Cranmer Studies

Rev. Dr. Gerald Bray, “Documents of the English Reformation:” Tyndale in his Preface to the Pentateuch talks about the “stubborn Nimrods” opposing Bible translation. Despite being robed Prelates, “they mightily fight against God” in order to “quench the light” (35). Very modern and we should be Reformed hawks learning from Tyndale about these “juggling charmers and their crafty persuasions.” Rev. Dr. Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, “Theology of English Reformers:” Latimer, given opportunity to escape, says he’ll go to London. He’ll say the same things to Mary 1 as he did to Henry VIII and Edward VI (140). No trimmer there. A “Benchmark.” No retreat. No trimming the sails. An important reminder to berobed clerks. Margot Johnson’s “Thomas Cranmer: 500th Commemoration of his Birth:” Sykes is talking about movement, action, rhythms and “overt” doctrine in the baptismal rite, alluding to the contentions in the late 19th century over baptismal regeneration (123). Again, reminding us of HIGHER STANDARDS, AGAIN, THE WCF. Arthur Innes: “Cranmer and the Reformation in England:” Innes talks about “heretics” in the pre-Six Articles era (84). Thank God we have religious freedom from Tudor dynasties, although the modern nihilists are coming with their “hate laws” so hatefully propounded. The nihilist fundamentalists are here and they don’t call it Henrician reforms. Leslie Williams’ “Emblem of Faith Untouched: A Short Life of Thomas Cranmer:” Williams is surveying the “bullet-train” from 27 April to 31 May, 1536, in which the Henrician regime murders Anne Boleyn and crowns an adulteress, Jane Seymour. As reminded by our eschatology and Creed, “He shall come to judge the living and the dead.” Henry, this will be interesting to watch. To wit, trial for first degree homocide. Ridley, Jaspar. "Thomas Cranmer:" Prof. Ridley tells of two papist priests from Spain who come to England in summer, 1541, both decrying Henry’s Supremacy. One recants. The other goes to the Tower. Cranmer details the gruesomeness of drawing and quartering which faces the recalcitrant priest who opts for the punishment (217).