Widdrington's speech on presenting the impeachment is a curiosity in its way. Amongst other odd things he says of Wren: "Without doubt he would never have been so strait-laced and severe in this particular (i. e., his hatred of extempore prayer), if he had but dreamed of that strait which a minister, a friend of his, was put into by this means. The story is short. A butcher was gored in the belly by an ox; the wound was cured; the party desired public thanksgiving in the congregation; the minister, finding no form for that purpose, read the collect for churching of women."—Parl. Hist., ii. 888.
[208] Fuller's Church History, iii. 418. See also Worthies, ii. 359.
[209] Hanbury's Historical Memorials, ii. 97-100.
Thomas Wiseman, in a letter (July 1, 1641) State Papers, says of the Scotch, "God send us well rid of them, and then we may hope to enjoy our ancient peace both of Church and Commonwealth, for till they are gone, whatever they pretend, we find they are the only disturbers of both."
[210] Rushworth, iv. 368.
[211] State Papers, Dom., 1641. Letter of Sidney Bere, August 18.
[212] Idem. Letter of Sidney Bere, August 22.
[213] Letter of Bere. August 30th.
In a manuscript diurnal, also preserved among the State Papers, it is remarked: "Mr. Henderson is in great favour with the king, and stands next to his chair in sermon time. His Majesty daily hears two sermons every Sunday, besides week-day lectures."
[214] Baillie's notices are to the same effect as Bere's: "Mr. Alexander Henderson, in the morning and evening before supper, does daily say prayers, read a chapter, sing a psalm, and say prayer again. The King hears all duly, and we hear none of his complaints for want of a liturgy or any ceremonies." Letters, i. 385.