Lecture 2.The Culture of the English Reformationand the protestant martrydom
(of john frith and william tyndale)
I. The Reformation in General
A) Medieval Background
Popular movements: Abuses of clergy, anticlericalism
they shared hostility towards temporal political power of papacy, condemned abuses in the medieval church: unchastity of the clergy, simony, selling of indulgences, purgatory
John Wycliff (1320-1384), lollards see. William Langland’s Piers Plowman
devotio moderna – The Netherlands
John Huss (1370?-1415) Bohemia, the Hussites
B) The Humanits’ Contribution
recovery of the past, return to original texts (ad fontes)
humanists' philological methods revealed weaknesses in the claims of the church:
a) Lorenzo Valla (1405-1457) "Donation of Constantine" (temporal power to papacy) - forgery
b) Erasmus (1469-1536) edition of NT points out mistakes in Jerome's Vulgate
the discovery of printing – dissemination of new ideas
C) Varieties of Reformation
1.Magisterial: a) Germany- landlord-centred; b) Switzerland: city-centred
2.Radical: Karlstadt, Münzer – Biblicism, adult-baptism
3.Catholic (earlier: “Counter”) Reformation), Ignatius of Loyola
See: Scott Hendrix on various reformation projects: Recultivating the Vineyard (2004)
D)Central Tenets of the Reformation
1) authority of the Bible sola Sciptura (not trad.), solus Christus (no saints)
2) justification of faith: sola fide (not deeds), sola gratia (no merits)
3) priesthood of all believers
4) 2 sacraments instead of 7 (baptism, eucharist, not: confirmation, penanance, ordination, matrimony, extreme unction)
5) practices irrelevant: intercession of saints, masses for the dead, purgatory, penance
6) turning away from Thomas Aquinas to St Paul & St Augustine: they emphasized the basic paradoxes of Christianity: the limitation of human freedom, the gap between man's sin and God's grace
7) the question of human will: Erasmus: the freedom of the will
Luther: Bondage of the will [See John Donne: Batter my Heart)
8) Anithetical views: law-gospel, flesh-spirit, works-faith, nature-grace bondage-freedom, 1st Adam – 2nd Adam
1. The Interpretation of the English Reformation
a)traditional „Whiggish” success story: Bale, Foxe (16th cent), Thomas Fuller (17th cent.) John Strype (18th cent.), A. G. Dickens (20th cent.)
b)revisionists: Christopher Haigh (1987), J. Scarisbick (1984), Eamon Duffy (1992)
2.General Features of the English Reformation
- Germany: 1. theology; 2. social reform; England: vica versa
- England: Reformation: fusion of 3 forces: native lollardy, cont.al Protestantism, constitutional conflict between Henry VIII & Pope
Henrician (1521 HenryVIII – Defensor Fidei)
Act of Supremacy and Succession (1534)
Catholic Martyrs: John Fisher (1469-1535), Thomas More (1478-1535)
Edwardian Reformation:radical
Elisabethan: Moderate
Puritans vs Anglicans: from 1550 : radical wing of the Reformation
Unsatisfied with Elisabethan compromise: millennial anti-episcopalian, apocalyptic
A Defence of Episcopacy against Puritans (R. Hooker The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polite 1593)
anomalous aspect of the European movement
Reformation in England: not a sudden and final event, but slow and uneven process
ANGLICANISM:
via media, moderation between 2 extremes: 1. Catholic Rome, 2. Calvinist Geneva. Anglicanism defeated twice:
1. in the 1550s Bloody Mary reacknowledged the authority of Rome (300 Protestants executed: Hugh Latimer, Thomas Cranmer, Thomas Ridley (1555/6)
2. in the 1640s & 1650s the puritan revolution abolished distinct features of Anglicanism
3.Literary Documents of the Reformation
1) Bible translations
(Tyndale: 1526, 1534, Coverdale: 1535, Great Bible: 1540, Geneva Bible: 1560- “breeches” Bible, Bishop’s Bible: 1568, Rheims-Douai Bible:1582 and 1609-10, King James Bible: 1611)
2) Book of Common Prayer:1549 (Thomas Cranmer)
3) 42 Articles of 1553 and 39 articles of 1571,
4) Book of Homiles of 1547
5) Dramas of John Bale; His Commentary on the Book of Revelation: Image of Both Churches
6) John Foxe’s Acts and Monuments (Book of Martyrs)
III. William Tyndale and the English Reformation
1.The Life of William Tyndale (1494-1536) (alias: William Hychyns)
You tube on William Tyndale: God’s Outlaw
-Early reformers: Tyndale, John Frith and Robert Barnes
-Cambridge (1517-1521) “White Horse Inn”, “Little Germany” (also: Hugh Latimer, Thomas Cranmer, “little” Bilney)
-Little Sodbury (1522-1524) tutor in he household of Sir John Walsh
-Tyndale translates: Erasmus: Enchiridion and “An Oration of Socrates” London (1523-1524)Bishop Cuthbert Tunstall
-Hamburg (Wittenberg?) GUILLEMUS DALTICI EX ANGLIA (Daltin Tindal)
-Cologne Fragment, 1525, Mt 1-11, Worms (1526-27)
-Antwerp (1528-1536) Betrayed by Henry Philips
-Vilvorde, Jacobus Latomus (Louvain),
-Strangled, burned as heretic (Oct 6 1536) “Lord, Open the King of England’s Eyes!”
2. Tyndale’s Works
(W.T. to the Reader; A Prologue Showing the Use of Scripture)
To the Reder” Worms, 1526 (First Complete New Testament in English)
Give diligence, reader, I exhort thee, that thou come with a pure mind, and, as the scripture saith, with a single eye, unto the words of health and of eternal life; by the which, if we repent and believe them, we are born anew, created afresh, and enjoy the fruits of the blood of Christ: which blood crieth not for vengeance, as the blood of Abel, but hath purchased life, love, favour, grace, blessing, and whatsoever is promised in the scriptures to them that believe and obey God; and standeth between us and wrath, vengeance, curse, and whatsoever the scripture threateneth against the unbelievers and disobedient, which resist and consent not in their hearts to the law of God, that it is right, holy, just, and ought so to be. Mark the plain and manifest places of the scriptures, and in doubtful places see thou add no interpretations contrary to them; but (as Paul saith) let all be conformable and agreeing to the faith. Note the difference of the law and of the gospel. The one asketh and requireth, the other pardoneth and forgiveth. The one threateneth, and the other promiseth all good things to them that set their trust in Christ only. The gospel signifieth glad tidings, and is nothing but the promises of good things…..
Them that are learned christianly I beseech, forasmuch as I am sure, and my conscience beareth me record, that of a pure intent, singly and faithfully, I have interpreted it, as far forth as God gave me the gift of knowledge and understanding, that the rudeness of the work now at the first time offend them not; but that they consider how that I had no man to counterfeit, neither was helped with English of any that had interpreted the same or such like thing in the scripture beforetime. Moreover, even very necessity, and cumbrance (God is record) above strength, which I will not rehearse, lest we should seem to boast ourselves, caused that many things are lacking which necessarily are required. Count it as a thing not having his full shape, but as it were born before his time, even as a thing begun rather than finished. In time to come (if God hath appointed us thereunto) we will give it his full shape, and put out, if ought be added superfluously, and add to, if ought be overseen through negligence; and will enforce to bring to compendiousness that which is now translated at the length, and to give light where it is required, and to seek in certain places more proper English, and with a table to expound the words which are not commonly used, and shew how the scripture useth many words which are otherwise understood of the common people, and to help with a declaration where one tongue taketh not another; and will endeavour ourselves, as it were, to seethe it better, and to make it more apt for the weak stomachs; desiring them that are learned, and able, to remember their duty, and to help them thereunto, and to bestow unto the edifying of Christ's body, which is the congregation of them that believe, those gifts which they have received of God for the same purpose.
The grace that cometh of Christ be with them that love him. Amen.
William Tyndale on Martyrdom (Letter to John Frith)
Dearly beloved, however the matter be, commit yourself wholly and only unto your most loving Father and most kind Lord, and fear not men that threat, nor trust men that speak fair: but trust him that is true of promise, and able to make his word good. Your cause is Christ's gospel, a light that must be fed with the blood of faith. The lamp must be dressed and snuffed daily, and that oil poured in every evening and morning, that the light go not out. Though we be sinners, yet is the cause right. If when we be buffeted for well-doing, we suffer patiently and endure, that is acceptable to God; for to that end we are called. For Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps, who did no sin. Hereby have we perceived love, that he laid down his life for us: therefore we ought also to lay down our lives for the brethren. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto him.Dearly beloved, be of good courage, and comfort your soul with the hope of this high reward, and bear the image of Christ in your mortal body, that it may at his coming be made like to his immortal: and follow the example of all your other dear brethren, which chose to suffer in hope of a better resurrection. Keep your conscience pure and undefiled, and say against that nothing. Stick at necessary things; and remember the blasphemies of the enemies of Christ, saying, 'They find none but that will abjure rather than suffer the extremity.' Moreover, the death of them that come again after they have once denied, though it be accepted with God and all that believe, yet is it not glorious; for the hypocrites say, 'He must needs die; denying helpeth not: but might it have holpen, they would have denied five hundred times: but seeing it would not help them, therefore of pure pride, and mere malice together, they spake with their mouths that their conscience knoweth false.' If you give yourself, cast yourself, yield yourself, commit yourself wholly and only to your loving Father; then shall his power be in you and make your strong, Dearly beloved, however the matter be, commit yourself wholly and only unto your most loving Father and most kind Lord, and fear not men that threat, nor trust men that speak fair: but trust him that is true of promise, and able to make his word good. Your cause is Christ's gospel, a light that must be fed with the blood of faith. The lamp must be dressed and snuffed daily, and that oil poured in every evening and morning, that the light go not out. Though we be sinners, yet is the cause right. If when we be buffeted for well-doing, we suffer patiently and endure, that is acceptable to God; for to that end we are called. For Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps, who did no sin. Hereby have we perceived love, that he laid down his life for us: therefore we ought also to lay down our lives for the brethren. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto him.
Dearly beloved, be of good courage, and comfort your soul with the hope of this high reward, and bear the image of Christ in your mortal body, that it may at his coming be made like to his immortal: and follow the example of all your other dear brethren, which chose to suffer in hope of a better resurrection. Keep your conscience pure and undefiled, and say against that nothing. Stick at necessary things; and remember the blasphemies of the enemies of Christ, saying, 'They find none but that will abjure rather than suffer the extremity.' Moreover, the death of them that come again after they have once denied, though it be accepted with God and all that believe, yet is it not glorious; for the hypocrites say, 'He must needs die; denying helpeth not: but might it have holpen, they would have denied five hundred times: but seeing it would not help them, therefore of pure pride, and mere malice together, they spake with their mouths that their conscience knoweth false.' If you give yourself, cast yourself, yield yourself, commit yourself wholly and only to your loving Father; then shall his power be in you and make your strong,and that so strong, that you shall feel no pain, which should be to another present death: and his Spirit shall speak in you, and teach you what to answer, according to his promise. He shall set out his truth by you wonderfully, and work for you above all that your heart can imagine. Yea, and you are not yet dead; though the hypocrites all, with all that they can make, have sworn your death. Una salus victis nullam sperare salutem. To look for no man's help bringeth the help of God to them that seem to be overcome in the eyes of the hypocrites: yea, it shall make God to carry you through thick and thin for his truth's sake, in spite of all the enemies of his truth.
There falleth not a hair till his hour be come: and when his hour is come, necessity carrieth us hence, though we be not willing. But if we be willing, then have we a reward and thanks.Fear not the threatening, therefore, neither be overcome of sweet words; with which twain the hypocrites shall assail you. Neither let the persuasions of worldly wisdom bear rule in your heart; no, though they be your friends that counsel you. Let Bilney be a warning to you. Let not their vizor beguile your eyes. Let not your body faint. He that endureth to the end shall be saved. If the pain be above your strength, remember, 'Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, I will give it you.' And pray to your Father in that name, and he shall cease your pain, or shorten it. The Lord of peace, of hope, and of faith, be with you. Amen.
William Tyndale.
Two have suffered in Antwerp, in die sanctæ crucis, unto the great glory of the gospel: four at Riselles in Flanders; and at Luke hath there one at the least suffered, and all the same day. At Roan in France they persecute; and at Paris are five doctors taken for the gospel. See, you are not alone. Be cheerful; and remember that among the hard-hearted in England there is a number reserved by grace: for whose sakes, if need be, you must be ready to suffer. Sir, if you may write, how short soever it be, forget it not; that we may know how it goeth with you, for our hearts'ease. The Lord be yet again with you, with all his plenteousness, and fill you that you flow over. Amen.If, when you have read this, you may send it to Adrian, do, I pray you, that he may know how that our heart is with you.
George Joye at Candlemas, being at Barrow, printed two leaves of Genesis in a great form, and sent one copy to the king, and another to the new queen, with a letter to N. for to deliver them; and to purchase licence, that he might so go through all the bible.
Out of this is sprung the noise of the new bible; and out of that is the great seeking for English books at all printers and bookbinders in Antwerp, and for an English priest that should print.
This chanced the 9th day of May.
Sir, your wife is well content with the will of God, and would not, for her sake, have the glory of God hindered.
William Tyndale
and that so strong, that you shall feel no pain, which should be to another present death: and his Spirit shall speak in you, and teach you what to answer, according to his promise. He shall set out his truth by you wonderfully, and work for you above all that your heart can imagine. Yea, and you are not yet dead; though the hypocrites all, with all that they can make, have sworn your death. Una salus victis nullam sperare salutem. To look for no man's help bringeth the help of God to them that seem to be overcome in the eyes of the hypocrites: yea, it shall make God to carry you through thick and thin for his truth's sake, in spite of all the enemies of his truth. There falleth not a hair till his hour be come: and when his hour is come, necessity carrieth us hence, though we be not willing. But if we be willing, then have we a reward and thanks. Fear not the threatening, therefore, neither be overcome of sweet words; with which twain the hypocrites shall assail you. Neither let the persuasions of worldly wisdom bear rule in your heart; no, though they be your friends that counsel you. Let Bilney be a warning to you. Let not their vizor beguile your eyes. Let not your body faint. He that endureth to the end shall be saved. If the pain be above your strength, remember, 'Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, I will give it you.' And pray to your Father in that name, and he shall cease your pain, or shorten it. The Lord of peace, of hope, and of faith, be with you. Amen.
William Tyndale.
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