Tyndale indulged in his pleasant dreams no longer. He saw that he was on the point of being arrested, condemned, and interrupted in his great work. He must seek a retreat where he can discharge in peace the task God has allotted him. "You cannot save me from the hands of the priests," said he to Sir John, "and God knows to what troubles you would expose yourself by keeping me in your family. Permit me to leave you." Having said this, he gathered up his papers, took his Testament, pressed the hands of his benefactors, kissed the children, and then descending the hill, bade farewell to the smiling banks of the Severn, and departed alone--alone with his faith. What shall he do? What will become of him? Where shall he go? He went forth like Abraham, one thing alone engrossing his mind:--the Scriptures shall be translated into the vulgar tongue, and he will deposit the oracles of God in the midst of his countrymen. CHAPTER V. Luther's works in England--Consultation of the Bishops--The Bull of Leo X published in England--Luther's books burnt--Letter of Henry VIII--He undertakes to write against Luther--Cry of Alarm--Tradition and Sacramentalism--Prudence of Sir T. More--The Book presented to the Pope--_Defender of the Faith_--Exultation of the King. [Sidenote: LUTHER'S WORKS IN ENGLAND.] Whilst a plain minister was commencing the Reformation in a tranquil valley in the west of England, powerful reinforcements were landing on the shores of Kent. The writings and actions of Luther excited a lively sensation in Great Britain. His appearance before the diet of Worms was a common subject of conversation. Ships from the harbours of the Low Countries brought his books to London,[382] and the German printers had made answer to the nuncio Aleander, who was prohibiting the Lutheran works in the empire: "Very well! we shall send them _to England_!" One might almost say that England was destined to be the asylum of truth. And in fact, the _Theses_ of 1517, the _Explanation of the Lord's Prayer_, the books _against Emser_, _against the papacy of Rome_, _against the bull of Antichrist_, _the Epistle to the Galatians_, _the Appeal to the German nobility_, and above all the _Babylonish Captivity of the Church_--all crossed the sea, were translated, and circulated throughout the kingdom.[383] The German and English nations, having a common origin and being sufficiently alike at that time in character and civilization, the works intended for one might be read by the other with advantage. The monk in his cell, the country gentleman in his hall, the doctor in his college, the tradesman in his shop, and even the bishop in his palace, studied these extraordinary writings. The laity in particular, who had been prepared by Wickliffe and disgusted by the avarice and disorderly lives of the priests, read with enthusiasm the eloquent pages of the Saxon monk. They strengthened all hearts.