John Foxe: "Acts and Monuments," 5.26ff.
1528-1533. A Table of certain Persons abjured within the Diocese of to London, under Bishop Stokesley with the Articles alleged against them, 26ff. Here’s the general sense of them, showing either Lollardy and/or Lutheran influence was long at work in the 1520s.
Imprimis, for having and dispersing abroad sundry books of Martin Luther’s others; as also for translating into the English tongue, certain chapters of the work of Luther, ‘De Bonis Operibus:’as also, certain chapters of a certain book called ‘Piae Predicationes,’ wherein divers works of Luther be comprehended.
Item, For affirming and believing that faith only, without good works, will bring a man to heaven.
Item, That men be not bound to observe the constitutions made by the Church.
Item, That we should pray to God only, and to no saints.
Item, That christian men ought to worship God only, and no saints.
Item, That pilgrimages be not profitable for man's soul, and should not be used.
Item, That we should not offer to images in the church, nor set any lights before them.
Item, That no man is bound to keep any manner of fasting-days, instituted at the church.
Item, That pardons granted by the pope or the bishop do not profit a man.
1531-1533. In 1531, William Tracy, Esquire, of Gloucestershire, gives his last will and testament (31). It is stunningly Biblical and, if tags may be needed, either was a Lollard, Lutheran or early Reformed man. His letter is stunning. The last will and testament was sent to Canterbury and rebuked. The order was given to disinter and dispose of the heretic’s body. The King heard of it and rebuked the officials involved, since it violated his authority. Dr. Cranmer in the 1530s is a tad late to the Reformation.
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