CHAPTER VI.
While so much of argument and eloquence was expended upon Episcopacy in the abstract, it is natural to ask what became of the bishops themselves? At the opening of the Long Parliament a committee had been formed to prepare charges against Laud. The Scotch busied themselves with the same matter as soon as they reached London, being exasperated by the attempts of the prelate to force Episcopacy upon their countrymen. On the 18th of December the Commons voted the Archbishop a traitor, and sent up a message to the Lords desiring that he might be committed to custody, stating also that their accusation would be established in convenient time.[205]
On the 24th of February articles were voted, and then presented to the Lords by Mr. Pym. He charged the Archbishop with subverting the constitution, by publications which he had encouraged; by influence he had used with ministers of justice; by his conduct both in the High Commission Court and in reference to the canons; by his tyrannical power in ecclesiastical and temporal matters; by setting up Popish superstition and idolatry; by abusing trust reposed in him by his Majesty; by choosing chaplains disaffected to the reformed religion; by attempting to reconcile the Church of England and the Church of Rome; by persecuting orthodox ministers; by causing division in England, and between the two kingdoms; and, finally, by subverting the rights of Parliament. Mr. Pym read these articles, and supported them. A few days afterwards the Archbishop was sent to the Tower.[206]
Bishops.
Bishop Wren, who, according to a witticism of the age, is called the least of all these birds, and the most unclean among them, was early arrested (December 22), yet he was allowed to remain at large on bail. On the 20th of July the articles of his impeachment were presented by Sir Thomas Widdrington. The bishop—it was alleged, amongst other things—had ordered that the Communion-table should be placed altar-wise with steps and rails, and that communicants should kneel as they received the sacrament. He had enjoined the reading of the "Book of Sports," and had deprived godly ministers for refusing to submit to that unscriptural injunction. Prayers had been forbidden by him before sermon; and clergymen had been required to preach in hood and surplice. He had also been the means of excommunicating as many as fifty faithful pastors, and had been guilty of appointing Popishly-affected chaplains.[207]
1641.