they_o the_o arrear_n of_o tithe_n pretend_v the_o tithe_n to_o be_v of_o great_a yearly_a value_n then_o what_o he_o compound_v for_o and_o if_o the_o people_n will_v not_o pay_v what_o he_o demand_v above_o his_o composition-money_n pay_v for_o these_o year_n past_a than_o he_o sue_v they_o till_o they_o by_o fright_n and_o be_v put_v to_o unreasonable_a trouble_n and_o charge_n be_v enforce_v to_o give_v he_o what_o he_o demand_v rather_o than_o be_v undo_v by_o contend_v with_o he_o that_o be_v the_o lesser_a evil_n of_o the_o too_o by_o he_o put_v to_o their_o choice_n 14._o here_o by_o this_o violent_a persecution_n of_o diverse_a poor_a man_n have_v force_v they_o to_o leave_v their_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o seek_v shelter_n in_o remote_a place_n to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o their_o family_n 15._o he_o demand_v of_o the_o poor_a inhabitant_n the_o ten_o penny_n get_v by_o their_o day_n labour_n and_o threaten_v to_o compel_v they_o to_o bring_v their_o milk_n into_o the_o church-porch_n to_o sell_v and_o there_o deliver_v he_o his_o ten_o from_o some_o he_o have_v extort_a great_a sum_n of_o money_n on_o pretence_n that_o he_o have_v be_v at_o law_n with_o they_o seven_o year_n whereas_o they_o be_v never_o serve_v with_o any_o process_n other_o he_o have_v serve_v with_o process_n after_o they_o have_v new_o pay_v he_o his_o demand_n to_o put_v they_o to_o further_a vexation_n and_o charge_n one_o process_n which_o he_o have_v take_v out_o against_o a_o man_n he_o alter_v it_o and_o make_v another_o man_n pay_v the_o charge_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v original_o make_v out_o against_o he_o 16._o he_o frequent_o extort_v great_a sum_n of_o money_n from_o his_o parishioner_n for_o marry_v out_o of_o the_o parish_n and_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o pay_v he_o what_o he_o demand_v for_o that_o offence_n he_o refuse_v to_o receive_v their_o tithe_n and_o then_o sue_v they_o for_o their_o tithe_n and_o that_o together_o 17._o such_o person_n as_o refuse_v to_o pay_v the_o say_a doctor_n his_o unjust_a demand_n he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o clerk_n to_o receive_v his_o just_a due_n threaten_v to_o sue_v both_o for_o his_o money_n and_o clerk_n due_n when_o as_o both_o have_v be_v tender_v and_o may_v have_v be_v receive_v without_o any_o suit_n 18._o he_o have_v arrest_v several_a on_o pretend_a great_a action_n and_o thereby_o keep_v they_o in_o prison_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o trial_n can_v prove_v nothing_o against_o they_o to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o these_o poor_a people_n imprison_v and_o have_v force_v several_a person_n to_o pay_v he_o five_o pound_n where_o his_o due_n be_v but_o twelve_o penny_n by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a extortion_n he_o make_v his_o live_n above_o 250_o l._n per_fw-la annum_fw-la which_o never_o be_v worth_n to_o any_o his_o predecessor_n above_o 60_o l._n and_o enrich_v himself_o by_o the_o ruin_n of_o his_o parishioner_n especial_o the_o poor_a sort_n that_o live_v on_o the_o common_a who_o he_o endeavour_v to_o enslave_v because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o contend_v with_o he_o at_o law_n that_o petition_n and_o article_n be_v read_v the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n his_o royal_a highness_n the_o duke_n of_o york_n and_o eighteen_o more_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy-council_n be_v present_a and_o the_o order_n follow_v be_v make_v at_o the_o court_n at_o whitehall_n the_o 21_o march_n 1672._o present_v the_o king_n be_v most_o excellent_a majesty_n his_o royal_a highness_n the_o duke_n of_o york_n lord_n chancellor_n lord_n treasurer_n duke_n of_o lauderdale_n duke_n of_o ormond_n earl_n of_o bridgwater_n earl_n of_o northampton_n earl_n of_o anglesey_n earl_n of_o carlisle_z earl_n of_o arlington_n earl_n of_o bath_n earl_n of_o craven_n lord_n viscount_n falconbridge_n lord_n newport_n lord_n berkley_n mr._n secretary_n coventry_n mr._n chancellor_n of_o the_o duchy_n master_n of_o the_o ordnance_n sir_n thomas_n osborne_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o town_n of_o croyden_n in_o the_o county_n of_o surrey_n by_o their_o petition_n this_o day_n read_v at_o the_o board_n humble_o complain_v of_o the_o many_o oppression_n extortion_n violent_a and_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n of_o dr._n william_n clewer_n vicar_n of_o the_o say_a parish_n of_o croyden_n against_o the_o petitioner_n under_o pretence_n of_o recover_v his_o tithe_n insomuch_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n if_o relief_n be_v not_o give_v must_v of_o the_o petitioner_n will_v be_v force_v to_o leave_v their_o dwelling_n or_o be_v inevitable_o ruin_v as_o some_o of_o they_o with_o their_o family_n have_v already_o be_v it_o be_v thereupon_o order_v by_o his_o majesty_n in_o council_n that_o the_o petitioner_n do_v forthwith_o deliver_v in_o to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o council_n attend_v the_o particular_n wherewith_o they_o intend_v to_o charge_v the_o say_a dr._n clewer_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v have_v a_o copy_n thereof_o timely_a enough_o to_o come_v prepare_v to_o make_v his_o defence_n thereunto_o on_o friday_n the_o four_o of_o april_n next_o which_o time_n his_o majesty_n have_v appoint_v to_o hear_v the_o say_a complaint_n and_o do_v command_v that_o all_o party_n concern_v do_v then_o give_v their_o attendance_n john_n nicholas_n according_a to_o this_o order_n a_o short_a paper_n be_v deliver_v in_o to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o council_n whereby_o the_o parishioner_n declare_v they_o will_v insist_v upon_o oppression_n extortion_n common_a barratry_n subornation_n of_o perjury_n forgery_n felony_n and_o some_o more_o such_o like_a petty_a crime_n of_o his_o doctorship_n but_o before_o the_o cause_n come_v to_o be_v hear_v the_o act_n of_o grace_n come_v out_o and_o barratry_n a_o thing_n never_o pardon_v by_o any_o former_a act_n of_o grace_n be_v pardon_v thereby_o the_o four_o of_o april_n 1673._o his_o majesty_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o come_v early_o to_o the_o council_n and_o together_o with_o his_o royal_a highness_n and_o twenty_o more_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o privy_a council_n sit_v with_o unspeakable_a patience_n hear_v the_o charge_n against_o the_o say_a doctor_n make_v good_a which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o several_a person_n in_o every_o particular_a mention_v in_o the_o say_a article_n and_o many_o other_o if_o possible_a more_o wicked_a and_o heinous_a than_o the_o former_a be_v prove_v against_o he_o 1._o as_o first_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o trustee_n for_o the_o almshouse_n in_o croyden_n will_v not_o suffer_v almes-man_n to_o be_v admit_v till_o he_o have_v force_v they_o to_o promise_v to_o allow_v he_o one_o half_a of_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o say_a almshouse_n and_o take_v bond_n for_o the_o same_o which_o do_v he_o admit_v they_o and_o will_v have_v turn_v one_o edward_n
humphrey_n out_o of_o his_o alms-house_n when_o he_o can_v no_o long_o afford_v to_o pay_v he_o four_o shilling_n a_o month_n according_a to_o the_o say_a bond_n which_o humphrey_n be_v now_o turn_v out_o by_o the_o say_a doctor_n 2._o that_o when_o at_o the_o sacrament_n money_n have_v be_v collect_v for_o the_o poor_a he_o take_v a_o three_o part_n of_o it_o to_o his_o own_o use_n say_v none_o be_v poor_a than_o the_o vicar_n and_o keep_v it_o which_o have_v since_o prevent_v man_n charity_n 3._o that_o he_o send_v for_o a_o man_n from_o london_n pretend_v he_o will_v pay_v he_o some_o money_n which_o he_o owe_v his_o father_n who_o be_v dead_a the_o poor_a man_n come_v to_o croyden_n to_o his_o house_n and_o be_v make_v welcome_a and_o have_v good_a meat_n and_o drink_n after_o which_o he_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o doctor_n into_o the_o garden_n make_v eat_v fruit_n which_o do_v he_o send_v he_o away_o without_o a_o penny_n of_o money_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o for_o soon_o after_o he_o arrest_v the_o poor_a man_n in_o a_o action_n of_o trespass_n of_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o pound_n damage_n for_o come_v into_o his_o ground_n keep_v he_o a_o prisoner_n till_o he_o be_v force_v to_o seal_v he_o a_o general_a release_n and_o so_o cheat_v he_o of_o his_o debt_n which_o be_v about_o thirty_o pound_n and_o grow_v due_a to_o his_o father_n mr._n preston_n as_o aforesaid_a for_o officiate_a as_o curate_n for_o he_o at_o ashton_n in_o northamptonshire_n 4._o they_o prove_v that_o the_o doctor_n have_v two_o special_a bailiff_n that_o do_v all_o his_o business_n one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v burn_v in_o the_o hand_n the_o other_o a_o vile_a rogue_n as_o be_v in_o the_o country_n these_o arrest_v his_o parishioner_n then_o bring_v they_o to_o his_o house_n there_o they_o be_v keep_v prisoner_n till_o he_o force_v they_o to_o agree_v to_o what_o he_o please_v which_o do_v he_o draw_v they_o into_o judgement_n instead_o of_o pretend_a note_n and_o these_o be_v they_o who_o he_o use_v together_o with_o a_o most_o excellent_a gentlewoman_n mrs._n ream_n be_v daughter_n in_o law_n who_o go_v there_o by_o the_o name_n of_o mrs._n clewer_n who_o by_o the_o report_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o people_n at_o westminster_n have_v a_o child_n before_o her_o marriage_n lay_v in_o at_o westminster_n and_o the_o doctor_n be_v much_o with_o she_o and_o she_o go_v for_o his_o wife_n though_o her_o mother_n be_v then_o alive_a now_o live_v in_o the_o doctor_n house_n whole_o govern_v he_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o make_v he_o oppress_v the_o people_n as_o she_o please_v and_o be_v his_o constant_a witness_n to_o all_o his_o agreement_n 5._o they_o prove_v that_o when_o the_o doctor_n have_v go_v into_o the_o pulpit_n to_o preach_v he_o have_v drop_v bundle_n of_o writ_n out_o of_o his_o pocket_n take_v out_o against_o his_o parishioner_n and_o be_v take_v up_o and_o peruse_v have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v raze_v in_o the_o date_n and_o in_o the_o name_n and_o new_a date_n and_o new_a name_n put_v into_o they_o which_o be_v a_o frequent_a thing_n with_o he_o he_o make_v twenty_o warrant_n out_o against_o twenty_o person_n upon_o one_o single_a writ_n and_o make_v each_o person_n pay_v seven_o shilling_n six_o penny_n for_o charge_n when_o the_o writ_n cost_v he_o not_o above_o three_o shilling_n so_o that_o he_o get_v above_o seven_o pound_n by_o a_o writ_n and_o make_v a_o property_n of_o his_o majesty_n court_n of_o exchequer_n to_o the_o enrich_n himself_o and_o impoverish_v his_o parishioner_n and_o after_o when_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v preach_v on_o sunday_n do_v use_v to_o ride_v to_o london_n to_o follow_v suit_n against_o his_o parishioner_n leave_v they_o without_o any_o one_o to_o preach_v or_o read_v prayer_n for_o they_o 6._o that_o he_o send_v for_o the_o parishioner_n to_o come_v to_o his_o house_n to_o pay_v their_o tithe_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o do_v frequent_o arrest_v some_o of_o they_o in_o action_n of_o trespass_n for_o come_v upon_o his_o ground_n thereby_o put_v they_o to_o great_a charge_n and_o ruin_v some_o of_o they_o 7._o that_o he_o hire_v a_o carrier_n to_o bring_v his_o good_n to_o london_n which_o be_v do_v and_o in_o london_n a_o old_a desk_n be_v steal_v out_o of_o the_o carrier_n warehouse_n by_o his_o let_v his_o good_n lie_v there_o three_o week_n after_o bring_v up_o but_o the_o man_n that_o steal_v it_o be_v catch_v the_o desk_n bring_v back_o to_o the_o inn_n be_v open_v not_o know_v who_o it_o be_v and_o there_o be_v only_o in_o it_o a_o pair_n of_o slipper_n and_o one_o old_a law_n book_n the_o doctor_n arrest_v the_o carrier_n declare_v against_o he_o for_o 190_o l._n pretend_a to_o be_v in_o the_o say_a desk_n the_o carrier_n tell_v his_o landlord_n thereof_o he_o produce_v the_o say_a desk_n with_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a in_o it_o so_o that_o suit_n cease_v 8._o he_o have_v cause_v the_o gentry_n to_o leave_v the_o town_n to_o the_o ruin_n thereof_o spoil_v the_o school_n so_o that_o no_o gentleman_n son_n come_v at_o it_o he_o have_v cause_v land_n and_o house_n to_o fall_v in_o their_o rent_n bring_v down_o the_o price_n of_o they_o in_o their_o sale_n above_o three_o year_n purchase_n make_v tenant_n that_o they_o will_v take_v no_o lease_n unless_o landlord_n will_v covenant_n to_o secure_v they_o against_o he_o which_o they_o dare_v not_o do_v and_o so_o the_o house_n and_o land_n stand_v empty_a and_o lie_v waste_n and_o he_o have_v force_v the_o parishioner_n to_o leave_v their_o parish-church_n and_o to_o keep_v from_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v not_o above_o ten_o or_o twelve_o in_o the_o parish_n beside_o almspeople_v who_o be_v oblige_v that_o will_v come_v to_o the_o church_n or_o sacrament_n but_o if_o a_o stranger_n at_o any_o time_n do_v preach_v there_o come_v at_o least_o six_o seven_o or_o eight_o hundred_o last_o that_o the_o say_a doctor_n endeavour_v to_o part_v husband_n from_o their_o wife_n raise_v false_a story_n of_o they_o offer_v himself_o to_o sue_v out_o divorce_n and_o many_o more_o crime_n of_o this_o nature_n these_o matter_n and_o also_o the_o aforesaid_a article_n be_v clear_o prove_v the_o say_a doctor_n only_o for_o defence_n offer_v that_o the_o parishioner_n will_v pay_v he_o no_o tithe_n thereupon_o be_v force_v to_o sue_v they_o for_o his_o due_n and_o pray_v time_n to_o make_v defence_n whereupon_o the_o order_n follow_v be_v make_v at_o whitehall_n the_o four_o of_o april_n 1673._o present_v the_o king_n be_v most_o excellent_a majesty_n his_o royal_a highness_n the_o duke_n of_o york_n his_o highness_n prince_n rupert_n lord_n chancellor_n lord_n treasurer_n duke_n of_o lauderdale_n duke_n of_o ormond_n marquess_z of_o worcester_z earl_n of_o ogle_n earl_n of_o ossory_n lord_n great-chamberlain_n earl_n of_o bridgwater_n earl_n of_o northampton_n earl_n of_o anglesey_n earl_n of_o carlisle_z earl_n of_o craven_n earl_n of_o arlington_n earl_n of_o carbury_n viscount_n hallifax_n mr._n secretary_n coventry_n mr._n chancellor_n of_o the_o duchy_n master_n of_o the_o ordnance_n his_o majesty_n have_v this_o day_n hear_v at_o large_a the_o complaint_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o croyden_n in_o surrey_n against_o doctor_n clewer_n vicar_n of_o that_o place_n concern_v several_a exorbitant_a course_n by_o he_o practise_v for_o recovery_n of_o his_o tithe_n be_v please_v to_o refer_v the_o whole_a matter_n to_o his_o grace_n the_o lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o to_o the_o earl_n of_o shaftsbury_n lord_n high_a chancellor_n of_o england_n who_o require_v the_o say_a doctor_n and_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a person_n of_o the_o say_a parish_n to_o attend_v they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o settle_v the_o business_n for_o the_o future_a quiet_a of_o the_o parishioner_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o constant_a maintenance_n for_o the_o vicar_n there_o which_o if_o their_o lordship_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v they_o be_v to_o return_v their_o opinion_n and_o advice_n to_o his_o majesty_n what_o they_o conceive_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v therein_o john_n nicholas_n with_o this_o order_n his_o grace_n the_o lord_n arch_a bishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n high_a chancellor_n of_o england_n be_v attend_v they_o be_v please_v to_o appoint_v a_o day_n in_o may_v last_v past_a when_o both_o party_n with_o their_o witness_n shall_v attend_v their_o lordship_n at_o lambeth-house_n where_o the_o matter_n aforesaid_a be_v make_v manifest_a as_o also_o that_o the_o say_a doctor_n clewer_n be_v a_o notorious_a and_o common_a thief_n that_o use_v to_o come_v into_o bookseller_n shop_n and_o steal_v book_n and_o carry_v they_o away_o
the_o case_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o 〈…〉_o parish_n of_o croyden_n in_o the_o coâ—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o concern_v the_o great_a 〈…〉_o under_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_o â—â—â—â—â—tions_n and_o violent_a illegal_a and_o 〈…〉_o prosecution_n of_o doctor_n william_n 〈…〉_o care_n of_o the_o say_a parish_n humble_o present_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o parliament_n the_o say_a doctor_n william_n cleâ—â—â—_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a rebellion_n obtain_v a_o sequester_v 〈…〉_o in_o northamptonshire_n in_o which_o he_o behave_v himself_o much_o unlike_a clergyman_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o article_n annex_v 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v in_o those_o day_n exhibit_v against_o he_o however_o 〈…〉_o continue_a to_o persecute_v the_o poor_a people_n 〈…〉_o majesty_n most_o happy_a restaâ—â—ation_n to_o his_o crown_n and_o 〈◊〉_d when_o doctor_n whitford_n the_o person_n sequester_v out_o of_o the_o say_v live_v 〈…〉_o above_o seventy_o year_n of_o age_n and_o live_v be_v restore_v to_o his_o benefice_n which_o 〈…〉_o live_n he_o entertain_v one_o mr._n preston_n to_o be_v his_o reader_n who_o accept_v 〈…〉_o â—â—â—ved_n and_o officiate_v there_o in_o that_o capacity_n but_o clewer_n will_v never_o pay_v he_o his_o wage_n so_o that_o he_o may_v have_v starve_v if_o some_o of_o the_o parishioner_n to_o who_o by_o 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v sometime_o read_v common_a prayer_n and_o divine_a service_n have_v not_o give_v he_o relief_n for_o which_o clewer_n cause_v he_o to_o be_v send_v for_o up_o to_o london_n by_o a_o 〈…〉_o and_o be_v so_o old_a that_o he_o can_v not_o ride_v on_o horseback_n he_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o cart_n stuff_v with_o straw_n and_o keep_v at_o london_n till_o utter_o ruin_v and_o than_o they_o release_v he_o the_o article_n exhibit_v against_o the_o say_a clewer_n by_o the_o say_a parishioner_n be_v as_o follow_v article_n exhibit_v against_o william_n clewer_n minister_n of_o ashton_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n first_o that_o the_o say_v clewer_n be_v a_o very_a covetous_a man_n and_o do_v endeavour_v unjust_o to_o exact_v and_o extort_v sum_n of_o money_n and_o other_o thing_n from_o the_o say_a parishioner_n and_o other_o that_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v for_o the_o say_v clewer_n do_v unjust_o demand_v a_o cow_n for_o a_o herriot_n of_o sarah_n honour_n a_o poor_a widow_n who_o husband_n be_v then_o late_o dead_a and_o die_v so_o poor_a that_o the_o parish_n be_v force_v to_o bury_v he_o at_o their_o charge_n he_o leave_v his_o say_a wife_n with_o five_o small_a child_n and_o nothing_o to_o maintain_v they_o but_o that_o one_o cow_n and_o it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o any_o herriot_n be_v there_o pay_v and_o the_o better_a to_o procure_v his_o end_n therein_o the_o say_a clewer_n promise_v she_o that_o if_o she_o will_v let_v he_o have_v the_o cow_n he_o will_v procure_v she_o a_o warrant_n from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n that_o the_o parish_n shall_v pay_v she_o weekly_o one_o shilling_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o herself_o and_o child_n the_o say_v clewer_n have_v several_a time_n unjust_o detain_v and_o withhold_v the_o wage_n of_o labourer_n from_o they_o who_o have_v painful_o and_o faithful_o do_v their_o duty_n he_o cause_v a_o poor_a widow_n who_o husband_n be_v there_o late_o dead_a and_o she_o herself_o â—eing_v then_o very_a sick_a and_o weak_a and_o almost_o blind_a and_o leave_v in_o debt_n fifty_o pound_n at_o least_o have_v four_o small_a child_n unable_a to_o maintain_v themselves_o to_o pay_v he_o the_o ten_o penny_n for_o a_o calf_n which_o she_o sell_v towards_o the_o payment_n of_o her_o husband_n debt_n and_o enforce_v she_o to_o pay_v two_o penny_n for_o the_o head_n and_o pluck_v which_o she_o have_v reserve_v for_o herself_o the_o say_v clewer_n have_v pull_v down_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o parsonage_n house_n and_o convert_v the_o material_n thereof_o to_o his_o own_o use_n the_o say_v clewer_n notwithstanding_o his_o parsonage_n at_o ashton_n be_v worth_a one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o pound_n by_o the_o year_n at_o least_o yet_o for_o lucre_n of_o money_n do_v undertake_v to_o serve_v another_o cure_n of_o twenty_o pound_n by_o the_o year_n by_o mean_n whereof_o he_o serve_v neither_o of_o they_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o say_v clewer_n be_v a_o very_a contentious_a man_n and_o do_v much_o vex_v and_o trouble_v and_o disquiet_v his_o neighbour_n parishioner_n and_o other_o by_o unjust_a suit_n and_o malicious_a trouble_n for_o the_o say_v clewer_n do_v in_o a_o clandestine_v way_n procure_v a_o bond_n which_o be_v make_v to_o a_o sergeant_n at_o arm_n for_o security_n and_o such_o one_o budworth_n who_o be_v surety_n herein_o upon_o the_o same_o and_o recover_v fifty_o pound_n of_o he_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o spend_v fifty_o pound_n more_o at_o least_o notwithstanding_o the_o sergeant_n at_o arm_n be_v never_o damnify_v one_o penny_n thereby_o the_o say_v clewer_n have_v at_o the_o last_o assize_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n indict_v a_o gentlewoman_n of_o his_o parish_n of_o good_a parentage_n and_o of_o worth_n and_o quality_n for_o felony_n for_o steal_v of_o his_o horse_n and_o himself_o and_o his_o wife_n and_o maid_n give_v evidence_n thereupon_o and_o will_v have_v bring_v the_o gentlewoman_n life_n in_o question_n if_o he_o possible_o can_v have_v do_v it_o and_o when_o the_o grand_a jury_n have_v return_v the_o bill_n ignoramus_n he_o give_v out_o in_o speech_n that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o disparage_v the_o gentlewoman_n by_o what_o he_o have_v do_v that_o he_o have_v commence_v suit_n against_o divers_a of_o his_o parishioner_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o pay_v he_o his_o just_a due_n because_o they_o will_v not_o pay_v what_o he_o will_v unjust_o have_v exact_v and_o extort_a from_o they_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o pay_v just_a debt_n owe_v by_o he_o and_o have_v declare_v he_o will_v rather_o spend_v one_o hundred_o pound_n in_o law_n than_o pay_v five_o pound_n when_o he_o be_v sue_v for_o it_o though_o it_o be_v due_a the_o say_v clewer_n be_v very_o weak_a unable_a and_o insufficient_a for_o the_o ministerial_a function_n and_o idle_a and_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n therein_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v nor_o perform_v what_o of_o duty_n he_o ought_v for_o he_o do_v ordinary_o preach_v other_o man_n work_n verbatim_o that_o be_v in_o print_n which_o the_o parishioner_n have_v in_o their_o house_n and_o can_v read_v at_o home_o he_o have_v several_a time_n in_o his_o sermon_n utter_v and_o speak_v nonsense_n he_o have_v neglect_v his_o cure_n upon_o several_a lord_n day_n to_o prosecute_v contentious_a suit_n and_o quarrel_n and_o for_o his_o own_o ease_n and_o procure_v none_o to_o supply_v the_o same_o refuse_v to_o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o a_o visible_a believer_n be_v tender_v and_o the_o father_n present_a refuse_v to_o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o a_o soldier_n that_o be_v in_o service_n because_o the_o father_n be_v not_o present_a and_o the_o child_n die_v within_o few_o day_n the_o say_v clewer_n be_v scandalous_a in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n for_o first_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o a_o common_a speaker_n of_o untruth_n second_o he_o do_v private_o keep_v in_o his_o house_n one_o mistress_n bernard_n widow_n six_o or_o seven_o week_n together_o and_o deny_v that_o she_o be_v there_o and_o afterward_o keep_v she_o public_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o she_o and_o now_o keep_v she_o as_o his_o wife_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v ever_o marry_v according_a to_o the_o law_n be_v not_o know_v that_o he_o the_o say_v clewer_n have_v be_v drink_v and_o abuse_v himself_o with_o excess_n the_o king_n majesty_n be_v restore_v the_o sequester_v incumbent_a doctor_n whitford_n enter_v upon_o the_o say_v live_v and_o doctor_n clewer_n be_v thereupon_o to_o seek_v for_o a_o benefice_n come_v to_o london_n and_o then_o pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o zealous_a son_n of_o the_o church_n though_o for_o ten_o year_n before_o he_o have_v possess_v the_o sequester_v live_v and_o violent_o prosecute_v his_o reader_n for_o read_v common-prayer_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o not_o be_v well_o know_v about_o london_n hear_v that_o the_o vicarage_n of_o croyden_n be_v void_a make_v friend_n to_o the_o earl_n of_o clarenden_n then_o lord_n chancellor_n of_o england_n to_o obtain_v the_o same_o which_o he_o effect_v by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o gentleman_n to_o who_o he_o promise_v a_o good_a reward_n for_o his_o pain_n to_o be_v pay_v he_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o presentation_n shall_v be_v seal_v which_o gentleman_n have_v obtain_v the_o presentation_n the_o doctor_n get_v it_o from_o he_o but_o never_o pay_v he_o to_o this_o day_n as_o the_o gentleman_n report_v that_o have_v get_v this_o presentation_n to_o croyden_n he_o hasten_v thither_o the_o vicarage_n consist_v only_o of_o