1. Life, State, and Story of Thomas Cranmer

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UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO by The Estate of the late ty College

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Professor A. S. P. Woodhouse

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For the Publication of the Works of the Fathers and Garlp Writers of the Reformed Cnglish Church.

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Z_ Writings and Disputations

THOMAS CRANMER,

ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, MARTYR, 1556,

Relative to the Sacrament of The

Lord’s Supper

EDITED FOR The Parker Society,

Of All Souls’ College, Oxford, Curate and Lecturer of Stepney

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Printed At

The University Press

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Lire, State, and Story of Thomas Cranmer… Kasei aeiie geo dadkahiatde anna vii An Answer to a Crafty and Sophistical Cavillation devised by Stephen

Gardiner … are bsiith sda g is aac, od te aleukgnadah vids wenadabe bbe contin en ae |

Preface to the Reader…:00-.0++9 andl eat persed reiakiee a ei abe

Boox I. Of the Sacrament …csesseeeee Sia daeiesicds art ved axouee 9

Boox III. Of the Presence of Christ …-sscssseceeseeseeceeseeeees eae

Boox IV. Of the Eating and Drinking …s+.,.ssecseeeseeeeee ives dja 208

Boox II. Against Transubstantiation …sssesecseres (oc: eetiae tes 239

Boox V. Of the Oblation and Sacrifice of Christ …s-.+:++.++ 344

Answer to Smith’s Preface …sssssesessererecrereess PLONE. SY. SOC E LOO Moe eT 368

Matters wherein the Bishop of Winchester varied from other Papists, &c. 380

Disputations at Oxford …++- SApwacrsns angen dbstedil nasen an sadb4hons senetacrnrnes 389

Index ..(.+s008 fe ele a tcc wasn Ueki an Adenia apanile cae atid s La tchideielinb asp asnduliibunnn 431

Defensio Vere et Catholice Doctrine de Sacramento… patariactitle st 5 ae ad

Tue present volume contains the writings of archbishop Cranmer on the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, together with “the disputations held with him at Oxford previously to his condemnation and martyrdom. ‘The writings on the sacrament have been reprinted from the edition of a.p. 1580, and exhibit the latest and most matured corrections of the archbishop, which he is supposed to have made whilst under imprisonment previously to his death. With this later edition, that of 1551,—the original edition of his first work on the sacrament, afterwards embodied by him in his answer to Winchester,—as well as bishop Gardiner’s reply to it, have been carefully collated, and care has been taken to note the various readings. The Latin edition of the first work, printed at Emden, a.p. 1557, not previously reprinted, has been added; and this has likewise undergone a careful examination, with the previous edition of the Latin translation, said by Strype to have been made by Sir John Cheke. Wherever the additional references to the works of the Fathers are found in the Emden edition, 1557, they have been noted in the margin of the body of this reprint.

The Disputations held at Oxford are reprinted from the 1583 edition of Foxe’s Acts and Monuments, and have been collated with an earlier edition, Thus it is hoped, that the pieces now given will be found to exhibit the last and most accurate thoughts of the archbishop, so far as they exist, arranged in a more complete form than has yet been attempted.

With reference to the succeeding volume, which will contain the rest of the writings of archbishop Cranmer, the Editor has been engaged both at home and on the continent in further researches, especially relating to a correspondence on the sacraments, supposed to exist in some foreign public libraries. But after the most careful personal examination, he is enabled to state, that nothing has been found beyond the letters previously printed by Dr Jenkyns in his valuable edition of the works of the archbishop, except one brief letter written by the archbishop a short time before his martyrdom, and which was discovered at Zurich during the researches made there for the Parker Society. The biographical sketch of the archbishop, and a full account of his remains, will be given with the succeeding volume: but the memoir abridged from Foxe’s Acts and Monuments, printed in the edition of a.p. 1580, is here given, to put the reader in possession of a complete copy of that work, printed in the reign of queen Elizabeth, with the exception of a few epistles which will be found in the complete series of letters.

In conclusion, the Editor desires to acknowledge the valuable assistance he has derived from the previous edition of Dr Jenkyns, which has relieved him from many difficulties ; nevertheless he has taken nothing from it, but has invariably examined early editions and references for himself, and has stated the result of his own reseatches.—He has also to acknowledge the kind loan of a copy of the first edition of the archbishop’s work on the sacrament from the library of Gloucester Cathedral.

May 10, 1844.

LIFE, STATE, AND STORY,

OF THE q REVEREND PASTOR AND PRELATE, | THOMAS CRANMER, fd ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, MARTYR,

4 BURNED AT OXFORD FOR THE CONFESSION OF CHRIST’S TRUE DOCTRINE. a ANNO 1556. MARCH 21.

_ Forasmucu as the life and estate of the most reverend father in God and worthy Thomas prelate of godly memory, Thomas Cranmer, late archbishop of Canterbury, together are archbishop with the original cause and occasion of his preferment to the dignity archiepiscopal, hi es

• whereunto he was advanced immediately upon the death of bishop Warham, archpoctor cranoo of the same, beyond all expectation, without support of money or friends, by porto wel the only well-liking of the most renowned king of famous memory, Henry the by king ie eighth, who with a fatherly care maintained his countenance, and defended his poctor crani Innocent life, undermined sundry times by the manifold attempts of the horrible defended by | ~ arch-enemy of Christ and his gospel, Stephen Gardiner, and other his complices ; een with divers other circumstances of his most commendable conversation, charitable consideration of the poor, constant care in reformation of corrupt religion, his

_ undaunted courage in continual defence of the same, and the perseverance therein i ‘ » the loss of his life, be already described at large in the book of Acts and Look for the i eents of Martyrs; it may seem needless to make a thorough discourse thereof i in the book” f the Acts yain at this present. Nevertheless, partly to stop the mouths of slanderous sycoand Monu- phants, and partly for the ease of such as would happily be desirous, upon the view las etn, of the title of this book, to be acquainted with the life of the author, being other- vise not able to have recourse to the story at large, as also because his virtuous life and glorious death was such, as can never be commended sufficiently, I have hought it not altogether amiss to renew the remembrance thereof by certain brief notes, referring them that be desirous to know the whole to the story hereof at large.

It is first therefore to be noted and considered, that the same Thomas Cranmer Thomas coming of ancient parentage, from the conquest to be deducted, and continuing sithens pai eal n the name and family of a gentleman, was born in a village called Arselacton in ny Nottinghamshire. Of whose said name and family there remaineth at these days me manor and mansion-house in Lincolnshire, called Cranmer Hall, &c. sometimes t heritage of the said stock and family. Who being from his infancy kept at school, ad brought up, not without much good civility, came in process of time unto the rhomascranniversity of Cambridge, and there prospering in right good knowledge amongst coming to

® better sort of students, was chosen fellow of Jesus college in Cambridge. And be mer fellow of

) being master of art, and fellow of the same college, it chanced him to marry a JesusCollege.

entleman’s daughter, by means whereof he lost and gave over his fellowship there,

3 became the reader in Buckingham college; and for that he would with more ence apply that his office of reading, placed his said wife in an inn, called the viii THE LIFE, STATE, AND STORY

Dolphin, in Cambridge, the wife of the house being of affinity unto her. By means’ of whose abode in that inn, and his often repair unto her, arose a certain slanderous report, after he was preferred to be archbishop of Canterbury, bruited abroad by the malicious. disdain of certain sycophantical papists, that he was but an_hosteler, and altogether devoid of learning; which how falsely was forged upon him, may easily ThomasCranappear hereby, that the masters and fellows of Jesus college, noting the virtuous decease of his disposition of the man, and the great travail he took, notwithstanding his marriage, again fellow whiles he continued reader in Buckingham college, immediately upon the death of lege. his wife (who not long after their enter marriage was in childbed surprised by death) received him into their fellowship again; where he so behaved himself, that in few ThomasCranyears after he became the reader of the divinity lecture in the same college, and in readerand such special estimation and reputation with the whole university, that being doctor doctor of P : Secu College of divinity, he was commonly appointed one of the heads (which are two or three

D t C “ . . e . mer public Of the chiefest learned men) to examine such as yearly profess, in commencement, either

€aubedigeot bachelors or doctors of divinity, by whose approbation the whole university licenseth them that : : : : were toprothem to proceed unto their degree; and again, by whose disallowance the university also rejecteth them for a time to proceed, until they be better furnished with more knowledge. | Now doctor Cranmer, ever much favouring the knowledge of the scripture, would never admit any to proceed in divinity, unless they were substantially seen in the Friars in story of the bible: by means whereof certain friars and other religious persons, who doctor Cran-. were principally brought up in the study of school-authors, without regard had to the authority of scriptures, were commonly rejected by him; so that he was greatly for that his severe examination of the religious sort much hated and had in great indignation: and yet it came to pass in the end, that divers of them, being thus compelled to study the scriptures, became afterwards very well learned and well affected; insomuch that, when they proceeded doctors of divinity, they could not overmuch extol and commend master doctor Cranmer’s goodness towards them, who had for a time put them back to aspire unto better knowledge and perfection. Amongst whom docDoctor Bartor Barret, a white friar, who afterwards dwelt at Norwich, was after that sort handled, giving him no less commendation for his happy rejecting of him for a better amendment. Thus much I repeat, that our apish and popish sort of ignorant priests may well understand that this his exercise, kind of life, and vocation was not altogether hostelerlike. DoctorCranI omit here how Cardinal Wolsey, after the foundation of his college in Oxford, mer, solicited to be fellow hearing the fame of his learning, used all means possible to place him in the same;

ieee which he refused with great danger of indignation, contenting himself with his former refused it. fellowship in Cambridge: until, upon occasion of the plague being in Cambridge, he resorted to Waltham Abbey, and sojourned with one M. Cressey there, whose wife was doctor Cranmer’s niece, and two of her children his pupils in Cambridge. During Question of this time the great and weighty cause of king Henry the eighth his divorce with © pose with the lady Catharine, dowager of Spain, was in question. Wherein two cardinals, Cam~ dowager. peius and Wolsey, were appointed in commission from the pope to hear and determine the controversy between the king and the queen; who by many dilatories, dallying, and delaying, the whole summer, until the month of August, taking occasion to finish their commission, so moved the patience of the king, that in all haste he removed from London to Waltham for a night or twain, whiles the dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk dispatched cardinal Campeius home again to Rome. By means whereof it

[’ By reason, Foxe. Ed. 1583. ]

• OF THOMAS CRANMER. ix t sadhianced that the king’s harbingers lodged, doctor Stephens’, secretary, and doctor Dosioe Se. _ Foxe, almoner, (who were the chief furtherers, preferrers, and defenders of the foredoctor Foxe, said cause in the king’s behalf,) in the house of the said M. Cressey, where doctor ¢s ings

• Cranmer was also resident as before. When supper-time came, and all three doch Doctor Stetors met together, being of old acquaintance, they entertained each other familiarly : Boxe, doctor and the said doctor Stephens and doctor Foxe, taking occasion of their happy meetferrng toge ing together, began to confer with doctor Cranmer concerning the king’s cause, rekings cause questing him to declare his opinion therein.

‘ Whereunto doctor Cranmer answered, that he could say little in the matter, for that he had not studied nor looked for it. Notwithstanding he said to them, that, in his opinion, they made more ado in prosecuting the laws ecclesiastical than needed. esti Cran-

_ “Tt were better, as I suppose,” quoth doctor Cranmer, “that the question, whether a in the gaa man may marry his brother’s wife or no, were decided and discussed by the divines king’s and by the authority of the word of God, whereby the conscience of the prince might be better satisfied and quieted, than thus, from year to year, by frustatory delays to prolong the time, leaving the very truth of the matter unboulted out by the word of God. There is but one truth in it, which the scripture will soon declare, make open and manifest, being by learned men well handled; and that may be as well done in England, in the universities here, as at Rome, or elsewhere in any foreign nation, the authority whereof will compel any judge soon to come to a definitive sentence; and therefore, as I take it, you might this way have made an end of this matter long sithens.” When doctor Cranmer had thus ended his tale, the Doctor Cranother two well liked of his device, and wished that they had so proceeded aforewell liked of time ; and thereupon conceived some matter of that device to instruct the king withal, who then was minded to send to Rome again for a new commission.

Now the next day, when the king removed to Greenwich, like as he took himself not well handled by the cardinals in thus deferring his cause, so his mind Thekin ig unquieted and desirous of an end of his long and tedious suit, he called to about the

_ him this his two principal doers of his said cause, namely, the said doctor Stephens divorce. Band doctor Foxe, saying unto them: “What now, my masters,” quoth the king, “shall we do in this infinite cause of mine? I see by it there must be a new commission procured from Rome; and when we shall have an end, God knoweth, and not I.” When the king had said somewhat his mind herein, the almoner, _ doctor Foxe, said unto the king again: “We trust that there shall be better ways devised for your majesty, than to make travel so far to Rome* any more in. your highness’ cause, which by chance was put into our heads this other night, being at _ Waltham :” and so discovered to the king their meeting and conference with doctor _ Cranmer at M. Cressey’s house. Whereupon doctor Cranmer was sent for in post, being as then removed from noctorCran_ Waltham towards his friends in Lincolnshire*, and so brought to the court to the to the king’ _ king. Whom the noble prince benignly accepting, demanded his name, and said unto mae him: “Were you not at Waltham such a time, in the company of my secretary Talk between and my almoner?” Doctor Cranmer affirming the same, the king said again: “Had doctor Cran you not conference with them concerning our matter of divorce now in question after Si Hl his sort ?”’—repeating the manner and order thereof. ‘That is right true, if it please ¥ your highness,” quoth doctor Cranmer. ‘“ Well,” said the king, “I well perceive

: lat you have the right scope of this matter. You must en quoth the king, if q [? i.e. Doctor Stephen Gardiner, sometime bishop | [® So far as to Rome, Foxe. Ed. 1583.] f Winchester. ] [* Foxe says “in Nottinghamshire,’’] x THE LIFE, STATE, AND STORY

The king ~~ “that I have been long troubled in conscience ; and now I perceive that by this means conscience. JT might have been long ago relieved one way or other from the same, if we had this way proceeded. And therefore, master doctor, I pray you, and nevertheless, because you are a subject, I charge and command you, (all your other business and affairs set apart,) to take some pains to see this my cause to be furthered according to your device, as much as it may lie in you,” with many other words in commendation of the queen’s majesty.

Doctor . Doctor Cranmer, much disabling himself to meddle in so weighty a matter, beare sienins sought the king’s highness to commit the trial and examining of this matter, by the the king.

word of God, unto the best learned men of both his universities, Cambridge and Oxford. “You say well,” said the king, “and I am content therewith. But yet, nevertheless, I will have you specially to write your mind therein.” And so, calling the

Doctor oy earl of Wiltshire to him, said: “I pray you, my lord, let doctor Cranmer have entermer assi by the kin ng tainment in your house at Durham place for a time, to the intent he may be there to search t sfuiptures i quiet to accomplish my request, and let him lack neither books nor anything requi- his divoreesite for his study.” And thus, after the king’s departure, doctor Cranmer went with my lord of Wiltshire unto his house, where he, incontinent, wrote his mind concernThe king first ing the king’s question, adding to the same besides the authorities of scriptures’, of iven to oe that general councils, and of ancient writers; also his opinion, which was this: that the fodiene? bishop of Rome had no such authority, as whereby he might dispense with the word God” of God and the scriptures’. When doctor Cranmer had made this book, and committed it to the king, the king said to him: “Will you abide by this, that you have here written, before the bishop of Rome?’ “That will I do, by God’s grace,” quoth doctor Cranmer, “if your majesty do send me thither.” “Marry,” quoth the king, “I will send you even to him in a sure embassage.”

The king’s And thus, by means of doctor Cranmer’s handling of this matter with the king, matter re some toe. not only certain learned men were sent abroad to the most part of the universities eangn a of 2 Christendom to dispute the question, but also the same being, by commission, tures” disputed by the divines in both the universities of Cambridge and Oxford, it was

The king’s there concluded that no such matrimony was by the word of God lawful. Where- ™m e found by | upon a solemn embassage was prepared and sent to the bishop of Rome, then being Doctor Cran. t Bonony, wherein went the earl of Wiltshire, doctor Cranmer, doctor Stokesly,

Doctor Cran- so whore doctor Carne, doctor Benet, and divers other learned men and gentlemen. And when bassador to, the time came that they should come before the bishop of Rome to declare the neencan RO a their embassage, the bishop, sitting on high in his cloth of estate, and in his rich apparel, with his sandals on his feet, offering, as it were, his foot to be kissed of the ambassadors; the earl of Wiltshire with the rest of the ambassadors, disdaining thereat, stood still, and made no countenance thereunto, and kept themselves from that idolatry. In fine, the pontifical bishop seeing their constancy, without any farther ceremony, gave ear to the ambassadors.

Arguing to Who entering there before the bishop, offered, on the king’s behalf, to be defended, the pope’s ag that no man, jure divino, could or ought to marry his brother’s wife, and that the hehad no bishop of Rome by no means ought to dispense to the contrary. Divers promises Egpense, Were made, and sundry days appointed, wherein the question should have been disputed: and when our part was ready to answer, no man there appeared to dispute in that behalf. So in the end, the bishop making to our ambassadors good counte-

Doetor CranNance, and gratifymg doctor Cranmer with the office of the penitentiaryship, disthe pope’s missed them undisputed withal. penitentiary.

[’ Of the scriptures, Foxe. Ed. 1583.] [? The scripture, ibid. ] ee

OF THOMAS CRANMER. ~ xi

Whereupon the earl of Wiltshire and other commissioners, saving doctor Cranmer, Doetor Cranreturned home again into England. And forthwith doctor Cranmer went to the pga emperor, being in his journey towards Vienna, in expedition against the Turk, there to answer such learned men of the emperor’s council, as would or could say anything to the contrary part. Where amongst the rest, at the same time, was CorConference nelius Agrippa, an high officer in the emperor’s court; who, having private conferbishop Cranence with doctor Cranmer in the question, was so fully resolved and satisfied in the Comelius matter, that afterwards there was never disputation openly offered to doctor Cranmer in that behalf. For through the persuasion of Agrippa all other learned men there were much discouraged.

This matter thus prospering on doctor Cranmer’s behalf, as well touching the king’s question, as concerning the invalidity of the bishop of Rome’s authority, bishop Warham, then archbishop of Canterbury, departed this transitory life; whereby that Doctor Crandignity then being in the king’s gift and disposition, was immediately given to docarehbishop of tor Cranmer, as worthy for his travail of such a promotion. Thus much touching the preferment of doctor Cranmer unto his dignity, and by what means he achieved unto the same: not by flattery, nor by bribes, nor by none other unlawful means: which thing I have more at large discoursed, to stop the railing mouths of such, who, being themselves obscure and unlearned, shame not to detract a learned man most ignominiously with the surname of an hosteler, whom, for his godly zeal unto sincere religion, they ought with much humility to have had in regard and reputation,

Now as concerning his behaviour and trade of life towards God and the world, being entered* into his said dignity. True it is, that he was so throughly furnished with all properties, qualities, and conditions belonging to a true bishop, as that it shall be very hard in these strange days to find many that so nearly resemble that lively exemplar, described by St Paul the apostle in his several epistles to Titus and 1 Tim. til Timothy: so far he swerved from the common course of common bishops in his time. But because the same is very well deciphered in the story at large‘, it shall not be so needful to discourse all the parts thereof in this place. Yet may not this be forgotten: that, notwithstanding the great charge now committed unto him, the The order of worthy prelate gave himself evermore to continual study, not breaking the order that mer’s study. he used commonly in the university. To wit, by five of the clock in the morning in his study, and so until nine, continuing in prayer and study. From thence, until dinner time, to hear suitors (if the prince’s affairs did not call him away), committing his temporal affairs, as well of household as other foreign business, to his officers. For the most part, he would occupy himself in reformation of corrupt religion, and setting forth true and sincere doctrine; wherein he would associate himself always with learned men, for the sifting and boulting out one matter or other, for the commodity and profit of the church of England. After dinner, if any suitors were, he would diligently hear them and dispatch them, in such sort as every man commended his lenity and gentleness. That done, to his ordinary study again until five of the clock, which hour he bestowed in hearing common prayer. After supper he would consume an hour at the least in some godly conference, and then again, until nine of the clock, at one kind of study or other. So that no hour of the day was spent in vain, but was bestowed as tended to God’s glory, the service of his prince, or the commodity of the church.

As touching his affability and easiness to be entreated, it was such as that in The gentle 7 all honest causes, wherein his letter, counsel, or speech, might gratify either nobleman, doctor Cran.

. [3 Being now entered, Foxe. Ed. 1583.] . [* See Foxe. Ed. 1583, p. 1862-1865. | xii THE LIFE, STATE, AND STORY gentleman, mean man, or poor man, no man could be more tractable, or sooner won Doctor Cran0 yield. Only in causes appertaining to God and his prince, no man more stout, constant in more constant, or more hard to be won: as in that part his earnest defence in the parliament-house, above three days together, in disputing against the six articles of Gardiner’s device, can testify. And though the king would needs have them upon some politic consideration to go forward, yet he so handled himself, as well in the parliament-house, as afterwards by writing so obediently and with such humble behaviour in words towards his prince, protesting the cause not to be his, but Almighty Doctor CranGod’s who was the author of all truth, that the king did not only well like his tout enemy defence, willing him to depart out of the parliament-house into the council chamber, si aties, whilst the act should pass and be granted, for safeguard of his conscience, which he with humble protestation refused, hoping that his majesty in process of time would revoke them again; but also, after the parliament was finished, the king perceiving the zealous affection that the archbishop bare towards the defence of his cause, which many ways by scriptures and manifold authorities and reasons he had substantially shed * confirmed and defended, sent the lord Cromwell, then vicegerent, with the two dukes the lord of Norfolk and Suffolk, and all the lords of the parliament, to dine with him at

Cromwell, and thetwo Tambeth: where it was declared by the vicegerent and the two dukes, that it was dukes to the archbishop. the king’s pleasure, that they all should, in his highness’ behalf, cherish, comfort, and animate him, as one that for his travail in that parliament had shewed himself both greatly learned, and also discreet and wise, and therefore they willed him not to be discouraged for anything that was passed contrary to his allegations. He most humbly thanked the king’s majesty of his great goodness towards him, and them all.

for their pains, saying: “I hope in God, that hereafter my allegations and authorities shall take place to the glory of God and the commodity of the realm; in the mean time I will satisfy myself with the honourable consent of your honours and the whole parliament.”

Here is to be noted, that this man’s stout and godly defence of the truth herein so bound the prince’s conscience, that he would not permit the truth in that man to be clean overthrown with authority and power; and therefore this way God working in the prince’s mind, a plain token was declared hereby, that all things were not so sincerely handled in the confirmation of the said six articles as it ought to have been, for else the prince might have had just cause to have borne his great indigna-

Exaunple for tion towards the archbishop. Let us pray that both the like stoutness may be perpastors. ceived in all ecclesiastical and learned men, where the truth ought to be defended, and also the like relenting and flexibility may take place in princes and noblemen, when

• they shall have occasion offered them to maintain the same, so that they utterly overwhelm not the truth by self-will, power, and authority. Now in the end this archbishop’s constancy was such towards God’s cause, that he confirmed all his doings by bitter death in the fire, without respect of any worldly treasure or pleasure.

And as touching his stoutness in his prince’s cause, the contrary resistance of the duke of Northumberland against him proved right well his good mind that way:

Archbishop which chanced by reason that he would not consent to the dissolving of chanteries

Cranmer in displeasure yntil the king came of age, to the intent that they might then better serve to fur- about the city §% nish his royal estate, than to have so great treasure consumed in his nonage: which cea his stoutness, joined with such simplicity, surely was thought to divers of the council a thing incredible, specially in such sort to contend with him who was so ac: counted in this realm, as few or none would or durst gainstand him. So dear was to him the cause of God and of his prince, that for the one he would not keep his conscience clogged, nor for the other lurk or hide his head. Otherwise, as

OF THOMAS CRANMER. xiii it is said, his very enemies might easily entreat him in any cause reasonable : and such things as he granted, he did without any suspicion of rebraiding or meed therefore. So that he was altogether void of the vice of the stubbornness, and rather culpable of overmuch facility and gentleness. Surely if overmuch patience may be a vice, this man may seem peradyenture to offend rather on this part than on the contrary. Albeit for all his The singular doings I cannot say: for the most part, such was his mortification that way, that few this af we shall find in whom the saying of our Saviour Christ so much prevailed as with him, . who would not only have a man to forgive his enemies, but also to pray for them: that lesson never went out of his memory. For it was known that he had many cruel enemies, not for his own deserts, but only for his religion’s sake: and yet, whatsoever he was that either sought his hindrance, either in goods, estimation, or life, and upon conference would seem never so slenderly anything to relent or excuse himself, he would both forget the offence committed, and also evermore afterwards friendly entertain him, and shew such pleasure to him, as by any means possible he might perform or declare. Insomuch that it came into a common proverb: “ Do unto my lord of Canterbury displeasure or a shrewd turn, and then you may be sure to have him your friend whiles he liveth.” Of which his gentle disposition in abstaining from revengement, amongst many examples thereof, I will repeat here one.

It chanced an ignorant priest and parson in the north parts, the town is not now A story be- in remembrance, but he was kinsman of one Chersey a grocer, dwelling within London, archbishop of Canterbury

(being one of those priests that use more to study at the alehouse than in his chamber werk ay or in his study,) to sit on a time with his honest neighbours at the alehouse within his °”™ own parish, where was communication ministered in commendation of my lord Cranmer, archbishop of Canterbury. This said parson, envying his name only for religion’s sake, said to his neighbours: “‘ What make you of him?” quoth he, “ he was but an hosteler, rhe raitin and hath no more learning than the goslings that goeth yonder on the green,” with such priest against _ like slanderous and uncomely words. These honest neighbours of his, not well bearing those his unseemly words, articled against him, and sent their complaint unto the lord Cromwell, then vicegerent in causes ecclesiastical; who sent for the priest and committed him to the Fleet, minding to have had him recant those his slanderous words at Paul’s Cross. Howbeit the lord Cromwell, having great affairs of the prince then in hand, forgat his prisoner in the Fleet. So that this Chersey the grocer, understanding that his kinsman was in durance in the Fleet, only for speaking words against my lord of Canterbury, consulted with the priest, and between them devised to make suit rather unto the archbishop for his deliverance, than to the lord Cromwell, before whom he _ was accused; understanding right well that there was great diversity of natures be_ tween those two estates, the one gentle and full of clemency, and the other severe _ and somewhat intractable, namely against a papist. So that Chersey took upon him _ first to try my lord of Canterbury’s benignity, namely for that his cousin’s accusation touched only the offence against him and none other. Whereupon the said Chersey _ came to one of the archbishop’s gentlemen, (whose father bought yearly all his spices and fruit of the said Chersey, and so thereby of familiar acquaintance with the gentleman,) _ who, opening to him the trouble wherein his kinsman was, requested that he would be a means to my lord his master to hear his suit in the behalf of his kinsman. The matter was moved. The archbishop, like as he was of nature gentle, and of / much clemency, so would he never shew himself strange unto suitors, but incontinently _ sent for the said Chersey. When he came before him, Chersey declared, “that there i _ was a kinsman of his in the Fleet, a priest of the north country, and as I may tell your | grace the truth,” quoth Chersey, “‘a man of small civility and of less learning. And mas suing BS yet he hath a parsonage there, which now (by reason that my lord Cromwell hath man fo othe xiv THE LIFE, STATE, AND STORY laid him in prison, being in his cure) is unserved; and he hath continued in durance above two months, and is called to no answer, and knoweth not when he shall come to any end, so that this his imprisonment consumeth his substance, will utterly undo him, unless your grace be his good lord.” “I know not the man,” said the archbishop, ‘nor what he hath done why he should be thus in trouble.”

Said Chersey again: “He only hath offended against your grace, and against no

-man else, as may well be perceived by the articles objected against him:” the copy

The priest sent for to the archbishop.

The archbishop’s words unto the parson.

The priest confesseth his fault to the archbishop.

The rash tongues of men slanderously speaking evil by men whom they never knew nor saw before.

whereof the said Chersey then exhibited unto the said archbishop of Canterbury. Who, well perusing the said articles, said: “This is the common talk of all the ignorant papistical priests in England against me. Surely,” said he, “I was never made privy unto this accusation, nor of his indurance I never heard before this time. Notwithstanding, if there be nothing else to charge him withal, against the prince or any of the council, I will at your request take order with him, and send him home again to his cure to do his duty:” and so thereupon sent his ring to the warden of the Fleet, willing him to send the prisoner unto him with his keeper at afternoon.

When the keeper had brought the prisoner at the hour appointed, and Chersey had well instructed his cousin in any wise to submit himself unto the archbishop, confessing his fault, whereby that way he should most easily have an end and win his favour: thus. the parson being brought into the garden at Lambeth, and there sitting under the vine, the archbishop demanded of the parson what was the cause of his indurance, and who committed him to the Fleet? The parson answered and said: “That the lord Cromwell sent him thither, for that certain malicious parishioners of his parish, had wrongfully accused him of words which he never spake nor meant.” Chersey, hearing his foolish cousin so far out of the way from his former instruction, said: “Thou dastardly dolt and varlet, is this thy promise that thou madest to me? Is there not a great number of thy honest neighbours’ hands against thee to prove thee a liar? Surely, my lord,” quoth Chersey, “it is pity to do him good. I am sorry that I have troubled your grace thus far with him.”

“Well,” said the archbishop unto the parson, “if you have not offended me, I can do you no good; for I am entreated to help one out of trouble that hath offended against me. If my lord Cromwell hath committed you to prison wrongfully, that lieth in himself to amend, and not in me. If your offence only touch me, I will be bold to do somewhat for your friend’s sake here. If you have not offended against me, then have I nothing to do with you, but that you may go and remain from whence you came.” Lord, what ado his kinsman Chersey made with him, calling him all kind of opprobrious names! In the end, my lord of Canterbury seeming to rise and go his ways, the fond priest fell down on his knees, and said: “I beseech your grace to forgive me this offence ; assuring your grace that I spake those words, being drunk, and not well advised.” “Ah!” said my lord, “this is somewhat, and yet it is no good excuse; for drunkenness evermore uttereth that which lieth hid in the heart of man: when he is sober,” alleging a text or twain out of the scriptures concerning the vice of drunkenness, which cometh not now to remembrance.

“‘ Now therefore,” said the archbishop, “ that you acknowledge somewhat your fault, I am content to commune with you, hoping that you are at this present of an indifferent sobriety. Tell me then,” quoth he, “did you ever see me, or were you ever acquainted with me before this day?” The priest answered and said, that never in his life he saw his grace. “ Why then,” said the archbishop, “‘ what occasion had you to call me an hosteler; and that I had not so much learning as the goslings which then went on the green before your face? If I have no learning, you may now try it, and be out q of doubt thereof: therefore I pray you appose me, either in grammar or in other liberal —

OF THOMAS CRANMER. re”

sciences; for I have at one time or other tasted partly of them. Or else, if you are a divine, say somewhat that way.”

The priest, being amazed at my lord’s familiar talk, made answer and said: “I The priest’s beseech your grace to pardon me. I am altogether unlearned, and understand not the Latin tongue but very simply. My only study hath been to say my service and mass fair and deliberate, which I can do as well as any priest in the country where I dwell, I thank God.” ‘“ Well,” said the other, “if you will not appose me, I will be so bold to appose you, and yet as easily as I can devise, and that only in the story of the bible now in English, in which I suppose that you are daily exercised. Tell me thereThe shan fore, who was king David’s father?” said my lord. The priest or still pausing a rant ——o he while, and said: “In good faith, my lord, I have forgotten his name.” Then said the other again to him: “If you cannot tell that, I pray you tell me then who was Salomon’s father?” The fond foolish priest, without all consideration what was demanded of him before, made answer: “Good my lord, bear with me, I am not further seen in the bible, than is daily read in our service in the church.”

The archbishop then answering said: “This my question may be found well answered in your service. But I now well perceive, howsoever you have judged heretofore of my the guise of learning, sure I am that you have none at all. But this is the common practice of all a - 7 you, which are ignorant and superstitious priests, to slander, backbite, and hate all such the religion as are learned and well affected towards God’s word and sincere religion. Common they lanier reason might have taught you, what an unlikely thing it was, and contrary to all manner of reason, that a prince, having two universities within his realm of well learned men, and desirous to be resolved of as doubtful a question as in these many years was not moved the like within Christendom, should be driven to that necessity for the defence of his cause, to send out of his realm an hosteler, being a man of no better knowledge than is a gosling, in an embassage to answer all learned men, both in the court of Rome and in the emperor’s court, in so difficult a question as toucheth the king’s matrimony, and the divorce thereof. I say, if you were men of any reasonable consideration, you might think it both unseemly and uncomely for a prince so to [do.] But look, where malice reigneth in men, there reason can take no place: and therefore I see kvil-will by it, that you all are at a point with me, that no reason or authority can persuade vl you to favour my name, who never meant evil to you, but your both commodity and profit. Howbeit, God amend you all, forgive you, and send you better minds!” With these words the priest seemed to weep, and desired his grace to pardon his ~ fault and frailty, so that by his means he might return to his cure again, and he would - sure recant those his foolish words before his parishioners so soon as he came home, and would become a new man. “ Well,” said the archbishop, “‘so you had need.” _ And giving him a godly admonition to refuse the haunting of the alehouse, and to The arch_ bestow his time better in the continual reading of the scriptures, he dismissed him giveth and from the Fleet. the priest.

How little this prelate we speak of was infected with filthy desire of lucre, and The liberal

_ how he was no niggard, all kind of people that knew him, as well learned beyond # this arch the seas and on this side, to whom yearly he gave in exhibition no small sums of money, as other, both gentlemen, mean men, and poor men, who had in their necesq sity that which he could conveniently spare, lend, or make, can well testify. And albeit such was his liberality to all sorts of men, that no man did lack whom he could do for, either in giving or lending; yet nevertheless such was again his circum__ spection, that when he was apprehended and committed by queen Mary to the tower, he ought no man living a penny that could or would demand any duty of him, but _ satisfied every man to the uttermost; where else no small sums of money were owing

THE LIFE, STATE, AND STORY to him of divers persons, which by breaking their bills and obligations he freely for-ing ‘his gave and suppressed before his attainder. Insomuch that when he perceived the fatal his attainder. end of king Edward should work to him no good success touching his body and goods, he incontinently called his officers, his steward and other, commanding them in any wise to pay, where any penny was owing, which was out of hand dispatched.

In which archbishop this, moreover, is to be noted, with a memorandum, touching the relief of the poor, impotent, sick, and such as then came from the wars at Bullein’, and other parts beyond the seas, lame, wounded, and destitute ; for whom he provided, besides his mansion-house at Beckisborne in Kent, the parsonage barn well furnished with certain lodgings for the sick and maimed soldiers: to whom were also appointed the almosiner, a physician, and surgeon, to attend upon them, and to dress and cure such as were not able to resort to their countries, having daily from the bishop’s kitchen hot broth and meat; for otherwise the common alms of the household was bestowed upon the poor neighbours of the shire. And when any of the impotent did recover, and were able to travel, they had convenient money delivered to bear their charges, according to the number of miles from that place distant. And this good example of mercy and liberal benignity I thought here good not in silence to be suppressed, whereby other may be moved, according to their vocation, to walk in the steps of no less liberality than in him in this behalf appeared.

Amongst all other his virtues, his constancy in Christ’s cause, and setting forth the gospel purely and sincerely, was such that he would neither for dread or meed, affection or favour, to swerve at any time or in any point from the truth, as appeared by his

The sundry trials; wherein neither favour of his prince, nor fear of the indignation of the ieeamer 2 same, nor any other worldly respect, could alienate or change his purpose, grounded upon

Cranmer ever defence of * that infallible doctrine of the gospel. Notwithstanding, his constant defence of God’s and gospel. truth was ever joined with such meekness toward the king, that he never took occasion of offence against him.

At the setting forth’ of the six Articles, mention was made before in the story of king Henry’s time, how adventurously this archbishop, Thomas Cranmer, did oppose himself, standing, as it were, post alone against the whole parliament, disputing and replying three days together against the said articles; insomuch that the king, when neither he could mislike his reasons, and yet would needs have these articles to pass, required him to absent himself for the time out of the chamber, while the act should pass, as is already declared before. And this was done during yet the state and time of the lord Cromwell’s authority. And now that it may appear likewise that after the decay of the lord Cromwell, yet his constancy in Christ’s cause did not decay, you shall hear what followed after.

For after the apprehension of the lord Cromwell, when the adversaries of the gospel thought all things sure now on their side, it was so appointed amongst them, that ten or twelve bishops, and other learned men, joined together in commission, came to the said archbishop of Canterbury for the establishing of certain articles of our religion, which the papists then thought to win to their purpose against the said archbishop. For having now the lord Cromwell fast and sure, they thought all had been safe and sure for ever: as indeed to all men’s reasonable consideration, that time appeared so dangerous, that there was no manner hope that religion reformed should any one week

The longer stand, such accompt was then made of the king’s untowardness thereunto: inso- pro much that of all those commissioners, there was not one left to stay on the archbishop’s ethin

[’ i.e. Boulogne, which was taken by the English after a siege in the year 1544.] [? At the time of setting forth, Foxe. Ed. 1583.]

OF THOMAS ORANMER. Pl: | xi

’ art; but he alone against _ them all stood in ioties of the truth; and those that he most eet me trusted to, namely, bishop Heath, and bishop Skippe, left him in the plain field : who 2 barr pe mag then so turned against him, that they took upon them to persuade him to their sake the 4 yurpose ; and having him down from the rest of the commissioners into his garden at in inthe pla Lambeth, there by all manner of effectual persuasions entreated him to leave off his archbishop -overmuch constancy, and to incline unto the king’s intent, who was fully set to have it and ey ‘otherwise than he then had penned, or meant to have set. abroad. When those two his « over the familiars, with one or two others his friends, had used all their eloquence and policy, gospel.

he, little regarding their inconstancy and remissness in God’s cause or quarrel, said unto them right notably: ““ You make much ado to have me come to your purpose, alleging The answer of the archthat it is the king’s pleasure to have the articles in that sort you have devised them porary proceed; and now that you do perceive his highness, by sinister information, to be “2 5*‘P?* bent that way, you think it a convenient thing to apply unto his highness’s mind, You be my friends both, especially the one of you I did put to his majesty as of trust.

| ware, I say, what you do. There is but one truth in our articles to be concluded upon, which if you do hide from his highness by consenting unto a contrary doctrine, and then after in process of time, when the truth cannot be hidden from him, his highness shall perceive how that you have dealt colourably with him, I know his grace’s nature so well,” quoth the archbishop, “that he will never after trust and credit you, or put any good confidence in you. And as you are both my friends, so therefore I will you to beware thereof in time, and discharge your consciences in maintenance of the truth.” But all this would not serve, for they still swerved; and in the end, by discharging of his conscience, and declaring the truth unto the king, God so wrought with the king, that his highness joined with him against the rest ; so that the book of articles passing on his side, he won the goal from them all, contrary to all their expectations ;

when many wagers would have been laid in London, that he should have been laid up with Cromwell at that time in the Tower, for his stiff standing to his tackle. After that day there could neither councillor, bishop, or papist, win him out of the king’s favour.

ON otwithstanding, not long after that, certain of the council, whose names need not The papists to be repeated, by the enticement and provocation of his ancient enemy, the bishop of mea

Winchester, and other of the same sect, attempted the king against him, declaring cre credit iwi plainly, that the realm was so infected with heresies and heretics, that it was dangerous for his highness farther to permit it unreformed, lest peradventure by long suffering thearchr ch contention should arise and ensue in the realm among his subjects, that thereby se acciwed (o might spring horrible commotions and uproars, like as in some parts of Germany it , lid not long ago; the enormity whereof they could not impute to any so much as to he archbishop of Canterbury, who by his own preaching and his chaplains’ had filled he whole realm full of divers pernicious heresies. The king would needs know his ccusers. They answered, that forasmuch as he was a councillor, no man durst take pon him to accuse him; but, if it please his highness to commit him to the Tower ) a time, there would be accusations and proofs enough against him, for otherwise u testimony and witness against him would not appear; “and therefore your highness,” ic they, “must needs give us, the council, liberty and leave to commit him to durance.” | q The king perceiving their importune suit against the archbishop, but yet meaning 0 to have him wronged and utterly given over unto their hands, granted to them ‘that they should the next day commit him to the Tower for his trial. When night ame, the king sent Sir Antony Deny about midnight to Lambeth to the archbishop, The king sent

—( villing him forthwith to resort unto him at the court. The message done, the archDen ie is op speedily addressed himself to the court, and coming into the gallery where the pishop the

» Tew awarnie. | 4

Xxvill THE LIFE, STATE, AND STORY

The king’s king walked and tarried for him, his highness said: “ Ah, my lord of Canterbury, I nivice for forthe can tell you news. For divers weighty considerations it is determined by me and the ote council, that you to-morrow at nine of the clock shall be committed to the Tower, for that you and your chaplains (as information is given us) have taught and preached, and thereby sown within the realm, such a number of execrable heresies, that it is feared, the whole realm being infected with them, no small contentions and commotions will rise thereby amongst my subjects, as of late days the like was in divers parts of Germany ; and therefore the council have requested me, for the trial of this matter, to suffer them to commit you to the Tower, or else no man dare come forth as witness in these matters, you being a councillor.” TpearchWhen the king had said his mind, the archbishop kneeled down, and said: “I am aking? content, if it please your grace, with all my heart to go thither at your highness’s commandment, and I most humbly thank your majesty that I may come to my trial; for there be that have many ways slandered me, and now this way I hope to try myself not worthy of such a report.” The king, perceiving the man’s uprightness joined with such simplicity, said: “Oh Lord, what manner a man be you! what simplicity isin you! I had thought that you” would rather have sued to us to have taken the pains to have heard you and your accusers together for your trial without any such endurance. Do not you know what state you be in with the whole world, and how many great enemies you have? Doyou not consider, what an easy thing it is to procure three or four false knaves to witness against you? Think you to have better luck that way than your master

Thekings Christ had? I see it, you will run headlong to your undoing, if I would suffer you.

favourable care atation LOur enemies shall not so prevail against you, for I have otherwise devised with myself archbishop of to keep you out of their hands, Yet, notwithstanding, to-morrow when the council wane: shall sit and send for you, resort unto them; and if in charging you with this matter they do commit you to the Tower, require of them, because you are one of them, a councillor, that you may have your accusers brought before them, and that you may answer their accusations before them without any further endurance, and use for yourself as good persuasions that way as you may devise; and if no entreaty or reasonable | Theking request will serve, then deliver unto them this my ring, (which then the king delivered sendeth signet. on the unto the archbishop,) and say unto them: ‘If there be no remedy, my lords, but that Canterby. L must needs go to the Tower, then I revoke my cause from you, and appeal to the king’s own person by this his token unto you all:’ for,” said the king then unto the archbishop, “so soon as they shall see this my ring, they know it so well, that they shall understand that I have resumed the whole cause into mine own hands and determination, and that I have discharged them thereof.”

The archbishop, perceiving the king’s benignity so much to him wards, had much ado to forbear tears. “Well,” said the king, “go your ways, my lord, and do as I have bidden you.” My lord, humbling himself with thanks, took his leave of the king’s highness for that night. Thearch: On the morrow, about nine of the clock before noon, the council sent a gentleman one of the * usher for the archbishop, who when he came to the council-chamber door, could not council, made to stand at be let in, but of purpose, as it seemed, was compelled there to wait among the pages waiting lackeys, and serving-men all alone. Doctor Butts, the king’s physician, resorting that thekings” Way, and espying how my lord of Canterbury was handled, went to the king’s highnes:

Tend of ihe and said: “ My lord of Canterbury, if it please your grace, is well. promoted; for no wv he is become a lackey or a serving-man, for yonder he standeth this half-hour witho the council-chamber door amongst them.” “It is not so,” quoth the king, “I trow, not the council hath not so little discretion as to use the metropolitan of the realm in tha

OF THOMAS CRANMER. ~ xix sort. specially being one of their own number; but let them alone,” said the king, “and we shall hear more soon.”

Anon the archbishop was called into the council-chamber, to whom was alleged as Thearch. before is rehearsed. The archbishop answered in like sort as the king had advised before the 1 m; and in the end when he perceived that no manner of persuasion or entreaty could

“serve, he delivered to them the king’s ring, revoking his cause into the king’s hands. The council Me “The whole council being thereat somewhat amazed, the earl of Bedford with a loud agai tthe voice, confirming his words with a solemn oath, said: “ When you first began this he: he shewe vet matter, my lords, I told you what would come of it. Do you think that the king ng a

_ will suffer this man’s. finger to ache? much more, I warrant you, will he defend his “""*™ i fe against brabbling varlets. You do but cumber yourselves to hear tales and fables against him.” And so incontinently, upon the receipt of the king’s token, they all rose and carried to the king his ring, surrendering that matter (as the order and use was) into his own hands.

When they were all come to the king’s presence, his highness with a severe counThe king’s tenance said unto them: “Ah, my lords, I thought I had had wiser men of my Suacnes council than now I find you. What discretion was this in you, thus to make the “bishop. | primate of the realm, and one of you in office, to wait at the council-chamber door amongst serving-men? You might have considered that he was a councillor as well

$ you, and you had no such commission of me so to handle him. I was content ‘th at you should try him as a councillor, and not as a mean subject. But now I well perceive that things be done against him maliciously; and if some of you might have had your minds, you would have tried him to the uttermost. But I do you all to wit, and protest, that if a prince may be beholding unto his subject,” (and so solemnly laying his hand upon his breast, said,) “by the faith I owe to God, I take t is man here, my lord of Canterbury, to be of all other a most faithful subject unto and one to whom we are much beholding,” giving him great commendations otherAnd with that one or two of the chiefest of the council, making their excuse, lared, that in requesting his indurance, it was rather meant for his trial and his urgation against the common fame and slander of the world, than for any malice aceived against him. ‘‘ Well, well, my lords,” quoth the king, “take him and well tise him, as he is worthy to be, and make no more ado.” And with that every man The lords of m4 the council caug ht him by the hand, and made fair weather of altogethers, which might easily glad to aaa done with that man. archbishop.

And it was much to be marvelled that they would go so far with him, thus to

¢ his undoing, this well understanding ‘before, that the king most entirely loved ——— a and always would stand in his defence, whosoever spake against him; as many porter or times the king’s patience was by sinister informations against him tried: inso- ich that the lord Cromwell was evermore wont to say unto him: “ My lord of The lord. erbury, you are most happy of all men: for you may do and speak what you wordt the , and, say what all men can against you, the king will never believe one word to r detriment or hindrance.”

After the death of king Henry, immediately succeeded his son king Edward, un- jwhose government and protection the state of this archbishop, being his godfather,

‘nothing appaired, but rather more advanced.

During all this mean time of king Henry aforesaid, until the entering of king vard, it seemeth that Cranmer was scarcely yet throughly persuaded in the right owledge of the sacrament, or at least, was not yet fully ripened in the same:

rein shortly after he being more groundly confirmed by conference with bishop ley, in process of time did so profit in more riper knowledge, that at last he

Xx THE LIFE, STATE, AND STORY ’ away trueand took upon him the defence of that whole doctrine, that is, to refute and throw down | tl ‘ot th the first, the corporal presence ; secondly, the phantastical transubstantiation ; thirdly, the:

ct iehty idolatrous adoration; fourthly, the false error of the papists, that wicked men do eat.

bishopor the natural body of Christ; and lastly, the blasphemous sacrifice of the mass. Wheresn vied upon in conclusion he wrote five books for the public instruction of the church of

England, which instruction yet to this day standeth and is received in this church of

England. 1 Against these five books of the archbishop, Stephen Gardiner, the arch-enemy to Christ and his gospel, being then in the tower, slubbereth up a certain answer, sachl as it was, which he in open court exhibited up at Lambeth, being there examined. by the archbishop aforesaid, and other the king’s commissioners in king Edward’s days, which book was entitled, “An Explication and Assertion of the True Catholic. Faith, touching the — Sacrament of the Altar, with a Confutation of a Book] written against the same.”

An explicsAgainst this explication, or rather a cavilling sophistication of Stephen Gardiner!

Gainer Doctor of Law, the said archbishop of Canterbury learnedly and copiously replying ae oe” again, maketh answer, as by the discourse thereof renewed in print is evident to be ramos seen to all such as with indifferent eye will read and peruse the same. Besides these books above recited of this archbishop, divers other things there were also of his doing, as the Book of Reformation, with the Book of Homilies, whereof part was by him contrived, part by his procurement approved and published. Where- unto also may be adjoined another writing or confutation of his against eighty-eight articles by the convocation devised and propounded, but yet not ratified no received, in the reign and time of king Henry’.

And thus much hitherto concerning the doings and travails of this archbishop of

Canterbury during the lives both of king Henry and king Edward his son; whic b two kings so long as they continued, this archbishop lacked no stay of maintenance against all his maligners. |

After the death of king Edward, queen Mary coming now to the crown, and being established in the possession of the realm, not long after came to London 3 and after she had caused first the two dukes of Northumberland and Suffolk, and their two children, the lady Jane and the lord Guilford, both in age tender and innocent | of that crime, to be executed; she put the rest of the nobility to their fines, and forgave | them, the archbishop of Canterbury only except. Who, though he desired pardon by mean of friends, could obtain none; insomuch that the queen would not once vouchsafe to see

Manetalta him; for as yet the old grudges against the archbishop, for the divorcement of her mother, mente repos- poe 7 arid, remained hid in the bottom of her heart. Besides this divorce, she remembered the stat .

ihjuriamaOf religion changed : all which was reputed to the archbishop, as the chief cause thereof. ae While these things were in doing, a rumour was in all men’s mouths, that th archbishop, to curry favour with the queen, had promised to say a Dirige mass, af J the old custom, for the funeral of king Edward her brother. Neither wanted ther some, which reported that he had already said mass at Canterbury ; which mass i This doctor deed was said by doctor Thornton. This rumour Cranmer thinking speedily to stay

Thornton was dl ee gave forth a writing in his purgation; the tenor whereof being set out at large in th

Dover,a Book of Acts and Monuments, I need not here again to recite.

wicked per- poe vcd This bill being thus written, and lying openly a window? in his chamber, come ; in by chance Master Scory, bishop then of Rochester, who after he had read an

[’ King Henry eight, Foxe, 1583.] [? Openly in a window, ibid. ]

OF THOMAS CRANMER. xxi

Piscine the same, ouaen of the archbishop to have a copy of the bill. The archbishop, when he had granted and permitted the same to Master Scory, by the occa-~ sion thereof Master Scory lending it to some friend of his, there were divers copies taken out thereof, and the thing published abroad among the common people: insomuch that every scrivener’s shop almost was occupied in writing out the same; and so at length some of those copies coming to the bishops’ hands, and so brought to the ji council, and they sending it to the commissioners, the matter was known, and so he - commanded to appear.

Whereupon Dr Cranmer at his day prefixed appeared before the said commissioners, _ bringing a true inventory, as he was commanded, of all his goods. That done, a bishop of the queen’s privy council, being one of the said commissioners, after the This bishop inventory was received, bringing in mention of the bill: “ My lord,” said he, “ there Heain, PAE _ is a bill put forth in your name, wherein you seem to be aggrieved with setting up % “°™ _ the mass again: we doubt not but you are sorry that it is gone abroad.” } To whom the archbishop answered again, saying: “As I do not deny myself to be the very author of that bill or letter, so must I confess here unto you, conIroc erming the same bill, that I am sorry the said bill went from me in such sort as it | did. For when I had written it, Master Scory got the copy of me, and is now come F abroad, and (as I understand) the city is full of it. For which I am sorry, that it 4 “so passed my hands: for I had intended otherwise to have made it in a more large and ample manner, and minded to have set it on Paul’s Church door, and on the doors of all the churches in London, with mine own seal joined thereto.”

At which words, when they saw the constantness of the man, they dismissed him, affirming they had no more at that present to say unto him, but that shortly he pehopld hear further. The said bishop declared afterward to one of Dr Cranmer’s ends, that notwithstanding his attainder of treason, the queen’s determination at that a time was, that Cranmer should only have been deprived of his archbishoprick, and ~ have had a sufficient living assigned him, upon his exhibiting of a true inventory, with commandment to keep his house without meddling with matters of religion. But how that was true, I have not to say. This is certain, that not long after this he was “sent unto the tower, and soon after condemned of treason. Notwithstanding, the anane aequeen, when she could not honestly deny him his pardon, seeing all the rest were ®°” discharged, and specially seeing he last of all other subscribed to king Edward’s re- . am and that against his own will, released to him his action of treason, and accused ao ome him only of heresy: which liked the archbishop right well, and came to pass as he ‘e#son, and Wished, because the cause was not now his own, but Christ’s; not the queen’s, but ””* he church’s. Thus stood the cause of Cranmer, till at length it was determined by he queen and the council, that he should be removed from the Tower, where he was prisoner, to Oxford, there to dispute with the doctors and divines. And privily word as sent before to them of Oxford to prepare themselves, and make them ready to d spute. And although the queen and the bishops had concluded before what should rec ome of him, yet it pleased them that the matter should be debated with argunents, that under some honest shew of disputation the murder of the man might be 0 ered. Neither could their hasty speed of revengement abide any long delay: and Cranmer had verefore in all haste he was carried to Oxford. A What this disputation was, and how it was handled, what were the questions -Teasons on both sides, and also touching his condemnation by the university and prolocutor, because sufficiently it hath been declared in the story at large, we fe ind now therefore to proceed to his final judgment and order of condemnation, which

Xxil THE LIFE, STATE, AND STORY was the twelfth day of September, anno 1556’, and seven days before the condemna- : tion of bishop Ridley and Master Latimer. Of this conAfter the disputations done and finished in Oxford, between the doctors of both readin the universities, and the three worthy bishops, Dr Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer, sen-_ page 1554.” tence condemnatory immediately upon the same was ministered against them by Dr Weston and other of the university: whereby they were judged to be heretics, and so committed to the Mayor and Sheriffs of Oxford, by whom he was carried to~ Bocardo, their common gaol in Oxford.

In* this mean time, while the archbishop was thus remaining in durance, (whom they had kept now in prison almost the space of three years,) the doctors and divines” of Oxford busied themselves all that ever they could about Master Cranmer, to have him recant, assaying by all crafty practices and allurements they might devise, how to bring their purpose to pass. And to the intent they might win him easily, they — had him to the dean’s house of Christ’s Church in the said university, where he lacked no delicate fare, played at the bowls, had his pleasure for walking, and all other — things that might bring him from Christ. Over and besides all this, secretly and sleightly, they suborned certain men, which, when they could not expunge him by arguments and disputation, should by entreaty and fair promises or any other means allure him to recantation: perceiving otherwise what a great wound they should receive if the archbishop had stood stedfast in his sentence; and again on the other side, how great profit they should get, if he, as the principal standard-bearer, should be overthrown. By reason whereof the wily papists flocked about him with threatning, flattering, entreating, and promising, and all other means: especially, Henry Sydall, and friar John, a Spaniard, de Villa Garcina, to the end to drive him, to the uttermost of their possibility, from his former sentence to recantation: whose force

Thearchhis manly constancy did a great while resist ; but at last, when they made no end tented to of calling and crying upon him, the archbishop being overcome, whether through their importunity, or by his own imbecility, or of what mind I cannot tell, at length gave his hand. -— Causes movIt might be supposed that it was done for the hope of life, and better days to bis oe fo come. But as we may since perceive, by a letter of his sent to a lawyer, the mos 7 ce couse why he desired his time to be delayed, was that he would make an end of Marcus Antonius, which he had already begun: but howsoever it was, he recanted, though plain against his conscience. | The queen’s Mary the queen, having now gotten a time to revenge her old grief, ado his against recantation very gladly ; but of her purpose to put him to death she would nothing relent. But taking secret counsel how to dispatch Cranmer out of the way, (who ¢ yet knew nothing of her secret hate, and looked for nothing less than death,) appointed The queen doctor Cole, and secretly gave him in commandment, that against the 2]st of March | with doctor he should prepare a funeral sermon for Cranmer’s burning, and so instructing him ole abou 7

Cranmer’s grderly and diligently of her will and pleasure in that behalf, sendeth him away.

burning. at * Lord Wm.of Soon after, the Lord Williams of Thame, and the Lord Shandoys, Sir Thomas Bridges, Shandoys, and Sir John Browne were sent for, with other worshipful men and justices, com Bridges, manded in the queen’s name to be at Oxford at the same day, with their servants

Broweed to and retinue, lest Cranmer’s death should raise there any tumult.

ee eee Cole, the doctor, having his lesson given him before, and charged by her com- eT mandment, returned to Oxford ready to play his part, who, as the day of executic

[’ So it is printed in ed. 1580, and in Foxe, ed. 1583, p. 1871. ] [? See Foxe, ed. 1583, p, 1884, ] 4 ad a near, even the day Bah he came into the prison to Cranmer, to try whether he - abode i in the catholic faith, wherein before he had left him. To whom when Cranmer q had answered, that by God’s grace he would daily be more confirmed in the catholic _ faith ; Cole, departing for that time, the next day following repaired to the archbishop again, giving no signification as yet of his death that was prepared ; and therefore in the morning, which was the 21st day of March, appointed for Cranmer’s execution, the said Cole coming to him asked, if he had any money. To whom when he answered uid that he had none, he delivered him fifteen crowns to give the poor to whom he would : and so exhorting him so much as he could to constancy in faith, departed thence about % his business, as to his sermon appertained. ig __ By this partly, and other like arguments, the archbishop began more and more to _ surmise what they went about. Then, because the day was not far past, and the lords and knights that were looked for were not yet come, there came to him the _ Spanish friar, witness of his recantation, bringing a paper with articles, which Cranmer should openly profess in his recantation before the people, earnestly desiring that it he would write the said instrument with the articles with his own hand, and sign Cranmer ps ‘it with his name: which when he had done, the said friar desired that he would subbseribeth

“write another copy thereof, which should remain with him; and that he did also. with his own But yet the archbishop, being not ignorant whereunto their secret devices tended, and b _ thinking that the time was at hand, in which he could no longer dissemble the pro-fession of his faith with Christ’s people, he put secretly in his bosom his prayer with

“his exhortation, written in another paper, which he minded to recite to the people, before he should make the last profession of his faith, fearing lest, if they had heard the confession of his faith first, they would not afterward have suffered him to exhort a the people.

3 Soon after, about nine of the clock, the Lord Williams, Sir Thomas Bridges, Sir

& 1 ohn Browne, and the other justices, with certain other noblemen that were sent of

8 he queen’s council, came to Oxford with a great train of waiting men. Also of the other multitude on every side (as is wont in such a matter) was made a great con-course and greater expectation.

a ale this so great frequence and expectation, Cranmer at length cometh from the Doctor Cran-son Bocardo unto St Mary’s church (because it was a foul and a rainy day), the to doctor’ chi ief church in the university, in this order. The mayor went before, next him the mon. al dermen in their place and degree; after them was Cranmer brought between two friz s, which mumbling to and fro certain psalms in the streets, answered one ano1 er, until they came to the church door, and there they began the song of Simeon, Nunc dimittis ; and entering into the church, the psalm-saying friars brought him to iis standing, and there left him. There was a stage set up over against the pulpit, poctor cranf a mean height from the ground, where Cranmer had his standing, waiting until a stage?” ’ e made him ready to his sermon. | The lamentable case and sight of that man gave a sorrowful spectacle to all hristian eyes that beheld him. He that late was archbishop, metropolitan and prinate of England, and the king’s privy councillor, being now in a bare and ragged own, and ill-favouredly clothed, with an old square cap, exposed to the contempt f all men, did admonish men not only of his own calamity, but also of their state 1 fortune. For who would not pity his case, and bewail his fortune, and might a t fear his own chance, to see such a prelate, so grave a councillor, and of so long inued honour, after so many dignities, in his old years to be deprived of his ®, adjudged to die, and in so painful a death to end his life, and now presently

_ such fresh ornaments to descend to such vile and ragged apparel ?

XXIV the Life, State, and Story

In this habit, when he had stood a good space upon the stage, turning to a pillar — near adjoining thereunto, he lifted up his hands to heaven, and prayed to God once { or twice: till at the length Dr Cole coming into the pulpit, and beginning his sermon, — entered first into mention of Tobias and Zachary. Whom after that he had praised — in the beginning of his sermon, for their perseverance in the true worshipping of God, ;

Deetor Cole’s he then divided his whole sermon into three parts (according to the solemn custom ; hice nats, Of the schools), intending to speak first of the mercy of God, secondly of his justice | to be shewed, and last of all, how the prince’s secrets are not to be opened. And — proceeding a little from the beginning, he took occasion by and by to turn his tale — to Cranmer, and with many hot words reproved him, that once he being endued with — The sum and the favour and feeling of wholesome and catholic doctrine, fell into the contrary opinion — effect o doctor Cole’s of pernicious error, which he had not only defended by writings, and all his power, |

Oxford. ‘put also allured other men to the like’ with great liberality of gifts, as it were — appointing rewards for error; and after he had allured them, by all means did cherish — them. oi roeaee It were too long to repeat all things, that in long order were then pronounced. 4 mentupon ‘The sum of this tripartite declamation was, that he said God’s mercy was so tem- — when no hat pered with his justice, that he did not altogether require punishment according to the — ment ‘fen merits of offenders, nor yet sometimes suffered the same altogether to go unpunished, — to be of Cole whi which yea, though they had repented: as in David, who when he was bidden choose of — perdured in three kinds of punishments which he would, and he had chosen pestilence for three — never yet repented? days, the Lord forgave him half the time, but did not release all: and that the same — thing came to pass in him also, to whom although pardon and reconciliation was due ~ according to the canons, seeing he repented from his errors; yet there were causes 4 why the queen and the council at this time judged him to death; of which, lest he _ should marvel too much, he should hear some. ‘

First, that being a traitor, he had dissolved the lawful matrimony between the q king her father and mother; besides the driving out of the pope’s authority, while he was metropolitan. BY Ifallheretices Secondly, that he had been an heretic, from whom, as from an author and only — in Englan jhows’® fountain, all heretical doctrine and schismatical opinions that so many years have prewhere should vailed in England, did first rise and spring: of which he had not been a sec ret ‘S eenow? favourer only, but also a most earnest defender even to the end of his life, sowing them abroad by writings and arguments, privately and openly, not without greatly ruin and decay of the catholic church.

Lex non And further, it seemed meet, according to the law of equality, that as the dential : cod inicgel of the Duke of Northumberland of late made even with Thomas More, chancellor, | tatis.

that died for the church, so there should be one that should make even with Fisher 4 of Rochester ; and because that Ridley, Hooper, Farrar, were not able to make eve 1 with that man, it seemed meet that Cranmer should be joined to them to fill up ’ this part of equality. Beside these, there were other just and weighty causes, which seemed to the queen and the council, which was not meet at that time to be opened to the common people. ie After this, turning his tale to the hearers, he bad all men beware by this man’s this earth so high nor s0 example, that among men nothing is so high, that can promise itself safety on thi} may fall. earth, and that God’s vengeance is equally stretched against all men, and spare hi none; therefore they should beware and learn to fear their prince.

And seeing th é

[’ To do the like, Foxe, ed. 1583.]

OF THOMAS CRANMER. | XXV queen’s majesty would not spare so notable a man as this, much less in the like cause she would spare other men; that no man should think to make thereby any E aitince of his error, either in riches or any kind of authority. They had now an

| ] example to teach them all, by whose calamity every man might consider his own

A fortune; who from the top of dignity, none being more honourable than he in the

_ whole realm, and next the king, was fallen into so great misery, as they might now i see; being a man of so high degree, some time one of the chiefest prelates in the church, and an archbishop, the chief of the council, the second person in the realm of long time, a man thought in greatest assurance, having a king on his side; notwithstanding all his authority and defence, to be debased from high estate to a low

: degree; of a councillor to become a caitiff, and to be set in so wretched a state, that the poorest wretch would not change condition with him; briefly, so heaped

_ with misery on all sides, that neither was left in him any hope of better fortune, nor place for worse.

” The latter part of his sermon he converted to the archbishop; whom he compoctor Cole _ forted and encouraged to take his death well, by many places of scripture, as with the ret _ these and such like: bidding him not mistrust, but he should incontinently receive tae i : _ that the thief did to whom Christ said, Hodie mecum eris in Paradiso; that is, “This “Y- d | Dany thou shalt be with me in Paradise.” And out of St Paul he armed him against

\ the terror of the fire, by this: Dominus fidelis est, non sinet vos tentari ultra quam

_ ferre potestis; that is, “The Lord is faithful, which will not suffer you to be tempted 1 cor. x. above your strength:” by the example of the three children, to whom God made the flame to seem like a pleasant dew: adding also the rejoicing of St Andrew in his cross, the patience of St Laurence on the fire; assuring him that God, if he called

_ on him, and to such as die in his faith, either would abate the fury of the flame,

: or give him strength to abide it.

) He glorified God much in his conversion, because it’ appeared to be only his work, poctor co’e

~ declaring what travail and conference had been with him to convert him, and all prethearch- ik the arch-

’ vailed not, till that it pleased God of his mercy to reclaim him and call him home. version, Dut that rejoicing In discoursing of which place, he much commended Cranmer, and qualified his forae

; mer doings, thus tempering his judgment and talk of him, that while the time (said

_ he) he flowed in riches and honour, he was unworthy of his life, and now that he

7 might not live, he was unworthy of death. But lest he should carry with him no comfort, he would diligently labour, he said, and also he did promise in the name of Diriges and all the priests that were present, immediately after his death there should be diriges, mised for masses, and funerals executed for him in all the churches of Oxford for the succour

Cranmer in all this mean time with what great grief of mind he stood hearing this “sermon, the outward shews of his body and countenance did better express than any “man can declare; one while lifting up his hands and eyes unto heaven, and then ain for shame letting them down to the earth. A man might have seen the very mage and shape of perfect sorrow lively in him expressed. More than twenty several The tears, t imes the tears gushed out abundantly, dropped down marvellously from his fatherly bishop. face. They which were present do testify, that they never saw in any child more than brast out from him at that time, all the sermon while; but specially ‘when he recited his prayer before the people. It is marvellous what commiseration ‘and pity moved ali men’s hearts, that beheld so heavy a countenance and such abund- ‘ance of tears in an old man of so reverend dignity. Cole, after he had ended his sermon, called back the people that were ready to depart, to prayers. ‘ Brethren,” said he, “lest any man should doubt of this man’s

XXVi THE LIFE, STATE, AND STORY earnest conversion and repentance, you shall hear him speak before you; and there-— Cranmer fore I pray you, Master Cranmer, that you will now perform that you promised — required to declare his not long ago, namely, that you would openly express the true and undoubted pro-faith, fession of your faith, that you may take away all suspicion from men, and that all

Canmer men ‘may understand that you are a catholic in deed.” ‘I will do it” (said the archdeclarehis bishop), “and with a good will;” who by and by rising up, and putting off his cap, began to speak thus unto the people: eT “T desire you, well-beloved brethren in the Lord, that you will pray to God for me, Rishop to the to forgive me my sins, which above all men, both in number and greatness, I have a committed ; but among all the rest, there is one offence, which of all at this time doth vex and trouble me, whereof in process of my talk you shall hear more in his proper place:” and then, putting his hand into his bosom, he drew forth his prayer, which he recited to the people in this sense.

The Prayer of Doctor Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, at His Death

The prayer Goop christian people, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters in Christ, I beseech bishop. you most heartily to pray for me to Almighty God, that he will forgive me all my sins and offences, which be many without number, and great above measure. But yet one thing grieveth my conscience more than all the rest, whereof, God willing, I intend to speak more hereafter. But how great and how many soever my sins be, I beseech you to pray God of his mercy to pardon and forgive them all.” And here, kneeling down, he said: “QO Father of Heaven: O Son of God, Redeemer of the world: O Holy Ghost, three persons and one God, have mercy upon me, most wretched caitiff and miserable sinner. I have offended, both against heaven and earth, more than my tongue can express. Whither then may I go, or whither should I fly? — To heaven I may be ashamed to lift up mine eyes, and in earth I find no place of — refuge or succour. ‘To thee therefore, O Lord, do I run: to thee do I humble my-self, saying: O Lord, my God, my sins be great, but yet have mercy upon me for BY thy great mercy. The great mystery, that God becaiie-man, was not wrought for little or few offences. Thou didst not give thy Son, O heavenly Father, unto death ~ for small sins only, but for all the greatest sins of the world, so that the sinner return _ to thee with his whole heart, as I do here at this present. Wherefore, have mercy — on me, O God, whose property is always to have mercy; have mercy upon me, O i Lord, for thy great mercy. I crave nothing, O Lord, for mine own merits, but for thy name’s sake, that it may be hallowed thereby, and for thy dear Son Jesus Christ’s sake: and now therefore, Our Father of heaven, hallowed be thy name,” &c.

And then he rising said: The last people.

departing, whereby God may be glorified, and you edified.

“First, it is an heavy case to see that so many folk be so much doted upon é the love of this false world, and so careful for it, that of the love of God or the it

Exhortation World to come they seem to care very little or nothing. Therefore this shall be my ofthe world. first exhortation, that you set not your minds overmuch upon this glosing world, but Fi upon God and upon the world to come; and to learn to know what this lesson ¥ meaneth, which St John teacheth, ‘That the love of this world is hatred against i of the world

“Every man, good people, desireth at that time of their death to give some good 4 exhortation exhortation, that other may remember the same before their death, and be the better — of the arch4 bishop to the thereby: so I beseech God grant me grace, that I may speak something at this my

| OF THOMAS CRANMER. | xxvii “The deoona exhortation is, that next, under God, you obey your king and queen £ willingly and gladly, without murmuring or grudging; not for fear of them only, but much more for the fear of God: knowing that they be God’s ministers, appointed - by God to rule and govern you; and therefore, whosoever resisteth them, resisteth the ordinance of God.

“The third exhortation is, that you love altogether like brethren and sisters. For, Exhortation brotherly alas! pity it is to see what contention and hatred one christian man beareth to another, love. not taking each other as brother and sister, but rather as strangers and mortal enemies. But, I pray you, learn and bear well away this one lesson, to do good unto all men, as much as in you lieth, and to hurt no man, no more than you would hurt your own natural loving brother or sister. For this you may be sure of, that whosoever hateth any person, and goeth about maliciously to hinder or hurt him, surely, and without all doubt, God is not with that man, although he think himself 4 ; never so much in God’s favour. & “The fourth exhortation shall be to them that have great substance and riches Exhortation of this world, that they will well consider and weigh three sayings of the of this world, xhortation to obedience.

movin them scripture. * charitable

“One is of our Saviour Christ himself, who saith: ‘It is hard for a rich man to Luke xviii. enter into the kingdom of heaven.’ A sore saying, and yet spoken of him that knoweth the truth.

“The second is of St John, whose saying is this: ‘He that hath the substance 1 John iii. of this world, and seeth his brother in necessity, and shutteth up his mercy from him,

Eh how can he say that he loveth God?

“The third is of St James, who speaketh to the covetous rich man after this James v. - manner: ‘Weep you and howl for the misery that shall come upon you: your riches do rot, your clothes be moth-eaten, your gold and silver doth canker and rust, and their rust shall bear witness against you, and consume you like fire: you gather a hoard or treasure of God’s indignation against the last day.’ Let them that be rich, ponder well these three sentences: for if ever they had occasion to shew their charity, they have it now at this present, the poor people being so many, and victuals so dear.

• And now, forasmuch as I am come to the last end of my life, whereupon hangeth all my life past, and all my life to come, either to live with my Master Christ for ever in joy, or else to be in pain for ever with wicked devils in hell, and see before mine eyes presently either heaven ready to receive me, or else hell ready to swallow me up; I shall therefore declare unto you my very faith, how I believe, without any colour or dissimulation: for now is no time to dissemble, whatsoever I have said or written in time past.

“First, I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, &c. the areh-

And I believe every article of the catholic faith, every word and sentence taught by clash the our Saviour Jesus Christ, his apostles and prophets, in the new and old testament. sion ofhis | * And now I come to the great thing that so much troubleth my conscience more disembling than any thing that ever I did or said in my whole life, and that is, the setting abroad dhe of a writing contrary to the truth: which now here I renounce and refuse as things renee his cantation, written with my hand contrary to the truth which I thought in my heart, and written 24 repent. fear of death, and to save my life, if it might be; and that is, all such bills and papers which I have written or signed with my hand since my degradation ; wherein I have written many things untrue. And forasmuch as my hand offended, writing contrary to my heart, my hand shall first be punished therefore: for, may I come to the fire, it shall be first burned.

Thearch- “And as for the pope, I refuse him as Christ’s enemy and antichrist, with all his ie sph false doctrine. . :

gay aba “And as for the sacrament, I believe as I have taught in my book against the bishop Sopa of Winchester; the which my book teacheth so true a doctrine of the sacrament, that eth to his % it shall stand at the last day before the judgment of God, where the papistical docagainst Wintrine contrary’ thereto shall be ashamed to shew her face.” aon ee Here the standers by were all astonied, marvelled, were amazed, did look one vayed, upon another, whose expectation he had so notably deceived. Some began to admonish him of his recantation, and to accuse him of falsehood.

Briefly, it was a world to see the doctors beguiled of so great an hope. I think there was never cruelty more notably or better in time deluded and deceived. For it is not to be doubted but they looked for a glorious victory and a perpetual triumph —

Tihs paplts by this man’s retractation: who, as soon as they heard these things, began to let chafe against down their ears, to rage, fret, and fume; and so much the more, because they could

Righornot revenge their grief; for they could now no longer threaten or hurt him. For the most. miserable man in the world can die but once: and whereas of necessity he must needs die that day, though the papists had been never so well pleased; now, being never so much offended with him, yet could he not be twice killed of them. And so, when they could do nothing else unto him, yet lest they should say nothing, they ceased not to object unto him his falsehood and dissimulation.

Cranmer’s | Unto which accusation he answered: “ Ah, my masters,” quoth he, “do not you papists. take it so. Always since I lived hitherto I have been a hater of falsehood, and a lover of simplicity, and never before this time have I dissembled :” and in saying this, all the tears that remained in his body appeared in his eyes. And when he began to speak more of the sacrament and of the papacy, some of them began to cry out, yelp, and bawl; and specially Cole cried out upon him, “Stop the heretic’s mouth, and take him away.”

Cranmer And then Cranmer being pulled down from the stage, was led to the fire, accom- oe panied with those friars, vexing, troubling, and threatening him most cruelly. “ What

Cranmer led madness,” say they, “hath brought thee again into this error, by which thou wilt draw innumerable souls with thee into hell?” To whom he answered nothing, but directed all his talk to the people, saving that to one troubling him in the way he spake, and exhorted him to get him home to his study, and apply his book diligently, saying, “if he did diligently call upon God, by reading more he should get knowledge.” But the other Spanish barker, raging and foaming, was almost out of his wits, always having this in his mouth: Non fecisti? “didst thou it not?”

Zhe archBut when he came to the place where the holy bishops and martyrs of God, Hugh thevinceoe atimer and Ridley, were burnt before him for the confession of the truth, kneeling execution. “down, he prayed to God; and not long tarrying in prayers, putting off his garments to his shirt, he prepared himself to death. His shirt was made long down to his feet: his feet were bare: likewise his head, when both his caps were off, was so bare, that not one hair could be seen upon it: his beard was long and thick, covering his face with marvellous gravity. Such a countenance of gravity moved the hearts both of his friends and of his enemies.

Then the Spanish friars, John and Richard, of whom mention was made before, | began to exhort him and play their parts with him afresh, but with vain and lost — labour: Cranmer, with steadfast purpose abiding in the profession of his doctrine, gave his hand to certain old men, and other that stood by, bidding them farewell.

a faa And when he had thought to have done so likewise to Ely, the said Ely drew back — oe eae hand and refused, saying, “it was not lawful to salute heretics, and specially — bishop.

xxviii THE LIFE, STATE, AND STORY a eee isa et =e ieee eas: _———— = ea a

OF THOMAS CRANMER. xxix uch a one as falsely returned unto the opinions that he had forsworn; and if he had known before that he would have done so, he would never have used his company so familiarly:” and chid those sergeants and citizens, which had not refused to give him their hands. This Ely was a priest lately made, and student in divinity, being then one of the fellows of Brazennose.

_ Then was an iron chain tied about Cranmer, whom when they perceived to be Bina A more steadfast than that he could be moved from his sentence, they commanded the the en fire to be set unto him. And when the wood was kindled, and the fire began to ‘th istight burn near him, stretching out his arm, he put his nght hand into the flame: which pe he held so steadfast and immoveable, (saving that once with the same hand he wiped ”* his face,) that all men might see his hand burned before his body was touched. His body did so abide the burning of the flame, with such constancy and steadfastness, that standing always in one place without moving of his body, he seemed to move no more than the stake to which he was bound: his eyes were lifted up into heaven, and oftentimes he repeated, his “unworthy right hand,” so long as his voice would The last, suffer him: and using often the words of Stephen, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” freymer in the greatness of the flame, he gave up the ghost.

This fortitude of mind, which perchance is rare and not used among the Spaniards, when friar John saw, thinking it came not of fortitude but of desperation, (although such manner examples, which are of the like constancy, have been common here in England,) ran to the lord Williams of Thame, crying that “the archbishop was vexed in mind, and died in great desperation.” But he which was not ignorant of the Tes thats archbishop’s constancy, being unknown to the Spaniards, smiled only, and, as it were, of Cranmer. by silence rebuked the friar’s folly.

And this was the end of this learned archbishop, whom, lest by evil subscribing he should have perished, by well recanting God preserved; and lest he should have lived longer with shame and reproof, it pleased God rather to take him away, to the _ glory of his name and profit of his church. So good was the Lord both to his _ church in fortifying the same with the testimony and blood of such a martyr: and so good also to the man, with this cross of tribulation to purge his offences in this world, not only of his recantation, but also of his standing against John Lambert, and M. Allen, or if there were any other with whose burning and blood his hands had been before any thing polluted. But especially he had to rejoice that, _ dying in such a cause, he was to be numbered amongst Christ’s martyrs, much more worthy the name St Thomas of Canterbury than he whom the pope falsely before did canonize.

The end of Cranmer’s life, Archb. of Cant.

The following is the list of Archbishop Cranmer’s writings, extracted from Bishop Tanners Bibliotheca :

Scriesir A Preface to the English Translation of the Bible, Strype in Vita Cranmer. App. p. 241. A catechism of christian doctrine, Mpxivin. by Gualter Lynn. Tempore Edw. VI. typis vulgavit in 8vo. Instruction into the christian religion, Pr. epist. “It is not unknown unto the hole.” Idem hic liber cum Catechismo, quia sepe mentionem facit verborum, “good children.” The ordinances or appointments of the reformed church. Hic liber fuit, The Book of Common Prayer, cum prefat. “There was never any thing.” A book of ordaining ministers. Idem cum, The form of ordinalion, &c. A. mpt. A book concerning the Eucharist, with Luther. cclesiastical Laws in the time of king Edward. Hic liber est Reformatio legum, Sc. a 32 delegatis composita, inter quos Cranmerus erat primarius. A defence of the catholic doctrine, Lib. v. Pr. pr. “Our Saviour Christ Jesus, according to the will.” London, mou. 4to. Emde mptvn. 8vo. Latine per Joh. Chekum, cui Archiepiscopus Latinam prefationem addidit ded. regi Edw. VI. pro cura dominici gregis, Lond. mpi. Vide hac versione Hospinian. Histor. Sacram. par. 1. p. 246. a. Transtulit hune librum etiam Johannes Young, Cantabr. The doctrine of the Lord’s Supper, Lib. 1. Against the error of transubstantiation, Lib. 1. How Christ is present in the Lord’s Supper, Lib. 1. Concerning eating the Lord’s Supper, Lib. 1. Concerning the offering up of Christ, Lib. 1. Hee sunt argumenta quinque librorum Defensionis Catholice Doctrine, §c. Responsionem ad sophisticam Gardineri cavillationem contra veram doctrinam de corpore et sanguine Christi in eucharistia, Lib. v. Anglice. Pr. “I thinke it good, gentle reader,” Lond. mput. 4to. mprxxx. fol. Et Latine per Joh. Fox. MS. penes Jo. Strype. Cui libro replicabat Steph. Gardiner sub nomine M. Ant. Constantii, cui etiam libro Cranmer respondere voluit, nisi mors prevenisset. Tres tamen libros responsorios contexuit, quorum duo priores Oxonie perierunt. A book of christian homelies. Est se. prima pars homiliarum libri tempore Edw. VI. edit. A book in answer to the calumnies of Richard Smith. Pr. “I have now obtained.” Lond. mpi. 4to. MDLXxx. fol. Confutations of unwritten verities ; written against Rich. Smith’s book De Veritatibus non scriptis, qui liber Latine scriptus, sed nunquam, ut mihi quidem videtur, in ea lingua impressus fuit. Pr. translationis, “Ye shal put nothyng to the word.” Anglice per E.P. cum prefatione doctissima, Lond. mpixxxi. 4to. Twelve books of common places taken out of the doctors, concerning the unlawfulness of marrying the brother’s wife, Lib. u.. Hic liber primus esse videtur, quem jussu regis Hen. VIII. conscripsit. In MS. Cotton. Vespas. B.5. sunt articuli xii., ex quibus demonstratur divortium inter Hen. VIII. et reginam Catharinam necessario esse faciendum. Pr. “ Affinitas.” Against the pope’s supremacy, Lib. 1. Hee forte fuit declaratio episcoporum, A. MpxxxvI. contra suprematum pape, et contra Poli Ecclesiasticam unionem Against the pope’s purgatory, Lib. 1. Concerning justification, Lib. 1. Hi duo ultimi videntur esse tractatus hujus argumenti ad finem libri, The institution of a christian man. Pious prayers, Lib. 1. forte orarium sive libellus precationum a rege et clero editus, A. mpxtv. Against the sacrifice of Mass ; and against the adoration of the bread, Lib. 1. Scriptus hic liber in carcere, et videtur esse pars prima Responsi ad Gardinerum, sub nomine Constantii. XII Questions about alms, fasting, the mass, &c. by archb. Cranmer, MS. C. C. C. Cantabr. Misc. B. p. 231. His declaration concerning the slanderous reports of his setting up mass again, Ibid. p. 321. et Strype in Vita Cranmer. p. 305. Pr. “As the devil.” Disputationes Oxonie, April. 16. mo.tv. Fox. p. 1430, seqq.

LIST or « CRANMER’S WRITINGS. XXxXxi z Se diicsioncs et recantationes ejus VI. cum oratione ad populum ante mortem. Vis. et exam. per Edm. episc. London. Extant Angl. et Latine London mptyt. 4to, Protestationem contra jurisdictionem episcopi Romani. Extat in Concil. M. Brit. et Hib. Vol. III. p. 757. Mandatum de festo S. Marci evangeliste celebrando, Ibid. p. 826. Aliud de non celebrandis festis diebus in concil. province. abrogatis, bid. p. 827. Literam commissionalem Rich. episcopo Dovor. Ibid. p. 828. seq. et Strype in Vita Cranmer. App. p. 41. Injunctions given to the diocese of Hereford. Ibid. p. 843. - Mandatum de nominibus beneficiatorum et beneficiorum, Ibid. p. 857. Statutum de i numero procuratorum curi@ Cant. confirmatum a T. C. Thid. p. 858. seq. Constitu_ tionem de moderato apparatu escarum. Ibid. p. 862. Mandatum pro orationibus pro i cessatione pluvie. Ibid. p. 868. Epistolas varias. 1. M. Bucero post mortem Fagii, ~ MS. ©. ©. ©. Cantabr. Miscell. II. p27. Epistole due ad M. Parkerum. Ibid. | - Miscell. I. 391. quarum una extat Strype in Vita Parker, p. 28. Epistola Lat. Jo. _ Vadiano mpxxxvit., super controversia de coena Domini orta. Strype in Vita Cranm. App. n. xxv. etiam edit. per Colomesium, Lond. mpcxcrv. 12mo. Epistole VI. extant ad finem Responsionis ad Gardinerum, Lond. MDLXxx. fol. Epistole due ad reginam, et altera ad doct. Martin, et Story ex carcere Oxon. Pr. prime, “It may please your ~ majesty.” … . mpivr. 8vo. Epistola ad Edwardum principem, Fox. 1395. Epistola t | ad consilium sacrum e carcere Oxon. Fox. 1464. Epistole XVII. Anglice et III. | Latine extant apud Strype in Vita Cranmer. in Append. et in libro ipso VI. ejus Ei Epistole. Protestationem contra juramentum pape prestitum, Strype in Vita Cranm. a Append. n. v. Three discourses of faith, justification, and forgiveness of injuries, occasioned upon his review of the king’s book, intitl, The erudition of a christian man. .: Strype, Cranm. App. n. xxx1. Other discourses ; De consolatione Christianorum contra metum mortis. Item, Exhortation to take adversity and sickness patiently. bid. n. xxxur. Answers to the XV articles of the rebells, Devon. A. Mpxuix. Ibid. n. xt. _ Notes for an homily against the rebellion. Ibid. n. xut. Speech at the coronation of __ k, Edward, Strype in Vita Cranmer, p. 144. Articles in the visitation of the diocese of Canterbury, A. 2. Edw. VI. Pr. “First whether parsons, vicars.” Extant in Collect. canon. Sparrow Bal. VIII. 90. H. Holland. Herool. p. 161.

A fuller account of the writings of Cranmer, with the list of those printed in ‘Dr Jenkyns’s edition, will be given with the biographical memoir in the other volume of this collection.

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SACRAMENT OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF OUR yy SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. Mi eeeTAe nk walegadeqiihil vox es: gH Dew, , 29) usa we ke Ben bh reth moo od Csi wee ‘REVEREND FATHER: IN GOD pHomAs: CRANMER, ie. snemisnor ° (OF CANTERBURY, PRIMATE. OF ALL ENGLAND, AND METROPOLITAN. yf , a4 4 ‘| 7UF LG, bai fh 4° Gere Dei DUES ie vy eet

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An Avnsvver by the Reverend Father

| in God Thomas Archbyshop of Canterbury,

Primate of all England and Metropolitane, Vnto a craftie and Sophisticall cauillation, deuised by Stephen Gardiner Doctour of Law, late Byshop of Winchester agaynst the true and godly doctrine of the most holy

Sacrament, of the body and bloud of our Sauiour IESV CHRIST.

Wherein ts also, as orrasion serueth, aunstvered surh plares of the booke of Bort, Richard Smith, as map. seeme anp thpng horthp the aunstverpny.

Were is also the true Copp of the booke foritten, and in open Court deltuered, bp D. Stephen Gardiner, not one foord added or Diminished, but fapthfullp in all pointes agreepng With the @riginall.

Reuisex, and corrected by the say Archhyshap at Orford hefore his Martyrvame: Wherein hee hath heauttfiey Gardiner’s Doynges, With asmuch Viligence as might ‘he, by applying Potes in the Margent, and markes to the Boctours saying: which before fManted tn the first Smpression.

Hereunto is prefiped the Viscourse of the say¥ Archhyshaps Ipfe, ant Martyrdome, briefly collected out of his Hystorp of the Actes and Monumentes, and in the end is ated certaine Pates, wherein Gardiner haried, both fram him selfe, and other Papistes, gathered by the say¥ Archhyshap.

(KS Read with Hudgement, and conferre with viligence, laping aside all affection on either partie, and thou shalt easelp petceaue (good Reader) How slender and weake the allegations and perswasions of the Papistes are, wherewith thep goe about to Defende their erroneous and false Doctrine, and to impugne the truth. Anno. M.D.LI.

AT LONDON Printed by Iohn Daye, dwellyng ouer Al- dersgate beneath S. Martines.

$43 Cum gratia & Priuilegio, ” Regie Maiestaiis.

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Contents · 2. Prefaces to the Reader →