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Contributions to the Reformation (contd…)

In April 1538, Cranmer made Ridley the Vicar of Herne in Kent.  It was here that he boldly preached against certain Romish practices.   In his Farewell, he shared that his preaching at Herne was not “after the popish trade, but after the Gospel of Gospel of Christ.”  However, he still held on to the Romish doctrine of Transubstantiation.

It was also at Herne that he finally saw the light.  In this quiet parish one day, he came across a copy of the famous Treatise of Bertram or Retramn, a 9th Century monk and reputed theologian.  Bertram’s Treatise was a solid refutation of the erroneous doctrine of Transubstantiation, ably argued out of Holy Scriptures.  Thus confronted, Ridley was led to search the Scriptures and the writings of the early Fathers.  After a period of meticulous study, Ridley concluded that the papal doctrine of the Mass was “neither Scriptural nor in accordance with the teachings of the (church) Fathers, but was blasphemous and deceiving.”  Ridley communicated his findings to Cranmer, and both men were convicted that the doctrine was novel and heretical. 

Excited over his recent theological conversion, Cranmer went to Hugh Latimer (another Reformer) and convinced the latter of the Scriptural teaching concerning the issue.  By 1547, three of England’s most prominent Reformers were totally won to the Protestant view of the Lord’s Supper.  It is not an overstatement to say that the English Sacrament was shaped by Ridley. 

Ridley’s total and unequivocal rejection of this papal doctrine caused him to make a decisive break from all Romish theology and ecclesiastical associations.  One writer commented – “It is always striking to review how Divine Providence marvellously works out circumstances to bring the Reformers to a conviction of the truth and to lead them to the great task of church reformation.  Luther had his tower experience; Calvin has his unpleasant encounter with Farel; and Ridley had his experience at Herne.”

“Ridley’s chief contribution to the English Reformation was undoubtedly the recovering of the doctrine of the Lord’s Supper to the English people.  His discovery of the Eucharist was timely,  In 1547, the same year when the leading English reformers were persuaded of Ridley’s doctrine, Henry VIII died, and Edward VI succeeded him.  In September that year, Ridley was chosen by the young King to be the new Bishop of Rochester.  This new appointment put him side by side with Cranmer and gave him the opportunity to employ his gifts to advance Protestantism in England” - Adapted from “Reformed Digest” 1998 Issue 1/1

The Reformer also excelled as a preacher of the Gospel.  He was King Edward’s favourite preacher.  In 1533, when he preached before Edward VI again, the king was so stirred by the sermon on benevolence that he inquired how he might best put into practice the social duties required of him as England’s monarch. 

In 1548, Ridley was commissioned by King Edward to produce the English Prayer Book.  He worked side by side with Cranmer and other distinguished scholars in the project. 

Martyrdom

When Mary, a Roman Catholic, ascended the throne, she resolved to implement her Romish inclinations and to restore England back to the papacy.  This was a heavy blow not only to Ridley but also to the leading Reformers of his time who had battled for ecclesiastical changes under Edward VI.  Ridley had earlier warned the people at a sermon at St Paul’s, that if Mary succeeded in gaining the crown, she would undo all the good works of the Reformation.  This indeed was the case.

In retaliation, Queen Mary charged the reformers for heresies.  Her first target was none other than Bishop Ridley whose sermon at St Paul’s had greatly offended her.  Accusing him of treason, Mary ordered the arrest of Ridley and the other Reformers.

Along with Cranmer and Latimer, Ridley was imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he wrote statements defending his theological convictions.  During his nine-month detention, Ridley produced his most popular work: “A brief treatise of the Lord’s Supper” or “A Treatise against the errors of Transubstantiation.” 

In 1554, refusing to recant, both he and Latimer were declared heretics and ordered to be sent to the flames on 16th October 1555.  A day before the execution, Dr Brooks, the Bishop of Gloucester, in a desperate attempt to save the condemned Reformer from a martyr’s death, offered him the Queen’s pardon if he would recant.  Ridley replied: “My lord, as for the doctrine which I have taught, my conscience assureth me that it was sound and according to God’s Word, which doctrine, the Lord God being my Helper, I will maintain so long as my tongue shall wag, and breath is within my body, and in confirmation thereof seal the same with my blood.”

The night before the execution, Ridley gave a final address to his friends.  When they enquired about his anxiety, he remarked: “I mean to go to bed, and, by God’s will, to sleep as quietly as ever I did in my life.” 

On 16th October 1555, dressed in his Episcopal gown, Ridley walked to the place of his execution at the city ground.  When the faggots were lit, Latimer spoke to Ridley these immortal words: “Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man.  We shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.”

- Pastor