BENEVOLENCE. clxiii 



ance, in anger dissolved the parliament, and committed 

 several of the members who had spoken freely of his 

 measures. 



This violence, instead of allaying, increased the ferment June, 

 in the nation; and, unable to obtain a supply from par- 1614 

 liament, and being extremely distressed for money, several 

 of the nobility and clergy in and about London, made 

 presents to the King; and letters were written to the 

 sheriffs and justices in the different counties, and to ma 

 gistrates of several corporations, informing them what had 

 been done in the metropolis, and how acceptable and 

 seasonable similar bounty would be from the country. 



Amongst others, a letter was sent to the Mayor of 

 Marlborough in Wiltshire, where Mr. Oliver St. John, a 

 gentleman of an ancient family, was then residing, who 

 wrote to the mayor on the llth of October, 1614, repre 

 senting to him that this benevolence was against law, 

 reason, and religion,^) and insinuating that the King, by 



(a) Wilson says, &quot; These fair blossoms not producing the hoped-for 

 fruit, they find out new projects to manure the people ; different much in 

 name and nature ; a benevolence extorted ; a free gift against their wills 

 was urged upon them, and they that did not give in their money must give 

 in their names, which carried a kind of fright with it. But the most know 

 ing men (like so many pillars to the kingdom s liberties) supported their 

 neighbour s tottering resolutions, with assuring them that these kind of 

 benevolences were against law, reason, and religion. 



&quot; First, against law, being prohibited by divers acts of parliament; and 

 a curse pronounced against the infringers of them. 



&quot; Secondly, against reason, that a particular man should oppose his 

 judgment and discretion to the wisdom and judgment of the King assembled 

 in parliament, who have there denied any such aid. 



&quot; Thirdly, against religion, that a king violating his oath (taken at his 

 coronation for maintaining the laws, liberties, and customs of the realm) 

 should be assisted by the people in an act of so much injustice and 

 impiety. These and many other arguments, instilled into the people by 

 some good patriots, were great impediments to the benevolence ; so that 



