But Miles had been left at home for a much-needed rest; and so he invited Master Tyndale to share his lodging for a day or two, which he gladly accepted, for his means were small, and the curate of All Hallows was poor, and could ill afford the shelter he had so kindly given him, even for a few days.
So it was arranged that Master Tyndale should go back to Honey Lane for that night, and tell his friend that he was going to spend the next few days with Miles, after preaching at St. Dunstan's on Sunday.
After he was gone, Miles turned to consider the words that had been taken down as needing further consideration, and for which special facilities for elucidation existed in the Cardinal's splendid library. He was up at six o'clock the next morning, for Church service began at eight, and many citizens who loved a country walk on Sunday went to St. Dunstan's. It lay between Temple Bar and the village of Charing, near the town houses of many of the nobility, so that William Tyndale had been appointed to preach in one of the most fashionable of the London churches.
In those days the most wealthy of London merchants lived over their shops, and so city churches were well-filled, and this was a favourite one to those who loved a walk, and could boast of rather an eclectic congregation.
Miles had often been there in preference to attending mass in the Cardinal's private chapel; and he went out about seven o'clock that Sunday morning feeling more than usually elated, for he longed to hear his friend preach, feeling sure he should hear the same doctrine as that taught by Master Clark at Oxford, whose teaching and preaching he had sorely missed.
As he came within sight of the church, he saw his friend Master Monmouth, a wealthy citizen for whom he had learned to have a deep regard. For Master Monmouth had invited him to his house when he first came to London, and had given him much fatherly advice as to the company and places in and around London, to enable him to live purely, and not fall a victim to some rogue or gamester, who would tempt him to ruin, if possible.
"Well met, Master Monmouth! You are right heartily welcome this morning," said Miles, as he walked up to his friend and greeted him.
"And why this morning more than any other, Master Miles?" asked the merchant warmly.
"Because I am glad you have come to St. Dunstan's, to hear my friend Master Tyndale's sermon. After church I will tell you more concerning him, and introduce him to you—but we must go into church now."
"Yes, indeed we must, if we wish to get a seat," said the merchant; for while they had been speaking, people from beyond Temple Bar, as well as from the great houses along the Strand, facing the river, had been hurrying into church. And now the two friends followed, and were glad to find vacant places near the door.