Chapter I: On the English Constitution From Henry VII. to Mary

Ancient Government of England--Limitations of Royal
Authority--Difference in the Effective Operation of
these--Sketch of the State of Society and Law--Henry
VII.--Statute for the Security of the Subject under a King
_de facto_--Statute of Fines--Discussion of its Effect and
Motive--Exactions of Money under Henry VII.--Taxes demanded
by Henry VIII.--Illegal Exactions of Wolsey in 1523 and
1525--Acts of Parliament releasing the King from his
Debts--A Benevolence again exacted--Oppressive Treatment of
Reed--Severe and unjust Executions for Treason--Earl of
Warwick--Earl of Suffolk--Duke of Buckingham--New Treasons
created by Statute--Executions of Fisher and More--Cromwell
--Duke of Norfolk--Anne Boleyn--Fresh Statutes enacting the
Penalties of Treason--Act giving Proclamations the Force of
Law--Government of Edward VI.'s Counsellors--Attainder of
Lord Seymour and Duke of Somerset--Violence of Mary's
Reign--The House of Commons recovers part of its independent
Power in these two Reigns--Attempt of the Court to
strengthen itself by creating new Boroughs--Causes of the
High Prerogative of the Tudors--Jurisdiction of the Council
of Star-Chamber--This not the same with the Court erected by
Henry VII.--Influence of the Authority of the Star-Chamber
in enhancing the Royal Power--Tendency of religious Disputes
to the same End Page 7

CHAPTER II

ON THE ENGLISH CHURCH UNDER HENRY VIII., EDWARD VI.,
AND MARY

State of public Opinion as to Religion--Henry VIII.'s
Controversy with Luther--His Divorce from Catherine
--Separation from the Church of Rome--Dissolution
of Monasteries--Progress of the Reformed Doctrine in
England--Its Establishment under Edward--Sketch of the chief
Points of Difference between the two Religions--Opposition
made by Part of the Nation--Cranmer--His Moderation in
introducing Changes not acceptable to the Zealots--Mary
--Persecution under her--Its Effect rather favourable to
Protestantism Page 58