RIDLEY, _NICHOLAS, one of the most noted leaders of the reformation in England in the 16th c., was a native of Northumberland, and b. about the commencement of the century. He was educated at the foundation-school of Newcastle-upon-Tyne; and sub sequently at Pembroke hall, Cambridge. He became a fellow of this college in 1524, and ultimately president. The spirit of the reformation had already begun to penetrate the universities both of Oxford and Cambridge. Tyndale and Bilney had taught the new doctrines in the latter place; and Ridley, no less than Cranmer and Latimer, all Cam bridge students about the same period, had probably caught something of their spirit. This reforming tendency was greatly strengthened by a tour on the continent of Europe, which he Undertook on the completion of his studies. He encountered some of the most active reformers abroad, and after a three years' absence, he returned, with his principles firmly grounded in favor of the new course of things. He became proctor to the uni versity of Cambridge, and in this capacity protested against the claims of the papal see to supreme ecclesiastical jurisdiction in England. He was also chosen public orator, and, under the patronage of his friend Cramer, advanced first to be one of the king's chaplains, and then, in 1547, nominated bishop of Rochester. He distinguished himself by his vehement denunciations of the idolatrous use of images and of holy water, and very soon became one of the most prominent, as he remained one of the most consistent and inflexible, supporters of the reformed doctrines. He joined actively in the measures of Edward VI's reign, and on the deprivation of Bouuer, bishop of London, Ridley became his successor, Three years subsequent to his elevation to the see of Rochester. In this high position he distinguished himself by his "moderation, his learning, and his munificence." He earnestly promoted the reformation, yet without bigotry or intol
erance: he exerted himself in the foundation of Christ's hospital, and of the hospitids of St. Bartholomew and St. Thomas in Southwark, the two latter of which have become eminent as schools of medicine—the former as a school of classical and general instruc• tion. He assisted Cramer in the preparation of the 41 articles, afterward reduced to 39. On the death of Edward VI. he /warmly espoused the unfortunate cause of lady Jane Grey ; and on its speedy failure, and the accession of Mary, his known connection with it, as well as his general activity in the cause of the reformation, exposed him to the vengeance of the papal party, again ascendant. lie was committed to the Tower in 1553, and in the subsequent year, when a convocation was convened at Oxford for the discussion of the doctrine of transubstantiation, he was removed thither along with Craumer and Latimer, in order that he might engage in the discussion. It was not to be expected, however, that any good would issue from such a step as this. The dis cussion proved a mere pretense; the reformers were adjudged defeated and obstinate heretics, and condemned to suffer at the stake. On Oct. 16, 1555, Ridley was led forth to execution, along With his friend and fellow-reformer, Latimer. He suffered in front of Balliol college, cheerful, steadfast, and consistently enduring as he had been through out his life. He was, according to Burnet, one of the ablest of all who advanced the reformation in England. His character is pure, elevated, and self-denying. Foxe says of him he was "wise of counsel, deep of wit, benevolent in spirit." Ilis gentleness wins our sympathy, while his scholarly and calm' intrepidity excite our admiration.