While the primate was acting this great, and good part; and on all occasions discovering the utmost mildness and candour; the truth of history calls on us to acknowledge, that on one unhappy occasion, he appeared under a very different character; that of a bigotted persecutor. It is very true indeed, that he went not voluntarily into this business; but acted under a commission to inquire into heretical opinions.

When the errors of the church of Rome were scrutinized; private judgment, altho the basis of all liberal inquiry, gave birth, as might naturally be supposed, to a variety of strange enthusiastic opinions. Many of these were unquestionably absurd enough; and some of them destructive of moral goodness: as that, the elect could not sin—that altho the outward man might transgress, the inward man remained immaculate—that the regenerate have a right to what they want; and some others, equally detestable.—They were opinions however of a less offensive nature, that drew upon them the archbishop's severity.

Joan Bocher, and George Paris were accused, tho at different times, one for denying the humanity of Christ; the other for denying his divinity. They were both tried, and condemned to the stake: and the archbishop not only consented to these acts of blood; but even persuaded the aversion of the young king into a compliance. "Your majesty must distinguish (said he, informing his royal pupil's conscience) between common opinions, and such, as are the essential articles of faith. These latter we must on no account suffer to be opposed."

It is true, these doctrines, especially the latter, in the opinion of the generality of christians, are subversive of the fundamentals of christianity. To deny the divinity of Christ seems to oppose the general idea, which the scriptures hold out of our redemption. On the other hand, many particular passages, which describe the humanity of Christ, seem to favour the doctrine: and some there are, who hold it even in this inlightened age. At worst therefore we must consider it, as an erroneous opinion. To call it heresy, when attended with a good life, is certainly a great breach of christian charity. Is it not then astonishing, that a man of the archbishop's candour could not give it a little more indulgence? If any opinions can demand the secular arm, it must be such only, as lead to actions, which injure the peace of society. We are surprized also at seeing the archbishop so far depreciate his own cause, as to suppose that one man incurred guilt by acting on the same principles, which intitled another to applause: and that he who in the opinion of one church, was the greatest of schismatics himself, should not even in common justice indulge, in all the more speculative points of religion, toleration to others. Nothing even plausible can be suggested in defence of the archbishop on this occasion; except only that the spirit of popery was not yet wholly repressed.

There are however, among protestant writers at this day, some who have undertaken his vindication. But I spare their indiscretion. Let the horrid act be universally disclaimed. To palliate, is, to participate. With indignation let it be recorded, as what above all other things has disgraced that religious liberty, which our ancestors in most other respects so nobly purchased.

From this disagreeable view of the archbishop let us endeavour to bring ourselves again in temper with him, by viewing him as the friend and patron of the distressed. The sussering professors of protestantism, who were scattered in great numbers about the various countries of Europe, were always sure of an asylum with him. His palace at Lambeth might be called a seminary of learned men; the greater part of whom persecution had driven from home. Here among other celebrated reformers, Martyr, Bucer, Aless, Phage sound sanctuary. Martyr, Bucer, and Phage were liberally pensioned by the archbishop, till he could otherwise provide for them. It was his wish to fix them in the two universities, where he hoped their great knowledge, and spirit of inquiry, would forward his designs of restoring learning: and he at length obtained professorships for them all. Bucer and Phage, were settled at Cambridge; were they only shewed what might have been expected from them, both dying within a few months after their arrival. But at Oxford Martyr acted a very conspicuous part; and contributed to introduce among the students there a very liberal mode of thinking.

Aless had been driven from Scotland, his native country, for the novelty of his opinions. The cause in which he suffered, added to his abilities and learning, so far recommended him to the university of Leipsic, to which he retired, that he was chosen a professor there. At this place he became acquainted with Melancthon, who having written a treatise on some part of the controversy between the papists, and protestants, was desirous of consulting the archbishop on a few points; and engaged Aless, otherwise not averse to the employment, to undertake a voyage into England for that purpose. In the course of the conference, the archbishop. was so much taken with his simplicity, and learning, that he settled a pension on him; and retained him in his family.

The misfortunes of the times drew Alasco also into England, where the archbishop became an early patron to him; and shewed on this occasion at least, the candour, and liberality of his sentiments, by permitting a person, who held many opinions very different from his own, to collect his brethren, and such as chose to communicate with him, into a church. At the head of this little assembly Alasco long presided; exhibiting an eminent example of piety, and decency of manners.

Among other learned foreigners John Sleiden was under particular obligations to the archbishop. Sleiden was, at that time, engaged in writing the history of the reformation; a work from which much was expected; and which the archbishop, by allowing him a pension, and opportunities of study, enabled him to prosecute with less difficulty, than had attended the beginning of his labours.

Leland, the first British antiquarian, was also among the primate's particular friends. Leland had a wonderful facility in learning languages; and was esteemed the first linguist in Europe. The archbishop soon took notice of him, and with his usual discernment, recommended him to be the king's librarian. His genius threw him on the study of antiquities; and his opportunities, on those of his own country: the archbishop, in the mean time, by procuring preferment for him, enabled him to make those inquiries, to which his countrymen have been so much indebted.

Among others, who were under obligations to the archbishop's generosity, was the amiable bishop Latimer; who not choosing to be reinstated in his old bishoprick, and having made but an indifferent provision for his future necessities, spent a great part of his latter life with the archbishop, at Lambeth.

Besides this intimacy with learned men at home, the archbishop held a constant correspondence with most of the learned men in Europe.

The great patron of Erasmus had been archbishop Warham; than whom, to give popery its due, few churchmen of those times led a more apostolical life. When Cranmer succeeded Warham, Erasmus was in the decline of age. He found, however, during the short time he lived, as beneficent a friend under the new archbishop, as he had lost in the old one.

The primate corresponded also with Osiander, Melancthon, and Calvin. His foreign correspondence indeed was so large that he appointed a person with a salary at Canterbury, whose chief employment it was, to forward, and receive his packets.

Among the most eminent of his correspondents was Herman, archbishop and elector of Cologn. This prelate had been early impressed with the principles of the reformation by Melancthon; and had used all his influence to introduce them in his electorate. But he met with powerful opposition; the pope and emperor combining against him, the former in his spiritual, the latter in his temporal capacity. So potent a combination crushed him. Terms indeed were offered; but he would hearken to no dishonourable compromise. ‘Nothing, he would say, can happen to me unexpectedly: I have long since fortisied my mind against every event.’ Instead of a splendid life therefore, at variance with his opinions; he chose a private station; in which he enjoyed the pleasures of study; the friendship of good men; and the tranquility of a good conscience.