The history of the worthies of England who for parts and learning have been eminent in the several counties : together with an historical narrative of the native commodities and rarities in each county / endeavoured by Thomas Fuller.

Martyrs.

ROWLAND TAYLOR. Where born unknown (though some without any assu∣rance have suggested his Nativity in Yorkshire) was bred in Cambridge, and became head of Borden Hostle nigh (if not now partly in) Cajus Colledge, where he commenced Doctor of the Laws. Hence he was by Archbishop Cranmer presented to the Rectory of Hadley in this County. He was a great Scholar, painful Preacher, charitable to the Poor, of a comly Countenance, proper Person, (but inclining to corpulency) and chearful behaviour. The same devotion had different looks in several Martyrs, frowning in Stern Hooper, weeping in meek Bradford, and smiling constantly in pleasant Taylor.

Indeed some have censured his merry Conceits as trespassing on the gravity of his calling, especially when just before his death. But surely such Romanists, who admire the temper of S^r. Thomas More jesting with the Axe of the Executioner, will excuse our

Taylor for making himself merry with the Stake. But though it be ill Jesting with edged Tooles (whereof Death is the sharpest,) yet since our Saviour hath blounted it, his ser∣vants may rather be delighted than dismayed with it. Not long after Doctor Taylor set Archbishop Cranmer who was his Patron, a Copy of Patients, who indeed wrote after it, but not with so steady a hand, and so even a Character of constancy. Taylor was martyred at Hadley, February 9, 1555.

ROBERT SAMUEL was Minister of Barfold in this County, who by the cruelty of Hopton Bishop of Norwich and Downing his Chancellour, was tortured in Prison. Not to pre∣serve, but to reserve him for more pain. He was allowed every day but three mouthfuls of Bread, and three spoonfuls of water. Fain would he have drunk his own Urin, but his thirst-parched body afforded none.

I read how he saw a* 1.1 Vision of one all in white, comforting and telling him, that after that day he never should be hungry or thirsty; which came to passe accordingly, being within few hours after martyred at Ipswich, August 31, 1555. Some report that his body when burnt, did shine as bright* 1.2 as burnish'd silver, Sed parcius ista. Such things must be sparingly written by those who would not only avoid untruths, but the appearance thereof. Thus loath to lengthen mens tongues reporting what may seem improbable, and more loath to shorten Gods hand in what might be miraculous, I leave the relation, as I found it.

Besides these two, I meet with more than twenty by name martyred (Confessors doubling that number) whose ashes were scattered all over the County, at Ipswich, Bury, Bekles, &c. It is vehemently suspected, that* 1.3 three of them burnt at Bekles had their death antedated before the Writ, de Haeretico comburendo, could possibly be brought down to the Sheriff. And was not this (to use Tertullians Latin in some different sense) Festinatio homicidii? Now though Cha•…•…ity may borrow a point of Law to save life, surely Cruelty should not steal one to destroy it.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Fox Acts •…•…d M•…•…num. pag. •…•…709.
• * 1.2

  Idem ibidem.
• * 1.3

  Fox Ma•…•…ty∣rol. pag. 1912.