<Church preferment.>
He then enjoyed his chanter's place at Excester, and, I thinke, was certainly minister of St. Laurence <Jewry> church (quaere) in London.
Anno Domini 166<1>, the deane of Exon dyed, and then it was his right to step-in next to the deanry.
<Becomes bishop of Exeter.>
Anno Domini 1663, the bishop of Exon dyed: Dr. Ward, the deane, was in Devonshire at that time, at ... (I thinke 'twas Taverstoke), at a visitation at ...,[XCVII.] where were a great number of the gentrey of the countrey. Deane Ward was very well knowne to the gentry, and his learning, prudence, and comity had wonne them[1190] all to be his friends. The newes of the death of the bishop being brought to them, who were all very merry and rejoycing with good entertainment, with great alacrity the gentlemen cryed all, uno uno[1191], 'Wee will have Mr. Deane[1192] to be our Bishop.' This was at that criticall time when the House of Commons were the king's darlings. The deane told them that for his part he had no interest or acquaintance at Court; but intimated to them how much the king esteemed the members of parliament (and a great many Parliament men were then there), and that his majestie would deny them nothing. 'If 'tis so, gentlemen' (sayd Mr. Deane), 'that you will needes have me to be your bishop, if some of you make your addresse to his majestie, 'twill be donne.'—With that they[XCVIII.] dranke the other glasse, a health to the king, and another to their wished-for bishop; had their horses presently made ready, putt foot in stirrup, and away they rode merrily to London; went to the king, and he immediately graunted them their request. This is the first time that ever a bishop was made by the House of Commons. Now, though envy cannot deny, that this worthy person was very well worthy any preferment could be conferred on him, yet the old bishops (e.g. Humphrey <Henchman>, bishop of London; John Cosins, bishop of Durham; etc.)[1193] were exceedingly disgruntled at it, to see a briske young bishop that could see through all their formall gravity, but 40 yeares old, not come in at the right dore but leape over the pale. It went to their very hearts. Well, bishop of Excester he was, to the great joy of all the diocese[1194]. Being bishop he had then free accesse to his majestie, who is a lover of ingenuity and a discerner of ingeniose men, and quickly tooke a liking to him.
[XCVII.] Vide the Mercurius of that time; quaere H. Broome[1195] for it.
[XCVIII.] Sir Edward Seymore; ... ...; ... ...; ... ...; ... ...
[1196]His great friend and patrone, Dr. <Samuel> Ward, ...; quaere what preferment did Dr. <Seth> Ward give him in the Church?
<Translated to Salisbury.>
[1197]Anno 1667, Alexander Hyde, the bishop of Sarum, dyed, and then he was made bishop of Sarum, mense <Sept.>