The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History, Thomas Cranmer
THO. CRANMER
The Life of Thomas Cranmer, who died Anno Christi 1555.
THomas Cranmer was a Gentleman by birth,His Birth and Education. of a very ancient Family, born at Arselacton in Nottinghamshirte, brought up at School, and from thence sent to Cambridge, where profiting much in learning, he was chosen fellow in Jesus Colledge. His Marriage.After which he married a wife, and thereby loosing his Fellow-ship, he was chosen Divinity-Reader in Buckingham-Colledge, but not long after his wife dying in child-bed,He is again chosen Fellow. the Master and Fellows chose him again Fellow into Jesus Colledge. After which he commenced Doctor in Divinity. From thence hee was chosen a Fellow in the Foundation of Cardinal Wolsey's Colledge in Oxford, His prudence.but fore-seeing the danger which after followed, he refused that place. Whilst he was in Cambridge, the question arose about King Henries Divorce from his brothers widdow; and the Plague breaking forth at Cambridge, Doctor Cranmer retired to Waltham-Abbey. At which time this fell out.Gods providence. The King to recreate himselfe, and to take private counsell with those in whom he most consided, who were the Dukes of Norfolke and Suffolk, and some others, went on hunting to Waltham, at which time he signified his minde to Steven Gardiner his Secretary, and to Fox his Almoner, willing them to search what was most expedient for him to doe; to end well that controversie about his Marriage: and as God would have it, these two men lodged in the house of one Master Cressie at Waltham, where also Doctor Cranmer was, having left Cambridge upon the forementioned occasion. …nd being Tutor to Master Cressies two sons. Gardiner and Fox thus meeting with him, and knowing him to be famous for learning, and piety, invited him to their good cheer, and asked his advice concerning the Kings cause. Dr. Cranmer was at fi…st very loath to deliver his judgement, but being much importun…d by them, he at last …aid:
I cannot say much on the sudden in so weighty a businesse without study and meditation,D. Cranmers advice about the Kings divorce. but in my opinion, seeing the King is in so great trouble of mind and conscience, nothing can more encrease it then so great delaies, and wandring in Romish suites, inwhich whosoever are once entangled, can source ever extrica…e themselves out of the snares. I think it better therefore, that lay…ing aside all delayes, and Court suites, wherein the King hath been too long tossed with great affliction of mind, the judgement of Divines, hath in our owne and forraign Universities be searched out, which may be strengthned with the law of God, and as they shall by Gods word prove it lawfull or unlawfull, so let the King proceed, and have the cause then determined in his owne Country, whereby he may live in lawfull matrimony, with a cheerfull minde and quiet conscience, which is much to be desired by all his faithfull sub…ects.
When he had thus spoken with great gravity, and wisedome;S. Gardiners prid…. Gardiner and Fox resenting that excellent counsell, as given from God, wished that the King had had such counsell given him before he ever sent to Rome.
The day after when they c…me to the King, he asked them what was done in his business: whereupon Fox told him of their meeting, and conference had with Doctor Cranmer: but proud Gardiner seeking to invest himselfe in the praise which was due unto another, would have made himself the Author of that counsell, but the King neglecting his speech, asked Fox if Cranmer were at Waltham still? and being told that he was, he presently ordered him to be sent for, saying, I judge his counsell right, if I had knowne it two dayes agoe, I had saved infinite charges, and had lived with a more safe and quiet conscience. When Doctor Cranmer came to him hee much excused himselfe, as insufficient to be engaged in so great a matter, yet besought him to commit the tryall of it to the best learned men in both Vniversities: Which advice the King liked well,He writes his judgement. yet required him to write his judgement upon it also, and commanded the Earl of VViltshire to provide him retired lodgings books, and whatever else was necessary for so great a work: which task being finished, and confirmed by Scriptures, Councils and Fathers, he presented it to the King: who (having read it) asked him whether he would justifie it before the Pope? D. Cran. professing his willingness, the King hastened his dispatch to Rome and sent other learned men abroad to forraign Vniversities to dispute this question amongst the Divines there; where it was concluded, that no such matrimony was lawfull by the word of God.He is sent to Rome. When the Kings Ambassadors came to Rome, the Pope proffering them his foot to kiss, the Earl of VViltshire's Spaniel caught his great Toe in his mouth,An unmannerly dog. whereupon the Ambassadors scorned to kiss after the dog, and the Pope pulled in his foot again. There Cranmer and the rest proffered to defend, that, Jure Divino, the brother ought not to marry the brothers wife;The Pope… evasion. but none appearing against them, the Pope made Doctor Cranmer his Penitentiarie, and so dismissed them. From thence Doctor Cranmer travelled to the Emperors Court at Vienna, proffering to dispute with his Divines upon the said question: But Cornelius Agrippa in private conference receiving full satisfaction from him thereupon easily perswaded other learned men that were in the Emperors court not to contend with Cranmer, who (as he said) was in the truth, so that no man contradicting him, Cranmer departed from the Emperor, and having travelled all over Germany, All learned men for the divorce.he brought home with him into England the opinions and sentences of the most learned men that lived in the Vniversities, and Courts of Princes. And in the mean season others sent from the King, passing through all the Vniversities of Italy and France, brought home likewise their determinations in that point confirmed with their publick and authentick seales, agreeing with those that Cranmer had brought out of Germany. His industry.In this journey to and fro he learned all the New Testament by heart.
August 23. Anno Christi 1533. William Warham Arch-Bi. of Cante…bury died, and the King resolved to place Doctor Cranmer in his room, who was at this time in Germany about the Kings business, and was loath to take upon him an office of such high dignity in the Church: For he knew that there was an oath to be taken to the Pope of Rome before he could be installed in that place.H…s prudence. He feared also what issue the Kings divorce might have, and was not ignorant of the Kings violent disposition. He kn…w that sudden and great changes were dangerous, and that the Court, to which he was not accustomed, was full of deceipts, and counterfeitings. That he must in all things obey the Kings will; and that if he tripped in any thing never so little, there would be some, who out of envy at his felicity, would tumble him downe headlong when he began to fall. He also having buried his first wife, was now falne in love with a young maid, that was neece to Osianders wife, whom he determined to marry, though he knew it was forbidden b… law for a Priest to marry, o… for a man to be made a Priest who had married a second wife.
Weighing these things seriously with himselfe, when he was sent for by the King to return home so soon as he could, he stayed in Germany six whole months, framing one excuse or other, hoping that in the mean time, some or other would get the Arch-Bishoprick▪ …ut such were the times then, that every man feared the slipperiness of that place, and therefore declined it.
At last Doctor Cranmer privately marrying his wife at Norimberg, returned home, and was made Arch-Bishop though against his will;His second marriage. for he refused the dignity offered him; because he was to be tyed to the Pope, against all right and equity,His humility. and therefore he gave the Popes Bull into the Kings hands saying,He is made Arch-Bishop. that he wou…d never receive a Bishoprick of England, but from him who was the head of England, nor take an oath that was derogatory to the Kings authority. And thus being made Arch Bishop, he carried himselfe as formerly he had done, rising every morning at five a clock to his study,His …udiousness. and never being idle all the day. After dinner, if he had no s…iters, he spent an hour at Chess, and so to his study again. He was by nature very charitable, and gentle, so prone to forgive,His character. and forget wrongs, that it grew into a Proverb, Doe my Lord of Canterbury a shrewd tur…, and …e will be your friend as long as you live. He opposed the 6 Articles.Hee stoutly opposed the six bloody Articles, and yet with such humility and modesty, that the King could not be offended with him for it. He was so free from passion, that he never miscalled the meanest of his servants. He was just in paying all men, so that when he was cast into prison he owed no man a …arthing. He relieved many that were in want: The whole weight of reforming Religion lay upon his hands, so that for sixteen years together his house was never empty of learned men to assist in deciding Ecclesiasticall controversies. His charityHis Charity. to the poor was very great, for whom he provided lodgings, being sick lame, wounded, &c. and appointed an Almoner, Physician, and Chirurgion to attend them, having daily hot broth and meant sent them from his own Kitchin.
He had many and great enemies of the Papists, especially wily VVinchester and his companions,Cranmer hated by the Papists who layed a traine to take away his life, at least his Arch-Bishoprick by bringing him within the compass of the six articles: which by Doctor Parker, the first Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in Queen El…zabeths dayes, is thus related. Doctor Cranmer (saith he) being in great heaviness for the death of the Lord Cromwel, was accused by the Papists, and much threatned by them, and though he knew that he was not safe for one moment of time, yet he changed not the cheerfullness of his countenance, because as yet he kept the Kings right in the defence of the Gospel, by his singular wisdom, gravity and modesty: But the King being soon entangled by conversing with Winchester, and his Popish party, they daily so deafned him with their continuall complaints against the Arch-Bishop, that through wearisomness he was almost constrained to grant unto them the life of that most innocent man: Yet by Gods speciall providence he was so rooted in his heart, that when the Papists most presumed, and the godly most feared his ruine, the King resolved to provide for his safety and welfare.
In the mean time, proud and malicious Gardiner, His disputati…n… with Gardiner.whose favour and authority was thought to be greatest with the King, provoked him often to disputations about points of Divinity in the presence of the King; In the which the King observed that Cranmer never departed from his innate gravity and modesty, whereas Gardiner always rather affected a little glory then the truth. And when Gardiner, that h… might lessen the authority of the scriptures, had by many sophistical arguments endeavoured to prove that those called the Apostles Canons were of equall validity, and authority with the sacred Scriptures; Cranmer so enervated the force of all his arguments in the Kings hearing by his solid calm▪ and moderate answers, that the King said in the presence of many unto Gardiner, that Cranmer was an old weather-beaten souldier in Divinity, and was not to be encountred by such fresh-water souldiers as himselfe.
For this Gardiner swelling with pride, stirred up as many against Cranmer as possibly he could, judging that nothing could hinder their counsels, and purposes, if he were taken out of the way.
At Canterbury, and all over Kent, by the procurement of Gardiner, many were suborned to accuse Cranmer of Heresie.
In the Parliament one Goswick a Knight for Bedfordshire said openly,Popish malice. that all hereticall s…dition flowed from the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and his family. Some great men about the King, hereupon laboured much to perswade him, that by reason of these imputations, Cranmer should be excluded from the Council-board, and committed to the Tower of London till inquiry could be made concerning the truth of those reports; for (said they) so long as he sits in counsell, for fear, men will conceal that which they know, not daring to utter or reveal it. They also dispersed …umors that Cranmer was already condemned in the judgement of the King, and should be shortly beheaded as Cromwel had been a little before. All this while Cranmer, though he set a good face on't, yet privately amongst his friends much bewailed the condition of those evill times, rather then his owne. But the King diligently searched out all these treacherous designs of the Papists, and marked whereunto they tended.
Once for recreations sake, after supper, the King would goe in his Barge upon the Thames, and being there, commanded his Barge-men to land him at Lambeth staires; some of the Arch-bishops servants observing that he drew thitherward, presently informed their Master, who hasted to the bridge, either to salute the King as he passed by, or to entertain him into his house. The King seeing him, bid him come into his Barge, and setting him by him, had much private conference with him, the Barge-men in the mean season rowing hither and thither.
In this conference the King feigningly complained, that since the death of Cromwel, His conference with the King.England was much troubled with hereticall factions and parties, that it was to be feared, that if these wranglings about religion were nourished, more grievous mischiefs and civil wars would arise, and therfore that the dissentions about Religion were to be appeased; for which end, by the advice of his Bishops and Nobles, he would endeavour to finde out the Arch-Heretick who was the author of this mischief, and whom being found, he intended severely to punish, yea, cruelly to burn him, thereby to prevent further disorders.
Cranmer (though he was somewhat affrighted) yet answered with a mild countenance, that he liked the counsell as wholsome, that the whole flock of hereticks was to be restrained by the death of the Arch-Heretick … but hee admonished the King with fatherly gravity and modesty, that hee would not judge them Hereticks, who relied wholly upon the Word of God, and not to the Traditions or Laws of men. Well (quoth the King) to deal plainly, we are told by many, that you are the Arch-Heretick of our Kingdome, and that in Kent, and all your Province you hinder the Faith established in Parliament by the six Articles from being received by our people, and therefore tell us plainly both what you think, and what you have done concerning them?
To this the Archbishop stoutly replyed, that he was still of the same opinion that he had expressed in Parliament when that Law was made; and that yet he had not offended against that Law since it was made. Then the King by little and little moderating the severity of his speech, asked him pleasantly, whether his private bed-chamber was free from the breach of the 6 Articles. Cranmer (though he understood by the six Articles that it was a capital …ff…nce for a Priest to be married, and that the King knew well that he was a married man, yet) answered, That though he had married a wife, yet it was in Germany before he took upon him the Archbishop…ick;His prudent answer. but for all that, he had done nothing against that severe Law: For (saith he) when the Law was once made, I never touched my Wife, but sent her into Germany to her kindred and friends.
By this plain answer without dawbing, Cranmer bega… in the Kings minde such an opinion of his Learning, and Honesty, that he cheared him up, telling him that those Art…cles were not ordained for his sake; and shewing him what were the chief accusations laid in against him; which Cranmer knowing to be false, and forged by the envy and malice of his Popish Adversaries, intreated the King to appoint Inquisitors, whereby the truth might be sifted out: For (saith he) I am not afraid to undergoe the hazzard of a judgement.
The King, trusting to his ingenuity, b…d him search, and try out his own cause himself.The Kings great favour to him. But Cranmer replied, that it would seem unequall to his Adversaries, that he should be made Censor of his own acts, and the…efore still desired another Judge. But the King still affirmed that hee would make none other the Inquisitor of his life, having p…t so much trust and confidence in him alone, knowing that he would certainly, and fully relate the truth without a lye, of his own deeds, whether they were good or bad: After which words the King dismissed him.
Presently after Doctor Cranmer sent Doctor Cox, his Vicar generall,He is betrayed by his own servant. and Mr. Anthony Hussey, his Secretary, with ample Commission to search out the plots which were contrived against him by the Papists of Canterbury, who spent a monethmonth or two, and yet did little, being persons that favoured the Popelings.
In the mean time his Adversaries at Court urged much that he might be imprisoned, and might then be examined of the Heresies laid to his charge, presuming that if once he were removed out of the Kings sight, they might easily overwhelm him with feigned crimes, and so work his destruction. And the King being tired with their daily importunities, granted that if he was manifestly convinced of any crimes either against Church or State, hee should be carried to prison. Hereupon Gardiner and his associates resolved the next day to send him prisoner to the Tower, and the King concealed his purpose, that he might see how far their malice would extend,A design to have committed him to the Tower. and yet resolved to secure him: For about midnight he sent Mr. Denny, one of his Bed-chamber, whom hee most consided in, as not liking the Popelings, to Lambeth for Doctor Cranmer, who being roused out of his sleep, came presently to the King, who in these words told him what he would have him doe. Almost all my Counsellors (saith he) are urgent to have you imprisoned, because almost all England is defiled with Heresies, which, they say,The King reveals it to him. proceeds from you, and certain learned strangers whom you keep in your house, and therefore they would have you under custody, whilst the cause is enquired after, without which they cannot finde out the original; and to morrow is the day appointed for your commitment, and therefore consider whether it be well done or no.
Doctor Cranmer heartily thanked the King for giving him this warning, saying that he refused not to goe to prison, nor to stand in judgement, trusting to his innocency, and clear conscience, affirming that he would rather hazard a just judgement, than lie under unjust suspitions. OnelyOnly he desired that since his Doctrine and Faith were called into question, he might have learned and equall Judges to heare the same. But the King pittying the plain simplicity of the man, who would thus expose himself to the malice of his mortall enemies,The King secures him. said to him; Are you so foolish? for if you be once led away from your dignitie, and from the light and sight of men, many false and perjured witnesses will arise against you, which otherwise durst not come into your presence? Wherefore seeing you neither provide for your dignity nor safety, I will give you counsell, that you be not overwhelmed by your spightfu…l Adversaries. To morrow they will send for you; they will object against you the crimes of Heresie, and commit you to prison; then doe you request them, that since you are one of my Privy-counsell, they would deale with you as they would be dealt by in the like case, viz. That they would produce your accusers in open judgement, whom if you be not able to answer, you will patiently endure imprisonment. But if they regard not this your just and equall request, but will proceed to imprison you, appeale to my presence, and audience, by delivering this token to them to supersede their Decree, with which words he drew off his Ring from his finger, and delivered it to Cranmer, and so dismissed him.
The next morning Gardiner and his complices met in the Counsel-chamber, sent to Lambeth for Cranmer, but when he came,He is basely abused. would not let him in. The Nobles and Courtiers that passed by, marvelled much thus to see the Primate of all England, and the most inward Counsellor of the King, thus shut out, & siting amongst Serving-men that waited for their Masters. This being told to Doctor Buts the Kings Physitian, being moved with the indignity of the fact, he went presently to drive away the gazers, and to honour the presence of so worthy a Father.
But presently Dr. Buts was sent for to the King,The King is informed of it. and when he came to him, he said; I have seen an unusual matter, and such a thing as was never before heard of. What's that (quoth the King?) Cranmer (said hee) the Primate of the Kingdome, is become some bodies Serving-man, and hath stood almost this hour before the door of the Counsel-chamber waiting upon some Master. Ha! (said the King) doe my Counsellors so disgracefully use the Primate? and being moved with the indignity of the thing, he presently sent a command that Cranmer should be admitted into the Counsell-Chamber.
When he was entered, it was declared to him, that the King and his Counsellors were informed, that all England was turned from the Catholick Faith, and depraved with Heresie, which proceeded from him and his Family, and that therefore he must be committed to the Tower, whilst a speedy inquisition was made to know whether those things were true or no. Cranmer desired that his accusers, witnesses, and proofes that they had against him might be produced, and that it might be lawfull for him to answer presently, and thereby to defend himself, alledging that it was very unequall that the Primate of England, and a Counsellor, whose faith was never doubted of, nor came into question, should be thus disgracefully thrust into prison upon bare suspitions, to the prejudice of his cause: urging many other reasons why they should deale more gently, and mildly with him. But when neither intreaties, nor arguments could prevaile, but that needs to prison he must goe, Cranmer said, that he was very sorry that they forced him to appeale to the King from themselves, with whom hee had so often communicated in counsell,He appeales to the King. and from whom he expected equall dealing upon all occasions; and thereupon delivering the Kings Ring to them hee commanded them to suspend their Decree, and to present themselves before the King.
Then said the Lord Russel (afterwards Earl of Bedford) Did not I tell you that the King would never suffer him to be imprisoned, unlesse he were guilty of high Treason against his Majesty? and so they went with Cranmer to the King.
The King sharply rebuked them,The King checks his Counsellors. telling them that hee looked for more wisdom, and gravity amongst them, then to keep Cranmer out of the Counsell-chamber, to force him to stand at the door amongst Serving-men: Asking them whether any of themselves would endure such a disgrace? And withall swore (striking himself upon the breast) that hee was more beholding to Cranmer then to any man whatsoever, and that he had tried him, and knew that no Prelate could exceed him in his fidelity to his King; and therefore that all that loved him, should hold Cranmer in highest price and estimation.
The King speaking thus, when all others held their peace through fear, the Duke of Norfolk answered, It was not our purpose to hurt the Archbishop at all, but that keeping him in custody whilst the Inquisition depended, his innocencie being known, he might come out with greater credit. But (said the King) I will not have Cranmer so handled, nor any that are dear to me. But I perceive some crooked, and cankred hearts raise these Tragedies, which unlesse they bee quiet, I will interpose my authority to restrain them and so he departed in a chafe,He is reconciled to them. and all the Counsellors shook hands with Cranmer, desiring to be reconciled to him: And hee being of a most sweet, and mild disposition, easily forgave all offences, blotting them utterly out of his mind; and from that time forward he lived secure from all treacheries, being in such high favour with the King.
But when Doctor Cox, The King provides for his ….and Hussey lay loitering at Canterbury (not without suspition) and did nothing in the inquisition, the King secretly sent Doctor Lee to search out what was done in Cranmers behalf; who going speedily to Canterbury, acquainted himself with some godly persons by whose directions he searched the houses of some Popish Priests at midnight, where hee found Letters written from Gardiner, which opened the whole plot against Cranmer. These he immediately carryed to the King, who viewing of them, from that time forwards began to withdraw his affections from those Popelings; and withall acquainted Cranmer with those Letters, bidding him beware of his enemies, now hee knew them.
Amongst the Letters that were found in Kent, one was written by the Suffragan of Dover, another by Doctor Barber, a Civilian, which two men were well esteemed of by the Archbishop,Two Judasses. and promoted by him, and he alwayes shewed them great favour. When the Archbishop had their Letters, he called these two men into his study, and said unto them, You two are men in whom I have alwaies put most confidence, and to whom I have alwaies communicated all my secrets, you must now give me some good counsell; for I am shamefully abused by one or two whom I have trusted as my self; but these persons have not onelyonly disclosed my secrets, but also have taken upon them to accuse me of Heresie, and are become witnesses against me: I require you therefore to give me faithfull advice how I shall behave my self towards them,ex ore …, &c. &c. Marry (quoth Doctor Barber) such villains and knaves deserve to be presently hanged without further tryall. Hanging is too good (saith the Suffragan) and if there want an Executioner, I would be the Hangman my self.
At these words the Archbishop, lifting up his eyes to heaven, said; O Lord, and most mercifull God, whom may a man trust in these dayes? It's true which is said, Cursed be he that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arme. There was never man used as I am; but Lord thou hast evermore defended me, and lent mee one good Master (meaning the King) without whose protection I could not be safe for one day. I praise thy holy name for it. Then did he pull out of his bosome those two Letters, saying, Know you these Letters my Masters? With that they fell down on their knees, asking forgivenesse with many tears. Well (said the gentle Archbishop) God make you both good men, I never deserved this at your ha…ds: But ask God forgivenesse, against whom you have highly offended.
Thus we see how his enemies from time to time endeavou…ed by all mean… to have brought him into displeasure with the King:Gods providence. Yet it pleased God so to over-rule the King's heart, that hee would never be alienated from him; which favour the King continued to him so long as he lived, and in King Edward the sixth's daies he continued in his place,He is h…d by Queen Mary. and much holp forward the work of Reformation. But in the beginning of Queen Maries Reign, he was a principal man whom she maligned.
—Manet altâment… repôstum
Judicium Cleri, spretaeque injuria Matris.
Her Mothers wrong was déeply laid to heart,
And Clergies doo…, for which they now must smart.
and therefore she appointed Commissioners to examin him, who commanded him to bring to them an Inventory of all his goods, which they seized upon, and shortly after he was sent prisoner to the Tower, for Treason (as was pretended) but for Religion indeed.He is committed to the Tower. Before he was committed to the Tower, some of his friends perswaded him to fly, and to reserve himself for better times; but he answered stoutly, If I were accused of Theft, Murther, or any other wickedness perhaps I could more easily be perswaded to fly;He refuseth to fly. but now I …ee that I must be questioned not for my faithfulnesse towards men, but for my faith towards God, and concerning the truth of the holy Scriptures, against Papists, and therefore I will rather lose my life in the defence of the truth, then by flying out of the Kingdome,He is removed to Oxford. to desert such a cause. From thence he was removed to Oxford; where again he was called before the Pope's Delegate, and the Queens Commissioners; to the latter he did obeisance, but to the Pope's Delegate hee would doe none. Before them he made a worthy Confession of his Faith.He appeals. When they proceeded to Degrade him, he pull'd forth an appeale from the Pope to the next general Councill; but his death being determined, his appeal was rejected, and he Degraded.He is degraded When he came back into prison, he desired to eat; for he had eaten nothing that day before;A good conscience. for, said he, I was before somewhat troubled, but now, I thank God, my heart is quiet. He had not one penny in his purse to help himself,His poverty. but the Lord stirred up a Gentleman's heart to give him some mony, for which he had like to have come into great trouble. He was kept in prison almost three years, and the Doctors in Oxford laboured by many subtle tricks to draw him to a Recantation;Popish sub…iltie. removing him to the Dean's house of Christ-Church, where hee had dainty fare, recreations, and what else might entice him from Christ to the world:His tentations. they promised him life, the Queens favour, his former dignity, and what not, if hee would but with his hands subscribe to a few words by way of Recantation, which if he refused, there was no hope of pardon.Humane infirmity. With many such provocations, and flatteries, they at last prevailed with him to subscribe it.The danger of Apostacy. After which hee neither had inward quietnesse in his own conscience, nor any outward help from his adversities: For the Queen being glad of his Recantation,His death appointed. yet presently resolved his death, appointed the time (when he least expected it) and the persons that should see it performed. He had no notice of his death, till the very morning a little before he was to suffer. At which time there was a great concourse of people, some expecting that he should make his publick Recantation at his death, others hoping better of him.
From prison he was brought to St. Maries Church, where Doctor Cole (by the Queens order) preached,Doctor Cole preacheth. and in his Sermon affirmed, that God was so incensed for the slaughter of Sir Thomas Moore, and Doctor Fisher, bishop of Rochester, (who were beheaded in the Reign of K. Henry the 8.) that he could not be appeased by any other means, but by the sacrificing of Cranmer. Vanity of worldly glory.During his Sermon, Cranmer was set on a stage before him; which sad spectacle much affected many, to see him, who had lived in so great honour and favour, to stand there in a ragged gown, ill-favour'd clothes, an old cap, and exposed to the contempt of all men. Cole, in his Sermon, shewed for what Doctor Cranmer was condemned, encouraged him to take his death patiently, and rejoiced in his conversion to Popery. But that joy lasted not long. The Sermon being ended,His Apostasie repented of. Doctor Cranmer entreated the people to pray for him, that God would pardon his sin, especially his Recantation, which most of all troubled his conscience, which he said was contrary to the truth which he thought in his heart, and written for feare of death, and upon the hope of life. And, said he, That hand of mine which hath written contrary to my heart, shall first be punished. At these words the Doctors beganne to rage and fume,He is pulled down rudely. and caused him to be pulled down from the stage, and his mouth to be stopped that he should not speak to the people. The place appointed for his Martyrdome was the same where Doctor Ridley, and Master Latimer had before suffered; and when he was brought to it, he kneeled down, and prayed; and so put off his cloaths. When the fire was kindled and came neer him, he stretched out his right hand, which had subscribed,Holy revenge. holding it so stedfast, and immoveable in the fire (saving that once he wiped his face with it) that all might see his hand burned before his body was touched: when the fire came to his body,His patienco. he endured it patiently, standing stedfast alwaies in one place, moving no more then the stake which he was bound to: So long as he could speak, he repeated,His death. Lord Jesus receive my spirit: and so in the flames he gave up the Ghost, Anno Christi, 1556. and of his Age, 72.
Doctor Cranmers Workes were these.
He corrected the English translation of the Bible in many places.
He wrote Catechismum Doctrinae Christianae.
Ordinationes Ecclesiae Reformatae.
De ministris Ordinandis.
De Eucharistia.
Jura Ecclesiastica.
Contra Gardineri concionem.
Contra Transubstantiationis errorem.
Quomodo Christus adsit in Caena:
De esu C…nae Dominicae.
De Oblatione Christi.
Homilia Christiana.
Common-places.
A confutation of unwritten verities.
Against the Popes primacy.
Against Purgatory.
About Justification.
Diverse Letters to learned men.