382 ADVICE ABOUT THE CHARTERHOUSE. 



few words set before your majesty three propositions ; 

 none of them devices of mine own, otherwise than 

 that I ever approved them ; two of which have been 

 in agitation of speech, and the third acted. 



The first is a college for controversies, whereby 

 we shall not still proceed single, but shall, as it were, 

 double our files ; which certainly will be found in 

 the encounter. 



The second is a receipt, I like not the word 

 seminary, in respect of the vain vows, and implicit 

 obedience, and other things tending to the pertur 

 bation of states, involved in that term, for converts 

 to the reformed religion, either of youth or othewise ; 

 for I doubt not but there are in Spain, Italy, and 

 other countries of the papists, many whose hearts are 

 touched with a sense of those corruptions, and an 

 acknowledgment of a better way ; which grace is 

 many times smothered and choked, through a worldly 

 consideration of necessity and want ; men not know 

 ing where to have succour and refuge. This likewise 

 I hold a work of great piety, and a work of great 

 consequence ; that we also may be wise in our 

 generation ; and that the watchful and silent night 

 may be used as well for sowing of good seed, as of 

 tares. 



The third is, the imitation of a memorable and 

 religious act of queen Elizabeth ; who finding a part 

 of Lancashire to be extremely backward in religion, 

 and the benefices swallowed up in impropriations, 

 did, by decree in the duchy, erect four stipends of 

 100/. per annum apiece for preachers well chosen to 



