168

HISTORY OP ENGLAND.

CHAP,

XIX.

manner. It is therefore impossible to doubt that his object wasto ensnare and to ruin Bohun. It was a base and wicked scheme.But it cannot be denied that the trap was laid and baited withmuch skill. The republican succeeded in personating a highTory. The atheist succeeded in personating a high Churchman.The pamphlet concluded with a devout prayer that the God oflight and love would open the understanding and govern thewill of Englishmen, so that they might see the things which be-longed to their peace. The censor was in raptures. In everypage he found his own thoughts expressed more plainly than hehad ever expressed them. Never before, in his opinion, hadthe true claim of their Majesties to obedience been so clearlystated. Every Jacobite who read this admirable tract mustinevitably be converted. The nonjurors would flock to take theoaths. The nation, so long divided, would at length be united.From these pleasing dreams Bohun was awakened by learning*a few hours after the appearance of the discourse which charmedhim, that the titlepage had set all London in a flame, and thatthe odious W'ords, King William and Queen Mary Conquerors,had moved the indignation of multitudes who had never readfurther. Only four days after the publication he heard that theHouse of Commons had taken the matter up, that the book hadbeen'called by some members a rascally book, and that, as theauthor was unknown, the Serjeant at Arms was in search of thelicenser.* Bohun’s mind had never been strong; and he wasentirely unnerved and bewildered by the fury and suddenness ofthe storm which had burst upon him. He went to the House.Most of the members whom he met in the passages and lobbiesfrowned on him. AVhen he was put to the bar, and, after threeprofound obeisances, ventured to lift his head and look roundhim, he could read his doom in the angry and contemptuouslooks which were cast on him from every side. He hesitated,* Bohun’s Autobiography; Commons’ Journals, Jan. 20. 169§.