Arthur J. Mason, M.A.: "Thomas Cranmer:" Ch. 6-Cranmer Under Edward VI, ...

LUTHERANISM AND GARDINER ON THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION--AS FAR AS DR. CRANMER IS CONCERNED, BYE BYE! Mason says of Gardiner: “Gardiner was not a profound or well-read divine; and he approached the subject from the point of view of a man of common sense, who accepts the traditional opinion in a broad way, without caring to go into the niceties of it” (132). Cranmer faults Gardiner for being a lawyer and unlettered in Romish history, including Duns Scotus and Acquinas. It’s merciless censorship by Cranmer. “Will you take upon you to defend the papists and know not what they say?” asks Cranmer. Even though Mason the M.A. called Cranmer’s view of the Table “low,” he concludes of Cranmer: “Cranmer's work is triumphant in almost every detail” (135). One hears of Traheron, Bucer, Vermigli, Bullinger, Hooper, and Ridley. Reformers feared Bucer’s Lutheranism (whom Luther called the “chatterbox”). But, Cranmer came clean on it. Traheron: “’As to Canterbury,’ writes Traheron in August 1548, `he conducts himself in such a way that the people do not think much of him, and the nobility regard him as lukewarm. In other respects he is a kind, good-natured man’” (136). John ab Ulmis: “`This Thomas,’ wrote John ab Ulmis in the same month [DPV, Aug 1548], `has fallen into so heavy a slumber, that we entertain but a very cold hope that he will be aroused even by your learned letter [DPV. Bullinger’s]. He has lately published a Catechism [DPV, Justus Jonas’], in which he has not only approved that foul and sacrilegious Transubstantiation of the Papists, but all the dreams of Luther seem to him well grounded, perspicuous, and lucid.’” (136). But a month later (DPV, Sept 1548], Traheron: “`Latimer,’ wrote Traheron, `has come over to our [DPV, the Swiss, not Wittenberg] opinion respecting the true doctrine of the Eucharist, together with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the other Bishops who heretofore seemed to be Lutherans’” (136). As know from other sources, Cranmer was vigorous in Parliament, 14-18 Dec 1548, on behalf of Reformed Theology on signs, seals and the sacrament of the Supper. Traheron writes Bullinger enthusiastically: “`The Archbishop of Canterbury,’ he wrote to Bullinger, `contrary to general expectation, most openly, firmly, and learnedly maintained your opinion upon this subject. I perceive that it is all over with Lutheranism’” (137). Again, “’The palm,’ he wrote to Bucer, `remains with our friends, especially with the Archbishop of Canterbury, whom they till now were wont to traduce as a man ignorant of theology, and only conversant with matters of government. But now, believe me, he has shown himself a mighty theologian. Transubstantiation, I think, is now exploded’” (137). Lutheranism on the sacrament of Holy Communion—done, finito, basta, over, gone, de nada. Bye, bye Lutherans and Lutheranism never again crossed the Channel on this subject. Bishop Hooper is in the game (later a Bishop in 1551, but here in 1548): “`The Archbishop of Canterbury,’ wrote Hooper, `entertains right views as to the nature of Christ's presence in the Supper, and is now very friendly towards myself. He has some articles of religion, to which all preachers are required to subscribe ; and in these his sentiments respecting the Eucharist are pure and religious, and similar to yours in Switzerland. We desire nothing more for him than a firm and manly spirit. Like all the other Bishops in this country, he is too fearful about what may happen to him’” (139) By 1551, Hooper (himself then a bishop) could tell Bullinger that Cranmer was hardly able to refrain from tears at receiving a letter from him: “`He made most honourable mention both of yourself and of your profound erudition. You have no one, I am sure, among all your dearest friends, who is more interested about you, and loves you in Christ more ardently’” (139). 

This is Twisse House, not Wittenberg House or Rome's House. Bye bye 1215 Lateran Council and the 1529 Marburg (Disastrous) Colloquy in which Luther acted so badly.