Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterburydetails

Parker’s deliberation, prudence, learning, and his thorough knowledge of ecclesiastical affairs in general, and particularly of the state of the Church of England from the beginning of the Reformation, secured for him the confidence of Elizabeth’s great statesmen. Though naturally bashful, he was rough in his manners, and fearlessin his sprit. By all parties he has been regarded as the vigorous defender of what he believed to be the interests of the Church, and true to the cause of the hierarchy. (p. 634)