History of the Church of England, from the Earliest Periods to the Present Time; From the Earliest Periods to the Present Time

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1825. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII. The reign of Elizabeth. The religious opinions of Elizabeth were so well known, that great expectations were entertained by the reforirters, and great fears by the Papists, on her accession. Gardiner had often urged the necessity of taking her life, observing that his party were idly lopping away the branches, while the trunk was suffered to remain. On her way to London, when the council and Bishops met her, she confirmed the hopes of her protestant subjects, by permitting all to kiss her hand, but Bonner, from whom she turned in disgust. In notifying her accession to foreign courts, she paid that compliment even to the Pope; but on his refusing to acknowledge her, unless she entirely submitted to his authority, she withdrew her Ambassador, and thenceforth aimed at destroying popery in her realm. She was extremely prudent in restoring the reformed doctrinesj and on this principle, compounded her council of protestants and moderate papists. Upon her ordering all who were confined for religious scruples to be released, some one asked if she included the four Evangelists who were now imprisoned, to which she replied, that she would first converse with these prisoners, and see if they demanded enlargement. She endeavoured to offend none, while she did according to her own pleasure. King Edward's Service Book, it was resolved, should be reviewed, and in the meantime, that the laity should commune in both kinds. Elizabeth's proceedings were too slow for her protestant subjects, many of whom, on their return from the continent, were so outrageous in their language and conduct against the church and clergy, that Elizabeth silenced the Pulpit, by proclamation. She now also imbibed so great a dislike to preaching, that she used to remark, two preachers were...