Читать книгу Spring Wild Flowers - Daniel Wilson - Страница 7

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The Introduction glanceth at the obsequies of Henry the Seventh, passing from the scene, and with him the ancient order of things, now boasting security in the source of dissolution. Wolsey disappeareth in the past, and in Cranmer is once more exhibited apostolic simplicity, so long divorced from apostolic claims. The Chronicler rebuketh those who, sitting in the Reformers chair, renounce their confession. The tale is resumed during a brief respite, when Henry, Cranmer, and Cromwell, strange triumvirate, unlock the long sealed scriptures and list the Pulpit's mighty powers in the cause of Truth. On the morning of a high festival, "The Annunciation of the most blessed Virgin, Mother of God," the cousins, in earnest controversy, pass amid a motley throng to the Abbey Church, to join in the services of the day. Musing on the beauties of the gorgeous temple, the Chronicler contrasteth it with the consecration of the heart; while the lovers, pausing at the entrance, review Art's treatment of their theme of discourse. Within, the Arts, uniting with gorgeous ceremonial, force inquiry into the nature of spiritual worship. The service begins, and the still unpurged ritual proceeds through invocations to Virgin and Saints, to the still unquestioned sacrifice of the Mass. But now, the old Monk ascends the pulpit, proclaiming the glad tidings of that Saviour, the promise of whose birth to the Virgin Mother, erst commemorated in the festival of Annunciation, hath merged into worship of herself. He publisheth the Covenant of grace through the dead of the Testator; and, concluding, proclaimeth Henry's noble boon of the English Bible. As they leave, groups of earnest listeners are discovered around one reading from the new Bible, chained to a pillar of the Church. The influence of the new doctrines appeareth variously among the retiring audience; with the lovers, it accomplished the divinely-predicted sword, whose edge is household strife.