'That Godly and Royall Childe': Milton and the Edwardian Reformation

• Published in: Bunyan studies no. 16; p. 71
• Main Author: Walker, David
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Newcastle Upon Tyne Northumbria University, Department of Humanities, Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences 01.01.2012
• Subjects: British & Irish literature; Bunyan, John (1628-1688); English literature; Milton, John (1608-1674)
• ISSN: 0954-0970

[...]Bucer wrote De Regno Christi for specific polemical ends, 'with a view to instructing the young king Edward VI in the principles and procedures requisite for the ordering of the national life in accordance with true, because reformed religion'.27 Like Milton, Bucer was a noted classical scholar, as well as a theologian, with both drawing upon theological and classical sources in their works.28 The book itself has been described by another critic as a 'summary of the practical concerns of the church in society', and as such it 'was received with acclaim in 1550'.29 Bucer begins book two of De Regno Christi with an unequivocal condemnation of the episcopal order: I have no doubt that Your Majesty himself sees that the reformation of the Kingdom of Christ which we require, rather, which the salvation of all of us requires, cannot really be expected from the bishops while there are so few among mem who are fully aware of the power of this Kingdom and their own official responsibilities but so many who by all possible means which they dare employ either oppose, postpone, or delay this reformation.30 Bucer blames the episcopacy for putting the brake upon reform by drawing attention to their lack of godly zeal. [...]the king must instigate root and branch reform of the Episcopacy and begin 'the renewal of the important priestly order and office, just as the care for other estates and offices is within his prerogative'.31 Bucer, therefore, is not merely concerned with tinkering with episcopacy. According to A. G. Dickens 'this sudden restoration of quasi-monarchical government in the person of a mature, able and opinionated nobleman undoubtedly hastened the advance of the Reformation in England'. [...]To be plainer Sir, how to soder, how to stop a leak, how to keep up the floating carcas of a crazie, and diseased Monarchy, or State betwixt wind, and water, swimming still upon her own dead lees, that now is the deepe designe of a politician.61 In iniquitous times it is prudent to look to the past and seek appropriate models and examples of godly reform.