History of the Reformation; Being an Abridgement of Burnet's History of the Reformation of the Church of England. Together with Sketches of the Lives

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. 1820. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAP. HI, The Bible published--Injunctions to the clergy--Cranmer loses ground--Popery gains an advantage--The six articles--Henry's attachment to Cranmer--Persecution--Private persons allowed Bibles--New articles--Free will--Second edition of the Bible--State of Scotland--Injunctions laid by Bonner--Preaching of the friars--Written sermons. COULD the depravity of man invade the Heaven of Heavens, it would darken the splendors of that bright abode. Whatever it touches it contaminates. The gospel came from the hand of its Author pure as the bowers of Eden, but man yielding to the voice of the tempter, has ever defiled and perverted it; making the messenger of mercy, a shedder of blood--the angel of purity, a patron of crime. The church of Rome has been adorned with a Fenelon, a Pascal, and a Massillon; she has now in her bosom some who are like diamonds amid abounding rubbish; and many, we hope, have passed through her to rest; but we can have no fellowship with her abomuiations. The work of reformation advances, and we rejoice to perceive it. Who that has Wandered amid the darkness of night, but has hailed with rapture the full-orbed moon, rising from behind the clouds that surrounded it, and pouring its reflected radiance upon the gloomy path ? In 1538, an edition of the Bible was finished in London, and the king gave his warrant allowing all his subjects to read it, without control or hazard. Cranmer rejoiced that he saw this day of reformation, which he concluded was now risen in England, since the light of God's word did shine over it without a cloud. The printing of this edition was commenced in Paris, but, though the king of France gave his permission, the clergy caused the press to be stoppeilj and most of the copies to be seized, and publicly burnt;...