imployed all his time to search for it; and he had not had time since to take Advice vvhat to answer; and that his Counsel vvas out of Town in vvhom he thought to confide. Then vvith∣drawing for a quarter of an hour, the Chancel∣lor told him, They vvould not admit of any quarrelling vvith their Commission, for that they were well assured of the Legality of it: But asking him what Time he desired, at his request they granted him a Fortnight, and adjourned.
It vvas observed, that vvhen the Bishop spake concerning the Commission, Sir Thomas Clarges spake aloud, saying, VVell put, well put; my Lord speaks nothing but Truth.
There was also another Gentleman, Sir John Lowther of Lincolnshire, vvho as he vvas coming away in the Crowd, said, There are some who have represented me as a Papist, but the contrary shall appear; I will not be afraid nor ashamed to vindicate my Lord Bishop of London's Cause, before the Commissioners themselves.
Tuesday, Aug. 24. 1686. There being pre∣sent in Council the same as at first, the Lord Bi∣shop attending, and being asked, what he had to say? after some Apology for vvhat he vvas about to say, he said, His Counsel tells him, that their Proceedings in this Court, are direct∣ly contrary to the Statute-Law, and vvere there ready to plead it if their Lordships would ad∣mit them. But the Chancellor told him, they vvould neither hear him nor his Counsel in the Matter, they being satisfied of the Legality of their Commission. Then the Bishop urged, that their Commission, he conceived, did not extend