09. Edward VI

"they can do any thing except changing a man into a woman;" but they can no more bind the Word of God, than they can change the winds and light of heaven. The same act of parliament which prohibited this version in one clause, ignorantly enforced its use in its other clauses, and also vainly attempted to restrict its use by the "lower orders" of the people.

The wretched Henry VIII. died in 1546. He was succeeded by his only surviving son, Edward VI., who held the throne but six years and five months, when he died of consumption, at the age of sixteen. This intellectual and pious child was one of those "who trembled at God's Word," which he loved and venerated; and which had "free course and was glorified" during his brief reign. At his coronation, three swords were brought, to be carried before him, in token that three realms were subject to his sway. The precocious prince said that yet another sword must be brought; and when the attending nobles asked what sword that might be, he answered,—"The Bible!" That, said he, "is the sword of the Spirit, and to be preferred before these swords. That ought, in all right, to govern us, who use the others for the people's safety, by God's appointment." Adding some similar expressions, he commanded the Sacred Volume to be brought, and to be borne reverently before him in the grand procession.