Henry John Todd: "The Life of Archbishop Cranmer," Ch. 2: 1529-1532, 58ff.

2. CHAPTER. 1529 to 1532. Late 1529-early 1530--Cranmer is now employed as an ambassador to the Papal Court. This, however, was preceded by the publication and discussion of Cranmer’s perspective at Cambridge. Gardiner and Fox are at Cambridge arguing the “Great Matter.” Meanwhile, Cranmer has crossed the Channel and is heading south with his own book and outline of arguments. Clement will not have an audience on it; he is too devoted to the interests of Charles V. He writes Crome: “As for our successes here (at Rome), they be very little; nor dare we to attempt to know any man's mind, because of the pope: nor is he content with what you have done…(27). Todd notes that universities and canonists were ruling in Henry’s favor. Cranmer spends several months in the sinkhole of Italy (our words, being that Rome is built above Hell). Pole writes a book from the Continent against the annulment, pointing how such will bring national disunity after the Civil Wars of Lancaster and Yorkism. Further, it will invite Continental discontent with the Imperial family which it did. Cranmer’s writes a review of Pole’s book with the Earl of Wiltshire. Todd puts Cranmer at Hampton Court, 13 Jun 1531 which little transitional commentary to the end of Cranmer’s first ambassadorial trip. Todd does suggest that Cranmer travelled home via Germany, probably picking up the issues on his travels. He is back in the homeland. Erasmus, Oecolampadius, Zwingli, Bucer, Osiander, Cornelius Agrippa, and the German divines including Luther all had varying views. Todd says Calvin offered his view—we doubt this much. 1532 for Calvin? Nah, he’s a 23-year-old no-name at this point. Todd indicates that Cranmer is off to the Imperial Court. Unfortunately, Todd does not do well here, other than to note “There he had diligently watched the progress of that powerful opposition to the Church of Rome, which was then the theme of all Europe. To the new doctrines, ere he returned, he had perhaps become almost an entire convert” (45). Cranmer is recalled, but, in this chapter, little else is noted of warrant.