Million Book Collection - The Fishers of Men Ministries

246 ARCHBISHOP HONIFACE.
leges in an unconstitutional age. Loyalty to Henry
III. was a difficult matter, but there is nothing to
prove that Simon was wanting in devotedness to
monarchical principles. On him, a near connection,
fell the full force of a capricious temper, and a will
only obstinate for unroyal aims.
In the Church the corresponding event to the
calling of Parliament was the consecration of Westminster
Abbey in 1269. A magnificent shrine of
gold and precious stones was prepared for St. Edward's
body, which wras borne by the king himself
011 the opening day, as, surrounded by the princes of
his house, he took part in the great procession,
Henry was never wanting in an outward act of faith
and piety. The history of England has been linked
with the fortunes of Westminster Abbey since its
foundation day, and it was in the Chapter House ^
that the first parliament sat.
Archbishop Boniface died in 1270 in the odour of
sanctity. He was beatified in 1838,1 his memory
bearing the test of many centuries. Another great
saint lent the bright example of his holiness to the
*
troubled times of Henry III., although he actually
became
-*"
a bishop only in the
*following reign.
Thomas Caritilupe, Bishop of Hereford, came of a
noble and stirring race, still belonging to the peerage,2
and was himself the noblest of all, a man wholly
1 Felten, Robert Grossetete, Bischof von Lincoln, p. 58.
- In the person of Earl cle la Warr, whose eldest son bears the-
title of Viscount Cantelupe.