much to be wished they would of themselves
abstain." The inconveniences which had arisen from the compelling of
chastity and the prohibiting of marriage, are the reasons assigned for
indulging a liberty in this particular.[*] The ideas of penance also
were so much retained in other particulars, that an act of parliament
passed, forbidding the use of flesh meat during Lent and other times of
abstinence.[**] [20]

The principal tenets and practices of the Catholic religion were now
abolished, and the reformation, such as it is enjoyed at present, was
almost entirely completed in England. But the doctrine of the real
presence, though tacitly condemned by the new communion service, and
by the abolition of many ancient rites, still retained some hold on the
minds of men: and it was the last doctrine of Popery that was wholly
abandoned by the people.[***] The great attachment of the late king
to that tenet might, in part, be the ground of this obstinacy: but the
chief cause was really the extreme absurdity of the principle itself,
and the profound veneration, which, of course, it impressed on the
imagination. The priests, likewise, were much inclined to favor an
opinion which attributed to them so miraculous a power; and the people,
who believed that they participated of the very body and blood of their
Savior, were loath to renounce so extraordinary, and, as they imagined,
so salutary a privilege. The general attachment to this dogma was so
violent, that the Lutherans, notwithstanding their separation from Rome,
had thought proper, under another name, still to retain it; and the
Catholic preachers in England, when restrained in all other particulars,
could not forbear, on every occasion, inculcating that tenet. Bonner,
for this offence among others, had been tried by the council, had been
deprived of his see, and had been committed to custody. Gardiner, also,
who had recovered his liberty, appeared anew refractory to the authority
which established the late innovations; and he seemed willing to
countenance that opinion, much favored by all the English Catholics,
that the king was indeed supreme head of the church, but not the council
during a minority. Having declined to give full satisfaction on this
head, he was sent to the Tower, and threatened with further effects of
the council's displeasure.

* 2 and 3 Edward VI. cap. 21.

** 2 and 3 Edward VI. cap. 19. See note T. at the end of the
volume.

**