942.45 Vol. 1 ADVERTISEMENT. IN presenting this volume to the public, it may be proper for me to state, that the delay which has occurred in its preparation is attributable to causes over which I had no control. The afflictive dispensations of Divine Providence having disqualified me for that amount of labour which was formerly easy and grateful, I have been compelled to proceed in its composition with slow and measured steps. Desirous, however, of meeting the wishes of friends, and of partially fulfilling my engagements with the public, I have resolved on the separate publication of the first volume, with the confident persuasion, that I shall be able, before the close of the year, to complete the undertaking. As another and more appropriate opportunity for stating the principles on which the C work has been constructed will occur, I shall say no more at present, than that I have endeavoured to combine accuracy of statement with candor and liberality of sentiment. To what extent I have succeeded must be left to the decision of the public. Finchley Common, June, 1836. THOMAS PRICE. CONTENTS. The Reformation-Causes of—Revival of Learning-England pre- pared for the Reformation Wycliffe-Early Statutes against Heresy-Sufferings of the Lollards favorable to their cause-State of the English Church on the Accession of Henry VIII.-His Zeal for the Papacy-Writes against Luther-Defender of the Faith- Luther's Reply-Commission to search after Luther's Works- Tyndale's New Testament· Sir Thomas More writes against the Reformers-Change in the Policy of the King-Scruples respecting his Murriage-Applies to the Pope for a Divorce Appeals to the Universities—Divorce pronounced by Cranmer-Influence thereof on the Ecclesiastical Policy of Henry - Measures hostile to the Papacy Majority of the Nation adverse to the King's Measures. Elevation of Cranmer-Articles of Religion—Injunctions—Institu- tion of a Christian Man - Necessary Erudition-Lesser Monas- teries suppressed-Greater Monasteries-Erection of new Bishop- rics--Bible printed-Cranmer and his Associates ignorant of the Nature of religious Liberty-The irreligious Tendencies of Popery the main Cause of their Opposition Martyrdom of Bilney, |