A Dictionary of All Religions and Religious Denominations/Reformers

*REFORMERS, a term usually applied to those great and illustrious men, who introduced the reformation from popery in the sixteenth century, as Luther, Calvin, Zuinglius, Melanchton, and many others, whose sentiments will be found under the denominations, which bear their respective names.

The English reformers were the prelates and other eminent divines, who introduced the reformation into this country, under the reigns of Henry VIII, and Edward VI; and again under that of Queen Elizabeth. Cranmer, Latimer and Ridley, who were put to death in the reign of Quenn Mary, for their adherence to the protestant faith, held a distinguished rank among the instruments of the reformation in England. By them and Bishop Jewel, the homilies and articles of the church of England were drawn up. See English Church.