Reformed Anglicans

Psalm 112.1: Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. Calvin on this verse: 1 Blessed is the man that feareth Jehovah Although the prophet begins with an exhortation, he has, as I have already pointed out, something farther in view, than simply the calling upon the faithful to praise God. To practice wickedness, and perpetrate injustice, is, in all quarters, accounted a great happiness; and, although integrity may be occasionally praised, nevertheless, there is scarcely one among a hundred who pursues it, because all imagine that they will be miserable unless, by one means or another, they seize as booty every thing which comes in their way. In opposition to this, the prophet tells us that more advantage is to be expected from God’s paternal regard, than from the inflicting of every species of injury, and the perpetrating of every kind of injustice in our power; and by setting before us the certain hope of reward, he...

THE SOVEREIGN REDEEMER during the Crusades and period of reformatory movements. The Light shines in the darkness through the darkness does not comprehend it. During the Crusaders’ period, reforming movements arose: Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites, and Austin friars, apart from the monasteries, set afoot to preach in the vernacular, raise alms, build hospitals, convert heretics, and extend missions to Spain, Egypt and, in one instance, missions in Peking, Chin. Dominic (1170-1221), Aquinas, and Albertus Magnus were Dominican scholars—appealing to scholarly instincts. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) also sponsored the “Poor Clares” (sued by Obama due to their opposition to baby-killing). While widely known for their deck-plate ministries, they produced scholars also—Roger Bacon, Bonaventura, Duns Scotus and Occam. The Black Death shaped the 14th century and Churchmen ministered here also. Albigensians, Cathari, Petrobusians and Waldensians arose externally to the Church. The Synod of T...

Deuteronomy 2:30 KJV But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day. Titus 2:1-2 (KJV) But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

22. Crusaders and Reformers. There are five migratory Crusades from 1095-1229), driven by religious, economic, trade and political factors. Crusade 1-1095 as urged by Pope Urban 11 at Clermont; by 1099, they held Constantinople, Nicea, Antioch and Jerusalem. Crusade 2—ultimately a failure and preached by Bernard of Clairvaux, it initially recovered the fiefdom of Edessa. Crusade 3 (1189-1192), known as the “King’s Crusade”—Philip of France, Richard of England, and Emperor Frederick. While Saladin held the ground, an agreement with Richard allowed pilgrims access to Jerusalem. Crusade 4—the recapture of Egypt which brought the East back under the Pope after 150 years of independence. Crusade 5 (1229)—resulted in a treaty to allow pilgrims access to Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem with overall Saracen lordship. The Crusades stimulated trade, weakened feudalism (noblemen underwriting the ventures by land sales, etc.), strengthen centralized governments, enhanced Papal prestige, and stim...

KNIVES IN THE BACK FOR DOCTOR CRANMER. CITY OF GOD VERSUS CITY OF MAN.  The story of Sir Gostwick is told, to wit, knifing Cranmer in the back for his sermons at Canterbury. Henry threatens Gostwick who, as a result of the threatening, repairs with all speed to Cranmer at Lambeth to offer up an unctuous (and probably doubtworthy) apology. Cranmer (again) forgives Gostwick. Foxe offers 1544 as the date.  A second issue is raised: the Prebendaries’ Plot (1540-1543). Articles are generated by confederates designing Dr. Cranmer’s demise. They are well-articulated. Henry gets the articles, stuffs them in his sleeve, sets afloat, and floats on his barge towards Chelsea with musicians making their merriment alerting Cranmer at Lambeth who nears Henry with his own barge. Cranmer is invited into the royal barge. While alone, Henry states that he knows who is the "greatest heretic in Kent." He offers the articles to Cranmer for review who recommends Henry conduct an inquiry to which He...

Queen Mary 1’s Winchester, Worcester and Durham, among others, head up the rather rude interrogation of Bishop Robert Ferrar. Ferrar gives his answers (22). Feb 1555. There are several examinations of Dr. Robert Ferrar, the Bishop of St. David’s. After the examinations, he will be burned in the market-cross of Caermarthen, 30 Mar 1555. The articles against him are: First, That he willed him, being a priest, to abrenounce matrimony. Secondly, To grant the natural presence of Christ in the sacrament, under the forms of bread and wine. Thirdly, That the mass is a propitiatory sacrifice for the quick and the dead. Fourthly, That general councils lawfully congregated never did, nor can err. Fifthly, That men are not justified before God by faith only ; but that hope and charity are also necessarily required to justification. Sixthly, That the catholic church, which only hath authority to expound Scriptures, and to define controversies of religion, and to ordain things appertaining to pu...