Volume 4 — CONTENTS OF THE FOURTH VOLUME.
Reading edition
BOOK VI.
ENGLAND BEGINS TO CAST OFF THE PAPACY.
CHAPTER I.
THE NATION AND ITS PARTIES.
(Autumn 1529.)
Diverse Religious Tendencies—Evangelical Reformation and Legal Reformation—Creation of a mighty Protestantism—Election of a new Parliament—Alarm of the Clerical Party—The Three Parties—The Society of Christian Brethren—General Movement in London—Banquet and Conversations of Peers and Members of Parliament—Agitation among the People 1
CHAPTER II.
PARLIAMENT AND ITS GRIEVANCES.
(November 1529.)
Impulse given to Political Liberty by the Reformation—Grievances put forward by the House of Commons—Exactions, Benefices, Holy-days, Imprisonments—The House of Commons defend the Evangelicals—Question of the Bishops—Their Answer—Their Proceedings in the matter of Reform 9
xviiiCHAPTER III.
REFORMS.
(End of 1529.)
Abuses pointed out and corrected—The Clergy reform in self-defence—Fisher accuses the Commons, who complain to the King—Subterfuge of the Bishops—Rudeness of the Commons—Suppression of Pluralities and Non-residence—These Reforms insufficient—Joy of the People, Sorrow of the Clergy 15
CHAPTER IV.
ANNE BOLEYN’S FATHER BEFORE THE EMPEROR AND THE POPE.
(Winter of 1530.)
Motives of Henry VIII.—Congress at Bologna—Henry sends an Embassy—Cranmer added to the Embassy—The Pope’s Embarrassment and Alarm—Clement grants the Englishmen an Audience—The Pope’s Foot—Threats—Wiltshire received and checked by Charles—Discontent of the English—Wiltshire’s Departure—Cranmer remains 20
CHAPTER V.
DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING THE DIVORCE AT OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE.
(Winter of 1530.)
Parties at Cambridge—A noisy Assembly—Murmurs against the Evangelicals—A Meeting declares for the King—Honor paid to Scripture—The King’s severe letter to Oxford—Opposition of the younger Members of the University—The King’s Anger—Another royal Mission to Oxford—The University decides for the Divorce—Evangelical Courage of Chaplain Latimer—The King and the Chancellor of Cambridge 29
xixCHAPTER VI.
HENRY VIII. SUPPORTED IN FRANCE AND ITALY BY THE CATHOLICS, AND BLAMED IN GERMANY BY THE PROTESTANTS.
(January to September 1530.)
The Sorbonne deliberates on the Divorce—The French Universities sanction the Divorce—The Italian Universities do likewise—Opinion of Luther—Cranmer at Rome—The English Nobles write to the Pope—The Pope proposes that the King should have two Wives—Henry’s Proclamation against Papal Bulls 38
CHAPTER VII.
LATIMER AT COURT.
(January to September 1530.)
Latimer tempted by the Court; fortified by Study—Christian Individuality—Latimer desires to convert the King—Desires for the Church, Poverty, the Cross, and the Bible—He prays the King to save his own Soul—Latimer’s Preaching—No Intermingling of the two Powers—Latimer’s Boldness in the Cause of Morality—Priests denounce him to the King—Noble Character of the Reformers 45
CHAPTER VIII.
THE KING SEEKS AFTER TYNDALE.
(January to May 1531.)
The Ivy and the Tree, or the Practice of Popery—Vaughan looks for the invisible Tyndale—Vaughan visited by a Stranger—Interview between Vaughan and Tyndale in a Field—Tyndale mistrusts the Clergy—The King’s Indignation—Tyndale is touched by the royal Compassion—The King wishes to gain Fryth—Faith first, and then the Church—Henry threatens the Evangelicals with War 52
xxCHAPTER IX.
THE KING OF ENGLAND RECOGNIZED AS HEAD OF THE CHURCH.
(January to March 1531.)
Supremacy of the Pope injurious to the State—All the Clergy declared guilty—Challenged to recognize the royal Supremacy—Anguish of the Clergy—They negotiate and submit—Discussions in the Convocation of York—Danger of the royal Supremacy 60
CHAPTER X.
SEPARATION OF THE KING AND QUEEN.
(March to June 1531.)
The Divorce Question agitates the Country—A Case of Poisoning—Reginald Pole—Pole’s Discontent—The King’s Favors—Pole’s Frankness and Henry’s Anger—Bids Henry submit to the Pope—Queen Catherine leaves the Palace 66
CHAPTER XI.
THE BISHOPS PLUNDER THE CLERGY AND PERSECUTE THE PROTESTANTS.
(September 1531 to 1532.)
Stokesley proposes that the inferior Clergy shall Pay—Riot among the Priests—The Bishop’s Speech—A Battle—To conciliate the Clergy, Henry allows them to persecute the Protestants 72
CHAPTER XII.
THE MARTYRS.
(1531.)
The repentant Bilney preaches in the Fields—His Enemies and his Friends—Bilney put into Prison, where he meets Petit—Disputation xxiand Trial—Bilney condemned to die—The parting Visit of his Friends—He is led out to Punishment—His last Words—His Death—Imprisonment and Martyrdom of Bayfield—Tewkesbury bound to the Tree of Truth—His Death—Numerous Martyrs 77
CHAPTER XIII.
THE KING DESPOILS THE POPE AND THE CLERGY.
(March to May 1532.)
Character of Thomas Cromwell—Abolition of First-Fruits—The Clergy bend before the King—Two contradictory Oaths—Priestly Rumors—Sir Thomas More resigns—The two Evils of a regal Reform 86
CHAPTER XIV.
LIBERTY OF INQUIRY AND PREACHING IN THE 16TH CENTURY.
(1532.)
The Perils of a prosperous Nation—Lambert and free Inquiry—Luther’s Principles—Images or the Word of God—Freedom of Preaching—St. Paul burnt by the Bishop—Latimer disgusted with the Court—More Thieves than Shepherds—A Don Quixote of Catholicism—Latimer summoned before the Primate—His Firmness—Attempt to entrap Him—His Refusal to recant—Excommunicated—Expedient of the Bishops—Latimer saved by his Conformity with Luther 91
CHAPTER XV.
HENRY VIII. ATTACKS THE PARTISANS OF THE POPE AND OF THE REFORMATION.
(1532.)
The Franciscans preach against the King—Henry likened to Ahab—Disturbance in the Chapel—Christian Meetings in xxiiLondon—Bainham persecuted by More—Summoned to abjure—The fatal Kiss—Bainham’s Anguish—The Tragedy of Conscience—Bainham visited in his Dungeon—The Bed of Roses—The Persecutor’s Suicide—Effect of the Martyrdoms—The true Church of God 103
CHAPTER XVI.
THE NEW PRIMATE OF ALL ENGLAND.
(February 1532 to March 1533.)
Who shall be Warham’s Successor?—Cranmer at Nuremberg—Osiander’s Household—His Error—Cranmer marries—Is recalled to London—Refuses to return—Follows the Emperor to Italy—Date of Henry’s Marriage with Anne Boleyn—Cranmer returns to London—Struggle between the King and Cranmer—The Pope has no Authority in England—Appointment of Bishops without the Pope—Cranmer protests thrice—All Weakness is a Fault—The true Doctrine of the Episcopate—The Appeal of the Reformers 112
CHAPTER XVII.
QUEEN CATHERINE DESCENDS FROM THE THRONE, AND QUEEN ANNE BOLEYN ASCENDS IT.
(November 1532 to July 1553.)
Clement suggests that Henry should have two Wives—His perilous Journey to Bologna—His Exertions for the Divorce—King’s Marriage with Anne becomes known—France and England separate—A threatening Brief—The Pope perplexed—Parliament emancipates England—Cranmer’s Letter to the King—Modification demanded by the King—Henry expresses himself clearly—Meeting of the Ecclesiastical Court—Catherine’s Firmness—Her Marriage annulled—Queen Anne presented to the People—Her Progress through the City—Feelings of the new Queen—Catherine and Anne—Threats of the Pope and the King 125
xxiiiCHAPTER XVIII.
A REFORMER IN PRISON.
(August 1532 to May 1533.)
Fryth’s charming Character—He returns to England—Purgatory—Homer saves Fryth—The eating of Christ—Fryth goes over England—Tyndale’s Letter to Fryth—More Hunts after Fryth—More’s Ill-temper—More and Fryth—Fryth in Prison—He writes the Bulwark—Rastell converted—Fryth’s Visitors in the Tower—Fryth and Petit—Cause and Effect 139
CHAPTER XIX.
A REFORMER CHOOSES RATHER TO LOSE HIS LIFE THAN TO SAVE IT.
(May to July 1533.)
Fryth summoned before a Royal Commission—Tyndale’s Letter to Fryth—Cranmer attempts to save him—Lord Fitzwilliam, Governor of the Tower—Fryth removed to Lambeth—Attempt at Conciliation—Fryth remains firm—A Prophecy concerning the Lord’s Supper—The Gentleman and the Porter desire to save Fryth—Their Plan—Fryth will not be saved—Fryth before the Episcopal Court—Interrogated on the Real Presence—Cranmer cannot save him—Fryth’s Condemnation and Execution—Influence of his Writings 150
CHAPTER XX.
ENGLAND SEPARATES GRADUALLY FROM THE PAPACY.
(1533.)
Sensation caused by Anne’s Marriage—Henry’s Isolation—The Protestants reject him—Birth of Elizabeth—A new Star—English Envoys at Marseilles—Bonner and Gardiner—Prepare for a Declaration of War—The Pope’s Emotion—Henry appeals to a General Council—The Pope’s Anger—Francis I. and Clement understand one another—The Pope’s Answer—Bonner’s Rudeness—Henry’s Proclamation against the Pope—The dividing Point 163
xxivCHAPTER XXI.
PARLIAMENT ABOLISHES THE USURPATIONS OF THE POPES IN ENGLAND.
(January to March 1534.)
Henry desires to separate Christendom from Rome—A Buffet to the Pope—The People, not the King, want the Reformation—The Pope tries to gain Henry—Cranmer presses forward—The Commons against Papal Authority—Abolition of Romish Exactions—Parliament declares for the faith of the Scriptures—Henry condemned at Rome—The Pope’s Disquietude—A great Dispensation 175
BOOK VII.
MOVEMENTS OF THE REFORMATION IN ENGLAND, AT GENEVA, AND IN FRANCE, GERMANY, AND ITALY.
CHAPTER I.
THE BISHOP ESCAPES FROM GENEVA NEVER TO RETURN.
(July 1533.)
The Bishop desires to bury the Sect—Animated Conversations—Plan to transfer the Prisoners—Great Animation—German Merchants and Maisonneuve—He desires to rescue the Prisoners—Constitutional Order restored—The Bishop wishes to get away—His last Night in Geneva—The Flight—Deliverance—Joy and Sorrow—A Proverb 184
CHAPTER II.
TWO REFORMERS AND A DOMINICAN IN GENEVA.
(July to December 1533.)
Arrival of Froment and Alexander—The Charitable Solomon—Order to preach according to Scripture—Sermons in the xxvHouses and the Streets—The Bishop forbids the Preaching of the Gospel—Silent Answer—Invitation to a Great Papist Preacher—Arrival of Furbity—He declaims against the Reading of the Bible—Janin the Armorer—Reformers insulted; Exultation of the Priests—Furbity challenges the Lutherans to Discussion—Froment’s Reply—Tumult—Froment and Alexander banished—De la Maisonneuve departs for Berne 194
CHAPTER III.
FAREL MAISONNEUVE AND FURBITY IN GENEVA.
(December 1533 to January 1534.)
Report that Popery had triumphed—Arrival of Farel—His Character—Baudichon de la Maisonneuve—Bernese Complaints and Demands—A Plot breaks out—Armed Meetings of Huguenots for Worship—Christmas and the New Year—The Dominican’s Farewell—Arming for the Bible—Arrival of Ambassadors from Berne—Three Reformers in Geneva—Bernese demand a Public Discussion 206
CHAPTER IV.
THE TOURNAMENT.
(January to February 1534.)
The Dominican refuses to speak—Liberalism and Inflexibility—The Colloquy begins—Various Accusations—Were the Bernese pointed at?—The two Champions—The Pope and the Scriptures—Interpretation of the Councils—The Priests would be Everything—Farel’s Irony and Vehemence—The Roman Episcopate—Preaching and Conversation—Stories about Farel—The Landlord and his Servant—Legends and Rhymes—A Change in Preparation 217
CHAPTER V.
THE PLOT.
(January and February 1534.)
Supreme Interest of History—The Bishop meditates a Coup d’État—Meeting of his Creatures to carry it out—The Sortie from the Palace—Two Huguenots assassinated—The Defenders of xxvithe Middle Ages—Tumult in the city—Consternation in the Council—Justice, not Rioting—Search at the Palace—Scenes and Discovery—The Murderers sought in the Cathedral—The South Tower—The Criminals discovered—Seizure of Documents relating to the Plot—Condemnation and Fanaticism of the Murderer—He is hanged; his Brother is saved—The Episcopal Secretary accused—The People elect a Huguenot Council 229
CHAPTER VI.
A FINAL EFFORT OF ROMAN-CATHOLICISM.
(February 10 to March 1, 1534.)
The Dominican before his judges—A staggering Recantation—Dominicans and Franciscans—Father Coutelier, Superior of the Franciscans, arrives—His first Sermon—He talks white and black—Has recourse to Flattery—A Baptism at Maisonneuve’s—Evangelicals ask for a Church—Farel visits the Father Superior—The Pope, the Beast of the Apocalypse 243
CHAPTER VII.
FAREL PREACHES IN THE GRAND AUDITORY OF THE CONVENT AT RIVE.
(March 1 to April 25, 1534.)
Huguenots in the Convent of Rive—Arrival of the Crowd—Farel preaches—Two opposite Effects—Inspiration of God—Joy of the Evangelicals—Farewell of the Bernese—Portier’s Execution—The two Preachers—The Friburgers break the Alliance—Farel’s three Brothers in Prison—The Reformer’s Anxiety—Human Affections 251
CHAPTER VIII.
A BOLD PROTESTANT AT LYONS.
(1530 TO 1534.)
The Reliquary—A Table d’Hôte—Who is Petrus?—Struggle with two Priests from Vienne—They abandon the Field—Maisonneuve must be burnt—Danger—Arrival of Baudichon and Janin—They are sent to Prison—Formation of the Court 261
xxviiCHAPTER IX.
BAUDICHON DE LA MAISONNEUVE BEFORE THE INQUISITIONAL COURT OF LYONS.
(From April 29 to May 21.)
Examination—First Witnesses—Emotion at Geneva—The Merchants protest to the Consulate—The Bernese—Interrogatory—Open-air Session in Front of the Palace—The King shall be informed—The Inquisitors desire to convict Baudichon—Alleged High Treason against Heaven 269
CHAPTER X.
THE TWO WORSHIPS IN GENEVA.
(May to July 1534.)
Morality in the Reformation—Apparition of the Virgin—A Savoyard Procession—A second Procession enters Geneva—Images thrown down—The old and the new Worship—The first Evangelical Pentecost—A Priest casts off the old Man—Transformation—A Knight of Rhodes—Street Dances and Songs—Preaching on the Ramparts 277
CHAPTER XI.
BOLDNESS OF TWO HUGUENOTS IN PRISON AND BEFORE THE COURT OF LYONS.
(May to June 1534.)
The New Testament in the Prison Garden—Discussion—The Procession and the Rogations—False Depositions—Janin’s Depression—Search for more conclusive Evidence—Inquiries of De Simieux at Geneva—-Baudichon’s Pride before the Court—Put into Solitary Confinement—The Prisoner threatens his Judges—Heroic Resistance 286
CHAPTER XII.
SENTENCE OF DEATH.
(July 1534.)
Severity to Maisonneuve—Coutelier’s Deposition—Maisonneuve xxviiiaccused of relapsing—The Crime of being a Layman—Lyon and Chambury contend for him—Final Summons—Sentence of the Court—Condemned to Death—No sword in Religion—The effectual Remedy 295
CHAPTER XIII.
NIGHT OF THIRTY-FIRST OF JULY AT GENEVA.
(July 1534.)
Festival of Corpus Christi—Marriage of an Ex-Priest—Discussion before the Council—Baptism—The two Powers change Parts—An Attack preparing—A Hunting Party—A Monk in the Pulpit confesses his Faults—Plan of Attack—Projects of the Enemy—Arrival of the Savoyards—Warning given by a Dauphinese—The Canons—Savoyards wait for the Signal—The Torch—Savoyards retire—The Bishop—The Hunchback—The Conspirators flee—Meditation and Vigilance—Catholics quit Geneva—Title to Citizenship—Alarm of the Nuns—Tales about the Reformers 303
CHAPTER XIV.
AN HEROIC RESOLUTION AND A HAPPY DELIVERANCE.
(August and September 1534.)
The Diesbachs of Berne—Mission of Rodolph of Diesbach to France—a terrible Necessity—Resolution to destroy the Suburbs—Approaching Danger—A Refugee from Avignon—Strappado at Peny—Effects produced by the Order of Demolition—Opposition of Catholics—Maisonneuve is liberated—Session at the Tour of Perse—The Prisoners restored to their Families—Letter from Francis I.—Furbity demanded and refused 320
CHAPTER XV.
THE SUBURBS OF GENEVA ARE DEMOLISHED AND THE ADVERSARIES MAKE READY.
(September 1534 to January 1535.)
Disorderly Lives of the Monks of St Victor—Ruins and Voices in the Priory—Lamentations—Ramparts built—Asylums xxixopened for the Poor—Threats—Famine and a Circle of Iron—Brigandage—No more Justice—Excommunication—Genevans appeal to the Pope—Firmness for the Gospel and Liberty—Everything conspires against the City—Energy and Moderation—Switzerland against Geneva—Confidence in God—Wisdom above Strength—The Song of Resurrection 332
CHAPTER XVI.
THE KING OF FRANCE INVITES MELANCTHON TO RESTORE UNITY AND TRUTH.
(End of 1584 to August 1535.)
Minority and Majority—Joy and Fear—Difference between Henry VIII. and Francis I.—Erasmians and Politicians—The Moderate Evangelicals—Effect of the Placards—The King tries to excuse himself—Protests of the decided Protestants—Opinion of the Swiss—All Hope seems lost—A reforming Pope—Papist Party in France—The Moderate Party—The two Du Bellays—What is expected of Melancthon—Two Obstacles removed—Efforts of the Mediators—What they think of Francis I.—An eloquent Appeal—Importance of France for the Reformation—Melancthon tries to gain the Bishop of Paris—The Bishop delighted—Francis I. to Melancthon—Is he sincere?—Martyrdom of Cornon and Brion—Cardinal Du Bellay departs for Rome—Hope of Reform in Italy—The diplomatic Du Bellay to Melancthon—Two Natures in France—Fresh Entreaties—The King’s Idea—Applies to the Sorbonne—Alarm of the Sorbonne—Trick of Cardinal de Tournon—Is a Mixed Congress possible? 346
CHAPTER XVII.
WILL THE ATTEMPT TO ESTABLISH UNITY AND TRUTH SUCCEED?
(August to November 1535.)
Individuality and Catholicity—Events in Germany—Importance of the Mission to Germany—Melancthon’s Incertitude—Earnestness of the French Envoy—Opposition of his Family—Melancthon’s Self-examination—Final Assault—Melancthon consents—His Character—He goes to the Elector—Solicits xxxPermission—The Elector refuses—Melancthon’s Sadness—-Luther agrees with him—Intervention with the Elector—Agitation in Germany—Singular Fears of the Germans—The Elector’s Arguments—The Elector prevails—Severe Letter to Melancthon—Melancthon’s Sorrow—Luther’s Apprehensions Keeping aloof from the State—The Elector to the King—Melancthon to Francis I.—He does not relinquish his Design—His Ardor—The King resumes his Project—Opposition of the Catholics—The Elector receives Du Bellay—Du Bellay before the Assembly—His Speech—Intercession in Behalf of the Evangelicals—The Two Parties come to an Understanding—The Papacy—Transubstantiation—The Mass—Images—Free Will—Purgatory—Good Works—Monasteries—Celibacy—The two Kinds—The Sorbonne and Justification—The Reform of Francis I.—Intervention in behalf of the Oppressed—Political Alliance—Francis I. plays two parts—The Communion of Saints 372
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE GOSPEL IN THE NORTH OF ITALY.
(1519 TO 1536.)
Flames in Italy—The Bookseller of Pavia—The Books of the Reformers—Enthusiasm for Luther—Alarm of the Pope and Cardinals—Venice—Roselli to Melancthon—Many Springs of living Water—Curione—His studies and Spiritual Wants—Reads Luther and Zwingle—Departs for Germany—Is arrested and sent to the Convent of St. Benignus—The Shrine and the Bible—Curione during the Plague—The Preachers of Popery—Attack and Defence—Curione sent to Prison—Chained to the Wall—He recognizes the Room—Seeks a means of Safety—Singular Expedient—His Escape—He teaches at Pavia—Renée of France—Mecænas and Dorcas—Resurrection of Christianity—The Duchess’s Guests 406
CHAPTER XIX.
THE GOSPEL IN THE CENTRE OF ITALY.
(1520 TO 1536.)
Character of Occhino—Seeks Salvation in Asceticism—A Contrast—Scripture—Occhino’s Itinerant Ministrations—Crowded Congregations—His Preaching—A Child of Florence—Ambitious xxxiof Learning—-Study and Preaching—Aonio Paleario—Leaves Rome for Sienna—Poem on Immortality—Paleario crosses the Threshold—His Wife and Children—Love of the Country—His friend Bellantes—Conspiracy against Paleario—Faustus Bellantes informs him of it—Paleario remains firm—His Wife—The Reformers—Twelve Accusers—They appear before the Archbishop—Everything seems against Paleario—His Fears—He appears before the Senate—He defends himself—The Germans—Plea for the Reformers—Revival of Learning—Jesus Christ a Stumbling-block—The Martyr’s Words—Paleario’s Wife and Friends—His Acquittal and Departure—The Evangelicals of Bologna—Their Address to the Saxon Ambassador—St. Paul explained 428
CHAPTER XX.
THE GOSPEL AT NAPLES AND AT ROME.
(1520 TO 1536.)
Alfonso Valdez at Worms—A Dialogue by Valdez—The Chastisement of God—Approbation and Disapprobation—Mercury and Charon—Satan—Juan Valdez at Naples—Influence of Juan Valdez—Chiaja and Pausilippo—Conversion of Peter Martyr—His Method of Preaching—Purgatory—Opposition—Galeazzo Caraccioli converted—A Letter from Calvin—Illustrious Women at Chiaja—Ideas there discussed—Occhino preaches at Naples—The Triumvirs—Charles V. arrives at Naples—Conversation between Giulia Colonna and Valdez—Perfection—Assurance of Salvation—Humility—The royal Road—Meditations—Preachers of Fables—Valdez’ good and bad Qualities—Edict against the Lutherans—Carnesecchi—Secretary to Clement VII.—Interview with Charles V.—Carnesecchi’s Conversion—Divers Categories—Flaminio—A poor Student—Values the Treasures of Heaven—The Guest of Ghiberto and Caraffa—Flaminio’s Faith—Opposes and loves Carnesecchi—Approximates Catholicism—Oratory of Divine Love—Its Members—An Evangelical Monk—A Venetian Senator—Contarini’s Influence—Strange Call—He accepts the Cardinalate—Preserves his Independence—Contarini’s View—Dawn in Italy—The two Camps—Hopes—The Times of Rome—Glory to the Martyrs 454
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