( 23 )
An Account of the Origen of
Burning Heretics in England.
IN the year 1401, and reign of Henry IV. King of England, it was found that the number of the Lollards, which was the name when generally given to the Wickliffites, was continually increasing, it was, by the influence of the ecclesiastics enacted, that he should preach without a licence from the Bishop of the diocese. However, this and the other laws in being, were thought sufficient for the protection of the church, and to prevent the growth of heresy; The clergy were desirous of saving a shorter easier method of defending the doctrines of the Church than by the tedious and differ one of reason, and argument. They therefore gave the King to understand, that one thing would more attach the Clergy, to the interests than his exerting himself for the protection of the Church by which is meant, to make a law for the burning of heretics. The King does not appear to have discovered any great reluctance; but the Commons, many of whom thought favourably of Wickliff were very averse to such sanguinary proceedings. An act, however, was at length passed impowering the Clergy to the extent of their wishes, but this passed
