Chapter 23 Summary

The Privy Council draws up a "Bond of Association," agreeing to pursue to death anyone who murders Queen Elizabeth and the person in whose interests the act was committed. When Parliament meets, the primary issue is the queen's continued safety. Elizabeth requests that any person on whose behalf she might be murdered receive a trial. The second bill before the houses orders all Jesuits and seminary priests to leave England within forty days.

Elizabeth ascribes her safety to God's protection, even though some clergy leaders say she has no religious convictions. The Anglican Church is criticized for appointing incompetent clergy. The queen instructs the bishop to find honest, sober and wise men who can read the Bible and preach to the people. Elizabeth values intercessory prayer. It is rumored that she cures eczema by prayer and her touch. She believes that God is...