CHARLES I.

3i

whatever belonged to the exterior government e h a r.of the church; this was deemed a matter of too lii.great importance to be ordered without the fane- l6 33.tion of a particular statute.

Immediately after the king’s return to Eng-land, he heard of archbishop Abbot’s death:

And, without delay, he conferred that dignityon his favorite, Laud; who, by this accessionof authority, was now enabled to maintain ec-clesiastical discipline with greater rigor, and toaggravate the general discontent of the nation.

Laud obtained the bishopric of London for hisfriend, Juxon; and, about a year after the deathof Sir Richard Weston , created earl of Portland,had interest enough to engage the king to makethat prelate high treasurer. Juxon was a personof great integrity, mildness, and humanity, andindued with a good understanding 47 . Yet didthis last promotion give general offence. His birthand character were deemed too obscure for aman raised to one of the highest offices of thecrown. And the clergy it was thought, werealready too much elated by former instances ofthe king’s attachment to them, and needed notthis farther encouragement to assume dominionover the laity ". The Puritans, likewise , weremuch dissatisfied with Juxon, notwithstandinghis eminent virtues; because he was a lover ofprofane field-sports, and hunting.

47 'Whitlocke, p. 2;. Clarendon, vol. r. p. 99.

" Ibid. p. 97. May, p. 2?.