1. An Unparalleled Revolution. — We cannot stay
to record the politico-ecclesiastical events of Henry's
reign. Suffice it to say that a revolution almost
unparalleled in history was effected by him. By a
series of momentous enactments in which the personal
will of the sovereign was the prime mover, and while
as yet the mediaeval doctrines of the Church remained
practically unchanged, the Church in England was
severed from Rome; Henry took the Pope's place
as head of the Church; the monasteries were sup-
pressed ; and all who desired a return to the former
state of things, as well as those who were in favour of
more advanced reforms, were hanged, beheaded, or
intimidated, and driven from the kingdom. It is
calculated that during the reign of Henry not less
than 70,000 persons were violently put to death
for one cause or another. The enforcement of the
personal will of the King by terrorism in every depart-
ment of government was the outstanding feature of
the reign. " Judges, juries. Parliament, Convocation,

instead of being the guardians of freedom, became the

43



44 SHORT HISTORY OF PURITANISM

accomplices of the tyrant, and helped to rivet the
chains on their own necks."

2. A Deeper Spiritual Movement and its Causes. —

The revolutionary events just referred to were due
chiefly to personal or political exigencies. But con-
temporaneously with these violent external measures
a deep spiritual movement was in progress. The
movement in favour of a genuine reformation of
religion was due to several causes.
