This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1848 edition. Excerpt: … violent, and struck at the root of all civil and ecclesiastical authority, as well as social order. Indeed, they proceeded to such lengths, that they brought upon themselves a proclamation, which had the force of a law, forbidding all unlicensed persons to preach, or teach the Bible, and announcing the king’s purpose to extinguish diversities of opinion, by law. This proclamation was only preparatory to the passing of a measure called the Act of the Six Articles, with a view, as it was said, to the termination of religious dissensions. By these articles, it was declared, that no substance of bread and wine remained after consecration–that communion in both kinds was not enjoined to all persons–that it was not lawful for the clergy to marry–that private masses were meet and good–and that auricular confession was necessary to salvation. To speak, preach, or write against any of these, was made an act of felony; and those who offended against the first, namely, the false doctrine of transubstantiation, were to be burned alive, and not even allowed to save their lives by abjuration. For three whole days did Cranmer maintain a vigorous opposition against this most cruel and iniquitous measure, extorting admiration even from his most vindictive opponents. By the king’s desire, he was commanded to deliver his reasons for his resistance in writing. To carry the statute into effect, Henry went down to the House of Lords; yet Cranmer dared to oppose it, upon which he was desired by the king to absent himself until it should be passed. With this requisition Cranmer respectfully but firmly refused to comply; protesting that the cause was not his own, but that of God. Even this resolute conduct did not shake Henry’s attachment to…
