but the parts finished, which were the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, were put forth by Edward's authority; and it was required, that every congregation should be supplied with a

copy.

Gardiner strenuously opposed these measures, and made particular objection to the homilies that were written by the Archbishop. There is every reason to suppose that Gardiner as truly asserted his own convictions, as Cranmer did his; but the times were altered, and Gardiner had now no weight of royalty to support his opinions. That there was a mixture of obstinacy and spleen in his opposition is obvious; he greatly harassed the Archbishop by letters and observations. At length Cranmer told him, with a bitterness foreign to his nature," that he liked nothing unless he did it himself, and that he disliked the homilies because he was not a counsellor."

The absence of the Protector, who had gone to Scotland on public affairs, gave Gardiner an opportunity of more fully opposing the measures of the Council, and he requested he might confront them together. To this they agreed, and the day was appointed. Gardiner entered, dressed with much neatness and elegance, according to his usual custom. He was received with courtesy by the Council, and Cranmer immediately entered into the argument.

"It is fully my opinion," said Gardiner, "that it is not safe to make new stirs in religion. Nothing now ought to be done in church matters. As in a natural body rest without trouble confirms and strengthens, so in a Commonwealth trouble availeth and bringeth things to weakness. I speak moreover in consideration of your safety, my Lord of Canterbury. I would not answer for your life when such alterations shall be made."

For a long time they argued patiently, but at length both sides growing extremely warm, the interview was concluded by a measure highly dishonorable to the Council. Gardiner was ordered

to the Fleet prison.

We can hardly imagine a more disgraceful or impolitic act than this. They must have had but an imperfect idea of his character, if they expected to convert him by punishment or persecution. It was precisely what he needed to elevate him to the rank of a hero, and, as such, was, and has continued to be, regarded by Catholic historians.

After he had been some time in the Fleet, Cranmer was sent by the Council to confer with him and endeavour to make him submit without further opposition to the prevailing measures.

"I have come," said the Archbishop with his usual mildness, “because I consider you a man meet to be called into the Council; but, never

theless, standing too much in obstinacy, and wearing more the appearance of obstinacy than zeal for the truth. The books, which are now to be issued, are intended more to work a reform in men's lives and conduct, than in their religious opinions.

"This might pass, my Lord," replied Gardiner, if your Homilies were left out, particularly that on justification. The true sense of which is, We be justified by faith without all works of the law. Charity is a work of the law. Ergo, we are justified without charity.'

"You pervert the meaning laid down," replied Cranmer, "which only tendeth to show the freedom of God's mercy, and that justification resteth with him alone."

"There are as many faults in this homily," said Gardiner sarcastically, "as I have been weeks in prison; and if you, my Lord of Canterbury, must needs travail in this matter, you must not expect us to believe that faith excludes charity in justification, unless you do it per force, and borrow prisons of the Protector. Then you may

find some that will agree with you, as poor men kneel at Rome when the Bishop of Rome goeth by, or else are knocked on the head with a halbard. As to Erasmus's Paraphrase, I find things enough to condemn in that. Never was there a truer saying, than that he laid the eggs which

Luther hatched.

And, of all the monstrous opin

ions that have arisen in the world, this book has been one of the most fruitful sources. I said to you, my Lord, and to the Council generally, that the malice and untruth which proceeded from Erasmus's pen was an abomination, and more especially the ignorance of the translator; and a charge of every parish to buy one thereby defrauding the realm of twenty thousand pounds, (of which I have made an estimate,) by the buyers and price of the book. It is for this cause I was sent to the Fleet, where, God knows, I have endured every hardship. I have been allowed neither barber nor physician, neither servant nor tailor, neither friend nor chaplain.”

"Permit me, my Lord," replied Cranmer, "to state to you the grounds on which you were committed to the Fleet. It was your declaration that the King...

"I recollect all that passed," said Gardiner vehemently, interrupting him.

The Archbishop, finding himself borne down by words, though not by argument, soon retired. To Bonner, Bishop of London, the injunctions and Homilies were equally disagreeable; and, after opposition on his part, he, too, was committed to the Fleet.

CHAPTER XII.

WE now quit these arbitrary and injudicious proceedings for a time, and return to the young King.

Edward was, from his birth, an uncommon child. He early discovered remarkable thoughtfulness of character. It has often been mentioned, that once, when engaged in some childish amusement, and not able to reach an object which he desired, one of his companions placed a large Bible on the floor for him to step on; he carefully took it up, and said, with glistening eyes; "I don't want to play any more now." His observance of every rule in his education seemed to arise not so much from deference to his teachers, as from the just value he placed upon acquirements; and, while some of his young companions considered it great gain to evade a lesson, Edward perfectly comprehended that they were defrauding themselves. At eight years old he wrote Latin letters to his father, and also to the Archbishop, and Viscount Beauchamp, his uncle, afterwards Earl of Hertford. To Queen Cath