English Reformer: Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556): Standing Alone

Part two beginneth, 20.

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).

The frontispeice of the Parker Society series puts it:

"For the publication of the works of the fathers and early writers of the Reformed English Church."

http://books.google.com/books?id=mFgYAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA422&dq=thomas+cranmer+parker+society&as_brr=1&ei=Wbf4Sq_xGYvazQTWuaSPBg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
Observations:

1. A note is made of the much-heralded gentleness of Cranmer, if not to a fault. “…altogether void of the vice of stubbornness, and rather culpable of overmuch facility and gentleness.” Patience was a leading characteristic. The common proverb was: “Do unto my lord of Canterbury displeasure of a shrewd turn, and then you may be sure to have him your friend whiles he liveth” (20).

2. Cranmer responds to “popish priests” who use ad hominems: "This is my question may well be found well answered in your service. But I now well perceive, howsoever you have judged heretofore of my learning, sure I am that you have none at all. But this is the common practice of all you, which are ignorant and superstitious priests, to slander, backbite, and hate all such as are learned and well affected to God’s word and sincere religion.” Cranmer continues in this vein for some time...the abuses of the ad hominems serve to underscore and highlight the paucity of learning of the popish priests.

3. We have noted previously that Cranmer resisted Henry's Six Articles, enacted by the Convocation and Parliament (1539) to sooth relations with Romish France and Spain and to curb the growing Reform movement. Hugh Latimer of Worcester and Nicholas Shaxton of Salisbury resigned their sees. Cranmer had to send his wife overseas. Cranmer stood alone for three long days debating against these in the Parliament. Henry, ever favourable to Cranmer, asked him to abstain from attendance while the vote was taken.

a. First, that in the most blessed Sacrament of the Altar, by the strength and efficacy of Christ's mighty word, it being spoken by the priest, is present really, under the form of bread and wine, the natural body and blood of Our Saviour Jesu Christ, conceived of the Virgin Mary, and that after the consecration there remaineth no substance of bread and wine, nor any other substance but the substance of Christ, God and man;

b. Secondly, that communion in both kinds is not necessary ad salutem, by the law of God, to all persons; and that it is to be believed, and not doubted of, but that in the flesh, under the form of the bread, is the very blood; and with the blood, under the form of the wine, is the very flesh; as well apart, as though they were both together.

c. Thirdly, that priests after the order of priesthood received, as afore, may not marry, by the law of God.

d. Fourthly, that vows of chastity or widowhood, by man or woman made to God advisedly, ought to be observed by the law of God; and that it exempts them from other liberties of Christian people, which without that they might enjoy.

e. Fifthly, that it is meet and necessary that private masses be continued and admitted in this the King's English Church and Congregation, as whereby good Christian people, ordering themselves accordingly, do receive both godly and goodly consolations and benefits; and it is agreeable also to God's law.

f. Sixthly, that auricular confession is expedient and necessary to be retained and continued, used and frequented in the Church of God:. . . It is therefore ordained and enacted.

4. About twelve Popish bishops came to Cranmer following passage thinking Cranmer would support them. Their hope was misplaced. “…he alone stood against them all in defense of the truth.” (24)

Correlations:

1. The political and ecclesiastical realities of France, Spain, Scotland, Germany, Switzerland.

2. Cranmer’s relationship to Henry.
3. The progress of reform from 1520 till 1539 compared to 1540-49.
4. The history of the Bible, Tyndale, and Coverdale.
5. Matthew Parker is 35 in 1539. Grindal is 20 and still at Cambridge University. Calvin is 30 and connected with Geneva. Luther is 56 and the German Reformation is in full swing. Cranmer is 49 years old.

Interpretation:

Cranmer, living in Romish country and under Henry VIII, evinces patience and courage. He was a man unafraid to stand alone and stand up to Henry VIII with arguments, reason, patience and courage.