ABSTRACT
Thomas Cranmer’s political theory resembled that of St. Paul. Luther long regarded Charles V. as the lineal successor of the Caesar whose authority Christ had recognised; and when he gave up his faith in Charles he transferred it to his territorial sovereign, the Elector of Saxony, and preached an unlimited passive obedience. In England the Church reached the zenith of its influence during the thirteenth century; and from the legislation of Edward I. For William Warham believed the royal supremacy to be an evil; Cranmer thought it a good. Just before his death the aged Archbishop drew up a protest against the infractions of ecclesiastical immunities; he recalled the case of Henry II. and hinted that Henry VIII. might go the way of other kings who had violated the liberties of the Church.
