Page:The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, Volume 1.djvu/339

Rh subscribed them, the Bishops were armed with a dangerous commission of making new canons, imposing new oaths, and the like; but now we have disarmed them of that power. These petitioners lately did look upon Episcopacy as a beast armed, with horns and claws; but now that we have cut and pared them (and may, if we see cause, yet reduce it into narrow bounds), it may, perhaps, be more agreeable. Howsoever, if they be still in passion, it becomes us soberly to consider the right use and antiquity thereof; and not to comply farther with a general desire, than may stand with a general good."

"We have already shewed, that episcopacy and the evils thereof are mingled like water and oil, we have also, in part, severed them; but I believe you will find, that our laws and the present government of the church are mingled like wine and water; so inseparable, that the abrogation of, at least, a hundred of our laws is desired in these petitions. I have often heard a noble answer of the Lords, commended in this house, Rh