SOMERSETSHIRK SEQIJESTR.VTIONS. 65 



called " The Committee of ScanJalous Ministers," was 

 appointed, and authorized to eject all such reprobates, upon 

 proof of their guilt — to Sequester their estates, and to 

 supply their places v.'ith godly and pious preachers.* 



W e shall üot therefore be surprised to find our friend 

 Mr. Curll particularly attentive to the difFerent incumbents 

 within his district. 



To take tue first in the list, I raust admit that if half of 

 the charges against the Rev. Hugh Collins, Rector of 

 Compton Pauncefoot, were well founded, his punishment 

 was not altogether unnierited. The charge against him is, 



" That he is a lewd and scandalous minister. 



" That he had within these four years a base child laid 

 to his Charge, which is foiind to be his own. 



" That he was at Oxford (the King's head quarters) 

 lately, and usually, since the beginning of these warres, 

 did send and carry intelligence thither. 



" That he made a bonfire upon top of a high hill, for joy 

 of the overthrow of the Parliament forces, at Edgehill, as 

 he reported." A stale offence this, as the battle took place 

 in October, 1642, being the first decided engagement in 

 the war. It was doubtful which party could claim the vic- 

 tory, probably neither ; but the King made the most of it, 

 ordering a day of solemn thanksgiving for his success, 

 at the close of which no doubt, the obnoxious bonfire 

 was kindled. 



The next accusation is a vcry grave one. 



" That on the 3 Ist of October, 1645, there was one of 

 the General's (Fairfax's that is) soldiers robbed at his house 

 of his horse, arms, and money, and no newes since of the 

 man, so that it is conccived he was slayne in the house." 



• The Somersetshire Petition in 1642, prays, amongst other things, 

 " that a sufficieiit remedy be provided against scandalous rainisters. " 



1853*, PART II. I 



