Especially thankful are we when, as on the present occasion, he speaks out, and gives us fair warning of what we are to suffer." [29] Doctor Henry Compton, Bishop of London, spoke strongly for the motion.

Though not gifted with eminent abilities, nor deeply versed in the learning of his profession, he was always heard by the House with respect; for he was one of the few clergymen who could, in that age, boast of noble blood.

His own loyalty, and the loyalty of his family, had been signally proved.

His father, the second Earl of Northampton, had fought bravely for King Charles the First, and, surrounded by the parliamentary soldiers, had fallen, sword in hand, refusing to give or take quarter.

The Bishop himself, before he was ordained, had borne arms in the Guards; and, though he generally did his best to preserve the gravity and sobriety befitting a prelate, some flashes of his military spirit would, to the last, occasionally break forth.