in his own hands, that is, in his (k) paper-study, as he elsewhere calls it, the book [of Articles] of 1563 subscribed by all the lower house of convocation in 1571. And the same is now in the Bodleian Library, and came in as one of Mr. Selden's books. Whether the archbishop's paper-study at Lambeth was a room set apart for the custody of such papers as were to be lodged in the hands of the archbishops themselves, and so descend to their successors, and remain in their own immediate custody, and not in their public offices; (for there is at present no room called the paper-study, and that archiepiscopal seat has undergone vast alterations in and since those dismal times ;) and whether upon this account archbishop Laud said, that that copy was in his own hands; let others judge. It is too.

(k) There was a room in the palace, called, in the time of Elizabeth or James the first, "the little studie at the end of the gallerye on the left hand," besides another called "the place of records." Perhaps the former was the room, which the archbishop mentions by this name of the paper-study in the narration of his troubles and trial. It is clear, that it had been customary to commit the books, thus subscribed, to the custody of the presidents of the Convocation. Thus in 1562, "Clerusque universus eosdem [Articulos] etiam uuanimiter et recepit, et professus est, ut ex manuum suarum subscriptionibus patet, quas obtulit et deposuit apud eundem reverendissimum, &c." And thus in 1604, "the book, so subscribed, to be kept by the bishop of London, president."

P 2

plain

plain that every corner of that great prelate's palace was shamefully pillaged; and no wonder that Mr. Selden got so great a curiosity in such times." The copy of 1604 appears to have fallen into the possession of some person, who knew not or disregarded its value. That it had been in the hands of Laud, is clear from the writing on the outside of the book, which I firmly believe to be his, having compared it with other remains of his pen. That it is an original record, the preceding pages have shown.

The remaining history of this record will be found in the two following letters, which I am now graciously permitted, by the archbishop of Canterbury, here to publish; and in the declaration of the chaplain of archbishop Potter, who deposited it, where it is now preserved, in the archiepiscopal library of Lambeth Palace.

"REV. SIR,

" I UNDERSTAND by Mr. Davis, that the copy of the 39 Articles, subscribed in 1604, is yours. I think myself obliged, therefore, to acquaint you, that I have transcribed the subscriptions, and that I beg your leave to print them in a book I am now about publishing, wherein I give a critical and historical account of that subject. I think I

have

have scraped together every thing that may illustrate it, and preserve that momentous transaction to posterity, which may otherwise be more in the dark concerning it, than we ourselves are at present, who have, notwithstanding, lost our records in the fire of London. This little book, Sir, which a good Providence has made you master of, is a very great curiosity, and contains the most regular subscription, that, I believe, was ever made to the Articles. This inclines me to hope, (and could an obscure stranger prevail with you, I would presume to intreat,) that you will be pleased to bestow this rarity upon such a public library, as may secure it to after ages; and that if you will suffer me to write a chapter in my book, (ten sheets of which are actually printed,) upon this small volume, you will augment the favour by acquainting me, what society you will deposit it with, that I may have the honor of making the gift and the benefactor known to the world, and direct others where to find what they will be as desirous to see as myself. Nothing, Sir, can add to this favour, unless I may dare to name the place. The great and flourishing society of St. John's College, in Cambridge, where 'twas my happiness to receive my education, is already furnished with a large stock of this nature, having lately been enriched with a variety of ancient and

scarce

scarce copies of the Articles, more than any place besides, or, perhaps, than the whole world can equal. Their library is truly noble and famous; and I could heartily wish, and can't forbear beseeching you, to make this excellent addition to their store, which has lately been deposited there by the respective benefactors for the benefit of after ages, though the donors themselves are persons entirely different in their principles and interests, and not one of them ever was of that foundation; as will appear by the account I shall give of them. I have nothing further to request, but that you would excuse my boldness, which, my zeal for the public good has pushed me to express, and that you will suffer me to promise you a copy of what, I hope, I shall soon get finished. I am,

"REV. SIR,

"YOUR kind letter came to Colchester, whilst I was at this place. At length it reached me. I'm heartily glad your book is safe in your hands, and return you my humble thanks, once more, for the use of it. My Essay is now abroad, and Mr. Davis has a copy for you, which I earnestly desire you to accept, as a testimony of my gratitude. I can't but still press you, for the sake of the public, to lodge this valuable curiosity in St. John's Library, at Cambridge, where I will take care that your kindness shall not be forgotten. Magdalen Library is so obscure, that nobody will ever hear of it, or see it there. But a very great number of the papers I use, are actually in St. John's already; and this will, consequently, be as public as those: for I expressly refer my readers thither. I can't but believe, that these considerations will prevail upon you. For I really urge what I'm sure is for the advantage of the public, as you must be sensible. I intend for Colchester the latter end of this month; shall be at Cambridge the first Sunday in July, and a few days before and after; shall then return to Colchester, and about the middle of July to this place again. If your affairs lead you near any of these places,

the