penal statutes against Nonconformists rested in Bedfordshire were his
bitter personal enemies, who were not likely to let them lie inactive.
The prime mover in the matter was doubtless Dr. William Foster, that
"right Judas" whom we shall remember holding the candle in Bunyan's face
in the hall of Harlington House at his first apprehension, and showing
such feigned affection "as if he would have leaped on his neck and kissed
him." He had some time before this become Chancellor of the Bishop of
Lincoln, and Commissary of the Court of the Archdeacon of Bedford,
offices which put in his hands extensive powers which he had used with
the most relentless severity. He has damned himself to eternal infamy by
the bitter zeal he showed in hunting down Dissenters, inflicting
exorbitant fines, and breaking into their houses and distraining their
goods for a full discharge, maltreating their wives and daughters, and
haling the offenders to prison. Having been chiefly instrumental in
Bunyan's first committal to gaol, he doubtless viewed his release with
indignation as the leader of the Bedfordshire sectaries who was doing
more mischief to the cause of conformity, which it was his province at
all hazards to maintain, than any other twenty men. The church would
never be safe till he was clapped in prison again. The power to do this
was given by the new proclamation. By this act the licenses to preach
previously granted to Nonconformists were recalled. Henceforward no
conventicle had "any authority, allowance, or encouragement from his
Majesty." We can easily imagine the delight with which Foster would hail
the issue of this proclamation. How he would read and read again with
ever fresh satisfaction its stringent clauses. That pestilent fellow,
Bunyan, was now once more in his clutches. This time there was no chance
of his escape. All licences were recalled, and he was absolutely
defenceless. It should not be Foster's fault if he failed to end his
days in the prison from which he ought never to have been released. The
proclamation is dated the 4th of March, 1674-5, and was published in the