The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-09-15

bishops and clergy were held. The
whole nation became interested in the
issue. In the end a large majority Of
the clergy resolved, in the face of all
possible consequences. to disregard the
Injunction. at meeting mem orial
was drawn up, which the same evening
was laid before King James by six of
the prelates, the Archbishop not ac-
companying the deputation, as he had
given offence by refusing to serve on
the High Commission, and had been
for two years banished from the Court.
After reading the memorial, the King
passionately exclaimed, "This is a
standard of rebellionI' 1t was in vain
that the bishops on their Bonded knees
assured his Majesty of their loyalty.
He would not listen, but dismissed
them with the words, "God hath given
me the dispensing power, and 1 will
maintain it. tell you there are seven
thousand men, and of the Church of
England too, that have not bowed their
knees unto Baall' Ken could only re-
ply, 1.-THE will of God be donel"
On that SAKE Friday evening the
memorial, obtained by means that the
bishops could never discover, was put
into print, and sold by thousands in the
| ~
their beds at midnight to procure it.
One common sentiment seemed to per-
wade the minds of all.
TRIAL OF THE BISHOPS.
1t was impossible for James to brook
this open defiance; and after further
parley with the bishops, the King in
council committed them for trial. As
they refused, on the ground of priv
ilege, to enter into recognizances they
were sent straight from the Council
meeting June Sth) to the Tower. AS
they proceeded to the river side to en-
bark in one Of the Kings barges for
their prison, the streets were filled with
sympathizing crowds, who greeted
them with acclamations and begged
their blessings. Spectators lined the
river banks, and shouted their greet
ings to the occupants Of the barge as ii
slowly moved along. The very Tower
guards, on the entry of the prelates
knelt before them, clasped their robes
and kissed their hands. During the
week ensuing the prisoners held levee
every day. Deputations from all
quarters begged them to be firm in the
maintenance of English liberty. Among
the rest came ten leading Non-con-
formist ministers, fact which more
than all beside incensed the King.
Four Of these pastors were summoned
to the royal presence, when "they re-
spectfully answered that they could
not help adhering to the right reverend
prisoners, as men who were constant to
the Protestant faith"
At the end Of the week the bishops
were liberated on bail by the Court OF
Kings Bench and a fortnight afterward
June 29th) the trial took place in
| Westminster Hall, which was thronged
by an eager concourse. Thirty noble
men accompanied the accused to TIE
Hell end sat yssEss -sa.s ssudges on ths
/ 'Dencn. As Che trial proceeded the
multitude gave unrestrained expression
to their feelings; while vast crowds
waiting all day outside the building,
eagerly caught up every scrap of INTEL
ligence from within, and re-echoed the
frequent acclamations.
The proceedings lasted from nine in
the morning until six in the evening.
OF the judges, two summed up in
favor of the prisoners land were sum-
marily dismissed by the King at the
end of the term, two, including
Wright, the Chief Justice, against
them. The jury spent long night in
eager discussion of their verdict; their
loud and excited tones reaching the
ears of attendants without. In the
morning the hall was thronged at an
early hour; at length it was announced
that the jury had agreed. At ten they
re.entered, and pronounced their ver-
dict-not guilty! A shout instantly
arose that shook the building
Meantime the enthusiasm had spre ad
through all London, and the acclama-
lions conveyed the news to the King,
who was ON visit to the camp on
Hounslow Heath. When his Majesty
had departed in sullen rage, the
soldiers took up the shout. "What is
that?n he asked. at is nothing, your
Majesty; only the soldiers are glad that
the bishops are acquitted" do you
call that nothing?" replied the King.
sit shall be so much the worse for
theml"
A CHANGE OF DYNASTY RESOLVED ON.
The one event that more than any
other fastened the end was the birth of
prince, who would Of course be brought
up in the Church of Rome, and so
would, in the natural order of things.
fasten upon England Popish dynasty.
Hitherto fhnra had hann homo in tha