which the altar lamp was made, was a
similar alloy resembling brass. The pax was a tablet (sometimes of wood,
sometimes of bread, though this Willenhall example was of durable brass),
on which was a figure of the crucifixion; it was presented in the
ceremony of the Mass for the faithful to kiss. The Corporas was the
cloth placed beneath the consecrated elements in the service of the Mass.
The towels were napkins used in the celebration of the sacred office; it
must be borne in mind that all textile fabrics, as well as metals, were
far more costly in those days, and the chest was to keep all these
valuables in safety.

It is difficult to decide the nature of the "two small bells"; because,
if they were the sanctus bells used at the most solemn parts in the
performance of the Mass, one a hand-bell rung inside, and the other as a
signal outside, they would have been abolished. So, as they were left by
the Reformers, they were probably small bells in the steeple or turret.

So much for the changes materialistic brought about at this great
religious upheaval of the sixteenth century. Now let us inquire into the
more serious and essential changes which occurred in the religious life
of the nation at that time.

From a little known Return made in 1586 we are enabled to gather the
conditions of the Church of England, as it was found to exist, only 28
years after it had been by law established.

At the Reformation, after the annulling of all "Popish ordinations," the
state of the English clergy became very deplorable. Some of the basest
of the people were permitted to become parish priests, a circumstance
that gave point to the arguments and contentions of the Puritans.

The Reformers were divided upon the subject, Queen Elizabeth expressing
herself as being perfectly satisfied if in each county three or four
clergymen could be found capable of preaching to their congregations.
The Puritans, on the other hand, laid great stress on the admonitory
value and spiritual importance of sermons and homilies.

By 1586 the condition of the newly-formed Protestant Church of England
had become so scandalous in respect of its priesthood that a national
"Survey" was undertaken. Of the remarkable facts disclosed by this
Return we select from the summaries the following few which relate to
this immediate locality:--

WOLVERHAMPTON.--A Collegiate Church; impropriate to the King's
Majestie or the Dean of Windsor; value of lan