Diamaid MacCulloch, Ph.D.: "Thomas Cranmer:" Ch.5: Boleyn & Cromwell, 15...

Cranmer preached in Lenten sermons, 3-31 Mar 15, in Parliament: (1) as propaganda, shutting monasteries will redound to the people’s benefit, (2) chantry priests would be gone, (3) papal deception, (4) purgatory monies for masses for the dead. Also, theological trouble-shooters of Cranmer, Latimer and Shaxton were interviewers troubles: Dr. Robert Crouker, a traditionalist, and John Lambert, a Bible man opposing prayer to saints, etc. Also, in Feb-Mar 1536, preliminary, doctrinal discussions were afoot on “articles” and worship changes. Bishop Foxe was in consultations with Lutheran princes in parallel with the “domestic doctrine-making” and tinkering (153). Collapse of Anne Boleyn. Cromwell takes the pre-emptive strike emerge from March forwards, but visibly in Apr 1536. Alleged issue: money conflict of monies in the monastery closure, Anne believing such should go to education and the poor. Cromwell appears to effect his Machiavellian strike—right or wrong be damned with victory at any cost. Meanwhile it would appear that Cranmer and Latimer favored Anne’s focus on education and the poor. The secret commission of oyer and terminer were convened 24 Apr re: treason and her alleged infidelities. 27 April, Henry believes Anne’s guilt and to be destroyed. 28 April, new instructions for the monastery-destroyer-visitors. 2 May: Anne rowed to the Tower. Dr. Cranmer writes his two-timing, unctuous, safe, half-baked, self-serving, Machiavellian and toadying letter to Henry. With the hostile commentators on Cranmer, we include this feckless piece here: And if it be true, that is openly reported of the Queen’s Grace; if men had a right estimation of things, they should not esteem any part of your Grace’s honour to be touched thereby, but her honour only to be disparaged. And I am in such perplexity, that my mind is clearly amazed; for I never had better opinion in woman, that I had in her; which maketh me to think, that she should not be culpable. And again, I think your Highness would not have gone so far, except she had surely been culpable. Now I think that your Grace best knoweth, that next unto your Grace I was most bound unto her of all creatures living…And if she be found culpably, considering your Grace’s goodness towards her, and what condition your Grace of your only mere goodness took her and set the Crown upon her head; I repute him nor your Grace’s faithful servant and subject, nor true unto the realm, that would not desire the offence without mercy to be punished to the example of all other. And as I loved her not a little for the love which I judge her to bear toward God and the gospel; so, if she be proved culpable, there is not one that loveth God and his gospel that ever will favour her, but must hate her above all other; and the more they favour the gospel, the more they will hat her…And though she have offended so, that she hath deserved never to be reconciled unto your Grace’s favour; yet almighty God hath manifoldly declared his goodness towards your Grace, and never offended you. Wherefore I trust that your Grace will bear no less entire favour unto the truth of the gospel, than you did before; forsomuch as your Grace’s favour to the gospel was not led by affection unto her, but be zeal unto the truth” (157). Tommy Cranmer will weep on the morning of her murder, evincing he believed her guiltless, yet, he writes CYA-letter.