Some other matters there were, against which I took exception; but Master Murray being a young gentleman, although witty and full of good behaviour: I doubted that, being not deeply seen in Divinity, he could not so well conceive me or make report of my words to His Majesty: and therefore I, being lame and so disabled to wait on the King, did move him, that "He would, in my name, humbly beseech His Majesty to send [William Laud, then] the Bishop of Bath and Wells unto me; and I would, by his means, make known my scruples." And so I dismissed Master Murray; observing with myself, that the Answers to my five Objections especially to two or three [of them], were somewhat strange; as if the King were resolved (were it to his good, or to his harm) to have the book go forth.
After one or two days more, the young Gentleman cometh to me again, and telleth me, that "The King did not think it fit to send the Bishop of Bath unto me; but that expecteth I should pass the book."
In the meantime, had gone over one High Commission day; and this Bishop (who used otherwise on very few days, to fail) was not there: which being joined to His Majesty's message, made me, in some measure to smell that this whole business might have that Bishop's hand in it; especially I knowing in general, the disposition of the man.
The minds of those that were Actors for the publishing of the book, were not quiet at the Court, that the thing was not despatched. Therefore, one day, the Duke said to the King, "Do you see how this business is deferred! If more expedition be not used, it will not be printed before the end of the Term: at which time, it is fit that it be sent down into the countreys [counties]." So eager was he, that either by my credit, his undertakings might be strengthened; or at least, I might be contemned and derided, as an unworthy fellow.
This so quickened the King, that the next message which was sent by Master Murray, was in some degree minatory, "That if I did not despatch it, the King would take some other course with me!"
When I found how far the Duke had prevailed; I thought it my best way, to set down in writing, many objections, wherefore the book was not fit to be published: which I did modestly, and sent them to the King.
1. (Page 2.) These words deserve to be well weighed, And whereas the Prince pleads not the Power of Prerogative.
2. (Page 8.) The King's duty is first to direct and make Laws. There is no law made till the King assent unto it; but if it be put simply to make Laws, it will make much startling at it.