-day, was also used to tell the
people that resistance to the King's will was "Eternal damnation."

This made the Puritans seem the defenders of the liberties of the
country, and drew hosts of conservative Churchmen, such as Pym, to
their side, although not at all in sympathy with a religious fanaticism
which condemned innocent pleasures, and all the things which adorn
life, as mere devices of the devil. Such were the means by which the
line was at last sharply drawn. The Church of England and tyranny on
one {105} side, and Puritanism and liberty on the other.

But there was one thing which at this moment was of deeper interest to
the King than religion. He wanted,--he must have,--money. _Religion_
and _money_ are the two things upon which the fate of nations has
oftenest hung. These two dangerous factors were both present now, and
they were going to make history very fast.

On account of a troublesome custom prevailing in his Kingdom, Charles
must first summon his Parliament, and they must grant the needed
supplies. His father had by the discovery of the theory of "Divine
right," prepared the way to throw off these Parliamentary trammels.
But that could only be reached by degrees. So Parliament was summoned.
It had no objection to voting the needed subsidies, but,--the King must
first promise certain reforms, political and religious, and--dismiss
his odious Minister Buckingham.

Charles, indignant at this outrage, dissolved the body, and appealed to
the country for a loan. The same reply came from {106} every quarter.
"We will gladly lend the money, but it must be done through
Parliament." The King was thoroughly aroused. If the loan will not be
voluntary, it must be forced. A tax was levied, fines and penalties
for its resistance meted out by subservient judges.

John Hampden was one of the earliest victims. His means were ample,
the sum was small, but his manhood was great. "Not one farthing, if it
cost me my life," was his reply as he sat in the prison at Gate House.

The supply did not meet the King's demand. Overwhelmed with debt and
shame and rage, he was obliged again to resort to the hated means.
Parliament was summoned. The Commons, with memory of recent outrages
in their hearts, were more determined than before. The members drew up
a "_Petition of Right_," which was simply a reaffirmation of the
inviolability of the rights of person, of property and of speech--a
sort of second "Magna Cha