ain. 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
_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