England under Charles II. from the Restoration to the Treaty of Nimeguen, 1660-1678: English History from Contemporary Writers
Taylor, W. F.
1889
Conference between the bishops and Presbyterian ministers, and what happened whilst it was sitting. Andrew Newport to Sir R. Leveson. Oct. 23, 1660, London.
Yesterday a conference was held before the king at the lord chancellor's betwixt the bishops and Presbyterian ministers concerning church government; the Presbyterians agreed to an episcopal government, but they would not have the bishops | |
33 | have any power but jointly with the Presbyters and with their consent. At last they agreed that the bishop should act with the advice and assistance of his prebends and six ministers of his diocese. The Presbyterians pleaded much for power of suspension from the communion to be given to ministers, but that would not be granted, and they yielded at last that power only to the bishops and his assistants (as above); some liberty is given them to forbear some ceremonies if they please. Some parts of the Common Prayer (which are particularly mentioned) they must use, other parts they have liberty in, and some others are to have some small alteration ; they are agreed in all matters and very suddenly. A declaration of church government will be set out. During this conference Mrs. Hyde fell in labour and notice being given of it, the king sent for the lady Ormond, lady Sunderland, and lady Cork; these with some bishops were commanded to be present at the labour, and to ask her (as they did) whose child it was; she said the duke of York's; they further asked her if she were married; she said she was (to the duke); they asked her also if any other man had known her, and with many imprecations she said none; thus the matter rests . . Mrs. Hyde's child is a boy. |
