Introduction to English History, from the [History of England] of J. Lingard, Arranged for the Use of Schools with Continuation to the Reign of Queen Victoria, by T. Young (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1867. Excerpt: ... CAUTIOUS POLICY OF ELIZABETH. Ill at an immense profit, for the valuable skins and furs of the northern regions. 23. Elizareth. Elizareth ascended the throne withont opposition. Immediately after Mary's death a deputation of the council repaired to her residence at Hatfield. She received them courteously and to their congratulations replied in a formal discourse. Cecil was appointed secretary; and through him the queen named the members of her council. Of the advisers of Mary she retained those who were distinguished for their capacity, or formidable by their influence; and to these she added eight others, who had shown attachment to her in her troubles. There was another and secret cabinet, consisting of Cecil and his particular friends, who possessed the ear of tho queen, and controlled through her every departmentinthestate. During the reign of her sister, Elizabeth had professed herself a convert to the ancient faith. The Catholics were willing to believe that her conformity arose from conviction; the Protestants, while they lamented her apostasy, persuaded' themselves that she feigned sentiments which she did not feel. It is probable that, in her own mind, she was indifferent to either form of worship: but her ministers, whose prospects depended on the change, urged their mistress to put down a religion which proclaimed her illegitimate, and to support the reformed doctrines, which alone could give stability to her throne. Elizabeth, by the ambiguity of her conduct, contrived to balance the hopes and fears of the two parties. She continued to assist, and occasionally to communicate at mass; she buried her sister with all the solemnities of the Catholic ritual; and she ordered a solemn dirge, and a mass of requiem, for the soul of the emperor, Charles ..