PAGE to its former existence.-Modern objections of novelty an- s.-Title of "Papa Benedictus" and "Episcopus episcopo- CHAPTER III. 31-61 Independence of the British Church.-Reasons for its slow independence exhibited by the Council of Arles, at which British bishops were present.-Further proofs of the indepen- dence of the British Church to the end of the fourth century. From the death of Constantine the history of the British Church very obscure.-Pelagian heresy, when and by whom introduced.-Missionaries from Brittany preach against it successfully. They found schools in Wales.-Monastery at Bangor established.-The Romans abandon Britain.—The Scots and Picts harass the North of England.-Petition to the Romans unheeded:-The Saxons invited over, who from allies soon became conquerers of the island.-Christianity nearly rooted out by them.-Establishment of the Saxon heptarchy.-Marriage of Ethelbert paves the way for the conversion of the Saxons.-Gregory the Great, his first no- tice of the Britons.-Determines to send a mission to Britain. Augustine chosen for that purpose.-Lands in Kent.-His success in converting the Saxons.-The British also very ac- tive in the same work.-Romish assertion on this point dispro- ved by the exertions and increase of the British Church. 62-80 Mission of Augustine the first popish aggression.-Gradual growth of the papal power.-Pre-eminence, why claimed by the bishops of Rome.-How checked by Constantine.-The patriarchates established.—Also, the four other orders.-Jeal- ousy of the bishop of Rome.-Restrained by the Byzantine Patriarch.-Separation of the Greek and Latin Churches.- Bad effect of these rivalries.-Corruption of Christianity in the fourth and fifth centuries.-Gregory's ambitious conduct.— His pretended humility.—Is imposed on by Augustine, to whom he sends the pall.-Augustine attempts to reduce the British Church. He mistakes the British character.-The means he employs for executing his purpose.--His recourse - PAGE A Second Synod held at St. Augustine's Oak.-The British PAGE III. protests against them.-Thomas a Becket, his conduct thereon. Treats the King with contempt.-Is adjudged guil- ty of treason.-Appeals to Rome.-His insolence to the King. -Is slain at Canterbury.-Henry submits to humiliating conditions.-Does penance at the shrine of Becket.-Pope's power supreme in England.-Innocent III., his arrogant conduct towards King John, in the case of Stephen Langton. -Places England under an interdict.-Excommunicates the King-Offers the Crown to Philip.-Pandolph arrives in England.-Prophecy of Peter the Hermit.-John's degrada- tion and submission.-Struggle between John and his Barons. -Magna Charta.-Langton refuses to excommunicate the Barons.-Extreme arrogance of Innocent III.-Forbids the The power of Rome begins to decline throughout Europe.— expulsion from Oxford.-Retires to Lutterworth.-His death. -Effects of his writings on the Continent.-Henry IV., his severity against the teachers of the New Doctrines." Archbishop Arundel, his cruelty towards them.-Oxford visi ted by twelve inquisitors.-Libraries pillaged.-Lord Cobham arraigned for heresy.-Convicted and burnt.-Council held at Constance.-Condemns John Huss.-And Jerome of Prague. Withdraws the cup from the laity.-Infamous or- der respecting the bones of Wicliffe.--How this Council dis- appointed public expectation.-Council of Basil denies the Pope's supremacy.-The Reformation advances.--Art of printing; its providential discovery.-Immortality of the Popes.-Leo X.; how infamous.-Publishes his licence for the sale of indulgences.-John Tetzel.-Martin Luther oppo- ses this iniquitous sale.-Burns the Papal bull.--Diet of Worms condemns him.-Melanchthon and Zuingle carry forward the Reformation.-Protestants, where and why so first called.-Present their Confession of Faith at the Diet of Augsburg. Differences between them and Roman Catholics The Reformation in Germany anxiously regarded by England. |