likely to produce. Calamy rather improves upon Burnet: he says, the sees were not filled "till letters were discovered that shewed what correspondencies and engagements there were among them."[1] This is from a man who professed a great regard for truth and holiness: yet he joins in traducing men, without any evidence whatever.
Some particulars respecting Mr. Ashton's trial and conviction may be acceptable to those, who may not have access to the works, in which the accounts are preserved. The charge was, that he had written letters and papers for the use of the King of France. A rumour was circulated that he was a Romanist: consequently several witnesses were produced to prove that he was a Protestant. Dr. Fitzwilliam alleged, that Asliton had received the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper only six months before in Ely Chapel. This was of course under Turner, the Bishop of Ely. A juryman, therefore, asked whether the Prayers were read for King William and Queen Mary? the Doctor replied, that he could not say that they were altered: but, in reply to another question, he admitted that the names, as inserted in the altered Prayers, were not mentioned. He added, that he had been a hundred times at Prayers in their altered state. The witness was then asked if he had taken the Oaths to the King and Queen. He replied: "No, I have not, Sir, that's my unhappiness: but I know how to submit and live peaceably under them." He also added, "If any one can say I have done or acted any thing against the government, I will readily submit to be punished for it." This was the case with the great mass of the Nonjurors: yet such men
- ↑ Calamy, i. 485.
