at that period abound in complaints respecting the increased activity and boldness of people who were condemned as schismatics. Those so designated had views of ecclesiastical polity very different from Presbyterian opinions, and were destined to check the progress of the latter much more effectually than to contribute to the downfall of Episcopacy. Some of them even (but only some) went so far as to cry, "Away with the thought of a national Church. It is impossible for a national Church to be the true Church of Christ. Let us have no Church but Congregations, and let them be without superintendency." To this we may add that the separatists in general objected to the distinction between clergy and laity, and maintained that the Church is a body, all the members of which are kings and priests.[282] [Sidenote: _Royal Flight._] Charles and his Queen left London on the triumphant return of the five members to Westminster. So hasty was the royal flight, that befitting accommodation for their Majesties could not be provided. They first journeyed to Hampton Court, but their subsequent movements were so secret, that even courtiers did not know whither the royal pair were bending their steps.[283] Under Secretary Bere, writing to Admiral Sir John Pennington, on the 13th of January, thus speaks of the startling events then taking place:-- [Sidenote 1642, January.] "Sir--The last week I told you but the beginning of those bad ensuing news we must now daily expect, unless it please God to give a strange if not miraculous change whereby to settle the distraction of affairs. The committees, sitting all last week in the city, returned again to Parliament on Tuesday, and the persons accused with them; for whom both City and county have shewn so much affection, that they came accompanied with such multitudes, as had as much of the triumph as guard: and by water the seamen made a kind of fleet of boats, all armed with muskets and murdering pieces, which gave volleys all the way they went. The King and Queen took the day before a resolution to leave this town, which was also so sudden, that they could not have that accommodation befitting their Majesties. They went to Hampton Court that night, next day to Windsor; whence it is conceived they will also depart as this day, but whither is uncertain. The Prince and Prince Elector is with them; but few Lords, Essex and Holland being here, who offered up both their places before his going, but his Majesty would not accept the surrender. Mr. Secretary Nicholas is likewise gone, and hath left me to attend such services as shall occur, which, if the King shall persist in his resolution to retire, will not be much. However, I will expect the issue, and, if I be not sent for, think myself not unhappy in my stay, to be freed of an expenseful and troublesome journey. My Lady Nicholas is much afflicted, and, I believe, as well as he, would for a good round sum he had never had the seals. My