HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH - ( CHAPTER 1 ) - { PT. 15 }


     ( CHAPTER  1 )  -  { PT.  15 }                              Indeed the charges which they make are so filthy and repulsive, and the delight with which they reveal in such abominations is so apparent, that one is forced to the conviction that they must have been men of depraved tastes quite capable of committing or of attempting to commit the crimes laid to their charge. Even if it had been otherwise, had the two commissioners been unprejudiced and fair in their proceedings, it is impossible to understand how they could have had an opportunity of making a really searching investigation into the condition of the monasteries and convents during the short time assigned for the work. They began only in July 1535 and their work was completed in February 1536. In favour if the reliability of these reports the fact is urged that they were placed before Parliament, and that the members of both Houses were so impressed by the tale of corruption and wickedness which they  disclosed that they decided on the immediate suppression of the monasteries. If this were true and if Parliament in the days of Henry VIII. enjoyed the same rights and privileges as it enjoys to-day such action would be in itself a strong corroboration of the veracity of the commissioners.But there is no sufficient evidence to prove that the reports or compilations made from them were ever submitted to Parliament.                           

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