XXIX. In the early part of Henry's reign were. passed the acts against pluralities and non-residence *. Soon after the enactment of these wise

regulations published by Archbishop Peckham A. D. 1281; as well as with a declaration of Thoresby, archbishop of York, in the year 1360, "that to hear Godys law in the modyr tongue, is better than many masses."-" Could it be a crime,'' adds this historian, "to teach their children what they themselves were enjoined to hear?" May we not ask, however, whether it is not more likely that the progress of corruption had reduced to a dead letter instructions delivered at the distance of two hundred or one hundred and fifty years? These martyrs were, in fact, condemned to the flames, for various alleged offences: they denied the corporeal presence, and read. Wickliffe's Testament; a work, which, in the synod convoked by Archbishop Arundel, the clergy had prohibited as erroneous, while they promised a better translation. But the opinion of Collier on the present occasion, presents one of those various indications of partiality to the old superstitions, which he betrays from this period to the end of his history.

"Abuses that even Popery itself could not but condemn." The clergy abhorred the precedent of the commons meddling in ecclesiastical matters: so Fisher spoke vehemently against them, and said, " All this flowed from lack of faith."-Burnet, vol. i.

To the former of these acts an objection has been made, that, in the case of a small living, it is an harsh restriction; but this is obviated by enabling the clergy to hold two livings under a fixed value, or within a certain distance. Residence, it has also been said, should be dispensed with, wherever the talents of the incumbent are fitted for a higher field of utility. We shall find in the sequel, that this case is likewise provided for to a certain, though not further than a reasonable extent. On the wisdom of the acts in question, as generally applicable,

regulations, appeared the statute of precedence, authorizing the viceregent, and then the archbishop of Canterbury, to take place of all persons, except the royal family. At present the lord chancellor intervenes between the two archbishops. With respect to the suffragans, every bishop, on the title of his barony, precedes all other barons under the degree of viscounts. The priority of ecclesiastical dignitaries amongst one another is settled in the following order: London, Durham, Winchester (as prelate of the Garter), and then all the others, according to the dates of their respective consecrations: but if any bishop be a privy counsellor, he follows the prelate of Durham. Henry obliged all the bishops within his realm to take out commissions, in which his paramount authority, both in ecclesiastical and secular matters, was acknowledged.

A written charge, addressed in this reign by the infamous Bonner to his clergy, illustrates two common but just observations: that the worst men

the opinion of Lord Bacon is not to be opposed: that " nonresidence, except in case of necessary absence, seemeth an abuse drawn out of covetousness and sloth: that men should live of the flock which they do not feed, `or of the altar at which they do not serve, is a thing that can hardly receive just defence; and to exercise the office of a pastor, in matter of word and doctrine, by deputies, is a thing not warranted."

Acts were also passed in Henry's reign for regulating mortuaries, against exactions for probates of wills, and against churchmen being farmers of land.

are not without some good in their dispositions ; and that many can perceive and own the excellence of virtue, who find themselves unable to practise it.

Ministers were enjoined, in this publication, to study the "necessary erudition;" to read daily a portion of the sacred volume, with a commentary; and to instruct the children of their parishes in English," that they may know how to believe and pray, and to live according to the divine will." The charge further directs ecclesiastics to reconcile, by mild precept and benevolent example, such amongst their parishioners as they should find at variance; to prevent the frequenting of taverns and the use of unlawful games on Sunday; and to be themselves sparing in such amusements at all times. As, prior to this period, the friars, who only preached in Leut, had laboured to inspire enthusiasm rather than rational devotion, and to recommend superstitious observances, instead of expounding the doctrines and duties of Christianity, the sacred body are next ordered to explain, from their pulpits, the Epistle and Gospel for the day, agreeably to the sentiments of some learned divine, and in such a manner as should promote prayer and holy living, or reasonably show the meaning of the church ceremonies. Certain pageants, ridiculing the vain and superstitious observances of the Romish worship, having been exhibited by intemperate zeal, in the churches, the more judicious clergy had complained of the ir

reverent custom, as tending to bring all religion into disrepute and accordingly, the last of Bonner's injunctions was designed to remedy this glaring abuse, by forbidding the representation of any plays or interludes in places set apart for divine

service.

XXX. To perceive at a single glance the state of the Reformation at the death of the eighth Henry, it will be necessary to recollect that the chief grievances which demanded redress were, (1.) the papal claim to universal jurisdiction; (2.) the pretension to infallibility; (3.) the reading of the Scriptures in an unknown tongue; (4.) indulgences; (5.) image-worship; (6.) transubstantiation; and (7.) the denial of the cup to the laity. Of these abuses the first four were corrected, and the fifth considerably modified; while the two latter were still permitted to corrupt the national creed. But let no one regard the progress of truth, though thus partial, as by any means insignificant. To the great Father of the universe was now restored his right of forgiving sins; to his blessed Son, that of universal jurisdiction; while the third Person in the sacred Trinity recovered his title of the only infallible witness. This ground, already gained and secured, was speedily, as we shall find, converted by active piety into a means of acquiring further advantages.

Of the ecclesiastical authority, which had been exercised by the Pope, the greater part accrued

to the royal prérogative. To call and dissolve convocations, to grant them the power of debating on matters of religion, to command the election of prelates to the vacant sees, and to order the administration of the word and sacraments-all these privileges were transferred by act of parliament to the king. The same statute made over to the archbishop of Canterbury the right of granting faculties, and of determining ecclesiastical causes in his court, from which, nevertheless, an appeal lay to the court of delegates. Subject to the royal license, the clergy in convocation might enact canons; while to laymen, in this partition of recovered rights, reverted the privilege of judging of Scripture.

With respect to the papal revenues, they are comprised in the following catalogue: 1. The Peter's pence, which, at the rate of one penny for every chimney that smoked, amounted in common to the sum of £7500: 2 Athelstane's pension, distinct from Peter's pence, as being restricted to three hundred marks, while the other sum varied according to the number of houses: 3. Sums received in appeals, which, Exodus, chap. xviii. ver. 22, was cited on pretence of justifying: 4. The sale of dispensations: 5. The sale of indulgences: 6. Legatine levies: 7. Mortuaries: 8. Tenths and, 9. Annates. To these extortions must be added, 10. the money raised by pardons, by pilgrimages, made, as has been wittily observ