“ Then the
Protestant Bishop of London began,
"You are greatly abused by those
whom you call your Superiors. Think now of my counsel, which is to help
yourselves, and to acknowledge your fault and error ; then doubtless I dare
promise you from the Queen’s Majesty sure pardon. You miserable men do what in
you is, to kill yourselves, which is a damnable thing, unless you now repent.’
On this Mr. Genings began to smile, and said that, though young, he thought he
could answer the Bishop’s allegation. ‘ Peace,’ said the Bishop, ‘ I see you
are all willful. Here I acquit myself before all this audience, that I have
given you sound counsel. At the latter day, when you and I shall all stand
before the Judge, this my word now shall condemn you,’ and with that the old
dissembler wept, as it seemed, and wiped his eyes, trickling down with tears,
every one as big as a millstone. ‘ Almighty God pardon your obstinacy. I may
not stay to hear the just sentence of blood pronounced against you, because
it is not according to my profession; ’ which said, he presently departed from
the Bench. Many silly people commended his great charity and tender heart, as I
heard them speak.”
“ And they went not
into the hall, that they might not be defiled, but that they might eat the Pasch.”—John xviii. 28.
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