FOr asmuch as the life and estate of the most Reuerend Father in God and worthy Prelate of godly memory Thomas Crammer late Archb. of Cant. Thomas Cranmer Archb. of Canterbury . together with the originall cause & occasion of his preferment to the dignitie Archiepiscopall , wherunto he was aduaunced immediatly vpon the death of Byshop Warham Archbyshop of the same , beyond all expectation without support of money or frendes , Doct. Cranmer made Archb. of Cant. by kyng Henry . by the onely well liking of the most renowmed kyng of famous memory Henry the eight , who with a fatherly care mainteyned his countenaunce , and defended his innocent life , vndermined sundry tymes by the manifold attemptes of the horrible Arche enemy of Christ and his Gospell Stephen Gardiner and other his complices , Doct. Cranmer alwayes defended by kyng Henry . with diuers other circumstaunces of his most commendable conuersation , charitable consideration of the poore , constant care in reformation of corrupt Religion , his vndaunted courage in continuall defence of the same , and the perseueraunce therein to the losse of his lyfe , be already described at large in the booke of Actes and Monumentes of Martyrs . Looke for the story at large in the booke of the Actes and Monumentes in the last Edition , pag. 1752. It may séeme néedelesse to make a thorough discourse therof agayne at this present . Neuerthelesse partly to stoppe the mouthes of slaunderous Sycophants , & partly for the ease of such as would happely be desirous vpon the view of the title of this booke , to be acquainted with the life of the Authour beyng otherwise not able to haue recourse to the story at large , as also bicause his vertuous life and glorious death was such , as can neuer be commended sufficiently I haue thought it not altogether amisse to renew the remembraunce therof by certaine brief Notes , referring them that bee desirous to know the whole to the story thereof at large .

It is first therfore to be noted and considered , that the same Thomas Cranmer comming of auncient parentage , Thomas Cranmer a Gentleman borne . from the Conquest to be deducted , and continuyng sithens in the name & familie of a Gentleman , was borne in a Uillage called Arselacton in Notyngham shyre . Of whose sayd name and familie there remaineth at these dayes one Manour and mansion house in Lincolne shyre called Cranmer Hall &c. some tymes of heritage of the sayd stocke and familie . Who beyng from his infancie kept at Schoole , and brought vp not without much good ciuilitie , came in processe of tyme vnto the Uniuersitie of Cambridge , Thom. Crammer first commyng to Cambridge● and there prospering in right good knowledge amongest the better sort of Studentes , was chosen fellow of Iesus Colledge in Cambridge . Thomas Cranmer fellow of Iesus colledge . And so beyng Maister of Arte , and fellow of the same Colledge , it chaunced him to mary a Gentlemans daughter : by meanes wherof he lost and gaue ouer his fellowship there , and became the Reader in Buckingham Colledge : and for that he would with more diligence apply that his office of Reading , placed his sayd wife in an Inne called the Dolphin in Cambridge , the wife of the house beyng of affinitie vnto her . By meanes of whose abode in that Inne , & his often repayre vnto her , arose a certaine slaunderous report , after he was preferred to be Archbyshop of Caunterbury , bruted abroad by the malicious disdaine of certaine Sycophanticall Papistes that he was but an Hosteler , and altogether deuoyde of learning , which how falsly was forged vpon him , may easely appeare hereby : That the Maisters & Fellowes of Iesus Colledge notyng the vertuous disposition of the man , Thom. Crammer after the decease of his wife , chosen agayne fellow into Iesus Colledge . & the great trauaile he tooke , notwithstandyng his mariage , whiles he continued Reader in Buckingham Colledge , immediatly vpon the death of his wife ( who not long , after their enter mariage was in Childbed surprised by death ) refin●ed him into their Fellowship agayne : where he so behaued him selfe that in few yeares , after he became the Reader of the Diuinitie Lecture in the same Colledge , and in such speciall estimation & reputation with the whole Uniuersitie , that beyng Doctour of Diuinitie he was commonly appointed one of the heades ( which are two or thrée of the chiefest learned men ) to examine such as yearely professe in Commencement , either Bachelers , or Doctours of Diuinitie , by whose approbation the whole Uniuersitie licenceth them to procéede vnto their degrée : and agayne by whose disalowaunce the Uniuersitie also reiecteth them for a tyme to procéede vntill they be better furnished with more knowledge .

Doct. Cranmer publike examiner in Cambridge , of them that were to proceede . Now , Doct. Cranmer euer much ●auouring the knowledge of the Scripture , would neuer admit any to procéede in Diuinitie , vnlesse they were substantially séene in the story of the Bible : by meanes wherof certaine Friers and other Religious persons , who were principally brought vp in the study of Schoole Authours without regard had to the authoritie of Scriptures , were commonly reiected by him , so that he was greatly for that his seuere examination of the Religious sort , much hated and had in great indignation : Friers in hatred with Doct. Cranmer . and yet it came to passe in the end that diuers of them being thus compelled to study the Scriptures , became afterwardes very well learned and well affected , in so much , that when they procéeded Doctours of Diuinitie , could not ouermuch extoll and commende Maister Doct. Cranmers goodnes towardes them , who had for a tyme put them backe , to aspire vnto better knowledge and perfection . Amongest whom Doct. Barret . a white Frier who afterwardes dwelt at Norwich was after that sort handled , Doct. Barret giuyng him no lesse commendation for his happy reiecting of him for a better amendement . Thus much I repeate that our Apish and Popish sorte of ignoraunt Priestes may well vnderstand that this his exercise , kynde of life , and vocation was not altogether Hostelerlike .

Doct. Cranmer sollicited to be fellow of the Cardinalles Colledge in Oxford , refused it . I omit here how Cardinall Wolsey after the foundation of his Colledge in Oxford , hearyng the fame of his learnyng vsed all meanes possible to place him in the same : which he refused with great daunger of indignation , contentyng him selfe with his former Felowship in Cambridge . Untill vpon occasion of the plague being in Cambridge he resorted to Waltham Abbey and soiourned with one M. Cressey there , whose wife was Doct. Cranmers niece , and two of her children his pupilles in Cambridge Duryng this tyme the great and weightie cause of kyng Henry the viij . his diuorce , Question of the kynges diuorce with Katherine Dowager . with the Lady Katherine Dowager of Spayne was in question . Wherein two Cardinals Campeius & Wolsey were appointed in Commission from the Pope to heare and determine the controuersie betwene the Kyng and the Quéene , who by many dilatories dallying & delaying the whole sommer vntill the moneth & of August , taking occasion to finish their Commission , so moued the patience of the kyng , that in all hast he remoued from London to Waltham for a night or twaine , whiles the Dukes of Northfolke and Suffolke dispatched Cardinall Campeius home agayne to Rome . Doct. Stephens and Doct. Foxe chief furtherers of the kynges diuorce . By meanes wherof it chaunced that the kynges herbengers lodged Doct. Stephens Secretary and Doct. Foxe Almosiner ( who were the chief furtherers , preferrers & defenders of the foresayd cause in the kyngs behalfe ) in the house of the sayd M. Cressey , where Doct. Cranmer was also resiaunt as before . When Supper tyme came , and all thrée Doctours mette together , being of old acquaintaunce , they entertayned eche other familiarly : Doct. Stephens , D. Foxe , Doct. Cranmer conferryng together of the kynges cause . and the sayd Doct. Stephens and Doct. Foxe takyng occasion of their happy méetyng together , began to conferre with Doct. Cranmer concernyng the kynges cause , requestyng him to declare his opinion therein .

Whereunto Doct. Cranmer aunswered that he could say litle in the matter , for that he had not studied nor looked for it . Notwithstandyng he sayd to them , that in his opinion they made more adde in prosecutyng the lawes Ecclesiasticall , Doct. Cranmers aunswere in the question of the kynges diuorce . then néeded . It were better as I suppose ( quoth Doct. Cranmer ) that the question , whether a man may mary his brothers wife or no , were decided and discussed by the Diuines , and by the authoritie of the word of God , whereby the conscience of the Prince might be better satisfied and quieted , then thus from yeare to yeare by frustratory delayes to prolong the tyme , leauing the very truth of the matter vnbu●ted out by the word of God . There is but one truth in it , which the Scripture will soone declare , make open , & manifest beyng by learned men well handled , & that may be aswell done in England in the Uniuersities here , as at Rome or els where in any foreine nation , the authoritie wherof will compell any Iudge soone to come to a diffinitiue sentence : & therfore as I take it , you might this way haue made an end of this matter long sithens . Doct. Cranmers deuise well lyked of . When Doct. Cranmer had thus ended his tale , the other two wel liked of his deuise , and wished that they had so procéeded afore tyme , and thereupon conceiued some matter of that deuise to instruct the kyng withall , who then was mynded to send to Rome agayne for a new Commission .

Now the next day when the kyng remoued to Grenewich , like as he tooke him selfe not well handled by the Cardinals in thus differryng his cause , so his mynde beyng vnquieted & desirous of an end of his long & tedious sute , The king troubled about the cause of his diuorce . he called to him this his ij . principall doers of his sayd cause , namely the said Doct. Stephens and D. Foxe , saying vnto them : What now my Maisters ( quoth the kyng ) shall we do in this infinite cause of mine ? I sée by it there must be a new Commission procured from Rome , and when we shall haue an end God knoweth and not I. When the kyng had sayd somewhat his mynde herein , the Almosiner Doct. Foxe sayd vnto the kyng agayne : we trust that there shal be better wayes deuised for your Maiestie , then to make trauaile so farre to Rome any more in your highnes cause , which by chaunce was put into our heades this other night beyng at Waltham , and so discouered to the kyng their méetyng and conference with Doct. Cranmer at M. Cresseys house .

Wherupon Doct. Cranmer was sent for in post beyng as then remoued from Waltham towardes his frendes in Lincolne shyre and so brought to the Court to the kyng . Doct. Cranmer sent for to the kyng in post . Whom the noble Prince benignely acceptyng demaunded his name , and sayd vnto him : Were you not at Waltham such a tyme , in the company of my Secretary and my Almosiner ? Talke betwene the kyng and Doct. Cranmer . Doct. Cranmer affirmyng the same , the kyng sayd agayne : had you not conference with them concernyng our matter of diuorce now in question after this sort , repeatyng the maner and order therof ? That is right true , if it please your highnes , quoth Doct. Cranmer . Well sayd the kyng , I well perceiue that you haue the right scope of this matter . You must vnderstand quoth the kyng , that I haue bene long troubled in conscience , The king troubled in conscience . and now I perceiue that by this meanes I might haue bene long agoe releaued one way or other , from the same , if we had this way procéeded . And therfore Maister Doctour I pray you , and neuertheles because you are a subiect I charge and commaunde you ( all your other busines & affaires set apart ) to take some paynes to sée this my cause to be furthered accordyng to your deuise , asmuch as it may lye in you , with many other wordes in commendation of the Quéenes Maiestie .

Doct. Cranmer much disablyng him selfe to medle in so weightie a matter , Doct. Cranmer excusing and disabling himselfe to the kyng . besought the kynges highnes to commit the triall and examinyng of this matter by the word of God , vnto the best learned men of both his Uniuersities Cambridge and Oxford . You say well , sayd the kyng , and I am content there with . But yet neuertheles , I will haue you specially to write your mynde therein . And so callyng the Earle of Wiltshyre to hym , Doct. Cranmer assigned by the kyng to searche the Scriptures in the cause of his diuorce . sayd : I pray you my Lord , let D. Cranmer haue intertaynement in your house at Durham place for a tyme , to the entent he may be there quiet to accomplish my request , & let him lacke neither bookes ne any thing requisite for his study . And thus after the kynges departure , Doct. Cranmer went with my Lord of Wiltshyre vnto his house , where he incontinent wrote his mynde concernyng the kynges question , addyng to the same besides , the authorities of Scriptures , of generall Councels , and of auncient writers : The kyng first geuen to vnderstand that the Pope hath no authoritie to dispence with the word of God . also his opinion , which was this : that the Byshop of Rome had no such authoritie , as wherby he might dispence with the word of God and the Scriptures . When Doct. Cranmer had made this booke , and committed it to the kyng , the kyng sayd to him : will you abide by this , that you haue here written before the Bishop of Rome ? That will I do , by Gods grace , quoth Doct. Cranmer , if your Maiestie do send me thether . Mary quoth the kyng , I will send you euen to him in a sure Ambassage .

And thus by meanes of Doct. Cranmers handlyng of this matter with the kyng , The kynges matter remoued from the popes Canon law , to the triall of the Scriptures . not onely certaine learned men were sent abroad to the most part of the Uniuersities in Christendome to dispute the question , but also the same beyng by Commission disputed by the Diuines in both the Uniuersities of Cambridge and Oxford , it was there concluded that no such Matrimony was by the word of God lawfull . Wherupon a solemne Ambassage was prepared and sent to the Byshop of Rome then beyng at Bonony , The kynges Mariage founde by Gods word vnlawfull . wherein went the Earle of Wiltshyre , Doct. Cranmer , Doct. Stokesly , Doct. Carne , Doct. Bennet , and diuers other learned men and Gentlemen . And when the tyme came that they should come before the Bishop of Rome to declare the cause of their Ambassage , Doct. Cranmer with other s●nt to Rome Ambassadour to the Pope . the Byshop sittyng on high in his cloth of estate , and in his rich apparell , with his sandales on his féete , offeryng , as it were , his foote to be kissed of the Ambassadours , the Earle of Wiltshyre with the rest of the Ambassadours disdainyng thereat , stoode still , & made no countenaunce thereunto , and so kept them selues from that Idolatry . In fine the Pontificall Byshop seyng their constancie without any farther ceremonie gaue eare to the Ambassadours .

Arguing to the popes face , that contrary to the word of God he had no power to dispense . Who entryng there before the Byshop , offered on the kynges behalfe to be defended , that no man Iure diuine could or ought to mary his brothers wife : and that the Byshop of Rome by no meanes ought to dispence to the contrary . Diuers promises were made , and sundry dayes appointed , wherein the question should haue bene disputed , and when our part was ready to aunswere , no man there appeared to dispute in that behalfe . So in the end the Byshop makyng to our Ambassadours good countenaunce , Doct. Cranmer made the popes Penitentiary . and gratiffyng Doctour Cranmer with the Office of the Penitentiarishyp , dismissed them vndisputed withall .

Doct. Cranmer Ambassadour to the Emperour . Wherupon the Earle of Wiltshyre and other Commissioners , sauyng Doct. Cranmer , returned home agayne into England . And forthwith Doct. Cranmer went to the Emperour beyng in his iourney towardes Vienna in expedition agaynst the Turke , there to aunswere such learned men of the Emperours Counsaile , as would or could say any thyng to the contrary part . Where , amongest the rest at the same tyme , Conference betwene Byshop Cranmer and Cornelius Agrippa . was Cornelius Agrippa an high Officer in the Emperours Court , who hauyng priuate conference with Doct. Cranmer in the question , was so fully resolued and satisfied in the matter , that afterwardes there was neuer disputation openly offered to Doct. Cranmer in that behalfe . For through the perswasion of Agrippa , all other learned men there were much discouraged .

This matter thus prosperyng on D. Cranmers behalfe , aswell touchyng the kynges question , as concernyng the inualiditie of the Byshop of Romes authoritie , Byshop Warrham then Archbyshop of Caunterbury departed this transitorie lyfe , Doct. Cranmer made Archbyshop of Cant. wherby that dignitie then beyng in the kynges gift and disposition , was immediatly giuen to Doct. Crammer as worthy for his trauaile , of such a promotion . Thus much touchyng the preferment of Doct. Cranmer vnto his dignitie , and by what meanes he atchiued vnto the same : not by flattery , nor by bribes , nor by none other vnlawfull meanes : whiche thyng I haue more at large discoursed , to stoppe the raylyng mouthes of such , who beyng them selues obscure and vnlearned , shame not so to detract a learned man most ignominiously with the surname of an Hostler , whom for his godly zeale vnto sincere Religion , they ought with much humilitie to haue had in regard and reputation .

Now as concernyng his behauiour and trade of lyfe towardes God and the world , beyng entered into his sayd dignitie : True it is , that he was so throughly furnished withall properties , qualities , and conditions belongyng to a true Byshop , as that it shal be very hard in these straunge dayes to finde many , 1. Tim. 3. Titus . 1. that so nearely resemble that liuely exemplar described by S. Paule the Apostle in his seueral Epistles to Titus and Timothée . So farre he swarued from the common course of common Byshops in his tyme . But bicause the same is very well decipbred in the story at large , it shall not be so néedefull to discourse all the partes therof in this place . Yet may not this be forgotten . That notwithstandyng the great charge now committed vnto him : The worthy Prelate gaue him selfe euermore to continuall study , The order of Doct. Cranmers study . not breakyng the order that he vsed commonly in the Uniuersitie . To wit by v. of the clocke in the mornyng in his study , and so vntill ix . continuyng in prayer and study . From thence vntill dyner tyme to heare suters ( if the Princes affaires did not call him away ) committyng his temporall affaires aswell of houshold as other foreine busines to his officers . For the most part hee would occupy him selfe in reformation of corrupt Religion , and settyng forth true and sincere doctrine , wherein he would associate him selfe alwayes with learned men , for the siftyng & boultyng out one matter or other for the commoditie and profite of the Church of England . After dynner if any suters were , he would diligently heare them and dispatch them : in such sort as euery man commended his lenitie and gentlenes . That done to his ordinary study agayne vntill fiue of the clocke , whiche houre hee bestowed in hearyng common prayer . After Supper he would consume an houre at the least in some godly conference , and then agayne vntill it . of the clocke at one kynde of study or other . So that no houre of the day was spent in vayne , but was bestowed as tended to Gods glory , the seruice of his Prince , or the commoditie of the Church .

As touching his affabilitie & easines to be entreated it was such , The gentle nature of Doctour Cranmer . as that in all honest causes wherin his letter , counsell , or speach might gratifie either nobleman Gentleman , meane man or poore man , no man could be more tractable or sooner wonne to yeld . Onely in causes appertainyng to God and his Prince , no man more stoute , more constant , Doct. Cranmer stoute and constant in Gods cause . or more hard to be wonne : as in that part his earnest defence in the Parlament house aboue thrée dayes together in disputyng agaynst the vi . Articles of Gardiners deuise , can testifie . And though the kyng would néedes haue them vpon some politicke consideration to goe forward , yet he so handled him selfe aswell in the Parlament house as afterwardes by writing , so obediently & with such humble behauiour in wordes towards his Prince , Doct. Cranmer a stoute enemy agaynst the s●● Articles . protesting the cause not to be his but almightie Gods , who was the author of all truth , that the kyng did not onely well like his defence , willyng him to depart out of the Parlament house into the Counsaile chamber , whilest the Acte should passe & be graunted , for safegard of his conscience , which he with humble pro●estation refused , hopyng that his Maiestie in processe of time would reuoke them agayne : but also after the Parlament was finished , the kyng perceiuyng the zealous affection that the Archb. bare towardes the defence of his cause , which many wayes by Scriptures and manifold authorities and reasons he had substauntially confirmed and defended , sent the Lord Cromwell then Uicegerent , Of this commyng of the I. Cromwell , and the two Dukes to the Archbyshop . with the two Dukes of Northfolke and Suffolke & all the Lordes of the Parlament , to dyne with him at Lambeth : Where it was declared by the Uicegerent , and the two Dukes , that it was the kynges pleasure , that they all should in his highnes behalfe , cherish , comfort and animate him , as one that for his trauaile in that Parlament , had shewed him selfe both greatly learned , and also discret and wise , and therfore they willed him not to be discouraged for any thing that was passed contrary to his allegations . He most humbly thanked the kynges Maiestie of his great goodnesse towardes him , and them all for their paynes , saying : I hope in God , that hereafter my allegations & authorities shall take place to the glory of God and the commoditie of the Realme , in the meane tyme I will satisfie my selfe with the honorable consent of your honours and the whole Parlament .

Here is to be noted , that this mans stoute and godly defence of the truth herein , so bound the Princes conscience , that he would not permit the truth in that man to be cleane ouerthrowen with authoritie and power , and therfore this way God workyng in the Princes mynde , a playne token was declared hereby that all thyngs were not so sincerely handled in the confirmation of the sayd vi . Articles , as it ought to haue bene , for els the Prince might haue had iust cause to haue borne his great indignation towardes the Archbyshop . Example for Ecclesiasticall Pastours . Let vs pray that both the like stoutnes may be perceiued in all Ecclesiasticall and learned men where the truth ought to be defended , and also the like relentyng and flexibilitie may take place in Princes and Noble men , when they shall haue occasion offered them to maintaine the same , so that they vtterly ouerwhelme not the truth by selfe will , power , and authoritie . Now in the end this Archbyshops constancie was such towardes Gods cause , that he confirmed all his doynges by bitter death in the fire , with out respect of any worldly treasure or pleasure . And as touchyng his stoutnesse in his Princes cause , the contrary resistaunce of the Duke of Northumberland agaynst him proued right well his good minde that way : Archb. Crammer in displeasure about the imployng of Chauntrey landes . which chaunced by reason that he would not consent to the dissoluyng of Chauntreys vntill the kyng came of age , to the intent that they might then better serue to furnish his royall estate , then to haue so great treasure consumed in his noneage . Which his stoutnes ioyned with such simplicitie , surely was thought to diuers of the Counsaile , a thyng incredible , specially in such sort to contend with him who was so accounted in this Realme , as few or none would or durst gaynstand hym .