the kingdom, who was under trial for life
and fortune, and who defended himself with temper, eloquence, and
courage.[v]

* November 29.

** December 5.

*** December 9.

**** Winwood, vol. ii p. 11.

v State Trials, 1st edit. p. 176, 177, 182.

{1604.} The next occupation of the king was entirely according to
his heart's content. He was employed in dictating magisterially to an
assembly of divines concerning points of faith and discipline, and in
receiving the applauses of these holy men for his superior zeal and
learning. The religious disputes between the church and the Puritans
had induced him to call a conference at Hampton Court, on pretence of
finding expedients which might reconcile both parties.

Though the severities of Elizabeth towards the Catholics had much
weakened that party, whose genius was opposite to the prevailing spirit
of the nation, like severities had had so little influence on the
Puritans, who were encouraged by that spirit, that no less than seven
hundred and fifty clergymen of that party signed a petition to the king
on his accession; and many more seemed willing to adhere to it.[*]

* Fuller, book x. Collier, vol. ii. p. 672.

They all hoped that James, having received his education in Scotland,
and having sometimes professed an attachment to the church established
there, would at least abate the rigor of the laws enacted in support of
the ceremonies, and against Puritans; if he did not show more particular
grace and encouragement to that sect. But the king's disposition had
taken strongly a contrary bias. The more he knew the Puritanical clergy,
the less favor he bore to them. He had remarked in their Scottish
brethren a violent turn towards republicanism, and a zealous attachment
to civil liberty; principles nearly allied to that religious enthusiasm
with which they were actuated. He had found, that being mostly persons
of low birth and mean education, the same lofty pretensions which
attended them in their familiar addresses to their Maker, of whom they
believed themselves the peculiar favorites, induced them to use the
utmost freedoms with their earthly sovereign. In both capacities, of
monarch and of theologian, he had experienced the little complaisance
which they were disposed to show him; whilst they controlled his
commands, disputed his tenets, and to his face, before the whole people,
censured his conduct and behavior. If he had submitted