5.  Circtdar  letter  of  Archhishop  Whitgi/t,  vntJi  a  copy  of
a  letter  from  the  Privy  Council  touching  clerical  non-
conformists, Dec.  1604.
Salutem  in  Christo.  I  have  received  a  letter  from  the  lords
of  his  Majesty's  most  honourable  Privy  Council,  whereof  your
lordship  is  to  take  notice,  the  copy  whereof  followeth  word  for
word.
After  our  hearty  commendations  to  your  lordship.  Foras-
much as  the  time  is  now  expired  which  by  his  Majesty's  late
proclamation,  dated  the  i6th  day  of  July  last,  was  prescribed
and  limited  to  all  those  of  the  clergy  for  the  conforming  of
themselves  unto  the  laws  and  orders  of  the  church  government
established  within  this  realm,  that  have  heretofore,  under
a  pretended  zeal  of  reformation,  but  indeed  of  a  factious  desire
of  innovation,  refused  to  yield  their  obedience  and  conformity
thereunto  ;  by  means  whereof  all  such  as  persist  in  that  wilful
disobedience  are  subject  to  the  penalty  of  deprivation  from
their  benefices  and  other  church  livings,  of  deposition  from
their  ministry,  and  other  censures  of  the  church,  which  were  as
well  at  all  times  heretofore  as  presently  in  vigour  and  force  .  .  ,


422  James  I.  [i622.
His  Majesty  is  well  pleased  to  have  it  known  that  he  is  as  far
from  alteration  of  his  purpose  to  work  au  uuifonuity,  as  they
are  importunate  in  their  unjust  desire  of  innovation,  and
expecteth  that  from  henceforth  without  delay,  where  advice
prevaileth  not,  authority  shall  compel,  and  that  the  laws  shall
be  put  in  execution  where  admonition  taketh  not  effect  .  .  .  And
so  we  bid  your  lordship  very  heartily  farewell.  From  White-
hall the  loth  of  December  MDCIV  .  ..
