The godly exhortation of holy Father Bradford which he gave to his wife, children and friends a little before his death, who dyed a martyr for the Gospel in Q. Maries days : wherein is plainly shown the excellency of the Protestant religion and the happiness of those that profess and live the same : as also the damnableness of the Romish religion with their bloody and rebellious crimes laid open : with the relation of the murder of that just justice Sir Edmund-bury Godfrey.

Father Bradford's last Speech, or Sayings in Prison, and at the place of Execution, to his Wife and Chil∣dren, and his Friends, fit to be re∣membred.

GIve ear my Friends, Relations dear, whom in the Flesh I love; Of all things whatsoe'r, Sin fear, and trust in God above.

My dying words hark well unto, let each of them conduce; And highly be esteem'd by you, observe for a good use.

Since I must suffer for the Truth in furious Flames of Fire: I you advise from lusts of Youth, you strive now to aspire.

In these distracting times provide, and save your selves from Sin; Your Souls securely, safely hide, beware of Satans Ginn.

He waits and watches to devour, it is his whole delight; To that intent each day and hour, his bait hides from your sight.

Sit not admiring at Worlds splender, nor bear it in esteem; For in the end 'twill no more render, then doth the vainest Dream.

Pleasures and Treasures all are vain, no comfort could I find: They nothing but distract the Brain, likewise perplex the mind.

If that you would hark unto me, i'de learn you somewhat more; The which would profitable be, which you ne're heard before.

Now therefore unto me attend, and let my dying words prevail; In that I draw unto my end, and from this World lanch with fresh gall.

In waies of Piety proceed, and fear not frowns of Popish Party; And so shall you be blest indeed, if that you love Gods Laws most hearty.

The word of God take that for Rule, there lies the Touchstone for to try; Learn therefore by no other School, that shews the faults of Popery.

And furthermore I advise you, if that you mean your Soul to save; Never to trust that Bloody Crew, to do with them, O never have.

If that before them you they call, to give a ransom of your Faith; Be fearful not in Iudgement-Hall, but tell them thus the Scripture saith.

And if that reason won't take place, and she persist in acts of ill; By chearful countenance let your face declare that you your blood will spill.

Rather than that you any way the Laws of God for to condemn; Or Heavenly Master disobey, you value not the wrath of Men.

Fear not the furious flames of Fire, therein to broyl be well contented; Of Heavenly Honours none there's higher, of Martyrdom none e're repented.

To seal the truth with dearest blood, flinch not nor fearful be at all; I it esteem as chiefest good, and Glory in that God doth call.

Me unto Martyrdom that those, who love the truth and live therein; And likewise to confute my Foes, which in dark ignorance live in.

When that unto the Stake I come, I trust that fear will take its flight; I hope converted will be some, although it be a fearful sight.

Christians to see in fire to fry, disdaining pardons which they bring; Away with them, will then say I, I fear not Death, no, nor his Sting.

I have a life to lose 'tis true, and I must breath in truth resign; What though it be by wicked crew, the breath I have is none of mine.

My loving Friends, Relations who have heard these words of mine; You'l likewise such a pattern shew, declaring a power Divine.

The time is short I must live in, therefore my words pray mark; Of all things fearful be of Sin, and mind Gods word to hark.

So shall you in the end attain to perfect bliss and joy; Although it be through fiercest pain, the which will seem a toy.

When to your Masters House you come, and a Royal Throne attain; Repent you won't the work you've done, no sufferings, with great pain.

For there all Tears are wip'd away, and sorrows they are fled; No Night is there, but alwaies day, with bliss to be bestead.

Therefore me follow, nothing fear, disdain the Worlds grand Glory, For Gospel promises shall chear, and mind not lying Story.

THus have you Reader, by my scant Ca∣pacity, a Catalogue of very choice Sayings and Expressions, the which you should lay up in your heart, that you may be able to lay it out in your Life, when such sad occasions shall call you to it: It is usual with the World to wonder at every thing that is not wicked; But alack poor Souls, when they shall, as I hope they will come to have a sense of their Sin, which is the cause of sufferings here and hereafter to all Eternity; I heartily wish that that word Eternity was more minded, and more made of then it is at this Day. To tell you what is minded, which you cannot but mind; the Pride of your Looks, the Pride of your Locks, the Pride of your Gate and Gesture, the Pride of your Garb and Ve∣sture, the Pride of your outward Injoy∣ments, the Pride of your inward In∣dowments,

and what follows, Poverty, a punishment who hath no pitty.

This good Man met with many Con∣flicts in the World, yet waded through the worst of them all, and is now launcht into the Ocean of Eternal bliss, the which is possible for you likewise to injoy, following his Directions. And as they are the advise of so Grave a pattern, I hope they will not be slighted, but seriously sought for by all se∣rious, sober, sollid Servants of our Savi∣our Iesus Christ.