Lord, bless this kingdom, that religion and virtue may season all sorts of men: that there may be peace within our gates, and prosperity in all our borders. In time of trouble guide us, and in peace may we not forget Thee; And whether in plenty or in want, may all things be so ordered, that we may patiently and peaceably seek Thy Kingdom and its righteousness, the only full supply and sure foundation both of men and states; so that we may continue a place and people to do Thee service to the end of time.– William Laud 1573-1645
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William Laud, was born in 1573 to a clothier. Laud grew up in Reading, Berkshire, collecting manuscripts and studying scholars. After waiting over a decade, at age 60 Laud was named the Archbishop of Canterbury in the days of King Charles I. It was a turbulent time, throughout one of the violent divisions in the Church of England, eventually culminating in the English Civil War. The pun \”give great praise to the Lord, and little Laud to the devil\” is a warning to King Charles attributed to the official court jester. Laud was known to be touchy about his diminutive stature. Under English Law, it was part of Laud\’s office as Archbishop to maintain order and to punish offense against those who disrupted the peace of the Church. He made it his practice to proceed not only against the poor and obscure offenders (as done in the past) but also, against rich and powerful ones. Laud was a firm believer that all men should be treated equal before the law, and it was his integrity on this point that ultimately cost him his life. His last dying wish was in a prayer for the world he was leaving, \”…bless this kingdom with peace and charity\”. After serving as Archbishop for over 10 years, he died on January 10, 1965