Archbishop. I was never he that authorised books to be printed: for it is the work of my Chaplains to read over other men's writings, and what is fit, to let it go; what is unfit, to expunge it.
Murray. But the King will have you yourself to do this, because he is minded that no books shall be allowed, but by you and the Bishop of London [then George Montaigne]: and my Lord of London authorised one the other day, Cosens's book; and he will have you do this.
Archbishop. This is an occupation that my old Master, King James, did never put me to; and yet I was then young, and had more abilities of body than I now have: so that I see I must now learn a new lesson. But leave it with me! and when I have read it, I shall know what to say unto it. A day or two hence, you shall understand my mind.
When I had once or twice perused it; I found some words which seemed to me to cross that which the King intended, and, in a sort, to destroy it; and therefore upon his return a day or two after, I expressed myself thus:
Master Murray! I conceive that the King intended that this Sermon shall promote the service now in hand about the Loan of Money: but in my opinion he much crosseth it. For he layeth it down for a rule (and because it should not be forgotten, he repeateth it again) that Christians are bound in duty one to another, especially all subjects to their Princes, according to the Laws and Customs of the Kingdom wherein they live. Out of this, will men except this Loan; because there is neither Law nor Custom for it, in the Kingdom of England.
Secondly. In my judgement, there followeth a dangerous speech, Habemus necessitatem vindicanda libertatis. (For this was all that was then quoted out of Calvin, no mention being made of any of the other words which are, now, in the printed copy.) For when, by the former rule he hath set men at liberty whether they will pay or not; he imposeth upon them a necessity to vindicate this liberty; and vindicare may be extended to challenge with violence, cum vi. But, for my part, I would be most unwilling to give occasion to Sedition and Mutiny in the kingdom!
Again, here is mention made of Poll Money; which, as I have heard, hath already caused much distaste where the Sermon was preached.
Moreover, what a speech is this? That he observes the forwardness of the Papists to offer double according to an Act of Parliament so providing; yea, to profess that they would part with the half of their goods: where he quoteth in the margent, Anno I. Caroli, the Act for the Subsidy of the Laity, whereby Popish Recusants were to pay double; when indeed there is no such Act!
And in the fifth place, it is said in this Sermon, that the Princes of Bohemia have power to depose their Kings, as not being hereditary. Which is a great question: such a one as hath cost much blood; and must not in a word be absolutely defined here, as if it were without controversy.
I pray you, make His Majesty acquainted with these things! and take the book with you!