BISHOP AYLMER. 185 



and a plot laid for him to bring him into trouble, I know CHAP, 

 not. But the Bishop shewed himself above these tempta 



tions of money, and took the letter and enclosed it in one of 

 his, and sent it to the Lord Treasurer, telling him that the 

 meaning he understood not, but that the writer would angle 

 for him with a golden hook : that he knew his Lordship s 

 wisdom could smell out the meaning of such matters better 

 than he, and therefore thought good to make his Lordship 

 privy to it : and then to proceed as he should direct him : 

 adding, that he could not think that any of that religion 

 could have any good meaning towards him. 



He and his whole family every day in the week twice His devo- 

 were present at, and joined with the whole divine service ; 

 calling upon God for a blessing upon themselves, the State, 

 and the Queen s Majesty: and by that means putting up 

 frequent devout prayers for her and her kingdoms. 



He duly observed his triennial visitations. And because Punctual i 

 his presence might be of advantage to the promoting of so- tion . 

 briety in manners, and obedience to the ecclesiastical constitu 

 tion, he would often make some longer stay in several places 

 of his diocese, where conveniently he might ; and that for a 

 month or two, before his return home : as to see abuses rec 

 tified, to hear complaints, to give his counsel and advice to 

 such as needed it, to observe the behaviours of the Clergy, 

 to preach himself, to keep hospitality, and such like. 



In his ordination of Ministers he was very punctual and And or di- 

 careful : admitting none to Orders but such as himself did Ministers, 

 examine in his own person in points of divinity, and that in 

 the Latin tongue, in the hearing of many ; whereby it came 

 to pass, that none lightly came at him, but such as were 

 graduates, and of the Universities. 



For his natural temper, he was quick and hot ; as many Quick and 

 great spirits have been: and this would sometimes lead 

 him out into haste and passion: but he had the wisdom 

 and conduct soon to check and take up himself again. 

 Once the Bishop was very angry with the Lord Treasurer 

 Burghley, otherwise his very cordial friend, charging him 

 somewhat too hardly in respect of the friendship between 



