English Reformer. ABC Matthew Parker, Elizabeth's First ABC

We interrupt our commentary on Archbishop Matthew Parker to bring you a summary from the always-recommended resource, Church Society.

Here’s an article on Parker at: http://www.churchsociety.org/churchman/documents/Cman_066_3_Coggan.pdf

Observations:

1. Parker had independence and strength of will, as events were breaking in England.

2. Born 1504, son of a wealthy businessman.

3. BA, Cambridge, 1525; MA, 1538, BD, 1535; DD, 1538.

4. 1544, becomes Master of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.

5. Twice held the Vice-Chancellorship of Cambridge. Diligent administrator.

6. 1547, married to Margaret Harleston. Four sons and one daughter. Two sons die.

7. Parker installed Martin Bucer as the regius professor of divinity. Curious and interesting detail not frequently noted.

8. Parker preached Bucer’s funeral, 1555

9. Chaplain to Ann Boleyn that brought him into contact with Elizabeth.

10. Held Deanery of Lincoln while Master of Corpus Christi College.

11. He went into hiding during Mary’s reign, 1553-1558. He enjoyed the time for study.

12. While he wanted to go back to Cambridge, Elizabeth through Cecil and Sir Nicholas Bacon prevailed upon Parker to become the ABC.

13. Consecrated ABC 17 November 1559 in Lambeth Palace Chapel.

14. February 1560, took the oath of allegiance and homage. His labours continued till 1575.

15. Elizabeth’s famed remark and confused response in terms of “name” for Mrs. Parker. Elizabeth did not like clerical marriages.

16. His first degree, BA. “Seven years to the study of the Fathers.”

17. In reviewing Calvin and Luther, Parker was a critic, not follower.

18. As ABC, he collected many mss.

19. On the Lawfulness of Clerical Marriage, penned during Mary’s reign.

20. The Bishops’ Bible was his great project, 1563-1568. It was Bp. Cox’s idea, but the load fell to Parker. He farmed it out to several scholars; it was to expunge the allegedly inflammatory side-notes in the Tyndale version. Parker hoped Elizabeth would authorize it for the nation.

21. The Preface, written by Parker, directed that the Scriptures be the occupation for all. A wonderful quote. See p. 4 in the URL.

22. He constantly ran afoul with some radical Protestants, e.g. the advertisements and the “surplice.” Parish churches were to have the surplice with a hood in the choir and a cope for three ministers at HC in cathedrals. This was not new, but provoked the puritans.

23. 37 clergy objected, but given 90 days to reconsider, the number was cut to the teens.

24. Parker respected the principled Puritans but disliked the anafractuous. The noisy one he was willing to see deprived.

25. Parker sought “liberty of conscience,” but Elizabeth was not willing.

26. Parker followed the Council of Trent closely.

27. The Convocation of 1563 consisted of Genevan-oriented Anglicans and the rest who were willing to conform.

28. Theologically, Parker insisted on an open Bible. The second edition of the Bishops’ Bible served as a basis for the AV.

29. Parker insisted on sound learning and culture. These two elements, open Bible and sound learning are characteristics of Anglicanism.

30. A third characteristic of Parkers: a sense of continuity in the history of the church.

31. Parker’s concern was to vindicate Canterbury against Rome; Hooker’s interest was to vindicate Canterbury from Geneva.

32. This article calls for readers to assess the Parker Society series, a claim this scribe makes repeatedly.

33. A fourth characteristic of Parker: strength of character. He stood up for clerical marriages. He opposed Elizabeth’s desire to retain images in the churches, including the crucifix and lighted tapers in her chapel—something outlawed for the national parishes but permitted in her Royal Chapel.

34. As to adiaphora, Parker wrote to the Treasurer: “Does your Lordship think that I care for a hat, tippet, surplice or wafer bread, or any such? But for the laws established I esteem them.”

Application.

1. Explore the Bucer-Cranmer-Parker connection.

2. Assay Parker's writings, Parker Society series, but also John Stypre's History.

3. Open Bible, sound learning and culture (including wide reading), awareness of the Catholicity of the Churches, and the strength of manly character. Not optional.

4. Adiaphora, the continuuing wedge of divisiveness. Discern it and avoid it.

5. Track down details of Parker's involvements, 1553-1558. Why did Elizabeth pick him over returning Ex-pats? Burghley? What of Wotton in Flanders?