and its Vital Lessons
Notes from book by J.C. Ryle
The English Reformation
and its Vital Lessons
Notes from book by J.C. Ryle
Contents:
The soul of man always tends to corruption. In the 'Dark Ages' the church nearly died - sloth, compromise, power, corruption. Kept alive by the grace of God. His Spirit raised many to life. Today the English churches are too often ignorant of the Reformation that John Wycliffe began in this land and most underestimate the importance of the Reformation and few of the Martyrs names are even known. They hesitate to lay any criticism at Rome's door through fear of offending our 'brothers'. Bishop Ryle highlighted the issue of salvation and clearly saw the dangers of compromise. A building can be ruined by dry rot as well as poor foundations. Rome has always added the authority of the church to the authority of Scripture. True Salvation is by faith alone, through grace alone in Christ alone. Sacraments given by a priest can be helpful but are not essential. Many are the grievous errors of the Church of Rome; including the murder of Protestant Believers for which there has been no repentance. These notes have been largely compiled using Ryle's book 'Light from Old Times'. All men would do well to heed his lessons from history if they desire to strengthen the true Protestant Church.
Reformation is needed in every age and by every man in every age. It affects the political, social and spiritual life of the nation.
The world is determined to forget, ignore or try to ridicule inconvenient facts. The truth of God's creation and his just judgement of the world in Noah's day and in the last evil days are each scoffed at - just as Peter prophesied. 2Pe 33-7
Modern men even in the church also forget the importance of the Reformation and especially the reasons that many gave their lives for vital truth. Many today consider it not only 'old-fashioned' but wrong to remind us that 'Bloody' Mary and the Roman Church in the day of Henry VIII burned the Reformation martyrs - and the reason why they did so. Yet its impact on the history of this country is as much or even greater than Agincourt or Trafalgar! Ryle was determined to unstop some old wells of truth that the prince of this world had been busy filling in with earth.
Henry VIII started well but was soon corrupted by power. Theologically he remained a Catholic all his life and never embraced the principles of the Protestant Reformation of salvation by faith in Christ alone and the supremacy of Scripture. His separation from Rome was the inevitable result or a contest of power - who ruled England - the Church or Henry? To whom did the people give their allegiance and their wealth? Henry only had one answer to this. He was also determined to leave the stability of an undisputed male heir to the throne. This motive was mixed with a strong desire for ladies of his choice. It proved dangerous to stand in Henry’s determined path. Many died for different reasons during his 38 year reign. Of his 6 wives, one died, two were divorced and two were executed. The Catholics Thomas More and Cardinal Fisher were executed, as was Thomas Cromwell. Thomas Bilney, William Tyndale, John Brown, John Firth, Dr Barnes, and Anne Askew were burned at the stake. They were tortured and died in the flames for believing the scriptures rather than the arrogance of men. Foxe also records the following: John Tewkesbury, James Baynham, Traxnal, Cowbridge, Purderve, William Letton, Nicholas Peke, Thomas Garnet, William Jerome, Thomas Sommers , Antony Parsons , Thomas Bainard and James Moreton (these last two for reading the Lord’‘s Prayer in English and reading the epistle of James in English!) Though many of these names (and more) are generally unknown today, God is pleased to honour such men and reward them appropriately for all eternity. In the gracious plan of God, England under Henry was largely freed from the domination of Rome, though Catholic error was still strong in the church. The ‘Great Bible’ in English was placed on the lecterns of every parish in the land so for the first time all who could read were able to study the glorious truth of Scripture. Many heard and were saved.
In 1553 Edward VI died; to be succeeded by Mary - a zealous and narrow-minded Papist. Without hesitation she marched England back to Rome, restored the Mass, banned foreign Protestants and the works of Luther, Calvin, Tyndale, Cranmer ... Punishment for refusing to recant from the truth and return to Rome was that she ordered 288 to be burned alive in 1555 to 1588. These included 1 archbishop, 4 bishops and 21 clergy, 55 were women and 4 were children. None were thieves, murderers, immoral or drunkards; but were holy, learned and loyal Christians. Rome made it very clear to all open-minded men that a church which committed such horrible bloodshed could never be the true church. Rome did itself much harm in this land. Some have sought to blame the civil authorities; but it is like trying to blame Pilate for the crucifixion of Jesus!
Why were such men burned at the stake in 1555/6:
John Rogers burned at Smithfield 4th Feb. Vicar, assisted Tyndale.
John Hooper burned at Gloucester 9th Feb. Bishop who denounced sin.
Rowland Taylor burned at Hadleigh, Suffolk 9th Feb. Rector, Friend of Cranmer.
Robert Ferrar burned at Carmarthen, 30th March. Bishop, Chaplain to Cranmer.
John Bradford burned at Smithfield,1st July. Chaplain to Ridley.
Nicolas Ridley burned at Oxford 16th Oct. Bishop of London.
Hugh Latimer burned at Oxford 16th Oct. Bishop of Worcester.
John Philpot burned at Smithfield 18th Dec. Archdeacon of Winchester.
Thomas Cranmer burned at Oxford 21st March 1556. Archbishop.
Why were these all condemned to die by Mary? It was not primarily concerned with the independence of the Church of England, but with whether they believed in the Roman Mass, which asserted a 'Real Presence' of the body and blood of Jesus in the bread and wine of the Lord's Table. Agree with Rome and they lived, disagree and they died! Why is this so important? Romish Mass requires a special priest to say certain words over the natural elements. Christ told us to remember him whenever we eat and drink. He never envisioned each family having a priest in their home at every meal! Jesus declared on the cross, "It is finished". The Mass proclaims it isn't finished and re-enacts the sacrifice. It is thus a lie that conveniently gives the priest a power over the laity that was never intended. A sacrifice that has to be repeated is not 'finished'. The Mass denies that Christ on the cross offered 'a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world'; that his perfect offering once and for all renders any further sacrifice unnecessary. On the cross Jesus Christ fulfilled all the Law and the Prophets. This is the one central issue that these 288 glorified martyrs declared and refused to make a false statement just to please deluded men from Rome.
Ryle in about 1860 asks how this affected the people of England? And we will ask the same question 150 years later. He said the rise of Ritualism was a most dark, satanic distraction. The correct diagnosis of a disease is the first vital step in securing an effective treatment. The problem is not one of vestments, candles, bowings and crossings which reveal the poison, as does the 'reserving of the sacrament'. "They are but the curling smoke of a hidden volcano of mischief." Ryle continues, "a conspiracy has long been at work to un-Protestantize the Church of England. ... We are in imminent peril of re-union with Rome." Ryle was correct when he wrote that a large part of the church would love to see this happen. Today the ecumenical movement's objective has only been delayed by the ordination of women and the tacit approval of homosexual priests! A minister once asked me what I thought about women priests. I replied, "It's not women priests that I have problem with, but priests who deny the priesthood of all believers!" He was a little shocked, but we were friends and he took it well. The perils for any church that unites with Rome cannot be overemphasised. The church without the true unadulterated gospel is like a well without water, a scabbard without a sword or a fig-tree without figs!
But so long as the Articles and the Formularies are not Romanized and Christ and the Bible is still on deck, let us not abandon ship. Rather let us remember what these mighty reformers stood for and follow their example whatever the cost.
Today we have a clever, liberal, compromising, pro-homosexual Archbishop, who is friendly towards unification with Rome. He was appointed by Tony Blair when he was Prime Minister and a Protestant. He has now (2009) joined the Roman Church. The outlook for the church in Britain is extremely bleak and even darker than in Ryle's day. We earnestly pray that Biblical truth may yet prevail and save some.
What were these brave Reformers willing to face? What are we willing to face?
How was God's amazing grace revealed by their example and their teaching?
John Wycliffe (1324-1384)
"The Morning Star of the English Reformation."
From the 7th to the 16th century this country was totally under the Pontiff of
Rome. and "England seems to have been buried under a mass of ignorance,
superstition, priestcraft and immorality." Today it would appear to be very
similar, except that ecumenism, multi-faith, multi-culture have replaced the
Roman 'priestcraft'. God in his grace revealed a far better way to Wycliffe:
1. the supremacy of Scripture
2. the errors of Rome
3. the value of preaching
4. the importance of translating the Scriptures into English.
What a list! Remember he was the first; he was not just an able communicator
repeating what others had previously said. This was all new, fresh and startling
in these 'dark ages' to an immoral and stupefied people who had little hunger for
God. A church that does not preach, and honour and obey Scripture, is like a
steam engine without fire, a soldier without a weapon or a sailor without a
compass. Any nation that discards the Law of God and the teaching of his Word
will quickly decline. Under the gracious direction of the Lord Almighty, this man
sowed the first seeds that would so greatly enrich this nation for over 600 years.
Deserves honour for being the first of a noble band of Christians to be martyred in Queen Mary's reign. His courage and constancy at the stake supplied a glorious example to many who were chosen to follow him.
He was a contemporary of Ridley and Bradford at Pembroke College, Cambridge in 1525, where Latimer was preaching. Rogers was selected by a discerning Cardinal Wolsey to be a canon in his new college at Oxford (Christ Church). After 2 years in a living in London he moved to Antwerp for a year where he and Tyndale became friends, helping with his Bible translation. How much of the Matthews' Bible he translated is uncertain. When later condemned to be burned he was called "Rogers, alias Matthews"; though this may have been exaggerated to justify his being condemned to be burned. Ryle says, "Tyndale received the credit he justly deserved, Coverdale rather more, and Rogers much less." He also married a lady of Antwerp, which made him a marked man, so he moved to Wittenberg for 10 years.
Returning to London in 1550 he was favoured with appointments in the City and in Essex by his old college friend, Bishop Ridley. But all too soon Mary came to the throne in 1553 and before the year was out, Rogers was in prison. On 4th Feb 1555 at Smithfield, Sheriff Woodroofe asked Rogers if he would revoke his abominable doctrine and his evil opinion of the sacrament of the altar. Rogers answered, "That which I have preached I will seal with my blood." "Then thou art a heretic," said Woodroofe. To which Rogers replied, "That shall be known at the day of judgement." Fox describes how the grace of God was so evident - "When the fire was put unto him; and when it had taken hold both upon his legs and shoulders, he, as one feeling no smart, washed his hands in the flame, as though it had been cold water. And, after lifting up his hands unto heaven, not removing the same until such time as the devouring fire had consumed them, most mildly this happy martyr yielded up his spirit into the hands of his heavenly Father." His wife and eleven children witnessed his burning, but even that did not alter his resolve. Indeed, "they even assisted and comforted him in such a manner that it seemed as if he had been led to a wedding."
It should always be remembered that Rogers was the first to die in the fire, he had no precedents to look to. He did not vainly call upon the example in Dan 2 of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He praised the one, faithful, true Almighty God, who sometime answers by fire!! He was the one who set such a prime example of the grace and power of God in extreme adversity that all the others who followed him would be much encouraged.
In days of theological confusion and liberal practice, days when truth is uncertain and tolerance is popular, days when Rome is again making great efforts to undo the reformation and bring back the Church of England under it mantle; the example of a holy and faithful man of God sheds much light upon the path we need to walk. Such a man was Bishop John Hooper (1495-1555).
He lived in days similar to our own, when evangelical Protestants are called Calvanists, Puritans, Dissenters, Methodists, Fanatics ... anything but loyal Churchmen who proclaim the enduring truth. His life experienced huge change - from unchallenged Romanism, with it's idolatry, superstition and arrogant falsehood to days when women and children were murdered for saying the Lord's Prayer in English!, and a queen who was determined to stamp out the new light that had just dawned. England before 1500 was deeply ignorant. There was no Bible in English, prayers and church services were in Latin. Even 50 years later when Hooper was appointed Bishop of Gloucester, half of his 311 clergy did not know the 10 Commandments. In many parishes blind priests led the blind, took the people's money and undertook to ensure their salvation. The more the people gave, the more certain was their salvation! At the Abbey of Hales in Gloucestershire, a vial was said to contain the blood of Christ. In fact it was the blood of a duck that was renewed weekly! There was hardly a parish that didn't had some relic of the Cross, Mary's smock or girdle, a spearhead that pierced the Saviour, or bread that was left over after the Lord's supper! Such superstition was normal; as was gluttony, drunkenness, gambling, immorality among both clergy and people. Henry VIII's Dissolution of 850 Monasteries in 1536-1540 was motivated by his and Parliament's need for money. The Church land and building materials were sold. But it also was a much needed instrument of cleansing. Henry's break with Rome was motivated by his need for divorce; at the same time it enabled a huge step forward towards freedom and truth. These two events enabled a fresh start, with a Bible in our own language, the preaching of Christ crucified and raised to save the repentant sinner (not by gifts or sacraments conducted by a priest), the Scriptural standard of morality and life, and justice for all (not just the rich). England did not suddenly become perfect; but men like Hooper did much under God grace to change the people of this land.
He was at Oxford 1514-1518. Little is known of the next 20 years. But he was delivered from Popery after being enlightened by the writings of Zwingle and Bullinger. His 'reformed views', which 5 days with Bishop Gardiner was unable to shake, hastened his flight to Strasburgh, Bale and Zurich. There he married a Burgundian lady in 1546.
A year later when Edward VI came to the throne he returned to England and was soon nominated for Bishop of Gloucester. But for a year there was a problem - he hated the Romish vestments and refused to wear them. Eventually he agreed with Cranmer and Ridley to do so at his consecration in 1551 and in the Cathedral. It was a controversy between convinced men that once inflamed was difficult to extinguish. In the end grace prevailed, but the C of E would have been spared future infiltration by ritualists if vestments had been outlawed from the start. Fox writes, "In his doctrine he was earnest, in tongue eloquent, in the Scriptures perfect, in pains indefatigable ... in body strong, in patience invincible ... he was constant in judgement, spare in diet, in housekeeping he was very liberal ..." He was seen to be just to all men and refused to excuse the rich and strong from criticism; but he did so in such a mild manner that very few became an enemy. Many ministers preached only once or twice a quarter, but Hooper was determined to preach 3 or 4 times a day throughout all the parishes. Yet even with this workload he never neglected his duties as a father. In this Bishop's Palace there was no courtly rioting, no foul language, no idleness or pomp, but it was well known for goodly conversation, the reading and practice of Scripture, and in every corner there was some smell of virtue. Every day his table was spread with good meat for some of the poor from the city. He introduced 50 Articles of an admirable character and required each incumbent to subscribe to them. Worcester was soon added to his busy responsibilities. Master Hooper laboured with such diligence to train up his flock in Christ and the true Word of salvation, that he remains an outstanding example of how a bishop should live.
Edward died in July 1553 and Mary wasted no time in arresting this noble Bishop who had done so much in just two years. Though imprisoned for 17 months in foulest conditions, he never wavered. It pleased him greatly to told that his burning would be in Gloucester. Arriving there he had only one day for various people to visit him. One such was the knight Sir Anthony Kingston whom the Bishop had previously rebuked for adultery and who was fined £500 for his behaviour in court. Now he came in tears pleading with Hooper to change his mind. "Consider that life is sweet, and death is bitter. Life hereafter may do good." To which the Bishop replied, "The life to come is more sweet, and the death to come is more bitter." Kingston then said to him, "I thank God that ever I knew you, seeing God did appoint you to call me to be his child. By your good instruction, when I was before a fornicator and adulterer, God hath taught me to detest and forsake the same." After this Hooper wept more than in all the 17 months he endured in prison. 7000 people came to witness the death of their pastor and friend, but he was forbidden to speak to them. After prayer they lit the fire, but was far too small for the wind, the second fire only burned his lower half. After ¾ hour the third fire dispatched the noble soldier of Christ, who repeatedly cried to the end, "Lord Jesus, have mercy upon me! Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
The shear cruelty of Rome in these days has never been repented of. And in the goodness of God the death of these chosen men probably did more good for the Church than even all their sermons! A church that did such cruel unjust things to honourable men could never be the true church. And men who so nobly and patiently endured the flames must have been sustained and protected by the Lord Almighty.
What did John Hooper believe that was so important; then and now?
See "Articles concerning the Christian religion" by John Hooper. p.106-108
and "A Brief and Clear Confession of the Christian Faith". p. 109-111
Both these quote a few of the most important articles.
Full details are in Hooper's writings published by the Parker Society.
"A Bible-reading laity is a nation's surest defence against error. I have no fear for English Protestantism, if the laity will only do their duty."
Ryle quotes a letter written to friends 3 weeks before he died. p.115,116
It is filled with grace and truth and compassion.
Rector of Hadleigh, Suffolk. He wrote no books, printed no sermons, nor travelled the 50 miles to London. Little is known of him except what John Fox has recorded. He became a Cambridge student and there imbibed the principles of the Protestant Reformation and studied the sermons of Bishop Latimer. He lived for a while with Archbishop Cranmer which made him a marked man among the English Reformers. When appointed to Hadleigh, he resigned all other work and devoted himself to his parish. The people there had greatly benefited from the earlier preaching of Thomas Bilney and much appreciated Taylor's faithful ministry of Holy Scripture. He earned a reputation for being humble yet direct when required, compassionate, holy and earnest in all he did. His wife was like-minded and his 9 children were all well taught.
When Mary came to the throne, two unbelievers, Foster and Clerke, hastened to make mischief against the good rector by conspiring to have a Romish priest celebrate the Mass at Hadleigh. Rowland and his faithful parishioners strongly objected to this procedure as being both illegal and idolatrous and violence ensued. Taylor was summoned by Gardiner, the Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor of England. He never returned to Hadleigh except to be burned. When friends tried to persuade him to run away he said, "As for me, I believe before God I shall never be able to do God so good a service as I may do now, nor shall I ever have so glorious a calling as I have now, nor so great mercy of God proffered me, as is now at this present. For what Christian man would not gladly die against the Pope and his adherents? I know that the Papacy is the kingdom of the Antichrist, altogether full of falsehoods; so that all their doctrine is nothing but idolatry, superstition, error, hypocrisy and lies. Wherefore I beseech you and all other my friends to pray for me, and to doubt not but God will give me strength and his Holy Spirit, that all mine adversaries shall have shame of their doings."
Gardiner accused him of being a traitor, heretic and a knave. Taylor accused him of forsaking the truth, denying the Saviour Christ and his Word, and doing contrary to his oath taking. Taylor spent the next two years in prison where he spent much time with John Bradford and occasionally with Hooper, Rogers, Ferrar and Saunders. Eventually he came before Gardiner again, and then with Bradford and Saunders before the Bishops of Winchester, Norwich, London, Salisbury and Durham. They each refused to submit to the Bishop of Rome and abjure their errors, especially of the corporate presence of Christ in the bread and wine. Their faithfulness to the truth was rewarded by being condemned to die.
Taylor was allowed one brief evening with his wife and eldest child in the prison before being taken to Hadleigh. There, on 9th Feb 1555, amid his loving flock who shed many tears, prayed much and gave such grateful thanks for their shepherd, he was burned at the stake with great courage, prayer and dignity - such that none would doubt the evil of Rome, their hatred and their error. Such cruel fires made it very obvious on which side God's truth lay. Thousands were thus kept from their idolatry by the faithful witness of such valiant martyrs.
May their witness not be forgotten today; for Rome has not changed - except for adding further errors! May the glorious martyrs of nearly 500 years ago continue to give courage to all those who are chosen to follow in their footsteps. Pray that the same generous Holy Spirit enable them to shine with such radiance and glory.
Many have heard of Bishops Latimer and Ridley and 'Bloody Mary', but we need to hear and know why he was so cruelly burned at the stake. The well-being of England will be shaped more by maintaining the principles of the Protestant Reformation than on clever inventions, politics or armies. Some claim there is little difference between the Anglican and Romish churches; but let us examine the facts and see what the Church of Rome does when she has power.
In Latimer's early life under Henry VIII, when Popery was supreme, England was in deep spiritual darkness and superstition was rife. The few remaining Lollards were scattered and persecuted. Most of the priests were profoundly ignorant of the Bible, preaching was rare and prayers were said in Latin. The Abbeys and Monasteries were mostly filled with men whose morals were what one might expect from those who were 'filled with bread and an abundance of idleness'. The men of England were taught to pray to Mary and the saints and to give generously to the church to save their souls. In one year at Canterbury £3 2s 6d was offered on Christ's altar, £63 5s 6d on the Virgin Mary's altar and £832 12s 3d on that of Thomas á Becket. Images and false relics were worshipped.
Then Latimer experienced the battle between Henry VIII and Rome, who would not agree to his divorce. So he broke from Rome and appointed the righteous Cranmer as Archbishop. Henry allowed the Bible to be printed in English, appointed it to be read in churches. He dissolved many corrupt monasteries and destroyed church images. He boldly denied all Papal authority in England. Though to the end there was little evidence that Henry VIII ever desired to be an obedient consistent follower of Christ; God used this sensual king to bring about much change for the good of this land.
Latimer delighted in the even greater changes that were made during the short reign of Edward VI. Hooker said, "He died young, but lived long." The Romish Bonner and Gardiner were deposed and replaced by men like Cranmer, Ridley and Hooper. A new Liturgy (in English) was written, together with a new Prayer Book and the 42 articles of religion (later 39) - each of which were the basis of those used today.
Edward VI died after reigning only 6 years. The church still had many Romish priest who would 'believe' and sign anything to keep their livings. Such men were much relieved when Mary came to the throne and reversed so emphatically much of what had been achieved.
Latimer went to Cambridge in 1509 at the age of 14 and remained an ardent Papist for a further 16 years. But while there he met Bilney, a fellow student who asked if he might give him his testimony. Latimer says that he learned more from this than in many years of earlier study. "From that time forward I began to smell the Word of God, and forsook the school doctors and such fooleries." Soon he began preaching and stirred up many to search the Scriptures and inquire after the way of salvation. Beacon and Bradford, who later became chaplains to Cranmer and Ridley (respectively), both traced their conversion to Latimer's Cambridge sermons. The Bishop of Ely forbade him to preach and he was summonsed to appear before Cardinal Wolsey and Bishop Tonstall (London) on charges of heresy more than once. But the Lord, in whose hand we always remain, kept him from any harm during the reign of Henry VIII. In 1530 he was even made one of the royal chaplains and also appointed to a living in Wiltshire. But this patronage did not stop his many enemies from the harassment of this zealous godly man. After 4 years Henry suddenly made him Bishop of Worcester in 1535, where he continued his zealous reforms. But in 1539 he strongly resisted Henry's Six Articles that contained some leading Roman tenets and had to resign. His activities during the next 8 years are not known but he was imprisoned in the Tower of London during the last year of Henry VIII. Edward released him as soon as he ascended the throne in1547. Due to increasing age and infirmties he declined the appointment to any official Office and spend most of the years at Lambeth assisting his old friend Archbishop Cranmer and preaching in the Midlands.
In 1553 Mary immediately issued a warrant for the foremost reformers. Latimer
was in Warwick and willingly went to London, though being warned earlier, he
could easily have escaped. Committed to the Tower he was in good company -
with Cranmer, Ridley and Bradford. While there he read the New Testament
through 7 times "with great deliberation and painful study". Together they
agreed that transubstantiation was nowhere to be found in it. After a year, the
3 bishops were removed to Oxford. There he prayed often that:
1) God who had appointed him to preach his word, would give him grace to stand at the end
2) God would once again restore the Gospel of Christ to this realm
3) God would preserve Princess Elizabeth and make her a comfort to England.
All three of these prayers the Sovereign Lord was pleased to fully grant.
Prisoners Latimer and Ridley were brought forth on 16th Oct 1555. Ridley looking back saw Latimer coming after, said, "Oh, are ye there?". Latimer replied, "Yea, as fast as I can follow." A renegrade priest preached a miserable sermon on "Though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, I am nothing". But neither Bishop was allowed to reply. Then chained to a single post, as the fire was laid first at Ridley's feet, Latimer cried out, "Be of good comfort, brother Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust never shall be put out." And indeed such a light was lit. But due to our shameful ignorance and desires today, that light is in the gravest danger of being snuffed out.
Latimer emphasised:
1) The absolute authority and accuracy of Scripture
2) Justification is by faith in Christ; not by trying to keep the law, nor by trusting church traditions, sacraments or membership
3) Regeneration is by the Holy Spirit; not by Baptism
4) In the Lord's Supper he is spiritually present (as at all times); there is no special physical 'presence' in the bread or wine. By these elements we remember the completed sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary offered once for our sin, and accepted.
Born about 1520 he first served Sir John Harrington as his paymaster, having showed a keen ability in Latin and mathematics. In 1547 he entered Law school in London but was converted to Christ and determined to learn more of the Law of God and the scriptures. Having heard a sermon by Latimer on 'restitution to be made of things falsely gotten', he prevailed upon John Harrington to correct a fraud against the King, which Bradford was not party to. At Cambridge he gave himself to prayer and became a friend to Bucer, Sandys and Ridley who ordained him in 1550 and appointed him as one of the six royal chaplains with responsibility to preach the Reformation doctrines in Lancashire and Cheshire. Ridley testifies to the fearless preaching of Bradford before Edward VI and his court, and before others who "festered insatiable covetousness, filthy carnality, intolerable ambition and pride, ..." It should be emphasised that he never preached to others what he had not first preached and corrected in his own heart.
Such was his zeal for truth and righteousness that it is not surprising that he was imprisoned by Mary within a month of her ascending the throne. Much effort was there made to pervert him to the Romish church, but they were all in vain. He was condemned in Jan 1555 but kept in London and was finally called for execution on 1st July. He was moved to Newgate at midnight the day before, the authorities hoped that none would witness his journey; but many lined the route. Both they and Bradford prayed much and wept much as they bade him farewell. By 4am at Smithfield they was a huge crowd. Bradford cried out," O England, England, repent thee of thy sins, repent thee of thy sins. Beware of idolatry, beware of false antichrists: take heed they do not deceive you." The Sheriff then stopped him from speaking further. But to a young man burnt with him he said, "Be of good comfort, brother; for we shall have a merry supper with the Lord this night." Then embracing the reed he said, "Straight is the way, and narrow is the gate, that leadeth to eternal salvation, and few there be that find it."
From the ordination of Bradford to his execution was only 5 years, and 2 of those years were spent in prison; yet he had a profound affect upon England. He was courageous in preaching, yet so mild and sweet in temper. He prayed much, wept much and repented much. He rarely slept more that 4 hours and ate only one modest meal a day. His letters and writings are more than those found in the two volumes of the Parker Society, they are to be found in the changed lives of men who found faith, encouragement and challenge in their content. He lived and died as he had so earnestly prayed. May God bless England today with such men as John Bradford.
Born on Northumberland in about 1500, he went to Cambridge in 1518. By his obvious diligence and ability he became a Fellow of Pembroke in 1524. His beginnings of Protestant beliefs are not known, but he signed the decree against the Pope's supremacy in 1534 and 3 years later became Chaplain to Archbishop Cranmer, who appointed him to be vicar of Herne, East Kent. Here he had time to examine the Scriptures. In1540 he became a Chaplain to Henry VIII. By 1545 he, with Cranmer, realised the gross error of the Romish teaching concerning the Lord's Supper. In 1547 he was appointed Bishop of Rochester and 3 years later, Bishop of London. Mary had a special dislike for Ridley so she sent him to the Tower of London as soon as she came to the throne in 1553. A year later he was sent to the prison in Oxford. During his 6 years as Bishop, Ridley spent most of the time assisting Cranmer establish the Reformation of the Church of England, especially in the writing of the Articles and the Liturgy. It was following his suggestion that 16 grammar schools and St Bartholomew's hospital were founded.
Ridley and Latimer were burned together at Oxford on 16th Oct. 1555. Latimer died quickly and apparently with little pain, but they piled wood on top of the faggots near Ridley that caused his lower parts to be burned but his upper parts were untouched by fire. It was a cruel and painful end for such a great man. But their prayer for England was fulfilled and his eternal reward in heaven was secure.
O God, today we have so neglected their example and the truth of Scripture that they taught to this nation. So many have rejected you and now delight to ridicule you, the Lord Almighty that the candle which was lit by these good men is in grave danger of being snuffed out altogether.
Ryle quotes two letters that Ridley wrote while in prison. One to Bishop Hooper, with whom he had previously had some minor disagreements about the Lord's Supper. Both now in prison, he refers to Hooper's wisdom and his own simplicity, united in Christ and chosen to suffer briefly, they would triumph together. He also quotes a letter to his fellow prisoners, pleading with them to see that the brevity of their sufferings and death were small compared with the eternal joy of heaven with Christ. Ridley practised and experienced what he preached. May his example shine brightly in our day, that we too may bring honour to our glorious King.
Archbishop Laud - a Major Disaster
There can be little doubt that William Laud did more harm to the Church of England than probably any other man. The wounds he inflicted and the mischief he wrought will never be fully repaired.
He was born in 1573 in the middle of Elizabeth's reign, and began to have influence in 1603 when James I had just come to the throne. How had the Reformation prospered her reign? True, the Church of England had been established, but so had a degree of toleration of Papists. Sadly by the end of her reign the Reformation truth was becoming diluted or even contaminated. Earnest, righteous, truth-proclaiming ministers and people were becoming fewer in number; though there was still widespread belief that Popery was a false religion.
Laud was physically weak, but intellectually vigorous and zealous in application. At St John's College Oxford his tutor was the notoriously unsound Buckeridge. Bishop Young observed his enthusiasm for the "father's councils and ecclesiastic historians" (i.e. pre-Reformation). This and his enduring self-confidence proved to be a dangerous mix. During his 11 years at Oxford he made it clear that he was only a very lukewarm Protestant, who befriended Popery and was an open enemy to the pure Gospel of Christ. He solemnized a most discreditable marriage, and on various occasions preached thoroughly unsound sermons. Joseph Hall, later Bishop of Norwich told him he should "Look at last out of your window to Jehu, and in a resolute courage cast down the Jezebel that hath bewitched you." And he asked him to learn some consistency and firmness, for Laud seemed able to switch camps whenever it suited him; so much so that neither side knew what he really thought. But he would soon show them!
From 1607 to 1622 he received many positions in quick succession. During this time he was publicly reprimanded by the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford for a Romish sermon. And when appointed Dean of Gloucester his first act was to move the Communion table from being among the choir to the 'Roman' East side. Both Bishop and people objected to no avail. The Bishop never entered his own cathedral again! Having the power of office, Laud was determined to have his own way and was indifferent to the opinion of his Bishop. This was similar to the whole Tractarian movement that sought to exalt the Lord's Supper to a position unwarranted by Scripture and invest it with superstitious sanctity.
In 1621 Laud was made Bishop of St David's, largely at the insistence of the
Marquis of Buckingham and Williams, the Bishop of Lincoln. James gave in to
Williams, but warned him that he would regret his choice. James was right.
1626 made Bishop of Bath and Wells and Dean of the Chapel Royal
1628 made Bishop of London
1630 made Chancellor of Oxford
1633 made Archbishop of Canterbury and Chancellor of Durham University
From 1626 until 1640 he worked with great zeal in politics and Church to degrade
both. His success is not disputed by any historians but he engineered such hatred
throughout England that when Charles I had to summon the Long Parliament in
1640, one of their prime objectives was to get rid of Laud and Strafford. Neither
the king nor their friends were able to parry the justified and united attack by the
Commons. In Dec 1640 charges were made and he was committed to the Tower.
1. Traitorously endeavoured to subvert the fundamental laws of the realm and
persuade the king that he could levy money without consent of Parliament.
2. Encouraged sermons and publications tending to the establishment of arbitrary power.
3. Interrupted and prevented the course of justice at Westminster Hall.
4. Traitorously and corruptly sold justice and advised the king to sell judicial
and other offices.
5. Surreptitiously caused a book of canons to be published without lawful
authority, and had unlawfully enforced subscription to it.
6. Assumed a Papal and tyrannical power in ecclesiastical and temporal matters
7. Laboured to subvert God's true religion and introduced Papal superstition
and idolatry.
8. Usurped the nomination to many ecclesiastical benefices and promoted
persons who were Popishly affected or otherwise unsound in doctrine or
corrupt in manners.
9. Committed the licencing of books to chaplains notoriously disaffected to the
reformed religion.
10. Endeavoured to reconcile the Church of England to the Church of Rome, and
held intelligence with priests and the Pope, and had permitted a Popish
hierarchy to be established in this kingdom.
11. Silenced many godly ministers, hindered the preaching of God's Word,
cherished profaneness and ignorance and caused many to emigrate.
12. Endeavoured to raise discord between the Church of England and other
Reformed Churches, oppressed Dutch and French congregations in England.
13. Laboured to introduce innovations in religion and government into Scotland,
and to stir up war between the two countries.
14. Tried to preserve himself from being questioned for these traitorous
practices, laboured to divert the ancient course of parliamentary proceeding,
and to incense the King against all Parliaments.
His friend Lord Strafford was executed. Laud's trial was a forgone conclusion even though many of the charges had very little evidence. His execution was as much a judicial murder as Thomas More or Cranmer. But Laud never deserved the title of Christian martyr that some have given him. It is the cause, not the degree of suffering or the injustice of the procedure that makes a martyr. However, Laud met his death bravely and gallantly.
Laud's character should not be judged only by his theology. He was not immoral or covetous; few archbishops have spent so little upon himself or given so much to promote learning or the fabric of the church. It would be absurd to call him a sound Protestant Churchman, and yet he not fully a Jesuit or a Papist. When archbishop he twice declined the offer of a cardinal's hat by the Pope. He was a political Churchman, not a minister of Christ, a preacher of the Gospel or a shepherd of souls. His private diary and sermons reveal no longing for the salvation of men's souls.
What was Laud's life policy and goal? What so constrained him to hard work?
Ryle believed that Laud objective was to make the Church of England less
Protestant, less Evangelical. He thought the Reformers had gone much too far.
Maybe to be united again with Rome was also a step too far - especially if it
detracted English independence and power. He wanted to make the Sacraments
the centre of church life rather than the preaching of God's Word. And to this end
he endeavoured to fill the bench of bishops with like minded men.
Arguably the most important matter is to see the consequences of Laud's policies. He undoubtably did more harm than Gardiner, Bonner or Queen Mary! Why? Because England saw them to be obviously promoting a false, cruel religion. They may have hated Laud's politics and interference, but many saw Laud's promotion of tolerance in religious doctrine as wholesome. Men often prefer peace rather than standing up for the truth. They disliked the zeal of evangelical preachers and their desire for holy living. The Long Parliament hated the Church almost as much as the King - and this was largely due to Laud's interference in politics.
Later the ongoing consequence was that when the Stuarts returned, it seems that they had learned nothing. The tyranny of ecclesiastical law that the 1662 Act of Uniformity demanded was hated by half England. Men left the Church of England and formed 'Free Churches'. Away with all the liturgy, the Prayer Book, and the ecclesiastical structure - especially bishops! What a mess Laud had introduced. His desire to promote 'tolerance' rather than truth is still with us.
Lessons:
1. Any attempt to un-Protestantize the Church is a grave danger to its future.
The higher the office or the moral character of the person doing so, the
greater the danger. Ryle believed that in his day the vast majority of
Churchmen knew enough of Roman authority to wholly reject it and if it ever
came they would just leave the church. Today most folk do not realise the
vast errors Rome nor their historical behaviour. Most 'High Churchmen'
would quite happily unite with Rome. The Protestant doctrine is no longer
valued or protected. This lesson has clearly not been learnt.
2. Great harm can be done by a very small party when it is both united and
determined. The majority like peace and quiet and are not prepared to do
battle with error even if they don't much like it. People will follow leaders of
great character especially if they are humourous and friendly (like Bishop
'Bill' today). Beware of popular opinion when they clearly lack Biblical truth
and zeal for the Gospel rather than the Church. Ritualists who play at Popery
were only a few in Ryle's day; they wield considerable power today. Such
people, who are often very sincere find vestments, liturgy, customs and
traditions very attractive. They are more concerned about 'joining the church'
than about being saved from sin. Their solution for convicted souls who are
earnest for sin-relieving salvation, is to get involved with the church rather
than for truth of God's Word and the completed work of Christ on the Cross.
This is of course highly dangerous.
3. The importance of the action by the laity. In 1640 it was the Commons that
put an end to Laud, not the united action of Bishops. We may approve of the
way they acted, but there was only one way to silence Laud! Today, the
Prime Minister chose an Archbishop of Canterbury who is in favour of
homosexuals in the church. Dr Williams then tried to promote such a man to
be Bishop of Reading; he only failed because of public outcry by the laity.
(Later Dr Williams made him Dean of St Albans instead with little trouble.)
But generally the laity are much too relaxed and unwilling to upset the
'apple-cart'. they see so little danger in Popery, especially if it doesn't affect
their local church too much.
Ryle's warnings have never needed greater emphasis. If the danger was great then, consider how much more vital it is now. We pray earnestly, but the power of the blasphemous EU get greater every day. The Lord Almighty is ridiculed, scoffed at or completely ignored. Leaders say 'Creation' never happened, and that Muslims worship the same God. Judgement is seen as just a Victorian threat. I weep! I cry, 'Come Lord Jesus, come quickly'. It seems that the scriptures indicate there is no other solution. But what a glorious solution!!
Richard Baxter and the Puritans
There are periods in the history of a nation that leave an indelible mark. The rise of the Puritans and their desire for religious freedom is one such time. Baxter lived from 1615 to 1691 - a time of great spiritual change. A time from which many lessons can be learned to guide other generations.
One remarkable feature is the move backward from the principles of the Reformation. Sound evangelical teaching was decried, preaching was no longer valued and ceremonies and Popish ornaments were welcomed. Communion tables were moved from the middle of the chancel to the east end, placed behind rails and were called 'altars'. All forms of activity were encouraged on 'the Lord's Day'. The main mischief maker and prime agent of all this change was Archbishop Laud; both Church and Throne fell, and neither fully recovered afterwards. The harm that Queen Mary did to the Church of England was nowhere near as great or as lasting as the changes that Laud made.
The 2nd major change was the civil war, that huge family quarrel that brought glory to none and great suffering to many - if not every person in England. Remember Edge Hill, Newbury, Marston Moor, Naesby and Worcester that so divided and weakened the nation. Yet by the grace of God, out of it emerged a Parliament, a Monarchy and a Constitution that has been the envy of nations for 3½ centuries. Only now are evil leaders again squandering our rich heritage and with lies and spin surrendering our national identity to a blasphemous dictatorship called the EU.
The 3rd major feature of these times was the rise and fall of Oliver Cromwell. There are many views of this remarkable man whose letters suggest him to be a sincere Christian, but some of his actions cast doubt on this. Few men have ever won supreme power by the sword, and then used that power with such moderation. His name was feared all over Europe, including the Vatican. His private life was irreproachable and he enforced a high standard of morality in the nation - in contrast to the Stuarts.
A 4th important characteristic of these years was the suicidal blindness of the Church of England - there were some excellent bishops but they were always a small minority. The Church attempted to compel uniformity and prohibited any prayer or worship of Jesus Christ at home if there should be more than 5 persons present (the 1st offence was 3 months in prison!). Stiff penalties were imposed upon any who dared infringe even petty ecclesiastical by-laws. As a result there was much discontent among those persecuted, and much disaffection to the Church. Plain Englishmen saw that a man may gamble, swear and get drunk without any need to fear the Law, but people who met after service to pray or sing hymns or read scripture were in grave danger of severe punishment. It was rightly seen as a travesty of justice when Charles II and his companions were free to waste the nation's wealth while men like Baxter, Bunyan and Jenkyn were sent to gaol. The Act of Uniformity in 1662 was successfully designed to be offensive to the Puritans - 2000 of the best clergymen resigned their livings. So many sheep were left without a shepherd. Charles II was brought back on the distinct understanding that the Church should continue on a basis that would satisfy the Puritans. As soon as he gained power he renegued on his promise. Three years later the Oxford Act forbade these 2000 ejected ministers to live within 5 miles of any corporate town or any place where they had formally preached. Archbishop Sheldon, like Laud before him, thus did the cause of true religion much harm. Between them, they sowed the seed of endless division and rottenness that still continues today. Much history of the Stewarts and the Commonwealth has been distorted - Ryle recommends the two volumes by Marsden, "History of the Puritans".
Richard Baxter was born in 1615 to a pious Shropshire man - a county where true faith was very rare. Yet he was among those who were determined to serve the Lord from his earliest days. Without any university training he was ordained in 1637, with no knowledge of Greek or Hebrew, he was a converted man and moved by the Holy Spirit - and thus better qualified than many others. He writes of himself, "I knew that the want of academic honours was like to make me contemptible with most. But yet, expecting to be so quickly in another world, the great concernment of miserable souls did prevail with me against all impediments." Baxter always suffered ill-health; it urged him on to preach the truth and endeavour to save souls while he was still able. His life was never still for long and remained richly varied. His preaching was simple, powerful and magnetic. His churches were always full with ordinary men earnestly desiring truth and direction. He was earnest in his visitation of all his parishioners pleading with them to flee from the wrath to come and be reconciled to God. Others entangled themselves in politics and religious debate, but not Baxter. His pastoral and preaching ability was matched also by his prolific writing. His best are, "The Saint's Rest", "The Reformed Pastor", and "The Call to the Unconverted" (of which 20,000 were printed in one year!) All this and he was continually hounded, fined and imprisoned - not that he had done any wrong. Finally, the Church threw him out in 1662. What blindness. What sheer folly. In 1685 he was tried by Chief Justice Jeffreys on the charge of publishing seditious matter. But there was no justice in this court. He was fined 500 marks, which it was obvious he was unable to pay, so he was committed to prison until he should do so. He remained in Southwark gaol for 2 years.
His last 4 years were spent quietly in Charterhouse Square, where he was allowed to preach freely - now the days of persecution were over. Here he taught men of Jesus Christ and of another world. He nearly died in the pulpit but was spared a short time longer. While on his death bed he was same man that he had been for the previous 50 years; his last hours were spent preparing others and himself to meet his Maker. To his friends he said, "You come hither to learn to die. I am not the only person that must go this way. Have a care of the vain, deceitful world, and the lust of the flesh. Be sure you choose God for your portion, heaven for your home, God's glory for your end, and God's Word for your rule. Then you need never fear but we shall meet again with comfort." When one friend comforted him with the remembrance of the good that many had received, he replied, "I was but a pen in God's hand, and what praise is due to a pen?!" During his painful sickness when asked how he did, his reply was, "Better than I deserve to be, but not so well as I hope to be." The Lord released him from his consistent and faithful service in this world on 8th December 1691. Richard Baxter left a name which must be dear to every lover of holiness and every friend of religious liberty.
Many see the Puritans as rebellious, critical, intolerant fanatics. But England, the Church and America have so much to be grateful for. They stood as a bulwark of truth in a time when men much preferred hedonistic pursuits. They alone prevented Laud's Popish desire to carry England back into the arms of Rome.
James II only reigned for 3 years (1685-1688), but these years contained a more disgraceful list of cruel, stupid, unjust and tyrannical action than any British monarch except Mary. It was an era of mediocrity led by a narrow-minded obstinate 'Roman' king. He strained every muscle to extend Popery in England and abandon Protestantism. He also ensured that moral laxity was the order of the day and many judges were corrupt and ignorant. The Church of England had not recovered from the terrible loss following the Act of Uniformity. Add to that 100 years of Jesuit infiltration and intrigue to cause divisions wherever possible. There were 5 major events in his short reign:
1. Brutal treatment of Non-conformists and Dissenters. James II hated the Puritans. Baxter was tried at Westminster Hall by Judge Jeffries on a charge of publishing seditious matter in his "Paraphrase of the New Testament". Naturally he was found guilty and languished in Southwark gaol for 2 years (See Richard Baxter). In Scotland an even worse case of injustice is seen. One old widow Margaret Maclachlan and an 18 year old girl Margaret Wilson were condemned for no other reason than being Non-conformist. They were tied to stakes on the shore of Solway Firth and drowned by the incoming tide. Maclachlan's stake was nearer the water and died first in the hope that younger one would abjure. By God's supreme grace she didn't even when temporarily released and re-tied to her stake. Her epitaph remain in Wigton churchyard. Such was the sad state of England as that time, there was no one willing to object to such actions. James persecuted and prospered.
2. He cruelly punished those English counties that in any way supported the Monmouth rebellion, which ended in the battle of Sedgemoor. Colonel Kirke and Judge Jeffries saw to it that everyone who had even remotely taken any part were either hanged (and often quartered too) or deported for life. Nearly every town in Somerset had bodies hanging in irons or heads stuck on poles as a grizzly reminder. As a result, when the Prince of Orange landed in Torbay the western counties joined him to a man.
3. He dared to gag the pulpit and stop anyone who preached against Popery. Preaching has always been the principal agency God has chosen to convert the souls of men and enable them to live a holy life. Rome has always exalted the ceremonial and depreciated true preaching of God's Word. Any minister who dared to preach anything against Rome was fined or was suspended - and that included the Bishop of London! But this folly worked against James. The Church was roused and with great courage they all began to preach about the errors of Rome, and being supported by their congregations, there was little James could do about it. Printing presses up and down the land soon followed suit. It is a good example of God bringing good out of evil. Like Haman, he would soon fall to rise no more.
4. He tried to force Oxford and Cambridge, the only two Universities, to be ruled by his supporters. They refused and deeply resented his intrusion and the breaking of the law. James thus completely alienated the most able men of England. Even Oxford, in which Rome had secured a foothold in Laud's time, was unwilling to yield to James. The stakes were high, for he who had the backing of the universities, would soon have the backing of the best leaders in England. But again James over-reached and tried to force his will. He failed.
5. He attempted to replace the nobility and gentry and replace them with servile creatures who would not oppose his Romanizing plans. What incredible folly. He need a new House of Commons. He set about trying to get the county Lord Lieutenants to reveal which of them, their deputies and JP's supported him. Most refused, as did the Dukes and Earls. James' only success was to turn the clergy, the intellectuals and the leaders of the nation against him in spectacular fashion. Deservedly, he was thus left alone and friendless.
The last and most foolish act of James was the trial of 7 bishops. In May 1688 James ordered a Declaration to be read in every parish on two successive Sundays that suspended all penal laws against Nonconformists and authorised both Roman Catholics and Dissenters to worship publicly. The Bishops were caught. If they refused to read the Declaration the king would be angry and the people would accuse them of refusing liberty, but if they read it they would be allowing the return of Popery. To their great credit the Nonconformists immediately saw the trap and rejected the Declaration before it was uttered. Archbishop William Sancroft asked as many bishops as could make the journey in the very limited time to come to Lambeth. 6 came. And they signed a protest that was faithful to the throne, that the Lords of Parliament would at the proper time consider the Nonconformists and that the king had no right to declare in matters ecclesiastical so it would require the solemn publication of an illegal Declaration during Divine Service in the House of God. They fully realised that Protestantism was in huge danger and determined to resist the attack. The 7 bishops presented James with the petition at 10pm of Friday evening. Overnight it was printed and sent all over London. Only 6/100 parishes read the declaration on Sunday morning. Two weeks later when it was due to be read all over the rest of England, only a tine number did so. In Norfolk only 4/1200 parishes. 5 days later the 7 Bishops were summoned by the king to appear at Whitehall. They took with them the best legal advice and the king gained nothing. But they were still committed to the Tower. It caused a massive show of support all over England for the 7 elderly prelates. But the King went on and brought them for trial. The jury gave a 'Not guilty' verdict and the joy all over London was unsurpassed. Within 24 hours a letter signed by 7 leading Englishmen left these shores for Holland to invite William of Orange to come over with an army and overthrow the Stuart dynasty. The Archbishop sent a pastoral letter to all bishops entreating them to have a tender regard for the Protestant Dissenters and 'to visit them at their homes and receive them kindly'. Also he asked them to take every opportunity to 'assure them English bishops are irreconcilable enemies to the errors, superstitions, idolatries and tyrannies of Rome.' And finally he urged them to 'exhort Dissenters to join with us in fervent prayer to the God of peace for the universal blessed union of all reformed churches'. 6 months later James II had fled and William and Mary were placed upon the English throne. Before enthroned both Houses passed the "Declaration of Rights". It's first sentence was 'The late king James did endeavour to subvert and extirpate the Protestant religion - by assuming a power of dispensing with laws and by committing and prosecuting divers worthy prelates'. and the last sentence was the Oath of Supremacy which says 'I do declare that no foreign prince, person, prelate, state or potentate hath, or ought to have jurisdiction, power, superiority, pre-eminence, or authority, ecclesiastical or spiritual, within this realm. So help me God.' Such was the enduring result of the trial of the courageous 7 Bishops, to whom we owe our second deliverance from Popery.
Lessons to be learnt:
Never allow this nation to be ruled by a Papist.
The strength of the Church of England lies in loyalty to Protestant principles.
Unflinching opposition to the superstitions and ritual of the Church of Rome.
Guard the supreme authority of Scripture and preaching of the Word carefully.
Unity and peace are bought dear if at the expense of truth.
20 Major Roman Catholic Errors
The Heart of Rome's Errors
While Rome agrees that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, they
steadfastly refuse to say that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone,
in Christ alone. But they insist on adding that the sacraments of the church are
also essential. e.g. 'Last rites', church baptism, confession etc. They claim that
the sacraments can only be provided by the priest. But Jesus is our great High
Priest who has opened the door of heaven. We need no other priest now: it is a
task that no man can usurp. No man can be an intermediary between us and
God. Jesus is our one and only Advocate. 1 Jn 21 Excommunication in the Roman Church means no sacraments, and no sacraments means damnation by their
rules. This is a mighty threat and a lever for the priests to wield, giving them
immense power over their subjects. No mere man has the right to pass such
eternal judgement on another. Only Jesus has the necessary knowledge, the
justice and righteousness. Like the Pharisees who added much to the Law, Rome,
in the interest of power, adds much to what Jesus says was necessary for
salvation. Until this prime issue is addressed all ecumenical effort is futile; the Roman Church remains in gross and substantial error, holding its subjects
captive.
1. The Mass and Transubstantiation 1215 AD
Jesus commanded us to eat the bread and wine and remember that he died for
our sins, paying the necessary ransom. The bread and wine are not transformed
in a magical rite that only the priest may perform. For some reason the
congregation are not allowed to drink wine at Mass (from 1414 AD), but we all
need to 'remember' the cleansing blood. The Mass that repeatedly sacrifices
Christ on the altar is an insult. Jesus was sacrificed once for all when he laid down his life at Calvary. Heb 912, 24-28 Rome burned at the stake many Protestants for refusing to accept this in the Reformation. Transubstantiation leads to the abominable practice of 'reserving the sacrament'.
2. Pope given both Religious and Political Power 754 AD
Jesus said, "My Kingdom is not of this world." Jn 1836. This enabled the Pope to mount the Crusades and the Inquisition. Today the Pope is still 'king' of a separate nation state, Vatican City.
3. Kissing Pope's Feet 709 AD
It had been a pagan custom to kiss the feet of emperors.
4. Papal infallibility 1870 AD
Our leaders should be honoured, but none are infallible, nor can any man be.
Jesus is the only man ever to have walked this earth in whom there is no sin. Even
a cursory glace at the long line of Popes show them to be anything but sinless.
Infallibility is impossible unless a man is sinless. God gave to Solomon greater
wisdom than any, but it did not stop him making idols and worshipping them. 1
Kg 111-11 It is vital that all in the church learn how to practice discernment. We need to test what we are told. 1 Jn 41 1 Thes 521
5. Church Tradition added to Authority of Scripture 1545 AD
Church Tradition is used in deciding whether something is right or true in
addition to the Word of God. And church tradition is given equal authority. We
may live in the so called 'post modern era' but the theology of God does not
change. Man's view of God may vary; but God's Word remains unchanged. "The
soul that sins shall surely die". And there is but "one Mediator between God and
man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all men." 2 Tim 25,6 "No man comes to the Father except by me." Jn 146 The Apocryphal books were added to the Scriptures by the Roman Church in 1546 AD
6. Sale of Indulgences 1190 AD
'No gift, no forgiveness'. A callous and wicked scheme to gain wealth for the
church that played on the tender conscience of the guilty who desired the
assurance of forgiveness. They were taught that their gift to the church was more
important than repentance and believing what Christ has achieved for us on the
Cross. "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, by his wounds we are
healed." Is 535 Mary's gift of perfume to Jesus was because she had been forgiven much, not in the hope of earning forgiveness. Lu 736-50
7. Purgatory 1439 AD
Purgatory detracts from the fullness of Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross, denying that his sacrifice purchased complete pardon for individual sin. Jesus said, "It is finished", the "Debt Is Paid In Full." Jn 1930 Heb 919 Purgatory holds that all men must go through a further cleansing process before they can enter Heaven. It encouraged the practice of prayers for the dead and further indulgences. Jesus told the dying thief, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Lu 2343 And the parable Jesus told of the rich man and Lazarus denies the opportunity of salvation after death. Lu 1619-31
8. Crucifix
The image of Christ on a crucifix is just that; a forbidden image. It is quite
different from the Christian symbol of the empty Cross. Furthermore Pope Paul
V1 (1962-1978) and Pope John Paul II (1978-2005) have both regularly used a
'Twisted Crucifix' on top of their staff, which was first used by Satanists in the
6th century!
9. Worship of Relics 788 AD
Historical proof is one thing, but encouraged superstition is quite another.
Superstition comes easily to men. Relics soon cause men to worship the creature
rather than the Creator. Ro 125 They are mostly used to bring revenue to any church claiming to have an 'authentic relic'. A piece of wood that was supposedly part of Noah's Ark or Christ's cross, or a phial of his blood, or ...
10. Other symbols
Many are used like the (15th century BC) Egyptian obelisk (Sex) and the 8-fold
path to enlightenment that surrounds in St Peter's Basilica in Rome. Unknown to
most, these symbols are particularly evil.
11. Celibacy of Priests 1079 AD
Paul showed that as a missionary, being single can have significant advantages.
But Jesus made it clear that it was not for everyone. Math 1912 In describing the essential attributes of an elder, Paul says that they should be married! Tit 16 Celibacy has caused much needless temptation and has resulted in the fall of many. Deceiving spirits forbid marriage. 1 Tim 41-3
12. 'One-way' confession
We are instructed to confess our sins to one another. It is not confession that is
wrong, but that it is 'one way'. It is said that knowledge is power. Perhaps this is why the Catholic Church insist upon it.
13. Apostolic Succession
Rome claims that their pontiff, and thus also priests, are descended from Peter
to whom Jesus put in charge of the early church. It enables them to claim an
exaggerated authority over all other Christians. But there is no evidence that the
first Pope (Clement ?) was enthroned by Peter. Even a tertiary examination of the
history of the popes can only make one blush and be ashamed.
14. Priests take title of 'Father'
Jesus told his disciples to call each other brother - never rabbi, father or teacher. Math 235-12 Yet they insist on using the title 'Father'.
15. Vestments 340 AD
These merely reinforce the false notion that Priests are intermediaries between
God and man. In the O.T. they pointed to Christ who would make the 'one perfect
and sufficient sacrifice for sin'. Now that Christ has come and fulfilled the Law's
just requirement, their office is no longer needed.
16. Praying the Rosary 1090 AD
Jesus forbade praying repetitious prayers. Math 67,8 The Rosary is often used like this rather than as a simple aid to memory.
17. Fasting on Fridays 998 AD
Why is abstaining from meat thought to benefit the soul? Jesus instructed us to
fast privately. Math 616-18 Friday is the 6th day of the week and Muslim day of rest. 6th day is a favourite among Satanists!
18. Immaculate Conception 1854 AD
It is claimed that Mary was born perfect. But she confessed her own need for
salvation. Lu 147 She was redeemed by being born again through trusting the
effective atoning blood of Christ for her sin - the same as for all believers.
19. Assumption of Mary 1950 AD
The false and totally unsubstantiated claim that Mary did not 'die', but was
taken body and soul into heaven, like Elijah.
20. Prayers to Mary and Saints
We do well to honour the saints and learn from their example. But pray to them?
Never! Prayers to Mary and to the saints imply that Jesus is too busy. They are
an insult to him, who "always lives to intercede for us." Ro 834 Heb 725 924
21. Praying for the Dead
The truth is that after death there is no further opportunity for salvation - it is too late. Jesus told the story of the Rich man and Lazarus. Lu 1619-31 Between Lazarus in heaven and the rich man “a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.” Jesus thus makes it clear that praying for the dead is totally ineffectual. The only solace is that we are not the Judge; we can only trust the Lord of glory to make the right judgement. And it may surprise us - either way!
22. Penance
This is the act or suffering instructed by the priest after confession to prove repentance. Its object is to help atonement and to improve character for the future. But only the blood of Christ can atone for my sin; there is nothing I can do to achieve forgiveness. Forgiveness is all by grace.
It is at our own peril that we forget what our Reformation forbears died for. Read Foxe's Book of Martyrs and 'The Reformation in England' by Merle d'Aubigne to learn why Rome tried so hard to quench the light that dawned when the scriptures were translated into English and the truth was revealed. They even added the Scriptures to the index of forbidden books for laymen in 1229 AD.
Many of these errors are not peripheral, secondary issues about which Christians may disagree. They are fundamental truths about our salvation, which the light of God's Word in our native language revealed during the Reformation. Not surprisingly, Rome vigorously repressed this. Rome has never admitted anything wrong in their unscriptural theology, their idolatrous practices, or their murder of Christians and Jews. They claim the Reformation and the Crusades were an unfortunate aberration when part of the church was hijacked by some extremists. While the idea of ecumenism and forgetting the past sounds nice, it remains a deadly folly until Rome is willing to repent.
In spite of these errors, some Roman Catholics are still believers saved by grace.
God's cry in the closing days of the northern tribes of Israel came through his
prophet Hosea. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Hos 46
Is this still God's cry?
God's command at the end is to Come out of her, my people, so that you will not
share in her sins ... Rev 184 In the context this refers to the evil 'Babylon' system,
but it is equally well applied to 'Rome'. Both are systems that turn men away
from God by the love of money, power and false religion.
Let us discern the truth and give time to learn what the Scriptures say. Let us
thoroughly test all that is prophesied, taught and practised in the Bible. It is the
only safe way.
1509 - 1547 Henry VIII
1517 Luther publishes 95 Theses
1521 Henry VIII made ‘Defender of the Faith’ by Pope Leo X
1532 Thomas More retires as Chancellor
1533 Marriage to Catherine annulled by Archbishop Cranmer
1534 Act of Supremacy makes Henry VIII head of the church
1535 More and Cardinal Fisher executed. Thomas Cromwell made Vicar-General
1536 Monasteries stripped of power and RC decorations. Tyndale burned for translating Bible
1538 Orders English ‘Great Bible’ to be placed in every parish
1540 Cromwell executed for 'trumped-up' treason
1547 - 1553 Edward VI (Two 'Protectors' managed Government as Edward only 9 years old)
1549 Mass declared illegal
Cranmer and Latimer's English Book of Common Prayer introduced
1553 Cranmer made Archbishop and publishes 42 Articles (later to be 39 articles)
1553 - 1558 'Bloody' Mary
1553 Married Phillip of Spain - Philip went to Spain and never returned
1554 Wyat leads Protestant rebellion but defeated and executed
1555-1588 288 to be burned alive 1 archbishop, 4 bishops 21 clergy, 203 laymen, 55 women and 4 children
Few Englishmen were sorry when Mary died aged 42
1558 - 1603 Elizabeth I
1558 Appoints Matthew Parker Archbishop. Protestant with RC sympathy
1562 Aids Protestant Huguenots in French wars of religion
1563 17,000 die in London plague
Her reign was peaceful, but at the expense of truth. Early Protestant 'fire' became sleepy
1603 - 1625 James I (& VI of Scotland) great grandson of Henry VIII's sister
Protestant but tolerant of Catholics
1604 Drew up Constitutions and Canons against Nonconformists
1605 Gunpowder plot
1611 AV Bible published
1620 Pilgrim Fathers sailed to America
1625 - 1649 Charles I
1628 'Book of Sports' defined permissible recreations on Sunday
1629 Dissolves Parliament. Reigned supreme Star Chamber Court of High Commission
1640 Civil war till 1649. Charles II Executed
1649 - 1660 Commonwealth led by Oliver Cromwell
1660 - 1685 Charles II
1661 Corporation Act excludes Nonconformists from municipal office
1662 Act of Uniformity compels Puritans to use Book of Common Prayer. 2000 clergy leave C of E.
1664 Conventicle Act forbids any worship except with Book of C.P.
1665 '5 Mile' Act forbids Nonconformist clergy within 5 miles of parish town
1665 Plague again strikes London followed by Great Fire of London (two warnings by God unheeded)
1670 Secret Treaty of Dover with Louis XIV fails. C II agrees to Catholicism in exchange for money
1673 Test Act keeps Catholics from political office
1678 The Pilgrims Progress published
1685 Charles II converts to Rome on deathbed
1685 - 1688 James II
1685 Monmouth (illegitimate son of Charles II) rebellion defeated at Sedgemoor.
Bloody Assizes follow, 320 executed, 880 sent as slaves to US
Hated and persecuted all Protestants. Determined to restore Catholicism
Tried to control Oxford and Cambridge and replace nobility with Catholics - both failed
1688 Arrested 7 Bishops on sedition. 'Not guilty'.
William of Orange invited to bring army and become king. James II flees.