THE imperfect reformation from popery, so happily begun by Edward VI., and which may date its firm establishment in this kingdom, from the accession of Queen Elizabeth to the throne; together with all the train of remarkable and important events which ensued upon this great change, up to the period when the sceptre was placed in the hands of William III., are so intimately connected with the rise and progress of dissent from the national church, that it will not be irrelative to our subject, to take a cursory glance at them, prior to entering upon the life of George Fox.
By the vigour and policy of Queen Elizabeth's measures, the great cause of the Reformation was not only established in England, but was also much promoted throughout Europe; although, unfortunately for this country, its progress at home was, at the same time, checked by her arbitrary interference in the settlement of the church; for, influenced in part by her affectionate regard to the memory of her deceased brother, and partly by her own inclinations, she determined that it should vary, in no material point, from those innovations introduced during his short minority; although the opinions and views of the reformers, respecting the gross errors of papacy, had made rapid progress