Sir Samuel _Astry_, Clerk of the Crown, being ask'd what was the Course of the Court? Answer'd, that of late Years, if a Man appear'd upon a Recognizance, or was a Person in Custody, he ought to Plead at the first Instance; but that he had known it to be at the Discretion of the Court to grant what Line they pleas'd. After this Answer, the Lord Chief-Justice declar'd, That the Bishops should now Plead to the Information. Thereupon the Lord Arch-Bishop of _Canterbury_ offer'd a Plea in behalf of himself and his Brethren the other Defendants, alledging, _That they were Peers of this Kingdom of_ ENGLAND, _and Lords of Parliament, and ought not to be compell'd to Answer instantly, for the Misdemeanour mentioned in the Information; but that they ought to be requir'd to Appear by due Process of Law; and upon their Appearance, to have a Copy of the said Information, and reasonable Time given them to Imparle thereupon_. The King's Councel labour'd hard to have the Plea rejected. After a long Debate, Judge _Powel_ said, He was for receiving the Plea, and Considering of it; but the rest of the Judges declar'd for Rejecting of it: So the Prisoners at last Pleaded, _Not Guilty_. The King's Councel pray'd, the Clerk might join Issue on behalf of the King; and desir'd the Defendants to take Notice, That they intended to Try this Cause on that Day Fortnight; adding That they were Bailable, if they pleas'd. Sir _Robert Sawyer_ desir'd, that their own Recognizance might be taken; which was readily granted.