London (England) -- History; London (England) -- Social life and customs
"What things have not been heard," said Stow, "at Paul's Cross? Here
were the folk motes of old, when the people were called by the great
bell to attend their parliament, and take counsel together. No Common
Council then, my masters, but every man his freedom of speech, and his
vote. Paul's Cross it was which made the Reformation. Here have I heard
Latimer, Ridley, Coverdale, Lever, and I know not whom besides. Here I
saw with my own eyes the Bexley Rood shown, with all the tricks whereby
it was made to open its eyes and lips and seem to speak. All the
Reformation was accomplished from this Cross. For a king may set up a
bishop, and proclaim a doctrine, but the people's hearts must be moved
before their minds are changed. Think what a change was made in their
minds in a few short years! Masses for the dead, purgatory, intercession
of saints, good works, submission to the Church, all gone--all swept
away. And to think that I survive, who was brought up in the ancient
faith, and have witnessed this great revolution in the minds of men. For
now they no longer even remember their ancient faith, save as the creed
of those who lit the accursed flame of Smithfield, and still light the
flames of Madrid. Let us go into the church," he said. "But first
remember, when you look round, that in the old days the chapels in the
aisles were always bright with the burning of wax candles--a
superstition, because the burning of a candle is a fond thing to save a
man's soul withal. Also, in every chapel, all day long, there was the
saying of masses for the dead--another fond superstition--as if a man's
soul is to be saved by the repetition of Latin prayers by another man.
Yet, with these things the Church fulfilled its purpose. Now there are
no more masses; and the chapels are empty and silent, their altars are
removed, the paintings are defaced, and the Church is given over for
worldly things. Come in."
We entered by the north transept.
[Illustration: DR. SHAW PREACHING AT ST. PAUL'S CROSS]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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