It is curious to observe that the modern “Ritualistic” portion of the English clergy adopt the same line of argument from the marriage service of the Anglican ritual, and apply it not only to the priesthood but to the whole body of believers. See “The Church and the World,” edited by the Rev. Orby Shipley, 2d edition, 1866, p. 161.
[1233] Reform. Legg. Eecles. Tit. de Hæresibus. cap. xx. (Cardwell’s Ed., Oxford, 1850, p. 20).—Cf. Tit. de Matrimonio c. ix. (p. 44).
[1234] Strype’s Eccles. Memor. III. 20. This story derives additional piquancy from the fact that this Dr. Weston was somewhat notorious for uncleanness and was subsequently deprived of the Deanery of Windsor for adultery (Ibid. pp. 111-2).
[1235] 1 Mary c. 2 (Parl. Hist. I. 609-10).—Burnet II. 255.
[1236] Strype’s Eccles. Memorials, III. 52.
[1237] Burnet II. Append. 264. According to Strype, Bonner’s impatience did not wait for the royal injunctions, for in February he deprived of their livings all the married priests in his diocese of London and commanded them to bring all their wives within a fortnight in order that they might be divorced.—Memorials of Cranmer, Bk. III. chap. 8.
Julius III. issued a Bull, March 8th, 1554, defining Cardinal Pole’s legatine powers, among which was that of removing the excommunication from married clerks and legitimating their children, the fathers being removed from function and benefice, separated from their wives, and subjected to penance (Cardwell’s Documentary Annals, I. 131). This was the course adopted for a time, but as the kingdom was not yet formally reconciled to Rome, the action had was under the local authorities.
[1238] Strype’s Eccles. Memor. III. Append. 33.—In the same place (p. 31) may be found a copy of the summons served upon offenders of this class.
[1239] Burnet II. 275 and Append. 256.—Rymer (T. XV. pp. 376-77) gives a similar commission dated March 9th, issued to Stephen Gardiner to eject the canons and prebendaries of Westminster in the same summary manner. The proceedings throughout England were doubtless framed on these models.
[1240] Burnet II. Append. 260.