the Oath to the new government, positively refused to become the successor of Ken, during that Prelate's life.[1] At last, Kidder was commanded by the Queen to accept it: yet he complied with considerable reluctance. Mr. Bowles gives, from a MS. preserved in the palace at Wells, a very curious account of Kidder's acceptance of the see. This account was drawn up by Kidder himself. He states, that in the spring the bishopric of Peterborough was proposed to him for his acceptance, and that he had absolutely refused it. In his account of the manner, in which he had given his refusal, he says, "I added also, that I cared not to accept any other bishopric. And this I did, that I might avoid any further solicitation that way." In this document he alludes to Beveridge's refusal, stating that the see remained vacant for some time after. He then wrote to Dr. Williams, that he would not refuse another bishopric, though he must decline Bath and Wells. Williams communicated to Tillotson, that Kidder would accept a bishopric; but he concealed the exception respecting Ken's Diocese. He says, "Though I cannot say I thought it unlawful, yet I did not think it convenient for me to do it. I knew very well that I should be able to do less good, if I came into a bishopric void by deprivation." Soon after, the Queen sent her commands: and Kidder replied that he would accept
- ↑ Beveridge consulted Sancroft on the subject. Evelyn informs us that Sancroft told him: "That Dr. Beveridge came to ask his advice: that the Archhishop told him, though he should give it, lie believed he would not take it: the Doctor said he would: why then, says the Archbishop, when they came to aske, say Nolo, and say it from the heart: there is nothing easier than to resolve yourselfe what is to be done in the case: the Doctor seemed to deliberate," Vol. iii. 304.
