[723] In addition to the particular books which I have noticed, I may state that my chief authorities for these notices of the Bishops are Wood, Le Neve, and Salmon.
[724] I find amongst the State Papers the following, in a volume on Ecclesiastical affairs, containing Congé d'élires, &c.:—
"Dean and Chapter of Lichfield
"Whereas upon the vacancy of that see by the death of Dr. Hackett the late Bishop we did by our Congé d'élire and our Great Seal of England grant you our license to proceed to an election of a fit person to succeed in the same, and at the same time did by our letter written recommend to you our trusty &c. Dr. Wood Dean of that our cathedral church to be by you chosen Bishop of the said see according to the laws of this our realm. We have now thought fit hereby to signify our pleasure to you that we do hereby will and require you to forbear to proceed to the election of the said Dr. Wood until our pleasure shall be further signified unto you—whereof you may not fail.
"June 11, 1671."
[725] D'Oyley's Sancroft, i. 194.
[726] Yet it is said in his epitaph, in St. George's Chapel, Windsor,—"Exule Carolo II., bonis multatus, reverso, a sacris, hujus Capellæ Canonicus, Decanus Sarisburiensis, postea Cicestrensis Episcopus, φιλόξενος φιλάγαθος," &c., &c.
There is a curious account in Kennet's Hist. of Brideoake's visit to Lenthall, the Speaker, when on his death-bed. He owed much to Lenthall's influence during the Commonwealth. A letter in the State Paper Office, 1678, Oct. 7, conveys intelligence of his death, and asks, in consequence, for Church promotion.
[727] This Lloyd is to be distinguished from him of the same name who was one of the Seven Bishops.
[728] In Ichabod; or, Five Groans of the Church, mention is made of 1,342 factious clergymen.