character. When attempting to make reprisals on the English borders, he gave disgust to the nobles by appointing a minion to command. His army fled at Solway before a few English horsemen; the disgrace so affected him, that he died after a short illness, leaving only one child, Mary, then but eight days old. Henry instantly planned her marriage with his infant son. This politic arrangement was opposed by cardinal Beatoun, who obtained the regency under a forged will of the late monarch. In the following year, this matter was fully discussed, when the French interest prevailed. The English ambassador was insulted, and compelled to leave Edinburgh. Henry resented the French interference by assisting the emperor with a body of forces. These three rival powers were as much enemies to each other, as they had been twenty-five years before. Advancing age found these monarchs as much opposed as they had been in former times.

The principal events in England, at this time, relate to the state of religion. The king's council was still divided; each party alternately prevailed, as the king gave them countenance. The chief question then agitated was about the circulation of the English Bible; for this Cranmer contended earnestly against Gardiner and his party: with the king's aid the former prevailed; this blessed boon was secured to the people: the last effort of Gardiner and his colleagues to render it useless to the people at large, by retaining a number of Latin words, was unsuccessful. Gardiner, however, procured the royal authority for a work called, "A Necessary Instruction for a Christian Man," which in flattery he entitled, The king's book," but which abounded in popish errors, even more than a volume set forth by Cranmer some years previously, known by the name of the "Bishop's book." Much care was bestowed in the preparation of these works, and upon all questions connected with the Reformation. Burnet has given an important

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document, in which the principal divines of that day expressed their opinions upon most of the main questions of religion. The statements of Cranmer and others who favoured Protestantism, show that they did not hold popish views upon the apostolical succession, and were far removed from popery as to the sacraments.

Henry was now affected by infirmities, arising from his indulgence in the pleasures of the table, as well as from advancing years; yet he formed a new marriage with Catherine Parr, the widow of Lord Latymer, a middle-aged woman, of learning and ability, well inclined to the Reformation. The king now required a nurse rather than a wife. Catherine Parr tended him with much care, and by observance of his will, though his irritability greatly increased, she defeated the plots of her enemies. At one time the wily Gardiner persuaded the king to suspect her able arguments upon theological subjects, and to have her examined on a charge of heresy. Being apprised of her danger, she declined to argue further; the king was reconciled, and severely rebuked his popish councillors when they attempted to proceed against her. This event seems to have occurred in 1544. Her printed Meditations and Prayers contain many clear statements of gospel truth.

Cranmer was attacked in like manner, but the king protected him. He sent for the archbishop at night and warned him that he had been induced to consent to his being called before the council, and committed to the Tower on a charge of heresy. Cranmer thanked the king, expressing readiness to submit to investi gation. Henry exclaimed at his simplicity, and blamed such willingness to give his enemies advantage, as false witnesses would speedily arise if he once appeared to be in disgrace. He gave a ring to the archbishop, telling him to produce it, and to claim the royal interposition when he found his brother councillors about to pro ceed unfairly. The next morning Cranmer was shu out from the council, and made to wait at the doo

among the servants. Henry was informed of this by Dr. Butts, his physician; the matter proceeded as had been planned; the king interfered, and rebuked the enemies of Cranmer in severe terms.

On another occasion, Henry gave Cranmer information of devices against him, insisting upon an investigation, which covered the archbishop's enemies with shame. The preservation of Cranmer through the stormy party proceedings of Henry's later years, clearly shows the special interference of Providence, and exhibits a good trait in the character of the monarch. Wearied and harassed as he was, by the bad principles and conduct of many around him, they were left by him to exhibit the awful effects of unsubdued passions, in their contests with each other; while Cranmer, being governed by Christian spirit and principle, his enemies were not suffered to triumph over him. It would be difficult to point out any character concerned in political proceedings for so long a period as Cranmer, who acted so thoroughly upon gospel principles. His object evidently was, to discharge his duties correctly, according to the evidence laid before him. He never exhibited any personal rancour; and the gospel principle of forgiveness of injuries he carried so far, that it was commonly said, "Do unto my lord of Canterbury an ill turn, and you make him your firm and constant friend!" How widely different was he from Beaufort, Wolsey, Gardiner, and Pole! All these arrogated to themselves the title of successors to the apostles, while they were actuated by worldly views and the worst of passions.

At this period the crafty Gardiner was the most active among the persecuting prelates. Bonner was more cruel and brutal, but was an instrument rather than a leader of his party. Several were persecuted as heretics about this time; among them was Marbeck, the first compiler of an English concordance. He was condemned as an offender under the law of the six articles, but was one of the few to whom mercy

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was extended. By these proceedings Gardiner weakened his influence over the king.

The succession to the throne was regulated by parliament in 1544. It was first to devolve upon prince Edward; and, in default of descendants from him, to pass, in succession, to his sisters Mary and Elizabeth. And in case of disobedience on their part, or if they died without heirs, the succession was to pass as Henry might by his will direct.

The warfare with France and Scotland required an expenditure which could only be met by taxes and forced loans. The latter were rigorously exacted. A striking instance of the tyranny with which these were enforced, was shown in the case of a citizen, named Richard Reed, an alderman of London. The instruc

tion to the commander under whom he was placed states that, "Notwithstanding such necessary persuasions and declarations as for the purpose were at great length showed unto him, and the consent also, and the conformity thereunto of all his company, he stood alone in the refusal of the same, not only himself, upon a disobedient stomach, but thereby also giving example, as much as in one man might, to breed a like deformity in a great many of the rest. And forasmuch as for the defence of the realm and himself, and for the continuance of his quiet life, he could not find in his heart to disburse a little quantity of his substance, his majesty hath thought it much reason to cause him to do some service for his country with his body, whereby he might somewhat be instructed of the difference between the sitting quietly in his house, and the travel and danger which others daily sustain, from which he hath hitherto been maintained in the same. For this purpose his grace hath thought good to send him unto your school, as you shall perceive by such letters as he shall deliver unto you; there to serve as a soldier, both he and his men, at his own charge: requiring not only as you shall have occasion to send forth to any place for the doing of any enterprize upon the enemy, to cause him to ride forth to the same, and to do in all things as

other soldiers are appointed to do without respect; but also to bestow him in such a place in garrison, as he may feel what pains other poor soldiers abide abroad in the king's service, and know the smart of his folly and disobedience. Finally, you must use him in all things after the sharp military discipline of the northern wars.' Upon such a proceeding no comment need be made. It shows how little protection any subject then enjoyed. We find that Reed was afterwards taken prisoner. The king then had pity on him, and desired "that if there may be any good means devised for his redeeming, your lordship shall take such good order for getting of him again as you shall think most convenient."

As usual, the sufferings of the war fell chiefly on the peaceable inhabitants near the borders, which were devastated; while the Scots remarked upon the impolicy of such a way of courting a marriage with their infant queen. On the continent, the emperor and Henry continued to seek their own respective interests, instead of making an efficient campaign against France. Henry secured Boulogne, while the emperor made a separate peace with Francis. The war between England and France was continued the following year, chiefly by combats at sea, and descents upon the coasts of both nations. To meet these expenses the parliament gave Henry power to seize the revenues of all chantries, colleges, and hospitals; but the death of the monarch preserved the greater part. We are not to suppose that an hospital then was similar to such an establishment at the present day: it was more of a monastic establishment, and frequently only an alms-house. It is evident, that while Henry's covetousness urged him to take the revenues of many public establishments, his love for literature, and the influence of Catherine Parr, preserved the universities and other public foundations, rather than his parliament and council.

Peace with France, and afterwards with Scotland, left the king at liberty to direct his attention to home concerns, especially the state religion. The