OF THE PACIFICATION OF THE CHURCH. 91 



and the bill recommended by the gravest counsellor 

 of estate in parliament ; though afterwards it was 

 staid by the queen s special commandment, the na 

 ture of those times considered. 



TOUCHING NON-RESIDENTS AND PLURALITIES. 



For non-residence, except it be in case of neces 

 sary absence, it seemeth an abuse drawn out of co- 

 vetousness and sloth : for that men should live of the 

 flock that they do not feed, or of the altar at which 

 they do not serve, is a thing that can hardly receive 

 just defence ; and to exercise the office of a pastor, 

 in matter of the word and doctrine, by deputies, is a 

 thing not warranted, as hath been touched before. 

 The questions upon this point do arise upon the cases 

 of exception and excusation, which shall be thought 

 reasonable and sufficient, and which not. For the 

 case of chaplains, let me speak that with your Ma 

 jesty s pardon, and with reverence towards the other 

 peers and grave persons, whose chaplains by statutes 

 are privileged : I should think, that the attendance 

 which chaplains give to your Majesty s court, and in 

 the houses and families of their lords, were ajuster 

 reason why they should have no benefice, than why 

 they should be qualified to have two : for, as itstandeth 

 with Christian policy, that such attendance be in no 

 wise neglected ; because that good, which ensueth 



