Bell, as well as Fox, declares that his death was a judgment brought on him for his cruelty to these martyrs, but Dr. Godwin, Bishop of Hereford, Dr. Fuller, and Archbishop Parker, all ascribe his death to natural causes.
For some years Gardiner had suffered from rheumatic gout, and ultimately consumption of the lungs was joined to his other diseases.
Whatever may have been his bodily ailments, it is agreed by every writer that his latter days were embittered by remorse and mental distress. The consciousness of his many sins of omission and commission pressed heavily on his mind. He constantly averred that having been endowed with much power, he felt that he had turned that power to evil rather than to good.
Some historians suggest that he repented having returned to the Church of Rome. Be this as it may, his opinions respecting the two Churches were such as to-day would be denominated broad.
His sermons were very remarkable, for eloquence, for talent, and also for a peculiar sophistry of argument, by which he could twist every quotation or opinion so as to suit the views he at the moment entertained.
His manner was earnest and noble, his voice impressive, and few could listen unmoved to the fervid accents, and to the brilliant and crafty reasoning by which he advocated the various points of his discourse.
It is evident, by the attachment that was felt for him for upwards of forty years, by some of the greatest statesmen in Europe, that he had the talent of conciliating men's minds and commanding their respect; and in his own diocese he was not only a wise and considerate Bishop, but he was infinitely loved and admired.
He died in Winchester House, London, but he was buried in Winchester Cathedral, close by the high altar.
The funeral was solemnised by an amount of pomp and magnificence rare even in those days, when much outward show was usual in every ceremony.
To conduct the unconscious dead to their last resting-place with every circumstance of lugubrious state and grandeur, was then deemed but fitting expressions of affection and respect on the part of the relatives and mourners.