Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol. 2, part 2] 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.

¶The persecution and story of M. Robert Glouer Gentleman, and of Iohn Glouer his brother, in the Dioces of Lichfield.

* 1.1VNto this present tyme and moneth of September, pertaineth also the memorable Martyrdome, of M. Rob. Glouer Gentleman, in the Diocesse of Lich∣field and Couentry. Of whose apprehensiō and troubles, because I cannot well entreate, but I must also intermixt some mention of his brother Iohn Glouer, for so much as this priuy Commission was chiefly sent downe for the said Iohn, and not for Rob. Glouer, (albeit it pleased almigh∣ty God, that Iohn escaped, and Rob. in his stead was ap∣prehended) I thought therefore in one story to comprehēd them both, in describing some part of their vertuous insti∣tution and order of lyfe, and first to begin with Iohn the eldest brother. Who beyng a Gentleman, and heyre to his father, dwellyng in the towne of Mancetor, was endued with fayre possessiōs of worldly goods, but yet much more plentifully enriched with Gods heauenly grace and in∣ward vertues. Which grace of God so working in him, he with hys two other brethren, Rob. and Wil. not onely re∣ceyued and embraced the happy light of Christes holy Go∣spell,* 1.2 but also most zealously professed, and no lesse diligēt∣ly in their liuyng & conuersation followed the same: much vnlike vnto our tablegospellers now adaies, Virtutem qui verba putant, vt lucum ligna, as Horace sayth.

And as touchyng this foresayde Iohn Glouer (who through his manifold afflictions, seemed to haue a deeper taste and contemplation of spirituall thyngs, ioyned with mortification from all worldly eares more then the other had) although sufficient relatiō be made before in our first edition to be seene, yet as concernyng his spirituall con∣flicts, and the Lordes gracious workyng in hym, because the consideration thereof,* 1.3 is both worthy of memory, and the example may worke experience peraduenture to the comfort of the godly, it shal not be hurtful to reherse some part of the same. So it pleased God to lay his heauy hand of inward afflictions and greuous passions vpon this mā that though he suffred not the paynes of the outward fire, as his brother and other Martyrs did: yet if we consider what inwardly in spirit and mynd this man felt & suffred,* 1.4 and that of so long tyme, he may well be counted with his brother Rob. for a Martyr, beyng no lesse desirous w^t hym of the same Martyrdome: yea, & in comparison may seme to be chronicled for a double Martyr.

For as the sayd Rob. was spedily dispatched with the sharpe and extreme torments of the fire in a short tyme,* 1.5 so this no lesse blessed Saint of God, what and how muche more greuous pangs, what sorrowfull tormentes, what boyling heates of the fire of hell in hys spirit inwardly he felt and sustayned, no speech outwardly is able to expresse. Being yong,* 1.6 I remember I was once or twise with him, who partly by hys talke I perceiued, and partly by myne owne eyes saw to be so worne and consumed by the space of fiue yeares, that neither almost any brookyng of meate, quietnes of sleepe, pleasure of lyfe, yea and almost no kynd of senses was left in hym. And doubtlesse I haue greatly wondered oftentymes at the meruailous workes and o∣peration of Christ shewed vpon hym, who vnlesse he had relieued betymes his poore wretched seruant so far worne, with some opportune consolation, now and then betwixt, it could not possible bee, that he should haue susteined so vntollerable paynes and tormentes.* 1.7 And yet the occasion thereof was not of so great moment and weight. But this we see common among holy & blessed men, how the more deuout and godly they are, hauing the feare of God before their eyes, the more suspition and mistrust they haue of thē selues: whereby it commeth to passe, that often they are so terrified & perplexed with small matters, as though they were huge mountains: where as contrary others there be, whom most hainous & very sore crimes in deed do no∣thyng touch or stirre at all.

* 1.8The occasion of this was, that he beyng first called by the light of the holy spirit to the knowledge of the gospell, and hauyng receiued a wonderous sweet feeling of Chri∣stes heauenly kyngdom, his mynd after that fallyng a lit∣tle to some cogitation of his former affayres belongyng to hys vocation, began by & by to misdoubt hymselfe vpō the occasion of these words written in the 7. to the Hebrues: For it cannot be that they which were once illumined,* 1.9 and haue tasted the heauenly gift, &c. Upon the consideration of which words he fully perswaded himselfe, that he had sinned ve∣rely against the holy Ghost: euen so much, that if hee had bene in the deepest pit of hell, he could almost haue dispai∣red no more of hys saluation. Here redily euery good man may iudge of hymselfe, what terrors, boylings, & conuul∣sions turmoiled in the meane tyme in his wofull brest: al∣though it be hard for any mā to iudge the greuousnes ther∣of, vnlesse he which hath experience of the lyke.

In comparing now the torments of all Martyrs with his paynes, I pray you what paynes, punishment,* 1.10 and flames would not he willingly haue suffered, to haue had some refocillation and tyme of refreshyng? Who in suche intollerable griefes of mynd, although he neyther had nor could haue any ioy of hys meate, yet was he compelled to eate against hys appetite, to the end to differre the tyme of his damnation, so long as he might, thinking with hym∣self no lesse, but that he must needs be thrown into hell, the breth beyng once out of the body. Albeit Christ he thought did pity hys case, and was sory for hym: yet he could not (as he imagined) helpe, because of the veritie of the word, which sayd: It cannot be, &c.* 1.11

And this I rehearse of hym not so much to open hys wounds and sorrowes,* 1.12 as for that by his example all wee with hym may glorifie the sonne of God, who suffereth none to be tempted aboue hys strength, but so tempereth and seasoneth the asperitie of euyls, that what seemeth to vs intollerable, not onely he doth alleuate the same, that we may beare it, but also turneth it to our further commo∣ditie then we can thinke. Which well appered in this good seruaunt of God, in no man more. Who albeit (as we haue sayd) suffred many yeres so sharpe temptations & strong buffetyngs of Sathan: yet the Lord,* 1.13 who graciously pre∣serued hym all the whyle, not onely at last did rid him out of all discomfort, but also framed hym thereby to such mor∣tification of lyfe, as the lyke lightly hath not bene seene, in such sort as he beyng lyke one placed in heauen alredy and dead in this world, both in word and meditation led a life altogether celestiall, abhorryng in hys mynd all prophane doyngs. Neither was his talke any thyng discrepant frō the fruits of his lyfe, throwyng out neuer any idle, vyle, or vayne language. The most part of hys landes he distri∣buted to the vse of hys brethren, and committed the rest to the guidyng of hys seruauntes and officers, whereby the more quietly he myght geue hymselfe to hys godly study, as to a continuall Saboth rest. This was about the latter end of K. Henries raigne, and continued a great part of the tyme of K. Edward 6.

After this in the persecuting dayes of Queene Mary, as soone as the B. of Couentry heard y^e fame of this Iohn aforesayde beyng so ardent and zealous in the Gospell of Christ, eftsoones he wrote his letter to the Maior and Of∣ficers of Couentry to apprehend hym as soone as myght be. But it chaunced otherwyse by Gods holy prouidence, disposing all thyngs after hys owne secret pleasure, who seyng his old and trusty seruaunt so many yeares with so extreme and many torments broken and dried vp, would in no wyse heape too many sorrowes vpon one poore sillie wretch: neyther would commit hym to the flames of fire, who had bene already baked and scorched with the sharpe fires of inward affliction, and had sustained so many bur∣nyng dartes and conflictes of Sathan so many yeares. God therefore of hys diuine prouidence thinkyng it too much that one man should be so much ouercharged wyth so many plagues and tormentes, did graciously prouide, that Robert his brother beyng both stronger of body, and also better furnished with helpes of learnyng to aunswer the aduersaries (beyng a Maister of Arte in Cambridge) should sustaine that conflict, and euen so it came to passe, as ye shall heare.

For as soone as the Maior of Cauentry had receyued the Byshops letters for the apprehendyng of M. Iohn Glouer, he sent forthwith a priuy watchword to the sayde Iohn to conuey away hymselfe. Who with hys brother William, was not so soone departed out of hys house:* 1.14 but that yet in sight of the shiriffe and other, the serchers came and rushed in to take hym, accordyng to the bishops com∣mandement.

But when the sayde Iohn could in no place be found, one of the Officers goyng into an vpper chamber, founde there Robert the other brother lying on hys bed: & sicke of a long disease, who was by hym incontinent brought before the Shiriffe. Which Shiriffe notwithstandyng fa∣uouryng Robert and hys cause,* 1.15 would in deed fayne haue dismissed hym, and wrought what meanes he could, say∣ing, that he was not the man for whome they were sent: Yet neuerthelesse beyng feared wich the stoute wordes of the officer contendyng with hym to haue hym stayed tyll the bishops commyng, he was constrained to cary him a∣way agaynst his will, and so layed hym fast while the Bi∣shop came. And thus much by the way of preamble first concernyng the woorthy remembraunce of maister Iohn Glouer.

Now to enter the matter which principally we haue in

hand, that is, to consider the story and Martyrdome of M. Robert Glouer, forsomuch as the whole narration of the same by his owne record and testimony in a writyng was sent vnto his wife concerning the maner of his ordering & handling, it shall therfore seeme best for the more credite of the matter, to exhibite the sayd his owne letter, the wordes and contents whereof here ensue, as followeth.

¶A Letter of M. Robert Glouer to his wyfe, con∣teinyng the whole discourse and description of hys troubles susteined in prison, and of his sundry conflicts betweene the Bishop and him about Religion.

¶To my entirely beloued wyfe Mary Glouer.

* 1.16THe peace of conscience which passeth all vnderstāding, the sweete consolation, comfort, strength, and boldnes of the holy Ghost be continually encreased in your heart, thorough a feruent, earnest, and stedfast fayth in our most deare and onely Sauiour Iesus Christ, Amen.

I thanke you hartily most louing wyfe, for your letters sent vnto me in my imprisonment. I red them with teares more then once or twise, with teares (I say) for ioy & glad∣nes, that God had wrought in you so mercifull a worke: first an vnfained repentance: secondly, an humble & hartie reconciliation: thirdly, a willing submission & obedience to the will of God in all thyngs. Which whē I red in your letters, & iudged them to proceed from the bottom of your hart: I could not but be thankfull to God, reioysing with teares for you & these his great mercies poured vpon you.

These your letters, and the hearing of your most godly procedings and constant doyngs from tyme to time, haue much relieued and comforted me at all tymes, & shall be a goodly testimony with you at the great day, against many worldly and dainty dames, which set more by theyr owne pleasure and pelfe in this world, then by Gods glory, litle regarding (as it appeareth) the euerlasting health of their owne soules or others.* 1.17 My prayer shalbe whilest I am in this world, that god which of his great mercy hath begun hys good worke in you, will finishe it to the glory of his name, and by the mighty power & inspiration of his holy spirit so strengthen, stablish, and confirme you in all hys wayes to the ende, that we may together shew foorth hys prayses in the world to come, to our vnspeakable consola∣tion euerlastingly. Amen.

So long as God shall lend you continuaunce in this miserable world, aboue all things geue your self continu∣ally to prayer,* 1.18 lifting vp as S. Paule saith, cleane or pure hands without anger, wrath, or doubtyng, forgeuing (as he sayth also) if you haue any thyng agaynst any man, as Christ forgeueth vs. And that we may bee the better wil∣lyng to geue, it is good often to call to remembraunce the multitude & greatnesse of our owne sinnes, which Christ daily and hourely pardoneth and forgeueth vs, and then we shall, as S. Peter affirmeth, be ready to couer and hide the offences of our brethren, bee they neuer so many. And because Gods word teacheth vs,* 1.19 not only the true maner of praying, but also what we ought to do or not do in the whole discourse and practise of this lyfe, what pleaseth or displeaseth God, and that, as Christ sayth, The worde of God that hee hath spoken shall iudge in the last day:* 1.20 let your prayer bee to this ende specially, that God of hys great mercy would open and reueale more and more dailye to your hart, the true sense, knowledge and vnderstandyng of his most holy word, and geue you grace in your liuyng, to expresse the fruits thereof.

And for as much as it is, as the holy Ghost calleth it, the word of affliction, that is, it is seldom without hatred, persecution,* 1.21 peril, danger of losse of lyfe and goods, & what so euer semeth pleasaunt in this world, as experience tea∣cheth you in this tyme: call vpon God continually for his assistaunce alwayes, as Christ teacheth, castyng your ac∣compts what it is like to cost you, endeuoring your selfe, thorough the helpe of the holy Ghost, by continuaunce of prayer, to lay your foundation so sure, that no storme or tempest shalbe able to ouerthrow or cast it down: remem∣bring always (as Christ saith) Lothes wyfe,* 1.22 that is, to be∣ware of looking backe to that thyng that displeaseth God. And because nothing displeaseth God so much as Idola∣try, that is, false worshipping of God, otherwise then hys word commandeth: looke not backe (I say) nor turne not your face to their Idolatrous and blasphemous massing, manifestly against the word,* 1.23 practise & example of Christ: as it is most manifest to all that haue any taste of the true vnderstandyng of Gods word, that there remayneth no∣thing in the church of England at this present, profitable or edifieng to the church and congregation of the Lord, all things beyng done in an vnknowen tong, contrary to the expresse commandement of the holy Ghost.

They obiect that they be the church,* 1.24 and therefore they must be beleued. My aunswer was, the Church of GOD knoweth and reknowledgeth no other head but Iesus Christ the sonne of God, whome ye haue refused & chosen the man of sinne, the sonne of perdition, enemy to Christ, the deuils deputy and lieuetenant, the Pope.

Christes church heareth, teacheth, and is ruled by hys word, as he sayth:* 1.25 My sheepe heare my voyce If you abyde in me, and my word in you, you be my Disciples. Their Church repelleth Gods word, and forceth all men to followe their traditions.

Christes Churche dare not adde or diminish, alter or change his blessed Testament: but they bee not afrayd to take away all that Christ instituted, and go a whoryng (as the Scripture saith) with their owne inuentions,* 1.26 Et laeta∣ri super operibus manuum suarum. i. To glory and reioyce in the workes of their owne hands.

The Church of Christ is, hath bene,* 1.27 and shall be in all ages vnder the Crosse, persecuted, molested and afflicted, the world euer hating thē, because they be not o•• y^e worlde. But these persecute, murther, slay and kil such as professe the true doctrine of Christ, be they in learning, liuing, con∣uersation and other vertues neuer so excellent.

Christ & his church reserued the triall of their doctrine to the worde of God,* 1.28 and gaue the people leaue to iudge therof by the same worde, Search the Scriptures: But thys church taketh away the word from the people, & suffereth neither learned nor vnlearned, to examine or prooue their doctrine by the word of God.

The true church of God laboureth by all means to re∣sist & withstand the lusts, desires, & motions of the world,* 1.29 the flesh, and the deuil. These for the most part geue them∣selues to all voluptuousnes, & secretly commit such things which (as S. Paul sayth) it is shame to speake of.

By these and such like manifest probations they do de∣clare themselues to be none of the church of Christ,* 1.30 but ra∣ther of the sinagoge of Sathan. It shal be good for you of∣tentymes to conferre & compare their procedings and do∣ings, with the practise of those whō the word of God doth reach to haue bene true members of the church of God, & it shal worke in you both knowledge, erudition, & boldnes to withstand with suffering, their doyngs. I likened them therfore to Nemrod, whom the scripture calleth a mighty hunter, or a stout champion, telling them that that which they could not haue by the worde, they would haue by the sword, & be the church whether men will or no, and called them with good conscience, as Christ called their forefa∣thers, the children of the deuill: and as their father the de∣uill is a lyer and murtherer, so their kingdom and church (as they call it) standeth by lying and murtheryng.

Haue no fellowship with them therfore my dere wife, nor with their doctrine and traditions, lest you be parta∣ker of their sinnes, for whom is reserued a heauy damna∣tion, without speedy repentaunce. Beware of such as shal aduertise you somethyng to beare with the world as they do, for a season. There is no dallying with gods matters: It is a fearefull thing (as S. Paule sayth) to fall into the handes of God. Remember the prophet Helias,* 1.31 Why halt you on both sides? Remember what Christ sayth: Hee that putteth hys handes to the plough, and looketh backe, is not worthy of mee.* 1.32 And seyng God hath hetherto allowed you as a good soul∣dior in the forward, play not the coward,* 1.33 neither drawe backe to the rereward. S. Iohn numbreth among them y^t shall dwell in the fiery lake, such as be fearefull in Gods cause. Set before your eyes alwayes the examples of such as haue behaued themselues boldly in gods cause, as Ste∣uen, Peter, Paul, Daniel, the three children, the widowes sonnes, and in your days, Anne Askew, Laurence Saun∣ders, Iohn Bradford, with many other faythfull witnes∣ses of Christ. Be not afrayd in nothyng (sayth Saint Paule) of the aduersaries of Christes doctrine,* 1.34 the which is to them the cause of perdition, but to you of euerlasting saluation. Christ commandeth the same, saying: Feare them not. Let vs not follow the example of him which asked tyme first to take leaue of hys friends. If we so doe, we shall finde fewe of them that wil encourage vs to go forward in our busines, please it God neuer so much. We read not that Iames and Iohn, Andrew and Symon, when they were called, put of the tyme till they had knowen their fathers and friends pleasure. But the Scripture sayth, They forsooke all,* 1.35 and by and by followed Christ. Christ likened the kingdom of God to a precious perle, the which whosoeuer findeth, selleth al that he hath for to buy it. Yea, whosoeuer hath but a little taste or glimmering how precious a treasure the kingdom of heauen is, will gladly forgo both life & goods for the ob∣tainyng of it. But the most part now a dayes bee lyke to

Esopes cocke, which when he had found a precious stone, wished rather to haue found a barley corne. So ignorant be they how precious a iewell y^e word of God is, that they choose rather the thyngs of this world, which beyng com∣pared to it,* 1.36 be lesse in value then a barley corne.

If I would haue geuen place to worldly reasons, these might haue moued me: First, the forgoyng of you and my children: the consideration of the state of my children, being yet tender of age and yong, apt and inclinable to vertue & learnyng, and so hauyng the more neede of my assistance, beyng not altogether destitute of gifts to helpe thē with∣all: possessions aboue the common sort of men: because I was neuer called to be a preacher or minister: & (because of my sickenes) feare of death in imprisonment before I should come to my aunswer, and so my death to be vnpro∣fitable.

But these and such lyke, I thanke my heauenly father (which of his infinite mercy inspired me with hys holye Ghost,* 1.37 for his sonnes sake my onely Sauiour and redee∣mer) preuailed not in me: but when I had by the won∣derfull permission of God, fallen into their handes, at the first sight of the Shiriffe, nature a little abashed: yet ere euer I came to the prison, by the workyng of God & tho∣rough his goodnes feare departed. I sayd to the Shiriffe at his comming vnto me: What matter haue you maister Sheriffe to charge me withall? He aunsweared: you shall knowe when you come before the maisters: and so taking me with him, I looked to haue bene broughte before the maisters,* 1.38 and to haue heard what they could haue burde∣ned me withall: but contrary to my expectation, I was committed foorthwith to the Iaile, not being called to my aunswere, little iustice being shewed therein. But the lesse iustice a man finedeth at their hands, the more consolation in conscience shall he finde from God: for whosoeuer is of the world, the world will loue hym.

After I came into prisone, & had reposed my selfe there a while,* 1.39 I wept for ioy and gladnes my belly full, musing muche of the great mercies of God, and (as it were) saying to my selfe after this sort: O Lorde who am I, on whome thou shouldest bestowe thus thy great mercye, to be num∣bred among the Saintes that suffer for thy Gospels sake? And so beholding and considering on the one side my im∣perfection,* 1.40 vnablenesse, sinnefull misery, and vnwoorthi∣nesse, and on the other side the greatnesse of Gods mercye, to be called to so high promotion, I was, as it were ama∣zed and ouercome for a while with ioy and gladnesse, con∣cluding thus with my selfe in my heart: O Lord thou she∣west power in weakenesse, wisedome in foolishnesse, mer∣cy in sinfulnes: who shall let thee to choose where & whom thou wilt. As I haue zealously loued the confession of thy woord, so euer thought I my selfe to be most vnworthy to be partaker of the affliction for the same.

* 1.41Not long after, came vnto me M.W. Brasbrige, M.C. Phinees, M.N. Hopkins, traueling with me to be dis∣missed vpon bondes. To whome my answere was (to my remembraunce) after this sorte: For as much as the Mai∣sters haue imprisoned me, hauing nothing to burden mee with all, if I should enter into bondes, I should in so do∣ing accuse my selfe: and seeing they haue no matter to laye to my charge, they may as well let me passe w^tout bondes, as wyth bondes.

Secondarily, if I shall enter bondes, couenaunt, and promise to appeare, I shall do nothing but excuse, colour, and cloke their wickednesse, and endanger my selfe neuer∣thelesse,* 1.42 being bound by my promise to appeare. They al∣leaged many worldly perswasions vnto me to auoide the present perill, & also how to auoid the forfeiture, if I brake promise. I sayde vnto them I had cast my penywoorth by Gods help. They vndertooke also to make the bond easie.

And when they were somewhat importune, I sayd to maister Hopkins, that libertie of conscience was a preci∣ous thing, and toke as it were a pause, lifting vp my heart to God earnestly for hys aide and helpe, that I might doe the thing that might please him.* 1.43 And so, when they had let their sute fal, my hart, me thought, was wonderfully com∣forted. Maister Dudly commoned with me in like maner: whom I answered in effect as I did before.

Afterwarde debatin•• the matter wyth my selfe, these considerations came to my head: I haue from time to time wyth good conscience (God I take to recorde) mooued all such as I had conference withal, to be no daliers in Gods matters, but to shew themselues after so great a light and knowledge, hearty, earnest, constante, and stable in so ma∣nifest a truthe, and not to geue place one ioate contrarye to the same. Nowe thought I, if I shall withdrawe my selfe, and make any shifts to pull my owne necke out of the col∣lor,* 1.44 I shall geue greate offence to my weake brethren in Christe, and aduantage to the enemies to sclaunder Gods word. It wil be sayd, he hath ben a great boldner of others to be earnest and feruent, to feare no worldly pearils or daungers, but he him selfe will geue no such example.

Wherefore I thought it my boūden duety both to God and man, being (as it were) by the great goodnes of God,* 1.45 maruelously called and appoynted hereunto, to set aside all feare, pearils, and daungers, al worldly respects and con∣siderations, and like as I had heereto••ore, according to the measure of my small gift, within the compasse of my vaca∣tion and calling, from the bottome of my heart vnfained∣ly mooued, exhorted, and perswaded all that professe Gods woorde, manfully to persist in the defence of the same, not wyth sworde and violence, but wyth suffering and losse of life, rather then to defile themselues againe with the who∣rish abhomination of the Romish Antichrist: so the houre being come, with my fact and example to ratifie, confirme, and protest the same to the hearts of all true beleeuers: and to thys end (by the mighty assistance of Gods holy spirit:* 1.46) I resolued my selfe wyth muche peace of conscience, wil∣lingly to sustaine what soeuer the Romish antichrist shuld doe against mee, and the rather because I vnderstoode the Bishops comming to be at hand, and considered that pore mens consciences shoulde be then sharpely assaulted. So remained I prisoner in Couentrie by the space of 10. or 11. dayes, being neuer called to my answere of the Maisters, contrary to the lawes of the Realme, they hauing neyther statute, lawe, proclamation, letter, warrant, nor comman∣dement for my apprehension. They woulde haue laide all the matter vpon the Sumner. Who being examined, deni∣ed it before their faces (as one of my frendes tolde me) say∣ing that he had no commandement concerning me, but for my elder brother. God laye not their extreeme doings a∣gainst me, to their charge at the great day.

The seconde day after the bishoppes comming to Co∣uentrie, M. Warren came to the Yeldhall, and willed the chiefe Iayler to carye me to the Bishop. I laide to maister Warrens charge the cruell seeking of my death: and when he would haue excused himselfe, I tolde him he coulde not wipe hys handes so: hee was as guiltie of my bloude be∣fore God, as though he had murthered me with his owne handes.

And so he parted frō me, saying, I needed not to feare if I would be of his beliefe, God open his eyes if it be hys will, and geue him grace to beleue this, which he and all of his inclination, shall finde (I feare) to true for their parts: that is, that all they whiche cruelly, maliciously, and spite∣fully persecute, molest and afflicte the members of Christe for their cōscience sake, and for the true testimonie of Chri∣stes worde, and cause them moste vniustly to be slayne and murthered: without spedy repentance, shall dwel with the deuil and his angels in the fiery lake euerlastingly, where they shall wish and desire, crie and call, but in vayne (as their right companion Epulo did) to be refreshed of them,* 1.47 whome in this world they contemned, despised, disdained, as slaues, misers, and wretches.

When I came before y^e bishop in one Dentons house, he began wyth this protestation, that he was my Byshop for lacke of a better, and willed me to submit my selfe.

I sayd to him, I am not come to accuse my selfe: what haue you to lay to my charge?* 1.48

He asked me whether I was learned? I aunsweared, smally learned.

Maister Chauncellor standing by, sayde I was a mai∣ster of Arte.

Then my Lord laid to my charge, my not comming to the Church.

Heere I might haue dalied wyth him, and put hym to his proofes, for asmuch as I had not bene for a long season in his Diocesse, neither was any of the Citizens able to proue any suche matters against me. Notwythstanding I answered him through Gods mercifull helpe, that I ney∣ther had nor woulde come at their church as long as theyr masse was vsed there, to saue (if I had them) fiue hundreth liues. I willed him to shew me one iote or title in y^e scrip∣ture for the proofe and defence of the Masse.

He aunswered, he came to teache and not to be taught.

I was content (I tolde him) to learne of him, so farre as he was able to teach me by the word of God.

Bishop.

Who shall iudge the worde?

Glouer.

Christ was content that the people shoulde iudge hys doctrine by searching the Scriptures, and so was Paule: me thinketh ye should claime no further priuiledge or preeminence then they had.

Thus spake Robert Glouer offering him further,* 1.49 that he was content the primitiue Church next to the Apostles time, should iudge betwixt the bishop and him. But he re∣fused also to be iudged by that. Then he sayde hee was hys Bishop, and therefore he must beleeue him.

Glouer.

If you say blacke is white my L. (quoth Glouer) must I also say as you say, and beleeue the same because you say it is so? M. Chancellor here noted me to be arro∣gant, because I would not geue place to my Bishop.

Glouer.

If you will be beleued because you be a Bish. why find you fault with the people that beleeued M. Latimer, M. Ridley, M. Hooper, and the residue of them that were bishops?

Bish.

Because they were heretikes.

Glouer.

* 1.50And may not you erre (quoth I) as well as they? I looked for learning at my Lords hand to perswade me, and he oppressed me onely with hys authoritie. He said I dissented from the church, and asked me where my church was before king Edwards tyme.

I desired hym to shew me where their church was in Helias tyme,* 1.51 and what outward shew it had in Christes tyme.

Bish.

Helias complaint was onely of the x. tribes that fell from Dauids house, whom he called heretikes.

Glo.

You be not able to shew any Prophets that the other two tribes had at the same tyme.

My L. makyng no answer to that, M. Rogers one of the maisters of the citie commeth in the meane season, ta∣king vpon hym as though he would aunswer to the text. But my L. forthwith commanded me to be committed to some Tower if they had any besides the common Gaole, saying he would at the end of his visitation of his dioces, weede out such wolues. M. Rogers willed him to contēt himselfe for that night, till they had taken further order for me. Euen where it pleaseth you, said I to my Lord, I am content: and so I was returned at that tyme to the com∣mon Gaole agayne from whence I came.

On the Friday mornyng beyng the next day after, I had warnyng by one of the prisoners to prepare my selfe to ride with my fellow prisoners the same day to Lichfield there to be bestowed at the Bish. pleasure.* 1.52 Which tidyngs at the first something discouraged me, searyng lest I shold by the meanes of my great sicknesse, through extreme hād∣lyng (which I looked for) haue dyed in the prison before I should come to my aunswer. But I rebuked immediately with Gods word this infidelitie in my selfe, and by y^e same corrected myne owne mistrust and fantasie after this ma∣ner. What make I of God? Is not hys power as great in Lichfield as in Couentry? Doth not his promise extend as well to Lichfield,* 1.53 as to Couentry? Was hee not wyth Abacuck, Daniell, Misaach, and Ieremy, in theyr most dangerous imprisonments? He knoweth what thyngs we haue neede of. He hath numbred all the haires of our head. The Sparowe falleth not on the ground, without our heauenly fathers will: much more will he care for vs if we be not faythlesse, whom he hath made worthy to bee witnesses of his truth. So long as we put our trust in him we shall neuer be destitute of his helpe, neither in prison, neither in sickenes nor in helth, neither in life nor in death, neither before kyngs nor before Bishops: not the Deuill himselfe,* 1.54 much lesse one of hys ministers shall bee able to preuaile agaynst vs. With such like meditations I waxed cherefull of good consolation and comfort: so that hearing one say that they could not prouide horses enough for vs, I sayd, let them cary vs in a dung cart for lacke of horses, if they list: I am well content for my part.

Notwithstanding at the request of my friends, I wrote to M. Maior and his brethren, briefly requiring thē that I myght make aunswer here to such thyngs as should be layed to my charge: The contentes of which letter were these.

*A Letter of M. Robert Glouer, to the Maior of Couentry and his brethren.

I Beseech you to vnderstand, that it is not vnknowen as well to the Keeper of the Gaole,* 2.1 as to the inhabitants about me where I dwell, that I am a man subiect to very great sicknesse, and haue bene by the space of seuen yeares and more, so that it is not like that I shall be remooued without perill and danger of lyfe. And because I was here committed to Warde by your appoyntment, I would gladly here aunswer to such thyngs as should bee layed to my charge. If I may obtayne this of you, I haue cause thank∣fully to reknowledge your indifferencie: if otherwyse, I praye God it be not layd to your charge at the great day, where euery man shall haue iust iudgement without respect of person.

Your prisoner in the Lord, alwayes myndefull of you in my poore prayer. Rob. Glouer.

But I receiued no answer of my letters to nor fro, I coniectured, that when the B. and the Chancellor had seen thē, it mooued thē the rather to haue me away, beyng more desirous (as I suppose) to haue had me dispatched priuily in prison, then to come openly to my answer. The maner of entreating and vsing me at my first commyng to pri∣son, did partly declare the same.

Certayne Sergeaunts and Constables of Couentry,* 2.2 beyng appointed to haue the conueying of vs to Lichfield to be deliuered there to one Iephcot the Chancellors man sent from Couētry with vs for the same purpose, we were commaunded to horsebacke about xj. or xij. of the clocke on Friday, beyng market day, that we might be the more ga∣sed and wondered at: and to kindle the peoples heartes more agaynst vs, they did proclayme a letter cōcernyng a proclamation made for calling in & disanullyng of all such bookes as truely expound and interprete the Scriptures. We came to Lichfield about 4. of the clocke at night, & had leaue to repose our selues for our Supper tyme. We inned at the signe of the Swanne, where wee were entertayned friendly and gently.

After supper Iephcot repaired to vs,* 2.3 whome we in∣treated that vpon sureties we myght rest our selues that nyght, beyng vnprouided of any thyng to help our selues withall in the prison at that present. He was content at the first (as he semed) but afterwards, whether it was by per∣swasion, or rather (as it seemed to me) he did but of polli∣cie put of the tyme till he had gathered a multitude to stare and wonder vpō vs, and also that we should prouide no∣thyng to ease our selues withall: he reuoked his promise,* 2.4 and so by consent we were had to the prison, the multitude wonderyng at vs. I willed Iephcot before, to execute his office with mercy, tellyng him that they should haue iudge¦mēt without mercy, that shewed no mercy. And this mer∣cy I found at his hand.

He put me into a prison the same night, where I con∣tinued vntill I was condemned, a place next to the dun∣geon, narow of rowmes, strong of building, and very cold with small light, and there allowed he me a būdle of straw in stead of my bed, w^tout chaire, forme, or any other thyng els to ease my self withal. God of his mercy gaue me great patience through praier that night, so that if it had ben his pleasure, I could haue bene contented to haue ended my lyfe. But Iephcot & one Persey the bishops man,* 2.5 which afterwardes was my continuall keeper for the most part, came to me in the morning, to whō I said, this is a great extremitie, God send vs patience, and no more.

Then they were content that I should haue a bed of myne owne procurement. But I was allowed no helpe, neither night nor day, nor company of any man, notwith∣standyng my great sickenesse, nor yet paper, pen, nor inke, or bookes, sauyng my new Testament in Latine, & a prai∣er booke which I priuily stole in.

Within two days after,* 2.6 M. Chancellor and one Tem∣sey a Prebendary there, came to me into my prison. Mai∣ster Chauncellour exhorted me to conforme my self to my Lord and to the Church. He wished to my soule no more hurt then to hys owne: belyke because I had layd to hys charge at Couentry, the seekyng of my bloud vniustly and wrongfully.

Now thus the second tyme I answered M. Chancel∣lor to his exhortatiō, that I refused not to be ruled by that church that was content to bee ordered and gouerned by the word of God.

Chaun.

He asked me how I knew the worde of God, but by the Church?

Glouer.

* 2.7 The church sheweth which is the word of God, therefore the Church is aboue the word of God. This is no good reason in learnyng, sayd I to M. Chauncellour. For it is lyke vnto this: Iohn shewed the people who was Christ: Ergo, Iohn was aboue Christ. Or els, I haue a man that knoweth not the kyng, and I tell hym who is the kyng: am I therfore aboue the kyng?

M. Chauncellour sayd, he came not to reason with me and so departed. So remayned I without any further cō∣ference of any man by the space of viij. dayes, and till the Bishops commyng: In the which tyme I gaue my selfe continually to prayer, and meditation of the merciful pro∣mises of God, made vnto all without exception of person, that call vpon the name of his deare sonne Iesus Christ. I found in my selfe daily amendment of health of body, in∣crease of peace in conscience,* 2.8 and many consolations from God by the helpe of his holy spirit, and sometymes, as it were a taste and glimmeryng of the lyfe to come: all for his onely sonne Iesus Christes sake: to hym be all praise for euer and euer.

The enemy ceased not many tymes, sundry wayes to assault me, oftentymes obiectyng to my conscience myne owne vnworthines, through the greatnesse of the benefite to be counted among the number of them that should suf∣fer

for Christ, for his Gospels sake. Against him I replied with the worde of God in this sorte. What were all those whom GOD had chosen from the beginnyng, to be his witnesses, and cary his name before the world? were they not men as Paule and Barnabas sayd,* 2.9 Similiter obnoxij peccato, as well subiect to wickednes, sinne, imperfectiōs, as other men be? Euen such were Noe, Abraham, Da∣uid and all the rest. Quis prior dedit illi, as Paul saith, Who gaue first vnto him? And also speakyng to euery man: What hast thou that thou receiuedst not? Likewise Iohn: All haue receiued of his fulnesse: they were no bringers of any good∣nes to God, but altogether receyuers. They choose not GOD first, but he choose them. They loued not God first, but hee loued them first. Yea, hee both loued and chose them when they were his enemies, full of sinne and corruption, and voyd of all goodnes. Est Dominus omnium, diues in omnes & super omnes inuocantes eum. He is and wil be still the same God, as rich in mercy, as mighty, as able, as ready, as willyng to forgeue sinnes without respect of person,* 2.10 to the worlds end, of all them that call vpon hym. Propè est Dominus omnibus inuocantibus eum: God is nere, he is at hand, he is with all, with all (I say) and refuseth none,* 2.11 excepteth none that faithfully in true repentance call vpon hym, in what houre, what place, or what tyme so euer it bee. It is no arrogancy nor presumption in any man, to burthen God (as it were) with hys promise, and of duetie to clayme and chalenge hys ayde, helpe, and assi∣staunce in all our perils, daungers, and distresse, callyng vpon hym, not in the confidence of our owne godlynesse, but in the trust of his promises made in Christ, in whom, and by whome, and for whose sake, whosoeuer boldly ap∣procheth to the mercy seate of the Father, is sure to receiue whatsoeuer is expedient or necessary eyther for bodye or soule,* 2.12 in more ample wyse and large manner, then hee can well wish, or dare desire. His worde can not lye: Call vp∣pon me in the day of trouble, and I will heare thee, & thou shalt prayse me.* 2.13

I aunswered the enemy also on this maner: I am a sinner, and therefore not woorthy to bee a witnesse of this truth. What then? Must I deny his worde because I am not woorthy to professe it? What bring I to passe in so do∣yng, but adde sinne to sinne? What is greater sinne then to deny the truth of Christes Gospell? as Christ himself bea∣reth witnesse: Hee that is ashamed of me or of my wordes, of hym I will be also ashamed before my father and all his aungels. I might also by like reason forbeare to do any of gods cō∣mandements.

When I am prouoked to pray, the enemy may say vn∣to me, I am not worthy to pray, therfore I shall not pray: & so in lyke maner of all the commandements: I shall not forbeare swearing, stealing, murthering, because I am not worthy to do any commaundement of God. These be the delusions of the Deuill, and Sathans suggestions, which must be ouercome by continuance of prayer, and with the word of God applied accordyng to the measure of euery mans gift,* 2.14 agaynst all assaults of the Deuill.

At the bishops first comming to Lichfield after myne imprisonment, I was called into a by chamber next to my prison, to my Lord. Before whom when I came and saw none but his officers, chaplains & seruants, except it were an old priest, I was partly amazed and lifted vp my heart to God for his mercifull helpe and assistance.

My Lord asked me how I liked my imprisonment. I gaue hym no aunswer touchyng that question. He proce∣ded to perswade me to be a member of hys Church, which had continued so many yeares. As for our church (as hee called it) it was not knowen, he sayd, but lately in kyng Edwards tyme.

I professe my selfe to be a member of that * 2.15 church (said I) that is builded vpon the foundation of the Apostles & Prophets, Iesus Christ beyng the head corner stone: and so alledged the place of S. Paule to the Ephes. And this Church hath bene from the beginnyng (said I) though it beare no glorious shew before the world, beyng euer, for the most part vnder the Crosse and affliction, contemned, despised, and persecuted. My Lord on the other side, con∣tended that they were the Church.

Glouer.

So cryed all the Clergy agaynst the Prophets of Ierusalem, saying: Templum Domini, templum Domini, The Church, the Church, &c.

Bish.

And always when I was about to speake any thing my Lord cried, hold thy peace: I commaund thee by the vertue of obedience, to hold thy peace, callyng me a proud arrogant heretike.

Glouer.

I willed my Lord to burthen me with some spe∣cialties, & then to conuince me with some Scriptures and good learnyng.

Then my L. began to mooue certaine questions. I re∣fused to aunswer him in corners, requiryng that I myght make my answer openly. He sayd I should aunswer hym there. I stood with hym vpon that poynt vntill he said I should to prison agayne, and there haue neither meate nor drinke till I had answered hym.

Then I lifted vp my hart to God, that I might stand and agree with the doctrine of his most holy word.

Bish.

The first question was this:* 2.16 how many sacraments Christ instituted to be vsed in the church?

Glo.

The Sacrament of Baptisme sayd I, and the Sacra∣ment that he instituted at his last Supper.

Bish.

No more sayd he?

Glo.

To all those that declare a true and vnfayned repen∣taunce, a sure hope, trust, and confidence in the death of Christ, to such ministers (I grant) that they haue authori∣tie to pronounce by the power of Gods word, the remissi∣on of sinnes.* 2.17

Here interruptyng me, he would needes beare me in hand that I called this a sacrament. I would not greatly contend with hym in that poynt, because that matter was of no great waight or importāce: although he in so doing, did me wrong, for I called it not a Sacrament.

Hee asked me further whether I allowed theyr con∣fession.

I sayd no.

Bish.

Then he would know my mynd what I thought of the presence of Christes body in the Sacrament.* 2.18

Glouer.

I aunswered that their Masse was neither sacri∣fice nor Sacrament, because (sayd I) you haue takē away the true institution, which when you restore agayne, I will tell you my iudgement concernyng Christes body in the Sacrament.

And thus much did this worthy Martyr of God leaue behynd hym by his owne hand in writyng concerning the maner of hys vsing and entreatyng in pryson, and also of hys conflictes had with the Bishop and hys Chauncellor. Moe examinations he had (no doubt) with the Byshop in the publike Consistory, when he was brought forth to be condemned, which also he would haue left vnto vs, if either length of lyfe, or laysure of tyme, or haste of executi∣on had permitted hym to finish that he intended: but by reason of the writ of his burnyng beyng come down from London, lacke of tyme neither did serue hym so to do, nei∣ther yet could I get the Records of hys last examinations wheresoeuer they are become.

Onely this which I could learne by relation of one Austen Bernher a Minister, and a familiar friend of hys, concernyng the goyng to his death, I can report, that the sayd blessed seruant of the Lord, M. Rob. Glouer, after he was condemned by the Bishop, and was now at a poynt to be deliuered out of this world, it so happened, that two or three dayes before, his hart beyng lumpish and desolate of all spirituall consolation, felt in hymselfe no aptnes nor willingnes, but rather a heauines and dulnesse of spirite,* 2.19 full of much discomfort to beare that bitter crosse of Mar∣tyrdome ready now to be layd vpon hym.

Wherupon he fearing in himself, lest the Lord had vt∣terly withdrawne his woonted fauor from him, made hys mone to this Austen his frend aboue remembred, signifi∣eng vnto hym, how earnestly he had prayed day and night vnto the Lord, and yet could receiue no motion nor sense of any comfort from hym.

Unto whom the sayd Austen answering agayne, wil∣led and desired him paciently to waite the Lords pleasure and how so euer his present feling was, yet seing his cause was iust and true, he exhorted hym constantly to sticke to the same, & to play the man,* 2.20 nothyng misdoubting but the Lord in his good time would visit him, and satisfie his de∣sire with plenty of consolation, whereof (he sayd) he was right certayne and sure, & therfore desired hym when so e∣uer any such feeling of Gods heauenly mercies should be∣gin to touch his hart, that then he would shew some signi∣fication thereof, wherby he might witnesse with hym the same, and so departed from hym.

The next day when the tyme came of his martyrdome, as hee was goyng to the place, and was now come to the sight of the stake, although all the night before praying for strength and courage he could feele none, sodainly he was so mightily replenished with Gods holy comfort and hea∣uenly ioyes, y^t he cryed out clapping his hands to Austen, & saying in these words, Austen, he is come, he is come,* 2.21 &c. & that with such ioy and alacritie, as one seeming rather to be risen from some deadly daunger, to libertie of life, then as one passing out of the world by a∣ny paines of death. Such was the change of the meruailous workyng of the Lordes hand vpon that good man.

¶Cornelius Bongey felow Martyr with Mayster Robert Glouer.

IN the same fire with him was burned also Cornelius Bongey a Capper of Couentrey,* 2.22 and condemned by the sayd Radulph Byshoppe of Couentry and Liechfield. As concerning the Articles which were to him obiected, the ef∣fect therof was this.

* 2.23Firste it was articulate agaynste him, that these three yeres last, in the City of Couentry and Liechfield, & other places about, he did hold, mainteyne, argue and teach, that the Prieste hath no power here to absolue any sinner from his sinnes.

Secondly, that by Baptisme sinnes be not washed a∣way, because he sayd that the washing of the flesh purgeth the flesh outwardly▪ and not the soule.

Thirdly, that there be in the Church onely two sacra∣mentes, that is, Baptisme, and the Lordes Supper.

Fourthly, that in the sacrament of theyr popish aulter, was not the reall body & bloud of Christ, but the substance of bread & wine there remayning stil, because S. Paul cal∣leth it bread and wine. &c.

Fiftly, that he within the compasse of the sayd yeares & time, did hold, maintayne and defend, that the Pope is not the head of the visible church here in earth. &c.

Sixtly, that he was of the dioces and iurisdiction of the Bishop of Couentry and Liechfield. &c.

Seuēthly, that the premises are true, manifest and no∣torious, and that vpō the same there hath bene & is a pub∣lick voice and fame, as well in the places aboue rehearsed, as in other quarters also about. &c.

¶His aunsweres.

* 2.24Unto the which articles he aunswering agayne, to the first he graunted, and to euery part therof, meaning after y^e Popish maner of absolution.

The second he graunted first, after reuoked the same.

To the thyrd also he graunted, adding withall, that in scripture there be no more conteined.

To the fourth, touching the sacrament, he graunted & to euery part therof.

To the fift concerning the Pope likewise.

Also to the sixt he graūted and likewise to the seuenth.

Upon these articles and his answeres to the same, the sayd Radulph the Bishop read the sentence, and so cōmit∣ted him also after the condemnation of Mayster Roberte Glouer, to the seculer power.

Thus this foresayd Cornelius falsely condēned by the Bishop before mentioned, suffered at the same stake wyth the Christian Martyr Mayster Robert Glouer at Couen∣try, about the xx. day of September.

[illustration]

¶The burning of Mayster Robert Glo∣uer, and Cornelius Bongey at Couentry.

* 2.25

¶Here foloweth the story of Iohn Glouer and William Glouer, how they were excommuni∣cate and cast out after theyr death, and buried in the fieldes.

NOwe that wee haue discoursed the storye of Mayster Robert Glouer,* 2.26 something also woulde bee touched of his other two brethrē Iohn and William Glouer. Who albeit they were not called to finishe theyr course by lyke kinde of Martyrdome in the fire, as the other did: yet be∣cause for theyr constaunt profession of Gods Gospell vnto the latter ende, they were exempted after theyr death, & cast out of the same Church, as the other was, I thought them not vnworthy therefore in the story to be ioyned together, which in one cause and the same profession were not sūde∣red one from the other.

And first concerning Mayster Iohn Glouer the eldest brother, what inward stormes and agonies he susteined by the ghostly enemy, partly ye heard before described: nowe what his bodily enemies wrought against him, remaineth to be declared. Whose rage and malice, although god so re∣strained, that they coulde litle preuayle agaynst him so long as his life endured, yet after his decease, hauing power v∣pon him, what they did ye shall now vnderstand.

After the Martyrdome of mayster Robert Glouer, al∣though Iohn Glouer seing his brother to be apprehended for him, had small ioy of his life for the great sorow of his hart, wherewith he was sore oppressed, and would gladly haue put himselfe in his Brothers stead, if frendes had not otherwise perswaded with him, shewing that in so doyng he might intangle himselfe, but should doe his brother no good. He thus in great care and vexation endured: yet not∣withstanding, rubbing out as well as he could, til at lēgth about y^e latter end of queene Mary there was a new search made for the sayd Iohn Glouer.* 2.27

Whereupon the Sheriffes with theyr vnder Officers and seruauntes being sent to seek him, came into his house where he and his wife were. It chaūced as he was in his chamber by himselfe, the Officers brusting into the house, and searching other roomes, came to the Chamber doore where this Iohn Glouer was. Who being within, and holding the latch softly with his hand, perceiued and heard the Officers buskeling about the doore, amongest whome one of the sayd officers hauing the string in his hand, was ready to draw and plucke at the same.

In the meane time an other comming by (whose voice he heard and knew) bad them come away,* 2.28 saying they had bene there before. Whereupon they departing thence, wēt to search other corners of the house, where they found Ag∣nes Glouer his wife, who being had to Liechfilde, & there examined before the bishop, at length after much ado was constrayned to geue place to their tyranny, Ioh Glouer in the meane time, partly for care of his wife, partly through cold taken in the woodes where he did lye, tooke an Agew, whereupon not long after he left this life, which the cruell Papistes so long had sought for.

Thus by the mighty protectiō of y^e almighty Lord, how Iohn Glouer was deliuered and defended frō the handes of the persecuting enemies during all the time of hys life, ye haue hearde, Nowe what befell after his death both to him & to William his brother it is not vnworthy to be re∣mēbred. Who after that he was dead, & buried in y^e church∣yard without Priest or Clerke, D. Dracot then Chauncel∣lour,* 2.29 sixe weekes after sent for the parson of the Towne & demaunded howe it chaunced that hee was there buryed. The parson aunswered that he was then sicke, and knewe not of it. Then the Chauncellour commaunded the parson to go home and to cause the body of the said Iohn Glouer to be taken vp, & to be cast ouer the wall into the hie way: The Parson agayne answered that he had bene 6. weekes in the earth & so smelled that none was able to abide the sa¦uor of him. Well quoth D. Dracot, then take this byll and pronounce him in the pulpit a damned soule, and a twelue moneth after take vp his bones (for then the fleshe will be consumed) and cast thē ouer the wall,* 2.30 that cartes and hor∣ses may tread vpon them, and then will I come & hallow againe that place in the churchyard where he was buried. Recorded by the Parson of the towne who tolde the same to Hugh Burrowes dwelling at Fynden in Darbyshyre, and to M. Rob. Glouers wife, by whose credible informa∣tion we receiued the same.

Not much vnlike vsage was practised also by these ca∣tholicke children of the mother Churche vpon the body of Will. the third brother. Whō, after it had pleased almighty god about y^e same seasō to cal out of this vale of misery,* 2.31 the good disposed people of the Towne of Weme in Shrop∣shyre, where he dyed, brought the bodye vnto the Parishe Church, entending there to haue it buried. But one Ber∣nerd,

being then Curate of the sayd Church (and is yet as I heare say to this day) to stoppe the buriall therof, rode to the bishop named Raufe Bayne, to certify him of the mat∣ter, and to haue his aduise therein. In the meane time, the body lying there a whole daye,* 2.32 in the night time one Rich. Morice a Taylour woulde haue enterred him. But then came Iohn Thorlyne of Weme with other moe, & woulde not suffer the body to be buryed: expressing to vs y^e contra∣ry examples of good Toby, for as he was religious in bu∣riyng the dead so this man putteth religiō in not burying the dead: so that after he had layne there two dayes & one night, commeth the foresayd Bernerd the Curate with the Bishops letter, the contentes of which letter beyng copied out word for word here foloweth.

*A copy of the Byshops Letter written to the Parish of Weme.

* 3.1VNderstanding that one Glouer an heretick is dead in the pa∣rish of Weme, whiche Glouer hath for all the time of my be∣ing in this country bene knowne for a rebellion agaynst our ho∣ly fath and Religion, a Contemner of the holy Sacramentes and ceremonies vsed in holy Churche, and hath separate himselfe frō the holy Communion of all good Christian men, nor neuer re∣quired to be reconciled to our mother holy Church, nor in hys last dayes did not call for his ghostly father, but dyed without all rites belonging to a Christian man: I thought it good not on∣ly to commaund the Curate of Weme that he shoulde not be bu∣ried in Christian mans buriall, but also will and commaunde all the parish of Weme that no manne procure, helpe, nor speake to haue him buried in holy ground: but I do charge and commaund the Church Wardens of Weme in speciall, and all the parishe of the same that they assist the sayd Curate in defending and letting, and procuring that he bee not buried neither in the Churche nor within the wanybles of the Churchyarde, and likewise I charge those that brought the body to the place, to cary it away agayne, and that at theyr charge: as they will aunswere at theyr perill. At Ecclesch this 6. of September. an. 1558.

By your Ordinary Radulph Co∣uentry and Liechfield.

* 3.2By y^e vertue of this foresaid letter so it fel out, that they which brought the corps thither, were fayne at their owne charges to carye it backe agayne. But for so muche as the body was corrupted, and smelt so strongly that vnneth a∣ny man might come nere it, they were forced to draw it w^t horses vnto a bromefield, and there was he buried.

Witnesses of the godly end of the sayde William Glouer dy∣ing in the true fayth and confession of Christe, Mayster Nowell Deane of Liechfielde, George Wilestone and hys wife, Tho Cōstantine, Roger Wydouse, Iohn Prynne, Ge∣orge Torpelley. &c.

The like example of charitable affection in these catho∣licke churchmen is also to be sene and noted in the burying of one mayster Edward Bourton Esquire,* 3.3 who in y^e same Diocesse of Chester departing out of this worlde the verye day before Queene Elizabeth was crowned, required of his frendes, as they would aunswere for it, that his bodye should be buryed in his Parishe Churche (which was S. Chaddes in Shrousbury) so that no Massemonger should be present therat. Which thing being declared to the Curat of that Parish named sir Iohn Marshal, & the body being withall brought to the buriall, vpon the same day whē the Queene was crowned, the Curate being therwith offen∣ded, sayd playnely that he should not be buried in y^e church there. Whereunto one of his frendes, named George Tor∣pelley answering againe said, that God would iudge him in the last day. &c. Then the priest, Iudge God (saith he) or Deuill, the body shall not come there. And so they buryed him in his owne garden. Where he is no doubt as neare y^e kingdome of heauen, as if he had bene buried the middest of the Church.

* 3.4Moreouer, in the sayd County of Salop, I finde that one Olyuer Richardyne of the Parish of Whitchurch was burned in Hartford Weste, Syr Iohn Ygone being She∣riffe the same time. Whiche seemeth to be about the latter yeare of king Henry viij. Whose name because it was not mentioned before, I thought here to geue some litle touch of him, hauing now in hande to speake of the persecution within the Diocesse of Couentry and Liechfield.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The story of M. Robert Glouer Martyr, and of M. Iohn Glo∣uer his brother
• * 1.2

  Iohn Glouer, Robert Glouer, William Glo∣uer, 2. godly brethren and zealous profes∣sors of the Gos∣pell.
• * 1.3

  Touching fur∣ther mention of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iohn Glo∣••••••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the first edition.
• * 1.4

  The inward conflictes and exercises of M. Iohn Glouer.
• * 1.5

  Iohn Glouer a double Martyr.
• * 1.6

  A heauy Crosse of inward tor∣mentes layd vpō Iohn Glouer,
• * 1.7

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.8

  The first occasiō of Iohn Glouers inward afflictiō.
• * 1.9

  Heb. 7.
• * 1.10

  No griefe lyke to the griefe of conscience.
• * 1.11

  Heb. 7.
• * 1.12

  Christ a mercifull helper in temptation and hard distresses.
• * 1.13

  Iohn Glo∣uer by the grace of Christ re••stored a∣gayne to perfect tran∣quilitye.
• * 1.14

  The Mayor of Couen∣try sendeth a priuy watchword to Iohn Glouer.
• * 1.15

  M. Robert Glouer ap∣prehended lying sicke in his cham∣ber.
• * 1.16

  A letter of M. Robert Glouer to h••s wyfe, certif••ing h••s troubles 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appre∣hen••ion.
• * 1.17

  The world∣ly wanton∣•••••• commō∣ly of Eng∣lish women 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.18

  1. Tim. ••. Ghos••••ly 〈…〉〈…〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of ••••ristian 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.19

  1. Peter. 4.
• * 1.20

  Iohn. 12.
• * 1.21

  1. Cor. 1.
• * 1.22

  Luke 17. Example of Lots wyfe.
• * 1.23

  Nothing v∣se•• in Q. Ma••y••s 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.24

  The first note prouing the Church of the Papistes not to be the true Church.
• * 1.25

  2. Note. Iohn. 10.
• * 1.26

  3. Note. Actes 7.
• * 1.27

  4. Note to know the Church.
• * 1.28

  5. Note. Iohn. 5▪
• * 1.29

  6. Note to know the Church.
• * 1.30

  Ephes. 5. Compare the proceedinges & doinges of the Popes Church, with the true members of Christs Church, and you shall see what they are.

  The Church of the valiant Pa∣pistes compared to Nemrod, and why?

  The Popes Church stan∣deth all in lying and murdering.
• * 1.31

  3. Reg. 18.
• * 1.32

  Luke 9.
• * 1.33

  The Popes Church vnder payne of dam∣nation is to be auoyded. Apoc. 2.
• * 1.34

  Phil. 1. He exhorteth to be bolde in Christ.
• * 1.35

  Math. 13.
• * 1.36

  Worldly Chri∣stians resembled to Aesops Cocke.

  Worldly allu∣rements & mo∣tions of draw∣ing backe by Gods grace with standed.
• * 1.37

  Experience of the Lordes as∣sistance in con∣firming his ser∣uantes.
• * 1.38

  M. Glouer cō∣mitted to the Iayle before any cause was decla∣red.
• * 1.39

  Gods mighty consolation. vpon Rob. Glo∣uer in prison.
• * 1.40

  M. Glouer wee∣peth for ioy in prison.
• * 1.41

  M. Glouer coū∣selled to put in bondes.

  Rober Glouer refuseth to enter into bondes.
• * 1.42

  Worldly persu∣asions not recei∣ued.
• * 1.43

  M. Glouer a∣g••yne visited with Gods holy comfort.
• * 1.44

  M▪ Glouer rea∣soning with himselfe.
• * 1.45

  M. Glouer taketh cou∣rage, al 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and daun∣ger•• set a∣side.
• * 1.46

  M. Glouer resolued in himselfe to abyde the vttermost for the Gos∣pells cause. The Papist•• proceede with M. Glouer a∣gaynst the lawes of the realme. Commaun∣dement ge∣uen to the Sumner a∣gaynst Iohn Glouer, and not agaynst Robert Glouer. This By∣shops name was Doct. Banes.

  M. Warren of Couen∣try persecu∣tor of Rob. Glouer.

  A lesson for all persecu∣tors.
• * 1.47

  Luke. 16.
• * 1.48

  R· Glouer brought be∣fore Banes B. of Lich∣field and Couentrye. M. Robert Glouer M. of Art in Cambridge. R. Glouer charged for not com∣ming to the Church.
• * 1.49

  The Bishop refuseth to be iudged by the pri∣matiue Church.
• * 1.50

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.51

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.52

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.53

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.54

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 2.1

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 2.2

  Robert Glouer and his fellow prisoners remo∣ued from Co∣uentry to Lich∣field in the face of the open market.
• * 2.3

  Iephcot, the Chauncellours seruaunt.
• * 2.4

  Papistes keepe no promise.
• * 2.5

  Iephcot & Per∣sey cruell and straite agaynst M. Glouer.
• * 2.6

  Talke betweene M. Glouer, and the Chancellor in prison.
• * 2.7

  The Church ge∣ueth witnes which be the true bookes and writings of the Apostles: as also the olde Sinagogue of the Iewes doth witnes which be the true bookes of the holy Prophetes: yet it followeth not thereby that the Iewes haue autho∣rity ouer the Scrip∣ture.
• * 2.8

  The comforts & sweete feelinges of M. Glouer in prison.
• * 2.9

  M. Glouer as∣saulted by the enemy in prison concerning vn∣worthynes. Actes. 24. Rom. 11. Rom. 4. Iohn. 2. Gods election bound to no worthines or person. Rom. 10.
• * 2.10

  Psalme. 145.
• * 2.11

  It is no arrogā∣cye to presume vpon Gods pro∣mise.
• * 2.12

  Psalm. 50.
• * 2.13

  Robert Glouer replyeth against the tentation of the enemy in that he is a sin∣ner.
• * 2.14

  M. Glouer brought agayne before the Bi∣shop.

  Reasoning be∣twene M. Glo∣uer and the By∣shop.
• * 2.15

  The true Church is alwayes builded vp on the doctrine of the Apostles: which though it appeare not alwaies alyke in outward ••••ght, the faulte is in the tyme, not in the Church. Tymes do alter, and with the tymes the out∣ward face of the Church may alter sometymes appea∣ring more, some∣tymes lesse, some∣tymes very little, sometymes nothing at all, according as the persecution is. Neuertheles, the truth of the church abydeth alwayes one. Neyther doth it goe by number of mē but by soundnes of truth. Many a∣greeing in one may make an vnitye: but the veritye of the word maketh the Church whe∣ther it be in few or in many.
• * 2.16

  The first question.
• * 2.17

  Power by Gods word in the mini∣stery to re∣mit sinnes. 2. questio••▪
• * 2.18

  3. question.
• * 2.19

  Robert Glouer de∣stitute fo•••• tyme of the Lords com∣fort.
• * 2.20

  The Lord for a tyme may with∣draw his comfortes, but at lēgth he visiteth his seruant••.
• * 2.21

  R. Glouer receaueth agayne cō∣fort of the Lord.
• * 2.22

  Cornelius Bongey, Martyr.
• * 2.23

  Articles ob∣iected to Cornelius Bongey.
• * 2.24

  H••s Aun∣sweres to the articles.
• * 2.25

  The Mar∣tyrdome of Robert Glouer and Cornelius Bongey at Couentry. Anno. 1555. September ••0.
• * 2.26

  Iohn Glouer & William Glouer after their dea••h condemned▪ and cast out for he∣retickes.
• * 2.27

  A new search made for Iohn Glouer.
• * 2.28

  The prouidence of God agayne in sauing Iohn Glouer.

  Agnes Glouer wyfe to Iohn Glouer appre∣hended.
• * 2.29

  D. Dracot not suffering Iohn Glouer to be buryed in the Churchyearde.
• * 2.30

  Iohn Glouer af∣ter his death iudged of Doct. Dracot to be a damned soule. Testimony of this story.
• * 2.31

  The maner of handling the body of Williā Glouer after his death.
• * 2.32

  Bernard a Po∣pish Curate of Weme.

  Iohn Thorlyne agaynst the bu∣rying of W. Glo¦uers brother.
• * 3.1

  The letter of Raufe Bayne B. of Chester, for the not burying of W. Glouers body.
• * 3.2

  The dead corpe•• of W. Glouer dragged with horse into the field.
• * 3.3

  M. Edward Burton not suf∣fered to be bu∣ryed in Christi∣an buriall, the same day when Q. Elizabeth was crowned.
• * 3.4

  Oliuer Richar∣dine in Hartford West. Martyr.