Jaspar Ridley: "Thomas Cranmer:" 12--Six Articles, 193ff.

1539-1540. SIX ARTICLES, GREAT BIBLE. CANTERBURY FOUNDATIONS. The Six Articles of 1539 was discussed by Luther, Justas Jonas, Bugenhagen and Melanchthon and they were flabbergasted, believing Henry to be an unprincipled opportunist and an unreliable ally. The Duke of Saxony was informed of the opinion. The Germans talk about the principled reformers, but Cranmer is not included in the list. Letters from Bucer and Grynaeus express the Continental view (194). Meanwhile and on a better note, Cranmer’s Great Preface to the 1540 Bible—a considerable piece—is discussed including Cranmer’s two-fold concerns for the slow-indifferent needing the spur in Bible reading and the rash-heated needing the bridle in Bible reading, both points being Henrician concerns. The reordering or refoundation of Christ Prior of Canterbury Cathedral is discussed with Cromwell and Henry over-ruling Cranmer interests (196).