This reasoning shows the king's good sense, and proves that his attachment to Episcopacy, though partly founded on religious principles, was also, in his situation, derived from the soundest views of civil policy.

In reality, it was easy for the king to perceive, by the necessary connection between trifles and important matters, and by the connection maintained at that time between religion and politics, that, when he was contending for the surplice, he was in effect fighting for his crown, and even for his head.

Few of the popular party could perceive this connection.

Most of them were carried headlong by fanaticism; as might be expected in the ignorant multitude.

Few even of the leaders seem to have had more enlarged views.] [Footnote 15: NOTE O, p.298.That Laud's severity was not extreme, appears from this feet, that he caused the acts or records of the high commission court to be searched, and found that there had been fewer suspensions, deprivations, and other punishments, by three, during the seven years of his time, than hi any seven years of his predecessor, Abbott, who was, notwithstanding, in great esteem with the house of commons.