Page:History of all religions.pdf/23

23 Account of the Origin of BURNING HERETICS IN ENGLAND.

In the year 1401, and reign of Henry IV. King of England, it was found that the number of the Lollard, which was the name then generally gived to the Wickliffites. was continually increaſing, it was, by the influence of the eccleſiaſtics, enacted, that none ſhould preach without licence from the Bishop of the Diocese. However, this, and the other laws in being, were thought insufficient for the prtoectionprotection [sic] of the church, and to prevent the growth of hereſy. The Clergy were deſirous of having a ſhorter and ſier method of defending the doctrines of the church, than by the tedious and difficult one of reaſon and argument. They therefore would ve the king to underſtand, that nothing would more attach the Clergy to his intereſts than his exerting himſelf for the protection of the church, by which was meant to make a law for the burning of heretics. The King does not appear to have diſcovered any great reluctance; but the commons, many of whom thought favourably of Wickliffe, were very averſe to ſuch ſanguinary proceedings. An act however was at length paſſed, empowering the Clergy to the extent of their wiſhes, but this paſſed not but with the utmoſt ſtretch of the King's authority. And Mr