[219] The session lasted six weeks only, and several of the subjects of the petition were disposed of in the course of it, as we shall see.
[220] The MS. from which I have transcribed this copy is itself imperfect, as will be seen in the "reply of the Bishops," which supplies several omitted articles. See p. 137, et seq. It is in the Rolls House.
[221] The penny, as I have shown, equalled, in terms of a poor man's necessities, a shilling. See chap. i.
[222] See instance's in HALE: p, 62, Omnium Sanctorum in muro.—M. Gulielmus Edward curatus notatur officio quod recusat ministrare sacramenta ecelesiastica ægrotantibus nisi prius habitis pecuniis pro suo labore: p. 64, St. Mary Magdalen.—Curatus notatur officio prbpter quod recusavit solemnizare matrrimonium quousque habet pro hujusmodi solemnizatione, 3s. 8d.; and see pp. 52, 75.
[223] I give many instances of this practice in my sixth chapter. It was a direct breach of the statute of Henry IV., which insists on all examinations for heresy being conducted in open court. "The diocesan and his commissaries," says that act, "shall openly and judicially proceed against persons arrested."—2 Hen. IV. c. 15.
[224] Again breaking the statute of Hen. IV., which limited the period of imprisonment previous to public trial to three months.—2 Hen. IV. c. 15.
[225] To be disposed of at Smithfield. Abjuration was allowed once. For a second offence there was no forgiveness.
[226] Petition of the Commons. Rolls House MS.
[227] See STRYPE, Eccles. Memorials, vol. i. p. 191-2,—who is very eloquent in his outcries upon his subject.
[228] Answer of the Bishops, p. 204, etc.