Note 515 — Chapter XVII
Reading edition
The following should be recorded to Whitelocke's credit. 1646. Oct. 26. "Indictment in Bucks for not reading the Common Prayer complained of. Ordered that an ordinance be brought in to take away the statute that enjoins it, and to disable malignant ministers from preaching. This was much opposed by me and some others, as contrary to that principle which the Parliament had avowed of liberty of conscience, and like that former way complained of against the bishops for silencing of ministers."—Memorials, 226. The diarist here shews that the use of the Prayer Book was not considered by the Royalists to be legally abolished.
I may here add that Whitelocke was not a party man. He sympathized with Presbyterian leaders in wishing to save the monarchy, but he co-operated with Independents in advocating religious liberty.