[624] Neal, iii. 456.
[625] Scobell, (1647), 116.
[626] Neal, iii. 438.
[627] The following sentence appears in a newspaper of the period:—
"There are many amongst us who are called Independents, but what some say of them, I doubt not that they will prove honest men and peaceable for ought that I can see—experience gives them a better report than rumour."—Papers from the Scotch Quarters.
[628] The following letter, dated September 25th, 1645, was addressed to the mayor and aldermen of Norwich:—
"Gentlemen—The Parliament being desirous above all things to establish truth and righteousness in these kingdoms, towards which the settlement of a church government is very conducible, hath resolved to settle a presbyterial government in the kingdom. For the better effecting whereof you are required, with the advice of godly ministers and others, to consider how the county of the city of Norwich may be most conveniently divided into distinct classical Presbyteries, and what ministers and others are fit to be of each classis, and you are accordingly to make such divisions and nominations of persons for each classical Presbytery. Which divisions and persons so named for every division you are to certify to the House with all expedition. W. Lenthall, Speaker."—Blomefield's History of Norwich, i. 391.
[629] This appears from a petition presented by the Presbyterians to the mayor, in April, 1648, for a more thorough reformation, and complaining that faithful ministers were slighted, ejected ministers of the Church of England preferred, old ceremonies and the service book constantly used, and the directory not observed. The petitioners also prayed for a more thorough execution of the ordinances against superstition and idolatry, and specified as needing to be defaced a crucifix on the cathedral gate, another on the roof inside by the west door, and a third upon the free-school, as well as an "image of Christ upon the parish house of St. George's of Tombland."—Blomefield's History of Norwich, i. 393.
[630] Vox Norwici, or the city of Norwich vindicating their ministers, wherein the city of Norwich, viz., the court of mayoralty and common council, by their act of assembly, the rest of the well-affected citizens and inhabitants by the subscription of their names hereunto, do vindicate their ministers, Master Thornebacke, Master Carter, Master Stinnett, Master Fletcher, Master Bond, Master Stukeley, Master Test, and Master Mitchell, from the foul and false aspersions and slanders, which are unchristianly thrown upon them in a lying and scurrilous libel lately come forth, entitled "Vox Populi, or the People's Cry against the Clergy," or rather the voice of a schismatic, projecting the discouragement and driving away of our faithful teachers, but we hope his lies shall not so, effect it. Jer. viii. 30. London, 1646.
[631] See Godwin's Commonwealth, ii. 211-220, Memoirs of Edmund Ludlow, i. 172.