THE HISTORY OF ENGLAND, FROM The EARLIEST TIMES to the DEATH of GEORGE II. PRINTED FOR MESSRS. W. SLEATER, H. CHAMBERLAIN Dy J. POTTS, w. COLLES, R. MONCRIEFFE, AND L. WHITE. 226. k. 222. H ENRY the eighth was succeeded on the throne by his only son Edward the fixth, now in the ninth year of his age. The late king in his will, which he expected would be absolutely obeyed, fixed the majority of the prince at the completion of his eighteenth year; and in the mean time appointed fixteen executors of his will, to whom, during the minority, he intrusted the government of the king and kingdom. But the vanity of his aims was soon discovered; for the first act of the executors was to choose the earl of Hertford, who was afterwards made duke of Somerset, as protector of the realm, and in him was lodged all the regal power, together with a privilege of naming whom he would for his privy council. This was a favourable reason for those of the reformed religion; and the eyes of the late king were no sooner closed, than all of that persuasion congratulated themselves on the event. They no longer suppressed their sentiments, but main A 2 tained |