Cranmer Studies

Alan Weatherall, “Thomas Cranmer: Theologian, Archbishop, and Theologian:” Alan retails with some dramatic license the receipt of letters in late 1532ish-early 1533ish from Crum and Hal. Hurry up home. Alan puts Cram in Mantu with his wife, but have never seen that before. He knows something is up and Warham has passed. The dramatic license vivifies the account nicely, but we are watching for history details too. Rev. Dr. Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, “Theology of English Reformers:” Worship in Spirit and in truth. Prof. Hughes offers comments from the Book of Homilies ordering rightful, reverential, God-fearing and regular worship with God’s people (156). He closes with a citation of the Collect of “Humble Access” at Communion. Been a long time since hearing that in the parish. Quite timely. Tom and those Reformers have it far above these moderns. Margot Johnson’s “Thomas Cranmer: 500th Commemoration of his Birth:” Music and English Liturgy—Margot Johnson, 144-166. Margot retails the story of the 1544 Litany, in English, said or sung, a new development of the vernacular with the same goal as the vernacular Bible—comprehension for the people. The toothpaste was out of the tube and wasn’t going back in. Wycliffianism was slowly advancing (156). Get Hal out of the way and further progress can be had. Diarmaid McCulloch’s “Thomas Cranmer:” retails the story of Paget's elevation to secretary of the Council, a former pupil of Wily Winchester and loyal follower until he wasn't. He and Wily got into it. Of note, Latimer and Ridley referred to Wily as "Diotrephes," a reference to 3 John 9: " I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10 So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us." Arthur Innes: “Cranmer and the Reformation in England:” 9. CHAPTER IX: AFFAIRS ON THE CONTINENT: 1530-1563, 97-110. After mischaracterizing Calvin with the usual tripes and tropes, Art returns to the Council of Trent, 1545, reform of some abuses, the failed Diet of Ratisbon, and a consolidation of the Schalkaldic lines of defense against the imperialist Emperor and Pope (108). Leslie Williams’ “Emblem of Faith Untouched: A Short Life of Thomas Cranmer:” Danger, 69-74. The 1539-1540. 1540: Anne of Cleves is out, Katie Howard is the new wife, Cromwell’s head is off with no trial, and Dr. Cranmer retreats or slightly retires from Courtly life (71). Fight or flee? Cranmer opts for the latter insofar as able. Some are betting that Cranmer will follow Cromwell to the gallows, or, that is the whispers and hopes of some. Ridley, Jaspar. “Thomas Cranmer:” 15. The Crisis of 1543, 229-245. Ridley tells the story of Hal on his barge and Crum’s meeting. Hal: “I know who is the greatest heretic in Kent.” Articles against Cranmer for heresy were in Hal’s hand. Cram and his officers are appointed for a Commission to inquire into the Prebendaries’ Plot. Prof. Ridley retails the accounting of Morice, Foxe, and Parker. Old Wily’s hand is in it all.