Sketch Of The History Of The Church Of England

Preface

The best excuse which can be made for the publication of a Work such as that which is now offered to the world, is the plain statement of the reasons which originally led to its com¬ position, and of the objects which the author had in view when he commenced the task. And if, when the undertaking is accomplished, the same reasons still exist either in part or whole; if his labours be calculated to supply a want which in any measure continues to be felt, he must trust that the kind¬ ness of the public will excuse that vanity which induces him to hope, that his exertions may m some degree contribute to supply a desideratum among the elementary works of our country.

The author of the present Sketch discovered after he had been admitted into orders, that the knowledge of English Ecclesiastical history which he possessed was very deficient. It was a pomt concerning which infoimation was not to be readily obtained, but in which he felt that he ought to have made diligent search during the professional preparation of himself, on which every educated man, T^ho is engaged in the instruction of others, is peculiarly bound to enter; he was distressed, that his knowledge of the sects among the philo¬ sophers of Athens was greater than his information on ques¬ tions .which affect the Church of England; and he determined to devote a considerable portion of those few hours which a laborious employment left at his disposal to the study of the history of our own church.

PKEEACE.

vi

His pursuits were chiefly directed to those particulars which at the same time might supply him with real knowledge in his own profession, and he was disposed to hasten over periods which could furnish little but an acquaintance with facts, and an insight into ecclesiastical abuses The circumstances m which he was placed furnished him with an abundance of books; but this very fact made him more sensible of the need of some guide to direct him in the selection of them; and not¬ withstanding the kind assistance provided by a large number of clerical friends, he found a diversity of advice, which per¬ plexed rather than facilitated his progress. He sought m vain for a general history of the Church of England, which might furnish him with a map of his intended journey; for those which exist are rather large surveys than maps; m which the general features are laid down on so extensive a scale, that they never exhibit a commodious view of the whole He determined, therefore, to draw up a sketch for himself, to lay down the great landmarks as distinctly as he could, and to fill up the details in such a manner as circumstances would allow. And conceiving that his own map, with all its imper¬ fections, might be useful to others, he constantly framed it as he proceeded, thinking that when his task was accomplished, it might either remain as a private memorial of his own studies, or be given to the public when the academical labours of the author were at an end, m case no work of the same description should previously supply the wants of individuals situated as he had been. When this period had arrived, and he hardly felt satisfied with the publications which had appeared, he ventured to print the present volumes. Mr Southey's Book of the Church hardly satisfied him. 1 Mr. Carwithen has given a very faithful description of the country through which he has passed, but he has not sufficiently pointed out the more

1 Dr. Short begs leave in this edition to apologise to Mr. Sonthev for ^ re ®?°?\ USed , lm whlc h ought never to have been prmtcd,

rea i° n 1 ! now omitted > especially as the new e^tion of Mr Southey's work has obviated the want of references to which allusion is there made. Second Edition Terences, to

PREFACE.

Til striking features to which the attention of the traveller must be directed, if he wishes to obtain an idea of the whole terri¬ tory. Many of the other writers who might here be men¬ tioned have examined only a pait of the history of our chuich, and are perhaps liable to other objections.

A larger work than the present would probably have been better suited to a greater variety of readers, a small one, if it be wisely composed, will seek the immediate benefit of one class only, and trust to the chance, that whatever is useful to one description of persons can hardly prove uninteresting to others. The professed object of these pages is to facilitate the studies of young men who are preparing themselves for the offices of the Church, through their academical pursuits

The careful perusal of two small volumes 1 may prevent them from being ignorant on those points on which general information is ordinarily expected: and prepare the way foi more extensive studies, by furnishing them with the means of arranging systematically the knowledge which they shall otherwise acquire.

If such a book had fallen into the hands of the author twenty years agone, his labours might have been more pro¬ fitably dnected m the same course*, for there is a certain quantity of knowledge necessary on every subject, before we shall proceed effectually to the acquisition of more*, and it often happens that the want of this is not supplied, till the more active duties of life prevent the clergyman from taking advantage of those channels of information which would otherwise have been open to him.

In the execution of this work, there is hardly enough of detail to satisfy the inquisitive; but while {bassists him in his pursuits, it may prevent the idle from being totally ignorant on ecclesiastical history ; it is with this view that the author has directed his particular attention to those points which constitute the history of the Church of England as it is at

1 The first edition was printed in two volumes viii

PREFACE.

present established, to the Thirty-nine Articles for instance, the translations of the Bible, and the Prayer Book.

It is probable that feelings of personal kindness may induce some individuals, who are possessed of a greater knowledge on ecclesiastical history, to favour these volumes with a reading; and they may wonder that the studies in which he has been engaged have not convinced the writer of the imperfections of his work, and the objections which may be raised against the attempt to crowd the whole history of our church into two small volumes. In extenuation of his defects, he would only plead the difficulty of the task, and beg them to examine the question on its right grounds The work was composed when the author had an abundance of books, and but little time to use them; and has been prepared for the press in a small country village, where he has the command of his time, but of no hbrary save his own private one. If, therefore, he had extended the limits of his work, the attempt must have been made under many disadvantages, of which they only can be fully aware who have once possessed a free admission into large libraries, of which they have been subsequently de¬ prived. An occasional access to libraries is extremely useful for purposes of reference and collation; but he who collects materials for history must search among a variety of books which the hand of time has consigned to oblivion, and which are frequently unworthy the attention of the general reader; and no one can do this who is not resident among public libraries; nor can it be regarded in any light less serious than a national calamity, that the necessary labours of those who reside in the universities almost preclude the possibility of their deriving %ny extensive advantages from the treasures which are preserved around them.

In despair, therefore, of accomplishing anything more worthy of the subject, yet hoping that his present labours may not have been totally thrown away, he commits himself to the kindness qf his friends and readers, with a full con¬ viction that none of them are more fully aware of the de¬ ficiencies of these volumes than himself. With regard to

PREFACE

IX actual mistakes, lie presumes that many may be discovered, arising partly from the extensive range of history which he has been forced to embrace, while the reader will criticise that portion with which he is best acquainted; he will ask, therefore, for a fair indulgence from those who have never engaged in such a task, nothing doubting that he who knows the difficulty of avoiding such errors, from experience, will use that forbearance which the case requires.

Some persons may object that the opponents of the Esta¬ blishment are occasionally depicted in too favourable colours, and the defects of our common parent held up to view with less cautious respect than becomes a dutiful son of the Church of England. Let such remember, in the spirit of meekness, that there is a higher body to which we belong, and that the Church of England is no further our mother than as she proves herself a church of Christ. If such a charge be reason¬ ably substantiated, no one will be more ready to find that he has been deceived than the writer of these pages, he has always endeavoured to search for the truth, and he hopes that in this pursuit he may never grow weary. To say that the Church of England is imperfect in constitution and practice is only to say that she was partly framed by human beings, and is administered by men; but to pray that her mal¬ administrations may be corrected by her friends, and her deficiencies supplied by those who understand her constitution, is the petition of one, who while he admires the Church of England, believes that neither communities nor individuals are infallible.

And if the perusal of these volumes shall be accompanied with a portion of that amusement which their composition has afforded the author; if they shall contribute to excite in the breast of others that love and admiration for our church which their preparation has confirmed in the heart of the writer, their publication will fully answer the desires of one 1 who believes that the best reformation of the Church of Eng¬ land would be to reduce her m practice to what she is in theory who believes that her doctrines are such, that he

X

PKEFACE.

who ventures his eternal safety to her guidance is taking a secure path; and that the framework of her establishment is that which, under God’s providence, is best suited, m the present state of the Christian world, to preserve and dissemi¬ nate our holy faith among the various branches of society.

Kings Woethy*

April 1832.

ADVERTISEMENT

TO

THE SECOND EDITION.

The circumstances of the author of tins sketch are so changed since he mote it, that they will sufficiently account for his reprinting the work with little or no alteration. The Rector of Bloomsbmy ought to be engaged in other tasks than that of writing ecclesiastical history. The public have taken off the first edition as rapidly as could have been expected, considering its extent and the nature of the work; and m offering a second m a cheaper form, the Author has consulted the convenience of those for whose use it was originally de¬ signed; m this edition he has corrected such errors as his friends have kindly pointed out to him, and he places it before students m Theology, with the hope that it may assist them in becoming acquainted with the history of the Church of England; and that they may derive as much practical advantage from this pursuit as he has obtained from it, m all the different circumstances to which his clerical duties have called him.

CHAPTER I. p. 1.

§ 1. General outline of the history of the British church before the Saxon invasion,

2. England early converted to Christianity, possibly by St. Paul: other

traditions without any foundation.

3. King Lucius. Early persecutions; the Dioclesian. St. Alban, Con-

stantius Chlorus Constantine puts an end to persecution.

4. British bishops at early councils ; Arles, Nice, Sardica, Ariminum.

6. Saxons converted by St Augustin ; Ethelbert, Britha. Gregory I. in¬

strumental in this event.

7. Augustin, archbishop of England. Christian festivals accommodated to

the heathen feasts Ecclesiastical establishment Union with the British church attempted. Easter; Roman method of keeping it adopted by Oswi.

8 Theodore made archbishop. Adrian. Parish-churches established. Bishoprics divided Wilfrid appeals to the Pope. Sussex converted.

9. Wilfrid’s appeal to Rome; superiority of Rome over Saxon England Council of Cloveshoo.

10. Union of the heptarchy. The Danes attack monasteries. Ethelwulph’s

grant to the church tithes had been previously mentioned: they are sometimes spoken of as due by divine right

11. Alfred educates England; he translates many books into Saxon; his

general information, establishes a school for his son, foreign kings educated in England, sends an embassy to the Syrian Indians.

12. Odo and Dunstan. The Danes incorporated with the English. Wealth

of the church.

13. Imperfection of this sketch; materials defective; the subject one of

curiosity rather than utility. Errors of the church of Rome generally those of human nature.

14. Debt due to Rome; probable date of the perversions of doctrine, and

their introduction mto England.

15. Prayers for the dead; in early use; history of the doctrine of purga¬

tory ; common to many religioris . prayers for the dead not necessarily connected with it Traces of the doctrine among the Anglo-Saxons. Popular notions of it in the time of Bede and Alcuin

16. Transubstantiation. Waterland’s account of the history of it; probably

not received by the Anglo-Saxons Elfric’s homily Bertram.

XIV

17. Mass ; believed to be a sacrifice for the living and dead

18 Pictures and images. The decrees of the second council of Nice rejected

by the British church. Image-worship established in England before Alfred’s time Prayers addressed to saints about the same period. The doctrine of the Saxon church

19 Relics, natural respect for them , sent by Gregory to Augustin The

devotions paid at the tombs of the archbishops of Canteibury produce disputes about the bodies of the primates

20. Pilgrimages ; early made by the English to Jerusalem and Rome

Many Saxon kings visit Rome Abuses arising from pilgrimages, the Penitential Canons enjom them.

21. Confession , penance Difference between the churches of Rome and

England with regard to auricular confession. Penances ordinarily imposed. Commutation of penance

22. Celibacy of the clergy The council of Nice endeavoured to impose it.

Custom of the Greek church Early established m England, but generally evaded Evils arising from it.

23. Early ecclesiastical establishments Monastic establishments useful at

first, favourable to civilization ; attacked by the Danes Most of the clergy married during these times of disturbance; dependence on the apostolic see arising from celibacy. Holy water Service in Latin. Lights m churches Lord’s prayer, Creed, and Gospel, explained to the people

24. Progress of Errors m the church of England Purgatory and tran-

substantiation first believed, and then made profitable to the priest¬ hood Errors introduced into the Anglo-Saxon church by degrees from Rome.

25. How far the errors of the church destroyed Christianity When errors

in doctrine destroy the hopes of salvation. Evil tendency of errors m faith

26. Inadequate view of the atonement. Correct faith in the Trinity. Ex¬

pressions marking false notions of good works. The Anglo-Saxon church much corrupted in doctrines, and the way prepared' for greater errors.

CHAPTER II, p. 27.

ol. There existed a continual struggle between the church and state. We must regard churchmen as advocating the rights of their order

52. William I. was possessed of full power over the church Ecclesiastical

property subjected to civil service Most of the English clergy ejected Papal legates introduced mto England. The ecclesiastical courts separated from the civil.

53. The influence of*Rome arose from the vices of our kings The clergy a

balance between the crown and aristocracy, and beneficial to the lower orders. Rome interfered to support the just rights of the church, and so gamed power. Anselm and William II.

54 Anselm appeals to Rome illegally. William admits the authority of the pope, and the legate confirms Anselm, who nevertheless flies from England. Investitures.

55. Henry recalls Anselm ; the dispute between them compromised. Celi¬

bacy of the clergy insisted on m vain.

56, Stephen increases the power of the pope by his injustice The bishop of

Winchester summons the king before him Penury promoted bv dis¬ pensations, The miseries of England.

xv

57. Henry II accepts a grant of Ireland from the pope Becket Exemp¬ tion of ecclesiastics from civil jurisdiction Constitutions of Clarendon. Becket is persecuted, and flies.

58 He is received by the court of France and the pope, Henry very violent;

Becket equally so , an outward reconciliation is made m vain.

59. Becket murdered , miracles at his tomb Henry submissive to the church Becket’s character.

60 Heresy first punished, 1160 Gerhard and his followers, their opmions uncertain

61. Interference of Rome. Convent at Hackmgton; at Lambeth. Tax

imposed on the clergy by the pope

62. John Dispute about the election of an archbishop of Canterbury;

Stephen Langton appointed by the pope England laid under an in¬ terdict, and John excommunicated

63 Philip of France proceeds to depose John, the barons discontented. John submits to the pope. The pope adverse to Magna Charta The council of the Lateran declares tranaubstantiation to be a tenet of the church.

64. Papal power. Further exactions from the clergy refused- 65 Greatbead opposes the papal usurpations, esteems the pope anti-christ.

66. Edward I Increased power of the clergy. Statutes! for trying clerks

by a jury, and of Mortmain Heavy taxes imposed on the clergy. The bull to free ecclesiastical property from taxation was inefficacious.

67. Growth of the papal power.

68. Disputes between the crown and the church on temporal rights drove

the church into the arms of Rome, and then induced the crown to submit to the authority of the pope

69. The church taxes itself, the oppression of the crown induces church¬

men to acquire temporal power, which could alone defend their property

70 Source of the power of Rome , a centre of combination for churchmen, and of defence against the oppression of the crown The vices of Rome its only weakness.

CHAPTER in. p. 41.

101. Abuses must become galling to the people before they create any great

anxiety to remove them.

102. Political abuses connected with the church of Rome ; attempts to limit

the papal power, not to destroy it; injustice of the exclusive juris¬ diction of the clergy.

103. Wealth taken out of the kingdom ; papal provisions. Foreigners

holding preferments Annates. clergy taxed *>y the pope Peter’s pence , bribes for aiding suitors ; papal officers spies. The right of sanctuary injurious to the country.

104. Statutes to restrain the papal power. Mortmain; impolicy of the

enactment. Provisors. Praemunire.

105. Moral abuses; corruptions of the court of Rome pride and luxury of

the clergy ; celibacy, worldly employments ; ignorance ; mendicant orders.

106. Doctrinal errors of the church of Rome. Idolatry j pilgrimages ; par¬

dons , transubstantiation.

167 Small hopes of Reformation from Rome itself ; inadequacy of canons; dispensations profitable to Rome.

xn