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 £<^S/./<fJ^ 
 
 
THE LIFE OF 
 
 BISHOP KEN 
 
By the fame Author, 
 THE RIVER DOVE. 
 
 With fome Quiet Thoughts on the Happy Practice of 
 Angling : foolfcap 8vo., Js. 
 
ihy WHumphn t/jy pnn£ iy .'- 
 
 :tering.Dec.l850. 
 
 Jd~MiT(-4juj\ 
 

 THE LIFE OF 
 
 THOMAS KEN 
 
 
 BISHOP OF BATH AND WELLS 
 
 BY A LAYMAN 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 ^ 
 
 LONDON 
 
 WILLIAM PICKERING 
 185 i 
 
PUBLISHED FOR THE BENEFIT OF SCHOOLS IN 
 LEICESTER. 
 
 LOAN STACK 
 
SXsiff 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Chapter I. 
 
 Page 
 IRTH — Parentage — Brother in law to Izaak 
 
 Walton — Entered at Winchefter College. Wil- 
 liam ofWykeham — Founder of St. Mary Col- 
 leges at Winton and Oxford i 
 
 Chapter II. — William ofWykeham — Founds his two Col- 
 leges of St. Mary at Winchefter and Oxford — Ken at 
 Winchefter . . . . . . . 8 
 
 Chapter III. — Ken removes to Oxford — The ftate of the 
 Univerfity under the Commonwealth — His College life 
 — The Reftoration . . . . . . .17 
 
 Chapter IV. — Ken appointed to the Living of Little Eafton 
 — refigns the cure — Made Chaplain to Bifhop Morley 
 Fellow of Winchefter College — Reftor of Brightftone — 
 Prebendary of Winchefter — Refigns Brightftone — Ap- 
 pointed to Eaft Woodhay . . . . • 3 1 
 
 Chapter V. — Ken refigns the Re&ory of Woodhay. His 
 character as a Country Parfon. Mr. Izaac Milles of 
 Highclere — Character of Bifhop Morley — Ken's duties 
 at Winchefter ....... 44 
 
 Chapter VI. — Ken's Manual of Prayers for Winchefter 
 fcholars — His Morning, Evening, and Midnight Hymns 
 The Original Melody of the Hymns — The Court of 
 Charles II. at Winchefter . . . . .61 
 
 Chapter VII. — Ken makes the Tour of Italy with Ifaak 
 Walton's Son — At Rome in the year of Jubilee — Re- 
 turns home — His attachment to the Church of England 79 
 
vi Contents. 
 
 Page 
 
 Chapter VIII Early life of William Prince of Orange — 
 
 Delivers Holland from the power of Louis XIV. His 
 Marriage to the Princefs Mary — Ken appointed Chap- 
 lain at the Hague — His faithfulnefs in the difcharge of 
 his office . . . . . . . .91 
 
 Chapter IX. — Ken returns from the Hague — appointed 
 Chaplain to the King — His Funeral Sermon on Lady 
 Margaret Maynard — The Court of Charles II. at Win- 
 chefter — Ken refufes the ufe of his Prebendal houfe to 
 Nell Gwin . . . . . . . 1 09 
 
 Chapter X. — Ken appointed Chaplain of the Fleet on the 
 expedition to Tangier — Voyage — The vicious govern- 
 ment of Tangier — Corrupt ftate of the Navy . . 120 
 
 Chapter XL — Ken returns to England — Death of Ifaak 
 Walton ; and of Bifhop Morley — Ken appointed to the 
 Bifhopric of Bath and Wells — Attends the death bed of 
 Charles II 135 
 
 Chapter XII. — Acceffion of James II. — Early Meafures of 
 the King for the eftablifhment of the Roman Catholic 
 Religion — Ken's firft vifit to Wells — The Palace at 
 Wells — His Sermon at Whitehall on the character of 
 Daniel — Coronation of James . . . . .162 
 
 Chapter XIII. — The Duke of Monmouth : his life and 
 
 character — invades England . . . . 175 
 
 Chapter XIV. — The Duke of Monmouth lands in the Weft 
 of England — Defeated in the Battle of Sedgemoor — 
 Cruelties of Lord Feveriham, and Colonel Kirke — 
 Ken's appeal to the King on behalf of the prifoners — 
 Monmouth condemned to death — Ken attends him on 
 the fcaffold 186 
 
 Chapter XV. — Ken's "Expolition of the Church Catechifm" 
 — ' ' Directions for Prayer " — ' ' Prayers for the ufe of 
 perfons who come to the Baths " — Perfecution of the 
 French Huguenots — Ken's charitable difpofition — His 
 7.eal in the Paftoral office ...... 207 
 
Contents. vii 
 
 Page 
 Chapter XVI. — Meafures of James II. for eftablifhing Ro- 
 manifm — Ken's Paftoral Letter to his Clergy — His Ser- 
 mon at Whitehall, upholding the Church of England — 
 His boldnefs, and eloquence as a Preacher — The King's 
 Declaration of Indulgence . . . . .225 
 
 Chapter XVII. — Ken's Sermon in the Abbey Church of 
 Bath — The King touches for the Evil in the Abbey — 
 Ken's conduct on the occafion — His letters to Archbi- 
 fhop Sancroft ....... 242 
 
 Chapter XVIII. — The King perfeveres in his meafures for 
 the eftablifhment of Romanifm — Ken's fermon at White- 
 hall, for which he is reproved by James — His firm reply 258 
 
 Chapter XIX The King's Declaration of Indulgence — 
 
 Order of Council to have it read in all Churches — 
 Petition of Archbifhop Sancroft, Ken, and five other 
 Bifhops againft the Order. They are fent to the Tower 274 
 
 Chapter XX. — Birth of a Prince of Wales — The Bifhops 
 are releafed from the Tower — Their trial for a Seditious 
 Libel, and Acquittal — The Joy of the People — The 
 Bifhops encourage their flocks to remain firm to the 
 Church of England . . . . . .292 
 
 Chapter XXI. — Invafion of England by the Prince of Orange 
 — Meafures of the King to oppofe him — Ken, and other 
 Bifhops advife James to call a Parliament — He refufes : 
 the defertion of his officers : he withdraws to France — 
 William calls a Convention Parliament . . . 309 
 
 Chapter XXII. — Meeting of the Convention Parliament — 
 Declaration that the Throne was vacant — Not approved 
 by Ken and others — The Crown conferred on William 
 and Mary — The Revolution confidered . . .332 
 
 Chapter XXV. — Ken, and other Bifhops, refufe to take the 
 Oath of Allegiance to William and Mary — Act of Par- 
 liament for their fufpenfion and deprival. Queftion of 
 Paffive Obedience. Ken's confiftent Conduct. The 
 Non-juring Bifhops publifh a Vindication of themfelves. 347 
 
viii Contents. 
 
 Page 
 
 Chapter XXVI. — Ken is deprived of his Bifhopric — Makes 
 a public affertion in Wells Cathedral of his canonical 
 right, and retires — His Poverty — Lord Weymouth 
 affords him an afylum at Long Leat . . . .386 
 
 Chapter XXVII. — Ken refufes to concur with Sancroft and 
 other Non-jurors, in extreme meafures — His moderate 
 views and conduct — Difapproves of clandeftine confe- 
 crations to perpetuate the Schifm — Attends the fervices 
 of the Church ....... 399 
 
 Chapter XXVIII. — Ken's humane difpofition — Circular 
 letter of the deprived Bifhops, recommending a charita- 
 ble fund for the relief of the Non-juring Clergy — Cha- 
 racter and Death of Kettlewell — Ken fummoned before 
 the Privy Council, and releafed . . . . 42 1 
 
 Chapter XXIX. — Death of James II. — Death of William 
 III. ; his character — Acceffion of Queen Anne — Bifhop 
 Kidder killed in the Palace at Wells during the great 
 Storm — Anne offers to reftore Ken to Bath and Wells : 
 he declines : perfuades Dr. Hooper to accept his Bi- 
 fhopric, and refigns . . . . . .436 
 
 Chapter XXX. — Ken cenfured by many of the Non-jurors 
 for his refignation of the Bifhopric — Difference between 
 himfelf and Lloyd — Queen Anne grants him a penfion . 451 
 
 Chapter XXXI. — Refemblance of Ken, in fome particulars 
 of his life, to St. Gregory of Nazianzum. Ken's Poems 
 — Death of Frampton, Bifhop of Gloucefter : his Cha- 
 racter . . . . . . . . .467 
 
 Chapter XXXII. — Ken furvives all the other deprived Bi- 
 fhops — Con troverfy among the Non-jurors. Ken re- 
 commends all to conform to the Church. Hickes and 
 others refufe . . . . . . . .485 
 
 Chapter XXXIII. — Ken's laft Sicknefs,— Death— and Bu- 
 rial. Conclufion ....... 497 
 
 Appendix . . . . . . . . . c 1 1 
 
[ if^ f\f hnmac K" 
 
 c*r\ 
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 , 43, for " anxious activity," read " anxiety." 
 
 60, for " of both," read « or both." 
 
 64, for "met," read "meet." 
 
 93, for " fo far the," read " fo far from the." 
 135, for " town of Winchefter," read "towers of Winchefter.' 
 144, for " fpirit of the prayer," read " fpirit of prayer." 
 146, dele note "Appendix C." 
 
 166, for "within ramparts," read "within the ramparts." 
 171, for " commands," read " command." 
 194, for " reduced," read " feduced." 
 307, for "whilft they," read "whilft the Bifhops." 
 387, for "give it plain words," read "give it in plain words.' 
 467, for " Nazianzen," read " Nazianzum." 
 479, for "acquiefTe," read " acquiefce." 
 491, for " Nicxa," read " Nicea." 
 
 1 iic opu n, Lcmuimg 111 men nccu ta, 
 
 His all-fufficient aid imparts. 
 O may I, with a faith unfeign'd, 
 Preferve my Chriftian name unftain'd : 
 To copy Chrift O may I ftrive, 
 From Whom I that dear name derive ; 
 And die, when death fhall me arrefl, 
 A Chriftian, with Chrift's undlion bleft. 
 B 
 
viii Contents. 
 
 Page 
 
 Chapter XXVI. — Ken is deprived of his Bifhopric — Makes 
 a public affertion in Wells Cathedral of his canonical 
 right, and retires — His Poverty — Lord Weymouth 
 affords him an afylum at Long Leat . . . .386 
 
 Chapter XXVII. — Ken refufes to concur with Sancroft and 
 other Non-jurors, in extreme meafures — His moderate 
 views and conduct — Difapproves of clandeftine confe- 
 crations to perpetuate the Schifm — Attends the fervices 
 
 fhops — Controverly among the INon-jurors. jven re- 
 commends all to conform to the Church. Hickes and 
 others refufe . . . . . . . .485 
 
 Chapter XXXIII.— Ken's laft Sicknefs,— Death— and Bu- 
 rial. Conclufion ....... 497 
 
 Appendix . . . . . . . . . c 1 1 
 
Life of Thomas Ken. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Birth — Parentage — Brother in law to I%aak Walton — En- 
 tered at JVincheJler College. William of Wykeham — 
 Founder of St. Mary Colleges at Winton and Oxford. 
 
 HE birth-place of Thomas Ken was 
 W$f Little Berkhampftead in Hertford- 
 mire ; a retired village that even 
 yet retains fomething of a primitive 
 repofe. Here he received the grace 
 of Regeneration and the Sign of 
 the Crofs, ff in token that he mould continue ChrifVs 
 faithful foldier and fervant unto his life's end." In 
 one of his poems he vividly exprefTes his defire to 
 fulfil the vows made for him at the Font : 
 
 " Chriftians, who Chrift's anointed are, 
 
 In His celeftial unction fhare ; 
 
 The Spirit, templing in their hearts, 
 
 His all-fumcient aid imparts. 
 
 O may I, with a faith unfeign'd, 
 
 Preferve my Chriftian name unftain'd : 
 
 To copy Chrift O may I ftrive, 
 
 From Whom I that dear name derive ; 
 
 And die, when death fhall me arreft, 
 
 A Chriftian, with Chrift's unftion bleft." 
 
2 Life 0/" Thomas Ken, [1637 
 
 He was born in July 1637 — a period of our hif- 
 tory when irreligion and laxity of morals were under- 
 mining the focial virtues of England. The diftraction 
 of civil feuds already prepared her decline among 
 nations: and this year 1637 is memorable for events 
 which led, not remotely, to the overthrow of the 
 Stuarts. The accomplifhments and virtues of Charles 
 I. would have dignified the ftation of an Englifh no- 
 bleman, but were unequal to fuflain him amid the 
 perils which from the firft furrounded his throne. He 
 found the royal prerogative " affailed by a tempefl 
 of contending and reftlefs factions, and the Church 
 beleaguered by two great enemies, aflaulted openly 
 by the Papifts on the one fide, and undermined by 
 the Puritans on the other."* Seditious plots againft 
 kingly government foreboded the coming ftorm. The 
 difcontent of feparatifts, finding fault with the fervices 
 and difcipline of the Church, was but a prelude to 
 the hypocrify and profanenefs which afterwards filled 
 the land with violence. 
 
 The King was wanting in many of the qualities, by 
 which alone he could arrefl the impetuous movement 
 towards liberty (fo called) in Church and State. His 
 undecided character and ftrong predilections prompted 
 him to follow the alternate and often conflicting 
 counfels of Laud, Strafford, Buckingham, and his 
 Roman Catholic Queen. 
 
 In this year 1637 he made an ill-advifed attempt 
 without authority of Convocation or Parliament, to 
 
 * Archbifhop Laud's Diary. 
 
1637] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 3 
 
 force upon Scotland the Liturgy of the Church of 
 England, which to Prefbyterians was no lefs obnoxious 
 than the ritual of Rome. This gave occafion to the 
 Scottifh Covenant. Afterwards, in an evil hour, he 
 was induced to fanction a law for abolifhing Epifco- 
 pacy in that country, which was one of the greateft 
 errors of his reign, and the groundwork of after pro- 
 ceedings deftruclive to the well being of the Church. 
 
 In the fame year, having refolved to govern without 
 Parliament, he had recourfe to violent expedients for 
 his revenue. The trial of John Hampden, for refufing 
 to pay the tax of Ship-money, heightened the difcon- 
 tents of his Englifh fubjecls, and led to the forfeiture 
 of his crown and life. Neither the growing phrenzy 
 of republicans and fectaries, who brought the Earl of 
 Strafford to the block, nor the cruel and unjuft execu- 
 tion of Archbifriop Laud, convinced the King, until 
 too late, of the fatal extremes to which the nation 
 might be impelled, — even " the guilt of fhedding his 
 own facred and innocent blood."* 
 
 Thus Ken was nurtured in an age that prepared 
 men of loyal and reverential minds for a refolute de- 
 fence of the Church and of Monarchy. His fpirit was 
 difciplined to fuffer all things for confcience' fake, 
 efpecially in maintaining the purity of religion. He 
 had learned to hold an even balance between alle- 
 giance to the Crown, and unmaken fidelity to the 
 Church. Amid all diftractions he had one fure 
 anchor of the foul, one fixed point on which faith 
 
 * Form of prayer for the 30th of January. 
 
4 Ltf e °f Thomas Ken, [1641 
 
 might reft, — the conviction that God's law is juft, and 
 that it is unchangeable. 
 
 His father, Mr. Thomas Ken, of Furnival's Inn, 
 an attorney in the Court of Common Pleas, was of 
 an ancient Somerfetfhire family. By his mother, 
 Martha Chalkhill, he derived immediate defcent from 
 the Poet, John Chalkhill, of whom it is recorded that 
 " he was in his time a man generally known, and as 
 well beloved ; for he was humble and obliging in his 
 behaviour ; a gentleman, a fcholar, very innocent and 
 prudent ; indeed his whole life was ufeful, quiet and 
 virtuous."* Thefe qualities, and his poetic genius, 
 endeared him to the illuftrious Edmund Spenfer. 
 
 Ken's mother died before he had yet attained his 
 fifth year, or could know the full depth of fuch a 
 bereavement. But this almoft irreparable lofs was 
 in fome meafure fupplied to him in his fifter Ann, 
 who was then about thirty years of age. She was (i a 
 woman of remarkable prudence and of the primitive 
 piety : her great and general knowledge was adorned 
 with true humility, and bleft with much Chriftian 
 meeknefs." This was the praife given to Ann Ken 
 by one of the greateft lovers of truth in that or 
 any other age, — Izaak Walton, " honeft Izaak," as 
 he was familiarly termed by Dr. King, Bimop of 
 Chichefter. His well known cc Complete Angler, 
 or Contemplative Man's Recreation," although un- 
 pretending in its fubjecl, fo abounds in pathos, and 
 in Chriftian reverence, as to place him high on the 
 lift of our moral writers. For harmony of language, 
 
 * Preface to Thealma and Clearchus. 
 
1 646 J Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 5 
 
 frefhnefs of rural fcenery, and truth of nature, many 
 pafTages of this book have all the charm of poetry. 
 
 The character he has drawn of a true Angler is fo 
 merry-hearted, yet fo innocent, fo fimple, yet fo con- 
 verfant in polite learning, fo loyal and brave, that he 
 is an example of a Chriftian Gentleman. It is equally 
 certain that few works in our language breathe a more 
 devout and temperate fpirit, than his lives of Dr. 
 Donne, Sir Henry Wootton, Richard Hooker, George 
 Herbert, and Bifhop Sanderfon. 
 
 The union of Izaak Walton and Ann Ken in 1646, 
 gave to Thomas Ken, at nine years of age, the right 
 to call him his elder brother Izaak. Guided by his 
 precepts through the paths of early life, he was trained 
 up in Chriftian love, to bear with the infirmities of 
 others, to inform their judgements, and win them to 
 the love of Chrift. The value of this alliance was 
 enhanced to Ken in 165 1, when he was not yet four- 
 teen years of age, by the death of his father ; an 
 event that impofed on Walton the fole refponfibility 
 of a parental watchfulnefs over the young orphan. 
 His faithful difcharge of this duty found its reward, 
 when Ken became, in his turn, the inftruclor of Wal- 
 ton's fon, afterwards a Prebendary of Salifbury Ca- 
 thedral. 
 
 It does not appear that Walton imparted to Ken 
 a portion of his love for angling, or perfuaded him 
 to follow in this the examples of Dean Nowell, and 
 George Herbert, with other " ornaments of the art." 
 Certain it is, however, that he inftilled into his 
 opening mind fuch exalted views of the privilege 
 and dignity of Holy Orders that, refolving to forego 
 
6 Life of Thomas Ken, [1651 
 
 all fecular purfuits, to follow the painful footfteps of 
 the Apoftles St. Peter and St. John, he became a 
 patient and hopeful " fifher of men." 
 
 It is doubtful at what period, or where, he firft 
 entered on his courfe of (e grammar learning:" few 
 memorials have been preferved of thofe early years, 
 when lafting imprefTions for good or evil are ftamped 
 on our pliable nature. The fpiritual graces that fhone 
 forth in him through life, might alone affure us that 
 he was from a child, like young Timothy, trained up 
 in prayer and ftudy of the Holy Scriptures. This is 
 confirmed by a parTage of his own poems, which 
 mows an affectionate and thankful heart for fo great 
 a blefling : 
 
 " E'er fince I hung upon my mother's breaft, 
 Thy love, my God, has me fuftain'd and bleft : 
 My virtuous parents, tender of their child, 
 My education pious, careful, mild : 
 My teachers zealous to well-form my mind, 
 My faithful friends, my benefactors kind," &c. 
 
 Doubtlefs he was early initiated in the Catechifm of 
 our Church : and no fooner was he confecrated to the 
 office of Bifhop, than he compofed his cc Expofition 
 on the Church Catechifm, or Practice of Divine 
 Love ;" which, had he never written anything befide, 
 would juftly entitle him to our grateful memory. 
 
 At the age of thirteen he was placed at Winchefter 
 fchool. Here he went through the ordeal, which fo 
 often determines the moral character of after-life. In 
 their parTage to manhood, boys of a public fchool are 
 either raifed in the fcale of refponfible beings, trained 
 to a higher nature, and moulded to a refolute and free- 
 
165 1] Bifloop of Bath and Wells. 7 
 
 hearted obedience to the divine will; — or, lofing 
 their home-reverence for holy things, they become 
 indifferent, bold in difobedience, neglectful of prayer, 
 openly profane; till at length, fallen from their inno- 
 cence, they undergo the deep fearing of confcious fin. 
 How great, then, is the refponfibility of matters and 
 tutors in our public fchools, to whom is confided the 
 training of Engliih divines, nobles, ftatefmen, and in- 
 fluential members of the middle clafs ! It is not too 
 much to fay that the future interefts of the Church 
 and State are, in fome fort, confided to their care. 
 If animated with a fimple and holy ambition, great 
 indeed is their privilege, and their reward ! 
 
Life 0/^ Thomas Ken, [165 1 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 William of Wykeham — Founds his two Colleges of St. Mary 
 at Winchejler and Oxford — Ken at Winchejler. 
 
 HE ancient and famed fchool of Win- 
 chester was founded by William of 
 Wykeham, a Prelate whofe noble reli- 
 gious charity, confecrated all his wealth 
 to munificent works for the honour of God. Witnefs 
 his two Colleges of St. Mary, at Winchefter, and 
 Oxford, wholly defigned and endowed by himfelf for 
 the perpetual maintenance of poor fcholars, to be in- 
 ftructed in theology and fcholaltic learning ; whereby 
 the Church might inherit a fucceffion of holy men to 
 adminifter the folemn rites of religion. 
 
 It pleafed God in the reign of Edward III. to raife 
 Wykeham from a humble ltation to be the chief ruler 
 of the King's councils. As Pharaoh appointed Jofeph 
 to prefide over all the land of Egypt, " becaufe he was 
 difcreet and wife," fo for his excellent qualities did 
 Edward commit the higheft offices of the ftate to the 
 hands of Wykeham. " Everything was done by him, 
 and nothing was done without him."* He has left us 
 a mining example of watchfulnefs and fidelity both in 
 ecclefiaftical and fecular rule. Entrusted with ten 
 
 * FroilTart, vol. i. ch. 249. Ed. 1574. 
 
165 1] Biflj op of Bath and Wells. 9 
 
 talents, he accounted himfelf but a fleward of God's 
 bounties, employing them all in His holy fervice. 
 He repaired and beautified the Churches throughout 
 his Diocefe, — enlarged and richly endowed the Hofpital 
 of St. Crofs, and other charitable foundations, — re- 
 formed the rules and conduct of religious orders, and 
 made contending Bifhops to be of one mind. 
 
 The crowning testimony of his zeal was the reflora- 
 tion of Winchefter Cathedral ; a work feemingly be- 
 yond the powers of one man to accomplifh. What a 
 wife heart, what holy fervour, and deadfall energetic 
 faith muft have fuflained him in completing fuch a 
 monument of grandeur and fkill ! Here through all 
 the viciffitudes of doctrine and difcipline God has been 
 worfhipped : one generation after another has liftened 
 to the perfuaflve teaching of Bifhops and Parlors : 
 Choirs of angels have united in the Allelujahs, re- 
 founding through the vaulted roofs and groinings of 
 this glorious fhrine. Who can eflimate the rich blefT- 
 ings bequeathed to England by the pious founders of 
 our ancient Cathedrals ? Our greatnefs as a nation is 
 infeparable from the dignity and holinefs of the 
 Church, which amid all troubles has been the Palla- 
 dium of the monarchy, and thereby of Britifh freedom. 
 
 Where now in this reluctant age mail we find one 
 great-hearted man to lay even the firfl flone of fuch a 
 temple, in faith that future fervants would be raifed 
 up to carry on the work ? Vafl heaps of wealth, un- 
 told revenues, lofty palaces, multiply through the 
 land, while our Parifh Churches, even within the do- 
 mains of the great and noble, fall to decay. God 
 has poured into our lap the treafures of the world; 
 
io Life 0/" Thomas Ken, [165 1 
 
 but alas ! our hearts lie in our coffers, and cannot 
 wing their way to the bright inheritance of a truer 
 wealth above. One by one the poffefTors, rich in 
 all but faith, are fummoned to their reckoning, and 
 drop into oblivion: but where are the recording angels 
 to bear to Heaven the regiftry of their deeds of felf- 
 denying love? Not the very crumbs from their fulnefs, 
 not fo much as a poor legacy, for ever-enduring works 
 of Christian charity ! 
 
 Chrift's Name has been on our lips four centuries 
 and a half fince Wykeham was called to his reward : — 
 And all things are ftill wanting to the efficiency of 
 the Church ; Bifhops and their Suffragans, Cathedrals 
 and Churches, Colleges and training-fchools, Paftors 
 and teachers, to bear the mefTage of glad tidings to our 
 untaught multitudes at home and abroad. It were 
 well for us if but a tythe of a tythe of one year's mil- 
 lions, fpent in luxury, vain fplendour, and felf-indul- 
 gence, were given to fatisfy thefe crying needs. 
 
 In founding his College of St. Mary Winton, 
 Wykeham did not leave the obje&s of his munificence 
 to the uncertain judgment or principles of after-times. 
 He knew that, without a code of fixed rules, bafed on 
 the fupreme love of God, his plan would want the 
 elements of lafting fuccefs. He therefore beftowed the 
 greateft pains in framing Statutes for Winchester, 
 in every department of fchool difcipline ; — for the 
 ele&ion and removal of the fcholars, for regulating 
 their drefs, Studies, dormitories, games and punifhments, 
 for their comfort in ficknefs, their provifion in health, 
 — even the times of opening and (hutting the gates. 
 
1 65 1] Bijljop of Bath a72(i Wells. 1 1 
 
 He directed how they fhall fit at dinner, how during 
 the meal one of the fcholars fhall read aloud a portion 
 of the Bible, or other holy book, " quern in filentio 
 epulantes audiant, et diligenter aujcultent ; " and how, 
 after faying grace, they mail go quietly out of hall, 
 except on high festivals in winter, when they may 
 remain to enjoy themfelves over the fire, in ringing, or 
 reading poems and hiftories, or in other recreations, 
 " qu<£ Clericalem ftatum condecorant" 
 
 Above all, he provides for their daily attendance in 
 Chapel, where they are commanded to join reverently 
 in the appointed fervices, and in the obfervance of 
 the Church feftivals, chanting of pfalms, &c. fC So 
 much care is taken," fays Ken, " to make the 
 youths good Chriftians, as well as good fcholars, and 
 they go fo frequently to prayers, every day in the 
 Chapel, and in the fchool, ringing hymns and pfalms 
 to God fo frequently in their chamber, and in the 
 Chapel, and in the Hall, that they are in a manner 
 brought up in a perpetuity of prayer."* 
 
 Thefe ftatutes were fo highly efteemed that Henry 
 VI. adopted them, almoft word for word, when, a cen- 
 tury afterwards, he founded his no lefs illuftrious Col- 
 leges of Eton, and King's College, Cambridge. In 
 one particular at leaft, Winchefter and Eton have 
 unhappily deviated from their Founders' ftatutes, to 
 the Church's manifeft lofs. It is quite clear that the 
 feventy poor fcholars in each were to be exclufively 
 youths defigned for holy orders. Our prefent fpiritual 
 
 Ken's Manual of Prayers for the ufe of the Scholars of Win- 
 chefter Colledge, 2nd Edition, 1675, p. 13. 
 
12 Life of Thomas Ken, [165 1 
 
 needs at home and in the colonies furely demand that 
 the original defign mould be carried out. 
 
 On the 30th of January, 165-f, Ken, now thirteen 
 years of age, entered on the probationary life of a Win- 
 chefter fcholar.* Here his conduct was an example 
 to others : his talents and acquirements paved the way 
 for his advancement, in due time, from Wykeham's 
 fchool to his College at Oxford. The feeds were now 
 fown of a holy obedience to the difcipline of religion, 
 afterwards to be perfected in the rich fruits of his ma- 
 turer age. 
 
 Here "he contracted a clofely cemented friendfhip,"t 
 that ceafed only with their lives, with {C Francis Turner, 
 afterwards Bifhop of Ely, a molt truly pious prelate." 
 The attachment between thefe youthful Winchester 
 fcholars was no lefs fervent than the love between 
 David and Jonathan, cc whofe fouls were knit together." 
 This mutual love deepened, in after-life, into a yet 
 more ftedfait friendship: both had been poor fcholars, 
 both were chofen to the higheit offices in the Church ; 
 both difplayed an apoftolic fortitude as ConfefTors for 
 
 * His admiffion is thus recorded in the College-Books; " Thomas 
 Ken, de Berkbampftead, in Com. Hertford, annorum 13 ad Fef- 
 tum Michaelis 1650, admijjus eft "Januar. 30, 1650. (Anfwering 
 to our January 30th, 1 65 1 .) The College election was in thofe 
 days held at Michaelmas : each boy was then reckoned to be of the 
 age which he had attained at his laft preceding birth-day. Ken, 
 therefore, born in July 1637, was 13 by the College calculation at 
 Michaelmas 1650. His vacancy then fell 4 months after, and he 
 was admitted as a fcholar in January, 165-7. 
 
 f Hawkins's " Short Account of the Life of the Right Reverend 
 Father in God, Thomas Ken, D. D. fometime Ld. Bp. of Bath and 
 Wells." 8vo. 1 71 3, p. 2. 
 
1 6 5 1 ] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 1 3 
 
 the primitive faith, when the unlawful commands 
 of a tyrant were to be oppofed; yet, immoveable in 
 their loyalty, were content to fuffer poverty and de- 
 prival for their fledfaft allegiance in his reverfes and 
 exile. 
 
 The College was at this time under the wardenfhip 
 of Dr. John Harris, a noted Grecian, and formerly 
 Greek ProfefTor of the Univerfity of Oxford, " which 
 office he executed with great honour and credit."* But 
 being tainted with the fchifmatical principles of the 
 age, he fided with the Prefbyterians againft the Church, 
 and fet himfelf in the ranks of the difaffected to oppofe 
 the King. He took the Covenant and other oaths, 
 and was one of the Weftminfter AfTembly of Divines, 
 appointed by Parliament in 1643, under pretence of 
 fettling religion and Church Government, but really 
 for the purpofe of conforming the Church of England 
 to Prefbytery. The Book of Common Prayer and 
 the Creed, even the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten 
 Commandments, were declared to be ufelefs. Then 
 followed the New Catechifm, and the Confeffion of 
 Faith, fet forth in the Directory, and all their confe- 
 quences, fo fatal to the peace and happinefs of the 
 nation — a warning to after-ages of the defolating ef- 
 fects of fchifm on the heart and confcience. 
 
 It is not likely the Warden of Winchefter mould 
 often, if ever, have found time to be prefent in the 
 AfTembly at London : his election is by no means 
 concluflve that he attended their meetings. Several 
 pious Bifhops and Divines of the Church were ap- 
 
 * Wood's Athena; Oxonienfes, vol. ii. p. 225. 
 
14 Life of Thomas Ken, [1651 
 
 pointed, but refufed to act, — as Archbifhop Ufher, 
 Bifhop Prideaux, Dr. Morley, Hammond, Sanderfon, 
 and others. It is certain that Harris entered into 
 controverfy with Dr. William TwifTe, the Prolocutor 
 of the AfTembly. He was " fo noted a Preacher that 
 Sir Henry Savile (who was himfelf ftyled the ma- 
 gazine of all learning) ufed often to fay he was fecond 
 only to St. Chryfoftom*" the golden mouthed father, 
 whofe orations, even in his youth, were fo full of fweet- 
 nefs and glowing fervour, that his matter Libanius took 
 a pride in reciting them to the mod diftinguifhed rhe- 
 toricians of Antioch. To Warden Harris therefore, 
 we may in fome meafure afcribe Ken's perfuafive and 
 powerful eloquence, for which he afterwards became fo 
 remarkable. 
 
 He was five years in his progrefs through the feve- 
 ral claffes : each ftep, as it brought him nearer to the 
 rank of Praepoftor, gave him greater privileges, and a 
 fuller enjoyment of the fports and paftimes that ex- 
 pand and knit the youthful frame into manly vigour. 
 We cannot doubt that as a Junior he obferved the 
 ancient ftatute " pr*efe£lis obtemperato" as a Praepoftor 
 that of cc legitime imperato" and, as both, that of 
 " uterque a mendaciis, oftentationibus, jurgiis, pugnis, 
 et furtis abftineto." Certainly, the love of God ap- 
 pears to have been an early inftinct of his mind, and 
 was afterwards heightened to an evangelical piety, as 
 may be gathered from all his writings. Even his 
 familiar letters begin and end with fome expreffion of 
 holy zeal; — as Cf All Glory to God," — " God keep 
 
 * Wood's Ath. Oxon. vol. ii. p. 224. 
 
1656] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 15 
 
 us in His reverential fear and love;" or " God keep 
 us refigned to His will, and mindful of eternity," &c. 
 In all his writings and prayers his heart is evidently 
 exalted with an ardent piety, which rauft have grown 
 with his growth, until it formed an efTential part of 
 his nature. 
 
 Here, training up for the contefts and fufferings of 
 maturer age, under the ftrict control of Wykeham's 
 difcipline, Ken and his friend Francis Turner paffed 
 through Winchefter fchool. At length in 1655 their 
 mutual pleafures were interrupted by Turner's removal 
 to New College, Oxford. We may imagine the 
 anxiety of his companion to follow him. But his 
 younger age gave him another year to wait, increaf- 
 ing in wifdom, and in the ornaments of <c a towardly 
 difpofition,"* until 1656. " His parts, application, 
 and behaviour were well employed and obferved."f 
 
 He was now- at the head of the fchool, and on the 
 verge of being fuperannuated, having nearly com- 
 pleted eighteen years of age. Election TuefdayJ ap- 
 proached: the Examiners from Oxford § were to be 
 welcomed at the College gate, according to ancient 
 cuftom, by a Latin fpeech. Ken was probably head 
 Praepoftor, and appointed to the tafk. Then followed 
 the examination of the candidates for New College : 
 moments of fearful intereft, to himfelf and his ex- 
 pecting friends. It was a joyful announcement when 
 
 * Wood's Ath. Oxon. vol. ii. p. 989. 
 
 f Hawkins' Life of Ken, p. 2. 
 
 t Between the 7th day of July and the ift of Oftober. 
 
 § The Warden and two Fellows of New College. 
 
1 6 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1656 
 
 he was declared to be on the roll of the elected : but, 
 as there was no prefent vacancy at New College, he 
 entered himfelf as a ftudent at Hart Hall, in Oxford, 
 in hopes of a vacancy within the enfuing year : — fail- 
 ing which, his chance was gone without recovery. 
 
 They who have been brought up at a public fchool 
 can teftify how they love to recognize the names of 
 their diftinguifhed men, engraved — or as it were en- 
 fhrined, — on the old wainfcotings and walls. Ken's 
 name fheds a bright ray on the venerable cloifters of 
 Winchefter. " THO. KEN, 1656," cut into the ftone 
 buttrefs of the fouth-eaft corner, ftill remains a che- 
 rifhed memorial to Wykehamifts of the good Bifhop. 
 And near to this, within the fame cloifter, and of the 
 fame date, Dr. Moberly has lately difcovered the name 
 of Francis Turner, as if they knew not how to be fe- 
 parated even in thefe early records. 
 
1656] Bijhop of Bath and Wells, 1 7 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Ken re?noves to Oxford — Thejiate of the Univerfity under the 
 Commonwealth — His College life — The Rejloration. 
 
 jOULD that we were able to give an ex- 
 act account of our young fcholar's jour- 
 ney, as he trudged from Winchefter to 
 thofe longed-for fpires of Oxford. The 
 happy pilgrimage was probably made on foot, with 
 his walking ftaff;' for it was not like a poor fcholar of 
 that day to ride his horfe, and there were no ftage 
 coaches between Winchefter and Oxford. In this he 
 would follow the example of young Richard Hooker, 
 when he took his journey on foot from Corpus Chrifti 
 College to fee his mother at Exeter. Parting by 
 Salisbury, Hooker paid a vifit to his loving patron, 
 old Bifhop Jewel, who lent him his own " walking 
 ftaff, with which he profefted he had travelled through 
 many parts of Germany ; " — and gave him " ten groats 
 to bear his charges to Exeter," and promifed fC if he 
 brought it back to him, he would give him ten groats 
 more to carry him on foot to the College : and fo God 
 blefs you, good Richard."* 
 
 In like manner, and with equal fimplicity, we may 
 fuppofe Ken to have travelled on, till he fet himfelf 
 
 * Walton's Life of Richard Hooker. 
 c 
 
1 8 Life ^ Thomas Ken, [1656 
 
 down to reft within fight of Oxford,* and the found of 
 Chrift-church bells. Perhaps fome reader may have 
 felt the fame thrilling emotions which ftirred within 
 him, when for the firft time he caught a glimpfe of 
 thofe towers, rifing from the groves and meadows. 
 Whilft he looked out on the fcene, he might indulge 
 himfelf in anticipating the pleafures of a College life. 
 
 But Oxford was no longer the happy abode of 
 religion, learning, and peace. Her fchools, colleges, 
 and halls, beautiful in their order, hallowed by centu- 
 ries of pious brotherhood and fcholaftic wifdom, had 
 for nearly twelve years been the fcene of republican 
 diforders : many hundreds of the moft eminent men 
 had been thruft out by the Parliamentary Vifitors, to 
 make room for fchifmatics. Fanaticifm and felfifh- 
 nefs had uprooted religion, and feized the munificent 
 endowments, defigned to tranfmit learning and piety 
 to the moft diftant ages. A holy charm feems to hang 
 over St. Mary's in the diftance, — how ftill and beau- 
 tiful ! But Ken little knew the diforder that reigned 
 within. The rightfully appointed Preachers, — the 
 Mafters and Fellows and Profeflbrs, had long been 
 under perfecution as Cf fcandalous minifters, faucy 
 Jacks, brazen-faced fellows." f St. Mary's pulpit 
 was ftill profaned by the Seven Puritan Minifters, fent 
 down by Parliament to preach the loyal fcholars into 
 a new obedience. All ecclefiaftical difcipline and re- 
 ligious ceremonies had been denounced as <( a heap 
 of atheiftical Roman rubbifh." The altar and ftained 
 
 * On Hinckfey Hill, near Bagley Wood. 
 f Anthony Wood. 
 
1656] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 1 9 
 
 windows were commanded to be broken, the chancel 
 levelled, organ and furplices abolifhed, and the Book 
 of Common Prayer forbidden in Church or private 
 families, on pain of imprifonment, and all for liberty 
 of confcience I 
 
 Cromwell, the Arch-rebel and Regicide, was Chan- 
 cellor. Dr. John Owen, cc Oliver's Ahithophel, the 
 Prince, the Oracle, the metropolitan of Independency," 
 filled the office of Vice-Chancellor. Having folemnly 
 promifed obedience to the Bifhop, his Diocefan, and 
 taken the oath of allegiance and fidelity to his King,* 
 he turned with the tide of Rebellion, preached againft 
 all Epifcopal authority, and applauded the murder of 
 Charles as juft and righteous. On taking his feat as 
 Vice-Chancellor he had fworn to obferve the ftatutes 
 and maintain the privileges of the Univerfity : yet he 
 endeavoured to put down all habits and formalities, 
 and " fo undervalued his office as to go in quirfo, 
 like a young fcholar, with powdered hair, fnake-bone 
 band firings, with very large tafiels, a large fet of 
 ribbons pointed at his knees, and Spanifh leather 
 boots, with large lawn tops, and his hat moftly cock'd." f 
 He was c< fo great an enemy to the Lord's Prayer (yet 
 ordained to Holy Orders !) that when fome preachers 
 concluded their own with it, (which was very feldom 
 done by any, efpecially the Prefbyterians and Inde- 
 pendents, becaufe it was looked upon, forfooth, as 
 formal and prelatical to do fo) he would with great 
 fneering and fcorn turn afide, or fit down, and put on 
 
 * Wood's Athens Oxon. vol. ii. p. 737. 
 f Ibid. vol. ii. p. 738. 
 
20 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [ 1 ^>S 6 
 
 his hat."* One of the Proctors was " Hierome Zanchy, 
 a boifterous fellow at cudgelling, foot-ball playing, and 
 indeed more fit in all refpects to be a rude foldier than 
 a fcholar, or man of polite parts. In the beginning of 
 the Rebellion he threw off his gown, and took up 
 arms for the Parliament, and foon after became a Cap- 
 tain, a Prefbyterian, an Independent, and I know not 
 
 what."t 
 
 It was no wonder, therefore, if republican Profef- 
 fors, Matters, Principals, and Fellows were thruft 
 upon the reluctant Univerfity, now fuddenly bereft 
 of her moft perfect patterns of holinefs, and fureft 
 guides in found learning, becaufe they demurred to 
 the Covenant, and negative Oath, and the Engage- 
 ment to the Commonwealth without King or Houfe 
 of Lords. 
 
 In their room fucceeded " an illiterate rabble of 
 poor fcholars, Pedagogues from Belfries, Curates, 
 and fometimes Vicars, as alfo Parliament foldiers, ef- 
 pecially fuch as had lately been difbanded. They were 
 commonly called feekers, were great frequenters of the 
 fermons at St. Mary's, preached by the Seven Ministers 
 appointed by Parliament, and other Prefbyterians that 
 preached in other Churches in Oxford, and fometimes 
 frequenters of the Conventicles of the Independents 
 and Anabaptifts. The generality of them had morti- 
 fied countenances, puling voices, and eyes commonly, 
 when in difcourfe, lifted up, with hands laying on 
 their breafts ; they moftly had fhort hair, which at 
 this time was called the Committee cut, and went in 
 
 * Ibid. p. 739. f Wood's Fafti Oxon. vol. ii. p. 69. 
 
1656] Bifloop of Bath and Wells. 21 
 
 quirpOy in a fhabb'd condition, and looked rather like 
 apprentices, or antiquated fchool boys, than academi- 
 cians, or minifters." # Not only the heads of Houfes, 
 ProfefTors, Lecturers, and other members of the Uni- 
 verfity, down to the undergraduates, but even " the 
 beadles, college fervants, bed- makers, and fcrapers of 
 trenchers were thrown out, and banifhed from their 
 places." f Such were the violence and tumult, which 
 to the amazement of all good men, Cf fet the whole 
 Church and nation in a combuftion, and went far to 
 render the Reformed religion, and all Proteftants, 
 odious to all the world." J 
 
 New College, in the midft of this confufion, had 
 efpecially maintained its loyal principles. The Warden 
 was charitable Dr. Robert Pink. He needs no other 
 praife than that he appointed Dr. Peter Gunning, 
 Dr. Ifaac Barrow, and Dr. Richard Sherlock to be 
 Chaplains of his College. The laft of thefe, when 
 ejected by the Vifitors, was compelled to accept the 
 curacy of Caflington, near Woodftock, and out of a 
 ftipend of £16 a year beftowed the greater part in 
 charity amongrr. the poor ; a man of fuch exemplary 
 holinefs, that good Bifhop Wilfon honoured his me- 
 mory by writing an account of his life. 
 
 Dr. Pink had fome time before affembled all who 
 were capable of bearing arms, and willing to ferve for 
 the defence of the King. The privileged men and 
 fcholars of New College anfwered freely to the fum- 
 mons. They formed themfelves into a militia, bring- 
 
 * Wood's Fafti Oxon. vol. ii. p. 61. f Ibid. p. 68. 
 
 t Oxford Reafons againft the Covenant. 
 
22 Life tf/' Thomas Ken, [1656 
 
 ing with them cc fuch apparel of war as they could 
 rout out from the Colleges ; helmets, back and breaft 
 pieces, pykes, mufkets, and other appurtenances." * 
 The Cloifters and towers of Wykeham, defigned by 
 their founder for the abode of peace, were converted 
 into magazines of war.f But all in vain : — the battle 
 of Nafeby was fought and loft. Oxford yielded with 
 her garrifon ; then followed all the after-violence. 
 New College was not fpared in the general tumult : 
 the members were cited to appear before Cheynell, 
 Prynne, and other Vifitors. Only one of the Fellows 
 confented to the oaths ; the others fcorned to fubmit 
 to their ufurped authority. George Marfhall, who 
 had ferved as Chaplain to the rebel army, was obtruded 
 into the Warden's chair. By the 22nd of April, 1650, 
 eight Chaplains, and fifty-four Fellows, were thruft out 
 to make room for needy adherents to the new order of 
 things. 
 
 This reign of terror in Oxford had in great meafure 
 fubfided by the time Ken bent his footfteps to Hart 
 Hall. There was a falfe calm, faddened by the 
 prefence and rule of fchifmatics. Great was his forrow, 
 when in the retired chamber of Francis Turner he firft 
 heard of the tauntings and feoffs by which holy ordi- 
 nances were difhonoured in the higheft feats of au- 
 thority. It was a gloomy profpeel for one of his 
 inoffenfive and peaceable temper, when the gover- 
 nors of focieties, founded for the teaching of a pure 
 faith, were banded together to opprefs its adherents. 
 
 But not even thefe adverfe influences could root out 
 
 * Life of Ant. a Wood, p. 13. f Ibid. p. 17. 
 
1656] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 23 
 
 the deep principles of religion which had for fo many- 
 centuries ennobled Oxford. And where, if not within 
 her precincts, could peace be found, when the defpo- 
 tifm of a fanatical military had carried confufion into 
 every corner of the land ? The violence of man may 
 feem for a while to withstand God's providential 
 government. They who love Him have their trial, 
 — perhaps their chaftifement, — in wrongs to be en- 
 dured. But all things work out His irreverfible law ; 
 the ends of His wifdom are ferved even by the hands 
 of the wicked. He had permitted the fuccefs of ty- 
 rants ; but had not left Himfelf without witnefTes in 
 Oxford, even under their mifrule. 
 
 Of thefe we muft content ourfelves with one exam- 
 ple in the great and good Robert Boyle, whofe 
 rare wifdom and varied acquirements have perhaps 
 remained unequalled by any fince his time. In his own 
 day thefe gained for him fo great a fame, even in 
 foreign countries, that no learned ftranger came to 
 England but fought his acquaintance.* He had at- 
 tained a knowledge of the Greek, Hebrew, Chaldee, 
 Syriac, and other languages. He was familiar with 
 all the mathematical fciences ; yet fo lowly in fpirit, 
 fo innocent, candid, and obliging, that he demeaned 
 himfelf humbly to all men who approached him. 
 This is not to be wondered at, fince his genius was 
 fanctified by a Chriftian fpirit. " He had fo great a 
 reverence for the Deity, that the very Name of GOD 
 was never mentioned by him without a paufe, and a 
 vifible ftop in his difcourfe, in which Sir Peter Pett, 
 
 * Birch's Life of the Hon. Robert Boyle, p. 144. 
 
24 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [i 6 $6 
 
 who knew him for almoft 40 years, affirms that he 
 was fo exact, that he did not remember to have ob- 
 ferved him once fail in it." * 
 
 Such were his humble thoughts of himfelf, and his 
 refpect for God's fervice, that fC when he was folicited 
 by the Earl of Clarendon to enter into Holy Orders, 
 he did not think himfelf worthy ; for he had fo high a 
 fenfe of the obligations, importance, and difficulty of 
 the paftoral care, that he durft not undertake it : fo 
 folemnly and ferioufly did he judge of facred matters. "f 
 He flood alone, however, in this modeft opinion of his 
 unfitnefs for the Priefthood. Many of his writings 
 prove that he would have been an excellent divine, 
 had he been fo confecrated. One in particular raifes 
 the author far above the praife of that exalted philo- 
 fophy, by which he unfolded the myfteries of the 
 natural world. In his treatife of cc Seraphic Love, or 
 Some motives to the love of God" he fhows how God 
 is the fitteft Object of our love, and how He hath 
 prepared for them that love Him " an ocean of feli- 
 city, fo ftiorelefs and fo bottomlefs, that all the faints 
 and angels cannot exhauft it." 
 
 Nor did he fatisfy himfelf with thefe written tefti- 
 monies of having dedicated his heart to God. His 
 whole life was a practical example how a layman of 
 noble birth may cultivate the graces of a faint in the 
 midft of a profane and reftlefs world ; how the higheft 
 reach of intellect can bow itfelf down in fimple faith 
 before the unfearchable myfteries of Revelation. He 
 fhowed alfo his great zeal for religion by printing at 
 
 * Ibid. p. 138. f Ibid. p. 60. 
 
 
1656] Bijljop of Bath a? / id Wells . 2 5 
 
 his own expenfe the Holy Scriptures in the Malayan, 
 Irifh, and Welfh tongues ; by founding the Incorpo- 
 rated Society for propagating the Gofpel in New 
 England, and other parts of America ; and by his 
 endowment of eight fermons annually for ever, to 
 eftablifh the truth of the Chriftian Religion. 
 
 It would be too long to enumerate his unbounded 
 charities : we may leave the praife of his beneficence 
 to Biihop Sanderfon, who dedicated to him his Cafes 
 of Confcience, and fpeaks of him as his patron, 
 illuftrious not only for his rank, but ftill more for all 
 chriftian virtues. This was the well merited tribute 
 of a grateful heart : for when Robert Sanderfon, 
 himfelf fo meek and merciful, and fo great a lover of 
 his King, (after being opprefTed, plundered, wounded, 
 and imprifoned by the Parliament troops) was re- 
 duced, with his wife and children, to great need and 
 fuffering, Mr. Boyle came to his relief, and without any 
 folicitation beftowed upon him an annuity of £ 50 ; a 
 generous and chriftian act, honourable alike to both. 
 
 It is no wonder, if Mr. Boyle mould form the 
 centre of a little circle of wife and good men, where- 
 ever he might be ; and it was a great happinefs for 
 the Univerfity that he took up his abode in Oxford. 
 His eminent qualities gained him a great refpect from 
 thofe in authority ; and he was able in fome degree 
 to aftuage the confufion and tyranny of the Cove- 
 nanters, and " rebellious rout" who held fway in 
 every college. 
 
 But the heat of perfecution had now fomewhat abated. 
 The republicans, having poflefTed themfelves of all 
 the good things they could lay hands upon, left the 
 
26 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [^57 
 
 fcholars very much to their own ways,, To long as 
 they were peaceable and quiet. This fuited Ken's 
 difpofition -, and he purfued his ftudies amid the con- 
 fuflon that furrounded him, not thinking it any part 
 of his duty to enter into conflicts. He could be filent 
 in his own thoughts, and enjoy the ferenity of a well- 
 ordered fpirit. In 1657, within one year of his ar- 
 rival in Oxford, he was admitted at New College. 
 Befides Francis Turner and others, there were two 
 youths at Oxford, of temper and habits congenial to 
 his own, ftudents of Chrift Church, with whom he 
 now formed a lafting friendship. One was Mr. Thomas 
 Thynne, afterwards " in consideration of his great me- 
 rits created Vifcount Weymouth ; a perfon of ftric"b 
 piety, honour, and integrity,"* — virtues which con- 
 ferred upon him a higher claim to refpect than his 
 ancient defcent. The other was George Hooper, of 
 whom the celebrated Dr. Bufby declared he was 
 " the beft fcholar, the fineft gentleman, and would 
 make the beft bifhop, that ever was educated at Weft- 
 minfter fchool."f 
 
 It does not appear what degree of intimacy fub- 
 fifted between Lord Weymouth and Ken for fome 
 years after they left college ; the frequency of their 
 intercourfe was probably interrupted by the different 
 fpheres of life they were called to fill : but iC in the 
 reverfes of Ken's lot, and the evening of his days, 
 when he had no home upon earth," Weymouth teftified 
 
 * Collin's Peerage, vol. vi. p. 266. 
 f Athens Oxonienfes, vol. ii. p. 989. 
 
1657] BiJIjop of Bath and Weils, 27 
 
 the untiring fidelity of his attachment by affording 
 him for twenty years an afylum at his noble manfion 
 of Long Leat, where he clofed his eyes. # Hooper 
 and Ken were thrown together in every ftage of their 
 lives ; one a learned Grecian and oriental fcholar, the 
 other as diftinguifhed for his fafcinating eloquence; 
 fervent devoted Priefts, alternately fucceeding each 
 other in their preferments, and both more folicitous 
 for the other's advancement than their own. 
 
 We can hardly doubt that all three formed part of 
 the refolute band in Oxford, who aflembled together 
 for prayer in the Houfe of Thomas Willis, clofe by 
 Merton College, when the Liturgy had been prohi- 
 bited in the Churches and Chapels. Like the difciples 
 of old, in their upper room, thefe truftful Christians 
 cf performed their devotions according to the Book of 
 Common Prayer, none being admitted but their confi- 
 dents. There they maintained the orders and rubric of 
 the Church of England on all Lord's days, Holy days, 
 and their Vigils, and administered the Holy Commu- 
 nion."! This was begun by that " great undervaluer 
 of money," Dr. John Fell, alfo the eloquent John 
 Dolben, afterwards Archbifhop of York, and other 
 divines ; and was continued until the Reftoration, to 
 the great comfort and fupportof the articled Royalifts. 
 To believe, to truft, and to fufTer, are privileges that can 
 never be taken from Chrift's faithful followers; to 
 feek their happinefs in a fimple dedicating of them- 
 
 * Bowles's Life of Ken, vol. i. p. 42. 
 f Wood's Ath. Oxon. vol. ii. p. 795. 
 
28 Life of Thomas Ken, [1657 
 
 felves to His will, to abide His time for eventual peace, 
 and to repofe on His fure word, is to triumph in the 
 midft of flander and oppremon. 
 
 Ken was a fkilful player on the lute ; and did not 
 betake himfelf fo clofely to his ftudies, but that he 
 allowed himfelf an indulgence in his innocent recreation 
 of mufic, for which " he had an excellent genius.*" 
 The organs, and choral fervices had been filenced by 
 the ufurpers : but there were many in Oxford who 
 could not fubmit to change their countenances and 
 manners at the word of command. Some of thefe 
 formed themfelves into mufical parties under the fa- 
 cetious, and no lefs learned and loyal, Anthony a 
 Wood, who enumerates the feveral performers, their 
 inftruments, and degrees of (kill. He fays <c Thomas 
 Ken, of New College, a Junior, would be fometimes 
 among them, and fing his part."j" Indeed it would 
 appear that Vice Chancellor Owen, either affected 
 the example of the Protector ( f< who loved a good 
 voice and inftrumental mufic well") or was really 
 fond of mufic, for its own fake. About this time, he 
 recalled Mr. John Wilfon, the beft player on the lute 
 in all England, made him Univerfity ProfefTor of 
 Mufic, and afligned him a lodging in Balliol College. 
 To his exertions and fkill, and to thofe of William Ellis, 
 the deprived organift of St. John's, may be attributed 
 in great meafure the mufical fpirit that prevailed. 
 Weekly meetings were held at their houfes, and fome- 
 times in the College chambers, where they got together 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 24. 
 f Life of Anthony a Wood, p. 125. 
 
1658] Bijljop of Bath and Wells, 29 
 
 full bands of lutes, viols, (bafs, tenor, counter-tenor and 
 treble) lyra-viols, virginals, and even violins, which 
 began now to be in fafhion. 
 
 Thus time pafTed on, until all clafles had learned to 
 bewail the difquiet which England had brought on 
 herfelf. The fpirit of rebellion, and the death of 
 their martyred king, had entailed upon the people 
 their own heavieft punimment in a feries of national 
 crimes. Their phrenzy for liberty had refulted in 
 the iron bondage of a military defpotifm. As they 
 had mown no pity, they were in turn vifited by 
 juftice without mercy. A bold impiety had taken 
 from them all love of fpiritual things. The Church 
 being overthrown, they were given up alternately to 
 profanenefs and hypocrify, and forced to perjure 
 themfelves with fucceflive oaths, engagements, and 
 covenants, under pretext of exalting the Gofpel and 
 Kingdom of Chrift. Prefbyterians, Anabaptifts, In- 
 dependents, Quakers, Antinomians, Socinians, Level- 
 lers, and Fifth-monarchy men, of whom many agreed 
 only in hatred of the Church, and of each other, 
 became at length weary of the burthen of their own 
 manifold confufions. 
 
 In the midft of this defolation a releafe was provi- 
 dentially prepared by Him, who <c weighs the nations 
 in a balance." The coming deliverance was ufhered in 
 by the gorgeous pageantry of Cromwell's funeral. 
 The difcordant factions of the Cf Council of the Army," 
 the {C Council of State," and the " Committee of 
 Safety" foretold the downfal of the Republic. Al- 
 though the firft fymptoms of returning order were for 
 fome time faint and uncertain, and hopes and fears 
 
30 Life tf/' Thomas Ken, [1660 
 
 agitated all minds, as the Parliament, or Lambert, or 
 Monk, feemed to prevail, the fecret counfels of the 
 Royalifts took at length a definite courfe. General 
 Monk declaring himfelf openly for the King, the 
 whole nation concurred in his joyful Reftoration to 
 the throne. 
 
 When Charles II. took pofTefTion of his palace at 
 Whitehall, the memory of twenty years' fufferings was 
 for a moment loft in the univerfal triumph. What 
 then mufl: have been the gladnefs of the Univerflty, 
 when the King's Commiffioners arrived at Chrift 
 Church to reinftate Morley, Fell, Dolben, Sanderfon, 
 and others who had been expelled from their Colleges 
 as " malignants and fcandalous Recufants!" The 
 voice of joy and thankfgiving, as of thofe who keep 
 holiday, refounded in the College Halls. In every 
 court and quadrangle were to be heard mutual con- 
 gratulations of old friends, arriving one after the other 
 to increafe the general gladnefs. 
 
1663] Bifoop of Bath and Wells. 31 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Ken appointed to the Living of Little Eajlon — refigns the cure 
 — Made Chaplain to BIJhop Morley — Fellow of Winch ejter 
 College — Reclor of Brightjlone — Prebendary of Winch ejier 
 — Refigns Bright/lone — appointed to Eajl Woodhay. 
 
 F the next two or three years of Ken's 
 life few records are to be found. He 
 took his degree of Bachelor of Arts the 
 W^2%$^^$s> 3 r d of May, 1661, and that of Mafter 
 the 2 1 ft of January, 1664.* Mr. Bowles fuggefts 
 that he may have been Tutor of his College, which 
 is not improbable. He might train the younger 
 Wykehamifts in the rules of Chriftian obedience, and 
 at the fame time mature his own theological ftudies. 
 Of this laft duty of preparation for Holy Orders no 
 one could have a deeper fenfe. 
 
 And if at all times the Prieft's office demands a 
 fpirit fully braced to his high calling, it was efpecially 
 fo at this period, when the Englifh Church was brought 
 into extreme peril. The return of kingly govern- 
 ment had indeed huftied the ftorm in which fhe had 
 well nigh been fwept away : but if to our day, after 
 two centuries, fhe bears the fears of her chaftifement 
 in the Rebellion, her wounds were then frefh and 
 bleeding. Her difcipline was relaxed, her doctrines 
 
 * Anthony a Wood's Fafti Oxon. vol. ii. pp. 140 and 158. 
 
32 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1663 
 
 queftioned, her fervices but partially reftored, her 
 revenues alienated, her unity broken into fragments. 
 Above all, the people were tainted by a general diforder 
 and profligacy, fifted through every grade of fociety 
 by a civil war. 
 
 In this ftate of difcord Ken had refolved to devote 
 himfelf to the fervice of the Church, and was ever 
 after found a courageous and watchful Paftor, remem- 
 bering the Good Shepherd's injunction, " Feed My 
 lambs, feed My fheep." Oxford, freed from the tur- 
 moil of the Rebellion, was of all places beft fuited to 
 his deflgn. Here without interruption he could give 
 himfelf to the purfuit of theology. The Bodleian, 
 and his College library, afforded ample {lores of re- 
 ference beyond the reach of common ftudents, efpe- 
 cially the works of the primitive Fathers, thofe vene- 
 rable pillars of the Church and champions of Catholic 
 truth, from whom earneft-minded Christians of all 
 times have drawn abundantly for their need. In thefe 
 retreats, cultivating his natural talents by a judicious 
 courfe of ftudy, he matured himfelf for his future 
 calling. 
 
 The ferious happy time of receiving Holy Orders at 
 length arrived. Having prepared himfelf by prayer, 
 ftudy, and chaftifement of the will, to forfake the 
 allurements and aims of the world, he attained to a 
 humble cc truft that he was inwardly moved by the 
 Holy Ghoft to take upon him this office and minif- 
 tration, to ferve God for the promoting of His glory, 
 and the edifying of His people."* It is doubtful at 
 
 * Ordination Service. 
 
1663] Bijhop of Bath and Wells, 33 
 
 what precife time he was ordained. A vain fearch 
 has been made in the records of various Diocefes to 
 difcover the date. Hawkins does not inform us ; Bowles 
 fuppofes it to have been foon after he took his degree 
 in 1 661 .* Wood intimates that it was after his 
 Matter's degree in i664,f and that he was made Chap- 
 lain to Lord Maynard, as his firft ftep to promotion. 
 Bowles % and Wood§ fay his firft living was Brightftone 
 in the Ifle of Wight ; Hawkins, Eaft Woodhay in 
 Hampshire. || The whole account is inaccurate. He 
 was inftituted on the prefentation of William, Lord 
 Maynard, to the Rectory of Little Eafton, in the 
 hundred of Dunmow in EfTex, in 1 663.^ Wood feems 
 to have miftaken this for an appointment as Chaplain. 
 Hawkins does not mention the Chaplaincy, and there 
 is no record of it in the Faculty office ; on the contrary, 
 we find an entry of the appointment of David Nichols, 
 as Chaplain to Lord Maynard, in the preceding year, 
 28- April, 1662. 
 
 The Parifti Church of Little Eafton is juft without 
 the limits of the Park of Eafton Lodge, the feat of 
 Lord Maynard. Ken had the happinefs to be fup- 
 ported in his endeavours for the good of his people by 
 the countenance and example of the noble family at 
 the Lodge. In his funeral fermon on Lady Margaret 
 Maynard, twenty years afterwards, we have this testi- 
 mony to the friendship that fubfifted between them. 
 
 * Bowles's Life of Ken, vol. i. p. 91. 
 
 f Ath. Oxon. vol. ii. p. 989. % Vol. i. p. 115. 
 
 § Vol. ii. p. 989. || Life of Ken, p. 6. 
 
 11 " Easton Parva: P. Dunmow. Thomas Ken, 20 Aug. 1663. 
 Wins. Doms. Maynard, B n . Eafton." Records in the Faculty office. 
 
 D 
 
34 Life of Thomas Ken, [1663 
 
 " Say, all you who have been eye-witneffes to her life, 
 did you from her very cradle ever know her other 
 than a gracious woman ? As to myjelf I have had the 
 honour to know her near twenty years, and to be ad- 
 mitted to her moft intimate thoughts ; and I cannot but 
 think, upon the utmoft of my obfervation, that me 
 always preferved her baptifmal innocence, and that me 
 never committed any one mortal fin, which put her 
 out of the ftate of grace."* 
 
 From this eloquent fermon, in praife of his early 
 friend, we gather valuable notices of his own miniftry. 
 When he applauds Lady Margaret for " offering up to 
 God, morning and evening, the public Jervices" he clearly 
 indicates that he was himfelf in Church to lead them. 
 He would furely not have reminded the people how " to 
 prayers Jhe added fafting, till her weaknefs made it im- 
 pojjible to her conjlitution" unlefs he had in his daily 
 walk fet them the example of a ftricT: and auftere life. 
 When he fpeaks of her " enlarged devotions on the 
 Fafis and Feftivals of the Church" who but himfelf 
 encouraged and affilted in them ? If cc Jhe never 
 failed on all opportunities to approach the Holy Altar, 
 came with a fpiritual hunger and thirft to that hea- 
 venly feaft, and communicated with a lively and en- 
 dearing remembrance of her crucified Saviour," it was 
 himfelf who opened thofe frequent approaches. 
 
 Would that the Clergy in this our day followed, as 
 
 * A Sermon preached at the Funeral of the Right Honourable 
 the Lady Margaret Maynard, at Little Eafton in Eflex, on the 30th 
 of June, 1682. On Prov. xi. 16. A gracious Woman retaineth 
 honour. \\.o. 
 
i66j] Bifoop of Bath and Wells. 35 
 
 he did, the primitive rule, enjoined by the Rubric, of 
 daily fervice, and the celebration of the Fafts and 
 Festivals, throughout the year. If men are to have 
 their affections raifed to fomething higher than this 
 care-worn world, it muft be through the confident 
 example of a devout, fteadfaft, abiding Clergy. How 
 can the people be expected to obey the injunctions of 
 the Church, if their Paftors maintain a contrary rule, 
 after the varying ftandard of their own judgment and 
 convenience ? It is vain to preach to them the privileges 
 of public worfhip, fo long as the Priefts themfelves 
 difobey, and keep their Church doors clofed againft the 
 " little flock." There may on Sundays be a gathering 
 of the refined and educated, brought up in a love of 
 order, and willing to attend once a week, if only to fet 
 an example to their houfehold and dependents. But the 
 poor, the labourer, the rude uncultivated mafs, — ftill 
 more the fabbath-breaker, the drunkard, the licentious 
 and unbelieving, will never be converted from the 
 power of evil under a languid inexpreflive fyftem, fuch 
 as now prevails in the majority of our Parishes. 
 
 The lower orders of the people have a keen fenfe 
 of the nonconformity of thofe fet over them, and of 
 their equal right to adopt their own meafure of obedi- 
 ence. Many perhaps could not, or would not at firft, 
 attend the daily fervices, or obferve the feftivals, even 
 if offered to them ; yet they can appreciate the affec- 
 tionate untiring zeal of their Clergy in giving them 
 the opportunity. Of this we have a touching example 
 in " fome of the meaner fort" of George Herbert's 
 pariih, " who did fo love and reverence him, that 
 they would let their plough reft when his Saints-bell 
 
36 Life 0/^ Thomas Ken, [+663 
 
 rung to prayers, that they might alfo offer their de- 
 votions to God with him ; and would then return 
 back to their plough. And his moft holy life was 
 fuch, that it begot fuch reverence to God and to him, 
 that they thought themfelves the happier, when they 
 carried Mr. Herbert's bleffing back with them to 
 their labour. Thus powerful was his reafon and 
 example to perfuade others to a practical piety and 
 devotion."* And what, if there be fome within the 
 parifh who fecretly figh after the abfent fervices, and 
 are debarred from the fympathy of common prayer ? 
 what, if the aged and infirm, or the fufFering, or the 
 penitent, long to wend their way to the fanctuary — 
 and may not ? Who mail bear the reproach ? or who 
 render the account ? 
 
 Ken fays, " Lady Margaret, when me came home 
 from Church, recollected and wrote out of her memory 
 abstracts of all the fermons fhe heard, which are in 
 great numbers amongft her papers." Search has been 
 made without fuccefs for thefe abftracts. If we may 
 judge from Ken's few difcourfes that are extant, they 
 would have deferved the praife bellowed on Lactantius, 
 of a divine fluent excellence, favouring of a mind that 
 was truly mortified, and intended to bring his audi- 
 tors to a refolved courfe of fanctification and piety. f 
 Certain it is they helped to animate Lady Margaret 
 with cc fo divine a fpirit, with fuch ardours of devo- 
 
 * Walton's Life of George Herbert. 
 
 f The Glory of their Times ; or, Lives of the Primitive Fathers. 
 1640. 8vo. p. 152. 
 
1663] Bijfjop of Bath and Wells. $7 
 
 tion and charity, as might have become a Proba or a 
 Monica."* 
 
 It was no flight testimony to Ken's worth to have 
 gained, at that early age, the friendfhip of fuch a 
 man as Lord Maynard, whofe unbending loyalty and 
 firm adherence to the fortunes of the King had ex- 
 pofed him to the violence of Cromwell. Though his 
 zeal in the royal caufe had brought upon him an im- 
 peachment by the Parliament in 1647,^ ne was one 
 of the fmall but fearlefs number of Peers who met in 
 their Houfe, and unanimoufly refufed to concur with 
 the Commons in their refolution to bring Charles to 
 a public trial. Lord Maynard's great authority at 
 Court after the Restoration may k have had fome influ- 
 ence on Ken's later advancement : but his merits 
 were too well known both at Oxford and Winchefter 
 to permit his remaining long in the retirement of Little 
 Eafton. Befides, it was natural that Izaak Walton, 
 the friend of Morton, Sanderfon, Duppa and other 
 Prelates, above all of the munificent and virtuous 
 Morley, mould fee his brother Ken called to a more 
 extended poft of duty. 
 
 Notwithftanding their different fpheres of life, a 
 warm and lading attachment fubfifted between Morley 
 and Walton. They were united not only by a perfect 
 harmony of tempers, but by an agreement of opinion 
 on fubjects of deepeft intereft to them, as Chriftian 
 men, — by the fame enduring loyalty, the fame ftudi- 
 
 * Ken's Sermon, preached at the Funeral of Lady Margaret May- 
 nard, 1682. 
 
 f Collin's Peerage, vol. vi. p. 491. 
 
38 Life (jf Thomas Ken, [1665 
 
 ous devout courfe of life. Walton was at this time, 
 and had been for feveral years, either at Worcefter or 
 Winchefter, the conftant and familiar inmate of the 
 Bifhop's Palace.* Under his roof he wrote the Lives 
 of Richard Hooker, George Herbert, and Bifhop San- 
 derfon, revifed his former Lives of Dr. Donne and 
 Sir Henry Wootton, and alfo enlarged his Compleat 
 Angler in the fifth and laft edition. 
 
 Here, we may believe, Ken had often found a 
 welcome in the intervals of his later ftudies at Ox- 
 ford. His humble religious difpofition, fimple man- 
 ners, and lively converfation, could not but attract the 
 Bifhop's efteem, as they had won the confidence of 
 others. Wherever he had been he had behaved him- 
 felf wifely, for he loved his Matter's fervice : this was 
 the fecret fpring of his gradual rifing to greater emi- 
 nence in the Church than even thofe who aided in his 
 advancement. 
 
 Having retained the Rectory of Little Eafton for 
 two years, he refigned it into the hands of his friend 
 Lord Maynard, on the 19th of April, 1665. It was 
 now, perhaps, that Bifhop Morley called him to Win- 
 chefter, and made him his own Chaplain. Woodf 
 and Hawkins J fay 1667 ; but their dates are in other 
 refpects fo faulty, they cannot be trufted. And pro- 
 bably this was the period when he firft undertook 
 the gratuitous cure of St. John's, a forfaken Parifh 
 in the Soke at Winchefter, which alfo fome years 
 
 * Bifhop Morley was confecrated to Worcefter, 1 8th Odtober, 
 1660, and tranflated to Winchefter in 1662. 
 ■f- Ath. Oxon. vol. ii. p. 989. 
 X Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 6. 
 
1667] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 39 
 
 afterwards appears to have formed part of his labo- 
 rious duties. 
 
 Anthony Wood fays of Ken's Oxford life, that 
 " his towardlinefs towards good letters and virtue were 
 obferved by the Seniors :" fo at Winchefter he gained 
 golden opinions from all; and on the 8 th of December, 
 1666, he was unanimoufly elected a Fellow of that 
 College, resigning, of courfe his Oxford Fellowfhip.* 
 " There his moft exemplary goodnefs and piety did 
 eminently exert itfelf ; for that College being chiefly 
 defigned by its Founder for a retired and ftudious life, 
 what could a great and generous fpirit propofe but the 
 good of fouls, and the glory of that God, to whom he 
 constantly afcribed it, even in his moft familiar letters. 
 For c Glory to God' was his conftant Prefcript to all 
 his letters and papers." j" But a reclufe life was foreign 
 to the bent of his defires. Some refponfible work in 
 the cure of fouls was better adapted to one fo loving 
 and zealous, and fo highly gifted. The Bifhop, there- 
 fore, on the 6th of July, 1667, % collated him to the 
 Rectory of Brightftone in the Ifle of Wight, a cheerful 
 little village, about four miles from Carifbrook Caftle, 
 with a goodly Church, and a near profpect of the fea, 
 fheltered from cold winds by over-hanging hills. 
 
 There, removed from the obfervation of all but his 
 fmall confiding flock, he again exercifed himfelf in the 
 duties of the Chriftian miniftry, perfuading men to the 
 fear of God, and converting them from the power of 
 
 * Records of Winchefter College. 
 
 f Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 4. 
 
 % Books of the Public Record Office. 
 
40 Life of Thomas Ken, [1667 
 
 fin to the free love of their Heavenly Father. If there 
 be joy in the prefence of the Angels over one finner 
 that repenteth, what fhall it be to a faithful, enduring 
 prieft to meet that foul in Heaven, faved by his holy 
 counfels, his example, and his prayers ! No voice, per- 
 haps, may proclaim his praife on earth, — not even 
 gratitude repay his fervice : yet when the Lamb fhall 
 open the Seals, and that one be found written " in the 
 book of remembrance," as having feared the Lord, 
 and thought upon His Name, — then he that was 
 turned to righteoufnefs, and he that was the happy 
 inflrument, <f fhall be Mine, faith the Lord, in the day 
 when I make up My jewels." 
 
 Bifhop Morley exacted a find: obedience to the 
 Rubric in regard to daily prayers, and the obfervance 
 of the Falls and Feftivals throughout his Diocefe : 
 we are not, therefore, left to furmife whether Ken's 
 practice was the fame here as at Little Eafton. It 
 would appear that his Parifh duties were fometimes 
 interrupted by his attendance on the Bifhop in his 
 palace at Chelfea. We have occafional notices of him 
 there in the Diary of the pious Lady Warwick, who 
 alfo had a houfe at Chelfea, and attended the fervices 
 at the Old Church. 
 
 cc Eafter Day, 7th April, 1667. Went to Church, 
 when I heard Mr. Ken preach ; his text was 1 . John, 
 ch. 3. v. 3. f And every man that hath this hope in 
 him purifieth himfelf even as He is pure.' I was 
 very attentive at the fermon, and moved by it : when 
 the fermon was done, I found my heart exceedingly 
 to long after the blefTed feafr. : and when I remem- 
 bered the fufferings of my Saviour I did weep bitterly, 
 
1 668] BiJIjop of Bath and Wells. 41 
 
 and with great earneftnefs begged of God to give me 
 Chrift ; my heart was much carried out to blefs God, 
 and I had there fuch fweet communion with Him, that 
 I could fay it was good for me to be there."* 
 
 <f Sunday ', 22nd December ', 1667. After I came 
 home in the evening from hearing Mr. Ken, God 
 was pleafed to move my heart to fpeak to my Lord 
 about things of everlafting concernment ; and I was 
 enabled, in an awakened frame of fpirit, to perfuade 
 him to repentance, and to make his peace with God."f 
 
 <c Chriftmas, 25th December, 1667. In the after- 
 noon Mr. Ken preached : his text was f For this 
 caufe was the Son of God manifested, that He might 
 deftroy the works of the Devil.' I was attentive and 
 affected at the Sermon. I did in difcourfe with the 
 young ladies warn them to be careful to keep their 
 engagements made to God at the Sacrament." J 
 
 <c Sunday, 9th February, 1668. I went to Church 
 to hear Mr. Ken preach ; his text was c Behold thou 
 art made whole, fin no more, left a worfe thing come 
 on thee.' It was a very good fermon, and God was 
 pleafed much to affect my heart with it ; and whilft 
 he was preaching upon that paffage f fin no more,' 
 God was pleafed to make me, with ftrong defires and 
 many tears, to beg power againft fin for the time to 
 come."§ 
 
 Only two fhort years this holy meffenger delivered 
 the glad tidings of peace, and administered the Church's 
 fervices to the comfort of his people at Brightflone. 
 
 * Memoir of Lady Warwick, and her Diary, 1847, i2mo. p. 107. 
 f Ibid. p. 138. % Ibid. p. 140. § Ibid. p. 146. 
 
42 Life of Thomas Ken, [1669 
 
 Bifhop Morley called him back to Winchefter : for 
 " without any application made on his behalf he pre- 
 ferred him to the dignity of Prebendary in the Cathe- 
 dral Church in Winton, and he was installed accord- 
 ingly, April 12, 1669."* In the following month, 
 that he might have him nearer to his own perfon, the 
 Bifhop gave him the Rectory of Eaft Woodhay, vacant 
 by the removal of Robert Sharrock. 
 
 It was inconfiftent with Ken's views of the minis- 
 terial office to hold more than one living, though it 
 was then a common cuftom. On the very day of his 
 being collated to Woodhay, the 28th of May, 1669, 
 he refigned Brightftone into the hands of the Bifhop, 
 who appointed the Rev. John Fitzwilliam, his fuc- 
 cefTor. " Bi/hop Ken's yew hedge" is ftill mown as a 
 cherifhed memorial, in the Rectory garden : his name 
 imparts to the Church and village " a fweet favour of 
 holy things." 
 
 He held the living of Woodhay from the 28 th of 
 May, 1669, to the 8th of November, 1672, fulfilling 
 the offices of his cure with the fame devotednefs as at 
 Brightftone and Little Eafton, — with the fame affec- 
 tionate care for the fpiritual and bodily wants of his 
 people, the fame diligence in vifiting, catechizing, 
 reading the fcriptures and preaching to them, — the 
 fame zeal in gaining by whatever means precious fouls 
 to God — the fame afcetic life, which was cc a continual 
 death to animal appetites." In the Parifh regifter of 
 Woodhay is an entry of the Baptifm of " Rofe Ken, 
 daughter of Mr. Jon Ken, born 23rd June, 1670." 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 6. 
 
1669] B 'flop of Bath and Wells. 43 
 
 Jon Ken was his elder brother, married to Rofe Vernon ; 
 and from this it would feem that our Thomas Ken 
 (himfelf unalterably dedicated to a fingle life) had the 
 fociety of his brother's family in the Parfonage houfe. 
 
 The dates of Ken's preferments have been given 
 with this precifion, becaufe his biographers are not 
 accurate in the order of them. Hawkins fays cf foon 
 after he was Fellow of Winchester College, Dr. George 
 Morley, then Bifhop of that Diocefe, prefented him 
 to the Parfonage of Woodhay in Hampfhire,"* omit- 
 ting his previous appointment to Brightftone. Wood 
 aflumes that " after he had held Woodhay a little 
 while he refigned it into his Lordfhip's hands, under 
 the pretence of confcience, thinking he had enough 
 without it,"f meaning that he ftill retained Bright- 
 ftone. Bowles, adopting this error, fays fC though a 
 Fellow of a College, and a dignitary of a Cathedral, 
 he was a pluralift into the bargain ; but foon after 
 being prefented to Woodhay, he refigned it though 
 tenable with Brightftone," fuppofing that he held this 
 laft after Woodhay, inftead of before. 
 
 In fact, Ken declined any paftoral cure, the duties 
 of which he could not perfonally perform. There 
 was no anxious activity to accumulate benefices to 
 himfelf. He no doubt agreed in opinion with zealous 
 Bernard Gilpin, who declared " though any other 
 mould preach and teach for me as conftantly and in- 
 duftrioufly as St. Auguftine did, yet I cannot think 
 myfelf difcharged by another man's painftaking." J 
 
 * Life, p. 6. f Athens Oxonienfes, vol. ii. p. 989. 
 
 t Kidder's Life of Anthony Horneck. 
 
44 Life of Thomas Ken, [1672 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Ken refigns the Reclory of Woodhay. His character as a 
 Country Parfon. Mr. Izaac Milles of Highclere — Cha- 
 racter of Bijhop Morley. Ken 1 s duties at Winchejier. 
 
 HE probable occafion of his refigning 
 Woodhay was the defire of the Bifhop, 
 now advancing in years, to fecure his 
 undivided fervices and fociety at Win- 
 cheder; for the labours of the Diocefe required fuch an 
 afTiftant. Moreover, he defigned the living for George 
 Hooper, already a Canon of Chrift Church, Oxford. 
 Of Hooper's learning it is fufficient to fay that <f he 
 dudied the oriental languages (in which as well as the 
 mathematics he was a great mafter) under Dr. Pocock, 
 with whom he ufed to correfpond on that fubject by 
 letters. And when he was removed from Oxford to 
 London, the Rabbis of the Synagogue there ufed to 
 bring him anything that was curious in that way."* 
 Of his piety, a long confident and devoted life, public 
 and private, is the bed of all tedimonies. 
 
 The Bifhop had written to Hooper two years before 
 to requed that he would be his chaplain. " I dare 
 not," he fays, cc do a man of your parts and hopes fo 
 great an injury as to take you from what you have at 
 Chrid Church (which Mr. Dean tells me is very con- 
 
 * MS. Memoir of Dr. Hooper, by his daughter, Mrs. Prowfe : 
 in the pofleffion of Lady Mordaunt. 
 
1672] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 45 
 
 fiderable) before I have anything to give you in lieu 
 of it. I mall therefore for your fake, and for your 
 fake only, defer the contentment I expect and promife 
 myfelf from your being with me, until fomething or 
 other falls in my gift, which may fecure you and me, 
 fo that we mall not have caufe to repent of it. In the 
 mean time I do afTure you that, if you will keep 
 yourfelf for me, I will keep myfelf for you, without 
 taking or thinking of any other Chaplain befides him 
 I have already. Farewell, and pray for your loving 
 friend, Geo. Winton.* 
 
 Chelfay, May, 1670. 
 
 In 1672 a vacancy occurring at Havant in Hamp- 
 fhire, which was in the Bifhop's gift, he beftowed it 
 on Hooper, and appointed him his Chaplain. It was 
 an unhealthy place, and on taking pofleffion he got 
 the ague : fo it was agreed among them all that Ken 
 mould refign Woodhay to his friend, and transfer 
 himfelf to Winchefter. 
 
 It was a great comfort to him to have one he fo 
 much loved as his fucceflbr ; yet he felt the pain of 
 feparating from his parifhioners. Common obfervers 
 can hardly appreciate the paffionate defire of a devoted 
 energetic Prieft to advance his people in their confor- 
 mity to God's law. His life is one zealous effort 
 for their foul's fake ; he does all to lead them in fafety 
 through the mazes of a tangled world ; and tries 
 every expedient to open to their view the realities 
 that lie beyond. Early and late he watches over 
 them with a tender care — encourages the fearful, 
 
 * Prowie MS. 
 
4.6 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1672 
 
 quickens the loiterers, reproves the difiblute and pro- 
 fane, counfels the doubtful, relieves the poor, gathers 
 alms from the rich, reconciles all who differ — endea- 
 vours by exhortations, prayers and facraments to raife 
 them to the perfect ftandard of Christian love. 
 
 Such was holy Ken at Little Eafton, Brightftone, 
 and Woodhay, — the zealous affectionate guide of his 
 flock, like an angel bearing to them the meffage of 
 truth, impelled by the nobleft motives to refine them 
 from all fin, and make them afpire to a holinefs kindred 
 with his own. In one of his poems he gives a picture 
 of what he confiders a Pallor of Chrift ought to be : 
 in every line we may trace his own undefigned portrait. 
 
 " Give me the Prieft thefe graces {hall poflefs, — 
 Of an ambaflador the juft addrefs : 
 
 A fathers tendernefs, a fhepherds care, 
 
 A leaders courage, which the Crofs can bear ; 
 
 A rulers awe, a watchmans wakeful eye, 
 
 A pilots fkill the helm in ftorms to ply ; 
 
 A fifhers patience, and a labourers toil, 
 
 A guides dexterity to difembroil ; 
 
 A prophets infpiration from above, 
 
 A teachers knowledge and a Saviour's love. 
 
 Give me the Prieft, a light upon a hill, 
 
 Whofe rays his whole circumference can fill ; 
 
 In Gods own word and facred learning vers'd, 
 
 Deep in the ftudy of the heart immers'd ; 
 
 Who in lick fouls can the difeafe defcry, 
 
 And wifely for reftoratives apply. 
 
 To beatific paftures leads his fheep, 
 
 Watchful from hellifh wolves his fold to keep ; 
 
 Who feeks not a convenience, but a cure, 
 
 Would rather fouls than his own gain enfure. 
 
 Inftrudlive in his vifits and converfe, 
 
 Strives every where falvation to difperfe; 
 
1672] Bijljop of Bath and Wells. 47 
 
 Of a mild, humble, and obliging heart, 
 
 Who with his all does to the needy part ; 
 
 Diftruftful of himfelf, in God confides, 
 
 Daily himfelf among his flock divides. 
 
 Of virtue uniform, and cheerful air, 
 
 Fix'd meditation, and inceffant prayer, 
 
 Affections mortified, well guided zeal, 
 
 Of faving truth the relifh wont to feel ; 
 
 Whofe province, Heaven, all his endeavour fhares, 
 
 Who mixes with no fecular affairs, 
 
 Oft on his paftoral amount reflects, 
 
 By holinefs, not riches, gains refpefts ; 
 
 Who is all that he would have others be, 
 
 From wilful fin, though not from frailty free ; 
 
 Who Mill keeps Jefus in his heart and head, 
 
 Who ftrives in fteps of our Arch Prieft to tread, 
 
 Who can himfelf and all the world deny, 
 
 Lives pilgrim here, but denizen on high ! " 
 
 The age in which we live is cold and Eraftian, to 
 fay the leaf!:. Men fhrink from the noble boldnefs of 
 a fervent zeal. The fire of the altar flill burns dim, 
 and fpiritual affedtions have not yet pierced the clouds 
 that for a century and a half have obfcured in the 
 Church of England the light of a living faith. It 
 may be, therefore, that Ken's faintly character will fail 
 to awaken in us any vivid intereft. Glimmerings there 
 are, however, of a brighter dawn, and the tokens of 
 God's returning prefence in His Church. He has raifed 
 up, within our time, a new order of men, who amidft 
 the fcorn and oppofition of a wayward world partake 
 of the afpirations of a primitive piety like that of Ken. 
 The hearts of their flocks begin to kindle from their 
 fervour. We heartily pray that God may fpeed them, 
 and keep them all fteadfafl and immoveable to the 
 
48 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1672 
 
 Church of England, into which they have been bap- 
 tized, to the glory of His great Name Whom they 
 ferve. 
 
 We are able to give one example at lead of the 
 permanent influence of Ken's paftoral life on that of 
 his brethren. Next to his Parifh of Woodhay is 
 Highclere, in Hampfhire. Here lived a village Prieft, 
 a humble fchoolmafter, whofe name is fcarcely refcued 
 from oblivion. His courfe was like a hidden ftream, 
 fertilizing the banks along which it flows, and traced 
 by the rich herbage and the flowers that fpring befide 
 it. His Reclory was worth a hundred pounds a year ; 
 — Cf the country barren and the people poor:"* and 
 there he tended his little flock for thirty nine years. f 
 He was not remarkable for the aufterity of his life, or 
 for any rare endowments of mind, though learned in 
 the Hebrew and Greek languages. Of Ample man- 
 ners, and with a gentle and obliging temper that never 
 loft him a friend, or made him an enemy, he was fo 
 indulgent to the faults of others, that " he would 
 often rife up and leave the company, rather than hear 
 even a bad man reproached behind his back ; fo hofpi- 
 table, that he ufed to be much difpleafed if any poor 
 perfon was fent from his houfe without tafting a cup 
 of his ale."^ 
 
 Even the way-worn Cf pedlars were always welcome 
 to him, and relieved of their packs, and lodged for the 
 
 * An Account of the Life and Converfation of the Reverend and 
 worthy Mr. Ifaac Milles, late Reftor of Highclere, in Hampfhire, 
 8vo. 1721, p. 70. 
 
 f Ibid. p. 82. \ Ibid. p. 131. 
 
1672] Bifoop of Bath a7id Wells. 49 
 
 night in his barn, when he would himfelf fometimes 
 take care that they had clean ftraw, and enough of it, 
 and eat and drink as much as they pleafed with his 
 fervants."* <c No beggar, or other perfon in want, 
 came to his door for relief, who did not receive there 
 an alms, either of money, or victuals, or clothes, and 
 fometimes of all." Though he was often, from the 
 guileleffnefs of his heart, deceived by bad men, " he 
 valued it not," nor allowed himfelf to be weary in well 
 doing. 
 
 While thus generous to needy ftrangers, he was the 
 common father of his own parifhioners, and efpecially 
 " a conftant vifitant by the bed-fide of the fick and 
 dying," administering fpiritual and temporal comfort 
 to all. For their fakes " he turned a perfect beggar, 
 in order to get from others fomething to fupply their 
 wants ; " fo that both parties might be enriched, the 
 receiver here, the giver hereafter ; and cc he always 
 added what he could from his own little ftock, but 
 concealed his portion," f that he might appear the happy 
 almoner of others. Thefe were the rich fruit that a 
 good man bringeth forth out of the good treafure of 
 his heart, — Chriftian graces, works of love — the fweet- 
 eft incenfe that can be offered up to Heaven. 
 
 Nor did thefe labours, and his confcientious care 
 of his fcholars, prevent his conftant ftudy of the holy 
 Scriptures (which he ufed to read in the original lan- 
 guages) or hinder his life of prayer : for befides his 
 family devotions cc he ufed to walk every day in the 
 
 * Life and Converfation of Mr. Ifaac Milles, p. 131. 
 f Ibid. p. 1 32. 
 
 E 
 
50 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1672 
 
 week to read the Jervice in the Parijh Church." Such 
 was his humility that " he was then his own clerk, 
 tolling the bell himfelf, and doing everything elfe, 
 before the few people that frequented thofe prayers 
 were come together, which it was the bufinefs of the 
 clerk to do."* It may be added that he had fo moving 
 and pathetic a way of preaching, that " the people 
 came from the neighbouring parifhes round about," 
 to liften to him. For this he would reprove them, 
 and tell them to flay at home, and go to their own 
 churches ; f but they could more eafily obey any other 
 of his commands than this. 
 
 Such was Mr. Ifaac Milles, the umple-hearted Rector 
 of Highclere. Though never raifed to any higher 
 preferment, he was in one particular blefTed even be- 
 yond King David, who was not permitted to witnefs 
 his fon Solomon's high privilege of building the Holy 
 Temple : whereas Milles lived to fee his eldeft fon 
 confecrated to the office of a Biihop in the Church 
 of his Heavenly Matter, Whom he had himfelf fo 
 faithfully ferved in a humbler ftation. 
 
 This account of the Parfon of Highclere might feem 
 a digreflion, but that he was mainly animated to fo 
 zealous a fulfilment of his duties by the well-known 
 example of Ken in the fame miniftries of charity at 
 the next village of Woodhay. Ken had preceded him 
 but a few years; and we are told that Mr. Milles " ad- 
 mired him beyond all others in the Church of Chrift, 
 
 * Life and Converfation of Mr. Ifaac Milles, p. 137. 
 f Ibid. p. 79. 
 
1672] BiJIoop of Bath a?td Wells. 5 1 
 
 and To greatly efteemed of him, that he never fpoke of 
 him without being in raptures of veneration for him."* 
 He had, moreover, the higheft opinion of Ken's wri- 
 tings. cc He considered his Practice of Divine Love 
 to be a moft divine expofition of the Church catechifm, 
 and thought it was the beft book that ever was com- 
 mitted to writing, next to the Holy Scriptures. "f <c He 
 was fo great an admirer of this commentary on our 
 Catechifm, whereby it is turned into a method and ex- 
 ercife of fublime devotion, that he taught his children, 
 his fcholars, and his fervants, the practice of divine love 
 by this writing of one, who had more of the fpirit and 
 life of it than molt other men had. And he always 
 obliged his fcholars, every morning and every evening, 
 and at noon day, to fay on their knees the prayers of 
 Bifhop Ken, in his Directions for Prayer, taken out of 
 the Church Catechifm, annexed to this expofition." J 
 
 He had heard from George Hooper (who fucceeded 
 Ken at Woodhay) many particulars of the Bifhop's 
 character ; and Mr. Milles ufed to fay of Hooper 
 himfelf that, " of all clergymen he ever knew there 
 was none, in whom all the three characters of the per- 
 fect gentleman, the thorough fcholar, and the venera- 
 ble fkilful divine, met in fo high and great a perfection 
 as in him ; " which verified the prediction of Dr. 
 Bufby refpecting him. And he faid that " he was a 
 public blefling to that country, and to the Clergy 
 thereabouts ; and by his fweet and obliging deport- 
 
 * Life and Converfation of Mr. Ifaac Milles, p. 119. 
 t Ibid. p. 119. % Ibid. p. 120. 
 
52 Life of Thomas Ken, [1672 
 
 ment, not only gained the entire affections of all ; but 
 fet an example by the imitation of which they might 
 greatly have advanced the intereft of our poor Church."* 
 
 Ken's duties as Fellow of Winchester College, and 
 his Prebend in the Cathedral, might alone have in- 
 duced his return to Winchefter : but when to thefe 
 were added the fociety and guidance of fuch a man as 
 Bifhop Morley, we cannot wonder at his accepting 
 the invitation to be more immediately about his per- 
 fon. This learned and felf-denying Prelate, who lived 
 as if for others rather than himfelf, was a bright ex- 
 ample of loyalty in perilous times. In 1646 he had 
 been felecled by Charles I. with Dr. Hammond, Dr. 
 Sanderfon, and Dr. Gilbert Sheldon, to attend him as 
 a council of advice in his conferences with the Par- 
 liamentary Commiffioners for a peace in Church and 
 State. In the following year he was one of the Dele- 
 gates appointed by the Univerfity of Oxford to draw 
 up their Reafons for not fubmitting to the League and 
 Covenant, Negative Oaths, and other Ordinances of 
 the Parliament. 
 
 He had rendered himfelf obnoxious to the Re- 
 publicans by his conftancy to his friend, the loyal and 
 brave Lord Capel, not mrinking from attendance 
 upon him even to the fcaffold. Capel had been 
 taken prifoner by the rebels at the fiege of Colchefter, 
 with Lord Lucas and Sir George Lifle. When his 
 two companions were condemned to be fhot, he peti- 
 tioned in vain that he alfo might receive a foldier's 
 honourable death. He was referved for a public trial 
 
 * Life and Converfation of Mr. Ifaac Milles, p. 93. 
 
1672] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 5 3 
 
 and execution, at both of which he behaved with an 
 undaunted bearing. To the laft he declared his readi- 
 nefs to die for the King's fervice, and for that Church, 
 in whofe bofom he was born and bred, and which he 
 thought to be the beft in the world.* He defired his 
 heart to be enclofed in a filver box, and at fome future 
 time to be laid in the tomb at the feet of his Royal 
 Matter. Morley was one of the few who bore him 
 company, fearlefs of all confequences to himfelf, that 
 he might minifter ftrength and confolation to his friend 
 in the hour of need.f 
 
 Notwithstanding this, and his known attachment to 
 the Royal caufe, when the Republican vifitors came to 
 Oxford, Morley had an offer from a fecret friend, 
 tf one of the Grandees of the Houfe of Commons," to 
 retain his Canonry of Chrift church, without being 
 compelled to fay or fubfcribe any thing againft his 
 confcience, if he would but give his word not to 
 appear againft them or their proceedings. Izaak 
 Walton was the bearer of this meffage, being defired 
 to write to Morley, and recommend him fC to ride out 
 of Oxford, when the vifitors came, and not return till 
 they left it, and he mould be fure then to return in 
 fafety, and mould, without taking any oath, or other 
 moleftation, enjoy his Canon's place in his College." 
 Morley replied that he could not accept the intended 
 kindnefs; " for when the Dean, Dr. Gardner, Dr. 
 Paine, Dr. Hammond, and Dr. Sanderfon, and all the 
 
 * Clarendon's Hift. of the Rebellion. 
 
 f Excellent Contemplations, &c. of Arthur, Lord Capel, with 
 fome account of his life. i2mo. 1683, p. 142. 
 
54 Life of Thomas Ken, [1672 
 
 reft of the College (including Mr. John Fell) were 
 turned out, except Dr. Wall, he fhould take it to be, 
 if not a fin, yet a fhame, to be left behind with him 
 only."* 
 
 After the King's death, Morley retired to Holland 
 to attend on Charles II., and was one of his moft 
 faithful adherents during the exile. For many years 
 fucceflively at Antwerp, the Hague, and Breda, " he 
 read the fervice of the Church twice every day, cate- 
 chized once a week, and administered the Communion 
 once a month to all the Englifh who would come to 
 it, without receiving or expecting any reward." f 
 
 Mr. Bowles imagines that Dr. Morley, after his 
 rejection from Chrift church, and the death of the 
 King, fought a refuge from his perfecutors in Walton's 
 cottage, in StafFordfhire. He gives a pleafing con- 
 verfation, in which he fuppofes the two friends may 
 have comforted each other amid the dark tempeft of 
 the times. The fcene is laid in the fmall garden 
 plot, before the door of the cottage, not far from 
 Stafford. It is a beautiful evening in fpring, and 
 Izaak, juft returned from angling, finds his beloved 
 Kenna (Ken's fifter) and their child, and Dr. Morley, 
 feated in a honey-fuckle arbour. After fome difcourfe 
 on the death of the Royal Martyr, and Morley's in- 
 tention to join Charles II. in Holland, they take affec- 
 tionate leave of each other, and Morley promifes never 
 
 * Walton's Life of Sanderfon : and Walker's Sufferings of the 
 Clergy. 
 
 f Wood's Athenae Oxon. vol. ii. p. 770. 
 
1672] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 5 5 
 
 to forget the happy and improving hours he had fpent 
 in this retirement.* 
 
 Sir Harris Nicolas, the careful biographer of Wal- 
 ton, fays " it is always painful to deftroy the fabrics 
 of genius; but biography is not a proper field for the 
 flights of poefy ; and however pleafing might be fuch 
 an epifode in the life of Walton, as his having afforded 
 fhelter to the venerable Morley, in his adverfity, con- 
 trafting, as it would forcibly have done, with Walton's 
 having paffed the latter years of his life in the epifco- 
 pal residences of that eminent perfon, it muft never- 
 thelefs be faid that there is no evidence that Morley 
 ever vifited Walton in Staffordfhire, or that he was 
 indebted to him for any particular fervices."f 
 
 The efteem of fuch a Prelate conferred an honour- 
 able diftinction on his Chaplain, which is now reflected 
 back on Morley's name in the brighter rays of Ken's 
 luftre. Their friendfhip was cemented by a mutual 
 attachment to Izaak Walton (then in his 80th year) 
 the humble gueft of the Bifhop, and the venerable 
 friend of his Chaplain. The Palace at Winchefter 
 was not very long enlivened by the prefence of the 
 other Chaplain, George Hooper ; ec for Archbifhop 
 Sheldon dining one day at Chelfy with the Bifhop, 
 told him he had a requeft to make him, which was to 
 give him fomething he valued, or to that effect. On 
 the Bifhop's telling his Grace that it fhould be at his 
 
 * Bowles's Life of Ken, vol. i. p. 97. 
 
 f Preface to Pickering's Edition of Walton and Cotton's Complete 
 Angler. 
 
56 Life 0^ Thomas Ken, [1672 
 
 fervice, the Archbifhop then told him it was his Chap- 
 lain, Mr. Hooper, who he was very forry to part 
 with, but expreffed great willingnefs to do it, as he 
 thought it would be for the good of the Church, and 
 an advantage to Mr. H., who accordingly removed to 
 Lambeth Houfe. Bifhop Morley ever retained a great 
 regard for him, infomuch that he fent for him to attend 
 him on his death bed."* In this lafl office, as we 
 mail afterwards fee, he was affifted by Ken. They 
 were thus united in miniftering once more to their fpi- 
 ritual father, whofe departure from this world, though 
 it difcharged them from the bond of a common duty 
 towards him, did not diflblve their friendfhip. For, as 
 brethren in the fervice of a heavenly Mafter, they are 
 for ever part of an innumerable hoft. An undefinable 
 and myfterious communion knits them together with 
 the fpirits of faints, with angels, and with Chrift Him- 
 felf, who died to exalt them to His heavenly court. All 
 in every place have the fecret witnefs that as they are 
 one in the gift of life, fo their thoughts, their hopes, 
 their fears, their burthens and rejoicings, are united 
 before the eternal Throne. 
 
 The ftate of the Church of England at this period 
 prefented fearful fymptoms of a decay that encreafed 
 as time went on. It was therefore a great benefit to 
 Ken to have the counfel of fuch a Prelate, after whofe 
 example he might fafely model his own miniftry. 
 Bifhop Morley was inceffant in all the duties of his 
 public and private life, in prayer and fafting, in works 
 of mercy to the poor, of munificence for the benefit 
 
 * MSS. Life of Hooper, by Mrs. Prowfc. 
 
1672] Bijljop of Bath and Wells . 5 7 
 
 and dignity of his fucceflbrs ; fimple in his manners, 
 zealous for the honour of God, felf-denying amidft a 
 frivolous and diffipated Court, vigilant, energetic, and 
 bold in all difficulties and dangers. 
 
 In the fame temper of mind Ken advanced to the 
 fame ftation. His offices of Fellow of Winchefter 
 College, Prebendary of the Cathedral, and Chaplain to 
 the Bifhop were not occupation enough for a mind 
 intent on bringing men to Chrift. He could not reft 
 without fome parochial charge ; and having before 
 ferved the neglected diftrict of St. John in the Soke, 
 he ftill found it without a paftor and the hearts of the 
 people turned from the Church by the contentious 
 fpirit of Anabaptifts. With the confent of his Bifhop 
 he undertook the gratuitous cure. His difregard of 
 money was a prominent feature in his character ; the 
 fulfilment of the paftoral office was the one fimple de- 
 fire that governed his a&ions, — f< well done, good and 
 faithful fervant" the one reward he looked to. 
 
 To the poor of St. John's, therefore, he devoted 
 his beft energies. The influence of his love, and zeal, 
 and knowledge of the human heart, were heightened 
 by the fervour of his eloquence. If by any powers of 
 the Chriftian orator he might move men to holinefs, 
 he would fain employ them all in the great caufe. 
 He did not therefore undervalue this accomplifhment ; 
 but followed the footfteps of the mod pious and la- 
 borious Fathers and confeffors of the primitive Church. 
 Their impaffioned oratory was not addrefTed to the 
 feelings of their hearers to roufe them to mere religious 
 excitement, and tranfient impulfe, but to fever their 
 tenacious grafp on worldly things, — to call them out 
 
58 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1672 
 
 of the din of emulations and ftrife, and the abforbing 
 cares of a fecular life. Vehement, ftern, perfuafive, 
 and loving, they alternately fhook men " by the terror 
 of the Lord," and melted them by the mercies and 
 hopes of the Gofpel. 
 
 St. Chryfoftom, whofe eloquence was compared to 
 a golden river, every where praifes St. Paul for his 
 fkill in moving men's hearts to the fear and love of 
 God. <c Thus inftructed," he fays, c< and walking in 
 the fteps of his mafter, Paul hath varied his difcourfe 
 according to the need of his difciples, at one time 
 ufing knife and cautery, at another applying mild 
 remedies," &c. And thus alfo Ken omitted no force 
 of perfuafion to awaken his hearers from their dull in- 
 fenfibility, and to draw them out from fin and fchifm. 
 He reaped the rich reward of his labours in gathering 
 many into the bofom of the Church. 
 
 If one might be tempted to give in its fulnefs his 
 expofition of the Sacrament of Baptifm in his f Prac- 
 tice of Divine Love,' published many years afterwards, 
 it would exhibit his view of its vital efficacy, and the 
 power of his eloquence to bring men to a juft fenfe 
 of its blefTednefs. There is not, perhaps, in our lan- 
 guage a more valuable testimony to the doctrine of 
 Regeneration in that Holy Sacrament, as " raifing us 
 from a death unto fin, to a new life, and breathing 
 into us the breath of love." " In this Laver of Re- 
 generation (he fays) we are born again by Water and 
 the Spirit ; by a new birth unto righteoufnefs : that 
 as the natural birth propagated fin, our fpiritual birth 
 fhould propagate grace. Chrift in our Baptifm doth 
 give us the holy fpirit of love, to be the principle of a 
 
1672] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 59 
 
 new life in us, to infufe into our fouls a fupernatural, 
 habitual grace, and ability to ferve and love Him. It 
 was His compafTionate love, that when we were con- 
 ceived and born in fin, of finful parents, when we 
 fprung from a root wholly corrupt, and were all 
 children of wrath, made us, in our Baptifm, children 
 of His own Heavenly Father by adoption and grace : 
 when we were heirs of Hell, made us heirs of Heaven, 
 even joint heirs with His own felf of His own glory." * 
 
 The inhabitants of the Soke crowded to the Church 
 of St. John, to hear the words of wifdom that flowed 
 from the lips of their humble Curate, as in a later pe- 
 riod, when he became a Bifhop, the Courtiers of the 
 palace thronged the Chapel of St. James's to receive 
 his more authoritative lefTons. The word of God can- 
 not return to Him void ; His Kingdom muft in the 
 end ftretch forth on the right hand and on the left, 
 for they have a fpiritual life. Ken was the happy in- 
 ftrument of contributing to this great defign of unity 
 by converting many of his fectarian hearers to the 
 Church of England, efpecially amongft the Anabap- 
 tifts, whom he convinced of their errors, making them 
 to become as little children, himfelf baptizing them 
 into the congregation of Chrift's flock.f 
 
 Such were his unwearied patience and charity in his 
 paftoral cares ; the kindeft of men towards others, 
 himfelf mortified to all worldly pleafures, and afraid 
 of nothing fo much as a foft luxurious life, he was 
 
 * Ken's Expofition of the Church Catechifm. 2nd Edition, 8vo. 
 1686, p. 136. 
 t Hawkins, p. 4. 
 
60 Life of Thomas Ken, [1672 
 
 difciplined to untiring exertions for the fpread of 
 divine truth. He feemed to realize Bifhop Taylor's 
 prayer : c< Oh give me the fpirit of mortification and 
 humility, that I may be gentle to others, and fevere 
 to myfelf." His biographer, Hawkins, defcribes that 
 " in the evening, when he loved to enjoy the fociety 
 of his friends, he was fo worn down with the exertions 
 and fatigue of the day, that with difficulty he kept 
 his eyes open ; and then feemed only to go to reft 
 with no other purpofe than the refreihing and enabling 
 him with more vigour and chearfulnefs to fing his 
 Morning Hymn." — <f And that neither his ftudy 
 might be the aggrefibr on his hours of inftruclion ; or 
 what he judged his duty, prevent his improvement ; 
 oft of both interrupt his clofet addreffes to his God, he 
 ftrictly accuftomed himfelf to but one fleep, which 
 often obliged him to rife at one or two of the clock in 
 the morning, and fometimes fooner ; and this grew fo 
 habitual that it continued with him almoft till his laft 
 illnefs."* 
 
 * Hawkins, p. 5. 
 
1675] Bifoop of Bath and Wells. 61 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Ken's Manual of Prayers for Winchejier fcbolars — His 
 Morning, Evening, and Midnight Hymns — The Original 
 Melody of the Hymns — The Court of Charles II. at Win- 
 chejier. 
 
 jE may well believe that Ken, as a Win- 
 chefter boy, had fet a good example to 
 others: and now, as a Fellow of the Col- 
 lege, his defire to preferve the fcholars 
 from the fafcinating power of the world, and to train 
 them to holinefs, prompted him to compofe a Manual 
 of Prayers for their daily ufe. He could not offer a 
 more lafting memorial of his attachment to thofe early 
 fcenes of his youth, or of his care for future Wyke- 
 hamifts. It is a meffage to them of earned love : it 
 warns them of the deceitful pitfalls that furround their 
 path, and allures them to virtue by every holy motive, 
 and by the moft eminent examples of early piety re- 
 corded in the fcriptures. " Do but confider," he fays, 
 " how welcome a young convert is to God : it was to 
 young Samuel that God revealed Himfelf, and that at 
 fuch a time too, when the word of God was precious 
 and very rare, to mow how much God honoured a 
 young prophet ; and you know that St. John, the 
 youngeft of all the difciples, is the only perfon of all 
 the twelve, who was permitted to lean on our Savi- 
 our's bofom at the laft fupper, as dearefl: to Him in 
 affection, and who is emphatically called the difciple 
 
62 Life of Thomas Ken, [1675 
 
 whom Jefus loved : and this is fuitable to that graci- 
 ous promife, which God made to encourage all young 
 perfons to ferve Him ; / love them that love Me ; and 
 they thatjeek Me early /hall find Me."* 
 
 To all true Wykehamifts this little book mull be 
 peculiarly attractive. It is fo full of affectionate coun- 
 fel, encouragement and perfuafion, of prayers fuited to 
 the age and circumftances of the fcholars, that it could 
 only be the work of one who had exhibited in his own 
 perfon the example of a fchool boy, dedicating his ten- 
 der years to the fervice of God. The whole Manual 
 is a type of his own mind. For the morning, and the 
 noonday, for the evening, and for midnight, he gives 
 them devout ejaculations and prayers, folemn counfel, 
 encouragement and warning. At every turn; ff in their 
 own chambers, in fchool, in hall, in Chapel, on their firft 
 waking, at going to bed, before and after reading holy 
 fcripture, between firft and fecond peal, when they go 
 Circum^ in temptation, after fin committed, after any 
 blefiing or deliverance, at giving alms, before, and in, 
 and after Church : " nothing efcapes his earneft defire 
 to make them heavenly minded. Above all he pre- 
 pares them for the Holy Communion. He tells them 
 they lc rauft look through the outward elements, and 
 fix their faith on that which they fignifie, the inward 
 and invifible grace, even ChrifVs own blefTed Body 
 and Blood, which are verily and indeed taken and re- 
 ceived by the faithful in the Lord's Supper, not to be 
 carnally underftood, for they are fpirit and they are 
 
 * Manual, Ed. 1675, p. 2. f Ibid. p. 4. 
 
1675] Bifljop of Bath and Wells . 6 3 
 
 life."* He teaches them to believe "His Body and 
 Blood to be as really prefent in the Holy Sacrament 
 as His divine power can make it, though the manner 
 of His myfterious prefence they cannot comprehend ; " 
 and to fay <c the Bread we break and the Cup we 
 drink are not bare figns only, but the real communi- 
 cation of Thy Body and Thy Blood, and pledges to 
 affure me of it ; and I verily believe that if with due 
 preparation I come to Thy Altar, as certainly as I 
 receive the outward figns, fo certainly mail I receive 
 the thing fignified, even Thy moft bleffed Body and 
 Blood." f 
 
 His biographers, except Mr. Markland, are inaccu- 
 rate as to the date of this, his firft publication. 
 Hawkins fays it was <c compofed and publifhed about 
 the time that Bifhop Morley made him his domeftic 
 Chaplain, and prefented him to the parfonage of 
 Woodhay," which he intimates to have been in 1669. 
 This is much too early ; for it was certainly firft 
 printed two years after his refignation of Woodhay, 
 and his return to Winchefter, when as Fellow of the 
 College he obferved the temptations to which the 
 Scholars were expofed. Wood dates it as late as 
 1 68 1 : this is equally incorrect ; for we have now 
 before us an edition of 1675, a fmall i2mo. and this 
 is not the earlieft. 
 
 In Robert Clavel's ff General Catalogue of Books 
 printed fince the dreadful Fire of London in 1666 to 
 the end of Trinity term 1674," and at page 15, under 
 
 * Manual, p. 42. f Ibid. p. 43. 
 
64 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1675 
 
 the head of <c Divinity in large Octavo, price of each 
 6^." and quite at the end of the lift, we have the fol- 
 lowing entry, cc A Manual of Prayers and Devotions 
 for the ufe of the f collars at Winchefter School \ and all 
 young people : printed for J. Martyn." This fixes the 
 firft publication in 1674. In the books of the Sta- 
 tioners' Company Charles Brome, on the 3rd of May 
 1680, entered a copy f c entituled A Manual of Prayer 
 for the ufe of the Schollars of Winchefter School:" this 
 we may prefume was the third Edition. The Fourth 
 appeared in 1 6 8 1 , and is that referred to by Wood : 
 it is a fmall 1 2mo. being cc for the ufe of the Scholars 
 of Winchefter Colledge, and all other devout Chris- 
 tians." 
 
 The next edition we met with (alfo in i2mo.) is 
 dated 1687 : this was after he became Bifhop, and 
 when his opinions were held by all to be a high 
 authority in doctrine. It is faid in the title to be 
 Revifed, which expreffion deferves particular notice. 
 Fortunately the Manual did not efcape cenfure during 
 the life of the Author. The Roman Catholics cited one 
 pafTage as if it gave countenance to their Trent doc- 
 trine of the Invocation of Saints. I fay fortunately, 
 becaufe it called forth a valuable teftimony of his faith- 
 fulnefs to the belief of the Anglican Church. He in- 
 troduces this revifed Edition of 1687, by the following 
 
 ff Advertisement. 
 
 cc Whereas a late Popifh Pamphlet has injuriously af- 
 firmed that, in a Manual of Prayers for the ufe of the 
 Scholars of Winchefter Colledge, I have taught the 
 Scholars of Winchefter to invocate the whole Court of 
 
1675] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 65 
 
 Heaven, citing thefe words, page 93, " Help me, then, 
 O ye blefTed Hoft of Heaven," &c. I think myfelf 
 obliged to declare that by that apoftrophe, I did no 
 more intend the Popifh Invocation of Saints and An- 
 gels, than the holy Pfalmift did, when he calls upon 
 the Sun, Moon and Stars, Fire, Hail and Snow, &c. 
 to praife God, Pf. 148 ; and to prevent all future 
 misinterpretations, I have altered, not the fenfe, but 
 the words of that paragraph, and I do folemnly pro- 
 fefs that I believe the Invocation of Saints and Angels, 
 as it is practifed in the Church of Rome, to be " a fond 
 thing, vainly invented, grounded on no warranty of 
 fcripture, but rather repugnant to the Word of God" 
 as the xxii Article of the Church of England ftyles it, 
 to whofe judgment I humbly fubmit. 
 
 THO. Bath and Wells.* 
 
 The original and revifed paftages, when collated, 
 will mow the fubjecl of the " injurious" criticifm, and 
 its explanation. 
 
 Ed. 1 68 1. 1687 Revifed. 
 
 " Help me, then, O bleffed " O ye bleffed Hoft of Hea- 
 
 Hoft of Heaven to celebrate that ven, who rejoice at the conver- 
 unknown forrovv, that wonderful fion of one fmgle (inner, adore 
 Love which you yourfelves fo and praife my crucified Saviour, 
 much admire, help 'me to praife who dyed for the fins of the 
 my crucified Saviour." world ; adore and praife that 
 
 unknown forrow, that wonderful 
 Love, which you yourfelves mull 
 needs admire." 
 
 * This Edition of 1687 appears to be the firft publifhed with his 
 
66 Life of Thomas Ken, [1675 
 
 Thus the Roman Catholic writers of the day gained 
 nothing by their attempt to appropriate Ken's au- 
 thority to their errors. He never relaxed his fledfaft 
 adherence to the doctrines he folemnly profeffed on 
 entering Holy Orders. No one could have a keener 
 perception of the difference between fupplicating the 
 Angels, and believing that they have received a holy 
 charge to tend the flock of the Cf Good Shepherd." 
 Whilft he repudiated the former as a fond thing, he 
 knew that " the fervices of angels have been ordained 
 and conftituted in a wonderful order," and that the 
 Church prays to God that " they may by His ap- 
 pointment fuccour and defend us on earth."* This 
 comfortable and bleffed doctrine is fully enunciated 
 throughout his hymns and other poems. To give 
 only one example out of many ; — in his fC Hymns for 
 all the Fefiivals of the year" that on St. Michael and 
 all Angels f may fuffice to fhow how habitually he 
 realized their unfeen prefence, as a link in the chain of 
 communion between God and man. He defcribes 
 them as living in the beatific light of the heavenly 
 fpheres ; their pure wills, and unchangeable love, 
 their untiring zeal, expreffed in hymns fung to their 
 celeftial lyres ; their conquefts over Satan and his 
 fallen angels ; their attendance on Abraham, Lot, Eli- 
 jah, Daniel, &c, on Chrift in the wildernefs, in his 
 agony, &c. ; 
 
 " You kept the grave, where He repofed ; 
 His glorious rifing you difclof'd ; 
 
 * Colled for the Feftival of St. Michael and all Angels, 
 f Ken's Poems, vol i. p. 384. 
 
1675] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 67 
 
 You to the mountain went, 
 Attending His Afcent, 
 You mall the trump to Judgement found, 
 And with obfequious wings the Judge furround."^ 
 
 They miniftered to St. Peter and St. Paul, and now 
 are faithful guides to all devout worihippers. They 
 join with our affemblies in prayer and hymns : 
 
 " You in God's houfe Trifagions ling, 
 You veil your rays with awful wing, 
 
 Our temples you frequent, 
 
 Devotion to foment, 
 God's boundlefs wifdom there to hear, 
 Myfterious truths to learn, and to revere." 
 
 He affirms that they are cognizant of all our ways, 
 chide our neglect, animate our hearts to holy love, af- 
 fift and befriend us in temptation, glory in our con- 
 verfion, and encircle the beds of faints. They befriend 
 the Church of Chrift, as ready watchers to counterwork 
 the evil influence of the great Ufurper and his legions, 
 who confpire to delude, beguile, and pollute mankind. 
 They always behold, and adore, and love, and hymn 
 the Lamb ; fly to execute His decrees on obdurate fin- 
 ners, to encourage the devotions of believers, and in 
 all our neceflities difpenfe their heavenly aid. 
 
 " To work our blifs, to guard from woe, 
 You the expanfe pafs hourly to and fro. 
 You on the heirs of Heaven attend, 
 To comfort, counfel, warn, defend. 
 You in their infant-age 
 To tender them engage. 
 You quicken faints who grow remifs, 
 And you at death tranfport their fouls to blifs." 
 
 As a crowning proof of his affection for Winchefter 
 
68 Life ^ Thomas Ken, [1675 
 
 fcholars Ken compofed three hymns for their Morning, 
 Evening, and Midnight hours, which he defires they 
 will be fure to ring in their chambers devoutly, ct re- 
 membering that the Pfalmift, upon happy experience, 
 afTures you that it is a good thing to tell of the loving 
 kindnefs of the Lord early in the morning." 
 
 It has been erroneoufly fuppofed that the three 
 Hymns were always printed with the early Editions 
 of the Manual. But they do not appear in any of 
 the flrft four, already cited, nor in that of 1692. 
 They are firft found in a copy of 1700, and are thus 
 noticed in the title, " A Manual of Prayers, &c. to 
 which is added Three Hymns, for Morning, Evening, 
 and Midnight ; not in the former Editions by the 
 fame Author." 
 
 Five years after this appeared a book, entitled 
 <c A Conference between the Soul and Body, con- 
 cerning the Prefent and Future State."* The ma- 
 nagement of the Conference, " approved and recom- 
 mended to the world by the learned Mr. Dodwell," is 
 not worthy of the fubject : but to give the fecond 
 edition a greater zeft, the publifher added " Morning 
 and Evening Hymns, by the Right Reverend Dr. 
 KEN, Bp. of Bath and Wells." Strange liberties 
 were taken with the true verfion : many of the ftanzas 
 were new-modelled, and fpoiled, fome wholly omitted, 
 and others not in the original verfion, added. Accord- 
 ingly in the next Edition of the Manual, the Bimop's 
 publifher produced the Hymns again with this " Ad- 
 vertisement ;" " Whereas at the end of a book lately 
 
 * 8vo. 1705. Attributed to Mr. Henry Nicholfon. 
 
1675] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 69 
 
 publifh'd, called a Conference between the Soul and 
 Body, there are fome Hymns, faid to be writ by Bifhop 
 Ken, who abfolutely dijowns them, as being very falfe 
 and incorrecl ; but the genuine ones are to be had only 
 of Charles Brome, Bookfeller, whofe juft propriety the 
 original copy is." # — Thus it was the fate of the three 
 Hymns, even in Ken's lifetime, to appear in a mutilated 
 fhape ; and they have continued ever fince to receive 
 the fame ufage, being altered or curtailed in a greater 
 or lefs degree to fuit every tafte.t 
 
 It has long been a queflion to what tunes thefe 
 Hymns were fet and fung in the lifetime of Ken. The 
 mufic in prefent ufe for the Morning Hymn is a corrupt 
 verfion of the tune compofed by Barthelomon, (a violin 
 player of the laft century) being now encumbered 
 with modern grace notes, inconfiftent with the folemnity 
 of devotional mufic. 
 
 The Evening Hymn was originally fet to a melody 
 compofed by Tallis : this has been (till more diftorted 
 from its ancient simplicity. Mr. Bowles thinks all the 
 three, for the Morning, Evening, and Midnight, being 
 of the fame metre, were adapted by Kenhimfelf to this 
 tune : Hawkins intimates that he was accuflomed to 
 ring them to his own tunes, for " he had an excellent 
 genius, and fkill in mufic ; and whenever he had con- 
 
 * This is repeated in the Edition of 171 2. i2tno. Two years 
 after Ken's death. 
 
 f It is 70 years fince the 31ft Edition of the Manual was printed : 
 at leaft 50 Editions of the Hymns have now appeared, yet not one is 
 to be found that follows ftriftly the Bifhop's own verfion. It will 
 not, therefore, be uninterefting to fee them in the Appendix, (A) 
 word for word as he penned them. 
 
jo Life of Thomas Ken, [1675 
 
 venient opportunities for it, he performed fome of his 
 devotional part of praife with his own compofitions, 
 which were grave and folemn." And we have feen 
 how he " feem'd to go to reft with no other purpofe than 
 the refreshing and enabling him with more vigour and 
 cheerfulnefs to ring his Morning Hymn, as he then 
 ufed to do to his lute, before he put on his clothes."* 
 Thus his genius for mufic, like every other gift and 
 endowment, was dedicated to God's glory. In the midft 
 of an evil world his whole life was one continued act 
 of prayer and praife. Our intereft in the Hymns would 
 be heightened by believing that he fung them to his 
 own melodies, like George Herbert, whofe " chiefeft 
 recreation was mufic, in which heavenly art he was a 
 moft excellent mafter, and did himfelf compofe many 
 divine hymns and anthems, which he Jet and fung to his 
 own lute or viol."^ Bifhop Sanderfon alfo was a lover 
 of mufic, and was wont to play on his bafe viol, and 
 alfo to fing to it. I 
 
 Mr. Bowles is correct in fuppofing Tallis to have 
 been the original author of the melody to which the 
 Evening Hymn was adapted ; but he has fallen into 
 an error as to the mufic itfelf. He mentions, as his 
 authority, " a very old Collection of Pfalms in the 16th 
 century" (for 16th read 17th) meaning <c The whole 
 Booke of Pfalms, with the Hymns Evangelical, by Tho- 
 mas Ravenfcroft, 1633," from the 260th page of which 
 he gives a tranfcript of <f An Hymn by Tho. Tallis for 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 5. f Walton's Life of Herbert. 
 X Aubrey's Letters, Vol. ii. p. 523. 
 
1675] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 7 1 
 
 four Voices in A. # But the learned refearches of Mr. 
 Havergal f have traced the origin to a fource of greater 
 intereft, and of much earlier date. He fays " the Ca- 
 non muft have been compofed by Tallis long before 
 Ravenfcroft was born : in fact his is an altered and a 
 Shortened verfion of No. 8 of Tallis's tunes for Arch- 
 bifhop Parker's metrical tranflation of the Pfalms, j; 
 with many faulty confecutives. It was long ago fuf- 
 pected that Ravenfcroft inferted it for the fake of gar- 
 nishing his Volume with Tallis's name." 
 
 Some have thought that the original melody might 
 be ftill earlier than Tallis, and be found in the collection 
 of Luther, or of Clement Marot. But Mr. Havergal, 
 whofe authority is not to be questioned, has no doubt 
 of its being compofed by Tallis. There is no refem- 
 blance to it in any of the tunes of Luther, publimed 
 by Winterfeld ; nor can it be recognized in the me- 
 lodies of Guillaume Franc, or Claude le Jeune. He 
 potteries the only known copy extant of the hymn 
 book of the Bohemian Brethren, printed at Ulm 1538, 
 and the tune is not there, nor in any continental col- 
 lection. He has favoured me with the following ac- 
 count of the fucceflive corruptions from the original in 
 the Archbifhop's Pfalter down to the prefent. 
 
 * Bowles's Life of Ken, Vol. ii. p. i 7. 
 
 f The Rev. W. H. Havergal, Reftor of St. Nicolas' Worcefler, 
 and Honorary Canon of Worcefler Cathedral. 
 
 X " The whole Pfalter tranflated into Englifh metre, which con- 
 taynethan hundred and fifty Pfalms. Imprinted at London by John 
 Daye." Without date. A correcl; verfion of the mufic will be found 
 in Appendix B. 
 
72 Life tf/' Thomas Ken, [1675 
 
 " Firfr., Ravenfcroft's faulty confecutives : thefe 
 Francis Timprell has copied in his f Collection of Pfalm 
 tunes' about 1723, again reprinted in the c Harmonia 
 Ferfe5ia y 1730, where the tune is given as a * Long 
 metre fingle' and is called a Canon, but without words : 
 fhortly afterwards, probably in 1732, Pearfon printed 
 it in his '■Harmonious Companion, or Pfalm Singer s Ma- 
 gazine^ where at page 235 may be found f an Evening 
 Hymn, a Canon ; two in one ; ' this again is Ravenf- 
 croft's verfion of Tallis's mufic, and is adapted to the 
 words of the ift, 2nd and 4th ftanzas of Ken's Evening 
 Hymn, beginning f All praife to Thee, my God, this 
 night.'* 
 
 " But the great corrupter of Ravenfcroft's inaccurate 
 verfion was John Wefley ! In 1742 he publifhed a 
 c Collection of Tunes, as they are commonly fung at the 
 Foundery,' — a book now of fuch rarity that Mr. Ha- 
 vergal confiders his copy to be unique. The tune is 
 not in parts, but a fimple melody, taken moftly from 
 the Tenor, and fet to his well known Hymn, 
 
 ' Jefu, Thy Blood and Righteoufnefs 
 My Beauty are, my glorious Drefs. 
 Midft flaming Worlds in thefe array'd 
 With joy {hall I lift up my Head.' &c. 
 
 Not only the beginning, the middle and ending are 
 altered, but the very ftruclure of the tune is changed. 
 From this time corrupted verflons of the mufic became 
 
 * " It is not printed in any of Playford's Volumes ; nor in the 
 Pfalm Singer's Co?npanion. Playford has only a Morning Hymn, 
 fet to other mufic, and beginning, ' Now that the day Iter doth arife,' 
 but no Evening Hymn." 
 
1 6 7 5 ] BiJJjop of Bath a?td Wells. j 3 
 
 common, efpecially by DifTenting Editors: one of them, 
 C. Afhford, in 1766 defcended a ftep lower than Wet- 
 ley ; and was foon followed by fundry inconsiderable 
 writers of Pfalm-tune books, each in fucceflion copying 
 from his predeceflbrs, and adding fome additional cor- 
 ruption of his own, down to the end of the laft century : 
 fince which, in various collections, and under different 
 names, the melody (if fuch it may now be called) has 
 been perpetuated in its prefent mutilated fhape." 
 
 The Hiftory of this tune is an illustration of the 
 general decay of mufic in our Church fervices — ending 
 in a wide departure from the primitive model. It may 
 be hoped that a brighter period is coming, when Church 
 mufic will be reftored to its due folemnity, and Ken's 
 Hymns be gravely and fimply fung to the original me- 
 lody. His mufical fkill muft have been eminently 
 ufeful in the revival of the long neglected anthems and 
 choir fervices of Winchefter Cathedral. Bifhop Morley 
 had already in part replaced what fanatics had deftroyed 
 during the Rebellion. The windows and defaced or- 
 naments were now repaired, the chancel again raifed, 
 and the altar table reftored to its former place againft 
 the eaftern fkreen.* We may believe that Ken con- 
 tributed all in his power to this reftoration. His ge- 
 nerous difpofition prompted his ready hand in fur- 
 therance of every work for the honour of his divine 
 Mafter. Hawkins fays,| " as foon as his circumftances 
 would permit, he gave upwards of an hundred pounds 
 to New College, Oxford, as a fmall acknowledgement 
 for his education, and towards erecting their new build- 
 
 * Milner's Hift. of Winchefter, vol. i. p. 423. f Life of Ken, p. 3. 
 
74 Life 0/" Thomas Ken, [1675 
 
 ing." His name alfo appears among the contributors 
 to the College Library at Winchefter, to which he gave 
 thirty pounds, and feveral fcarce books. 
 
 He continued to cultivate his tafte for mufic both 
 on the lute and the organ ; and there is a tradition in 
 the Fenwicke family that, in his vifits to Hallaton in 
 Leicefterfhire, after he was Bifhop, he ufed to fing 
 his Hymns to the accompaniment of the fpinet.* For 
 many years after his death his own organ remained in 
 his room at Winchefter, over the third chamber in the 
 College, j- It ufed to afford him a pleafing relaxation 
 after the labours of the day. No doubt he would 
 fometimes join in this innocent recreation among his 
 friends in Winchefter, as he ufed to iing his part at 
 Anthony Wood's focial mufic-meetings in Oxford. £ 
 For in the midft of his mortified life, ftrictly accuftom- 
 ing himfelf to but one fleep, and often rifing at one or 
 two o'clock in the morning, " he was fo lively and 
 cheerful in his temper, that he would be very facetious 
 and entertaining to his friends in the evening." § 
 
 In this he refembled the great St. Bafil, whofe fear- 
 lefs intrepidity overawed the Roman Prefect, and for 
 
 * A fmall harpficord. f Bowles, vol. ii. p. 283. 
 
 J So George Herbert, " though he was a lover of retirednefs, yet 
 his love to mufic was fuch, that he went ufually twice every week 
 on certain appointed days, to the Cathedral Church in Salisbury ; 
 and at his return would fay ' That his time fpent in prayer, and 
 cathedral mufic, elevated his foul, and was his heaven upon earth.' 
 But before his return thence to Bemerton, he would ufually fing and 
 play his part at an appointed private mufic-meeting ; and, to juftify 
 this praftice, he would often fay, ' religion does not banifh mirth, 
 but only moderates and fets rules to it.' " — Walton's Life of Herbert. 
 
 § Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 5. 
 
1675] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 75 
 
 awhile arretted the Emperor Valens in his perfecution. 
 His heart was warm with the charities of life. Stern 
 in rebuking vice, he was affable and familiar with his 
 friends. <c Who made himfelf more amiable than he 
 to the well-conducted ? or more fevere when men were 
 in fin ? whofe very fmile was many a time praife, 
 whofe filence a reproof, punifhing the evil in a man's 
 own confcience ? If he was not full of talk, nor a jefter, 
 nor a holder forth, nor generally acceptable from being 
 all things to all men, and mowing good nature, what 
 then ? is not this his praife, not his blame, among 
 fenfible men ? Yet, if we afk for this, who fo pleafant 
 as he in focial intercourfe ? Who could tell a ftory 
 with more wit ? Who could jeft fo playfully ? Who 
 could give a hint more delicately, fo as neither to be 
 overftrong in his rebuke, nor remifs through his gen- 
 tlenefs?"* 
 
 Ken indeed was remarkable for the grace of Chriftian 
 urbanity. With all his reverential fenfe of the facred- 
 nefs of the prieftly office, he could temper the gravity 
 of his demeanour with a pleafantnefs of addrefs that 
 won the confidence of thofe he would fain bring 
 " into captivity to the obedience of Chrift." The 
 revelation of the Gofpel is from the God of Love, and 
 they who preach its myfteries are to exhibit in their lives 
 its correfponding qualities. All the vifible perfections 
 of His creatures, all the tender fympathies implanted 
 in the heart of man, fpeak of His attribute of Love. 
 The very angels, notwithstanding their nearer view of 
 His perfections, yet fympathize with the weakneffes of 
 
 * Church of the Fathers, p. 87. 
 
j6 Life a/' Thomas Ken, ['675 
 
 their " fellow-fervants." Was not the love of our 
 companionate Saviour exemplified in His whole life on 
 earth ? He fet that example which St. Peter recom- 
 mends for our imitation : " be pitiful, be courteous." 
 His ineffable dignity was tempered by fo divine a con- 
 defcenfion, His exalted prefence by a gracioufnefs fo 
 meek and gentle, that He exhibited the harmonious 
 perfection of His two-fold Nature in their higheft at- 
 tributes of Majefty and Love. 
 
 The learned and charitable Dr. Hammond ufed to 
 fay fc he delighted to be loved, not reverenced ; think- 
 ing that when there was much of the latter, there could 
 not be enough of the former ; fomewhat of reftraint 
 and diftance attending on the one, which was not well 
 confident with the perfect freedom requifite to the 
 other."* 
 
 George Herbert alfo acted on the fame principle. 
 He fays, " The Country Parfon is generally fad, be- 
 caufe he knows nothing but the crofs of Chrift ; his 
 mind being defixed on it with thofe nails wherewith 
 his matter was. Or, if he has any leifure to look off 
 from thence, he meets continually with two moft fad 
 fpectacles, fin and mifery ; God difhonoured every day, 
 and man afflicted. — Neverthelefs, he fometimes re- 
 frefheth himfelf, as knowing that nature will not bear 
 everlafting droopings, and that pleafantnefs of difpofi- 
 tion is a great key to do good : not only becaufe all 
 men fhun the company of perpetual feverity ; but alfo 
 for that, when they are in company, inftruction feafoned 
 with pleafantnefs both enter fooner, and root deeper. 
 
 * Fell's Life of Hammond. 
 
1675] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. yy 
 
 Wherefore he condefcends to human frailties, both in 
 himfelf and others ; and intermingles fome mirth in 
 his difcourfes occasionally, according to the pulfe of the 
 hearer."* 
 
 So Ken considered himfelf a mefTenger of the Gofpel 
 of love ; his experience of human nature taught him 
 that men were to be allured, rather than driven from 
 the tranfitory objects of this lower life to fublime and 
 fpiritual affections. He did not think it unbecoming 
 his holy office to draw their regard to himfelf perfonally, 
 if by contemplating the features of a Christian character 
 they might be led to place their higher love on God. 
 
 Being in attendance on Bifhop Morley, thefe and 
 his other eminent qualities began to bring him to the 
 notice of the King. Winchester, from its healthy 
 Situation, its exteniive downs, and at that time the 
 fined: fporting country in England, often attracted 
 Charles II. to its neighbourhood. He made frequent 
 progreffes there with his court, on the way to Portf- 
 mouth, and for hunting excursions in the New Foreit. 
 His brother, the Duke of York, afterwards James II. 
 accompanied him, which probably fometimes gave Ken 
 the fociety of his friend Francis Turner, the Duke's 
 efpecial favourite and Chaplain. 
 
 But the prefence of the Court, as we mail fee, be- 
 came an occafion of trial to the felf-denying inmates of 
 the Bifhop's palace. Splendid pageants, luxurious 
 feafts, the concourfe of attendants, the bufy carefulnefs 
 and anxious waiting for the funShine of royal favour, 
 had no charms for Ken. His heart was engaged in 
 
 * Herbert's Country Parfon. 
 
y% Life of Thomas Ken, [1675 
 
 higher alms. The faving of all-precious fouls, and 
 training them for the court of the King of kings was 
 the one abforbing idea that fixed his energetic will. 
 Moreover the Court of Charles was one of the mod 
 profligate in Europe, that of France not excepted. 
 In his exile at BrufTels, Paris, &c. even when his 
 father was fufFering the bitternefs of perfecution, and his 
 death on the fcaffold caufed England to be an afton- 
 ifhment and a bye word to the nations, he had been 
 given up to low fenfual purfuits. After his Restoration 
 alfo by a diflblute life he fet the worft of examples to 
 his people, and bequeathed to them a fearful legacy 
 of profanenefs and licenfe, that fpread like a contagion 
 to after times. The private hiftories and memoirs of 
 his life, and many volumes of letters from his courtiers 
 and foreign ministers, exhibit debauchery, drunkennefs, 
 gaming, profufe oaths, and infidel wit, as the common 
 and fafhionable vices of the age. He feemed to want 
 all fenfe of the refponfibility of a nation's welfare in- 
 truded to him, and forgot that kings hold a divine 
 commiflion which is to be exercifed abfolutely and 
 fupremely for the glory of God. He gave himfelf up 
 to the purfuit of felfifh and debafing pleafures, falfely 
 fo called, that eat out as a canker the better affections 
 of the heart. The hardihood with which he blazoned 
 forth his profligacy to the world may be underftood 
 by the fact that of his numerous natural children, 
 born of many mothers, he raifed fix to the honour of 
 a Dukedom. 
 
1675] Bijfjop of Bath and Wells. 79 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Ken makes the Tour of Italy with Ifaak Walton's Son — At Rome 
 in the year of jubilee — Returns home — His attachment to the 
 Church of England. 
 
 NEW and refreshing fcene opens to us, 
 as we turn from the fearful picture of 
 Charles's Court to the perfonal hiftory 
 of Ken. Having given to the Win- 
 chester fcholars a Manual of prayers to fuftain their 
 devotion, he prepared himfelf for a journey through 
 Italy, at that time (towards the end of 1675) tne 
 wealthier!: and mort populous country in Europe. By 
 nature fertile in the various productions of the earth, 
 abounding in the rare works of modern and ancient 
 art, the nurfe of mufic, of poetry, painting, and fculp- 
 ture, and illuftrious for men of fcience and literature, 
 Italy formed the natural point of attraction for thofe 
 whofe tafte impelled them to enlarge their experience 
 beyond the mores of England. The Houfes of 
 Englim noblemen, even in this our luxurious age, 
 cannot vie with the {lately palaces of Doria, Farnefe, 
 Medici, Pitti, Colonna, Aldobrandini, Pamfili, Bar- 
 berini, Borghefe and others : their marble halls and 
 galleries were decorated with unrivalled pictures and 
 ftatues, and mufeums of precious ornaments and jewels, 
 many of them now defpoiled and fcattercd abroad. 
 
80 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1675 
 
 The tour of Italy was an object of general intereft 
 and defire, not eafily attained in thofe days, but thought 
 to give the laft finifh to a gentleman of birth and 
 fortune. Beyond all this, the policy, difcipline, and 
 doctrines of the Court and Church of Rome had long 
 formed a theme of difcuflion in England. The hope- 
 lefs janglings to which controverfy always gives rife 
 were aggravated by the prejudices of various feels and 
 parties. Every made of difference feemed to difcharge 
 men from the obligations of common juftice towards 
 each other. Hence in great meafure had arifen, during 
 the Rebellion, that difcord which feemed to banifh 
 from the earth all the meek and lowly tempers, en- 
 joined by the bleffed Saviour on the Mount. They 
 who adhered to the primitive doctrine and ceremonial 
 of the Church were branded with the name of Papifts. 
 Sectarian fanaticifm holding up religion as a cloak for 
 perfecution, gave loofe to all the implacable paflions of 
 our nature. 
 
 With the Reftoration the tide changed : but an in- 
 tolerant fpirit prevailed with thofe now replaced in 
 power ; the fectaries in their turn were opprefTed, and 
 forbidden the exercife of their worfhip. The Church 
 recovered much of her temporal pofTeflions, but not her 
 fpiritual rule. The bands of difcipline were loofened ; 
 the pure fervices of religion, long in difufe, were {till 
 negligently performed by the clergy (many of whom 
 had been feceders, and were now but outward confor- 
 mifts) and therefore difregarded by the people. Added 
 to this the King fecretly defired to reftore the influence 
 of the Church of Rome ; an object conftantly urged 
 forward by the Duke of York. Charles was restrained 
 
1675] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 8 1 
 
 by motives of policy from implicitly following his 
 advice ; yet his own inclinations prompted him to all 
 compliances within the verge of fafety. It may be 
 doubted if he had actually conformed to Rome : the 
 evidence is not conclufive ; but it is certain he would 
 have done fo, could he have ventured. To fave ap- 
 pearances, he was often compelled to proclaim fevere 
 penalties againft Romanifts ; but they were negligently 
 enforced. He had long been a penfioner of Louis XIV. 
 to whom he had bound himfelf by fecret treaty, for the 
 reftoration of Popery in England. Whenever his per- 
 fonal neceflities were moil urgent, he applied to Louis 
 for frefh advances, under plea that the interefts of the 
 Catholic Church required fuch aid. " After having 
 pafTed a law, fays Mr. Fox, to make it penal to affirm 
 (what was true) that the King was a Papift, he pre- 
 tended (what was not true) to be a zealous and bigoted 
 Papift." 
 
 Coleman the Jefuit's letters to M. La Chaife may 
 be felected from a mafs of other evidence to mow the 
 hopes entertained of eftablifhing the Roman ritual. 
 " We have here a mighty work" (he fays in 1675) " on 
 our hands ; no lefs than the converfion of three King- 
 doms ; and by that, perhaps, the fubduing a peftilent 
 herefy which has domineered over part of this northern 
 world a long time. There was never fuch hopes of 
 fuccefs, flnce the death of our Queen Mary, as now in 
 our days, when God has given us a Prince who is be- 
 come (I may fay by miracle) zealous of being the au- 
 thor and inftrument of fo glorious a work. But the 
 opposition we are fure to meet with is alfo like to be 
 great : fo that it imports us to get all the aid and af- 
 
 G 
 
82 Life o/* Thomas Ken, [1675 
 
 fiftance, for the harveft is great, and the labourers are 
 few." 
 
 Examples however were not wanting of Christian 
 love that teaches men to hold their opinions with cou- 
 rage, yet with meeknefs, neither yielding on the one 
 hand, nor reviling on the other. Of this number was 
 Ken ; and probably with a view to judge of the Papacy, 
 in the very feat of its power, he refolved to vifit Rome. 
 That he might give his nephew, young Ifaac Walton, 
 the advantages of foreign travel, under his own watchful 
 guidance, he made him the companion of his journey. 
 
 Clement X. had proclaimed the Catholic Jubilee 
 (held every 25th year) to be celebrated with great 
 fplendour. Papal briefs were distributed to the pre- 
 lates throughout all the provinces of Europe, enjoining 
 them to more than ordinary zeal in training their flocks 
 for the " happy effects" of the approaching folemnity. 
 Independent of this great feftival, which drew thoufands 
 of pilgrims and devotees from every corner of Christen- 
 dom, other motives than curiofity might reafonably 
 prompt an earneSt and reverent man to the voyage of 
 Italy. None could behold without a Stirring of heart 
 the Church of Milan, to which St. Ambrofe refufed 
 admiffion to the Emperor Theodofius, Stained with the 
 blood of the Christians at TheSTalonica ; nor the Chapel 
 where St. AuguStine, with his little Adeodatus, and 
 his friend Alipius, received baptifm, and from which 
 St. Ambrofe and St. AuguStine, on their proceflion to 
 the great Church, were fuppofed to have firSt Sung the 
 Te Deum by refponfes. Above all, Rome mufl ever 
 prefent to us objects of great intereSt : She had in earlier 
 times been the centre of Catholic Communion, the 
 
1 6 7 5 1 Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 8 3 
 
 depofitory (as St. Irenaeus calls her) of the holy apof- 
 tolical traditions and dodtrines. Her foil, once bedewed 
 with the blood of St. Peter and St. Paul, and countlefs 
 other martyrs, treafured the bodies of thofe holy apof- 
 tles, and of St. Philip, St. James, St. Simon, St. Jude, 
 Polycarp, Gregory Nazianzen, Chryfoftom, &c. She 
 might ftill glory in the Bafilica of St. John of the 
 Lateran gate, faid to be pre-eminent over all other 
 churches " urbis et orbis ; " and the tomb of St. Peter 
 within the unrivalled church that bears his name, the 
 fucceffive work of Sangalla, Bramante, BaldafTar, 
 Michel Angelo, Delia Porta, and Fontana.* 
 
 The two great routes to Italy were either by BrufTels 
 and Cologne, through Augfberg, Innfpruck, Trent, and 
 fo by Trevifo to Venice ; or by Paris and the South of 
 France. We have evidence as to which of thefe our 
 travellers took. At that time the Netherlands were 
 the feat of war, the whole country like an armed camp, 
 and therefore impafTable for travellers. Befides, in the 
 fecond part of the Complete Angler, in reference to 
 " young Mafter Ifaac Walton," Pifcator fays " he has 
 been in France, and at Rome, and at Venice, and I can't 
 tell where," which feems clearly to indicate their route. 
 In default of a Diary like that of Evelyn, who had made 
 the fame journey 30 years before, we muft be content 
 to put the travellers on horfeback, and leave them to 
 their own reflections, until we give them the meeting 
 at Rome. After Paris, their road lay through Avig- 
 non, Vaucleufe, Marfeilles, and fo to the mores of the 
 Mediterranean. 
 
 * Lafcelles' Voyage of Italy, i2mo. 1670, Vol. ii. p. 47. 
 
84 Life 0/" Thomas Ken, [1675 
 
 In all their journey ings they overtook crowds of pil- 
 grims, haftening to the great Jubilee. Men and wo- 
 men of all claffes and ranks, left the peaceful round of 
 their domeftic life and duties, and preffed on from ftage 
 to ftage towards the holy city. In every town and vil- 
 lage, as they paffed, the Churches were filled with the 
 travellers, offering up prayers for a fafe journey. The 
 priefts and other charitable perfons (invoked by the 
 Pope to lend their aid) difpenfed food, and afforded 
 fhelter. It was winter : the feftival was to begin on 
 Chriftmas eve : and what can impede the zeal of ear- 
 ner! hearts, panting for reconciliation with God ! In all 
 their fufferings they animate one another with prayer 
 and mutual charities ; their patience unbroken, un- 
 wearied. Many faint by the way, — fome are gathered 
 to their reft, and a lowly mound in the neighbouring 
 church-yard is the only memorial of their hafty interment 
 in a foreign land. The mournful furvivors receive the 
 bleffing of the miniftering prieft, and with tears again 
 purfue their journey, till the brow of the laft hill is 
 gained, and the great Bafilica, the holy Zion of their 
 intent longings, (lands out before them ! A cry of joy 
 burfts from one to the other ; — all eyes are ftrained to 
 catch a glimpfe of the furmounting Crofs. Whatever 
 ftraits or dangers have encompaffed them, hardfhips, 
 loffes > fufferings, — all are forgotten in this one joyous 
 burft of acclamation, <c Roma la Santa." They defcend 
 into the Campagna — enter by the Flaminian way, and 
 are at reft. They await the appointed time when, at 
 the opening of the Holy Gate of St. Peter, they fhall 
 enter in to receive from the Pope a plenary indulgence 
 
1675] Bi/ljop of Bath and Wells. 85 
 
 in return for countlefs offerings to be poured into the 
 treafury of the Church.* 
 
 This was promifed to all who, being confeffed and 
 penitent, fhould within the year of Jubilee vifit the 
 Churches of St. Peter and St. Paul for fifteen days. 
 Such numbers of people flocked from all countries to 
 Rome that, during the greateft part of the year, there 
 were reckoned no lefs than 200,000 ftrangers in fuc- 
 ceffion. The author of the chronicle of Parma declares 
 that the travellers on the Claudian road had the appear- 
 ance every day of the march of an army. At the time 
 of Ken's vifit, indulgences had fallen in value, through 
 the wider fpread of the Reformation, and the expofure 
 of their mercenary fale, fo that the number of pilgrims 
 was diminifhed. Still the concourfe was very great. 
 In the previous Jubilee of 1650, Lafcellesf faw 9000 
 pilgrims entertained in one day in the Hofpital of the 
 Holy Trinity, the Pope himfelf, and many of the Car- 
 dinals, being there to wafh their feet, and ferve them 
 at table. As the purchafed pardons had been depre- 
 ciated, the time required for the refidence of pilgrims 
 was fhortened, and envoys were fent into the provinces 
 to diflribute indulgences. They who could not, or 
 would not, travel, might give their alms at home, 
 keeping Jubilee in the appointed Churches, which, by 
 the authority of the Holy Father, mould be of equal 
 efficacy with gifts offered at the tomb of the Apoftles. 
 
 The travellers having feen the wonders of Rome, 
 
 * Appendix C. f Voyage of Italy, Vol. ii. p. 8. 
 
86 Life of Thomas Ken, [1675 
 
 again took horfe for England,, through fome of the 
 faireft provinces of Italy. The road to Venice would 
 bring them by Narni, Terni, Spoleto, Aflifi, famous 
 for the tomb of St. Francis, Tolentino, &c. " Venice 
 the Rich" was at that time one of the moft powerful 
 cities of Europe, though now deprefTed and crumbling 
 in decay, a vaft fepulchral monument of the inftability 
 of human grandeur. We would fain linger with them 
 amidft the palaces of the Venetian nobles, and the 
 Church of St. Marc ; and glide with them in their 
 gondola beneath the Rialto and the Bridge of Sighs ; 
 — but it is time for Ken to be at home among his 
 flock at Winchefter. No doubt he had been with 
 them in thought through all his journeyings, and 
 longed to return, that he might once more feed them 
 in the green paftures, and fold them beflde the ftill 
 waters. 
 
 He little fuppofed that he was himfelf the fubject of 
 fufpicion at home, and looked upon as no faithful fhep- 
 herd. But fo it was ; " for he loft the favour of many 
 of his former auditors, who fuppofed that by thisjour- 
 ney he had been tinged with Popery." Wood declares 
 that they were "altogether miftaken."* We fcarcely 
 require this aflurance : it was not likely his faith would 
 ftagger amid the corruptions he had witneffed. The 
 efFecl of his travels was to ftrengthen him in his con- 
 victions of Rome's declenfion from Catholic truth. 
 <f He was often heard to fay that he had great reafon to 
 give God thanks for his travels, fince (if it were poftible) 
 he returned rather more confirmed of the purity of the 
 
 * Athsn. Oxon. Vol. ii. p. 989. 
 
1675] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 87 
 
 Proteftant religion, than he was before."* A perfonal 
 obfervation of the corruptions of the Church of Rome 
 had produced the fame effect on Robert Boyle. He 
 obferves, in the memoirs of his own travels, that he 
 " never found the Pope lefs valued than in Rome, nor 
 his religion fiercelier difputed againft than in Italy : and 
 he ceafed to wonder that the Pope mould forbid the 
 fight of Rome to Protectants, fince nothing could more 
 confirm them in their religion." f 
 
 Something there may be in the Roman theory to 
 captivate fenfitive and fervent minds, who find at home a 
 confufed ftrife, relaxed difcipline, and difcordant clergy. 
 Still our Mother Church, in whofe bofom we have been 
 regenerated, is a fure point of reft to humble and con- 
 fiding men, who believe that Chrift can and will pour 
 His healing balm into her wounds. Faint of heart, and 
 void of courage are they who cannot realize the joy of 
 ftedfaftnefs, and patient waiting, — who think that God 
 will not give His ftrength to bear her up in her day of 
 need. Surely it is His own Church, for which he en- 
 dured the agony oftheCrofs. St. John, and St. Peter, 
 and all the glorious company of Apoftles, the goodly 
 fellowfhip of Prophets, and the noble army of Martyrs, 
 are never weary of praying for her peace. To join 
 in this would exemplify greater humblenefs of mind, 
 and a more abiding faith, than to magnify her defects, 
 and yearn after another communion. 
 
 Certain it is that Ken's filial attachment to the Church 
 of England fuftained him in his obedience amidft all 
 her confufion. Her pure worfhip and fervices were 
 
 * Hawkins's Life, p. 6. f Birch's Life of Robert Boyle. 
 
88 Life of Thomas Ken, [1675 
 
 fadly neglected, her doctrines perverted, her moft de- 
 voted minifters held in fufpicion. He knew that her 
 heavenly Matter could in His own time bring her forth 
 from the trial. He was always a moderator in religious 
 difputes ; and becaufe he did not rail againft an erring 
 Church, he was accufed of a leaning towards her doc- 
 trines. He could not fhut his eyes to the fact that 
 Rome had degraded the fpirituality of Chrift's King- 
 dom to a fecular government, — from an invifible power, 
 not of this world, to a bold affumption of temporal rule. 
 
 But there is a wide difference between rejecting their 
 errors, and holding the Romanifts in abhorrence and 
 fcorn. Surely we all mare in the common name of 
 Chriftians, and have one faith in the ever- adorable 
 Trinity. If we cannot partake in their worfhip, we 
 may pray for them as our brethren ; and even by con- 
 traft with their mifplaced fervour, learn to mourn our 
 own palfied devotion. If we condemn their penance 
 and their pilgrimages, as works of merit, we mufl 
 confefs that they fpring from a principle of earneft 
 faith ; and it were well for Reformed England, if her 
 clergy and laity would emulate the hardnefs which 
 their's endure. 
 
 If Roman priefts have celibacy and poverty bound 
 upon them, and we have received no fuch command, do 
 not ours openly traffic in the cure of fouls for their chil- 
 dren's fake ? If they invocate the Blefled Virgin, and the 
 holy Apoftles, we feem almoft to deny the Communion 
 of Saints : neglecting and depreciating feftivals ap- 
 pointed by the Church, which mould be to us joyful 
 occafions of prayer and thankfgiving, with the whole 
 Church vifible and invifible, Cf knit together in one com- 
 
1675] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 89 
 
 munion and fellowfhip, in the myftical body of Chrift 
 our Lord."* If their religion exceeds in ceremonial, 
 we have well nigh given up the reverential folemnities 
 of worfhip. If their Churches are gorgeous with images, 
 and multiply altars, we fuffer the damp walls and moul- 
 dering roofs of God's houfe to fall to decay, fide by 
 fide with the lavifh decorations of our own dwellings. 
 
 Ken clearly faw the perverfions into which the Eng- 
 lifh Church was then betrayed, — the Puritan extremes 
 into which fhe was falling from a fierce antagonifm 
 to Rome. He perceived how fhe had relaxed her 
 difcipline, and almofr. forgotten the nature of a holy 
 obedience : how every prieft fet up his own ftandard 
 of conformity, as the meafure of his doctrine and 
 practice, with little or no regard to primitive antiquity, 
 or the injunctions of his Diocefan ; fo that freedom of 
 thought in matters of doctrine, and liberty of action in 
 ecclefiaftical order, came to be equally infifted on by 
 the laity alfo. 
 
 Whoever attempted to reftore a ftrictly uniform 
 practice, or urged the real nature and efficacy of the 
 Sacraments, or mowed in his perfonal living a holy 
 mortification, was accufed of a defign to introduce the 
 fuperftitious formalifm of Rome. Thus it was that 
 Ken's regard to every ordinance of the Anglican Church, 
 his afcetic life, and his deep fenfe of Chriftian myf- 
 teries, were taken at this time by many of his flock to 
 be an indication of his leaning towards the Papacy. But 
 
 * "The Feafts and Fafts of the Church are happy days, fet apart 
 for the remembrance of God's love." 
 
 Ken's Expofition of the Catechifm. Ed. 1686, p. 84. 
 
90 Life <?/~ Thomas Ken, [1675 
 
 he lived down thefe prejudices, zealoufly and confiftently 
 fetting forth in word and deed the harmonious doctrines 
 of the Gofpel, and giving example of a ftricl: adherence 
 to the Church, in times when me was moft in danger. 
 He continued at Winchefter three years after his return 
 from Rome, purfuing the fame ftudious mortified life, 
 the fame unremitted labours to promote the fpiritual 
 advancement of all who lived within his fphere. 
 
1679] Bifoop of Bath and Wells. 91 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Early life of William Prince of Orange — Delivers Holland from 
 the power of Louis XIV. His Marriage to the Princefs 
 Mary — Ken appointed Chaplain at the Hague — His faith - 
 fulnefs in the difcharge of his office. 
 
 HE even tenor of Ken's life, and the 
 enjoyment of the fociety of Bifhop Mor- 
 ley, Ifaak Walton, and the Fellows of 
 the College, were now for a time to be 
 interrupted. He was called to a fphere, lefs conge- 
 nial to his taftes, becaufe in the immediate circle of a 
 Court, and in a foreign land. The duty affigned him, 
 if not by the King, probably by the Duke of York, 
 was the fpiritual guidance of the Princefs Mary, whofe 
 principles were thought to be in danger from the 
 Prefbyterian influence of her hufband, William III. 
 of Orange. 
 
 The Hiftory of this Prince is fo linked with Eng- 
 lifh politics, and therein with the fortunes of Ken, that 
 we cannot avoid fome brief fketch of his early life. In 
 1 64 1 his mother, Princefs Mary, daughter of Charles 
 I. was married to William II. of the houfe of Orange. 
 This union was brought about in an evil hour for the 
 Stuarts, and in the end led to their extinction. The 
 marriage was celebrated amid the tumults which hurried 
 Strafford and Laud to the block, ratified the League 
 and Covenant between the Scotch and Englifh repub- 
 
92 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1679 
 
 licans, and at length prepared the nation for the inde- 
 lible crime of the King's death. 
 
 Mary loft her hufband in 1650, and a few days af- 
 terwards (the 4th of November) gave birth to a poft- 
 humous Prince, the future Stadtholder of Holland, 
 and deftined, as King of England, to wear the crown 
 of her ancestors. On the Reftoration of her brother 
 fhe came to London to offer her congratulations, 
 and to conciliate his protection of her fon, then at the 
 age of ten years, expofed to the rule of republican 
 guardians, and excluded from his family honours by 
 an edict of the States. The impulfes of maternal 
 affection, and of a found judgement, prompted her to 
 this vifit, but fealed her own fate. She died of the 
 fmall pox, and was buried in Weftminfter Abbey, 
 leaving her fon, Prince William, to the harfhnefs and 
 jealoufies of the De Witts, unmitigated by any fym- 
 pathy from Charles, who ought now to have proved 
 himfelf his natural protector. 
 
 In 1670 Mary's fifter, the Duchefs of Orleans, as 
 defigning as fhe was beautiful, paid a vifit to England, 
 at the inftance of Louis XIV, that me might conceit 
 a clandeftine peace with Charles. 
 
 The objects of the treaty, were to engage Charles's 
 co-operation in the ruin of Holland, his nephew's 
 patrimony, and induce him to avow his adherence to 
 the Church of Rome. The bribe was a difhonourable 
 penfion from France, and the promife of an armed 
 force to render himfelf independent of his Parliament. 
 The whole proved a fignal failure. He had neither 
 concern enough for religion to avow his apoftacy from 
 
1679] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 9 3 
 
 the Church of England, until the hand of death was 
 upon him, — nor fufficient courage to claim the prof- 
 fered aid in eftablifhing an abfolute monarchy. So far 
 the fubjection of Holland being thus accomplifhed, the 
 Stadtholder wrefted the crown from his fucceflbr : fo 
 that Charles, who mould have protected the young 
 Prince, fold his kingly honour at a vile and valuelefs 
 bargain. 
 
 The young Prince, defcended from brave and pa- 
 triotic anceftors, inherited their qualities. Reflective, 
 difcriminating, unimpaffioned, refolved, — of a modeft 
 taciturn demeanour, — he was by nature of a fickly 
 constitution, but habituated to hardfhips and fatigue ; 
 daring in valour, and above all animated with an ar- 
 dent love for his country. Bereaved of both parents 
 at an early age, he had been educated under the more 
 than maternal care of his grandmother, Amelia, Prin- 
 cefs of Solmes, a woman of fuperior endowments. By 
 her example and precepts he acquired a force of mind, 
 that afterwards rendered him one of the moft diftin- 
 guifhed princes of Europe. 
 
 His great rival, Louis XIV. was born to be at 
 once the glory and the fcourge of France. Returning 
 from his baptifm, which had been delayed till his fifth 
 year, he vifited the fick bed of his father to receive 
 the parental blefling. ft I rejoice, my fon," faid the 
 dying king, <c that you are made a Chriftian, and what 
 is your name ?" " My name," replied the boy, already 
 corrupted by court-flatterers, but unconfcious of the 
 wound he inflicted, ff is Louis XIV." It {truck as 
 an ill omen on the father's fpirit : " Not yet, — not 
 
94 Life of Thomas Ken, [1679 
 
 yet," faid he, turning on the other fide : but in three 
 weeks the prophecy was fulfilled. Louis afcended the 
 throne in 1643. 
 
 It would be out of place to detail the conquefts he 
 achieved, and the fuccefs that attended his diplomacy 
 in all foreign countries. Never was a king fupported 
 by braver armies, or ferved by more fagacious and de- 
 voted minifters in every court of Europe. He was 
 trained up, from an early age, to a high capacity for 
 political intrigue under the counfels of Mazarin, Col- 
 bert, and others. — Inftructed in the art of war by the 
 moft celebrated generals of the age, and fharing in 
 their dangers and fatigues, he prepared himfelf to take 
 the lead in vaft defigns, that for a time extended the 
 bounds of France beyond all former precedent. The 
 conqueft of the Spanifh Netherlands, and of the free 
 ftates of Holland, was a favourite object of his am- 
 bition. To <c humble the pride of imperious Spain," 
 and " to chaftife the infolence of thofe upftart Repub- 
 licans who pretended to make laws for crowned heads," 
 were thought to be legitimate enterprifes, fimply be- 
 caufe they tended to his own aggrandizement. It is to 
 the latter only we have to addrefs ourfelves, as con- 
 necting the thread of our ftory. 
 
 He opened the campaign againft the United Pro- 
 vinces in 1672 with an army of about 100,000 men, 
 commanded by the Duke of Orleans, the Prince 
 de Conde, and Marfhal Turenne. His camp was 
 attended by ambafladors, princes, nobles, and officers 
 from all parts, as volunteers and witnefTes of the tri- 
 umph of " the invincible monarch." The States and 
 Cities of Holland were divided into political factions, 
 
1679] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 95 
 
 one headed by the De Witts, enthufiaftic lovers of a 
 Republic, the other favouring the Prince of Orange, 
 whom the democrats had deprived of the office of 
 Stadtholder, under a fC Perpetual Edict" for the main- 
 tenance of liberty. In the midft of their contefts 
 they received intelligence that the enemy had effected 
 at Tolhuis the brilliant paffage of the Rhine, paffing 
 over fixteen fquadrons of cavalry a la nage under the 
 command of De Guiche, — a fearful augury of the fate 
 of their country. It was one of the grandeft fpectacles 
 in the hiftory of war to fee the whole French army 
 drawn up in array on the oppofite bank of the river to 
 witnefs the fuccefs of that hazardous exploit, thought 
 by Conde himfelf to be impracticable. Victory every 
 where now attended the French arms : all Europe 
 awaited the approaching downfal of the Republic. 
 
 Louis having advanced from one conqueft to another, 
 and made himfelf matter of Utrecht, the States were 
 compelled to fend deputies to implore his clemency. 
 Nothing lefs would fatisfy the haughty monarch than 
 their entire fubmimon to his own terms, which would 
 at once have fealed their dishonour and their ruin. He 
 even demanded that the Provinces mould fend him 
 every year an extraordinary embafTy, with a gold me- 
 dal, as an acknowledgment of their vaffalage.* 
 
 In this crifis of their fortunes, the nation had re- 
 courfe to the young Prince William, as their only 
 hope. He had already given indications of his capa- 
 city for command, and was now appointed Captain 
 General of the forces of Holland. One of his firft 
 
 * Trevor's Life of William III. vol. i, p. 49. 
 
g6 Life of Thomas Ken, [ l6 79 
 
 meafures, to obtain delay, was to open the flukes of 
 the great dyke. This was the refource of a brave 
 people, refolved to lofe all but their freedom, and 
 to drown their territories by a general inundation 
 rather than fubmit to a foreign yoke. A popular cla- 
 mour was raifed againfl De Witt, and the other magif- 
 trates. Holding their authority, as Republicans always 
 do, by the uncertain tenure of the people's will, they 
 were forced to repeal the " Perpetual Edict," to re- 
 leafe William from his oath of felf-exclufion, and to 
 elect him to the office of Stadtholder. John De Witt 
 and his brother fell victims to the fury of the multi- 
 tude, under a falfe impreffion that they had betrayed 
 the country to their enemies. Doubtlefs they were 
 fincere patriots; but like many zealots who facrifice 
 every thing to abftract principles they had endangered 
 the public fafety ; and now by a violent death at the 
 hands of the mob afforded another example of the 
 tyranny of democratic rule. 
 
 To all human calculations the fate of Holland was 
 fealed : her refources were exhaufted ; her army almoft 
 annihilated ; her fortreffes in the hands of a proud 
 and victorious enemy, dreaded for the cruelties he 
 every where inflicted, and confident from the fignal 
 triumphs already achieved. But the Prince, rifing un- 
 der all his difficulties, feemed infpired by the genius 
 of war. Never, perhaps, was a greater national deli- 
 verance wrought by the enterprife and fagacity of fo 
 young a warrior. The Englifh minifter, remonftrat- 
 ing with him againfl; the rifk he was incurring, faid, 
 Do you not fee that the country is loft ? " His anfwer 
 was, " I fee it is in great danger ; but there is a fure 
 
1679] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 97 
 
 way never to fee it loft, and that is to die in the laft 
 ditch." 
 
 In this fpirit he opened the campaign with the rem- 
 nant of an army, in number not one fifth that of the 
 French, wanting in all the materials of war, difpirited 
 by defeat, and mainly compofed of foreigners. But 
 he feemed a hoft of himfelf : every where prefent, and 
 undaunted, he infufed his own courage into the hearts 
 of others. He was calm and unmoved in the midft of 
 danger becaufe he knew no fear, of keen intelligence to 
 difcover each weak point, and prompt to remedy every 
 defect and error. He difplayed fuch an inflexibility of 
 mind, fuch a genius for war, and fo burning a zeal, 
 that the whole nation feemed, at his command, to ftart 
 into an enthufiafm, that has generally been thought 
 foreign to its character. 
 
 The Prince, but lately a youth of fickly frame, neg- 
 lected, thwarted, excluded from his family honours, 
 the indignant witnefs of his country's defeat, was now 
 a hero in the eyes of all furrounding nations. He had 
 entered the lifts as the champion of liberty againft the 
 conqueror of Europe. Louis, furprifed at the fudden 
 effect of his great qualities, would have compromifed 
 with him, and offered to make him a Sovereign Prince 
 over a part of the United Provinces with the gua- 
 ranteed protection of England and France. But he 
 was above the reach of any fuch perfonal motive : he 
 replied that fC he would never betray the truft repofed 
 in him, or fell the liberties of his country, which his 
 anceftors had fo long defended." 
 
 Profiting by the jealoufy of other princes, who were 
 alarmed at the ambitious projects of Louis, he formed 
 
98 Life tf/' Thomas Ken, [1679 
 
 a clofer alliance with the Elector of Brandenburg, al- 
 ready engaged on the fide of Holland, and prevailed 
 upon the Emperor of Germany and the King of Spain 
 to join with him againft the common enemy. He was 
 himfelf the centre of union among the allies. He com- 
 manded their armies againft the moft renowned gene- 
 rals of France, maintaining his prefence of mind under 
 every difficulty, and if fometimes defeated he foon 
 retrieved his lofs by an almoft equal fuccefs. He was 
 foremoft in every danger, fertile in all the refources of 
 a great commander, and extorting praife even from his 
 enemies. " The young Prince," faid Conde, after the 
 drawn battle of Senef, " has mown all the qualities of 
 the moft experienced generals, except that he expofed 
 his own perfon too much." At length the French were 
 driven from all their conquefts, and the gratitude of 
 his country awarded to William and his fucceftbrs 
 the hereditary title of Stadtholder, which had hitherto 
 been elective only. 
 
 In 1677 he came over to England, and gained the 
 hand of the Princefs Mary, eldeft daughter of the 
 Duke of York, as his father, fix and thirty years be- 
 fore, had received that of Princefs Mary, daughter of 
 Charles I. He thus cemented by a double bond the 
 union of the two Houfes, and brought himfelf nearer 
 in approach to the fucceflion of the Englifh throne. 
 This event diffufed great joy throughout England, as 
 tending to ftrengthen the Proteftant interefts in Eu- 
 rope, and to counteract the dangers apprehended from 
 the known preference of Charles, and the avowed con- 
 verfion of James, to the Church of Rome. But Wil- 
 liam was fenfible that his continued prefence in England 
 
1679] Bifljop of Bath and Wells. 99 
 
 would not be acceptable at Court, his very popularity 
 being thought to give encouragement to the difaffected. 
 On the 29th of November, therefore, three weeks after 
 his marriage, he prudently returned to Holland with 
 his young bride and their attendants. His near rela- 
 tive and favourite, Count Zuleftein, and Miftrefs Jane 
 Worth, were of the number ; the latter as maid of 
 honour to the Princefs. She was the daughter of Sir 
 Henry Worth, and of Anne, fifter to Lord Maynard. 
 It was not likely in the common courfe of events 
 that this royal wedding mould have any influence on 
 the humble fortunes of Ken. Yet fo it proved ; for 
 within two years he was appointed Chaplain to Mary 
 at the Hague. Thus the meek hymnift of Winchefter, 
 known only to his flock and neighbours by an untiring 
 devotion to the duties of his cure, was brought into 
 relation with three fuccefTive Kings, Charles, James, 
 and William. Some pafTages in his fermon, preached 
 at Whitehall, after he was Biihop, on the text, c< O 
 Daniel greatly beloved," (Dan. x. ver. 11) are marked 
 by an unconfcious analogy to his own court-life. He 
 there defcribes the Prophet, whofe character he is hold- 
 ing up to view, living in the royal palace as an afcetic 
 and a faint, as well as a courtier ; never wilfully of- 
 fending, yet bold and intrepid, exercifing abftinence, 
 prayer, and alms ; c< enjoying the higheft favour and 
 honour, yet innocent and untainted, ftill keeping his 
 virgin love for God, his greatly Beloved, retiring into 
 his own chamber three times a day for folemn prayer, 
 as into his oratory ; and when his prayers were heard, 
 afcribing all to God, and nothing to himfelf, and blef- 
 fing the God of Heaven." 
 
ioo Life of Thomas Ken, [1679 
 
 The Princefs had two Chaplains ; one to be her " Al- 
 moner and Chaplain to her own perfon, who properly 
 reprefented the Church of England in Holland, and 
 regulated all things relating to the Chapel and wor- 
 fhip of God." * To this office George Hooper had 
 been firfl appointed, on the recommendation of Arch- 
 bifhop Sancroft. No one could be better qualified for 
 the truft ; he remained a year and a half, and it was 
 not without great reluctance that Mary parted with 
 him. But he became very tired of his poft, though 
 not of the Princefs, for whom he ever retained the 
 higheft refpect, and received many proofs of her per- 
 fonal regard after her acceflion to the Englifh. throne. 
 Probably on coming away he mentioned his friend 
 Ken; — or Sancroft might have been again the channel 
 of recommendation ; — or poffibly Lord Maynard, who 
 was Comptroller of the King's houfehold. Be this as 
 it may, the appointment could not be declined, as the 
 King's wifh was equal to a command ; otherwife the 
 incivilities that Hooper had met with from the Prince 
 of Orange would have deterred him from hazarding 
 a like treatment. 
 
 William was a hero in the field, but not an amiable 
 matter : his conduct to Hooper was unworthy of a 
 Prince ; and Ken fared little better at his hands. It 
 was fortunate for Dr. Hooper that he had independent 
 means of living ; for f f all the time he was in Holland 
 he was never offered any money. The other Chaplain 
 was a worthy man, but not fo well provided with fub- 
 fiftence in England, and not doubting but he mould 
 
 * Proufe MS. Life of Hooper. 
 
1679] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells. 1 o 1 
 
 have a handfome ftipend for his attendance, he ran fo 
 far in debt that he was fo unhappy as to die under con- 
 finement by a broken heart, never being able to get 
 one milling of the Prince. But the night before Dr. 
 Hooper was to embark, when he left Holland, Mr. 
 Bentinck, afterwards Lord Portland, fent a fervant to 
 him with a bag in which the fervant told him there was 
 70/. and an excufe for its being fent no fooner. This 
 was all Dr. Hooper had for a year and a half's attend- 
 ance ; a fpecimen of Dutch generofity, of which I could 
 give more initances." 
 
 " The Doctor found that fome books had been put 
 into the Princefs's hands (who was a great reader) to in- 
 cline her to a more favourable opinion of the DifTenters, 
 than was confiftent with that regard which a perfon fo 
 near the throne ought to have, for the prefervation of 
 the Church of England : which made him take all op- 
 portunities to recommend her to fuch books as would 
 give her the clearer!; notions of Church Communion and 
 Government, and the great obligations to fubmit to 
 them. The Prince coming one day into her apart- 
 ment, happened to find Eufebius's Church Hiftory, and 
 Hooker's Ecclefiaftical Polity lying before her High- 
 nefs, and fhe reading in one of them, when he, with 
 great commotion and eagernefs, faid, What, I fuppofe 
 Dr. Hooper perfuades you to read thefe books." * 
 
 From the fame fource which furnifhes thefe anec- 
 dotes we are able to give one or two further character- 
 istics of the Stadtholder, fimply as bearing on the diffi- 
 culties Ken afterwards met with, when he acted in the 
 
 * Proufe MS. Life of Hooper. 
 
io2 Life 0/^ Thomas Ken, [1679 
 
 fame capacity. " Dr. Hooper, when he came into 
 Holland, found the Princefs without any regular cha- 
 pel for Divine Service, and the houfe fo fmall as to af- 
 ford no room to make one, except the dining room in 
 which fhe dined, for the Prince and Princefs never eat 
 together, as the States and their officers often were ad- 
 mitted to his table ; but not fit guefts for her's. This 
 room fhe readily parted with for that ufe (and ever 
 after, at leaft as long as Dr. H. ftaid there, dined in a 
 fmall dark parlour) and ordered Dr. H. to fee the 
 room fitted up in a proper manner for her Chapel, and 
 when it was near finifhed, Her Highnefs bid Dr. H. 
 attend on fuch a day, when the Prince intended to come 
 and fee what was done. Accordingly the Prince came, 
 and as there was a ftep or two at the Communion 
 Table, and another for the chair where the Princefs 
 was to fit, he kicked at them with his foot, afking what 
 they were for, which being told in a proper manner, he 
 anfwered with a hum. When the Chapel was fit for ufe, 
 the Prince never came to it, but on Sunday evenings, 
 the Princefs conftantly attending twice a-day, and for 
 fear fhe mould ever make Dr. Hooper, or the con- 
 gregation, wait beyond the appointed time, fhe ordered 
 him, when it was fo, to come to her apartment, and 
 fhow himfelf only, as fhe would immediately come." * 
 The Prince afterwards learned to behave himfelf 
 more reverently before the Altar, when he pofTeffed 
 himfelf of the Palace at Whitehall. It might be no 
 reproach to him, as a Prefbyterian, that he fhould take 
 umbrage at the Princefs ftudying Hooker's Ecclefiafti- 
 
 * Proufc MSS. 
 
1679] Bifldop of Bath and Wells. 103 
 
 cal Polity : but it was no mark of his tolerant fpirit to 
 treat with difrefpect and contempt the circumstantials 
 of the Church into which fhe was baptized. It is 
 creditable to his judgment and his heart that, when 
 he had better opportunities to inform himfelf of the 
 real principles and ritual of the Church of England, 
 he cordially adopted them. Would that all who have 
 the fame opportunities were equally teachable. But 
 to proceed with Hooper's memoirs. 
 
 Cf One day the Prince was talking with Dr. Hooper 
 about the great diffractions then in England at the 
 time of the Popifh. Plot, and the great indulgence in- 
 tended to be mown to the DifTenters. But the Doctor 
 not exprefling himfelf fo favourable to thofe meafures 
 as he liked or expected, the Prince faid to him, f Well, 
 Dr. Hooper, you will never be a bifhop.' For al- 
 though the Doctor acted with great prudence and de- 
 corum in the difficult ftation he was in, fo as to give 
 the Prince no juft occafion of offence, yet he would 
 never yield by undue compliance, where the Church 
 of England, or any thing belonging to it, was concerned, 
 which made the Prince once fay to one that was in his 
 confidence if ever he had any thing to do with Eng- 
 land Dr. Hooper mould be Dr. Hooper ftill." He 
 little thought that the Chaplain would furvive him 
 many years, and be confecrated a Bifhop. 
 
 The firft notices we have of Ken in his new employ- 
 ment at the Hague, appear in the diary of the Hon. 
 Henry Sidney,* ambaffador from England to the Court 
 of Holland. Ken's office was " to regulate the per- 
 
 
 Afterwards Lord Romney. See his Diary, 3 I it March, 1679. 
 
104 -Life a/' Thomas Ken, [^79 
 
 formance of Divine Service in the Princefs's chapel, ac- 
 cording to the ufage of the Church of England." Haw- 
 kins fays, (C In this poft, his mofr. prudent behaviour, 
 and ftrict piety, gained him entire credit and high ef- 
 teem with the Princefs whom to his death he diftin- 
 guifhed by the title of his Miftrefs." # But he found 
 in the difpofition of the Prince nothing kindred to his 
 own. He himfelf was Cf lively and cheerful in his tem- 
 per, difpofed to be facetious and entertaining," f a cha- 
 racter quite in harmony with that of an earned Christian. 
 William was of an unfympathizing nature, referved, 
 morofe, bold in war and the chafe, nurtured amid the 
 turbulence and confufion of political ftrife, which make 
 men harm and felfifh. Moreover Ken foon perceived 
 that he treated the young Princefs with undeferved cold- 
 nefs and feverity, — infomuch that himfelf and others 
 attributed her declining health to his unkind ufage and, 
 as Sidney expreffes it in his Diary, " were mightily for 
 her going into England." "Even before they had failed 
 for Holland, the Court began to wifper the Prince's ful- 
 lennefs, or clowniihnefs, that he took no notice of his 
 PrincefTe at the playe or balle, nor came to fee her at 
 St. James's the day preceding this defigned for their 
 departure." £ 
 
 Ken with his ufual faithfulnefs, refolved to difcharge 
 the truft committed to him, and to remonftrate with 
 the Prince, " though he mould kick him out of doors." § 
 His Christian temper, blending with an apoftolic fear- 
 leffnefs, well fitted him for fo difficult a talk : he could 
 admonifh, and yet foften the edge of his rebuke. Too 
 
 * Life of Ken, p. 7. f Ibid. p. 5. 
 
 t Dr. Lake's MS. Diary, printed by the Camden Society in 1 846. 
 
 § Sidney's Diary, vol. 2, p. 19. 
 
i68o] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells. 105 
 
 guilelefs to understand the arts of flattery, he confidered 
 it a part of his commifTion to protect all who came 
 within the fphere of his miniftry. How he fared with 
 the Prince in this critical undertaking is not related : 
 but painful truths, brought home to the confciences of 
 thofe accuftomed to command, irritate rather than per- 
 fuade. It may be inferred from the fequel that he 
 proved an unwelcome monitor. A circumftance foon 
 after occurred in the court of the Stadtholder, which 
 brought upon Ken the full weight of his difpleafure. 
 
 Count Zuleftein, under a promife of marriage, had 
 gained the heart and confidence of the beautiful Jane 
 Worth, maid of honour to the Princefs ; but from a 
 fear of offending William, or from fome other caufe, 
 hefitated to fulfil his pledge. Ken, however, was con- 
 tent once more to brave the frowns of the Prince for 
 the fatisfaction of reftoring peace to a wounded fpirit. 
 His fympathy was called forth on her behalf : fhe was 
 a countrywoman ; and could claim a defcent from the 
 heroic Sir Philip Sidney, that " fhort-lived ornament 
 of his noble family, and the Marcellus of the Englifh 
 nation." But me had a itill ftronger title to his pro- 
 tection ; for fhe was niece to his early patron, Lord 
 Maynard, her mother being his Lordfhip's own fifter 
 Anne : no doubt Ken had often feen them both at 
 Little Eafton. All thefe confederations roufed his be- 
 neficent feelings ; and he fo ftrenuoufly urged her 
 claims, that Zuleftein, fubdued by his perfuafive plead- 
 ings to a fenfe of juftice, made all the reftitution in his 
 power by an honourable marriage.* 
 
 * He was afterwards created Earl of Rochford, and the title de- 
 fcendcd to their eldeft fon. — Collins's Peerage, vol iv. p. 162. 
 
106 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1680 
 
 William was abfent at Amsterdam* when this affair 
 took place, and on his return to the Hague expreffed 
 the greater!: indignation. Yet he ought not to have felt 
 difhonoured by the union of Zuleftein (who was a na- 
 tural fon of Prince Henry Frederick of Naffau) with 
 a defcendant, of the houfe of Sidney. He might have 
 remembered, too, the friendfhip between Sir Philip and 
 his own illuftrious anceftor, William of Naffau, the de- 
 liverer of his country, who fent a meffage to Queen 
 Elizabeth that cc her majefty had in Sir Philip one of 
 the riper! and greater!: counfellors of ftate in Europe."f 
 His pride, however, was hurt ; and perhaps having 
 treafured up his refentment at Ken's former unwelcome 
 interference, threatened to difcharge him from his fer- 
 vice for the part he had now taken. 
 
 The Chaplain was far from feeling any regret at the 
 profpect of returning to England : he would rather 
 accept it as a boon. His heart was in Winchefter ; and 
 we have fufficient evidence that in the palace and habits 
 of the Stadtholder other things, befides a difference of 
 religious tenets, were inconfiftent with his fenfe of right. 
 Inftead, therefore, of deprecating William's anger, he 
 obtained leave of the Princefs to retire. But he flood 
 fo high in the efteem of all men that the Prince was 
 unwilling to incur the obloquy of difmiffing him, efpe- 
 cially for an act that could not but be applauded in 
 England. William looked forward to reap the advan- 
 tage of the Duke of York's exclufion from the Englifh 
 throne, as a Popifh Recufant, for which a bill had al- 
 
 * Sidney's Diary, vol. ii. p. 162. 
 
 t Lord Brooke's Life of Sir Ph. Sydney. 
 
1680] Bijloop of Bath and Wells. 107 
 
 ready been introduced into the Houfe of Commons. 
 He was anxious to conciliate the favour of all parties : 
 he determined therefore to control his feelings ; and fo 
 " entreated him to return to his former poft and re- 
 fpect." Ken's placable fpirit was not difficult to per- 
 fuade ; " he confented to continue for one year longer, 
 during which time he was taken into a mow of great 
 familiarity, and when that year expired he returned for 
 England."* 
 
 The clofe of his duties at the Hague was cheered by 
 an event that marks the powerful effect of his miniftry. 
 His fervent eloquence, and affectionate zeal, — his fim- 
 plicity and holinefs of life, made their way to the hearts 
 even of men of other creeds. Not only Prefbyterians, 
 but Roman Catholics, went to hear him preach. The 
 pure Anglican doctrine was brought out in its full 
 force ; not in the way of controverfy, but by demon- 
 fixation from the infpired oracles. In the fpirit of pri- 
 mitive teaching he convinced his hearers of the apoftolic 
 origin and authority of our Epifcopate. It is probable 
 there were feveral instances of conversion : but one that 
 took place from the Church of Rome was deemed of 
 fufficient importance to be communicated to Archbifhop 
 Sancroft, with whom Ken had already commenced a 
 friendfhip, afterwards fo feverely tefted. Henry Sidney 
 mentions'!" tne intended converfion of Colonel Fitz Pa- 
 trick from the Romifh Communion. Two days after 
 he notices a conference between the Colonel and Dr. 
 Ken; and on the 13th of September the Chaplain 
 writes this unpretending letter to Sancroft. 
 
 * Hawkins, p. 8. f Diary, 29th Auguft, 1680. 
 
108 Life <?/" Thomas Ken, [1680 
 
 <c For His Grace the Archbifhop of Canterbury. 
 
 f( My very Good Lord, 
 " I should not dare to make this invafion on Your 
 Grace, but that my duty enforces me, and the ambition 
 I have to fend news, which I know will be extremely 
 welcome to your Grace, and the rather becaufe it is of 
 a convert to our Church, and of a convert, who is no 
 leffe a perfon than Collonell Fitz Patrick ; who upon 
 a deliberate enquiry is fo fully fatisfy'd with our Church, 
 that he communicates with us next Lord's day in the 
 Princefs's Chapel. 'Tis not to be imagined how much 
 both their Highnefles are pleafed with the Colonel's 
 happy refolution, and the Prince commanded me to 
 give my Lord of London a particular account of it, 
 which I have done. &c. 
 
 " I moft earneftly begge Your Grace's benediction 
 < c My Good Lord, 
 
 " Your Grace's moft obedient and 
 moft humble fervant, 
 
 Hague, Sept. 13th, 1680. " Tho. Ken."* 
 
 He would not have been defired by the Prince to 
 fend the Bifhop of London particulars of the progrefs 
 of this converfion, had he not been the principal inftru- 
 ment of bringing it about : yet he makes no mention 
 of himfelf ; his only thought is the caufe of truth, and 
 the good of his fellow-men. 
 
 * Round's Profe Works of Ken, p. 38. 
 
i68o] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 109 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Ken returns from the Hague — appointed Chaplain to the King 
 — His Funeral Sertnon on Lady Margaret Maynard — The 
 Court of Charles II. at Winchejler — Ken refufes the ufe of 
 his Prebendal houfe to Nell Gwin. 
 
 HE time was now arrived for Ken's hap- 
 py return to England. He did not, as 
 Hawkins mentions, remain in Holland 
 till the end of the year : it is certain that 
 he was in London, in the houfe of his friend Francis 
 Turner, in Amen Corner, Weftminfter, in October, 
 1680. No fooner did he arrive than the King rewarded 
 his faithfulnefs by appointing him one of his own Chap- 
 lains. Hawkins and Wood both fay that <c the King 
 did not mow any diflike of his behaviour in Holland." 
 It was not probable he mould do fo ; for ft his moft 
 prudent behaviour, and ftricl piety gained him entire 
 credit, and high efteem with the Princefs Mary," who 
 probably recommended him to the King's favour. 
 Moreover, Lord Maynard's influence would naturally 
 be exercifed in favour of the protector of his niece, 
 Jane Worth, now Madame Zuleftein. 
 
 If the Prince ftill cherifhed any refentment againft 
 Ken, it was not likely to lower him in the good graces 
 of Charles, who had never mown any affection for his 
 nephew. William was too near in fucceffion, and in 
 too clofe correfpondence with the anti-court party in 
 
no Life o/' Thomas Ken, [1680 
 
 England, not to be an object of jealoufy to the royal 
 brothers. The Princefs, his wife, was heir prefumptive 
 to the throne ; and when fhortly afterwards the Ox- 
 ford Parliament again propofed to exclude the Duke 
 of York, and banifli him from England, as an avowed 
 Papift, the Houfe of Commons declared that the Go- 
 vernment (on the King's demife) mould be vetted in 
 them, as Regents ; and Commiffioners were to have 
 been fent over to receive the oaths of William and 
 Mary that they would take on themfelves the trufts 
 of the intended act. The King, to prevent the pro- 
 fecution of this fcheme, fuddenly diflblved parliament ; 
 but the Prince was ftill openly regarded by the mal- 
 contents as the main hope of the nation for preferring 
 the Proteftant religion. Apart, therefore, from all 
 other influences, the circumftance of Ken's having in- 
 curred the Prince's difpleafure, would rather advance 
 than impede his promotion at the hands of the King. 
 Wood fixes the appointment in 1679,* Bowles in 
 168 1, j~ and Hawkins in 1684, after his return from 
 Tangier. \ Hawkins is plainly miftaken ; for in the 
 books of the Lord Chamberlain's office there is a me- 
 morandum of a letter, dated the 25th of January, 
 i68;|, written to Dr. Vincent (another of the Royal 
 Chaplains) defiring him " to wayte in February next, 
 for Dr. Kenn, he being at fea in His Majefty's fervice," 
 mowing that he was Chaplain before the expedition to 
 Tangier. 
 
 The Records of the Lord Chamberlain's office ought 
 
 * Athens Oxon. Vol. ii. p. 989. f Life of Ken, Vol. ii. p. 63. 
 \ Hawkins' Life of Ken, p. 7. 
 

 1680] BiJJiop of Bath and IV ells. 1 1 1 
 
 to give the very day of his appointment : but the books 
 are defective at the exact period when it took place. It 
 is certain, however, that he was not chaplain at any 
 time between the 14th of January 1677 and the 30th 
 of July 1680, during which the regifters are perfect. 
 The following letter, extant in the office, mows that 
 he was appointed between the date of his letter to San- 
 croft, (the 13th of September) and the 2.1ft of October 
 1680. So that the time is afcertained within a few 
 weeks. It is not improbable that this letter was the 
 firft official notice he received of the King's favour. 
 
 October 21ft, 1680. 
 fC Sir, 
 tc There being five Sundays of this month of October 
 I have thought proper to appoint you to preach before 
 His Majefty at Whitehall upon the laft Sunday in this 
 month ; but, underftanding that it would be more con- 
 venient for you to preach upon Sunday next, I have 
 prevailed with the Dean of Chichefter, who is in way t- 
 ing, to preach upon the laft Sunday, and that you 
 mould preach before His Majefty upon Sunday next 
 at Whitehall, and fo perform that duty accordingly. 
 cc Thus I reft your loving friend, 
 
 cc Arlington." 
 
 For Dr. Ken, 
 
 at Dr. Turner's, Amen Corner. 
 
 There is no record of this his firft fermon before the 
 Court. In the lifts of Lent Preachers, in the London 
 Gazette for 1681 and 1682, his name does not appear. 
 Probably, therefore, he only took his turn in the ordi- 
 nary rotation of the Chaplains in thofe years. In the 
 
ii2 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1682 
 
 lift of 1683 he was appointed to preach before the 
 King on Am Wednefday, and again in 1684 on Afh 
 Wednefday the 27 th of February : but at this latter 
 date he was abfent at Tangier, and Dr. Vincent preached 
 for him. The Chaplaincy required only occafional at- 
 tendance in London, where he had no engagements 
 to keep him from Winchefter. But in the fummer of 
 1682 he was fummoned to the death bed of his early 
 friend, Lady Margaret Maynard, that he might minif- 
 ter to her the offices of the Church. We have already 
 feen that his firft appointment after ordination was the 
 Rectory of Little Eafton, and that he had " for near 
 twenty years been admitted to Lady Margaret's moft 
 intimate thoughts." To him fhe had made " confef- 
 fions of her frequent fevere examinations of her con- 
 fcience ; " and now in her laft hour fhe received the 
 Holy Communion at his hands. It was natural, there- 
 fore, that he mould be invited to preach her funeral 
 fermon. It cannot but be interefting to hear fomething 
 of Ken's heartfelt and eloquent praife of this <c gracious 
 woman," confirmed in holy affections by his own paf- 
 toral influence. 
 
 Before he enters on her perfonal character he offers 
 a glowing tribute to female piety in general. Cf Wo- 
 men in all ages have given many heroic examples of 
 fanctity ; befides thofe recorded in the Old Teftament, 
 many of them are named with great honour in the 
 New, for their afliduity and zeal in following our Sa- 
 viour, and their charity in miniftering to Him of their 
 fubftance. They accompanied Him to Mount Calvary, 
 lamented His fufFerings, waited on the Crofs, attended 
 the fepulchre, prepared fpices and ointments ; and re- 
 

 1862] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 1 1 3 
 
 gardlefs either of the infolence of the rude foldiers, or 
 of the malice of the Jews, with a love that caft out all 
 fear, they came on the firft day of the week, before the 
 morning light, to embalm Him : and God was pleafed 
 to honour thefe holy women accordingly, for they firft 
 faw the angel, who told them the joyful news that He 
 was rifen ; and as if an angel had not been a meflenger 
 honourable enough, Jefus Himfelf firft appeared to the 
 women, — the women firft faw and adored Him ; and it 
 was thefe very gracious women whom our Lord fent to 
 His difciples, that women might firft be publifhers of 
 His refurrection, as angels had been of His nativity. 
 Our Saviour Himfelf has erected an everlafting monu- 
 ment in the Gofpel for the penitent woman that anointed 
 Him ; and God Incarnate honoured the fex to the 
 higheft degree imaginable in being born of a woman, 
 in becoming the Son of a Virgin Mother, whom all 
 generations mall call Blefted ; and I know not how to 
 call it, but there is a meltingnefs of difpofition, and af- 
 fectionatenefs of devotion, an eafy fenfibility, an induf- 
 trious alacrity, a languishing ardour in piety, peculiar to 
 the fex, which renders them fubjects more pliable to the 
 divine grace than men commonly are ; fo that Solomon 
 had reafon to beftow the epithet gracious particularly 
 on them, and to fay that f a gracious woman retaineth 
 honour.' " # 
 
 Applying this general character to the immediate 
 object of his affectionate eulogy, " I cannot tell," he 
 
 * A Sermon preached at the Funeral of the Right Honourable the 
 Lady Margaret Mainard, at Little Eafton, in EfTex, on the 30th of 
 June, 1682, by Dr. Thomas Ken. 
 
 I 
 
ii4 Life of Thomas Ken, [1682 
 
 fays, " what one help fhe neglected to fecure her perfe- 
 verance, and to heighten her graces, that fhe might 
 f mine more and more to a perfect day.' Her oratory 
 was the place where me principally refided, and where 
 me was moft at home, and her chief employment was 
 prayer and praife. Out of feveral authors, fhe for her 
 own ufe tranfcribed many excellent forms, the very 
 choice of which does argue a moft experienced piety : 
 fhe had devotions fuited to all the primitive hours of 
 prayer, as far as her bodily infirmities and neceffary 
 avocations would permit, and with David praifed God 
 feven times a day, or fupplied the want of thofe folemn 
 hours by a kind of perpetuity of ejaculations, which 
 me had ready to anfwer all occafions, and to fill up all 
 vacant intervals ; and if fhe happened to wake in the 
 night, of proper prayers even for midnight fhe was 
 never unprovided. Thus this gracious foul, having 
 been enkindled by fire from Heaven in her baptifm, 
 lived a continual facrifice, and kept the fire always 
 burning, always in afcenfion, always afpiring towards 
 Heaven from whence it fell. 
 
 ff Her charity made her fympathize with all in mi- 
 fery : and befides her private alms, wherein her left 
 hand was not confcious to her right, fhe was a common 
 patronefs to the poor and needy, and a common phy- 
 fician to her fick neighbours, and would often with her 
 own hands drefs their moft loathfome fores, and fome- 
 times keep them in her family, and would give them 
 both diet and lodging, till they were cured, and then 
 clothe them, and fend them home to give God thanks 
 for their recovery ; and if they died, her charity accom- 
 panied them fometimes to the grave, and fhe took care 
 

 1 68 2] Bi/hop of Bath a?id Wells, 115 
 
 even of their burial. She would by no means endure 
 that by the care of plentifully providing for her chil- 
 dren the wants and neceflities of any poor Chriftian 
 mould be overlooked ; and defired it might be remem- 
 bered, that alms, and the poor's prayers, will bring a 
 greater bleffing to them than thoufands a year." 
 
 But we muft bring thefe extracts, and the life of 
 Lady Margaret, to a clofe, that we may return to the 
 hiftory of the Preacher. " On Whit Sunday fhe re- 
 ceived her Viaticum, the moft holy Body and Blood 
 of her Saviour, and having received abfolution, fhe in 
 a fhort time was happily launched into the ftate of fe- 
 paration of foul and body ; for all the bonds of union 
 being untied, her foul was fet at liberty, and on the 
 wings of Angels took a direct and vigorous flight to 
 its native country, Heaven, from whence it firft flew 
 down. There we muft leave her in the bofom of her 
 heavenly Bridegroom, where how radiant her crown is, 
 how extatic her joy, how high exalted flie is in degree 
 of glory, it is impoflible to be defcribed ; for neither 
 eye hath feen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the 
 heart of man to be conceived, the good things which 
 God hath prepared for thofe that love Him, of all 
 which fhe is now partaker." 
 
 From this glowing defcription of the chriftian cha- 
 racter, we may judge how little he was himfelf in- 
 fluenced by the varying profeffions of the world ; how 
 innocent and prayerful was his own life in the midft 
 of the violent parties that now divided the nation. 
 The hiftory of the Englifh court at this period pre- 
 fents a confufed fcene of weaknefs and treachery, almoft 
 without a parallel. The King, yielding to the alternate 
 
n6 Life ^Thomas Ken, [^83 
 
 influence of the Duchefs of Portfmouth, of Monmouth, 
 the Duke of York, and Louis XIV, began to be 
 wearied by their various interefts and perfuafions. 
 He had no confidence in himfelf, or thofe about him. 
 Real or pretended Popifh and Proteftant plots, the 
 intrigues of his Cabal miniftry, and of parties favouring 
 the hollow pretentions of the Duke of Monmouth, or 
 prefling for the exclufion of the Duke of York, — fome 
 defigning a republic, others a conftitutional monarchy, 
 — had kept the public mind in a perpetual ferment. 
 Charles became more than ever averfe to bufinefs. 
 His chief care was to obtain the means of gratifying 
 his luxurious and profligate taftes, which compelled 
 him to live the obfequious penfioner of France. His 
 time was divided between Windfor, Newmarket, and 
 Winchefter. 
 
 At the laft of thefe he now refolved to build a new 
 palace. " Sir Chriftopher Wren was appointed the 
 architect, who drew a plan and an elevation for the 
 whole building, partly on the model of Verfailles, in a 
 ftyle of royal magnificence. This being approved, he 
 laid the foundation ftone of the edifice, the 23rd 
 March, 1683. The work was carried on with the 
 greateft ardour ; Charles himfelf, with the Duke of 
 York, being frequently there for a confiderable time 
 together to infpect the building, from whence they 
 made excurfions to Portfmouth, and hunting parties in 
 the New Foreft." # Evelyn fays, " the deftruction of 
 the king's houfe at Newmarket by an accidental fire 
 made him more earneft to render Winchefter the feat 
 
 * Milner's Hill, of Winchefter, vol. i. p. 429. 
 
1683] Bijhop of Bath and Wells, 117 
 
 of his autumnal field diverfions, defigning a palace 
 there, where the ancient caflle flood, infinitely indeed 
 preferable to Newmarket for profpects, air, pleafure 
 and provifions. The furveyor has already begun the 
 foundation for a palace, estimated to cofl £35,000, 
 and his majefly is purchafing ground about it to make 
 a park, &c." * 
 
 Thefe royal vifits to Winchefler brought together 
 a concourfe of people of all clafTes, greater than the 
 town could conveniently hold. 
 
 " The Duchefs of Portsmouth finimed out of hand 
 a houfe for herfelf." Of her ordinary habits of ex- 
 travagance we may form fome idea from Evelyn's 
 defcription of her apartments in the palace at White- 
 hall. He fays, " following the king (14 Oct. 1683) 
 through the gallery, I went with the few who attended 
 him into the Duchefs of Portfmouth's drefling-room 
 within her bed-chamber. That which engaged my 
 curiofity was the rich and fplendid furniture of this 
 woman's apartment, now twice or thrice pulled down 
 and rebuilt, to fatisfy her prodigal and expenfive plea- 
 fures, whilft her Majefly does not exceed fome gentle- 
 men's ladies in furniture and accommodation. Thus 
 for japan cabinets, fcreens, pendule clocks, great vafes 
 of wrought plate, tables, {lands, chimney furniture, 
 fconces, branches, braferas, all of maffive filver, and 
 out of number, — befides fome of her Majefly's befl 
 paintings." f 
 
 Nell Gwyn alfo was one of the court circle, and of 
 courfe to be provided for, though not fo handfomely. 
 
 * Evelyn's Diary, vol. i. p. 562. f Ibid. 
 
1 1 8 Life of Thomas Ken, [1683 
 
 Strange to fay, this was the occafion of placing Ken 
 in a difficulty. He had a good houfe in the Cathedral 
 Clofe, oppofite to the Deanery where the king was to 
 lodge. When Cf his Harbinger," whom we may fup- 
 pofe was an officer of the houfehold, " came to Winton, 
 he marked the Doctor's houfe, which he held in right 
 of his prebend, for the ufe of Mrs. Gwin." But Ken's 
 fearlefs heart at once prompted him to vindicate the 
 holinefs of his office. {f He abfolutely refufed her 
 admittance, declaring that a woman of ill repute ought 
 not to be endured in the houfe of a Clergyman, efpe- 
 cially the King's Chaplain." This muft have excited 
 no fmall furprife among the courtiers ; but as he was 
 peremptory, " me was forced to feek other lodgings."* 
 A fmall building was put up for her at the fouth end 
 of the Deanery. " It was ever afterwards known by 
 the name of Nell Gwyn, and has only been removed 
 within the prefent century." j- 
 
 He could not enter into the little worldly confidera- 
 tions of policy and prudence, that fo often outweigh 
 the clear dictates of confcience. His was no falfe or 
 partial rule of conduct. The fame fimple zeal which 
 had moved him, in the palace at the Hague, to pro- 
 tect the honour of Jane Worth, at the rifk of offending 
 the Prince of Orange, at once made him reject Nell 
 Gwyn, though it mould expofe him to the king's re- 
 fentment. Hawkins fays, " his refufal of Mrs. Gwyn 
 was publickly known." He had, in his meafure, the 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 9. 
 
 f Dr. Moberly's Biographical Memoir of Bifhop Ken, 1 840, p. 
 vi. 
 
1683] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 119 
 
 holy courage of the Baptift, to reprove adultery even 
 in a palace : but very different was his reward. So 
 far from being offended, Charles appears to have ad- 
 mired the Chriftian boldnefs of his chaplain, who was 
 fhortly after engaged in a fecret fervice, which about 
 that time occupied much of the Kings thoughts. 
 
 
i2o Life of Thomas Ken, [1683 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Ken appointed Chaplain of the Fleet on the expedition to Tan- 
 gier — Voyage — The vicious government of Tangier — Cor- 
 rupt flat e of the Navy. 
 
 T was now eight years fince Ken had 
 ftudied the polity and religion of Italy, 
 and fcarcely three fince his return from 
 the lefs polifhed court of Holland, when 
 he received a hafty fummons to leave once more his 
 friends and flock for a barbarous and diftant fpot. 
 The town of Tangier, in the ftraits of Gibraltar, had 
 long been a fource of great outlay to the king. At 
 length his " intolerable expence, profufe gaming and 
 dallying," as Evelyn defcribes them, brought him into 
 fuch embarraffrnents that he could no longer afford 
 to maintain the place. 
 
 He had received this African fortrefs and the ifland 
 of Bombay on his marriage with Catherine of Bra- 
 ganza, as part of her dower. Bombay, at that time 
 efteemed of minor importance, has fince become one 
 of the moft flourifhing colonies of Britain; while 
 Tangier, which now barely helps to fupply Gibraltar 
 with provifions, was reckoned of great value, as the 
 key of the Mediterranean. The king had expend- 
 ed vaft fums in conftructing a mole for the defence of 
 the harbour, made it a free port, and conferred upon 
 it extenfive privileges : but the money, being lavifhly 
 

 1683] Bijhop of Bath and Wells, 121 
 
 applied, ferved rather to enrich the governors and en- 
 gineers, than to promote the public fervice. The 
 Parliament refufed any further grants, diftrufting the 
 right application of them, and Charles was driven by 
 his neceffities to abandon this ufelefs poffeflion, where 
 nothing but diforder, extravagance, and profligacy had 
 prevailed. He determined, in the fummer of 1683, 
 to fend a naval force of twenty mips, under Lord 
 Dartmouth, with fecret orders to deftroy the fortifica- 
 tions, left they mould become formidable in the hands 
 of the Moors. 
 
 Lord Dartmouth had always been high in favour 
 with the King and Duke of York, out of refpecl: both 
 to the memory of his father, and his own loyal attach- 
 ment to the throne. He was a rare example of fidelity 
 and virtue in an age when public corruption fo gene- 
 rally prevailed. His father was the brave Colonel 
 Legge, one of the three devoted companions of Charles, 
 when he efcaped from Hampton Court. It is difficult 
 to account for his not having met the fame fate that 
 befel fo many loyalifts, as he was feveral times impri- 
 foned by the rebels. On one occafion at Coventry he 
 was faved by the ingenious device of his wife, and 
 paffed through the guards without challenge in female 
 difguife. The King, a fhort time before his execution, 
 bequeathed this faithful friend as a legacy to the Prince 
 of Wales, " charging him to take care of honeft Will 
 Legge, for he was the faithfulleft fervant that ever any 
 Prince had." He declined the offer of a peerage on 
 the Reftoration, and died in 1670. The fon diftin- 
 guifhed himfelf in the naval fervice, rofe to the rank 
 of Admiral, was made mafter of the Ordnance, and a 
 
122 Life tf/' Thomas Ken, [1683 
 
 Privy Counfellor, and in 1682 created Lord Dart- 
 mouth. He followed in the fame path of ftedfaft 
 adherence to his King, refufed to the very laft to 
 abandon the Stuarts at the fubfequent revolution, and 
 died a prifoner in the Tower in 1691. 
 
 Samuel Pepys, afterwards Secretary of the Navy, 
 was appointed to be of Lord Dartmouth's Council in 
 this expedition to Tangier, of which his journal re- 
 cords many curious particulars.* He alfo was a great 
 favourite with the King. As fecretary to Sir Edward 
 Montague, he accompanied him in the Royal Charles 
 from Breda, on his reftoration ; and was with him in 
 the fame boat when he landed at Dover. He now 
 received the Royal command to repair to Portfmouth 
 " at lefs than eight and forty hours' warning." 
 
 It would appear from Pepys' s correfpondence that 
 Ken's fervices, as Chaplain of the Fleet, were fecured 
 at the earner!: defire of Dartmouth, who was anxious 
 to improve the difcipline and moral condition of the 
 Navy. Afterwards, when Dartmouth was in command 
 to oppofe the landing of the Prince of Orange, Pepys 
 wrote to Dr. Peachell, Matter of Magdalen College, 
 Cambridge, with an offer of the fame appointment. 
 He then fays, " I was once concerned in the con- 
 veyance of a like application from the fame hand, and 
 on the very fame occafion, to my reverend friend Dr. 
 Ken, now Bifhop of Bath and Wells. In a word, my 
 Lord Dartmouth is to the laft degree folicitous in the 
 choice of his Chaplain, and judging that all the wiihed 
 for qualifications (piety, authority, and learning) meet 
 
 * Life, Journal, and Correfpondence of Samuel Pepys, 2 vols. 8vo. 
 
1683] Bijhop of Bath and Wells, 1 2 3 
 
 in you, is become a moft earneft fuitor to your accep- 
 tance of that charge. And I am by full experience in 
 the cafe of Dr. Ken, convinced you could never do it 
 with fuch a concurrence of circumftances, public and 
 private, to render the fame worthy your acceptance, 
 as under the invitation and patronage of this noble 
 Lord." 
 
 Enclofed in this letter was one from Dartmouth, 
 expreffing that the application was " for the good of 
 the Church of England, which is fo much concerned." 
 " I think it of the higheft importance to have the 
 ableft and beft man I can poflibly obtain to go with 
 me, both for the fervice of God, and the good govern- 
 ment of the Clergy that are Chaplains in the Fleet. 
 My moft earneft requeft to you is, that if it be not too 
 great an inconvenience, you would do me the honour 
 and favour to go with me this fhort voyage. I beg it 
 of you for God's fake ! and as I am to anfwer to Him 
 for the prefervation of fo many fouls as He hath been 
 pleafed to put under my care. I have nothing more 
 but to beg your prayers and blefling, with pardon for 
 this confident defire."* 
 
 Nothing could be more deplorable than the general 
 condition and character of the naval chaplains, whom 
 Ken was now invited to fuperintend. The indignities 
 and privations they fuirered are well fet forth in a 
 reprefentation from two of their body to Mr. Secretary 
 Pepys.f They defcribe the minifters of the Church 
 of England, ferving at fea, as <c too long navigant in 
 a valley of tears : partly by misfortune, partly by their 
 
 * Pepys, vol. ii. p. 149. f Ibid. vol. ii. p. 203. 
 
124 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1683 
 
 own faults, but chiefly by the iniquity of the times. 
 The Chaplains of His Majefty's mips fet out unfur- 
 nifhed with books and neceflaries ; and are forced on 
 mean compliances from fhifts fometimes, and bafe 
 tricks. Hence they meet with neglects and contempts 
 that always attend poverty. They want comforts 
 which fome of the meaneft in the Jfhip enjoy. Their 
 fmall pay, equal but to a common feaman's, &c. The 
 Chaplain is fcarcely reckoned an Officer : he has no 
 power even in his own office, not daring to order the 
 bell to ring to prayers, but with leave firft had of the 
 Captain. Befides, the hours of prayer are not fixed 
 and dated ; but being left to the Commander's plea- 
 fure are fometimes omitted, as his particular bufinefs, 
 indifpofition, or indevotion incline. Hence great neg- 
 lects, and fometimes total omiffion of divine fervice, 
 which makes the Chaplain looked upon as ufelefs, and, 
 as the feamen fometimes tell him to his face, having 
 their money for nothing," &c. The remedies they 
 propofe are a proof of the fad degradation and neglect 
 of the fervices of religion at that day in the fleets : to 
 inftance one only, {t that the King allow a great Bible, 
 and furplice, and feveral books of Common Prayer to 
 each fhip." 
 
 Some furprife has been exprefTed, that Dr. Ken 
 fhould undertake an employment fo oppofed to his 
 peaceful habits and inclinations, efpecially as he was 
 chaplain to the King, and in the high road to prefer- 
 ment at home. Such a feeling would argue but a 
 flight acquaintance with the motives that governed his 
 whole life. Whether or no the King laid his com- 
 mands on him to join an enterprize in which he took 
 
1683] Bifhop of Bath and TV ells. 1 2 5 
 
 fo great an intereft, it is needlefs to feek motives for 
 his acceptance of the appointment. Such an appeal as 
 Dartmouth's would carry with it irrefiftible argu- 
 ments : it {truck a chord that vibrated to Ken's warm 
 and fimple heart. If he would, he dared not confult 
 his own eafe, when Cf the good government of the 
 clergy that were Chaplains in the fleet, and the prefer- 
 vation of fo many fouls were at ftake." The quiet 
 fulfilment of his duties at Winchefter might have juf- 
 tified his refufal. But he yielded all to the great ob- 
 jects thus laid before him. He received the fummons 
 as an indication of God's will, knowing that in the 
 midft of tumult and war, or in the receffes of folitude, 
 the true minifter of Chrift may equally bear the divine 
 commiflion. If employed in his Matter's fervice, he 
 was content. Whether it were at home or abroad, in 
 Africa or England, he furrendered himfelf to his ap- 
 pointed work. 
 
 His farewell to his friends muft needs have been a 
 hafty one, as he had very little more notice to prepare 
 himfelf than was granted to Pepys. Moft probably 
 they went together to Portfmouth ; for Pepys fays he 
 flept at Winchefter on the 3 1 ft of July, dined at the 
 College the ift of Auguft, and that evening flept at 
 Portfmouth,* where Lord Dartmouth joined them on 
 the 3rd. ff So all went on board for good and all on 
 the 8th of Auguft 1683." He writes to his friend 
 Evelyn that " the King's command (without any ac- 
 count of the reafon of it) required my repair hither at 
 lefs than eight and forty hours' warning. What our 
 
 * Pepys, vol. i. p. 327. 
 
126 Life of Thomas Ken, [1683 
 
 work is I am not folicitous to learn, nor forward to 
 make guefs at, it being handled by our Mailers as a 
 fecret. This only I am fure of; that, over and above 
 the fatisfaclion of being thought fit for fome ufe or 
 other, ('tis no matter what) I fhall go in a good fhip, 
 with a good fleet, under a very worthy leader, in a 
 converfation as delightful as companions of the firft 
 form in divinity, law, phyfic, and the ufefulleft parts of 
 mathematics can render it, Dr. Ken, Dr. Trumbull,* Dr. 
 Lawrence,f and Mr. Sheres ; with the additional plea- 
 fure of concerts (much above the ordinary) of voices, 
 flutes and violins ; and to fill up all, good humour, 
 good cheer, fome good books, &c, and a reafonable 
 profpect of being home again in lefs than two months." 
 Evelyn, who in his Diary frequently expreffes his 
 refpect for Ken, congratulates Pepys on " fuch a noble 
 and choice company, fuch ufeful and delightful con- 
 verfation. You leave us fo naked at home that, till 
 you return from Barbary, we are in danger of becom- 
 ing barbarians. The heroes are all embarked with my 
 Lord Dartmouth and Mr. Pepys ; nay, they feem to 
 carry with them not a colony only, but a College, nay 
 a whole Univerfity, all the fciences, all the arts, and 
 all the ProfefTors of them too." J His friend Hou- 
 blon alfo exprefles his <f hope that the excellent com- 
 pany you have, all Mailers of Arts and fciences, with 
 mufic of all forts, will divert your melancholy thoughts 
 of leaving Old England, and fome of your friends." § 
 
 * Judge Advocate of the Expedition. 
 
 f Phyfician to Lord Dartmouth. 
 
 \ Pepys, vol. i. p. 326. § Ibid. p. 328. 
 
i68j] Bifliop of Bath and Wells. 127 
 
 " The Fleet made feveral attempts to put to fea : 
 but the wind was contrary ; all at Weft and over- 
 blowing. 
 
 Cf 1 2th Auguft. Sunday. Being at anchor off St. 
 Helen's, morning prayers and fermon by Dr. Ken ; 
 prayers in the afternoon. 
 
 <f 19th. Sunday. Weighed and flood out to Tea 
 with the Fleet : all day blowing frefh. No fermon, 
 but prayers twice by Dr. Ken. 
 
 "22nd. Morning fair. Land off the ftart. After- 
 noon, anchor in Plymouth Sound. My Lord ftaying 
 on board, Dr. Trumbull, Dr. Ken, &c. in a boat on 
 more. 
 
 " 2nd September. Sunday. Noon, prayers. The 
 King's declaration about the late (Rye Houfe) Plot 
 publickly read. The next Sunday, the 9th, appointed 
 to be obferved as a thankfgiving, for His Majefty's 
 deliverance. Difcourfe about Spirits, Dr. Ken afTert- 
 ing there were fuch, and I, with the reft, denying it : 
 referred to another night's difcourfe. 
 
 <f 9th September. Sunday. Up to read by myfelf 
 fome chapters in the Bible ; by and by to prayers. 
 This being the day of Thankfgiving for the King's 
 late deliverance, Dr. Ken gave us a very good fermon 
 on the duty of fubjects to their Prince. 
 
 <c 1 ith. After Supper in my Lord's cabin, Dr. Ken 
 and I were very hot in difpute about Spirits. 
 
 Cf 1 2th. Dr. Ken produced his arguments for Spirits 
 from the ancient actings of the Oracles, which I took 
 upon me, againft the next time, to anfwer."* 
 
 It is not perfectly clear whether thefe friendly dif- 
 
 * Pepys, vol. i. p. 33*-353- 
 
128 Life of Thomas Ken, [1683 
 
 putes referred to the queftion of Satanic influence, 
 exercifed in the Delphic and other ancient oracles ; or 
 to a belief of the continued fupernatural agency of 
 fpirits ; or, if the latter, to what extent Dr. Ken 
 maintained it. 
 
 With regard to the ancient oracles, Ken would 
 probably adopt the view taken by the fathers of the 
 Church, that prior to the Chriftian difpenfation they 
 were influenced by Satanic power, though their re- 
 fponfes were often overruled for good ; but that fuch 
 influence had ceafed on the advent of our Saviour, or 
 at leaft on the fall of paganifm under Theodofius. 
 Pepys on the other hand was evidently of opinion, 
 with many learned Chriftian writers, that the heathen 
 oracles were of human invention, for prieftly or poli- 
 tical ends ; a mere impofture, without any fupernatural 
 interpofition. 
 
 As to the continued agency of fpirits, it was fo 
 generally admitted at the time we fpeak of, as even 
 to degenerate into many vulgar errors and fuper- 
 ftitions. Dasmonology and witchcraft, though greatly 
 modified, ftill continued an extenfively popular belief. 
 Ken, doubtlefs, thought with that greateft of Chriftian 
 philofophers, Robert Boyle, that there was a broad 
 diftinction between the aflumed powers of magical 
 influence, and the prefence and energy of fpiritual 
 intelligences, good and evil, not permitted only, but 
 ordained, to work out the purpofes of the Moft High. 
 Thefe laft are matters, not of philofophical diipute, 
 but of divine revelation. tf I remember not," fays 
 Boyle, " that I have hitherto met with any, at leaft 
 cogent, proof that miracles were to ceafe with the age 
 
1683] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 129 
 
 of the Apoftles, and not only the excellent Grotius, 
 but Tertullian, Juftin Martyr, Cyprian, and other an- 
 cients, tell us that the power of ejecting Devils out of 
 pofTefTed perfons lafted long after that, and was not 
 unfrequent in the Christian Church. This is an age 
 when many do take upon them to decide all that is 
 fupernatural ; and while they loudly cry up reafon, 
 make no better ufe of it than to employ it, firft to 
 depofe faith, and then to ferve their paffions and in- 
 tereft."* 
 
 If Pepys meant to contend that the existence of Spi- 
 rits, or miraculous influences, are not to be proved by 
 philofophy and the light of nature, the fame objection 
 might be made to any other myfteries of the faith. 
 Let the claimant to philofophy explain the dominion 
 of his will over his own fearful and wonderful organi- 
 zation. ' Let him define and fathom the life, fenfe, 
 reafon, by which he exifts and acts, and lay his hand 
 upon any link of the chain that binds the phyfical and 
 fpiritual being : then, and not till then, let him queftion 
 the invifible agencies, and myfterious interpofitions by 
 which the ever prefent Deity conducts to its ifTue the 
 mortal trial of His creatures. " Weigh me the weight 
 of the fire, and meafure me the blaft of the wind, or 
 call me again the day that is paft. Then anfwered I, 
 and faid, What man is able to do that, that thou fhouldfl; 
 afk fuch things of me ? " And what was the Arch- 
 angel's reply ? " Thine own things, and fuch as are 
 grown up with thee, canft thou not know : how mould 
 
 * Birch's Life of Boyle, p. 76. 
 K. 
 
130 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1683 
 
 thy veffel, then, be able to comprehend the way of the 
 Higheft?"* 
 
 We walk continually on the confines of the fpiritual 
 world : it is on our right hand, and on our left. — 
 Thoughtful and reverent minds realize this at every 
 ftep : it is at once their difcipline and their comfort : 
 it urges them to frequent prayer, keeps them ever 
 watchful againft evil, and ftrengthens them by the 
 conviction of the prefence of miniftering angels. In- 
 ftances of divine interposition through virions, and 
 myfterious fuggeftions of the Spirit, are numerous and 
 clearly eftablifhed.f They are furely not lefs realities, 
 nor lefs confirmed to our deliberate convictions, be- 
 caufe impalpable to the fenfes. However much, amidft 
 the whirl of outward objects, men may boaft their 
 indifference or incredulity, there are moments when in 
 the ftillnefs of folitude, or in the darknefs of the night, 
 the ftouteft hearts will beat at the leafl unexplained 
 noife or appearance, and witnefs to their involuntary 
 belief in the deep unfearchable myfteries of the world 
 unfeen. 
 
 The firft notice of thefe friendly difcuffions on the 
 voyage occurs on the 2nd of September, and they 
 were renewed from time to time, till they caft anchor 
 within the Bay of Tangier. Revelation being as far 
 above reafon, as reafon is beyond the fenfes, the dif- 
 putants, viewing the fubject through different media, 
 might have failed round the world before they had 
 adjufted their difference. The ftate of things at Tan- 
 
 * Efdras iv. v. io-i 1 — Compare Job xxvi. v. 14. 
 
 f Compare Bifhop Bull on the nature and office of Angels. 
 
1683] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 131 
 
 gier foon turned their minds in another direction : we 
 hear no more of arguments, except when they took 
 the fame ride to reprove " the vicioufnefs of the place." 
 The difcuflions ferved at leaft to beguile the weary- 
 days on board fhip. But befides his official duties, 
 converfation, and mufic, Ken had another employment 
 in the indulgence of his tafte for poetry ; for he now 
 compofed his epic poem of Edmund. It muft be con- 
 fefled that this vies with the tedioufnefs of the African 
 voyage. It feems ftrange that the lively author of the 
 Three Hymns, and other holy fongs publifhed after 
 his death, mould have indited twelve fuch anomalous 
 Cantos. Our reverence for the author forbids any 
 criticifms or quotations. It had been well for his 
 poetic fame if the Epic had been consigned to a like 
 fate with the fubjecl: of his verfe, the Royal Edmund, 
 
 " Heroe, Martyr, Saint and King," 
 
 whom he defcribes to have been carl into the fea by 
 the failors, on a voyage to Anglia, at the mitigation 
 of demons and monfters of the deep. 
 
 The fleet arrived at Tangier after five weeks' pafTage. 
 
 " 14th September. Up by break of day (entering 
 the mouth of the Straits of Gibraltar) to fee the fhore 
 on both fides to my great pleafure. About 10, within 
 the Bay of Tangier. 
 
 <( 15th. Up betimes to look with a glafs on the 
 Moors' camp."* (They had laid fiege to the town 
 with a confiderable army.) 
 
 They found the place unworthy of the vaft expenfe 
 
 * Pepys, vol. i, pp. 354-5. 
 
132 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1683 
 
 incurred in its improvement. " How could any body 
 ever think a place fit to be kept at this charge that, 
 overlook'd by fo many hills, can never be fecured 
 againSt an enemy ! " " The place an ordinary place. 
 Amazed to think how the King hath laid out fo much 
 money upon it. Wondered at the folly of the King's 
 being at all this charge upon this town." tf The leaSt 
 part of our ministers' mistakes, in reference to Tangier, 
 hath been leading the King to fquandering near two 
 millions upon what as much more would never make 
 ufeful to him." The CommifTioners, appointed to fur- 
 vey the fortifications, reported that <c to fecure the 
 place on the land fide would require two millions."* 
 
 Lord Dartmouth, Dr. Ken, and every one elfe, Suf- 
 fered more or lefs from the ill effects of the African 
 climate. ff The expedition Should have been fent two 
 months fooner, that they might have had long days, 
 and fair weather above head, to work on the mole, 
 before the Storms and feas came on." But the greateft 
 difappointment was the ignorance, fupinenefs, and cor- 
 ruption of the people at Tangier, who were to aSTift in 
 executing the King's orders : fo that, inflead of being 
 back in two months, it took almofr. four to deftroy the 
 fortifications. Dartmouth fometimes almoSt defpaired 
 of accomplishing the defign from the want of difcipline 
 among the naval commanders, " whofe whole care 
 was to profit themfelves, and not the public fervice." 
 He had alfo to contend againSt the corrupt influence, 
 and fecret opposition, of Colonel Kirke, the Governor, 
 a ruthlefs barbarian and tyrant. 
 
 * Pepys, paffim. 
 
1683] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 1 3 3 
 
 Such was the degradation of the navy in the latter 
 part of this reign that, had the war with Holland con- 
 tinued, England muft have fuffered total defeat. The 
 King's fhips were " converted into carriers of mer- 
 chandize and treafure, for their own advantage, from 
 Cadiz, up and down the Mediterranean, and on the 
 coaft of Portugal, &c. to the corrupting of the com- 
 manders and others." " We have every day frefh 
 inftances of their debaucheries, the King's own fon, 
 Grafton, being the top of all." " The tyranny and 
 vice of Kirke is ftupendous, as by infinite {lories ap- 
 pears ; and his exactions on poor merchants, letting 
 nothing be fold till he had the refufal."* 
 
 Dr. Ken did all in his power to ftem this torrent of 
 immorality, but in vain. 
 
 <c 30th September. Sunday. To church (in Tan- 
 gier) ; a very fine and feafonable, but mod unfuccefsful, 
 argument from Dr. Ken, particularly in reproof of the 
 vices of this town. I was in pain for the Governor, 
 and the officers about us in church ; but I perceived 
 they regarded it not. 
 
 " 26th October. Being a little ill, and troubled at 
 fo much loofe company at table, my Lord not being 
 there, I dined in my chamber ; and Dr. Ken, for the 
 fame reafon, came and dined with me. We had a 
 great deal of good difcourfe on the vicioufnefs of this 
 place, and it's being time for Almighty God to de- 
 ftroy it. 
 
 Cf 28th October. Sunday. Very high difcourfe be- 
 tween Dr. Ken and me on the one fide, and the Go- 
 
 * Pepys, vol. i, p. 403. 
 
134 Life tf/' Thomas Ken, [1683 
 
 vernor (Kirke) on the other, about the exceflive liberty 
 of fwearing we obferve here. The Doctor, it feems, 
 had preached on it to-day." 
 
 At length, by the middle of January 1684, the for- 
 tifications were deftroyed : but the fame caufes of delay, 
 the treaty with the Moors for the releafe of the Christian 
 flaves, arranging the compenfation to the Englifh, Por- 
 tuguefe, and other fettlers for their lofs of property, 
 and getting them all on board, prevented their failing 
 for England till the 5th of March. 
 
i68j] Bifoop of Bath and Wells. 135 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Ken returns to England — Death of Ifaak Walton; and of 
 Bifhop Morley — Ken appointed to the Bljhopric of Bath and 
 Wells — Attends the death bed of Charles II. 
 
 ^^1 "|^f§F HE fleet from Tangier moored off Spit- 
 head the firft week in April. It would 
 M~ appear from Pepys's Diary that Ken and 
 ^|, others landed at Portfmouth, which was 
 the neareSt point to his friends at Winchester. We 
 may imagine the alacrity with which he efcaped from 
 the confufion and noife on Shipboard, fo little congenial 
 to his habits. No doubt he had found this fphere of 
 ufefulnefs difappointing to his hopes. The prevailing 
 corruption and immorality at Tangier, and throughout 
 the fleet, were beyond his control or influence. What 
 anticipations of hope and fear muft he have felt, as he 
 came within fight of the Church of St. Crofs, and after 
 that the well known town of Winchester. Alas ! he 
 was to receive no welcome from the loved lips, that 
 for fo many years had cheered him onward in his path ; 
 they were clofed for this world. The devout Walton 
 had fallen afleep ; and he not by to receive his laSt 
 words, and be the minifter of Christian folace in his 
 parting hour ! Few men in fo humble a fphere had 
 lived a more ufeful life : the memory of few is more 
 cheriShed. His writings are the mirror of a meek 
 fpirit, purified by a Simple devotion to God. It is 
 not too much to fay that they have been our comfort 
 
136 Life a/' Thomas Ken, [1683 
 
 under trials, and the companion of our holiday walks : 
 they have made us love the pleafantnefs of the moun- 
 tains, — they have decked the meadows with more than 
 their native flowers, and have made the falls of rivers 
 more mufical ; for they lift the hearts of the afflicted 
 to their only Comforter, and the thankful praifes of 
 the happy to the divine Author of every blefling. Ken 
 amidft his regrets for fuch a lofs had the beft comfort 
 of mourners, — the conviction that he who had been 
 to him all but a fpiritual father, had left this jangling 
 world, the difcord of cc bad man on earth," for an 
 eternal reft and harmony, 
 
 Walton had been already buried three months within 
 Prior Silkftead's Chapel, in the Cathedral, where he 
 and Ken had for many years joined in the fervices of 
 the Church they both loved fo well, and had each, in 
 his fphere, fo zealoufly ferved. We may judge of their 
 mutual attachment by the epitaph that ftill marks the 
 place of Walton's burial, and which in all likelihood 
 was written by Ken himfelf. 
 
 HERE RESTETH THE BODY OF 
 
 MR. IZAAC WALTON, 
 
 WHO DIED THE 15TH OF DECEMBER 
 
 1683. 
 
 Alas he's gone before, 
 Gone to return no more ! 
 Our panting breafts afpire, 
 After their aged fire ; 
 Whofe well fpent life did lajl 
 Full ninety yeares and paft. 
 But now he hath begun 
 That which will ne'er be done. 
 Crown'd with eternal blijfe, 
 We wijh our fouls with his. 
 
 VOTIS MODESTIS SIC FLERUNT LIBERI. 
 
i68j] Bijhop of Bath and Wells, 1 37 
 
 He had not been forgotten in Walton's will : being 
 of the number to whom a ring was bequeathed, en- 
 graved "to my brother Dr. Ken," with this motto, ff A 
 friend's farewell, J. W. obiit 15th Dec. 1683." But 
 he received a memorial of ftill greater value, which 
 had probably been promifed to him in Walton's life- 
 time as a pledge of their affection for each other. Dr. 
 Donne before his death had fent to each of his deareft 
 friends a ring of Heliotropian, or blood ftone, on 
 which was engraved the figure of the blefled 
 Saviour, extended upon the crofs of an an- 
 chor, the emblem of hope. Izaak Walton 
 was in the lift ; alfo Sir Henry Wootton ; 
 Dr. Hall, Bifhop of Exeter ; Dr. Duppa, Bifhop of 
 Salifbury ; Dr. King, Bifhop of Chichefter, and Mr. 
 George Herbert. It was Walton's happinefs, and his 
 praife, to be one of fuch a Chriftian circle : he cherifhed 
 the gift during his life, andjealed his lajl will with it, 
 declaring his " belief in all poynts of faith, as the 
 Church of England now profeffeth." All Ken's letters 
 in the Bodleian Library, and in the pofTefTion of Dr. 
 Williams, Warden of New College, bear the imprefs 
 of this feal, as alfo his own will, in which he profeffed 
 his adherence to the " Communion of the Church of 
 England, as it ftands diftinguifhed from all Papal and 
 Puritan innovations, and as it adheres to the doctrine of 
 the Crofs." On Ken's death it defcended to Ifaac 
 Walton, junior, who likewife Jealed his will with it y 
 bearing equal teftimony to the <f Communion of the 
 Church of England, as having reformed herfelf with 
 that found judgement and godly fincerity, as to be the 
 foundeft and pureft part of the Church Catholic at this 
 time exiftent." Thus in life they were all united by 
 
138 Life of Thomas Ken, [1684 
 
 the clofeft bonds of affection, and in death each was a 
 witnefs to the Holy Catholic and Apoftolic faith of the 
 Anglican Church. This little Heliotropian ftone, fet 
 in a golden ring, and defcending from one to the other 
 as an heir loom, was a type of the fucceffion of holy 
 men, which will never be wanting in the Church of 
 Chrift. 
 
 Twelve months had not glided over the grave of 
 this venerable friend, before Ken was bereaved of 
 another, fcarcely lefs dear to him, — one to whom 
 he was bound by ties of gratitude, and by kindred 
 virtues. He was fummoned to Farnham Caftle to re- 
 ceive the parting benediction of the munificent, learned, 
 and felf-denying Bifhop of Winchefter. Morley had 
 abounded in good works, which he knew to be the 
 only riches he could carry with him when he died : he 
 beftowed his wealth freely for the good of others. He 
 did not " fare fumptuoufly every day ;" for he had but 
 one meal in the twenty-four hours, practifed great 
 aufterity, fC rofe at 5 o'clock winter and fummer, and 
 in the coldeft mornings never had a fire, or his bed 
 warmed at night." When his infirmities conducted 
 him to his long home, that it might be to him a place 
 of everlafting reft and happinefs, he did humbly in his 
 laft days beg all good men's prayers."* The King, 
 when he appointed him to the See of Winchefter, 
 foretold that he would never be the richer for it : and 
 the prediction was verified. His hofpital at Winchefter, 
 built and endowed for the fupport of Clergymen's 
 widows, (himfelf unmarried) is one example of his mu- 
 nificence. Again, the rebuilding of Wolverfey Houfe 
 
 * Wood's Ath. Oxon. vol. ii. p. 772. 
 
1684] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 139 
 
 for the Epifcopal Palace ; the vafl fums he expended 
 on Farnham Caflle, and the purchafe of Winchefler 
 Houfe at Chelfea, for the benefit of his fuccefTors in 
 the See ; his rich benefactions to Chrifl Church in 
 Oxford ; his almofl unequalled contributions towards 
 the rebuilding of St. Paul's Cathedral, after the fire, 
 with many other in fiances, te (lifted that his chofen 
 treafury was in heaven. Ken had the happinefs by 
 his prefence to foothe the lafl moments of his dying 
 patron. When the fpirit was fled he fent a meffenger 
 to his friend Francis Turner, now Bifhop of Ely, that 
 he might announce the event to the Primate. Turner's 
 letter to Sancroft is in the Bodleian Library. 
 
 " Bromley, Odlober 30, 1684. 
 " May it pleafe your Grace, 
 " Late yeflerday I received an exprefs from Dr. 
 Ken, written from Farnham, to inform me that it 
 pleafed God to releafe the good old Bifhop out of the 
 miferys of this life, between two and three of the clock 
 yeflerday morning. So he was gathered under the 
 feet of St. Simon and St. Jude. I fuppofe this au- 
 thentique intelligence was fent me to Ely Houfe on 
 purpofe that I might tranfmit it to your Grace at 
 Lambeth, together with my truefl duty, which I fhall 
 prefent in my perfonal attendance (if it pleafe God) 
 upon Sunday morning. 
 
 " May it pleafe your Grace, I am 
 Your mofl obliged, mofl obedient 
 and mofl affectionate humble fervant 
 Fran. Elie."* 
 
 * Tanner MSS. Vol. xxxii. p. 165. 
 
140 Life of Thomas Ken, [1684 
 
 Morley was buried in a little vault at the foot of 
 the Steps leading up to the choir of Winchester Cathe- 
 dral. He lies in peace in the fame holy ground as his 
 great predeceflbr Wykeham, and his humble friend 
 Izaak Walton. Bifhop Morley's will might ferve as a 
 model in this age, fo neglectful of the charge and pri- 
 vileges that our wealth lays upon us, when few men in 
 their laSt appointments make any provifion for the 
 Church and the poor. It marks his earnefl defire to 
 promote the fpiritual advancement of his diocefe. " As 
 to my worldly goods and eftate which it hath pleafed God 
 to entrufl me with, part whereof I have already beftowed 
 unto God, by giving it unto the Church, and to the poor 
 for God's fake ; and as to the remainder, all my books 
 to the dean and Chapter of Winchester, and to their 
 fuccefTors, for and towards a public library, but not for 
 them, and their fuccefTors' ufe and benefit only, but alfo 
 for the ufe and benefit of fuch clergymen and country 
 parfons, vicars, and curates of my Diocefs, as have not 
 a Sufficient flock of books of their own, nor have money 
 to buy them." " I give £1,000 for the purchafing of 
 £50 per an. yearly for ever; and of which I give £20 
 per an. for an augmentation to the Vicaridge of Farn- 
 ham in Surrey, to be paid prefently after it is purchafed, 
 which I hope will be in fix months after my deceafe, if 
 not before I die, to the prefent Vicar and his fuccefTors, 
 by £10 every half year for ever: but upon condition, 
 Firft, that the Vicar who is to have this augmentation, 
 fhall always refide upon this Vicaridge, notwithstand- 
 ing any difpenfation. Second, upon condition alfo that 
 he or his curates do read the Common Prayer, not 
 only on Sundays and Holydays, Wednefdays and Fri- 
 
 
1684] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 1 4 1 
 
 days, but every day in the week, morning and even- 
 ing, at fome fuch hours, as mod of devout and well 
 affected people may mod conveniently refort unto it. 
 Item £20 a year for an augmentation of maintainance 
 to the two Parifh Churches of Guildford, and £10 for 
 an augmentation to the Vicaridge of Horfwell, in Sur- 
 rey, upon condition the vicar for the time being do 
 read the Service of the Church, or the Common Prayer, 
 morning and evening daily, as the Vicar of Farnham 
 is obliged to do." 
 
 Ken might now be fuppofed to have loft his beft 
 patron, and with him the profpect of further promo- 
 tion. Faithful and intrepid monitors of royalty are not 
 ufually fharers in court favours. As he had never 
 fought thefe, we might expect that, amidft the pre- 
 vailing corruption, one fo innocent and unpretending 
 would be overlooked. But it was otherwife ordained. 
 Though he had dared to rebuke the king's miftrefs, 
 and thus to remind Charles himfelf of his own neg- 
 lected duties, he met with a very unexpected return. 
 
 Charles was not wanting in difcernment of character ; 
 he at leaft knew how to reverence in another the dig- 
 nity of virtues he could not imitate. He who had 
 once knelt at the bed fide of Bifhop Duppa to afk a 
 Tutor's dying blefling now generoufly forgave, if ever 
 he ferioufly refented, his Chaplain's confcientious faith- 
 fulnefs in reproof. Ken's fimplicity and blamelefs life 
 had commended him to the veneration of all men : his 
 bold and fervid eloquence infpired even the thoughtlefs 
 monarch with a fenfe of awe. On a former occafion, 
 when he was appointed to preach before the Court at 
 Whitehall, Charles left the circle of his vicious flat- 
 
142 Life of Thomas Ken, [1684 
 
 terers, faying " I muft go and hear Ken tell me of my 
 faults." Now when he was to decide on the appoint- 
 ment of a new Bifhop, he enquired in his own charac- 
 teristic way, "Where is the good little man that refufed 
 his lodging to poor Nell ? " 
 
 Independently of this perfonal refpect, other con- 
 federations perhaps weighed with the King in Dr. 
 Ken's advancement. He could not doubt his allegiance 
 in all that might confift with the interests of the Church. 
 Moreover, Ken held the doctrines of paffive obedience, 
 and non-refiftance ; therefore might be expected to 
 maintain the prerogative of the Crown in any extremity. 
 And where could Charles hope to find a more ftedfaft 
 loyalist than in the friend of Morley, and the brother 
 of Walton ? Honeft Izaak had been entrufted, after 
 the battle of Worcester, with the cuftody of the lefTer 
 George. He received it from Mr. Milward, a loyalift 
 prifoner in the garrifon of Stafford, and reftored it to 
 Colonel Blague, who gave it into the King's own 
 hand.* 
 
 Ken had always mown a ftedfaftnefs of principle, 
 equally removed from both extremes in religious con- 
 troverfy. Whilft he oppofed Papal innovations, and 
 avowed his attachment to the " Proteftant Reformed 
 Church of England," he had no fympathy with pre- 
 judices that rejected the very word tc Catholic" and 
 denounced the folemn rites of religion, and the doc- 
 trines of Sacramental grace, as Popifh and fuperftitious. 
 It was even faid that the King, and Duke of York 
 
 * Afhmole's Hiftory of the Order of the Garter, p. 228. 
 
1684] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 143 
 
 entertained the hope that he might be brought over to 
 the Roman faith. 
 
 Be this as it may, the death of his friend Morley 
 was the immediate prelude to his own advancement. 
 Dr. Mews being translated from Bath and Wells to 
 Winchester, it was at once refolved that Ken mould 
 be appointed to the former See. " The King himfelf 
 flopped all attempts of his friends (who would of their 
 own inclination have applied in his behalf) with this 
 remarkable faying, that Dr. Ken mould fucceed, but 
 that he defigned it mould be from his own peculiar 
 appointment, and accordingly the king himfelf gave 
 order for a Conge d'elire to pafs the Seals for that pur- 
 pofe."* Lord Sunderland thus writes to Dr. Mews ; 
 
 " Whitehall, 4th Nov. 1684. 
 
 Cf My Lord, 
 " The King having been pleafed to nominate your 
 Lordfhip (of whofe good fervices to the Church and 
 himfelf he is abundantly fatisfied) to fucceed the late 
 Lord Bimop of Winton in that See, I would not omit 
 advifing you thereof by the firft opportunity : and alfo 
 to let you know the particular fatisfaction I have in 
 it, as being 
 
 Your Lordfhip's moil humble Servant, 
 
 Sunderland. J 
 
 The following letter of the fame date in the Lord 
 Chamberlain's office, appointing another Chaplain to 
 
 # Hawkins, p. 8. f Morley died 29th Odlober, 1684. 
 
 X Secretary of State's Letter Books. 
 
144 Life ^ Thomas Ken, [1684 
 
 preach in Ken's ftead, mows that there was no hefita- 
 tion in the King's mind. 
 
 " Court at Whitehall, Nov. 4th, 1684. 
 " Sir, 
 " Whereas I have thought fit to appoint you to 
 give your attendance upon His Majeftie, and preach 
 in the moneth of February, in the place of Dr. Ken, 
 who is removed to be a Bijhop, Thefe are therefore to 
 pray and require you to take notice hereof, and that 
 you may make your repayre unto His Majeftie's Court 
 wherefoever it mail then be, &c. &c. 
 
 Your loving friend, 
 
 Arlington." 
 
 For Mr. Henry Fox, one of His Majeftie's 
 Chaplaynes in ordinary in wayting in ye 
 moneth of February. 
 
 After his election, he went through the ufual forms 
 of Confirmation, and took once more the Oath of 
 Allegiance, that turning point of the events which 
 marked the laft twenty years of his life. At length 
 the day of his confecration was fixed for the 25th of 
 January, 1685. They only who have known the 
 inner thoughts of refponfibility and mifgiving that 
 pofTefTed their own minds, when they themfelves were 
 called to any holy function in the Church, can appre- 
 ciate the fpirit of the prayer and felf humiliation in 
 which he muft have prepared himfelf. He was confe- 
 crated at Lambeth Palace on the Feftival of St. Paul, 
 the 25th of January 1685. There had been few periods 
 in the hiftory of the Englifh Church, when the duties 
 of the office more needed the qualities of that great 
 
1 6 8 5 j Bijljop of Bath and Wells, 1 4 5 
 
 Apoftle : and feldom, perhaps, was it undertaken with 
 more finglenefs of purpofe, humility, and felf devotion. 
 He could not but forefee that perilous times would 
 come ; and like St. Paul he was <c willing to be 
 offered." His fears were foon verified in the confufions 
 that prevailed ; in his fufferings he bore testimony to 
 the fteadfaft faith which animated him. 
 
 His friend Francis Turner had been made Bifhop 
 of Rochefter in 1683, and in the next year translated 
 to Ely : he had now the happinefs to give Ken his 
 blefling, and with the Archbifhop and others to lay 
 his hands upon his head, that he might receive ad- 
 mifTion into the fame holy office. The confecration 
 fermon was preached by another early Wykehamift 
 friend, and Co-Fellow of Winchester College, Edward 
 Young, a Prebendary of Salifbury. Fortunately this 
 is extant : it contains paffages of great force, which 
 throw light on fome points of Ken's character. Per- 
 haps he had exacted of the preacher a promife to ab- 
 ftain from anything like praife. His affection, founded 
 on a long acquaintance with his virtues, could not be 
 entirely reprefTed : but he has treated his fubject with 
 fuch fkill, that he draws throughout the true por- 
 trait of his friend, though given in the perfon of 
 Timothy, as combining all the qualities of " a man of 
 confirmed Faith." 
 
 His text is taken from the 2nd Epiflle of St. Paul 
 to Timothy ch. i. v. 6. " Wherefore I put thee in re- 
 membrance that thou ftir up the Gift of God, which is in 
 thee by the laying on of hands." He bleffes God for 
 the great happinefs and glory of the Church in the 
 King's folicitude to make choice of one who by his 
 
 L 
 
146 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 ardent love and zeal would lead men towards Heaven. 
 Speaking of the unwillingnefs of Biihops in the primi- 
 tive ages to undertake the office, from its refponfi- 
 bilities and danger, he intimates that Ken had not only 
 been " wifh't and nominated, but fought, woo'd and 
 commanded out of his retirement to the undertaking 
 of the charge." He tells him not to fcruple ; for 
 " when God (Who makes fufficient whom He pleafeth) 
 determines fuch a charge for a man, then compliance 
 is fafe, and the bleffing indubitable ; it is a providential 
 defignation," &c. 
 
 The Gift or Effufion of the Holy Ghoft, which 
 Timothy received at his confecration, he diftributes 
 into three particular graces, enumerated by St. Paul in 
 the verfe following the text, mighty love, and a found 
 mind; and all thefe he applies to Ken with fuitable 
 encouragements and advice. # 
 
 He winds up his eloquent difcourfe with this ex- 
 hortation and promife to Ken : " And now (O Timo- 
 thy) fee, here are the arts of thy Government ; continue 
 in thefe, and thou needeft no other policy ; God will 
 take all the other care that is neceffary for the efta- 
 blifhment of His own Church. Do thou " ftir up 
 the Gift of God which is in thee ; " do thou quicken 
 the divine <c coal that toucheth thee," and thy coal 
 mall blaze into a flame, and thy flame mail be ennobled 
 into a ftar, a vaft orb of light, fuch as mall crown the 
 head of all thofe happy men, who by their conduct 
 and example " turn many unto righteoufnefs." 
 
 Thus at the age of 48 Ken was raifed to the moft 
 
 * Appendix C. 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath and IV ells. 147 
 
 refponfible labours of the Church, he had always loved 
 with fuch a confiftent devotion. He was no longer to 
 enjoy a retirement, that favours the facrifice of earthly 
 affections, being called to a wider range of public du- 
 ties. Yet in this elevation we mall find him more and 
 more fervent in the exercife of the lowly graces of 
 charity, felf denial, and prayer. In all his previous 
 offices he had maintained an unblemifhed purity, and 
 fubjection of his will to the law of Chrift, not lefs re- 
 quired, though more difficult to cherifh, amid the en- 
 gagements and diffractions of a higher fphere. His 
 fledfaftnefs had already been tried in a fubordinate 
 ftation. Now, as the favourite of an irreligious Prince, 
 whofe very preference of him might involve tempta- 
 tions to unfaithful acquiefcence, he was called to a yet 
 more rigid exercife of constancy in maintaining the 
 truth of doctrine, and purity of life, openly fet at 
 nought in a profligate court. To be humble and 
 meek, yet jealous for God's honour, patient and for- 
 bearing, yet bold in reproof, required the exercife of 
 qualities not generally united in the fame perfon. 
 
 It was on Sunday, and the Feftival of the Conver- 
 fion of St. Paul, that he had been confecrated a Bifhop. 
 Could we but follow him into his clofet on that night, 
 what a picture would be offered to us of a penitent, 
 humble man, proftrate on the ground in fervent prayer 
 to his Lord. How little congenial with the furround- 
 ing tumult of a diffipated city was his employment on 
 that evening of his earthly exaltation, imploring the 
 graces of the Holy Spirit, by Whom alone he could 
 himfelf attain to any perfection, or teach mankind the 
 value of their undying fouls. This is no imaginary 
 
148 Life of Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 picture of Ken's employment on the evening of his 
 confecration. It had been ufual on thefe occafions for 
 the new Bifhop, at his own charge, but in the palace 
 of the Archbifhop, to give " a very fplendid and 
 magnificent dinner to the greateft of the nobility, 
 clergy, judges, privy counfellors, &c. honouring it 
 with their prefence."* Inftead of this he dedicated 
 the fum it would have coft to a holier purpofe. 
 
 He was poor in this world's pofTefTions. In difpo- 
 fing of the income of his Fellowfhip, and Prebendal 
 ftall at Winchefter, he confidered himfelf fimply as 
 God's almoner. To purchafe a heavenly treafure he 
 had parted with all he had ; fo that when he was con- 
 fecrated Bifhop, Mr. Francis Morley, the nephew of 
 his late friend, <c knowing how little he had provided 
 for fuch an expence as attends the entry and contin- 
 uance in fuch a chair, mod generoufly offered, and 
 lent him, a confiderable fum to defray his expences, 
 and furnifh him with an equipage as his ftation re- 
 quired." t But even of this benevolence he made a 
 firft fruit's offering to the glory of God. In the ge- 
 neral lift of contributors to the rebuilding of St. Paul's 
 Cathedral, deftroyed in the late fire of London, we 
 find this entry : — 
 
 January 26th, 1684-5, Dr. Thomas Ken, 1 
 
 Lord Bifhop of Bath and Wells, in lieu y £100 
 of his confecration dinner and gloves. J j 
 
 * Chamberlayne's Angliae Notitiae, part ii. p. 22, 1682. 
 
 f Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 20. 
 
 t Dugdale's Hift. of St. Paul's Cathedral, p. 168. Dr. John Fell 
 firit fet this example two years before, when he was confecrated to 
 the See of Oxford. 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 149 
 
 This was on Monday, the day after his confecration. 
 Well might Hawkins fay, " if any fhould imagine that 
 he was given to extravagance, in that having enjoyed 
 fuch preferments he was ftill poor, it may be obferved 
 that, if there can be an extravagant in good works, 
 he was fuch in that moft excellent gift of charity."* 
 And again, " his whole fortune lying in his prefer- 
 ments, thofe of his relations who were neceffitous (but 
 whom he could never regard the lefs for their being 
 fo) were a continual drain on his revenue : and he 
 feemed to joy with thofe who lived in more plenty, 
 not more for their own well being, than that thereby 
 he was at liberty to difpenfe the remainder of his in- 
 come to neceflitous ftrangers, which he always did 
 with fo open a bounty, that he became a common 
 father to all the Jons and daughters of affliction "^ 
 
 And now, in order to eftimate the difficulties that 
 were likely to befet his path, let us, from the medita- 
 tions of this prayerful Chriftian <c in his clofet ad- 
 drefTes to his God," J turn to the fpectacle of King 
 Charles, and his difTolute court, on the fame evening. 
 fc I can never forget, (fays the faithful chronicler and 
 witnefs of the fcene) the inexpreffible luxury, and 
 prophanenefs, gaming, and all diffolutenefs, and as it 
 were total forgetfulnefs of God (it being Sunday even- 
 ing) which I was witnefs of, the King fitting and toy- 
 ing with his concubines Portfmouth, Cleveland, and 
 Mazarine, &c. a French boy ringing love-fongs in 
 that glorious gallery, whilft about twenty of the great 
 courtiers, and other difTolute perfons, were at Baflet 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 21. + Ibid. p. 22. % Ibid. p. 5. 
 
150 Life of Thomas Ken, [^85 
 
 round a large table, a bank of at leaft £2,000 in gold 
 before them, upon which two gentlemen, who were 
 with me, made reflections with aftonifhment. Six days 
 after all was in the duft." * 
 
 Yes, — within one fhort week from his confecration, 
 Ken, "who was in greater favour than all theBifhops,"| 
 was fuddenly fummoned to the bed fide of the dying 
 King. The cold hand was already laid upon him. 
 Difmay and confufion now reigned within the palace, 
 which but as yefterday furnifhed a fcene of fuch mani- 
 fold wickednefs as Evelyn fays, " he had never before 
 feen.";j; The death-fummons came over that ungodly 
 crew like the hand-writing on the wall at Belfhazzar's 
 feaft. Cf Then the king's countenance was changed, 
 and his thoughts troubled him, fo that the joints of 
 his loins were loofed, and his knees fmote one againft 
 the other." Burnet thus defcribes the fatal attack of 
 Charles ; " the phyfician was fcarce come in, when the 
 King, who feemed all the while to be in great confu- 
 fion, fell down all of a fudden in a fit, like an apo- 
 plexy : he looked black, and his eyes turned in his 
 head."§ 
 
 Did we juftly view it, the life of a reprobate man 
 is a dreadful fpectacle ; how much more his death ! 
 Whether peafant or king, each is fufceptible of the 
 fame vilenefs, each referved for a like doom, according 
 to the meafure of his opportunities mifufed. In life, 
 a throne can lift the one but a few fteps above the 
 
 * Evelyn's Diary, vol. i. p. 585. 
 f Burnet's Hift. of his own Times. 
 X Evelyn's Diary, vol. i. p. 579. 
 § Burnet's Hift. of his own Times. 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 1 5 1 
 
 earth on which the other toils : in death, a common 
 grave reduces them to a level ; fome few feet above or 
 below the furface makes the king, or the corpfe. Ken 
 could not but be deeply affected by the awful fcene. 
 Where he had before been a monitor, he would now 
 fain act the part of a comforter. To this end he mufl 
 do all within his power to awaken the King to fome 
 timely repentance, and fo fnatch him, if God mould 
 permit, from the avenging angel, whofe fword was 
 even now lifted above his guilty, though anointed 
 head. 
 
 " Archbifhop Sancroft, and the Bifhops of London, 
 Durham and Ely were prefent ; but more efpecially 
 Dr. Ken, Bimop of Bath and Wells."* " And now, 
 at this juncture it was, when the King's period of life 
 drew near, his diftemper feizing his head, and our 
 Bimop, well knowing how much had been put off to 
 that lart point, and fearing the ftrength of his dif- 
 temper would give but little time (as indeed it proved) 
 his duty urging him, he gave a clofe attendance by the 
 royal bed, without any inter mijfion at leaft for three 
 whole days and nights, watching at proper intervals, 
 to fuggeft pious and proper thoughts, and ejaculations 
 on fo ferious an occafion."'f " Having homely urged 
 the neceffity of a full, and prevailed, as is hoped, for 
 a fincere repentance, the Bifhop feveral times propofed 
 the adminiftration of the Holy Sacrament. But al- 
 though it was not abfolutely rejected, it was yet delayed 
 from time to time, till (I know not by what authority) 
 
 * Evelyn's Diary, vol. i. p. 580. 
 f Hawkins's Life of" Ken, p. 10. 
 
152 Life of Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 the Bifhop, and all others prefent, were put forth from 
 the prefence for about the fpace of half an hour, du- 
 ring which time it has been fuggefted that Father 
 Huddleftone was admittted to give extreme unclion."* 
 Such is the fimple narrative of Hawkins, the Bi- 
 fhop's nephew, and no doubt derived from Ken him- 
 felf. It differs effentially from that of Burnet, who 
 was not prefent, and according to his frequent cuftom 
 ventures unauthenticated and prejudiced ftatements. 
 He admits, however, that Ken " applied himfelf much 
 to the awakening of the King's confcience. He fpoke 
 with great elevation both of thought and expreffion, 
 like a man infpired, as thofe who were prefent told 
 me. He refumed the matter often, and pronounced 
 many fhort ejaculations and prayers which affecled all 
 that were prefent, except him that was the moft con- 
 cerned, who feemed to take no notice of him, and 
 made no anfwers to him. He preffed the King fix or 
 feven times to receive the Sacrament : but the King 
 always declined it, faying he was very weak. A table 
 with the elements upon it, ready to be confecrated, 
 was brought into the room, which occafioned a report 
 to be then fpread about that he had received it. Ken 
 preffed him to declare that he defired it, and that he 
 died in communion of the Church of England. To 
 that he anfwered nothing. Ken afked him if he defired 
 abfolution of his fins. It feems the King, if he then 
 thought anything at all, thought that would do him 
 no hurt. So Ken pronounced it over him : for which 
 he was blamed, fince the King expreffed no fenfe of 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 12. 
 
1685] Bifldop of Bath and Wells. 1 5 3 
 
 forrow for his paft life, nor any purpofe of amendment. 
 It was thought to be a proftitution of the peace of the 
 Church, to give it to one who, after a life led as the 
 King's had been, feemed to harden himfelf againft 
 everything that could be faid to him."* 
 
 Nothing can be more culpably erroneous than this 
 laft part of Burnet's ftatement. It is one of the many 
 instances of the prejudice and unfcrupulous boldnefs 
 of this writer, who was a principal mover of the Re- 
 volution, and implacable towards the houfe of Stuart, 
 of which Ken was fo inflexible an adherent. Burnet 
 was a powerful difputant in the controversies of his 
 time : as an hiftorian, fo partial, that our admiration of 
 his talents frequently yields to aftonifhment at his un- 
 faithfulnefs. As a counfellor of William, he inflicted 
 deep wounds on the Church of England, and lent his 
 aid to abolifh in Scotland the Apoftolic rule. His 
 account of the laft moments of Charles is inconfiftent 
 with itfelf. He would have it appear that the King 
 neither thought, nor fpoke, nor cared about religion : 
 yet in another place he admits that <c after fuch a con- 
 feflion to Huddleftone, the Prieft, as he could make 
 (in his exhaufted ftate) and receiving abfolution, and 
 the other Sacraments, he feemed to be at great eafe 
 upon it." He was not prefent at the fcene ; and he 
 might have given Bifhop Ken credit for an exact judg- 
 ment in pronouncing the peace of the Church, admit- 
 ting, as he does, that he " fpoke like a man infpired." 
 
 Surely we may believe, that in the long days and 
 nights, during which this holy mefTenger had watched 
 
 * Burnet's Hilt, of his own Times. 
 
154 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 by the bed fide of the dying King, while his exhorta- 
 tions were feconded by pain, and the fearful looking 
 for of what was to come, he could beft decide on the 
 proper moment for pronouncing abfolution. He was 
 aided, too, by the judgment of the four other prelates 
 who were prefent. Ken knew the minifterial authority 
 committed to him. Our Church, in her Ordination 
 Office, has folemnly inverted her priefts with the power 
 of abfolution. In her Order for the Vifitation of the 
 Sick, fhe has directed thern, on confefiion of fin, to 
 pronounce pardon " in the name of the Father, and of 
 the Son, and of the Holy Ghoft." We could, there- 
 fore, readily excufe the Bifhop, if for the " Lord's 
 anointed " he felt a deep, — nay, even were it an indul- 
 gent, — anxiety to convey to him the moft joyful tidings 
 that could be brought to the ears of a dying man. 
 Great is the value of an immortal foul, over which 
 the angels of heaven rejoice : and with all the awful 
 apprehenfions we muft ever entertain of the efficacy of 
 a death-bed repentance, Ken would lofe nothing in 
 our efteem, if he yearned to pronounce the blefiing, 
 " By His authority committed unto me I abfolve 
 thee."* 
 
 But he requires no apology : Burnet's afiertions 
 that Charles died impenitent, and that Ken improperly 
 gave him abfolution, are fimply unfounded. We have 
 the cleared evidence of thofe who were prefent that 
 the King repeatedly confefTed his fins, and gave tokens 
 of contrition. 
 
 * The Vifitation of the Sick.— Book of Common Prayer. 
 
1685] Rijhop of Bath and Wells. 155 
 
 1 ft. We have feen from Hawkins's account (the 
 beft of all teftimony, becaufe he muft have received it 
 from Ken himfelf) that " the Bifhop urged the necef- 
 fity of a full, and prevailed, as is hoped, for a fincere 
 repentance."* 
 
 2nd. The Duke of York, the King's brother, tells 
 us that " the Bifhop of Bath, and another Bifhop, 
 read the Vifitation of the Sick, when the King was 
 defpaired of. The King faying that he repented of 
 his fins, the Bifhop read Abfolution to him."f 
 
 3rd. We have a detailed ftatement of the whole 
 fcene from the Chaplain of the Bifhop of Ely, who 
 was in the room. Though certainly not free from the 
 adulation which then fo deeply infected all within the 
 influence of the court, it may be taken as fome cumu- 
 lation of proof. Among other things he fays " 'twas 
 a great piece of Providence that this fatal blow was 
 not fo fudden as it would have been, if he had died on 
 Monday, when the fit firft took him. By thefe few 
 days' refpite he had opportunity (which accordingly he 
 did embrace) of thinking of another world. The 
 Bifhop of Bath and Wells, watching on Wednefday 
 night (as my Lord had done the night before) there 
 appearing then fome danger, began to difcourfe with 
 him as a Divine : and therefore he did continue the 
 fpeaker for the reft to the laft, the other Bifhops giv- 
 ing their afTiftance both by prayers and otherwife, as 
 they faw occafion, with very good ejaculations, and 
 
 * Life of Ken, p. 1 1 . 
 
 f Macpherfon's Original papers, vol. i. p. 142. 
 
156 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 fhort fpeeches, till his fpeech quite left him ; and after- 
 wards by lifting up his hand, exprefting his attention 
 to the prayers."* 
 
 4th. The laft and moft conclufive teftimony of the 
 King's penitence is Huddleftone's " Brief Account ." — ■ 
 " I was called, he fays, into the King's bed-chamber, 
 where approaching to the bed-fide and kneeling down, 
 I in brief prefented his Majefty with what fervice I 
 could perform for God's honour, and the happinefs of 
 his foul at this laft moment on which eternity depends. 
 The King then declared himfelf : that he defired to 
 die in the Faith and Communion of the Holy Roman 
 Catholic Church ; that he was moft heartily forry for 
 all the fins of his life paft, and particularly that he 
 had deferred his reconciliation fo long ; and through 
 the merits of Chrift's Paflion he hoped for Salvation ; 
 that he was in charity with all the world ; that with 
 all his heart he pardoned his enemies, and defired par- 
 don of all thofe whom he had anywife offended, and 
 that if it pleafed God to fpare him longer life, he 
 would amend it, detefting all fin. I then advertized 
 his Majefty of the benefit and necefiity of the Sacra- 
 ment of Penance, which advertizement the King moft 
 willingly embracing, made an exact confeftion of his 
 whole life with exceeding compunction and tendernefs 
 of heart ; which ended, I defired him in further fign 
 of repentance and true forrow for his fins to fay with 
 me this little fhort act of contrition < O my Lord God, 
 with my whole heart and foul I deteft all the fins of 
 my life paft, for the love of Thee, whom I love above 
 
 * Ellis's Original Letters, ift Series, vol. iii. p. 335. 
 
1685] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells. 157 
 
 all things ; and I firmly purpofe by Thy Holy Grace 
 never to offend Thee more : Amen, fweet Jefus, 
 Amen. Into thy hands, fweet Jefus, I commend my 
 foul ; mercy, fweet Jefus, mercy.' This he pro- 
 nounced with a clear and audible voice ; which done, 
 and his facramental penance admitted, I gave him abfo- 
 lution. After receiving the Holy Sacrament of the 
 Eucharift, and Extreme Unction, he repeated the Act 
 of Contrition, raifing himfelf up, and faying s let me 
 meet my Heavenly Lord in a better pofture than in 
 my bed,' &c. and fo he received his Viaticum with all 
 the fymptoms of devotion imaginable."* 
 
 So much for Burnet's firit charge : but he goes on 
 to fay that " Ken was alfo cenfured for another piece 
 of indecency : he prefented the Duke of Richmond, 
 Lady Portfmouth's fon, to be bleffed by the King. 
 Upon this, fome that were in the room cried out, the 
 King was their common Father. And upon that all 
 kneeled down for his bleffing, which he gave them." 
 Again ; " the King recommended Lady Portfmouth 
 over and over again to the Duke : he faid he had 
 always loved her, and he loved her now to the laft ; 
 and befought the Duke in as melting words as he 
 could fetch out to be very kind to her and her fon. 
 He recommended his other children to him : and con- 
 cluded f let not poor Nelly ftarve,' that was Mrs. 
 Gwyn. But he faid nothing of the Queen, nor any 
 
 * " Brief Account of Particulars occurring at the happy death of 
 our late Sovereign Lord King Charles the Second in regard to Reli- 
 gion ; faithfully related by his then affiftant Jo. Huddlefton." — 4to. 
 ,1685. 
 
158 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [^85 
 
 one word of his people, or of his fervants." And in 
 another part, fpeaking of the King's infenfibility to 
 <c the weighty obfervations made to him by Archbifhop 
 Sancroft, and Ken," he fays, " of this too vifible an 
 inftance appeared, fince Lady Portfmouth fat on the 
 bed, taking care of him as a wife of a hufband." 
 
 All the parts of this narrative, as far as they relate 
 to the Queen, and Bifhop Ken, and Lady Portfmouth, 
 are the very reverfe of the truth. 
 
 1 ft. Hawkins declares that " the Duchefs of Portf- 
 mouth coming into the room, whilft the Bifhop was 
 fuggefting pious and proper thoughts and ejaculations 
 on fo ferious an occafion, Ken prevailed with His Ma- 
 jefty to have her removed, and took that occafion of 
 reprefenting the injury and injuftice done to his Queen 
 fo effectually, that His Majefty was induced to fend 
 for the Queen, and afking pardon had the fatisfaction 
 of her forgivenefs before he died."* 
 
 2nd. The Bifhop of Ely's Chaplain fays — " the 
 firft thing the King did, on coming out of his fit, was 
 to afk for the Queen ; me had been prefent with him 
 as long as her extraordinary paffion would give her 
 leave ; but this at length threw her into fits, and me 
 then being compelled to retire, when the King afked 
 for her, fhe was obliged to " fend a meffage to him to 
 excufe her abfence, and to beg his pardon, if ever fhe 
 had offended him in all her life. He replied ' Alas ! 
 poor woman, fhe beg my pardon ! I beg hers with all 
 my heart.' "f 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 1 1. 
 
 f Ellis's Original Letters, ift Series, vol. iii. p. 337. 
 
1685] Bifiop of Bath and Wells. 159 
 
 3rd. Barillon, the French AmbafTador, who was 
 alfo prefent, wrote a full account immediately to Louis 
 XIV. He defcribes the Duchefs of Portfmouth's 
 anxiety to have a Catholic Prieft fent for, that Charles 
 might be reconciled to the Roman Church. <c Monfieur 
 AmbafTador, me faid to him, I am going to tell you 
 the greatefr. fecret in the world, and my head would 
 be in danger if it was known. The king of England 
 at the bottom of his heart is a Catholic ; but he is 
 furrounded with Proteftant Bifhops, and nobody tells 
 him his condition, nor fpeaks to him of God. / can- 
 not with decency enter the room ; befides that the Queen 
 is almoft confiantly there : the Duke of York thinks of 
 his own affairs, and has too many of them to take the 
 care he ought of the King's confcience. Go and tell 
 him I have conjured you to warn him to think of 
 what can be done to fave the King's foul. He com- 
 mands the room, and can turn out whom he will : lofe 
 no time, for if it is deferred ever fo little, it will be too 
 late." 
 
 4th. The Duke of York, in his notes of the King's 
 death, fays he fpoke moft tenderly of the Queen in 
 his laft moments. And the Earl of Ailfbury, another 
 perfonal witnefs of the fcene, writing to Mr. Leigh of 
 Adleftrop, indignantly denies the affertion of Burnet : 
 he calls him " a notorious liar from beginning to end. 
 My good King and matter falling upon me in his fit, 
 I ordered him to be blooded, and then went to fetch 
 the Duke of York, and when we came to the bed-fide 
 
 * Dalrymple's Memoirs. Appendix to vol. i. p. 95. 
 
160 Life of Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 we found the Queen there, and the impoftor fays it was 
 the Duchefs of Portsmouth."* 
 
 As to Ken's prefenting the Duke of Richmond to 
 be blefTed, — it would have been no great " indecency," 
 as Burnet calls it, if he had afked the parental blerTmg 
 on a fon (then only thirteen years of age) whofe un- 
 happy birth was no fault or crime of his. But it was 
 not the fact ; there was no occafion for his doing fo. 
 Dr. Turner's Chaplain informs us that the King " re- 
 commended to the care of the Duke of York all his 
 children by name, except the Duke of Monmouth, 
 whom he was not heard fo much as to make mention 
 of. He blefTed all his children one by one, pulling 
 them on the bed : and then the Bifhops moved him, 
 as he was the Lord's anointed, and the father of his 
 country, to blefs them alfo, and all that were there 
 prefent, and in them the whole body of his fubjecls. 
 Whereupon the room being full, all fell down upon 
 their knees, and he raifed himfelf in his bed, and very 
 folemnly blefTed them all. This was fo like a great 
 good Prince, and the folemnity of it fo very furprifing, 
 as was extremely moving, and caufed a general lamen- 
 tation throughout ; and no one hears it without being 
 much affected with it, being new and great." f 
 
 We cannot concur in this panegyric on Charles as 
 " a great good Prince," any more than we admit the 
 juftice of Burnet's opprobrious comparifon of him to 
 the " monfter Tiberius." It is certain his death oc- 
 cafioned a general forrow : he was an indulgent father, 
 
 * European Magazine, vol. xxvii. p. 221. 
 
 f Ellis's Original Letters. Series 1. vol. p. 338. 
 
 
t 6 8 5 ] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. i 6 1 
 
 a kind mafter ; his courteous and eafy manners en- 
 deared him to the people, who are not ufually the 
 moft accurate obfervers of character. In the many 
 vicifTitudes of his fortune he loft the opportunities of 
 mowing himfelf a great man ; his vices prevailed to 
 render him an inglorious King. 
 
 \! 
 
1 62 Life 0^ Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 AcceJJion of J 'antes II, — Early Measures of the King for the 
 eflablijhment of the Roman Catholic Religion — Ken's firft 
 vifit to Wells — The Palace at Wells — His Sermon at 
 Whitehall on the character of Daniel — Coronation of 
 fames. 
 
 "* ISHOP KEN'S clofe attendance at the 
 death-bed of Charles, fo immediately 
 after his confecration, prevented any- 
 thought of the ufual forms for his ad- 
 mimon to the temporalities of the See, which required 
 the King's fign manual. But as foon as James came 
 to the throne <f new inftruments were prepared for 
 that purpofe, and he was accordingly in full pofTeffion 
 of his revenues."* 
 
 It was a time of difficulty and danger to the Church. 
 Much laxity and indifference prevailed ; many of the 
 Clergy were non-refident, ecclefiaftical difcipline was 
 remifs, and fchifm abounded. Ken's firmnefs and cir- 
 cumfpection, his courage and meeknefs were all tafked 
 to harmonize men's minds, and keep them ftedfaft to 
 the truth, when it feemed to be endangered by the 
 King's undifguifed endeavour to eftablim Popery. He 
 had long fince abjured the Church of England. There 
 can be no doubt this was previous to the death f of his 
 firft wife, Anne Hyde, who had alfo embraced the 
 
 * Hawkins' Life of Ken, p. 12. f In 167 1. 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 163 
 
 Romifh Faith, probably through his influence. So 
 early as the 30th of March 1673, <c at the Sermon co- 
 ram rege, preached by Dr. Sparrow, Bifhop of Exeter, 
 to a moft crouded auditorie, I ftaid " (fays Evelyn) " to 
 fee whether, according to cuftom, the Duke of York 
 received the Communion with the King ; but he did 
 not, to the amazement of everybody. This being 
 the fecond year he had forbore and put it off", and 
 within a day of the Parliament fitting, who had lately 
 made fo fevere an act againft the encreafe of Po- 
 pery, gave exceeding griefe and fcandal to the whole 
 nation, that the heir of it, and the fon of a martyr 
 for the Proteftant religion, mould apoftatize. What 
 the confequence of this will be God only knows, and 
 wife men dread."* 
 
 In 1678 Archbifhop Sancroft, aflifted by Bifhop 
 Morley, had an interview with him in his clofet, to 
 reprefent the danger of his feceflion, and to urge his 
 return. After eulogizing the Anglican Church, and 
 reminding him that he " had been born within her 
 happy pale and communion, and baptized into her 
 holy Faith," the Archbifhop proceeded ; " your Royal 
 father, that blefTed Martyr of ever glorious memory, 
 who loved her, and knew how to value her, and loft 
 his all in this world for her, even his life too, be- 
 queathed you to her at the laft. When he was ready to 
 turn his back on an impious and ungrateful world, 
 and had nothing elfe now left him but this excellent 
 religion (which he thought not only worth three king- 
 doms, but ten thoufand worlds) he gave that Queen 
 
 * Evelyn's Diarv, vol. i. p. 461. 
 
164 Life 0/" Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 (the Church) in legacy amongft you. For thus he 
 befpoke the king your brother, and in him all that 
 were his, words that deferve to be written in letters of 
 gold, and to be engraved in brafs or marble. f If you 
 never fee my face again, I require and entreat you, as 
 your father, and as your King, that you never fuffer 
 your heart to receive the leaft check or diffatisfaction 
 from the true religion eftablifhed in the Church of 
 England. I tell you I have tried it, and after much 
 fearch, and many difputes, have concluded it to be the 
 beft in the world.'"* But it was all in vain: James 
 replied to the Bifhops that he alfo had taken all the 
 pains he could to examine the grounds of his religious 
 faith, that he had not made the change haftily, or 
 without forefight of the inconveniences that muft en- 
 fue to him from it ; and requested that he might not 
 be further urged by any difcuffions. 
 
 His acceffion had been greeted with the acclamations 
 of the people, who vainly trufted to his promifes of 
 tendernefs for the Church of England ; but it was not 
 long e'er thefe hopes were difappointed. Sufpicion 
 foon began to obfcure the funfhine of popularity, which 
 generally beams on a new reign. His open cele- 
 bration of the mafs, his encouragement of Roman 
 Priefts and Jefuits, and the immediate choice of Pa- 
 pills to offices of truft in Ireland, betrayed his defign 
 to overthrow the Anglican faith. Religion thus be- 
 came an encreafing fource of violent controverfy and 
 faction. Inftead of endeavouring to cement the affec- 
 tions of his fubjecls through a common ritual, he 
 
 * D'Ovly's Life of Sancroft, vol. i. p. 167. 
 
 
1685] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells. 1 6 5 
 
 had refolved to fubftitute his own will for the con- 
 ftituted laws, and to reduce the fpiritual interefts of 
 the kingdom to a foreign rule. He could not eftimate 
 the unchangeable purpofe of the whole nation to main- 
 tain the reformed religion. In this unequal conteft he 
 was prepared to rifle his throne, placing his whole re- 
 liance on the questionable fidelity of his army, com- 
 manded by Roman Catholic officers ; his only other 
 fupport being a few catholic noblemen, and a band of 
 emirTaries from the papal court. 
 
 But we muft follow Bifhop Ken to Wells, that we 
 may witnefs his introduction to the Diocefe. The firft 
 dedication of himfelf in the cathedral was an event of 
 deep intereft to all. It muft have been a folemn and 
 impreffive fcene, when, preceded by his Clergy, he 
 entered the weftern doors amidft the crowds of people, 
 anxious to catch a glimpfe of their future Bifhop. 
 We may well imagine his feelings of awe and reve- 
 rence, of gratitude and humiliation, as he raifed his 
 eyes to the vaulted roof of that beautiful temple, 
 henceforward to be the centre of his paftoral duties ; 
 and ftill more when he was conducted to the epifcopal 
 throne. In dedicating his Hymnarium to Dr. Hooper, 
 afterwards his fucceflbr in the See, he thus exprefTes 
 the feelings of that moment : 
 
 Among the Herdmen, I a common fwain, 
 Liv'd pleas'd with my low cottage on the plain ; 
 Till up, like Amos, on a fudden caught, 
 / to the PaJFra/ Chair was trembling brought. 
 
 The Palace at Wells, even to this day, retains much 
 of its former character. It Stands in the midft of a 
 garden, furrounded by a once fortified wall, at the foot 
 
1 66 Life of Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 of which is a fountain of the pureft water, that burfts 
 from St. Andrew's well, and pafling round the palace 
 flows through the town. A high terraced walk, within 
 ramparts, overlooks the garden and palace : without 
 are meadows extending to the foot of the Mendip hills. 
 The noble cathedral, clofe at hand, glowing in all the 
 varied richnefs of Chriftian art, is feen through the 
 mullioned windows of the banqueting hall, now in 
 ruins and overgrown with ivy. This hall had witneffed 
 the trial and condemnation of Whiting, the courageous 
 Abbot of Glaftonbury, who fuffered martyrdom rather 
 than betray the trufts of his Abbey, — that ancient and 
 once fplendid monument of the wealth and devotion 
 of the Church. At each end of the terrace walk is a 
 ftone grotto, formed in the angles of the rampart, and 
 covered with ivy. Over the entrance of one of thefe 
 is an infcription from Horace, cut into a ftone tablet. 
 
 '•* Ille terrarum mihi prater omnes 
 Angulus ridet," &c. &c. — Lib. ii. Od. 6. 
 
 The placidnefs of the fcene, thefe well known lines, 
 and the fimilarity of character between two holy men, 
 who amid the deeper thoughts of their learning and 
 piety did not refufe to delight themfelves in the works 
 of the Roman Lyrift, recall to mind a paiTage in the 
 life of Hooker. " His former pupils, Edwin Sandys, 
 and George Cranmer, took a journey to Draiton Beau- 
 champ to fee their tutor, and found him with a book 
 in his hand (it was the odes of Horace) he being then 
 like humble and innocent Abel, tending his fmall 
 allotment of fheep in a common field."* No lefs 
 
 * Walton's Lite of Richard Hooker. 
 
 
1685] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 167 
 
 humble and innocent was Bifhop Ken, though living 
 in a palace. Both are bright ornaments of the Englifh 
 Church, hallowed to our remembrance by the purity 
 of their lives, and the undying worth of the writings 
 they have bequeathed to us. 
 
 There Ken might walk, and read, and meditate, and 
 mature his plans for the welfare of his people. There 
 too, not long after, he decided on the courageous 
 ftand to be made, firft againft a Roman Catholic, and 
 then againft a Proteftant King, when they fucceflively 
 invaded the rights of the Church. Under both trials 
 he was ready to facrifice, and at length did yield up, 
 not this garden of pleasures only, but all he had or 
 hoped for on earth, rather than betray the truft com- 
 mitted to him. This grotto, we may be fure, was the 
 filent witnefs of his frequent and fervent afpirations to 
 the heavenly throne. If thofe yews, and ivy-grown 
 walls, could give utterance, what holy thoughts, and 
 prayers, and hymns fung to his lute, would they record. 
 
 Thefe were the tranquil fcenes of his literary labours, 
 which at once began to employ his pen in the fervice 
 of the Church. The prefs already teemed with con- 
 troverfy between the communions of England and 
 Rome. We may derive fome notion of the height 
 this had reached from the mere titles of difcourfes, to 
 be found in any of the numerous collections of tracts of 
 that time, which are ftill extant. We may take as a 
 fpecimen the contents of one out of 1 9 quarto volumes 
 in a private collection. 
 
 Cf A Papift Mif-Reprefented and Reprefented, or a 
 twofold Character of Popery, &c. 1686. The Doc- 
 trines and Practices of the Church of Rome truly Re- 
 
i68 Life tf/' Thomas Ken, [^85 
 
 prefented : in Anfwer to a Papift Mif-Reprefented, 
 &c. 1686. Reflexions upon the Anfwer to the Pa- 
 pift, directed to the Anfwerer. 1686. A Papift Not 
 Mif-Reprefented by Proteftants, being a Reply to the 
 Reflexions, &c. 1686. Papifts Protefting againft Pro- 
 teftant Popery, in Anfwer, &c, being a Vindication 
 of the Papifts Mif-Reprefented. 1686. An Anfwer 
 to a Difcourfe entitled Papifts Protefting, &c. con- 
 taining an Examination of the Expofition of the In- 
 vocation of Saints and Worfhip of Images. 1686. An 
 Amicable Accomodation of the Difference between 
 the Reprefenter and the Anfwerer, &c. 1686. An An- 
 fwer to the Amicable Accomodation, &c. 1686. A 
 Reply to the Anfwer, &c. &c. 1686. A View of 
 the whole Controverfy between the Reprefenter and 
 the Anfwerer, in which are laid open fome of the Me- 
 thods by which Proteftants are Mif-Reprefented. 1687. 
 The Papifts Mif-Reprefented and Reprefented. 3rd 
 part. 1687. An Anfwer to the Reprefenter's Reflec- 
 tions upon the State and View of the Controverfy, 
 fhowing the Vindication has utterly ruined the New 
 defign of expounding Popery. 1687."* 
 
 But there is no where to be found any one contro- 
 verfial tract by Biihop Ken : difputation was not his 
 element. In the pulpit he did not fhrink from faith- 
 fully explaining and enforcing the doctrines of the 
 Englifti Church, as diftinguilhed from the errors of 
 
 * See alfo " The Catalogue of all the Difcourfes publifhed againft 
 Popery during the Reign of James II." 1689. 4to. It contains 
 nearly two hundred. 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 1 69 
 
 Rome, efpecially when the King's defign became more 
 apparent. In this fphere he difcourfed moft eloquently ; 
 but he never ftepped beyond it. He was remarkable 
 rather for a life of practical holinefs, and of love and 
 zeal in all the branches of his office, than for any for- 
 wardnefs in difputing the popular fubjects of the day. 
 Controverfy, he knew, had ever been found to exaf- 
 perate, rather than allay religious differences, to harden 
 men into averfion and mutual reproach, rather than 
 bring them to peace and unity. Whilft others were 
 engaged cf in Pleas, and Anfwers, and Reflections on 
 Anfwers, Differences of Cafes, Remonftrances and Vin- 
 dications," he fet himfelf in the firft year of his Epifco- 
 pate to prepare the work which exalts his name in the 
 rank of Englifh Divines : " An Exposition of the 
 Church Catechism, or the Practice of Divine Love." 
 In this he feems to expatiate in unbounded love to God 
 and man. Let the Chriftian reader, in his retirement, 
 open it at any page ; he will fee a devout foul kneeling 
 at the feet of Jefus, as if in the enjoyment of a glimpfe 
 of Heaven, and yearning after celeftial light, and love, 
 and glory. He will hardly refrain from kneeling by 
 his fide, to breathe with him the fpirit of his prayers. 
 
 But before the work could be committed to the prefs 
 he was fummoned to preach his Lent fermon before 
 the Court at Whitehall. According to the London 
 Gazette it was on Sunday, the 8th of March 1685. A 
 few days prior to this, Evelyn, " to his grief, faw the 
 new pulpit fet up in the Oratorie (the King's private 
 Chapel) where Mafs was now publickly faid, and the 
 Romanifts fwarming at Court with greater confidence 
 
170 Life tf/~ Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 than had ever been, fince the Reformation ; fo as every- 
 body grew jealous to what this would tend."* The 
 King therefore was not prefent to hear the fermon : but 
 his daughter, the Princefs of Denmark (afterwards 
 Queen Ann) attended with many of the nobility. " She 
 fat on the left hand of the King's chair in the gallery, 
 the Clerk of the Clofet {landing on the other fide, as if 
 his Majefty had been there : a fpecial order had been 
 given that the preacher mould make " three congees, 
 inftead of one only,"f as they had been ufed to do. 
 
 The Bifhop chofe for his Subject the character of 
 Daniel, J on which he enlarged with glowing eloquence. 
 He prefents him as an example for the imitation of the 
 afTembled courtiers ; as one who, in the midft of an 
 unbelieving, luxurious, and corrupt court, maintained 
 the worfhip of the true God, a holy felf-denial, and an 
 immoveable integrity. 
 
 " Daniel," he fays, " was not of the facerdotal, but 
 regal line : he was a Courtier, and not only a Courtier, 
 but a Favourite, and not only a Favourite, but a Mi- 
 nister too ; fuch a Courtier, and Favourite, and Minifter 
 as no age can parallel. And to the Courtier, Favourite 
 and Minifter he added the afcetic, and the faint. In 
 all thefe refpects he was, as the margin literally renders 
 it, f a man of defires,' or according to the Hebrew idiom, 
 f a man greatly beloved.' From all thefe materials every 
 of you may fkill the art to become greatly beloved like 
 him." 
 
 After defcribing Daniel's extraordinary endowments, 
 
 * Diary, Vol. i. p. 588. f Ibid. Vol. i. p. 594. 
 
 X " O Daniel, a man greatly beloved." — Dan. x. 11. 
 
1685] Bijljop of Bath and Wells. 1 7 1 
 
 and the manner in which he devoted them to the fer- 
 vice of God under five fuccefTive monarchs, he con- 
 tinues. " All which made him greatly belov'd, greatly 
 belov'd by God, at whofe glory he ever aim'd ; greatly 
 belov'd by all thofe Kings whom he faithfully ferv'd ; 
 greatly belov'd by the people whofe good he ftudied. 
 You have feen how love was reciprocal, how Daniel 
 greatly lov'd God, the King, and the People : and this 
 was the fecret he had, which naturally attracted fo uni- 
 verfal a love : a fecret which is neither too myfterious 
 for your comprehenfion, nor too heroic for your imita- 
 tion : a fecret of a certain and approv'd virtue. For 
 goodnefs is awful and amiable to all mankind, and has 
 charms that are irrefiftible. There is a powerful fweet- 
 nefs, a propitious obligingnefs, and fuch effufions and 
 radiations of divinity in it, as commands our affections, 
 and are able to overcome all our averfions ; and I am 
 confident that there is no one here but, if he would 
 make the experiment, would find a proportionable fuc- 
 cefs." 
 
 " Let me then exhort you, let me befeech you to 
 confider all the attractions of Divine love, till God's 
 fovereign love inflame you, and you habitually breathe 
 His praifes. Learn like Daniel, humility by affliction, 
 purity by temperance ; to keep your graces alive by 
 prayer, and by frequenting your Oratory ; to fubdue 
 rebellious nature by falling and mortifications. Learn 
 from Daniel a univerfal obligingnefs and benignity, an 
 awful love to your Prince, a conftant fidelity, an un- 
 bounded courage, an unwearied zeal in ferving him. 
 Learn from Daniel an equal mixture of the wifdom of 
 the ferpent, and of the innocence of the dove, an inof- 
 
172 Life a/' Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 fenfive converfation, a clear integrity, and an impartial 
 juftice to all within your fphere. Learn from the man 
 greatly beloved to reconcile policy and religion, bufi- 
 nefs and devotion, abftinence and abundance, greatnefs 
 and goodnefs, magnanimity and humility, power and 
 fubjection, authority and affability, converfation and 
 retirement, intereft and integrity, Heaven and the 
 Court, the favour of God and the favour of the King ; 
 ■ — and then you are mafters of Daniel's fecret ; you will 
 fecure yourfelves an univerfal and lafting intereft ; you 
 will like him be greatly beloved both by God and 
 man." 
 
 The fermon being fpecially appointed for the feafon 
 of Lent, he did not neglect the occafion to urge on his 
 hearers the duty of obferving the rule of the Church in 
 abftaining from their felf-indulgence, at leaft on the 
 appointed days, and efpecially in Lent. 
 
 <c I mention," he fays, " this example of Daniel, to 
 mow what the ancients thought of Fafting, and how they 
 kept Lent. I do not exhort you to follow them any fur- 
 ther than either our climate or our conftitutions will bear; 
 but we may eafily follow Daniel in abftaining from wine, 
 and from the more pleafurable meats ; and fuch an ab- 
 ftinence as this, with fuch a mourning for our fins, and 
 the fins of others, is the proper exercife of a primitive 
 fpirit during all the weeks of Lent. For what is Lent, 
 in its original inftitution, but a fpiritual conflict to fub- 
 due the flefh to the fpirit, to beat down our bodies, and 
 to bring them into fubjection ? What is it but a peni- 
 tential martyrdom for fo many weeks together, which 
 we fuffer for our own and others' fins ? A devout foul 
 that is able to obferve it faftens himfelf to the Crofs on 
 
1685] BiJIjop of Bath and JVells, 173 
 
 Afh Wednefday, and hangs crucify'd by contrition all 
 the Lent long ; that having felt in his clofet the bur- 
 then and the anguifh, the nails and the thorns, and 
 tailed the gall of his own fins, he may by his own cru- 
 cifixion be better difpofed to be crucify'd with Chrift 
 on Good Friday, and mod tenderly to fympathize with 
 all the dolours, and prefTures, and anguifh, and tor- 
 ments, and defertion, infinite, unknown, and unfpeak- 
 able, which God Incarnate endured, when He bled upon 
 the Crofs for the fins of the world ; that being purified 
 by repentance, and made conformable to Chrifl cru- 
 cify'd, he may offer up a pure oblation at Eafter, and 
 feel the power, and the joys, and the triumph of the 
 Saviour's Refurrection." 
 
 Not long after this he was again fummoned from 
 Wells to aflift at the Coronation of James, which took 
 place on the 2,3rd of April, being St. George's day. 
 The King had feledted him, [although the junior Bi- 
 fhop, to walk by his fide, under the canopy of ftate, 
 in the procefHon from Weftminfter Hall, and to be his 
 fupporter on the fteps of the throne during the cere- 
 monies in the Abbey. His friend, Francis Turner, 
 Bifhop of Ely, was appointed to preach the coronation 
 fermon. Thus we fee the two poor Winchefter fcho- 
 lars brought to great eminence, men of ferious lives, 
 who efteemed a holy retirement above all the parade of 
 courts, yet fought out by the King, as worthy of the 
 higheft marks of favour he could beftow. 
 
 The Holy Communion had always formed part of 
 the coronation fervice. But James could not receive 
 it, as adminiftered in the Anglican Church. Notwith- 
 ftanding this, he opened Parliament with a fpeech, in 
 
174 Life 0/^ Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 which he promifed to fupport and defend the Church 
 of England, and the people feemed difpofed to rely on 
 his pledges. The Commons by an unanimous vote 
 fettled upon him during life the revenues enjoyed by 
 the late king. The fpeaker, in prefenting the Bill for 
 the Royal afTent, exprefTed the fatisfaction of the Houfe 
 in his " Majefty's gracious and facred word, repeated 
 declarations, and afTurance to fupport and defend the 
 Religion of the Church of England, as is now by law 
 eftablifhed : and we humbly befeech your majefty to 
 accept this revenue, and along with it our hearty 
 prayers, that God Almighty would blefs you with a 
 long life and happy reign to enjoy it." The King 
 thanked them very heartily for the Bill, declaring that 
 their readinefs and cheerfulnefs in the difpatch of it 
 was as acceptable to him as the Bill itfelf: and that 
 he could not exprefs his thoughts more fuitably than 
 by afluring them he had " a true Englifh heart, as 
 jealous of the honour of the nation as you can be ; and 
 I pleafe myfelf with the hopes that, by God's bleffing, 
 and your affiftance, I may carry the reputation of it 
 yet higher in the world than ever it has been in the 
 time of any of my anceftors." 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath and W ells. 175 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 The Duke of Monmouth : his life and character — invades 
 England. 
 
 N the midft of this interchange of civi- 
 lities between the King and Parliament 
 intelligence arrived that the Duke of 
 Monmouth, one of the natural fons of 
 the late King, had landed at Lyme, in Dorfetfhire, 
 and fet up the ftandard of rebellion in the weftern 
 counties. The Parliament immediately paffed a Bill 
 of attainder againft him, offered a reward of 5,000/. 
 to any who mould bring him in, and having voted 
 400,000/. to the king for the prefent emergency, both 
 Houfes adjourned on the 2nd of July, the members 
 being difmiffed to their feveral counties, where their 
 prefence was required to encourage the loyal, and con- 
 trol the difaffected. It appears by the journals of the 
 Houfe of Lords that Ken was prefent in Parliament 
 on this occafion : but within a few days after we find 
 him in his Diocefe, a meffenger of charity amidft the 
 din of war, raifed by the invafion. 
 
 This period of Monmouth's hiftory forcibly illuftrates 
 the Bifhop's character in two particulars, — his com- 
 panion for fufFerers, and his ftedfaftnefs in carrying 
 out the injunctions of the Church, even when his be- 
 nevolent feelings would have prompted him to relax 
 the ftridtnefs of her rule. It is, therefore, neceflary 
 
176 Life tf/' Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 to enter into fome brief review of Monmouth's event- 
 ful life. He was the eldeft of Charles II. 's natural 
 children, born at Rotterdam during the King's exile. 
 He firft went by the name of James Crofts, received 
 his education at Paris under the care of Henrietta 
 Maria, and was brought up a Roman Catholic. At 
 the age of fourteen, foon after the Reftoration, the 
 King fent for him to Court, provided him a ftately 
 equipage, appointed for his ufe apartments in the Privy 
 Gallery at Whitehall, and by warrant authorized him 
 to bear the royal arms of England and France. He 
 caufed him alfo to be reconciled to the Englifh Church. 
 He was a youth of lovely form and countenance, 
 perfected in all the graces and accomplifhments of the 
 Court, and fuch a favourite with the King, that for 
 many years he lavifhed upon him every honour and 
 endearment that an over-indulgent parent could be- 
 ftow. At the age of eighteen, having already created 
 him a Peer of Parliament, and a Knight of the Garter, 
 he fecured for him in marriage the richeft heirefs of 
 the kingdom, the beautiful Countefs of Buccleuch, 
 then only fixteen years of age. The mere lift of his 
 titles and offices would fuffice to mow the entire devo- 
 tion of the king's heart to this Abfalom of his houfe.* 
 
 * Duke of Monmouth and Buccleuch, Earl of Doncafter, and 
 Dalkeith, Lord Scott of Tindale, Whitchefter, and Afhdale. Lord 
 Great Chamberlain of Scotland, Lord Lieutenant of the Earl Riding 
 of Yorkfhire, Governor of Kingfton upon Hull, Chief Juftfce in 
 Eyre of all the Forefts, Chafes, Parks and Warrens fouth of the 
 River Trent, Lord General of all the King's Land Forces, Captain 
 of the Life Guards of Horfe, Chancellor of the Univerfity of Cam- 
 bridge, Mailer of the Horfe, and Lord of the Privy Council, &c. 
 
1685] Bifhop of Bath a7id IV ells . 177 
 
 Charles feemed to joy in his fociety : — wherever he 
 went Monmouth was his chofen companion, or if he 
 fent him occasionally to ferve in the French army, he 
 was everywhere received with the honours due to 
 royalty. The Diaries of Evelyn and Pepys abound 
 with notices of the over-weaning attachment of his 
 father, who feemed to love him for his very faults. 
 Thefe were indeed too nearly akin to his own ; for he 
 was a profligate youth, owning no law but his own 
 will. Pepys fays, cc the little Duke of Monmouth is 
 ordered to take place of all Dukes, and fo follow 
 Prince Rupert, before the Duke of Buckingham or 
 any elfe:" — <c The King fo fond of the Duke of 
 M. that everybody admires it : and the Duke fays 
 he would be the death of any man, who fays the King 
 was not married to his mother." " The Duke of 
 Monmouth fpends his time moft vicioufly and idly of 
 any man, nor will be fit for any thing : yet fpeaks 
 confidently of his mother having been married to the 
 King : " <f talk of the D. of Monmouth being made 
 Prince of Wales not true : " &c. &c. 
 
 We cannot wonder that the King's brother ihould 
 be alarmed at fuch indications of an ill-regulated and 
 doting partiality ; and the rather becaufe Monmouth, 
 grown bold by indulgence, began openly to afpire to 
 the fucceflion, aiming at popularity as " the Protectant 
 Duke," and lending himfelf to the Whig party, whofe 
 aim was to exclude James from the throne as a " Po- 
 piih Recufant." We may pafs over the details of 
 thefe feuds, which have afforded' to political writers 
 fo fertile a theme of mutual recrimination. One 
 thing is certain, that Monmouth's fagacity and pre- 
 
 N 
 
178 Life of Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 fence of mind were unequal to his ambition : his 
 folly was exceeded only by his moral cowardice and 
 ingratitude : he became a tool in the hands of Shaftf- 
 bury,* and others who were engaged in defigns againft 
 his father's Government. 
 
 The King, being now made feniible of his dangerous 
 views, and to prevent any future difpute concerning 
 the fucceffion, entered with his own hand in the 
 Council book a declaration, cc as in the prefence of 
 Almighty God, that he never gave, nor made, any 
 contract of marriage whatfoever, but to her prefent 
 Majefty Queen Catherine, now living." This was 
 attefted by fixteen Privy Counfellors. He afterwards 
 caufed a like declaration to be enrolled in Chancery, 
 efpecially difclaiming, " on the word of a king, and 
 the faith of a Chriftian, that he was ever married to 
 Mrs. Barlow, alias Walters, the Duke of Monmouth's 
 mother. "t 
 
 As a further fatisfaction to James, Monmouth was 
 banifhed for a while to Holland : but returning fhortly 
 after without leave, he made a public progrefs through 
 the weft of England, every where exciting the people 
 againft his uncle. One of his panegyrifts defcribes 
 that in his march through Somerfetfhire " he was 
 carefTed with the joyful acclamations of the country 
 people, who came from all parts twenty miles about, 
 the lanes and hedges being every where lined with 
 men, women, and children, who with inceflant fhouts 
 
 * Rerefby's Memoirs, p. 95. 
 
 f A Letter to a Perfon of Honour concerning the King's dis- 
 avowing, &c. Somers's Trafts, vol. i. p. 82. 
 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath a?td Wells . 179 
 
 cried c God blefs King Charles, and the Proteftant 
 Duke.' " In many towns and parifhes cc they ftrewed 
 the ftreets and highways, where he was to pafs, with 
 herbs and flowers."* He was fometimes attended by 
 a concourfe of 2,000 perfons on horfeback, and at 
 other times, as on his approach to Exeter, he was met 
 by the citizens and the people of all the adjacent 
 parts to the number of 20,000. On another occa- 
 fion, " as he entered Chefter with his whole train, the 
 flaming piles wherewith the ftreets were enlightened, 
 and the harmonious noife from the feveral fteeples, 
 loudly proclaimed his welcome, and the extraordinary 
 joy the people conceived for his Grace's prefence 
 among them."t 
 
 In this manner for three years he continued to be 
 the rallying point of all the difafFecled, endeavouring 
 to render the King's government odious, and forgetful 
 of every tie that fhould bind a fon to the fondeft of 
 fathers. The King long forbore any proceedings 
 againft him : but in June 1683 he was arrefted at 
 Stafford by a Serjeant at Arms, under a warrant from 
 the King, declaring that " James Duke of Monmouth 
 hath lately appeared in feveral parts of this kingdom 
 with great numbers of people in a riotous and unlawful 
 manner, to the difturbance of the public peace, and 
 the terrour of His Majefty's good fubjects : thefe are, 
 therefore to command you forthwith to apprehend the 
 faid Duke of Monmouth," &c. 
 
 * Heroick Life, and magnanimous actions of the mod illuftrious 
 Prince, James Duke of Monmouth. London, 121110. 1683, p. 101. 
 f Ibid. p. 127. 
 
180 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [^85 
 
 At length the Whig faction, being difappointed 
 in all their endeavours to undermine the Government, 
 entered into a rafh confpiracy, known as the Rye 
 Houfe Plot, for which Lord William RufTel fuffered 
 death. The merits of that high fpirited nobleman, 
 the truth or falfehood of the treafonable part of the 
 charge againft him and his afTociates, have been often 
 and varioufly difcufTed. If we cannot concur in Mr. 
 Fox's judgment, that " their attempt to deliver their 
 country from the dreadful fervitude into which it had 
 fallen was clearly laudable," we afTent to his opinion, 
 that the condemnation, (in the manner of it) and there- 
 fore the execution of RufTel, " was a violation of law 
 and juftice." There was fomething fo truly Englifh 
 and generous in his nature, and his death was fo 
 Chriftian and brave, that few characters in the range of 
 our hiftory have met with more honour. It was, no 
 doubt, an ardent love of liberty which prompted him to 
 embark in this futile confpiracy againft a government, 
 fo firmly eftablifhed that any momentary fuccefs muft 
 have ended in wide fpread fuffering, and fevere retri- 
 bution. He committed himfelf to afTociates of whom 
 few had any of his virtues, and therefore few deferved 
 his confidence : moft of them proved to be mean, un- 
 principled cowards, and either fled, or gave evidence 
 againft him. The impulfes of paftion over-maftered 
 his forethought and circumfpection, fo indifpenfable in 
 all difficult enterprizes. The refources at his com- 
 mand were altogether unequal to the end propofed. 
 We may therefore believe that he had no genius to 
 realize the afpirations of a fervid mind. The only 
 evidence we have of real greatnefs of character is the 
 
1685] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 1 8 1 
 
 heroic calmnefs of his death, which was worthy of all 
 praife. 
 
 But for the conduct of Monmouth, in this plot 
 again ft his father, not a word of extenuation can be 
 offered : it bears the deep dye of ingratitude. The 
 king entirely believed that he had entertained the de- 
 fign of his aflaflination ; for he proclaimed him a 
 traitor, offered 500/. reward for his feizure, and in a 
 declaration, which was read in every Church throughout 
 the land, he deliberately charged this fon of his affec- 
 tion with having joined in a " treafonable confpiracy 
 againft his facred perfon and government." And now 
 by his treacherous and craven conduct he mowed how 
 unworthy he was of the friendfhip of fuch men as 
 Ruffel, and Sidney, who had embarked with him in 
 his enterprize. 
 
 Though it is impoffible to juftify their acts, we 
 may believe that a deep fenfe of the dangers which 
 threatened the Proteftant religion, and the liberties of 
 England, impelled them to join in the confpiracy. 
 But his own felfifh projects were the only impulfe of 
 Monmouth's mind. No fooner did he fee them fruf- 
 trated than he haftened to fecure his own fafety by 
 unmanly difclofures againft his friends. He wrote a 
 fubmiftive letter to the King, confeffing his guilt, and 
 declaring " if ever again he did any thing againft 
 the Duke of York, he would never afk to fee the 
 King's face again, which was the greateft curfe he 
 could lay on himfelf." He was admitted to an au- 
 dience, fell on his knees before the King and the 
 Duke, and implored their pardon : he even demeaned 
 himfelf to write, at their dictation, the letter which 
 
1 82 Life <?/* Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 proves him to have been a rebel againft his father, 
 and has for ever ftamped him a traitor to his own 
 aflbciates. 
 
 " I have heard " (thus he writes to the King) " fome 
 reports of me, as if I mould have leffened the late 
 Plot, and gone about to difcredit the evidence given 
 againft thofe who have died by juftice. Your Majefty 
 and the Duke know how ingenuoufly I have owned 
 the late confpiracy ; and though I am not confcious 
 of any defign againft your Majefty's life, yet I lament 
 the having had fo great a fhare in the other part of 
 the faid confpiracy. Sir, I have taken the liberty to 
 put this in writing for my own vindication ; and I 
 befeech you to look forward, and endeavour to forget 
 the faults you have forgiven me. I will take care 
 never to commit any more againft you, or come within 
 the danger of being again mifled from my duty ; but 
 make it the bufinefs of my life to deferve the pardon 
 your Majefty hath granted to 
 
 " Your dutiful 
 
 " Monmouth." 
 
 He was quickly made fenfible of the difgrace into 
 which he was plunged by this betrayal of his accom- 
 plices. Repenting this poor act of repentance, he went to 
 the King, and earneftly implored him to return the pa- 
 per, which " he thought was a diminution of his honor." 
 His father anfwered that he would not keep it againft 
 his will ; but warned him not to recall what alone could 
 teftify the fincerity of his forrow. He perfifted in his 
 requeft ; and Charles gave him back his letter. But 
 no fooner had Monmouth got pofTeftion of the paper, 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 1 8 3 
 
 than he denied having ever made any acknowledgment of 
 guilt, thus prefenting himfelf to friends and foes a 
 ftrange fpeclacle of alternate rebellion, abjectnefs, and 
 falfehood. The King for ever banifhed him from his 
 prefence : fo he incurred the penalty which he had de- 
 clared would be ff the greater!: curfe he could lay upon 
 himfelf," for he retired again to Holland, and faw his 
 father's face no more. 
 
 It has been afTerted that Charles fo far relented as 
 to fupply him with money, and to correfpond with him ; 
 and that, juft before his own fatal illnefs, being unable 
 to endure Monmouth's abfence, he meditated his recall. 
 If this were fo, it would only mark more emphatically 
 the ingratitude of the fon, who could plot againft fo 
 affectionate a father. The fad receives fome confirma- 
 tion from the flattering attentions paid to him by the 
 Prince and Princefs of Orange at the Hague, during 
 the life of the King, who would be gratified by this 
 indulgence. The active part Monmouth had taken 
 againft the Catholic Duke might enhance his claim to 
 the favour of the Protectant Stadtholder. But no 
 fooner did the news of Charles's death reach Holland, 
 than all things wore another afpect at the Dutch 
 Court. The Prince found it more to his own interefts 
 to treat this avowed enemy of the new King with a 
 prudent referve. 
 
 James II. in his Memoirs would have it believed 
 that the Prince was willing to foment the quarrel be- 
 tween him and Monmouth, c< one a Pretender to the 
 throne, the other in pofTefTion, and whichever got the 
 better would equally advantage his pretenfions. If the 
 Duke of Monmouth (who was illegitimate) fucceeded, 
 
184 Life 0/" Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 it would be eafy for William, that was a Proteftant as 
 well as he, and in right of his wife the next heir, to 
 fhove him off the faddle. If on the contrary the Duke 
 of Monmouth was worfted, he got rid of a dangerous 
 rival ; and was fure all his party would have recourfe 
 to him. This made him, underhand, do all he could 
 to inflame the young man's fury and ambition ; and 
 fend him out like a victim to the flaughter, playing a 
 fure game himfelf, to whomfoever fortune mould give 
 the advantage."* There appears no ground whatever 
 for this grave accufation. 
 
 As foon as James came to the throne he made ap- 
 plication to the Prince of Orange, through his envoy 
 at the Hague, to have Monmouth fecured and fent to 
 England, before he could form any dangerous defigns. 
 William was incapable of fuch an act of treachery, 
 even had it fuited his plans. He recommended Mon- 
 mouth to leave Holland, where he could no longer 
 protect him, and gave him money to carry him to Bruf- 
 fels. Here, however, he was ftill purfued by the King's 
 watchful jealoufy : the Spanifh Governor of the Ne- 
 therlands ordered him to leave. He could not take 
 refuge in France ; for James was already the penfioner, 
 and clofe ally of Louis. Thus in fear of arreft which- 
 ever way he turned, urged by Argyle, Lord Grey, and 
 other refugees and malcontents, Monmouth was im- 
 pelled, againft his own judgment, to precipitate his 
 plans, and make a defcent on England, before (as was 
 thought) the new King could mature his power. He 
 
 * Macpherfon's papers, Vol. i. p. 143. 
 
1685] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 185 
 
 had, however, no chance of fuccefs in the prefent good 
 understanding between the King and his parliament : 
 he ran upon certain deftruction. Even the Prince of 
 Orange, who had no fympathy with James, and had 
 profeffed great friendfhip for Monmouth, when he faw 
 the temper of Parliament to put down the rebellion, 
 offered to come over to England, and in perfon head 
 the troops againft him. 
 
i86 
 
 Life a/' Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 The Duke of Monmouth lands in the Weft of England — De- 
 feated in the battle of Sedgemoor — Cruelties of Lord Fever- 
 Jbani) and Colonel Kirke — Ken's appeal to the King on behalf 
 of the prifoners — Monmouth condemned to death — Ken attends 
 him on the fcaffold. 
 
 XCEPT in perfonal bravery, the com- 
 mon attribute of foldiers, Monmouth 
 ffE was want i n g m a ll tne qualities required 
 ^^4ilkiJ^i> for fuch an enterprife as the invafion of 
 England with a handful of men. His father's indul- 
 gence, and the flattery of a court, had infpired him 
 with ambitious hopes ; the breath of popular applaufe 
 had inflated him to a high prefumption : but he had 
 neither deliberative wifdom to form great plans, judg- 
 ment to direct, nor moral firmnefs to fuftain them ; no 
 genius or decifion to command fuccefs. 
 
 As the appointed day for his embarking from the 
 Texel drew near he began to waver ; the difficulties 
 that befet his path appeared in their true proportions. 
 But this conviction came too late ; he was pledged to 
 Argyle, who had already failed for Scotland on the faith 
 of his co-operating in England. " I have received both 
 your's this morning " (he writes to one of his adherents) 
 c< and cannot delay you my anfwer longer than this pofl:, 
 though I fear it will not pleafe you fo much as I hearti- 
 ly wifh it may. I have weighed all your reafons, and 
 
1685] Bijloop of Bath and Wells, 187 
 
 every thing that you and my other friends have writ to 
 me on the fubjecl: ; and have done it with the greateft 
 inclination to follow your advice without prejudice. 
 You may well believe I have had time enough to re- 
 flect fufficiently upon our prefent {late, efpecially fince 
 I came hither. But whatever way I turn my thoughts, 
 I find infuperable difficulties. Pray do not think it an 
 efFedt of melancholy, for that was never my greateft 
 fault, when I tell you that in thefe three weeks' retire- 
 ment in this place, I have not only looked back, but 
 forward ; and the more I confider our prefent circum- 
 stances, I think them ftill the more defperate, unlefs 
 fome unforefeen accident fall out, which I cannot divine 
 nor hope for." He then adduces fome excellent reafons 
 againft the enterprife,— any one of which mould have 
 deterred him from engaging in it. To provide againft 
 difficulties, or refolve not to encounter them, is the 
 part of wifdom — to faulter in the moment of adion is 
 weaknefs, and the certain prelude to difcomfiture. 
 
 "And" (he proceeds) "to tell you my thoughts with- 
 out difguife, I am now fo much in love with a retired 
 life, that I am never like to be fond of making abuftle 
 in the world again." He fighed after the eafe of re- 
 tirement, when he mould have bravely buckled on his 
 fword : whilft he grafped at a difputed crown, he would 
 fain folace himfelf in the repofe of an unambitious life ! 
 The real fecret of his inconfiftency was the thraldom 
 of an unhallowed paffion for Lady Henrietta Went- 
 worth, for whom he had forfaken his amiable and lovely 
 wife, and their children, attempting even to juftify his 
 defertion of her on the unmanly plea of their youthful 
 attachment and marriage, which to a generous heart 
 
1 88 Life <?/~ Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 would endear, if not fanctify, the union. " Lady Went- 
 worth had followed him to BrufTels, defperately in love 
 with him ; and both he and me came to fancy that, he 
 being married to his Duchefs, while he was indeed of 
 the age of confent, but not capable of a free one, the 
 marriage was null : fo they lived together ; and me 
 had heated both herfelf and him with fuch enthufiaitical 
 conceits, that they fancied what they did was approved 
 of God!"* 
 
 " It was," fays Fox, fC with great reluctance that he 
 tore himfelf from the arms of Lady Wentworth, with 
 whom he had fo firmly perfuaded himfelf that he could 
 be happy in the moil obfcure retirement, that he be- 
 lieved himfelf weaned from ambition, which had hitherto 
 been the only paffion of his mind."f Unprepared and 
 irrefolute, fearing to go on, afhamed to recede, barely 
 efcaping the vigilance of James's agents, he fet fail on 
 the 24th of May, with three mips and 150 followers. 
 After a tedious paffage he landed at Lyme on the 1 ith 
 of June. There drawing his fword, he knelt down, and 
 uttered a prayer to the God of Truth, Who in every 
 part of His divine word commands obedience to rulers, 
 and honour to kings, befeeching Him to blefs the caufe 
 of rebellion, founded on pretenfions which he himfelf 
 knew to be falfe. 
 
 He publifhed a long inflated proclamation, full of 
 abfurd reproaches againft " James Duke of York." 
 He charges him with the burning of London — with 
 being acceflbry to the death of Sir Edmundbury God- 
 
 * Burnet's Hift. of his own Times. 
 
 f Hift. of the Reign of James II. p. 257. 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 189 
 
 frey — with hiring execrable villains to aflaflinate the 
 late Earl of Eflex — with cruelty and ingratitude in 
 the murder of the late King, " for which villanous 
 and unnatural crime, that barbarous and horrid parri- 
 cide, executed upon our father, we will profecute him 
 to death as a mortal and bloody enemy." He aflerts 
 his own legitimate right to the crowns of England, 
 Scotland, France and Ireland, " notwithstanding the 
 means ufed by the late king, his father, upon Popifh 
 motives, and at the inftigation of the Duke, to weaken 
 and obfcure it." He denounces all who (hall aid the 
 faid Duke of York as enemies of God, mankind, and 
 their country. He " calls heaven and earth to wit- 
 nefs to the neceflity of their betaking themfelves to 
 arms as men and Chriftians ; " appeals to God for the 
 j uft ice of his caufe, doubts not the affiftance of all 
 Proteftant kings, princes, and commonwealths, " who 
 do either regard the Gofpel of Jefus Chrift, or their 
 own interefts." " Above all," (he adds) <f our depen- 
 dence and truft is upon the Lord of Hofls, in whofe 
 name we go forth, and to whom we commit our caufe, 
 and refer the decifion betwixt us and our enemies in 
 the day of battle. Now let us play the men for our 
 people, and for the cities of our God ; and the Lord 
 do that which feemeth good unto Him."* 
 
 The anfwers he received to this mixture of folly, 
 impiety, and falfehood, were the Act of Parliament for 
 his attainder, and the proclamation promising "a re- 
 ward of 5,000/. to any one who mall bring in the 
 perfon of James Duke of Monmouth, alive or dead." 
 
 • Echard, vol. iii. p. 758. Kcnnett, p. 428. 
 
190 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [^85 
 
 Great numbers of the common people, however, flocked 
 to his ftandard : he advanced to Axminfter, Taunton, 
 Bridgewater, Briftol, and Bath amid the fhouts of ad- 
 miring crowds, gathering an undifciplined force of 
 about 5,000 men, without military refources, arms, or 
 money. No doubt many of the gentry fecretly wifhed 
 him well, hoping that by any means the country might 
 be fecured from the Roman afcendancy : but the Par- 
 liament having declared againft him, few would hazard 
 the danger of joining an infurrection that offered fo 
 little hope of a profperous iffue. 
 
 Monmouth was deceived into a vain confidence by 
 proceflions of young maidens, fcattering flowers in his 
 path, and the cries of welcome from a fond populace, 
 admiring his perfonal beauty, and captivated by his 
 gracious manners. Thefe demonftrations of attach- 
 ment, and the urgency of injudicious friends, prompted 
 him to put forth another addrefs, proclaiming himfelf 
 King : he (et a price on James's head, declared the 
 Parliament a factious affembly,* wrote a letter to 
 the Duke of Albemarle (who commanded the militia 
 againft him) figned as King, ordering him to lay down 
 his arms on pain of fuffering as a traitor. He even 
 went fo far as to exercife the ancient prerogative to 
 " touch for the evil." 
 
 This affumption of royalty completed his ruin. It 
 was contrary to his folemn engagement with Argyle 
 and his affociates,f gave offence to the moft zealous 
 of his friends, to the old Republicans, and to the 
 
 * Kennet, p. 431. 
 
 f Sir Patrick Hume's Narration, p. 15. 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 1 9 1 
 
 Whig party who were pledged to the fucceflion of the 
 Princefs of Orange ; and it opened the eyes of all 
 reflecting men to the calamities that muft attend a dis- 
 puted fucceflion.* The nation was not yet fufficiently 
 confcious of James's plans againfl: their liberties and 
 religion to unite in driving him from the throne, and 
 leaft of all for one whofe claim was manifestly ground- 
 lefs. The iron yoke of Cromwell's rebellion and ty- 
 ranny were yet too frefh in their memories : they 
 forefaw that <c an inundation of phantafies, and men 
 of impious principles, muft needs caufe univerfal dif- 
 order, cruelty, injuftice, rapine, facrilege, and confu- 
 fion, an univerfal civil war, and mifery without end."'!" 
 Not to dwell on all the falfe Steps of himfelf and his 
 officers, — his own irrefolute movements, and their 
 treachery and cowardice, it is enough to fay that on 
 the 6th of July, within a few weeks of his landing, he 
 was entirely defeated at Sedgemoor by the King's troops 
 under the command of Lord Feverfham. His undif- 
 ciplined forces, though fuperior in numbers, could not 
 withftand the fhock of the royal army : they fled in 
 diforder ; 1300 were killed in the action and purfuit ; 
 the prifoners, who were not many lefs, were treated 
 with a favage cruelty that {tamps indelible difgrace on 
 the commanders, and on James, whofe orders they 
 
 * " Whether his own Tingle ffollie, or the councill of thole that 
 were fuppofed to betray him added to it, was the caufe of his pro- 
 claiming himfelf King, was doubtful. But this was certain, that 
 feverall thoufands quitted him within three days after." Lord Lonf- 
 dale's Memoir of the Reign of James II, written at the time, and 
 published in 1808, 410. 
 
 f Evelyn's Diary, vol. i. p. 605. 
 
192 Life of Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 afterwards pleaded, and with too much truth, in ex- 
 tenuation of their barbarities. 
 
 We have at Sedgemoor the unwonted fpectacle of a 
 prelate of the Church perfonally engaged in the thickeft 
 of the fight. The warlike Dr. Mews, Bifhop of Win- 
 chefter, had fought in the army of Charles I. in 1642, 
 and afterwards in Scotland for his fon Charles II. He 
 had alfo ferved under the Duke of York in Flanders, 
 and now, laying afide his lawn, he once more took 
 arms for his royal mafter in the battle of Sedgemoor, 
 where " he was active in the foldiery way."* Seeing 
 that the guns were all levelled in the fame direction, and 
 that their force might be eluded by an opening of the 
 oppofite ranks, he employed his coach-horfes in draw- 
 ing them to another fpot, and " planted them to fire 
 faltire-wife, that their mot might reach from front to 
 flank." The King prefented him with a rich medal 
 in acknowledgment of his fervice. j" After the battle 
 this courageous prelate mowed the true fpirit of a 
 Chriftian foldier in compaffion for thofe whom he had 
 helped to defeat. The Earl of Feverlham was march- 
 ing off the prifoners tied together like flaves, and 
 making a halt at the firfr. great flgn pofl that flood 
 acrofs the road, he commanded four or five of them 
 to be hanged upon it, and would have gone on in that 
 arbitrary way, if the Bifhop had not come up, and 
 expoftulated with him, calling out, " My Lord, this 
 is murder in law. Thefe poor wretches, now the 
 
 * Salmon's Lives of the Englifh Bifhops, p. 249. 
 f Fox's Hiftory of the Reign of James II., p. 264. Burnet's 
 Hillory of his Own Times. 
 
1685] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells. 193 
 
 battle is over, muft be tried before they are put to 
 death."* 
 
 With no lefs companion Bifhop Ken pleaded their 
 caufe with the King. He had haftened to his diocefe 
 as foon as the Parliament broke up : his tender nature 
 fympathized with thefe unhappy victims, now fubjected 
 to the unrelenting vengeance of Feverfham, and the 
 ferocious Kirke, — that ruthlefs tyrant, whom he had 
 reproved at Tangier for his licentioufnefs. Every- 
 where revolting fpectacles of {laughter prefented them- 
 felves : the mangled bodies of the prifoners were ex- 
 pofed by the way fide, and the roads were hardly 
 pafTable. He did not flop to confider if the King 
 would refent his interference ; but fearlefs in his mif- 
 fion of mercy he wrote to remonftrate againft the 
 cruelty of his officers. f Not content with this, he en- 
 gaged with all his wonted zeal in alleviating the mifery 
 of the furvivors. Some hundreds of the rebels being 
 imprifoned in Wells, he daily relieved them in prifon, 
 and prayed with them. \ 
 
 * Sir James Mackintofh afcribes this humane interference to Bifhop 
 Ken : Mr. Macaulay doubts if the ftory can be applicable to him : 
 Mr. Markland, in his excellent Life of Ken, agrees with Sir James, 
 and forcibly vindicates his opinion. Who can decide between fuch 
 high authorities ? I humbly think it was Mews, whom Kennett erro- 
 neoufly calls the Bifhop of Bath, though he had been lately tranflated 
 to Winchefter. See Kennett's Hift. vol. iii. p. 432. 
 
 f " Befides thofe that were killed in the field there were about 
 feven hundred fentenced to death, and executed, infomuch that all 
 the high ways of that countrie were no longer to be travailed, whilft 
 the horrour of fo many quarters of men, and the offenfive flench of 
 them lafted, of which Dr. Ken, the Bifhop of that Diocefe, writ a mofl 
 pathetical letter to his Majeftie." Lord Lonfdale's Memoirs, p. 12. 
 
 \ Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 16. 
 
 O 
 
194 Life of Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 Historians are divided in opinion as to Monmouth's 
 behaviour in the action. Mr. Fox fays <c he fled 
 while his troops were (till fighting, and therefore too 
 foon for his glory."* After wandering up and down 
 for two days, driven to the greater!: (traits even for 
 food, he was difcovered lying in a ditch, in the difguife 
 of a fhepherd, covered with ferns and brakes. On being 
 fearched his George was found upon him, which with 
 the welcome news was conveyed by an exprefs to the 
 King. Out of his pocket were taken books in his 
 own hand writing, containing charms, and fpells, and 
 conjurations to open the doors of a prifon, and to pre- 
 vent the danger of being wounded in battle, together 
 with fongs and prayers, f 
 
 We might expect that one who had afpired to a 
 crown would fhow himfelf worthy of the blood of the 
 Stuarts ; that having ftaked his life on a caft, he would 
 bravely fC ftand the hazard of the die." But no fooner 
 was he in the power of his enemy than he betrayed a 
 weak fpirit : he burft into unmanly tears. To the 
 King, whom he had before branded as a cruel ufurper, 
 murderer, and fratricide, he wrote a letter even more 
 abject than he had penned to his father on his former 
 rebellion. He expreffes no remorfe for the Slaughter 
 of his admiring adherents, whom he had /educed from 
 
 * Fox's Hiftory of the Reign of James II. p. 264. 
 
 " Herein the Duke of Monmouth loft much of his reputation for 
 courage, ffor inftead of dieing in the ffield as was expected, he left his 
 men fighting, and endeavoured to efcape in company with my Lord 
 Gray." Lord Lonfdale's Memoirs, p. 1 1. 
 
 f An Account of the manner of taking the late Duke of Mon- 
 mouth," &c. 1685. 
 
1685] Bifhop of Bath and Wells, 1 9 5 
 
 their allegiance, — he makes no appeal on behalf of the 
 unhappy prifoners, — no cry for the royal clemency 
 towards the thronging crowds who had decked his 
 path with flowers, fhouting <c a Monmouth, a Mon- 
 mouth," and now referved for execution. He is 
 wholly occupied in felfifh fears for himfelf : as before, 
 fo now, he lays the whole blame on others, who by 
 falfe arguments had prompted him to the ram enter- 
 prize ; — cc horrid •people whom it was my misfortune 
 to meet with. But Sir, I will not trouble your 
 Majefty at prefent with many things I could fay for 
 myfelf, that I am fure would move your companion, 
 the chief end of this letter being only to beg of you 
 that I may have that happinefs to fpeak to your Ma- 
 jefty ; for I have that to fay to you, Sir, that I hope 
 may give you a long and happy reign. I am fure, 
 Sir, when you hear me you will be convinced of the 
 zeal I have for your prefervation, and how heartily I 
 repent of what I have done. Therefore, Sir, I fhall 
 make an end by begging your Majefty to believe fo 
 well of me, that I would rather die a thoufand deaths 
 than excufe anything I have done; if I really did not 
 think myfelf the moft in the wrong that ever any man 
 was, and had not from the bottom of my heart an ab- 
 horrence of thoje who -put me upon it, and for the action 
 itfelf. I hope God Almighty will ftrike your heart 
 with mercy and companion for me, as He has done 
 mine with abhorrence of what I have done."* 
 
 Such is the man who has been defcribed by party 
 
 * Fox's Hillory of the Reign of James II., p. 266. Echard, p. 
 
 771. 
 
196 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 writers as the " ill fated, illuftrious, generous, brave, 
 patriotic Monmouth." Mr. Fox in his account of 
 the fad fpectacle of his death, fays that fC his qualities 
 go a great way in making up the catalogue of all that 
 is amiable and eftimable in human nature ! "* furely a 
 ftrange perverfion of judgment in a writer, himfelf 
 fometimes lauded as an example of the amenities of 
 focial life. 
 
 The King granted Monmouth the interview he de- 
 fired : it was but to triumph over his misfortunes, and 
 afcertain whether he had really any fecrets to difclofe. 
 Monmouth, proftrate at his feet, acknowledged his 
 guilt, admitted that the late King had told him he 
 was never married to his mother, and pleaded patheti- 
 cally for his life, which he would be ever willing to 
 facrifice in his fervice. He even exprefTed his readinefs 
 to change his religion, reminding the king that he had 
 originally been educated in the Roman faith. f <c Re- 
 member, Sir," (he added) " I am your brother's fon, 
 and if you take my life, it is your own blood you will 
 fhed." With any other than an inexorable tyrant this 
 laft appeal would have prevailed. Charles had almoft 
 endangered his crown by a refolute adherence to James's 
 right of fucceffion againft the fenfe of the nation, and 
 the declared voice of the Commons. To facrifice that 
 brother's beloved fon, faulty as he was, betrayed a 
 cold hearted infenfibility to the claims of gratitude, 
 and the ties of nature. James flood unmoved over 
 the doomed victim, kneeling before him, and bathed 
 
 * Fox's Hiftory of James II., p. 287. 
 f Burnet's Hiftory of his own Times. 
 
 
1685] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells . 197 
 
 in tears. The triumph of his revenge could only be 
 completed on the fcaffold. At length Monmouth, 
 " when he Taw he could gain nothing by further fub- 
 miflions, rofe from his feet with a new air of bravery, 
 and was carried back to the Tower." * 
 
 One day only was granted him to prepare for death. 
 Still clinging to hope, he occupied the time in abject 
 fupplications for mercy. He wrote again and again 
 to the king, and fent for fome of the moft influential 
 perfons about the court, whofe interference he thought 
 might gain him a refpite, if not pardon. All was in 
 vain. When the humbleft of his adherents in this 
 lately crufhed rebellion, even women and children, 
 were not fpared, what hope could there be for Mon- 
 mouth, the long hated rival, and competitor for the 
 crown, the leader of enemies who, even in the former 
 reign, had well nigh changed the order of fucceffion ? 
 
 James, though he had difregarded Ken's pathetic 
 appeals for mercy towards the prifoners in the weft, 
 felt no refentment at his benevolent exertions for their 
 relief, " nor fo much as harboured any jealous thought 
 of him." t He fent for him to attend Monmouth in 
 his laft hours. He rightly judged that his vifits to the 
 Somerfetfhire prifons were prompted only by a fenfe 
 " of duty to his diftreffed brethren, to fave them from 
 perifhing both in body and foul." J Turner, Bifhop of 
 Ely, Dr. Tennifon, and Dr. Hooper, were joined with 
 him to officiate for Monmouth. Of all perfons living 
 we might leaft expect to find the gentle and tender- 
 
 * Kennett, vol. iii. p. 432. 
 
 f Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 17. t Ibid. 
 
198 Life 0/^ Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 hearted Ken, an actor in the tragical fcene that was 
 preparing. The duty however being laid upon him, 
 he performed it with his accuftomed faithfulnefs : he 
 remained with Monmouth in the Tower during the 
 night of the 15 th of July endeavouring to prepare 
 him for eternity. He found him fearfully infenfible 
 to his fins of rebellion and adultery ; — confident indeed 
 of eternal happinefs, but not on the faving condition 
 of a true repentance. It is necefTary to ftate this 
 plainly ; for he has been cenfured by Fox and others 
 for unfeeling feverity towards Monmouth, in his 
 endeavours to awaken him to a contrite view of his 
 parr. life. So difficult is it to fatisfy prejudiced minds. 
 Mr. Fox in particular is fo great an admirer of the 
 character of Monmouth, that he cannot bear any im- 
 putation againfr. him. On the other hand he mif- 
 judges, and therefore mifcolours, the acts and motives 
 of the Divines, who were reluctantly compelled to 
 fpeak. home truths to the fufferer. The document 
 from which Fox draws all his conclusions furnifhes 
 their beft refutation. It is to be found in the firft 
 volume of the Somers' Tracts, entitled, An Account 
 of what pafTed at the execution of the late Duke of 
 Monmouth, published by authority, and figned by 
 Bifhop Ken, Bifhop Turner, Dr. Tennifon, Dr. Hooper, 
 and the Sheriffs, who declare it to be " a true account." 
 We need only compare Mr. Fox's commentary with 
 the text to fhow the inaccuracy, and ftrained conftruc- 
 tions, which run through this part of his Hiftory of 
 James II. and as it brings a grave charge againfr. our 
 good Bifhop, the reader will here expect to find his 
 vindication, if fuch can be made. 
 
1685] Bifloop of Bath and Wells. 199 
 
 Fox ftates that as Monmouth proceeded to the 
 fcaffold the two Bifhops were with him in the carriage 
 of the Lieutenant of the Tower ; cc and one of them 
 took that opportunity of telling him that their contro- 
 versial altercations were not yet at an end ; and that 
 upon the fcaffold he would again be preffed for more 
 explicit declarations of repentance."* It would have 
 been a more accurate verfion, and have given a truer 
 colour to what follows, if he had ftated, from the Ac- 
 count, that <f the Duke him/elf entreated them to accom- 
 pany him to the place of execution, and to continue with 
 him to the laft"^ becaufe it would have mown that, fo 
 far from their having faid or done anything harm or 
 difpleafing, he had received fympathy and comfort, if 
 not derived conviction, from their previous attendance 
 upon him in the Tower. In fact the " controverfial 
 altercations " were a mere inference of the writer's own 
 mind : for " the Bifhops made feafonable and devout 
 applications to him all the way ; and one of them de- 
 fired him not to be furprized if they to the very laff. 
 upon the fcaffold renewed thofe exhortations to a par- 
 ticular repentance, which they had fo often repeated 
 before." J 
 
 " Certain it is," Mr. Fox fays, " that none of thefe 
 holy men feem to have erred on the fide of compaffion, 
 or complaifance to their illuftrious penitent." § Surely 
 the moft Christian, and to Monmouth the only effec- 
 
 * Fox's Hiftory of James II., p. 281. 
 
 f " Account of what paffed at the Execution of the late Duke 
 of Monmouth." 1685. % Ibid. 
 
 § Fox's Hiitory of James II., p. 280. 
 
200 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 tual, companion they could exercife towards him would 
 be a zealous regard for his eternal welfare. This they 
 emphatically mowed in their cc many pious ejaculations, 
 and their earneft prayers,"* &c. As to complaifance, 
 it is rather the prieiVs office, under fuch circumftances, 
 by a clofe fearching of the heart to awaken it to the 
 voice of truth, that fpeaks of righteoufnefs and judg- 
 ment to come. Such a faithful candour was efpecially 
 demanded towards this cc illuftrious penitent," who was 
 no penitent in any fenfe, until brought to fomething like 
 a feeling of his fins by their continued, earneft, and 
 affectionate appeals. For we find that he began, on 
 mounting the fcaffold, as if he was about to make a 
 premeditated fpeech in this manner : " I have had a 
 fcandal raifed upon me about a woman, a lady of virtue 
 and honour ; I will name her, the Lady Henrietta 
 Wentworth : I declare me is a very virtuous and godly 
 woman ; I have committed no fin with her ; and that 
 which hath paffed betwixt us was very honeft and 
 innocent in the fight of God. I can blefs God, that 
 He has given me fo much grace, that for thefe two 
 years laft paft " (during which he had abandoned his 
 Duchefs, and their children for this guilty love) — " I 
 have led a life unlike to my former courfe " (one of 
 notorious and varied profligacy) " and have been 
 happy."| Would not the Divines, who were attend- 
 ing him for the exprefs purpofe of roufing his con- 
 fcience, have betrayed their truft, if they had not 
 fpoken plainly on fuch a ftrange perverfion ? 
 
 * " Account of what paffed at the Execution of the late Duke of 
 Monmouth." 1685. f Ibid. 
 
1685] B if jop of Bath and Wells. 201 
 
 But to pafs from his private life to his public acts ; 
 Mr. Fox dwells more particularly on the Divines 
 " teazing him with controverfy, and being far more 
 folicitous to make him profefs what they deemed the 
 true creed of the Church of England (the doctrine of 
 Non-refiftance) than to foften and confole his forrows, 
 or to help him to that compofure of mind fo neceflary 
 for his Situation."* Yet he himfelf mows that the pri- 
 foner flood in no need of help to fuch compofure ; he 
 lauds his equanimity and courage on the fcaffold : and 
 in the publifhed " Account " we have Monmouth's re- 
 peated declarations, " I die with great cheerfulnefs, for 
 I know I mail go to God ; I have no fear, as you may 
 fee by my face ; I am fure I mail go to God." So far 
 from feeling alarm at his approaching fate, he was an 
 example of its very oppofite, — that worfe indifference, 
 againft which their efforts were directed. He was 
 infenfible to all the confederations that would have 
 crowded in upon the mind of a true penitent : he 
 boafted of his own confidence, cc God be praifed, I 
 have encouragement enough in myfelf :" " I die with 
 all the joyfulnefs in the world." 
 
 He was untouched by any {qi\{q of the confequences 
 of his rebellion. Not even thofe two thoufand victims 
 of his ambition, — his deluded, Slaughtered followers, 
 — thofe <c wretched fugitives," as Fox defcribes them, 
 " who were mafTacred in ditches, corn fields, and other 
 hiding places," f moved either his pity for their fuf- 
 ferings, or remorfe for having occasioned them. " God 
 be praifed," he again faid, " I die with a clear con- 
 
 * Fox's Hiitory of James II., p. 280. f Ibid. p. 269. 
 
202 Life a/* Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 fcience ; / have wronged no man ! " " How Sir," was 
 the anfwer, <c no man ? have you not been guilty of 
 invafion, and of much blood which has been fried ? it 
 may be the lofs of many precious fouls who followed 
 you ? you muft needs have wronged a great many." 
 Thefe words ftruck him with feelings of compunction, 
 "lam forry for invading the kingdom ; for the blood 
 that has been fhed ; and for the fouls which may have 
 been loft by my means ; I am forry it ever happened : 
 this he fpoke foftly."* After that they obtained an 
 acknowledgment from him of cc repentance for all his 
 fins, known and unknown, confeffed or not confeffed." 
 This was all they defired, — a heartfelt expreflion of 
 repentance : they rejoiced in the opportunity, and at 
 once pronounced, cc God Almighty of His infinite 
 mercy forgive you." No further queftion was put to 
 him : " then all went to folemn commendatory prayers, 
 which continued for a good fpace ; the Duke of Mon- 
 mouth and the company kneeling, and joining in them 
 with great fervency." " During the preparations for 
 his beheading many pious ejaculations were ufed by thofe 
 that aflifted him, with great fervency : ex. gr. f God 
 accept your repentance. God accept your imperfect 
 repentance : my lord, God accept your general repen- 
 tance. God Almighty fhow his omnipotent mercy 
 upon you. Father, into thy hands we commend his 
 fpirit. Lord Jefus receive his foul.' Then the execu- 
 tioner proceeded to do his office." -j- 
 
 Surely the prefence of thefe holy men could not be 
 
 * " Account of what pafled at the Execution of {he late Duke of 
 Monmouth." 1650. f Ibid. 
 
1685] Bifloop of Bath and Wells. 203 
 
 confidered altogether needlefs. If a fenfe of paft fin be 
 of any avail, Mr. Fox fhould applaud, rather than 
 cenfure, a zeal that at length produced in Monmouth's 
 mind the contrition to which he was at firft a ftranger. 
 Did he think the fufferer's adherence, in the hour of 
 death, to the principles of rebellion, which he had fo 
 Jong acted upon againft every known law, human and 
 divine, more praifeworthy than a humble and contrite 
 fpirit before God ? or his natural courage and com- 
 pofure of mind more availing than a penitent con- 
 fefiion ? 
 
 We have no defire to juftify Ken at the expenfe of 
 his friends, the Bifhop of Ely, Dr. Tenifon, and Dr. 
 Hooper, companions with him in this charitable work. 
 We have reafoned as if he were equally refponfible 
 with the reft for all that is contained in the publifhed 
 "Account," and which carries with it their full justifi- 
 cation. But even if Mr. Fox's general charge againft 
 the Divines were well grounded, we might claim for 
 Ken a particular exemption. His biographer fays, 
 " becaufe I have lately feen fome reflections in a pam- 
 phlet, lately crept into the world, under the fufpicious 
 title of a c Secret Hiftory,' wherein Dr. Ken is by 
 name mentioned to teaze the Duke of Monmouth in 
 vain on the fcaffold to profefs the doctrine of Paflive 
 Obedience, I think it proper boldly to affirm that our 
 Bifhop never acted or aflifted there, but in the devo- 
 tional part only. And this, tho' a negative, may be 
 prov'd to fatisfaction." # Hawkins muft have derived 
 this authoritative denial from the Bifhop himfelf, who 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Biihop Ken, p. 38. 
 
204 Life a/' Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 was his uncle ; and it receives confirmation from a 
 pafTage in one of Ken's own letters, written to Burnet 
 fome years after : " Paffive Obedience," he there fays, 
 < f is a fubject with which I very rarely meddled."* 
 
 It muft have been a great mock to his companionate 
 n ature to be a compelled witnefs to the fcene of unufual 
 horror that followed, — to (land within a few paces 
 of the unhappy nobleman, whofe fufferings, owing to 
 the executioner's unfkilfulnefs and want of nerve, were 
 protracted in a manner too painful to detail. The 
 tragical fight, the handfome perfon, the youth and 
 graceful manners, the brave bearing in his laft mo- 
 ments, of this mod dear fon of the late King, whofe 
 memory yet lived in their hearts, excited the univerfal 
 compaflion of the people. The immenfe multitude 
 that crowded to the very tops of the furrounding houfes 
 bemoaned his fate with tears : pofterity {till fympathizes 
 with the fufferer in fpite of his faults, which we have 
 been compelled to remember only in defence of four 
 Englifh Prelates,']" unjuftly charged with a want of 
 Chriftian tendernefs. 
 
 No fooner was this fad fpectacle over, than Ken 
 haftened back to his diocefe, where equally mournful 
 fcenes awaited him. The ferocious inftruments of the 
 King's revenge were let loofe like hungry wolves upon 
 his defencelefs flock. James had refolved to ftrike 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Bifhop Ken, p. 33. 
 
 f Dr. Tenifon was afterwards made Archbifhop of Canterbury 
 by William III., and Dr. Hooper Bifhop of St. Afaph, and then of 
 Bath, by Queen Ann. 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 205 
 
 terror into the minds of the people by a fevere example 
 of vengeance. Neither rank, age nor fex was fpared : 
 it may be faid that no page of our hiftory prefents 
 fuch an amount of indifcriminate daughter as the 
 " Bloody Aflizes " of the Weft of England. Chief 
 Juftice Jefferies was fent down with a fpecial commif- 
 fion to try the rebels. Major General Kirke was 
 ordered to attend with a body of troops to keep the 
 people in awe. " It was not poflible to find in the 
 whole kingdom two men more devoid of religion, 
 honour, and humanity : they were two cruel mercilefs 
 tigers, that delighted in blood." * Hume defcribes 
 Jefferies as Cf a wanton in cruelty ; he fet out with a 
 favage joy, as to a full harveft of death and deftruction." 
 The victims found no mercy at his hands : he after- 
 wards boafted that he had hanged more men than all 
 the Judges of England fince William the Conqueror. 
 He had his reward : the King made him Lord Chan- 
 cellor ; — his death bed in the Tower was one of horror 
 and defpair. " Kirke was a foldier of fortune, who had 
 long ferved in Tangier, and had contracted, from his 
 intercourfe with the Moors, an inhumanity lefs known 
 in European and in free countries. At his firft en- 
 trance into Bridgewater he hanged nineteen prifoners 
 without the leaft enquiry into the merits of their caufe. 
 As if to make fport with death, he ordered a certain 
 number to be executed, while he and his company 
 mould drink the King's health, or the Queen's, or 
 Judge Jefferies's. Obferving their feet to quiver in 
 
 * Rapin, vol. ii. p. 750. 
 
206 Life of Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 the agonies of death, he cried that he would give them 
 murk to their dancing, and he immediately commanded 
 the drums to beat, and the trumpets to found." * 
 
 At Bridgewater, Taunton and Wells, the jails were 
 crowded with the unhappy prifoners. True, they had 
 been engaged in open rebellion ; but they were af- 
 flicted, hungry, plundered, and under the terrors of 
 death. Thefe were unanfwerable claims to the fym- 
 pathy of Bifhop Ken. He went from prifon to prifon, 
 miniftering to their wants, and exercifing all the offices 
 of mercy. Ten years afterwards, when he was a de- 
 prived Bifhop, being fummoned by King William's 
 Privy Council to anfwer to a charge of promoting 
 fubfcriptions for the relief of the non-juring clergy, 
 he modeftly pleads that what he did on behalf of the 
 prifoners in Monmouth's rebellion then gave no of- 
 fence to the court. fC My Lords," he fays, " in King 
 James's time there were about a thoufand or more im- 
 prifoned in my Diocefe, who were engaged in the 
 rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth, and many of 
 them were fuch which I had reafon to believe to be ill 
 men, and void of all religion : and yet, for all that, I 
 thought it my duty to relieve them. It is well known 
 to the Diocefe that I vifited them night and day, and 
 I thank God I fupplied them with neceffaries myfelf, 
 as far as I could, and encouraged others to do the 
 fame." | 
 
 * Hume's Hiftory of England, 
 t Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 52. 
 
1685] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells. 207 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Ken's " Expofition of the Church Catechifm " — " Directions for 
 Prayer " — " Prayers for the ufe of perfons who come to the 
 Baths" — Perfecution of the French Huguenots — Ken's cha- 
 ritable difpofition — His zeal in the Pajloral office. 
 
 T is time to lead Bifhop Ken from thefe 
 fcenes of mifery to more congenial du- 
 ties. To be the peaceful guide, the 
 teacher, the counfellor, the comforter, 
 the friend, the cenfor, when need was, of his widely 
 fcattered flock, were the offices that would beft re- 
 create his tried fpirit. In thefe he exemplified the 
 companionate zeal of a primitive Bifhop to promote 
 the welfare of his people. His whole thoughts feem 
 to have been engaged in prompting them to Chriftian 
 holinefs, efpecially by his example of meeknefs, charity, 
 felf denial, and prayer. He lived amongft his clergy, 
 knowing that fuch a refponfible work, to be effectual, 
 muft be uniform and abiding. " It was frequently 
 faid, by many of eminence, who knew him well, that 
 they never knew any perfon fo able, and earneft to do 
 good in fuch a ftation as he was." * 
 
 Among the firft objects at which his exertions aimed 
 was the education of the young. In this he had 
 already mown his zeal by the publication of his 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 12. 
 
208 Life 0^ Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 " Manual of Prayer," for the ufe of the Winchester 
 fcholars : but it is not generally known that he was one 
 of the earlieft and mod fuccefsful promoters of the 
 fyftem of Parifh Schools, — now again, within the laft 
 thirty years, happily revived in England. " He found 
 fo much deplorable ignorance among the grown poor 
 people, that he feared little good was to be done upon 
 them : but faid he would try whether he could not lay 
 a foundation to make the next generation better. And 
 this put him upon fetting up many fchools in all the 
 great towns of his Diocefe, for poor children to be 
 taught to read, and fay their Catechifm. By this 
 method and management he engaged the minifters to 
 be more careful in catechizing the children of their 
 parifhes ; and they were by him furnifhed with a flock 
 of necefTary books for the ufe of children. And we 
 may now judge by the great and good fuccefs of the 
 Charity-fchools, which are now fo numerous, what 
 great and good ends he at that time propofed."* 
 
 Thus with the fyftem of Parifh fchools he connects 
 the practice of catechizing : and not only did he en- 
 force this in fchools, but in Church alfo, as a duty 
 exprefsly ordered in the Rubric, — a duty, in this our 
 day of neglected ordinances, well-nigh obfolete. " The 
 Church," he fays, " has enjoined all fathers and mothers, 
 mafters and dames, to caufe their children, fervants, 
 and apprentices, to come to the Church at the time 
 appointed, and obediently to hear, and be ordered by 
 the Curate, until fuch time as they have learned all 
 that is appointed in the Catechifm to be learned." f 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 13. 
 
 f Preface to the " Practice of Divine Love." 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 209 
 
 It is difficult to account for the prevalent neglect 
 of that exprefs order of our Church, <f the Curate 
 of every Parifh mall diligently upon Sundays and 
 Holy-days, after the fecond leflbn at Evening Prayer, 
 openly in the Church inftruct, and examine the chil- 
 dren in fome part of this Catechifm." It cannot be 
 that our Clergy need examples in their predeceflbrs 
 for enforcing this wholefome order : they have Bifhops 
 Andrews, Wilfon, Sancroft, and Wake, and many 
 other pious and learned Prelates. Wherever the prac- 
 tice has been reftored, it is found to excite a lively 
 intereft, not in the minds of the children and parents 
 only but, in the congregation generally. It conveys 
 to them a more fimple expofition of Scripture, and a 
 clearer view of doctrine than they gain from fermons : 
 for, fays George Herbert in his Country Parfon, " there 
 is in fermons a kind of ftate ; in catechizing there is 
 a humblenefs very fuitable to Chriftian regeneration. 
 It is an admirable way of teaching, wherein the cate- 
 chized will at length find delight, and by which the 
 catechizer, if he once get the fkill of it, will draw out 
 of filly fouls even the dark and deep points of re- 
 ligion." * 
 
 That he might more effectually help forward this 
 great duty, the Bimop at once put forth the work 
 already alluded to, " An Expofition on the Church 
 Catechism, or the Practice of Divine Love, cornpofed 
 for the Diocefe of Bath and Wells." We are able to 
 fix the precife date of its publication : the Imprimatur 
 was granted at Lambeth, Auguft 9, 1685, — being 
 
 * The Parfon'' s Catechizing. 
 P 
 
210 Life of Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 lefs than a month after his attendance on the fcaffold 
 with Monmouth, and in the firft year of his Epifcopate. 
 Nothing can be more affectionate and perfuafive than 
 his exhortation to his people to fecure the means of 
 chriftian inftrudlion to themfelves, and their children, 
 through the catechifm. He dedicates it by ff An 
 Epiftle to the Inhabitants within the Diocefe of Bath 
 and Wells," whom he addreffes as his " Dearly Be- 
 loved in the Lord," calling himfelf " Thomas, your 
 unworthy Bifhop," and " wifheth them the Knowledge 
 and Love of God." 
 
 " Since the Providence of God," he fays, tc who is 
 wont to glorifie His ftrength in the weaknefs of the 
 inftruments He ufes, has caught me up from among 
 the meaneft. herdmen* into the paftoral throne, and 
 has been pleafed to commit you to my care, the love 
 I ought to pay to the Chief Shepherd obliges me to 
 feed all his lambs and his fheep, that belong to my 
 flock, and according to my poor abilities, to teach 
 them the knowledge and the love of God, and how 
 they may make them both their daily ftudy and prac- 
 tice. One thing I moft earnestly beg of you all, 
 whether old or young, that ye would help me to fave 
 your own fouls ; that ye would learn and ferioufly 
 confider, again and again, the terms on which your 
 falvation is to be had. As for you who have families, 
 I befeech you to inftil into your children and fervants 
 their duty, both by your teaching and your example : 
 in good earneft it is lefs cruel and unnatural to deny 
 them bread for their mortal bodies, than faving know- 
 
 * Amos i. 1. 
 
 
1685] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells. 2 1 1 
 
 ledge for their immortal fouls. Ye that are fathers, 
 or matters, I exhort you to tread in the fteps of 
 Abraham, the father of the faithful!, and the friend of 
 God, and like him to command your children and 
 houfeholds to keep the way of the Lord. Ye that are 
 mothers, or miftrefles, I exhort you to imitate that 
 unfeigned faith, which dwelt in young Timothy's 
 grandmother Lois, and his mother Eunice, who taught 
 him from a child to know the Holy Scriptures, which 
 were able to make him wife to falvation ; and like 
 them to bring up your children in the nurture and 
 admonition of the Lord. God of his infinite mercy 
 blefs the whole to his glory, and to your edification, 
 through Jefus the beloved. Amen. Amen." 
 
 Independent of its merits as an expofition of Ca- 
 tholic doctrines, this treatife abounds with pafTages 
 of eminent force and beauty. They are fo many 
 folemn avowals of his attachment to the Anglican 
 Church, for which he afterwards fuffered imprifonment 
 under one king, and deprival by another. They ftamp 
 him, as he has ever been confidered, one of the moft 
 orthodox and holy Prelates of any age. They mow 
 his familiar acquaintance with Scripture, his fervent 
 piety, and the exaclnefs of his judgment, by which he 
 weighed every doctrine in the balance of the divine 
 word. Thefe may well conftitute him a fafe guide, 
 and as it were a laft appeal, on queftions of doctrine 
 to all flncere members of our Church, who bring to 
 the ftudy of truth an unbiafTed and teachable mind. 
 As a book of prayer, it is even yet more admirable. 
 He feems to pour forth a continuous ftream of adora- 
 tion and penitent love, calculated to exalt all hearts to 
 
212 Life of Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 a foretafte of the unclouded joys to come. His whole 
 life was an example of a devout fpirit, which may be 
 faid to have been a leading feature of his character. 
 We have already feen that nothing was permitted to 
 interrupt u his clofet addreffes to his God/' his recrea- 
 tion, and his ftudies, and the active work of his Diocefe, 
 being all made fubfervient to this higheft duty and 
 privilege, and how he accuftomed himfelf to but one 
 fleep, and rofe often at one or two o'clock in the 
 morning, and fometimes fooner, to join the angels in 
 their work of praife.* 
 
 It was in this fpirit that he directed the Winchefter 
 fcholars, " as foon as they awoke in the morning, to 
 offer the firft fruits of the day to God." " When you 
 are ready, look on your foul as ftill undreft, till you 
 have faid your prayers. Remember that God under 
 the Law ordained a lamb to be offered up to Him 
 every morning and evening. A lamb ! that is a fit 
 emblem of youth and innocence ; think then that you 
 are to refemble this lamb, and be fure every day to 
 offer up yourfelf a morning and an evening facrifice to 
 God." 
 
 And as if this were a fubject which could never be 
 
 " Wake, and lift up thyfelf, my Heart, 
 And with the Angels bear thy part, 
 Who all night long unwearied fing, 
 Glory to the Eternal King. 
 
 I wake, I wake, ye Heavenly Choire ; 
 May your devotions me infpire, 
 That I like you my age may fpend, 
 Like you may on my God attend." 
 
 Ken's Morning Hymn. 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 2 1 3 
 
 exhaufted, he now again in this firft year of his Epifco- 
 pate, compofed for the fpecial ufe of the " Poor In- 
 habitants within the Diocefe of Bath and Wells," a 
 further treatife or manual, being " Directions for 
 Prayer." " Sure I am," he fays to them, " the zeal 
 I ought to have for your falvation can fuggeft to me 
 nothing more conducing to the good of your fouls 
 than to exhort and befeech you all, of either fex, to 
 learn how to pray. I do not only inceffantly pray for 
 you myfelf, but I beg of you all to pray for yourfelves, 
 and I befeech you to read the following inftructions ; 
 or if you cannot read yourfelves, get fome honeft cha- 
 ritable neighbour to read them often to you ; and God 
 of His great mercy reward the charity of fuch neigh- 
 bours. I muft feed you with milk, before you can be 
 capable of ftrong meat ; and I muft look upon you as 
 lambs of my flock, which I am to ufe tenderly. And 
 thefe following directions, which I give to parents for 
 the training up of their children in piety, I do equally 
 defign for the training up of you. God of His infinite 
 goodnefs blefs them to you both. I exhort all you 
 who are parents to inftill good things into your chil- 
 dren, as foon as ever they begin to fpeak : let the firft. 
 words they utter, if it be poftible, be thefe, c Glory be 
 to God.'' Accuftom them to repeat thefe words on 
 their knees, as foon as they rife, and when they go to 
 bed, and oft-times in the day ; and let them not eat or 
 drink without faying, f Glory be to God.'' The fame 
 method you obferve in teaching your children, the 
 fame you may obferve in teaching your fervants, ac- 
 cording as you fee they want teaching : and you your- 
 felves will reap the benefit of it, as well as your fer- 
 
214 Life of Thomas Ken, [1685 
 
 vants ; for the more devout fervants they are of God, 
 the more faithful fervants will they be to you." 
 
 Then he gives them " A Method of Daily Prayer," 
 being appropriate forms for all occafions. " As foon as 
 ever you awake, offer up your firfl: thoughts and words 
 to God." " As you are rifing fay" &c. " As foon as 
 you are dreffed, kneel down, as our Saviour kneeled at 
 His prayers, and remember you are in God's prefence, 
 and fay your prayers with reverence and devotion." 
 " After the like manner you may pray at night." " As 
 you are going to bed fay" &c. "As you began the 
 day, fo end it with glorifying God ; and when you are 
 in bed fay" &c. Then he gives ejaculations " at going 
 out or coming in, at meals, at work, in the fhop or 
 market, in temptation or danger, at any time of the 
 day." " You that have families I do further exhort 
 that, befides your private prayers, you would offer up 
 to God a morning and evening facrifice in your families, 
 and that every one of you would take up the holy re- 
 folution of Jofhua, c as for me and my houfe, we will 
 ferve the Lord.' And the prayers I advife you to ufe 
 are taken out of the Common Prayer, as being moft 
 familiar and of greateft authority withal.* God of His 
 infinite mercy blefs thefe inftruclions to His Glory, and 
 to the furtherance of your devotion, through Jefus the 
 the Beloved. Amen. Amen." 
 
 * This was alfo George Herbert's opinion : for when Mr. Dun- 
 can came to vifit him in his laft ficknefs, at the inftance of his friend 
 Nicholas Farrer, after fome difcourfe of Mr. Farrer's holy life, and 
 the manner of his conftant ferving God, " he faid to Mr. Duncan, 'Sir, 
 I fee by your habit that you are a prieft, and I defire you to pray with 
 me :' which being granted, Mr. Duncan afked him 'what prayers?' 
 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath and Wells, % 1 5 
 
 He considered his work ftill incomplete, fo long as 
 any within range of his influence, for however ihort a 
 time, could be found unprovided with prayers, fuited 
 to their peculiar cafe. Seeing therefore that many of 
 the rich, as well as poor, fuffering under various di- 
 feafes, came to the Bath waters for the recovery of their 
 health, he put forth another Manual, being "Prayers 
 for the ufe of all perfons who come to the Baths for 
 cure." j- He would make thefe medicinal waters, re- 
 frefhing fprings of fpiritual confolation — "wells of wa- 
 ter fpringing up unto everlafting life." 
 
 Such were the Bifhop's unwearied endeavours to make 
 men prayerful. He feemed to fear nothing fo much 
 as to lofe irrevocable opportunities of doing good. Yet 
 he was again, more than once in the courfe of this year, 
 called away for very fhort periods. Parliament had 
 been prorogued on the 2nd of July, in confequence of 
 Monmouth's rebellion, the King judging it needful 
 that the members fhould repair to their refpective coun- 
 ties. They were appointed to meet again on the 4th 
 of Auguft, when the Bifhop was prefent in the Houfe 
 of Lords, but only for one day, as a further adjourn- 
 ment immediately took place to the 4th of November. 
 We find by the Journals that he and Sancroft again at- 
 tended from the i ith to the 17th of November. On 
 the 20th the King, finding that the Houfes were much 
 
 To which Mr. Herbert's anfwer was, * O, Sir, the prayers of my 
 mother, the Church of England : no other prayers are equal to them. 
 But at this time, I beg of you to pray only the Litany, for I am weak 
 and faint." — Walton's Life of George Herbert. 
 
 * See Markland's Edition of thefe Prayers ; prefixed to his intereft- 
 ing Life of Ken. 1849. izmo. 
 
216 Life <?/* Thomas Ken, [^85 
 
 difTatisfied with his employing Roman Catholic officers 
 in the army, contrary to law, again adjourned them to 
 the 10th of February : but he never permitted them to 
 meet afterwards. His refolution to govern without 
 Parliament led to his downfall. Ken returned once 
 more to his Diocefe, and to renewed energies in the 
 great work of the Paftoral cure. His tendernefs and 
 condefcenfion conciliated all ranks : he fpared no labour 
 or perfuafion to eftablifh a unity of affection between 
 the clergy and their people. No minifterial office was 
 beneath his care. Not only in his Cathedral city did 
 he ordain, confirm, and catechife ; but in the fummer 
 time he went about to the large Parifh Churches, where 
 he would preach twice, and catechize the children.* 
 Thefe labours made him venerable in the eyes of all 
 men. He had no time to court the fociety of the great, 
 being intent on the exact fulfilment of his duties, in 
 which he always ftill thought himfelf defective. His 
 own felf-denial, and ftrictnefs of life, added force to all 
 his exertions for the reftoration of ecclefiaftical difcipline, 
 of which he gave a faithful account to his Metropolitan, 
 Archbifhop Sancroft.f 
 
 He was the common father of his people : but the 
 poor in Wells (who were very numerous) were the ef- 
 pecial objects of his Chriftian fympathy. "He was very 
 earned in contriving proper expedients of relief for the 
 needy ; and thought no defign could better anfwer all 
 the ends of charity than the fetting up a workhoufe in 
 that place. But judging it not practicable without the 
 advice, or at leaft the affiftance of the Gentlerrten, he 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 14. f Profe Works of Ken, by Round. 
 
1685] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 2 1 7 
 
 therefore often met and confulted with them. In this 
 he had a double view ; to refcue the idle from vicious 
 practice and converfation, and the induftrious from the 
 oppreflion of the tradefmen, who, to ufe his own ex- 
 preffion, did grind the face of the poor, growing rich 
 by their labour, and making them a very fcanty allow- 
 ance for their work."* But he was difappointed in his 
 charitable wilhes : he ct found no fuitable encourage- 
 ment, and was forced to defift" from his plan. 
 
 In the midft of thefe peaceful labours of the Bifhop 
 for the good of his own people, a voice of lamentation 
 rofe from a neighbouring country, fo real and deep that 
 it compelled the attention of all Europe. The Edict 
 of Nantes had for nearly a century fecured to the French 
 Proteftants a reluctant toleration. But it was referved 
 to France, in the accomplifhed and luxurious .age of 
 Louis XIV. to commit an act of infane cruelty, equalled 
 only in her own avenging Revolution. Louis, confident 
 in his ambitious projects for univerfal power, and prompt- 
 ed by a blind fanaticifm to reduce all his fubjects to his 
 own creed, refolved to exterminate the Huguenots, "j" 
 They were oppreffed by a feries of the moft cruel mili- 
 tary perfecutions, known by the name of dragonnades ; 
 their towns defolated, themfelves put to the moft inge- 
 nious and protracted torture. Tho'ufands of innocent 
 victims were maftacred without fear or remorfe. Thus 
 the King confummated a deed of treachery and ingrati- 
 tude, of fo dark a hue, that it indelibly ftains his own 
 character, and the hiftory of France ; — treacherous, be- 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 16. 
 
 t The Edia of Nantes was revoked 1 8th Oft. 1685. 
 
2i 8 Life of Thomas Ken, [1686 
 
 caufe it violated the pledge of a national compact, de- 
 clared to be irrevocable, — and ungrateful towards a 
 brave and loyal race, whom he had but lately thanked 
 and applauded for their fidelity to his throne, when 
 menaced by the war of the Fronde. 
 
 Ken's warm heart kindled at the fpectacle of 50,000 
 victims of a flern intolerance, now refugees in England. 
 Being appointed one of the Preachers at Whitehall in 
 the following Lent, he took that occafion * to preach 
 " a mofl excellent and pathetical difcourfe on the 6th 
 of John, v. 1 7," in furtherance of fubfcriptions for the 
 opprefTed exiles. " After he had recommended the duty 
 of failing, and other penitential duties, he exhorted to 
 conftancy in the Proteflant Religion, deteflation of the 
 unheard-of cruelties of the French, and {lining up a 
 liberal contribution. This fermon was the more accept- 
 able, as it was unexpected from a Bifhop, who had un- 
 dergone the cenfure of being inclined to Popery, the 
 contrary whereof no man could (how more."'f* 
 
 Amidfl the general commiferation for the perfecuted 
 Huguenots James and his counfellors felt fomething 
 more than indifference. If he did not, as fome afTert, 
 congratulate the French tyrant on this " victory over 
 herefy," which was declared by writers of that Church 
 to be " greater than all the conquefls of Alexander and 
 Caefar," he took every means to fupprefs a knowledge 
 of the facts. He even caufed a tranflation of Monfieur 
 Claude's book, containing an account of the barbarous 
 proceedings in France, to be burned at the Exchange 
 by the common hangman ; — at once an outrage on the 
 
 * 14th March, 1686. f Evelyn's Diary, Vol. i. p. 625. 
 
1 6 8 6] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells . 219 
 
 generous fympathy of his people, and an evidence of 
 his own refolute defigns for the eftablifhment of Po- 
 pery. " So mighty a power and afcendant," fays Eve- 
 lyn, " had the French ambafTador, who was doubtlefs in 
 great indignation at the pious and truly generous cha- 
 rity of the nation, for the relief of thofe miferable fuf- 
 ferers, who came over for fhelter." 
 
 James, however, thought it prudent to yield to the 
 call of the nation, and iffued his letters patent to the 
 Bifhops for a general collection on behalf of the exiles. 
 Charitable Ken immediately caufed an addrefs to be 
 circulated through his Diocefe, exhorting the Clergy 
 with all expedition, affectionately and earneftly to per- 
 fuade their people to contribute to fo good a work. He 
 begins his addrefs, as ufual, afcribing " All Glory to 
 God." " I befeech you for the love of God, to be 
 yourfelves exemplary liberal, according to your abi- 
 lity, remembering how bleffed a thing it is to be bro- 
 therly kind to lb-angers, to Chriftian ftrangers, efpecially 
 fuch as thofe whofe diftrefs is very great, and in all re- 
 fpects molt worthy of our tenderer!: commiferation, and 
 how our moll adorable Redeemer does interpret, and 
 does proportionably reward, all the good we do to them, 
 as done to Himfelf. God of His infinite mercy infpire 
 this fraternal charity into your fouls, and into the fouls 
 of all your Parifh. Tho. Bath and Wells. 
 
 "Wells, April 15th, 1686." 
 
 We might expect, when he invited his Clergy to fet 
 their parifhioners a liberal example, he would himfelf be 
 foremoft in fuch a commirTion of charity. Accordingly 
 we have a remarkable ad of munificence recorded of 
 
220 Life tf/' Thomas Ken, [1686 
 
 him at this juncture. As if to open a way for him in 
 a work of love fo near his heart, he opportunely " re- 
 ceived a fine of four thoufand Pounds, and the greater 
 part was given to the French Proteftants ! fo little re- 
 gard had he to future contingencies."* 
 
 Unmeafured as was his bounty to a whole commu- 
 nity of fufFerers, and earner!: as he was in advocating 
 their caufe, and collecting the fubfcriptions, he ftill found 
 time to be gracious and charitable to the meaneft indi- 
 vidual. We are often ready enough by contributions 
 of money, which occafion us no fenfible privation, to 
 abfolve ourfelves from the harder duty of giving our 
 time and perfonal care to thofe who are in need. Ken 
 never loft the opportunity of difcourfing kindly, and 
 patiently, with the loweft who approached him. "He 
 had a very happy way of mixing his fpiritual with his 
 corporal alms. When any poor perfon begged of him, 
 he would examine whether he could fay the Lord's 
 Prayer or Creed." t He had a very tender regard for 
 every fheep of his flock. " The fhepherd," fays St. 
 Chryfoftom, " leaving the ninety and nine, did not re- 
 turn till he had completed his number, by recovering 
 that fheep that was loft. Tell me not it is only one : 
 remember that it is a foul for which all things vifible 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 22. 
 
 f Ibid. p. 1 2. — In this, as in many other particulars, he refembled 
 George Herbert, who would allow no thanks to himfelf for the alms 
 he bellowed j but would have them fay, " God be praifed, God be 
 glorified." " So doth he alfo, before giving, make them fay their 
 prayers firft, or the Creed, and ten commandments ; and as he finds 
 them perfedt, rewards them the more. For other givings are lay and 
 fecnlar ; but this is to give like a prieft." — The Par/on' 's Charity. 
 
i686] Bijhop of Bath and Wells, 221 
 
 were made; for which laws were given, miracles wrought, 
 and myfteries effected ; for which God fpared not his 
 own Son. Think how great a price has been paid for 
 this one fheep, and bring him back to the fold." Cha- 
 ritable Dr. Hammond fays fC Oh what a glorious thing, 
 how rich a prize for the expenfe of a man's whole life, 
 were it to be the inftrument of refcuing one foul !" 
 
 The rich man's barn, it is faid, is the poor man's 
 ftorehoufe. So the Bifhop in his palace was the boun- 
 tiful fteward for diftributing to every clafs a portion of 
 his worldly means. He fought out new ways of cha- 
 rity, knowing that the inequalities of life are ordained 
 for the probation of faith, both in thofe who have abun- 
 dance, and thofe who want. He gave largely, for he 
 loved much : he difcerned Chrift's pierced Hand ever 
 ready to receive the gift, difpenfed to the leaft of His 
 poor ones, — " thefe My brethren, anhungered, athirft, 
 naked, ftrangers ; " and he heard the voice, " thou doeft 
 it unto Me." His benevolence flowed out of a con- 
 descending fpirit, that made it an offering of fpikenard, 
 very precious to Him who giveth the grace to beftow, 
 and the reward. " When he was at home on fundays, 
 he would have twelve poor men or women, to dine 
 with him in his hall : always endeavouring, whilft he 
 fed their bodies, to comfort their fpirits by fome chear- 
 ful difcourfe, generally mixt with fome ufeful inftruc- 
 tion. And when they had dined, the remainder was 
 divided among them, to carry home to their families."* 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 14. — Such was George Herbert's 
 courtefy. " The poor are welcome to his table ; whom he fome- 
 times purpofely takes home with him, fetting them clofe by him, 
 
222 Life #/* Thomas Ken, [1686 
 
 Happily this ancient hall in the Palace of Wells remains 
 as it was ; and there hangs a portrait of the good Bi- 
 fhop, with the benignant fmile * that beamed from his 
 countenance, when he fat in "cheerful difcourfe" with 
 his aged guefts. Thus literally did he fulfil his Maf- 
 ter's injunction : <f when thou makeft a dinner, or a 
 fupper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither 
 thy kinfmen, nor thy rich neighbours, left they alfo bid 
 thee again, and a recompenfe be made thee. But when 
 thou makeft a feaft call the poor, the maimed, the lame, 
 the blind : and thou malt be bleffed ; for they cannot 
 recompenfe thee : for thou fhalt be recompenfed at the 
 refurrection of the juft." 
 
 About this time he was called upon for another Edi- 
 tion of his " Practice of Divine Love." As in the cafe 
 of his Manual of Prayers, he had been mifreprefented 
 in " a Popifh pamphlet " to hold the Roman doctrine 
 of Invocation of Saints, — fo now they claimed him as a 
 believer in the dogma of Tranfubftantiation. He thus 
 refutes the charge in a preface to the Second Edition : 
 " The author thinks himfelf obliged to declare that he 
 does now, and always did, humbly fubmit this Expofi- 
 tion to the judgment of the Church of England, con- 
 formably to whofe Articles he defires all good Chriftians 
 to interpret it : and to prevent all mifunderftandings for 
 
 and carving for them, both for his own humility, and their comfort, 
 who are much cheered with fuch friendlinefTes. Having then in- 
 vited fome of his parifh, he taketh his times to do the like to the reft ; 
 fo that, in the compafs of the year, he hath them all with him." 
 
 * Granger, fpeaking of the refpedt in which Ken was held in the 
 court of Charles II. for his unaffedled piety, fays " the opennefs of 
 his countenance correfponded with the fimplicity of his character." 
 
1 686] Bijfjop of Bath and Wells. 223 
 
 the future, he has in his revifing it made fome few little 
 alterations, not at all varying his meaning, but his ex- 
 pressions, to render the whole as unexceptionable as be- 
 comes a book, not defigned for difpute, but for devo- 
 tion." 
 
 It will be {ten by the altered pafTage in this Edition 
 (publifhed in 1686) that whilft he repudiates the Ro- 
 man error of Tranfubftantiation, he conveys his deli- 
 berate and confirmed adherence to the Anglican (becaufe 
 Catholic) doctrine of the "Real Prefence" in the Holy 
 Eucharift. 
 
 1685. 
 
 O God Incarnate, how Thou 
 canft " give us Thy Flefh to eat, 
 and Thy Blood to drink;" how 
 Thy Flefh is meat indeed, and 
 Thy Blood is drink indeed ; how 
 he that eateth Thy Flefh and 
 drinketh Thy Blood dwelleth in 
 Thee, and Thou in him, how he 
 fhall live by Thee, and be raifed 
 up by Thee to life eternal ; how 
 Thou, who art in Heaven, art 
 prefent on the Altar, I can by no 
 means explain ; but I firmly be- 
 lieve it all, becaufe Thou haft faid 
 it, and I firmly rely on Thy Love, 
 and on Thy Omnipotence, to 
 make good Thy word, though 
 the means of doing it I cannot 
 comprehend." 
 
 1686. 
 O God Incarnate, how the 
 bread and the wine, unchanged 
 in their fubftance, become Thy 
 Body and Thy Blood ; after what 
 extraordinary manner Thou, who 
 art in Heaven, art prefent through- 
 out the whole facramental action 
 to every devout receiver, how 
 Thou canft give us Thy Flefh to 
 eat, and Thy Blood to drink ; 
 how Thy Flefh is meat indeed, 
 and Thy Blood is drink indeed ; 
 how he that eateth Thy Flefh, 
 and drinketh Thy Blood, dwel- 
 leth in Thee, and Thou in him ; 
 how he fhall live by Thee, and 
 be raifed up by Thee to life eter- 
 nal, I can by no means compre- 
 hend ; but I firmly believe all 
 Thou haft faid, and I firmly rely 
 on Thy Omnipotent Love to 
 make good thy word ; for which 
 all love, all glory be to Thee." 
 
 No one who carefully reads his Expofition of the 
 
224 Life 0/~ Thomas Ken, [1686 
 
 Catechifm can doubt his hearty concurrence in the 
 purity and foundnefs of the Faith, taught in the Church 
 of England. In that part which expounds the Creed, 
 he fays, Cf Glory be to Thee, O God, Who haft made 
 me a member of the particular Church of England, 
 whofe faith and government, and worfhip, are holy 
 and Catholic, and Apoftolic, and free from the ex- 
 tremes of irreverence and fuperftition ; which I firmly 
 believe to be a found part of the Church univerfal." 
 
1 6 8 6 ] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 225 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Meafures ofjames II. for ejlablijhing Romanif?n — Ken's Paf- 
 toral Letter to his Clergy — His Sermon at Whitehall^ up- 
 holding the Church of England — His boldnefs^ and eloquence 
 as a Preacher — The King's Declaration of Indulgence. 
 
 '■ HUh mHS UBLIC jealoufy and difcontent began 
 now to forebode a coming ftorm, which 
 called the Bifhop from the Palace at 
 % Wells to a more {lining fphere of ac- 
 tion. Notwithftanding the King's open profeflion of 
 Romanifm, the people had been at firft difpofed to 
 truft the promife of his coronation oath, that he would 
 maintain the integrity of the Church of England. 
 Nothing could be more explicit than that oath. The 
 ceremony is thus defcribed by Sandford. 
 
 Then the Petition or requeft of the Bifhops to the 
 King was read by the Bifhop of Gloucefter in a clear 
 voice, in the name of the reft ftanding by. 
 
 Our Lord and King ; we requeft you to pardon 
 us and to grant and preferve unto us, and the churches 
 committed to our charge, all canonical privileges, and 
 due law and juftice, and that you will protect and de- 
 fend us, as every good King in his kingdom ought to 
 be Protector, and Defender of the Bifhops and Churches 
 under their Government. 
 
 " The King anfwered, ( With a willing and devout 
 heart I promife to grant you my pardon, and that I 
 will preferve and maintain to you, and the churches 
 
 Q 
 
226 Life of Thomas Ken, [1686 
 
 committed to your charge, all canonical privileges, 
 and due law and juftice : and that I will be your Pro- 
 tector and Defender, to my power, by the amftance of 
 God, as every good King in his kingdom ought in 
 right to protect and defend the Bifhops, and churches 
 under their government.' 
 
 " Then the King rofe from his chair, and being 
 attended by the Lord Great Chamberlain, and fup- 
 ported by the two Bifhops (Ken and Crew) and the 
 fword of ftate carried before him, he went to the altar, 
 and laying his hand upon the Evangelifts, took the 
 Oath following. f The things which I have here be- 
 fore promifed, I will perform and keep. So help me 
 God, and the contents of this Book.' And then he 
 kited the Book."* 
 
 His zeal, however, for the Roman Church foon 
 prompted him to violate this pledge, and engaged him 
 in an enterprize that could only fucceed by proftrating 
 the laws and liberties he had fworn to maintain. The 
 Houfe of Commons, in the previous reign, had parted 
 refolutions to exclude him from the fucceffion on the 
 ground of his avowed religion. This might have in- 
 dicated to him the firm refolve of the people to main- 
 tain the Anglican faith. But he would rifle all rather 
 than compromife his tenets by any difguife. No 
 fooner was he feated on the throne than he bent his 
 whole mind to the eftablifhment of what he confidered 
 the only true Church ; doubtlefs from a vivid fenfe 
 of refponfibilities that lay beyond the " judgment of 
 man's day." So far he challenges our refpecft. At no 
 
 * King James's Coronation: by Francis Sandford, folio, 1687. 
 
1 686] Bijfjop of Bath and Wells. 227 
 
 period, before or after his dethronement, did he fwerve 
 from this fixed principle. He flaked his crown in the 
 caufe of his religion ; and fanatic though he might be, 
 and tyrant as he was, his felf-facrifice was an act of 
 perfonal devotion. In one of his letters, when Duke 
 of York, he writes, cc Pray, once for all, never fay any 
 thing to me again of turning Proteftant : do not expect 
 it, or flatter yourfelf that I fhall ever be it. I never 
 mail ; and if occafion were, I hope God would give 
 me His grace to fuffer death for the true Catholic re- 
 ligion, as well as banifhment. What I have done was 
 not haftily, but upon mature confideration, and fore- 
 feeing all, and more than has yet happened to me." * 
 
 James was not wanting in qualities that in all ages 
 have fitted men to bend others to their own will. Of 
 unqueftioned courage in the field, untiring in attention 
 to bufinefs, frugal of his revenue, zealous even to 
 hardihood in the purfuit of his ends, recklefs of the 
 means for their attainment, decifive and tenacioufly 
 firm of purpofe. But with thefe he had the corref- 
 ponding faults ; being felf- confident, regardlefs of 
 counfel, and therefore precipitate, and forgetful of the 
 leffons of experience. He knew not the art to govern 
 men by their fympathies, their prejudices, and their 
 interefts : and he was fingularly unobfervant of the 
 real character of thofe about him, confiding where he 
 mould have fufpected, — miftruftful where he might 
 have repofed the fulleft confidence. 
 
 Either of his fondly cherifhed defigns would have 
 demanded all the patience and fkill of a confummate 
 
 * Lord Dartmouth's MSS. notes on Burnet, vol. i. p. 358. 
 
228 Life of Thomas Ken, [1686 
 
 tactician j — one, to make himfelf an abfolute King 
 over a brave people, whofe free inftitutions were en- 
 deared to them by chequered but fuccefsful ftruggles ; 
 — the other to re-eftablifh, under the dominion of 
 the Pope, a worfhip that had been rendered odious 
 to them by cruel perfecutions. The influence he had 
 exercifed in the foreign policy of his brother's reign 
 tended to encreafe the public prejudice againft him. 
 Even his own naval battles, were coldly thought of: 
 it is true they fuftained the Englifh character for un- 
 daunted bravery, but were directed rather to weaken 
 their Proteftant allies, the Dutch, than to humble the 
 pride of Louis. 
 
 The nation, divided between attachment to the pure 
 and primitive Church of England, and the modern 
 fpirit of Puritanifm, concurred in a repugnance to 
 Romifh doctrines and government. All were roufed 
 to a deeper averfion by the King's hafty introduction of 
 foreign priefts and Jefuits, and of pompous ceremonials, 
 which both parties confidered to be an unreal mockery 
 of worfhip. This was aggravated by a folemn but futile 
 embafTy to the Pope, for the avowed purpofe of recon- 
 ciling the three kingdoms to the Roman fee. The 
 AmbafTador, moreover, was received by the haughty 
 Pontiff with an indifference that wounded the national 
 pride, at all times jealous of foreign authority. 
 
 The King purfued his objects with infatuated zeal. 
 He not only difpenfed with the affiftance of Parliament, 
 and raifed a large {landing army, but yielded himfelf 
 to the guidance of a prieftly junto, and the interefted 
 counfels of Louis, contrary to the advice of the Pope 
 
1686J BiJIjop of Bath and Wells, 229 
 
 himfelf, who forefaw the fatal refults of fo unequal a 
 conteft. 
 
 He proceeded at firft with comparative caution in 
 England, where his movements were jealoufly watched 
 by a more powerful ariftocracy, and a more enlightened 
 people. But in Scotland he at once refolved to fet 
 himfelf above the laws, afTuming by his " fovereign 
 authority, prerogative royal, and abfolute power, to 
 fufpend, flop, and difable all laws, ftatutes, or acts 
 of Parliament," * againft the Romanifts, claiming for 
 them the free exercife of their religion, which by the 
 ftatutes was prohibited. In Ireland his meafures were 
 taken with yet greater boldnefs : the Titular Bifhops 
 had been authorized to hold a general Convention of 
 the Romifh Clergy on the 15th of May, 1686. The 
 priefts had instructions from their refpective Bifhops 
 to give an exact lift of all the men in their parifhes, 
 capable of bearing arms ; Lord Clarendon, the Lord 
 Lieutenant, was ordered to difpenfe with the Judges 
 taking the Oath of fupremacy ; nineteen Romanifts 
 were fworn in as Privy Counfellors ; — the corporations 
 were filled with them ; — all the Proteftant officers and 
 foldiers were difmifled from the feveral regiments, and 
 Roman Catholic chaplains appointed ; " fo that I doubt 
 not, (fays Lord Clarendon on the 6th of July, 1686) 
 within a month, or little more, the whole army will 
 be compofed, as his Majefty would have it." Thus 
 " 300 officers loft their commiffions, and above 5000 
 foldiers were fent pilgrimizing, having nothing to truft 
 to but the charity of others, which in thofe times was 
 
 * 12th February, 1687. 
 
230 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1686 
 
 very cold, anfwerable to the feafon of the year, and the 
 climate of the country." * " Sir Alexander Fitton, a 
 perfon detected of forgery both at Weftminfter and 
 Chefter, and fined by the Houfe of Lords, was brought 
 out of jail, and fet over the higher! court, as Lord 
 Chancellor of Ireland, to keep the King's confcience, 
 having no other quality to recommend him befides his 
 being a converted Papift, and is a renegade to his re- 
 ligion and country." f To complete all, Colonel Tal- 
 bot, a Papift, a mere foldier of fortune, infolent and 
 unprincipled, was created Earl Tyrconnel, and fent 
 over to fuperfede Clarendon as Lord Lieutenant, and 
 root out every faith but the Roman. 
 
 Emboldened by this fuccefs, James made further 
 advances towards the eftablifhment of Popery in Eng- 
 land. Five Roman Catholic Lords were admitted to 
 the Privy Council. The Judges were called upon to 
 declare from the bench that the Crown was abfolute, 
 — that the penal laws were powers committed to the 
 King for the execution of juftice, but not to bind his 
 authority, or prevent his difpenfing with them. This 
 was preparatory to the fame ftep he had taken in Scot- 
 land. He fent for the principal members of both 
 houfes, and received them privately in his clofet, en- 
 deavouring to perfuade them to abjure their religion, 
 and to acquiefce in his meafures. The chief officers of 
 ft ate who refufed compliance were removed. Popifh 
 fheriffs and juftices of the peace, taken from the 
 loweft of the people were appointed in the counties, as 
 
 * Life of James II. 8vo. 1702, p. 145. 
 f Clarendon's Diary, vol. ii. p. 151. 
 
1 6 8 6] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 231 
 
 fit instruments of his purpofe. All of every clafs who 
 had courage to avow their attachment to the Anglican 
 faith, and refufed to comply with his arbitrary mea- 
 fures, were difmiffed from their employments. Popifh 
 bifhops were publickly confecrated in the king's chapel, 
 and under the title of fC Vicars Apoftolical," ifiued 
 to the laymen of that communion paftoral letters, which 
 were printed at the royal prefs. 
 
 But the meafure which, above all others, brought 
 the nation to a full fenfe of his defigns againft the 
 Englifh Church, was the appointment of an Eccle- 
 fiaftical Court of Inquifition, with unlimited powers to 
 reform all abufes, contempts, and offences of whatever 
 nature, to cite before them ecclefiaftical perfons of 
 every degree or dignity, and to cenfure, fufpend, or 
 deprive them without appeal ; and further to alter the 
 Statutes of the Univerfities, and all other corporations, 
 civil and religious. The greater part of the Com- 
 miflioners were Roman Catholics ; Lord Chancellor 
 Jefferies, cc of nature cruel, and a flave of the court," 
 was appointed always to prefide. Thus at once was 
 eftablifhed an authority, more extenfive and arbitrary 
 than the hated Star Chamber, and wielded by the 
 blood-ftained hand of one of the mod infamous of 
 men. 
 
 This court prohibited the clergy from controverting 
 the doctrines of Rome in their fermons ; the king 
 considering fuch a topic to be a reflection on his perfon 
 and government. He had already iffued an order to 
 the Archbifhops to interdict preaching on difputed 
 points. But the clergy every where declared them- 
 felves boldly againft the errors of the Romifh faith ; 
 
232 Life of Thomas Ken, [1686 
 
 <c and were wonderfully followed by the people. Not 
 one confiderable profelyte was made in all this time. 
 The party was exceedingly put to the worft by the 
 preaching and writing of the Protectants in many ex- 
 cellent treatifes, evincing the doctrine and difcipline of 
 the Reformed religion, to the manifeft difadvantage of 
 their adverfaries."* 
 
 Dr. Sharp, Rector of St. Giles's, and Dean of Can- 
 terbury, having made himfelf confpicuous in defence 
 of the Church, the King required Compton, Bifhop of 
 London, immediately to fufpend him from any further 
 preaching within his Diocefe, for " prefuming to make 
 unbecoming reflections, and infinuating fears and jea- 
 loufies of our government." The anfwer of the Bifhop 
 was worthy of his refponfible ftation : " he humbly 
 conceived that he was bound to proceed according to 
 law, and therefore it was imporlible for him to comply, 
 becaufe he muft act in the capacity of a judge, and no 
 judge condemns any man before he has knowledge of 
 the caufe, and has cited the party." Compton had 
 already rendered himfelf obnoxious to the court ; and 
 it was thought that, in making him the firft victim of 
 their exorbitant power, the commimoners would mow 
 the world their refolution to carry out the King's de- 
 signs. Their very firft act therefore (on the 6th of 
 Auguft, 1686) was to fummon him to the Council 
 Chamber at Whitehall. Compton pleaded the illegality 
 of the court, denied their jurifdiction, and was fuf- 
 pended from all epifcopal functions, on pain of depri- 
 vation, and removal from his Bifhopric. 
 
 * Evelyn's Diary, vol. i. p. 636. 
 
1 686] Bifoop of Bath and Wells. 233 
 
 While the King's public meafures were urged on by 
 an intemperate zeal and precipitancy that ruined the 
 caufe he had in hand, he was prompted by the rafh 
 counfels of the Queen and the Jefuits who thronged 
 the palace, to exhibit to the wandering people the 
 moft obnoxious ceremonies of his religion. As the 
 difpenfer of all offices of honour and emolument, he 
 might perhaps have gained over many profelytes by a 
 cautious and watchful policy : but his harm and im- 
 perious nature could brook no conditions, or limit to 
 his will. Confident in the foundnefs of his creed, ex- 
 travagant in the affumption of his prerogative, and 
 relying on the devotion of the army, he ventured to 
 rend afunder the bond of union between himfelf and 
 his fubjects. The moft faithful of his Proteftant ad- 
 herents were ftartled by a public celebration of Mafs 
 in the royal chapel. Evelyn thus defcribes the fcene : 
 <c I went to hear the mufic of the Italians in the new 
 chapel, now firft opened publickly at Whitehall for 
 the Popifh fervice. Here we faw the (Roman Catholic) 
 Bifhop in his mitre and rich copes, with fix or {even 
 Jefuits and others, in rich copes, fumptuoufly habited, 
 often taking off and putting on the Bifhop 's mitre, 
 who fate in a chaire with armes pontifically, was ador'd 
 and cens'd by three Jefuits in their copes ; then he 
 went to the altar, and made divers cringes, then cenfing 
 the images, and glorious tabernacle plac'd on the altar, 
 and now and then changing place : the crozier, which 
 was of filver, was put into his hand, with a world of 
 myfterious ceremony, the mufic playing, with finging. 
 I could not have believed I mould ever have feen 
 fuch things in the King of England's Palace, after it 
 
234 Life of Thomas Ken, [1687 
 
 had pleafed God to enlighten this nation ; but our 
 great fin has,, for the prefent, eclips'd the blefTing, 
 which I hope He will in mercy and His good time 
 reftore to its purity." * 
 
 The clergy perceived that the full eftablifhment of 
 Popery was the determinate object of all the King's 
 meafures. They had ever been firm adherents of the 
 throne, — even to the length of paffive obedience and 
 non-refiftance. But thefe ceafed to be a duty, when 
 the very exiftence of the reformed religion was at 
 flake : to compromife that were a betrayal of the Faith 
 they had vowed to uphold. They were under a higher 
 obligation of obedience than any lay authority could 
 challenge, and bound to undergo all fufferings rather 
 than violate their folemn truft. It was clear to them 
 that an attempt was made to reftore by the fecular 
 arm a Church, which had overlaid the Apoftolic Creed 
 with novel articles of belief. They prepared them- 
 felves therefore to a courageous defence, refolved to 
 ftand or fall as champions of primitive truth. 
 
 In the foremoft rank was the Bifhop of Bath and 
 Wells. He had lately, on the approach of Lent, ad- 
 dreffed a Paftoral Letter to his clergy concerning their 
 behaviour during that feafon, which he fays " has 
 been anciently and chriflianly fet apart for penitent 
 humiliation of foul and body, for failing, and weeping 
 and praying." He pleads his Epifcopal authority, 
 unworthy as he was, for calling upon them to mourn 
 for their fins, and the fins of the nation. He juftifies 
 himfelf by the example of St. Cyprian, who from his 
 
 * Evelyn's Diary, vol. i. p. 634, 29th December, 1686. 
 
1687] Bifoop of Bath and Wells* 235 
 
 retirement wrote an excellent Epiftle to his Clergy. 
 He exhorts them to prayer, and mortification, and 
 deeds of charity, to deal their bread to the hungry, 
 and to Proteftant Grangers, now fled hither for fanc- 
 tuary. He animates them to the greateft zeal in 
 private and public prayers, morning and evening, in 
 their families, and in Church — cc This I might enjoin 
 you to doe on your canonical obedience, but for love's 
 fake I rather befeech you. Be not difcouraged, if but 
 few come to the c folemn aflemblies : ' but go to the 
 c houfe of prayer,' where c God is well known for a 
 fure refuge ; ' go, though you go alone, or but with 
 one befides yourfelf. c Teach publickly, and from 
 houfe to houfe, and warn every one night and day 
 with tears ' to repent, to faft, and to pray, and to give 
 alms ; warn them to continue ftedfaft in that c faith, 
 once delivered to the Saints,' in which they were bap- 
 tized ; to keep the word of God's patience, that God 
 may keep them in the hour of temptation." He mows 
 from the example of David, who < wept whole rivers,' 
 of Daniel and Paul, how the greateft faints have been 
 the greateft mourners. He alludes to the public pro- 
 vocations, and the public judgments; and ends with 
 a prayer that " the God of all grace may eftablim, 
 ftrengthen, fettle you in the true Catholick, and Apof- 
 tolick Faith, profefs'd in the Church of England." 
 " Your affectionate friend and brother, 
 
 "Tho. Bath and Wells."* 
 
 From the Palace in Wells, 
 February 17, 1687. 
 
 * " A Paftoral Letter from the Bifhop of" Bath and Wells." 410. 
 1688. 
 
236 Life of Thomas Ken, [1687 
 
 Employments fuch as this were beft fuited to his 
 gentle nature ; and he would fain have referved all his 
 powers to promote the welfare of his diocefe. But the 
 interefts of the Church now required him to put afide 
 the more private duties of confolation and inftruclion, 
 that he might publickly vindicate her doctrines, though 
 it mould be in opposition to the orders of the Court 
 of CommifTion, and within hearing of its judges. — 
 Being appointed to preach at Whitehall on the 13th 
 of March, 1687 (the 5th Sunday in Lent), he came 
 to London, refolved to bear his teftimony to the truth. 
 The fermon was preached Cf before the Princefs of 
 Denmark,* and a great crowd of people, and at leaft 
 thirty of the greater!: nobility," of whom perhaps fome 
 talebearer would report his words to the King. 
 
 His text was taken from the Gofpel of the day, St. 
 John vii. 46. " Which of you convinced! Me of fin, and 
 if I fay the truth, why do ye not believe Me ?" " He 
 defcribed through his whole difcourfe the blafphemies, 
 perfidy, wrefting of Scripture, preference of tradition 
 before it, fpirit of perfecution, fuperftition, legends 
 and fables of the Scribes and Pharifees, fo that all the 
 auditory underftood his meaning of a parallel between 
 them and the Romifh Priefts, and their new Trent 
 religion. He exhorted his audience to adhere to the 
 written word, and to perfevere in the faith taught in 
 the Church of England, whofe doclrine for Catholic and 
 Joundnefs he -preferred to all the Communities and 
 Churches of Chrijlians in the world ; concluding with 
 a kind of prophecy that, whatever it fuffered, it mould 
 
 * Afterwards Queen Ann : flie had married George, Prince of 
 Denmark. 
 
1687] BiJIjop of Bath and Wells . 237 
 
 after a fhort trial emerge to the confufion of her ad- 
 verfaries, and the glory of God."* It does not ap- 
 pear that he received any reprimand for this boldnefs, 
 as he did afterwards, on a like occafion. Evelyn fays 
 " the fermon contributed not a little to the manifeft 
 difadvantage of the Popifh intereft." 
 
 The following Sunday, 20th March, 1687, being 
 that next before Good Friday, he preached again at 
 St. Martin's Church, on Chrift's agony in the garden : 
 his text was St. Matt. xxvi. 36 — 40. " Then cometh 
 Jefus with them to a place called Gethfemane," &c. 
 Here was a fubject to abforb all feelings into a con- 
 templation of the myfterious fufferings of the Son 
 of God. At that facred feafon, when the Church 
 commemorates the approach of the death He was to 
 die for all, who could enter into political or theo- 
 logical controverfy ? " The crowd of people was not to 
 be exprejfed, nor the wonderful eloquence of this admira- 
 ble preacher, defcribing the bitternefs of our bleffed 
 Saviour's agony, the ardour of His love, the infinite 
 obligations we have to imitate His patience and refig- 
 nation, the means by watching againft temptations and 
 over ourfelves, with fervent prayer to attain it, and 
 the exceeding reward in the end. Upon all which he 
 made raoft pathetical difcourfes." \ 
 
 We cannot be furprized that one fo high in ftation, 
 fo eloquent and undaunted, mould draw crowds of 
 people to hear him during the prevailing excitement. 
 But he has deeper and more lading claims to the con- 
 fidence of the Church in all times. It was not merely 
 the force of his oratory, his noble images, and moving 
 
 * Evelyn's Diary, vol. i. p. 637. f Ibid. p. 638. 
 
238 Life of Thomas Ken, [1687 
 
 exhortations, that gathered all daffes round him : not 
 the copioufnefs of his invention, nor the purity of his 
 language, as he fet before them the promifes and threat- 
 enings of the Gofpel. Thefe and other powers had 
 gained him, even from King James, the character of 
 being the moft eloquent preacher among the Pro- 
 teftants : but there was much beyond thefe qualities 
 in all he faid. The fecret of his perfuafivenefs lay in 
 the fublime myfterious truths, inculcated in every dif- 
 courfe. With a paternal love he drew men to defire 
 the company of angels, and the unclouded happinefs 
 of the eternal Kingdom. Whilft he expreffed a deep 
 and tender concern for the fpiritual advancement of 
 the Church, vindicating the truth of her doctrines, and 
 exhorting all men to a holy constancy in her defence, 
 he reminded them that the Church is only glorious, 
 becaufe fhe is the ordained inftrument for drawing 
 men to Him who was lifted up for their falvation. 
 
 On thefe occasional vifits to London, he was the 
 gueft of the Bifhop of Ely, who had his palace near 
 Holborn, and we find that he ufed to aflift at the 
 fervices in the Bimop's Chapel. It was about this 
 time that the Princefs Ann wrote a letter to Dr. 
 Turner to keep her a place, that fhe might liften to 
 him. Cf I hear the Bifhop of Bath and Wells expounds 
 this afternoon in your Chapel, and I have a great 
 mind to hear him ; therefore I defire you would do 
 me the favour to let fome place be kept for me, 
 where I may hear well, and be the leaft taken notice 
 of: for I will bring but one body with me, and defire 
 I may not be known. I fhould not have given you 
 the trouble, but that I was afraid if I fent any body, 
 
1687] BiJIjop of Bath a?id Wells . 239 
 
 they might have made fome mistake. Pray let me 
 know what time it begins ? " * We may well believe 
 how the Chapel was crowded, when it was neceflary 
 for the Princefs to have a place referved for her, that 
 me might hear the eloquent author of the Exposition 
 of the Catechifm. 
 
 Urged on by a blind and fatal confidence, James now 
 ventured on the great meafure by which he hoped to 
 accomplish all his ends; — the fufpenfion of the TeSt, 
 and other penal laws againSt Romanifts and DiSTenters. 
 Whatever may be our opinion of the injuftice of fuch 
 laws, it is obvious that, having been enacted by Parlia- 
 ment, the King's claim to fufpend them by his mere 
 authority was illegal. This had been fully eStabliShed 
 in the reign of Charles II. who had made a Declaration 
 of Indulgence in 1672 : but on the remonstrance of 
 both Houfes of Parliament cancelled it, tore off the feal 
 himfelf, and acquainted the Houfes that he had done 
 fo, with this further affurance, which was entered upon 
 record in the Journals of the Lords, " that it mould 
 never be drawn into example or confequence."f 
 
 James, however, would be restrained by no law but 
 his own will. Having carried his point in Scotland 
 and Ireland, he published, on the 4th of April 1687,^1 
 a general Declaration of liberty of confcience to all his 
 fubjects, proclaiming it to be his " Royal will and plea- 
 fure, that the Oaths of fupremacy and allegiance, and 
 alfo the feveral teSts and declarations, mentioned in the 
 
 * Round's Profe Works of Ken, p. 208. 
 
 f Kennett's Hilt. Vol. iii. p. 487. 8th Nov. 1673. 
 
 t London Gazette of this date. 
 
240 Life of Thomas Ken, [1687 
 
 Acts of Parliament in the 25th and 30th years of the 
 reign of his late Royal Brother, mould not at any time 
 be required to be taken by any perfon, employed in any 
 office of truft, either civil or military." This Declara- 
 tion, although it included the various fects of Proteftant 
 DifTenters, proceeded from no fympathy towards them : 
 it was an endeavour to cloak his great project of intro- 
 ducing Romanifts to all offices of truft, under cover of 
 a general toleration. 
 
 But the DifTenters received it as a princely act of cle- 
 mency : fulfome addrefTes poured in from all denomi- 
 nations ; no language could be too ftrong to exprefs 
 their admiration of the moft enlightened and generous 
 of Kings, who had removed all reftraint from the con- 
 fciences of his people. Their triumph was exuberant ; 
 and not the lefs becaufe they thought this act of tolera- 
 tion ftruck at the afcendancy of the Church. James 
 feemed to enjoy a momentary fuccefs in fomenting the 
 fpirit of jealoufy between them. He hoped to make 
 their difunion a ftepping ftone to the eftablifhment of 
 his own creed. The DifTenters were ready to fall into 
 the fnare, forgetting that, if Popery were once fet up 
 on the ruins of the Church of England, they themfelves 
 would afterwards be an eafy prey. But the artifice did 
 not long efcape detection. They foon perceived that 
 this fudden toleration was but a pretence. They called 
 to mind the long period of their flights and difabilities 
 at the inftigation of James, and how he had always 
 teftified his repugnance to their principles. To them 
 he had conftantly afcribed his father's death. They 
 remembered alfo how marked a preference he had al- 
 ways mown to the members of the Church, praifing 
 
1687] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 241 
 
 them as good and loyal fubjects, faithfully attached to 
 the monarchy. They could not but reflect that a Ro- 
 man Catholic prince muft needs labour to extirpate the 
 tenets, which he pronounced to be heretical ; and that 
 they would be the firft to feel the confequences of his 
 fuccefs. The Church party likewife clearly faw that 
 the King, difappointed of their expected fupport, wifhed 
 to undermine their influence by pretending a liberality 
 wholly foreign to his nature. Thefe convictions feemed 
 likely to foften the jealoufies of both, and might have 
 led to more charitable fentiments towards each other. 
 But events crowded on fo fart they had fcarcely time 
 to do more than indicate a difpofition to mutual for- 
 bearance, and a united refinance to the eftabliihrnent of 
 Romanifm. The whole brunt of the contefl: fell on 
 the Church, and nobly did fhe fuftain it. 
 
 The King, when it was too late, perceived that he 
 had overacted his part : he fays " he had much height- 
 ened the general difaffection by the great countenance 
 he mowed to many noted Prefbyterians, who were in 
 outward fhow grateful for their prefent eafe ; and as it 
 is natural for a Prince to be pleas'd with thofe who are 
 pleas'd with him, fo they were well looked upon at 
 Court, and their counfel made ufe of in the manage- 
 ment of feveral private affairs, as the regulating Cor- 
 porations, and the like : but this was the fequel of that 
 train, which his treacherous counfellors had traced out 
 for him, to fet thofe againft him, who might otherwife 
 have been his friends, and to court thofe who, they were 
 fure, never would."* 
 
 * " Memoirs writ of his own hand." Clarke, Vol. ii. p. 165. 
 
 R 
 
242 Life a/' Thomas Ken, [1687 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Ken's Sermon in the Abbey Church of Bath — The King touches 
 for the Evil in the Abbey — Ken's conducl on the occafion — 
 His letters to Archbijhop Bancroft. 
 
 'HE Bifhop, having preached his Lent 
 Sermon at Whitehall, returned as ufual 
 to his Diocefe : we find him on the fol- 
 y^jilSB lowing Afcenfion day (5th May, 1687) 
 in the Abbey Church of Bath, where he preached 
 on Pfalm xlvii. 5. ff God is gone up with a fhout, 
 the Lord with the found of a trumpet." The Sermon 
 itfelf is not extant : but we gather fome of its principal 
 points from a fcarce tract, published at the time by an 
 Irifh Jefuit. The author had been induced by fome 
 high praifes of the Bifhop's eloquence to attend, for 
 the firft time in his life, the fervice of the Reformed 
 Church, being <f no lefs curious than defirous to hear 
 him." 
 
 The tracT: is entitled, " Animadversions, by way 
 of anfwer to a Sermon, preached by Dr. Thomas 
 Kenne, Lord Bifhop of Bath and Wells, in the Ca- 
 thedral Church of Bath, on Afcention-day laft, being 
 the $th of May, 1687 : " It is dedicated to the King, 
 and publifhed <c with allowance. " It begins, fC I was 
 honoured, My Lord, with being one of your Auditors 
 laft Afcention-day, in the afternoon, at the cathedral 
 church of Bath. Your Lordfhip does not, I own, 
 
1687] BiJIjop of Bath and Wells. 243 
 
 want the parts of an Orator, and of an Evangelical 
 one too, had you but fuck'd your doctrine (as St. 
 John hath done) c defacro Dominici pefforis fonte,' that 
 is to fay within the Bofom of his only true Spoufe on 
 Earth, the Roman Catholic Church, Mother and Miftrefs 
 of all vifible churches." 
 
 The writer cc was much aftonifihed at the odd fight 
 of a preacher beginning a Sermon without making the 
 fign of the crofs." He informs us that the Bifhop 
 " was a full hour and a half in chair." <c I took no- 
 tice that your Lordmip gave a fling at the Pope's 
 Supremacy, to which you fhow'd all averfion imagina- 
 ble, and that becaufe he is call'd Supream Spiritual 
 Head of Chrift's Church on Earth. We call His 
 Holinefs, it is true, Supream Spiritual and Vifible Head, 
 Vicar of Jefus Chrift, and fucceflbr to St. Peter, the 
 firft vifible Head our Saviour hath ordained in his 
 Church. I remember you faid that Jefus Chrift was, 
 and is, the only Spiritual Head of His Church. You 
 muft needs know I admir'd * much your vehemency 
 in protecting againft that Church, which allows of any 
 Vifible Spiritual Head : you flew to fuch eagernefs of 
 contradiction againft this Spiritual Supremacy, that I 
 thought you had fome folid authority to difprove the 
 pretended abufe, till at laft I found you had no fuch 
 proof in nature." — 
 
 " Let us now come to the controverfie of the laft 
 part, which was with much vehemency againft the 
 Real Prefence. I did no fooner hear your folemn 
 proteftation againft this Holy Sacrament, than imme- 
 
 * i. c. was much aftonifhed at. 
 
244 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1687 
 
 diately I fuppofed you were an abjurator, ready to 
 fwear point blank that Chrift's moft facred Humanity 
 is not really and fubftantially on our altars in virtue of 
 the facramental words : for I faw you exhorted with 
 paflion your People f not to be tottered by every blaft 
 of wind, that mall fay Chrift is on this altar, or Chrift 
 is on that altar, for Chrift is actually in Heaven, and 
 mail continue there till He comes to judge at the end 
 of the world.' In fine, I remember your Lordftiip 
 protected mightily againft Roman Catholics for coining 
 and forgeing new Articles of Faith, as well in relation 
 to Tranfubftantiation, as the Spiritual Supremacy, &c.' 
 This is the fubftance, my Lord, of all the controvertible 
 points I took, notice of in your laft Afcention Sermon." 
 
 On the fubject of the Real Prefence, he fancies that 
 he has made a difcovery of the Bifhop's contradicting 
 his previous writings. <f You are not conftant to 
 yourfelf : for now you receive Chrift's Flefh and Blood 
 virtually, now figuratively, another time fpiritually by 
 Faith, and in the Expofition of your Catechifm you 
 contradict all. Your words, my Lord, are Catholick 
 enough on paper, but quite contrary to what you teach 
 in the Pulpit ; for there you fay that the Body and 
 Blood of Chrift is verily and indeed taken by the 
 Faithful, and here you fay not at all : fometimes one 
 way, and fometimes another, fpiritually to-day by Faith 
 only, and virtually to-morrow, and in your Catechifm 
 you write f indeed and verily.' " 
 
 The Jefuit makes another fancied difcovery, and 
 therein pays a tribute to the Biftiop's holy life at the 
 expenfe of his candour : " unlefs I be much miftaken, 
 that day's controverfie was in order to take away all 
 
1687] Bijhop of Bath and Wells* 245 
 
 fufpicion of your being Roman Catholickly inclined : 
 for your Lordfhip living (as Seneca faith) fine impedi- 
 mentOy that is to fay, without a wife, and having the 
 reputation of one that lives morally well, which is 
 enough for the Rabble* to fay you arePopifhly affected, 
 you undertook that day's work to take away the fcan- 
 dal, which had no other ground than your good works : 
 thank then, my Lord, your own Church for this abufe, 
 which proceeds from that unhappy Merit-killing doc- 
 trine, which drives out of your fchools all good Works* 
 and meritorious actions." 
 
 It appears the Jefuit could not refift his curiofity to 
 hear once more the eloquent Bifhop \ for he went the 
 next Friday to hear him preach again ; he beftows 
 only a fhort notice of reprobation on that fermon : 
 " To this purpofe (of meritorious actions) I remember 
 the Friday following your Lordfhip ufed all the means 
 in your Instruction of Faith to perfuade your auditors 
 that Abraham's j unification was for his faith, and not 
 for his good works : all your proof was, becaufe Abra- 
 ham believed before he was circumcifed," &c. " I 
 think I cannot deal fairer with your Lordfhip than re- 
 mit you to the weftern window of that cathedral, 
 wherein I heard you preach, and there you will find in 
 capital letters your own judgment, f drawn out of the 
 2nd chapter of St. James v. 26. ' For as the body 
 without the fpirit is dead, fo Faith without good Works 
 is Dead alfo.' " 
 
 * Wood fays of this traft, " never was fo much ignorance and 
 impudence in fo fmall a Pamphlet exprefled, as the true fons of the 
 Church of England ufually faid." f i. e. refutation. 
 
246 Life of Thomas Ken, [1687 
 
 It is difficult to fay who was the author of this 
 Tract. He publifhed only his initials F. I. R., defig- 
 nating himfelf cc a moft loyal Irifh fubject, of the 
 Company of Jefuits." No doubt he was an attendant 
 of the Queen, who was at this time drinking the Bath 
 waters. He could not perform a more dutiful fervice 
 to royalty than to attack fo eminent a Bifhop in his 
 paftoral chair : he " confecrates himfelf, and this little 
 paper, together with all the faculties of his foul and 
 body, to His moft facred Majefty's fpiritual and tem- 
 poral fervice ; " and prays that " your Majefty and 
 your Royal Confort may be fettled on a Throne of 
 Glory in Heaven, after living a full century of years 
 in all profperity on earth, to the perfect conversion of 
 all your fubjects." 
 
 We mail fee how effectually James thwarted the 
 latter part of this good wifh. His object now was to 
 perfuade the Parliament to confirm by ftatute his De- 
 claration of Indulgence. But the Members remained 
 ftedfaft : he mifcalculated the Englifh character in 
 fuppofing that they would barter their deareft rights 
 for the empty condefcenfions of the royal interviews, 
 which ferved rather to confirm their fenfe of the public 
 danger, than to win their concurrence. If the only 
 high way to his favour lay through Rome, they were 
 not prepared for fuch a journey. " Moft of the Par- 
 liament men were fpoken to in His Mj l y' s clofet, and 
 fuch as refufed, if in any place or office of truft, civil 
 or military, were put out of their employments. This 
 was a time of great trial, but hardly one of them af- 
 fented, which put the Popifh intereft much backward."* 
 
 Evelyn's Diary, vol. i. p. 6i,6. 
 
1687] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells . 2 47 
 
 The King, in his Memoirs, fays, " the generality of 
 the gentry were fo byaced againft the Declaration of 
 Indulgence, that when His Majefty thought fit to afk 
 many perfons of diftinction to make their refolutions 
 therein, he found a much greater reluctancy than could 
 well have been imagined ; and indeed that method 
 was no ways relifiVd by the people."* 
 
 The King therefore diiTolved the Parliament, and 
 iflued writs for a new election. He then fet out on a 
 ftate progrefs through the Weftern Counties, in hopes 
 that the royal prefence might further his grand project 
 of a new and more compliant Parliament. Before this, 
 however, he prepared a fplendid pageant for the edifica- 
 tion of the people. The Pope was no friend to James's 
 chief counfellors, the Jefuits, and had great mifgiving of 
 their manoevres in driving on to a hafty crifis : but he 
 could not refift the invitation to appoint a nuncio from 
 the Holy See. He hoped perhaps that the influence 
 of this recognized AmbafTador might reftrain the reck- 
 lefs zeal of the King. It was contrived that the nuncio 
 mould be publickly received at Windfor the day after 
 the DifTolution of Parliament. " To fill up the cha- 
 racter of Nuncio with more pomp and luftre, he had 
 been confecrated Archbiihop of Amafia in the royal 
 chapel at Whitehall,-}" by the Vicar Apoftolical in 
 England, affifted by two other Roman Catholic Bi- 
 fhops. He was now to make his public entry as a 
 foreign minifter, and the government itfelf was to 
 glory in the account of it. 
 
 tc The 3rd of July, Monfieur Ferdinand d'Adda, 
 
 * Clarke's Life of James II., vol. ii. p. 143. 
 f Ibid. vol. ii. p. 116. 
 
248 Life of Thomas Ken, [1687 
 
 Archbiftiop of Amafia, Domeftic Prelate and affiftant 
 to His Holinefs the Pope, and Apoftolic Nuncio, had 
 public audience of their Majefties at Windfor, being 
 conducted by His Grace the Duke of Grafton, and Sir 
 Charles Cotterell, one of the Matters of the Ceremo- 
 nies, in one of His Majefty's Coaches with all the 
 honours and ceremonies ufually obferved on the like 
 occafions," &c. * No fuch fight having been feen in 
 England, for about an hundred and fifty years before, 
 the concourfe of people on this occafion was without 
 example : yet their furprize at the pomp and magnifi- 
 cence of the folemnity was furpafled by their indigna- 
 tion to behold a Reprefentative of the Pope in all his 
 Pontificals preceded by a Crofs-bearer, and attended 
 by a flock of priefts and monks in the habits of their 
 refpective orders. f 
 
 All now proceeded glorioufly for the caufe in hand, 
 as the Jefuits fuppofed. The King fet forward on his 
 progrefs, accompanied by his court, his Roman Catho- 
 lic chaplains, Father Petre, and William Penn the 
 Quaker, — a ftrange yoking of motley creeds. Who 
 could doubt the liberal fentiments of the royal mind, 
 when fuch oppofite profeflbrs were taken into favour ? 
 And that he might render himfelf more popular, he 
 refolved to exercife the gift of touching for the Evil. 
 
 It is furprifing to look back, and fee how credulous 
 all clafTes were in the efficacy of this princely preroga- 
 tive. From St. Edward, the ConfefTbr, to the licen- 
 tious Charles, the unction of the Royal hand was 
 fuppofed to convey the power of healing the moft 
 
 * London Gazette. + Rapin, vol. ii. p. 760. 
 
1687] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 249 
 
 loathfome ftrumous difeafes : the lame and the blind, 
 the impotent and the idiot went forth from the King's 
 prefence reftored by his facred touch. We have it on 
 record from one of "His Majefly's Chirurgeons in 
 Ordinary " in a marvellous book, (with a no lefs mar- 
 vellous title,* containing a whole alphabet,) that Charles 
 the Second touched above ninety two thoufand perfons 
 for the Evil, in the courfe of his reign : the work in 
 fact "carried more of Divinity than Majefly in it; 
 the art of phyfic was nonplus'd, and Chirurgery tied 
 up ; all chirurgeons whatfoever muft truckle to the 
 balfamic power ; more fouls have been healed by His 
 Majefly's facred hand in one year, than have been 
 cured by all the phyficians and chirurgeons of his 
 Three Kingdoms fince his happy Reflauration ! " -j- 
 
 And yet, incredible as this may at firfl feem, it is 
 capable of a fatisfactory folution : for this touching for 
 the evil was attended by all the pomp of circumflance, 
 and made pre-eminently infallible by each of the fick 
 being prefented with a gold medal, flrung upon a white 
 filk ribbon, and put about his neck by the princely 
 hand. If phyficians now-a-days, inflead of receiving, 
 were to pay a golden fee to their patients, what crowds 
 of hypocondriacs would befet their doors ! 
 
 * Adenochoiradelogia ; or An Anatomick-Chirurgical Treatife 
 of Glandules and Strumaes, or IUmB0»®toiI;g>toelling0, Together with 
 the Royal Gift of Healing, or Cure thereof by Contaft or Impofition 
 of Hands, performed for above 640 years by our Kings of England, 
 Continued with their admirable effedts, and Miraculous Events ; and 
 concluded with many wonderful examples of Cures by their Sacred 
 Touch. By John Browne, &c. &c. 8vo. 1684. 
 
 f Ibid. Third Book, p. 81. 
 
250 Life of Thomas Ken, [1687 
 
 Such was the loyal defire of the people to behold 
 their Sovereign's perfon, and to receive the <f falutife- 
 rous faculty " of the royal touch, and alfo to touch the 
 gold of his exchequer, that it was often found indif- 
 penfable to their perfect cure to undergo the pleafing 
 ceremony a fecond time. Strange to fay, many igno- 
 rant people made the miftake of <f looking more after 
 the gold than the cure : " — nay there was another fort 
 fo like " fnakes in the grafs, that, making it their ftudy 
 to cheat the king of his gold, and having been touched 
 and received the gold, they were ready to fell and part 
 with it ; and were not this true, and very commonly 
 put in practice, his majefty's touching medals would 
 not be fo frequently feen in goldfmiths' mops."* 
 
 When the King intended to exercife the fanative 
 powers inherent in him, public notice was given of the 
 time, which was generally on a Sunday after morning 
 prayer : the phyficians and furgeons in ordinary exa- 
 mined the candidates, and delivered out certificates of 
 their being fit objects for healing. At the time ap- 
 pointed, the King " being feated in his royal chair, fur- 
 rounded by his nobles, and many fpectators, the chief 
 yeoman of the guard placed the fick people in a con- 
 venient order to avoid noife and confufion ; — one of 
 the chaplains now read part of the Gofpels, after which 
 the chief furgeon making three obeifances brought 
 each perfon to the king to be touched ; then the Clerk 
 of the Clofet, on his knees, delivered to the King the 
 gold medals, ready fining on the white filk ribbon, 
 which the King would put round the neck of the pa- 
 
 * Ibid. Third Part, p. 92. 
 
1687] Bifoop of Bath and Wells. 251 
 
 tients. After this, a further part of the chapter of St. 
 John, with fome refponfes and prayers, were read by 
 the chaplain, concluding with the "Grace of our 
 Lord." * This being finifhed, the Lord Chamberlain 
 and two other nobles prefented the King with linen, 
 and the bafon and ewer, to wafh his hands : and fo he 
 took leave of the people, and they "joyfully and thank- 
 fully returned home, praifing God and their good King. 
 Many of which, as if amazed at the fpeedy farewell of 
 their difeafes, have immediately been cured to admi- 
 ration, even in the prefence, before they have got out 
 of the Banquetting Houfe at Whitehall." This was 
 the ufual place of the ceremony, when performed in 
 London : fometimes it was at Windfor ; often in the 
 town hall or other public building, even in the church, 
 of the place where the King might be. 
 
 The Royal Gift had become a ufeful engine of ftate 
 for ftrengthening the people's attachment and venera- 
 tion for the perfon of the King. He appeared, on 
 thofe occafions, like " the rifing fun over his people 
 dirTufing his healing rays." Neither the facred touch, 
 however, nor the royal gold, appear to have had any 
 real influence in mitigating the various frightful fymp- 
 toms of the diforder — glandula, nodus, lippitudo, 
 bronchocheli, atheroma, fteatoma, &c. For " although 
 there hath been fcarce a city or town, or fcarce a ftreet 
 in this populous city, that hath not found the benefit of 
 his majefty's hand : yet, as if this difeafe did get a new 
 birth by converfation, it meets the King wherever he 
 goes, with as much vigour and plenty as if the work 
 
 * Ibid. Third Part, p. 98. 
 
252 Life tf/' Thomas Ken, [1687 
 
 were now to begin. And as a very ftrange mark 
 hereof, although I do believe near half the nation hath 
 been touched and healed by his facred Majefty fince 
 his happy reftauration, yet upon any new appearance of 
 a frefh healing, they are feen to come in afrefh and as 
 faft as if not one had been touched by him : a thing as 
 ftrange as monftrous ! Indeed fome having received 
 his Majefty 's gracious touch, and lofing their gold, 
 their diftemper has de novo feized them again ; and 
 thefe alfo, upon gaining a fecond touch, and new gold, 
 their difeafes have been feen utterly to have been chafed 
 away, and they themfelves perfectly cured." * 
 
 James, in his progrefs to the weft, reached Bath to- 
 wards the end of Auguft : notice was given that he 
 would touch for the evil in the Abbey after morning 
 prayer. He found no lack of candidates for the pri- 
 vilege of the royal gift. That all who approached 
 might receive their cure through faith in the BlefTed 
 Virgin's interceffion, a new form of Prayers for the 
 healing, which had been previously publifhed by au- 
 thority, was here ufed. The Bifhop was at Wells : 
 hearing of what was going forward, he was in doubt 
 what courfe he ought to take. He found himfelf un- 
 expectedly placed in a novel Situation. The act of the 
 King in touching for the Evil, — the ufe of a popifh 
 office of prayer, and the great noife and confufion of a 
 concourfe of people, violated the fanctity of the Church. 
 Yet it was quite beyond his power to ftop the proceed- 
 ing, — the very attempt would have created an uproar : 
 he chofe therefore to yield to the neceffity of the mo- 
 
 * Ibid. Third Part, pp. 105-6. 
 
1687] Bijhop of Bath and Wells, 253 
 
 ment, rather than hazard a greater confufion in fo fa- 
 cred a place. 
 
 But for fear the ufe of a Roman ritual in the Abbey- 
 mould be mifunderftood, or the opening the church 
 doors for any other offices than thofe of the Church of 
 England be drawn into precedent, he preached a fer- 
 mon, the following Sunday, to explain that the objedl 
 of the fervice, being one of charity, might qualify the 
 otherwife unfeemly act. It is probable this was the 
 fermon which is referred to in the traditionary anecdote, 
 mentioned by Warner. He fays, " King James vifited 
 Bath in 1687, accompanied alfo by Huddleftone, his 
 confeflbr. After decorating the altar of the Abbey 
 Church, Huddleftone is faid to have denounced the 
 heretics, and exhorted them to an immediate change 
 of their errors. Ken was prefent, and when Huddle- 
 ftone concluded mounted the pulpit, and expofed his 
 fallacies in a ftrain of fuch impremVe eloquence, as 
 aftonifhed and delighted his congregation, and con- 
 founded Huddleftone, and the royal bigot."* Mr. 
 Marklandf reafonably queftions the very improbable 
 fact of Ken being prefent. Indeed it was next to im- 
 poffible that the Jefuit fhould ever have preached in 
 the Abbey at all, though he might have helped to deck 
 the altar on the occafion of touching for the evil. There 
 is another tradition that the Biihop's voice was deep 
 and fonorous, and could be diftinctly heard throughout 
 the Abbey. This receives fome confirmation from 
 Perkins, the Poet Laureat, who among other enco- 
 
 * Warner's Hift. of Bath, p. 257. 
 
 f Markland's Life of Ken, 2nd Edit. p. 78. 
 
254 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1687 
 
 miums on the " Famous Bifhop," fays, 
 
 " When to the Bath her Royal Highnefs came, 
 KENN made the Abbey-Church refound his fame ; 
 Floods of grave eloquence did from him fall : 
 KENN in the Pulpit thunder'd like St. PAUL." * 
 
 He appears to have efteemed it the duty of a Bifhop 
 to do nothing of importance without the advice of his 
 Primate : that he might, therefore, be prepared to act 
 with authority, if the fame circumftance mould ever 
 occur again, he thus writes to the Archbifhop. 
 
 tc ALL GLORY BE TO GOD. 
 
 "My very good Lord, 
 Though I have always been very tender of giving 
 your Grace any trouble, yett I thinke it my duty, hav- 
 ing this opportunity of a fafe conveyance, to acquaint 
 you with one particular, which happened at Bath, and 
 to begge your advice for the future. When His Ma- 
 jefty was at Bath there was a great healing, and with- 
 out any warning, unleffe by a flying report : the office 
 was performed in the Church, between the houres of 
 prayer. I had not time to remonftrate, and if I had 
 done it, it would have had no effect, but only to pro- 
 voke : befides I found it had been done in other churches 
 before, and I know no place but the Church which was 
 
 * A Poem (both in Englifh and Latin) on the Death of the R l . 
 Reverend Father in God, Thomas Kenn, fometime Lord Bifhop of 
 Bath and Wells, &c. By Mr. Jofeph Perkins, the Latin Poet Lau- 
 reat. 4to. 171 1. 
 
 " Ad Fontes calidos (memini) cum fFilia Regis 
 Vcnerat, Hie % Templum voce § boante replet. 
 Eloquii fluxit facundo flumen ab ore : 
 In roftris tanquam Paulus et alter crat." 
 f Her R. H. % The Abbey Church. § Tanquam Boanerges. 
 
1687] Bijloop of Bath and Wells. 255 
 
 capable to receive fo great a multitude as came for 
 cure : upon which consideration I was wholly paflive. 
 But being well aware what advantage the Romanifts 
 take from the leaft feeming complyances, I took occa- 
 fion on Sunday from the Gofpell, the fubjecl: of which 
 was the Samaritan, to difcourfe of Charity, which I faid 
 ought to be the religion of the whole world, wherein 
 Samaritan and Jew were to agree, and though we could 
 not open the Church-doores to a worfhip different from 
 that we paid to God, yett we mould allwayes fett them 
 open to a common worke of Charity, becaufe, in per- 
 forming mutuall offices of Charity one to another, there 
 ought to be an univerfall agreement. 
 
 " This was the fubftance of what I faid upon that 
 action, which I humbly fubmitt to your Grace's Judge- 
 ment ; and it was the beft expedient I could thinke of, 
 to prevent giving fcandall to our owne people, and to 
 obviate all the mifreprefentations the Romanifts might 
 make of fuch a connivance. I am very fenfible of your 
 Grace's burthen, and doe befeech Almighty Goodneffe 
 to fupport you under it. And I earneftly crave your 
 Bleffing, being ambitious of nothing more than to be 
 one of the meaneft of your Companions in your King- 
 dome and Patience of Jefus. 
 
 f * My g°°d Lord, 
 Your Grace's mod obedient Son and 
 humble Servant, 
 "Aug. 26th, 1687.*" Tho. Bath and Wells." 
 
 We fee in this letter the courageous fpirit of a pri- 
 * Bodleian Tanner MSS. Vol. xxix. p. 65. 
 
256 Life of Thomas Ken, [1687 
 
 mitive Bifhop, deeply concerned for all under his care, 
 unceafingly watchful and active, yet without noife ; 
 guided by a holy prudence, while fenfitive to any mif- 
 conftruction that might wound the integrity of the 
 Church, now put in peril by the higheft authority of the 
 land. 
 
 Here may be appropriately noticed two other letters 
 of Ken, addrefTed a fhort time after to Archbifhop 
 Sancroft ; one dated the ift of October 1687, in which 
 he fays " Many of the Cures in my DiocefTe are fo very 
 fmall, that I am very glad to gett a fober perfon to 
 fupply them, though he is not a Graduate ; but as for 
 Ordinations, Your Grace may be affured that I endea- 
 vour all I can to lay hands fuddenly on no man. I am 
 very fenfible of the charitable opinion you are pleafed 
 to have of me, and the favourable con {traction you make 
 of my actions : God grant I may in fome meafure an- 
 fwer your Grace's juft expectations. I befeech God of 
 His infinite goodnefle, and in mercy to His poore 
 Church, to give you a fuper-effluence of His H. Spi- 
 rit, to afTift and fupport you, and I humbly begge your 
 benediction."* 
 
 The other letter, dated 5th December 1687, * s a 
 meek apology to the Archbifhop for having incurred 
 his difpleafure about fome paper, which had not been 
 returned to him. 
 
 <f ALL GLORY BE TO GOD. 
 
 " My very good Lord, 
 " The entire veneration I have ever had for your 
 Grace makes your difpleafure the more afflicting, efpe- 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken, by Round, p. 39. 
 
1687] Bifoop of Bath and Wells. 257 
 
 daily fo great a difpleafure againft me, as your letter 
 exprefTes, and that too for fuch a crime which I abhorre, 
 no lefs than infincere dealing, and in the whole, I am fo 
 unhappy as to be fuppofed guilty by your Grace, and 
 to be treated by you as if I were. But I hope your 
 Grace will have that charity for me, to believe me when 
 I with all humble fubmiflion acquaint you, that I never 
 had the originall you mention. And if I had had it, I 
 know not the leaft temptation imaginable I could have 
 had to have detained it. The onely copy I had I have 
 fent, and I thought it was the fame you meant, having, 
 as I underftood your letter, loft the other : and I fent it 
 through the Bifhopof Ely,becaufe I was tender of giving 
 you the trouble of a letter which might be fpared, and 
 I fent it with a particular circumftance of duty to your 
 Grace, that my old friend rauft needs be very forget- 
 full, if he gave no better account who it was that brought 
 it, or how it came to his hands. I confeffe I mould 
 have fent your paper fooner, and fo I had done, had not 
 the perfons with whome my fecretary was to tranfacl 
 bufineffe difappointed us, and this, if it be a fault, I 
 prefume is a venial one. But how much foever allured 
 I am of my owne innocence, rather than tyre you with 
 a tedious vindication of myfelfe, I choofe to begge your 
 pardon, as well as your benediction. 
 " My good Lord, 
 Your Grace's moft obedient Son and Servant, 
 
 "December 5 th, 1687." Tho. BaTH AND Wells.* 
 * Round, p, 40. 
 
258 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 The King perf ever es in his meafures for the ejlabliftjment of Ro- 
 manian — Ken' s fermon at Whitehall, for which he is reproved 
 by fames — His firm reply. 
 
 v I HE year 1688 dawned upon England as 
 the morning of an eventful ftruggle. 
 Juft a century before, Philip of Spain 
 had threatened the religion and liberties 
 of England. But how different then was the fpirit of 
 the fovereign. Elizabeth, devoted to the honour and 
 interefts of the Kingdom, and zealous for the Reformed 
 faith, riding in ftate to review her armies at Tilbury, 
 roufed all claffes to the higher! pitch of loyalty and pa- 
 triotifm. James, on the other hand, a pensioner of 
 France, refolving to extirpate, as an obftinate herefy, 
 the religion in which he had been brought up, and to 
 bend his people to an arbitrary government, encamped 
 his army on Hounflow Heath, that he might over-awe 
 them into an unwilling obedience. 
 
 The fame brave and vigorous fpirit animated the 
 gentlemen, the clergy, and the people of England at 
 each crifis. It is no vain boaft that in our complex 
 fyftem the character of the Englifh gentry moulds and 
 governs fociety. Whatever violates the fpirit of it of- 
 fends the public mind. The Prince himfelf may not 
 deviate from it ; — the lower claffes know how to appre- 
 ciate it in thofe who are above them, and confefs to its 
 
1 6 8 8] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 259 
 
 influence ; — the ariftocracy, as a clafs, are its beft ex- 
 emplars. It is true, indeed, that in every rank of life 
 we have many fhades of evil : in all nations the depraved 
 will, the felfifhnefs of the human heart, the deadening 
 power of indulgence, exercife a fearful fway. Still, — 
 the character of the Engliih Gentleman is a national 
 character : it cannot be defined, — it forms the ftandard 
 which all afpire to, the claim that every man of birth or 
 property afTerts, and the denial of which touches him 
 moft nearly. 
 
 Again, throughout the land, whether we regard 
 rank, wealth, education, reach of intellect, purity of 
 life, enlarged charity, the fpirit of forbearance, the noife- 
 lefs tenour of a Christian courfe, devoted loyalty, con- 
 fiftent patriotifm, — it will be found that the Church 
 of England (in its clofe union of Clergy and Laity) is 
 the fanctuary of England, the poor man's refuge, — the 
 rich man's fecurity, the iEgis of the throne. To all 
 this James was utterly infenflble : his every meafure 
 was oppofed to the vigorous good fenfe that charac- 
 terized his people. He was completely under the do- 
 minion of a flock of foreign priefts and Jefuits, who 
 vied with each other in driving him forward to a pure 
 defpotifm, as the fureft means of eftablifhing a Popifh 
 rule. 
 
 At this period it was that Ken, once more, and for 
 the laft time, was appointed to preach the Lent fermon. 
 It feems ftrange that one fo conftant to the interests of 
 the Anglican Church, fo brave in her defence, fo un- 
 compromising in the exercife of the paftoral liberty, fo 
 unlikely to flatter, or to fpare, fhould be permitted, at 
 fuch a crifis, to denounce the errors of the Court re- 
 
260 Life 0/^ Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 ligion, even within the King's Chapel. He came to 
 London, that he might take his prefcribed duty on 
 <f Paffion Sunday," the ill of April 1688. 
 
 The knowledge that he was to be the Preacher drew 
 together a vaft concourfe of perfons, eager in this mo- 
 ment of excitement to hear the moft eloquent of men, 
 who would be fure to make a bold ftand for the rights 
 of the Church. Fearful accounts had come over of the 
 defpotifm eftablifhed in Ireland by the new Lord Lieu- 
 tenant, Tyrconnel. We may form fome judgment of 
 this from the recklefs meafures to which he inftigated 
 the Irifh Parliament in the following year, when they 
 pafTed an Acl: to attaint two Archbimops, one Duke, 
 feventeen Earls, feven CountefTes, eighteen Barons, 
 thirty-three Baronets, fifty-one Knights, eighty-three 
 Clergymen, two thoufand and eighty-two Efquires and 
 Gentlemen ; — all of them without a hearing adjudged 
 guilty of high treafon, and declared worthy to fuffer the 
 pains of forfeiture and death. * The King already 
 feemed prepared for the fame meafures in Ireland, as 
 Louis had perpetrated towards the Huguenots in 
 France. He foon afterwards employed thofe two 
 French barbarians, Rofen and Mammo, who had dra- 
 gooned the Proteftants of Languedoc, and afterwards 
 commanded the marTacres before Derry. 
 
 Every faithful paftor, therefore, was bound to wit- 
 nefs for the truth of the Anglican Church, — to run all 
 rifks, that he might keep the people ftedfaft to their 
 
 * The State of the Proteftants of Ireland, under the late King 
 James's Government. By Dr. William King, Archbifhop of Dub- 
 lin. — 4to. 3rd Edition, 1691. 
 
1688] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 261 
 
 faith. Ken could not be indifferent or paflive in fuch 
 an emergency : he might be refponfible, in his meafure, 
 for the ruin of all he held mofl dear, if he abftained 
 from explicitly warning his hearers of the prefent dan- 
 ger. His part was not to preach up rebellion againft 
 the royal authority, but to inculcate ftedfaftnefs, and 
 penitence for the public fins, which had called down the 
 prefent judgments upon the nation. The fcene in the 
 Chapel at Whitehall on this occafion was an extraor- 
 dinary one. " The Morning Sermon was preached 
 by Dr. Stillingfleet, on the 10th Luke, 41, 42. The 
 Holy Communion followed ; but was fo interrupted 
 by the rude breaking in of multitudes, zealous to hear the 
 Jecond fermon to be preached (in the afternoon fervice) 
 by the Biftiop of Bath and Wells \ that the latter part of 
 that Holy Office could hardly be heard, or the facred 
 elements be diftributed without great trouble."* The 
 doors of the Chapel were not clofed between the fer- 
 vices, owing to the crowds who preffed in before the 
 time to fecure feats. At length the Princefs Ann, with 
 her attendants, having at the appointed hour taken her 
 place in the Royal Gallery, on the left hand of the 
 King's Chair, which was empty, and the prayers being 
 ended, the Bifhop went up into the pulpit. <c He 
 preached on 7th Micah, 8. 9. io,f defcribing the ca- 
 lamity of the Reformed Church of Judah under the 
 
 * Evelyn's Diary, Vol. i. p. 647. 
 
 f " Rejoice not againft me, O mine enetny ; when I fall, I Jball 
 arife y when I fit in darknefs, the Lord Jh all be a light unto me. I 
 will bear the indignation of the Lord, becaufe I have Jinned againft 
 Him, until He plead my caufe, and execute judgement for me : He will 
 bring me forth to the light, and I Jhall behold His Righteoufnefs." 
 
262 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 Babylonian perfecution, for her fins, and God's delivery 
 of her, on her repentance ; that, as Judah emerged, fo 
 mould the now Reform'd Church, however infulted and 
 perfecuted. He preach' d with his accuftomed affion, zeal, 
 and energy ; fo that people flock' d from all quarters to hear 
 him."* 
 
 The principal points of his difcourfe were the fins of 
 the "Reformed Church of Judah," — her permitted fuf- 
 ferings under the Babylonifh captivity ; the reproachful 
 joy of the Edomites at her defolation ; her repentance 
 under this vifitation ; her patient fubmiffion, and con- 
 fidence that God would one day plead her caufe ; the 
 judgments executed on Belfhazzar, and his idolatrous 
 Court ; the punifhment infli&ed on the apoftate Edo- 
 mites, by the hands of the very Babylonians, whom 
 they had encouraged and affifled againft her ; — the de- 
 liverance of Judah from her captivity ; and laftly her 
 joy in being brought by God to his true light, and per- 
 mitted to behold His righteoufnefs, which made peni- 
 tent, patient, Reformed Judah not only victorious, but 
 triumphant. 
 
 Under the figure of Reformed Judah was repre- 
 fented the Church of England ; the Babylonians were 
 the Romanifts, the Edomites the Diflenters : the na- 
 tional fins of Judah, — her calamities under the yoke 
 of her enemies, — her repentance and fubmiffion, — her 
 deliverance and triumph, are held out to " Proteftant 
 Reformed England " as her warning, her instruction, 
 and her confolation. 
 
 The Bifhop was not unconfcious of the dangers at- 
 
 * Evelyn's Diary, Vol. i. p. 647. 
 
1 68 8] BiJIjop of Bath and Wells. 263 
 
 tendant on the fubjecl: he had chofen. The King had 
 peremptorily forbid the clergy to preach on the con- 
 troverfies of the day : he was at that moment attend- 
 ing mafs in another part of the palace ; but would be 
 fure to hear of all that pafTed. Never thelefs Ken had a 
 duty to difcharge, higher than to any earthly authority, 
 and though it had been at the hazard of his life, he 
 dared not fhrink from it. 
 
 He opens at once on the meaning and fcope of the 
 text. " Every one that hears this paffage of Scripture 
 will foon perceive what the Prophet intends, namely a 
 reprefentation of the Church of Judah under the Ba- 
 bylonifn Captivity." He then mows how the Pro- 
 phets of old were wont to declare boldly the counfels 
 of God, and alludes to the abfence of the King, which 
 expofed the preacher to the rifk of having his words 
 mifreprefented. "As the Prophet," he fays, "directed 
 his difcourfe to the Church, to the Reformed Church in 
 general, fo he applied himfelf to all degrees of men 
 in particular. He preach'd not only to the people, 
 and to the priefts, but to the Court ; ' to the heads of 
 the Houfe of Jacob, and to the Princes of the Houfe of 
 Ifrael:' nay, to King Hezekiah himfelf ; in whofe pre- 
 fence he delivered that direful prophefy, warning the 
 king and the court of the danger they would certainly 
 bring down, unlefs prevented by a national repentance." 
 
 "It was a bold undertaking to denounce God's judge- 
 ments to the king, and to the court ; and to tell them 
 that the king's palace, and the whole city of Jerufalem, 
 mould be utterly destroyed : fuch mortifying fubjecls 
 as thefe courts, above all others, are not willing to hear 
 of. But true Prophets, in the delivery of their mef- 
 
264 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 fages, fear none but God, and dare fay anything that 
 God commands them. And there are times when Pro- 
 phets cannot, muft not, keep filence ; when the watch- 
 men ought to blow the trumpet, to give the warning 
 of repentance to the whole land ; or if the land will 
 not take the warning, to free their own fouls." 
 
 " Amos was originally neither Prophet nor Prophet's 
 fon, but a poor herdfman of Tekoa ;* yet when God 
 fent him, he had courage from above to prophefy 
 againft Ifrael, againft King Jeroboam, and againft the 
 worfhip of the Calves ; to prophefy terrible things, 
 even at Bethel, which was the King's chapel, and the 
 King's court ; and to prophefy in fpite of Amaziah, 
 the Prieft of Bethel, who falfely accufed him to Jero- 
 boam for c confpiring againft him ; ' adding l that the 
 land was not able to bear all his words : ' as if a true 
 zeal for God had been rebellion againft the King." 
 
 Speaking of the Prophet, whofe words wrought fo 
 fuccefsfully on Hezekiah, he fays, " happy was it for 
 the King that he fo devoutly attended to the Prophet : 
 happy was it for the Prophet that he had the oppor- 
 tunity of preaching to the King himfelf. Had he 
 preached thefe fevere, though neceflary, truths in ano- 
 ther congregation, where a fort of men, fuch as the 
 Pfalmift complains of, came on purpofe to wreft his 
 words, and with thoughts againft him for evil, what 
 tragical relations had been made of his Jermon ! But 
 the Prophet was fafe under the king's gracious protec- 
 tion, and in having the king himfelf for his auditor, 
 
 * This is in reference to his own elevation from a humble ftation 
 to the Epifcopal chair. 
 
1 6 8 8 ] Bijhop of Bath and IV ells . 265 
 
 who being like an angel of God, liked the preacher 
 the better for the confcientious difcharge of his pro- 
 phetick duty." 
 
 After defcribing the Babylonians as cruel and mer- 
 cilefs ; a bitter and a hafty nation, very heavily laying 
 their yoke on God's people, he proceeds ; cc I need fay 
 no more of them than this, that St. John, when he 
 was to draw a prophetick defcription of the great Anti- 
 chrifb under the Gofpel, was directed by the Spirit of 
 God to make Babylon the type, and to paint fcriptural 
 Babylon in the colours of the temporal ; as if no na- 
 tion under heaven were infamous and wicked enough 
 to furniih him with idolatry and pride, and unclean- 
 nefs, and covetoufnefs, and cruelty, and impiety in full 
 perfection, fit to refemble the Man of Sin, but only 
 the Babylonian." 
 
 Of the Edomites, he fays, fC They were the chil- 
 dren of Efau, and originally of the fame blood, and of 
 the fame religion with Judah, though they revolted 
 from the Church of God ; and thofe feemed to have 
 derived from Efau, their father, his perverfenefs, which 
 he remarkably fhow'd to his aged mother ; infomuch 
 that Jofephus gives them this character, that they were 
 a turbulent and unruly nation, always prone to commo- 
 tions, and rejoicing in changes." But their animofity 
 againft Judah feemed to be hereditary ; the lofs of the 
 birth-right, and of the blemng in their father, entail'd 
 revenge on all his pofterity. And they were all along 
 the natural enemies of the children of Jacob. And 
 when they faw Judah aflaulted by the Babylonians, they 
 fided with Judah's enemies, and thirfted to have a fhare 
 in the deftruction of God's Church. Such were the 
 
266 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 enemies of afflicted Judah ; and God in his juft indig- 
 nation againft Judah's fins, gave both thefe enemies 
 their defir'd fuccefs ; fuccefs that was able to fatiate the 
 moft impetuous and revengeful cruelty." 
 
 " Rejoice not, O ye Edomites ; for in infulting over 
 me, ye infult over your own miferies, as well as mine. 
 Our God has commanded the Jew not to abhor an 
 Edomite, for he is his brother. Why mould not this 
 command be mutually obferved on both fides ? Why 
 mould the Edomite abhor his brother Jew ? If both 
 fides had been to blame, why fhould not their common 
 danger have reconciled them ? Ah ! had Judah and 
 Edom reviv'd that brotherly affection which, before 
 the lofs of the birth-right, harbour'd in the breads of 
 their fathers, Jacob and Efau ; had they both join'd for 
 the common fafety againft the Babylonian, the common 
 enemy, humanly fpeaking, both might have preferv'd 
 their liberty : but Edom will be an eafy prey to the 
 Babylonian, now her neighbour Judah is led captive. 
 Rejoice not, then, againft captive Judah ; fince every 
 wound you give to Judah makes Edom bleed." 
 
 He exhibits great copioufnefs of invention in deferr- 
 ing the faith of penitent Judah in God's tendernefs and 
 mercy, though His countenance feemed to be with- 
 drawn from them. " Nor was Judah," he fays, cf only 
 confident of deliverance, but of fupport alfo in the 
 meantime : ' when I fit in darknefs, the Lord will be a 
 light unto me ! ' and this confidence was grounded on 
 the ufual conduct of propitious Providence. For in 
 Micah, and the reft of the Prophets, when God de- 
 nounces judgements againft his people, his threats are 
 intermingled with promifes of blefiings, either temporal 
 
1 6 8 8] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 267 
 
 or evangelical. Well, then, might penitent Judah fay, 
 1 when I fit in darknefs the Lord will be a light unto 
 me.' When I am depriv'd of all the comforts of life, 
 abandon'd by all worldly fuccours ; # when God him- 
 felf feems to defert me, and fuffer me to lie 70 years 
 together in a vexatious captivity ; when God feems 
 c to cover himfelf with a cloud, that my prayer mould 
 not pafs through ; ' then will the Lord be a light unto 
 me ; at midnight I mall fee a clear funfhine. In the 
 multitude of the forrows I mail then have in my heart, 
 God's comforts fhall refrem my foul. My infulting 
 enemies hinder my other friends, but cannot hinder 
 God, who is my beft friend, from vifiting me. When 
 poor, captive, exile, penitent Judah, lies chain'd in a 
 Babylonifh dungeon, dark as hell ; yet the rays of the 
 divine benignity can pierce through the thickeft dark- 
 nefs, to enlighten and revive me. My chains will then 
 be more eligible than liberty ; Babylon will make me 
 forget Sion. My very dungeon will be heaven upon 
 earth, f when I enjoy God there. No fad thought mail 
 arife, but I can take fanctuary in one of his gracious 
 promifes, which mail inftantly difpel it. If this be 
 captivity, by becoming a Babylonifh flave to become 
 the Lord's freeman, O may my captivity laft not fe- 
 venty, but feventy times {even years. No time, O 
 
 * This paffage is applicable to himfelf in the after period of his 
 life, when he was deprived of his Bifhoprick. 
 
 f " Heav'n is, dear Lord, where'er Thou art, 
 O never then from me depart ; 
 For to my foul 'tis Hell to be, 
 But for one moment, without Thee." 
 
 Ken's Morning Hymn. 
 
268 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 Lord, is long; eternity itfelf is not tedious, that is fpent 
 in thy fruition. O Almighty Goodnefs, thou only canft 
 make captivity defirable : welcome, then, darknefs ; 
 there will I fit, defiring to fee no light but what comes 
 from thy countenance ; for thou art light, and liberty, 
 and joy, and all in all to thofe who, for thy fake, are 
 content for awhile to fit in darknefs." 
 
 In this fimple faith, he exhorts the Church to patience, 
 and non-refi fiance, waiting till the Lord mould plead 
 the caufe of His Church. " God commanded Judah 
 to ferve the King of Babylon ; and afTur'd them, that 
 if they ferv'd him, they mould live. And they were 
 to c pray for the peace of that city ; that in the peace 
 thereof they might have peace.' So that all Judah 
 was enjoin'd by God patient fubmiffion to that king. 
 They were to fubjecl: their perfons to the Babylonifh 
 government, but not to proftitute their confciences to 
 the Babylonifh idolatry, whenfoever the commands of 
 God, and of the king of Babylon, flood in competition. 
 To have then obey'd the king had not been alle- 
 giance, but apoftacy. In fuch cafes the true Ifraelites 
 would always be martyrs, but never rebels ; they refo- 
 lutely chofe to obey God, and patiently to fufFer the 
 lions' den, the fiery furnace, and the extremity of the 
 king's difpleafure." 
 
 It would be difficult to find in our language a finer 
 fpecimen of bold, empaffioned eloquence than his rapid 
 defcription of the punifhment that fell on the Babylo- 
 nians, when the time was come for Judah's deliverance. 
 11 The Judgment God executed for his people was in 
 all circumftances moft, remarkable. For vengeance 
 furpriz'd Babylon, when the great Belfhazzar, and his 
 
1688] BiJIjop of Bath and IV ells. 269 
 
 court and his concubines, were gorging themfelves at 
 a luxurious, idolatrous feaft ; ' drinking themfelves 
 drunk' in the vefTels of the Temple, and wallowing in 
 their own loathfome vomits. It was then the King 
 faw the fatal hand-writing on the wall ; c at which his 
 countenance fell, and his thoughts troubled him, and 
 the joints of his loins were loofed, and his knees fmote 
 one againft another.' Then it was, in the depth of 
 their fecurity, in the dead of the night, that Belfhazzar 
 was flam, the city was taken, and Darius feized the 
 kingdom. The Babylonians were destroyed in the 
 midft of a debauch ; in the height of their impiety 
 they all went drunk to Hell, and their fouls and bodies 
 perifh'd both together." 
 
 Then follows a glowing defcription of Judah's pro- 
 vidential releafe from her captivity : t( Hitherto me 
 endur'd a long night of affliction, with fome lightfome 
 gleams only to refrefh her : now God takes her up out 
 of the dungeon, and brings her to open day : and He 
 brings her out, without any of her own contrivance, or 
 endeavour ; without anything on her part, but repen- 
 tance and patient fubmiffion ; and on a fudden, to 
 convince all the world it was His own work, it was 
 the Lord, it was only the Lord, who at the expiration 
 of 70 years, ftirr'd up the fpirit of Cyrus, to make 
 that tranfporting, that furprifing decree for building 
 the Temple, and for the restoration of captive Judah. 
 Then was me brought forth to the light in full fplen- 
 dour ; the dawnings of which, all along, were to the 
 faithful Ifraelites the folace of their captivity, and in 
 all their cheerful intervals the fubjec~l of their fongs -, 
 when they took down their harps from the willows, 
 
270 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 and by the waters of Babylon ftrove, with the defcrip- 
 tions of future Sion, to forget the paft." 
 
 She faw herfelf happy, and her God moft juft, be- 
 nign and merciful ; and her happinefs being founded 
 on affliction, me relifhed it the better ; me did the 
 better tafte and fee that the Lord was gracious ; me 
 experimentally felt, and confefs'd, and lov'd, and ador'd 
 c the righteoufnefs of God,' which made penitent, pa- 
 tient Judah not only victorious but triumphant. She 
 rode in triumph over the once infulting Babylon ; in 
 triumph, the moft illuftrious that ever was ; in triumph, 
 fuch as the good angels kept above, at the defeat of 
 Lucifer and his apoftate fpirits, when they faw the ac- 
 curfed rebels falling headlong from Heaven, down to 
 the place of endlefs torments, and heard them fhriek- 
 ing and howling all the way they fell ; and the loyal 
 hoft, in the mean time, full of the mighty joys of 
 victory, exulted in the juft damnation of the rebellious 
 legions, and fang triumphant hymns to the Lord of 
 Hofts, by whofe Arm they had been conquerors. For 
 thus the faithful triumphed over Babylon : f how art 
 thou fallen from Heaven, O Lucifer, fon of the morn- 
 ing ! ' So certain was the victory, fo glorious was 
 the triumph, with which penitent patient Judah was 
 honour'd by God, who was her moft tender advocate, 
 to plead her caufe ; her moft juft avenger, to execute 
 judgment for her ; her moft mighty deliverer, to bring 
 her forth to the light ; and her moft indulgent patron, 
 to make her behold His righteoufnefs." 
 
 His hearers could not but apply to the Romanifts 
 and DifTenters this vivid defcription of the Babylo- 
 nians and Edomites, to whom God, in His juft indig- 
 
i688] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 27 1 
 
 nation againft Judahs fins, gave the power of a long 
 oppreffion. Ken, however, did not mean the applica- 
 tion to be made to them, other than as a warning to all 
 clafTes, left, indentifying themfelves with fuch perfe- 
 cutors, they mould partake of the judgments that 
 were to follow. <c Hitherto," he fays, " I have only 
 infifted on the cafe of Judah. And in making the 
 application (fince we have not that happinefs which 
 Micah had, to have the King him/elf for our auditor , in 
 whofe royal candour a faithful preacher might be fecure) 
 to prevent all mifreprefentations, by which the moft 
 innocent difcourfe, and the very Scripture itfelf, may 
 by infidious men be perverted, and charged with odious 
 infinuations, I befeech you to obferve that, as to Ba- 
 bylon, it lies in St. John's Virions under fo many de- 
 teftable characters ; the Prophefies concerning it are fo 
 obfcure, and the interpretations of them are fo various, 
 fome of them fo uncertain, fome of them fo forc'd, that 
 I confefs they are abftrufenefTes, which I do not fuffi- 
 ciently underftand, and therefore forbear particularly 
 to apply. 
 
 " As to Edom : their father Efau is made, in the 
 New Teftament, the idea of a prophane perfon, of an 
 apoftate, of one hated by God, and of a reprobate : 
 and God forbid I mould beftow fuch names as thefe, 
 on any one Communion of Chriftians whatfoever. But 
 if we meet with any fuch in the world, who profeffing 
 chriftianity in words, do fo far deny it in their works, 
 as to reach thofe characters which the fcripture gives 
 of Babylon and Edom ; we are to deplore them, to pray 
 to God to turn their hearts, and to warn all people to 
 come out from thence, that they be not partakers of 
 
272 Life (^Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 their fins, and that they receive not of their plagues. 
 And whenever fuch enemies as thefe attempt the ruin 
 of God's Church, our Saviour has taught His followers 
 how to encounter them. c Love your enemies ; blefs 
 them that curfe you ; do good to them that hate you ; 
 and pray for them which defpitefully ufe you, and 
 perfecute you.' St. John has taught all christians how 
 to overcome them ; ( by the blood of the Lamb, by 
 the word of their teftimony, and by not loving their 
 lives even unto death.' Judah has taught all the 
 faithful how to weather out a captivity under them, 
 by repentance and patient fubmiflion. And my defign 
 in this difcourfe is, from penitent, patient, Reformed 
 Judah, to draw an example for the Reformed Church 
 of England to imitate, as far as their conditions may in 
 any way agree." f c In a word, I earneftly exhort you to 
 a uniform zeal for the Reformation, that as, bleffed 
 be God, you are happily reform'd in your Faith, and 
 in your worfhip, you would become wholly reform'd 
 in your lives. From fuch a reformation as this, we 
 may confidently hope for a blefiing : and whatfoever 
 enemies our Church may at any time have ; fhould 
 they be as infulting as the Babylonian, or as revengeful 
 as the Edomite ; nay fhould they for a while be never 
 fo fuccefsful, yet penitent, patient Reform'd England 
 may then fay with penitent, patient reform'd Judah ; 
 * Rejoice not againft me, O mine enemy : when I fall 
 I fhall rife ; when I fit in darknefs, the Lord fhall be 
 a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the 
 Lord, becaufe I have finned againft Him ; until He 
 plead my caufe and execute judgment for me. He 
 
1 6 8 8 ] BiJJjop of Bath a?td Wells . 273 
 
 will bring me forth to the light ; and I mall behold 
 His Righteoufnefs." 
 
 The Court rang with comments on this memorable 
 fermon : Ken had foretold, too truly, that he would be 
 charged by cc infidious men " with perfonally reproach- 
 ing the King. The deep and tender concern he ex- 
 preiTed for the Reformation, and his fervid calls to a 
 holy dread and awe of the national fins, were fo many 
 emphatic reflections on the enemies of the public 
 peace : they made " tragical relations " to the royal 
 ear of thefe " neceflary though fevere truths." It 
 appears from Hawkins's account that, <( although many 
 of his fermons were framed againft the Church of 
 Rome, the King fo far entertained hopes of his ab- 
 folute obedience to his will and pleafure, that it was 
 thought worth while to attempt to gain him over to 
 that party at court. But fo ineffectually, that upon 
 the preaching of this fermon in the King's own chapel 
 at Whitehall (which feems wholly intended againft 
 both the Popifh and Fanatic factions, then united at 
 court) and it being mifreprefented to the King, who 
 had not been prefent at divine fervice, but fending for 
 the Bifhop, and clofeting him on the occafion, received 
 nothing in anfwer but this fatherly reprimand, '-that 
 if His Majefty had not negletted his own duty of being 
 ■prefent ', his enemies had miffed this opportunity of accu- 
 ftng him.' Whereupon he was difmifTed." * 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 18. 
 
274 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 The King's Declaration of Indulgence — Order of Council to have 
 it read in all Churches — Petition of Archhijhop Saner oft, 
 Ken, and five other Bijhops again/I the Order. They are 
 fent to the Tower. 
 
 1 HE fermon at Whitehall muft have been 
 fo obnoxious to the King, that Ken could 
 hardly expect to efcape with impunity. 
 No doubt he was difmifTed from the 
 prefence with ftrong expreffions of refentment ; mod 
 probably with fome threat that means would be found 
 to filence the Clergy, and bring them to obedience. 
 Such indeed had been already determined on. For on 
 the 28 th of the fame month the King made a frefh De- 
 claration for liberty of confeience. This State paper is 
 drawn with confiderable (kill. It fets out with an in- 
 timation that the King was refolved to be obeyed : 
 " our conduct has been fuch at all times as ought to 
 have perfuaded the world that we are firm and conftant 
 in our refolutions : yet, that eafy people may not be 
 abus'd by the malice of crafty wicked men, we think 
 fit to declare that our intentions are not changed." It 
 ftates that it had been his principal care to fecure the 
 benefits of Indulgence to all his fubjects, who had tef- 
 tified by multitudes of addrefTes their fatisfaction and 
 duty : that liberty of confeience would be a public be- 
 
1 688] Bifoop of Bath and Wells. 275 
 
 nefit to future ages, and for the general good of the 
 whole kingdom : that offices and employments of the 
 ftate ought to be the reward of fervices, fidelity and 
 merit, not fubject to Oaths and Tefts, as muft be ap- 
 parent to all who felt concerned in the encreafe of the 
 wealth and power of thefe kingdoms, which above all 
 others are moil capable of improvements, and of com- 
 manding the trade of the world : that the late changes 
 both of civil and military officers were for the purpofe 
 of eftablifhing the peace and greatnefs of the country, 
 as all unbyafs'd men might fee by the condition of the 
 fleet and armies, which mould be conftantly the fame, 
 and greater, if the fafety and honour of the nation re- 
 quired it : that he had been during the three years of 
 his reign the Father of his people, not their opprefTor : 
 and it concludes by urging all to lay afide private ani- 
 mofities and jealoufies, and to choofe fuch members of 
 Parliament as would do their parts for the advantage 
 of the monarchy, promising to call them together in 
 November next at farther!:. 
 
 To give the fuller!: publicity to this Proclamation, 
 and to mow that he was refolved to carry out the mea- 
 fure, an order of Council was made on the 4th of May, 
 directing the Bifhops to have it fent to their refpective 
 Diocefes, and read in every church and chapel through- 
 out the kingdom. This order appears to have excited 
 more furprife and oppofition than the Declaration itfelf. 
 Yet it was not fo great a ftretch of prerogative ; for 
 the authority of the crown to have its Proclamations 
 read from the pulpit appears to have been, and ftill is, 
 recognized. It had been obeyed feveral times by San- 
 
276 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 croft himfelf in the late reign ;* and appears to be pro- 
 vided for in the Act of Uniformity, prefixed to the 
 Book of Common Prayer. But in this cafe acquiefcence 
 would have given the fanction of the Clergy to an illegal 
 act, which the Indulgence clearly was. The Bifhops 
 at once perceived that it was not only levelled againft 
 the Church, but was intended to mortify them, and de- 
 grade them in the public efteem : their concurrence 
 would make them parties to an act that would be con- 
 strued into their fanction of the Indulgence, and muft 
 have paved the way to further encroachments. 
 
 But more than this, and apart from all political con- 
 fiderations of prudence, and legal fecurity, they thought 
 that to publifh during divine fervice, what they con- 
 fcientioufly believed to be a toleration of error, would 
 be contrary to the interests of religion : to proclaim in 
 the public affemblies of the Church the lawfulnefs of 
 fchifm would in their judgment violate the principle of 
 unity : to juftify by an epifcopal act the fetting up of 
 Papal and Prefbyterian worfhip againft the altar of the 
 true Church, would violate its fanctity, and compromife 
 their clear duty. Archbifhop Sancroft, whofe courage 
 and zeal were equal to the emergency which now threat- 
 ened the Church, was at once difpofed to make a ftand : 
 he held many confultations with the Bifhops who were 
 near at hand, and feveral of the moft diftinguifhed of 
 the London clergy, in order to afcertain the general 
 feeling. By their advice a circular was fent to the ab- 
 fent Prelates, inviting them to attend at Lambeth. 
 
 Ken, who had, as ufual, returned to his Diocefe as 
 
 * Kenneth, Vol. iii. pp. 388, 408, and Echard. 
 
i688] Bifloop of Bath and Wells. 277 
 
 foon as his duty in London had been performed, re- 
 ceived the following letter from the Archbifhop. 
 
 " My Lord, 
 This is only in my own name, and in the name of 
 fome of our Brethren, now here upon the place, ear- 
 neftly to defire you, immediately upon the receipt of 
 this letter, to come hither with what convenient fpeed 
 you can, not taking notice to any that you are fent for. 
 Wifhing you a profperous journey, and us all a happy 
 meeting, I remain 
 
 Your very loving brother, 
 
 William Cantuar." 
 
 He came at once to London, and arrived on the 
 evening of the 17th of May, with his friend Trelawney, 
 Bifhop of Briftol. On the following morning a general 
 meeting was held at Lambeth Palace. They began by 
 invoking the Divine aid to guide and influence their 
 deliberations. Seldom, if ever, fince the Reformation 
 had there been a more critical moment for the Church 
 of England : moderate counfels, combined with a col- 
 lected energy of action, could alone avert the danger. 
 The Bifhops confidered that they were entitled to offer 
 advice to the Crown in all matters purely ecclefiaftical.* 
 In the prefent inftance the exercife of their privilege was 
 bound upon them by the duty they owed to their flocks ; 
 for the natural defenders of the honour and dignity of 
 the Church, were now commanded to ftrike a blow 
 againfl; her deareft interefts. They refolved, therefore, 
 to make a humble appeal to the King by Petition, 
 
 * Gutch's Colle&anea Curiofa, Vol. i. p. 364. 
 
278 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 couched in the moft refpectful terms of duty and at- 
 tachment. They declared that in a matter of fuch great 
 moment and confequence to the whole nation, they 
 could not in prudence, honour, or confcience fo far 
 make themfelves parties to His Majefty's Declaration 
 of indulgence, as to publifh it in God's houfe, and in 
 the time of divine fervice ; therefore they humbly and 
 earneftly befought him not to infifl upon their doing fo. 
 The Bifhops were unanimoufly agreed that they 
 mould take on themfelves the exclufive refponfibility 
 of whatever might happen, fo that others might be 
 clear of an act which would, in all probability, expofe 
 them to the King's refentment. The Petition was drawn 
 up in the handwriting of the Archbifhop, to fecure the 
 utmoft fecrecy, and was figned by himfelf and all the 
 Bifhops prefent, except Compton, who had been fuf- 
 pended. Thefe were 
 
 St. Afaph - - Lloyd. Chichefler - Lake. 
 Ely - - - - Turner. Briftol - - Trelawney. 
 Bath and Wells- Ken. Peterborough -White. 
 
 They had no time to lofe, as the Declaration was to 
 be read in the London Churches the next day but one ; 
 fo they refolved immediately to prefent the paper in 
 perfon to the King : but the Archbifhop, being forbid 
 to appear at Court, was not to accompany the other fix. 
 
 It was a moment of deep and folemn intereft, when 
 thefe courageous men pafTed over the river in the Arch- 
 bifhop's barge from Lambeth to Whitehall. Only the 
 meafured found of the oars was heard : all around them 
 was hufhed into filence ; for it was now ten o'clock at 
 night. The inhabitants of the town, unconfcious of 
 
i688] Bifloop of Bath and Wells. 279 
 
 the impending ftruggle for their deareft rights, had 
 gone to reft. As they landed at Whitehall ftairs, none 
 were to be {q.^\ but the fentinels at their poft. The 
 King, having been informed by Lord Sunderland that 
 they requefted an audience, gave orders that they mould 
 be immediately admitted into his Clofet. " He took 
 them into the room within the bed chamber," where 
 the Bifhop of St. Afaph, with the reft, all upon their 
 knees, delivered the Petition. 
 
 The King at firft received them gracioufly, and 
 opening the Petition, faid, <f This is my Lord of Can- 
 terbury's own hand." As foon, however, as he had 
 read it over, he folded it up, and faid, " This is a great 
 furprize to me : here are ft range words. I did not ex- 
 pect this from you. This is a ftandard of rebellion." — 
 His own account is that " The King was much ftartled 
 at this addrefs, and told them that tho' he had heard of 
 their defign, he did not believe it; nor did he expect 
 fuch ufage from the Church of England, efpecially from 
 fome of the Petitioners ; that he had the charity for 
 moft of them to think they were not feniible of the 
 harme they did, him and themfelves, but that they had 
 been impofed upon by ill men, who defigned his and 
 their ruin ; that it was a founding of Sheba's trumpet, 
 and that the feditious preachings of the Puritans in the 
 year '40 was not of fo ill confequence as this ; that 
 they had rais'd a devil they could not lay, and that 
 when it was too late they would fee their errour, and 
 would be the firft that would repent it."* 
 
 * " Memoirs writ by his own hand." Clarke's Life of James II. 
 Vol. i. p. 155. 
 
280 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 TheBifhopof St. Afaph, and fome of the reft, replied, 
 that they had adventured their lives for His Majefty, 
 and would lofe the laft drop of their blood, rather than 
 lift up a finger againft him. 
 
 The King. I tell you this is the ftandard of rebellion. 
 I never faw fuch an addrefs. 
 
 Bijhop of Bath. Sir, I hope you will give that liberty 
 to us, which you allow to all mankind. 
 
 The King, infilling upon the tendency of the Peti- 
 tion to rebellion, faid he would have his Declaration 
 publifhed. 
 
 Bijiwp of Bath. We are bound to fear God, and ho- 
 nor the King. We defire to do both : we will honor 
 you ; we muft fear God. 
 
 The King. Is this what I have deferved, who have 
 fupported the Church of England, and will fupport it ? 
 I will remember you, that you have figned this paper. 
 I will keep this paper ; I will not part with it. I did 
 not expect this from you. I will be obeyed in publifh- 
 ing my Declaration. 
 
 Bijhop of Bath. God's will be done. 
 
 The King. What's that ? 
 
 Bijhop of Bath. God's will be done. — And fo faid the 
 Bifhop of Peterborough. 
 
 The King. If I think fit to alter my mind, I will fend 
 to you. God hath given me this difpenfing power, and 
 I will maintain it. I tell you there are 7000 men, and 
 of the Church of England too, that have not bowed the 
 knee to Baal. 
 
 And fo they were difmirTed. 
 
 The few fignificant words of Ken ought to have 
 convinced James that nothing could make the refolu- 
 
1 6 8 8] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 2 8 1 
 
 tion of men, who told him to his face that the fear of 
 God was a higher duty than honour to kings. But 
 he " gave a worfe interpretation to their refinance, 
 than that it was meerly fcruple of confcience : he thought 
 that, finding the people difpofed to follow the cry they 
 heard from the altar, and that they could whiftle up 
 the winds, they were refolved to raife a ftorm, though 
 they feemingly pretended to lay it." * This motive 
 was imputed to them by the bigotry of his counfellors, 
 and by falfe friends, who urged him on to dangerous 
 meafures for the purpofe of alienating from him the 
 mind of the nation : C( fycophants," as he calls them, 
 "who covered his eyes from the light." He fays, 
 himfelf, " according to human prudence his Majefty 
 had done better in not forcing fome wheels, when he 
 found the whole machine flop ; but his too great at- 
 tention to what he thought juft and reafonable hinder'd 
 him from reflecting on what (to be fure) had been 
 more fafe, as the cafe then flood ; but it was the King's 
 misfortune to give too much ear to the pernicious ad- 
 vice of thofe who put him upon fuch dangerous coun- 
 fels, with intent (as was fufpected) to widen the breach, 
 and therefore encouraged his perflfting in thofe ways, 
 which he might have feen would not go down with the 
 multitude." f What added to his pertinacity was the 
 perfuafion that nothing had proved more injurious to 
 his brother, and efpecially to his father Charles I. than 
 their yielding temper ; and as the Petition had only 
 
 * His own Memoirs. Clarke's Life of James 2nd, vol. ii. p. 156. 
 f Ibid. 
 
282 Life a/' Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 been figned by feven of the Bifhops, he did not ima- 
 gine the others would refufe compliance. 
 
 The next morning the fact of the Bifhops having 
 waited upon the King was fpread abroad. As ufual, 
 many verfions of the ftory being given, great excite- 
 ment prevailed in the town. There was a general feel- 
 ing of fympathy with the Prelates, whofe conduct: was 
 highly applauded. They appeared venerable in the 
 eyes of all men as brave champions of the Church. On 
 the following Sunday, when the Declaration was read 
 in a very few of the Churches, the people with one ac- 
 cord rofe from their feats. In the Abbey nobody could 
 hear it for the great murmur which arofe, and before it 
 was finifhed no one was left in the choir but a few pre- 
 bendaries, the choriflers, and the Weftminfter fcholars. 
 Within a few days, fix more of the Bifhops, and many 
 of the raoft diftinguifhed clergy, expreffed to the Arch- 
 bifhop in writing their concurrence in the Petition. 
 
 The King now feemed in doubt what fteps to take. 
 The advice of the Lord Chancellor JefFeries, and other 
 violent men, prevailed. On the 27th the Bifhops re- 
 ceived notice to appear before the Council on the 8 th 
 of June, to anfwer for a mifdemeanour in publifhing a 
 libel on the King. The intermediate time was now 
 fpent in confultations, among themfelves and friends, at 
 Lambeth as to the courfe they ought to purfue. Lord 
 Clarendon, in his Diary, fays, " On the evening of 
 the 5th of June the Bifhops of Ely and Bath and 
 Wells, were with me: I advifed them to confult 
 with the beft lawyers how to behave themfelves at 
 the Council board; that the time drew near; and that 
 they fhould not come unprepared to anfwer any quef- 
 
1 68 8] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 283 
 
 tions that might be afked them upon their Petition." 
 " The next day, in the evening, the Bifhops of Ely, 
 Bath and Wells, Peterborough, and St. Afaph, were 
 with me, and defired to borrow fome Parliamentary 
 Journals, which they thought might be ufeful to them, 
 and which I lent them." Again: "On the feventh, 
 in the evening, the Bifhops were with me, and told 
 me they had taken advice with the beft counfel, and 
 hoped they fhould have good fuccefs to-morrow. I 
 afked them if they had well confidered what to do or 
 fay, in cafe they mould be required to find bail for 
 their further appearance (for fuch a thing was whifpered) 
 and found they had not, whereupon I earneftly preffed 
 them to go this very evening, and advife with Sir 
 Robert Sawyer, who could beft inftruct them what 
 power the Council board now had ; and fo they left 
 me, refolving to go prefently to him." # 
 
 "On Friday, June 8th, at 5 in the afternoon, the 
 King came to the Privy Council. About half an hour 
 after, the Archbifhop and the fix Bifhops, who were 
 in attendance in the next room, were called into the 
 Council Chamber, and gracioufly received by his Ma- 
 jefty. On being afked if the Petition was written and 
 figned by his Grace, the Archbifhop anfwered : " Sir, I 
 am called hither as a criminal, which I never was be- 
 fore in my life ; and little thought I ever fhould be, 
 efpecially before your Majefty : but fince it is my un- 
 happinefs to be fo at this time, I hope your Majefty 
 will not be offended that I am cautious of anfwering 
 queftions. No man is obliged to anfwer queftions that 
 
 * Clarendon's Diary, vol. ii. p. 175. 
 
284 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 may tend to the accufing of himfelf." * " Thereupon 
 they were ordered to withdraw ; and being called in a 
 fecond time, they made the fame anfwer to the fame 
 queftion : but at the third coming in, the Chancellor 
 prefling them to own or difown the paper, the Arch- 
 bifhop confefTed that it was written with his own hand ; 
 and the reft acknowledged that they had figned it, ad- 
 ding withal that they had done nothing but what they 
 were ready to juftify.f They were then afked if any 
 others were prefent at the framing of it. To which 
 they anfwered : " It is our great infelicity that we are 
 here as criminals ; and your Majefty is fo juft and ge- 
 nerous, that you will not require us to accufe either 
 ourfelves or others. "J " The Lord Chancellor fell into 
 anger and reproaches, and pretended to endeavour to 
 make them feniible of the ill confequences of their difo- 
 bedience, which tended todiminifh the King's authority, 
 and to difturb the peace of the kingdom ; and then at 
 laft afked them whether they would give their recog- 
 nizances to appear before the Court of King's Bench 
 to anfwer their high mifdemeanour ? This they all 
 refufed to do, infifting on the privilege of their Peer- 
 age, which they were refolved to maintain, as well as 
 the rights of the Church ; being equally bound by their 
 callings to oppofe all innovations, both in government 
 and religion. This bold anfwer put the whole Coun- 
 cil into fome amazement ; and the Chancellor Jefferies 
 threatened to fend them to the Tower, unlefs they did 
 
 * Doyly's Life of Sancroft, vol. i. p. 275. 
 f Kennet, vol. 3, p. 51 1. 
 \ Doyly, vol. i. p. 274. 
 
1 68 8] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 285 
 
 immediately recant and withdraw their Petition. They 
 unanimously anfwered, that they were ready to go 
 whitherfoever his Majefty would pleafe to fend them ; 
 they hoped the King of kings would be their protector 
 and their judge : they feared nothing from men ; for, 
 having acted according to law and their own confciences, 
 no punifhment fhould ever be able to fhake their refo- 
 lutions." * 
 
 They were urged again and again, then ordered to 
 retire, and once more brought in before the Council. 
 They promifed to appear at any time to anfwer to the 
 charge, but refufed to give bail, infifting that there was 
 no precedent for it, that any member of the Houfe of 
 Peers fhould be bound in recognizance for a mifde- 
 meanour.f The laft time they went in " they found 
 the King vanifh'd, and Jefferies in the chair, who ufed 
 them very roughly. "J They were ordered once more 
 to withdraw. At laft, being all refolved, a Serjeant- 
 at-Arms came out to them from the Council with a 
 warrant figned with 14 hands, to carry the Prelates to 
 the Tower, and another warrant figned by 1 9, and feals 
 annexed, addreffed to the Lieutenant of the Tower to 
 keep them in fafe cuftody. At the fame time an Or- 
 der in Council was made, directing the Attorney and 
 Solicitor-Generals to profecute them.§ 
 
 Whilft this fcene was acting within, the greateft ex- 
 citement prevailed amongft the crowds of people who 
 
 * Kennett, vol. iii. p. 512. 
 f Doyly's Life of Sancroft, vol. i. p. 285. 
 
 X Rapin, vol. ii. p. 763, On the authority of the Bifhop of Dur- 
 ham. 
 
 § Doyly, vol. i. p. 285. 
 
286 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 waited without the Palace. Thefe looked on the Bi- 
 fhops as the great afTertors of liberty, and martyrs for 
 their religion. The many times they were recalled to 
 the Council, and urged to give bail for their appear- 
 ance, mowed how anxious the King was to avoid the 
 extreme meafure of fending them to the Tower. In 
 his memoirs, he imputes to them a defire to force him 
 to their imprifonment, and fays he would have taken 
 their word for their appearance, — but they refufed : * 
 whereas the Archbimop expreffed their readinefs to 
 appear, without recognizance, at any time they were 
 called upon.f Some three years afterwards, in a letter 
 to Lloyd of Norwich, complaining of a pamphlet of 
 that day, which charged them with ftanding on nice- 
 ties, Sancroft fays : " We profer'd y e K§ our words, 
 as honeft men, and Chriftians, and Churchmen, to ap- 
 pear to his profecution, whenever he mould affign us 
 a day ; but the Council infilled upon it that we mould 
 enter a recognizance to that purpofe ; To which, when 
 we anfwered that our counfell advis'd us (and indeed 
 divers of y e Peers had alfo privately warn'd us) by no 
 means to doe it, for that would be to betray y e privi- 
 lege of y e peerage, and thereupon befought the King 
 y 1 he would take our words, w h he could not think 
 we would faliify to noe purpofe at all, — we were com- 
 manded to withdraw, and foon after a meffenger came 
 out with a warrant to carry us to y e Tower." J 
 
 * Clarke's Life of James 2nd, vol. ii. p. 159. 
 f Doyly, vol. ii. p. 285. 
 
 I MSS. Collection of Letters in the poffeffion of Dr. Williams, 
 Warden of New College, Oxford. 
 
1 6 8 8] Bi/hop of Bath and Wells . 287 
 
 To prevent the tumult that might be occasioned by 
 their paffage to the Tower through the ftreets, they were 
 ordered to be Tent away by water. The populace find- 
 ing out this project, went round to the river fide, and 
 teftified by their acclamations the moft lively intereft 
 in their fate, and even on their knees begged a parting 
 blefling. The fame concern was expreffed, as the barge 
 arrived at the Tower wharf. Here again a great crowd 
 was affembled to receive them : they were no fooner 
 landed than moft of the officers and foldiers fell on 
 their knees to beg their bleffing.* 
 
 Hume gives a moft graphic defcription of the fcene : 
 " The people were already aware of the danger to which 
 the prelates were expofed ; and were raifed to the 
 higheft pitch of anxiety and attention with regard to 
 the ifTue of this extraordinary affair. But when they 
 beheld thefe fathers of the Church brought from Court 
 under the cuftody of a guard, when they faw them 
 embarked in veffels, on the river, and conveyed towards 
 the Tower, all their affection for liberty, all their zeal 
 for religion, blazed up at once ; and they flew to be- 
 hold this affecting fpectacle. The whole fhore was co- 
 vered with crowds of proftrate Spectators, who at once 
 implored the bleffing of thofe holy paftors, and ad- 
 dreffed their petitions towards Heaven for protection 
 during this extreme danger, to which their country and 
 their religion flood expofed. Even the foldiers, feized 
 with the contagion of the fame fpirit, flung themfelves 
 on their knees before the diftreffed prelates, and craved 
 the benediction of thofe criminals whom they were ap- 
 
 * Kennett, vol. iii. p. 512. 
 
288 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 pointed to guard. Some perfons ran into the water, 
 that they might participate more nearly in thofe blef- 
 fings, which the prelates were distributing on all around 
 them. The Bifhops themfelves, during this triumph- 
 ant fuffering, augmented the general favour by the 
 moft lowly fubmiffive deportment ; and they ftill ex- 
 horted the people to fear God, honour the King, and 
 maintain their loyalty ; expreffions more animating 
 than the moft inflammatory fpeeches. And no fooner 
 had they entered the precincts of the Tower than they 
 hurried to chapel, in order to return thanks for thofe 
 afflictions, which Heaven, in defence of its holy caufe, 
 had thought them worthy to endure."* 
 
 The fecond leflbn, appointed by the Calendar for that 
 evening's fervice, was fo applicable to their circumftances 
 that it was looked upon by the people as providential, 
 to fuftain their courage ; being 2 Cor. vi. " We then 
 as workers together with Him, befeech you, &c. that 
 in all things ye approve yourfelves as the Minifters of 
 God in much patience, in afflictions, in necefflties, in 
 diftrefTes, in ftripes, in imprifonments, in tumults, in 
 labours, in watchings, in faftings," &c. &c. Thefe 
 words, no doubt, imparted to the prifoners a higher af- 
 furance of fupport than any fympathy of the people. 
 They had their confolation from the fame fource as St. 
 Paul and Silas, when they were thruft into the inner 
 prifon. On the next day but one, being Trinity Sun- 
 day, they all received the Holy Communion in the 
 Tower Chapel. 
 
 The fame State prifon had formerly witnefled the 
 
 * Hume's Hiftory, vol. ix. p. 44.9. 
 
1 6 8 8] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 289 
 
 fufferings of Lady Jane Grey, intrepid Raleigh, and 
 other victims of defpotic power, whofe names were ftill 
 engraved on the walls. But to thefe prelates a deeper 
 intereft was imparted by the memory of Archbifhop 
 Laud, and of the ten Bifhops, imprifoned there, near 
 half a century before, by order of the Long Parliament. 
 In 1 64 1 the then Bifhop of Bath was the victim of a 
 Puritan democracy, that denounced him as Cf a Papal 
 mifleader, and altarian innovator : " and now his fuc- 
 ceffor in the See was fent through the fame cc Traitor's 
 Gate,"* charged as a promoter of fedition. One was 
 imprifoned for figning a Petition to an intolerant Houfe 
 of Commons, the other for a Petition to an unjuft ty- 
 rannical King : each in his day a fufferer for the fame 
 Church. 
 
 The Bifhops were not left in folitude or neglect : 
 they were allowed the freedom of the Tower within 
 the walls, and their friends had leave to fee them. 
 Evelyn records his vifit to the Archbifhop and Ken. 
 Lord Clarendon alfo went to call upon them, and 
 found <c multitudes of people going in and coming 
 out." " Perfons of all ranks, from the higheft to the 
 loweft, flocked thither in crouds, to proffer their fer- 
 vices, and condole with them in their fufferings ; to 
 exprefs their gratitude and admiration, and to exhort 
 them to firm perfeverance in the courfe they had fo 
 nobly begun. Among the reft, ten non-conforming 
 minifters went to pay them a vifit, which the King 
 
 * " On through that Gate mifnam'd, thro' which, before, 
 Went Sidney, Raleigh, RufTell, Cranmer, More." 
 
 Wordsworth. 
 u 
 
290 Life <?/* Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 took fo heinoufly that he fent for four of them to re- 
 primand them ; but their anfwer was, that they could 
 not but adhere to the prifoners, as men conftant and 
 firm to the Protectant Faith. The very foldiers that 
 kept guard would frequently drink good health to 
 the Bifliops. The conftable fent orders to the captain 
 of the guard to fee that it was done no more : but the 
 anfwer he received was, that they were doing it at the 
 very inftant, and would drink that, and no other health, 
 whilft the Bifhops were there."* 
 
 A letter from Dr. Nalfon, written at the time, is 
 very expreflive of the general concern that was felt 
 for them. " Our fpiritual fathers," he fays, cc are under 
 confinement : a trial of patience fo great, that it were 
 cruelty to expect we mould not bemoan ourfelves ; 
 but if it be a crime to lament, innumerable are the 
 tranfgreflbrs ; for ever fince the black Friday fentence, 
 the nobles of both fexes keep their conftant court at 
 the Tower, where every day vaft multitudes of all 
 conditions run perpetually, all in tears, to beg the 
 holy men's bleffings : the fouldiers wait as mourners, 
 and become fo devout, that though the fcene be truly 
 fad, the end I hope will be the faving of many, and a 
 glorious confirmation of the truth, and the facrednefs 
 of our religion, which feems to be now brought on a 
 public ftage, that all the world may fee more clearly 
 her conformity to what the firft confeftbrs embraced, 
 and recommended fo very tenderly to mankind's care 
 and affection. Thanks be to God, who gives us 
 Paftors that will not (nor by a criminal fllence give 
 
 * Rerefby's Memoirs. 
 
1 6 8 8 ] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 291 
 
 others encouragement to) lead us aftray. I need not 
 tell you how much this integrity of the Bifhops has 
 ferved to convince their cenfurers of ram and unchari- 
 table conceits, nor how fenfible people grow of the 
 fatal confequences of weakening the eftablifhed Church 
 by a humourfome dread of her feverity. I am willing 
 to hope that the ftorme that's grown fo loud, and 
 feems ftill to denounce terrible things, will end in a 
 glorious calme ; it will do fo to all that are wife and 
 true of heart. To-morrow it's thought our illuftrious 
 confefTors will be fent for to Weftminfter ; they will 
 not be folitaryes there." * 
 
 * State Trials, vol. xii. p. 465. 
 
292 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Birth of a Prince of Wales — The Bi/hops are releafed from 
 the Tower — Their trial for a Seditious Libel^ and Acquittal 
 — The foy of the People — The Bi/hops encourage their foe ks 
 to remain firm to the Church of England. 
 
 |WO days after the imprifonment of the 
 Bifhops, an event occurred that filled 
 the Palace with joy, but ftruck difmay 
 ^3^|fX i nto the hearts of the. people ; — the birth 
 of a Prince of Wales. This caufed the King's party 
 to triumph in the profpect of a Romim fucceflion, — ■ 
 on the other hand it knit in clofer bonds the whole 
 energies of the country to reject the perpetuating a 
 Popifh rule. The authenticity of the birth was dif- 
 believed : it was treated as an impofture — another 
 Popifh Plot. — The moft abfurd ftories were propa- 
 gated to prove the child fuppofititious. The King 
 was exafperated at fo vile an accufation, reflecting dis- 
 honour on himfelf and the Queen. He calls it " a 
 deteftable calumny, of their having put a fuppofed 
 Prince on the nation." Thus an event that generally 
 cements the allegiance of Subjects, widened flill further 
 the breach between himfelf and his people. Coming 
 at fuch a moment, it increafed the general alarm for 
 the fafety of their religion. The Bifhops were more 
 than ever regarded as heroic martyrs for the truth of 
 the Proteftant Faith. " The whole Church," writes 
 d'Adda, the Pope's Nuncio, Cf efpoufes the caufe of the 
 
 
1 68 8] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 293 
 
 Bifhops. There is no reafonable expectation of a di- 
 vision amongft the Anglicans, and our hopes from the 
 Nonconformists are vanifhed."* James in his memoirs 
 fays, " the birth of the Prince, as it was an argument 
 of the greater!: joy to the King and Queen, and to all 
 thofe who wiihed them well, fo it gave the greateft 
 agonys imaginable to the generality of the kingdom." \ 
 The nation indeed was roufed, almoft as one man, 
 to a fenfe of the danger that now threatened their 
 common liberties : even the DifTenters perceived the 
 King's real object to be a toleration of Romanifm. How 
 indeed could they expect a permanent indulgence for 
 themfelves, when a confcientious and humble petition 
 from the Bifhops, praying to be excufed from an illegal 
 act, drawn up with fuch fecrecy that no copy was 
 allowed to be taken in any writing but the Arch- 
 bifhop's, and delivered into the King's own hand, in 
 the royal clofet at night, and on their knees, was de- 
 nounced as the publication of a feditious libel ? What 
 fecurity could there be for others, if in the perfons of 
 thefe Prelates the privileges of Peers, and the fanctity 
 of the higher! religious order, were publicly violated ? 
 James exprefTes great bitternefs againft the DifTenters 
 for fo foon turning againft him after the Declaration of 
 Indulgence, and adopting the belief that ff all the mi- 
 tigations to them were only for the fake of the Papifts. 
 They foon therefore join'd hands and voices with the 
 Church of England partie, fo far at Ieaft as to rail 
 againft the Church of Rome, and talk of nothing but 
 
 * Mackintofh's Hiftory, p. 253. 
 f Clarke's Life, vol. ii. p. 161. 
 
294 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 fire and fagot, as if Smithfield had been all in a blaze. 
 This might be catalogued amongfl their other thankfull 
 returns for the King's fnatching them out of the fire, 
 and loofing his credit with the Church partie, for 
 haveing gather'd thofe Vipers from the dunghill where 
 the laws had lay'd them ; and cherifhing them in his 
 bofome till they flung him with reproaches, as falfe as 
 they were vilanous and ungrateful." * 
 
 The other meafures of the King, his appointment 
 of a Roman Catholic Council, filling the army with 
 Popifh officers, annulling the Charters of corporate 
 cities, eftablifhing the Ecclefiaftical CommiiTion, forci- 
 bly invading the rights of the Univerfities, his arbitrary 
 and cruel meafures in Ireland, all feemed of minor 
 importance to this laft act of violence on men of fo 
 holy a character, and now fuflaining the part of patient, 
 humble, loyal fufferers in the caufe of truth. 
 
 James and his advifers began ferioufly to apprehend 
 the confequences of their precipitancy : even Jefferies 
 affected to deplore the prefent crifis, charging it on his 
 mailer's determined will, and expreffing a hope that 
 more moderate counfels would prevail. He fent an 
 obliging mefTage to the Bifhops in the Tower. Sun- 
 derland, who all this while, under cloak of devotion 
 to the King, was confidently following out his real 
 purpofe of rendering his mailer odious to the people, 
 difclaimed any fhare in the meafure. But a judicial 
 blindnefs had come over the King. At one moment 
 he feemed willing to change his policy, at another to 
 fear retracing one flep ; — urged forward by the Je- 
 
 * His own Memoirs. Clarke's Life of James II. vol. ii. p. 170. 
 
1 68 8] Bifoop of Bath and Wells. 295 
 
 fuits, he thought any thing better than to falter, and 
 fo plunged deeper into the maze, in which he had en- 
 tangled himfelf. 
 
 The Bifhops remained a week in the Tower : du- 
 ring that time their friends, and counfel, were actively 
 engaged in preparing for their defence. On the 15th 
 of June they were brought by water to the Court of 
 King's Bench at Weftminfter, to plead to a charge of 
 high mifdemeanour againft the King's authority. The 
 river on both fides was lined by fpectators, greeting 
 them with acclamations, and on their landing, the 
 people made a lane for them to pafs through to the 
 Palace Yard, begging their benedictions as before, 
 and thinking it a happinefs to kifs their hands, or their 
 robes. The Nuncio who was a witnefs of the fcene 
 defcribes " the immenfe concourfe of people who re- 
 ceived them on the bank of the river, the majority in 
 their immediate neighbourhood were on their knees. 
 The Archbifhop laid his hands on the heads of fuch as 
 he could reach, exhorting them to continue ftedfaft in 
 their faith ; they cried aloud that all mould kneel, 
 while tears flowed from the eyes of many." * 
 
 Being brought into the Court, they were each called 
 upon to plead to the indictment, which they did feve- 
 rally. 
 
 Clerk. My Lord Archbifhop of Canterbury, is your 
 Grace Guilty of the matter charged againft you in the 
 indictment, or not Guilty ? 
 
 Archbijhop of Canterbury. Not Guilty. 
 
 Clerk. My Lord Bifhop of Bath and Wells, is your 
 
 * Mackintofh's Hiftory, p. 262. 
 
296 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 Lordfhip Guilty of the matter charged againft you in 
 the information, or not Guilty ? 
 
 Bi/hop of Bath. Not Guilty. 
 And fo with the other five. 
 
 A fortnight was given them to prepare for trial. 
 The Attorney General was inftrucled to difpenfe with 
 bail, taking credit for not wifhing to infill on anything 
 that mould look like hardfhip. They were accor- 
 dingly fet at liberty, on their own recognizance to 
 appear again in Court on the 29th, and " fo were dif- 
 mifTed to lie in their own beds that night."* Such 
 was the univerfal joy at feeing the Bifhops releafed, 
 that they could fcarcely efcape from the crowd who 
 followed them with continued fhouts. " When the 
 Archbifhop arrived at Lambeth, the Grenadiers of 
 Lord Lichfield's regiment, though polled there by his 
 enemies, received him with military honours, made a 
 lane for his pafTage from the river to his palace, and 
 fell on their knees to afk his bleffing." Ken probably 
 accompanied the Archbifhop, as he certainly did after- 
 wards, when the trial was over, for he was flaying at 
 Lambeth Rectory with his friend Hooper, f The Bifhop 
 of St. Afaph, detained in the Palace Yard by a multitude, 
 who kiffed his hands and garments, was delivered from 
 their importunate kindnefs by Lord Clarendon, who 
 taking him into his carriage, found it necefTary to make 
 a circuit through the park to efcape from the bodies 
 of people by whom the flreets were obftrucled. J At 
 night the public rejoicings were continued, bonfires 
 
 * Ellis's Correfpondence, vol. i. p. 350. f Proufe's MSS. 
 X Clarendon's Diary. 
 
1 68 8] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 297 
 
 were made in the ftreets, and the health of the feven. 
 heroic Bifhops was drunk with enthufiaftic joy.* 
 
 As the day of trial approached the anxiety of the 
 Court, and the intereft of the people, deepened in in- 
 tenfity. The more moderate of the King's advifers 
 urged him to make the birth of a young Prince of 
 Wales the pretext for a general pardon, to include alfo 
 the Bifhops. Had he followed their advice, it might 
 have allayed the popular excitement, and have pre- 
 vented the confequences that followed. " He was at 
 one time refolved to let the bufinefs fall, and not to 
 proceed againft them : but fome men would hurry the 
 King to his deftruction." f He faultered only for a 
 moment : a laft faint gleam of wifdom flickered on his 
 path ; but every consideration yielded to his earneft 
 defire for a verdict againft them, which, if gained, 
 would only have increafed his difficulties. The pun- 
 ifhment of the Bifhops by heavy fines, imprifonment 
 and deprivation, or fufpenfion, would have aggravated 
 ftill more the public mind, and alienated even thefe 
 faithful counfellors, to whom he afterwards reforted in 
 the extremity of his fortunes. He might have bor- 
 rowed from their loyalty and peaceful demeanour an 
 example of moderation, that would even now have 
 conciliated his people. But not being fufceptible of a 
 lenient judgment of other men's confciences, a hard 
 inflexibility of purpofe prevailed to his own undoing. 
 He had recourfe to every expedient which might fecure 
 
 * Doyly's Life of Sancroft, vol. i. p. 288. 
 
 f His own Memoirs. Clarke's Life of James II. 
 
298 Life a/' Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 the condemnation of the Bifhops. Sir Samuel Aftrey, 
 who was to ftrike the jury, had the King's perfonal 
 inftructions how to manage it : Sir Robert Clarke, 
 and the Lord Chancellor Jefferies, were bufy in the 
 matter. Lord Dartmouth was fent to the Bifhop of 
 Ely, to perfuade him to make application to the King, 
 — but in vain -, he was " very fteady," and would not 
 detach himfelf from his brethren. 
 
 On the 29th of June, the day appointed for the 
 trial, the Bifhops, attended by thirty-five Lords, and a 
 concourfe of other friends, took their feats in Weft- 
 minfter Hall. The Court was thronged with a mul- 
 titude of anxious fpectators : every eye feemed rivetted 
 on thefe fledfaft afferters of the Church's rights, as 
 they fat in front of the Bench, confcious of their inno- 
 cence, cheered by an univerfal fympathy, and prepared 
 to incur any penalty that might be inflicted upon 
 them in the caufe of truth. The Judges had already 
 declared the King's prerogative to be above all law. 
 One of them was a Roman Catholic, and the Lord 
 Chief Juftice a creature of the Court. But at every 
 ftage of the trial, which lafted ten hours, whenever the 
 Crown lawyers failed of their proof, or any other cir- 
 cumftance occurred advantageous to the prifoners, the 
 Court refounded with a fhout of laughter, or an excla- 
 mation of joy, from the crowded audience, which all 
 the menaces of the Judge could not reprefs. 
 
 The trial ended at feven o'clock in the evening, 
 when the jury retired to confider their verdict. Three 
 loud cheers were given for the Bifhops, who retired 
 with all the privacy they could to their houfes ; but 
 
1 68 8] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 299 
 
 wherever the people met with them, " they huzza'd 
 and humm'd them in great abundance."* 
 
 One of their friends wrote a note to the Archbifhop, 
 dated 6 o'clock the next morning, before the Court 
 opened ; he fays, " We have watched the jury all night, 
 carefully attending without the door, on the flair head. 
 They have, by order, been kept all night without fire 
 or candle, bread, drink, tobacco, or any other refrefh- 
 ment whatever, fave only fome bafons of water and 
 towels this morning about 4. The officers, and our 
 own fervants, and others hired by us to watch the offi- 
 cers, have and mall constantly attend, but muft be fup- 
 plied with frefh men to relieve our guards, if need be. 
 I am informed by my fervant that about midnight they 
 were very loud one among another : and the like hap- 
 pened about three this morning ; which makes me col- 
 led they are not yet agreed : they beg a candle to light 
 their pipes, but are denied." In a poftfcript he fays, 
 " jufl now the officer brings me word they are all agreed, 
 and are fending to my Lord Chief Juftice to know 
 when he pleafes to take their verdicT:."^ 
 
 At ten o'clock the Bifhops, attended as before, and 
 the Judges, took their feats in Court to hear the all-im- 
 portant verdict. It is impoffible to defcribe the keen 
 intereft that held all parties in breathlefs fufpenfe, as 
 the crier called over the names of the jury. The caufe 
 not of the Bifhops only, but of the nation, feemed to 
 hang on the next few minutes : the fafety of the Re- 
 formed religion, — the vitality of the law — the very ex- 
 
 * State Trials, vol. xii. p. 478. 
 
 t Gutch's Colled. Curiofa, Vol. i. p. 374. 
 
300 Life tf/' Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 iftence of liberty were, perhaps, involved in the refult. 
 The Prelates in a fimple and thoughtful collectednefs 
 of mind, the objects of an intenfe folicitude, the Judges, 
 and other dependents of the Court, the Counfel, and 
 the multitude of fpe&ators, — were hufhed into filence. 
 
 Sir Samuel Aftrey. Gentlemen, are you agreed on 
 your verdict ? 
 
 Jury. Yes. 
 
 Sir Samuel Aftrey. Who mall fay for you ? 
 
 Jury. Our foreman. 
 
 Sir Samuel Aftrey. Do you find the Defendants or 
 any of them Guilty of the mifdemeanour, whereof they 
 are impeached, or not Guilty ? 
 
 Foreman. Not — guilty. 
 
 The firft word was enough ; — the laft was almoft 
 drowned in a tumultuous and eager burft of irrepref- 
 fible triumph : — Cf there was a mod wonderful fhout, 
 that one would have thought the Hall had crack'd."* 
 ff Not Guilty ! Not Guilty" ! refounded from fide to 
 fide, with loud and long huzzas, which were re-echoed 
 from without. <f It paffed with electrical rapidity from 
 voice to voice along the infinite multitude who waited 
 in the ftreets. It reached the Temple in a few minutes. 
 For a fhort time no man feemed to know where he was. 
 No bufinefs was done for hours. The Solicitor General 
 informed Lord Sunderland, in the prefence of the Nun- 
 cio, that never within the remembrance of man had 
 there been heard fuch cries of applaufe, mingled with 
 tears of joy." f "The acclamations," fays Sir John 
 Rerefby, fC were a very rebellion in noife." 
 
 * Lord Clarendon, Vol. ii. p. 1 79. 
 f Mackintofh, p. 275. 
 
1 688] Bi/bop of Bath and Wells. 301 
 
 James in his Memoirs, relates that " as foon as the 
 Verdict of Acquittal was given, there were fuch pro- 
 digious acclamations of joy, as feemedtofet the King's 
 authority at defiance : it fpread itfelf not only into the 
 City, but even to Hounflo Heath, where the foldiers, 
 upon the news of it, gave up a great fhout, though the 
 King was then actually at dinner in the Camp ; which 
 furprifed him extreamly, not on account of the Biihops' 
 acquittal, — but what gave his Majefty great difquiet was 
 to fee fuch induftry ufed to inflame the multitude, and 
 fet the people's heart againft him, and that this infec- 
 tion had fpread itfelf even amongfl thofe, from whom 
 he expected his chief fecurity." Startled at the accla- 
 mations of the army, he fent Lord Feverfham out to 
 know what was the matter. The Earl came back, and 
 told the King It was nothing but the foldiers fhouting 
 upon the news of the Biihops being acquitted. The 
 King replied " And do you call that nothing ? but fo 
 much the worfe for them."* 
 
 The jury were received with the loudeft applaufe ; 
 hundreds, with tears in their eyes, embraced them as 
 deliverers. The Bifhops efcaped from the huzzas of 
 the people as privately as poffible, and exhorted them 
 to fear God and honour the King. cc Ken came with 
 the Archbifhop of Canterbury, in his Coach to Lam- 
 beth, over London Bridge and through Southwark, 
 which took them up feveral hours, as the concourfe of 
 the people were innumerable, the whole way hanging 
 upon the Coach, and infilling on the being blefTed by 
 thofe two Prelates, who with much difficulty and pa- 
 
 * Hi? own Memoirs. Clarke's Life of James II. Vol ii. p. 163. 
 
302 Life <?/* Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 tience at laft got to Lambeth Houfe."* James accufes 
 the Bifhops of " heightening the difcontent by all their 
 little artifices to render his intentions fufpected : for as 
 they went through Weflminfter Hall, the people falling 
 on their knees in mighty crowds to afke their bleffing, 
 they cry'd out to them f Keep your religion.' " f 
 
 It had been well for him if he could more truly have 
 appreciated their motives, or more clearly have traced 
 to their caufe thefe tokens of fympathy between the 
 Bifhops and the people, — an affection for their common 
 religion. But all his meafures proclaimed that he was 
 no longer his own matter. The treacherous or fanatical 
 counfellors to whom his confidence was given, main- 
 tained him in the fame extravagant expectations, the 
 fame unyielding fpirit, and a more entire belief that 
 conciliation after defeat would compromife his autho- 
 rity. He had a {landing army of 30,000 men to over- 
 awe the Kingdom : — this in his opinion was a ftronger 
 bulwark than the hearts of his people. 
 
 The rejoicings in London and the neighbourhood 
 continued for fome days — medals were ftruck to com- 
 memorate the happy event, and portraits of the Bifhops 
 were multiplied through the town. As the news fpread 
 into the country the ringing of bells and bonfires pro- 
 claimed a jubilee, efpecially in the Cathedral, and other 
 large, towns. One of the abfent Prelates thus writes to 
 the Archbifhop. 
 
 "Norwich, 2nd July, 1688. 
 
 " May it pleafe your Grace 
 Cf To give me leave, among the thousands in thefe parts, 
 
 * Proufe MSS. 
 
 f His own Memoirs. Clarke's Life of James II. Vol. ii. p. 164. 
 
i688] Bifoop of Bath and Wells. 303 
 
 heartily to congratulate with you, and your late com- 
 panions in trouble, for the moil joyful and moft accep- 
 table news we had this day by the poft ; namely, your 
 acquittal from the crime endeavoured to be fixed upon 
 you. I do affaire your Grace it hath mightily revived 
 our drooping fpirits ; and I befeech God to make us 
 all truly fenfible of, and fincerely thankful for fo great 
 a mercy. I know your Grace hath now work enough 
 upon your hands ; and therefore it would be the great- 
 eft impertinency to interrupt you in thofe great affairs : 
 wherefore I heartily blefs God for your fafety, and 
 thereby for His great and lingular mercies, vouchfafed 
 to His Church, and am, as in duty bound, 
 " Your Grace's 
 Moft obedient Servant to command, 
 William Norwich."* 
 
 Another letter to the Archbifhop from Scotland fays, 
 " It will doubtlefs be ftrange news to hear that the Bi- 
 fhops of England are in great veneration amongft the 
 Prefbyterians of Scotland, and I am glad that reafon 
 has retained fo much of its old empire amongft them. 
 But I hope it will be no news to your Grace to hear 
 that no man was more concerned in the fafetie of your 
 confciences and perfons, than 
 
 " May it pleafe your Grace, 
 
 Your Grace's moft humble fervant, 
 Geo. Mackenzie. "f 
 What then muft have been the joy at Bath, — and 
 ftill more amongft the people at Wells, to know that 
 
 * Gutch's Colleftanea Curiofa, Vol. i. p. 383. 
 f Ibid. 
 
304 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 their cheerful and loving Bifhop, fo juftly dear to them 
 all, was to be reftored to his paftoral rule ? They who 
 had partaken of his charity, and liftened to his teaching, 
 and fuffered fo much at his imprifonment, and thought 
 to have loft him, were now relieved of their anxious 
 forebodings. Above all an univerfal releafe was, in this 
 great event, proclaimed to the anxious clergy. Their 
 own liberty of action, the very exiftence of the Anglican 
 Church, feemed to depend on the iflue of the conteft 
 in Weftminfter Hall. The battle had been fought for 
 them, and won. It was natural that they mould thank- 
 fully refpond to the note of triumph, which reached them 
 from the capital. 
 
 Well might the Bifhop of Norwich anticipate that 
 Sancroft had " enough work on his hands." Whilft 
 James was lavifhing all his attentions on the army at 
 Hounflow, the Archbifhop and his Brethren prepared 
 to refift with other arms. The King's angry and haugh- 
 ty bearing, and the threats of his bigoted advifers, for- 
 told a greater crifis yet to come. Their courage prompt- 
 ed them to more energetic meafures for the fafety of 
 the Church, now that his hoftility and violence were fo 
 openly brought out to view. The facred truft, com- 
 mitted to their keeping, was yet more endeared to them, 
 in proportion to the difficulties that feemed gathering 
 round. All the proceedings of the King indicated that 
 their Trial was but the prelude to a more extended plan 
 for uprooting the national faith. The progrefs of Tyr- 
 connel in Ireland, Sunderland's lately avowed conver- 
 sion to Romanifm, the undifguifed joy of the Jefuits 
 at the birth of a Prince, to be brought up in their 
 tenets, the continued appointment of Popifti officers to 
 
1 6 8 8 ] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 305 
 
 the army, were evidences of this. Again the prolonged 
 vacancy of feveral Englifh and Irifh fees, efpecially that 
 of York, fuppofed to be kept open for Father Petre, 
 with other encroachments of the fame nature, were de- 
 cifive proofs of the fixed purpofe of James and his 
 Council. 
 
 Sancroft, therefore, at once fet himfelf to draw up 
 twelve articles of inftruction, or " Heads of things to 
 be more fully infifted upon by the Bifhops, in their ad- 
 drefTes to the Clergy, and people of their refpective 
 diocefes."* Amongft other exhortations the Clergy 
 were called upon to ufe their utmoft endeavour both 
 in their fermons, and by private applications to prevail 
 with fuch of their flocks as were of competent age, to 
 receive frequently the Holy Communion. They were 
 in their fermons to inform the people (four times a year 
 at the leaf!:, as the Canon requires) that all ufurped and 
 foreign judifdiction was, for moftjuft caufes, taken away 
 and aboliflied in the realm, — and no manner of obe- 
 dience or fubmiffion was due to any that pretended to 
 act by virtue of it : but on all occafions to perfuade the 
 people to loyalty and obedience to his Majefty in all 
 things lawful, and to patient fubmiffion in the reft. They 
 were to maintain a fair correfpondence, full of the kind- 
 eft refpects, with the gentry and perfons of quality in 
 their neighbourhood, — to exhort all to ftedfaftnefs in 
 their moft Holy Faith, and conftancy to their profef- 
 fion, — to take heed to all feducers, and efpecially Popifli 
 emiffarieSy who are now in great numbers gone forth 
 amongft the people, and more bufy and active than ever. 
 
 * State Trials, Vol. xii. p. 480. 
 X 
 
306 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 " And forafmuch as thofe Popiih emiffaries, like the 
 old Serpent, are wont to be moft bufy and trouble- 
 fome to our people in time of ficknefs, and the. hour 
 of death, the clergy are to be efpecially vigilant to 
 comfort the fick in their forrows and fufferings, pray- 
 ing often with them and for them, and preparing them 
 for the Holy Eucharift, the pledge of their happy Re- 
 furrection : thus with their utmoft diligence watching 
 over every fheep within their fold, left thofe evening 
 wolves devour them." 
 
 They were alfo to " walk in wifdom towards all thofe 
 not of our Communion, conferring with them in the 
 fpirit of meeknefs, feeking by all good ways and means 
 to win them over : more efpecially that they have a 
 very tender regard to our Brethren, the Proteftant 
 Diffenters ; that, upon occafion offered, they vifit them 
 at their houfes, and receive them kindly at their own, 
 difcourfing calmly and civilly with them." That they 
 take all opportunities of affuring and convincing them 
 that the Bifhops of this Church are really and fincerely 
 irreconcilable enemies to the errors, fuperftitions, idola- 
 tries, and tyrannies of the Church of Rome : and that 
 they warmly and moft affectionately exhort them to 
 join with us in daily fervent prayer to the God of 
 Peace for an univerfal bleffed union of all Reformed 
 Churches, both at home and abroad, againft our com- 
 mon enemies ; that all they who do confefs the holy 
 name of our dear Lord, and do agree in the truth of 
 his holy word, may alfo meet in one holy Communion, 
 and live in perfect unity and godly love." 
 
 If the Bifhops were imprifoned for joining in a hum- 
 ble petition to the King to be excufed reading the De- 
 
i688] Bifhop of Bath and JVells. 307 
 
 claration of Indulgence, what punifhment might they 
 not expect for publifhing thefe Articles, openly de- 
 nouncing the Popifh EmifTaries as ' Evening Wolves,' 
 and the Romifh Church, as f the common enemy,' ■ full 
 of errors, fuperftitions, idolatries and tyrannies ! ' The 
 Ecclefiaftical Commiflloners, with Jefferies at their head, 
 were {till thundering forth their orders to have the De- 
 claration read, and threatening with heavy penalties all 
 who neglected. But whilft they claimed from their 
 clergy a dutiful obedience to the King ' in all things 
 lawful,' no Court of Inquifition could filence their re- 
 monftrances againft the ufurped authority of Rome. 
 
 It was no fudden, irregular fervour, kindled by a 
 recent triumph, that prompted them to make a ftand. 
 We have feen how, within the King's chapel, almoft 
 within his hearing Ken had " with wonderful eloquence 
 defcribed the blafphemies, perfidy, wrefting of Scrip- 
 ture, fuperftition and legends of the Romifh Priefts, 
 and their new Trent religion." But now he was called 
 to act as well as preach in proof of his uncompromifing 
 fidelity to the Church of England. 
 
 The Pope had appointed four Romifh Bifhops, who 
 fly led themfelves Vicars Apoftolical. They made their 
 circuits through the country, dividing England into 
 four Provinces, according to printed maps, and exer- 
 cifing an open ecclefiaftical jurifdiction, fimilar to that 
 of the Englifh Bifhops. They had publifhed an ad- 
 drefs to the lay Roman Catholics, with the title of a 
 Paftoral Letter, in which they claimed fpiritual autho- 
 rity over the nation. It feems fcarcely credible that 
 the King's advifers fhould have precipitated a meafure 
 of this kind ; — a meafure futile in itfelf, and tending 
 
308 Life a/' Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 to bring his Government into contempt, becaufe of 
 the very few perfons who profeffed the Roman faith, 
 — yet fo open an infringement of the law as to excite 
 the greateft alarm. 
 
 James in his Memoirs admits that even the recep- 
 tion of a Nuncio from Rome was an error of judgment. 
 "It proved," he fays, "one of the firft {tumbling blocks: 
 it was His Majefty's misfortune to think that a Pope's 
 Nuncio would render people lefs averfe to fuffer the 
 exercife of Catholic religion amongft them, by fami- 
 liarizing the nation, not only to the ceremonies of the 
 Church of Rome, but the Court of Rome too ; this 
 made his Majefty, befides the folemn fervices he had 
 in his own chapel, permit the Monks in St. James's to 
 wear their habits, and admit a Nuncio from the Pope, 
 according to the formes praclifed in the moft Catholick 
 Countrys."* It had been well for him if, even at this 
 late period, he had receded from the perilous conteft 
 before him, and returned within the bounds of his pre- 
 rogative. But he ventured ftill deeper into hazardous 
 meafures, whofe only certain refult was the entire 
 alienation of his people, at a moment when a fecret 
 and extenfive plot was maturing to bring over a foreign 
 Prince, and to wreft from him his crown and kingdom. 
 
 * Clarke's Life of James II., vol. ii. p. 116. 
 
1 688] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 309 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Invafion of England by the Prince of Orange — Meafures of 
 the King to oppofe him — Ken and other Bijhops advife fames 
 to call a Parliament — He refufes : the defertion of his offi- 
 cers : he withdraws to France — William calls a Convention 
 Parliament. 
 
 MIDST all this confufion there was one 
 who kept a fteady watch on every turn 
 of the King's wayward policy — his ne- 
 phew, and fon in law, the Prince of 
 Orange. Until the birth of a Prince of Wales, which 
 now prompted him to a forward movement, William 
 had been content to wait till the natural courfe of 
 events mould realize his claims to the chief controul in 
 England. He had engaged in no violent cabals, which 
 might endanger his interests with the King : but, 
 holding a wary intercourfe with fuch of the Englifh. 
 nobility as were difaffected, he knew all that was pann- 
 ing, and the exact temper of the people. In this he 
 followed the advice of Lord Hallifax, " to ftand firm 
 and quiet, neither to yield, nor to give advantage by 
 acting unfeafonably." " Accidents come," faid that in- 
 telligent counfellor, " which either relieve, or at leaft 
 help to keep off for a longer time, the things we fear ; 
 and that is no fmall matter in the affairs of the world."* 
 
 * Dalrymple Appendix, p. 1 86. 
 
310 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 Each well confidered ftep of William was marked by 
 the fame adroitnefs, which had diftinguifhed him from 
 his youth. We have feen how his good fenfe, fobriety 
 of judgment, immoveable calmnefs of temper, and 
 untiring perfeverance, had conducted him through a 
 complicated path of policy to be leader of a great Eu- 
 ropean confederacy. Although chief of a Prefbyterian 
 Republic, and of the Protectant caufe in Europe, he 
 had been able to perfuade the Emperor of Germany, 
 King of Spain, and other Roman Catholic Princes, — 
 and even the Pope himfelf, — to combine with him for 
 their common defence againfr. the ambitious defigns of 
 Catholic France. This project took effect in the 
 League of Augfburg.* By the exercife of the fame 
 addrefs he now brought the various parties in England 
 to regard him as the difinterefted champion of their 
 liberties, and the protector of their religion. 
 
 The birth of the Prince of Wales, which might ex- 
 clude all hope of his wife's fucceffion, was the fignal to 
 him for more decisive interference in Englifh politics. 
 His fchemes were conducted under cover of the na- 
 tional ferment on the trial of the Bifhops. The clan- 
 destine correfpondence, which he had for fome time 
 maintained with the popular leaders, now aflumed a 
 more definite character. Amid the joyful peals that 
 fhook the village Steeples, and the blaze of bonfires 
 lighting up the hills throughout England, they planned 
 the downfall of James. The well-known letter of 
 invitation to William, to come over with an armed 
 force, was dated the very day the Bifhops were ac- 
 
 * In 1687. 
 
1 688] Bijhop of Bath and Wells, 3 1 1 
 
 quitted : it was a voice more ominous to the King, 
 becaufe more fecret, than the fhouts of his army on 
 Hounflow Heath. 
 
 William's two great projects, to curb the power of 
 Louis XIV. and to depofe James, fo far from clafhing, 
 mutually aided each other. Under pretence of pro- 
 moting the objects of the League againft France, he 
 was able to bring together extenfive naval and military 
 forces for the invafion of England. Meanwhile he 
 difclaimed all hoftile thoughts againft his father in law, 
 profefling towards him profound refpect, and that he 
 " wifhed paffionately for occafions to teftify his attach- 
 ment to his interefts," * — when, in fact, his meafures 
 for dethroning him were filently nearing their accom- 
 plifhment. The confederate powers, forming the 
 League of Augfburg, were fenfible how greatly it 
 would aid their caufe, if he mould gain the afcendant 
 in England. They did not believe that he afpired to 
 the crown. He was able to conceal this cherifhed 
 object under the guife of zeal for the common caufe 
 of Europe. On the eve of his coming to England, he 
 wrote to the Emperor, that he " had not the leaft in- 
 tention to do any hurt to his Britannic Majefty, or to 
 thofe who have a right to pretend to the fucceflion of 
 his kingdoms ; and ftill lefs to make an attempt upon 
 the crown, or to defire to appropriate it to himfelf."f 
 " He had the peculiar felicity, from the ftate of public 
 affairs, to make his reftlefs temper, and unbounded 
 ambition, feem purely the refult of neceflity, and not 
 of choice : the glorious pretentions of reftoring the 
 
 * Dalrymple Appendix, p. 185. f Ibid. p. 256. 
 
312 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 balance of Europe, and the invaded liberties of op- 
 preffed nations, gave at leaft a beautiful varnifh to all 
 his undertakings." * 
 
 Louis, who penetrated thefe defigns, had conftantly 
 and emphatically warned James of his danger ; and 
 offered to help him with 40,000 men, and a large fum 
 of money, if he would act vigoroufly in his own de- 
 fence : for he knew that William's fuccefs would turn 
 the whole force of England againft himfelf. James 
 dallied with this offer ; — he would, and yet he would 
 not, accept : he was reftrained, partly by an ill-timed 
 Englifh pride, and partly by a miftruft of his French 
 ally. It would have been more to his honour, if his 
 pride and mifgivings had prompted him conftantly to 
 reject the aid of Louis : but he had long fince conde- 
 fcended to receive fupplies of money from the French 
 King, and even urgently to entreat their payment, 
 when in arrear.f Had he followed the advice of Louis 
 with decifion, he would have defeated the confpiracy, 
 now formed againft him, though he might have en- 
 countered an almoft equal danger from the admiflion 
 of a French army into the heart of his kingdom. But, 
 as the notion of an alliance with France was diftafteful 
 to the Englifh, he feared the prejudices it might excite, 
 and difavowed the exiftence of any treaty, when it was 
 charged upon him ; — yet he was not believed. % Thus 
 halting between two difficulties, he chofe the greater. 
 
 * Echard's Hiftory, vol. iii. p. 878. 
 f Dalrymple Appendix, pp. 103, 146. 
 
 \ Letter of Louis XIV. to Barillon. Dalrymple Appendix, p. 
 296. 
 
1 6 8 8] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 3 1 3 
 
 Moreover, he was lulled into a fatal fecurity by reliance 
 on his own prerogatives, and his large {landing army : 
 nor could he bring himfelf to believe that his daughter, 
 and her hufband, really intended to deprive him of his 
 crown. Lord Sunderland, and others, accomplifhed 
 in the arts of perfidious intrigue, betrayed his meafures 
 to the enemy. The further they advanced in their 
 fcheme of the Prince's invafion, the more confidently 
 they ridiculed the idea that any fuch exifted.* 
 
 The Revolution of 1688 has been mif-called " glo- 
 rious." Doubtlefs, it faved the country from a Popifh 
 domination ; and eftablifhed constitutional principles, 
 on which the complex interests of the State have been 
 moulded into their prefent admirable form of govern- 
 ment. But the immediate means and inflruments, 
 which brought it about, were fordid and inglorious. 
 
 Looking at the actors in this great drama of the 
 Revolution, we have, — on the one hand a king, fuch as 
 James's own acts have declared him, — on the other his 
 neareft relatives, — fons in law profeffing towards him 
 a devoted allegiance, daughters bound to him by every 
 tie of filial gratitude, trufted counfellors fworn to up- 
 hold his power, nobles and commanders paying him 
 obfequious court, — friends loaded by him with benefits, 
 — all combining to thruft him from his throne, and 
 transfer their allegiance to another. If this be glorious 
 to England, unfwerving juftice and unfullied honour 
 may be no more recognized in the dealings of man 
 with man : — let the law of a heartlefs felfifhnefs, that 
 " the end will juftify the means," be the adopted 
 motto of politicians. 
 
 * Dalrymple Appendix, p. 283. 
 
314 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 But this cannot be : — there are principles implanted 
 in our nature, which refpond to all that is noble and 
 truthful in conduct, and affent to the condemnation of 
 meannefs and treachery. However, in the confufed 
 ftruggle of interefts, men are, for a moment, blinded 
 to a fenfe of truth and right, thefe are the ftandard 
 by which all actions muft be eventually tried at the 
 bar of even human judgment. 
 
 And now abundantly appeared the bitter fruit of a 
 previous finful reign. Three years fince, and Charles 
 had been cut off in the midft of his revels : but the 
 influence of his profligate example outlived him. In 
 banifhing from his court the principles of virtue, the 
 only fure bond of a nation's permanent welfare, he had 
 undermined his brother's throne : — a wholefome warn- 
 ing to Rulers, if they will profit by it. The moral 
 habit of the nobility was lowered ; the manly virtues 
 that give ftrength to a kingdom had deferted the pre- 
 cincts of the palace. Bribery, intrigue, gaming, fen- 
 fuality, fpread their corrupting influence over all within 
 its fphere. When princes are profligate, unbelieving, 
 unfcrupulous, they reproduce their own vices in their 
 attendants. So long as they have gifts to beftow, or 
 power to controul, they are ferved with a languid and 
 felfifh allegiance : no fooner is their fortune on the 
 wane, than the corrupt minions of their favour are the 
 firft to feek another matter. James eftimated the 
 faithfulnefs of thofe around him by the ftandard of 
 fubferviency to his own will : to this he won or forced 
 them by all the allurements, or compulfions, within the 
 power of a King. He might have known that, juft in 
 the meafure of their readinefs to facrifice principle to 
 
1 6 8 8] Bijbop of Bath and Wells. 3 1 5 
 
 felf-aggrandizement, his courtiers would be willing, on 
 occafion, to betray his interefts. 
 
 Towards the end of September, James was brought 
 to a full fenfe of the danger which threatened him. 
 Louis fent him certain intelligence that the Dutch 
 Minifter, being prefTed to avow the real objects of the 
 Prince of Orange in collecting fo great a naval and 
 military force, had acknowledged to the French Am- 
 bafTador at the Hague that it was defigned againft 
 England ; and further, that feveral Engliih Lords and 
 gentlemen had crofTed the fea, and lay privately in 
 Holland, ready to accompany him in his expedition. 
 On reading this letter the King turned pale, and for a 
 while remained fpeechlefs. One of his courtiers fug- 
 gefting that the Prince might ftill be diverted from his 
 intention, or be defeated in the attempt, he anfwered, 
 " I know my fon in law's character fo well, that if he 
 undertakes any defign, he will go through with it ; he 
 will never be diverted, and may hardly be defeated."* 
 
 James's perfonal courage was unquestionable : he 
 had, in early life, ferved with honour under Turenne, 
 who had a great efteem for him ; and again in the 
 Spanifh army before Dunkirk. In 1665 he mowed 
 great calmnefs and intrepidity in his naval engage- 
 ments with the Dutch, expofing his perfon in the 
 thickeft of the fights ; and he now prepared himfelf 
 with fpirit to meet the invading force. It was not 
 until he faw himfelf deferted by the great majority of 
 his officers, and of the nation, that he loft his prefence 
 of mind. Urged now by neceffity, he proclaimed an 
 
 * Echard's Hiftory of the Revolution, p. 140. 
 
3 1 6 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 order for the meeting of Parliament (which had only 
 fat eleven days in the laft three years) and avowed his 
 purpofe, not very fincere, we may believe, to maintain 
 the Church of England. He declared his willingnefs 
 that Roman Catholics mould remain incapable of being 
 elected to the Houfe of Commons. Had he kept to 
 his pledge of a Parliament, his perfon, and the fuccef- 
 fion of his rightful heirs, if educated in the Anglican 
 faith, would have been held facred. The nation had 
 not yet forgotten the miferies of the former rebellion : 
 men feared nothing fo much as another civil ftruggle. 
 Whatever had been the King's errors, the people at 
 large had not fuffered in perfon, or property, by his 
 arbitrary proceedings : the fentiments of loyalty, and 
 attachment to the throne, are deeply implanted in the 
 minds of Englifhmen. 
 
 It was equally certain, however, that a Parliament 
 would not only declare againft his power to difpenfe 
 with the laws, but would curb his prerogative within 
 the wholefome limits of the conftitution. It would 
 confirm the exclufion of Romanifts from any ftate em- 
 ployment, and efpecially provide againft a Popifh heir 
 to the Crown. James, therefore, notwithflanding his 
 proclamation for a Parliament, determined to try every 
 expedient, ere he would hazard fo formidable an en- 
 counter. It appeared to him an eafier alternative to 
 advife with the Bifhops, whom he had fo lately tried 
 to opprefs, hoping through their influence to effect fome 
 compromife. Bifhop Ken received a letter from Lord 
 Sunderland to fay that, <c the King thinking it requifite 
 to fpeak with fome of the Bifhops, he had it in com- 
 mand to require his attendance on the 28th of Septem- 
 
1 6 8 8] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 3 1 7 
 
 ber." Accordingly he came at once to London. The 
 Archbifhop, being unwell, could not attend. Ken and 
 five others were admitted to the audience at Whitehall. 
 But James, yielding to treacherous counfellors, had 
 already changed his mind ; and appeared to have no 
 fixed object in fending for them. They hoped he 
 would have given them an opportunity of offering him 
 free advice on the meafures which his own fafety, and 
 that of the kingdom, manifeftly required : but he only 
 declared, in very general terms, his favourable views 
 towards the Church of England, reminding them of 
 their duty and loyalty to his perfon. Ken, and others 
 of the Bifhops, had come from a great diftance in 
 obedience to his fummons : they were grieved that it 
 was to fo little purpofe. Ken expreffed to the King 
 this difappointment, faying that " His Majefty's incli- 
 nations towards the Church, and their duty to him, 
 were fufficiently underftood and declared before, and 
 would have been equally fo, if they had not ftirred 
 one foot out of their Diocefes."* The King intimated 
 that he had no leifure to enter into particulars, and fo 
 difmiffed them. 
 
 The Archbifhop, hearing how little good had been 
 effected by the interview, went to the King the fol- 
 lowing day, to requeft another meeting with the 
 Bifhops, that they might explain themfelves on the 
 prefent emergency of his affairs. James accordingly 
 appointed the 3rd of October. Meanwhile he pub- 
 lifhed in the Gazette a notice of the Prince's intended 
 invafion, and appealed to all his loving fubjects to 
 
 * Hiftory of the Defertion : State T rafts, vol. i. p. 46, folio. 
 
3 1 8 Life a/' Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 defend their country with the valour and courage of 
 true Englifhmen. Yet, fuch was his fatuous blindnefs, 
 in the very fame document he recalled his writs for 
 the Election of Members to Parliament, on the plea 
 that " this ftrange and unreafonable attempt from our 
 neighbouring country was defigned to divert his gra- 
 cious purpofes," — which, fo far from being a reafon 
 againft the meeting of Parliament, ought to have con- 
 vinced him it was the only effectual meafure for uniting 
 all clafles in defence of his juft rights. 
 
 In fact, his enemies feared nothing fo much as his 
 heartily throwing himfelf on the allegiance of his peo- 
 ple by this return to the principles of a reprefentative 
 Government. They knew it would reaflure all honeft 
 men of his being difpofed to liften to reafon. Sunder- 
 land, therefore, and others of his council, perfuaded 
 him to break his folemn pledge. They had no doubt 
 Parliament would at once turn them out of their 
 offices ; and, as his perfonal prefence with his army 
 was indifpenfable, they made him believe that he could 
 not controul the probable encroachments on his prero- 
 gative. 
 
 On the 3rd of October the Bifhops again waited on 
 the King : having permiffion to exprefs themfelves 
 on the prefent crifis, the Archbifhop read the paper 
 they had drawn up. — It confided of 10 articles. They 
 recommended him 
 
 1 ft. To put the adminiftration of government into 
 the hands of fuch of the nobility and gentry as were 
 legally qualified for it. 
 
 2nd. To annul the Ecclefiaftical Commiffion. 
 
 3rd. To withdraw, and in future withhold, all dif- 
 
i688] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 319 
 
 penfations, under which any perfon not lawfully quali- 
 fied had been, or might be, put into offices of truft and 
 preferment in Church or State, or in the Univerfities, 
 efpecially fuch as have cure of fouls annexed to them, 
 and particularly to reftore the Prefident and Fellows 
 of Magdalen College. 
 
 4th. To withdraw all licenfes for Roman Catholics 
 to teach in public fchools. 
 
 5th. To defift from the difpenfing power, until that 
 point had been freely and calmly debated, and fettled, 
 in Parliament. 
 
 6th. To prohibit the four foreign Bifhops, who 
 ftiled themfelves Vicars Apoftolical, from further in- 
 vading the ecclefiaftical jurifdiction, which is by law 
 vefted in the Bifhops of the Englifh Church. 
 
 7th. To fill the vacant Bifhopricks, and other eccle- 
 fiaftical promotions in England and Ireland, and in 
 particular the Archiepifcopal chair of York, which had 
 been fo long vacant, and on which a whole Province 
 depended. 
 
 8th. To reftore the ancient Charters of the Corpo- 
 rations, which had been forfeited. 
 
 9th. To iffue writs with all convenient fpeed for 
 calling a free and regular Parliament, for fecuring the 
 uniformity of the Church of England, due liberty of 
 confcience, and the liberties and properties of the Sub- 
 ject, and for eftablifhing between himfelf and all his 
 people a mutual confidence and good understanding. 
 
 10th. To permit the Bifhops to offer to His Ma- 
 jefty fuch motives and arguments as might, by God's 
 grace, be effectual to perfuade him to return to the 
 Communion of the Church of England, into whofe 
 
320 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 moft Holy Catholic Faith he had been baptized and 
 educated, to which it was their earned prayer to God 
 that he might be reunited. 
 
 " Thefe, Sir," concluded the addrefs, " are the humble 
 advices, which, out of confcience of the duty we owe 
 to God, to your Majefty, and our country, we think 
 fit at this time to offer to your Majefty, as fui table to 
 the prefent ftate of your affairs, and moft conducive to 
 your fervice \ and fo we leave them to your Princely 
 confideration, &c. 
 
 The paper was figned by the Archbimop, Ken, and 
 feven other Prelates. It was dictated by the fame bold 
 fpirit of candour towards the King, and of zeal for the 
 public fervice, as their former petition, for which he 
 had fent them to the Tower. They advocate no new 
 principles or theories of government, no line of policy 
 adverfe to his real interefts, but fimply a return to the 
 juft limits of the law, as already exifting, and a Parlia- 
 ment, as the acknowledged inftrument of redrefling 
 prefent grievances. James was prompted by his fears 
 to adopt their advice in feveral particulars : but as to 
 the meeting of Parliament, which was the turning 
 point of his fafety, he ftoutly refolved againft it. 
 
 Bifhop Ken, having fulfilled the duty, for which he 
 was fummoned to London, returned at once to Wells, 
 and to his fpiritual offices. He faw that the King was 
 fpell-bound, as it were, by the influence of Jefuits and 
 other advifers, urging him on to fatal meafures in fur- 
 therance of their own fchemes ; and it was already 
 known that many, who were moft loud in their hollow 
 profeflions of loyalty, would be the firft to defert him. 
 He felt himfelf unfitted for fuch fcenes : he could 
 
1 688] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 321 
 
 neither flatter the King, nor throw himfelf into the 
 broil of political feuds. The only courfe open to him 
 was to exert his influence in maintaining the King's 
 interefts within the fphere of his own diocefe, to en- 
 courage the ftedfaft, confirm the wavering, — if poflible, 
 to bring back thofe who were giving themfelves to the 
 caufe of rebellion. His paftoral cure was the loved 
 refuge and folace to him in every trial ; his people 
 were his only family ; in keeping them true to their 
 allegiance he could not err. He held calmly on his 
 way under the guidance of an inner light — gentle, 
 moderate, humble, — but immoveably fteadfafr. to his 
 own principles. 
 
 The following week he received a form of prayer, 
 drawn up by the Archbifhop, which he caufed to be 
 read in the cathedral, and all other churches. It was 
 to befeech God to give his holy angels charge over the 
 King, to preferve his royal perfon in health and fafety, 
 to infpire him with wifdom and juftice, and to fill his 
 princely heart with a fatherly care of all his people. 
 To this was added another prayer ff for peace, and the 
 prevention of Chriftian bloodfhed in the land, for re- 
 concilement of all difTentions, for the prefervation of 
 our holy religion, our ancient laws and government, 
 and for univerfal chanty in the fame holy worfhip and 
 communion." 
 
 While the Stadtholder was hurrying on his enter- 
 prize, encouraged by frefh promifes from England, 
 James did not neglect the means of his defence. Yet 
 they were difproportioned to the dangers that fur- 
 rounded him, — or rather they were ill directed. In- 
 ftead of concentrating all his energies to bring his 
 
 Y 
 
322 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 army into the field, and at once to put himfelf at their 
 head, he loft much valuable time in collecting detailed, 
 and irrefragable evidence to prove before the Privy 
 Council the reality of the Prince of Wales's birth. As 
 if to provoke ftill further the public diftruft, he chofe 
 to have the child folemnly baptized into the Romifh 
 communion, the Pope, by his Nuncio, ftanding God- 
 father. The fact of the Queen's delivery is now un- 
 difputed : but great pains were taken to perfuade the 
 people that it was an impofture, managed by the Je- 
 fuits. William, in the public Declaration which he 
 had put forth, explaining the motives and objects of 
 his coming over, laid great ftrefs on a fuppofititious 
 birth, as a topic well fuited to inflame the prejudices 
 of the nation. If he really believed the calumny, it 
 was not creditable to his judgment ; if he difbelieved 
 it (as fubfequent facts would feem to prove), fo foul 
 an imputation on the honour of his father in law, and 
 of the Queen, compromifes at once his veracity and 
 manlinefs. 
 
 At length, on the 5th of November, he effected 
 his landing in Torbay. But he met with a cold and 
 timid welcome, which damped the ardour of his hopes. 
 The terrible punifhment inflicted on the infurgents in 
 Monmouth's rebellion was ftill frefh in all memories 
 throughout the weft of England ; and fo few joined 
 his ftandard, that he entertained ferious thoughts of re- 
 turning. Had James at once marched his army to 
 meet him, it is difficult to fay what might have been 
 the refult : but he committed the fatal error of re- 
 maining twelve days in London, during which many 
 of the nobility and gentry went over to the Prince. 
 
1 6 8 8 J Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 323 
 
 A civil war appeared inevitable : it was the conftant 
 opinion of all the King's real friends, that even now 
 the only hope of avoiding this calamity was to call a 
 free Parliament. The Archbifhop, therefore, and fuch 
 of the Prelates as were in town, with feveral of the 
 Peers, refolved once more to reprefent to him the 
 danger of the prefent diffractions by reafon of their 
 grievances, and to befeech him with all fpeed to adopt 
 this meafure. It has been erroneoufly dated that Ken 
 was again in London on this occafion. But he thought 
 he could be of more ufe in the country. The refult 
 verified his opinion ; for a part of the invading army 
 came to Wells, which made it necefTary for him to 
 take meafures of precaution for the public fervice, in 
 obedience to the King's Proclamation. He alfo fore- 
 faw that nothing would divert James from his refolu- 
 tion, which was proved by his anfwer to the Petition 
 of the Peers : " My Lords," he faid, f £ What you afk 
 of me I moft paffionately defire ; and I promife you 
 upon the faith of a King, that I will have a Parliament, 
 and fuch a one as you afk for, asfoon as ever the Prince 
 of Orange has quitted this Realm : for how is it poffi- 
 ble a Parliament mould be free in all its circumftances, 
 as you petition for, whilfl an enemy is in the kingdom, 
 and can make a return of near a hundred voices ? " 
 
 Thus he facrificed everything to a blind confidence 
 in his falfe counfellors. He left London the fame 
 evening, (the 17th November) to join his army at 
 Salifbury ; accompanied by Prince George of Den- 
 mark, Lord Churchill, and others. He arrived at 
 Salifbury on the 19th, but being deferted by the unprin- 
 cipled Churchill, and many of his chief officers, and 
 
324 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 fearing he might be betrayed into the hands of the 
 enemy, he retreated to Andover on the 24th." * Ken 
 mentions this, with other circumftances, in a letter of 
 the fame date to Sancroft. 
 
 " For his Grace the Archbifhop of Canterbury. 
 
 " ALL GLORY BE TO GOD. 
 
 " May it pleafe your Grace, 
 " Before I could return any anfwer to the letter with 
 which your Grace was pleafed to favour me, I received 
 intelligence that the Dutch were juft coming to Wells, 
 upon which I immediately left the town, and in obe- 
 dience to his Majefty's generall commands, took all 
 my coach horfes with me, and as many of my faddle 
 horfes as I could, and took fhelter in a private villagef 
 in Wiltfhire, intending if his Majefty had come into 
 my country, to have waited on him, and have paid 
 him my duty. But this morning wee are told his Ma : 
 is gone back to London, fo that I only wait till the 
 Dutch have pafTed my diocefe, and then refolve to re- 
 turn thither againe, as being my proper ftation. I 
 
 * A fhrewd writer of the day obferves, " 'twas no wonder after 
 this if the King began to miftruft everybody, which made him on a 
 fudden leave his army at Salifbury, in order to confider his condition 
 more fecurely at London. And here I muft obferve his ill fortune 
 in depending on his army at iirft too much, and now at laft too 
 little. For 'tis very probable that his foldiers, if once blooded, 
 would have gone on with him, and have beaten the Prince of 
 Orange, juft as they had done before the Duke of Monmouth : the 
 nature of Engliftimen being like that of our game cocks ; they love 
 no caufe, nor man, fo well as righting, even fometimes without any 
 caufe at all." Addl. MSS. Brit. Muf. 9393. 
 
 f No doubt Poulfhot, a fmall village near Devifes, of which his 
 nephew, Ifaak Walton junior, was Rector. 
 
1 6 8 8] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 325 
 
 would not have left the Diocefe in this juncture, but 
 that the Dutch had feas'd houfes within ten miles of 
 Wells before I went, and your Grace knows that I, 
 having been a fervant to the Princefs, and well ac- 
 quainted with many of the Dutch, I could not have 
 ftaid without giving fome occafion of fufpicion, which 
 I thought it moft advifable to avoid ; refolving by 
 God's grace to continue in a firm loyalty to the King, 
 whome God direct and preferve in this time of danger ; 
 and I befeech your Grace to lay my moft humble duty 
 at his Majefty's feet, and to acquaint him with the 
 reafon of my retiring, that I may not be mifunderftood. 
 God of his infinite mercy deliver us from the calamitys 
 which now threaten us, and from the finnes which 
 have occafioned them. 
 
 "My very good Lord, 
 Your Graces very affect : fervant and B r . 
 
 Tho. Bath and Wells."* 
 « Nov. 24, 1688." 
 
 Very different from thefe loyal fentiments was the 
 
 fcene of treachery which, on the fame day, was patting 
 
 in the Court at Andover, within the diftance of twenty 
 
 miles from Poulfhot. The King halted there on his 
 
 retreat from Salisbury. His fon in law, Prince George 
 
 of Denmark, the Duke of Ormond, and others fupped 
 
 with him, — loyalty and devotion on their lips, perfidy 
 
 in their hearts : for immediately after fupper they took 
 
 horfe to join the Prince of Orange at Sherborne. 
 
 Prince George might, at leaft, have had the decency 
 
 to abftain from his father's table, which he polluted by 
 
 * Round's Profe Works of Thomas Ken. 
 
326 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 his prefence, and from which he rofe only to perpetrate 
 his long meditated treachery. He left behind him a 
 mean letter to the King, beginning, " With a heart 
 full of grief am I forced to write what prudence will 
 not permit me to fay to your face," and figned himfelf 
 " Your Majeftys moft obedient and humble fervant 
 and fon." He was a poor creature, as weak in intel- 
 lect as in principle. James declares, in his memoirs, 
 that fC he was more troubled at the unnaturalnefs of 
 the action than the want of his fervices, for that the 
 lofs of a good trooper would have been of greater 
 confequence." * His only anfwer to the letter was to 
 fend his fervants and equipage after him, which, if the 
 Prince had a fpark of feeling, muft have been a keen 
 and contemptuous reproof, f 
 
 On the 24th of November the King continued his 
 retreat : he gave orders to diftribute his forces in the 
 different villages between Windfor and London, and 
 arrived the next day at Whitehall, weary and enfeebled 
 in body, diffracted and haraffed in fpirit. He might 
 hope at leaft to find, if only for a fhort interval, the 
 refrefhing fenfe of tendernefs and affection in his family 
 circle. Scarcely, however, had he received the firft. 
 welcome of the Queen, when his enquiries for the 
 Princefs Anne, to whom he had ever been an indul- 
 gent parent, were met by the intelligence that me had 
 
 * His own Memoirs. Clarke's Life of James II. vol. ii. p. 225. 
 
 f He had a filly trick of expreffing his wonder on every occafion 
 by " eft il poflible." When the King heard in the morning that he 
 had followed the example of others in efcaping to the enemy, he 
 faid fneeringly, " fo eft il poflible is gone too." Ibid, in the note. 
 
i688] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells. 327 
 
 fecretly left the palace the night before, in a hackney 
 coach, with the Bifhop of London and Lady Church- 
 hill, and was gone to meet the Prince of Orange. 
 Well might the father's heart fink within him at this 
 aftounding news : — the bitter cup of adverfity was 
 now well nigh full. He burft into tears. His own 
 daughter, forgetting all the tendernefs of her fex, the 
 inftincts of nature, the motives of filial gratitude, duty, 
 allegiance and piety — clandestinely fled from his palace 
 to aid the fuccefsful invader of his throne ! Nor was 
 this from any fudden impulfe of duty to her hufband ; 
 for fhe had long known, and acquiefced in, the propofed 
 invafion, and fome days previous to the flight of Prince 
 George had written to William, exprefling her impa- 
 tience to join him. It might be that her attachment 
 to the Anglican Church fuperfeded all other affections. 
 Let charity offer this palliation ; it can never juftify 
 the unnatural and irreligious act. 
 
 " It was on this occafion," fays James in his Me- 
 moirs, Cf that finding himfelf in the like circumftances 
 with King David, he cry'd out with him, ' Oh if my 
 enemys only had curs'd me, I could have borne it : ' 
 but it was an inexpreffible grief to fee thofe he had 
 favour'd, cherifh'd, and exalted, nay his own children, 
 rife thus in oppofition againft him. This was what 
 required a more than natural force to fupport : thofe 
 ftrokes had been lefs fenfible, had they come from 
 hands lefs dear to him ; but being delivered over to 
 all the contradictions that malice or ingratitude could 
 throw in his way, he faw no hopes of redrefs, fo turned 
 his whole attention how to fave the Queen, and the 
 
328 Life a/' Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 Prince his Ton, and caft about which way to do it with 
 mod fecurity and fecrecy." # 
 
 We may haften over the next fix weeks, full as they 
 were of ftirring events, and offering to the hiftorical 
 reader one of the raoft interefting and instructive epochs 
 in the annals of England. The King, having returned 
 to London, at length iffued a Proclamation for the 
 meeting of Parliament. Had he done this earlier, or 
 even now caufed the two Houfes to meet, he might 
 have preferved his throne : for though he had himfelf 
 violated the Conftitution, they would, no doubt, have 
 maintained his rights. The great bulk of the nation, 
 in joining the Prince, intended only to guard their re- 
 ligion and liberties. But James's advifers knowing 
 the meafure would feal their downfall and difgrace, 
 perfuaded him, rather than fubmit to any compromife, 
 to throw himfelf into the arms of the French King, 
 who would foon enable him to return with a powerful 
 army to recover his throne. In an evil hour he adopted 
 this advice. He had already fent over the Queen and 
 the young Prince; and on the iith of December, to 
 the joy of the Stadtholder, and the amazement of the 
 nation, he withdrew fecretly from Whitehall, and made 
 for the coaft. He fays, " things were come to that 
 extremity, by the general defection of the nobility, 
 gentry, and clergy ; by the fcandalous defertion of the 
 chief officers and others in the army, as gave little 
 reafon to truft thofe who remained ; fo that no other 
 counfel could reafonably be embraced, but to quit 
 
 * Clarke's Life of James II., vol. ii. p. 229. 
 
1 68 8] Bijhop of Bath and JV ells. 329 
 
 the kingdom with as much fecrecy as he poflibly 
 could." * 
 
 He was difcovered at Feverfham by fome fifhermen, 
 and very roughly handled by the mob : but the next 
 day thefe tidings being brought to the council, they fent 
 a detachment of troops to protect his perfon, and in- 
 vite his return. Accordingly on the 15th, by one of 
 thofe ftrange viciffitudes which baffle all calculation, he 
 made his entry again into London amidft the loud 
 welcomes of the inconftant populace. Bonfires, peals 
 of bells, and all imaginable marks of love and efteem, 
 made it wear the appearance of a day of triumph. 
 Thefe expreflions of regard were prompted by a mo- 
 mentary, but generous feeling of pity at hearing of his 
 ill treatment. 
 
 The Prince, who had advanced his army without 
 oppofition to Windfor, hearing of this unfettled tem- 
 per of the people, could not reftrain his refentment 
 againft thofe who had promoted the King's return. 
 He now had recourfe to unworthy expedients to force 
 him, by fears for his perfonal fafety, to fly once more. 
 The foreign guards were ordered to take up their 
 quarters at Whitehall. James retired to reft in the 
 midft of them : but at midnight, whilft he was in bed, 
 a warrant was delivered to him from the Prince, order- 
 ing him to leave the palace before ten o'clock the next 
 morning, the 18th December. The full fenfe of his 
 danger prompted him once more to the conviction that 
 his only courfe was to efcape to France. He was 
 
 * His own Memoirs. Clarke's Hiftory of James II., vol. ii. p. 
 241 . 
 
330 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 allowed to proceed to Rochester, from whence, by- 
 William's order, every facility of efcape was afforded 
 him; and on the 25th he for ever left England to 
 take refuge with a foreign Prince. The generous 
 long-enduring fympathy of Louis exhibited a forcible 
 contraft to the felfifh and inflexible ambition of his 
 own fon in law. 
 
 Within a few days of the King's removal from 
 London William came to the palace with his Dutch 
 troops, the rabble crowding and fhouting round him, 
 as they had done a few days before for James. The 
 Courtiers who, as but yefterday, waited on the King, 
 now haftened to pay their duty to the ufurper of his 
 throne. William, aftonifhed at their ficklenefs, re- 
 folved not to truft them, until he had adjufted the 
 clafhing interefts of all parties to the prefent pofture of 
 his fortunes. In contraft with his own intentnefs of 
 purpofe he difcerned the inconfiftency of thofe he had 
 to deal with. He conducted himfelf with admirable 
 difcretion and calmnefs : he faid little ; and by no act 
 did he overftep the pofition of a provident general, 
 quartering his army in and near the capital of a friendly 
 nation he was come to refcue from oppreffion. This 
 was the turn he fucceeded in giving to the public mind, 
 which he had the tact to feem always to follow, rather 
 than lead. 
 
 On the 20th the Sheriffs, and a deputation from the 
 city, had an audience to exprefs their fenfe of gratitude 
 and attachment. On the 25 th the Lords, having met 
 in their own Houfe, voted an addrefs, defiring his 
 Highnefs to take upon him the temporary manage- 
 ment of affairs, and to caufe letters to be written, fub- 
 
1 6 8 8] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 3 3 1 
 
 fcribed by himfelf, to the counties, universities and 
 towns, directing them to choofe members who mould 
 affemble in Parliament. The Prince did not confider 
 their authority fufficient, without an equal fanction 
 from the Commons ; and before he would return any 
 anfwer he invited all who had ferved in any of the 
 Parliaments of Charles II., alfo the Lord Mayor and 
 Aldermen, and fifty of the Common Council, to wait 
 upon him. Accordingly 160 members, with the citi- 
 zens, came to St. James's on the 26th, and being made 
 acquainted with the ftate of affairs, were deiired to 
 meet for deliberation in the Houfe of Commons in 
 Weftminfter. This they immediately did, made choice 
 of their fpeaker, and concurred in the addrefs of the 
 Lords. Under this joint authority, the Prince iffued 
 his fummons for the meeting of a Convention on the 
 22nd of January. The 30th of December, being 
 Sunday, he received the Holy Communion according 
 to the rites of the Church of England. 
 
332 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Meeting of the Convention Parliament — Declaration that the 
 Throne was vacant — Not approved by Ken and others. — 
 The Crown conferred on William and Mary — ■ The Revolu- 
 tion confidered. 
 
 HE Hiftory of James II. prefents to us 
 the fpectacle of a king, facrificing his 
 inherited crown, and all that life had to 
 offer of power, honour, or happinefs, to 
 the vain hope of re-eftablifhing Romanifm, which had 
 long been rejected by the nation. Mr. Fox imputes 
 to him the love of arbitrary power, as his mailer paf- 
 fion : we may rather afcribe his acts to a fincere attach- 
 ment to his religion, and the dictates of confcience. 
 The whole hiftory of the world teems with examples 
 of errors, and even crimes, committed under the fanc- 
 tion of a miftaken confcience. The afTarlin of Henri 
 Quatre fincerely thought he was ridding the Chriftian 
 world of a dangerous heretic. The mafTacre of St. 
 Bartholomew was perpetrated under the belief that, in 
 promoting the caufe of the Catholic religion, it would 
 tend to the glory of God. Oliver Cromwell's con- 
 fcience, if we are to believe his own aflertions, prompt- 
 ed him to bring Charles to the block. The religious 
 perfecutions of all fects, in all times, — and the alternate 
 yoke of opprefTors, in whatever caufe, have been de- 
 fended on the fame falfe plea. Confcience has a varying 
 
1 6 8 8] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 333 
 
 ftandard in every individual mind, — true, when me 
 prompts us to the exercife of Chriftian love, but a 
 fubtle betrayer, whenever me would juftify the acts of 
 a violent or felfifh will. James's confcience was in the 
 keeping of Father Petre, and Signor D'Adda, " a fine 
 mowy fop, making love to the ladies." # Under their 
 guidance he would have impofed a yoke on England, 
 in the confidence that he could interpret the Divine 
 Will, which he was confcientioufly refolved to accom- 
 plifh by his own means, — and fo forfeited the kingdom 
 for himfelf and his pofterity. 
 
 It may be well afked what became all this time of 
 the Jefuits, Monks, and Roman Counfellors, who had 
 been the active agents of mifchief, and the immediate 
 caufe of the King's downfall. They were abfolutely 
 put to the rout : fome efcaped to France, others hid 
 themfelves ; their chapels were burnt or pillaged by 
 the mob. A letter from Father Con to the Provincial 
 of the Jefuits at Rome gives a lively picture of their 
 confufion, and of their own folly that brought it 
 about. 
 
 * Father Con's letter. Clarendon's Correfpondence and Diary } 
 vol. ii. p. 506. In his after Memoirs the King admits that D'Adda 
 was very ill chofen as Nuncio, " being but a young man, who had 
 appear'd at court for fome time in a fecular capacity, and therefore 
 very improper to draw that reverence and refpedt which is due to 
 fuch a character, efpecially from a people of a different religion, and 
 who being apt to turn the molt facred things into ridicule, would 
 hardly be perfuaded that, by a man's entering into orders, gravitie, 
 experience, learning, and all other qualifications fit for a Bifhop, 
 would be confer'd in an inflant, as in the Apoftles' time." Clarke's 
 Life of James II., vol. ii. p. 117. 
 
334 Life of Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 " London, 10 Dec. 1688. 
 " Honour'd Father William, 
 " There is now an end of all the pleafing hopes of 
 feeing our holy religion make a progrefs in this coun- 
 try. The King and Queen are fled, their adherents 
 are left to themfelves, and a new Prince, with a foreign 
 army, has got porTefTion without the leaft refiftance. 
 It is a thing unfeen, unheard of, unrecorded in hiftory, 
 that a king in peaceful poffeffion of his realm, with 
 an army of 30,000 fighting men, and 40 mips of 
 war, fhould quit his kingdom without firing a piftol. 
 The foreigners themfelves who have got pofleflion are 
 aftonifhed at their own fuccefs, and laugh at the Englifh 
 for their cowardice and difloyalty to their Prince. It 
 looks as if heaven and earth had confpired againft us. 
 But this is not all ; the great evil comes from our- 
 felves ; our own imprudence, avarice, and ambition 
 have brought all this upon us. The good king has 
 made ufe of fools, knaves, and blockheads ; and the 
 great minifter that you fent hither has contributed alfo 
 his mare. Inftead of a moderate, difcreet and faga- 
 cious minifter, you fent a mere boy, a fine fhowy fop to 
 make love to the ladies ; 
 
 Egregiam verb laudem, et fpolia ampla tuliftis. 
 
 But enough on this head, my dear friend ; the whole 
 affair is over. I am only forry that I made one among 
 fo many madmen, who were incapable of either direct- 
 ing or governing. I now return, as I can, with the 
 little family * to a land of Chriftians : this unhappy 
 voyage cofts me dear : but there is no help for it. 
 
 * i. e. the Jefuits. 
 
1 6 8 8 ] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 335 
 
 The profpecl: was fair, if the bufinefs had been in the 
 hands of men of fenfe ; but, to our difgrace, the helm 
 was held by rogues. I have already paid the compli- 
 ments of the new year to our patrons ; and I now do 
 the fame to you and to all friends. If God grants me 
 a fafe paffage beyond fea, you mail hear from me. 
 
 cc I remain as ufual. 
 " A Scotch gentleman named Salton who is arrived 
 here from P. D. O. fends his refpects to you, and 
 Signore Tomafo. The confufion here is great, nor is 
 it known what is likely to be the event, much lefs 
 what it will be : but for us there is neither faith nor 
 hope left. We are totally put to the rout this time, 
 and the Fathers of our Holy Company have contri- 
 buted their part towards this deftruction. All the reft 
 Bifhops, Confeflbrs, Friars and monks have acted 
 with little prudence." * 
 
 As foon as it was known that the King had gone 
 away the fecond time, Archbimop Sancroft wrote to 
 Ken, Lloyd, and others, requiring their attendance. 
 " My Lord ; the great Revolutions, which have of 
 late been here, and y e perplext eftate of affairs, con- 
 fequent thereupon, have made it not only mine, but 
 the opinion of all our Brethren here, that you mould 
 make all convenient haft up hither. Wifhing you a 
 prosperous journey. 
 
 I remain Y r very affect. Brother 
 
 " Lambh.H. Dec. 18, 1688." W. Cant."| 
 
 The letter reached Ken within 48 hours of the time 
 
 * Lord Clarendon's Correfpondence and Diary, vol. ii. p. 506. 
 f MSS. Dr. Williams's Collection. 
 
336 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1688 
 
 he was to hold an Ordination in his cathedral. He 
 did not hefitate in deciding which was his paramount 
 duty : he proceeded with the appointed work of the 
 Church. Chriftmas and the following days being holy 
 Feftivals, he was not difpofed to mix in political tur- 
 moils, and promifed to come up as foon as the weather 
 would permit.* 
 
 The Prince maintained an impenetrable referve as 
 to his next movements : but his friends and partizans 
 were encouraged to prepare the public mind for his 
 taking poffeffion of the throne : they " marfhalPd 
 him the way that he was going," loudly proclaiming 
 his virtues, and the debt of gratitude the nation owed 
 him for their deliverance from tyranny and Popery. 
 The prefs teemed with laudatory tracts, and argu- 
 ments to prove his title to the crown. " The Prince 
 of Orange, who had more intereft than any in what 
 was to follow, feemed the only perfon in England un- 
 concerned amidft the univerfal ferment. He went 
 little abroad : he was difficult of accefs. When accefs 
 was obtained, he appeared civil, but not cordial, liftened 
 with attention, but anfwered not ; and the few quef- 
 tions he afked feemed to proceed only from the com- 
 mon curiofity of a Granger. He even went a hunting, 
 and dined at a private gentleman's houfe in the country, 
 two days before the Convention was to take the great 
 queftion of the fettlement into confideration. In the 
 whole of his behaviour he not only kept, but affected 
 to fhow that he kept, his inclinations concerning the 
 future meafures of the Convention a myftery ; either 
 
 * Tanner MSS. vol. xxviii. p. 299. 
 
i688] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 337 
 
 from grandeur of mind, or from the affectation of it ; 
 or perhaps from a defire to fee the character and ac- 
 tions of the Englifh in their native colours."* 
 
 The Declaration of the Prince, before his landing, 
 led the world to believe that he aimed at nothing be- 
 yond a Regency : it explicitly ftates that " he had no 
 other view than to eftablifh the lawful Government, 
 according as a free Parliament mould find neceffary 
 for the peace, honour and fafety of the Kingdom, fo 
 that there may be no more danger of its falling at any 
 time hereafter under arbitrary government." \ This 
 is confirmed by his reference to the rights of the Prin- 
 cefs, intimating that fhe was entitled to the fucceffion 
 after her father's death. Clarendon fays that fo late as 
 the 4th of December, at Salisbury, he was told byMonfr. 
 Bentinck, the moft confidential friend of the Prince, that 
 " his Highnefs had acted in conformity with his De- 
 claration throughout ; though there are not evil men 
 wanting, who give it out that the Prince afpires at the 
 Crown, which is the moft wicked infinuation that could 
 be invented ; that though three Kingdoms would be a 
 great temptation to other men, yet it would appear 
 the Prince preferred his word before all other things 
 in the world, and would purfue his Declaration, in 
 endeavouring to fettle all matters here upon a true 
 foundation." It is certain that, before James withdrew 
 from the kingdom, the great majority of the nobles 
 and gentry, bifhops and clergy, entertained no other 
 thoughts than a Regency : it was not until after th e 
 
 * Dalrymple's Memoirs, p. 257. 
 t Hiftory of the Defertion, p. 72. 
 Z 
 
338 Life of Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 King had gone away that the ulterior views of the 
 Prince began to unfold themfelves. 
 
 Ken, being fummoned to the Houfe of Lords, did 
 not fail to be prefent on fo folemn an occaflon, when the 
 interefts of the Church and of the Crown were at flake. 
 He could hardly doubt that, in the perplexed difcuf- 
 fions and jarring interefts of party men, he would have 
 to take a line adverfe to the Prince, who was in all 
 probability to wear the crown. This caufed him no 
 indecifion : there was no feeblenefs of purpofe in any 
 courfe he had ever purfued. His frank fimplicity was 
 one of the main elements of his calmnefs in all emer- 
 gencies : he felt no anxiety to ingratiate himfelf with 
 thofe in power by a compromife of principle. He 
 was at Lambeth Palace on the ioth of January 1689, 
 Sancroft being very defirous to have the advice of the 
 Bifhops at the prefent crifis. We have a letter from 
 Dr. Turner, Bifhop of Ely, apologizing for his, and 
 his Brethren's unwelcome importunities with the Arch- 
 bifhop, who appears to have exprefled his unwillingnefs 
 to attend the Convention. In this he perfevered to 
 the end : he was ready to fuftain the King's rights by 
 his counfel, and to fuffer for the caufe of the Crown ; 
 but he could not be perfuaded to take his feat in the 
 Houfe of Peers. It was a great difappointment to the 
 legitimifts that one of his virtue, ability, and rank in 
 the State, who had fo ftrong a hold on the reverence 
 of the people, mould appear to be wanting in deci- 
 fion, when the queftions at iflue might be powerfully 
 influenced by his public avowal of the principles of 
 allegiance. 
 
 Ken had been requefted to fketch out cc a draft of 
 
1689] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 339 
 
 certain proportions againft depofing, electing, or break- 
 ing the fucceflion," which, after revifion, might be 
 prefented to the Convention as the general voice of 
 the Prelates in favour of the King's title. This was 
 fent to the Archbiihop, as <c a little paper of hints," 
 which he, " being better verfed in the repositories of 
 canons, and Statutes," was requested to form and put 
 in order. " I fee nothing," fays Turner, " fo likely 
 as this reprefentation to unite us, and fatisfy all good 
 men, who are now waiting, and fixing their hopes on 
 us as the body to make a ftand." * 
 
 The Bifhops, efpecially thofe whom James had im- 
 prifoned, did not confider that his departure from the 
 kingdom made a forfeit of his constitutional rights. 
 They held themfelves bound by their oaths to adhere 
 to him. Evelyn fays, " I vifited the Archbifhop on 
 the 15th, where I found the Bifhops of Ely, Bath 
 and Wells, and others. After prayers, and dinner, 
 divers ferious matters were difcourfed concerning the 
 prefent ftate of the public ; and I was forry to find 
 (from them) there was yet no accord in the judgment 
 of thofe of the Lords and Commons who were to con- 
 vene : fome would have the Princefs of Orange made 
 Queen without any more difpute ; others were for 
 a Regency : there was a Tory party (as then fo call'd) 
 who were for inviting His Majefty again upon condi- 
 tions ; and there were Republicans, who would make 
 the P. of Orange like a Stadtholder. The Romanifts 
 were bufy amongft. thefe feveral parties, to bring them 
 into confufion ; moft for ambition, or other intereft, 
 
 * Doyly's Life of Sancroft. 
 
340 Life of Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 few for conference, and moderate refolutions. I found 
 nothing of all this in the afTembly of Bifhops, who 
 were pleafed to admit me into their difcourfes ; they 
 were all for a Regency, thereby to falve their oaths, 
 and fo all public matters to proceed in his Mj^' 5 name, 
 by that to facilitate the calling of a Parliament, ac- 
 cording to the laws in being."* 
 
 On the 22nd of January the two Houfes met at 
 Weftminfter to decide this great queftion. Hardly 
 ever was there a day more important to the future in- 
 terefts of England. Their firft act was an order for a 
 public thankfgiving, on the 3 1 ft, for their deliverance 
 from Popery, and arbitrary power. They afterwards 
 concurred in an addrefs to the Prince of Orange, as 
 the cc glorious inftrument, next to God, of fo great a 
 blefling," and requefted him to continue the govern- 
 ment of all public affairs, which he had hitherto fo 
 prudently conducted. The Bifhops were requefted to 
 frame appropriate prayers for the day of thankfgiving. 
 Thus William was juftified by the voice of the nation. 
 
 The Convention continued to deliberate until the 
 1 2th of February : both Houfes were engaged in 
 lengthy debates, conflicting propofals, amendments, 
 and conferences, — whether the Throne was really 
 vacant, and whether William fhould be only Regent, 
 or be inverted with full fovereignty. All this time 
 the Prince lived in feclufion at St. James's. His pride 
 and independence could not ftoop to win the crown by 
 courtly arts, for which, indeed, he was very little 
 qualified by his inflexible temper, and diftant manners. 
 
 s 
 
 * Diary, vol. ii. p. j. 
 
1689] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 3 4 1 
 
 He well knew the dilemma in which the country flood ; 
 and he was refolved to leave them no alternative be- 
 tween his own coronation, or the recall of James. 
 This latter he had no occasion to fear : he faw the 
 vaft majority of the nation already exulting in their 
 efcape from thraldom. The laft acts of the King, 
 even in the moment of departure, had mown his fixed 
 attachment to the Roman faith ; and what could the 
 nobles expect from fo arbitrary a monarch, but a fevere 
 retribution for their late defertion of him, if he mould 
 ever return at the head of a French army ? 
 
 William's decifion of character was not likely to be 
 relaxed by his triumphant march through the heart 
 of the kingdom. The confident leader of confederate 
 kings, accuftomed through life to furmount difficulties, 
 now clearly determined his own path amid the irrefolute 
 counfels of a Parliament, bound to him by an acknow- 
 ledgment of his fervices. As he had fo largely flaked 
 his reputation and fafety on a mature calculation of the 
 chances, he was not difpofed to yield the game, when 
 it was in his own hands. The Houfes had already 
 been three weeks in debate : he was no longer difpofed 
 to brook this delay, and doubtful balancing of the fu- 
 ture. He fent, therefore, to fome of the Lords who 
 had invited him over ; he told them plainly he did 
 not wifh to interfere in their meafures ; but he would 
 have it underftood that he did not mean to be Regent 
 of England : he had rather go back with his army to 
 Holland. He would be nothing lefs than King. He 
 even defired that the Princefs mould only be Queen 
 Confort, and the whole executive power vetted in him- 
 felf. This was too much to bear : there was fomething 
 
342 Life of Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 un-Englifh in the idea of difpofTefling Mary of her 
 birthright. After all he was but a foreigner, — and 
 the nation, though largely his debtor, loved their own 
 Princefs, from whom alone he derived his right of in- 
 terference. The Houfes were prepared to give him 
 the joint fovereignty with herfelf, and to leave the ex- 
 ecutive in his hands : a conceffion beyond which they 
 would not go. This led to a compromife ; and it was 
 at length agreed to beftow the crown on the Prince 
 and Princefs conjointly for their lives, and to the fur- 
 vivor ; — and that William mould enjoy the full ex- 
 ercife of power in his own name, and that of Mary. 
 
 Practically the fettlement of the nation could not 
 have been accomplifhed under a Regency, which always 
 implies a limit of duration. If William was to govern 
 effectually, it could only be as King. The fame au- 
 thority that would have beftowed the Regency might 
 at any time withdraw it on fome fpecious pretext. 
 The machinery of fuch a government could not have 
 held together under the prefTure of contending factions : 
 it would have had no lafting ftrength, if fubject to the 
 breath of popular feeling, at all times uncertain, and 
 in England liable to fudden changes. William was at 
 once too fagacious, and too independent, to fubmit to 
 any fuch hazard. At the very befl he was entering on 
 a tafk of much intricacy and toil : nothing but the 
 ftrong prerogatives of the crown, founded on ancient 
 law and ufage, could have controlled a jealous Houfe 
 of Commons on the one hand, and on the other a 
 proud ariftocracy, at all times divided into parties, and 
 forward to claim a large fhare in power and influence. 
 Even after he had become king he was fo haraffed 
 
1689] Bi/bop of Bath and Wells. 343 
 
 and chagrined by the contefts of Whig and Tory fac- 
 tions, of enthufiafts for a Republic, and partizans of 
 James, that he more than once formed the project of 
 returning to Holland, and leaving the Queen to govern 
 a people he could neither conciliate nor coerce. As 
 Regent he could never have fuftained a power, whofe 
 ftrong hold muft have been the perfonal attachment of 
 the people, for he was devoid of thofe winning qualities 
 which would reconcile a jealous nation to a foreign rule. 
 He exhibited, therefore, a found judgment in refufing 
 impracticable limits and conditions of government. 
 
 Archbifhop Sancroft could not be prevailed upon to 
 attend any part of thefe difcufTions. His friends ur- 
 gently entreated him to do fo ; and it was thought his 
 prefence would have turned the fcale in the Houfe of 
 Lords, where the numbers were very evenly balanced. 
 On the great queftion whether the Prince mould be 
 Regent or King, the latter was carried only by a ma- 
 jority of two ; fifty-one againft forty-nine. Sancroft 
 had refolved in his own mind never to change his alle- 
 giance : but, perhaps doubting the legality of the Con- 
 vention, and forefeeing the refult of the debates, he 
 was unwilling by his prefence, as Primate, to give even 
 a fhadow of pretence for faying that, having fhared in 
 them, he was bound by the act of the majority. Ken, 
 on the other hand, is recorded in the minutes of the 
 Houfe to have been prefent on each day without a 
 fingle omiflion. He voted on all the queftions, but 
 took no part in the debates. At length when the 
 Peers, by a majority of fifteen, concurred with the 
 Commons in beftowing the crown upon William and 
 Mary, he joined with the minority in a proteft againft 
 
344 Life of Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 the Resolution, and then altogether withdrew. Both 
 thefe holy men acted from a fenfe of duty : they dif- 
 fered in judgment, not only on this, but afterwards 
 on other material points, affecting the interefts of the 
 Church, and the line of right they were called to purfue. 
 
 The Convention, in conferring the crown upon 
 William, did not neglect the opportunity to fettle the 
 bounds of the Royal prerogative, and to fecure to 
 the nation the full eftablifhment of their religion, and 
 liberties. The Act, therefore, which made over the 
 crown, began with a recital of the arbitrary meafures 
 of James, contrary to the known laws, and Statutes, 
 and freedom of the Realm. It fets forth a Declara- 
 tion of Rights comprifed in thirteen Articles, which 
 muft ever be considered a grand and confpicuous work, 
 the feal of our liberties, and a monument of the wif- 
 dom and energy of our anceftors. The fame day 
 that this Act and Declaration were made, the Princefs 
 Mary arrived from Holland, and was received with 
 every mark of affection. William had delayed her 
 coming until he faw that his path to the throne was 
 clear of every difficulty. This is an additional proof 
 that he would have carried out his threat of returning 
 to Holland, rather than accept the Regency. 
 
 It is due to his active and fagacious genius to fay, 
 that every meafure in preparing and accomplishing 
 his defigns was fo adapted to the end in view, fo well 
 timed, and fo fortified againit every contingency, as 
 to eftablifh his claim to a mafterly political foreSight. 
 He is entitled to the merit of having, by his judicious 
 and moderate conduct, courage, and fecrecy, prevented 
 the long train of evils which ufually accompany a forced 
 
1689] Biflj op of Bath and Wells. 345 
 
 change of dynafty. He prefents a rare inftance of an 
 afpiring invader, controlling every event, yet feeming 
 to fubmit the exercife of his power to the will of thofe 
 he meant to govern. Landing with a fmall force on 
 a foreign more, to dethrone a king in command of a 
 much larger army than his own, he threw himfelf with 
 entire confidence amidft a brave people, who had for 
 years been engaged in obftinate wars with his own 
 countrymen : and now, by plaufible appeals to their 
 prejudices, and by adapting his whole conduct to their 
 known character and needs, he at once roufed them to 
 a deeper fenfe of the wrongs they had fuffered, and 
 convinced them that he was the only proper and effec- 
 tual instrument of their deliverance. 
 
 He induced them to believe that he claimed nothing 
 for himfelf, — aimed at no conqueft, — defired no other 
 title than that of mediator between them and their de- 
 luded king. He prudently refrained from every act 
 which they did not themfelves appear to prompt. 
 Their outraged religion and laws were the theme on 
 which he dilated : he offered them his fympathy, and 
 his aid, in fecuring to them a juft and legal govern- 
 ment, defiring only, in return, that they mould rightly 
 appreciate his motives, and give him the meed of their 
 approval. In the name of his <c beloved confort," an 
 Englifh Princefs, he claimed the confidence of the na- 
 tion, with whofe interests he was identified : he ex- 
 preffed no paffion but the love of liberty, which he 
 had fuccefsfully vindicated in his own country ; and in 
 the fame caufe he was now ready to hazard, as in the 
 face of Europe, his perfon and good name. 
 
 William muft ever be confidered in the light of a 
 
346 Life a/' Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 fuccefsful ufurper : but his ufurpation fecured to Eng- 
 land the free exercife of her religious and civil rights. 
 He violated the firft principles of the moral law in de- 
 throning a fovereign, who had a peculiar claim to his 
 refpect and duty : but it was the general voice of the 
 nation itfelf that proclaimed him king. He was falfe 
 to his own Declaration, which difclaimed any defire to 
 feize the crown : but when he attained it, he exercifed 
 its powers with moderation. 
 
 Many learned works have been written on the abftract 
 principles of government, involved in the hiftory of 
 this period ; — the divine right of kings, the law of na- 
 ture, the original compact between prince and people, 
 the obligation of kings to conform to their oaths, the 
 right of forcible refiftance to the tyranny of rulers, 
 paflive obedience, the effect of an abdication on the 
 rights of a legitimate heir, born at the time, have been 
 varioully difculTed. Great authorities might be quoted 
 as advocates on either fide. But the fate of kingdoms 
 and people in times of emergency do not depend on 
 fine-drawn theories of government. The prejudices 
 and paflions, the interefts and refolves of men have 
 ever fwept away all fuch reftraints : practically, whether 
 right or wrong, neceflity impofes her own law. This 
 at leaft may be faid, that in England the caufes of 
 confufion, if traced to their fource, will generally be 
 found to lie with the exifting rulers, or their prede- 
 celTors. Such undoubtedly was the cafe in the Revo- 
 lution of 1688. 
 
1689] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 347 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Ken, and other Bijhops, refufe to take the Oath of Allegiance 
 to William and Mary. Aft of Parliament for their fufpen- 
 fion and deprival. Shiejlion of PaJJive Obedience. Ken's 
 conftftent Conduft. The Non-juring Bijhops publijh a Vin- 
 dication of them/elves. 
 
 ||>HE life of Ken, if not unchequered, had 
 hitherto been one of continued and ad- 
 vancing ufefulnefs in the feveral offices 
 of the Church : the world fmiled upon 
 him, honoured his piety, admired his eloquence, loved 
 him for his charities. Henceforward his character is to 
 be viewed under a new afpect. He was mifunderftood, 
 mifreprefented, forced into retirement and poverty : 
 <c fuffering deprivation" (to ufe his own words) <c not 
 only of honour, but of income ; fufficiently ridiculed, 
 and expofed to the world as a man of no confcience, 
 particulars out of which may be framed an idea very 
 deplorable."* Still, the inner man was unchanged — 
 in every act we find the fame fimplicity, blending with 
 an undaunted firmnefs that could not yield up of prin- 
 ciple one fpan's breadth. 
 
 His future path was to be more difficult, becaufe 
 every ftep was befet with entangled queftions of per- 
 fonal confiflency, which to a fenfitive mind are deeply 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 35. 
 
348 Life <?/~ Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 anxious ; — more refponfible, becaufe it tended to fepa- 
 rate him from the great body of the Engliih Church, 
 which he fo much loved, as the ordained inftrument 
 and channel of the true worfhip of God. Having 
 joined in the laft ftruggle in the Houfe of Lords to 
 maintain the rights of the King, he was foon called to 
 decide a point, on which would depend the whole tenor 
 of his after life. At his confecration he had fworn, as 
 in the prefence of God, that James was the rightful 
 King, and that he would bear true faith to him, and 
 his heirs: — a pledge impofed by Parliament. The 
 fame power now required him to forego this oath, and 
 to fwear, with equal folemnity, that he would hold 
 allegiance to William and Mary, who had thruft James 
 from his throne. This, if oaths have any meaning, 
 was fufficient to raife ferious fcruples of confeience. 
 
 He found himfelf in a ftrait between oppofing diffi- 
 culties. No doubt the late King had violated his 
 coronation oath, that he would maintain unimpaired 
 the Church of England, — to Ken the moft facred of 
 all things upon earth. On the faith of that oath he, 
 and all the Clergy, had fworn allegiance to him." Had 
 not James broken this mutual compact ? Ken himfelf 
 had joined in thanks to the Prince, as the inftrument 
 of their deliverance from Popery : the eftates of the 
 realm had declared the crown to be forfeited by the 
 one, and their decree had already placed the other in 
 pofTeflion. Could he fet up his own fenfe of their 
 refpective rights, againft the voice of the nation, mak- 
 ing himfelf judge on the difficult points of cafuiftry, 
 involved in the claims of a King de facto, and a King 
 de jure, with the other political questions that followed 
 
1689] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 349 
 
 in their train ? Again, the refufal of the new oath 
 would involve him in an unequal conteft with the 
 temporal power, feparate him from his flock, — deprive 
 him of all influence in preferving true doctrine through- 
 out his extenfive diocefe. It would, perhaps, expofe 
 him to perfecution and imprifonment, certainly reduce 
 him to poverty — above all, lead to a fchifm in the 
 Church. Here were his love of peace, the law of 
 obedience, long cherifhed friendfhips, his own perfonal 
 fafety and interefts, and efpecially the caufe of unity, — 
 prompting him to fubmit. Thefe, in their feveral de- 
 gree, had induced the majority of the Bifhops, and 
 the great mafs of the Clergy to yield acquiefcence. 
 
 One fimple fact, however, to his mind, outweighed 
 them all. If he mould forfeit his oath of fidelity to 
 James, by transferring an allegiance, which he confci- 
 entioufly believed to be irrevocable, he would peril his 
 own foul. His plighted faith was not his own to 
 barter away at any price ; the awful words " fo help 
 me God," fealed on the holy Evangelifts, were regif- 
 tered in heaven, beyond the difpenflng power of man. 
 All, therefore, was as duft in the balance againft the 
 folemn fenfe of his duty, and of his account hereafter 
 to be rendered. No interefts could fwerve him — no 
 terrors make him — no perfuafions feduce him to do 
 evil that good might come. There was a moral com- 
 pulfion that bound him indifTolubly. Archbifhop 
 Sancroft, and feven other Bifhops adopted the fame 
 views. 
 
 Innumerable were the pamphlets, fermons, and books 
 of controverfy that iflued from the prefs, to prove the 
 legal obligation to take the new oath ; and many were 
 
350 Life of Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 the arguments, refervations, limits, and justifying pleas 
 before magistrates, under which the Clergy in general 
 were permitted, and even perfuaded fo to do. The 
 greater number took the oath, on the ground that 
 James had vacated, and forfeited the throne ; many 
 considered that by human and divine law allegiance 
 was due to a King in actual poSTeSIion ; fome were 
 brought to acquiefce on the lower ground of living 
 peaceably and quietly ; others considered it as a tem- 
 porary oath, Subject to recall if ever James Should re- 
 cover his kingdom. All this the Non-jurors thought 
 to be indefenSible : it was contrary to their fenfe of 
 plain dealing, and they were content to Suffer for the 
 truth. It might be hard to make the world believe 
 they acted only from religious motives : that was but 
 of fecondary importance ; they refolved at all hazards 
 to witnefs a good confeflion of what they thought 
 right. 
 
 As the great bulk of the nation in numbers, influ- 
 ence, and wealth were willing to complete the work of 
 the Revolution by taking the oaths, it might be thought 
 a very little matter to the Government whether the 
 reft concurred, or not : but the fact was otherwife. 
 All ranks of people felt a generous fympathy in the 
 fate of the BiShops, who had fo manfully withstood 
 the late King's illegal acts. Parliament had recog- 
 nized the value of their ftedfaftnefs by an unanimous 
 vote of thanks.* It was felt that in their reSiStance to 
 Popery they had acted as true Englishmen, heartily 
 devoted to their country. 
 
 * Gutch's Coll. Curiofa, vol. i. p. 46. 
 
1689] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 351 
 
 Their inflexible adherence, in the former reign, to 
 the faith they profeiTed would have rendered them 
 illuftrious in any age : for what ftronger teftimony 
 could men bear to the truth than to fufFer imprifon- 
 ment, as they had done, and incur the danger of de- 
 prival, if not a worfe fate, under a tyrant, backed by 
 corrupt judges, and an irreflftible military power ? 
 Their prefent fcruples were known to be founded on 
 a fenfe of duty, to which, as before, they were now 
 again refolved to facrifice their dearefl interests. It 
 was impofTible not to admire fuch an example of forti- 
 tude, however men might differ as to the neceffity for 
 it. They were bright ornaments of the Church : and 
 the Church of England is dear to Englifhmen ; — and 
 ever will be, whatever their rulers, or fectarians, or 
 feceders, may think : it wants only occafions, which 
 may bring her into danger, to prove this. She may 
 yet have to fuftain the afTaults of an Eraftian power, 
 that would fain fubject her to a Parliamentary rule ; 
 but fhe bears a charmed life ; for fhe is founded upon 
 a rock, — and that Rock is Chrift. 
 
 William, too, remembered the courageous endurance 
 of thefe Bifhops at the critical moment, when they were 
 moft conducive to the fuccefs of his own projects. 
 Their prefent conduct, though adverfe to his views, 
 commanded his refpect. We have feveral examples of 
 his forbearance and magnanimity, in forgiving acts 
 of treachery, even where he might have looked for a 
 faithful attachment : he was not likely to be wanting 
 in the fame fpirit towards men, who openly refufed to 
 ferve him from a regard to confcience. Above all, it 
 was his intereft to conciliate every clafs : he knew the 
 
352 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 hold thefe eminent men had on the public mind, and de- 
 fired by a popular act of grace, to fecure their influence. 
 He had no reverence for prelacy, which he abolifhed 
 in Scotland, though he defired to maintain it in Eng- 
 land. Moreover, he had a fincere love for religious 
 freedom. If he could obtain a repeal of the Teft, and 
 the admiffion of all Proteftants, whether Churchmen or 
 DifTenters, to offices of truft, he would willingly dif- 
 penfe with the oaths of the Bifhops. He endeavoured 
 to attain both thefe objects by claufes in the Bill for 
 fettling the new oaths. It was propofed that the 
 Bifhops mould be relieved from taking them, unlefs 
 tendered by the King in Council, which would both 
 fatisfy their confciences, and give him an effectual re- 
 ftraint on their conduct, if at any time they mould in- 
 terrupt the peace of his government. This project was 
 fruftrated by the mutual animonty of parties in the 
 two houfes ; the Tories would not abandon the Teft 
 to favour the DifTenters ; the Whigs retaliated by 
 rejecting the claufes in favour of the Bifhops. The 
 only boon obtained was an authority to the crown to 
 referve for their ufe one third part of their revenues, 
 after they were deprived. The Act finally required 
 the Clergy to take the oath by the firft of Auguft, 
 1689, on pain of fufpenfion from their offices : if they 
 continued to refufe till the firft of February, 1690, they 
 were to be abfolutely deprived. 
 
 The news of this Act having pafTed reached Ken in 
 his Diocefe, where he had been engaged, as tifual, in 
 the calm and zealous exercife of his paftoral duties.* 
 It made no change in his views or conduct. The lay 
 
 * Clarendon's Diary, vol. ii. p. 267. 
 
1689] Bi (loop of Bath and Wells. 353 
 
 power might affect the temporalities of his See ; but 
 could not annul his fpiritual office. It is true, the 
 Church by being engrafted into the State is endowed 
 with fecular immunities, privileges and revenues : thefe 
 are temporal accefTories, and may be withdrawn by the 
 power which conferred them. The ftatute, # fubject- 
 ing the Clergy to the King's authority, amongft other 
 provifions, places the nomination of Bifhops in his 
 hands, and none can be chofen or confecrated without 
 his fandion. The State, which framed the oath of alle- 
 giance, to be taken by all Englifh Bifhops and Clergy, 
 had equal right now to enforce a like fecurity : but 
 no fecular authority could ever depofe them from their 
 authority in the word and facraments. 
 
 The maxims of politicians, lawyers, and Eraftian 
 writers, lay or clerical, on this point are fimply null. 
 The State, not having the power to confer Holy Or- 
 ders, can neither fufpend nor abrogate them. What, 
 indeed, is the fufpenfion of their exercife, but their 
 virtual annulment ? If the civil power is competent to 
 to this in one country, it is fo, in its degree, throughout 
 the world ; and then where are the Apoftles, and all 
 mifTions, where is the Church Catholic, until Conftan- 
 tine ? The fpiritual truft is derived from a Commiffion 
 above all earthly rulers, and therefore inalienable by 
 any other fentence than that of the Church. For 
 fecular offences the Clergy may be punifhed by the 
 magiftrate ; for fpiritual offences the Church alone, by 
 due fynodical a6t, can deprive Bifhops of their fpiritual 
 office. This mutual affinity of Church and State ex- 
 
 * 34 Henry VIII. 
 A A 
 
354 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 ifts under their feveral well defined limits. It has for 
 its object the maintenance of true religion, and through 
 that the glory of God, and the welfare of all people. 
 Neither the Crown, nor Parliament, of England can 
 enact articles of belief, nor even the ceremonials of 
 religion, without confent of the Clergy in Convocation ; 
 nor can one, or both, repeal thefe fpiritual offices, 
 which are committed to Chrift's fervants, confecrated 
 by His command. 
 
 Ken, therefore, purfued his quiet courfe in the per- 
 formance of his office. He filled up the vacant bene- 
 fices, where he had the right to prefent ; and collated 
 to others.* He confidered the day of death, and the 
 day of judgment, to be as certain as the ill: of Auguft, 
 and the ift of February, and acted accordingly : f his 
 account was to be rendered to a higher than any earthly 
 tribunal. We never find him making loud avowals of 
 principle, nor even entering into any public defence of 
 his conduct, except once or twice when fome particular 
 emergency compelled him ; and then it was always in 
 a few words of fact. He fays in one of his letters, cc I 
 find it much eafier filently to endure the paffion of 
 others, than to endeavour to mitigate it." Such was 
 the temperatenefs of his views, that he was ftated in 
 one of the anonymous pamphlets of the day to have 
 <c been heard to declare that, although he could not 
 fatisfy his own fcruples, yet he thought the Englifh 
 nation would be fools, if ever they fufTered King James 
 
 Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 28. 
 f Defence of the Profeflion, &c. of Lake, Bifliop of Chichefter, 
 1690, p. 9. 
 
1689] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells . 355 
 
 to return ; and hence it was concluded that he heartily 
 wifhed he could be of the fame mind with the reft of 
 his brethren." * This was difproved by a long life of 
 voluntary furTering, which he might at any time have 
 changed for his former ftate of honour and affluence. 
 He was in friendly intercourfe with Sancroft and the 
 other nonjuring Bifhops, though he could not entirely 
 concur with them : and feveral of the Prelates who 
 took the oaths endeavoured to perfuade him to follow 
 their example. From the former, he fays, " I dif- 
 fered in fome things, but without breach of friendihip, 
 endeavouring to act uniformly to the moderate fenti- 
 ments, which I could not exceed : " with the latter it 
 was impoffible he could agree ; though he gave them 
 credit for acting confcientioufly. 
 
 Two of his nonjuring friends, the Bifhops of Wor- 
 cefter and Chichefter, were foon called away from the 
 troubles that were gathering round them. Their dy- 
 ing declarations may be taken as the index of his own 
 willingnefs to fuffer any extremity, rather than com- 
 promife his duty. Dr. Thomas, Bifhop of Worcefter, 
 having called Dr. Hickes to his bed fide, fpoke thus 
 to him ; cc Mr. Dean, I was glad when I heard you 
 was come home, for I longed to fpeak with you before 
 I dyed ; for I perceive that I have but a fhort time to 
 live. I blefs God that I have twice fuffered in the 
 fame righteous caufe, and it is time for me now to 
 dye, who have outlived the honour of my religion, 
 and the liberties of my country. It hath been a great 
 comfort to me in this general apoftacy of my Clergy, 
 
 * State Trails, vol. ii. p. 360. 
 
356 Life of Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 whom I have endeavoured to keep upright and fteady 
 to their principles, that you have not forfaken me, 
 but keep conftant with me to the fame principles. I 
 have read all the books written for taking the oath ; 
 in which I find the authors more Jefuits than the 
 Jefuits themfelves : and if my heart deceive me not, 
 and the grace of God fail me not, / think I could burn 
 at a flake, before I took this new oath. I pray God 
 blefs you, and reward your conftancy. I defire your 
 daily prayers."* 
 
 Dr. Lake, of Chichefter, declared himfelf ftill more 
 emphatically, and in writing : 
 
 cc Being called by a fick, and I think, a dying bed, 
 and the good hand of G.od upon me in it, to take the 
 laft and beft viaticum, the Sacrament of my dear 
 Lord's body and blood, I take myfelf obliged to make 
 this fhort recognition and profeflion : 
 
 cc That whereas I was baptized into the religion of 
 the Church of England, and fucked it in with my milk, 
 and have constantly adhered to it through the whole 
 courfe of my life ; and now, if fo be the will of God, 
 mall dye in it : and / had refolved, through God's grace 
 affifling me, to have dyed fo, though at a flake. And 
 whereas that religion of the Church of England taught 
 me the doctrine of non-refiftance, and paffive obe- 
 dience, which I have accordingly inculcated upon 
 others, and which I took to be the diftinguifhing 
 character of the Church of England, I adhere no lefs 
 firmly and fteadfaftly to that, and in confequence of it 
 have incurred fufpenfion from the exercife of my office, 
 
 * Life of Kettlewell, 8vo. 171 8, p. 199. 
 
1689] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 357 
 
 and expected a deprivation. I find in fo doing much 
 inward fatisfaction, and if the oath had been tendered 
 at the -peril of my life, 1 could only have obeyed by fuf- 
 fering : 
 
 " I defire you, my worthy friends and brethren, to 
 bear witnefs to this upon occafion, and to believe it, 
 as the words of a dying man, and who is now engaged 
 in the moft facred and folemn act of converfing with 
 God in this world, and may, for ought he knows to 
 the contrary, appear with thefe very words in his 
 mouth at the dreadful tribunal : manu propria fub- 
 fcripfi. 
 
 " Johannes Cicestrensis."* 
 
 We cannot fay how thefe two devoted men would 
 have acted in the after differences of the nonjurors, 
 had they lived : but their lafl words fpoke the mind 
 of Ken, not only in their refolve againfl the oath, and 
 their attachment to the Church of England, to which 
 he afterwards bore equal teftimony in his own memo- 
 rable will, but alfo in their adherence to the doctrine 
 of PaJJive obedience. The publifhing their death bed 
 avowals added yet more intenfity to the difputes already 
 fo rife on this dogma : it was thought to be a direct 
 reproach to thofe who had taken the oath, and called 
 forth the whole pamphleteering forces of the prefs, 
 which teemed with a phalanx of Animadverfions, De- 
 fences, Sermons and Letters from all fides. 
 
 PafTive obedience and Non-refiftance were avowed 
 
 * Dr. Jenkins's Defence of the Profeffion, which the Right Rev. 
 late Lord Bifhop of Chichefter made upon his death-bed, &c. 1690, 
 p. 7. 
 
358 Life of Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 principles in theology and politics, not in England 
 only, or the times of the Stuarts, but throughout the 
 univerfal Church, as a practical Chriftian duty, incul- 
 cated by the law of the Gofpel. Endurance of wrongs, 
 forbearance, gentlenefs, peace, fu ejection to the powers 
 that be, are eternal laws of the Crofs, and as fuch, 
 bound upon all men, lay or clerical. But beyond this, 
 it was an effential tenet, almoft univerfally received in 
 England after the Rebellion. A fpecific oath, enforcing 
 the doctrine, had been incorporated into feveral Acts 
 of Parliament in the reign of Charles II. # and fo late 
 as 1675 the Houfe of Lords pafTed a Bill, making it 
 imperative on every one, inverted with office, to take 
 an oath, which was called the ( Oath of Abhorrence 
 againft. the traiterous pofition of taking arms againft 
 the King.'"t 
 
 The principle of Paffive obedience, whether right 
 or wrong, was recognized, not by the Clergy only, 
 but by all eftates of the realm. It was, in fact, a po- 
 litical maxim, highly in fafhion after the reftoration of 
 the monarchy, — a recoil from the republican theories, 
 which had gained head under Cromwell. It exemplified 
 the fudden extremes which will find expreflion, when 
 the body politic is fmarting under by-gone wrongs. 
 Viewed with proper reftrictions, it is a wholefome 
 principle of government, — taken without limits, it is 
 utterly untenable. Sancroft by his own conduct had 
 proved it impracticable on a fudden emergency : when 
 James fled from London he hurried into the city, and 
 agreed with the Council of Peers in defiring the Prince 
 
 * Rapin, vol. ii. pp. 628, 629. f Ibid. p. 677. 
 
1689] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 359 
 
 of Orange, then at the head of an invading army, to 
 take meafures for the fafety of the kingdom. He 
 and Ken, and the other Bifhops, were willing to con- 
 cur in a Regency, though it would have been an un- 
 questionable blow againft the prerogative, and an 
 abandonment of the abftract principle of Paffive obe- 
 dience. To what precife point Ken profefTed this 
 doctrine we are not told : in his letter to Burnet, he 
 fays, cc it was a point with which I very rarely med- 
 dled."* We have already feen that, when James was 
 at the height of his power, he practically withftood it : 
 but when it was altogether cried down, and he would 
 have been a gainer by abfolving himfelf from it, he 
 could not alter his judgment of its binding force. 
 
 To mow how eafy it was for men to difavow, when 
 it was unpopular, the doctrine they had upheld, when 
 in vogue, we need only point to the cafe of Dr. Til- 
 lotfon. At the condemnation of Lord William RufTel, 
 in 1683, for the Rye Houfe Plot, Tillotfon was Dean 
 of Canterbury, and a perfonal friend of his : as fuch 
 he attended him to the fcaffold. During his previous 
 vifits to him in the Tower, he found that Lord RufTel 
 was fo great a lover of truthfulnefs, that he preferred 
 to die a martyr to his principles of liberty, rather than 
 acknowledge the doctrine of Non-refiftance, which he 
 did not hold. It was thought, if he yielded this point, 
 Charles would grant him a pardon : but RufTel was 
 immoveable. The Dean, on the other hand, held that 
 the Chriftian religion plainly forbids the remittance of 
 authority, and as one of Lord RufTeTs fpiritual com- 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 33. 
 
360 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 forters he thought it efTential to his true repentance 
 before death, to acknowledge this. Ruflel had re- 
 ceived the Sacrament in a calm and devout temper ; 
 but Tillotfon, under the apprehenfion that his peace 
 of mind was not well grounded, wrote him a letter, as 
 more likely to weigh with his deliberate thoughts than 
 a tranfient difcourfe. 
 
 " The law," he fays, " which eftablifhes our religion 
 declares that it is not lawful upon any pretence whatfo- 
 ever to take up arms" &c : " the law of nature, and 
 the general rules of Scripture, tie the hands of fubjects : 
 becaufe the government and peace of fociety could not 
 well fubfift, if they were left at liberty : this is the 
 declared doclrine of all Protejlant Churches. And I 
 beg your Lordfhip to confider how it will agree with 
 an avowed afTerting of the Proteftant religion, to go 
 contrary to the general doclrine of the Proteftants. 
 My end in this is to convince your Lordfhip that you 
 are in a very great and dangerous miftake, and being 
 fo convinced, that which before was a fin of ignorance, 
 will appear of a much more heinous nature, as in truth 
 it is, and call for a very particular and deep re- 
 pentance ; which if your Lordfhip fincerely exercife 
 upon the fight of your error, by a penitent acknow- 
 ledgment of it to God and men, you will not only 
 obtain forgivenefs of God, but prevent a mighty fcan- 
 dal to the reformed religion."* If Tillotfon's creed, 
 under the Stuarts, was grounded on this law of nature, 
 the rule of Scripture, the Chriftian religion, and the 
 declared doclrine of all Protectant Churches, what be- 
 
 * Birch's Life of Tillotfon, pp. 109, no. 
 
1689] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells . 361 
 
 came of his friend William's title to the Crown, 
 founded on an usurpation which overthrew them all ? 
 But when James was driven from the throne, the 
 Dean was to be Archbifhop of Canterbury : that could 
 never have been, unlefs he yielded up his principles of 
 non-refiftance, which he accordingly did. 
 
 The fame change had come over the political vifion 
 of Burnet. In the time of Charles, when the Stuarts 
 were in the afcendant, the Doctor was a champion for 
 Paffive Obedience ; but when it became convenient to 
 wear the Orange fcarf, and be made Bifliop of Salifbury, 
 he was a very Knight errant againfl every comer who 
 mould uphold that principle. No doubt Ken had an 
 eye to both thefe Prelates when he wrote thus to 
 Burnet ; <c many perfons of our own coat, for feveral 
 years together preached up Paffive Obedience to a 
 much greater height than ever I did, and on a fudden, 
 without the leaft acknowledgement of their paft error, 
 preach'd and acted the quite contrary." * 
 
 There is no ground for denying to Tillotfon the 
 right of adopting new opinions ; only let our good 
 Bifhop, and his fuffering Brethren, enjoy an equal 
 liberty of confcience in maintaining theirs unchanged, 
 at the facrifice of every worldly advantage. And let 
 the truth be underftood, that Paffive Obedience was 
 the rule, not the exception in the previous reigns. 
 
 To return to the Oath of Allegiance : there were 
 moments when Ken had mifgivings as to the correct- 
 nefs of his own views in rejecting the new oath. This 
 may ferve to exemplify the difficulty of the queftion, 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 33. 
 
362 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 and the candour of his mind, which did not obftinately 
 difregard the reafons to be adduced on the other fide. 
 The deeds of fearful cruelty perpetrated in Ireland by 
 James, and the afiiftance of armed forces lent him by 
 Louis, caufed a report to be fpread that he had by a 
 fpecial inftrument given over that country to France. 
 This appears to have made Ken waver : he thought 
 fuch an act would for ever diflblve the bond of union 
 between James and all his fubjects. Burnet fays he 
 came with his Chaplain to London, and refolved to go 
 to the Houfe of Lords and take the oaths. He after- 
 wards received a letter from Burnet, exprefling great 
 concern that his {landing out againft the allegiance to 
 William " was likely to prove fatal to the interests of 
 the Church, as depriving them of one, who had ferved 
 it with fo much honour, efpecially at a moment when 
 there were fair hopes of reforming feveral abufes." 
 He charged him with having advifed others to take 
 the oath which he refufed himfelf : " others have told 
 me they read a Pafloral Letter, which you had pre- 
 pared for your Diocefe, and were refolved to print it ; 
 but when you went to London, your Lordfhip, it 
 feems, changed your mind." Ken writes in reply : 
 
 " ALL GLORY BE TO GOD." 
 
 "My Lord, I am obliged to your Lordfhip for the 
 continued concern you exprefs for me, and for the 
 kind freedom you are pleafed to take with me ; and 
 although I have already in public fully declared my 
 mind to my Diocefe concerning the Oath, to prevent 
 my being mifunderftood ; yet fince you feem to expect 
 it of me, I will give fuch an account, which if it does 
 
1689] BifJjop of Bath and Wells. 363 
 
 not fatisfy your Lordfhip, will at lead fatisfy myfelf. 
 I dare aflure you, I never advifed any one to take the 
 oath ; though Tome who came to talk infidioufly with 
 me may have rais'd fuch a report : fo far have I been 
 from it, that I never would adminifter it to any one 
 perfon, whom I was to collate. And therefore before 
 the act took place, I gave a particular commiffion to 
 my Chancellor, who himfelf did not fcruple it ; fo that 
 he was authorized, not only to institute, but to collate 
 in my ftead. If any came to difcourfe with me about 
 taking the oath, I ufually told them I durfl; not take it 
 myfelf. I told them my reafons, if they urged me to 
 it, and were of my own Diocefe : and then remitted 
 them to their ftudy and prayers for further direction. 
 I did prepare a Paftoral Letter, which, if I had feen 
 reafon to alter my judgment, I thought to have pub- 
 lifh'd ; at leaft that part of it, on which I laid the 
 greateft ftrefs, to juftify myfelf to my Flock; and be- 
 fore I went to London, I told fome of my friends, that 
 if that proved true, which was affirmed to us with all 
 imaginable afTurance (and which I think more proper 
 for difcourfe than a letter) it would be an inducement 
 to me to comply : but when I came to town, I found 
 it was falfe ; and without being influenced by any one, 
 or making any words of it, I burn't my paper, and 
 adher'd to my former opinion." 
 
 Burnet in his letter had faid that " fome were fo 
 fevere as to fay that other motives than confcience were 
 at the bottom of his refufal : " to which Ken replies, 
 " if people who are very difcerning, and know my 
 own heart better than myfelf, have pronounc'd fentence 
 upon me, that there is fomething elfe than confcience 
 
364 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 at the bottom ; and if your Lordmip gives credit to 
 the many mifreprefentations which are made of me, 
 and which I being fo us'd to, can eafily difregard, you 
 may reafonably enough be in pain for me : for to fee 
 one of your Brethren throwing himfelf headlong into 
 a wilful Deprivation, not only of honor, and of in- 
 come, but of a good confcience alfo, are particulars 
 out of which may be framed an idea very deplorable. 
 But though I do daily in many things betray great 
 infirmity, I thank God I cannot accufe myfelf of any 
 infincerity ; fo that Deprivation will not reach my con- 
 fcience, and I am in no pain at all for myfelf. I perceive 
 that after we have been fufficiently ridicul'd, the laft 
 mortal flab defign'd to be given us is to expofe us to 
 the world as men of no confcience ; and if God is 
 pleafed to permit it, His moft holy will be done ; 
 though what that particular corrupt nature is, which 
 lies at the bottom, and which we gratify in lofing all 
 we have, will be hard to determine." 
 
 He could not clofe his letter to Burnet, who exer- 
 cifed a powerful and pernicious influence in ecclefiaftical 
 matters, without an appeal to him on behalf of the 
 Church of Scotland. Its fate had been already de- 
 cided, and was at the date of this letter in the very act 
 of being accomplished. Ken fays, <c I heartily join 
 with your Lordfhip in your defires for the peace of 
 this Church ; and I mail conceive great hopes, that 
 God will have companion on her, if I fee that me 
 compaflionates and fupports her fitter of Scotland. I 
 befeech God to make you an inftrument to promote 
 that peace, and that charity ; I can myfelf only con- 
 
 
1689] Bifo op of Bath and Wells. 365 
 
 tribute to both by my prayers, and by my deprecations 
 againft fchifm, and againft facrilege. 
 
 cf Tho. Bath and Wells." 
 
 " Oftober 5, 1689." 
 
 . This letter exhibits the moral habit of Ken's mind, 
 a fimple courage, ready for every trial in the line of 
 his duty, — ff in no pain at all for him/elf ;" — a tender 
 confcience, and willingnefs to retract any erroneous 
 opinions, — a candid regard for the honeft fcruples of 
 others who might differ from him. Of all this we 
 have about the fame time another finking inftance in 
 what paffed between himfelf and his old friend Dr. 
 Hooper. He was flaying at Hooper's houfe, in Lam- 
 beth, fhortly after the Revolution ; the general fubject 
 of converfation was the Oath of Allegiance, and fub- 
 miflion to the new government, to which Dr. Hooper 
 earneftly endeavoured to perfuade the Bifhop.* c< On 
 parting one night to go to bed, the Bifhop feemed fo 
 well fatisfied with the arguments Dr. Hooper urged to 
 him, that he was inclined to take the Oaths." f But 
 the next morning he ufed thefe expreflions to him ; — 
 " I queftion not but that you, and feveral others have 
 taken the oaths with as good a confcience as myfelf 
 mail refufe them ; and fometimes you have almoft 
 perfuaded me to comply by the arguments you have 
 ufed ; but I beg you to urge them no further ; for 
 mould I be perfuaded to comply, and after fee reafon 
 to repent, you would make me the moft miferable 
 man in the world." J Upon which the Dr. faid he 
 
 * Prowfe's MS. Life of Hooper. f Ibid. 
 
 J Hawkins, p. 30. 
 
366 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 would never mention the fubjec~t any more to him, for 
 God forbid he mould take them." * 
 
 Sancroft, and the other non-juring Bifhops, were 
 much alarmed, left Hooper's influence might induce 
 Ken to take the oath. Turner writes to the Arch- 
 bishop on Afcenfion Day, 1689, <f when I took my 
 leave yefternight I had no thought of waiting upon 
 you till this day fen'ight ; but when I came home I 
 found a letter to Mrs. Gregg from the Bp. of B. and 
 W. and this advertifement in it for me. ( Tell my 
 friend I will meet him at dinner at Lambeth, upon 
 Sunday.' I fuppofe he does not know Your Grace 
 has left off dining publicly, as you have great reafon 
 to do. But fince, my Lord, you are pleafed to give 
 every one of your fons a day, as you obligingly ex- 
 prefs it, I muft needs fay, the fooner we meet our 
 brother of Bath the better, for I muft no longer in 
 duty conceal from your Grace, tho' I befeech you to 
 keep it in terms of a fecret, that this very good man 
 is, I fear, warping from us, and the true interefts of 
 the Church of England, towards a compliance with 
 the new Government. I received an honeft letter 
 from him, and a friendly one, wherein he argues very 
 wrong to my understanding, but promifes and protefts 
 he will keep himfelf difengaged till he debates things 
 over again with us, and that he was coming up again 
 for that purpofe. My Lord Bifhop of Norwich has 
 {een fuch another letter from him to my Lord of 
 Gloucefter ; and upon the whole matter our Bifhop of 
 Norwich, if your Grace thinks fit, will meet us on 
 
 * Prowfe's MS. Life of Hooper. 
 
1689] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells . 367 
 
 Saturday. I muft needs wifh my Lord of Chichefter 
 would be there to help us ; for it \v d be extremely 
 unhappy mould we at this pinch lofe one of our num- 
 ber. I apprehend that parfon of Lambeth has fuper- 
 fined upon our brother of B. and W. and if he lodges 
 again at his houfe, I mail doubt the confequence, for 
 which reafon I'll come over on Saturday morning to 
 invite him to my country houfe." 
 
 As the time drew on for his deprival, the people of 
 his Diocefe became more deeply affected at the thought 
 of lofing their revered Paftor. His zeal for their wel- 
 fare, and his mild and loving government of them, 
 were the more valued, the nearer their danger of lofing 
 him. The Clergy therefore united in an earned: Peti- 
 tion to the King on behalf of himfelf, the Archbifhop, 
 and the other Prelates under cenfure, praying that "they 
 might not be deprived of their revenues and dignity, 
 but reftored to the administration of their functions." 
 It fets forth <c the great reafon the Petitioners had to 
 blefs God for thofe their ecclefiaftical Governors, by 
 whofe ghoftly wifdom and directions they have been 
 all along greatly edified, and by whofe religious con- 
 duct and exemplary constancy they were, through the 
 providence of God, fo lately preferved in perilous 
 times, and for whofe fufFerings and imminent dangers 
 they were then deeply afflicted. We cannot but en- 
 tertain fo much filial tendernefs and dutiful affection 
 for them, as paffionately to entreat that the Church 
 may not fufFer fo great a lofs as to be deprived of 
 them, nor they be wholly excluded from the comforts 
 of the great deliverance which we owe to your Ma- 
 jeftie, to which they, by a generous and feafonable 
 
368 Life of Thomas Ken, [1689 
 
 expofing themfelves for the common fafety, did emi- 
 nently contribute."* 
 
 If this ever reached the King's hands, it was not 
 likely to carry much weight. The queftion of the 
 deprivals refted on other grounds : like every thing 
 elfe, it was to be tefted and refolved by political expe- 
 diency. William calmly held the balance between the 
 oppofite weights of party ; of whofe violence we may 
 form fome notion from the heat and rancour of the 
 pamphlets which were constantly appearing. Many 
 bufy perfons, and efpecially thofe who rejoiced in any 
 attack on the Church, endeavoured to inflame the 
 public againft the Bifhops. Still their caufe rather 
 gained ground at Court, as well as in the country. 
 William had already been galled by the oppofition of 
 his former friends : he faw amidft the jarring elements 
 of political ftrife the felfifhnefs that made the general 
 interefts fecondary to the perfonal objects of each. 
 Contrafled with this, the confcientious fcruples of the 
 Non-jurors, however, in his opinion miftaken, feemed 
 to claim indulgence. He was convinced that, if they 
 could be conciliated, they would greatly promote the 
 Stability of his Government. When he firfb came over 
 to England, he could have known little of Epifcopacy, 
 except in the Roman Catholic form, which was moft 
 repugnant to his ideas : allowance is to be made for 
 early prejudices, which were afterwards modified by his 
 intercourfe with the Englifh Bimops.f When he dif- 
 
 * Bowles, vol. ii. p. 194. 
 
 f Trevor's Life of William, vol. ii. p. 
 
1690] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 369 
 
 folved his firft Parliament, early in 1690, Lord Cla- 
 rendon fays, " feveral of my friends were with me in 
 the afternoon, and told me the King had declared 
 himfelf for the Church of England, and had given 
 public encouragement to all gentlemen, who took leave 
 of him upon going into the country to choofe Church 
 of England men."* At the opening of the new Par- 
 liament, he declares in his fpeech, penned by himfelf, 
 that " the Church of England is one of the greater!; 
 fupports of the Protectant religion in general, for the 
 defence whereof I am ready again to venture my life."f 
 
 The Queen was firmly attached to the Church ; 
 fhe had a perfonal regard for Ken, her former Chap- 
 lain at the Hague, and the higheft efteem for Sancroft's 
 character. Notwithstanding all queftions, <f the Arch- 
 bifhop was permitted to continue at Lambeth Palace, 
 where he maintained the fame attendance and fplen- 
 dour of eftablifhment he had formerly done ; and 
 during the whole of this period he conftantly received 
 vifits from the nobility, and others with whom he had 
 lived in habits of intercourfe, and was treated with 
 marks of relpect by perfons of every rank."^; 
 
 The 1 ft of February, 1690, was already paft, within 
 which the law required the Clergy to take the new 
 oath of allegiance to William : ft ill no meafures were 
 adopted againft the Bifhops to enforce the penalty : 
 they were left in quiet pofTeftion of their revenues, in 
 the hope that they might come round. But an inci- 
 
 * Clarendon's Diary, vol. ii. p. 299. 
 
 f Trevor's Life of William, vol. ii. p. 88. 
 
 X Doyly's Life of Sancroft, vol. i. p. 449. 
 
 B B 
 
370 Life of Thomas Ken, [1690 
 
 dent occurred foon after, likely to injure them in the 
 judgment of all lovers of peace. A day of national 
 fail had been proclaimed for the 1 2th of March ; to 
 be repeated on the third Wednefday of every month, 
 for the fuccefs of the forces in Ireland. Special prayers 
 were appointed for the perfonal fafety of William, 
 who was to take the command. Either fome Roman 
 Catholics, or fome violent Jacobites, took this occafion 
 to diftribute many thoufand copies of a form of prayer 
 for King James, as a fubftitute for the other. It does 
 not mention him by name ; but the whole tenor of the 
 paper fufficiently expofed its real object. Amongft 
 other things, it prays, " Reflore to us the public wor- 
 fhip of thy name, the reverend administration of thy 
 Sacraments ; raife up the former government both of 
 Church and State, that we may be no longer without 
 King, without Prieft, and without God in the world. 
 Send forth thy light and thy truth, and let them pre- 
 ferve us. Protect and defend thy fervant, our Sove- 
 reign Lord the King. Be thou unto him a helmet of 
 falvation, &c. Give him the neck of his enemies, and 
 alfo every day more and more the hearts of his Sub- 
 jects. As for thofe that are implacable, clothe them 
 with fhame ; but upon himfelf and his Posterity let 
 the Crown flourifh."* 
 
 The prayers would feem to bear internal evidence 
 of being penned by a Roman Catholic : they fpeak of 
 reftoring public worfhip, and the reverend adminiftra- 
 tion of the Sacraments, which in the Englifh. Church 
 had never been fufpended ; and infinuate that the na- 
 
 * State Tra&s, vol. ii. p. 95. 
 
1690] Bifhop of Bath and IVells. 371 
 
 tion had no longer a Priefthood, which was obvioufly 
 untrue, as applied to any other than the Romim 
 Church, whofe worfhip, and Sacraments, and Prieft- 
 hood had all been fupprefled. The Bifhops, how- 
 ever, were accufed by party writers of being the au- 
 thors or abettors of this new Liturgy. They did not 
 think it neceflary to put forth any denial of the charge, 
 until the appearance, fome months afterwards, of a 
 fcurrilous pamphlet, which included this accufation, 
 with others ftill more improbable. 
 
 The title was f A Modest Enquiry into the pre- 
 fent difafters : and who they are that brought the 
 French fleet into the Englim Channel defcrib'd.' It 
 was full of outrageous charges againft. the peaceful 
 Bifhops, who are called {C the Reverend Club of Lam- 
 beth," " the Holy Jacobite Club," ' " our high flown 
 Paffive Obedience men," " the CEcumenick Council 
 of the whole party, &c." The author was incontefta- 
 bly a furious difTenter. He attacks the Prelates (more 
 mifliked for their Prelacy than their perfons) becaufe 
 they would not take the oath ; but is equally fcan- 
 dalized at the Clergy who did, and whom he accufes 
 " of cheating the world with ridiculous and foolifh 
 diftinctions, and playing faft and loofe with Almighty 
 God." In another part, fpeaking of the Clergy as a 
 clafs, he calls them " wretches, great contrivers and 
 managers of cabals, who by their Profeflion are for 
 the moft part extraordinarily credulous." He trium- 
 phantly reminds the Bifhops, whom he calls " our 
 High Prieft, and the relt of the Gang," of their cc be- 
 loved 'power to trample on the Dijfenters, who are now 
 out of their clutches.'" 
 
37 2 Life tf/~ Thomas Ken, [1690 
 
 This energetic writer calls the new prayers <f the 
 great guns " of the Bifhops — who were fC marfhalling 
 a great many of King James' officers and cafhier'd 
 gentlemen," and cc levying no inconsiderable fums of 
 money for a final infurrection." Amongft the collec- 
 tors for the " Holy Club," " there muft be one Fellow 
 that eat King William's bread," (meaning Ken at the 
 Hague) and " one of his arts was to perfuade filly 
 old women to tell down their duft for carrying on fo 
 pious a work," namely, tf to work a mine under ground, 
 in order to a general afTault." 
 
 But " the great gun," which thefe foldiers in lawn 
 were Cf thus furioufly playing," was no lefs than inviting 
 over the French King, and holding conftant corres- 
 pondence with Monfieur de Croifie. The Modeft En- 
 quirer gives a copy of a fuppofed addrefs to Louis 
 XIV. fent over by our high Pried and the reft of the 
 gang, which he fays " was difcovered of late by a 
 certain perfon." It begins, " Great and invincible 
 Monarch ! The refplendent rays of your Majefty's 
 virtues have render'd all the world your adorers ! and 
 that inherent goodnefs of which your Majefty ftands 
 fo tranfcendently poffeft, does render you the only 
 Sanctuary of all the diftreft : " &c. &c. 
 
 We need not follow the libel much farther : but it 
 deferved a notice for the fake of the anfwer put forth 
 to it. The writer's object ekes out in his fuggeftion 
 that the Bifhops mould be " De Witted" — that is 
 treated in the fame way as the De Witts, whom the 
 mob at Amfterdam had maflacred in 1672, dragging 
 their bodies about the town, on the falfe charge of a 
 plot againft the life of William, foon after he had been 
 
1690] Bijhop of Bath and IV ells . 373 
 
 elected Stacitholder. Hence the offenfive term came to 
 be well underftood in Holland and England to mean 
 malTacred. " The truth is," (fays the Modeft Enquirer) 
 (C it is a wonder, theEnglifh nation, upon the affront that 
 has befallen them, in being forced to turn their backs 
 to the French at fea, have not in their fury De Witted 
 fome of thefe men, who have brought all this upon 
 us. And I muft tell them that the crimes of the two 
 unhappy brothers in Holland (which gave rife to that 
 word) were not fully fo great as fome of theirs." 
 
 The pamphlet made a great noife ; and as the Form 
 of Prayer, or New Liturgy, with other grave charges, 
 were thus openly brought againft the Bifhops, it be- 
 hoved them, as lovers of peace, to give an unqualified 
 denial. Ken, at leaf!;, was no member of the imaginary 
 " Lambeth Club." He had remained, where he moft 
 loved to be, in his Diocefe, except for fhort intervals, 
 when his advice was required by his Brother Bifhops. 
 Indeed about this time he appears to have been drink- 
 ing the Bath waters :* but came to town on the prefent 
 emergency, and the following paper was quickly de- 
 cided upon, and publifhed under the title of a 
 
 " Vindication, &c." 
 " Whereas in a late pamphlet, entitled C A Modeft 
 
 * " The R'. Rev d . Thomas Lord Bifhop of Bath and Wells 
 drank the waters at the King's Bath 1690, in the month of Sept. 
 and received benefit. 
 
 " Orlando Pain, being troubled with a filthy leprofy, fent to the 
 Bath, and maintained there by Thomas Lord Bifhop of Bath and 
 Wells all the winter, 1690 : in 14 weeks' ufe of the hot and lepers 
 Bath received cure." Thomas Guidott, Regifter of Bath, containing 
 an account of cures, &c. 2nd Ed. 1724, p. 377, 378. 
 
374 Life 0/^ Thomas Ken, [1690 
 
 Enquiry into the caufes of the prefent diftrefTes, &c.' 
 we, whofe names are hereunto fubfcribed, are among 
 others reprefented as the authors and abettors of Eng- 
 land's miferies ; and under the abufive names of the 
 Lambeth Holy Club, the Holy Jacobite Club, and the 
 CEcumenick Council of the whole Party, are charged 
 with a third Plot, and with the compofing of a new 
 Liturgy, and ufing it in our cabals ; and whereas the 
 Clergy, fuch of them as are flyled malcontents, are 
 faid (together with others) to have prefented a memo- 
 rial to the King of France, to perfuade him to invade 
 England ; and are alfo affirmed to have kept a con- 
 ftant correfpondence with M. de CroirTy in order there- 
 unto. 
 
 Cf We do here folemnly, as in the prefence of God, 
 proteft and declare. 
 
 <f 1 . That thefe accufations carl upon us are all of 
 them malicious calumnies, and diabolical inventions ; 
 that we are innocent of them all ; and we defy the 
 libeller, whoever he be, to produce, if he can, any 
 legal proof of our guiltinefs therein. 
 
 <f 2. That we know not who was the author of the 
 new Liturgy, as the libel calls it ; that we had no hand 
 in it, either in the club, cabal or otherwife ; nor was it 
 compofed, or publifhed by our order, confent, or pri- 
 vity ; nor hath it been ufed at any time by us or any 
 of us. 
 
 " 3. That neither we, nor any of us, ever held any 
 correfpondence, dire&ly or indirectly, with M. de 
 CroifTy, or with any minifter or agent of France : and 
 if any fuch memorial, as the libel mentions, was ever 
 really prefented to the French King, we never knew 
 
i6yoJ Btfhop of Bath and Wells. 375 
 
 anything of it, nor anything relating thereto. And 
 we do utterly renounce both that, and all other invita- 
 tions fuggefted to be made by us, in order to any 
 invafion of this kingdom by the French. 
 
 " 4. That we utterly deny, and difavow all plots 
 charged upon us, or contrived or carried on, in our 
 meetings at Lambeth ; the intent thereof being to ad- 
 vife how, in our prefent difficulties, we might beft 
 keep confciences void of offence towards God and to- 
 wards man. 
 
 "5. That we are fo far from being the authors or 
 abettors of England's miferies (whatever the fpirit of 
 lying and calumny may vent againft us) that we do, 
 and mall to our dying hour, heartily and incefTantly 
 pray for the peace, profperity and glory of England ; 
 and mail always, by God's grace, make it our daily 
 practice to ftudy to be quiet, to bear our crofs patiently, 
 and to feek the good of our native country. 
 
 cc Who the author of this libel is we know not : but 
 whoever he is, we defire, as our Lord hath taught us, 
 to return him good for evil : he barbaroufly endeavours 
 to raife in the whole Englifh nation fuch a fury, as 
 may end in De Witting us (a bloody word, but too 
 well underftood). But we recommend him to the 
 Divine mercy, humbly befeeching God to forgive him. 
 We have all of us, not long fince, either actually or in 
 full preparation of mind, hazarded all we had in the 
 world in oppoflng Popery and arbitrary power in Eng- 
 land : and we mall by God's grace, with greater zeal 
 again facrifice all we have, and our very lives too, if 
 God mail be pleafed to call us thereto, to prevent Po- 
 pery, and the arbitrary power of France, from coming 
 
376 Life of Thomas Ken, [1690 
 
 upon us, and prevailing over us ; the perfecution of 
 our Proteftant brethren there being ftill frefh in our 
 memories. It is our great unhappinefs that we have 
 not opportunity to publifh full and particular anfwers 
 to thofe many libels, which are induftrioufly fpread 
 againft us. But we hope that our country will never 
 be moved to hate us without a caufe, but will be fo 
 juft and charitable to us, as to believe this folemn pro- 
 testation of our innocency. 
 
 " Signed W. Cant. 
 
 W. Norwich. 
 
 Printed in the year 1690. g, Ely. 
 
 Tho. Bath and Wells. 
 
 Tho. Petreburgh." 
 The Modest Enquiry was extenfively circulated, 
 and may be found in the 2nd vol. of State Tracts, and 
 yet the Bifhops were refufed a licenfe to publifh their 
 Vindication. The rulers of the day, fo loud in 
 praife of liberty, would not permit any indulgence, or 
 freedom of the prefs. Sancroft complains of this in 
 one of his letters. " We are daily oppreffed in our 
 confciences, in our propertie, and in our libertie, con- 
 trary to our old laws, and even their own too, while 
 Papifts, Quakers, Arians, and Hereticks, of all forts 
 are free. When a bloody rabble were (in print) en- 
 couraged to tear us in pieces, there was no more notice 
 taken of it, than if the country-people had been getting 
 together to difpatch a wolfe, or a mad dog : and the 
 Government were fo far from protecting us, y c they 
 would not fuffer us to defend ourfelves. You know 
 what objections (I might fay cavils) were rais'd againfl 
 the (Tiort and modeft Vindication ; fo in fine we could 
 
1690] BiJIjop of Bath and JVells. 377 
 
 not get it licens'd to the prefs ; and you remember how 
 barbaroufly we were ufed for it afterwards." * 
 
 It is hardly worth while to mow the feverity exer- 
 cifed towards the Nonjurors, and the meafures taken 
 to feize their publications in the printing houfes, and 
 break up the prefs ; one inftance, from Bancroft's let- 
 ters may however be given. cc To fupprefs our books, 
 and opprefs (inftead of anfwering) thofe that write 
 them, and to deftroy the very prefs itfelf too, is like 
 the cruelty forbidden by Mofes, to deftroy not only 
 the eggs, and young ones in the neft, but the Dam 
 alfo that fits upon them. It is a great comfort that 
 the laft Bird which was hatched there (of the true no- 
 ble Eyrie, and a gallant high Flier) is fledg'd and 
 flown, and will fill the whole foreft with fuch notes, of 
 which the Pies and Daws (that like it not) will never 
 be able to drown the mufic."f He alludes to Henry 
 Dodwell's (C Vindication of the Deprived Bifhops." 
 
 Though the Government refufed a licenfe, the Bi- 
 fhops fucceeded in getting their Vindication printed. 
 It foon found its way to the public, and to their con- 
 victions : for it gained implicit credence, and brought 
 confufion on the author of the injurious pamphlet. It 
 gave the Bifhops an opportunity of bringing home to 
 people's minds their former fufferings, and how they 
 had hazarded all in oppofing Popery and arbitrary 
 power. The falfe charge againft them, as generally 
 happens when an accufation is proved to be malicious, 
 refulted in a fuller perfuafion of the purity of their 
 motives in the matter of the oath. 
 
 s 
 
 * Dr. Williams's Collection of Original Letters. f Ibid. 
 
378 Life 0/" Thomas Ken, [1690 
 
 Finding that all claffes, except the enemies to the 
 Church, were anxious fome meafure mould be de- 
 vifed to excufe them from the Oath, the Government 
 did what they could towards it. The Bifhops of Lon- 
 don and St. Afaph had before been fent to the Arch- 
 bifhop " to know what he and the reft would do to 
 prevent being deprived : could they take no fteps 
 towards the Government ? fome expedients they pro- 
 pofed, as that a Bill mould be paffed, giving the King 
 power to difpenfe with the Oaths during pleafure." 
 Again, fome months later, taking with them the Bi- 
 fhop of Bangor, they delivered another meffage from 
 the King, that ft he would continue them in their Sees, 
 and not put any others in their places ; that they mould 
 enjoy their revenues, and that the King would make 
 their Receivers his Receivers, to collect and pay the 
 rents to themfelves."f Burnet alfo was now again 
 fent by the Queen to a nobleman, who had great credit 
 with the deprived Bifhops, <c to try whether, if Parlia- 
 ment could be brought to difpenfe with their taking 
 the Oaths, they would go on, and do their functions, 
 ordain, confirm, afTift at prayers and Sacraments, give 
 inftitutions, and vifit their Diocefes." J Surely nothing 
 could be more reafonable than fuch a propofal : for, as 
 Burnet fays, " thefe are the great duties of the Epif- 
 copal Function ; and it feemed an extravagant thing 
 to have Bifhops in a Church, who mould perform 
 none of them, but fhould only live in their Sees, and 
 enjoy their revenues." § 
 
 * Clarendon's Diary, vol. ii. p. 297. f Ibid. vol. ii. p. 299. 
 
 X Bifliop of Sarum's Vindication, p. 102. § Ibid. p. 103. 
 
 
1690] BiJIjop of Bath and Wells. 379 
 
 Had Ken's moderate counfels prevailed, this pro- 
 pofal would have been accepted. Throughout the 
 whole controverfy he advocated meafures of peace : 
 " I confefs," he fays, " I never was for extremities, 
 which I foon thought would prove of fatal confe- 
 quences -, but I find that others, who always were and 
 ftill are for them, think but hardly of me." * — The 
 Archbifhop was influenced by Lloyd of Norwich, 
 Turner of Ely, and White of Peterborough. Look- 
 ing upon William as an Ufurper, and James ftill as 
 head of the Church, to whom only they could pay any 
 homage, they gave an anfwer fatal to the Church's 
 interefts : they faid " they would do nothing : if the 
 King thought fit, for his own fake, that they mould 
 not be deprived, he muft make it his bufinefs ; they 
 could not vary from what they had done. And be- 
 sides they were not now all together ; and therefore 
 they could make no other anfwer." f 
 
 Ken had returned to Wells : like the needle to the 
 loadftone, he was always drawn to the fphere of his 
 Diocefe : and he would now make the moft of the 
 ftiort time which the law would probably allow him. 
 His diligence and zeal were untiring, fo long as he 
 was permitted to act. He maintained his friendly re- 
 lations with the Clergy of his See (however much he 
 differed from them as to the Oaths, which almoft every 
 one of them had taken) and ftill more he laboured 
 among the meaner of his flock, who had none of thefe 
 vexed queftions to fettle. After two months the no- 
 bleman, to whom Burnet had been fent (the Earl of 
 
 * Round, p. 59. f Clarendon's Diary, vol. ii. p. 299. 
 
380 Life of Thomas Ken, [1690 
 
 Rochefter) told him that " he had obeyed the Queen's 
 commands with zeal, and all the fkill he had ; but the 
 Bifhops would anfwer nothing, and promife nothing, 
 only he believed they would be quiet. So all thoughts 
 of bringing that matter again into Parliament were 
 laid afide ; yet their Majefties proceeded in it flowly, 
 and Teemed unwilling to fill their Sees."* 
 
 But a ftorm was gathering in a quarter that Ken 
 could leaft expecl: : towards the end of this year his 
 earlieft friend, Francis Turner, was drawn into a fcheme 
 which nothing could juftify or palliate : he had engaged, 
 with Lord Prefton, and many other malcontents, in a 
 plot un-Englifh and un-Chriftian ; no lefs than to bring 
 back King James by aid of a French army, which mull 
 have fpread defolation through the country. Turner 
 had but lately difclaimed all thoughts of French inter- 
 vention : he had declared his only defire was tc to keep 
 a confcience void of offence, to ftudy to be quiet, and 
 to bear his crofs patiently." It is unaccountable that 
 he mould fo foon forget all thefe profeffions, and com- 
 promife his own character, and that of his Brethren ? 
 
 It is vain to affert, that this plot was but pretended. 
 The proofs are irrefragable that the fcheme was deeply 
 laid ; and had it been accomplished, confufion and 
 bloodfhed were the certain refults. The Government 
 being apprifed of the confpiracy, Lord Prefton, and 
 one Afhton, were feized on their paffage to France, 
 and a packet of letters for King James was found upon 
 them : amongft others, were two from the Biihop of 
 Ely, in which he fays " I fpeak in the plural, becaufe 
 
 * Bifhop ofSarum's Vindication, p. 104. 
 
1 6 90] Bifiop of Bath and Wells . 381 
 
 I write my elder brother's fentiments, as well as my 
 own, and the reft of the family, though leffen'd in 
 number."* Burnet feems to admit that Turner wrote 
 without any authority from the Archbifhop,t who 
 might, however, have fympathized in the object : as 
 for " the reft of the family " (meaning the other Bi- 
 fhops) no one for a moment fufpected Ken. Many 
 noblemen, even of thofe who had been William's early 
 adherents, were engaged in the plot. The Bifhop of 
 Ely abfconded for a while, and in fpite of a Proclama- 
 tion, and a reward offered for his difcovery, eluded 
 purfuit. Writing of this to Lloyd, Sancroft in his 
 fprightly way gives us fome notion of Turner's re- 
 markable phyfiognomy, which he was afraid would 
 betray him. cc Your Lordfhip whifpered fomething 
 in my ear, about a fort'night fince, concerning our 
 good Brother Francis of Ely, which makes me tremble 
 whenever I think of it. For tho', as Bifhop Lancy 
 (who was much in London during the great Rebellion) 
 was wont to fay, ft London is a great wood, where he 
 that would hide himfelf may moft probably be con- 
 cealed ; yet our friend is a very remarkable perfon, 
 and one univerfally known and acquainted ; and fhould 
 he traveft himfelf into what habit he will, or fpread a 
 Patriarchal Beard, or cover all with any fort of Peruke 
 you can fancy ; ftill there will be fomething that may 
 difcover him. Not of late only, but of old, the -rrocpoi- 
 <rn[j.ov of the veffel, the fign by which 'twas known, 
 was in the Prow, or Beak : Acts 28. 11. The only 
 
 * State Trials, vol. xii. p. 715. 
 
 f Bifhop of Sarum's Vindication, p. 98. 
 
382 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1690 
 
 comfortable reflection in this cafe is, that God can hide 
 whom he pleafeth in the hollow of his hand, or in the 
 fecret of his prefence ; and though the King and his 
 Ministers fought Jeremiah, and Baruch to take him, 
 yet the Lord hid him. May it be ftill fo with our 
 Friend." * 
 
 Turner and the others owed their fafety to the cha- 
 racteriftic calmnefs of William, who overlooked the 
 treafon of profeffing friends, and open foes. Lord 
 Prefton, tempted by a pardon, was examined in the 
 King's prefence. He named amongft his aflbciates 
 the Duke of Ormond, Lords Dartmouth, Macclesfield, 
 Brandon, and Mr. Penn the Quaker ; and added that 
 Penn told him that, although Lord Dorfet, and Lord 
 Devonshire had not attended the Conferences, they 
 were of the party. He offered to name others of the 
 great Whig families. Lord Caermarthen, who had 
 formerly, and lately, been perfecuted by that party, 
 eagerly pufhed him on, bidding him go to the bottom 
 of the Confpiracy. But the King, who flood behind 
 Caermarthen's chair, and was then leaning over it, 
 touched him upon the flioulder, faying l My Lord, 
 there is too much of this ; ' and with equal prudence 
 and generofity drew a veil over offences, into which 
 the beft of his fubjecls had been too haftily betrayed." f 
 It was a rare inftance of clemency : whether it were 
 the dictate of forefight, or the impulfe of generous 
 magnanimity, it deferves to be held in honour. One 
 of William's diftinguifhing qualities was a difregard of 
 
 * Dr. Williams's Collection of Original Letters, 
 f Dalrymple Memoirs, p. 467. 
 
1691] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 383 
 
 praife, which he generally fet down to the fcore of 
 flattery ; another was, indifference to the diilik.es of 
 men, which he always afcribed to their own interefts. 
 The nature of men who have been long and intently 
 engaged in political ftrife becomes felfifh ; but Wil- 
 liam, though he feldom mowed any tendernefs of heart, 
 or refinement of feeling, was at leaft free from the {lain 
 of vindictivenefs. 
 
 We cannot be furprized that this event mould feal 
 the deprival of the Nonjuring Bifhops. They had 
 rejected all the overtures made to them ; and the late 
 confpiracy convinced the government that the oath of 
 allegiance, to be taken by all who held places of truft, 
 was a neceffary precaution for the public fafety. Never- 
 thelefs, one more attempt was made to compromife. It 
 was propofed early in April, 1691, that the Bifhops 
 mould make a declaration of innocence in the matter 
 of the late confpiracy, and that a part of their revenues 
 mould be ftill allowed them. This was intimated to 
 White, of Peterborough, who promifed that he and 
 Lloyd would confult the Archbifhop, Ken not being in 
 London. Sancroft thus records his views : " lit. I fee 
 no reafon why we mould declare anything concerning 
 a furmife, which is fo far from affecting us, that 'tis 
 not as yet prov'd upon the Bp. of Ely. — So that, mould 
 we fall a-declaring and purging ourfelves, before we 
 are charg'd in form, men and angels will hardly be 
 able to pen anything, that will not be liable to a hun- 
 dred cavills, and in fine prove a fnare to us. '2nd. As 
 to the regaining any of our revenues, 'tis fpes improba 
 to expect it can ever be ; and to be fure not without 
 petitioning, which will be another great fnare ; and at 
 
384 Life of Thomas Ken, [1691 
 
 laft be peremptorily deny'd (w h nobody I think is in 
 love with) or clog'd with Tome curfed condition, which 
 will leave us in a worfe condition than we were in be- 
 fore we ftirr'd in it : not to conceal what the Bp. told 
 me (I think from the fame Gent) that our revenues 
 are already iflued out of the Exchequer into the privy 
 purfe, and from thence to a certain vertuous Ladie, 
 1 et ab inferno nulla redempio' While we were to- 
 gether, the Bp. of London came in, and we were all 
 two hours together. O quantum mutatus ab illo Hec- 
 tore ! fo kind and debonaire, and fo obliging, that it 
 would have pleas'd you to obferve it. But what paft 
 may be apt of our converfation to-morrow, if Tho. of 
 P. can prevaile with you to come. In the mean time 
 and ever I remain 
 
 " Your's moft unfainedly 
 
 "April, 91." " W. C."* 
 
 As nothing could move the Bifhops from their 
 purpofe, a lift was made of their intended Succeftbrs. 
 Sancroft had accurate intelligence of what was paffing 
 at Court. Writing again to Lloyd he fays, " Yef- 
 terday St. Afaph, and Tenifon, having dined with 
 my Lord Clarendon in the Tower, came hither in 
 the afternoon. I foon faw in the Bimop's folemn 
 gravity what news he was big with : but ftaved him 
 off for half an hour with common difcourfe, as brifk as 
 I could contrive it. But at laft, out it muft come ; 
 and then I let him fee that I knew more than he knew, 
 or at leaft pretended to know : though Tenifon con- 
 firm'd all my particulars. Your lift is right through- 
 
 * Dr. Williams's Collection of Original Letters. 
 
 
1691] Bijhop of Bath a7td Wells. 385 
 
 out, add only that Talbot (the Earl of Shrewsbury's 
 brother) is Dean of Sarum. Yefternight the Bp. of 
 London,* knowing nothing of thefe promotions, was 
 ready to enter the Council Chamber, when a friend 
 pulPd him by the fleeve, and fhow'd him the whole 
 fcheme ; whereupon he retreated. Our abfent Brethren 
 without all doubt will know the prefent Refolutions 
 taken againft them (and fo will all England) before 
 our letters can come to them ; nor do I affect to be 
 the teller of ill news ; tho' fome others do, as it feems 
 by what I wrote a little before. When they know it, 
 it will be beft, I think, to leave their coming up, or 
 not, to their own refolutions ; efpecially till we have 
 refolved ourfelves (with the Dr's. advice) that we may 
 have fomething to propound to them, 
 j" " In the mean time I am ever 
 
 fC Your faith. Friend and Brother 
 
 " W. C." 
 
 * Compton, who expecled to be made Archbifhop. 
 f Dr. Williams's Collection of Original Letters. 
 
 C C 
 
386 Life tf/^ Thomas Ken, [1691 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 Ken is deprived of bis Bijhopric — Makes a public ajfertion in 
 Wells Cathedral of his canonical right , and retires — His 
 Poverty — Lord Weymouth affords him an afylum at Long 
 Leat. 
 
 HE deprivals of the Non-juring Bifhops, 
 which had been delayed for a year be- 
 yond the limits of the act, were at length 
 permitted to take their courfe. Dr. 
 D'Oyly gives the particulars of Sancroft's ejection from 
 Lambeth. In the cafe of Ken, fome months' delay 
 ftill intervened, from the difficulty of finding any one 
 who would accept his Bifhopric. It was firft offered 
 to Dr. Beveridge, one of the moft pious and learned 
 of the clergy, who, though he had taken the oaths to 
 William and Mary, had the higheft reverence for 
 Ken's character, and held that a lay deprival was be- 
 yond the limits of the civil power, and therefore un- 
 canonical. He deliberated for three weeks, and then 
 ftedfaftly refufed the appointment.* 
 
 Sancroft, who was very unforgiving towards any 
 who took the oaths, doubted the fincerity of Beve- 
 ridge's fcruples. Writing to Lloyd on the 28th of 
 
 * " Tribus Septimanis meditando Epifcopari noluit." Kennett's 
 Colle&ions. Lanfdown MSS. 987. 
 
1691] Bifhop of Bath and JVells. 387 
 
 April, 1 691, he fays, " yefterday Dr. B. was with me, 
 and gave me a long account of his averfenefs from ac- 
 cepting the See of B. & W. becaufe the Bp. is his old 
 friend, &c : and then afkt my advice. I having firft 
 told him, * if I mould give it, you will not follow it,' 
 yet did give it plain words, and backt it with reafons, 
 that I think might be fufficient. But I believe they'll 
 have noe effect upon him : for all was but a copie of 
 his countenance. You fhall have all that paffed on 
 Friday, or when we meet next."* 
 
 As late as the 30th of May, Sancroft expreffes his 
 " wonder that the feverity goes not on to our poor 
 Brother of B. and W. I am afraid he cannot long 
 efcape it." And again, " 'tis a wonder nothing is done 
 againft our good Brother of B. and W. But I am 
 afraid that at laft tarditatem fupplicii atrocitate ei com- 
 penfabunt. For they are very ftoicks : nefciunt mifereri, 
 vel parcere."^ At length the Bifhopric was offered to 
 Dr. Richard Kidder, Dean of Peterborough, a learned 
 Hebrew fcholar, and a man of blamelefs life. He alfo 
 entertained fcruples, and for fome time declined to 
 fucceed a deprived Bifhop. He did not agree with 
 Beveridge in thinking it unlawful ; but he " knew 
 very well he mould be able to do lefs good, if he 
 came into a Bifhopric void by deprivation." He has 
 left us a full record of his difficulties. " I received," 
 he fays, " a letter from Dr. Tillotfon, to announce that 
 the Queen had nominated me to Bath and Wells. I 
 was, upon the reading of it, in fuch trouble and con- 
 firmation, as I have feldom been in during my whole 
 
 * Dr. Williams's Colle&ion of Original Letters. f Ibid. 
 
388 Life of Thomas Ken, [1691 
 
 life. I faw the ftrait I was in. If I took this Bifhop- 
 ric, I well knew I muft meet with great trouble and 
 envy. If I refufed, I knew the confequence of that 
 alfo, efpecially Dr. Beveridge having fo lately done it. 
 After fome days I return'd my anfwer, and 'twas to 
 this effect ; that unlefs her Majefty would excufe me, 
 and think of fome other perfon, I would accept the 
 biihopric. And this I did, not perhaps as wifely as I 
 mould. I cannot fay I did it againft my confcience ; 
 but of this I am fure, that fince I have confidered 
 things better I mould not have done it, were it to do 
 again. I did not confult my eafe. I have often re- 
 pented of my accepting it, and looked on it as a great 
 infelicity." * 
 
 Ken foon received intelligence of the appointment. 
 " Dr. Kidder is now faid to be my fucceflbr, or rather 
 fupplanter. He is a perfon of whom I have no know- 
 ledge. God of his infinite goodnefs multiply his 
 bleffings on yourfelf, and on my good friends with 
 you, and enable us to do and fufFer his moft holy 
 will." He was then on his way to his nephew, Izaak 
 Walton, Junior, at Poulfhot, who had taken the oaths: 
 " to his houfe I am now, God willing, going for fome 
 time, partly for my health, partly to avoid that cloud 
 under which I lye (and chiefly from my brethren, God 
 forgive them for it) as having done all that is proper 
 for me to doe to afTert my character, the doing of 
 which has created me many enemies, as I expected it 
 would." f This is in allufion to the cenfures of his 
 
 * Bowles, vol. ii. p. 211. 
 
 f Round's Profe Works of Ken, p. 42. 
 
1 691] Bijh op of Bath a?id Wells. 389 
 
 over zealous brethren, the other deprived Bifliops, 
 becaufe he had continued to exercife his functions.* 
 
 On the other hand, amidft the rumours that were 
 afloat, fome were led to fay that he had failed in pro- 
 perly afTerting his paftoral rights at the time of his 
 deprival. Burnet charges this againft them all, and 
 Sancroft in particular : " he never took upon him to 
 act with his archiepifcopal authority. He never flood 
 upon his right, nor complained of wrong in any public 
 act or proteftation."f And again " he never by any 
 public and exprefs act declared himfelf ; and all the reft 
 followed his example, and continue to this day filent." 
 This is incorrect, as applied to Ken : we have his own 
 denial of the charge, addrefled to the Rev. Mr. Harbin. 
 
 "all glory be to god." 
 
 " Good Mr. Harbin, 
 <c You tell me that Mr. Pitts cenfures the deprived 
 Bifhops for not afTerting their rights in a public manner 
 at their deprivation. If he puts me among the number, 
 he does me wrong ; for I, at the time, in my cathedral, 
 which was the proper place, from my Paftoral Chair, 
 ■publicly ajferted my canonical right, profeffing that I 
 efteemed myjelf the Canonical Bijhop of the Diocefe, and 
 that I would be ready, on all occafions, to perform my 
 paftoral duties. 
 
 " I profefled that not being able to make this decla- 
 
 * " Kennus interim exaucloratus munus epifcopale aliquandiu ex- 
 ercere aufus eft, condones palam habendo, et pueros in Ecclefiis 
 confirmando." Landfdown MSS. Brit. Mufae. 987. 
 
 f The Bifhop of Sarum's Vindication, p. 97. 
 
390 Life of Thomas Ken, [1691 
 
 ration to the whole diocefe, I made it virtually to all 
 by making it in the Market Square. What others of 
 my brethren did I know not ; but I acted as uniformly 
 as I could. God keep us in his holy fear. 
 
 " Your affectionate friend and brother, 
 
 " T. B. AND W.*" 
 
 Thus it was he took leave of his people : the fame 
 crowds, who but fix fhort years before had welcomed 
 him to the Paftoral Chair, now affembled with heavy 
 hearts, and tearful eyes, to hear him from the fame 
 place of authority afTert his canonical rights, confe- 
 crated, as they had been, by a zealous and devoted 
 exercife of them, — to receive his farewell blefling, and 
 his promife of never-ceafing prayers on their behalf. 
 How endeared to his flock muft fuch a man have 
 been, living conftantly amongft them ! how unfpeak- 
 ably valuable his endeavours, " according to his poor 
 abilities, to teach them the knowledge and the love of 
 God."f By his example and counfels he had been a 
 folace to the afflicted, and the fupport of humble fouls, 
 overwhelmed with the burthen of confcious fin ; to all 
 a ghoftly father, benefactor, and friend ; God's almo- 
 ner, and the difpenfer of His grace. 
 
 There may be fomething poetical, but not therefore 
 lefs true, in the picture which Mr. Bowles has drawn 
 of the Bifhop's departure from his palace. " We can 
 eafily conceive with what prayers of the poor, and 
 how beloved and regretted, Ken bad farewell to the 
 
 * Round's Profe Works of Ken, p. 44. 
 
 f Dedication of the Practice of Divine Love. 
 
1691] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 3 9 1 
 
 Diocefe and flock fo dear to him, to the Palace at 
 Wells, the retired gardens, and the filent waters that 
 furrounded them ; to the towers, and to the devotional 
 harmonies of his Cathedral. Surely it would be no 
 ftretch of imagination to conceive, that, on the draw- 
 bridge, as he patted, on leaving the abode of indepen- 
 dence and peace, a crowd of old and young would be 
 affembled, with clafped hands and bleffings, to bid him 
 farewell. Mild, complacent, yet dignified, on retiring 
 with a peaceful confcience from opulence and ftation 
 to dependence and poverty, as the morning fhone on 
 the turreted Chapel, we naturally imagine he may have 
 fhed only one tear when looking back on thofe inter- 
 esting fcenes. Perhaps his eye might have refted on 
 the pale faces of fome of the poor old men and women 
 who had partaken their Sunday dinner fo often, and 
 heard his difcourfe, in the old hall : then, and not be- 
 fore, we may conceive, 
 
 " Some natural tears he dropp'd, but wiped them foon, 
 The world was all before him, where to feek 
 His place of reft, and Providence his guide."* 
 
 Dr. Kidder was confecrated on the 30th of Auguft, 
 1 69 1, and in September following went down to 
 Wells, and was inftalled in perfon. Meanwhile Ken 
 had withdrawn, being fatisfied to have made his public 
 proteft from the Paftoral Chair in his Cathedral, and 
 at the Market Square. Having dedicated his all to 
 charity, he had made no provifion for himfelf : he had 
 literally fulfilled the command of his heavenly Lord, 
 
 Bowles's Life of Ken, vol. ii. p. 174. 
 
392 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1691 
 
 " take no thought for to-morrow." Hawkins fays, 
 " his charity was fo extenfive, and he had fo little 
 regard to future contingencies, that when he was de- 
 prived by the State, all his effefts, by the Jale of his 
 goods, excepting his books (which he never fold) would 
 amount to no more than feven hundred pounds."* 
 It is a rare example of fimple faith : the beft of us 
 are fearful of being dependent ; to lay by fomething 
 feems due to ourfelves, and to friends whom we mould 
 have to rely upon in cafe of abfolute need. But Ken 
 had faved nothing : he had given away all but the 
 furniture of his palace, and fome horfes that were in- 
 difpen fable for his journeys. 
 
 The world might think his poverty the hardeft part 
 of his lot, — his voluntary fubmitting to this, rather 
 than yield his principles, the fureft mark of his de- 
 votednefs. It was in truth the leaft of his cares. 
 Deeper wounds caufed his fufferings, for they reached 
 him through the bofom of the Church. The fchifm, 
 occafioned by the uncanonical deprivals, and his being 
 forced of neceffity to leave his people to the guidance 
 of a " Traditor," were his real anguifh. The general 
 laxity of difcipline, and the neglect of fervices, — the 
 Eraftian principles, which had already begun to prevail 
 in the Government of the Church, and have gone on 
 encreafing to this our day, were harder to endure than 
 his expulfion from hearth and home. Poverty fell 
 light upon him ; for he had lived fecretly poor in the 
 outward ftate of a palace, chaftening his defires by 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 22. 
 
1 691] Bijljop of Bath and Wells. 373 
 
 habits of mortification and felf-denial. They only 
 fuffer from the lofs of luxuries, who have trained 
 themfelves to the ufe of them. Ken had followed the 
 footfteps of his Matter, mortifying his appetites in the 
 midft of abundance ; he feemed to enjoy a nearer ap- 
 proach to him, now that he was going forth without a 
 place he could call his own. 
 
 But God had provided for him cf a covert from the 
 temper!, the fhadow of a great rock in a weary land." 
 He put it into the heart of Vifcount Weymouth to 
 bear him a mefTage of comfort- — the offer of a home 
 in his noble manfion of Long Leat. This was his 
 former College companion, Thomas Thynne, who had 
 been fince raifed to the peerage by Charles II. Their 
 affection for each other was founded on a kindred 
 piety, the fureft bafis of all friendfhip, and fo had 
 ftrengthened through after life. In his youth Lord 
 Weymouth had for his tutors Dr. Hammond, and 
 Dr. Fell : it is fufficient praife of him to fay that the 
 pupil was not unworthy of the preceptors. He and 
 Ken had acted in concert, when they endeavoured to 
 maintain the rights of James, joining with other Peers 
 in the Proteft againft. his dethronement. Long Leat 
 was not above twenty miles from Wells : part of the 
 domain is within the diocefe ; and Lord Weymouth 
 had the happinefs to perfuade his deprived Bifhop to 
 make that his final refting place. He doubtlefs felt 
 that the prefence of the holy man would bring a bleffing 
 on his houfehold ; and Ken, whofe heart was wounded 
 within him, could not refufe the folace of fuch an afy- 
 lum. There, for twenty years, he experienced Wey- 
 
394 Life of Thomas Ken, [1691 
 
 mouth's untiring kindnefs. Towards the clofe of life 
 he gave expreflion to his affectionate gratitude in dedi- 
 cating to him his volumes of Poetry ; 
 
 " When I, my Lord, crufh'd by prevailing might, 
 No cottage had where to direcl my flight ; 
 Kind Heav'n me with a Friend illuftrious bleft, 
 Who gives me fhelter, affluence, and reft. 
 Whofe fhades benign to facred fongs invite, 
 Who to thofe fongs may claim paternal right. 
 Rich as he is in all good works below, 
 May he in heav'nly treafure overflow."* 
 
 To relieve the Bifhop from any fenfe of dependence, 
 it was arranged between them that Lord Weymouth 
 fhould receive his feven hundred pounds, and give 
 him an annuity of eighty pounds a year. This f ( ever 
 to be acknowledged generofity of his noble friend, and 
 eminent benefactor, procured him the enjoyment of a 
 clear payment of twenty pounds a quarter,"f fufficient, 
 with his moderate defires, to place him out of reach of 
 the world's vexations. 
 
 Mr. Markland obferves that " various incidental 
 notices in the letters of the Bifhop, and Dr. Smith, 
 prove this nobleman to have been one of the mod 
 amiable and benevolent of men. Dr. Smith fays, 
 1 my Lord governs himfelf by true principles of 
 Christianity, and keeps firm in his memory the words 
 of the Lord Jefus, preferved by St. Paul, // is more 
 blejfed to give than to receive' The Bifhop replies, 
 ' the good lord does really conduct his life by the 
 
 * Ken's Poems, vol. i. 
 
 f Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 34. 
 
1 691] Bifhop of Bath a?id Wells. 395 
 
 divine maxims, recorded by St. Paul, and he is truly- 
 rich in good works, and indeed fo are his near relatives ; 
 munificence Jeems to be the family virtue, and traduced 
 (continued) to their pofierity.' ' " # 
 
 Long Leat Houfe, deferving rather the name of a 
 palace, rifes amid natural flopes and hills, crowned 
 with hanging woods j the ornamental gardens, enriched 
 with plants brought from every climate, are ftill ar- 
 ranged in the antique fafhion in which they probably 
 exifted at the time of Ken. Endlefs walks and rides 
 are cut through the woods : they offer at each turn 
 fome frefh bower of folitude, or opening of the land- 
 fkip. Thefe " fhades benign," as Ken calls them, 
 might well give him reft : they abound in every requi- 
 fite for the peaceful abode of a cc Retired Chriftian." f 
 There, too, he might indulge his <f great relifh for 
 Divine Poefy : " and we know that " under this noble 
 lord's roof he compofed many excellent, ufeful, and 
 pious pieces :" for " he applied himfelf fo happily to 
 this favourite entertainment, as thereby in fome mea- 
 fure to palliate the acutenefs of his pains, and may 
 give full fatisfaction to his readers by promoting their 
 chief happinefs, to the Glory of God the Giver." J 
 
 On his way to the parifh church of Horningfham, 
 how often from the top of the hill, through a break 
 in the woods, muft he have overlooked the profpect, 
 called, from its almoft unearthly richnefs, the " Gate 
 
 * Markland's Life of Ken, p. 85. 
 
 t A little book with this title is one of the many works errone- 
 oufly attributed to Ken. 
 X Hawkins, p. 24. 
 
396 Life a/' Thomas Ken, [1691 
 
 of Heaven." It may have prompted that paffage in 
 his poems, 
 
 " Soon as thou haft a blifsful glance, 
 It will thee wholly {o entrance, 
 Thou, like the BlefT'd, will nothing love 
 But God above." 
 
 Of the old church at Horningfham, juft without the 
 park paling, only the tower remains : all the reft has 
 been lately re-edified by a hand, never weary of doing 
 good. It is reftored on true principles of ancient ec- 
 clefiaftical architecture, with a triple chancel, of ample 
 proportions, maftive oaken roof, fupported by carved 
 angels, fide fcreens, and painted windows, alfo a richly 
 carved altar, font, ftone pulpit, and abundant room pro- 
 vided for the poor. 
 
 The only companions of his removal from Wells to 
 Long Leat were his beloved books : " thefe he never 
 fold ;" — Under every afpecl of his fortunes, they were 
 companionable friends: though mute, they difcourfe to 
 us moft movingly, for they addrefs themfelves to every 
 faculty of our minds. The charm of mufic pafTes 
 away with the air that breathes its melody : out of 
 books we gather the abiding harmonies of thought 
 and reafon, philofophy and virtue. They are friends, 
 not only enhancing other joys, but ever creating frefh 
 ones ; lightening and beguiling us of our forrows ; 
 friends they are who never forfake us ; if the world 
 frowns, they do not turn from us, but open out new 
 fources of comfort : if the world fmiles, and we love its 
 blandifhments, they whifper to warn us of the danger. 
 If we grow weary of their company, and lay them 
 afide, they take no offence ; they wait on our conve- 
 
1691] Bifljop of Bath and Wells . 397 
 
 nience, bear with our waywardnefs, are content to be 
 neglected, and prompt to renew the acquaintance. 
 
 An incident is mentioned by Hawkins, in regard to 
 the Bifhop's library, which marks the character of the 
 man. Though he could not bear to fell thefe treasures, 
 he loved to give many away. There was fomething 
 fo exuberant in his goodnefs of heart, it would not be 
 fatisfied, if others did not participate in his porTeflions, 
 whatever they might be. Moft men are looking out 
 for gifts — he with a child-like inftinct was for ever 
 emptying his lap among all around him. Formerly, 
 to encourage his clergy cc in catechizing, he furnifhed 
 them with a ftock of neceffary books for the ufe of 
 children."* So, for their own ufe, out of his library 
 " he had given large catalogues (i.e. collections) of 
 books to places that were populous, and had paro- 
 chial libraries within his diocefe." This was before 
 his deprival : and now that he was about to leave them, 
 he did the fame.f A parting gift is not lefs precious 
 becaufe made in forrow. Thefe books were a farewell 
 of friendship, and would always be a memorial of paft 
 pleafure and comfort, derived from the confidence 
 and attachment of his clergy, and their zealous aid in 
 his paftoral labours for the common good. They, on 
 the other hand, received them as a token of his con- 
 stant love, a pledge that they would live in his me- 
 mory, as he afTuredly would in theirs. It was in this 
 fpirit that he gave them his parting blefling. 
 
 The room which he inhabited at Long Leat is at 
 the top of the houfe, far removed from the noife and 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 14. t Ibid. p. 23. 
 
398 Life of Thomas Ken, [1691 
 
 buftle of the noble hall, fo well known as the fcene 
 of old Englifh hofpitality, " thofe feftivities of a Pa- 
 lace" (as his friend, Dr. Smith, fays) " open to all 
 comers of fafhion and quality."* It is an apartment 
 of moil ample dimensions, filled with books, of which 
 fome were his own, and others belonging to Lord 
 Weymouth, the overflowings of the great library be- 
 low. In this retirement he lived, and wrote hymns, 
 and fang them to his viol, and prayed, and died. His 
 principal companion was probably Mr. Harbin, the 
 family Chaplain, of whom he often makes mention in 
 his letters. It is allowable to thofe who love his 
 memory to fay, this upper chamber, and the walks and 
 gardens, woods and glades, which he frequented, give 
 a hallowed character to Long Leat ; for there he 
 patted the laft twenty years of his life. He made oc- 
 caiional vifits to Ifaac Walton, Junior, the Re6tor of 
 Poulfhot, and other friends who loved and revered 
 him. Now and then he was in London, fometimes 
 at Winchester, Bath, Briftol, &c. but Long Leat was 
 the principal witnefs of his future trials, his tempta- 
 tions, and his difquietudes. Thefe laft were to follow 
 him, wherever he might go : for what refuge of peace, 
 what ftillnefs or folitude, what fhades of retirement, 
 can fcreen us from the companionfhip of our cares ? 
 We bear about with us our own burthen, which every 
 man muft fuftain : it is indeed the very channel of 
 confolation to the truftful, as bringing us nearer the 
 fympathy of Chrift, who carries our griefs in His own 
 bofom. Ken knew how to caft his at the foot of the 
 Crofs, which alone could eafe them. 
 
 * Round's Profe Works of Ken, p. 90. 
 
1 691] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 399 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 Ken refufes to concur with Bancroft and other Non-jurors^ in 
 extreme meafures — His moderate views and conduct — Difap- 
 proves of clandejline confecrations to perpetuate the Schifm — 
 Attends the fervices of the Church. 
 
 HE fchifm inflicted on the Church by the 
 new government in the uncanonical ap- 
 pointment of intrufive Bifhops was the 
 fource of Ken's forrows. In his view 
 Princes are called " Chriftian," as being fubject to the 
 fpiritual empire fet up in the world. If they govern, 
 as under God, certainly Bifhops, confecrated to their 
 office, and miniftering, by the fame divine authority, 
 teftify to Chrift's vifible kingdom on earth. If His 
 high prerogatives cannot be annulled, from which all 
 others flow, by what right may Princes cancel the 
 fpiritual truft committed to His fervants ? It needs 
 the concurrence of the Church, founded for His glory, 
 and for no ends of felf-intereft, ere a hand can be laid 
 on the holy building " fitly joined together, Chrifl 
 himfelf being the head." The noblefl: privilege granted 
 to Kings is to be nurfing fathers of the Church : not 
 for themfelves, nor for their fakes who minifler her 
 Sacraments, nor for any thing that belongs to a pe- 
 rifhable world ; but for His fake who made them 
 Kings, and can and does ##-make, at the very moment 
 
400 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1691 
 
 of their higheft fecurity. If there be divine myfteries, 
 they furely pertain to a Kingdom above the rule of 
 Princes, and it were better they mould be lowly in 
 their own prefence chambers, than run the hazard of an 
 after award for injuries inflicted on God's Church. The 
 invafion of fpiritual offices, being a facrilege, has in it 
 fomething peculiarly awful, and pointing to the ac- 
 count which Princes, and their counfellors, rauft one 
 day render of the truft committed to them. 
 
 When new Bifhops were obtruded into the Sees of 
 the deprived, a Schifm was the refult. It certainly 
 led to latitudinarian principles, a relaxed difcipline, 
 neglect of the fervices of religion, and a deadnefs of 
 faith, — of all which we are to this day reaping the bitter 
 fruit. Had thefe confequences been forefeen to their 
 full extent, it is probable Tillotfon, Burnet, and the 
 other influential advifers of the King, would have cor- 
 dially united to prevent any invafion of the fpiritual 
 offices : this does not leflfen their refponfibility in 
 prompting the temporal power to fever ties which 
 were facred. 
 
 Another grievous trial to one fo loving and chari- 
 table was the ferious difference of opinion, which foon 
 fprung up, and was afterwards prolonged, among the 
 Nonjurors themfelves. Ken at once forefaw the fatal 
 confequences of this, and did all he could to prevent 
 it. For himfelf, being virtually fhut out from the 
 public exercife of his office by an act of the ftate, not 
 grounded upon, or involving any herefy in matters of 
 Faith, he defired, fo far as he could, to be paffive. 
 He looked upon his fucceflbr as a fchifmatical Biffiop, 
 a c< traditor of his flock;" but not as incapable of a 
 
1 6 9 1 ] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 40 1 
 
 valid ministry. Having, therefore, at his deprival, 
 publicly averted his own canonical right, he left to 
 Kidder the refponSibility of his intrusion, being careful 
 only not to aggravate its effects. 
 
 He did not lack the courage of St. BaSil, if it could 
 have availed to ward off the fchifm, or had there been 
 any means of maintaining his jurifdiction : but the 
 clergy of his Diocefe having taken the oaths, he did 
 not pertinaciously challenge their obedience. He 
 feems always to have practifed the mortification of 
 his own will ; not only in outward acts of felf-denial, 
 that are foon formed into habits, and may even mi- 
 nister to a fubtle complacency, but in a lowlinefs of 
 fpirit, mifgiving its own Strong impreSIions, which few 
 men love to forego. He thought it more for the 
 interests of religion to fuffer in filence what he could 
 not prevent, than to widen the breach, and encreafe 
 the fcandal, by an active opposition. He felt no re- 
 fentments againSt thofe who took the oaths : fome of 
 his moSt intimate friends were of the number, and he 
 never withdrew from their fociety. He could not 
 refign his claims : but for fear of promoting greater 
 divifions, and hurrying his flock to extremes, he did 
 nothing that might relax the difcipline of his Clergy 
 under another Bifhop. 
 
 He did not feel himfelf juftified in at once ceding 
 his office : that would have been an acknowledgment 
 of the lay power to invade the fpiritual : his duty was 
 to be a Standing witnefs to the inviolable fanctity of 
 the Epifcopate. He had many illuftrious examples in 
 the early Church againSt yielding the truft committed 
 to him : it was not his to furrender into unauthorized 
 
 D D 
 
402 Life of Thomas Ken, [1691 
 
 hands. But he had alfo examples of eminent Bifhops 
 to warrant his avoidance of contefts by fubmitting, for 
 the fake of charity, to a forced ejectment. — He con- 
 fidered " the peace of the Church to be of that im- 
 portance, that it ought to fuperfede all ecclefiaftical 
 Canons, they being only of human, not divine, au- 
 thority." * 
 
 Sancroft, Lloyd, Turner, and White of Peterbo- 
 rough, took an oppofite courfe, no doubt from equally 
 confcientious motives : but the refult, as he prophefied, 
 proved adverfe to the interefts of religion. They held 
 that, not only the Bifhops of the Province of Canter- 
 bury, intruding into the Sees of the deprived, were 
 fchifmatical, but the whole national Church ! In the 
 Province of York there was no deprival, — therefore 
 no intrusion. How, then, could the canonical rights 
 of thofe Bifhops be queftioned, when the metropolitan 
 and all his fuffragans (of whofe due confecration no 
 doubt could exift) a£ted unanimoufly ? They were 
 fuppofed guilty of fchifm by contagion, becaufe they 
 communicated with the fuccefTors of the deprived in 
 the other Province ! they no longer appertained to the 
 Church Catholic, of which the Nonjurors were the 
 only true members ! 
 
 If ever there was an occafion which proved the hope- 
 leffnefs of controverfy it was this. The mere lift of 
 eminent men, difputing the imputation of fchifm, and 
 the duties of churchmen, confequent on the lay depri- 
 vals, would fuffice to mow what a mafs of learning 
 was brought to bear on thefe queftions. We have a 
 
 * Round's Profe Works of Ken, p. 50. 
 
1691] BiJIjop of Bath and Wells. 403 
 
 catalogue, in Bifhop Lloyd's handwriting, of 120 
 tracts, pamphlets, and books which iflued from the 
 prefs on both fides to fettle this, and the various other 
 controverted points.* The fcriptures, old and new, 
 the hiftories of the primitive ages, of the Roman and 
 Greek Churches, of France, Spain, and England, af- 
 forded innumerable fads, illuftrating the main argu- 
 ments : each in its turn was claimed by the combatants 
 as triumphant authority on their own behalf. Such 
 is theological controverfy. Ken thought obedience, 
 and lowlinefs of mind, plain good fenfe, charitable 
 judgment, and a patient abiding in faith and prayer, 
 were fafer guides to truth and Chriftian brotherhood, 
 than all the learning of the fchools : the fureft facrifice 
 of his own will. 
 
 If the State deprivals inflicted a blow on the unity, 
 and therefore on the efficacy, of the Church, it was 
 aggravated by the confequent acts of the leading Non- 
 jurors. Sancroft, Lloyd, Turner, and White, affuming 
 that the whole Church of England was in fchifm, de- 
 termined, as far as in them lay, to make it perpetual. 
 The Archbifhop had already delegated his powers to 
 Lloyd of Norwich, whom he appointed his Vicar 
 General for all Archiepifcopal offices. It does not 
 appear that he did fo by authority from James, as head 
 of the Church de jure : certainly he never afked leave 
 of William, as King de facto. Not content with this, 
 they determined to confecrate Suffragan Bifhops, who 
 might continue, what they called, a cc canonical fuc- 
 ceflion." This was to be done fecretly, to avoid the 
 
 * Dr. Williams's Colleaion of Original Letters. 
 
404 Life #/" Thomas Ken, [ 1 &93 
 
 penal confequences to themfelves ; but it required, as 
 they thought, the fanction of James. They fent over 
 Dr. George Hickes, Dean of Worcefter, to St. Ger- 
 mains, with a lift of the Non-juring clergy, from which 
 two Prelates were to be felected. James confulted the 
 French Bifhops, and the Pope,* who juftified the 
 meafure : he referred the choice to Sancroft and Lloyd ; 
 the former named Dr. Hickes, who was accordingly 
 made Suffragan of Thetford, and the latter Thomas 
 Wagftaffe, who was appointed Suffragan of Ipfwich. 
 Both places were in the Diocefe of Norwich. But 
 Sancroft died before the meafure could be completed, 
 therefore they were confecrated to their offices by 
 Lloyd, Turner, and White, on the 23 rd February, 
 16944 
 
 Surely this had in it more zeal than wifdom. The 
 confecrations, being clandeftine, and mod carefully 
 concealed for many years, were no public witnefs to 
 the truth. % The appointment of Suffragans being 
 always made in cafes of neceffity, for maintaining the 
 fervices and difcipline of the Church, that object could 
 not be promoted by the fecret confecrations, for it was 
 exprefsly provided that the Suffragans mould forbear 
 to act, until failure of the deprived Bifhop of Nor- 
 wich, § who lived fourteen years afterwards. 
 
 They never notified their titles, put in their pleas, 
 nor claimed or exercifed any rights within their vi- 
 fionary fpheres of jurifdiction. If the lay authority 
 
 * Lathbury's Hiftory of the Non-jurors, p. 99. 
 f Ibid. p. 103. T Ibid. p. 103. 
 
 § Life of Kettlewell, Svo. p. 340. 
 
1694] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 405 
 
 would not permit the Bifhop of Norwich himfelf to 
 fulfil his office, how would it tolerate the intrusion 
 of Suffragans, in all refpects lefs lawfully appointed ? 
 The whole fcheme was the creation of an honeft, but 
 ill-regulated zeal. Serviceable ends are often a delu- 
 sion : men may run counter to the very religion they 
 defire to preferve ; and never more fo than when they 
 go out of His appointed way to ferve and glorify 
 Him. Hickes and others, confecrated to perpetuate 
 orthodox miniftrations in the Anglican Church, came 
 at laft to inflfl on a departure from her ritual, and 
 alterations in the Communion Service : they ftarted in 
 a wrong direction to their object, and could not but 
 end wider of the mark. No prefent practical good 
 was effected ; and having now wandered out of the 
 old ways, they entangled themfelves in a maze of 
 error, from which only their death, and that of their 
 fuccefTors, relieved the Church. Their Epifcopate, 
 having no real vitality, was fuftained for a while by 
 an exertion, and at length died out from mere feeble- 
 nefs. 
 
 Ken fteadfaftly refufed to fanction the new appoint- 
 ments, which he called Cf a perpetuating of the fchifm." 
 His principle as expreffed to Mr. Robert Nelfon, was 
 that " the ftrength of innocence is to fit ftill, and the 
 wifeft and raoft dutiful way to follow, rather than 
 anticipate, Providence."* He thought it beft for the 
 interests of all to abftain from any act that might widen, 
 or continue, the breach. " If I will that he tarry till 
 I come, what is that to thee ? follow thou me." This 
 
 * Appendix to Kettlewell's Works, p. xxv. 
 
4-o6 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1694 
 
 for his part he was refolved to do. Though he mould 
 ftand alone, he would adhere to the Church of Eng- 
 land, as he found her ; a faithful fon of his fpiritual 
 mother, neither coming fhort, nor going beyond her 
 miniftrations. He loved her as me was : fome might 
 attempt to improve, others to affail her doctrines and 
 fervices : to him they were all facred. Though me 
 were in bonds, he might love and revere her, and 
 abide her deliverance. In as much as he could not 
 wait upon her, he left her to God's providence, know- 
 ing that in His hands were the times and feafons. 
 We mail fee how this proved, in the end, the higheft 
 wifdom : and he had his reward ; for it was referved 
 to him, fome years afterwards, to heal the fchifm, 
 which he had no hand in originating. 
 
 We are not left only to furmife his exact views : 
 they are recorded in the few letters of his, which have 
 been preferved to us. Writing to Dr. Hickes, one of 
 the raoft confpicuous, learned, and intrepid leaders of 
 the Non-jurors, he fays, " I wrote to you long ago, to 
 recommend to your ferious confideration the Schifm, 
 which has fo long continued in our Church, and which 
 I have often lamented to my brother of Ely, now with 
 God, and concerning which I have many years had ill 
 abodings. I need not tell you what pernicious confe- 
 quences it may produce, and I fear has produced alrea- 
 dy ; what advantage it yields to our enemies."* Again, 
 to the Bifhop of Norwich, " I am willing to allow all 
 degrees of excufeability to thofe who are of a different 
 perfuafion from myfelf, in the bufinefs of clandestine 
 
 * Round's Profe Works of Ken, p. 49. 
 
1694] BiJJjop of Bath and IV ells. 407 
 
 confecrations, againft which you know I always de- 
 clared my judgment : / fore/aw it would perpetuate 
 the Schifm, which I daily deplore : I thought it infi- 
 dioufly procured by Milford * for that purpofe, who 
 could intend no good to our Church ; but I was forced 
 at laft to tolerate what I could not approve of."f 
 
 This is confirmed by the author of KettlewelFs 
 Life : " not long after the Revolution, when fome of 
 the Non-jurors were very big with great expectations, 
 Bifhop Ken was much difpleafed that any mould flatter 
 themfelves with vain hopes, and declared to me with 
 great earneftnefs and concern, as under a fort of divine 
 impulfe, that it was then but the beginning of evils, 
 with a pretty deal to that purpofe. But notwithftand- 
 ing that he could not himfelf comply with what, by 
 the prefent fettlement, was required of him, he had 
 yet a very charitable opinion of many that did ; and 
 is known to have been againft perpetuating a fepara- 
 tion." % 
 
 The moft diftreffing of all his difficulties was the 
 queftion whether he could attend the public Com- 
 munion of the Church. To one of fo tender a con- 
 fcience, whofe whole life was dedicated to prayer, who 
 in every ftage of his minifterial office had evinced a 
 lively zeal in maintaining the daily fervice, this was, 
 indeed, an overwhelming queftion. Let any one read 
 his <c Practice of Divine Love," and then judge of the 
 fevere penance he was to inflict on himfelf in a volun- 
 
 * The principal Popifh counfellor of James at St. Germains. 
 
 f Round, p. 5 1 . 
 
 % Life of Kettlewell, 8vo. p. 427. 
 
408 Life of Thomas Ken, [1694 
 
 tary interdict from the feaft of Chrift's precious Body 
 and Blood, in public Communion with the Church, of 
 which he was a confecrated Bifhop. Hungry and 
 thirfty, and longing after the riches of God's love, 
 imparted in the Holy Supper, he was to decide whe- 
 ther he ought to be abfent from the temples, where it 
 was folemnly celebrated. By the blefTed Eucharift his 
 foul had been fed by His Lord who bought him at 
 the dear rate of His own death. It is true the Apoftles 
 broke bread in an upper chamber, and from houfe to 
 houfe ; and in after times of perfecution afTembled at 
 the Holy Feaft in any corner where they might find 
 fafety : yet it was exprefsly againft the ecclefiaftical 
 canons for bifhops or priefts to do fo anywhere but 
 in the public churches, if fuch were open to them. 
 Did the Schifm, created by the lay deprivals, prefcribe 
 his abandonment of a Communion, not tainted by any 
 heretical doctrines ? This was to be decided not for 
 himfelf only, but for many others who looked to him 
 as their fpiritual guide. The queftion involved not 
 only his own Chriftian privileges and perfonal growth 
 from the means of grace, but the fteadfaft witnefs he 
 was to bear to the fanctity of the Epifcopal office, 
 violated in his perfon. He was not to indulge his 
 own afpirations, if they fhould compromife the truft 
 committed to his ftewardfhip. 
 
 What prayers and tears mull have pleaded for right 
 guidance in a queftion of fuch weighty moment ! Weak 
 he might be, and erring in judgment ; but not to gain 
 the whole world would he willingly offend His Mafter. 
 What if he mould be wrong ? what if his example 
 became an occafion of ftumbling to others of weaker 
 
1694] Bifoop of Bath and Wells. 409 
 
 judgment and lefs fervid piety, willing to ufe any plea 
 for abfenting themfelves ? If he held aloof from the 
 public prayers, might he not promote a general defec- 
 tion ? In his endeavour to maintain the fanctity of re- 
 ligion, might he not lead aftray the poorer members 
 of the flock, by feeming to juftify their withdrawal from 
 under the hand of their paftors, and fo mar the pro- 
 grefs of fouls he had hitherto laboured to bring to 
 Heaven ? Ought he not to forego all fcruples, and 
 yield the ftriclnefs of antient precedent, rather than 
 they mould defert the Communion of the Church ? 
 Thefe were fearful doubts to folve. 
 
 The public fervices of the Church now included 
 new forms of prayer for William and Mary, which 
 were called by the Non-jurors the " immoral prayers." 
 If it were finful to violate their oath of allegiance to 
 James, they could ftill lefs join in fupplicating God to 
 profper his enemies : this would have been a mockery 
 of the moft facred fervices ; an affront to Him Whofe 
 ear is attent in His holy place. But might he not go 
 to church, and pafs over the prayers for the King and 
 Queen ? Many of the Non-jurors did fo ; and when 
 they came to thofe parts, they rofe from their knees, 
 or fhut their books, or by fome other marks, as omit- 
 ting the " Amen," or other ufual refponfe, tacitly ex- 
 preffed their difTent : or in their own minds fubftituted 
 the names of James, and his fon. As on other points, 
 fo on this, there was a diverfity of opinion among the 
 Non-jurors. Hickes, and his zealous party, ftrongly 
 denounced every one, whether of the clergy or laity, 
 who mould commit fo immoral an outrage. Even if 
 there had been no ftate prayers included in the fervices, 
 
410 Life o/* Thomas Ken, [1694 
 
 they profefled that to join in communion with fchif- 
 matics was a flagrant betrayal of their principles. 
 
 The learned, devout, and moderate Kettlewell made 
 a diftinction between the Clergy, and Laity. He held 
 that the Non-juring Clergy, whofe place it was to 
 afford ministerial offices to others, need not themfelves 
 have recourfe to the public prayers, becaufe if only 
 two or three joined with them in private, they might 
 minifter in a holy aflembly, and have Chrift " in the 
 midft of them." # But the mafs of the people were 
 unable, from the fmall number of the rightful clergy, 
 to have at their hands the offices of the Church. In 
 that cafe ff the neceflity of public worfhip would juf- 
 tify their overlooking the faultinefs and obliquity of 
 the fchifm ; otherwife men's pious affections would 
 unavoidably decay and go back, for want of commu- 
 nion."'}" " Such is the natural duty, and fuch the 
 neceflity, and importance of public worfhip, that it is 
 one of the greatefl: vifible fupports of religion, which 
 without it would fink and be in danger to fail in the 
 earth." \ Therefore in the abfence of rightful mi- 
 nifters they might join in the fervices of the parifh 
 churches. But then they mud by fome fufficient ex- 
 ternal fign manifefl: their diflike of the " immoral 
 prayers," when they occurred ; — that is, make a dif- 
 tinction between them, and the truly good and holy 
 fervices. § 
 
 Such were Kettlewell's opinions, as exprefled in his 
 well known work of " Chriftian Communion." They 
 
 * Kettlewell's Works, vol. ii. p. 635. f Ibid. p. 637. 
 
 I Ibid. p. 638. § Ibid. p. 653. 
 
1694] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 41 1 
 
 were certainly the views entertained by Ken, in refpect 
 of the laity. Thefe, he thought, might and ought to 
 go to church. In his letters he notices the cenfures 
 caft upon him by Tome of his Non-juring friends for 
 holding this rule : he pleads, in anfwer, " the vexation 
 created to tender confciences in the country where 
 they live, banifhed from the public afTemblies in the 
 Houfe of God." * And in another he fays, " I find I 
 am mifreprefented by fome of the brethren, and am 
 charged with giving advices contrary to our Mother 
 (the Church), whereas the only advice I have given 
 was to recommend the two laft Chapters of good Mr. 
 Kettlewell's book to people's reading. I was always 
 of his opinion, and wifhed that our brethren had not 
 ftated the queftion on higher terms ; and I approved of 
 the book in manufcript " f And once more : " I never 
 argued the cafe with lay people, but recommended to 
 them the two laft Chapters of Mr. Kettlewell's book, 
 where it is truly and fully ftated to my apprehenfion. 
 Our brother of Ely, now with God, had the like 
 thoughts, and gave the like advice to a worthy perfon, 
 now near me in the country, who related it to me ; 
 and I always thought, and faid, that ftricter meafures 
 would be of fatal confequence to our Church, for which 
 many of my brethren would never relifh me." J 
 
 It is not perfectly clear whether he himfelf only 
 occafionally, or generally, attended the public fervices. 
 The evidence is fomewhat contradictory. On the one 
 hand it is ftated by Pitts, who knew him well, that 
 
 * Round's Profe Works of Ken, p. 49. f Ibid. p. 58. 
 
 % Ibid. p. 60. 
 
412 Life of Thomas Ken, [1694 
 
 " he never forfook the public affemblies, but even 
 officiated himfelf publicly, and communicated con- 
 stantly." The word never is here certainly incorrect : 
 but in one of his letters to Hickes he clearly intimates 
 that he did fometimes go to church. " Give me leave," 
 he fays, cc to fuggeft that my brother of Norwich and 
 myfelf mould refign up our canonical claims, which 
 would be the fhorteft way to put an end "to the fchifm, 
 and which I am ready to do for the repofe of the flock. 
 If this is not thought advifeable, I recommend a cir- 
 cular letter to be penned and difperfed, which mould 
 modeftly and yet refolutely affifl* the caufe for which 
 we fuffer, and Jpecify the reafons which induce us to 
 communicate in the -public offices, the chiefeft of which is 
 to reftore the peace of the Church, which is of that 
 importance it ought to fupercede all ecclefiaftical ca- 
 nons, they being only of human and not divine autho- 
 rity. A letter to this purpofe would 'make our prefence 
 at Jome of the prayers rightly understood, to be no 
 betraying of our caufe ; would guard us againft any 
 advantage our adverfarys may take from our Chriftian 
 condefcenfion ; would relieve fundamental charity, and 
 give a general fatisfaction to all well-minded perfons. 
 I offer this with fubmiflion, and out of a fincere zeal 
 for the food of the Church, and I befeech the Divine 
 Goodnefs to guide both fides into the way of peace, 
 that we may with one mind, and one mouth glorify 
 God. Your moft affectionate friend and brother, 
 7 th March, 1700. "T. B. & W."f 
 
 This letter, taken by itfelf, would decide the point : 
 
 * Qy. aflert ? f Round's Piofe Works of Ken, p. 50. 
 
1694-] Bijliop of Bath and Wells. 413 
 
 but on comparing it with another addreffed to Bifhop 
 Lloyd the doubt remains. In this he urges once more 
 that tf fome expedient might be found out to put a 
 period to the Schifm : in anything of that nature he 
 would gladly concur." He thinks fC it had been happy 
 for the Church had Mr. KettlewelPs ftate of the cafe 
 been embraced." Then he adds, tc I never ufe any 
 characteriftick in the prayers myfelf, nor am prefent 
 where any is read : I have endeavoured to act uni- 
 formly to the moderate fentiments which I cannot ex- 
 ceed."* By this expreffion he meant that he never 
 attended on folemn days of Thankfgiving or public 
 Fafts, appointed by the government. Kettlewell and 
 the majority of Non-jurors made a difference between 
 thefe, and the ordinary fervices : they held that to be 
 prefent on fuch fpecial occafions, which were fignificant 
 of a direct purpofe, "j* was to profefs allegiance to 
 William, and therefore an act of diffimulation : but 
 not fo their attendance on the ordinary fervices, <f when 
 we come together to do God honour and fervice, and 
 to feek fupplies for all our own and others' necef- 
 fities."J 
 
 One other paffage of a later date bears on the quef- 
 tion : he fays, " I mail fpend this fummer, God wil- 
 ling, moft at Long Leat, though I am now very uneafy 
 there ; not but that my Lord is extremely kind to me, 
 but becaufe I cannot go to prayers there, by reafon of 
 the late alterations, which is no fmall affliction to me. 
 
 * Round's Profe Works of Ken, p. 56. 
 f Kcttlewell's Works, vol. ii. p. 652. 
 t Ibid. vol. ii. p. 55. 
 
414 Life of Thomas Ken, [1694 
 
 God keepe us in his holy fear, and make us wife for 
 eternity." The meaning of this is, that Lord Wey- 
 mouth, having for the firft time taken office, on Queen 
 Ann's coming to the throne, adopted the ftate prayers 
 in his chapel at Long Leat ; and then it would appear 
 that Ken ceafed to attend the family fervice. Perhaps 
 he feared to have it thought that he alfo had changed 
 his principles, whereas we have at that period his ex- 
 prefs declaration that " nothing mould tempt him to 
 any oath."* 
 
 It is not eafy to reconcile thefe feeming differences 
 of testimony : the balance of probability appears to be 
 that at Long Leat he had hitherto enjoyed the privi- 
 lege of pure fervices, without alloy of the State prayers ; 
 but afterwards when thefe were adopted in the chapel, 
 as they already had been in the Parifh Church, he pre- 
 ferred the latter, as affording a more folemn worfhip. 
 During his vifits to his nephew at Poulihot, or when 
 he was in other places, where he could not find any 
 non-juring affembly, we may conclude, from what he 
 himfelf fays, that rather than be debarred the folace of 
 Chriftian communion he went to church. 
 
 At firft, perhaps, when he was to make a ftand for his 
 principles, and claim of right, he kept entirely away from 
 the public fervices : but afterwards yearning for them, 
 and feeing the evil confequences of non-communion, 
 he could not always refrain. In this he offended the 
 fturdy Non-jurors : but Nelfon, Dodwell, and others 
 heartily fympathized with him, and followed his ex- 
 ample. What ought to have been his precife courfe 
 
 * Round's Profe Works of Ken, p. 56. 
 
1694] BiJIjop of Bath and IV ells. 415 
 
 under the particular circumftances, fo imperfectly known 
 to us, we may not prefume to decide. If all changes 
 are inconfiftencies, this was one : but if any be difpofed 
 to cenfure, let him firft exemplify the fame peaceful 
 and heavenly thoughts, in a life of equal fanctity and 
 chaftened will, and be content to fuffer as patiently as 
 Ken did ; — then perhaps he may rightly appreciate 
 the motives of this holy confeffor of our Church. 
 
 Archbifhop Sancroft died in 1693 : his fucceffor, 
 Tillotfon, within the year after ; and fo both refted 
 from their troubles, and their differences. The mea- 
 fures of Government, adopted in the fhort Epifcopate 
 of Tillotfon, and with his fanction, had a deadening 
 influence on the Anglican Church. It is a fearful 
 charge to be Primate of England, whofe actings touch 
 on things facred, and in their confequence, for evil or 
 for good, reach beyond his own fhort earthly fpan. 
 One after another follows in the line of fucceffion. 
 Shall each, in confidence of his own views, prefume to 
 modify the teaching of the Church ? If fo, each Pri- 
 mate, differing perhaps from thofe before him, and 
 thofe to come (fince each man's mind is of its own 
 character) will, to the extent of his influence, reduce 
 her to a wavering and inconftant thing, fwayed by 
 every breath of human judgment. But the Church, 
 like the Truth on which fhe is founded, is unchangea- 
 ble. When an Archbifhop fets his hand to a work of 
 alteration, he undertakes what is beyond his power to 
 limit, or control. He may fanction but one degree of 
 deviation from the rule handed down to him : — how 
 foon, or through whom, the next may be taken, is not 
 within his range to forefee. But the refponfibility 
 
416 Life of Thomas Ken, [1694 
 
 muft be on him who led the way. There is fomething 
 fearful in this thought for Bimops, as for Princes, and 
 their counfellors. 
 
 Queen Mary fried tears for the lofs of Tillotfon. 
 His funeral, however, was the clofe forerunner of her 
 own : a few weeks after fhe was feized with fmall pox, 
 and died on the 28th of Dec. 1 694, at the early age of 
 thirty-two, in the fifth year of her reign. If the long 
 pofTeflion of a throne could ever fuffice to fweeten the 
 remembrance of having fupplanted an indulgent father, 
 fhe did not reap even this fruit of the ufurpation. It 
 does not appear that fhe ever afked his forgivenefs, or 
 exprefTed contrition on her death bed. 
 
 James records his bitter fentiments towards her. 
 He hoped her death might give an opening for the 
 reftored rights of his fon. Whereas (to ufe his own 
 words) " All the King got by it was an additional 
 affliction to thofe he already underwent, by feeing a 
 child, whom he had always cherifhed beyond expref- 
 fion, and loved fo tenderly, perfevere to her death in 
 fuch a fignal ftate of difobedience and difloyalty, and 
 to hear her extoll'd, and fet out for it in the brighter!: 
 colours, as the higher! virtue, by the mercenary flat- 
 terers of thofe times. Even that dull man, D tr Teni- 
 fon, then Archbifhop of Canterbury, who with his 
 languid oration at her funeral rather diverted than 
 edify'd the company, rank'd it amongft her higheft 
 praifes, that by long and laborious contradictions fhe 
 got the better of her duty to her parents, in confidera- 
 tion of her religion and her country. Thus fhe was 
 canonifed for a fort of parricide, by ufurping her fa- 
 ther's throne, and fending him together with his Queen 
 
1 694] Bijhop of Bath and Wells, 4 1 7 
 
 and the Prince her brother, to be vagabonds in the 
 world, had not the generofity of a neighbouring mo- 
 narch receiv'd, entertain'd, and fuccor'd them, when 
 their own fubjects, and even children, had loft all 
 bowels of companion and duty." " If anything had 
 been able to trouble the tranquillity which the King's 
 resignation afforded him, this would have done it, 
 efpecially when he heard his poor daughter had been 
 fo deluded as to declare at her death, that f her con- 
 fcience no way troubled her, — that if fhe had done 
 anything which the world might blame her for, it was 
 with the advice of the moft learned men of her Church, 
 who were to anfwer for it, not fhe : ' this made the 
 King cry out ; f O miferable way of arguing, fo fatal 
 both to the deceiver, and thofe that fuffer themfelves 
 to be deceived ! ' She difcover'd, it feems by this, her 
 fcruple and aprehention, yet blindly followed thofe 
 guides, whofe tragical end, as well as thofe who are 
 guided by them, the Scripture itfelf warns us of." * 
 
 A fad epitaph this, to be written on a daughter's 
 tomb by a father's pen, perhaps more fevere than juft. 
 Among many recorded teftimonies to her merit, is 
 that of a moft truthful fervant of her's, who had an 
 intimate knowledge of her character. This was Dr. 
 Hooper, her Chaplain at the Hague, and ever afterwards 
 much in her confidence. ff He would often fay that, 
 in the time he attended her, he never faw her do, nor 
 heard her fay, a thing that he would have wifhed fhe 
 had not." f 
 
 * Clarke's Life of James II., vol. ii. p. 525. 
 f Prowfe's MS. Life of Hooper. 
 
 E E 
 
4i 8 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1694 
 
 On the death of Mary, laudatory fermons were 
 preached in many of the London and country churches. 
 That by Archbifhop Tenifon at Whitehall, was the 
 " languid oration of that dull man," which fo much 
 difpleafed King James ; it alfo drew down upon him 
 many fevere comments from others, as exhibiting a 
 great want of proper referve, in details of the death- 
 bed fcene, which mould have been kept facred. One 
 pamphlet in particular came forth, which excited much 
 attention, and being attributed to our Bifhop, may 
 not be pafTed over. It is often the penalty of dif- 
 tinction and fame to bear the burthen of other peo- 
 ple's fayings and doings. No one was more profufely 
 honoured after this fort than Ken : the works injuri- 
 oufly afcribed to him are more in number than his real 
 productions. Hawkins complains of the {f ill treat- 
 ment he met with, even in his lifetime, from having 
 fpurious performances afcribed to him."* Among 
 thefe was the anonymous tract, entitled " A Letter to 
 Dr. Tenifon, concerning his Sermon, preached at the 
 Funeral of her late Majefty." It is a tiflue of bitter 
 obloquy againft the Queen, and the Archbifhop, wholly 
 inconfiftent with the meek fpirit of the author of the 
 " Practice of Divine Love." It was not likely that 
 he mould now, for the firft time, and on fuch an occa- 
 fion, enter the lifts of a political controverfy. If any- 
 thing could draw him out of his retirement into the 
 
 * Dedication to the Works of Thomas Ken. 
 Mr. Round, in his Preface to the Profe Works of Ken, notices 
 feveral, and fatisfa&orily difproves his authorfhip. 
 
1 6 94] Bifljop of Bath and Wells . 419 
 
 din of a contentious world, this at leaft was a topic 
 uncongenial to him. He was incapable* of traducing 
 the character of a Princefs Cf whofe high efteem he had 
 gained by his moft prudent behaviour, and ftricT: piety, 
 and whom to his death he diftinguim'd by the title of 
 his Miftrefs." f In all his acknowledged writings, or 
 in his correfpondence, no expreflion can be found that 
 is akin to the whole tenor of this Letter of vehement 
 animadversion. 
 
 Ken, therefore, we may be fure, was not the author. 
 In his contemplative life, amid the fecluded walks of 
 Long Leat, he was very differently engaged. " There," 
 as Hawkins fays, Cf he compofed many excellent, ufe- 
 ful, and pious pieces," to be found in his volumes of 
 poetry. " His cholick pains rendering him uncapable 
 of more ferious ftudy, he applied himfelf fo happily to 
 this favourite entertainment, f his great relifh for Di- 
 vine Poefy,' as thereby, in fome meafure, to palliate 
 the acutenefs of his pain. So clofe was his application 
 to thefe ftudies, and fo was his mind bent on quietnefs, 
 that during all the time of his retirement, and among 
 all the attempts of, and clamours againft, thofe called 
 Jacobites, in the reign of King William, he was never 
 
 * As one paflage alone of that work might mow ; " O, my 
 God, amidft the deplorable divilions of thy Church, let me never 
 widen its breaches ; but give me Catholic charity to all that are 
 baptized in thy name, and Catholic Communion with all Chriftians 
 in defire. O give me grace to pray daily for the peace of thy 
 Church, and earneftly to feek it, and to excite all I can to praife 
 and love Thee." 
 
 f Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 7. 
 
420 Life of Thomas Ken, [1694 
 
 once difturb'd in that quiet enjoyment of himfelf ; and 
 'tis prefumed never fufpected of any ill defign, fince 
 never publickly molefted, or privately rebuk'd :* <c He 
 behaved himfelf with all the decency, piety, and hu- 
 mility that became a Biihop in affliction." f 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 25. 
 
 f Profe Works of Ken, by Round, p. 43. 
 
1694] Bijldop of Bath and Wells, 421 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 Ken's humane difpofition — Circular letter of the deprived Bl- 
 JhopS) recommending a charitable fund for the relief of the 
 Non-juring Clergy — Characler and Death of Kettlewell — 
 Ken fum?noned before the Privy Council^ and releafed. 
 
 ^PHE friendfhip of Lord Weymouth had 
 placed Ken beyond the reach of perfonal 
 want : but he was fenfitively alive to the 
 diftrefs of others. Every appeal of an 
 afflicted fellow creature moved him at once to fympa- 
 thy. His alms could not be in the meafure of his 
 charitable defires, which had ever been unbounded. 
 When he gave nearly 4000/. to the exiled Huguenots, 
 it did not fatisfy him : how much lefs could he effect 
 on 80/. a year ! Then, of his abundance, he cart in 
 all, as an offering to God ; — now, his poor mite was an 
 equal oblation, and laid up in the fame treafury, — not 
 the lefs bleffed to himfelf. 
 
 Writing to Bifhop Lloyd, he excufes himfelf from 
 coming to London, as cc being conflftent neither with 
 my purfe, nor convenience, nor health, nor inclina- 
 tion : " and fome days afterwards he fays, " when I 
 told you a London journey was not agreeable to my 
 purfe, it was no pretence, but a real truth. I am not 
 able to fupport the expence of it, which all that know 
 my condition will eafily believe. I thank God I have 
 enough to bring the yeare about, while I remain in 
 
422 Life of Thomas Ken, [1694 
 
 the country, and this is as much as I defire. / have 
 often been offered money for myfelf, but always refufed 
 it, and never take any but to diftribute" * Lord 
 Weymouth frequently made him his almoner. His 
 friend, Dr. Thomas Smith, mentions his " generous 
 and truly Chriftian compafTion, and concern for the 
 diftrefled Clergy of Scotland, who were fuffering for 
 confcience' and righteoufnefs' fake, and his zeal in 
 recommending their fad and woful condition to the 
 humanity, good nature, and bounty of devout perfons 
 of his acquaintance." f Dr. Smith himfelf often re- 
 ceived affiftance from him. On one occafion Ken 
 writes to him, " living fo much in the country, I have 
 no charitable contributions put into my hands, but of 
 my own I can fpare you the contents of the following 
 note, which you would oblige me by accepting." J 
 At another time, <f I entreat you to let me know with 
 the freedom of a friend, when you are in any ftreight, 
 or want fupply's to carry on your labours of love for 
 the publick."§ Six months later the Dr. writes, " I 
 haften to make my grateful acknowledgements for the 
 contents of your laft letter ; and next to unburthen 
 myfelf that I was extremely furprized, not to fay con- 
 founded, Jiupito di? Jlordito, as the Italian phrafe is, 
 with the exceffive kindnefs of your repeated prefent ; 
 w ch considering the narrownefs of your own circum- 
 stances I made it a fcruple at confcience whether I 
 could fairly receive : though you are pleafed in your 
 letter to obviate that doubt by telling me that you can 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 57. t Ibid. p. 52. 
 
 t Ibid. p. 85. § Ibid. p. 93. 
 
1694] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells, 423 
 
 very well fpare it." # Again the Bifhop writes to him 
 " I am forry for good Lady Dutton and her daughters : 
 I befeech God to fupport them. If when you go into 
 the city you call on Brome, the Bookfeller, he will 
 pay you fifty millings, which I defign for them, though 
 1 defire you to make no mention from whom it came"^ 
 
 If he felt for the diftrefs of the Non-jurors in Scot- 
 land, the deprived Clergy in England were equal fuf- 
 ferers, and had a more immediate claim on his com- 
 panion, fome of them being in his own diocefe. They 
 had loft their all by refufing the oath of allegiance, 
 and many of them were reduced to the loweft ftate of 
 penury. Their wives and families were literally ftar- 
 ving ; for though charitable people made collections 
 on their behalf, the number of thefe objects of pity 
 was too great to be maintained, except on the moft 
 precarious footing. At length, Mr. John Kettlewell, 
 feeing that nothing could meet the urgency of their 
 cafe, but fyftematic and authorized collections, drew 
 up a " Model of a Fund of Charity for the needy 
 fuffering Clergy." His prudence and forefight, no 
 lefs than his meeknefs, were an earneft that the fcheme 
 would be effectual, and fo guarded as to prevent giv- 
 ing umbrage to a jealous Government. He propofed 
 that the deprived Bifhops mould ifTue a Paftoral Letter, 
 inviting all humane perfons to contribute, and that 
 they mould be managers of the Fund, with others of 
 the Clergy to be felected by themfelves. The feveral 
 cafes of the fufferers were to be correctly examined, 
 and diftribution made in ftrict conformity with their 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 97. t Ibid. p. 105. 
 
424 Life of Thomas Ken, [1694 
 
 merits and wants. By this plan, it was thought the 
 Non-juring Bifhops would have more control over the 
 conduct of their Clergy, and a protection be afforded 
 againft the many falfe pretenders, who had hitherto 
 impofed on the charitably inclined.* 
 
 The propofal met with the warm concurrence of 
 the deprived Bifhops, themfelves reduced to fuch a 
 fmall pittance, that they could afford very little help 
 to the inferior Clergy. A letter of Kettlewell's to 
 Bifhop Lloyd mows the origin of the charitable fund, 
 and is alfo an evidence of his frequent intercourfe with 
 Ken. 
 
 " My Lord, 
 " I herewith prefent a fmall Bookf to your Lordfhip 
 confiding of Thoughts, which have been much my 
 ftudy and employment under mine infirmityes, and 
 are fit to be foe ftill : And which I hope may be of 
 ufe to others, when they come, as fooner or later all 
 muft expect to come, into a ftate of decays and weak- 
 nefs, not to add alfoe in their beft ftate of health. 
 
 " When my L d Bp- of B. and W lls - in great kindnefs 
 and charity, was pleafed laft to call here, I was pro- 
 pofing to him the fetting up a Fund of Charity, for 
 regular collection and distribution of the fame among 
 the poor fuffering Clergy. I told him the good will 
 you bore to it, only fome difEcultyes feemed to you 
 therein, which I hoped might be removed. If he has 
 {een your Lp* fince, I believe you had difcourfe upon 
 
 * Life of Kettlewell, p. 417. 
 
 f Companion of the Penitent, and Perfons troubled in mind, 
 1694, 8vo. 
 
1694] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 425 
 
 it. Were this fund for the foldiery (tho' God knows 
 enow among them have need enough) it may be fome 
 might fancy they could with better colour charge it as a 
 lifting of men. But being only for the Clergye's relief, 
 and their needs being notorious, methinkes, let them 
 trouble whom they will, they cannot hurt them, and 
 they may freely own and thanke God they have been 
 employed therein ; and when the truth of all is laid 
 open, all wife men of all partyes muft own, that it is 
 an excellent part and proof of paftoral care, and the 
 adverfaryes can only envy it, not faften on anything to 
 accufe or punifh in it. 
 
 For fubfcribing your Names and Titles, in any 
 papers to recommend the fame, and ftir up charity, 
 methinkes it would neither prejudice you, nor could 
 offend them, if you write yourfelves with an Epithete, 
 noteing, not the juftice on one fide or other, but only 
 the actual fuffering and force you are under, as Suf- 
 fering, Difplaced, Ejeffed, Deprived, or what word you 
 fhall thinke more proper, added to Bijlwps, when you 
 fubfcribe yourfelves. 
 
 I fhall only add, that if upon your wife and mature 
 confideration, Y or Lp and Y or Brethren the Bpp s fhall 
 thinke this a feafible, as you will thinke it otherwife a 
 good defign, and for this regular provision like to go 
 on, I have a friend who authorizes me to fay he will 
 give an hundred Pounds himfelf towards the beginning 
 of the Fund, and I know he will moreover get as much 
 of others towards the fame as he can. 
 
 Being laid up by my infirmityes this winter, and 
 foe uncapable by waiting on you to fpeak thefe things 
 to Your Lp myfelf, I here prefume, with humble fub- 
 
426 Life of Thomas Ken, [1694 
 
 miffion, to write them. Wherein if Your Lp perceive 
 me to be wrong, your goodnefs will allow the honefty 
 of my zele for foe good a thing, to expiate my mif- 
 takes about the ways of its' promotion. 
 
 ff I humbly beg your blefling, and remain 
 My hon ed L d 
 
 Y or Lpp s faithful humble ferv 1 
 
 " Dec. 20, 94." J. KETTLEWELL."* 
 
 The infirmities he fpeaks of too rapidly increafed 
 upon him : his naturally tender and delicate frame, 
 over-wrought by ftudy, could not withftand the fatal 
 inroads of a confumption ; he was fnatched away from 
 his friends at the age of forty-two. 
 
 John Kettlewell prefents to us one of the mod per- 
 fect examples of holinefs that adorn the hiftory of the 
 Englifh Church. It feemed to all around him, even in 
 earlieft youth, that God had endowed him with peculiar 
 grace. In every ftage of life the fweetnefs of his tem- 
 per was remarkable. A capacious and refined intellect, 
 extenfive learning, endurance and courage, were the 
 leaft of his qualities. Piety, judgment, prudence, 
 erudition, modefty and candour have, one or other, 
 been the leading points in many characters, juftly re- 
 vered in their day ; but we find them all united in the 
 perfon of Kettlewell. His tendernefs of confcience, 
 his felf-abafement, his fenfe of God's attributes of 
 infinite purity and juftice, were harmonized by the 
 Holy Spirit into a confiding Love, bafed on an im- 
 moveable Faith in the faving efficacy of his Re- 
 deemer's death. There is a letter of Sancroft's to Lloyd, 
 
 * Dr. Williams's Collection of Original Letters. 
 
1695] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 427 
 
 acknowledging the receipt of a manufcript treatife of 
 KettlewelPs on cc Chriftian Prudence, or Religious 
 Wifdom." He fays, " I have long efteemed Mr. Kettle- 
 well a very good, and pious practical Divine : but this 
 laft treatife, and what he wrote formerly againft Julian 
 Johnfon, about PafTive obedience,* mow him to be alfo 
 a very learned man, very well read both in the Roman 
 and Ecclefiaftical hiftory. I defire you kindly to falute 
 the author in my name, when you fee him, and to affure 
 him of my moft cordial love and efteem ; and to accept 
 yourfelf of my hearty thanks for the opportunity you 
 give me of perufing thefe excellent difcourfes."f 
 "Jan. 26, 1 69 1." 
 
 It is an honour to Bifhop Ken that he was the 
 model, which this younger Saint appears to have fol- 
 lowed in the maturity of his Chriftian character. It is 
 an equal teftimony to the virtues of Kettlewell, that 
 the good Bifhop " upon all proper occafions exprefled 
 the folid efteem which he had for him, and for his 
 judicious and pious works." \ Their facred friendfhip 
 for each other fuffered no interruption : in the very 
 recreations, which they allowed themfelves from their 
 labours and ftudy, there was a fimilarity of taftes. 
 KettlewelPs chief diverfion was mufic, " in the theory 
 of which he was well fkilled ; and in the practical part 
 too he was not deficient : " their favourite inftruments 
 were the fame — they both played the viol. KettlewelPs 
 
 * Chriftianity a Doctrine of the Crofs, or Paffive Obedience un- 
 der any pretended Invafion of legal Rights and Liberties. 1691. 
 f Dr. Williams's Collection of Original Letters. 
 \ Life of Kettlewell, p. 422. 
 
428 Life of Thomas Ken, { 1 &9S 
 
 publifhed prayers are inferior to Ken's, which perhaps 
 have never been excelled in our language : his fer- 
 mons are wanting in the rich imagery, and fervid, em- 
 pafTioned eloquence, that made the Bifhop the firft of 
 Preachers : in varied learning Kettlewell excelled his 
 friend. 
 
 They were united not only by the bond of perfonal 
 affection, but by perfect accord of their principles on 
 the great questions of the Church, for which both were 
 fufferers. Had Kettlewell lived a few years longer, 
 there can be little doubt that he would have concurred 
 with his mod intimate friend, Robert Nelfon, in the 
 final meafure of Ken for healing the fchifm. Soon 
 after his death, Nelfon printed a Volume of Kettle- 
 well's Sermons, with fome account of his life and cha- 
 racter : he fent a copy to the Bifhop, who, in returning 
 his thanks, fays, fC you have done honour to the me- 
 mory of our dead friend, which we all ought to ac- 
 knowledge : and I am very glad that his life is writing 
 by another hand, as you tell me. He was certainly as 
 faint-like a man as ever I knew ; and his books are 
 demonstrations of it, which are full of as folid and 
 fearching a piety as ever I read. God was pleafed to 
 take him from the evil to come, to his infinite advan- 
 tage, but to our great lofs : His bleffed will be done."* 
 
 Kettlewell, on his death bed, received the holy Sa- 
 crament from the hands of Ken.f Mr. Bell, who alfo 
 attended him in his laft moments, had been appointed 
 
 * Kettlewell's Life, Appendix xxv. 
 
 f The Conftitution of the Catholic Church by Dr. George Hickes, 
 p. 4. 
 
1695] Bifoop of Bath and Wells, 429 
 
 to read the funeral fervice over him ; but the Bifhop 
 was permitted to pay this tribute of affection to his 
 memory : accordingly he performed the burial office, 
 and read the whole Evening Service in his lawn fleeves.* 
 This was in April, 1695. It is the only recorded in- 
 ftance of Ken's public adminiftration of the fervices 
 of the Church after his deprival. 
 
 The intended <l Model of a Fund for Charity " was 
 delayed for fome time by the death of its originator. 
 But in July the deprived Bifhops drew up the follow- 
 ing Paftoral Letter. 
 
 " To all Chriftian people, to whom this Charitable 
 Recommendation mail be prefented, Grace be to 
 you, and Peace from God the Father, and from our 
 Lord Jefus Chrift. 
 
 " Whereas We, the prefent Deprived Bifhops of this 
 Church, have certain information, that many of our 
 deprived brethren of the Clergy, their wives, children, 
 and families, are reduced to extreme want, and unable 
 to fupport themfelves, and their feveral charges, without 
 the charitable relief of pious and well difpofed Chrif- 
 tians ; and being earnestly mov'd by feveral of them 
 to reprefent their diftreffed condition to the mercy and 
 companion of fuch tender-hearted perfons, as are in- 
 clined to commifferate and relieve the afflicted fervants 
 of God, 
 
 " Now We, in compliance with their intreaty, and 
 with all due regard to their fuffering circumftances, 
 have thought it our duty (as far as in law we may) 
 
 * Life of Kettlewell, p. 484. 
 
430 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [^95 
 
 heartily to recommend their neceffitous condition to 
 all pious, good people ; hoping and praying that they 
 will take their cafe into their ferious confideration, and 
 putting on the bowels of charity, extend their alms to 
 them, and their needy families. 
 
 " And we will not ceafe to pray for a bleffing on 
 fuch their Benefactors : and remain in all Chriftian 
 offices, 
 
 " Your's 
 
 " William Bifhop of Norwich 
 Robert Bifhop of Gloucester 
 Francis Bifhop of Ely }>now deprived." 
 
 Thomas Bifhop of Bath and Wells 
 Thomas Bifhop of Peterborough 
 
 " July 22, 1695." 
 
 The refervation, cc as far as in law we may," was in- 
 ferted at the inftance of friendly lawyers, who forefaw 
 that this exercife of ecclefiaftical authority might roufe 
 the watchful jealoufy of the Government. The object of 
 the paper ought to have protected the harmlefs authors 
 of the Fund from any fuch feeling : but being in the 
 form of an Encyclical Letter, or Brief, they were or- 
 dered by warrants to appear before the Privy Council, 
 and anfwer to a charge of mifdemeanour. It was not 
 the firft time Ken, Turner, and White had been fum- 
 moned before this tribunal in the caufe of religion. 
 As in the former reign, they had been fent to the 
 Tower for maintaining the integrity of the Church, 
 they were now threatened with the fame punifhment 
 for advocating the caufe of Charity. 
 
 Nearly ten years had elapfed fince Ken's memo- 
 
1696] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 431 
 
 rable trial. The vigour of his frame was now im- 
 paired by ficknefs, and his vivacity abated. He had 
 not, as before, the prayers and acclamations of a whole 
 nation to fuftain his fortitude : the cold indifference, 
 to fay the leaft, with which he was greeted, might well 
 damp the ardour of his mind, had he regarded the opi- 
 nion of men. In 1688 King James anxioufly waited 
 the arrival of the Bifhops from Lambeth Palace, and 
 they were at once ufhered into his prefence : now Ken 
 had to give his attendance three times in the outer 
 waiting room of the Council Chamber, before he was 
 admitted. The Lords gave him a favourable hearing ; 
 and afterwards Mr. Bridgman (Clerk of the Council) 
 was fent out to him to tell him that they expected a 
 copy of his anfwers. Accordingly he drew up an 
 Account of the whole proceedings, which has been 
 preferved to us by Hawkins.* 
 
 It is one of the moft interefting records of his life, 
 as it exhibits in the cleared light his courage, and the 
 Simplicity of his character. It appears that the Council 
 were {truck by his venerable appearance, and fatisfied, 
 from the anfwers he made to their questions, that the 
 motive of the Bifhops was purely one of charity. 
 
 His "Account" begins as ufual by afcribing 
 " All Glory to God," and ends with " befeeching 
 God to be gracious to their Lordfhips." They firft 
 afked him if he fubfcribed the obnoxious paper ; to 
 which he anfwered, " My Lords, I thank God I did, 
 and it had a very happy effect ; for the will of my 
 blefTed Redeemer was fulfill'd by it ; and what we 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 48. 
 
432 Life <?/* Thomas Ken, [1696 
 
 were not able to do by ourfelves, was done by others ; 
 the hungry were fed, and the naked were cloath'd : 
 and to feed the hungry, to cloathe the naked, and to 
 vifit thofe who are fick in prifon, is that Plea which all 
 Your Lordfhips, as well as I, fo far as you have had 
 opportunities, muft make for yourfelves at the Great 
 Day. And that which you muft all plead at God's 
 tribunal, for your eternal abfolution, mail not, I hope, 
 be made my condemnation here." 
 
 In reply to the objection that the paper was illegal, 
 he fays, ff My Lords, I can plead to the Evangelical 
 part ; I am no lawyer : but I will fincerely give your 
 Lordfhips an account of the part I had in it. The 
 firft perfon who propofed it to me was Mr. Kettlewell, 
 that holy man who is now with God ; and after fome 
 time it was brought to this form, and I fubfcribed it, 
 and then went into the country to my retirement in an 
 obfcure village, where I live above the fufpicion of 
 giving any the leaft umbrage to the Government." 
 
 Againft the charge that the collections had been 
 mifapplied to unworthy objects, " and particularly to 
 one who goes in a gown one day, and a blue filk waift- 
 coat another I " he anfwers, <f If the money was given 
 in miftake, or to unworthy people, yet if they want 
 the neceffaries of life, we ought to fupport that life 
 God indulges them, hoping for the happy effect of it. 
 I thought it my duty to do this in the Duke of Mon- 
 mouth's rebellion, when there were in my Diocefe 
 about a thoufand prifoners, and many of them ill men, 
 and void of all religion. I vifited them night and day, 
 and I thank God I fupply'd them with neceffaries my- 
 felf, as far as I could, and encouraged others to do the 
 
1696] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 433 
 
 fame, and yet King James never found the leaft fault 
 with me. And if I am now charged with mifapplying 
 what was given, I beg of your Lordfhips that St. Paul's 
 Apoftolical rule may be obferved, c againft an Elder 
 receive not an accufation, but before two or three wit- 
 neffes ; ' for I am fure none can teftify that againft me. 
 What I gave, I gave in the country ; and I gave to 
 none but thofe who did both want and deferve it : the 
 laft that I gave was to two poor widows of depriv'd 
 Clergymen, one whereof was left with fix, the other 
 with {&ven fmall children." 
 
 When it was urged that he had ufurped ecclefiaftical 
 jurifdiction, he replied, " My Lords, I never heard 
 that begging was a part of ecclefiaftical jurifdiction ; 
 and in this paper we are only beggars, which privilege 
 I hope may be allowed us. I make no doubt but your 
 Lordfhips may have had ftrange mifinformations con- 
 cerning this paper : but having fincerely told you what 
 part I had in it, I humbly fubmit myfelf to your Lord- 
 fhips' juftice. 
 
 fC I prefume your Lordfhips will come to no imme- 
 diate Refolution concerning me; and having volun- 
 tarily furrendred myfelf, and the Warrant having 
 never been ferv'd on me till I had twice attended here, 
 this being the third time, and my health being infirm, 
 I beg this favour of your Lordfhips, that I may return 
 to my fifters houfe, where I have hitherto lodg'd, 
 which is a place the meflenger knows well ; and that 
 I may be no otherwife confin'd till I have receiv'd your 
 Lordfhips final Refolution. 
 
 " This favour your Lordfhips were pleas'd very 
 
 F F 
 
 
434 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1696 
 
 readily to grant me ; for which I return my humble 
 acknowledgements, befeeching God to be gracious to 
 your Lordfhips. 
 
 Cf Thomas Bath and Wells. 
 
 " April 28th, 1696." Depriv'd." # 
 
 What voice could be raifed againft him after fo ex- 
 plaining himfelf ? <c The Council thought proper to 
 drop the affair as eaflly as could be ; " for, as the au- 
 thor of KettlewelPs Life obferves, " he made fuch an 
 Apology for the part he had in the matter, as was 
 irrefiftible, his anfwers being thofe of a true Christian 
 Bifhop." f And fo he was difmiffed to his medi- 
 tation and prayers. Health, ftation, influence, were 
 no longer his : but his heart was inflamed with a 
 nearer approach to Him, on whofe love he was willing 
 to fubfift. He realized the fweetnefs of God's pre- 
 fence, compenfating all other wants. In his public 
 life he had never ftriven for advancement in the world, 
 which was to him as a fleeting virion : every act had 
 been a ftep towards Heaven ; in his retirement, he 
 had the happinefs of a meek fpirit, which is its beft 
 preparative. It was not here he had ever expected to 
 be fatisfied ; and now he had more than he thought 
 he deferved. Bounties, or croffes, — whichever befel 
 him, feemed equally blefled. His faith was conftant, 
 his obedience cheerful, under every trial. Poor though 
 he was, he had a readinefs of heart to adminifter com- 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 56. 
 f Life of Kettlevvell, p. 422. 
 
1696] Bifloop of Bath and Wells. 435 
 
 fort to others, and a free, fincere, and entire content- 
 ment in all God's appointments for himfelf. He knew 
 them to be pledges of His unbounded love, which 
 would be perfected hereafter in the beatific virion. 
 Thefe are the fentiments that find frequent expreffion 
 in his poems, prayers, and letters. 
 
436 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, L 1 ? 02 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 Death of James II. — Death of William III. ; his character 
 — Accejfion of £)ueen Anne — Bijhop Kidder killed in the 
 Palace at Wells during the great Storm — Anne offers to 
 rejlore Ken to Bath and Wells : he declines : perfuades Dr. 
 Hooper to accept his Bijhopric^ and refigns. 
 
 S time wore away, and Ken advanced 
 in years, many of his friends dropped, 
 one by one, into the grave. Dr. White, 
 Bifhop of Peterborough, went to his 
 reft in 1698, and Francis Turner, in 1700. We find 
 no record of Ken's feelings at the lofs of this, his ear- 
 lier! friend : but in feveral of his after letters, refer- 
 ring to their agreement in principles, he always men- 
 tions him as Cf the Bifhop of Ely, now with God." 
 He could not lament his departure, knowing that he 
 had efcaped from trouble and infirmities to blifs un- 
 fpeakable : he rather defired the hour when he fhould 
 be permitted to join him. 
 
 Kings, too, and mightieft potentates muft die. James 
 and William were taken away within fix months of each 
 other. One had outlived his hopes; — the other had 
 learnt how unavailing to happinefs is fuccefsful ambi- 
 tion. Who can fay which of the two, in their contefts, 
 had gained mod for eternity, — he who loft, or he who 
 won the Crown ? On both it had prefTed uneafily. 
 James meditated deep inroads on the Englifh and 
 
1702] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 437 
 
 Scotch Churches, — but was frustrated : William had the 
 power to inflict upon them wounds as deep, and more 
 lading; — and he exercifed it to the full. We feel 
 them to this day. His laft thoughts were bent on the 
 pafling of a law for new oaths, to be taken by all per- 
 fons, — abjuring the claims of James's fon. His dying 
 hand was too feeble to affix the fignature to this crown- 
 ing Act of a timorous policy, by which he hoped to 
 fecure to himfelf the quiet poffemon of the throne. 
 That throne was already given to another, — to one 
 whom he cordially difliked, and had treated with un- 
 merited harfhnefs. The dread fummons had gone 
 forth, againft which there is no appeal. Even the 
 arrival of Lord Albemarle from Holland, with im- 
 portant intelligence on affairs of deep intereft to him, 
 could no longer roufe his departing fpirit : — lt je tire 
 vers ma Jin" was the only languid reply. 
 
 It is no fair ground of cenfure againft William that 
 he loved Holland exclufively. It was the country of 
 his birth and inheritance ; and where is the law that 
 condemns a man for being a patriot ? Certain it was, 
 he had no love for England, except as a pofTeffion, 
 and a means of his own aggrandizement. Nor is it 
 juft to fay that he was altogether a foreigner: his 
 mother was an Englifh Princefs, and he had almoft as 
 much of the Stuart blood in his veins as James, whofe 
 mother was Henrietta of France. The real blot on 
 his efcutcheon is that, being a nephew and fon-in-law 
 of James, he deliberately violated his word, and the 
 ties of kindred, in the purfuit of his ambition. 
 
 As a brave warrior, and a fagacious ftatefman, his 
 claims to high repute are unqueftionable, though in 
 
438 Life of Thomas Ken, [1702 
 
 the complex politics of England he was often-times 
 wavering and undecided. The liberties fecured to us 
 by his acceflion cannot be too highly prized : but they 
 were not his grant. The Bill of Rights was a no- 
 ble triumph, gained by our anceftors of that day : to 
 them we muft afcribe the honour of its achievement. 
 It is a lading monument to their memory, and to the 
 wifdom which exacted it, as the Stipulated price of the 
 Crown, — then in their power to beftow. It remains 
 for hiftorians to juftify, as beft they may, his willing- 
 nefs, in the latter part of his reign, to recognize the 
 claims of James's fon (whofe birth he had before 
 Stigmatized) in preference to thofe of Anne, who had 
 yielded to him her prior claim to the throne, on the 
 faith of his pledge, and juftice. But for that volun- 
 tary ceflion, he would probably have ceafed to be 
 King, after the death of Mary. The consternation, 
 and heartfelt grief, occafloned by his death, throughout 
 Holland, and the undifguifed joy of the French, bore 
 equal testimony to the high fenfe entertained of his 
 talents by friends and foes. He raifed his native 
 country to a dignity it had never reached under any 
 former Prince ; and England owed to him the honour 
 of having curbed the unbounded ambition of Louis. 
 
 The acceSTion of Anne revived the hopes of the 
 Non-jurors. They had been occafionally treated with 
 great harShnefs in the time of William : the meditated 
 oath, abjuring the claims of James's fon, had filled 
 them with alarm. Ken writes, l< I am troubled to fee 
 the nation likely to be involved in new univerfal oaths, 
 but hope they will be impofed on none but thofe who 
 are employed, or promoted, in Church and State. 
 
1702] Bijloop of Bath a?2cl Wells. 439 
 
 You will do me the kindnefTe to fet me at eafe about 
 it, and let me know whether it will be inforced. 7/ is 
 an oath I Jliall never take. I will rather leave the 
 kingdom , old and infirm as I am."* 
 
 Bifhop Lloyd wrote to him on fc the nice conjunc- 
 tion of affairs ; " — c< Your prefence and counfel feem 
 to be very necefTary to us, upon the fact of the late 
 emergency, namely the death of King William. There- 
 fore I make bold to pray and entreat you to come up 
 to our comfort and arTiftance, as foon as conveniently 
 you can. This, my Lord, is the earned requeft of 
 fuch of our brethren as I have {qqi\ and converfed 
 withall, as well as of your Lordfhip's affectionate friend 
 and brother." f 
 
 It does not appear what were the plans then formed 
 by the nonjurors. But Ken, long fince weary of the 
 contefts of party, could not be moved from his refolu- 
 tion to remain quiet : he knew that many ftill defired 
 to maintain the feparate communion, and in this he 
 was not difpofed to concur. He fays cc he cannot ima- 
 gine that his counfel and arTiftance are worth a London 
 journey : he believes it may give a fair occafion to 
 many to alter their conduct — but it does not at all in- 
 fluence him. He has quite given over all thoughts of 
 re-entering the world, and nothing fhall tempt him to 
 any oath, only he heartily wifhes that by thofe who 
 know the towne, fome expedient might be found out 
 to put a period to the fchifm, which is fo very vexa- 
 tious to perfons of tender confcience, who live fcattered 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 54. 
 f Ibid. p. 55. 
 
44° Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1702 
 
 in the country. In any thing of that nature he would 
 heartily concur." * 
 
 The firft bifhoprick that fell vacant, after the accef- 
 fion of Anne, was that of Carlifle. Lord Weymouth, 
 who was of the Queen's Privy Council, at once made 
 intereft for reftoring his friend Ken to Bath and Wells, 
 by the tranflation of Kidder to Carlifle. Kidder con- 
 fented to this through the Archbifhop of York : but 
 when it was mentioned to Ken, he declined. The 
 statement is that he objected to the oath of abjuration. f 
 But independent of this, he had refolved not to return 
 to public life. 
 
 The next vacancy was St. Afaph. Anne evinced 
 at once her judgment, and her love of the Church, by 
 felecting Ken's old friend, Dr. Hooper, already Dean 
 of Canterbury. He had not been one of thofe who 
 followed upon the nimble heels of Burnet, when he 
 hurried from the death bed of his friend and patron, 
 King William, to congratulate his fucceflbr. This 
 bluff and bufy prelate fays of Hooper, that " he was 
 referved, crafty and ambitious : his Deanery had not 
 foftened him, for he thought he deferved to be raifed 
 higher." This is one of the many flippant and preju- 
 diced characters to be found every where in Burnet's 
 Hiftory : change the word "referved" into overbearing, 
 and he has rather drawn his own true likenefs than 
 Hooper's. Referved — Burnet certainly was not ; for 
 he had no referves with any one perfon or thing that 
 flood in the way of his purfuit. His Hiftory of his 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken, by Round, p. 56. 
 f Lanfdown MSS. vol. v. p. 987. 
 
i7°3] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 441 
 
 own Times abounds in fkilful touches of events and 
 characters, grouped together with a fort of natural and 
 ready force that defies the trammels of careful arrange- 
 ment, or laborious inveftigation. His work is defaced 
 by a want of confcientious truthfulnefs, the higheft and 
 rareft quality in a contemporary hiftorian ; but no one 
 can deny the fuperior powers of his mind. Thefe 
 criticifms apply only to his public ads : of his perfonal 
 virtues, or their oppofites, we have no intereft in 
 fpeaking ; he has been fufficiently lauded and repro- 
 bated to fatisfy both his admirers and cenfors. 
 
 A more affable, fimple, and unfelfifh man never 
 lived than Bifhop Hooper. If he was ambitious he 
 had through life taken a ftrange and unlikely path to 
 bring himfelf to dignity.* One day, when he was 
 chaplain at the Hague, the Prince was talking to him 
 about the great diffractions then in England, at the 
 time of the Popifh plot, and the great indulgence in- 
 tended to be mowed to the Diffenters, but Hooper 
 not expreffing himfelf fo favourable to thofe mea- 
 sures as the Prince liked or expected, he faid to him, 
 " Well, Dr. Hooper, you will never be a Bifhop." "j" 
 The fact is, " he would never yield by undue com- 
 pliance, where the Church of England, or any thing 
 belonging to it, was concerned, which made the Prince 
 once fay to one that was in his confidence, that ' if 
 ever he had any thing to do with England, Dr. Hooper 
 mould be Dr. Hooper ftill.' " J The Prince kept his 
 word : nor did Hooper pay his court to foften the 
 prejudice. After William came to the throne, "he 
 
 * Prowfe MS. Life of Hooper. f Ibid. X Ibid. 
 
442 Life #/* Thomas Ken, [1703 
 
 gave orders to the Chaplains who preached before her 
 Royal Highnefs, the Princefs Anne, not to make their 
 accuftomed bows to her at their going into the pulpit, 
 or rather before they began their fermon, which that 
 Princefs (who was remarkably civil, and yet never 
 {looping too much from her high dignity) always ufed 
 to return to the preacher, neither were they allowed to 
 fend her the text. Dr. Hooper did not think any 
 commands whatever fufficient to excufe him from pay- 
 ing her the honour due to her, and conftantly did both, 
 whenever his turn came." * 
 
 <f Juft after the death of Archbifhop Tillotfon, a 
 lady who came into Queen Mary's apartment, told 
 her Majefty that me believed there was all the digni- 
 fied clergy in town come to Court that day to fhow 
 themfelves. The Queen immediately reply'd, that fhe 
 was fure me knew one that was not there, and that 
 was the Dean of Canterbury. Some of the company 
 not feeming to think any was miffing on that occasion, 
 a lady who knew the Dean was fent out to fee, and 
 upon her return faying he was not there, l No,' fays 
 the Queen, ' I was fure he was not there, I can anfwer 
 for him,' or words to that effecl:. This the Dean was 
 told by a great lady who was there attending the 
 
 Queen." t 
 
 Ken rejoiced at Hooper's elevation. Writing from 
 Poulfhot to Bifhop Lloyd, he fays, £f I am extremely 
 glad that you and the Bifhop elect of St. Afaph con- 
 verfed together. He is one of the beft understandings 
 I ever knew, and if he will exert himfelf, will do ex- 
 
 * Prowfe MS. Life of Hooper. f Ibid. 
 
1703] Bifoop of Bath and Wells. 443 
 
 cellent fervice to this finking Church. I fhould think 
 it one of the bed excurfions I could make to give you 
 both a vifit, but befides my averfion to the town, I 
 am afflicted with fuch pains, that I am by no means 
 fit for travelling : — they are rheumatic, and lie within 
 my joints, and never come to the extreme parts, and 
 at this prefent my left arm is in a great meafure dif- 
 abled." * A fortnight later he fays, " You have a 
 very true apprehension of your brother of St. Afaph. 
 He is of an excellent temper as well as underftanding, 
 and a man of fincerity, though he may be of a differ- 
 ent judgment (having taken the oaths) and I much 
 defire that you may often meet, and confult how to 
 moderate things, as much as may be, Jalvd veritate ; 
 for I fear that many of our friends run too high, and 
 that the Church of Rome will reap advantages of ex- 
 ceffes in that kind." f 
 
 On the night of the 26th of Nov. 1703, the greater 
 part of England was viflted by one of the mod vio- 
 lent and deftructive tempefts on record. De Foe pub- 
 lifhed an account of this f< Storm," in which it is 
 eftimated that the damage amounted to four millions 
 fterling : he fays <f the lofs is univerfal, and its extent 
 general ; not a houfe, not a family that had anything 
 to lofe, but have loft fomething ; the fea, the land, 
 the houfes, the churches, the corn, the trees, the rivers, 
 all have felt the fury of the winds. In the New Fo- 
 reft in Hampfhire above 4000 trees, fome of prodi- 
 gious thicknefs, were blown down: and above 4^0 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 61. 
 f Ibid. p. 63. 
 
444 Life of Thomas Ken, [1703 
 
 parks and groves loft from 200 to 1000 trees each. 
 Twelve mips of the navy were totally wrecked : the 
 Eddyftone light-houfe was deflroyed, and the people 
 within perimed. It is impomble to defcribe the gene- 
 ral calamity. About 8000 perfons were fuppofed to 
 have perimed." * 
 
 In the midft of this fcene of defolation many perfons 
 had providential efcapes : amongft others Bifhop Ken. 
 He was flaying with his nephew, Ifaac Walton Junior, 
 at Poulfhot : writing to Bifhop Lloyd of Norwich, he 
 thus defcribes his danger. 
 
 " ALL GLORY BE TO GOD. 
 
 "My good Lord and dear Brother, 
 " I return you my thanks for both yours. I have no 
 news to return, but that laft night there was here the 
 moft violent wind that ever I knew ; the houfe fhaked 
 all the night ; we all rofe, and called the family to 
 prayers, and by the goodnefs of God we were fafe 
 amidft the florin. It has done a great deal of hurt in 
 the neighbourhood, and all about, which we cannot 
 yet hear of; but I fear it has been very terrible at fea, 
 and that we mall hear of many wrecks there. BlefTed 
 be God who preferved us. I hope that your Lordfhip 
 and your family have fuffered no harm, and mould be 
 glad to hear you are well. I befeech God to keep us 
 in his holy fear. 
 
 c ' Your Lordfhip's 
 Mofl affectionate friend and brother, 
 
 - Nov. 27th." Tho. B. & W. " f 
 
 * London, 1704, 8vo. pp. 155, 156 — 222, 223. 
 f Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 63. 
 
1703] Bifoop of Bath and Wells. 445 
 
 In another letter he fays, cc I think I omitted to tell 
 you y e full of my deliverance in y e late ftorm, for the 
 houfe being fearch'd y e day following, y e workmen 
 found y c y e beame w ch fupported y e roof over my head 
 was Jhaken out to y' degree y y' it had but halfe an inch 
 hold y fo y f it was a wonder it could hold together ; for 
 w ch fignal and particular prefervation God's holy name 
 be ever praifed ! I am fure I ought alwayes thank- 
 fully to remember it. God keep us in his holy fear. 
 ff Your Lordfhipp's 
 
 Moft affe c - friend & B r - 
 
 T. B. & W."* 
 
 This merciful prefervation was the more remarkable 
 by contraft with the fatal end of Bifhop Kidder, who 
 had fupplanted him in his diocefe. Ken writes, two 
 days after, to Biihop Lloyd, Cf The ftorm on Friday 
 night, which was the moft violent, I mentioned in my 
 laft, but I then did not know what happened at Wells, 
 which was much fhattered, and that part of the Palace 
 where Bifhop Kidder and his wife lay, was blown 
 down in the night, and they were both killed and bu- 
 ried in the ruins, and dug out towards morning. It 
 happened on the very day of the Cloth fair, when all 
 the country were fpectators of the deplorable calamity, 
 and foon fpread the fad ftory. God of his infinite 
 mercy deliver us from fuch dreadful furprifes. I am 
 allured that no one either in the Palace, or in the whole 
 town, befide them, had any hurt. God keep us in his 
 holy fear, and our dwellings in fafety." f 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 6j. f Ibid. p. 64. 
 
446 Life fl/^ Thomas Ken, [1703 
 
 The awful cataftrophe awakened his devout thank- 
 fulnefs for his own fafety ; cc blefled be God, who pre- 
 ferved us in the late great ftorm ; it is a deliverance 
 not to be forgotten : " but he felt for the Cf deplorable 
 calamity and dreadful furprife " which plunged Kid- 
 der's family in the deepen 1 diftrefs. One of De Foe's 
 correfpondents fays, Cf the difmal accident of our late 
 Bifhop and Lady was raoft remarkable ; who was 
 killed by the fall of two chimney-ftacks, which fell on 
 the roof, and drove it in upon my Lord's bed, forced 
 it quite through the next floor, down into the hall, and 
 buried them both in the rubbifh : and 'tis fuppofed 
 my Lord was getting up, for he was found fome dis- 
 tance from my Lady, who was found in her bed : but 
 my Lord had his morning gown on, fo that 'tis fup- 
 pofed he was coming from the bed jufr. as it fell." * 
 
 No fooner was the death of Kidder known at Court, 
 than feveral perfons folicited the appointment to Bath 
 and Wells : but " the Queen fent for Dr. Hooper, the 
 new Bifhop of St. Afaph, told him the fad accident, 
 and that (he meant the Bifhopric for him. He ex- 
 preffed his thanks to Her Majefty, but begged to be 
 excufed, as he could by no means eat the bread of fo 
 old a friend as Bifhop Ken had been to him, and en- 
 treated her Majefty's leave to propofe to her the re- 
 ftoring him to his Bifhopric again. This the Queen 
 highly approved of, and thanked the Bifhop for put- 
 ting her in mind of it, and ordered him to propofe it 
 to Bifhop Ken." f This is another proof of Burnet's 
 
 * The Storm, by Daniel Defoe, p. 94. 
 f Prowfe MS. Life of Hooper. 
 
1703] BiJIjop of Bath and Wells. 447 
 
 unjuft character of Hooper, as " ambitious, whofe 
 Deanery had not foftened him." It may be added 
 here that at a later period, when Compton died, he 
 was offered the Bifhopric of London, and afterwards 
 the Primacy of York, on the death of Archbifhop 
 Sharp ; but declined them both. * 
 
 And now an amicable contefl arofe between the two 
 tried friends, each defiring the other to take the See of 
 Bath and Wells. Hooper knew what a healing of the 
 fchifm it would be, if the Bifhopric were reftored to 
 its rightful pofleflbr : but Ken could never be induced 
 to take the oaths : befides, his infirmities had long fince 
 determined him to remain in privacy ; he Cf defired 
 only to fee the flock in good hands, and he knew none 
 better, to whom he might entruft it than Hooper's. "f 
 He received the Queen's offer Cf with great acknow- 
 ledgements," and defired Bifhop Hooper to " return 
 his moil grateful thanks for her gracious remembrance 
 of him ; but that he could not return into the bufinefs 
 of the world again, but would ever befeech God to 
 accumulate the bleffings of both upon her.";}: In the 
 fame letter hq exprefTed his great fatisfaction at the 
 offer Bifhop Hooper had, and "how freely he would 
 refign all title to the Bifhopric to him, and how much 
 he rejoiced that his ftrayed fheep would be reduced 
 under his government." § 
 
 Hooper being averfe to fo fudden a removal from 
 St. Afaph, to which he was only juft appointed, (i Bi- 
 
 * Prowfe MS. Life of Hooper. 
 
 f Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 65. 
 
 X Prowfe MS. Life of Hooper. § Ibid. 
 
448 Life 0/" Thomas Ken, [1703 
 
 mop Ken fent him a letter, full of thofe primitive 
 {trains, which were in all his writings, in which he 
 charged him, as he would anfwer it at the great day, 
 to take the charge of his flock, with more to the fame 
 purpofe ; and the Queen at the fame time infilling on 
 his taking it, he was forced to comply."* 
 One of thefe letters was the following : 
 
 cc ALL GLORY BE TO GOD. 
 
 f< My very good Lord, 
 <c I am informed y* you have an offer of Bath and 
 Wells, and that you refufed it, w ch I take very kindly, 
 becaufe I know you did it on my account ; but fince 
 I am well aflured y* y e diocefe cannot be happy to 
 y t degree in any other hands than in your owne, I de- 
 sire you to accept of it, and I know y 4 you have a 
 prevailing intereft to procure it. I told you long agoe 
 at Bath how willing I was to furrender my canonicall 
 claime to a worthy perfon, but to none more willingly 
 than to yourfelfe. My diftemper difables me from 
 y e paftoral duty, and had I been reftored, I declared 
 allways y* I would make off y e burthen, and retire. 
 
 tc God keepe us in his holy feare. 
 
 cc My good Lord, 
 Your Lordfhippe's moft affectionately, 
 "Dec. 6." T. B. and W."t 
 
 Accordingly, feeing no alternative, Hooper yielded 
 
 * Prowfe MS. Life of Hooper, and Bowies', vol. ii. p. 256. 
 f Profe Works of Ken by Round. 
 
1703] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 449 
 
 his acquiefcence, at which Ken cordially rejoiced, and 
 thus wrote 
 
 " The Right Rev. Father in God, George Lord 
 Bifhop of Afaph. 
 
 <c ALL GLORY BE TO GOD. 
 
 <c My very good Lord, 
 cc The laft poft brought me y e news w ch I earneftly 
 expected, and w ch your lordfhippe's letter gave me hope 
 of, and I heartily congratulate y e diocefe of Bath and 
 Wells of your translation, for it was y e good of y e flock, 
 and not my friendfhippe for yourfelf, w ch made me 
 defire to fee you in y e paftorall chaire, where I know 
 you will zealoufly f contend for y e faith once delivered to 
 y e faints] which in thefe latitudinarian times is in great 
 danger to be loft. I could eafily forfee y l by my con- 
 cerne for you I mould incurre y e difpleafure of fome of 
 my brethren, but this is not y e firft inftance in w ch I 
 have difTented from them, and never had caufe to re- 
 pent of it ; and the good of y e diocefe fupercedes all 
 other considerations. 
 
 " God keepe us in his holy feare, 
 
 " My good Lord, 
 Your LordShippes moft affectionately, 
 " Dec. 20." T. K." 
 
 Being thus able to fatisfy his confcience in a volun- 
 tary ceffion of his truft into fuch hands, he could make 
 a decifive ftep towards healing the fchifm, for which 
 only he now defired to live. The original conteft, and 
 feparation, had been bafed on the forcible invafion of 
 
 G G 
 
450 Life of Thomas Ken, [1703 
 
 his rights : — then he could not yield; but now, after 
 an interval of fourteen years, the breach might be re- 
 paired, and the canonical fucceffion preferved. He 
 might call upon his flock to fubmit heartily to the 
 fpiritual jurifdiction of their new Bifhop. All who 
 loved the Church, and prayed for its integrity, would 
 be thankful, and he himfelf reftored entirely to her 
 communion, from which, out of confcientious fcruples, 
 he had often been compelled to abfent himfelf. 
 
1 703] Bijhop of Bath and Wells, 4 5 1 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 Ken cenfured by many of the Non-jurors for his refignation of 
 the Bijhopric — Difference between himfelf and Lloyd — Queen 
 Anne grants him a pen/ion. 
 
 .EN'S anticipations, that by refigning his 
 Bifhopric he would incur the difpleafure 
 of the Non-jurors, were too truly veri- 
 fied : notwithstanding the fpirit of love 
 and temperatenefs, which prompted him to this act, 
 the Jacobites were loud in their condemnation of him. 
 To clofe the feparation at a moment like this, when 
 hopes of reftoring the Stuart line began to dawn upon 
 them, was, in their view, a defertion of the caufe of 
 truth, and a fchifmatical compliance. Thefe com- 
 plaints could not divert him from his purpofe : he 
 had never been a partizan : his love for the Church, 
 and a fenfe of her prefent needs, fuftained him in the 
 new conflict he was to endure. But, that he might do 
 all with opennefs, the fame poft which conveyed his 
 letter to Hooper carried another to the Bifhop of 
 Norwich, who was the leader of the more zealous of 
 the Non-jurors. Lloyd had previoufly been difpleafed 
 with Ken for his moderate courfe, which he thought 
 was halting half way in the path of duty. This how- 
 ever had not interrupted their friendly intercourfe : 
 
452 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1703 
 
 " they differed, but without breach of friendfhip." * 
 And now Ken writes to him, " I hear of feveral per- 
 fons who folicit for my Diocefe, and whom I know 
 not, and I am informed it is offered to my old friend, 
 the Bifhop of St. Afaph, and that it is declined by 
 him. For my part, if times mould have changed, I 
 never intended to return to my burden ; but I much 
 defire to fee the flock in good hands, and I know none 
 better to whom I may entruft it than his ; for which 
 reafon I write to him this poft, to let him know my 
 defire that he mould fucceed, with which I thought 
 good to acquaint your Lordmip."| 
 
 Lloyd, in anfwer, advifes him not to quit his charge, 
 till there might be a meeting, and a confutation, leafl 
 anything might be done to hurt the Church, or wound 
 the minds of the brethren. \ But Queen Anne would 
 not have waited their leifure ; had Hooper paufed in 
 his acceptance, another muft have been appointed, to 
 whom, moft probably, Ken could not confcientioufly 
 have refigned his office. Lloyd did not exprefs any 
 difapproval of what Ken had done ; he even congratu- 
 lated him on the choice of Hooper, expreffing his fenfe 
 of the hardneffe of the work to ftem the ftrong current 
 which runs againft the Church. § " I was apprifed of 
 Dr. Hooper's piety, learning, and good temper, and in 
 my poor opinion you could not have defired a-worthier 
 or fitter perfon for your fucceffor, and therefore I wifh 
 that a double portion of his predeceffor's fpirit may 
 reft upon him." || 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 55-6. f Ibid. p. 65. 
 t Ibid. p. 72. § Ibid. p. 74. || Ibid. p. 72. 
 
1703] BiJJjop of Bath aiid Wells. 453 
 
 This, perhaps unexpected, concurrence of Lloyd 
 was a relief to Ken's mind. He fays, " it is no fmall 
 fatisfaction to me, that you approve of my choice, in 
 good earneft. I had fuch experience of one before,* 
 who inftead of keeping the flock within the fold, en- 
 couraged them to ftray, that I was afraid of a traditour, 
 and in fuch a time as this, thought I could not do a 
 greater kindnefs to the Diocefe, than in procuring it 
 one of the mod valuable men in the Church, and one 
 who was fo very able to defend the depofitum, which 
 feems to me to be in the utmoft danger." f And again : 
 " you cannot imagine the univerfal fatisfaction exprefT- 
 ed for Dr. Hooper's coming to my See ; and I make 
 no doubt but that he will refcue the diocefe from the 
 apoftacy from c the faith once delivered to the Saints, 
 which at prefent threatens us, and from the fpirit of 
 latitudinarianifm, which is a common fewer of all he- 
 refies imaginable^ and I am not a little fatisfied, that I 
 have made the beft provifion for the flock, which was 
 pofTible in our prefent circumstances." J 
 
 Though he might anticipate cenfure, he was hardly 
 prepared for fo great a ferment as was fpringing up 
 againft him among the Jacobites, at lofing a fupport they 
 could leaft of all difpenfe with. Dr. Frampton, Bifhop 
 of Gloucefter, had already furrendered his cure of fouls: 
 - — but as he was not fo eminent, and his example little 
 thought of, they took no notice of him.§ To have 
 their feparate communions abandoned by Bifhop Ken, 
 fo loved and venerated throughout the kingdom, who 
 
 * Bifhop Kidder. f Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 80. 
 
 % Ibid. p. 81. § Ibid. p. 69. 
 
454 Life of Thomas Ken, [1704 
 
 of all other men feemed to fanctify their caufe, was an 
 advantage to their enemies that filled them with dif- 
 may. Their excemve anger is forcibly defcribed in 
 one of Ken's letters to Lloyd ; " the Jacobites at Briftol, 
 fomented by thofe at London, are thoroughly enraged 
 againft me for my ceflion to one, whom all mankind, 
 but themfelves, have a high efteem of, and one moft 
 able and willing to preferve the depofitum, and under 
 whofe care I affure myfelf that the diocefe will be 
 fecured from the latitudinarian contagion. I am 
 threatened with fomething to be printed againft me : 
 I believe they had better let me alone. If I fhould 
 produce the frequent letters a certaine perfon* wrote to 
 me, for near two years together, to importune me to 
 confent to clandestine c. (confecrations) they would 
 mow the temper of the man, and his zeal to make the 
 fchifm incurable, which I was always for moderating, 
 forefeeing how fatall it would prove. As long as I 
 have your approbation, and the example of our other 
 Bp,f I have little regard for the paflion of others : I 
 thank God that I have repofed the flock in fafe hands, 
 which is a great eafe to me, and I have preferved them 
 from a wolfe, that might have invaded them. All 
 who condemn me owne that death legitimates an in- 
 truder, and I know no reafon, but that voluntary cef- 
 fion, for the apparent prefervation of the whole flock, 
 to one who will not intrude, may be as effectual as 
 death." % 
 
 * Probably Hickes. f Bifhop of Gloucefter. 
 
 X Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 69. 
 
1704] Bijhop of Bath a?id Wells. 455 
 
 Lloyd now began to change his view of Ken's act, 
 feeing the difturbance it created in the party, but re- 
 plied in a friendly tone : " I was fenfibly grieved 
 (when I read your letter) for the noyfe and outcryes, 
 made both at Briftoll and here, upon the account of 
 your ceflion. How a fudden paflion may carry and 
 tranfport fome men at Briftoll I know not ; but I am 
 fure I have not heard any of the brethren here fay- 
 any thing difrefpectful of your perfon, or your character, 
 unleiTe what amounts to no more than this, viz. that 
 they feemed offended becaufe your conduct in and 
 about the ceflion was not managed communi confenfu."* 
 To this Ken anfwers ; " among other things which 
 are vehemently laid to my charge one is, that againft 
 your advice and entreaties I would obftinately go my 
 own way ; againft this I owne that you had wrote to 
 me to deferre my ceflion, but that the nature of the 
 thing would not permit it, and if I had not given my 
 confent that poft, I might have had a hireling and not 
 a fhepherd, and I wrote to you to that purpofe, and 
 that after I had receded, your Lordfhip approved of 
 what I had done, and that I had by me your letters, 
 which congratulated my choice, to atteft it. Sure I 
 am, if people will duly weigh all circumftances, no 
 well-minded man can blame me. I am told from 
 London 'tis urged that by my action I condemn their 
 conduct, but how I know not ; if any of them had a 
 cure of fouls, and could transfer it into like hands, as 
 I have done, I fhould exhort them to recede, as well 
 as myfelf, for the common good of the flock, without 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 72. 
 
456 Life a/" Thomas Ken, [1704 
 
 making a bargaine with the fucceffor for a penfion, as 
 I fear fome have done who blame me. 
 
 " God keep us in his holy feare and prepare us for 
 a happy eternity. My dear L d 
 
 " Your Lordfhips moft affectionate Brother,* 
 
 "20th March, 1704." T. B. AND W." 
 
 Mr. Round records a letter,!" evidently from Briftol, 
 but without date or Signature, which is a valuable ad- 
 dition to the few particulars we have of the opinions 
 then prevalent with the extreme party. The writer 
 fays, " the melancholy account of Bp. Ken adds to the 
 affliction of the day. When I faw him before Chrift- 
 mas he gave me great occaflon to fufpect his declina- 
 tion, for to my furprife he told me he would refign his 
 Bprick to Dr. Hooper for the prefervation of the faith, 
 now in danger." Among other curious details, the 
 writer mentions, <c having laboured for fome months 
 paft to bring a young lady of quality off from the 
 fchifmatical churches entirely. I have talked and wrote 
 to that purpofe, but poor BP- K. hath undone more in 
 one word than I was likely to do in ten thoufand, for 
 he allowed that liberty, that Strange occasional confor- 
 mity, and fo the lady is confirmed in her amphibious 
 devotion. God be merciful to this poor Church. The 
 delufion and infatuation fpreads wider and wider. This 
 ■poor gentleman's lapje is occaflon of great lamentation 
 unto us, and laughter to our enemies. It confirms 
 more the otherwife well inclined in their fchifm, harden- 
 ing the obftinate fchifmatick, and I fear gives occaflon 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 73. f Ibid. p. 70. 
 
1704] Bi/bop of Bath and Wells, 457 
 
 to the profeffed enemies of God to blafpheme more 
 abundantly, and as for my own part, it is a double 
 affliction to think that I rauft be neceflitated to forfake 
 his communion, who received me by abfolution to the 
 peace and unity of the Church ; but I muft doe it, if 
 that father hath fallen himfelf into thofe errors, out of 
 which (I dayly blefs God) I am retrieved."* 
 
 Bifhop Lloyd was in a difficulty : his affection and 
 refpecl for Ken had at firft prompted him to yield, at 
 leaft a tacit, approval of his ceffion, which he now en- 
 deavoured to retract. He wrote two letters, the pre- 
 cife tenor of which can only be furmifed from the 
 fomewhat tart and reproachful anfwers returned by 
 Ken, who felt keenly the abandonment of his friend 
 in recalling what he had before faid, and leaving him 
 to the unmitigated anger of his cenfurers. H-e heard 
 alfo that Lloyd had the indifcretion to allow fome, who 
 were raoft hot againft him, to fee his letters, written in 
 confidence, which he calls hard ufage, — and not unrea- 
 fonably, if it were true. 
 
 " ALL GLORY BE TO GOD. 
 
 " My good Lord and Brother, 
 " I perceive by your two lafl that your Lordfhippe 
 is very fhy of owning your approval of my action, at 
 which I juftly wonder, in regard your expreffions fig- 
 nify it very clearly. I have done nothing but what 
 may be justified by primitive precedents, and which is 
 for the prefervation of the dcpofitum, which ought 
 chiefly to exhaufl a parlour's zeal, efpecially when he 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 71. 
 
458 Life of Thomas Ken, [1704 
 
 is in all refpects difabled himfelf for paftoral care, and 
 that the flock might have a fhepherd, and not a hire- 
 ling. I am not furprized at the cenfures beftowed on 
 me ; I forefaw them all ; and, to deal freely with your 
 Lordfhippe, you are not without your (hare. For my 
 own part, I never did any thing in my life more to my 
 
 Jatisfaclion than my receding. It has eafed me of a 
 great load which lay on me, has entirely loojened me 
 
 from the world ; fo that I have now nothing to doe 
 but to think of eternity, for which God of his infinite 
 mercy prepare us. 
 
 ff My good Lord, 
 
 Your LordP' s very affect : Friend and Brother, 
 
 " April I." T. B. AND W."* 
 
 A few days after he wrote again. 
 
 " My very good Lord and dear Brother, 
 " Though I wrote to your Lordfhip laft, yett I am in 
 a manner bound to write again, to let you know that 
 the ferment againft me rifes higher and higher, info- 
 much that when the neighbours at Briftol come hither, 
 they manifeftly infult me, and though you are pleafed 
 to tell me that others kindled this flame, and not your- 
 felf, I muft take the freedom to tell you that it is 
 yourfelf have moft contributed to it. For it is ftill 
 vehemently urged againft me, that I acted quite con- 
 trary to your earned remonftrances, which you know 
 to be falfe. If I did, I do not remember that I ever 
 put myfelf into your keeping, and was to do nothing 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 75. 
 
1704] Bifloop of Bath and Wells. 459 
 
 but by your direction ; but you yourfelf can acquit 
 me in that particular, by only relating matter of fact. 
 But I find there is a flat contradiction between them 
 and me ; I affirm you approved my action, and you 
 flatly deny it, and affirm the quite contrary, and that 
 encreafes their zeal : now I calmly appeal to you to 
 let me know the literal importance of this expreflion, 
 for I will only mention this : ' i" heartily congratulate 
 your choice, and wijh a double portion of 'your fpirit may 
 reft upon the head and heart of your fucceffor, for I truft 
 he will acl valiantly and becoming his ft at ion.' If this 
 does not fignify an approbation, and more than that, a 
 congratulation, both of my action and the perfon, to 
 that height, I am much miftaken, fince you would not 
 have ufed this language, if you had thought my fuc- 
 ceflbur, as you ftyle him, a fchifmatical Bifhop. No, 
 good Brother, your native thoughts were the fame 
 with mine ; but when you heard a cry againft me, you 
 flew to the distinction of Perfon and Ceflion, and 'tis 
 from thence that the fury againft me was raifed for 
 doing an act which, according to the beft of my judg- 
 ment, appeared truly primitive and charitable, and I 
 may add neceffary. This is not all ; the heat againft 
 me is furnifhed with frefh fuel from the town, and 
 that by your communicating my letters, which I am 
 charged with here. This is hard ufage ; fure I am 
 that I have never fhowed your letters to my angry 
 neighbours, being unwilling to expofe private corref- 
 pondence, which when expofed is eafily mifreprefented, 
 and exagerated, and if I had done it I verily believe that 
 the like heat would be raifed againft yourfelf. Sure I am 
 had you acted uniformly to the expreffions you ufed to 
 
460 Life a/' Thomas Ken, [i7°4 
 
 me, this florm had quite allayed, or at leaft very much 
 moderated. Upon the whole matter I, who defire no- 
 thing more than in retreat quietly to ferve God, to 
 pray for my brethren, which I daily do, and to mind 
 only my latter end, feeing my letters do but make 
 more trouble, defire to be excufed from writing for 
 the future, for I find it much eafier for me filently to 
 endure the pafiion of others, than to endeavour to 
 mitigate it. I befeech God to make us wife for eter- 
 nity. 
 
 " Your Lordfhips very affect: Brother, 
 
 «April 5 ." T. B. AND W."* 
 
 We cannot be furprized to fee his temper ruffled for 
 a moment at finding his friend appear to join in the 
 cry againft him. He was afiailed by a hoft of angry 
 declaimers, who gave him all the hard names of " fchif- 
 matic, deluded, incoherent, — the poor gentleman whofe 
 lapfe gave occafion to the profeffed enemies of God to 
 blafpheme," &c. And to have his private letters fhown 
 about was enough to make him refolve to write no 
 more. But he did write again, and to aik forgivenefs 
 for any unkind exprefllons he might have ufed. 
 
 cf ALL GLORY BE TO GOD. 
 
 " My very good Lord and Brother, 
 " Your Lordfhip's was fent to me to Polfhalt laft night. 
 I confefs when I wrote my laft I was heated, and pro- 
 voked to a great degree, and if my provocation tranf- 
 ported me to any indecent exprefllons, I beg your par- 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 76. 
 
1704] Bijhop of Bath a7id Wells. 461 
 
 don, which you will I hope the more readily grant, 
 becaufe you feem to have been in the like paffion when 
 you wrote, and becaufe I intend to give you no further 
 trouble. You muft give me leave to be fenfible when 
 I am infulted, which I can very eafily forgive. Every 
 day encreafes the fatisfaction I have in providing fo 
 well for my flock. God keep us in his holy fear, and 
 make us wife for eternity. 
 
 " Your Lordfhips very affectionate friend and E r - 
 
 "May 1." T. K."* 
 
 This was in anfwer to a long letter from Lloyd of 
 the nth April, 1704, which draws a distinction be- 
 tween his approval (which he fays he never expreffed) 
 of Ken's refigning his Bifhopric, and congratulations 
 on his having made choice of fo worthy a fucceflbr. 
 He alfo denies having fhown Ken's letters to others ; 
 fC I communicated none of your letters to any : I did 
 indeed read a pafTage to Mr. Spinx in my own vindi- 
 cation, out of your's of the 6th of December, which 
 fatisfyed him about your ceffion." — The whole letter 
 fhows how warmly and paflionately thefe matters were 
 debated among all parties. Lloyd charges Ken with 
 <c pettifh heat ; " and in reference to his letter exclaims, 
 in the fame temper, ff what ftuffe is this ! " He con- 
 cludes by faying he will not be concerned in any further 
 brouilliers. This is what Sancroft, in one of his cheer- 
 ful letters, calls " a Rowland for an Oliver." If Ken 
 was in the wrong to be impatient at the contradiction 
 of his friends, we may find an excufe for him, efpecially 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 78. 
 
462 Life of Thomas Ken, [1704 
 
 when his candour prompted him at once to beg par- 
 don. Even righteous Job fpake unadvifedly under the 
 fame trial. 
 
 Ken's laft letter is figned T. K. No fooner had 
 his friend Hooper taken pofTeffion of the fee, than 
 he refigned his title of Bath and Wells. Some of his 
 after letters bear the fignature of cc late Bifhop." He 
 now only defired in his retreat <c to ferve God, to 
 pray for his brethren, and prepare for his laft end." 
 The holy zeal for his Mafter's glory, which had 
 prompted him in all his paftoral offices, was not ex- 
 tinct : his affections were unalterably the fame, but 
 they were directed more fimply to the interior Chrif- 
 tian life. His wearied fpirit, and broken health, re- 
 quired reft. We fhall fee how he fighed for deli- 
 verance out of a tedious earthly prifon, to dwell for 
 ever in the glorious light above. His humble and re- 
 tired walk is a fpectacle we may yet contemplate with 
 intereft and profit : not only as an example of patient 
 endurance under acute bodily fufferings, but of a deep- 
 ening fenfe of God's boundlefs love, as he moved 
 onward to his eternal reft. 
 
 An unexpected providence, however, was yet in 
 ftore for him, to render his circumftances more eafy 
 on this fide the grave. " Dr. Hooper, in accepting 
 the Bifhopric of his friend, prayed leave of the Queen 
 to make a condition ; which was to retain his chanter- 
 fhip of Exeter in commendam. It was £200 a year, 
 which he undertook to pay conftantly to Bifhop Ken. 
 The Queen was much pleafed with the propofal, and 
 thanked Hooper for putting her in mind of it." * This 
 
 * Prowfe MS. Life of Hooper. 
 
1704] Bijloop of Bath and Wells. 463 
 
 was a ftrong proof of her refpect for the aged Prelate, 
 becaufe it was well known that he was refolute againft 
 the oath of allegiance, which fhe was not difpofed to 
 overlook in others : — when her nonjuring uncle, Lord 
 Rochefter, afked leave to come to Court, the concife 
 reply was, " let him take the oaths." Trelawney, Bi- 
 fhop of Exeter, objected to Hooper's retaining the 
 chanterfhip in commendam, thinking the patronage 
 fairly devolved to himfelf. He might not be aware 
 that the arrangement was intended to benefit Ken, who 
 certainly knew nothing of it himfelf. They had been 
 companions in the Tower, in 1688 : but at the Revo- 
 lution Trelawney took the oaths to William. Poflibly 
 each of thefe old friends, who had flood together in a 
 former conteft, now looked upon the other as a deferter 
 from his colours. Ken might think Trelawney had 
 abandoned the caufe of the Church, and was probably 
 regarded in turn as falfe to the principles of liberty. 
 Be this as it may, Trelawney was not a man to be 
 moved from his purpofe ; and Hooper, having the 
 Queen's word, and pofTeflion, would not yield the in- 
 terefts of his friend. The Lord Treafurer, Godolphin,. 
 interpofed to fettle the difpute. " The Queen fent 
 for Dr. Hooper, and told him it would be for her fer- 
 vice if he would refign the Chanterfhip of Exeter ; but 
 that Bifhop Ken mould be no lofer, as he mould have 
 £200 a year constantly paid him out of the Treafury. 
 Hooper gladly afTented to the propofal, for he thought 
 it would be more to Ken's advantage to depend upon 
 the young Queen's life for this penfion, than upon his 
 for the Chanterfhip." * 
 
 * Prowfe MS. Life of Hooper. 
 
464 Life of Thomas Ken, [1704 
 
 We may imagine Hooper's delight, in conveying to 
 his friend intelligence of the royal grant, by the warm 
 expreflion of Ken's feelings on receiving it. 
 
 <c ALL GLORY BE TO GOD. 
 
 " My good Lord, 
 "Your Lordfhippe gave me a wonderfull furprife when 
 you informed me y 1 y e Queen had been pleafed to 
 fettle a very liberal penfion on me. I befeech God to 
 accumulate the Wettings of both lives on her Majefty 
 for her royal bounty to me, fo perfectly free and unex- 
 pected ; and I befeech God abundantly to reward my 
 Lord Treafurer, who inclined her to be thus gratious 
 to me, and give him a plentiful meafure of wifdom 
 from above. 
 
 " My Lord, lett it not fhock your native modefty, 
 if I make this juft acknowledgement, y t though y e fenfe 
 of her Majefty's favour in y e penfion is defervedly 
 great, yett, her choofing you for my fucceflbr gave me 
 much more fatisfaction ; as my concerne for y e eternal 
 welfare of y e flock exceeded all regard for my own 
 temporall advantage, being as truely confcious of my 
 own infirmitys, as I am afiured of your excellent abi- 
 litys, of w ch y e diocefe, even at your firft appearance, 
 fignally reaped y e fruits. God of his infinite goodnefs 
 keep us in his reverential love, and make us wife for 
 eternity. 
 
 " My Lord, 
 Your Lordihip's moft affectionate 
 Friend & Brother, 
 "June 1, 1704." Tho. Ken. L. B. & W." # 
 
 (late Bath and Wells.) 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken, by Round, p. 78. 
 
1704] Bifhop of Bath a?td Wells. 465 
 
 It was now fourteen years fince Ken had been de- 
 prived. The fudden grant of £200 per annum to 
 one who had only £80 before, was a great acceflion. 
 But Bifhop Hooper would not allow him to Cf give it 
 all away, which he was fo charitable as to be always 
 doing ; fo that his habit was mean, and a poor horfe * 
 to carry him about, which made Hooper entreat him 
 to lay out fomething for himfelf ; and from that time 
 he appeared in every thing according to his condi- 
 tion." f 
 
 Every little incident on record of the good Bifhop 
 furniihes a proof of the general love and reverence he 
 had conciliated. " The Queen's penfion was honour- 
 ably and constantly paid every year by Mr. Taylor, of 
 the Treafury, to Bifhop Hooper, who as foon as he 
 appeared there, had it immediately put into his hand, 
 rolled up in paper, for he never waited longer than to 
 receive Bifhop Ken's compliments, and acknowledge- 
 ments to him for the exactnefs of the payments. And 
 to do juftice to this gentleman, it is right to fay that 
 when Bifhop Hooper offered one day to make him a 
 prefent of fifty guineas, ready done up to put in his 
 hands, as from Bifhop Ken (who knew nothing of it) 
 he would not by any means take it, but with tears 
 faid, c God forbid he mould ever take any thing from 
 that good man, for he was but doing his duty.' " \ 
 
 * " It would appear from a paffage in one of his letters, that after 
 this grant he kept an additional horfe to take him on his journies : 
 but this was probably as forry a fixed as the other, for on one occa- 
 fion we find them both laid up, fo that he was prevented coming to 
 Long Leat." Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 101. 
 
 f Prowfc's MS. Life of Hooper. f Ibid. 
 
 H H 
 
466 Life of Thomas Ken, [1704 
 
 There was in all that Hooper did the favour of a 
 fweet and obliging temper. Of this we might give 
 many remarkable inftances ; and it is difficult to fay 
 which of the two friends through life had manifested 
 the more exemplary and difinterefted love for the 
 other. Their attachment began in the warmth of 
 youth ; and for fifty years was conftantly matured by 
 an anfwering refpect and confidence. 
 
 " Our love, which at Heaven's gate firft mutual grew, 
 God here below took pleafure to renew ; 
 In Heav'n it will to confummation foar, 
 We then fhall ne'er be feparated more." * 
 
 * Ken's Poems, vol. ii. p. 290. 
 
1707] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 467 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 Refemblance of Ken, in fome particulars of his life, to St. Gre- 
 gory of Nazianzen. Ken's Poems — Death of Frampton, 
 
 Bijhop of Gloucefler : his Characler. 
 
 F the reader has felt an intereft in Ken's 
 previous life, dedicated, as it was, to 
 God's fervice, and to the alleviating of 
 others' woes, he will be prepared to 
 fympathize with him in the anguifh he had to endure, 
 in his own perfon, as he verged towards the grave. 
 Alas ! his infirmities were increasing upon him : he 
 fuffered from the rheumatifm, the cholic, and an in- 
 ternal ulcer, that caufed him perpetual agony. 
 
 In this, as in feveral other refpects, his life and cha- 
 racter remind us of Gregory of Nazianzum. We may 
 hardly venture to compare a Confeflbr of modern times 
 with the illustrious St. Gregory, who was an ornament 
 of the Church in the time of the Council of Con- 
 stantinople. But in a like fpirit, though with unequal 
 fteps, he followed in the fame path of holinefs. Both 
 defpifed riches, except as the means of doing good : 
 they employed their revenues in fupplying themfelves 
 with bare necerTaries for an abftemious and flender 
 fubfiftence, and difpofed of the remainder in behalf of 
 the poor. Both were pre-eminent in their day for an 
 intimate knowledge of the holy Scriptures : both left 
 behind them monuments of Christian eloquence : the 
 
468 Life of Thomas Ken, [1707 
 
 greater praife of each was a fervent love of God and 
 man, which prompted them in their felf-denying and 
 laborious lives. 
 
 St. Gregory was afflicted with many fharp fits of 
 fkknefs, which often did not permit him to fleep. Ken 
 thus defcribes his own fufferings : 
 
 " Pain keeps me waking in the night ; 
 I longing lie for morning light : 
 Methinks the fluggifh Sun 
 Forgets he this day's courfe muft run. 
 Oh ! heavenly torch, why this delay 
 In giving us our wonted day ? 
 I feel my watch,* I tell the clock, 
 I hear each crowing of the cock. 
 Sweet eafe, Oh whither art thou fled ? 
 With one fhort flumber eafe my head. 
 My curtain oft I draw away, 
 Eager to fee the morning ray ; 
 But when the morning gilds the fkies, 
 The morning no relief fupplies. 
 To me, alas ! the morning light 
 Is as afflidlive as the night." 
 
 St. Gregory was bent with age, his countenance 
 worn with tears and aufterities, his poor garb, and his 
 extreme indigence made but a mean outward mow. 
 So it was with Ken. Both were deprived of their Bi- 
 fhoprics. St. Gregory feeing the great ferment of his 
 enemies againfl: him, cried out in the afTembly, <f If 
 my holding the diocefe gives any difturbance, behold, 
 I am willing, like Jonas, to be caft into the fea to ap- 
 peafe the ftorm, though I did not raife it. If all fol- 
 
 * " His watch was purpofely fo contrived, as that he could by his 
 finger difcover the time, to half a quarter of an hour." — Ken's 
 Poems, vol. iii. p. 396. Note. 
 
1707] Bijljop of Bath a?id Wells. 469 
 
 lowed my example, the Church would enjoy an unin- 
 terrupted tranquillity. This dignity I never defired ; 
 I took the charge upon me much againft my will. If 
 you think fit, I am ready to depart -, and I will return 
 back to my little cottage, that you may remain here 
 quiet, and the Church of God enjoy peace. / only de- 
 fire that the fee may be filled by a per/on that is capable 
 and willing to defend the faith ." * In the fame fpirit 
 let Ken fpeak for himfelf : 
 
 " Blefs'd Gregory, with proud noify Prelates tir'd, 
 
 Whole anti-chriftian fpite his fall confpir'd, 
 
 Thus fpake : ' Tho' I from railing ftorms am free, 
 
 Yet if you think my fate will calm the lea, 
 
 I'll gladly be your Jonah, throw me o'er, 
 
 And to the Church a peaceful calm reftore.' 
 
 I'd gladly too be offer'd to the wave, 
 
 So I the Church might by my ruin fave. 
 
 'Twill waft me on to Heav'n, or quiet made, 
 
 In either, — Hymn is the employment made. 
 
 I, crufh'd by ftate decree, and griev'd with pain, 
 
 The Paft'ral toil unable to fuftain, 
 
 More gladly off the hallow'd burthen make, 
 
 Than I at firft the weight did undertake, 
 
 And fhall rejoice, when linking to my grave, 
 
 That my dear Iheep a worthier Ihepherd have ; 
 
 That, living, I had buried Paft'ral care, 
 
 And for my laft was freer to prepare." 
 
 The Saint took leave of the city of Constantinople 
 in a pathetic addrefs, delivered in the Metropolitan 
 Church, before an incredible number of people : In 
 like manner Ken departed from Wells. St. Gregory 
 concluded in thefe words, " my dear children, preferve 
 the depofitum of Faith, and remember the ftones which 
 
 * Butler's Lives of the Saints, vol. i. pp. 594—603. 
 
47° Life of Thomas Ken, i l 1°l 
 
 have been thrown at me, becaufe I planted it in your 
 hearts." Ken exprefTes the fame anxious love for his 
 people, when he fays : — 
 
 " To his dear flock when Greg'ry bad adieu, 
 He warn'd them vow baptifmal to renew, — • 
 And rather die glad Martyrs at the flake, 
 Than the Depofltum he left forfake. 
 With like, though with inferior facred heat, 
 The fame requeft I to my flock repeat. 
 Wolves on the vitals of their Faith will prey, 
 Their fafety is their Shepherd to obey." 
 
 St. Gregory was tenderly affected in abandoning his 
 flock, his own converts efpecially. They followed him 
 weeping and entreating him to abide with them. He 
 was not infenfible to their tears ; but motives of greater 
 weight obliged him not to regard them on this occa- 
 sion : an exactly parallel cafe with our Bifhop. Gre- 
 gory left to Ken a full juftification and example, when 
 he quitted the public worfhip of the Church, and re- 
 tired into folitude. Here he had a garden, a foun- 
 tain, and a fhady grove, in which he took much de- 
 light : he lived in company with certain folitaries, 
 eftranged from pleafures, and in the practice of bodily 
 mortification, fatting, watching and praying much on 
 his knees. He fays Cf we have fed the poor, we have 
 ferved our brethren, we have fung the pfalms with 
 cheerfulnefs. If we are no longer permitted to con- 
 tinue this, let us employ our devotion fome other way. 
 Grace is not barren, and opens different ways to Hea- 
 ven. Let us live in retirement; let us occupy our- 
 felves in contemplation ; let us purify ourfelves by the 
 light of God." 
 
 In this retirement Gregory fet himfelf to write de- 
 
1707] Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 471 
 
 votional poems, for the edification of fuch as delighted 
 in mufic and poetry. They are full of ardent love, 
 and prayers to our BlefTed Saviour to aflift him. 
 Ken's "Preparations for Death," "Anodynes of Pain," 
 " Hymns for all the Feftivals in the Year," and his 
 11 Songs on Jefus," though far inferior in beauty as 
 compofitions, breathe the fame fpirit of love and piety. 
 He thus, with all becoming modefty,, compares him- 
 felf to the great Bifhop of Constantinople. 
 
 " Blefs'd Gregory, whofe Patriarchal height 
 Shed on the Eaftern fphere celeftial light, 
 To Nazienzum flew, dethron'd by rage, 
 And fpent in fongs divine his drooping age. 
 I, if the leaft may with the greateft dare, 
 In grief, not gifts or graces, to compare, 
 Forc'd from my flock by uncanonick heat, 
 In flnging hymns thus folace my retreat. 
 
 " Blefs'd Gregory, with pain and ficknefs griev'd, 
 His fpirit oft with fongs devout reliev'd : 
 And while on Hymns his meditation dwelt, 
 Devotion fweeten'd ev'ry pang he felt. 
 Pain haunting me, I court the facred mufe, 
 Verfe is the only Laudanum I ufe. 
 Eas'd of my facred load, I live content; 
 In Hymn, not in difpute, my paflion vent. 
 
 " Blefs'd Gregory to facred verfe configned 
 The laft efforts of his immortal mind, 
 Thofe poems, loftieft profpedls have difclos'd, 
 On brink of bright eternity compos'd. 
 I the fmall dol'rous remnant of my days 
 Devote to hymn my great Redeemer's praife. 
 And nearer as I draw t'ward heavenly Reft, 
 The more I love th' employment of the bleft." * 
 
 * The Works of the Right Reverend, Learned, and Pious Tho- 
 mas Ken, D. D. late Lord Bifhop of Bath and Wells. 4 vols. 8vo. 
 1721. 
 
472 Life of Thomas Ken, [1707 
 
 In an age of criticifm and refinement, enriched with 
 the inheritance left to us by our poets, from Dryden 
 downwards, through a century and a half, Ken's verfe 
 will perhaps find few admirers. We are fo accuftomed 
 to the " elegance, facility, and golden cadence of po- 
 efy," * that no energy of thought, or genuine influences 
 of the heart, will compenfate for the want of fmooth- 
 flowing numbers. With a natural and ample vein of 
 imagination, he was deficient in the efTentials of pleaf- 
 ing, fonorous, and varying verfe, thofe eafy rhythms, 
 fo grateful to the ear, — that metrical expreffion, which 
 fprings, as by mfHnct, to embody the poet's exuberant 
 flow of thought and feeling. Although we might 
 have looked for thefe in the author of the Morning, 
 Evening, and Midnight Hymns, his poems often ex- 
 hibit ill-regulated and turgid flights, beyond the limits 
 of tafte. Even amid heavenly images, we are per- 
 plexed by an uncouth admixture of harm common- 
 place paffages, that encumber the brighter virions of 
 his mind. Yet his volumes contain many effuflons of 
 pathos, and of the higheft range of poetry. His heart 
 was ever {training up to heaven, kindled by a fpark 
 of holy fire, more vivid than his pen had power to ex- 
 prefs in verfe. If, inftead of thofe poetical effays, he 
 had given us his meditations in the emphatic profe of 
 his " Practice of Divine Love," and tf Winchefter Ma- 
 nual," we mould have had a treafure of devotional ex- 
 ercifes for all time. To tefl this we need only clear 
 fome of his numerous hymns, and other poems, of 
 their unharmonious numbers, and we find at once a 
 
 * Shakefpeare. Love's Labour Loft, aft iv. fc. 2. 
 
1707] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 473 
 
 ftore of the richeft thoughts of a devout foul, breath- 
 ing its afpirations to the God of prayer. 
 
 We have feen how, in his earlier days, he fung his 
 own hymns to his viol, thus dedicating his loved re- 
 creations of mufic and poetry to the one object of his 
 life, the glory of the Redeemer. Now amid the lan- 
 guid hours of fuffering, and the infirmities of age, they 
 were ftill his conftant folace ; he was like " the pale 
 faint fwan, who chants a doleful hymn to his own 
 death." * Loving his memory as we do, we rejoice 
 in the thought that he had fuch fweet anodynes of pain, 
 and that they have been handed down to us, even with 
 all their faults, for the comfort of other afflicted fouls. 
 
 Ken was not unconfcious that cenfures would be 
 pafled on his effufions in verfe. His poetical Epiftle 
 to the Reader may be thus rendered ; "when at hours 
 relieved from anguifh, I quietly read over my fongs, 
 fung to enfeeble the infults of pain, I doom them to the 
 flames ; yet when I have decreed them to the funeral 
 pile, the paternal yearnings plead in their favour. Like 
 a father who loves his deformed and blind child, my 
 fondnefs prevails over the impartial {enk of their de- 
 fects. Reflecting how heaven porTefTed my foul when 
 I poured out my fongs of praife, I hoped they might 
 ferve to warm others, as well as myfelf. Thus they 
 gained a reprieve, and a licenfe to appear : but not 
 till after my death, when no cenfures can difturb my 
 reft in the grave. Critics may condemn my poetry, 
 as Michal reproached King David, when he danced 
 before the Ark ; " 
 
 * Shakefpeare. King John, aft v. fc. 7. 
 
474 Life of Thomas Ken, [1707 
 
 " But the good King reply'd with Saint-like grace, 
 For God I gladly will myfelf debafe. 
 Thus I, to light one fpark of Love divine 
 In faithful fouls, no cenfure will decline." 
 
 One of the happy afylums to which Ken loved to 
 refort, as fC a retirement into the defert, out of the 
 noife and hurry of the world," * was Nairn Houfe, at 
 Portifhead, fome fix miles from Briftol. There dwelt 
 two maiden ladies, of the name of Kemeyfe, fC who 
 reverenced him for his great piety and charity. \ He 
 was a fort of ghoftly father to them," " exercifing all the 
 holy charitable offices flowing from the dyiuu xoivwiot,^ 
 and efpecially in fervent interceflion with God, in be- 
 halfe of the poore, harrafTed, and afflicted clergy and 
 others." His letters make frequent mention of thefe 
 <f good virgins," in whofe religious fociety he fpent 
 much of his time, efpecially in winter and during 
 Lent. He calls the houfe " a kind of nunnery, where 
 I ufually abide in my Lord Weymouth's abfence."§ 
 His reafon for being there at Chriftmas was " to make 
 a retreat from the feflivities of a Palace (Longleat) 
 open to all comers of fafhion and quality."! 
 
 His friend, Dr. Smith, compares him to <f St. Hie- 
 rome, converting with the devout Ladies at Bethelem, 
 inftructing and confirming their faith, and directing 
 their confciences in the methods of true fpiritual life, 
 and influencing their foules with feraphic notions of 
 God, and of Chrift, and of the other world, and efpe- 
 cially by the mod convincing evidence and demonftra- 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 99. f Ibid. p. 71. 
 
 t Ibid. p. 99. § Ibid. p. 95. || Ibid. p. 96. 
 
1707] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 475 
 
 tion of example."* He fpeaks of ff this private feat 
 of the good Ladyes as having a better pretenfe to the 
 title of a Religious Houfe than thofe fo called in Popifh 
 countreys, where fuperftition, opinion of merit, and 
 forced vowes, take off very much from the pure fpirit 
 of devotion, and render their restraint tedious and irk- 
 fome. But thefe good Ladyes are happy under your 
 conduct, and are by an uninterrupted courfe of piety 
 elevated above all the gaudy pompes and vanities of 
 the world, and enjoy all the comforts and fatisfactions, 
 and ferenity of mind, to be wifhed for and attained on 
 this fide of heaven in their folitudes."f 
 
 This is all we can learn of Nairn, and its inmates : 
 it is much to be regretted that Ken did not give a 
 more detailed account of thefe fitters of mercy, after 
 the example of Francis Turner of Ely, who left be- 
 hind him a memoir of Nicholas Ferrar, the devout 
 and benevolent reclufe of Little Gidding. They not 
 only ferved God in their retirement by a continued 
 courfe of devotion, but by active benevolence among 
 the furrounding poor, and afflicted. The world is apt 
 to pity the habits of thofe who take no delight in the 
 bufy fchemes, or carelefs pleafures, through which 
 themfelves are hurrying. Whereas the lovers of me- 
 ditation and prayer have the refreshment of commu- 
 nion with the unfeen world, which only themfelves can 
 know. Numberlefs pafiages in Ken's Poems mow 
 how fully he realized that Article of the Catholic 
 Faith, the cc Communion of Saints," as received in the 
 Englim Church. One may fuffice : 
 
 Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 96. f Ibid. p. 96. 
 
476 Life of Thomas Ken, [1708 
 
 " Blefs'd Spirits, you and we 
 Make one celeftial family ; 
 
 One Father we revere, 
 To one fraternal Love adhere, 
 
 You are in a happy ftate, 
 Our blifs is only inchoate : 
 O may we, ftrangers here, this world repell, 
 And with our heavenly brethren chiefly dwell : 
 
 " Though in your bounded fphere, 
 You cannot iingle vot'ries hear, 
 
 And we in no diftrefs 
 To fingle Saints make our addrefs ; 
 
 Yet if, like you, we heed 
 The Saints' Communion in our Creed, 
 We of each other's ftate have gen'ral view, 
 
 YOU PRAY FOR US, AND WE GIVE THANKS FOR YOU." 
 
 Ken's Poems, vol. i. p. 406. 
 
 Robert Frampton, the deprived Bifhop of Gloucef- 
 ter, died in 1708. Of this good man we have fo few 
 memorials, it would have been difficult to give even a 
 glimpfe of his character, but for fome original letters 
 in Dr. Williams's Collection. Thefe exhibit the cou- 
 rageous fpirit of a Confeflbr to the truth, with a cheer- 
 fulnefs, which nothing could damp. If we are to be- 
 lieve his own modeft account of himfelf, he was neither 
 greatly learned, nor gifted with remarkable talents, 
 having cc nothing befides a little popular oratory, and 
 a fprinkling in the tongues as little." His life appears 
 to have been diftinguifhed by no particular events to 
 ftrike or dazzle a bufy world. We find no biography 
 of him, no record of any one work, pamphlet, fermon, 
 or broad meet, that he ever committed to the prefs. 
 All we know is that, not being able confcientioufly to 
 abfolve himfelf from the oath he had taken to James, 
 
1708] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 477 
 
 he was ejected from his Bifhopric. Freely choofing 
 poverty as his lot, rather than change his allegiance to 
 his exiled King, he retired privately to a country vil- 
 lage, where he lived to a great age in the full exercife 
 of the prieftly offices, in the bofom of the Anglican 
 Church, and gave no trouble, nor entered into contro- 
 verfy with any one. Anthony Wood beftows two 
 epithets upon him, — " the moft religious, and con- 
 fcientious Dr. Robert Frampton:" a fhort, but ex- 
 preffive character. He forfook houfes and land — his 
 palace and his See, for Chrift's fake, who hath promifed 
 in return cc an hundred fold, and the inheritance of ever- 
 lafiing life? 
 
 He was near 60 years of age, when Charles II. pro- 
 pofed to confecrate him to the See of Gloucester. One 
 half of his revenues had always been dedicated to cha- 
 ritable ufes : although he had held the Deanery of 
 Gloucester for feven years, he was fo poor that, in a 
 letter to the Bifhop of Norwich, he expreSTes an alarm 
 left the expenfe of taking the Bifhopric ihould expofe 
 him to beggary, and his poor relations be reduced to 
 the fame peril alfo. After pleading his infirmities, and 
 other reafons againft it, he fays, " My Lord, I do not 
 write thefe things out of morofenefs, fullennefTe, ill 
 nature, ambition of fomething higher than what is 
 offered, or covetoufneffe of fomething more profitable, 
 or crafty defire to be further courted to this. God is 
 my witneffe, 'tis none of thefe things, nor any elfe of 
 ill afpect, but fuch an honeft and impartiall eftimate as 
 I have, and ought to make of myfelfe, at fuch a con- 
 juncture. Nor will I belye mine innocence or affection 
 to the Church of Chrift, or to his facred Majefty. I 
 
47 8 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1708 
 
 hope by God's grace I mall be ready to lay down my 
 life for either, when need requires. My great fear is 
 my incapacity : for let me tell you freely, my Lord, 
 that befides a little popular oratory, and a fprinkling in 
 the tongues as little, I have nothing elfe to recommend 
 me to this or any other employment. None of thofe 
 depths of knowledge in the Councils, Fathers, fchool- 
 men, Church Hiftory, &c. which are effential to fuch 
 a dignity, efpecially in fuch diffracted tymes as our's 
 are. 
 
 " 'Tis Chriftmas day, and though my pen be flip- 
 pery on this occafion I reftrain it : only I call God to 
 witnefle, and that Holy. Sacrament which I have this 
 day received myfelfe, and adminiftered to others, that 
 the premifes are all true. I pray you to confider them 
 ferioufly ; the Shunamite's motto and mine are one ; 
 < Shall I fpeake for thee,' faith Elifha, f to the King, 
 or to the Captain of the hoft ? ' c I dwell,' faith fhe, 
 8 among my own people.' Soe would I, if I might ; 
 and hope that foe I fhall. If not, I am fure I have 
 dealt as an honeft man mould doe. 
 
 <f Craving your Lordfhipp's blefling, I humbly kiffe 
 your hands, and am 
 
 Your LordP s - moft dutyful Son and Servant, 
 
 " Gloufter, Dec. 25, 80." ROBERT FraMPTON." 
 
 When the Revolution was brought about, and he, 
 as a Non-juror, was to give place to another Bifhop, 
 his deprival occafioned him no perfonal concern : he 
 laid down his paftoral ftaff in the fame calm and happy 
 fpirit with which he had received it. Dr. Edward 
 Fowler was appointed his fuccefTor. They were old 
 
1708] Bifiop of Bath and Wells. 479 
 
 friends, and Frampton, who was a fimple hearted man, 
 felt no refentment againft him. But, that he might 
 not feem to acquiefTe in the uncanonical act of his 
 ejectment, he left his fervant in the palace at Glou- 
 cefter, with orders to remain until he was forced away. 
 Having fo far entered his proteft, he retired in peace 
 to Avening, where he was permitted to live in the 
 Parfonage Houfe. Marshall fays, <f the good old Bi- 
 fhop of Gloucefter conftantly attended the Church, 
 which he held in Commendam with his Bifhopric, 
 often catechized the children in the afternoon of Sun- 
 days, and expounded the fermon which had been 
 preached in the morning by another perfon.* c< In fact 
 he never forfook the public afTemblies, nor ever would 
 be induced to look upon the national Church as fchif- 
 matical."f 
 
 So little did he perfonally regret the lofs of his 
 Bifhopric that, when Fowler was known to be his fuc- 
 ceflbr, a friendly correfpondence paffed between them. 
 Bifhop Lloyd, hearing this, taxed him with voluntarily 
 yielding up the Depofitum : he wrote, therefore, to 
 explain exactly what had paffed : "As for the letters 
 between me and Dr. Fowler, this is the account. He 
 wrote to me about his election, his great unwillingneffe 
 to accept, his care to prevent, and mighty griefe when 
 he could not doe it. I to him thus, * My moft deare 
 friend, for now I may call you foe more juftly than 
 ever, when you have got, and I loft, all : ' adding that 
 I believed what he wrote concerning his uneafinefTe, 
 
 * Defence of our Conftitution, 1 7 1 7, 8vo. p. 165. 
 f Character of a Primitive Bifhop, p. 147. 
 
480 Life ^Thomas Ken, [1708 
 
 becaufe by word of mouth, and in writing, he had af- 
 fured me that he would never take what I loft : and 
 that though / would never make a voluntary refignation, 
 and liked noe more than Q^ Elizabeth to heare of a 
 fuccefTor, yet if he muft be the man, I would not 
 repine, provided that he did his utmoft to fuppreiTe, 
 i ft - Atheifm and prophanenefs ; 2 ndl y- that wicked fpirit 
 of Fanaticifme, which would never be at reft till it had 
 ruined Church and State : 3 rdI y> that the poifon of So- 
 cinianifme, which had not yet reach't thefe parts, might 
 never do it, noe not by his connivance, much lefTe his 
 approbation. To which he replied in a great diftem- 
 per ; and I again as pleafantly. This is all as to that 
 affaire."* 
 
 The following playful letter to Lloyd defcribes the 
 entry of the intruding Bifhop into Gloucefter : 
 
 " Honeft John, 
 " Our new Bifhop came downe about a weeke fince, 
 and had not his unfeafonable modefty hindered it, by 
 coming in the night, we had had as great a noyfe with 
 our bels and bonfires as you have had upon another 
 occafion. But what was wanting in folemnity he him- 
 felf made up by his preaching, Sunday was fen'ight, 
 on thefe words, c Swear not at all J by which he proved 
 very learnedly the neceflity of that late oath, and the 
 great guilt of thofe that refufe it. 
 
 " All therefore was very well, fave only that Satan 
 himfelfe, as fome thinke, or fome of his inftruments, 
 threw a ftone through the window towards the pulpit, 
 which is yet to be feen ; but to noe purpofe, for the 
 preacher went on, and the people fate ftill. 
 
 * Dr. Williams's MSS. Collection. 
 

 1708] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 481 
 
 "We had good hopes that our quondam Bifhop 
 [meaning himfelf ] on the arrival of his fucceflbr, coad- 
 jutor, locum tenens, or whatever other title he ought to 
 have, would have come to towne prefently, or a little 
 while after, to have bid him welcome, and wifh him 
 all joy, as is cuftomary, you know, and natural in fuch 
 cafes. But he is the fame morofe, fullen, ill-natured 
 man (for which he is fo juftly hated) as heretofore : 
 for he neither comes, nor fends, neither letter nor good- 
 handfell, nor any other thing, as Lordfhips in fuch 
 cafes are bound to doe ; and yet lives but five miles 
 from the place, which makes it look fcurvily. 
 
 <f I would you, or fome others, that are friends to 
 peace, and brotherly love, would by your letters try 
 to cure him [Frampton /'. e.~\ of that frowardneffe, 
 which makes him the moft unfociable creature in the 
 world : for he is as rough as a beare to us, if we doe 
 but touch him ; in fhort we may as fafely take up an 
 hedgehog with our naked hands, when his briftles are 
 all up on ranke and file together. 
 
 " And yet notwithftanding thefe great demerits, the 
 
 new-come good man, as he is, fent him word but yef- 
 
 terday that he was infinitely troubled to take his place, 
 
 and would joyfully quit it againe, if Sir John Surly 
 
 would but make himfelfe capable of renaming it. In 
 
 fhort we know not well which to admire moft, the 
 
 fweetnefTe of the one, or the fournefTe of the other. 
 
 You are utterly miftaken, if you looke for any more 
 
 at prefent from te v , r , , . 
 
 r {f Your s, fuch as he is, 
 
 "Oa. 19th, 1791." N. G. T. W."* 
 
 (" Not Gloucester to wit.") 
 
 * Dr. Williams's MS. Colle&ion. 
 I I 
 
482 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1708 
 
 Lloyd fent this letter to Sancroft, who fays, " I re- 
 turn you with thanks the pleafant Epiftle of our dear 
 Brother, who in truth is as very an apwv as ever old 
 Socrates was, and a better philofopher, and infinitely a 
 better man. If he that is to go to York had the pe- 
 rufall of it, it might convince him that we are not all 
 peevifh and morofe, and ill natur'd ; but that fome of 
 us enjoy as great calm and ferenity as they in their 
 ill-gotten grandeur." * 
 
 Many years after his deprival (in February, 1699) 
 writing to Bifhop Lloyd, Frampton mentions having 
 fuftained a lofs of 3 ^o/. formerly lent to a faithlefs 
 friend who would not now repay him. " But God's 
 will be done on me and mine ; this lofTe fhall never 
 break my heart, or fleep, or that peace of mind which 
 I enjoy, and hope ftill to enjoy through His mercy. 
 The fame mercy keep you, my dear Brother, from 
 fuch difafters, and give you comfort in all things. But 
 what comfort can you or I take in any earthly thing, 
 when the name and honour and dignity of our deare 
 Saviour is foe vilified by lewd wretches and apoftates 
 in London : as I hear it is by two letters thence. The 
 weather is wondrous cold, and if the faid rafcals, or 
 abettors, want a fire in Smithfield, let 'em fend for 
 me to make them one ; by God's grace I would in 
 death itfelfe owne, and glorifie, what they deride. Fare- 
 well, my deareft. Pray for 
 
 " Yours unfeignedly and for ever, 
 
 Robert Frampton Gloucester." j" 
 
 * Dr. Williams's MS. Colleftion. f Ibid. 
 
1708] Bifhop of Bath a?2cl Wells. 483 
 
 Ken and Frampton, fufFering in the fame caufe, kept 
 up their friendly intercourfe. Ken defcribes to Lloyd 
 a vifit he paid to him at Avening in 1703. He calls 
 him fc our good brother of Gloucefter, who was not a 
 little joyed to fee me. He is very cheerful, and being 
 paft eighty does not only daily expedt, but, like St. 
 Paul, longs for his diffolution. He has many infirmi- 
 ties of old age, but his eyes are very good, and he 
 ufes no fpectacles. With all the tendernefs imaginable 
 he remembers your Lordfhip."* About the fame 
 time Frampton gives the following account of himfelf, 
 in anfwer to the friendly enquiries of Lloyd. 
 
 " My good Lord and deareft Brother : 
 " Behold here, in pure obedience to your Lp' s will, a 
 letter from me, fuch an one as it is, and may well be 
 fuppofed to be, when I am not only fuperannuated, 
 having pafTed my fourfcorth yeare, and mightily bur- 
 thened with fuch infirmityes as foe great an age may be 
 fuppofed to be. 
 
 " But be thefe things as they will, or rather as my 
 good Maker pleafeth, it is not in the power of tyme, 
 or outward accidents, to alter y e inward difpofition of 
 my foule, God be bleiTed for it, and by his grace it 
 never mall be. Noe, I love Him above all things with 
 my whole heart and foule — next to Him all good men 
 and women in y e world, becaufe they beare his image. 
 Efpecially my noble friends, fuch as your good L d P and 
 y e two moft Honourable perfons whom you mention. 
 I hate noe one perfon in the world, not thofe that have 
 
 * Profe Works of Ken by Round, p. 60. 
 
484 Life of Thomas Ken, [1708 
 
 done me moft wrong. Am as content as any man 
 alive can be, want nothing that is neceflary, though 
 my fuperfluityes are parled away. Alfo am willing to 
 leave this world, foe foon as my bleffed Maker pleafeth. 
 Only forry that I cannot lay down my life by way of 
 martyrdome for His fake. Pray you for me that my 
 exit hence, and my being for ever after, may be happy 
 to me. 
 
 " This I pray for you, for them, and for all others. 
 Farewell. Yours moft unfeignedly 
 "May 12, 1703. Robert Frampton, once B. G. 
 
 " I daily afke God's pardon for w l hath bin amifTe 
 in my life, and would do it day by day, if I were to 
 live a thoufand years more." 
 
 Such was Bifhop Frampton. Unwavering ftedfaft- 
 nefs of Faith was his ftrength : fimple minded, and care- 
 ful for his flock, he never placed them in any difficulty, 
 but kept them true to the Church, though they were 
 under the rule of an intruder. In this he followed 
 the example of many eminent primitive Biihops, who 
 made every perfonal facrifice to prevent the difturb- 
 ance of unity. His cheerful and benevolent difpofi- 
 tion, blending with a Chriftian boldnefs, was fo kin- 
 dred to the temper of Ken, we cannot wonder they 
 mould have fuch an efteem for each other, as their 
 letters exprefs. The circumftances of Ken's earlier 
 life had brought his natural gifts and powers into more 
 prominent view, and placed him in a wider range of 
 ufefulnefs. But Frampton was in heart and act an 
 equally devoted confeflbr to the facred caufe of his 
 Heavenly Mafter. 
 
i7 io] Bijhop of Bath and Wells,. 485 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 Ken furvives all the other deprived Bijhops. Controversy among 
 the Nonjurors. Ken recommends all to conform to the Church. 
 Hickes and others refufe. 
 
 Y the death of Lloyd, Bifhop of Nor- 
 wich, on the 1 ft of January, 1710, Ken 
 was left the only deprived Bifhop. 
 Having long fince acquiefced in Hoop- 
 er's fucceffion, and fo often expreffed a defire that the 
 fchifm fhould be healed, no one could doubt he would 
 ufe his influence to bring back the nonjurors to the 
 Church. Hitherto the whole party, or as Dodwell 
 calls them, cr our little flock," had agreed in afTerting 
 the fpiritual rights of the deprived, and many had ab- 
 ftained from holding communion with their rival Bi- 
 fhops, or the clergy who adhered to them. But now, 
 if Ken mould abfolutely forego his epifcopal rights, 
 there could be no ground for continuing the fepa- 
 ration. This was the opinion of Dodwell, Nelfon, 
 Brokefby, and others, becaufe as there were no longer 
 any difpoflefTed Bifhops, they who had been appointed 
 to their fees, though originally fchifmatical, were now 
 valid : they had been nulli, becaufe Jecundi ; but this 
 nullity having ceafed, it was the duty of all to acknow- 
 ledge their authority. " There will now," fays Dod- 
 well, " be no feconds, but only fingle perfons, in actual 
 pofleflion of the epifcopal jurifdictions, whereof no 
 
486 Life of Thomas Ken, [171° 
 
 more than one at once can be lawfully pofTefTed. Here, 
 therefore, there can be no fchifm, where there is no 
 altar againft altar." * 
 
 On the other hand, Hickes, WagftafFe, Collier, and 
 Brett, held that the new Bifhops, having once violated 
 the principles of the Church, in accepting the fees of 
 the deprived, were unworthy of truft : they had been 
 guilty of fchifm, and fo rendered themfelves incapable. 
 In the fenfe of the primitive Church any overt act of 
 fchifm needs no judicial fentence of deprivation : from 
 that time forward they ceafed to be true Bifhops. 
 Having been deftroyers of the unity of the Spirit, they 
 thereby loft all their rights. In order to the recovering 
 of their forfeited unity, they muft make an acknow- 
 ledgment of error, and be reftored by confent of the 
 Church. Therefore until they made fatisfaction, and 
 publicly renounced the doctrines by which they had 
 maintained the fchifm, and obtained reconciliation, they 
 were not to be accounted as in communion. In fhort 
 they were to confefs themfelves to have been intruders, 
 and the deceafed Bifhops to have been the only right- 
 ful pofTefTors of the fees, and wrongfully deprived for 
 maintaining true Catholic doctrine. If they would 
 not do this, all who would keep clear of fchifm and 
 herefy ought to refufe to communicate with them.'j' 
 
 In the courfe of this new controverfy, which like 
 moft others led to fome fharp reproaches on both fides, 
 and perfonal reflections, it came to be generally known 
 that Hickes and WagftafFe had been appointed by 
 
 * Dodwell's "Cafe in View," p. 28. 
 
 f The Conftitution of the Catholic Church, and the nature and 
 confequences of Schifm, confidered. 1716, 8vo. 
 
1 7 1 o] BiJJjop of Bath and Wells . 487 
 
 Lloyd as his fuffragans to Thetford and Ipfwich. This 
 fact had till now been carefully concealed, for fear the 
 parties might incur the penalty of the law. Dodwell 
 and his friends, who maintained that the original fchifm 
 was at an end, denied the validity of the clandeftine 
 confecrations. If Lloyd, before his deprival, had no 
 authority to appoint fuffragans, he could have ftill lefs 
 afterwards, when another was in pofTeflion of his fee. 
 There was no evidence brought forward to authenti- 
 cate thefe confecrations : Hickes and Wagftaffe had 
 not been put into pofTeflion of any particular church, 
 nor advanced any claim of jurifdiclion. They did not 
 even now do fo : all they pretended to was a fpiritual 
 fucceffion. Yet they held that {f the true Church Re- 
 gent, or College of Bimops, and the true Church of 
 England depending upon it, are in the little, and faith- 
 ful — fuffering number, and will be in thofe, who regu- 
 larly fucceed them in the royal priefthood, unto the 
 end of the world." * The claim was imaginary — the 
 prophecy unfulfilled, as the event proved. 
 
 Ken did not embark in thefe difcuMions : but his fen- 
 timents were promptly expreffed in action. Within ten 
 days after the death of Lloyd, he received a letter from 
 Dodwell, to fay that it was now in his power to free, 
 not only his own diocefe, but the whole national church, 
 from the fchifm, introduced by filling the fees of the 
 deprived Bimops : he therefore requefted him to de- 
 clare whether he fo far claimed his rights, as to juftify 
 the continuance of feparate communions on his ac- 
 
 Conftitution of the Catholic Church, p. 103. 
 
488 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [1710 
 
 count. * His anfwer was, " In that you are pleafed to 
 afk me, whether I infift on my epifcopal claims ? my 
 anfwer is that I do not : and that I have no reafon to 
 infift on it, in regard that I made ceffion to my prefent 
 moft worthy fuccefTor ; who came into the fold by my 
 free confent and approbation. As for any clandeftine 
 claim, my judgment was always againft it ; and I had 
 nothing to do with it, forefeeing that it would perpe- 
 tuate a fchifm, which I found very afflicting to good 
 people fcattered in the country, where they could have 
 no divine offices performed. I was always tender of 
 the peace of the Church, efpecially in this age of irre- 
 ligion ; I always thought that multitudo peccantium 
 might juftify fome relaxation of canonical ftrictnefs." f 
 
 Robert Nelfon wrote to afk the fame queftion, and 
 Ken replied, " in regard to the clandeftine confecra- 
 tions, I was always againft them, as I forefaw they 
 would perpetuate the fchifm, and declared againft the 
 practice, and had acted accordingly, and would not 
 have it laid at my door, having made a recefs for a 
 much more worthy perfon. I apprehend it was always 
 the judgment of my brethren, that the death of the 
 canonical Bifhops would render the invaders canonical, 
 in regard fchifm is not to be always." J 
 
 Thefe anfwers determined the majority of Nonjurors 
 to return to the bofom of the Church. Nelfon and 
 Dodwell, of whom the former was always called the 
 "pious Mr. Nelfon," acted as became lovers of peace; 
 they went to church with their families on the 26th of 
 
 * Marshall's Defence of our Conftitution in Church and State. 
 Appendix ix. 
 
 f Ibid. Appendix xvii. J Ibid. Appendix xv. 
 
1 7 |o] Bifiop of Bath and Wells. 489 
 
 February, 17 10, being the firft Sunday in Lent. We 
 can underftand how joyful the event rauft have been 
 to them. What is our home, what all the pofleffions 
 of the earth, compared with the gladnefs of joining in 
 the public worfhip of God ? The world has nothing 
 it can barter for fuch a privilege. 
 
 "Of all the places here 
 
 None pictures the celeftial lphere 
 
 More than God's houfe of pray'r, 
 When faithful fouls fing praifes there : 
 
 When heav'n and earth confpire 
 In one harmonious hymning Quire. 
 O may we, free from wilful, fenfual taints," 
 Live in communion with fupernal Saints."* 
 
 Mr. Lathbury, j- in his valuable cc Hiftory of the 
 Nonjurors," has elaborately traced the after- wander- 
 ings of thofe who held to the fchifm. Their great 
 leader was Mr. George Hickes, one of the moft eru- 
 dite men of his day. No one better underftood the 
 doctrines, constitution, and difcipline of the church in 
 the pureft ages of Chriftianity, or was more thoroughly 
 perfuaded that the Anglican Church was their moft per- 
 fect example. His writings are principally controver- 
 fial, both in politics and religion. Among thefe laft 
 we have his excellent treatife, Cf Speculum Beati<e Vir- 
 ginis" a cc Vindication of the Church of England," 
 and many others againft the errors of Rome. He was 
 well known to foreigners, as the author of learned 
 works on the language, and antiquities, of the Saxon, 
 Daniih, and other northern nations, in which he was 
 
 * Ken's Poems, vol. i. p. 409. 
 
 f Author alfo of a " Hiftory of the Convocation : " and of '* A 
 Hiftory of the Englifh Epifcopacy, from 1640 to 1662," &c. &c. 
 
490 Life of Thomas Ken, [3710 
 
 profoundly verfed. Yet we fee in him a fignal in- 
 ftance of the wanderings into which many are led, 
 fpite of their learning, and perfonal holinefs ; — how 
 the acutenefs of the human intellect, unconfcioufly 
 prompted by the fympathies of the mind, will draw out 
 finely fpun webs of colourable distinctions, of which 
 men become fo enamoured, as to facrifice the dearefl 
 objects of life, and all their long-formed, and founder!; 
 convictions, rather than compromife one point of their 
 new ftandard of truth. 
 
 Wagftaffe having died in the midft of the contro- 
 verfy, Hickes confidered himfelf the only true Bifhop 
 of England. In order to continue the cc valid fuc- 
 ceflion," he called to his aid two of the non-juring Bi- 
 fhops of Scotland. Thefe three confecrated Collier, 
 Hawes, and Spinckes, to a nominal Epifcopate. It 
 might have been expected that, profeffing a zealous 
 attachment to the facred caufe of unity, they would be 
 ready to forego fomething of their own will to maintain 
 it. But manifold experience mows that, in the infinite 
 diverfities of theological opinion, unity is not to be 
 found on earth. Hickes, Collier, and the others, now 
 began to fee that "The Order of administration of the 
 Holy Communion " in the Church of England was 
 faulty, as it differed from the firft Book of Edward 6th, 
 and was not in accordance with primitive ufage. They 
 would, therefore, reftore the Mixed Cup, the Prayer 
 for the Dead, the Invocation of the Holy Spirit upon 
 the facramental Elements, and the Prayer of Oblation 
 to exprefs that the Eucharift is a Proper Sacrifice. 
 
 Hickes Shortly afterwards died, and Collier took the 
 lead : but his views of the Communion Office were 
 
1 7 1 o] Bifiop of Bath and Wells. 49 1 
 
 oppofed by his two brother Bifhops, Hawes and 
 Spinckes, — alfo by Gandy, Taylor, and Bedford, who 
 afterwards were confecrated to the Non-juring Epifco- 
 pate. On the other hand he was fupported by Brett, 
 the Scotch Bifhop Campbell, and others. To main- 
 tain the foundnefs of his views, Collier publifhed a 
 book, entitled cc Reasons for reftoring fome prayers 
 in the Communion fervice." This was anfwered by 
 " No fufficient Reasons for reftoring," &c. Then 
 came a "Defence of the Reasons." After that, <f No 
 neceffity to alter the Common Prayer, being a full 
 Anfwer to the f Reasons,' " &c. Then followed 
 " The neceffity to alter the Common Prayer, being a 
 Reply to the c No Neceflity, ' with a Vindication of 
 the f Reasons,' and f Defence,' " &c. And ftill the 
 feries proceeded with no fettlement of the queftion in 
 difpute. 
 
 The works of learned Mr. Thomas Brett, who had 
 already entered the lifts, are of extreme intereft. In 
 order to prepare his readers for his arguments in fa- 
 vour of the reftored ufage of Edward 6th, he embodied 
 in his work copies of all the ancient Liturgies,* begin- 
 ning with the Clementine, which was prior to the 
 Council of Nicaea. Though he very fully expofes the 
 innovations of the Roman MifTal on the primitive of- 
 fice, he did not efcape the imputation of Popery. The 
 fame charge was made againft Collier, with as little 
 foundation. It is, indeed, difficult to fay of what com- 
 
 * Collection of the different Liturgies, with a Differtation upon 
 them. 1720, 4-to. A Differtation on the principal Liturgies ufed 
 by the Chriilian Church in the celebration of the Euchariil. 1720, 
 8vo. 
 
492 Ltfe ^Thomas Ken, [17 10 
 
 munion they were : they denounced the Roman, and 
 difavowed the Anglican, — publifhed their own Service- 
 book, and at length iffued a prohibition againft hold- 
 ing communion with any who adhered to the " Book 
 of Common Prayer." Having already thrown off 
 their allegiance to the Englifh Church, it was natural 
 they mould difregard her Liturgy ; nor can we be fur- 
 prifed that they ended in denying her Catholicity. The 
 Book of Prayer is part of her order of difcipline, as 
 well as an expofition of doctrine, and without difci- 
 pline no community, whether ecclefiaftical, or fecular, 
 can maintain unity or life. If every Prieft, according 
 to his own views and judgment, may fet up his ftand- 
 ard of miniftrations, where is to be drawn the limit of 
 conformity ? 
 
 The hiftory of thefe later nonjurors mows the in- 
 confiftencies, to which men may be involved by a 
 yearning after a partial restoration of antiquity. Be- 
 ing alien from the Church of England, and fincerely 
 oppofed to the errors ©f Rome, they fought a refuge 
 from their felf-impofed ifolation in the arms of the 
 Greek Church. No part of Mr. Lathbury's work is 
 more interefting than his detailed account of their ne- 
 gociations with the Patriarchs, and Bifhops of the Eaft, 
 in the hope of effecting an union. It is clear, through- 
 out, that the only terms on which the Greek Church 
 would receive them into communion, were thofe of 
 perfect conformity to the doctrines and ritual of the 
 Eaft. The Patriarchs defignate the opinions of the 
 " faffwing Catholic Bi/hops of the old Confiitution of 
 Britain, (as the nonjurors ftyled themfelves) relative 
 to the Eucharift, as blafphemous, being oppofed to 
 
ty 10] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 493 
 
 Tranfubftantiation." # They require them to receive 
 confecration at their hands ; and as to their propofal 
 for the adoption of the Liturgy of King Edward the 
 6th, they reply, that " the Oriental orthodox Church 
 acknowledges but one Liturgy, the fame which was 
 delivered down by the Apoftles, but written by the 
 firft Bifhop of Jerufalem, James, the brother of God, 
 and afterwards abbreviated, upon account of its length, 
 by the great Father Bafil, and afterwards again epito- 
 mized by John, the golden-tongued Patriarch of Con- 
 ftantinople, which from the times of Bafil, and Chryf- 
 oftom, until now, the oriental orthodox Church receives, 
 and ufes every where, and by them administers the Un- 
 bloody Sacrifice in every Church of the orthodox. It 
 is proper therefore that they who are called the t rem- 
 nant of primitive piety ' fhould, when they are united 
 to us, make ufe of thofe, that in this point alfo there 
 may be no difcord between us ; but that they, as well 
 as we, fhould on proper days officiate by the Liturgy 
 of St. Bafil, and daily by that of St. Chryfoftom." f 
 
 The nonjurors objected to Tranfubftantiation, the 
 Seven Sacraments, the Invocation of the Virgin, Saints, 
 and Angels, and to receiving the Seven General Coun- 
 cils as of equal authority with the Scriptures, " for 
 they could not believe the Fathers of thofe Councils 
 were affifted by an equal degree of infpiration with the 
 Prophets, Evangelifts, and Apoftles. And as to the 
 Seventh General Council, affembled at Nice, they 
 thought themfelves obliged to declare that they could 
 
 * Lathbury's Hiftory of the Nonjurors, p. 325. 
 f Ibid. p. 322. 
 
494 Life of Thomas Ken, [1723 
 
 not affent to the giving even the worfhip Dulia to 
 Angels or departed Saints." The Patriarchs replied 
 to the Nonjurors, that thefe difagreements were " not 
 to be wondered at, for, being born and educated in the 
 principles of the Lutheran Calvinifts, and pofTeffed 
 with their prejudices, they tenacioufly adhere to them, 
 like ivy to a tree, and are hardly drawn off." * 
 
 At length, in 1723, after a long and interrupted 
 correfpondence, the Patriarch fent their ultimatum, as 
 the refult of a Synod of the Greek Church. They 
 ftate that c ' their doctrines had been decided upon, and 
 that it is neither lawful to add anything to them, nor 
 take anything from them : thofe who are difpofed to 
 agree with us in the divine doctrines of the orthodox 
 faith muft neceffarily follow, and fubmit to, what has 
 been defined, and determined by ancient Fathers, and 
 CEcumenical Synods, from the time of the Apoftles, 
 and their holy Succeffors, the Fathers of our Church, 
 to this time. We fay, they muft fubmit to them with 
 fincerity and obedience, and without any fcruple or 
 difpute. And this is a fufficient anfwer to what you 
 have written." The letter was figned by the four Pa- 
 triarchs, and feveral archbifhops and bifhops, dated 
 September, 1723 ; and, that there might be no miftake 
 as to what " the Catholic Remnant of Great Britain " 
 were to adopt, they enclofed an Expofition of the Or- 
 thodox Faith of the Eaftern Church, agreed upon in 
 a Synod, called the Synod of Jerufalem in 1672. f 
 
 * Lathbury's Hiflory of the Nonjurors, p. 324. 
 
 \ Ibid. p. 350. In the courfe of this correfpondence the Pa- 
 triarchs of the Eaft are not fparing in their cenfures of the " Pope of 
 Rome ; " they defcribe him to be " deceived by the devil, and fall- 
 
1723] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 495 
 
 So ended the propofal. It feems ftrange that a hand- 
 ful of Englifh Divines, having no jurisdiction in any 
 portion of the Church Catholic, mould for a moment 
 entertain the project of binding to their own views the 
 Patriarchs, Archbifhops, and Bifhops of " all the Ori- 
 ental Churches of the orthodox Greeks, Ruffians, Ibe- 
 rians, Arabians, and many other orthodox nations." 
 But they had worked themfelves, ftep by flep, to the 
 full perfuafion that theirs was the true ftandard of the 
 orthodox, and Catholic Faith. And though that ftan- 
 dard had but lately been adopted by themfelves, they 
 now felt it necefTary that all other minds mould follow 
 on the fame track, to the fame point, and no further. 
 However miftaken might be this remnant of the 
 party, it is impoffible not to reverence the nonjurors, 
 as a clafs. They do honour to the Englifh character : 
 they endured the lofs of all temporal benefits in the 
 caufe of, what feemed to them, necefTary truth. The 
 extent of their learning, far beyond that of after-times, 
 their fervent piety, unbending courage, and felf-facri- 
 fice, fhed a luftre on their names. In the fpirit of the 
 primitive ChrifUans they were prepared to fuffer all 
 
 ing into ftrange novel doctrines, as revolted from the unity of the 
 holy Church, and cut off, toffed at a diftance with conftant waves 
 and tempeft, till he return to our Catholic, Oriental, immaculate 
 faith, and be reinftated from whence he was broken off." They de- 
 clare ** the Purgatorial fire to have been invented by the Papifts to 
 command the purfe of the ignorant, and we will by no means hear 
 of it. For it is a fiction, and a doting fable, invented for lucre, and 
 to deceive the fimple, and, in a word, has no exiftence but in the 
 imagination. There is no appearance or mention of it in the Holy 
 Scriptures, or Fathers, whatfoever the authors or abettors of it may 
 clamour to the contrary." 
 
496 Life of Thomas Ken, [1723 
 
 extremities in defence of Catholic principles : and this 
 in an ultra-Proteftant age, when a falfe liberalifm be- 
 llowed on each man the right to fhape immutable truth 
 to his own reception. * 
 
 The Hiftory of the early Martyrs, and Confeflbrs, 
 comes down to us, hallowed by the remotenefs of their 
 age : feen through the long vifta of centuries, they 
 are grand and venerable in our eyes. Yet they were 
 feeble, and poor, and of mean appearance : it was that 
 within which ennobled them ; — their difregard of felf, 
 immoveable ftedfaftnefs of purpofe, the bright virions 
 of faith, that led them to dare all for the love of God. 
 It was their fenfe of the dignity of things fpiritual, as 
 a depofit in their hands, beyond the wealth of king- 
 doms, which makes them illuftrious. Thus it was, in 
 their very humble fphere, with the defpifed company 
 of Nonjurors : and fo long as our literature, and our 
 records remain, how poor and fmall will party writers, 
 controverfialifls, and hiftorians appear by the fide of 
 the devoted band, whom they have derided for their 
 much-tried endurance. To all who love the Church 
 of England, Ken, and his fellow- fufferers, will be cheer- 
 ing lights to the irrefolute, — guiding beacons to the 
 courageous, in the facred caufe of Truth. 
 
17 io] Bijbop of Bath and Wells. 497 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 Ken's lajl Sicknefs,— Death,— and Burial. Conclufion. 
 
 'HE Nonjurors continued to debate on 
 Ken's laft public ad. Some thought his 
 refignation £f a ftrange humour," — a com- 
 promife, — the abandonment of a noble 
 pre-eminence, as the fole remaining canonical Bifhop 
 in England. They would have him declare againft 
 the whole national Church, as a feceflion from the true 
 Catholic faith. By others he was more than ever re- 
 vered, for that they could now confcientioufly attend the 
 public ordinances, without fear of fchifm. Himfelf, 
 meanwhile, was agonized with conftant paroxyfms of 
 pain, which <c was his familiar grown," haunting him 
 day and night * Death had marked him for his own : 
 or, to fpeak more truly, God was gracioufly pleafed to 
 intimate to him that he mould be gathered into His 
 kingdom, and reft with the elect. We cannot bear to 
 dwell on this laft fuffering year of his eventful life. 
 The Hot Wells of Briftol, and of Bath, and all the 
 remedies of the phyficians, ferved, as he fays, rather 
 to irritate than relieve the " anguors, " of more than 
 one fatal complaint. Wherefoever he went, whatever 
 he did, he bore about with him a living death. 
 
 Deeply affecting are thofe "Anodynes, or Alleviations 
 of Pain" and "Preparations for Death," in his volumes 
 
 * Ken's Poems, vol. iii. p. 457. 
 K K 
 
498 Life 0/* Thomas Ken, [17 10 
 
 of poetry : for they reveal an intenfity of unmitigated 
 pains, endured with all Chriftian meeknefs in fubmif- 
 five, but anxious, hope and expectancy of his releafe. 
 Writing and ringing hymns were his chief folace : they 
 turned his moanings into " foft penitential fighs," his 
 tears to the meeknefs of love ; 
 
 " Ejaculations Heav'n-ward fent, 
 Procure fweet eafe, and forrow vent, 
 Why mould I, then, my pains decline, 
 Inflidled by pure Love divine ? 
 Let them run out their deftin'd courfe, 
 And fpend upon me all their force ; 
 Short pains can never grievous be, 
 Which work a bleft Eternity." * 
 
 " Though on my cheerful wires I play, 
 
 And fing feventimes a-day, 
 My love fhall ever keep on wing, 
 IncefTantly fhall Heav'n-ward fpring; 
 Love the beloved ftill keeps in mind, 
 Loves all day long, and will not be confin'd." f 
 
 He had long fince expreffed how entirely he felt 
 loofened from the world, " fo that I have now nothing 
 to doe but to think of eternity," or, as he elfewhere 
 exprefTes it, 
 
 " Have nought to do but pray, and love, and die" % 
 
 That word, which to the natural man founds awfully, 
 awakened thoughts of freedom to Ken, longing for 
 heavenly blifs. 
 
 " Though Death, the King of Terrors ftil'd, 
 Frights fouls, while here from Heav'n exil'd, 
 
 * Ken's Poems, vol. iii. p. 423. f Ibid. iii. p. 476. 
 
 X Ibid. vol. iv. p. 157. 
 
17 io] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 499 
 
 He's but a defpicable thing, 
 
 A petty tributary King. 
 
 Souls who in God benign confide, 
 
 Have the Almighty on their fide." * 
 
 He fpeaks with grateful affe&ion of friends who 
 fympathize in his fufferings •, but all their counfels, all 
 their comforts, are vain. Then he turns to Jefus, 
 whofe mercies fweetly invite him to repent, who re- 
 ceives him in His arms, and cancels all the debt 
 againft him. To Jefus he difclofes all his wants, and 
 repofes on His boundlefs love, which foftens the rude 
 anguifh of his trembling frame. He now exprefles 
 himfelf more than ever confcious how near to him are 
 the glories of the fpiritual world : angels and faints 
 feem to herald the mefTage of his releafe ; already 'twas 
 but a flight veil which feparated them from view. A 
 blefTed, near invisible — radiant, though unfeen, to all 
 who are not dull of understanding : for it mines like 
 mid-day to the fouls of believers. 
 
 " No language can reveal 
 The pleafing trance which now I feel, 
 My eafe, my fleep, ftrange tranfports feem ; 
 Of everlafting joys I dream ; 
 
 Congratulate the bleft, 
 And long to fhare in Heavenly Reft." &c. 
 
 And again, 
 
 " Heaven's joys in miniature I fee, 
 From pain when a few moments free ; 
 
 Methinks I am entranc'd 
 Into initial blifs advanc'd, 
 
 And big with Hymn I glow, 
 Wrapt blifsfully with God below : 
 From thence I guefs th' immenfe delight 
 Of the eternal beatifick fight." 
 
 * Ken's Poems, vol. iv. p. 75. 
 
500 Life of Thomas Ken, [17 10 
 
 That he might keep the thought of death fixed and 
 familiar, " he had travelled for many years with his 
 Shrowd in his portmantua, which he often faid, f might 
 be as Joon wanted as any other of his habiliment s. y " * 
 His purpofe alfo was to prevent any expofure of his per- 
 fon after death. There was a fentiment in this, deeper 
 than common, and in harmony with his character. 
 Through life he had dedicated his virgin body to God ; 
 fo in death he would have it configned to the earth 
 with a modeft referve, as fomething entitled to honour: 
 it was the " feat of- the foul," the temple of the Holy 
 Ghoft, which had fo often partaken of the holy Ele- 
 ments, and mould hereafter be raifed a glorified body, 
 and re-united to its kindred fpirit ; 
 
 " Though foul and flefh fhall parted be, 
 They'll meet in bleft Eternity." f 
 
 There are feveral paflages in the Poems expreflive 
 of this feeling ; 
 
 The Refurrettion. 
 
 " Great day, to mortals kept unknown, 
 When the Arch-Angel from the Throne 
 Shall on his radiant wings appear, 
 And hov'ring o'er this lower fphere, 
 His trumpet blow, whofe mighty found 
 Shall undulate the globe around, 
 All fep'rate fouls, where'er they dwell, 
 In the Out-courts of Heaven or Hell, 
 Soon as they hear, fhall fummons have 
 To fly to each appropriate Grave, 
 And their corporeal form refume, 
 To wait their everlafting doom." J 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 44. 
 
 f Ken's Poems, vol. iv. p. .47. % Ibid. 
 
1 7 10] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 5 o 1 
 
 In his " Preparatives for Death " we have a clear 
 expofition of this fcriptural doctrine of 
 
 The State of Separation. 
 
 which is the title of one of thofe poems. The body, 
 he fays, diffolves to earth from whence it fprung, — the 
 foul returns to its Maker. 
 
 " And there God on the Soul will fhine, 
 Some Manfion for her will affign ; 
 While all the fep'rate Souls in blifs 
 Salute her with a peaceful kifs, 
 And a triumphant hymn begin 
 For her efcape from woe, and fin. 
 
 " Yet faithful Souls are but half bleft, 
 Till glorious bodies them invell ; 
 They live in acquiefcence fweet, 
 Till they have happinefs compleat, 
 Would not compleatly happy be, 
 Till God the moment fhall decree. 
 
 " Saints thus Celeftial joys foretafte, 
 And when their vital fpirits wafte, 
 While gently death lays flefli afleep, 
 Their fouls celeftial vigils keep ; 
 They Jefus fee, they hear his voice, 
 They wakefully love — hymn — rejoice." * 
 
 The Saints with Jefus. 
 
 " Soul, when your flelh diflblves to duft, 
 To God's fafe hands yourfelf entruft ; 
 Be not too curious to enquire, 
 
 Where to afpire. 
 
 * Ken's Poems, vol. iv. p. 91. 
 

 502 Life of Thomas Ken, [17 IO 
 
 " Whether to Paradife you fly, 
 Or in blefs'd Abram's bofom lye, 
 Or to that orb your flight you raife, 
 
 Where Enoch flays. 
 
 " Or to the third Celeftial fphere, 
 Where wonders Paul was wrapt to hear, 
 Or Hades blefs'd, where fouls Eleft 
 Full blifs expect. 
 
 " Blefs'd Jefus, bound lefs blifs divine, 
 On you in miniature will fhine, 
 Glory for glory, beam for beam, 
 
 Will on you ftream." * 
 
 One more f c Anodyne " may be permitted before 
 we commit his body to the grave. 
 
 " O had I wings of a fwift Dove, 
 That hov'ring in expanfe above, 
 
 I might fome place defcry, 
 
 Inftantly thither fly ; 
 Where, I abiding in fweet reft, 
 No Pain, no forrow, might my foul infeft. 
 
 " I then would higher foar, and caft 
 My eyes o'er the Ethereal vaft ; 
 
 One place is in my thought, 
 
 O were I thither brought, 
 Though my frail flefh I ftill retain'd, 
 I fhould love God, ring Hymns, and not be pain'd. 
 
 " It is the fphere of endlefs day 
 Where Enoch and Elias ftay ; 
 
 Where they can fin no more, 
 
 Where they great God adore ; 
 There at their facred feet I'd kneel, 
 And kindle from their Hymns celeftial zeal. 
 
 * Ken's Pcems, vol. iv. p. 143. 
 
1 7 T °] Bijhop of Bath and Wells . 503 
 
 " I'll never envy that blefs'd pair, 
 Saints here on earth like blifs may fliare ; 
 
 Saints free from wilful fin 
 
 Feel the like joys within ; 
 And while they copy the Lamb Ham, 
 God fweetens all their forrow and their pain."* 
 
 With thefe thoughts God mercifully prepared His 
 holy fervant for death. He had lived in a fpirit of 
 poverty, and mortification of will, ever preparing him. 
 felf for the laft hour ; and when that hour {truck, his 
 breathings after eternal life had no alloy of fear. He 
 realized the beatitudes of his loved Saviour, in faith 
 of His precious merits alone ; " BlefTed are the poor in 
 fpirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. BlefTed are 
 the merciful : for they fhall obtain mercy. BlefTed are 
 the pure in heart : for they mail fee God." 
 
 And where was he to die ? he had fpent the fum- 
 mer and autumn of 17 10 at Briftol, for the benefit of 
 the Hot Well : then he removed to Lewefton, near 
 Sherborne, in Dorfetfhire, " a feat belonging to the 
 Hon ble - M rs - Thynne, whofe good works merited his 
 refpecT, and acknowledgement, as much as her genero- 
 fity attempted the relief of his diftemper." '\ There 
 he was detained many months, having been feized with 
 a dead palfy on one fide of him, and was confined to 
 his chamber till the middle of March, 171 1. Then 
 he refolved to try once more if he could obtain relief 
 from the Bath waters. But it was decreed he fiiould 
 not die any where but at Long Leat, which is hallowed 
 by his name, and the near neighbourhood of his grave. 
 
 * Ken's Poems, vol. iv. pp. 442-3, 
 f Hawkins, p. 42. 
 
504 Life of Thomas Ken, [17 n 
 
 What place fo fitting as the well-known, much-loved, 
 refuge of his laft twenty years ? It was the beft return 
 he could make for all the benefits he had received from 
 his faithful, enduring friend, Lord Weymouth : (f I 
 can but give you my all — myfelf — my poor heart, and 
 my laft blefling." 
 
 Mrs. Thynne endeavoured to difTuade him from 
 attempting to remove ; but as he thought himfelf 
 ftrong enough to travel, fhe fent him in her coach as 
 far as Long Leat, # where he had no fooner arrived 
 than he was fenfible of what was to follow. His de- 
 fired releafe was at hand : cc his Jhroud was by himfelf 
 ■put on by way of prevention, f that his body might 
 not be ftripp'd, and this he notified to thofe about 
 him." He had only time to adjuft fome papers : pro- 
 bably many of ineftimable intereft were committed to 
 the flames, and hence the few memorials that remain 
 to us. Two phyficians attended him ; Dr. Mere- 
 wether of Bath, and Dr. Bevifon from Devizes : the 
 fhort notices of him in the Diary of the former fhow 
 how he revered him. " They told him, in anfwer to 
 his own enquiry, that he had about two or three days 
 to live : his only reply was, God's will be done, — his 
 ufual expreffion, and that without the leaft concern, 
 defiring that no application might be made to caufe 
 him to linger in pain."£ He told them Cf he had no 
 reafon to be afraid of dying,§ and therefore defired they 
 would tell him the truth." " He dozed much the day 
 
 * Nichols's Literary Anecdotes, vol. v. p. 128. 
 
 f Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 44. 
 
 I Dr. Merewether's Diary. Bowles's Life, vol. ii. p. 267. 
 
 § Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 44. 
 
1 7 * i ] Bijhop of Bath and Wells. 505 
 
 or two before he died ; and what little he fpake was 
 fometimes not coherent, which (being plied with opiates) 
 feem'd to be rather the effect of dream than diftem- 
 per." * fC He would fain have given his fervant a 
 meffage for Bifhop Hooper, but could not make him- 
 felf underftood, any more than that he mentioned his 
 befl friend." f No doubt the dying Prelate affociated 
 with the thought of Hooper the remembrance of his 
 beloved flock, many of whom he had trained for a 
 happy reunion, and companionfhip in the manfions of 
 the bleffed. Thither his foul efcaped on the 19th of 
 March, 171 1. 
 
 He had defired that, wherever he might die, he 
 mould be buried " in the Church yard of the neareft 
 Parifh within his Diocefe, % under the eaft window of 
 the Chancel, juft at fun rifing, without any manner of 
 pomp or ceremony, befides that of the Order for Bu- 
 rial in the Liturgy of the Church of England, * " — 
 and to be carried to the grave by the fix poorer! men 
 in the Parifh. § He directed that a plain ftone mould 
 be laid over him, with the following infcription of his 
 own compofing ; 
 
 " May the here interred Thomas, late Bifhop of Bath and Wells, 
 and uncanonically deprived for not transferring his allegiance, 
 have a perfect confummation in Bliffe, both of body and foul, 
 at the Great Day, of which God Keep me alwaies mindful." || 
 
 * Hawkins's Life of Ken, p. 45. 
 f Prowfe MS. Life of Hooper. 
 
 % This was " Froome-Selwood," a few miles from Long Leat, 
 Horningfham Church not being within the Diocefe of Wells. 
 § Nichols's Literary Anecdotes, vol. v. p. 128. 
 || Bowles's Life of Ken, vol. ii. p. 30. 
 
506 Life of Thomas Ken, [171 1 
 
 He would have had his very epitaph teach the pafT- 
 ers-by to offer up a holy afpiration, at leaft, if not a 
 prayer ; <f God Keep me alwaies mindful of the Great 
 Day." In all this we fee that he died, as he lived, a 
 plain humble man.* Chriftians of old had a folemn feel- 
 ing of the facrednefs of Churches : even their founders 
 thought themfelves fcarce worthy to be buried within 
 the Porch of the fandtuary, dedicated to God's honour. 
 So Ken would fleep in the Church yard, among the 
 lowly of the earth,f to whom he had preached the 
 glad tidings of a better hereafter. He had dined with 
 his poor ones in the Palace at Wells ; — now he would 
 receive the laft fervice at their hands, and be carried 
 by them to the grave, which levels all diftinctions. 
 
 We may prefume that it was Lord Weymouth who 
 gave directions for the fingular monument which co- 
 vers the remains of his friend. It is, as Mr. Mark- 
 land defcribes, <c an iron grating, coffin fhaped, fur- 
 mounted by a mitre and paftoral ftaff, touching and 
 beautiful in its character. "J In Froome Church, near 
 to the fpot where he himfelf now refts, one who refem- 
 bles his early friend, Lady Margaret Maynard, in a 
 devout and charitable life, has lately placed a richly 
 painted window in memory of his Chriftian graces. And 
 is the poor duft, mouldering beneath yon iron grating, 
 
 * Nichols's Literary Anecdotes, vol. v. p. 128. 
 
 f " The poor, whilft living, he did ne'er defpife ; 
 Among the poor, now dead, he humbly lies." 
 Poem on the death of Thomas Kenn, by Mr. Jofeph Perkins, the 
 Latin Poet Laureat. 
 
 \ Markland's Life of Ken, p. 112. 
 
17 1 J ] Bifhop of Bath a7td Wells. 507 
 
 all that remains to us of Bifhop Ken ? Far from it : 
 he has left us his example, the rich legacy of a holy 
 life. By this he points our way to the Courts of 
 Heaven. In this he yet lives to us ; by this he 
 ftrengthens, comforts, fuftains, and guides us, if we 
 will be followers of him, as he was of Chrift. From 
 his practical teaching of a long and changeful life we 
 may learn the duties of our allotted fphere ; to go for- 
 ward in quietnefs and confidence ; to love and to obey ; 
 to abound in alms-giving,* and to be faithful to the 
 Church of our baptifm. 
 
 We have, moreover, in his published works a lively 
 imprefs of the fpirit which animated him while on earth. 
 They are comparatively little known ; and the prefent 
 unworthy attempt to throw light on his character is 
 
 * In the moment of clofing our volume, one who has a fpecial 
 claim to admire the Bifhop's character brings to our notice two ad- 
 ditional inftances of his habitual charity to the poor, and difregard 
 for his own rights, when oppofed to the interefts of the Church. 
 He has difcovered them in Thomas Hearne's MSS. Journals, in the 
 Bodleian. 
 
 "Jan. 1, 172I. I am told by old Mr. N. Cox, the Bookfeller, who 
 was once a Querifler of New College, at leaft went to fchool there 
 when a boy, that he remembers Bp. Ken a B. A. of that College, 
 and that he was even then, when young, very pious and charitable, 
 and ufed always to have fmall money to give away conftantly, as he 
 walked the ftreets, in pence, or two-pences, or more at a time, as 
 he faw proper objefts." — Vol. cvi. p. 27. 
 
 "June 16, 1722." (Speaking of Glaftonbury.) "I am told the 
 impropriation there is in the Bp. of Bath and Wells, and the Church 
 ferved by a Vicar or Curate at a very fmall allowance. That Bp- 
 Ken refolved to increafe it upon renewing with his Tenant ; but 
 they could not agree, and the Tenant tempted him often with the 
 Fine, before his deprivation, to no purpofe." — Vol. xciv. p. 132. 
 
508 Life of Thomas Ken, [171 1 
 
 made in the hope of leading fome to a clofer ftudy of 
 his writings. They are few and fhort — but they are 
 golden all. Many writers have left behind them folios 
 of divinity, hiftory and ethics ; rich ftores of every 
 kind, invaluable records of truth, depositaries of learn- 
 ing, expositions of doctrine, commentaries on Scrip- 
 ture, irrefragable proofs of the fure foundations, on 
 which our Christian Faith is builded up. Out of 
 thefe we draw, as occafions ferve, — now for one good 
 purpofe, then for another ; and we cherifri the names 
 of the authors with deferved reverence. But, as a de- 
 votional writer, Bifhop Ken {lands among the very 
 firft ; — and becaufe prayer is the key to unlock Hea- 
 ven's gates, his works are fecond to few in importance 
 and intereft. <c Prayer," he fays, " is our Treafury 
 where all bleffings are kept, our Armoury where all our 
 Strength and weapons are Stored, the only great pre- 
 fervative, and the very vital heat of Divine Love." 
 
 And laftly he has bequeathed to us in his Will a 
 pledge, which in this wavering age is of ineftimable 
 value, his ever- memorable testimony to the true ortho- 
 dox, primitive, and Catholic doctrines of the Church 
 of England. In this, and for this, — our loved Church, 
 — he was early nurtured : he devoted all the energies 
 and gifts of his maturer life to defend her integrity, — 
 in his advancing years he facriflced all he had on earth 
 to be a ConfefTor to the enduring vitality of her fpi- 
 ritual nature ; — and at his death he crowned a life of 
 faithful allegiance to her by a declaration of Attach- 
 ment, which ought to be infcribed in the hearts of all 
 her true children. 
 
171 1] Bijloop of Bath and Wells. 509 
 
 " As for my Religion , / die in the Holy Catholic and 
 Apoftolic Faith, profefs'd by the whole Church be- 
 fore the dijunion of Eaft and Weft : more particu- 
 larly I die in the Communion of y e Church of 
 England, as it ftands diftinguifhed from all Pa- 
 pall and Puritan innovations ', and as it adheres to 
 the doclrine of the Crojfe." 
 
 If at any time men of tender confciences, in their af- 
 pirations after fome ideal perfection, be tempted to 
 fwerve from their obedience to the Church of Eng- 
 land, let them ftudy the writings of humble, fimple- 
 hearted, ftedfaft, Bifhop Ken, (ftedfaft, becaufe humble, 
 and fimple-hearted) and they will find folid arguments 
 to preferve them from cf widening her deplorable di- 
 vifions," and to infpire them with his own firm refolves 
 to "continue ftedfaft in her bofom, and improve all 
 thofe helps to true piety, all thofe means of grace, all 
 thofe incentives to the love of God," which He has 
 mercifully afforded to them " in her Communion." # 
 
 Above all let us follow him into his clofet, and join 
 with him in his prayers. They are fuited to all ages, 
 — to every varying circumftance of trial or of need. 
 There are praifes in joy, thankfgivings for mercies, 
 penitential fighs for the contrite, breathings of faith 
 for the broken and afflicted heart, — afpirations of hea- 
 venly love for devout fouls, raifing them to the fpi- 
 ritual virion of the glories of the eternal Throne. They 
 are fitted for every hour, and for every place : we may 
 ufe them as we walk by the way, as we rife in the 
 
 * Practice of Divine Love, p. 48. 
 
510 Life of Thomas Ken. [1711 
 
 morning, or commit ourfelves to fleep, or lie wakeful ; 
 — as we travel, as we dwell at home ; — a Companion 
 for the Altar, and a Manual of devotions to keep 
 alive, and cherim, the heavenly influences, imparted to 
 us in the Holy Eucharift. 
 
 We humbly conclude in his own words, often ad- 
 dreffed to thofe who differed from him, " may god 
 
 KEEP US IN HIS HOLY FEAR, AND MAKE US ALL WISE 
 FOR ETERNITY." AMEN. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 A B & C. 
 
BISHOP KEN'S 
 
 MORNING, EVENING AND MIDNIGHT 
 HYMNS. 
 
 L L 
 
$14- Evening Hymn. 
 
 Fac-fimile of the Original Tune of Bifliop Ken's Evening 
 
 The Eighth Tune. 
 
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5*7 
 THREE 
 
 HYMNS 
 
 BY THE 
 
 Author of the Manual of Prayers for the life of the 
 Scholars of Winchefter Colledge. 
 
 A Morning HTMN. 
 
 A Wake my Soul, and with the Sun, 
 Thy daily ftage of Duty run ; 
 Shake off dull Sloth, and early rife, 
 To pay thy Morning Sacrifice. 
 
 Redeem thy mifpent time that's paft, 
 Live this day, as if 'twere thy laft : 
 T'improve thy Talent take due care, 
 Gainft the great Day thy felf prepare. 
 
 Let all thy Converfe be fincere, 
 Thy Conscience as the Noon-day clear ; 
 Think how all-feeing God thy ways, 
 And all thy fecret Thoughts furveys. 
 
 Influenc'd by the Light Divine, 
 Let thy own Light in good Works mine : 
 Reflect all Heaven's propitious ways, 
 In ardent Love, and chearful Praife. 
 
 Wake and lift up thy felf my Heart, 
 And with the Angels bear thy part, 
 Who all night long unwearied fing, 
 Glory to the Eternal King. 
 
5 1 8 A Morning HYMN. 
 
 I wake, I wake, ye Heavenly Choire 
 May your Devotion me infpire, 
 That I like you my Age may fpend, 
 Like you may on my God attend. 
 
 May I like you in God delight, 
 Have all day long my God in fight, 
 Perform like you my Makers Will, 
 
 may I never more do ill. 
 
 Had I your Wings, to Heaven I'd flie, 
 But God mall that defedfc fupply, 
 And my Soul wing'd with warm defire, 
 Shall all day long to Heav'n afpire. 
 
 Glory to thee who fafe haft kept, 
 
 And haft refrefht me whilft I flept. 
 
 Grant Lord, when I from death (hall wake, 
 
 1 may of endlefs Light partake. 
 
 I would not wake, nor rife again, 
 Ev'n Heav'n it felf I would difdain ; 
 Wert not thou there to be enjoy 'd, 
 And I in Hymns to be imploy'd. 
 
 Heav'n is, dear Lord, where e'r Thou art, 
 O never then from me depart ; 
 For to my Soul 'tis Hell to be, 
 But for one moment without thee. 
 
 Lord I my vows to thee renew, 
 
 Scatter my fins as Morning dew, 
 
 Guard my firft fprings of Thought, and Will, 
 
 And with thy felf my Spirit fill. 
 
 Direct, controul, fuggeft this day, 
 
 All I defign, or do, or fay ; 
 
 That all my Powers, with all their might, 
 
 In thy fole Glory may unite. 
 
An Evening HYMN. 519 
 
 Praife God, from whom all Bleffings flow, 
 Praife him all Creatures here below, 
 Praife him above y'Angelic Hoft, 
 Praife Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft. 
 
 An Evening HYMN. 
 
 GLory to thee my God, this night, 
 For all the Bleffings of the Light ; 
 Keep me, O keep me King of Kings, 
 Under thy own Almighty Wings. 
 
 Forgive me Lord, for thy dear Son, 
 The ill that I this day have done, 
 That with the World, my felf, and Thee, 
 I, e'r I fleep, at peace may be. 
 
 Teach me to live, that I may dread, 
 The Grave as little as my Bed ; 
 Teach me to die, that fo I may 
 Triumphing rife at the laft day. 
 
 may my Soul on thee repofe, 
 
 And with fweet fleep mine Eye-lids clofe ; 
 Sleep that may me more vig'rous make, 
 To ferve my God when I awake. 
 
 When in the night I fleeplefs lie, 
 
 My Soul with Heavenly Thoughts fupply, 
 
 Let no ill Dreams difturb my Reft, 
 
 No powers of darknefs me moleft. 
 
 Dull fleep of Senfe me to deprive, 
 
 1 am but half my days alive ; 
 
 Thy faithful Lovers, Lord, are griev'd 
 To lie fo long of Thee bereav'd. 
 
520 An Evening HYMN. 
 
 But though fleep o'r my frailty reigns, 
 Let it not hold me long in chains, 
 And now and then let loofe my Heart, 
 Till it an Hallelujah dart. 
 
 The fafter fleep the fenfe does bind, 
 The more unfetter'd is the Mind ; 
 O may my Soul from matter free, 
 Thy unvail'd Goodnefs waking fee ! 
 
 O when fhall I in endlefs day, 
 
 For ever chafe dark fleep away, 
 
 And endlefs praife with th'Heavenly Choir, 
 
 IncefTant fing, and never tire ? 
 
 You my bleft Guardian, whilft I fleep, 
 Clofe to my Bed your Vigils keep, 
 Divine Love into me inftil, 
 Stop all the avenues of ill. 
 
 Thought to thought with my Soul converfe, 
 Celeftial Joys to me rehearfe, 
 And in my ftead all the night long, 
 Sing to my God a grateful Song. 
 
 Praife God from whom all Bleflings flow, 
 Praife him all Creatures here below, 
 Praife him above y'Angelick Hoft, 
 Praife Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft. 
 
5 2I 
 
 A Midnight HYMN. 
 
 LOrd, now my Sleep does me forfake, 
 The fole pofTeflion of me take, 
 Let no vain fancy me illude, 
 No one impure defire intrude. 
 
 Bleft Angels ! while we filent lie, 
 Your Hallelujahs fing on high, 
 You, ever wakeful near the Throne, 
 Proftrate, adore the Three in One. 
 
 I now awake do with you joyn, 
 To praife our God in Hymns Divine : 
 With you in Heav'n I hope to dwell, 
 And bid the Night and World farewell. 
 
 My Soul, when I make off this duft, 
 Lord, in thy Arms I will entruft ; 
 O make me thy peculiar care, 
 Some heav'nly Manfion me prepare. 
 
 Give me a place at thy Saints feet y 
 Or fome fall'n Angel's vacant feat ; 
 I'll ftrive to fing as loud as they, 
 Who fit above in brighter day. 
 
 O may I always ready ftand, 
 With my Lamp burning in my hand, 
 May I in fight of Heav'n rejoyce, 
 When e'r I hear the Bridegroom's voice. 
 
 Glory to thee in light arraid, 
 Who light thy dwelling place haft made, 
 An immenfe Ocean of bright beams, 
 From thy All-glorious Godhead dreams. 
 
522 A Midnight HYMN. 
 
 The Sun in its Meridian height, 
 
 Is very darknefs in thy fight : 
 
 My Soul, O lighten, and enflame, 
 
 With Thought and Love of thy great Name. 
 
 Bleft Jefu, thou on Heavn intent, 
 Whole Nights haft in Devotion fpent, 
 But I frail Creature, foon am tir'd, 
 And all my Zeal is foon expir'd. 
 
 My Soul, how can ft thou weary grow, 
 Of Ante-dating Heav'n below, 
 In facred Hymns, and Divine Love, 
 Which will Eternal be above ? 
 
 Shine on me, Lord, new life impart, 
 Frefh ardours kindle in my Heart ; 
 One ray of thy All-quickning light, 
 Difpels the iloth and clouds of night. 
 
 Lord, left the tempter me furprize, 
 Watch over thine own Sacrifice, 
 All loofe, all idle Thoughts caft out, 
 And make my very Dreams devout. 
 
 Praife God, from whom all BlefTings flow, 
 Praife him all Creatures here below, 
 Praife him above y'Angelick Hoft, 
 Praife Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft. 
 
5 2 3 
 
 APPENDIX C, 
 
 Somers Tracts, Vol. viii. p. 189. 
 
 TRUE and exacT: account of all the ceremonies 
 obferved by the Church of Rome, at the open- 
 ing, during the progrefs, and at the conclufion 
 of the next approaching Jubilee in the year 
 1700. Taken and tranflated into Englifh from the Latin ori- 
 ginal, printed at Rome, by order of the Pope." 
 
 " At the approach of the Jubilee, the Popes of Rome caufe 
 the bill of Jubilee to be publifhed with a great deal of pomp 
 and magnificence. This ceremony is always performed on 
 Jfcenfion day, in the great portal of St. Peter's Church in the 
 Vatican ; where for this purpofe are placed two rich chairs, 
 from whence the minifters chofen by his Holinefs, read with 
 a very loud and diftincl: voice, the Brief or Bull of the Jubilee 
 in Italian : after this publication four feveral copies of the faid 
 Bull are affix'd to the eaft, fouth, weft, and north corners of 
 the city of Rome," &c. 
 
 " This being done, Briefs or Letters are difpatched to all the 
 Patriarchs, Primates, Archbifhops, Bifhops, and other Supe- 
 riours of all the Provinces in the Kingdoms, to notify the ce- 
 lebration of the Jubilee, and to exhort the Prelates to be more 
 than ordinary zealous in their duty to inftruct, either them- 
 felves, or by their minifters, the flocks committed to their 
 care, by which means they may qualify themfelves to obtain 
 the happy effects of the approaching Jubilee; juft as the Ju- 
 bilee, inftituted by Mofes, according to God's order, was pub- 
 lifhed before the feventh month under the found of trumpets. 
 
 "The folemnity of the Jubilee begins upon Chriftmas-Eve, 
 juft before the Vefpers, by a ceremony which deferves particu- 
 larly to be taken notice of, which is the opening of the Holy 
 Gate. For the better understanding of which, it is to be 
 known, that this Holy Gate is one of the gates of St. Peter's 
 
524 Appendix C. 
 
 Church in the Vatican, which is always {hut, nay, even bricked 
 up, during the interval betwixt the Jubilees, which always 
 begins by the opening of this gate. 
 
 " After dinner, about the time of the Vefpers of this great 
 Eve, a moft folemn proceflion is made at which aflift the 
 Ambafladors of foreign princes, then refiding in Rome, the 
 magistrates of the city, all the Penitentiaries and Prelates abi- 
 ding at Rome ; all the Chapters, Fraternities, the Roman Cler- 
 gy, the College of Cardinals, and the Sovereign Pontiff in 
 perfon, each according to his rank and quality. Thus they go 
 in Proceflion, with a great Crofs before them, to the Chappel 
 of the Apoftolic Palace, where the whole company being en- 
 tered, the Holy Father, with all there prefent, fall on their 
 knees before the Sacrament ; in the mean time that many 
 officers are employed in lighting flambeaus for the Cardinals 
 to hold, as a fign of joy. Then the Pope throws fome incenfe 
 upon a chafing-difh, with a moft profound reverence before 
 the Altar; after which he begins the Hymn; Veni Creator 
 Spiritus, which is continued to the end by a concert of mufic, 
 and fung diftinclly, to reprefent the Holy Fathers in Limbo. 
 From thence this proceflion goes on in the fame order as be- 
 fore, to St. Peter s Church, being followed by the holy Father 
 in perfon, who is carried in a chair, to the Holy Gate, which, 
 as well as all the reft, is kept clofe fhut up. Everybody hav- 
 ing taken his place, the Holy Father gets out of his chair, and 
 with a lighted Wax-Taper in his hand, walks up three fteps 
 to another chair, placed for that purpofe, juft by the Holy 
 Gate. After he has repofed a little, he arifes, and turning 
 himfelf towards the Holy Gate, he knocks with a Silver 
 Hammer on the Holy Gate, which is to be opened, and fings 
 likewife three feveral times the following verfes, unto which 
 the muficians, who compofe the chorus, anfwer at each time. 
 
 V. Aperite ?nihi portas *JnJliti<E 
 
 Open unto me the Gates of Juftice. 
 
 R. IngreJJus in eas confitebor Domino 
 
 When I am entered, I will praife the Lord. 
 
 V. Introibo in Domum tuam Domine. 
 I will enter, O Lord, into thy Houfe. 
 
Appendix C. 525 
 
 R. Adorabo ad Templum Santlum tuum in tirnore tuo 
 I will adore thee in thy Fear in thy Temple. 
 
 V. Aperlte portas, quoniam nobifcum Deus. 
 
 Open the Gates, becaufe the Lord is with us. 
 
 R. £hiia fecit Virtutem in Ifrael. 
 
 Becaufe he has made known his Strength in Ifrael. 
 
 " Then the Pope fits down in his chair again ; and fays : 
 
 V. D amine ex audi orationem meant. 
 
 Lord hear my prayer. 
 R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. 
 
 Let my cry reach thy Ears, O Lord. 
 
 "Atthefameinftant that the Pope goes from the Holy Gate 
 towards his chair, the mafons begin to demolifh the wall 
 wherewith the Holy Gate had been bricked up, and as they 
 are carrying off" the materials, the Pope goes on thus ; 
 
 V. Dominus vobifcum. 
 
 The Lord be with you. 
 R. Et cum Spiritu tuo 
 
 And with thy holy Spirit. 
 
 OREMUS. Atliones nojlras quod f urn us Domine, etc. 
 
 "This Prayer being done, the Chorus fings the Pfalm ; 
 
 Jubilate Deo omnis terra, fervite Deo in Icetitia, etc. 
 
 During which time the people which croud up as near as 
 they can to the rails, and the Penitentiaries in their facerdotal 
 veftments, warn the Head-piece, Pofts, and the Threfhold, 
 and in fhort the Holy Gate with Holy Water : which being 
 done, the Pope, as he is approaching to enter the Holy Gate, 
 fays the following verfes, and is anfwered by the Chorus ; 
 
 V. Hie dies quam fecit Dominus. 
 
 This is the day the Lord has given us. 
 R. Exultetnus, et latemur in ea. 
 
 Let us rejoice in it. 
 V. Beatus populus tuus, Domine. 
 
 Happy is thy people, O Lord. 
 
526 Appendix C. 
 
 R. Qui fact 't Jubilationem. 
 
 Which enjoys this Jubilee 
 V. Hac eft porta Domini 
 
 This is the Gate of the Lord. 
 R. Jujli intrabunt per earn 
 
 The righteous are to enter it. 
 V. Domine exaudi orationem meant 
 
 O Lord hear my prayer. 
 R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat 
 
 And let my cry reach thy ear. 
 V. Dominus vobifcum 
 
 The Lord be with you 
 R. Et cum fpiritu tuo. 
 
 And with thy Spirit. 
 
 Let us pray. 
 
 " O Lord, who by thy fervant Mofes, didft inflitute among the 
 Children of Ifrael the Jubilee and Year of Remiffion : grant, 
 through thy goodnefs, to us who have the honour to be called 
 Thy fervants, to commence happily this prefent Jubilee, or- 
 dained by thy Authority ; and in which it has been thy Will to 
 fet open to thy people in a moft folemn manner this Gate, 
 through which to enter into thy Temple, to offer their prayers 
 in the prefence of thy divine Majefty ; that thereby having 
 obtained plenary and abfolute Remimon of all our fins, we 
 may, at the day of our departure out of this world, be con- 
 ducted, through thy mercy, to the enjoyment of the Heavenly 
 Glory, through *Jefus Chrijl. Amen. 
 
 " This prayer being ended, a Crofs is given into the Pope's 
 hand, who, kneeling down in the Holy Gate^ fings the Te 
 Deum laudamus^ tffr ., and afterwards, as he is entering through 
 the Gate, the Chorus go on finging Te Dominum. He is no 
 fooner entered through the Gate into the body of the church, 
 but the Chairmen, clothed in red, attending for that purpofe, 
 take him up in a Chair, and carry him ftraightways to the Great 
 Altar of the Church of St. Peter ; where being fet down, he 
 arifes out of the chair, and after fome time fpent in prayers be- 
 fore the Holy Sacrament, he mounts a throne, erected on 
 
Appendix C. 527 
 
 purpofe for this ufe, and begins the Vefpers, which, according 
 to cuftom, are fung for the Feaft of the Nativity of our 
 Saviour. 
 
 "Having entertained you fufficient with the Holy Gates, and 
 the ceremonies belonging to them, we muft alfo take a fhort 
 view of thofe tranfactions which are performed in the city of 
 Rome, to obtain the happy end of the Jubilee. As thofe who 
 hope to reap the fruits of a plenary Indulgence, muft qualify 
 themfelves for it by many acts of charity, a true penitence, 
 and other good works, fo, I muft needs tire the readers pa- 
 tience, if I fhould pretend to give an exact account of thofe 
 who flock from all parts of Rome, to make their Confeftlons, and 
 appear before the higheft tribunal of Penitence ; it will fuffice 
 to fay, that both day and night all the Churches of that great 
 City are filled up with innumerable multitudes of people, who 
 offer up their prayers in the Prefence of God Almighty. I 
 may fay it without vanity, that there is no ftreet, no, not fo 
 much as a by-lane, in this vaft City, which being formerly the 
 capital Empire of the world, is now the Capital of God's King- 
 dom upon Earth, where you may not fee moft evident marks 
 of an unfeigned piety ; here you meet thofe who make it their 
 whole bufmefs to give alms to the poor, with fo much profu- 
 fion, that you cannot imagine otherwife, but that they are 
 giving away all they have, the better to follow Chrift ; others 
 you may obferve to beftow moft of their time and fubftance 
 in giving a good reception to thofe Pilgrims, who come from 
 all the corners of Chriftendom, to partake of the happy effects 
 of the Jubilee. You will meet as well in the ftreets as in the 
 churches, vaft numbers of both fexes, who touched with re- 
 morfe for their paft crimes, appear in miferable drefs, and a 
 moft abject, pofture ; fome are clad in long coarfe Gowns, 
 others covered only with Sack-Cloth, fome cover their hands 
 and faces with Afhes, others knock their breafts with their 
 fifts ; many there are who tear their flefli all over their bodies 
 by the violence of the Difcipline ; and to be fhort, there is 
 fcarce any kind of mortification invented to give fatisfaction 
 to, and appeafe God's anger, which you fee not put in practice 
 at that time. Neither muft you imagine that thofe Exercifes 
 
528 Appendix C. 
 
 are performed by private perfons only ; no, you will fee whole 
 Fraternities and Congregations, compofed of a confiderable 
 number, who, all animated by the fame Spirit, ftrive to excite 
 one another to the performance of them, by their mutual ex- 
 amples. Thus you may behold entire Chapters and Colleges 
 of Canons, and other Societies, enter in Proceflion the city of 
 Rome ; nay, whole parifhes, with their Curates at the head of 
 them, who leave their habitations to pay their adoration to the 
 Lord, and his Son Jefus Cbrift in that Church, where, as it 
 may be faid, God has erected his Tabernacle, and honoured 
 it with his particular protection, and which claims a Preroga- 
 tive before others, by the death of the chief of the Apoftles 
 and his fellow Sufferer. With this kind of people you fee all 
 the ftreets, and other public places, of this vaft City crowded, 
 going in proceflion from one Church to the other, fome Ting- 
 ing, others fighing and fhedding tears. For whilft fome are 
 bufy finging the Litanies and Pfalms, appointed for that pur- 
 pofe, others offer their prayers with their eyes fattened to the 
 ground, and when they approach the Churches, efpecially that 
 of St. Peter, you may fee many of them crawling upon the 
 ground to the foot of the altar, where they continue for a 
 confiderable time in faying their prayers." 
 
 After this follows a particular account of fhutting up the 
 Holy Gate at the end of the Jubilee year, which is on the 
 following Chriftmas Eve. The Pope, with a filver trowel 
 gilt, takes mortar, &c, and with great ceremony begins the 
 operation of bricking up the Holy Gate, which is not to be 
 opened till the next Jubilee : this is finifhed by others in the 
 Pope's prefence all finging in chorus : — Landa 'Jerufale?n Do- 
 minion latatus fum in his" &c, p. 196. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 C. WHITTINGHAM, CHISWICK. 
 
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