Volume 3 — THOMAS CRANMER.

THE ENGLISH REFORMATION.

Importance of the English Reformation Cranmer its best exponent What was effected during the reign of Henry VIII. Thomas Cromwell Suppression of Monasteries Their opposition to the revival of Learning Their exceeding corruption Their great wealth and its confiscation Ecclesiastical courts Sir Thomas More; his execution Main feature of Henry VIII.'s anti-clerical measures. Fall of Cromwell Rise of Cranmer His characteristics His wise moderation His fortunate suggestions to Henry VIII. Made Archbishop of Canterbury Difficulties of his position Reforms made by the government, not by the people. Accession of Edward VI Cranmer's Church reforms: open communion; abolition of the Mass; new English liturgy Marriage among the clergy; the Forty-two Articles Accession of Mary Persecution of the Reformers Reactionary measures Arrest, weakness, and recantation of Cranmer His noble death; his character Death of Mary Accession of Elizabeth, and return of exiles to England The Elizabethan Age Conservative reforms and conciliatory measures The Thirty-nine Articles Nonconformists Their doctrines and discipline The great Puritan controversy The Puritans represent the popular side of the Reformation Their theology Their moral discipline Their connection with civil liberty Summary of the English Reformation