Part one, 14ff.
Writings and Disputations of Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1556, Relative to the Sacrament of the LORD’s SUPPER. Edited for the Parker Society by the Rev. John Edmund Fox. (Cambridge: The University Press, 1844).
For the publication of the works of the fathers and early writers of the Reformed English Church.
Observations.
1. This volume treats Cranmer’s latest reflections on the Table, including his disputations at Oxford, prior to his martyrdom, 1556.
2. We now talk more largely of his life, state and story.
3. Cranmer was lifted to the ABC by Henry VIII’s preferment. He gave answers to Henry on the matrimonial question that pleased the Tudor king.
4. Rev. (Bp.) Stephen Gardiner and many others would become implacable foes.
5. Foxe’s Acts and Monuments gives a good life story on Rev. Cranmer, notwithstanding efforts to debun Foxe.
6. 1489-1556. Luther was six years older and Calvin twenty-years younger than Cranmer.
7. Chosen to be a fellow at Jesus College, Cambridge University.
8. Entering Jesus College at 14 (c.1503), it took him 8 years to get his B.A.
9. Three years later, he earned an M.A. He looked more closely at the humanists, Erasmus, d’Etaples, and other humanists.
10. He married, temporarily lost his fellowship and, upon her death, was readmitted.
11. He devoted himself to Scriptures and divinity and became a doctor of divinity (not the conferred types cheaply obtained today). He became one of the few examiners of bachelor’s and doctoral students of divinity. He was every after, Dr. Cranmer. Cranmer would have remain a "man of the book."
12. He is known to have turned many men back from further progress until they mastered Scriptures. Many who were well-studied in the medieval doctors were turned away and “were commonly rejected by him.” He was known for a “severe examination.”
13. We skip some of the well worn stories about Cranmer and the development of the matrimonial cause. We will be looking for the entanglements with Continental Reformers, medieval schoolmen, and patrology. Cranmer, like all good Anglicans, insist on the study of church history.
14. The issue is removed "from canon law by an appeal to Scriptures." Cranmer argues this in the pope’s presence and to his face. Also, he and the other English representatives do not bow to kiss the foot, as was customary 17.It was noted that the Pope was wearing "sandals." Cranmer sees the Emperor on his return trip to England.
15. Cranmer continued his studies when he became the ABC. He argued stoutly in Parliament against the Six Articles, the six scorpion whips of Henrician Romanism.
Interpretation.
In a day of compromise, accomodating pulpits, entertainment, non-liturgy and cheap enthusiasts, it's good to have some heroes. And scholarly ones also. Cranmer is one of among many.
To be continued. Part one endeth.
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