the same shryne standyth to be raysed and defaced even to
the very ground, and all such other images of the church as
any notable superstition hath been used to be taken and
conveyed away." [16]

[16] Walcott, p. 34.

Then in 1550

"there were letters sent to every bishop to pluck down the
altars, in lieu of them to set up a table in some convenient
place of the chancel within every church or chapel to serve
for the ministration of the Blessed Communion."

Bishop Daye replied that

"he could not conform his conscience to do what he was by
the said letter commanded."

In explanation of his attitude towards this order he wrote that

"he stycked not att the form, situation, or matter [_as
stone or wood_] whereof the altar was made, but I then toke,
as I now take, those things to be indifferent.... But the
commandment which was given to me to take downe all altars
within my diocese, and in lieu of them 'to sett up a table'
implying in itselffe [_as I take it_] a playne abolyshment
of the altare [_both the name and the things_] from the use
and ministration of the Holy Communion, I could not with my
conscience then execute."