But the laity, for the third offence, were only to forfeit their goods and chattels, and be liable to perpetual imprisonment.

Indictments must be laid within a year after the offence, and the prisoner was allowed to bring witnesses for his exculpation.

These penalties were lighter than those which were formerly imposed on a denial of the real presence: it was, however, subjoined in this statute, that the act of the six articles was still in force.

But in order to make the king more entirely master of his people, it was enacted, that he might hereafter, at his pleasure, change this act, or any provision in it.

By this clause, both parties were retained in subjection: so far as regarded religion, the king was invested, in the fullest manner, with the sole legislative authority in his kingdom; and all his subjects were, under the severest penalties, expressly bound to receive implicitly whatever doctrine he should please to recommend to them.
* Collier, vol.ii.p.