Gary W. Jenkins - John Jewel And The English National Church The Dilemmas Of An Erastian Reformer

This is exactly what he feared about the crucifix, that ‘Me miserum! res
ea facile trahetur in exemplum’.^64 The arguments and controversy extend
from at least November to February, 1559–60. Thomas Sampson wrote
Martyr that the very thing Jewel feared was coming to pass:

what can I hope for when the ministry of the word is banished from

court? while the crucifix is allowed, with lights burning before it?

The altars indeed are removed, and images also throughout the

kingdom; the crucifix and candles are retained at court alone. And

the wretched multitude are not only rejoicing at this, but will imitate

it of their own accord.^65

Sampson, who had previously leaned on Martyr for advice on whether
he should accept preferment, now addressed the big question:

whether the image of the crucifix, placed on the table of the Lord

with lighted candles, is to be regarded as a thing indifferent; and if

it is not to be so considered, but as an unlawful and wicked practice,

then, I ask, suppose the queen should enjoin all the bishops and

clergy, either to admit this image together with candles, into their

churches, or to retire from the ministry of the word, what should be

our conduct in this case?^66

Sampson’s sentiments were echoed by Richard Cox, who wrote Martyr
sometime before February 1560:

Respecting our affairs, what shall I write? by the blessing of God, all

those heads of religion are restored to us which we maintained in the

time of King Edward. We are only constrained to our great distress

of mind, to tolerate in our churches the image of the cross and him

who was crucified: the Lord must be entreated that this stumbling-

block may at length be removed.^67

Subsequent to this Cox refused to serve in Elizabeth’s chapel, and gave
Elizabeth a letter stating his conscience. The letter, preserved by Strype,
lays out the basic Protestant notions about images equaling idols.^68 The
sequel of Cox’s action shall be rehearsed anon. So bitter did the
contention become that Jewel feared not only for his own, but for the
episcopal offices of others, the very choice that Sampson feared. Jewel’s
fear no doubt included Edmund Grindal, the bishop of London, who
along with Jewel were to debate before the council and some judges
picked by the council. They debated Matthew Parker and Richard Cox.
Whether Cox lost his nerve, or somehow was illuminated to a different
position is not known. Jewel certainly seemed to lose all regard for him:

68 JOHN JEWEL AND THE ENGLISH NATIONAL CHURCH

(^64) Ibid., 1224. ‘Have mercy! this thing shall easily turn into an precedent!’
(^65) Zurich Letters, II, p. 63.
(^66) Ibid., p. 64.
(^67) Ibid., p. 66. The letter is undated.
(^68) Strype,Annals, I, i, p. 260.
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