Note 478 — Chapter XV
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Yet Cheynell says, while some thought him uncharitable, others were of opinion he had been too indulgent in suffering Mr. Chillingworth to be buried like a Christian.—See Life of William Chillingworth, by P. Des Maizeaux, for the particulars we have given.
It has been stated that Cheynell was deranged, and certainly his own account of his conduct towards Chillingworth would indicate that at least he was touched. But then, after all this, we find him sent down as a visitor to Oxford, and made President of St. John's. Hoadly says he was as pious, honest, and charitable as his bigotry would permit. Eachard refers to him as a man of considerable learning and great abilities.—Neal, iii. 470. We have introduced this type of character, not as common, but as one without which an account of the religious phases of the time would be incomplete.
In 1658, Hartlib, writing to Pell, observes: "Cheynell is not shot as was reported, but certain that he is fallen distracted, and is sent to Bedlam."—Letters in Vaughan's Protectorate of Cromwell, ii. 462.