Life of Archbishop Laud

Front matter

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Preface

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ARCHBISHOP Lavup was an unpopular man while he lived, and he has had many to speak evil of him since his death. Indeed, so bitter has been the animosity cherished against him, that those who attempt to do simple justice to his memory must expect to share in the odium which is heaped upon his name.

The writer has been anxious in this book to set forth nothing but the truth. Ten years ago he began the task, supposing that he was as well qualified then, as he would ever be, to perform it with strict impartiality. He had not advanced far, however, before he concluded to review the history and to wait yet longer, — hoping that thus his own prejudices — if he had any — might gradually be removed. Even now he does not expect to satisfy every one, but he is disposed to think, that, with all his faults, Laud deserves to be better known, —and he trusts that this volume may place his character in a more favorable light with some, while it will be likely to modify the unqualified admiration of others.

Contents

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Chapter First

A mighty Drama — Impartial Verdicts seldom ren- - dered — Different Opinions in Regard to Archbishop Laud — Reading, with its Fortifications and Ancient Glories — The old Grammar-School — William Laud, the honest Clothier — Marriage — A puny, sickly Infant, in whose Birth the World felt little Interest — Early Dedication to God — Curious Fact — A gracious Providence watches over Laud’s Infant Years — He is sent to the Free School at Reading — The little Prodigy — The shrewd Schoolmaster’s Prediction — Enters College — Well-deserved Compliment — Receives his Degree, and is admitted to a Fellowee gor Foe cai) 0) oe kA

Chapter Second

The first Stage accomplished, but at some Sacrifice — A great Mistake which ambitious Students make — Years of Sickness — Afflictions meekly borne — Ordination — Death of Parents —The Condition of the University of Oxford at that Time — The Principles upon which the Reformation had been conducted in England — The Continental Reformers less wise in this Matter — Common Bond of Sympathy against a determined Foe — The Influx of foreign Protestants doing Harm to the English Church — A Picture

1 CONTENTS.

drawn by an unprejudiced Biographer — Laud stands up in Defence of the Ancient Principles of the Church _— His Boldness makes him many Enemies — Suspected of being a Papist in Disguise — Chosen Proctor — Takes the Degree of Bachelor of Divinity — Another unpopular Movement. . ..... 26

Chapter Third

No private Purposes to be served — Mr. Laud is persuaded by his Patron to do a foolish and wicked Thing — The Circumstances explained — Disastrous Conclusion of the unhappy Affair — St. Stephen’s Festival kept as a Fast — Sincere Repentance and Heart-felt Supplication for Pardon — Laud’s Enemies make the most of his Offences — Rather too controversial — Bowing at the Name of Jesus in the Creed — Accused of Romish Tendencies again — Leaves the University, and enters upon his Duties as a Parish Priest — Frequent Removals — Something about the English System explained.-’..:.\ «5 » * m.pMenaeennn

Chapter Fourth

Several Steps of Advancement briefly noted — Something more than a shrewd Statesman and an ambitious Prelate — Glimpses of Inner Life — A great Commotion in Gloucester — Fresh Evidences of Romanism — Bishop Smith and his Foolish Vow — A turbulent Chaplain carries on the War — King James visits Scotland — His Plans for converting the Presbyterians to a better Faith — The King finds himself mistaken — Cutting off the Rations — Articles adopted by the University of Perth — Laud returns to Oxford — Setting up an Organ in the Chapel of St. John’s College — Dangerous Sickness. . . 49

CONTENTS. Xl

Chapter Fifth

Delay of Laud’s Consecration — Archbishop Abbot tries his Skill with a Bow — A dreadful Accident — The Archbishop’s Distress — Dr. Williams makes himself busy in the Matter — Other Arrangements made for the Consecration of the Bishops elect — Deplorable Condition of the Diocese of St. David’s — The new Bishop begins the Work of Reform — Puritan Opposition to the Consecration of Churches — A Chapel built at Aberguilly — Prayer at the Laying of a Corner-Stone — New Grounds of Opposition — First Visitation of his Diocese — Guarding the Entrance to the Priesthood. ..... 61

Chapter Sixth

Laud takes his Seat in the House of Lords — King James finds the Commons undisposed to yield to his Wishes — He makes an Appeal to the Bishops — The famous Controversy with Fisher — The Countess of Buckingham is placed under the Tuition of the King — Long-continued Disputes, and little to show for them — Prince Charles goes to Spain — Laud appointed Chaplain to Buckingham — He suffers serious Inconvenience from his Intimacy with the Great — A Prayer which was thought very suspicious — Difficulty with Williams — Disquieting Night Visions — Archbishop Abbot once more. .. . 73

Chapter Seventh

Three Petitions made to the King, which he saw fit to grant — Bells and Bonfires — Sickness of his Grace of Buckingham — Laud not so yielding as he is thought to have been — James’s Death — His Son

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succeeds to the Throne — State of the Kingdom — An empty Treasury and an impolitic War — The new King and his Parliament at Variance — Laud looks into the Future — Puritanism in full Blossom — The Crosier and the Sceptre enter into a firm Alliance — The Commons become theological Inquisitors — They arraign the King’s Chaplain for a singular Offence — ‘‘I see a cloud arising.” . . 88

Chapter Eighth

Laud’s second Visitation of his Diocese — Changes at Court during his Absence — The Good Fortune of the Lord Keeper begins to fail him — The Bishop of St. David’s rises higher in Royal Favor — Charles’s Coronation — Laud in his Element — “ God save the King” — The Second Parliament — Laud’s Sermon on the Blessedness of Unity — A Specimen of his Style — Evidences of his Popularity with the King — Another unfortunate Measure — Removal to the See of Bath and Wells — The People exhorted to contribute to the Support of the King — Upholding the Honor of God and the Authority of the Church — Rebuking the King for coming too late to Public AViorship... ss 4 So aL ee

Chapter Ninth

A Dangerous Policy — Laud becomes involved in serious Difficulties — Others were found to advocate the same dangerous Principles — The Third Parliament — A Sermon which different Parties heard with different Feelings — The Commons pass Sentence on Dr. Manwaring — A great Stretch of Power — The Offender is pardoned and patronized by the King — — The Commons proceed to censure Buckingham and Laud — Charles remonstrates in vain — Laud’s

CONTENTS. : Xili friendly Correspondence with some foreign Protestants — Become Bishop of London — The Charge of his being a Romanizer shown to be groundless. 115

Chapter Tenth

Murder of the Duke of Buckingham — One sincere Mourner — Laud suspects the Puritans unjustly — His warm Reception at Court — More active than ever — Parliament spends Time to little Purpose — The King makes Concessions which avail Nothing — The Session abruptly closed — ‘“‘ Laud, look to thyself’? — His Anxiety about the Church and State — Fresh Accession of Honors — Birth of the Prince of Wales — His Baptism — The Puritans refuse to share in the public Rejoicings — Laud’s Prayer on Sueutiorine Prinees.) . 0, 6 2 8 180

Chapter Eleventh

Restoring St. Paul’s Cathedral to its former Glory — A noble Example, which provokes Puritan Hostility — Charles’s first Visit to Scotland — Fears which were soon realized — The “Southern Church” set up — The Scottish Bishops invested with civil Offices — A Dream of Complacency and Satisfaction — Laud succeeds to the Primacy — The Conflict between two Great Principles drawing on —- The Head of two Famous Universities — No Pride or. Exultation manifested — Letter to Strafford — Laud’s Courage equal to his Greatness — The Jesuits show their Hand — Offer of a Cardinal’s Hat— An Injury done whether accepted or refused —The Tempter departs. . 144

Xiv CONTENTS.

Chapter Twelfth

The Chapel at Lambeth — A Visitation of the Province of Canterbury begun — Another unpleasant Difficulty with Bishop Williams — Laud endeavors to bring the foreign Protestants into closer Conformity with the English Church — How shamefully some English Chaplains behaved when beyond the Seas — Nurseries of Disaffection — ‘A kind of God’s Israel in Egypt’ — Successful Efforts in Behalf of the Church in Ireland — Two noble Spirits who will pay dearly for their zealous Labors. ir . 155

CHAPTER THIRTEENTH.

Laud’s unpopular Manners make him many Enemies —His Metropolitan Visitation continued, with such Results as might have been expected — Some real Good which he accomplished — The famous William Prynne and his two worthy Associates — Fining and Ear-cropping — The Barbarities of the Star-Chamber — Bishop Williams betrays the King’s Secrets — He suffers well for his gossiping Disposition — Fresh Troubles in Scotland — A Memorable Sunday in Edinburgh — Divine Service celebrated under very disgraceful Circumstances — ‘A Pape, a Pape; pull him down!” — Laud’s last Effort for the Scotch ASDUTOM«)! e.-! 5 45) rs ytte tae hae 167

CHAPTER FOURTEENTH.

Laud turns his Attention to the Channel Islands — Saving the young Theologians the Trouble of going abroad to pick up False Doctrine — Chillingworth and his great Work — How his conscientious Godfather snatched him from the Toils of Romanism — The Suppression of Fanatical Publications — Cu-

CONTENTS. XV rious Bible Notes, which Kings and Bishops did not relish — Two Inflammatory Papers — John Lilburn — Laud’s Letter to the Helvetic Pastors — Protesting his Desire for Peace — Unites with Strafford and Hamilton in recommending a Parliament. . 181

CHAPTER FIFTEENTH.

The Short Parliament — Loud Complaints against the Bishops — Indirect Assault upon the Church — The King’s Perplexities — Sir Henry Vane accomplishes a good Deal of Mischief — ‘‘ Hunting William the Fox” — A Mob assaults Lambeth Palace — The Ringleader hung — Charles pursues a singular Course in Regard to the Convocation — The Session continued — Seventeen new Canons — Bishop Goodman suspected of Romanism — Another Parliament called — The Scots Victorious — The Archbishop’s Ruin predicted — Strafford accused of High Treason — Laud’s Turn comes-next — A solemn Service in MIMRUENP OIG MOADGL ys oo) we oe eo 0) ae LOB

CHAPTER SIXTEENTH.

Uncertainty of Human Greatness — Confidence in God — Ten weary Weeks — Ballads and Caricatures — _ Articles of Impeachment brought in — Laud’s Reply — His Removal to the Tower — Advised to escape Strafford’s Fate — ‘ My Lord, your Prayers and your Blessing ”” — The Archbishop’s Illness — His Courage and Patience unsubdued — The King’s unprincipled Conduct — The Bishops sent to the Tower — “ No Bishops!” — The broken Leg — “ Curse ye, Meroz”’! — Seeking the Lordin Trouble... . . . . . 207 oral’ oe

XV1 CONTENTS. | ‘ r,

CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH.

Long and cruel Confinement — Carrying Measures with a high Hand — An early Visitor, and not a very welcome One — Death of an old and faithful Servant — The Members of Parliament sign the Covenant — Ten new Articles of Impeachment — Adding Insult to Injury — The Trial begins —Indignities and Insults — The Charge of Treason not sustained — Reluctant Compliment from Prynne — To be condemned in Spite of the Law — Hard Names — Christmas kept as a Fast — Refinement of Cruelty — Laud and the Church perish together. ... . . . 0 Se

CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH.

A quiet Sleep before an eventful Day — Brutish Shouts and Mockings until the End — Parting Address to the People — Last Prayer — The Impertinence of Sir John Clotworthy — An execrable Calumny exposed — All Hallows, Barking — Burial Service under peculiar Circumstances — Laud’s Remains removed to Oxford — An American Traveller visits the Spot — Curious Relics of the Past — Good. out of Evil — The Fine Gold comes forth from the Furnace — Last Will and Testament... . . 9%) S) ee

CHAPTER NINETEENTH.

Outline of Character — Vandyck’s Portrait — Personal Appearance of Laud — Dress — Mode of Living — Kindness to the Poor — Tenderness of Heart — His faithful Servants — Scholarship — Habits of Prayer — Causes of his Unpopularity — His unfortunate Manners — A Conference with a Friend on this Subject — Too much of a Politician — Attachment for the King — Conclusion. . . . .. .- « 209

ARCHBISHOP LAUD.

ee CHAPTER FIRST.

mighty Drama—Impartial Verdicts seldom rendered —Different Opinions in Regard to Archbishop Laud — Reading, with its Fortifications and Ancient Glories — The old Grammar-School — William Laud, the honest Clothier — Marriage — A puny, sickly Infant, in whose Birth the World felt little Interest — Early Dedication to God — Curious Fact —A gracious Providence watches over Laud’s Infant Years— He is sent to the Free School at Reading — The little Prodigy — The shrewd Schoolmaster’s Prediction— Enters College — Well-deserved Compliment — Receives his Degree, and is admitted to a Fellowship.

the world has ever witnessed, may surely be classed that revolution which, in England, for a time, prostrated the power of the Stuarts, hewed the throne down to a block, and subjected the Church to be 2 trampled on by a party which hated its time-honored services. If we regard the high motives enlisted in this contest, the principles which were at stake, and the momentous consequences depending on its result, we must feel that it will be invested with a still increasing interest, as long as the English language shall continue to be spoken. Nearly two centuries have now. elapsed since these events took place. Six generations, too, have passed away, since these busy actors “lived and moved and had their being,” and we now know them only as their deeds are written on - the page of history. It is surely time, therefore, that we form our estimate of these changes,.unbiased by any whispers of prejudice. Yet the reality is far different. We question much whether this generation is, on the whole, more competent to form an impartial verdict, than were those whose fathers had fought for the king at Newbury, or those who rejoiced when * the man Charles Stewart,” (as they contemptu-

LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP LAUD. rey)

ously called him,) died in front of his palace at Whitehall. We still read those histories which favor our previous views, and seldom seek in the contemporaneous records of that day to discover on which side was the truth, when for the sake of principle a nation was divided, and old friends parted to meet no more, except on the field of battle under opposing banners.*

Quite as great a diversity of opinion still prevails concerning the prominent actors in this portion of English history. This remark is especially true in regard to Archbishop Laud. To trace his career with an impartial hand is a difficult task. The writer is conscious of no enthusiastic admiration for the archbishop, neither is he disposed to be unjust, in any degree, towards those who differed from him. It will be his sincere endeavor to tell a plain, unvarnished, truthful tale.

Reading, the chief town of Berkshire, was a place of some importance in English his-

* New York Review, vol. x, pages 257-8.

tory, and it was protected by fortifications, even in 871, when Danes and Saxons were battling for the mastery of the soil. Long before the period when we invite our readers to visit- it, in imagination, it had been shorn of its ancient glories. Its abbey, once its pride and boast, was laid waste by the spoiler’s hand, but some endowments yet remain to testify to the piety of earlier days. Among these was a Grammar-School for the education of youth, founded in the reign of Edward IV., to which we shall have occasion to refer again.

In this town of Reading, there lived a clothier of good repute, and of no inconsiderable property, named William Laud. His business was so extensive that he kept many looms at work on his premises, and he gave employment to a number of weayers, and. other artisans. But although Mr. Laud was an honest, thriving man, yet in a kingdom where society is so strictly divided into ranks, and where princes and nobles of high degree overshadow those of humble birth, he was merely looked upon as a plain tradesman,— well enough in his place, —but no fit associate for the rich and great. He had married the widow Robinson, whose husband had..also been a clothier in the same town, a man of good property, and very generally esteemed.* On the 7th of October, 1578, a puny, sickly infant saw the light in the house of William Laud;— but while both father and mother were glad and thankful at this evidence of God’s favor, the birth of the clothier’s son was little heeded by the busy world, and high nobles did not deem that one of such humble origin would yet take precedence of them, and teach the world the wholesome lesson, that the distinctions

* Mrs. Laud’s maiden name was Lucy Webb, a sister of Sir William Webb, who was Lord Mayor of London in 1591. By her first husband, John Robinson, she had one son and two daughters. The son was educated for a clergyman, and became a Prebendary of . Westminster, and Archdeacon of Nottingham. ‘The daughters both married well. These facts are recorded to show how little truth there was in the statement of Archbishop Laud’s enemies, that his parentage was contemptibly mean and sordid.

of earth are lightly regarded in the Church of God.

The child was so extremely weak and ‘sickly, that few thought that he could long survive. His parents resolved, however, that nothing should be wanting on their part to promote his good, and besides enjoying the most tender care and nursing, he was early dedicated to God in holy baptism, and fervent prayers were offered in his behalf. The infant received his father’s name; and Wiriiam Lavup was yet destined to live in history, and in the hearts of thousands who should regard him as the champion of orthodoxy, and a martyr in the cause of truth. While it is by no means certain that a person will attain eminence in after-life merely because he is small in infancy, it has happened curiously enough that such should have been the case with more than one who have been distinguished as lights in the world. We are told concerning Sir Isaac Newton, the great astronomer, that he was so very diminutive in size, and of so perishable a shape, that he was hardly expected to outlive the day of his birth.”

A gracious Providence watched over the early years of William Laud, and in spite of natural feebleness of body, he survived his many severe attacks of illness, and was sent in due time, with his books, to the Free-School at Reading. Here he acquired the rudiments of his education, and distinguished himself by diligent application and quickness in acquiring knowledge.

The teacher of the school was very strict in his discipline, and withal a man of close observation of character; and he ventured to predict that the clothier’s son was destined for no ordinary career. Indeed, he was so firmly convinced of this that he used to say to his high-spirited and ambitious pupil, “ When you are a little great man, remember Reading School.” William Laud was so methodical in his habits of study, and showed such activity

* Brewster’s Life of Newton, Chapter I.

of fancy and soundness of judgment, that he was regarded almost as a prodigy, and several persons offered to advance considerable sums of money for his support while obtaining his education, so sure did they feel of his final success.

In July, 1589, when sixteen years of age, he entered at St. John’s College, Oxford, as a Commoner,* where he continued to deserve the good reputation which he had brought with him from Reading School. His tutor was Dr. Buckeridge, afterwards Bishop of Rochester,—and this excellent man did much towards developing the ripening abilities of his pupil, and in encouraging him to untiring diligence.

After spending one year at College on his own :resources, young Laud received a well-deserved compliment from the Mayor and Corporation of his native town, —being nominated to a scholarship in their gift, by which means he was relieved from all expense.

* For explanations of college terms peculiar to England, see the Life of Archbishop Cranmer, in this series.

At the end of three years, he received his degree of Bachelor of Arts, and according to the custom of the college, he was admitted to a Fellowship. This was in June, 1594.

tas

LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP LAUD.

Chapter Second

The first Stage accomplished, but at some Sacrifice —A great Mistake which ambitious Students make — Years of Sickness — Afflictions meekly borne — Ordination — Death of Parents — The Condition of the University of Oxford at that time — The Principles upon which the Reformation had been conducted in England — The Continental Reformers less wise in this Matter — Common Bond of Sympathy against a determined Foe — The Influx of Foreign Protestants doing Harm to the English Church — A Picture drawn by an unprejudiced Biographer —Laud stands up in Defence of the ancient Principles of the Church — His Boldness makes him many Enemies — Suspected of being a Papist in Disguise — Chosen Proctor — Takes the Degree of Bachelor of Divinity — Another unpopular Movement.

HE first stage in Mr. Laud’s career was now successfully accomplished ;

but his eminence as a scholar seems to have been gained at some sacrifice of health and strength. How many students have made the same mistake! The pale-faced, sickly youth pores over his books day and night, bolting his meals in haste, and neglecting regular exercise, his mind bent upon one object, that of reaching a high place in his class, or of preparing himself thoroughly for the profession which he has chosen. By the time he is ready to begin the real work of life his overtaxed powers give way.

For two years after receiving his Bachelor’s degree, young Laud suffered severely from indisposition, and it required all his elasticity of spirit and resoluteness of purpose to keep him from yielding to gloomy despondency. In 1798 he was made Master of Arts, and was appointed Reader in Grammar for that year. At the close ot this period he was visited with severe sickness again. However grievous these afflictions were to one who felt that he had little time to spare, they were blessed to the good of his soul, and he bore up with Christian patience and resignation.

In January, 1600, Mr. Laud was ordained Deacon by Dr. Young, then Bishop of Rochester; and in April of the next year he was admitted to the holy order of priesthood by the same prelate. The few earthly ties of kindred which had bound him to Reading were by this time broken, his father having died in 1594, and his mother in 1600.

Before going on to relate some things which occurred at Oxford, it will be necessary to say a few words in regard to the condition of the university at that time. It will be remembered by those familiar with the principles upon which the Reformation had been conducted in England, in the time of Archbishop Cranmer, and others of blessed memory, that there had been no design on the part of its leaders to tamper at all with the framework of the Church as it had come down from Apostolic days, but merely to remove the rubbish which had accumulated during the lapse of ages, and to restore the Church to its primitive purity. The Reformation on the continent, however, had proceeded upon different grounds, and the consequences had been in many respects deplorable. The divinely appointed ministry of the Church had been abandoned, and the ancient forms and ceremonies of public worship changed, or done away with, until men began to feel themselves justified in making creeds to suit their own fancies, and to usurp the sacred office of the priesthood.

Notwithstanding these wide differences between the English Reformers and those in Germany and Switzerland,—as both parties believed themselves to be engaged in a common effort to bring back gospel truth, and to root out the grievous errors of Papal Rome,—it is not strange that they should have cherished mutual sympathy and good-will, and should seek to unite their forces by friendly correspondence, and by opposing their dangerous foe. Some of the foreign Reformers were invited to England, and they brought with them their own peculiar views, and even persuaded

30 i LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP LAUD.

Cranmer to submit the Prayer-book to them, —a few points being changed to satisfy their scruples.

Indeed, in course of time, the English Church began to feel the ill effects of having yielded too much to these influences from abroad, and when Laud was ordained to the ministry, it filled him with — alarm to observe the actual condition of affairs.. ‘* Oxford,” remarks Mr. Le Bas, whose judgment is too well established to be affected by any party views, “bore a greater resemblance, in many respects, to a colony from Geneva, than to a seminary of Anglo-Catholic divinity.” The genius of Calvin presided in the schools. The dark theory of predestination was maintained as an essential ingredient in the faith of a Christian man. The apostolic succession of bishops was treated as little better than a fable. The authority of the Church was scornfully disregarded. The very existence of a visible Church, during the long period of Papal predominance, was gravely questioned by some distinguished divines, while others maintained that it was to be sought for only in the scattered Conventicles of Berengarians, or among the Albigenses, or the Mountaineers of Piedmont, or perhaps, among the Wiclifftes of England, or the Hussites of Bohemia. In short, the whole life and virtue of religion appeared to be wellnigh concentrated into one thing, — an abrupt and impetuous departure from the Church of Rome.

Now the theological studies of Laud had taught him a very different lesson. They had been prosecuted in the spirit of the Canon of 1671, which enjoined that the * interpretation of Scripture should be regulated, not by a licentious exercise of private judgment, but by a strict regard to the doctrines which had been collected from Scripture by the primitive fathers of the Church.

It was remarked by Dr. Young, by whom Laud had been ordained, that his studies had not been confined to the narrow and partial systems of Geneva; but that his scheme of divinity had been raised “upon the noble foundations of the Fathers, the Councils, and the Ecclesiastical Historians.”” And, hence, he pronounced that, if the young man’s life should be spared, he would become a fit instrument for the Church’s deliverance from the tram-. mels of every modern school, and for her restoration to the more free and comprehensive principles of the first and purest ages. The whole plan and elevation of doctrine which this course of inquiry had set before him, he found to be in strict conformity with the original scheme of the Anglican Reformation; but in many essential respects at mortal variance with the theory and the practice which then had got possession of the schools. And he was seized with a vehement desire to bring the Church of England from this state of defection back to her native principles.” *

* It is somewhat remarkable that no life of Laud has been issued in this country. Some years ago,

An opportunity was soon afforded Mr. Laud for speaking in defence of the ancient purity of the Church and its distinctive principles. A benevolent lady, Mrs. May, had once left a sum of money. for the maintenance of a “ foundation,” as it was called, providing that certain lectures in divinity should be delivered eyery year; the expenses of the same being furnished from this fund. In 1602, Mr. Laud was appointed to fulfil this task, — a plain evidence that his abilities as a s-holar and a theologian were considered more than ordinary. He might have selected a subject which would have been agreeable to all parties, but he preferred one of our most energetic publishing houses sent forth a series of volumes, forming a sort of popular theological library. Prominent among these were Le Bas’s lives of Wicliff, Cranmer, and Luther; but although his biography of Laud was written with the same moderation as the others, it was not included in the list, and thus, so far as these publishers were concerned, the poor Archbishop was left as a target to be shot at by the enemies of the Church, and no one to say a word in his defence. It was probably considered unpopular to hazard the printing of the volume. 3 to employ this opportunity to render an important service to the Church. It was nothing to him that such a course would make him unpopular with those whose religious principles were unsettled, and who counted the Continental Protestants, with no regular ministry, quite as orthodox as the members of the Church of England, | who held fast to the ancient faith. He accordingly maintained, boldly and _ without reservation, “the constant and _perpetual visibility of the Church of Christ, derived from the Apostles to the Church of Rome, and continued in that Church, as in others of the East and South, until the Reformation.”