nswerers have
been preserved; yet even these are almost of equal rarity
and price. They were rejected in times less enlightened than
the present. In a national library every book deserves
preservation. By the rejection of these satires, however
absurd or infamous, we have lost a link in the great chain
of our National Literature and History. [Since the above was
written, many have been added to our library; and the Rev.
William Maskell, M.A., has published his "History of the
Martin Mar-Prelate Controversy." It is a most careful
summary of the writings and proceedings of all connected with
this important event, and is worthy the attentive perusal of
such as desire accurate information in this chapter of our
Church history.]

[405] We know them by the name of Puritans, a nickname obtained by
their affecting superior sanctity; but I find them often
distinguished by the more humble appellative of Precisians. As
men do not leap up, but climb on rocks, it is probable they
were only _precise_ before they were _pure_. A satirist of
their day, in "Rythmes against Martin Marre-Prelate," melts
their attributes into one verse:--

"The sacred sect, and perfect _pure precise_."

A more laughing satirist, "Pasquill of England to Martin
Junior," persists in calling them Puritans, _a pruritu!_ for
their perpetual itching, or a desire to do something.
Elizabeth herself only considered them as "a troublesome sort
of people:" even that great politician could not detect the
political monster in a mere chrysalis of reform. I find,
however, in a poet of the Elizabethan age, an evident change
in the public feeling respecting the _Puritans_, who being
always most active when the government was most in trouble,
their political views were discovered. Warner, in his
"Albion's England," describes them:--

"If ever England will in aught prevent her own mishap,
Against these Skommes (no terme too gross) let England shut
the gap;
With giddie heads--
Their countrie's foes they helpt, and most their country
harm'd.
If _Hypocrites_ why _Puritaines_ we term, be asked, in
breefe,
'Tis but an