Cranmer Studies

Rev. Dr. Gerald Bray, “Documents of the English Reformation:" Tyndale’s Preface to the NT is on view. Tyndale extols the merits and passion of Christ, the gratuity of redemption, the accessibility of the Gospel, and the necessary fruits of faith and love. Very evangelical sounding (23-24). Rev. Dr. Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, “Theology of English Reformers:” “God Instrument of Salvation” is the Ploughman working the fields. We get Latimer’s hot, racy, homely and provocative comments about “lordly loiterers,” to wit, “unpreaching prelates” concerned with belly cheer and big kitchens. In the Sermon of the Plough, he notes that the Devil is never out of his diocese and, unlike earthly prelates, is every preaching and ploughing (128-129). Or, as we would said, “untheological minds” in pointy hates and living room drapes—theologically worthless, largely. Nice guys, nice smiles, nice clothes, but no theology. Margot Johnson’s “Thomas Cranmer: 500th Commemoration of his Birth:” Hugh Bates comments on Real Presence in the 1549, noting that "spiritually" is Dr. Cranmer's view. Thank you. Finally (108-109), Diarmaid McCulloch’s “Thomas Cranmer:” 1539. Prof. Mac is still discussing the complicated run-up to the Six Articles, trying with three evangelical reformers to stay the arguments. The concurrent and violent conflicts between Harry and the German delegates in London were aggravating factors (244-245). Harry expels the Germans and the Parliament and Convocation put forward the Six Whips. Arthur Innes: “Cranmer and the Reformation in England:” 1536-1539. Previous evidence and the evidence on the estate of monasteries are put before the Parliament. Innes tries the general case but particularities are absent. He notes that where lax government existed, so did other problems. He notes that some maintained exemplary government, e.g., the Carthusians and Observant Friars in London (72-73). Leslie Williams’ “Emblem of Faith Untouched: A Short Life of Thomas Cranmer:” 1536: Williams gives a super-wrap on a bullet-train from 31 Mar 1533, to the Dunstable nullity-kangaroo court, to marriage to Anne, to coronation of Anne, to Elizabeth’s birth and christening in Sept 1533. That train did not stop to add cars but went directly as planned (24-26). Old Harry was the train’s Chief Engineer. Cram was on for the ride. Poor old boy! Ayris, Paul, and David Selwyn, eds. “Thomas Cranmer: Churchman and Scholar:” Spinks is giving a tour of Cranmer’s liturgical resources, old and new, along with Bucer and Vermigli’s inputs. Cranmer is also tied to von Weidman’s work, but is creative at some other parts (180-181). Ridley, Jaspar. “Thomas Cranmer:” Cranmer is involved in the attainder and heresy charges against Barnes and Crumwell, by way of voting in favor against both. Yet, he was on the same sheet of music of both. The question is: How did the old boy avoid the fates of Barnes and Crum? Old Harry is the only answer for betting odds were that Cram was headed to the scaffold too (204-206). Tom, you have blood on your hands.