declared treason in them, their
aiders and abettors. These were the most considerable acts passed
during this session. The members in general discovered a very passive
disposition with regard to religion: some few appeared zealous for
the reformation: others secretly harbored a strong propensity to the
Catholic faith: but the greater part appeared willing to take any
impression which they should receive from interest authority, or the
reigning fashion.[*]

The convocation met at the same time with the parliament and as it was
found that their debates were at first cramped by the rigorous statute
of the six articles, the king granted them a dispensation from that law,
before it was repealed by parliament.[**] The lower house of convocation
applied to have liberty of sitting with the commons in parliament; or
if this privilege were refused them, which they claimed as their
ancient right, they desired that no law regarding religion might pass
in parliament without their consent and approbation. But the principles
which now prevailed were more favorable to the civil than to the
ecclesiastical power; and this demand of the convocation was rejected.

{1548.} The protector had assented to the repeal of that law which gave
to the king's proclamations the authority of statutes; but he did not
intend to renounce that arbitrary or discretionary exercise of power,
in issuing proclamations, which had ever been assumed by the crown, and
which it is difficult to distinguish exactly from a full legislative
power. He even continued to exert this authority in some particulars,
which were then regarded as the most momentous. Orders were issued by
council, that candles should no longer be carried about on Candlemas
day, ashes on Ash Wednesday, palms on Palm Sunday.[***]

* Heylin, p. 48.

** Ant. Brit. p. 339.

*** Burnet, vol. ii p. 59. Collier, vol. ii. p. 241. Heylin,
p. 55.

These were ancient religious practices, now termed superstitions;
though it is fortunate for mankind, when superstition happens to take
a direction so innocent and inoffensive. The severe disposition which
naturally attends all reformers prompted likewise the council to abolish
some gay and showy ceremonies which belonged to the ancient religion.[*]

An order was also issued by council for the removal of all images from
the churches; an innovation which was much desired by the reformers,
and which alone, with regard to the populace, amo