who had obtained licences to keep concubines [Tanner Ms. 105, Bodleian Library, Oxford].  After some experience, he advises all persons who are anxious to understand the English Reformation to place implicit confidence in the Statute Book.  Every fresh record which is brought to light is a fresh evidence in its favour.  In the fluctuations of the conflict there were parliaments, as there were princes, of opposing sentiments; and measures were passed, amended, repealed, or censured, as Protestants and Catholics came alternately into power.  But whatever were the differences of opinion, the facts on either side which are stated in an Act of Parliament may be uniformly trusted.  Even in the attainders for treason and heresy we admire the truthfulness of the details of the indictments, although we deplore the prejudice which at times could make a crime of virtue.

We pass on to the next picture.  Equal justice, or some attempt at it, was promised, and we shall perhaps part from the friends of the monasteries on better terms than they believe.  At least, we shall add to our own history and to the Catholic martyrology a story of genuine interest.

We have many accounts of the abbeys at the time of their actual dissolution.  The resistance or acquiescence of superiors, the dismissals of the brethren, the sale of the property, the destruction of relics, &c., are all described.  We know how the windows were taken out, how the glass appropriated, how the “melter” accompanied the visitors to run the lead upon the roofs, and the metal of the bells into portable forms.  We see the pensioned regulars filing out reluctantly, or exulting in their deliverance, discharged from their vows, furnished each with his “secular apparel,” and his purse of money, to begin the world as he might.  These scenes have long been partially known, and they were rarely attended with anything remarkable.  At the time of the suppression, the discipline of several years had broken down opposition, and prepared the way for the catastrophe.  The end came at last, but as an issue which had been long foreseen.

We have sought in vain, however, for a glimpse into the interior of the houses at the first intimation of what was coming—­more especially when the great blow was struck which severed England from obedience to Rome, and asserted the independence of the Anglican Church.  Then, virtually, the fate of the monasteries was decided.  As soon as the supremacy was vested in the crown, inquiry into their condition could no longer be escaped or delayed; and then, through the length and breadth of the country, there must have been rare dismay.  The account of the London Carthusians is indeed known to us, because they chose to die rather than yield submission where their consciences forbade them; and their isolated heroism has served to distinguish their memories.  The Pope, as head of the Universal Church, claimed the power of absolving subjects from their allegiance