which ought to be the object of
our censure.

* Burnet, vol. iii. p. 246, 247.

** Burnet, vol. ii. p. 363. Heylin, p. 79.

We have thrown together almost all the proceedings against heretics,
though carried on during a course of three years, that we may be
obliged as little as possible to return to such shocking violences
and barbarities. It is computed that in that time two hundred and
seventy-seven persons were brought to the stake, besides those who were
punished by imprisonment, fines, and confiscations. Among those who
suffered by fire were five bishops, twenty-one clergymen, eight lay
gentlemen, eighty-four tradesmen, one hundred husbandmen, servants, and
laborers, fifty-five women, and four children. This persevering cruelty
appears astonishing; yet is it much inferior to what has been practised
in other countries. A great author[*] computes that, in the Netherlands
alone, from the time that the edict of Charles V. was promulgated
against the reformers, there had been fifty thousand persons hanged,
beheaded, buried alive, or burnt, on account of religion; and that in
France the number had also been considerable. Yet in both countries, as
the same author subjoins, the progress of the new opinions instead of
being checked, was rather forwarded by these persecutions.

The burning of heretics was a very natural method of reconciling the
kingdom to the Romish communion; and little solicitation was requisite
to engage the pope to receive the strayed flock, from which he reaped
such considerable profit; yet was there a solemn embassy sent to Rome,
consisting of Sir Anthony Brown, created Viscount Montacute, the bishop
of Ely, and Sir Edward Carne, in order to carry the submissions of
England, and beg to be readmitted into the bosom of the Catholic
church.[**] Paul IV., after a short interval, now filled the papal
chair; the most haughty pontiff that during several ages had been
elevated to that dignity. He was offended that Mary still retained among
her titles that of queen of Ireland; and he affirmed that it belonged to
him alone, as he saw cause, either to erect new kingdoms or abolish the
old; but to avoid all dispute with the new converts, he thought proper
to erect Ireland into a kingdom, and he then admitted the title, as if
it had been assumed from his concession. This was a usual artifice of
the popes, to give allowance to what they could not prevent,[***] and
afterwards pretend that princes, whi