(Vol. iii., pp. 478, 526.)
Perhaps the publication of the following document may lead to a solution
of the question sent by M.C.L. (Vol. iii., p. 478.). It is a copy of a
letter from the Duke of Monmouth, as Chancellor of the University of
Cambridge, intimating to the clergy the displeasure of Charles II. at
their use of periwigs, and their practice of reading sermons. His
Majesty, it will be found, thought both customs equally important and
equally unbecoming. Of the latter, it is stated that it "took beginning
with the disorders of the late times, and that the way of preaching
without book was most agreeable to the use of the foreign churches, to
the custom of the University heretofore, and to the nature and
intendment of that holy exercise." It will surprise many of your readers
to find that the reading of sermons was considered to be a mere
puritanical innovation.
"_The Duke of Monmouth, Chancellor of the University of Cambridge,
to the Vice-Chancellor and University._
"Mr. Vice-Chancellor and Gentlemen,
"His Majesty having taken notice of the liberty which several
persons in holy orders have taken to wear their hair and periwigs
of an unusual and unbecoming length, hath commanded me to let you
know, that he is much displeased therewith, and strictly injoins
that all such persons as profess or intend the study of divinity,
do for the future wear their hair in a manner more suitable to the
gravity and sobriety of their profession, and that distinction
which was always maintained between the habit of men devoted to
the ministry and other persons.
"And whereas, his Majesty is informed that the practice of reading
sermons is generally taken up by the preachers before the
University, and there for some time continued, even before
himself, his Majesty hath commanded me to signify to you his
pleasure, that the said practice, which took beginning with the
disorders of the late times, be wholly laid aside; and that the
foresaid preachers deliver their sermons, both in Latin and
English, by memory, or without book, as being a way of preaching
which his Majesty judges most agreeable to the use of the foreign
churches, and to the custom of the University heretofore, and to
the nature and intendment of that holy exercise.
"And that his Majesty's commands in the premisses may be duly
regarded and observed, his Majesty's farther pleasure is, that the
names of all such ecclesiastical persons as shall wear their hair
as heretofore in an unfitting imitation of the fashion of laymen,
or that shall continue in the present slothfull way of preaching,
be from time to time signified unto me by the Vice-Chancellor for
the time being, upon pain of his Majesty's displeasure.
"Having in obedience to his Majesty's will signified thus much
unto you, I shall not doubt of that your ready compliance; and the
rather because his Majesty intends to send the same injunctions
very speedily to the University of Oxford, whom I am assured you
will equal in all other excellencies, and so in obedience to the
king; especially when his commands are so much to the honour and
esteem of that renowned University, whose welfare is so heartily
desired, and shall ever be endeavoured by, Mr. Vice-Chancellor,
"Your loving friend and Chancellor,
"MONMOUTH."
I believe this letter, or something like it, was published by Peck in
his _Desiderata Curiosa_, and also by Mr. Roberts in his _Life of
Monmouth_. The transcript I send you was made from a copy in the
handwriting of Dr. Birch in the _Additional MS._ 4162., fo. 230.