AN ANSWER TO THE SCANDALOUS ASPERSIONS OF COMMITTEES, By Mr. Walter powel, in his Book, called, NEWS for NEWTERS, etc. and in his Epistles preceding his Book. By William Sheppard Esquire, one of the Members of the Committee for Gloucester, Hereford, etc. PSAL. 64. 2, 3, 7. Hid me from the secret council of the wicked: from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity. Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows, to shoot their arrows, even bitter words. But God shall shoot at them with an arrow, suddenly shall they be wounded. Printed in the Year, 1648. The Epistle to the READER. COurteous Reader, one Mr. Walter powel, a Minister (who calls himself Vicar of Standish) hath of late Printed, and published a new Book, named News for Newters, etc. and in his Dedicatory See his Epistles and the Book. fol. 28. Epistle; first to Major General massy, and next to the Honourable House of Commons in Parliament, and in some passages of the Book he hath taken upon him the boldness freely to rail upon Country Committees, more freely upon the Committee of Gloucester, etc. but most virulently against one Member thereof, for the injustice and hard measure he hath had by a sentence Si accusare sufficiat, ecquis erit innocens? given by the Committee of Gloucester against him, to out him of his Vicarage; whereby he pretendeth he hath suffered more injury (se ipso judice) then ever the Martyrs did suffer by their persecutors. Wherefore to vindicate the reputation of the Gentlemen of that Committee who joined in that act, (some whereof are dead) to pull off the vizard from his impudent face, and to put a stop to his deceits that he may no longer amuse and abuse other men there with; I have been necessitated to take upon me this task, to Examine the proceeding of the Committee against him, and his representation thereof, and charge therein against the Committee. In answer to, and for the clearing of both which, I shall do no more, but present you with the naked truth of the proceed, and give you the whole case faithfully extracted and stated out of the Records of the Committee, with some short additionals, and brief observations thereupon: entreating you that have read the one, to read the other also, Qui statuit aliquid parte inaudita altera, etc. that so by comparing the one with the other, you may be able to judge of both. If you read his Epistles, you find him therein affirm these particulars See the Epistles against the Gentlemen of the Committee of Gloucester. 1. That their proceed against him in the matter before them was unjust, and in the judgement of some Members of Parliament unparallel. 2. That they are ruining unjust Judges. 3. That the sentence given by them against him was matchless, malicious, and abominable, such as the stones cry for justice against them for it. For answer to these Charges, if you will be but pleased to read his Crimes for which he was ejected, in the proofs of the witnesses against him, or (if that be too long) † See it, fol. 16. in the sentence given against him, wherein they are abridged, and the manner of the proceeding of the Committee in his ejectment, and take this withal, that there was something more proved before the Committee, viva voce, at the hearing of the cause than is Recorded; you will easily perceive that this slander of Mr. powel, of the living and dead (not the sentence and proceeding of the Committee in his case) is matchless, malicious, abominable, and unparallel. But he tells you of some particulars wherein this injustice was showed. 1. That he was cast out of his Living See his Epistles. being unheard, and that his censure was before any witness of his could be heard, and that the Certificate of some of the Committee herein containeth manifest untruths, etc. For the clearing of this Slander (if his mouth or pen be a slander) if you please to look into the See in the process of the cause, f. 12, 8, 13, 14. Fatetur facinus qui fugit judicium. proceed, you shall find he did examine three witnesses, refused to answer the Articles exhibited against him, appealed from the Committee, to the Parliament, refused to be tried by the Committee, having as little mind to be tried by them (many of whom were his neighbours, had lived more than twenty years by him, and knew him very well) as he hath to have his cause re-heard according to the order of the Committee of Plundered Ministers made now more than two years since. But the truth is he had, and might have had (as others had in like case) leave to examine as many witnesses as he pleased. And you shall find in the process of the cause, that the witnesses fol. 14. on both sides were to be present at the hearing of the cause. And that Warrants were to be sent forth to bring them in, which he might have had done if he had had any mind to it. 2. He will tell you he waited long. I shall say thus much to this, that had it been true, it had been no cause of complaint; for all men that had to do with the Committee in that time did so, nor could the Committee, having then so much to do, dispatch men sooner. But how long did he wait? If you view the case, you shall see the 19 Articles against him were exhibited against him Decemb. 3. 1644. and it was heard the 25 of Febr. following, which was no long time to examine above 40 witnesses, and if it were long, it was made long by his delay. 3. He will tell you he had additional Articles put in against him, we do not find, remember nor believe this to be so, but this may be true, his crimes deserving it, and (if so it be) is just and no more but what was used before that Committee, and is used before other Committees in like case. 4. He complains that he could not have Copies of the depositions, and be present at the examination of witnesses; For the first of these, I have examined the Clerk, who doth affirm, that he had the offer of the heads of the proofs against him, without the names of the witnesses, as other men in like case: But nothing would satisfy him, but the depositions at large with the names of the witnesses, a thing (in that time) not granted to any man in like case. But (by his favour) I think he ought not to have had so much granted to him till he had answered the Articles exhibited against him, which he always refused to do. And that the party accused, should be present at the private examination of witnesses against him, was a motion against all reason, & that which the Committee did not think fit to grant to any one in the like case, but he might have been present at the public examination. 5. He complains yet further, and saith: That all that was done by the whole Committee (being eight of them) was done by the procurement of one Committee-man; This is as true as the rest, and as senseless and ridiculous as false. Nor can these seven Gentlemen take this well, that they should be deemed so shallow and weak, to be all of them in so great a work led by one, and one of the meanest of them. 6. But he finds fault further, and saith: That he was adjudged to be scandalous, to satisfy the greedy appetites of a new Committee-man, an old hangman, a posted Malignant, and a professed Neuter: I must herein, as to the persons whose appetites he pretends were satisfied by this unjust censure, profess my ignorance of his meaning, except by old hangman he mean one Henry Gabb, who offered to give evidence against him, but was refused, For the greatest part, if not all the witnesses, who did depose against him were very substantial, many of them Religious persons. And I dare say that as the Judges were discreet & just men, so was that judgement of theirs uncorrupt, and according to the merit of the cause, not to satisfy the greedy appetite of any, but to satisfy their own Consciences in the discharge of the trust put upon them. 7. But he tells you somewhere he sped the worse in his cause for his Sermon. This is as true as all the rest: And observe how probable it is when himself affirmeth, that the man that procured all this in-justice to be done, did not hear the Sermon, and (if we mistake not the man) he doth assure you he never (to his remembrance) heard any thing of his Sermon, till now that he had made it so common by his Printing and publishing thereof. 2. But in aggravation of all these wrongs, he boasts himself, for lack of neighbours to do it for him: and cries up what love he hath borne to, and how much he hath done, for the Parliament. Tell me for this Mr. powel, when you began first to show yourself so friendly to the Parliament: for I do not remember I have heard any thing of your zeal for it, till first by their zeal against you, you were like by their Commissioners to be justly punished for your wicked life: and then (as your manner is) you begin to flatter with the Parliament: but what have you done for the Parliament tell me if you can: if not, I will tell you what you have not done for it. Did you out of your great estate lend the Parliament any money in the time of its extremity? I will play the fool a little also, and tell Amicus certus, etc. you of a Committee-man, and (it may be) the man you are so much troubled withal, who out of his penury lent the Parliament 40. l. in the time of its extremity, did you out of your plenty lend it 40. s.? Nay are not you the man that did and still do show yourself most averse and unwilling to the payment of all Parliament taxes, and See the case. fol. 11. threaten and reproach the Parliament Collectors and Officers in the execution of their office, yet more, I shall tell you what you have done against the Parliament. 1. You have, yet more to heighten and provoke the rage and fury of the people against the Parliament and their servants, charged all Country Committees with injustice, oppression, and tyranny, as one of the great causes of the staggering of the people, and in this do you not strike the Parliament through their Fol. 29. of his Book, Injuria servo illata redundat in dominum. servants sides? you are doubtless in the right where you say, This doth reflect upon the honour of the Parliament, as moisture in the feet strikes up to the head. But can you make out this accusation well against all Committees as you have done the accusations you have made against the Committee of Gloucester? I dare say, if you were put to it you cannot prove two unjust acts to be done by all the Committees of England, your Tongue is your own. 2. Are not you See the case. fol. 9 the man that placed and kept in Raudwick one of your Cures, one Mr. Smith, a man notorious for his scandal and ill affection to the Parliament, till he was for the same ejected by the Committee of Gloucester, and did not you then endeavour to oppose their justice therein? and are not you the man that notwithstanding you were present at the hearing of his cause, and the sentence of his ejectment, who did cause the same Smith to Preach in your own Church at Standish, yourself being present, the next Fast day, after his ejectment? 3. And (if I mistake not) you placed and kept in Hardwick, A good cause is much wronged by a bad champion. (another of your Churches) one Mr. Swan (as great a Cavaleere as any you cry out so much against) till he was forced to fly from thence for fear of the Parliament Army. I dare not affirm that you do not love the Parliament: But if you do, I will tell you what is said of Ithasius hatred to the Priscillian heresy, it was all the virtue he had. 3. After this he tells you of his sufferings for the Parliament in his name, person and estate, which he tells you have been intolleraale, incredible, and to the loss of his livelihood and danger of his life. For this we have enquired of his sufferings by the King's Party, and can hear of nothing of value taken from him save what he had again, except two Oxen, a Bullock and Bull taken by Sir Ralph Duttons means, for a debt of 8. l. Sir Ralph challenged from him for Rent, the which he had again, and might have kept if he would have paid him, and four Kine, and some small pieces of householdstuff; this we have heard to be the truth of that case. And as to his sufferings by this hideous sentence of the Committee, we cannot imagine how he should be much hurt by this: for the truth is (as he himself in one of his Epistles confesseth) that not long after this sentence given for his ejectment, he got an Order from the Committee of Plundered Ministers to restore him to the Vicarage of Standish, and his arrears, and hereby he hath ever since enjoyed it against the Order of the Committee. And we are credibly informed, that albeit Mr. powel was absent from his charge at Standish almost a whole year, and (for the most part) the same was served by other Ministers: Yet there hath not been above 30. l. of the profits of the Viecarage taken from him by any other Minister. And that he either hath, or might have received the rest. Runwick and Saul being places inconsiderable, not able to discharge the Curate: I do not find that the Committee have intermeddled with them. And as for Hardwick (now worth about 40. l. a year) it was at or near the time of the Order of ejectment, in the hands of one Mr. Dowlman, who held the same by an Order of Major General massy then Governor of Gloucester, made by him before any Committee there settled upon the Petition of the Parish: After that Mr. Dowlman had left Major See the case. fol. 9 General massy and others (as Committee-men) placed Mr. Venus there, who after he had been there about eight weeks, was frighted from it by Mr. powel, and had nothing at all (that we can hear of) for his pains, and after this time the Committee did not at all intermeddle with the disposal of this Church, till they placed Mr. Walker in it, who was there about five Months only; so that upon this account there could not be above 50. l. at the most of the profits of all his Churches, disposed away from him in all that time by order of the Committee, which is the thing he desireth the Parliament to consider, and to give him reparations for, as for intolerable sufferings. 4. But in this Mr. powel finds great fault in the Committee, especially in one Member thereof, to place (for his supplanting) in his Chapel (as he calls it) a Minister that hath been taken in Arms against the Parliament, ejected out of his living in Monmouth shire, for being contentious against his neighbours, a common drunkard, a railer against the Parliament, and one who said he was and would be a Cavalier. And herein he supposeth he hath charged the Committee home, and so he hath, but it was without powder or bullets. To all this I answer, that if this be true of this man (which Turpe est doctori, etc. See the Orders in the case. f. 17 is more than the Committee know) he is too too like Mr. powel. But all that the Committee did herein was this. The place being void, upon a Petition under the hand of most of the parishioners, to have this man settled amongst them. The Committee knowing no more of the man but this only, that he was a man well gifted, able to pray and Preach very well, they passed an Order that he should be there upon trial until they might have better knowledge of him: and as soon as they had information against him, that he was a man ill affected to the Parliament, they made another Order to put him out. The Copies of both which Orders you shall find at large in the process of his cause. 5. He seems to find fault that Committee men, who have no land, do act in the Committees, and thereby implies, that he thinks those men who have no land, unfit to be employed in that work. Is not this your meaning Mr. powel? if it be, it is strange Logic to me, that because a man hath no land, he should be unfit for public employment; if your arguing in your book be no better, I marvel not, it hath so little esteem amongst the wisest men: may not a man have a good estate that hath no estate in Land? But why may not a man without land be as fit for a Committee-man, as a Minister? I doubt not Mr. powel was as honest a man, and as fit for his office when he had no Land, and before he bought the Manor of Sir Ralph Dutton, and was to give 3000. l. for it, when I presume he knew not where to have 1000 l. to pay for it, and after when he had for want of money reconveyed it to Sir Ralph Dutton for his security of his money, as while he was by this purchase Lord of a Manor. 6. But in his Errata upon his Book (not having spit all his venom before) he tells you of something he had forgotten: that some Committee-men had bought more Lands since they were preferred to their Committeeships then they sold before. I suppose be means by this that they sold their Land for need, and bought again by their dishonest gain in their new office, otherwise he saith nothing to purpose, and who these men are, I, nay I dare say he cannot tell. But being willing to tell you all I know, I shall tell you of one Committee-man, that having a piece of Land of 80. l. per. an. who did (not for lack of money) but for other weighty causes (as is well known to many Parliament-men) sell it for 2000 l. part of which he laid out before, and part since he was made a Committee-man, upon Leases and Copyhold estates. And yet in all he hath not laid out by 100 l. so much as he made, it may be this is the man and matter you intent. Last of all, as to all that barking of his, in a rabble of groundless, frivolous and senseless accusations against one Committee-man, he calls his malevolent Committee adversary. That he procured all this injustice to be done, turned his back to his Sermon, went out of Gloucester at the Siege, etc. albeit the things are not worth answering, yet I shall give them this answer. There is no truth in these assertions. Aeque laus, est ab improbis, improbari, ac à bonis probari. For first, men would have more easily believed, that one of the Members of the Committee was his malevolent adversary, had the accuser shown any reason why he should be his adversary, for the next thing (as I have said already) what was done by the Committee against the complainer was unanimous by all the Committee, without the consent of three, of whom no Committee act can be done; for the third Mr. powel makes a very good improvement, but a strange construction of that act: It is much he could think of no other occasion which the man might have to go out of the Church, but disrespect of his Sermon, and fear of his presence, it is more like, Mr. powel a guilty man as you were, might fear the presence of the Committee-man appointed to be one of your Judges, then that he should fear you. The going away of the Committee-man from Mr. powel's Sermon, (if we mistake not the man) was not out of fear of his person, or disrespect Parturiunt montes, etc. of his Sermon, nor for any other reason, but because he was sent for out of the Church about some special business. And for his going away at the Siege, he went away about a fortnight before the Siege, and stayed out at the Siege: And what of this? is it (in your judgement) a crime for a man that had nothing to do in Gloucester to go out of it at the Siege? Thus have you the whole case: And now let the world judge by the promises, what manner of man this is: and whether he hath not herein evidenced to all the world the truth of one of these Articles exhibited against him (not so fully proved before) to wit, that he is a common liar; for he that will in so few lines print so many lies, may be presumed in his ordinary discourse to tell many lies. And whether the Committee of Gloucester have not more reason to Petition the Parliament to have a Commission, to such Commissioners as the Parliament shall be pleased to name, to examine the falsehood of these accusations, than that Mr. powel should desire a Commission from the Parliament, to such Commissioners as he shall name, to examine the Combination and unjust proceed of his malevolent Committee adversay, etc. Your true friend W. S. I Have left his Book to be scanned by those that have more leisure, and ability than I have yet: I shall give you the sudden sense of a witty Scholar upon it, in these Verses I lighted on by chance. To the Reader on Mr. powel's Book. Laugh and be fat: for thou didst never taste So many kickshaws at a public fast: He the first service prefaced (as appears) With Hedgehogs, Eagles, Pussicats, and Bears. Whether this Cook served it in Plate or Pewter, Were wise, or witty? Ask not: He is Neuter. Ask what he lent the State, himself can tell it, Much in a mouthful, or a paper pellet. Ask what was offered on his Fasting day? They offered more than one to go away. Ask what he did? what grist he brought to th' mill? Then the mans grouned, and neuter passive still. Here followeth a true Copy of all the proceed of the Committee of Gloucester, in Mr. Walter powel's case. That Branch of the Ordinance, made the 10. of May, 1644. by which, the Committee of Gloucester, etc. are authorized to put out Scandalous, and ill-affected Ministers. ANd be it further Ordained by the said Lords and Commons, that the said Committees, or any three of them, shall have power to call before them, all Ministers and Schoolmasters within the said Counties and City, that are Scandalous in their lives, or ill-affected to the Parliament; or fomenters of this unnatural War, or shall wilfully refuse obedience to the Ordinances of Parliament: or shall have deserted their ordinary place of residence, not being employed in the service of the King and Parliament. And they shall have power to send for any witnesses, and examine any complaint, or receive any testimony against them, upon Oath of any person that shall be produced to give Evidence against them, and upon such proofs of the aforesaid crimes, the said Committees, or any three or more of them, have hereby power to remove, and Eject, all such Scandalous Ministers, and Schoolmasters, and in their places nominate and appoint, such learned, able, and Godly persons as they shall think fit, and shall cause all such Ministers, and School masters, so nominated and placed, to be put in possession of the said several Churches, and Schools, who shall and may representatively, take, receive, and perceive to their own use, the profits, and revenues, belonging to the said several Churches and places. Articles Exhibited to the Committee for the County of Gloucester, against Walter powel Clerk, Vicar of Standish, in the said County, 3. Decemb. 1644. 1. IMprimis, That he keepeth and holdeth four places, with cure of souls in his hands, and endeavoureth to do so still, and taketh little care for either of them. 2. Item, That he is a common haunter of Alehouses, and hath been drunk oft. 3. Item, That he doth so exceedingly busy himself in secular affairs, that he is not fit to undertake the cure of souls. 4. Item, That he is a common liar, and very deceitful in word and deed. 5. Item, That he is a man very contentious, and given to Law suits. 6. Item, That he is a common Cheater, and doth usually overreach his neighbours in bargaining. 7. Item, That he having the Cure, and charge of Rendwick Church under him, hath for divers years together, kept and continued Mr. John Smith, a Curate under him, who is a man very scandalous, and ill affected to the Parliament, and one who for the same is Ejected by the Committee, and yet a man much favoured, and countenanced by Mr. powel. 8. Item, That the said Mr. powel the last year, was absent from all his Churches 12. weeks together, and made no provision for them all that time. 9 Item, That when the Committee (the presentation of the same Churches belonging to the Bishop of Gloucester) had at the suit of the Parishioners of Hardwick (they being then in distress for want of a Minister) put (in Mr. powel's absence) one Mr Venus an honest Minister, who continued there divers weeks, and served the Cure, yet Mr. powel when he came home, turned him out contrary to the Order of the Committee, and refused to give him any satisfaction for the time he had served the Cure. 10. Item, That Mr. powel when he came from London, gave out speeches he had an Order from the Parliament to put out Mr. Venus, when he had none. 11. Item, That Mr. powel in contempt of the Committee after they had Ejected Mr. John Smith his Curate at Rendwick, caused him the next Fast day after the said Ejectment, to Preach in his own Parish Church at Standish, he being present when the said Mr. Smith was Ejected. 12. Item, He hath caused divers persons of the Parish of Standish, to be presented in the Consistory Court at Gloucester, for going to other Parishes to hear Sermons, when as himself did neglect the said Cure once a day at least. 13. Item, That after there had been debate before the Committee, touching the Rents in question, between Sir Ralph Dutton and Mr. Pawell, and the Committee had told him that he should not receive the said Rents, he notwithstanding did cunningly practise with Mr. Hart the Collector, persuading him to abuse the power committed to him, to get the said Rents into his hands. 14. Item, That since he hath been questioned before the Committee, he hath given out threatening speeches against the witnesses that have been summoned in against him. 15. Item, That since he hath been questioned before the Committee, he hath been seen drinking in an Ale house at Wethenhurst 24 hours together. 16. Item, That the said Mr. powel did suffer his servants, with Wain and Oxen, to carry Hay certain Sabbath days together. 17. Item, That after Mr. powel's Cattle had been distrained for Contribution money, the said powel gave out threatening speeches, that if ever the King's Army came into the County again, he would be revenged of those that had distrained his Cattle. 18. Item, The said Mr. powel is a man much given to fight and quarrelling. 19 Item, That when the Overseers of the poor for the Parish of Hardwick demanded of Mr. powel his deuce to the poor according to the Statute in that case provided; The said Mr. powel answered them, that if they would make him pay to the poor. according to the Statute, than they should have Sermons according to the Statute, that is, once a month, or when they could have them. Depositions of witnesses to the Articles exhibited against Walter powel Vicar of Standish. Decemb. 8. 1644. 1. TO the first Article, John Bainham of Hardwick being sworn, saith, that the said Walter powel being now possessed of the Vicarage of Hardwick, is for the most part a nonresident at Hardwick: And he saith that the last year 1643. there was but one Sermon in the Parish Church of Hardwick for 14 weeks together. Thomas Beard of Saul sworn to the first Article saith, that Mr. powel hath the charge of four several Churches and Cures, (viz.) Standish, Hardwick, Rendwick and Saul. And saith, that the Privy Tithes of Saul and the Gleab-land there, is worth about 7. l. per an. And saith that Mr. powel since he had the Cure of Saul he sold away the Gleab-land and the Churchyard belonging to Saul for 60. years if he the said powel so long live. And that Mr. powel hath for the most part placed to serve the Cure of Saul Drunken Idle Ministers, such as he could get best cheap; one whereof (whose name was Floyd) the said powel hired for about 40. s. per an. to serve the said Cure, and that the said Floyd was enforced to sue the said powel for the said 40. s. before he could have it. And he saith divers of the Inhabitants of Saul, have formerly been presented at the Consistory Court, some of them and their whole families by the said powel's bad Curates for going to other Parishes to hear able Ministers Preach. John Beard and John Ellis of Saul aforesaid say upon Oath, that what Thomas Beard hath spoken is true in all points. Robert Keylock of Hardwick sworn to the first Article saith, that Mr. powel hath the charge of four Churches and Cures, (viz.) Standish, Hardwick, Rendwick and Saul. And saith, that in the Parish Church of Hardwick they have had no Minister the last Summer for divers weeks together, but what the Parish procured of themselves: and saith he hath heard and doth believe that the Vicaridg of Hardwick hath been worth 50 l. per an. And saith that Mr. Ham being Curate of Hardwick about ten years since under Mr. powel, was enforced to sue the said powel for his wages at the Council. John Niblet of Standish sworn saith, that Mr. powel hath the Cure and charge of four Churches, (viz.) Standish, Hardwick, Rendwick and Saul, and saith that Mr. Ham, his Curate at Hardwick, told this deponent, that he was feign to sue the said powel for his wages, for serving the Cure of Hardwick. Edward Mill of Standish being sworn saith, that Mr. powel hath the charge of four Churches, and that Standish being one of them, hath been sometimes neglected for a fortnight or three weeks together, without any Preaching or Prayers. John Pain of Hardwick being sworn, saith, that Mr. powel Vicar of Hardwick, hath been very negligent in serving the Cure of Hardwick, and for three month's last passed, the said Parish of Hardwick hath been neglected six several times. Richard Yealf of Hardwick being sworn saith, that Mr. powel hath and holdeth four Churches with cure of souls (as this deponent hath heard) and that Hardwick being one of them, hath been many days neglected once a Saboth. Giles Wyman of Standish being sworn saith, that Mr. powel having the charge of four several Churches, of which Standish is one: and he saith, that in Standish Church they have been many days neglected at least once a Sunday: And he saith, that when the well minded people of the Parish have (by reason of his neglect) gone to other Parishes, he doth usually rail at them, calling them Neuters, lean Witches, Gallopers, and Amblers to other Churches; And that when the Parliament doth settle things, he will be the first that shall question them for it, these have been his usual expressions in the Pulpit. George Stratford of Standish being sworn saith, that Mr. powel hath been very negligent in serving the cure of Standish, and he saith, that for two Saboth days within two month's last, the Bell having rung for a Sermon, when the people came to Church, they had no Sermon at all. Henry pain being sworn saith, that Mr. powel is a man very negligent in serving the Cure of Standish, for this deponent saith that he hath lived many years in Standish parish, and that the said parish hath been many Saboth days neglected by Mr. powel (in his duty) in serving the said Cure, which hath occasioned divers of his parishioners (as the deponent believes) to go to other parishes to hear Sermons, whereupon the said Mr. powel usually fais a railing at them in the Pulpit for going to other parishes, calling them Trotters and Amblers, and that if the Parliament do not take course with such, they might pray that the Parliament would take course to pull down the Churches. Oliven Haltham being sworn saith, that Mr. powel Vicar of Hardwick was in the year 1642. absent from his parish of Hardwick about 14 weeks together, and that during all that time they had but on Sermon in Hardwick Church, and that the Church doors were shut up most of that time. Daniel Wats of Hardwick being sworn saith, that Mr. Ham Curate of Hardwick, was enforced to sue Mr. powel often for his Wages: and he hath heard Mr. powel's Curates often complain for want of their pay from Mr. powel. John Rogers and Thomas Rolls both of Hardwick, being sworn, say, that on Sunday the 16 of February last, they had neither Preaching nor Prayer in the parish Church of Hardwick; And they say, that on the said day the Bell did ring in the morning, and almost the whole parish came to the Church, but had no Minister there: And they say, that the Clerk of the said parish told them that Mr. powel did appoint him to ring the Bell every Sabbath day, except he did hear from Mr. powel to the contrary; and they say, that he rang the Bell twice accordingly, but Mr. powel came not nor any else for him. Richard Watkins of Standish being sworn, saith, that Mr. powel hath for many years last passed, been very negligent in serving the Cure of Standish; and he saith that about three years since he gave out threatening speeches against this deponents son William Watkins, that if the said William would not keep his own parish Church at Standish (he sometimes going to other parish Churches by reason of Mr. powel's neglect) he would make him forsake the place of his abode: whereupon this deponent wished him to question those that never come to any Church, mentioning one Henry Hall, and one or two more who did seldom go to any Church at all: To whom Mr. powel answered, that if the said Hall and the rest do not come to his Church, yet they go to no Church else, with which he the said powel seemed to be well pleased. Thomas Fowler of Standish being sworn, saith, that the last summer Mr. powel was absent from all his Churches for about ten weeks together, and sometimes they had Preaching in their Church at Standish, and sometimes none. 2. To the second Article Thomas Beard of Saul being sworn, saith, that he hath divers times seen Mr. powel sit drinking in an Alehouse at Fromyload passage, and other places. John Niblet being sworn, saith, that about ten years since, the said Mr. powel drew this deponent into an Alehouse, and caused him to drink Beer and Wine, more than did him good. Nathaniel Knight of Arlingham being swore and examined, saith, that about five or six years since, he saw the said Mr. powel so drunk upon his horse back, that he could scarce sit upright upon his horse, and being Drunk he rod into an Alehouse at Arlingham, and did drink more Ale or Beer. Edward Norman of Haresfield being sworn, saith, that he hath often seen Mr. powel sit drinking in Alehouses. Jane Mill of Standish, widow, being sworn, saith, that she hath divers times seen Mr. powel sit drinking very freely & merrily at the Bull in Standish parish: And she saith, that about six years since she saw Mr. powel at Sir Ralph Duttons house in Standish, and that the said Mr. powel (as this deponent heard) had drank hard in Sir Ralph's Buttery: And she saith, that as he sat in the Buttery drinking with other company, he fell a vomiting; and within two hours after, when he came to himself again, he went home to his house. Thomas Park of Whetenhurst being sworn, saith, that about three months since, he saw Mr. powel drinking at Whetenhurst, in Turberviles' house, at the Inn there, and that he was drinking above an hour in this deponents sight, and that he left him there, and how long he stayed there afterwards, he knows not, and how long he was there before this examinant came he knows not. Richard Pain of Hardwick being sworn, saith, that about two years since he saw Mr. powel sit drinking in one Cooper's house, an Alehouse in Haresfield; & that Mr. powel caused this examinant to drink with him; and this examinant left him there drinking, and how long he stayed there he knows not. Henry Wintle of Arlingham being sworn, saith, that a little above four years a go, Mr. powel being a Commissioner at Arlingham upon a Law suit, was so Drunk that he was not able to sit on his horse back; and being helped off his horse by a man that stood by, he was not able (by reason he was Drunk) to get up again: And he saith that he saw the said Mr. powel at the same time sit drinking in two Alehouses in Arlingham six hours, and did drink abundantly all that time till he was Drunk. William Harris of Hempsteed being sworn, saith, that about four years since, he saw Mr. powel sit reeling on his horse back, between Gloucester and Hempsteed, and he saith, that the said powel was once almost ready to fall off his horse back; And he believes the said Mr. powel at the same time was either Drunk, or Mad, but he rather believes he was Drunk. 3. 6. To the third and sixth Articles, Robert Keylock of Hardwick being sworn, saith, that the said Mr. powel is much given to Buying and Selling; and that he bought the Reversion of a Living in Hardwick over this deponents head (this deponents life & his wife's widow's estate being in the said Living) as this deponent was told by Nathaniel Hawkins of Elmore, and believes to be true. And he saith, that about eight years since, the said Mr. powel bought a Bond or Specialty of the said Nathaniel Hawkins, in which Bond this said deponent stood bound to the said Hawkins for 40. l. and was turned over to pay it to the said powel, to this deponents intolerable loss and damage. And he saith, that the said powel is very contentious, and hath been much given to Law suits, and hath sued this deponent for the money before mentioned, since he bought the said debt or Specialty. John Niblet of Standish being sworn, saith, that Mr. powel hath, and doth spend most of his time in buying and selling, and meddling in worldly matters. John Pain of Hardwick sworn, saith, that Mr. powel is much given to buying and selling of Land, and to Law suits, and a common Commissioner, which renders him unfit for the work of the Ministry. Rirchard Yealfe of Hardwick being sworn, saith, that about a month since, Mr. powel Preaching at Hardwick upon a Sabbath day in the afternoon, and Sermon being ended, this deponent desired him to come to his house: and being come, he saw there one widow Packer of Putley, and seeing her fell to threatening her, because she was behind for chief Rents of her Living in Putley, which Mr. powel said was due to him, and in a threatening manner told her, that half her Cattle would not (or but) make him satisfaction for her neglect: The which widow Packers Living was part of the bargain that Mr. powel bought of Sir Ralph Dutton. And being admonished by this deponent for his threatening speeches, it being the Sabbath day; he notwithstanding continued threatening her till he went out of the house. Marry Packer of Putley widow being sworn, saith, that about the latter end of April last, there came two Soldiers to this deponents house, & distrained two of her Kine for Rent, which they said was due to Mr. powel, and they said that Mr. powel sent them to do it: And this deponent saith, that the said two Soldiers drove her two Kine to Mr. powel's house, and kept them about two days, and the deponents servants carried them Fodder to Mr. powel's house or court: And this deponent saith, that about a month since she being at Richard Yealves house at Hardwick upon a Sabbath day, Mr. powel being there, and seeing this deponent there, fell to threatening her for not paying her Rent to the said Mr. powel, and told her in a threatening manner, that half her Cattle would not satisfy him for her said Rent; the Rent being the chief Rent of her Living, being part of the Lordship which Mr. powel bought of Sir Ralph Dutton. Joyce Gabb widow, and John Gabb of Haresfield say, that about five years since Mr. powel caused Richard Gabb of Parkend in the County of Gloucester, late husband to the said Joyce Gabb, and a poor blind man to be Arrested upon a Writ, and brought him to Quedgley, and afterwards to Standish to an Alehouse there, to bring him to a composition: And the reason why he did so, was, because he the said powel, would have cozened the said Gabb out of his Living, for there were but two lives in the said Gabbs Living, and Mr. powel had bought one of the said lives before, and now in all likelihood thought by this means to have had the other. 4. 6. To the fourth and sixth Articles, Thomas Beard of Saul being sworn, saith, that about 12 years since, the Minister's house of Saul being decayed, the said powel turned it off to the parish (whereas before he took rend for it) whereupon the parishioners of Saul bestowed in repairing the said house about 10. and within a short time after, the said powel did sue Thomas Greening (now deceased) being then a Churchwarden of Saul, for the said house, and as the said Greening confessed, caused him to spend about 40. s. in the said suit, for detaining the said house from him: and not long after the said powel had an order from Sir Nathaniel Brent, to take possession of the said house, and so had it from the parish again. John Beard and John Ellis of Saul affirm the same. Anne Gabb of Standish widow being sworn, saith, that Mr. powel is a man very contentious, and given to Law suits, and hath sued this deponent, and caused her to spend most of her estate in Law suits: And about four years since, Mr. powel sent one of his daughters to this deponents house to tell her, that Mr. powel her father had put Cattle in this deponents ground: whereupon this deponent going to see whether it were so or no, and coming to the said ground, the said powel had there provided two Bailiffs to Arrest her: And saith, that Mr. powel used this policy on purpose to Arrest her: And that when they had Arrested her, Mr. powel refused to let her go upon Bail, but ket her two days and a night as a prisoner, and made her pay all the charges of the Bailiffs before she could be let go, and afterwards let her go upon her own Bond: And she saith that Mr. powel through his violent prosecuting her by Law suits, cozened her out of 10. l. per an. because she was not able to defend herself in the said suits, she being a widow and not capable of Law suits. And she saith, that Mr. powel keeps away from her six Acres of ground by violence. Margery Knight, the wife of Nathaniel Knight of Arlingham being sworn, saith, that about four years since, she saw Mr. powel as she believes, so drunk that he could scarce sit upright on his horse back: And she saith, that Mr. powel at the same time did lean over his horse as if he had vomited: And she saith, that as many as saw him at the same time, were sorry to see a man of his coat so Drunk. Robert Chamles of Saul being sworn, saith, that about a year since, he was sent by the parishioners of Saul to Mr. powel, to desire his approbation for one Mr. Summer an honest Minister to have the Cure of Saul: And the said Mr. powel in answer, desired this deponent to give the said Mr. Summer all the encouragement that might be: and withal promised that the said Mr. Summer's should have the place if the parish of Saul would pay him their deuce; And this deponent saith, that the next Sabbath day after, the said Mr. powel (contrary to his former promise) sent one Mr. Grime of Woodchester to serve the said Cure: whereupon the parishioners of Saul, were enforced to Petition the Governor to have the said Mr. Summer, to be their Minister, who granted it unto them. 5. To the fifth Article, Thomas Beard of Saul being sworn, saith, that Mr. powel is very contentious, and hath been much given to Law suits, and hath sued this deponent and divers others (as he hath heard) and he saith, that the said Mr. powel is very deceitful in his deal, as appears in that after this deponent had paid his money for Tithes, the said Mr. powel denied the receipt of the said money, and caused this deponent to prove the payment of it by witnesses. Edward Mill of Standish being sworn, saith, that Mr. powel is very contentious and given to Law suits, and that he sued this deponents mother when as she owed him nothing, and caused her to pawn her Coverlet from her bed to pay Fees, and that she hath not redeemed her said Coverlet to this day: And he saith, the said Mr. powel hath sued this deponents mother, because she would not exchange four Acres and a half of Land for three Acres and a half of Mr. powel's. Richard Cow of Standish being sworn, saith, that Mr. powel is a man very contentious and given to Law suits, and saith, that the said powel sued this deponent, and caused him to spend money upon an unjust suit. Edward Norman of Haresfield being sworn, saith, that Mr. powel is a man very contentious, and given to over reach his neighbours in bargaining: And he saith, that about 12 years since he took Land to halves of Mr. powel, and after he had bestowed a whole summer's work in ploughing and ear-ring the said Land, and making it ready to be sowed, he the said Mr. powel enforced this deponent to yield up his bargain, without giving him any satisfaction for all his charge and pains. 6. To the sixth Article, Edward Mill of Standish being sworn, saith, that Mr. powel is a man deceitful in his deal, and given to overreach and deceive in bargaining. 8. To the eighth Article, William Turner of Standish being sworn, saith, that the last summer Mr. powel was absent from all his Churches or Cures for 10 or 12 weeks together, or there about; and that during that time they had neither Preaching nor Prayers in Standish Church, for three Sabbath days and one Fast day, and the last Sabbath day they had no Preaching nor Prayers in the afternoon. Michael Niblet of Standish being sworn, saith, that Mr. powel was absent from his four Churches the last Summer, from the beginning of May, to the end of July than next following, and he saith, that he being Clerk to Mr. powel at Standish, knew not of any Minister that Mr. powel provided to serve the Cure at Standish in his absence: And he saith, that during the time of Mr. powel's absence, he did ring the Bell in Standish Church two Sabbath days, expecting to have Preaching or Prayers, but had none at all. 9 To the ninth Article, Mr. George Venus now Minister at Whetenhurst being sworn, saith, that about Midsummer last, he was placed by the Committee to serve the Cure of Hardwick in Mr. powel's absence (they being in distress for want of a Minister) and that he served the said Cure seven or eight weeks: And he saith, that Mr. powel when he came home, turned out this deponent, contrary to the Committees order, and hath not yet given him any satisfaction for serving the said Cure. 10. To the tenth Article, Mr. Venus saith (being sworn) that after he had served the said Cure seven or eight weeks, Mr. powel came from London, and shown this deponent an Order or Letter under the hands of Nathaniel Stephens, and Edward Stephen's Esquires & one Parliament man more, but refused to let this deponent read the said Letter or Order, but said the substance of it was, that he should take the Cure of Hardwick into his own hands. 11. To the eleventh Article, Richard Cow of Standish being sworn, saith, that upon the last Fast day being the 27 of Novemb. † This Smith was proved before the Committee to be a common Swearer, a Drunkard, a Blasphemer, a common Gamester, a whoremonger, and a man ill affected to the Parliament: for which crimes he was Ejected by the Committee, Mr. powel being present. Mr. John Smith of Rendwick Preached in Mr. powel's Church at Standish, the said Mr. Smith being Ejected by this Committee the day before, being the 26 day of Novemb. last. Thomas Fowler of Standish being sworn, saith, that Mr. John Smith of Rendwick Preached in Mr. powel's parish Church at Standish upon the last Fast day being the 27 of November, or upon the Sabbath day after, being the first of December last as he remembers. William Turner being sworn affirms the same. Michael Niblet being sworn, saith, that Mr. Smith of Rendwick Preached in Standish Church the last Fast day, being the 27 of November last. 12. To the twelfth Article, John Niblet of Standish being sworn, saith, that Mr. powel hath divers times presented this deponent in the Consistory Court for going to hear Mr. Capel; and hath threatened to have him in the High Commission Court for so doing: And that Mr. powel presented this deponents wife in the said Consistory for staying at home one Sabbath day after noon; And Mr. powel's man said, his Master did it because he thought she had been gone to Eastington to Church: And he saith, that Mr. powel hath caused this deponent and his wife to be Excommunicate: And saith, that he is a man notoriously known to be false in his deal; and is usually more conversant with Drunkards and Usurers, then with good Christians, and therefore an unworthy man to be a Minister. John Window of Standish being sworn, saith, that about nine years since, Mr. powel caused this deponent and about 20 persons of Standish parish to be presented in the Consistory for not coming to his Church, they going to another parish to hear Sermons, when as in their own parish of Standish they were sometimes neglected at least once a Sabbath. 18 Decemb. 1644. 14. To the fourteenth Article, Thomas Vick of Hardwick being sworn, saith, that a little after Nathaniel Knight had been examined before the Committee about Mr. powel, the said powel in the hearing of this deponent, gave out threatening speeches against the said Nathaniel Knight, saying, he would have his ears nailed to the Pillory. Nathaniel Knight being sworn, saith, that he having been formerly summoned by warrant from this Committee, to testify the truth of his knowledge concerning Mr. powel, and having testified accordingly: About a week after Mr. powel meeting this deponent in Gloucester, told him he would make him repent his oath taken against him. 15. To the fifteenth Article, Anne Parr of Whetenhurst aged 11 years, saith, that about three months since, Mr. powel came to Whetenhurst Inn, and two others with him, and stayed there almost two days and a whole night, and was there drinking part of the time. James Perry of Standish Morton being sworn, saith, that since Michaelmas last he coming to the Inn at Whetenhurst; the Innkeepers wife told him that Mr. powel and an Innkeeper of Barkley and others were there: And the next day after, this deponent coming to the same Inn, the said Innkeepers wife told him, that Mr. powel had continued in the said Inn from about 10 of the clock the day before, till 2 of the clock that present day; and that the said powel and the rest, had been drinking in the said Inn. Margery the wife of George Turbervile of Whetenhurst Innkeeper, being sworn, saith, that about Michaelmas last Mr. powel came into the Inn at Whetenhurst, and there sat drinking with other company (as this deponent believes;) And she saith that he continued there from about 10 or 11 of the Clock, till the next day after about twelve of the clock. 16. To the sixteenth Article, William Mill of Haresfield being sworn, saith, that about a year and three quarters since, he being a fervant in Mr. powel's house, did for three Sabbath days together with a Wain and a Yoke of Oxen, carry certain Loads of Mr. powel's Hay to fodder his Cattle, in a ground of the said Mr. powel's: And he saith, that the first of the three Sabbaths Mr. powel knew not of it; but the other two (he believes) the said Mr. powel did know of it. Edward Mill of Standish being sworn, saith, that about two years since, he saw Mr. powel's Teeme carry Hay upon a Sabbath day, about a quarter of a mile. 2. And he saith, that he hath seen Mr. powel sit drinking in the Inn at little Haresfield, above forty and twenty times. Nathaniel Shatford of Standish being sworn, saith, that about two years since, he saw Hay carried upon a Sabbath day morning: And he saith, he knows not whether it were Mr. powel's Teeme that carried it: For he saith, that sometimes it was Mr. powel's Teeme, and sometimes Captain Bayleys his son-in-law. 17. To the seventeenth Article, George Wild, William King, and Joseph Probert, three of Captain Singletons' Company, inform that about three weeks since, they having distrained Mr. powel's Cattle for Contribution money: The said powel fell a railing at the Committee, and said, he would make them ashamed of it when he came to London, and for keeping away his Rent, and that Mr. Sheppard was his only enemy, and that the Committee kept away 16. l. of his money from him. Item, About 3 or 4 days after this, the said Mr. powel being before the Committee to have his Cattle again, which they refusing to grant, till he had paid his Contribution money for which they were distrained: The said Mr. powel said, he never found such dealing from the Cavaliers. 10 Feb. 1644. Also Mr. powel said before the Committee, that Mr. Sheppard of the Committee did always speak as an adversary in his business, and not as a Judge. Also he said, that if there be five Articles exhibited against himself, he the said powel hath ten Articles against Mr. Sheppard. Daniel Guilliam of Rendwick being sworn, saith, that about four months since, Mr. Smith of Rendwick being questioned before the Committee for a scandalous Minister; and this deponent having before been called before the Committee as a witness against Mr. Smith: The said Mr. powel came to this deponent, and would have him and the rest of the parishioners of Rendwick to Petition the Committee on the behalf of the said Smith, that he might stay at Rendwick till S. Mary day, to take up a quarters pay, and his Easter book: which this deponent refused to do: whereupon Mr. powel spoke to this deponent to this effect, viz. Suppose the King's Army should come into this Country again, as it is like enough it will be so; what will you do if Mr. Smith, or some friend of his, should come on his behalf? 18. To the eighteenth Article, Edward Mill of Standish being sworn, saith, that on the 26 day of March last, as this deponent was diging in his own ground; Mr. powel and three men more came upon him in a violent manner, and Mr. powel with his own hands smote this deponent on the face with his fist, and tore his doublet and hose; and told this deponent that he had not cared if he had killed him. 19 To the ninteenth Article, John Rogers of Hardwick being sworn, saith, that about seven years since, he being Overseeer of the poor of the parish of Hardwick, and coming to Mr. powel to demand of him his deuce to the poor of the said parish: he the said powel answered, he had no money: This deponent replying, told him, he must pay according to the Statute, whereupon Mr. powel said, that if he would have money according to the Statute, than you must have Sermons according to the Statute, that is, once a month, or words to the like effect. Mr. John Lygon of Painswick informeth, and saith upon oath, that about five years since, there was a suit in the High Commission Court, depending between Mr. Wild and Mr. Acson, sometimes Vicars of Painswick. And they had a Commission to examine witnesses in the Country; Mr. powel was Mr. Acsons' Commissioner, and Mr. Wild had divers witnesses from Painswick; and when any was examined who was a conscientious man, Mr. powel with cross interrogatories did endeavour to disparage his testimony; ask him whether ever he were at any Conventicles? whether he did kneel at the Sacrament? with divers other like queries touching Bishops and the Ceremonies. Testimonies of witnesses on the behalf of Walter powel Clerk, 7 Jan. 1644. Walter powel the son of Walter powel Clerk, saith upon oath, that at the time of the Siege against Gloucester, Mr. powel his father had four Oxen taken from him by the King's Army, by warrant from the Lord Forth. And this examinants' mother speaking to one of her friends to speak to a Gentleman of the King's Army, that Mr. powel may have the Oxen again: the said Gentleman promised he would do his endeavour therein upon two conditions: First that Mr. powel should enter into Bond to bring his son-in-law Captain Baily (a Captain of the Parliament Army) into the King's Army. Secondly, that he should take an Oath never to pray for the Parliament again. To which the said Mr. powel answered to the said friend: To the first (said he) how shall I enter into Bond to perform impossibilities? To the second he answered: The Sun is the Sun though it be sometimes Eclipsed: The Parliament is the Parliament what ever the success be: Have I stood for the Parliament thus long, and shall I now decline? shall I wrong my conscience or damn my soul to get four Oxen? I will never do it while I live: And so he heard no more of his Oxen. Francis yet of the parish of Haressield, saith, that what Walter powel hath deposed touching Mr. powel his father's answer to the two questions aforesaid, is true in all points. Robert Bright of Haresfield, Clerke, testifieth, that at the time of the Siege against Gloucester, the said deponent being at the house of Walter powel Vicar of Standish, there was one William Roger's Constable or Tythingman of the parish of Standish, who by virtue of a Warrant had seized upon four Oxen and a Wain of the said Walter powel's: the Warrant as far as this deponent remembreth, came from the Lord Forth, or Troth. And this deponent having some Corn ready to carry, borrowed of the said Constable or Tythingman Rogers, the said Oxen and Wain for that afternoon, conditionally that both Oxen & Wain should be delivered safely that night at Standish Court, which the said deponent did perform: And upon the entreaty of the said Walter powel's wife, the said deponent did endeavour the regaining of his said Oxen, and preservation of other Cattle, which he the said Walter afterwards lost: But in regard he was absent from his house, he was taxed for a Rebel; and one Captain Hanbury which quartered at this deponents house, did say he did believe he would be enjoined to bring his son-in-law Bailey, and not to pray for the Parliament, or words to that effect: But this deponent never upon discourse betwixt them, could ever find the said powel halting from the Parliament, but always for it. 8 Februarii, 1644. A Warrant was sent out to call in Mr. powel to answer to the Articles, and depositions exhibited against him, upon Monday next the 10 of February. 10 Februarii, 1644. Upon which day Mr. powel in person appearing before the Committee: And being by them required to answer to the Articles exhibited against him; he refused so to do, and said he had an Order from the Committee, that before he had put in his answer to the said Articles, he should have a Copy of the depositions of the witnesses that had sworn against him; and said, he would not otherwise answer, till he had the Copy of the said depositions. It was thereupon ordered by the Committee, that Mr. powel shall appear at Mr. Lanes house, near the King's Board in Gloucester, to morrow in the afternoon by two of the clock, to answer to the Articles exhibited against him, else the Committee to proceed against him according to the proofs. 11 Februarii, 1644. At which day and time Mr. powel appeared not according to the former order, but Mr. Dorney the Town-clerk appearing for him, moved the Committee to grant him a longer day to put in his answer, and to have a Copy of the depositions of the witnesses. It was thereupon ordered by the Committee that Mr. powel shall have a Copy of the Articles exhibited against him if he desire it, and that he have time till Saturday night next to put his answer in writing to the said Articles; else the Committee to proceed against him according to the proofs. It was then also ordered that Wednesday the 19 of this instant Febr. be the peremptory day for the hearing of Mr. powel's cause at Mr. Lanes house aforesaid, by nine of the clock in the morning: And that the witnesses on both sides do appear viva voce at the same time, and a Warrant to issue forth to summon them to appear accordingly. 19 Februarii, 1644. This day Mr. powel's cause being to be heard, Mr. powel appeared not according to the last Order of the Committee, whereupon the Committee proceeded to the examination of the witnesses: and as the cause and witnesses were in examination before them, William powel the son of Mr. Walter powel aforesaid came in where the Committee sat, and told them his father was gone to London, and had sent an Appeal by him to the Committee; And being asked when he saw his father last, and when his father delivered him the said Appeal? he answered, that he had not seen his father since that day seven night, and that he saw him then at Leonard Stanley, where his said father delivered him the said Appeal: A Copy whereof here followeth. Whereas there are Articles of Scandal preferred against me Walter powel Master of Arts, Vicar of Standish, with the Chapels thereunto belonging: And the same Articles are prosecuted by the instigation of Malignants: and the Committee of Gloucester, by Warrant under their hands, did promise and conclude, that I should have the Copy of the depositions exhibited against me, reserving the names of the deponents, and now have denied the same unto me: And the High Court of Parliament having promised that such as have been eminent in Action, and Suffering, and so continued constant, should not be slighted, but honoured and rewarded. I therefore do Appeal from the censure of the Committee at Gloucester for many good causes; and do demand, that the public Notary or Clerk of the said Committee, do enter this my Appeal to the High Court of Parliament. In witness whereof I have put to my hand, this 18 day of Febr, 1644. Walter powel. Ordered the same day by the Committee, that the cause of Mr. powel be put off till Saturday the 22 of this instant Febr. at eight of the clock in the morning, at Mr. Lanes house: And that notice be sent to Mr. powel that he be then there; and a Warrant to be sent out, requiring the most material witnesses that have not appeared this day, to be then present in person to give their evidence viva voce, to the end that a final sentence may be given in the said cause. 22 Februarii, 1644. William Watkins of Standish informeth upon oath, that upon Thursday morning last, he left at Mr. powel's house an order from the Committee, wherein the said powel was required to appear before the Committee this present day, to hear the final determination of his cause. At which day divers witnesses being examined viva voce, by the Committee: It was ordered that the censure in Mr. powel's cause be respited till Tuesday next, eight of the clock in the morning; Then all the Members of the Committee who have been at the hearing of the cause this day to meet, that so in the interim, a more serious and deliberate consideration may be had thereof, the proofs having been fully heard this day, and before, and Mr. powel summoned to appear before the Committee, to attend the said censure this day but came not. Present Mr. Mayor. Mr. Kyrle. Mr. Fettiplace. Mr. Wood Mr. Clifford. Mr. Sheppard. Mr. Jones. Mr. Fowler. Mr. Catchmay. 25 Febr. 1644. To the Honourable Committee by Ordinance of Parliament for Gloucester, Heref. etc. The Humble Petition of divers of the Inhabitants of Standish, Hardwick, Rendwick, and Saul. Shows, THat the said several Parishes, or places, do consist of many people; and that M. Walter powel hath for above 20 years past, been Vicar of the said Parishes, whereby the Cure of the Souls of all the said Parishioners have been under his Charge: The profits whereof, (as is conceived) have been worth about 200l. per annum, for the recompense of serving the said Cures. Notwithstanding, the said M. powel hath, for a great part of the said time exceedingly neglected the Cure of the souls of the said people in the discharge of his duty in the said places: And sometimes the said Churches have been void, and had no Minister for many Sabbath days together, not so much as to read Prayers. And when the Inhabitants of some of the said Parishes have procured an able Minister among them; The said M. powel hath refused to allow them a competent maintenance for their support, whereby they have been forced to leave the said places: And to the knowledge of most of us, some of the said Parishes have been neglected ten or twelve weeks together, And have sometimes been served (to many of our knowledges) by ignorant, scandalous, and wand'ring persons, such as the said M. powel could gain best cheap; And scarce at any time have the said Cures been long served in an orderly way, whereby many of the said Parishioners have been forced to go to other Parishes for performance of their services to the Lord: All which have been an exceeding burden and grievance to the said Parishioners. For redress whereof, (to some of us known) a petition hath been exhibited unto the Honourable Parliament, & since to the Honourable Governor of Gloucester, but by reason of the present distractions, your Petitioners have not (as yet) obtained any relief in this Case. The premises considered, your Petitioners humbly desire, that you will be pleased to execute the power which the Honourable Parliament have entrusted you withal in this Case, for the Souls comfort of your Petitioners, And they shall ever pray. Will: Andrews. Henry Robins. Richard Yealf. Joseph Ellis. John Bainham. Richard Dowding. Thomas Brether. Jo: Merriman. James Haines. Thomas Pride. John Beard. Alice Tovie. Elizabeth Jones. Anne Bohan. Thomas Beard. John Kylock. John Niblet. George Stratford. William Chew. John eliot's. Daniel Gwilliam. Edmund Alen. John Spencer. John Barnard. Henry Nicholson. William Balden. Elizabeth Watkins. Elizabeth Balden. Daniel Wats. Thomas Rolls. Lewis Harris. Rebcceab Keylock. John Window. John Barnard. Thomas Mills. Anne Packer Edith Beard. Thomas Pride. Anne Haines. John Paine. Samuel Smith. William Pello. John Merret. John Rogers. William Whichurch. Giles Wyman. Elizabeth Beard. William Trevis. Richard Harris. Natha: Greneing. Richard Watkins. Joseph Greening. Richard Paine. Robert Chamneys. John Croome. Dorothy Nichalson. Thomas Beard. Thomas Dowding. John Ellis. Walter Friar, John Beard. William Beard. Edmund Beard. Samuel Beard. Nich: Prosser. Alice Chew. Thomas Allen. Thomas Wintle. Marry Beard. Thomas Robins. Anthony Russell. Edith Wirtle. Robert Waite. Thomas Morweut. Die Martis, 25. Feb. 1644. FOrasmuch as upon Complaint made to this Committee against Walter Powel Clerk, Vicar of the Parish Church of Standish, and the Chapels or Parish Churches of Hardwick, Rendwick, and Saul; for matter of scandal in his life, it did appear to them by the clear and pregnant testimony of many substantial witnesses, beyond all exception, That the said Walter powel having for divers years together now last passed, had the Charge and Cure of the Souls of the people of the said Parishes which have been many; and taken the Tithes, and other profits, incident and belonging to the said Churches: yet hath been notoriously careless thereof, and negligent of his Charge therein, sometimes absenting himself many months together, and not leaving any to Officiate for him; so that for divers Lords days t'other, the people had neither preaching nor prayers: And in one of his Churches they had not the Sacrament in a whole year, causing the Bell to ring, and the Congregation to come together many times when there was neither sermon nor prayers. And yet notwithstanding, would not suffer his people that were well-affected, to go abroad to other Churches, to hear godly and Orthodox Divines, but preached against them; presented and vexed them for it in the Chancellors Court: And substituting, and keeping under him, to officiate in his Cures, base and scandalous Ministers; which, when the people desired to remove, and suppress, he did by all means labour to keep in and bear up: And when the people had sonetimes, by their own care, procured honest and able men to supply the Charge, he did either by not paying off, or opposition against them, soon weary them, and make them desert the place. And whereas it did also appear to the Committee, by a clear proof, that the said Walter powel hath been drunk divers times, and that he is a great frequenter of Ale houses, and doth spend much time therein, and that he is very false, dishonest, and injurious in his deal, contentious and litigious amongst his neighbours, one that doth exceedingly entangle himself in secular affairs, and is guilty of many other Crimes, and the said Walter powel being required by the Committee, to answer those Crimes charged upon him, he wilfully refused, and behaved himself so before the Committee, as declared in him a manifest neglect and contempt of them. It is therefore this day Ordered, that the said Walter powel shall be, and hereby is ejected and removed from the Vicarage of Standish, and Chapels, or parish Churches of Hardwick, Rendwick, and Saul: and of all the said Churches, and service of the Cures thereof, and from the Tithes profits, and Revenues thereof: And that in his place, some such godly, able, & learned person shall be placed, and put in possession of the said Churches, and Cures severally, and respectively as this Committee shall nominate and appoint, who shall receive, and have all the profits and revenues thereof, according to the Ordinance of Parliament made in that behalf. Luke Nurse. Major. James Kirle. John Fettiplace. Silius: Wood Will: Sheppard. Henry Jones. Stephen Fowler. Christ: Catchmay. 4 Febr. 1647. This day the Parishioners of Hardwick exhibited a Petition to the Committee, desiring them to admit of Mr. Henry Walker (a stranger) to be their Minister. Whereupon they made this ensuing Order. WHereas the Parishioners and Inhabitants of Hardwick have petitioned this Committee for the settling of Mr. Hen: Walker amongst them to be their present Minister there: And the Committee have not as yet received satisfaction concerning his godly life and conversation. It is therefore Ordered, That the said Mr. Walker shall Officiate in the said Parish, and be Preacher to the same Parish for his farther trial, until farther order be given by this Committee to the contrary. And that so long as he shall continue to serve that Cure, he shall receive all the profits incident thereunto. John Madocke Maior. Will. Sheppard. Jo: Dorney. After Master Walker had been there about five months, Information came in to the Committee against him upon Oath, That he had been in Arms against the Parliament. Whereupon they 〈◊〉 an Order to eject him. The Copy whereof followeth. 18 Julii, 1648. WHereas several Depositions containing matter of Delinquency and ill affection to the Parliament are exhibited against Master Hen: Walker the present Minister of Hardwick in the County of Glouc. whereby it appears by the oaths of several witnesses that the said Hen: Walker hath been in actual Arms against the Parliament, and was taken Prisoner by the Parliament Forces in the King's Garrison at Hynam about five years since: And the Committee being informed that the said Walker is Ejected by the Committee of Mormouthshire for his Delinquency, and other crimes proved against him: It is thereupon Ordered, That the said Hen: Walker be and is hereby Ejected and removed out of and from the Vicarage of Hardwick, and from serving the Cure there: And that from henceforth he shall no longer officiate in the Parish Church of Hardwick: And that in his room, some godly, able Minister be placed, such as this Committee shall nominate and appoint, according to the Ordinance of Parl. in that behalf. John Madocke Maior. Will: Sheppard. Jo: Dorney. FINIS.