Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol. 2, part 1] with an vniuersall history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitiue age to these latter tymes of ours, with the bloudy times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions agaynst the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperours, as nowe lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realme of England and Scotland. Newly reuised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time agayne published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the helpe of Christ our Lord) Iohn Foxe, which desireth thee good reader to helpe him with thy prayer.

Here followeth the hystorie of master Higbed, and master Causton, two worthy Gentlemen of Essex, which for the syncere confession of theyr faith vnder Boner B. of London, were Martyred and burned in Essex. An. 1555. Marche 26.

ALthough the cōdemnation of maister Higbed, and ma∣ster Causton followed after the condemning of those other Martyrs,* 1.1 which were condemned with Tomkyns and Hunter aboue mentioned, yet because the time of their execution was before the burning of the foresaid four mar∣tyrs, for so muche as they suffered the same day that Willi∣am Hunter did, which was the 26. of Marche, I thoughte therefore next after the storie of the sayde William Hunter, folowing the order of time, here to place the same.

This maister Higbed, and maister Causton, two wor∣shipfull Gentlemen in the Countie of Essex, the one at Hornden of the hill, the other of the parishe of Thunderst, being zealous and religious in the true seruice of God, as they could not dissemble with the Lord their God, nor flat∣ter with the world, so in time of blind superstition & wret∣ched idolatrie, they could not long lie hidde and obscure in such a number of malignant aduersaries, accusers, and ser∣uaunts of thys worlde, but at length they were perceaued and detected to the foresayde Edmund Boner Bishoppe of London,* 1.2 peraduenture not without the same organ which sent vp William Hunter, as is aboue declared. By reason whereof, by commaundement they were committed to the officers of Colchester to be safely kept, and with them also a seruant of Thomas Causton, who in this praise of Chri∣stian godlines, was nothing inferior to his maister.

Boner the forsayd Byshop, perceiuing these 2. Gentle∣men to be of worshipful estate, & of great estimation in that countrey, least any tumult shoulde thereby arise, came the∣ther himselfe, accompanied with M. Fecknam and certaine other,* 1.3 thinking to reclaim them to his faction and fashion: so that great labour & diligence was taken therein, as wel by terrors and threatnings, as by large promises and flat∣teringe, and all faire meanes, to reduce them againe to the vnitie (as they termed it) of the mother church.

In fine, when nothing coulde preuaile to make them assent to theyr doings, at length they came to thys poynte, that they required certaine respite to consulte with them∣selues what were best to doe. Whych time of deliberation being expired, and they remaining still constant and vn∣mooueable in their professed doctrine, and setting oute also their confession in wryting, the bishop seeing no good to be done in tarying any longer there,* 1.4 departed thence & caried them bothe with hym to London, and wyth them certaine other prisonners also, which about the same time in those quarters were apprehended.

It was not long after thys, but these prisonners being at London committed to strait prison, and there attempted sundrye wise by the Bishop and his Chapleines to reuoke their opiniōs: at length, when no persuasions wold serue, they were brought forth to open examination at the Consi∣storie in Paules,* 1.5 the 17. daye of Februarie. An. 1555. Where they were demaunded aswell by the said bishop, as also by the Bishop of Bathe & others, whether they would recant their errors & peruerse doctrine (as they termed it,) and so come to y^e vnitie of the Popish Church. Which when they refused to doe, the Byshop assigned them likewise the next day to appeare againe, being the 18. of Februarie.

On the whych daye, among many other thinges there sayd and passed,* 1.6 he read vnto them seuerally certaine Arti∣cles, and gaue them respite vntill the next day, to aunswer vnto the same, & so committed them againe to prisone. The copie of which Articles here vnder foloweth.

Articles obiected and ministred by Boner B. of London, seuerally against Tho. Causton, & Thomas Higbed of Essex.

FIrst, that thou Thomas Causton (or Thomas Higbed) hast bene and arte of the Diocesse of London,* 1.7 and also of the iurisdiction now of me Edmund Bishop of London.

Item, that thou was in time past, according to the order of the Church of England, baptised and christened.

Item, that thou haddest Godfathers and Godmother, accor∣ding to the said order.

Item, that the said Godfathers and Godmothers did thē pro∣mise for thee, and in thy name, the faith and religion, that then was vsed in the realme of England.

Item, that that faith and Religion, which they did professe, & make for thee, was accompted and taken to be the faith and Reli∣gion of the Churche, and of the Christian people: and so was it in very deede.

Item, thou comming to the age of discretion, that is to saye, to the age of xiiij. yeares, diddest not mislike nor disallowe that faith, that Religion, or promise then vsed and approued, and pro∣mised by the said Godfathers and Godmother, but for a time did∣dest continue in it, as other (taking themselues for Christen peo∣ple) did likewise.

Item, that at that time, and also before, it was taken for a do∣ctrine of the Churche, Catholicke and true, and euerye where in Christendom then allowed for Catholicke and true, and to be the profession of a Christen man, to beleeue that in the Sacrament of the aultare, vnder the formes of breade and wine, after the conse∣cration, there was and is, by the omnipotent power and will of almighty God, and his woorde, without any substance of breade and wine there remaining,* 1.8 the true and naturall body and bloude of our Sauiour Iesus Christ in substance, which was borne of the virgine Marie, and suffered vppon the Crosse, really, truely, and in very deede.

Item, that at that time thy father and mother, all thine aunce∣stors, all thy kindred, acquaintance and frends, and thy sayd God∣fathers and Godmother did then so beleeue, and thinke in all the same, as the sayd Church did therein beleeue.

Item, that thy selfe hast had no iust cause or lawfull grounde, to departe or swarue from the sayde Religion or faith, nor no oc∣casion at all, except thou wilt followe and beleeue the erroneous opinion or beliefe, that hath ben against the common order of the Church, brought in by certaine disordred persons of late, and at the vttermost within these 30. or 40. yeares last past.

Item, that thou doest knowe, or credibly hast heard and doest beleue that D. Robert Barnes, Iohn Frith, Tho. Garrerd, Hierome,* 1.9 Lassels, Anne Askew, Iohn Hooper, late Bishop of Gloucester, sir Laurence Saunders Priest, Iohn Bradford, sir Iohn Rogers Priest, sir Rowland Taylour Priest, sir Iohn Laurence Priest, William Py∣got, Steuen Knight, William Hunter, Thomas Tomkyns, & Tho∣mas Hawkes haue bene heretofore reputed, taken, and accomp∣ted as heretickes, and also condemned as heretickes, and so pro∣nounced openly and manifestly: specially in holding & beleuing certaine damnable opinions, against the veritie of Christes body and bloud in the Sacrament of the aultar, & all the same persons, sauing Iohn Bradford, sir Iohn Laurence, William Pygot, Steuen Knight, William Hunter, Thomas Tomkins, and Thomas Hawkes, haue suffered paines of death by fire, for the maintenance and de∣fence of their said opinions and misbeliefe.

Item, that thou doest knowe, or credibly hast heard and doest beleeue that Thomas Cranmer late Archbishoppe of Canterbu∣rie, and Nicholas Ridley, naming himselfe Bishop of London, Ro∣bert Ferrar late Bishop of S. Dauies, and Hugh Latimer, sometime Bishop of Worcester, haue bene, and are at this present reputed, accompted and taken as heretickes, and misbeleeuers in maintai∣ning and holding certaine damnable opinions, against the verity of Christes body and bloud in the Sacrament of the aultar.

Item,* 1.10 that thou hast commended and praised all the sayd per∣sons, so erring and beleuing (or at the least wise some of them) se∣cretely, and also openly, taking and beleeuing them to be faithfull and Catholicke people, and their sayde opinions to be good and true, and the same to the best & vttermost of thy power thou hast allowed, maintained, and defended at sundrie times.

Item, that thou, hauing hearde, knowen, and vnderstanded all the premisses, thus to be as is aforesayde, haste not regarded al o••

any part thereof, but contrary to the same and euery part there∣of, hast attempted and done, condemning, transgressing, and breaking that promise, faith, religion, order, and custome afore∣sayd: and hast becommen, and art an hereticke and misbeleeuer in the premisses, denying the veritie of Christes body and bloud in the Sacrament of the aultar, and obstinately affirming, that the substance of materiall bread and wine are there remaining, and that the substance of Christes body and bloud taken of the vir∣giné Mary, are not there in the sayd Sacrament, really and truely being.

Item, that all the premisses be true, notorious, famous, and manifest, and that vpon all the same, there haue and be amongst the sad and good people of the Citie of London, and Dioces of the same in great multitude, commonly and publickely, a com∣mon and publicke fame and opinion, and also in all places where thou hast bene, within the sayd Dioces of London.

☞ These Articles being geuen to them in writing by the Byshop, the next day folowing was assigned to them to geue vp and to exhibite their aunsweres vnto the same.

*The third dayes Session vpon the examina∣tion of M. Causton and M. Higbed.

Upon the which day being the first day of March, the said Thomas Causton,* 1.11 and Thomas Higbed Gentlemen being brought before the Byshop in the Consistory, there exhibited their aunsweres to the Articles aforesayd: the te∣nour of which aunsweres here followeth.

¶The aunsweres of Thomas Causton and Thomas Higbed, seuerally made to the foresaid Articles obiected, as before.

TO the first, they aunswere and confesse the same to be true.

* 1.12To the second, they answere and beleeue the same to be true.

To the third, they aunswere and beleeue the same to be true.

To the fourth, they aunswere and thinke the same to be true.

To the fift, vnto this clause (and so was it in very deede) they aunswere and beleeue the same to be true. And vnto that clause (and so was it in very deede) they aunswere negatiuely, and be∣leeue that it was not in very deede.

To the sixt, seuenth, and eyght, they aunswere and beleeue the same to be true.

To the ninth they aunswere and say, that they thinke they haue a iust and lawfull cause and ground to swarue and go from the sayd fayth and Religion, because they haue now read more of Scripture, then either themselues, or their Parents and kinsfolke, Godfathers or Godmothers haue read or seene heeretofore in that behalfe.

To the tenth, they aunswere, say, and beleeue, that the sayd per∣sons articulate, haue bene named, taken, and counted for here∣tickes, and so condemned for heretickes: yet about three yeares past, they were taken for good Christian persons. And for somuch as these Respondents did neuer heare them preach cōcerning the Sacrament of the aultar, they say that they preached well, in that they sayd and preached that Christ is not present really and truly in the sayd Sacrament,* 1.13 but that there is remayning the substance of bread and wine.

To the eleuenth, they aunswere and say, that howsoeuer other folkes do repute and take the sayde persons articulate, yet these Respondents them selues did neuer, nor yet do so accompt and take them. And further they say, that in case the sayd persons ar∣ticulate named in this article haue preached that in the Sacra∣ment of the altar is very materiall wine, and not the substance of Christes body and bloud, vnder the formes of bread and wyne, then they preached well and truly, and these respondents them∣selues do so beleeue.

To the twelfth they aunswere and say, that where other folke haue dispraysed the sayd persons articulate, and disalowed theyr opinions, these Respondents (for ought that they at any tyme haue heard) did like and allow the sayd persons, and theyr say∣ings.

To the thirteenth they aunswere and say, that they haue not broken or condemned any promise made by their Godfathers, and Godmothers for them at their baptisme, and that they are no heretickes nor misbeleeuers, in that they beleeue that there re∣mayneth only bread and wine in the sacrament of the aultar, and that Christes naturall body is not there, but in heauen, for they say that the scriptures so teach them.

To the foureteenth they answere and beleeue that the premis∣ses before by them confessed be true, notorious and manifest.

After these answeres exhibited and perused, then the B. speaking vnto thē after this sort, beginneth first (as he did euer before) with Thomas Causton. Because ye shall not be sodenly trapped,* 1.14 and that men shall not say that I go a∣bout to seke snares to put you away, I haue hitherto respi∣ted you, that you should way & cōsider with your self, your state and cōdition, and that you should, while ye haue time and space, acknowledge the truth, and returne to the vnity of the catholicke churche. Then the bishop reading theyr former articles and aunsweres to the same, asked them if they would recant, which when they denyed, they were a∣gaine dismissed and commaunded to appeare the wensday next after, at two of the clocke at after noone, there to re∣ceaue their definitiue sentence agaynst them: Which thinge (as it seemeth) was yet differred.

¶An other examination of M. Causton and Maister Higbed.

THe next Friday, being the eight day of March,* 1.15 the sayd Thomas Caustō was first called to examinatiō before the bishop, Fecknam and D. Stempe, in his Pallace, and there had read vnto hym his foresayd articles with hys answeres therunto, & after certain exhortations to recant his former profession, & to be conformable to the vnitie of their church, they promised him (so doing) willingly to re∣ceaue him agayn therunto. To whō he answered, you goe about to catch vs in snares & ginnes: But marke by what measure ye measure vs, looke you to be measured with the same agayne at Gods hands. The bishop still perswaded with him to recant: To whom he answered no, I wil not abiure. Ye sayd that the bishops that were lately burned, be Heretickes: But I pray God make me suche an Here∣ticke as they were.

The bishop then leauing M. Causton, calleth forth M. Higbed: vsing with hym the like perswasiōs, that they did with the other: But he answered, I wil not abiure.* 1.16 For I haue bene of this minde and opinion that I am now, these 16. yeares, and doe what ye can, ye shall doe no more then God will permitte you to doe, and with what measure ye measure vs looke for the same agayne at Gods hands.

Then Fecknam asked him his opinion in the sacramēt of the altar. To whom he answered:* 1.17 I do not beleeue that Christ is in the sacrament as ye will haue him, which is of mans making.

Both their answeres thus seuerally made, they were again commanded to depart for that time, & to appeare the next day in the consistory at Paules, betweene the houres of one and three of the clocke at after noone.

The last appearaunce of M. Causton, and M. Higbed before Boner.

AT which day and houre, being the ninth day of march, they were both brought thether:* 1.18 Where the Bishoppe caused M. Thomas Caustons articles and answeres first to be read openly, and after perswaded with him to recant and abiure his heretical opinions, and to come home now at the last to their mother the catholicke Church, and saue hymselfe.

But M. Thomas Causton answered agayn and said: No, I wil not abiure. For I came not hither for that pur∣pose:* 1.19 and therwithall did exhibite in writing vnto the Bi∣shop (as well in his owne name, as also in Thom. Hig∣beds name) a confession of theyr fayth, to the whiche they would stand: and required leaue to read the same, whiche (after great suite) was obteined, and so he read it openlye in the hearing of the people, as followeth.

☞ The confession and fayth of Thomas Causton and Thomas Hygbed, which they deliuered to the Bishop of London, before the Mayor and Sheriffes, and in the presence of all the people their assembled. Anno. 1555. the 9. of March, & were condemned for the same in the sayde Consistory in Paules Church, the yeare and day abouesayd.

1 FIrst, we beleue and professe in Baptisme, to forsake the Deuill and his workes and pompes,* 2.1 and the va∣nities of the wicked world, with all the sinfull lustes of the fleshe.

2. We beleue all the articles of our Christian fayth.

3. We beleue that wee are bound to keepe Gods holye will and commaundementes,* 2.2 and to walke in the same all the dayes of our lyfe.

4. We beleue that there is contayned in the Lords prai∣er all thinges necessary both for bodye and soule, and that we are taught thereby to pray to our heauenly father, and to none other saint or angell.

5. We beleue that there is a catholicke Church, euen the Communion of Saintes, Built vppon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles (as S. Paule sayth) Christ being the head corner stone For the which Church Christ gaue himselfe, to make it to himselfe a glorious congregation, without faulte in his sight.

6. We beleue, that this churche, of her selfe, and by her

owne merites is sinfull,* 2.3 and must needes say: Father, for∣geue vs our sinnes: but through Christe and his merites, shee is freely forgeuen: For he in his owne person (sayth saint Paule) hath purged her sinnes, and made her faultles in hys sight.* 2.4 Besides whome, there is no Saueour (sayeth the Pro∣phete) neyther is there saluation (sayth Sainct Peter) in any other name.

7 We beleeue, as he is our onely Sauiour, so is he our onely Mediatour.* 2.5 For the holy Apostle S. Paule sayeth: There is one God, one Mediatour betweene God and man, euen the man Iesus Christ. Wherefore seeing none hath this name, God and man, but Iesus Christ, therefore there is no me∣diator, but Iesus Christ.

8 We beleeue that this Church of Christ is and hath bene persecuted by the wordes of Christe, saying: As they haue persecuted me,* 2.6 so shall they persecute you: For the disciple is not aboue his maister. For it is not onely geuen vnto you to beleeue in Christ (sayeth Sainct Paule) but also to suffer for his sake. For all that will liue godly in Christ Iesus, must suffer persecu∣tion.

9 Wee beleeue that the Churche of Christe teacheth the worde of God truely and sincerely, putting nothing to, nor taking any thing fro:* 2.7 and also doth minister the Sacra∣ments according to the Primitiue Church.

10 We beleeue that this Churche of Christ suffereth all men to reade the Scriptures, according to Christes com∣maundement, saying: Search the Scriptures: for they testifie of me. We reade also out of the Actes, that when Sainct Paule preached, the audience dayly searched the Scrip∣tures,* 2.8 whether he preached truely or no. Also the Prophet Dauid teacheth all men to pray with vnderstanding: For how shall the vnlearned (saith S. Paule) say, Amen, at the ge∣uing of thankes, when they vnderstand not what is sayde? And what is more allowed, then true faith, which S. Paule saith, commeth by hearing of the word of God▪

11 Wee beleeue, that the Churche of Christe teacheth that God ought to be worshipped according to his word,* 2.9 and not after the doctrine of men: For in vayne (sayth Christ) ye worship me, teaching nothing but the doctrine of men.

Also we are commaunded of God by hys Prophet, say∣ing:* 2.10 Walke not in the traditions and preceptes of your Elders: but walke (sayth he) in my precepts: do that I commaund you: put nothing thereunto, neyther take any thing from it. Like∣wise (saith Christ) you shall forsake father and mother, and fo∣low me Whereby we learne, that if our Elders teach other∣wise then God commaunded, in that point we must for∣sake them.

* 2.1112 We beleeue that the Supper of the Lord ought not to be altered and chaunged, for as much as Christ himselfe be∣ing the wisedome of the father, did institute it. For it is written: Cursed is he that chaungeth my ordinaunces, and de∣parteth from my Commaundements, or taketh any thing from them.

Now, we finde by the scriptures, that this holy supper is sore abused.* 2.12

First, in that it is geuen in one kind, where Christ gaue it in both.

Secondly, in that it is made a priuate Masse, where Christ made it a Communion: for he gaue it not to one alone, but to all the Apostles, in the name of the whole Church.

* 2.13Thirdly, in that it is made a sacrifice for the quicke and the dead, wheras Christ ordeined it for a remembraunce of the euerlasting sacrifice, which was his owne body offered vpon the aultar of the Crosse once for all, as the holy Apo∣stle sayth: Euen the full and perfect price of our redemption: and where there is remission of sinne (saith he) there is no more sa∣crifice for sinne.

* 2.14Fourthly, in that it is worshipped contrary to the com∣maundement, saying: Thou shalt worship nothing that is made with hands.

* 2.15Fiftly, in that it is geuen in an vnknowne tongue, whereby the people are ignoraunt of the right vse thereof, how Christ died for our sinnes, and rose againe for our iu∣stification, by whome we be set at peace with God, and re∣ceaued to his fauour and mercy by his promise, whereof this sacrament is a sure seale and witnes.

* 2.16Besides this, it is hanged vp and shut in a boxe: yea many times so long, that wormes breedeth in it, and so it putrifyeth: whereby the rude people haue an occasion to speake vnreuerently thereof, whiche otherwise woulde speake reuerently.

Thereof they that thus abuse it, bring vp the sclaunder and not we, whiche pray dayly to God to restore it to the right vse, according to Christes institution.

Nowe, concerning Christes wordes: Thys is my body, we deny thē not, but we say, that y^e mind of Christ in them must be searched out by other open scriptures, wherby we may come to the spirituall vnderstanding of them,* 2.17 whiche shall be most to the glory of God. For as the holy Apostle sayth: There is no scripture that hath any priuate interpretati∣on. Besides this, the Scriptures are full of the like figura∣tiue speaches: as for example, Christ sayeth: This cup is the new Testament in my bloud. The rocke is Christ (sayeth Saint Paule.) Who soeuer receyueth a child in my name (sayth our saueour Iesus Christ) receyueth me.

Which sentences must not be vnderstand after the let∣ter, lest we do erre, as the Capernaites did, which thought that Christes body should haue ben eaten with their teeth, when he spake of the eating thereof. Unto whome Christe sayd: Such a fleshly eating of my body profiteth nothing: it is the spirit (sayeth our Saueour Iesus Christ) that quickeneth: the fleshe profyteth nothyng: for my woordes are spirite and lyfe.

Thus wee see that Christes woordes must be vnder∣standed spiritually, and not literally.* 2.18 Therefore he y^t com∣meth to this worthy supper of the Lord, must not prepare his lawe, but his hart: neyther tooth nor belly: but Be∣leeue (sayth S. Augustine) and thou hast eaten it: so that we must bring with vs a spiritual hunger. And as the Apostle saith: Trie and examine our selues, whether our conscience doo testifie vnto vs, that we do truly beleeue in Christ, according to the Scriptures: whereof if we be truly certified, being new borne from our old conuersation in hart, minde, will, and deede, then may we boldly with this mariage garment of faith come to the feast.

In consideration whereof, we haue inuincible Scrip∣tures, as of Christ himselfe: This do in the remembraunce of me. And S. Paule: As often (saith he) as ye eate of this bread, and drinke of this cup, ye shall remember the Lords death vntill he come. Heere is no chaunge, but bread still.* 2.19 And Sainct Luke affirmeth the same. Also Christ hath made a iust pro∣mise saying: Me you shall not haue alwayes with you. I leaue the world, and go to my father: for if I should not depart, the com∣forter which I will send, can not come vnto you. So according to his promise he is ascended: as the Euangelistes testifie. Also Saint Peter sayth: That heauen shall keepe him vntill the last day also.

Now, as touching his omnipotent power, we confesse and say with S. Augustine, that Christ is both God and man. In that he is God, he is euery where:* 2.20 but in that he is man, he is in heauen, and can occupy but one place: whereunto the Scriptures doth agree. For his body was not in all places at once, when he was heere: for it was not in the graue when the women sought it, as the Angell saith: neither was it at Bethania where Lazarus died, by Christes owne words, saying: I am glad I was not there. And thus we conclude with the Scriptures, that Christ is in his holy Supper sacramentally and spiritually in all them that worthily receiue it, and corporally in heauen, both God and man.

And further, we make heere our protestation before God (whome we call to record in this matter) that this whiche we haue sayd, is neither of stubbornnes, nor wilfull mind) as some iudge of vs: but euen of very conscience,* 2.21 truely (we trust) grounded in Gods holy word. For before wee tooke this matter in hand, we besought God from the bot∣tome of our hartes, that we might do nothing contrary to his holy and blessed word. And in that he hath thus shew∣ed his power in our weakenes, we can not woorthely prayse him: vnto whome we geue harty thankes, through Iesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

When he had thus deliuered and read their confession, the Bishop stil persisting sometime in faire promises, som∣time threatning to pronounce iudgemēt, asked them whe∣ther they would stand to this their confession and other an∣sweares? To whome Causton said, Yea,* 2.22 we will stande to our answeares written with our hands, and to our beliefe therein conteined. After which answeare, the Byshop be∣gan to pronounce sentence against him.

Then he said, that it was much rashnes, and without all loue and mercy, to geue iudgement without answering to their confession by the truth of Gods word, whereun∣to they submitted themselues most willingly. And there∣fore I,* 2.23 quoth Causton (because I can not haue iustice at your hand, but that ye will thus rashly condemne me) doo appeale from you to my Lord Cardinall.

Then D. Smith sayde, that he woulde answeare theyr confession. But the Bishop (not suffering him to speake) willed Harpsfield to say his minde, for the stay of the peo∣ple: Who taking their confession in his hand, neither tou∣ched nor answered one sentence thereof.

Whiche done, the Bishop pronounced sentence, first a∣gainst the said Thomas Causton, and then calling Tho∣mas Higbed, caused his articles and answeres likewise to

be read. In the reading whereof Higbed sayd: Ye speake blasphemie against Christes passion,* 2.24 and ye goe aboute to trap vs with your subtilties and snares. And though my father and mother, and other my kinsfolke, did beleeue as you say,* 2.25 yet they were deceiued in so beleeuing.

And further, where you say, that my Lord, named Cran∣mer (late Archbishop of Canterbury) and other specified in the said articles be heretikes: I do wishe that I were such an hereticke as they were and be. Then the Byshop asked him againe, whether he would turne from his errour, and come to the vnitie of their Church? To whome he sayde, No, I would ye should recant, for I am in the truth, and you in errour.

Well, quoth the Byshop, if ye will returne, I will gladly receiue you.

No, sayd Higbed, I will not returne as you wyll haue me, to beleeue in the sacrament of the altar your God.

* 2.26Whereupon the Byshop proceeded, and gaue iudge∣ment vpon him, as he had done before vpon Tho. Cau∣ston. When all this was thus ended, they were both deli∣uered to the Sheriffes, and so by them sent to Newgate, where they remained by the space of xiiij. dayes, praysed be God, not so much in afflictions, as in consolations.

For the encrease whereof, they earnestly desired all their good brethren and sisterne in Christ to pray, that God for his sonnes sake would go forth with that great mercy, which already he had begon in them, so that they might perseuere vnto the ende, to the prayse of the eternall God, and comfort of all their brethren.

These xiiij. dayes (after their condemnation) once expi∣red,* 2.27 they were the xxiij. day of this moneth of March, fet∣ched from Newgate at foure of the clocke in the morning, and so led through the Citie vnto Algate, where they were deliuered vnto the Sheriffe of Essex, and there beeing fast bound in a cart, were shortly after brought to their seuerall appointed places of burning: that is to saye, Thomas Higbed to Horneden on the hill,* 2.28 and Thomas Causton to Rayly (both in the Countrey of Essex) where they did most constantly,* 2.29 the xxvj. day of the same moneth, seale this their faith with shedding of their bloud by most cruell fire, to the glory of God, and great reioysing of the godly.

At the burning of whiche, Mayster Higbed, Iustice Browne was also present, as is aboue specified, and diuers Gentlemen in the shiere were commaunded to be present, for feare belike, least they should be taken from them. And thus much touching the apprehension, examination, con∣fession, condemnation, and burnyng of these two godly and constant Martyrs of God.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Marke. 26. The story of M. Higbed and M. Causton Martirs.
• * 1.2

  M. Higbed and M. Causton de∣••ected to Boner.
• * 1.3

  B Boner com∣meth himselfe to Colchester.
• * 1.4

  M. Higbed and M. Causton ca∣ryed to London.
• * 1.5

  the first dayes Session.
• * 1.6

  The second dayes Sessi••on.
• * 1.7

  Articles lai•• by B. Bo∣ner to M. Higbed and Causton.
• * 1.8

  The reall presence.
• * 1.9

  Also sir Ed∣mund Bo∣ner priest before the death of Cromwell, seemed to be of the o∣pinion and was sworn•• twise a∣gaynst the Pope.
• * 1.10

  Verity take•• for heresy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 misbeleuing heretickes.
• * 1.11

  The third dayes Sessi∣on.
• * 1.12

  The aun∣sweres of the Mar∣••••rs to the Articles.
• * 1.13

  Transub∣stantiatiō denyed.
• * 1.14

  A copy of Catholicke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shewed.
• * 1.15

  An other exa∣mination. This Stempe is now Warden of the Colledge in Winchester. M. Causton de∣nyeth to recant.
• * 1.16

  M. Higbed cal∣led forth deny∣eth to abiure.
• * 1.17

  M. Fecknam still busie with mat∣ter of the sacra∣ment.
• * 1.18

  M. Causton and M. Higbed ap∣peare agayne be∣fore the bishop.
• * 1.19

  M. Causton and M. Higbed do exhibite a con∣fession of their fayth.
• * 2.1

  The confession of M. Causton.
• * 2.2

  Abrenouncing of the world. The Articles of the Creede. The commaun∣dementes. The Lordes prayer.

  The Catholick. Church.
• * 2.3

  The Church of it selfe is sin∣full by imputa∣tion righteous.
• * 2.4

  Anno 1555. February-
• * 2.5

  Christ onely our mediatour.
• * 2.6

  The condition of the Church to be persecu∣ted.
• * 2.7

  The Churche onely is directed by Gods worde neither adding nor taking fro.
• * 2.8

  The true church forbiddeth none to read the scriptures.
• * 2.9

  God onely to be worshipped after his word.
• * 2.10

  Gods preceptes to be followed and not the con∣stitutions of men.
• * 2.11

  The Lordes supper is not to be chaunged from the institu∣tion of Christ.
• * 2.12

  The Lordes supper how ma¦ny wayes it is a∣bused.

  The second a∣buse.
• * 2.13

  The third a∣buse.
• * 2.14

  The 4. abuse.
• * 2.15

  The 5. abuse.
• * 2.16

  The 6. abuse.
• * 2.17

  Christes wordes hoc est corpus meum, not denyed, but expounded. The phrase of scripture expounded by other phrases.
• * 2.18

  The word•• of the sacra••ment ough•• to be taken spiritually, and not lit∣terally.

  Christ is to be eaten spi∣ritually.
• * 2.19

  The sub∣staunce of bread not chaunged.
• * 2.20

  Christs bo∣dy but in one place 〈◊〉〈◊〉 once.
• * 2.21

  Their pro∣testation.
• * 2.22

  M. Causton and M. Hig∣bed constant to death in their con∣fession.
• * 2.23

  M. Causton appealeth to the Car∣dinall.

  D. Smith ready to an∣swere their confession, but could not be suf∣fered.
• * 2.24

  Ann. 1555. March.
• * 2.25

  Sentenc•• proounced agaynst M. Causton & M. Higbed.
• * 2.26

  M. Causton & M. Hig∣bed condē∣ned and sēt to New∣gate.
• * 2.27

  M. Causton and Maister Higbed brought frō Newgate into Essex.
• * 2.28

  March 26.
• * 2.29

  The constāt Martirdome of M. Tho∣mas Caustō, and Maister Higbed Martyrs.