ABSTRACT
In some minor questions, Thomas Cranmer was able to get his way even in the reign of Henry VIII. The modification of the Act of Six Articles already mentioned was doubtless furthered by him. In July, 1541, he drew up, with Henry’s acquiescence, a proclamation abrogating a few superfluous saints’ days and abolishing certain “childish superstitions.” The Archbishop is also believed to have prevented an official recognition of the numerous existing forms of church service. A committee of divines had for some time been engaged in drawing up a “Rationale of Rites and Ceremonies,” in which they contented themselves with commending without amending those in use. Bishop Gardiner’s hand has been traced in this production, which, according to Foxe, was “confuted” by Cranmer. There is also a copy of the “Bishops’ Book” with numerous emendations in Henry’s hand and answers to them in the Archbishop’s.
