The reformers then gave their attention to an alteration of ecclesiastical laws in reference to matters which had always been decided in ecclesiastical courts.  The commissioners—­the ablest men in England, thirty-two in number—­had scarcely completed their work before the young King died, and Mary ascended the throne.

We cannot too highly praise the moderation with which the reforms had been made, especially when we remember the violence of the age.  There were indeed two or three capital executions for heresy.  Gardiner and Bonner, who opposed the reformation with unparalleled bitterness were only deprived of their sees and sent to the Tower.  The execution of Somerset was the work of politicians, of great noblemen jealous of his ascendency.  It does not belong to the reformation, nor do the executions of a few other noblemen.

Cranmer himself was a statesman rather than a preacher.  He left but few sermons, and these commonplace, without learning, or wit, or zeal,—­ordinary exhortations to a virtuous life.  The chief thing, outside of the reforms I have mentioned, was the publication of a few homilies for the use of the clergy,—­too ignorant to write sermons,—­which homilies were practical and orthodox, but containing nothing to stir up an ardent religious life.  The Bible was also given a greater scope; everybody could read it if he wished.  Public prayer was restored to the people in a language which they could understand, and a few preachers arose who appealed to conscience and reason,—­like Latimer and Ridley, and Hooper and Taylor; but most of them were formal and cold.  There must have been great religious apathy, or else these reforms would have excited more opposition on the part of the clergy, who generally acquiesced in the changes.  But the Reformation thus far was official; it was not popular.  It repressed vice and superstition, but kindled no great enthusiasm.  It was necessary for the English reformers and sincere Protestants to go through a great trial; to be persecuted, to submit to martyrdom for the sake of their opinions.  The school of heroes and saints has ever been among blazing fires and scaffolds.  It was martyrdom which first gave form and power to early Christianity.  The first chapter in the history of the early Church is the torments of the martyrs.  The English Reformation had no great dignity or life until the funeral pyres were lighted.  Men had placidly accepted new opinions, and had Bibles to instruct them; but it was to be seen how far they would make sacrifices to maintain them.

This test was afforded by the accession of Mary, daughter of Catharine the Spaniard,—­an affectionate and kind-hearted woman enough in ordinary times, but a fiend of bigotry, like Catherine de’ Medicis, when called upon to suppress the Reformation, although on her accession she declared that she would force no man’s conscience.  But the first thing she does is to restore the popish bishops,—­for