_Gazette_ on the 9th. It would reach Bedford on the 11th. It placed
Bunyan at the mercy of "his enemies, who struck at him forthwith." A
warrant was issued for his apprehension, undoubtedly written by our old
friend, Paul Cobb, the clerk of the peace, who, it will be remembered,
had acted in the same capacity on Bunyan's first committal. It is dated
the 4th of March, and bears the signature of no fewer than thirteen
magistrates, ten of them affixing their seals.

That so unusually large a number took part in the execution of this
warrant, is sufficient indication of the importance attached to Bunyan's
imprisonment by the gentry of the county. The following is the
document:--

"To the Constables of Bedford and to every of them

Whereas information and complaint is made unto us that
(notwithstanding the Kings Majties late Act of most gracious generall
and free pardon to all his subjects for past misdemeanours that by his
said clemencie and indulgent grace and favor they might bee mooved and
induced for the time to come more carefully to observe his Highenes
lawes and Statutes and to continue in theire loyall and due obedience
to his Majtie) Yett one John Bunnyon of youre said Towne Tynker hath
divers times within one month last past in contempt of his Majtie's
good Lawes preached or teached at a Conventicle Meeting or Assembly
under color or ptence of exercise of Religion in other manner than
according to the Liturgie or practiss of the Church of England These
are therefore in his Majties name to comand you forthwith to apprehend
and bring the Body of the said John Bunnion before us or any of us or
other his Majties Justice of Peace within the said County to answer
the premisses and further to doo and receave as to Lawe and Justice