The spirit of the martyrs revived in a brief compendious collection of the most remarkable passages and living testimonies of the true church, seed of God, and faithful martyrs in all ages: contained in several ecclesiastical histories & chronological accounts of the succession of the true church from the creation, the times of the fathers, patriarchs, prophets, Christ and the Apostles.

Part III (Book 3)

Containing an Account of the grievous Sufferings, Persecutions and Martyrdom of the Ser∣vants of the Lord, inflicted on them by the Papists, after the Apostacy from the antient Primitive Gospel of Truth preached by Christ and his Apostles.

IOhn saw there would be an Apostacy from the blessed Faith in his daies;* 1.1 for he saw a Beast rise out of the Sea, and the Dragon gave him his Power, and his Seat, and great Authority, and all the World wondered after the Beast, and they worshipped the Dragon which gave Power unto the Beast, and they worshipped the Beast, saying, Who is like unto the Beast? Who is a••le to make War with him? And he opened his Mouth in Blasphemy against God, to Blaspheme his Name and his Taberna∣cle, and them that dwell in Heaven, and it was given unto him to make War with the Saints, and to overcome them; and power was given him over all Kindreds Tongues and Nations, and all that dwell upon the Earth shall worship him, whose Names are not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World.

After this great Darkness had spread over Nations and People for some years, the Lord raised up some from time to time to bare Testimony, according to their measures of light and knowledge they had received, against the blindness and ignorance that the World was under, as in the following instances the Reader may observe.

Robert Grosthead living in the year 1240 wrot sharply to the Pope, (especially for the evils he committed in England) that he was op∣posite to Christ, a Murderer of Souls and an Heretick, and complain∣ed on his death-bed of the corruptions which were sprung up in the Church, and inveighed bitterly against the manifold abominations of the Church and Court of Rome, saying, well may these verses be applied to them.

The whole World cannot suffice their greedy covetous mind, Nor all their drabs and naughty pack, their filthy lusting kind.

For his thundring against the Romish Church, and for his publick reproving of the covetousness, pride and manifold Tyrannies of the Pope he was excommunicated to the pit of Hell by Innocent the fourth, and cited to come to his bloody Court; but he appealed from the

Popes Tyranny to the Eternal Tribunal of Jesus Christ, and shortly after died: Yea, before this there were some found in England who testified against the corruptions of the Church of Rome, and suffered for the same, for in the year 884. John Patrick Erigena wrot a Book about the Lords Supper, which was afterwards condemned by the Pope, and he martyred for it.

In the year 960. some were braned in the Face at Oxford, and banish∣ed for saying, That the Church of Rome was the Whore of Babilon; Monkery a stinking Carion; their Vows nurses of sodomy; Purgatory and Masses, &c. inventions of the Devil.

In the year 1126. there was one Arnold an English Preacher was cruelly butchered for preaching against Prelates pride, and Priest wicked lives.

About the year 1160. about thirty Waldenses came into Eng∣land, one Gerrard being their Minister, these People labouring to win Disciples to Christ, were quickly smelt out by the Popish Clergy, and great complaints were made against them to the King, being Henry the Second, who caused them to be brought be∣fore an Assembly of Bishops at Oxford, where Gerrard speaking for them, said, to this effect; we are Christians, holding the Doctrine, of the Apostles; in their Examinations they would not admit of Salt, Spittle, and Exorcisms in Baptism and the Eucharist, nor of binding with the stool in Marriage; and being admonished to repent and return to the unity of the Church, they despised that counsel, and scorned threats, saying, Blessed are they which Suffer Persecution for Righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Then did the Bishops excomunicate them, and so delivered them over to be corporally Punished by the King, who caused them to be burnt as Hereticks in the forehead, and to be whipt through Oxford, they singing all the while, Blessed are ye when men hate you, and dispitefully use you; and the King further commanded that none should persume to receive them to house, nor to cherish them with any comfort, where∣by they miserably perished with hunger and cold, none affording any comfort to them.

These W••ldenses are rep••ted the first Reformers after the darkness of Popery had overspread the Christian World, as before is rela∣ted: And Pope Alexander the third being informed, that divers persons in Lyons questioned his Soveraign Authority over the whole Church, cursed Valdo and his Adherents, commanding the Arch-Bishop to proceed against them by Ecclesiastical censures to their utter extir∣pation; whereupon they were wholly chased out of Lyons; Valdo and his followers were called Waldenses, who afterwards spread themselves into divers Countries, and Companies, and for their Reli∣gion many of them were Burnt to death, and fleeing into Germany and other Countries, many of them were put to death; Pope Alexander 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de a Decree that these Gospellers, and all their Favourers should 〈◊〉〈◊〉 comunicated, and that none should sell them any thing, or buy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••hing of them.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Waldenses, notwithstanding all the Popes Curses con∣tinued

publishing, that the Pope was Antichrist, the Mass an Abomination, the Host an Idol, and Purgatory a Fable; whereupon Pope Innocent the third Anno 1198. seeing that the other remedies were not sufficient to suppress these Hereticks, as he called them, authorized certain Monks Inquisitors who by process should appre∣hend and deliver them to the secular power, by a far shorter, but much more cruel way then was used formerly, for by this means they were by thousands delivered into the Magistrates hands, and by them to the Executioners, whereby in a few years all Christendom was moved with compassion to see so many burnt and hanged that did trust only in Christ for Salvation.

And from the year 1170. to the year 1470. many noble Wit∣nesses were raised up in England, and elsewhere, to write against the Popes pride, calling him Antichrist, &c. and to bear a publick Testimony in these dark times against the corruption and abominable Idolatry (which was crept into the Church) with the hazard of their Lives and Liberties, amongst which were the Lollards, of the in∣crease of whom the Pope had often complained in Richard the second's time, but could not prevail; and King Henry the fourth coming to the Crown by Usurpation, to ingratiate himself with the Clergy, made a Law, that Lollards should be burnt at the discretion of the Bishops; whereupon divers suffered Martyrdom, as followeth.

William Sawtery of London in the year 1400.* 1.2 was imprisoned by Thomas Arondell Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, VVilliam Sawtry desired his cause might be heard by the Parliament then sitting for the commodity of the whole Realm, but the Bishops would not allow it, but caused him to be brought before them, who examined him upon eight Articles, the last whereof was about Transubstantiation, to which he answered, that after the words of Consecration there remained very bread, the same bread, which it was before the words were spoken; whereupon he was condemned by Robert Hall, the Bishops Chancellour, after which they got a warrant from the King, directed to the Mayor and Sheriff of London for his burn∣ing.

William Thorp for the same cause was examined and imprisoned; and after a long examination, before the Arch-Bishop, was committed to another foul bad Prison, where he never was before, of which place he writeth as followeth: After I was brought to Prison, when all men were gone forth from me, the Prison doors fast, being by my self, I began to Think on God, and to thank him for his good∣ness, and I was then greatly comforted, not only for that I was then delivered for a time from the presence of the Scorning, and from the Menacing of my Enemies, but much more I rejoyced in the Lord, be∣cause that through his Grace he kept me so, both among the flatter∣ing especially, and among the menacing of mine Adversaries, that without heaviness and anguish of my Conscience I passed away from them.

In his examination the Bishop told him, that it was certified against him, that he preached openly and boldly in Shrewsoury

that Priests have no title to Tythes, the substance of his Answer was.

There was one came to Prison to me, and asked, what I said of Tythes, to whom I said, ask the Priests and Clerks of the Town, the man replyed, our Prelates say, they are cursed that withdraw their Tythes; I said, I wonder any Priest say men are cursed without the ground of Gods Word, and put the man to enquire of the Priest of that Town, where the sentence of cursing them that Tythed not was written in Gods Law; and I said further in the old Law, which ending not fully till Christ rose up from death to life, God command∣ed Tythes to be given to the Levites, but the Priests were to have but the tenth part of those Tythes given to the Levites; now, said I, in the new Law neither Christ, nor any of his Apostles took Tythes of the People, nor commanded the People to pay Tythes; but Christ taught the People to shew works of mercy, and I said not of Tythes, but of pure Almes of the People Christ and the Apostles lived, when they were so busie in preaching the word to the People, that they could not otherwise work to get their liveli∣hood.

Then the Bishop said, thou preachedst openly at Shrowsbury, that it is not lawful to swear in any case.

Thorp said, by the Authority of the Epistle of James, and by witness of divers others,* 1.3 I have preached openly in one place or other, that it is not lawful for any to swear in any case by any Creature.

Then the Clerk asked, him whether it were not lawful for a Subject, at the command of his Prelate, to kneel down and touch the holy Gospel book, and kiss it, saying so help me God, and this holy Dome?

Thorp said, Ye speak full largly, what if a Prelate command his Subject to do an unlawful thing, should he obey?

Arch-Bishop; a Subject ought not to suppose that his Prelate will bid him do an unlawful thing.

Thorp, But to our purpose related the Opinion of a master in Di∣vinity in the matter of Swearing, who said, it was not lawful either to give or take any such charge upon a Book, for every Book is no∣thing else but divers Creatures, of which it is made of: Therefore to sware upon a Book is to swear by Creatures, and this swearing is ever unlawful; this Sentence (saith Thorp) witnesseth Chrysostom plain∣ly, blaming them greatly that bring forth a book to swear upon, charging Clerks, that in no wise they constrain any Body to sware, whether they think a man to sware true or false. Then the Arch-Bishop scorned me, and threatened me with sharp and great Punish∣ment, except I left this Opinion of swearing.

Thorp said, It is not only my opinion, but the opinion of Christ, James and Chrysostom, and divers others.

The Clerk said, Wilt thou tarry my Lord longer? submit thee here meekly to the Ordinance of holy Church, and lay thy hand upon a Book, touching the holy Gospel of God, promising, not

only with thy Mouth, but also with thine Heart to stand to my Lords ordinance.

Thorp said, have I not told you here, how that I heard a Master of Divinity say; That in such case it is all one to touch a Book, as to swear by a Book.

Bishop, There is no Master of Divinity in England, but if he hold this opinion before me, I shall punish him, as I shall do thee, except thou sware as I shall charge thee.

Thorp, Is not Chrysostom and ententive Doctor,

Bishop, Yea.

Thorp, If Chrysostom proveth him worthy of great blame that bringeth forth a Book to sware upon, it must needs follow that he is more to blame that sweareth on that Book.

The Clark said, lay thine Hand upon the Book touching the holy Gospel of God, and take thy charge.

Thorp, I understand that the holy Gospel of God may not be touch∣ed with mans Hand.

It was mentioned before that he was imprisoned by Thomas Arondell Arch-Bishop of Canterbury; and it is recorded that he was by the said Bishop at last secretly put to death in the year 1407.

John Purvey was imprisoned by Henry Chicheley Arch-bishop of Canterbury in the year 1421.* 1.4 he writ a Book against the Pope, where∣in he calls him Antichrist, and that his censures was like the blast of Lucifer. He, the said Purvey complained, that many before him, who had impugned the Romish errorrs, had been imprisoned, killed, and their Books burnt, and that none were suffered to preach but such as would swear obedience to the Pope: For which he was im∣prisoned, and secretly made away by the aforesaid Bishop.

In the year 1413.* 1.5 Roger Acton, John Brown, John Beverly were persecuted, and put to death for their Testimony to the Truth, in Giles's in the field, together with divers others, to the number of thirty six, all which were hanged with Fire made under them. These godly persons in these dangerous times used to meet in the night in Giles's in the Fields to pray and preach, which the Bishops having no∣tice of, they informed the King as if they intended to rebel; where∣upon the King going with many armed men at Midnight took these thirty six, and caused them to be executed; the number that were as∣sembled was greater, but they fled, amongst whom was Wil. Murle of Dunstable, Maultster, who being afterwards apprehended was drawn hanged and burnt, within few daies after their Execution: Thomas Arundel Arch-bishop was so stricken by God in his tongue, that he could neither swallow any food, nor speak for diverse daies before his death,* 1.6 whereby he died in much misery. And this was thought to come upon him, for that he so bound the Word of the Lord, that it should not be preached in his daies.

About this time there began to spring forth some light in Bohemia, the Bohemians having received some of Wickliffs Books, began first to taste and savour Christs Gospel, till at length by the preaching of John Hus they encreased more and more in knowledge, insomuch

that Pope Alexander the fifth hearing thereof, began to stir Coals, and directed his Bull to the Arch-bishop of Swinco, requiring him to look to the matter, that no persons should maintain that Doctrine; and not long after this John Hus and Jerome of Prague were both con∣demned, and burnt at Constance, by the Council held there; and yet their blood did not satisfie their Adversaries, but they took further counsel for the destruction of these People in the whole Nation; for when fifty eight of the cheif Nobles of Bohemia, in the Name of all the Commons Anno 1416. had sent letters from Prague to the Council, complaining, that John Hus their Paster, an innocent and holy man, and faithful Teacher of the Truth was unjustly condem∣ned, the Council instead of answering them, wrote Letters to some violent Papists who were in Authority, to assist their Legate i•• op∣pressing the Hereticks; and thereupo•• ••••ey persecuted them all man∣ner of ways, useing great violence towards them; insomuch that they raised Tumults, and one Zisca, a noble man of that Country, being sore grieved for the death of John Hus and Jerome of Prague, minding to revenge the Injuries which the Council had done, greatly to the dishonour of the Kingdom of Behemia, upon their Complices and Adherents he gathered together a number of men of War, subverted the Monasteries, and Idolatrous Temples, pulling down and breaking in pieces the Images and Idols, driving away the Monks and Priests, which he said were kept up in their Cloisters like Swine in their Styes to be fatted: when this Zisca died, in remembrance of him the Bohemians ingraved over his Tomb, in the Greek Language this Epitaph;

John Zisca, a Bohemian, Enemy to all wicked and Covetuout Priests, but with a godly Zeal.

Yet still as the Popish party prevailed they exercised all manner of Cruelty upon the poor Servants of Christ, till they were utterly sup∣pressed by force, many of whom fled into the hilly Country, neer to Silesia, to inhabit; where throwing off all superstitious practices they applyed themselves to the best form that they according to the best of their understandings judged to be nearest to the primitive Christians, calling themselves Brethren and Sisters: They were branded with the Name of Piccards, a Name by which the Waldenses in Piccardy were called: The purity that was amongst them much displeased the Devil; for he raised a sudden and violent Tempest against them, and an Edict was proclaimed, threatning death to all that should ad∣minister to the Piccards; whereupon they were brought into great extremity: A second Edict came forth that none of them should be suffered either to live in Bohemia, or Moravia; hereupon they were dispersed amongst the Woods and Mountains, dwelling in Caves, where yet they were scarce safe, so that they were forced to make no Fire, nor dress any meat, but in the night time least the smoak should betray them. In the cold Winter nights sitting by the Fire they ap∣plyed themselves to the reading of the Bible, and holy discourses, when in the Snow they went abroad to provide them necessaries they

went close together, and lest their foot-steps should betray them, the hindermost of them did draw after him a great bough to cover the prints which their feet had made.

But to return again to give a futher account of Sufferers in England; John Claydon of London Curryer in the year 1415. being examined before Henry Chichly Arch-Bishop of Canturbury, upon suspition of Heresie, he confessed, that for the same cause he had been formerly imp••••soned by Robert Braybrock, Bishop of London, in Conway Prison two years, and at another time three years in the Fleet, and also that he had several English books that he took delight to hear read to him, one of the books was entituled, The Lanthorn of Light, in which books were contained; 1 Speaking or Treating of the Text, how the Enemy did sow the Tears, there is thus said, That wicked Antichrist, the Pope, hath sowed his Popish and corrupt Decrees, which are of no authority, strength, nor value; and that the Bishops Licence for a man to Preach is the true Character of the Beast and Antichrist: And that the Court of Rome is the Chief Head of Antichrist: And that no Reprobate is a Member of the Church: His books being examined, were condemned as heretical, to be burnt in the Fire, and Sentence of Condemnation was past upon him by the Arch-Bishop, and he was delivered to the secular Power, by whom he was carried into Smithfield, and there burnt with one Richard Turning a Baker

The next year after the burning of these men, the Prelates of England, seeing the daily increase of the Gospel, and fearing the ruin of their papal Kingdom, took counsel together, with what deli∣gence they could to maintain the same: Wherefore, to make their State and Kingdom sure, by Statutes, Laws, Constitutions and Terror of Punishment, Henry Chichly Arch-Bishop in his Convo∣cation holden at London maketh another Constitution against the poor Lollards, which was sent abroad Anno 1416. to be straitly execu∣ted; in which their Officials (or Commissaries) were required twice every year at least, to make diligent enquiry after such persons as were suspected of Heresie; and Parishoners were to be sworn upon the Evangelifts to discover whether they knew any frequenting privy Conventicles, or differing in their life and manners from other Com∣mon Catholick men, or that should have any Books in the English Tongue.

After the setting out of this Constitution aforesaid, great inquisi∣tion hereupon followed in England, and many good men, who began to have a love to the Gospel, were much troubled, and great Sufferers.

John Gale of London was summoned before the Arch-Bishop, for having a Book in English, entituled, A Book of the new Law.

Ralph Mungin for the same Doctrine was condemned to perpetual imprisonment.

William White a follower of John Wickliff, he was of a devout holy life, is recorded as a Morning Star in the midst of a Cloud, a man well learned, an upright man, and well spoken, for the love of the Truth he

gave over his Preisthood, but not his preaching, for he continually laboured to advance the glory of God, by reading, writing and preaching: The chief matters charged against him were, that he held;

That men should seek for the forgiveness of their sins only at the band of God.

That the Pope was an Enemy unto Christs Truth.

That men ought not to Worship Images.

That the Romish Church was the Figg-Tree which Christ Cursea, be∣cause it brought forth no Fruit of the true Beleif.

That such as wear C••ules, or be Annointed, or Shorn, are the Souldiers of Lucifer. And that all such, because their Lamps are not burning, shall be shut out when as the Lord shall come.

He was apprehended (for preaching and teaching such like Do∣ctrine) in Norfolk, and being had before the Bishop of Norwich; he was convicted, condemned and burnt in Norwich in the 7th Moneth 1424.

When he was at the Stake beginning to open his mouth to speak to the People, to exhort them and confirm them in the Truth, one of the Bishops Servants struck him in the mouth, thereby to force him to keep silence: And thus this good man received the Crown of Martyrdom, and ended this Mortal life, to the great grief of all good men in Norfolk; his wife Joane following her Husbands steps,* 1.7 according to her power teaching and sowing abroad the same Do∣ctrine, confirmed many in Gods Truth, wherefore she suffered much trouble and punishment the same year at the hands of the said Bishop.

John Goose 1473. being called before the Bishops, and accused for Heresie, being condemned and delivered to Robert Be••••isdon one of the Sheriffs of London, to see him burnt in the afternoon, the Sheriff, like a charitable man, had him home to his house, and there exhorted him to deny his Errors, he desired the Sheriff to be content, for he was satisfied in his Conscience. The Sheriff giving him some meat, he being very hungry did eat so freely as if the hour of his death had not been known to be so nigh, saying to the Standers by, leat now a good and competent Dinner, for I shall pass a little sharp Shower ere I go to Supper; and having dined, he required that he might be led to the place where he should yield up his spirit unto God.

About this time there being a war begun by the Turks against the Christians, so called, there was great invasions and victories obtain∣ed by the Turks against them, insomuch that the Turks in the space of Thirty years subdued. Arabia, got Palestina, Phenetia, Siria, Egypt and Persia, raging with their Armies throughout all Asia and Europe, Conquering as they passed: The causes of which Invasions and Victories as is recorded, were the dissention, discord, falshood, idle∣ness, unconstancy, greedy avarice, lack of Truth and fidelity amongst Christian men, of all states and degrees both high and low; for by the wilful defection and back-sliding of the Christians, the Turkish power did exceedingly encrease, and them called Chri∣stians

were by multitudes destroyed, and as it is written there was hardly a Town, City or Village in all Asia and Grecia, also in a great part of Europe and Africa, whose streets did not flow with the Blood of the Christians, whom these cruel Turks Murthered after an inhuman manner, Men and Women being by them cut in Pieces, Children stuck upon Poles and Stakes till they gored them to death in the sight of their Parents, draging some at their Horse tails till they famished them to death, tearing some in Pieces tying their Arms and Legs to four Horses, treading the aged and feeble under their Horses feet: The Princes of Rasia had both their Eyes put out, with Basons red hot set before them, cuting some asunder in the midst, and with other Torments putting many to death, insomuch that the streets and ways of Chalrides did flow with Blood of them that were slain. The Pretors Daughter of which City, be∣ing the only Daughter of her Father, and noted to be of singular beauty,* 1.8 was saved out of the slaughter, and brought to Mahumet the Turk, to be his Concubine, but she denying to consent to his Turkish filthiness, was commanded therefore to be slain; it would be long to recite, and incredible to b••lieve the cruel and horrible slaugh∣ters, and miserable tortures inflicted upon the Christians by these Turks in most parts of Asia and Africa, but especially in Europe.

And during all these Wars and Slaughters the Pope ceased not, continually calling upon Christian Kings and Princes and Subjects to take the Cross, and to War against the Turks, lest he should lose all; whereupon in that time of Darkness and Popery, many took Voyages to the holy Land, and many Ba••tails were fought for the winning the holy Cross; and yet no success, neither ever came it prosperoufly forward, whatsoever the Pope attempted against him, what the cause was may be easily judged, if the Reader considers the gross Idolatry, prophaness and degeneration those called Christians were fallen into, having wholy lost the true Faith once delivered to the Saints, and instead of being Sufferers, which was once the portion of the true Christians, were now became Persecutors and Destroyers of such as would not stoop to their Idolatry, and to every foolish invention that the Popes from time to time did set up, and commanded to be observed. It is recorded, that in the time of Pope Julius, partly with his Wars, and partly with his Cursings in the space of seven years, about 200000. Christians were destroyed, so addicted to Bloodshed was this Pope; and as is written, surpassed many other Popes in Ini∣quity, that Wicelius wrot thus of him, Marti illum quam Christo deditiorem fuisse, that is, that he was more given to War, and Batail, then to Christ; which made Philip Melancton write an Epigram in Latine upon him, the sence of which in English is as followeth:

When Julius Pope against the French determin'd to make War, As fame reports he gathered up great Troops of men from far, And to the Bridge of Tyber then, marching as he were Wood, His holy Keys he took and cast them down into the Flood,

And afterward into his hand he took a naked Sword; And shaking it, braks forth into this fierce and warlike word; This Sword of Paul (quoth he) shall now defend us from our Foe, Since that this Key of Peter doth nothing avail thereto.

In the year 1512. there was a fight between Lewis the French King and this Pope Julius at Ravenna upon Easter day, where the Pope was vanquished, and had of his Army slain to the number of Sixteen thousand; and the next year, this Apostolical Warriour, which had resigned his Keys to the River of Tybris before, made an end both of his fighting and living.

About this time began the reign of Henry the eighth King of England, in whose reign great alterations and turns of Religion were wrought by the mighty operation of Gods Hand, not only in England, but in Germany, and other parts of Europe, such as had not been seen (al∣though much groaned for) many hundred years before; nevertheless, many suffered great Persecutions and Martyrdom in this Kings reign, both in England, and elsewhere, and many good men were raised up to bear witness to the Truth, yet some were of opinion, that it was not wholy the Kings fault that so much Blood was spilt in his time, for the Bishops were the Draco to make the bloody Laws, and it was the Bishops that were earnest to see the Laws put in Execution, the King oftentimes scarce knowing what was done; and but hearing of a Woman that was the second time put upon the Rack, exceedingly condemned the party that was the cause of it, for using such extreme Cruelty.

John Brown passing from London in a Gravesend-Barge, in which Barge there was a Priest, and Brown sate hard by him; whereupon the Priest said, dost thou know who I am? Thou sittest too neer me: Brown said, no sir, I know not who you are; I tell thee, said he, I am a Priest: What sir, said Brown, are you a Parson, or a Viccar, or a Ladies Chaplain? I am, said he, a Soul Priest, and sing for a Soul: I pray you sir, said Brown, where find you the Soul when you go to Mass? I know not, said the Priest; and where do you leave it when you have done Mass? I can∣not tell, said the Priest. Brown replyed, if you neither know where the Soul is when you begin, nor where you leave it when you have done; how then do you save a soul? Go thy ways, said the Priest, thou art an Heretick, and I will be even with thee. And accordingly when they came to Land, the Priest taking two others with him that were present in the Boat, went and complained to Arch-Bishop Warham, who sent a Warrant presently to apprehend Brown; and being apprehended the Messenger bound his feet under his horse belly, and carried him away to the Arch-Bishop, neither his wife nor friends knowing whether he went, nor what they would do with him. The Bishop cast him into Prison, where he lay about six weeks, then was carried to Ashford where he dwelt, and there set in the flocks all night, his wife hearing of it, came and set by him all night, to whom he shewed how cruelly he had been handled by the Arch-bishop, telling her he could not set his feet to the ground,

for they had burnt them to the bones to make him deny Christ, which, said he, I durst not do, lest my Lord Christ should deny me hereafter; Therefore, good wife, continue as thou hast begun, and bring up my Children Virtuously, and in the Fear of God: And so the next day this Godly Martyr was burnt calling upon God and saying, into thy hands I commend my Spirit, thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of Truth. At the fire the* 1.9 Bailiff, bid cast in his Children also; for, said he, they will spring out of his Ashes. And in Queen Maries time his son Richard Brown was sentenced to be burnt being a Prisoner at Canterbury, but that the Queen dying he escaped suffering.

About this time many suffered very greatly for spaking against Worshipping of Saints, against Pilgrimage, for having Scripture books in English, and a book called Wickliss wicket.

One of which Sufferers by name Elizabeth Stamford, who being brought and examined before Fitz James Bishop of London Anno 1517. confessed, that she was taught by one Thomas Beale of Henly these words, Eleaven years before, viz. That Christ fa••deth and nourisheth his Church with his own pretious Body, that is, the Bread of Life, coming down from Heaven: This is, said she, the Worthy Word that is Worthily received, and joyned unto man, to be in one body with him; so it is that they be both one, they may not be parted; This is not received by chewing of Teeth, but by hear∣ing with Ears, and understanding with the Soul, and wisely work∣ing thereafter, and as Paul saith, I fear me amongst us, Brethren, that many of us be feeble, and sick, therefore my Counsel is, Brethren, to rise and watch that the great day of Doom come not suddenly upon us, as the Thief doth upon the Merchant: And she said further, that the said Thomas Beale taught her, that she should con∣fess her sins to God, and that the Popes Pardons and Indulgences were nothing worth.

John Stillman in the year 1518. was apprehended and brought before the Bishop of London, and examined for speaking against Worshipping, Praying and Offering unto Images, and for saying Wick∣lifs Wicket was a good book; and that when he was apprehended he hid the same in an old oak, and did not bring it out to the Bishop; he was sent to the Lollards Tower, and being afterwards brought openly to the Consistory at Pauls, it was further objected against him, that he should say the Pope was Antichrist, and not the true Successor of Peter, or Christs Viccar on Earth; and that his Pardons and Indulgences which he granted in the Sacrament of Penance were nongth, and that he would have none of them; and likewise, that the Colledge of Carpinals were Limbs of Antichrist, and the Priests the Synogogue of Satan; and that the Doctors of the Church had Subverted the truth of Holy Scripture, expound∣ing it after their own minds; and that he should say, he would abide by these Doctrines, and dye for it; and wisht there were twenty thousand of his Opinion to witness against them Scribes and Pharisees: For his constant persevereing in these Principles,

Doctors Head, Vicar-general past sentence against him as an He∣ritick, and so delivered him to the Sheriffs of London to be openly burnt in Smithfield.

* 1.10 The next that suffered was Tho. Man, who for saying, the Popish Church was not the Church, of God, but a Synagogue, and for holding several other Articles contrary to the Popish Church, he was a long time imprisoned; but through frailty and fear, having an oppertunity, he fled the Diocess of Lincoln; but not long after was again apprehended, and brought before the Bishop of London, and was shorty after delivered by Dr. Head to the Sheriff of London, to be presently burnt, with this protestation, that he might not consent to the death of any.

This Popish Chancellor would not seem to consent to his death,* 1.11 but yet sent him to the Shambles to be Killed, for these were the words he sent to the Sheriff: Receive this Person, and we desire in the bowels of our Lord Jesus Christ, that the punishment and execution of due severity of him, and against him in this part, may be so moderate, that there be no rigorous Rigor, nor yet no dissolute mansuetude, but to the health and wealth of his Soul, &c.

Thomas Man, was burnt by the Sheriff without any warrant, for Head delivered him to the Sheriff in Paternoster-Row, protesting he had no power to put him to death, and therefore desired the Sheriff to see him punisht, et tamen citra mortem, that is, without death, but the Sheriff had him to Smithfield, and there caused him to be burnt

This Tho. Man, after he had escaped out of the Diocess of Lincoln, traveled about in divers places and Counties in England, and in∣structed many into the Truth, as at Amersham, London, Bi••••erycay, Chelmsford, Stratford, Uxbridge, Henly, Newberry, Suffolk and Nor∣folk, and divers other places, and he teftified himself, that as he went westward he found a great Company of well disposed persons of the same Judgment with him, especially at Newberry, where, he said, were a glorious and sweet Society of faithful favourers, three or four of which were burnt for Religion.

And he travailed divers other places, where he found many faith∣ful Brethren, who at that time were called by the name of Known Men, or Just Fast Men.

This Thomas Man confessed, as it is Registred in the Bishops Book, that he had turned seven hundred People to his Religion, for which he thanked God; which People were afterwards called by the name of Protestants.

William Sweeting and James Brewster had the like Catholick Cha∣rity shewed to them by the Bishop, who being imprisoned for their Zeal to the Truth and Religion, being surprised with fear, said, they submitted themselves to the mercy of Almighty God, and to the favourable goodness of the Judge, upon which submission the Popish Fathers were contented to give out a Sollemn Commission to re••••ase and pardon them from the Sentence of Excommunication; but immediatly the Bishop pronounced upon them the Sentance of death and condemnation; whereupon they were both delive∣red

to the Secular power, and both burnt together as one Fire in Smithfield.

I find further upon Record, that as the Light of the Gospel began more and more to appear, and the number of the Professers thereof to grow, so Persecution increased, and the Bishops bestired them∣selves to keep the Truth from increasing and growing: whereupon ensued great Persecutions, and grievous Affliction upon divers in several Counties, especially about Buckinghamshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex; but although they were thus afflicted outwardly, yet their inward fervency and zeal for the Truth was very great, as appear∣ed by their sitting up all Night in Reading and Hearing, and by their Expences in giving great prizes for a few Chapters of James and Paul in English: And further, their great Travails, earness Seeking, their burning Zeal, their Reading, their Watchings, their sweet Assemblies, their Love and Concord, their Godly Li∣ving, their faithful Marrying only with the faithful; all which it is written, that they were faithfully practising and observing, being noted or known among themselves by the name of Known Men, or Just fast Men; the Bishop of Lincoln in his Inquisitions and Examina∣tions of those Known Men was so strict and cruel, that he caused the Wife to detect the Husband, and the Husband the Wife, the Father the Daughter, and the Daughter the Father; Brother against Bro∣ther, and Neighbour against Neighbour to witness one against ano∣ther, and that to death; causing them to Swear upon the Evangelists, whether they knew the persons to be Known Men.

Agnis Ashford, being one of the said People, for preaching these words following was Articled against, viz. We be the Salt of the Earth, if it be putrified and vanisht away, it is nothing worth; a City set upon a Hill may not be hid; ye light not a Candle and put it under a Bushel, but set it on a Candle stick, that it may give a Light to all in the House, so shine your Light before men, that they may see your works, and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven. And further, she did teach, saying, Jesus feeing his People, as he went up a Hill, was set, and his Disciples came to him, he opened his Mouth and taught them, saying, Blessed be the poor men in Spirit for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs; blessed be mild men, for they shall weld the Earth: For teaching this Doctrine the Bishop strictly enjoyned and commanded her to teach no more such Lessons to any man, especially to her Children.

There were three persons accused for sitting up all night, reading in a Book of Scriptures, in the House of one Durdant in Iven Court near Stanes; either were accused for having of certain English Books, as Wickliffs Wicket, in which was contained, how that man could not make the Body of Christ, which made us; another Crime was, for having fome part of the New-Testament, and a Book called The Prick of Conscience; for these, and such like Allegations, did these men greatly suffer, but the Lords Hand did work marvelously amongst them, so that in a short space they did exceedingly increase, in such sort that the Bishop was driven to make his Complaint to the King, to require his aid to suppress them; the King being then young,

and easily incensed with the Bishops Suggestions and cruel Com∣plaints, sent Letters to the Sheriffs to aid the Bishop against these Known Men, whom he termed Hereticks; upon the Kings Letter he renewed his former sierceness, and began to shew further violence upon the poor flock of Christ, calling them before his Tribunal Seat, passing Judgment upon some, and committing them to the Secular Arm to be burnt, namely Thomas Bernard, James Morden, Robert Rave, John Scrivener, and others; compelling Children to set Fire to their own Fathers, and Example of such Cruelty as is contrary both to God and Nature.

The judicious Reader, whose eyes are enlightned may see what darkness the World was drowned in at this time, the purity of the Christian Religion being wholy lost, and turned into outward Ob∣servations, Ceremonies and Idolatry, worshipping of Saints, going Pilgrimages to see the Reliques which were as so many lying Mira∣cles; instead of worshipping the Living God, worshipped dead Stocks and Stones; how the People were led, so the Priests were fed, no care was taken; the Popes Laws and Canons being more set by then Christs Testament or the Scriptures; laying another Foun∣dation then Christ and the Apostles laid, upon which the Papists planted their infinite number of Masses, Derriges, Obsequies, Mat∣tens, hours of singing Service, Midnight-rising, Bare-foot-going, Fish-tasting Lent fast, Ember-fast, Stations, Rogations, Jubilees, Advocation of Saints, praying to Images, Pilgrimage, Walking, Vows of Chastity, wilful Poverty, Pardons, Indulgen••••s, Pen∣ance, Auriculer Confession, Shaving, Powling, Annointing, saying Prayers by their Beads, making Laws that none should wear Sumptions Garments, or Rings or Ouches on their Fin∣gers, but Bishops only when they were saying Mass; these with other such like filthy Stuff has been set up by the Popes Power in the night of Apostacy, and People have been forced to Swollow it down, though some did it against their Stomachs and Consciences, and if the least Light appeared in any to testifie against their Trumpery, the Beast and false Prophet made War with them, and rather then they would fail in the extinguishing the Truth, they would destroy the persons in whom the least appearance thereof manifested it self, as in the Relation before, and hereafter will appear; about this time there were many eminent men raised up who were accounted Fa∣thers of the Protestant Church, as, Zuinglius, Occolempadius, Me∣lancton, and Martin Lather; this Martin Luther was a German born, and being oppressed with the Popish Idolatry, began to preach against the Authority of the Pope, and to bring in a reformation of Religion; for repressing of whom the Council of Trent was called by Pope Paul the third in the year 1542. which Council continued about forty years to no purpose, for they made so many Decrees, which cau∣sed a great confusion amongst the Papists themselves. It is Recorded of Luther, that he shined in the Church as a bright Star after a long Cloudy and Obscure Skie; he preached expresly, that Sins are freely remitted for the love of the Son of God, and that we ought faith

fully to imbrace this bountiful gift; these good beginnings got him great authority, especially, seeing his life also was correspondent to his profession, the consideration whereof took place in the hearts of his Hearers, some of which were persons of note; these things, and his preaching against Indulgences and Pardons sticking in the Pope Stomack, he put forth a new Edict wherein he declared this to be the Catholick Doctrine of the holy Mother Church of Rome, Prince of all other Churches; That Bishops of Rome, which are Succes∣sors of Peter, and Viccars of Christ, have this Power and authority given to release and dispence, also to grant Indulgences available both for the Li∣ving, and for the Dead lying in the pains of Purgatory; and this Doctrine he charged to be received of all faithful Christian men under pairs of the great Curse and utter Separation from all holy Church: Whereupon Luther's Books were condemned as Heretical and the Popes Legat caused them to be burnt, which Martin Luther hearing of got a Com∣pany together at Wittenberge, and making a Fire, burnt the Popes Decrees and Bull then lately sent out against him; for which the Pope accurst him at Rome; afterwards he was sent for by the Emperour to Wormes, who though he was much perswaded not to go, said, As touching me, since I am sent for, I am resolved and certainly intend to enter Wormes in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and did appear; who according to a promise made by the Emperour, was safe conducted thither, and home again; before the Emperour he said, I can affirm no other thing but only this, that I have taught hitherto in simplicity of mind that which I have though to tend to Gods Glory; being asked, whether he owned these Books published in his name, he said, they were his Books; but he could not submit his Books to the Judg∣ments of men, which he had fortified by the Authority of Scripture, unless they could prove by the Scripture the contrary; professing, that except they could convince him by Testimonies of the Scrip∣tures, (for he did not believe the Pope, nor their general Coun∣cils, which have erred many times, and have contradicted them selves.)

This opposition made by Luther much troubled the Pope, espe∣cially seeing the Followers of Luther to encrease, and therefore he earnestly desired some speedy Remedy against the same, and to that end sent to the German Princes to move them thereunto; but the German Princes, instead of putting the Apostolick sentence in exe∣cution against Luther and his Followers, exhibited at the Councel of Norenberge 100 Grievances and Oppressions against the Court of Rome, as forbidding Marriage to some, forbidding Meats, times of Mar∣riages restrained, and after released again for money, selling remission of sins for money, the licentious Life of the Priests, and their great number of Holy dayes, and such like other things, which would be too much to Mention.

This Martin Luther continued notwithstanding all the opposition against him twenty nine year a Preacher, and at last dyed in peace in his own Country.

But there continued great Disputations and Reformations in

divers parts of Europe, abolishing the Mass, and all Images and foolish Ceremonies, making Decrees against them, that they should be utterly abandoned. After the preaching of Luther great Troubles and Persecutions followed in many parts of the World, and many Laws and Decrees were made against sech as bore Testimony against the Ignorance and Error of those times, whereby many good Chri∣stian men were cruelly handled; and lamentable it is to read how many poor men were troubled both in Germany, France and England; some being Racked, some Exiled, some driven to Caves in Woods, and some burnt to death; with many other cruel Tor∣ments. It will be too large to mention every particular that suffered in those dayes for Religion; but some of the chief are as fol∣loweth.

In the year 1523. John Esch and Henry Voes, two young men, for owning the Doctrine of Luther, were proceeded against as He∣reticks, being Examined by the Popes Inquisitors at Lovaine;* 1.12 the greatest thing that they were accused of as error was, That men ought to trust only in God, inasmuch as men are Lyars and deceitful in all their words and deeds: Being condemned, they were led to the place of Execution in Bruxells, they went joyfully, saying, They dyed for the Glory of God, and the Doctrine of the Gospel, as true Christians, believing and following the Holy Church of the Son of God, saying also, That it was the day which they had long desired: Be∣ing come to the place of execution and stripped to their Shirts, they stood so a great space, patiently and joyfully enduring what∣soever was done unto them; praising God and singing for joy; a Doctor standing by, exhorted Henry to take heed so foolishly to Glory himself; to whom he answered, God forbid that I should Glory in any thing but only in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ: Another counselled him to have God before his eyes; to whom he said I trust I carry him truly in my heart.

The next that suffered was Henry Stutven, burned in the borders of Germany; when he was apprehended they fell upon him in a great rage and fury, drawing him naked out of his bed,* 1.13 and bound his hands behind him; when he was brought to Hemming stead they asked of him, what his intent was in coming to Diethmar, unto whom he gently declared the cause of his coming, which was to preach the Go∣spel, they all in a rage cryed out, away with him, away with him, for we will hear him talk no longer; then he being mavelous weary and faint required to be set on horse-back, for his feet were all cut and hurt with the Ice, because he was led all night bare-foot, but they mocked him and said he was an Heretick, and he should go on foot; that night they had him to a mans House called Calden, and there bound him in Chains in the Stocks, but the Master of the House being compassionate would not suffer the cruel deed long, wherefore he was carried away to a Priests House, and there shut up in a Cubbard, and by the rude people mocked and scorned all night; in the morning about Eight of the Clock they gathered to∣gether in the Market-place to consult what they should do, where

the Rustical people, boiling in drink, cryed out burn him, burn him to the fire with the Heretick; then they bound him hands, feet and neck, and being brought to the Fire, one of the Presidents ap∣peared to pass a sentence upon him to be burnt and consumed with fire; Henry lifting up his hands, said, Lord forgive them, for they know not what they do; thy Name, oh Almighty God, is Holy; the Fire as often as it was kindled would not burn; notwithstanding they satisfied their minds upon him, striking and pricking him with their several kinds of Weapons; the said Henry standing in his shirt, and when he began to pray, one strook him on the face saying, thou shalt first be burnt, and afterwards pray and prate as much as thou wilt; and thus this godly preacher finisht his Martyrdom which was in the year 1529.

* 1.14 John Clark of Melden in France, for setting up a paper upon the Steeple-House door against the Popes Pardons, calling the Pope Antichrist, for which he was whipt three several dayes, and markt in the forehead, his mother seeing their cruelty towards her son, constantly and boldly encouraged her son, blessing the Lord with aloud voice that he was worthy to suffer; after the execution of the fore∣said punishment, the said John Clark removed to Mentz, and there fol∣lowed his trade, being a Wooll-Comber, where understanding that the people of the City after an old accustomed manner Worshipt certain blind Idols, the said John being inflamed with the zeal of God against them, went to the place where the Images were, and broke them all down in pieces; the next morning the Cannons, Priests, Monks, accompained with the People according to their accustomed manner, went to their Idolatrous place of Worship, where they sound all their blocks and stocks broken to pieces upon the ground, which fight sore offended them, and searching out for the author of the fact, and John Clark being suspected was apprehended, and upon exami∣nation confest he did it, and shewed them the cause wherefore, and being brought to tryal, he defended the pure Doctrine of the Son of God against their Images and their false Worships, for which he was condemned; being led to the place of Execution he there sustain∣ed extream Torments, for first his right hand was cut off, then his nose with sharp pinchers was violently pluckt from his face; all which, and much more he quietly and constantly endured, testifying at the Fire against his Persecutors, saying, their Imageswere Silver and Gold the work only of mans hand.

George Carpenter of Emering in Bavaria was burnt to death; when he was led out of the Tower where he was Prisoner before the Council,* 1.15 divers Friars and Monks followed him to instruct and teach him, whom he willed to tarry at home, and not to follow him; when he came before the Council they read his Offences, viz. That he did not believe that a Priest could forgive a man his Sins, and that he did not believe that God was in the Bread which the Priests hang over the Alter, and that the Element of Water in Baptism doth not give grace; being urged to revoke these his Opinions, and that then he should be set at Liberty, and go home to his Wife and Children, to

which he answered, any wife and Children are so dearly beloved unto me, that they cannot be bought from me for all the riches and possessions of the Duke of Bavaria, but for the Love of my Lord God I can willingly forsake them; at his Execution a Schoolmaster re∣peating the Lords Prayer, George Carpenter said as followeth, Truly, thou art our Father, and no other, this day I trust to be with thee; Oh, my God, how little is thy Name hallowed in this World; for this Cause, Oh Father, am I now hear that thy will might be fulfilled, and not mine; the only Living Bread Jesus Christ shall be my food; with a willing mind do I forgive all men, both my Friends and Adversaries; Oh, my Lord, with∣out doubt shalt thou deliver me, for upon thee only have I laid all my hope, in thee alone do I trust, in thee only is all my confidence; I knew that I must suffer Persecution if I did cleave unto Christ, who said, where the Heart is there is the Treasure also; and whatsoever thing a man doth fix in his Heart to love above God, that he maketh his Idol; and then being cast into the Fire by the Hangman he joyfully yielded up his Spirit un∣to God.

* 1.16 Weendel Muta, a widdow of Holland, receiving the Truth of the Gospel into her Heart, was apprehended and committed into the Castle of Werden, and from thence shorly after was brought to the Hague to tryal, where certain Monks were appointed to talk with her, to win her to recant, but she constantly persisted in the Truth in which she was planted; a Woman of her acquaintance coming to Prison to visit her, said to her, why doest not thou keep silence, and think secretly in thine Heart these things which thou believest, that thou mayest prolong thy life here? Oh, (said the Widdow) you know not what you say, it is written. With the Heart we believe to Righteousness, with the Tongue we confess to Salvation; at her Execution she commend∣ed her self into the Hands of God, and after a fervent prayer was burnt to death.

* 1.17 About this time there suffered many more in Germany, for the witness of the Gospel, viz. John Pistorius coming from Wittenberge, for speaking against the Mass, and Pardons, and against the subtile abuses of the Priests, he was committed to Prison with ten Malefa∣ctors, whom he did comfort, one of whom being half naked, and in danger of cold, he gave his gown; his Father visiting him in Pri∣son, did not disswade him, but bad him be constant; being condem∣ned, and coming to the Stake, he gave his neck willingly to the band wherewith he was first strangled, and then burned, saying at his death, O death where is thy victory.

There using to be a great Meeting near Antwerp, where one used to preach to a great number of People, which Charles the Emperor hear∣ing of, gave leave to any that would, to take the uppermost Gar∣ment of all them that came to hear, and offered thirty Guilders to him that would take the Preacher; afterwards, when the People were gathered, and their usual Minister being not there,* 1.18 one Nicholas of Antwerp stood up and preacht to the People, wherefore being appre∣hended by a Butchers Servant, was put in a Sack and drowned at the Crane at Antwerp 1524.

And certain of the City of Lovane were suspected of L••••••••ranism, the Emperors Procurator came from Brussels thither to make Inquisi∣tion, after which Inquisition made, certain Bands of armed men came and beset their Houses in the night, where many were taken in their beds, pluckt from their Wives and Children, and sent to divers Prisons, through the terror whereof many Citizens revolted from the Gospel,* 1.19 and returned again to Idolatry; but twenty eight there were which remained constant in that Persecution, unto whom the Doctors and Inquisitor of Lovane resorted, disputing with them, thinking either to confound them or convert them; but so strongly the Spirit of the Lord wrought with the Saints, that the Doctors went rather confounded away themselves; when they saw disputing would not do, they used cruel Torments to enforce them; one of them was condemned to perpetual Prison, which was a dark and stinking Dungeon, where he was suffered neither to write nor read, nor any man to come at him, commanded only to be fed with bread and Water; two of the said Prisoners were also burns, constantly ta∣king their Martyrdom.

* 1.20 There was there an old man and two aged Women brought forth, of whom the one was called Antonia, born of an antient Stock in that City; these were condemned, the man to beheaded, the two Women to be buried Quick, which death they received very chear∣fully; and the rest of the Prisoners that would not abjure the Do∣ctrine of Lather were put to the Fire.

One Percival of Lovane for owning the Truth was adjudged to per∣petual imprisonment, there to be fed only with Bread and Water, which punishment he took patiently for Christ's sake, he was secret∣ly made away, either famished or drowned no man could learn how.

Justus Jusberge, a Skinner in Lovane, in the year 1544. for having a New Testament in his House,* 1.21 was persecuted by one Darsardus, and committed to Prison, and the Goaler commanded that none should speak with him; shortly after, the Doctors examining of him touch∣ing the Popes Supremacy, Sacrifice of the Mass, Purgatory, and such Trumpery, whereunto he answered plainly and boldly, confirming his Answers by the Scriptures; when they saw he would not be moved from his Faith, then they condemned him to be burnt, but as a pretended favour to him, he was only be∣headed.

Giles Tilman of Brussels Cutler, born of honest Parents about the age of thirty years,* 1.22 he began to receive the Light of the Gospel, for which he was very Zealous and fervent, he was in his nature very mild and pittiful, passing all other in those parts, giving whatsoever he had to spare to the poor, living only upon his Trade, he was per∣secuted by the Priest of Brussels, being taken at Lovane spreading that Religion which the Pope called Heresie, his Adversaries used great care to make him objure, but being a man of a singular wit, and constant in his Religion, they went away many times with shame; after he had been kept eight Months in Prison he was sent to Brussels

to be judged, where finding Franciscus Ensenes, and othes of the same Religion in Prison, he exhorted them to be constant to the Truth, that they might receive the Crown that was prepared for them.

When the Gray-Friars, being sent unto him, would mis call & abuse him, he ever held his peace at such private lajuries, wheresore they reported that he had a dumb Devil in him, he might several times have escaped out of Prison, the doors being set open, but he would not, being removed to another Prison, and on the twenty second of the Month called January 1544. he was condemned to be burnt pri∣vately, for openly they durst not do it, for fear of the People, he being so well beloved; when tiding was brought him of his Sen∣tence, he thanked God that the hour was some wherein he might glorifie the Lord; and being had to the Fire, he willingly refined up his life into the Hands of the Lord.

Great Persecution in Gaunt, and other parts of Flanders Anno, 1543, 1544.

* 1.23 Charles the Emperor lying in Gaunt, the Fryars and Docters obtain∣ed, that the Edict made against the Lutherans might be read openly twice a year, which caused a great Persecution to follow; so that there was no City nor Town in all Flanders wherein some were not either Expulsed, Beheaded, Condemned to perpetual Imprisonment, or their Goods Confiscate, without respect either to Age or Sex, espe∣cially at Gaunt where some of the cheif men in the Town were burnt for their Religion.

Afterward the Emperor coming to Brussels, there also was terrible Slaughter and Persecution of Gods People, namely in Brabant, Hone∣gow and Artois, the horror and cruelty whereof is almost incredible; insomuch that two hundred Men and Women were brought out of the Country into the City, some of whom were drowned, others buried Quick, others privately made away, others sent to perpetual Imprisonment, whereby the Prisons were filled to the great sorrow of them which knew the Gospel, the Professors whereof being now compelled either to deny the same, or confirm it with their blood; the Story whereof was at large set forth by Francis Ensenes in Latine, who himself was a Prisoner at the same time in Brussels for the Truth Sake.

* 1.24 Martin Hoeurblock Fishmonger in Gaint 1545. being converted to the Truth from the Superstitious Idolatry of the Papists, and a great change wrought in him, having all his time till then lived a wicked and a fleshly life, was a wonder to his Neighbours to see such a sudden change; the Franciscan Friars, who before knew him, and remembring how beneficial he had been to them, now seeing him so altered, and taking notice of his visiting the Prisoners, and comfor∣ting them in Persecution, and confirming them that went to the Fire, they soon caused him to be detected and imprisoned, and with grie∣vous and sharp Torments would have constrained him to utter more

of the same Religion, to whom he answered, That if they could prove by the Scripture, that his detecting and accusing of his Bre∣thren, whom they would afflict with the like Torments, were not against the Law of God, then he would not refuse to prefer the ho∣nour of God before the safegard of his Brethren; he was soon after had to the Council in Flanders, where the Causes laid against him were, the Sacrament, Purgatory, &c. for which he was condemned and burn at Gaunt, all his goods being Confiscate.

* 1.25 Nicholas and Francis Thiesten Anno 1545. for standing firm in the Truth, and bearing witness against the Church of Rome, and their Auriculer Confession, Purgatory, &c. were condemned to be burnt, and coming to the place of Execution, for exhorting the People, they put Wooden-gags in their Mouths; when they were fastned to the Stake they patiently endured the Fire; the Mother of these two men was for her stedfastness to the Truth condemned to perpetual Imprisonment.

* 1.26 Adrian Tayler and Marion his wife of Dornick Anno 1545. by reason of the Emperors decree at Worms against the Lutherans, were appre∣hended and persecuted; Adrian not so strang as a man, for fear gave back, and was but only beheated; the wife stronger then a Woman, withstood their threats, and abode the uttermost, and being inclosed in an Iron grate, formed in shape of a Pasty, was laid in the Earth, and buried quick; when the Adversaries first told her that her Hus∣band had relented she believed them not, but as she was going to the place where she was to die, passing by the Tower where he was, she called to him to take her leave, but he was gone before.

* 1.27 Peter Bruly, of Stratsburge, at the earnest request of faithful Bre∣thren, went down to visit the Lower Counties, about Artois, which the Magistrates of Dornick hearing, shot the gates of the Town, and made search for him three days, he was privately let down the Wall in the night by a basket, and as he was let down into the Ditch, rea∣dy to take his way, one of them which let him down leaning over the wall, to bid him farewel, caused unawares a stone to slip out of the wall, which falling upon him brake his Leg, by reason whereof he was heard of the watchmen, complaining of his wound, and so was taken: So long as he remained in Prison he ceased not to preach the Truth to all that came unto him, he wrote his own Confession, and Examination, and sent it to the Brethren, he wrote also another Epistle to them that were in Persecution, another he wrote to all the faithful, another Letter he wrote to his wife the same day he was burned; he remained four Months in Prison before he was sentence∣ed to be burnt; Letters were sent from Duke Frederick, of the Lant-grave to intreat for him, but he was burnt before the Letters came.

* 1.28 Peter Moice being converted to the Truth by Peter Bruly, was ap∣prehended and let down into a deep Dungeon under the Castle-Dirch, which was full of filthy Vermine, the Friars coming to ex∣amine him, he told them, whilst he lived an ungodly life they never concerned themselves with him, but now for favouring the Word

of God they sought his blood; being brought before the Senate, he would have boldly answered to what they objected against him, but they interrupted him, to whom he said, if you will not suffer me to answer for my self, send me back to Prison among the Toads and Frogs, which will not interrupt me, while I talk with my God, and continuing constant in the Truth was at last burnt to death.

* 1.29 Nicholas Frenchman having been at Geneva, intending to go into England, but in his way was apprehended by the Lieutenant of Dornick and being bound hands and feet was brought to Burgis, and there laid in a Dungeon, the Friars when they came to examin him, went away in a shamefull rage, saying, he had a Devil; and cry∣ing, to the fire with him. Soon after the Judges condemned him to be burnt to Ashes, at which sentence giving, he blessed the Lord which had counted him worthy to be a witness in the cause of his beloved Son; going to the place of Execution he was threatned, that if he spake they would put a wooden ball in his mouth, never∣theless, being at the Stake, he minded not their threats but cryed out with a loud voice, saying, Oh Charls, Charls, how long shall thy heart be heardned; with that one of the Souldiers gave him a blow; then he said, O miserable People, who are not worthy, to whom the Word of God should be Preached; then the Friers cryed out, he hath a Devil, to whom he said, depart from me all you Wicked, for the Lord hath heard the voice of my Weeping: So in the midst of the fire commended his Spirit unto God, and ended this life.

* 1.30 Bertrand Le Blais at Dornick in the year 1555. Suffered lamentably, his Torments being almost incredible that the Tyrants shewed unto him, his constancy was admirable. This Bertrand being a Silk-Weaver, having something upon his Spirit, set his House in order, and desired his Wife and Brother to pray that God would esta∣blish him in his enterprise, that he was going about, which was, upon Christ-mass (day so called) he went to the high place at Dornick, where he took the Cake out of the Priests hands, as he would have lifted it over his head, at Mass, and stampt it under his feet, saying, that he did it to shew the Glory of that God, and what little power he hath; at the sight hereof the People were amazed, and he hardly escaped with his life; it was not long before the Governor of the Castle heard of this passage, who like a mad man threatned he should be an example to all posterity; Bertrand being brought before him, he askt him if he repented of his fact, who answered no, and if he had a hundred lives he could give them in that Quarrel; then was he thrice put to the Pin-bank and Tormented most miserably, to utter his Setters on, then they past sentence against him, and this was executed; First he was drawn from the Castle of Dornick to the Market place having a ball of Iron put in his mouth, then he was set upon a Stage where his Right hand was Crusht and prest between two hot Irons, with sharp Iron edges fiery red, in the like manner they served his right foot, which Torments he endured with mar∣velous constancy, that done, they took the ball of Iron out of his

mouth, and cut out his Tongue; notwithstanding his Tongue was cut out, he still called upon God as well as he could, whereby the hearts of the people were greatly moved, whereupon the Tormen∣tors thrust the Iron ball into his mouth again, from thence they brought him down to a lower Stage, where his legs and hands were bound behind him, with an Iron Chain going about his body, and so he was let down flat upon the Fire, the Governer standing by, caused him to be plucked up again, and so down and up again, till at last the whole body was consumed to Ashes.

* 1.31 James Faber and three others suffered at Valens, James Faber be∣ing an old man, said, that though he could not answer nor saisfie them in Reasoning, yet he would constantly abide in the Truth of the Gospel.

* 1.32 Godfry Hamell a Taylor taken and condemned at Dornick, when they had condemned him by the Name of an Heretick, nay, said he, not an Heretick, but a Servant of Jesus Christ; when the Hang∣man went about to Strangle him, to diminish his punishment, he refused, saying, that he would abide the Sentence that the Judges had given.

Besides these that suffered in Germany before mentioned, a great number there was, both in the Higher and Lower Countries of Ger∣many, which were put to death for Religion, many of them were burnt, some buryed alive, some secretly drowned, many of their Names are mentioned in the Acts and Monuments, but little of the circumstances of their Tryal and Execution being mentioned I have omitted them for brevities sake.

Sufferers in France for bearing the like Witness to the Gospel.

* 1.33 Denis Renix at Melde in the year 1558. Was burnt for testifying a∣gainst the Mass, he was alwayes wont to have in his mouth the Words of Christ, He that denyeth me before men, him wi•••• I also deny be∣fore my Father; he was burnt in a slow Fire, and did abide much Torments.

Note, upon a complaint made to the Council, called Le Chamber Ardante, that the Judges suffered Hereticks to have their Tongues; Immediately thereupon a Decree was made, that all which were to be burned unless they recanted at the fire, should have their Tongues cut off, which Law afterwards was diligently observed.

* 1.34 Stephen Polliard coming out of Normandy in the year 1546. (where he was born) unto Meux, tarried there not long, but he was com∣pelled to flee, and went to a Town called Fera, where he was ap∣prehended and brought to Paris, and there cast into a foul and dark Prison, in which Prison he was kept in Bonds and Fetters a long time, where he saw almost no Light; at length being called for before the Senate, and his sentence given to have his Tongue cut out, and to be burnt alive, his Satchell of Books hanging about his neck; O Lord, said he, is the World in blindness and darkness still; for he thought, being in Prison so long that the World had been altered

from its old darkness to better knowledge, at last with his Books a∣bout his neck he was burnt to death.

* 1.35 Florent Venote remained a Prisoner in Paris four years, during which time he was put to divers Torments, one kind of Torment was, he was put in a narrow place, so straight that he could neither stand nor lie, which they called the Hose, or Boots, because it was strait below, and wide above; in this he remained seven weeks, where the Tormentors affirm, that no Thief or Murtherer could ever endure 15 days, but were in danger of Life or Madness; and at last on the 9th of the Moneth, called July, he was burnt to death, with divers other Martyrs who were burnt as a Spectacle at the Kings coming into Paris.

The next that suffered was a poor Taylor in Paris, who for work∣ing upon Holy-days (so called) and denying to observe them,* 1.36 was clapt in Prison, the King hearing of it sent for him before him, and some of his Peeres; being before the King, he answered with great boldness, wit and memory, defending the cause of Christ, neither flattering their Persons nor fearing their threats, which struck the King in a great damp, in museing in his mind; which the Bishops seeing, committed the poor Taylor again to the hands of the Officer, saying, he was a stubborn Fellow, and fitter to be punisht, then to be marvelled at; within few days after he was condemned to be burnt alive.

The next year two men for friendly admonishing a certain Priest which in his Sermon had abused the Name of God, were both burn∣ed; another young man of the Age of eighteen years, for rebuking a man in Paris for Swearing, being suspected to be a Lutheran, was apprehended, and brought before the Council at Paris, who com∣mitted him to Prison, where he was so cruelly Racked and Torment∣ed, that one of the Persecutors seeing it, could not but turn his back and weep; when he was brought and put in the Fire, he was pluckt up again upon the Gibbet, and asked, whether he would turn, to whom he said, that he was in his way towards God, and therefore desired them to let him go.

John Joyer, and his Servant being a young man, in the year 1552. coming from Geneva to their Country with certain Books,* 1.37 were ap∣prehended by the way, and had to Tholouse; where the Master was first condemned, the Servant being young, was not so prompt to answer, but directed them to his Master, to answer them; when they were brought to the Stake, the young man first going up, be∣gan to weep, the Master fearing lest he should recant ran to him, and he was comforted; as they were in the Fire, the Master standing upright to the Stake shifted the Fire from him to his Servant, being more carfull for him, then for himself; and when he saw him dead, he bowed down himself in the flame and so expired.

Mathias Dimonetus Merchant at Lyons, in the year 1553. having been a man of a Vicious and detestable life,* 1.38 was notwithstanding through the Grace of God brought to the knowledge and Savour of

his Truth, for a Testimony to which he was soon after Imprisoned; being in Prison he had great conflicts with the infirmity of his own Flesh, but especially with the temptation of his Parents, Brethren and Kinsfolks, and the great sorrow of his Mother; nevertheless the Lord so assisted him that he endured to the end; and was burnt to death.

In the year 1558. the fourth day of the Month called September, there being a Company of the Faithful, to the number of three or four hundred met together at Paris in a certain House, in the begin∣ning of the night, they were discovered by some Priests, the House was soon beset, and the City in an uproar, many being in an extream rage, furiously seeking to have their blood; at the suddenness of this thing, the poor people were strucken in great fear; and fell to prayer, about six or sevenscore of them having Weapons, escaped thorow the Multitude, save only one, who was knockt down with Scones, and destroyed; the Women remaining in the House were taken by the Magistrates and had to Prison; in their passing to the Prison they were plucked and haled by the rude Multitude, who tore their Gar∣ments, and pulled of their Hoods, and disfigured their Faces with dirt; they were accused to the King by a Priest, that they put out the Candles in their Meetings, and went together Jack and Gill; and that they maintained there was no God, and denyed the Divi∣nity and Humanity of Christ, the Immortallity of the Soul, and the Resurrection of the Body, &c. these things a lying Doctor charg∣ed on them, without any proof, moving the King & People to destroy them; and shortly after a Commission was directed out by the King to certain Councellors to try and give Judgment upon the aforesaid Sufferers, a particular Relation of whose Execution is at large insert∣ed by my Author, but there being little material circumstances either in their Tryal or Execution, wherefore I thought not meet here to insert them.

* 1.39 About this time many suffered Martyrdom under the cruel and bloody Inquisition in Spain, first began by King Fardinandus and Elizabeth his wife; the Spainsh Priests do hold the holy and sacred In∣quisition, as they call it, cannot err, and that the holy Fathers the Inquisitors cannot be deceived; if any be apprehended as favourers of Hereticks, he is carried and put into a horrible Prison, and none permitted to come to him, but there he is kept alone in a place where he cannot see so much as the ground, and often Whipt, Scourged, Irons put upon him, Tortured and Racked, sometimes brought out and shewed in some higher place to the People, as a Spectacle of re∣buking Infamy; and thus some are detained there many years, and murdered by long Torments in which is more cruelty executed then if they were at once slain by the Hangman; during all their time of imprisonment, whatsoever process is done against them, no person knoweth it, but only the holy Fathers and Tormentors, which are sworn to execute the Torments; all the proceedings of the Cour of that Execrable Inquisition are done in hugger mugger, the Accuset

is secret, the Crime secret, and the witness secret, by the rigour of which Inquisition many good men have been destroyed, both in Spain and Italy.

In the Kingdom of Naples in the year 1560. in the time of Pope Pius the fouth, was begun a hot Persecution against the Protestants, ma∣ny men and their wives being slain.

Likewise the same year in Calabria, the number of Eighty eight Persons both old and young suffered for the Protestant Religion by the Papists,* 1.40 all which were put together in one House, and taken out one after another, and laid upon the Butchers Stall like the Sheep in the Shambles, with one bloody Knife they were all killed one after ano∣ther, a Spectacle most tragical for all Posterity to remember, and almost incredible to believe, but that it is confirmed by two Epi∣stles of sufficient credit, which are at large incerted in the Book of Martyrs.

The next matter to be treated on is the great Persecution and De∣struction of the People of Merindol and Cabries in the Country of Province, where not a few persons, but whole Villages, and Town∣ships, with the most part of all the Country both Men, Women, and Childen, were put to all kind of cruelly, and suffered Martyrdom for the profession of the Gospel.

From the year 1200. they had refused the Bishop of Rome's Authori∣ty,* 1.41 for this cause they were often accused and complained of to the King, as Contemners and Dispisers of the Magistrates, and Rebels; wherefore they were called by divers names according to the Coun∣tries and places where they dwelt; for in the Country about Lions, they were called the poor People of Lions; in the borders of Sarmatia, and Liv••nia, and other Countrys towards the North, they were cal∣led Lollards; in Flanders and Artois, Turrelupines, of a Desart where Wolves did haunt in Dolphine; with great dispite they were called Chagnars, because they lived in places open to the Sun without House or harbour, but most commonly they were called Waldoys of Waldo, who first instructed them in the Word of God, as before is related, which name continued till the name of Lutherans come up, which above all others was most hated and abhorred.

Notwithstanding in these most spiteful Contumelies and Slanders, the People dwelling at the foot of the Alpes, and also in Merindol, and Cabries alwayes lived so Godly, so uprightly and justly, that in all their life and conversation there appeared to be in them a great fear of God; and that little Light of true Knowledge which God had given them, they laboured by all means to kindle and encrease daily more and more, sparing no charges, whether it were to purchase the Scriptures in their own Language, or to encourage one another in Godliness, travelling into other Countries, even to the furthest parts of the Earth, where they had heard, that any Light of the Gos∣pel began to shine.

But the more zealous these people were for a Reformation in their Religion, the more did the fury and rage of Persecution stir in the Bishops, Priests and Monks in all Province against them; amongst the

rest, one Jo. de Roma, a Monk obtaining a commission to examine those that were suspected to be of the Waldoys or Lutherans profession, forthwith ceased not to afflict the faithful with all kinds of Cruelty that he could devise or imagine;* 1.42 amongst other most horrible Tor∣ments, this was one, which he most delighted in, and most com∣monly practised, he filled Boots with boyling Grease, and put them upon their Legs, tying them backward, to a Form with their Legs hanging down over a small Fire, and so he examined them; thus he tormented very many, and in the end most cruelly put them to death: this cruelty coming to the French Kings ear, he was much dis∣gusted, wherefore he wrote to the Parliament at Province, that the Monk might be apprehended and punisht, but he conveyed himself away; but the Lord not long after smote him with sickness, indeed a most horrible and strange Disease, his Body being greatly tormented with Pain, and could get no Help; being had to an Hospital, his Flesh rotted away, and stunk so that none cared to come near him; and in this Rage and Torment he was under, he often cryed out, Who will deliver me?* 1.43 Who will Kill me, and deliver me out of these Torments and Pains, which I know I suffer for the evils and oppressions that I have done to the poor men? and in this anguish he most miserably ended his unhappy dayes.

After the death of this persecuting Monk, the Bishop of Aix by his Official continued the Persecution, and put a great Multitude of them in Prison, of whom some by force of Torments revolted, from the Truth, the others, which proved constant, after he had condem∣ned them of Heresie, were put into the hands of the ordinary Judge, which at that time was one Meiranus, a cruel Persecutor, who with∣out any form of Process or order of Law, such as the Official had pro∣nounced to be Hereticks, he put to death with most Cruel Tor∣ments.

After this Persecutor was dead one Bartholomew Casenes, President of the Parliment of Province, a Pestilent Persecutor, whom God at length struck with a fearful and sudden Death: in the time of this Tyrant those of Merindol were cited personally to appear be∣fore the Kings Attorney; but they hearing that the Court had de∣termined to burn them without any Process or Order of Law, durst not appear at the day appointed, for which cause the Court award∣ed a cruel Sentence against Merindol, and condemned all the Inhabi∣tants to be burned, both Men, Women and Children, and their Town and Houses to be rased to the Ground, and their Country to be made a Desart and Wilderness never more to be inhabited. This bloody Arrest or Decree seemed strange and wonderful, same openly saying, They marvelled the Parliment should be so mad to give out such an Arrest so manifestly injurious and unjust, and contrary to all Reason and Humanity; others said, The Judges are not bound to observe either Right or Reason in exterpating such as are suspected to be Lutherans; but what ever was said in opposition to this Decree the Bishops from time to time used all the opportunities to endeavour to put the same in execu∣tion as appears in the following Relation.

Amongst these poor men that suffered in Merindol there was a Book-seller, who for ••etting publickly to sale certain Bibles in French and Latine, in the sight of the Bishop of Aix and other Prelates, they were thereat greatly moved, and caused him to be apprehended, and committed to Prison, and afterwards he was sentenced and burnt: the Prelates seeing great dissention among the people of Avinion, and that many murmured at the death of this Book-seller for selling the Bible, to fear the people the next day they put out a Proclamation against all, French Bibles, That none should keep them in their Hands upon pain of Death.

After this Proclamation the Bishop of Aix endeavoured his utmost to prosecute the people of Merindol, being very earness with the Pre∣sident to that effect, and to put the Parliaments Arrest and Decree in execution, the President shewing himself unwilling to the Bishop to shed Innocent Blood pleaded, The King would be displeased to have such destruction made of his Subjects: then said the Bishop, Though the King at the first do think it ill done, we will so bring it to past, that in a short space he shall think it well done; for we have the Cardinals on our side, espe∣cially Cardinal Tournon.

By these Arguments of the Bishop, the President and Councel of Parliament were perswaded to raise a Force, and destroy the people of Merindol, according to the Decree: The Inhabitants of Merindol hearing thereof, and seeing nothing but present death to be at hand, with great Lamentation commended themselves and their Cause unto God by Prayer, and made themselves ready to be murdered, as Sheep for the Slaughter; whilst they were in this grievous distress, there was one raised up called the Lord of Alner, to plead with the Pre∣sident on their behalf, giving the President several Reasons, why he ought not to destroy these poor Christian man of Merindol; by which Reasons the President was perswaded, and immediatly called back his Commission, which he had given out, and caused the Army to Retire, who were within a mile and a half of Merindol; which the people of Merindol understanding, that the Army was retired, gave thanks unto God, comforting one another with Admonition and Exhortation, Alwayes to have the fear of God before their Eyes, and to seek after the everlasting Riches.

The noise of these Proceedings, and of this Arrest and Decree, coming to the King of France his ear, he appointed persons to make Inquiry into the whole matter, and to make a Report to him thereof, and what manner of People these Merindolians were.

These Deputies brought a Copy of the Arrest Decree and Pro∣ceedings unto the Kings Lieutenant, declaring unto him the great Injuries, Polling, Extortions, Exactions, Tyrannies and Cruel∣ties which the Judges, as well Secular as Ecclesiastical, had used against them of Merindol and others, as touching the be∣haviour and disposition of those which were persecuted, they re∣ported, that the most part of the men of Province, affirmed them to be men given to great Labour and Travel, and that about two hundred years past (as it is reported) they came out of the Coun∣try

of Piedmont to dwell in Province, and took to tillage and to inha∣bit many Villages destroyed by the Wars, which they had so well husbandred, that there was now great store of Wine, Oyle, Honey and Cattle, so that Strangers were greatly relieved; and that they were a Peaceable Quiet People, beloved of all their Neighbours, man of good Behaviour, constant in keeping of their Promise, and paying of their Debts, without suing men at Law; that they were also Charitable men, giving Alms, relieving of the Poor, and suffered none amongst them to lack, or be in necessity, harbouring and Nourishing poor Strangers and Passengers in their necessities: moreover that they were known by this throughout all the Country, that they would not Swear, and that if they heard any Swear, blaspheme, or dishonour God, they strait-way departed out of their Company; this was the tenour of the report made to the Kings Lieutenant touch∣ing the Life and Behaviour of these Inhabitants of Merindol who were persecuted by the Popish Bishops and Cardinals, which the Lieuten∣ant advertised the King, who was a good Prince, moved with mercy and pity, sent Letters to the Parliament, Expresly charging and commanding them that they should not hereafter proceed to prose∣cute the said Arrest and Decree so Rigorously as they had done be∣fore against this People, and not to molest or trouble them in per∣son or goods, and to command them to set at Liberty all Prisoners, which either were accused or suspected of Lutheranism; and withal included in his Letter, That if any of them should be convict of He∣resie by the Scriptures of the old and New Testament, they should be caused to abjure.

Notwithstanding this Letter was writ in favour unto the people of Merindol, yet the Bishop of Cavaillon took advantage at one part of the Letter to prosecute his Malice against the people of Merindol for upon the Kings Letter the Parliament ordained, that John Durand Counceller of the Parliament, with the Secretary, and the Bishop of Cavaillon, with a Doctor of Divinity should go to Merindol, and there declare to the Inhabitants the Errors and Heresies which they knew to be contained in their confession of their Faith, and make them apparent by good and sufficient Information, and having so convicted them by the Word of God, they should make them to renounce and abjure the said Heresies, and if they did refuse to abjure, then to make report thereof, that the Court might appoint how to proceed against them; the Bishop of Cavaillon would not tarry till the time appointed by the Court for the Execution of this Matter, but he him∣self with a Doctor went to Merindol to make them abjure, but they refusing he grew very angry with them.

Shortly after John Durandus Councellor of the Parliament, went to execute the Commission, according to order, to whom the Bailiff of Merindal said, it seemeth unto me that there is no due form of Process in this Judgment, for there is no party here, that doth accuse us; if we had any Accuser present, which according to the rule of the Scripture, either should prove by good demonstration out of the New and Old Testament, that whereof we are accused, or if he were

not able, should suffer punishment, due unto such as are Hereticks; I think he will be as greatly troubled to maintain his Accusations, as we to answer unto the same.

Thus things debated for some time, but the Bishop and Doctor were much confounded, and the Inhabitance of Merindol were in rest and quietness, for a space, until John Miniers an exceeding bloody Tyrant began a new Persecution; he put five or six of his own Tennants into a Cistern under the ground, and closing it up there he kept them till they died for Hunger, pretending that they were Lutherans; but it was to get their goods and possessions by these practices this Wretch grew great, and wealthy, and became Pre∣sident of the Parliament, and Lieutenant General in the Country of Province, he imployed all his power to obtain Letters Pattens from the King to prosecute the Decree against the people of Merindol, which by the help of the Cardinal of Tournon, he did obtain. After this he gathered all the Kings Army, and imployed them to the destruction of Merindol, Cabries and other Towns, to the number of twenty two, giving Commission, To spoil, ransack, burn and destroy all together, and to kill Man, Woman and Child without mercy. The people of Merindol seeing all in a flame round about them, left their Houses, and fled into the Woods, carrying their Children upon their shoulders a days Journey, but the way that they were to pass thorow being rough and cumbersome they thought it expedient to leave the Woman and Children behind, hoping that the Enemy would shew mercy to the Woman and Children, being destitute of all Succour; no Tongue can express, what Sorrow, what Tears, what Sighings, what Lamentation there was at that Woful departing, when they were compelled to be thus seperated asunder, the Husband from his Wife, the Father from his tender Children, and never like to see each other again: They were not gone far, but the Enemy sudden∣ly came upon them, finding them assembling together at prayers, and spoiled them of all that they had, some they Ravished, and some they Scourged, practising what Cruelty and Villany they could divise against them; the woman were in number about five hundred. This Miniers caused thirty men to be carried into a Meadow, & there to be miserably cut and hewed to peices by Souldiers, and he caused forty woman to be put into a Barn full of Straw, and the Barn to be set on fire to destroy them: the number of those that were so unmercifully murdered by this bloody Tyrant were about one Thou∣sand persons, Men, Women and Children. It is unexpressible how Lamentably and Cruelly these poor People were Persecuted, insomuch that no kind of Cruelty and Tyranny was left unpractised; for them that escaped into the Woods and Mountains, being taken, were either slain out-right, or put in the Gally and made Slaves; some were famished in Rocks and Caves with Hunger; and thus it continued till God by his just Judgments cut off the bloody Tyrant Miniers by death.

Now follows the Persecution of the Waldenses in Angrogne, Lu∣cerne, Perouse and Piedmont, and other places, from the year 1555, to 1561.

Though these people by long persecution were driven from place to place, and in all places afflicted, yet they were not utterly de∣stroyed, nor would never yield to the superstitions of the Popish Religion but abstained from their Idolatry; they had many Books of the New Testament translated into their own Language; they lived in great simplicity, and with the sweat of their brows, they were quiet and peaceable among their Neighbours abstaining from Oaths, Games, Dancing and filthy Songs. The said People at Angrogne having drawn up a confession of their faith, it was by learned men at the Kings Court condemned as Heretical; wherefore the King requi∣red them to give Obedience to the Church of Rome on pain of loss of goods and life; and to give their Answer in three days; but upon some of the German Princes interceeding with the French King on their behalf, desiring him to show some pity to these Churches, they were not molested for three years; only one of their Ministers that travelled from place to place was apprehended, and suffered Martyrdom, to wit, Jeffery Varnigle: but the Pope envying this Liberty obtained through the Moderation of the German Princes, who intreated on their behalf. The Pope stirs up the Duke of Savay against them (who in his own nature was rather inclined to let them live in quietness) telling him, that he ought to banish the Waldenses, for that they were a rebellious People against the holy Mother the Church; these Instigations caused great Persecutions on these poor People; for soon after several of them were burnt, many fled and their Houses were ransakt, some were taken and sent to the Gallies; and Procla∣mation was put out, That none should go to their Assemblies on pain of death. In the midst of this Suffering they thought the best way to put a stop, was to send to the Duke a Declaration of their Religion, and wherefore they suffered, which they did, withal declaring, that if by the Word of God it could be proved, that they were in Error, they should not be obstinate, but be reformed, &c. after this the Per∣secution seemed somewhat to abate for a time; but in the month called June following, it was first proposed to them. To put away their Ministers that were Strangers; which they refusing to do, it was then commanded of them, in the Dukes name, That they should banish from them all their Ministers that were Strangers: and a New Proclamation was put out, and Persecution began afresh, and many of the said People were slain, and many imprisoned and cruelly handled the Monks being very active in this Persecution; in one place causing two Women to carry Faggots to the Fire where their Mini∣ster was burnt, and to speak these words to him, viz. Take this thou wicked Heretick in recompence of the Naughty Doctrine thou hast taught us; to whom he said, Ah! Good Women, I have taught you well, but you have learned ill. Great was the Havock and Ruin they made upon

these poor Peoples Estates and Bodies in this Persecution; and not long after an Army was raised to destroy the Waldoys, which they hearing, their Ministers met with the cheif Rulers, to advise what in such an Extremity they were best to do, upon due consideration they concluded not to defend themselves by force of Armes, but to flee to the Mountains, and carry their goods with them; others of their Ministers hearing of the resolution that they at Angrogne and Lucern had made, thought it strange that they might not defend themselves against their Enemies violence in so just a cause, know∣ing that it was the Pope and his Ministers who were the cause of their Troubles; and some stood in their own defence, and made great Slaughters upon their Enemies at times; and when they persued their enemies, they often retired to avoid shedding Blood, meaning only to defend themselves, and held their Adversaries so titely to it that they were at last brought to make a Peace upon Articles and condi∣tions so that the Persecution was stopt and the Pride, Malice and Rage of their Adversaries was abated.

Thus having given an Account in brief of the troubles and Per∣secutions sustained by the faithful Martyrs in Forrei•• parts, it remains to give a further Relation of such as suffered in this Nation of England in this Kings Reign.

After that the light of the Gospel began to Shine and encrease be∣yond Sea, the Beams of it began to spread and grow more here in Eng∣land, and a great stir and alteration followed in the hearts of many, so that coloured Hypocrisie and painted Holiness began to be spied more and more, by such as in any measure tasted of the Truth, and some there were that could distinguish Christ from Anti-christ; a∣mongst whom was one Simon Fish of Grayes-Inn, who wrote a sharp Book against the Corruption of the Clergy, Entituled, The Suppli∣cation of Beggers, which Book was wrot beyond Sea,* 1.44 he being fled thither for fear of Cardinal Woolsey, who had taken distaste against him; in this Book was shewed what a great Oppression the Priests and Clergy were to the Nation, for that they had got into their hands more then a third part of the Realm, besides their Tythes of all the enerease of Corn, Hay, &c. The Book being read to the King, after a pause, he said, If a man should pull down an old stone wall, and begin at the lower part, the upper part thereof might chance to fall on his head, and took the Book and put it in his Desk, and seemed to be pleased at it, for he encouraged Simon Fish his Wife to send for her Husband to come before him; but how much so ever he liked it, he would make no show of it openly; for that Book and others being thrown about London, the Cardinal acquainted the King therewith and bid him beware of them; and the Cardinal and Bishop of London consulted how they might stop the mischief that might acrew by that and other Books being so spread about; where∣upon they agreed that, the Bishop of London should send forth a Pro∣clamation to call in the New Testament, Translated into English; The Supplication of Beggers; The Revelation of Anti-christ by Martin Luther; and other Books in English. This was one way they took, by which

they thought-to have suppressed the growth of those they accoun∣ted Hereticks; but not thinking that sufficient, obtained a Procla∣mation from the King to suppress the Sectaries, Hereticks and Lol∣lards, and for abolishing divers of their Books in English; the Bi∣shops having that now they would have, there was no dilligence wanting on their parts for the putting the same in execution; whereupon ensued a grievous Persecution and Slaughter of the Faithfull.

* 1.45 The first that went to wrack was Thomas Bilney, who after his Examination and Condemnation by Doctor Pells Chan••llor, he was committed to the Lay Power, viz. to the Sheriffs of the City of Norwich; a day before his Execution some Friends being with him and comforting him, that though he was to go through the Fire, the Lord would refresh him in it: At this he put his finger in the Candle (as he used to do divers times) saying, I know the fire is hot, and my body shall be wasted by it, and it is a pain for the time, but he would often reherse this Scripture for his comfort, Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, and called thee by my name, thou art mine own; When thou goest through the water, I will be with thee; when th••s walkest in the Fire, it shall not burn thee, and the Flame shall not kindle upon thee, for I am the Lord thy God, the holy one of Israel: Going to Execution, he said, The Marriner for a while meets with a troubled Sea, and is tossed with the Waves, but he is in hopes when he comes to the Haven he shall be at quiet; I doubt not (though I feel storms) but by Gods Grace I shall attain to the Haven; and be∣ing brought to the Stake, he very Patiently endured the Fire till doath.

* 1.46 The next that suffered was Richard Bayfield, who receiving the truth in a measure, and reading the Testament in English, and a book cal∣led, The wicked Mamman, &c. He was cast into Prison, and there sore whipped with a Gag in his mouth, and then stocked, and there continued in Prison three quarters of a year, and then was set at Liberty, but soon after was taken again, and put in the C••le-house, where he was tyed by the neck, middle and legs, standing upright by the walls; this punishment was inflicted on him to make him con∣fess who bought his books, but he accused none, but stood to his Religion, and told them he would Dispute for his Faith; at his Tryal he was accused of divers things, but the chief were, for bringing Books over from beyond Sea, and spreading them here in England; on the twentieth day of November. 1532. being had into the Quire of Pauls Cathedral, the Bishop of London, with other Pre∣lates being there ready to pass sentence on him, and being de∣livered to the Sheriffs of London, to carry him to Newgate, and from thence to the place of Execution, but first the Sheriffs were com∣manded to have him into the Vestry, and to bring him forth again in Anti-christs apparel, to be degraded, having been a Monk; where the Bishop took his Crosier Staff, and smote him on the Brest that he threw him down backwards, and brake his head, and he swound∣ed, but coming to himself again, he thanked God that he was

delivered from this Malignant Church of Anti-christ; and being led to Newgate, after one hours respite, he was had to the Fire and burnt.

* 1.47 John Tewksberry Leather-seller of London, he was converted by the reading of the Testament in English, and the Book called, The wicked Mammon, in the moneth called April, in the year 1529. he was brought before the Bishop of London in the open Consistory, where he disputed with the Bishops and the Prelates concerning his Faith, and was very expect and prompt in his answers to them; be∣ing indued with heavenly Wisdom, that they were not able to resist him; insomuch that the Bishops were ashamed, that a Leather-seller should so confound them; he affirmed in his Doctrine, that there was no Purgatory after this life, but that the Souls of the faithful departing this life rest with Christ, that prayers ought not to be made to Saints, there being no other Advocate but Christ alone; for which and other Prin∣ciples he was condemned to die by the Bishop of London, and by him dilivered to the Sheriffs of London, and by them burnt in Smithfield.

* 1.48 Edward Freese Painter, for painting upon clothes in an Inn certain Sentences of Scripture, was noted to be a Heretick, and was appre∣hended, and brought to London and from thence had to the Bishops House at Fulham, where he was imprisoned with several other, men and their wives, and there fed with Manchets, part of which was made with Sawdust, and there kept so strait in Prison, that their Re∣lations were not Suffered to come at them; the Painters Wife being very desireous to see her Husband, and pressing to go into the Prison, notwithstanding she was big with Child, the Bishops Porter kickt her on the Belly so that her Child died immediately, and she died soon after.

After that the Prisoners were all put in the Stocks for a long time, and after they were let loose, some had Horse-locks put on their Legs, and some other Irons, the Painter would ever and anon be writing on the Walls with Chalk or Coal, which so provoked his Adversaries, that they Manackled his wrists so long, till the Flesh of his Arms was grown higher then the Irons, from that Prison he was brought to the Lollards Tower, where they kept him there dayes without Meat, and used him so heard, that he lost his understanding and sence; so that when he was brought before the Consistory at Pauls he could say nothing, but look upon the People like a wild man; and if they askt him a Question he could say nothing, but my Lord is a good man, my Lord is a good man; and in this unsensible condition he continued to his dying day.

Valentine Freese, Brother of the said Edward Freese, and the said Valentine's wife were both burned at one Stake in York, for the Testi∣mony of Jesus Christ.

* 1.49 James Bainham, Son to a Knight, in Glo••cestershire, the said James was a man of a virtuous disposition, and a Godly Conversation, much addicted to Prayer and Reading of the Scriptures, a great maintainer of the Godly, a visiter of the Prisoners, liberal and merci∣ful,

delighting in doing equity and Justice to the Poor, very dilli∣gent in giving counsel to all Widdows, Fatherless and A••••ucted, without Money or Reward, being a man bred in Knowledge in the Law; this Bainham for his Religion was apprehended by the instiga∣tion of Thomas Moor Chancellor of England, who kept him Prisoner in his own house, and there whipt him at a Tree in his Garden, which he called, The Tree of Troth, from thence he sent him to the Tower to be Racked, being himself present to see it effectually done, till in a manner he had lamed him, to make him confess where his Books lay, and because his wife denyed them to be at his House, she was sent to the Fleet, and their goods were Confiscated; these Tor∣tures making him confess nothing, the Chanceller sent him to the Bishop of London in the year 1531 who examined him upon certain Interrogatories concerning his Religion; asked, Whether he be∣lieved there was any Purgatory of Souls hence departed; to which he answered, If we walk in the Light even as he is in the Light, we have Society together with him, and the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son hath clensed us from all Sin; if we say we have no Sin we deceive our selves, and the Truth in not is us; if we confess our Sins he is faithful and just, and will forgive us our Sins, and will purge us from all our Imqui••••es. Several other things they objected against him, and often had him to and again before them, threatening him with the danger that would ensue if he did not abjure his Religion; whereupon, he being overtaken with fear, he consented unto them; after he had abjured, the Chancellor fined him twenty pound to the King, and enj••yned him Pennance, which was to go before the Cross in profession at Pauls, and to stand before the Preacher during the Sermon at Pauls Cross, with a Fagger upon his Shoulder, and then to return with the Sumner to Prison again; but, soon after he was discharged of his Imprisonment, and before he had been at Liberty a month, he be∣wailed his Fact and Abjuration, and was never quie•• in his Mind and Conscience until before a Congregation of the People of God, who in those dayes met in a Ware-house in ••ow-Lan••, he ut∣tered his Condemnation of the Fact, asking God and that Assembly forgiveness, and the next Sunday (so called) afterwards went to a place, called St. Austins, and stood up in a Pew with a Testament in English in his Hand, and with Tears declared to the People that he had denied God, and desired the People to forgive him, and to beware of his weakness, and rather to choose to die then to do as he did, for he would not for all the World to feel again such a Hell as he had done, to this purpose he also wrote to the Bishop, whereupon he was shortly after apprehended, and committed to the Tower of London, from thence he was removed to the Bishops Coale-house, where he lay two weeks in the Stocks with Irons upon his Legs, then he was carried to the Chancellors, and there Chained to a post two nights, from thence he was had to Fullham, where he was cruely handled, for the space of a week; from thence he was commit∣ted to the Tower, where he lay a fortnight, and there scourged with Whips to make him revoke his Opinions; from thence he

was carried to Barkin, and from thence to Che••sey, and there was condemned, and from thence was conveyed to Newgate, and by the Sheriffs of London had into Smithfield, and there burnt to death, the last day of April about three of the Clock in the afternoon.

* 1.50 In the year 1532. Robert King, Nicholas March, Rober•• Gardner, all of Dedham, and Robert Debnam of Esthergholt, being burdened in their Consciences to see the honour and power of the Almighty Li∣ving God to be blasphemed by Peoples adoring an Idol, called, The Roode of Dover Court, to which many People did greatly resort, igno∣rantly believing a common rumour blown abroad, that no man had power to shut the Steeple house door where that Idol stood; where∣upon, the aforesaid four men were moved by the Spirit of God to travel out of Dedham, in a frosty Moonshiney Night ten Miles, to the place where this Idol stood, and took the filthy Idol from his Shrine, and carried it a quarter of a Mile, and there struck Fire, and set it on Fire, for which fact three of them were indicted as Fellons, and were hanged in Chains about half a year after, and it is record∣ed, that at their death, through the working of the Spirit of God, they bore such a living Testimony, that the People were more edified in the Truth, then they had been by all the Sermons they had heard preacht before.

The fourth man, viz. Robert Gardener, had suffered the same death, but that he fled away, and that way escaped their Hands.

The same year there was many more Images cast down and destroy∣ed, in many places,

* 1.51 John Frith a godly young man, and one of great parts and wit, and of a ready capacity, and a great Scholler in the outward Litte∣ra••ure, coming acquainted with William Tindal, through his Instructi∣ons he first received into his heart the Seed of the Gospel and sincere Godlin••ss.

The said John Frith accompanying himself with divers young men of grave Judgment and sharp wits, who conferring together upon the abuses of Religion, which at that time were crept into the Church, were therefore accused of Heresie to Cardinal Woolsey, and cast into a Prison within a deep Cave, under a Colledge in Oxford, where they used to lay their Salt-fish, the stink of which so infected their bodies, that three of them died in a little space, the fourth was John Frith, who was shortly after discharged out of Prison, and travelled beyond-Sea, and after two years returning into England, and being at Reading, it happened that he was taken as a Vagabond, and was put in the Stocks, and there kept so long till he was almost pined with hunger, and would not discover who he was, but desiring to speak with the School-master of the Town, to whom he spoke Latine, the School-master perceiving that he was a Scholler, and a young man of excel∣lent parts, obtained of the Magistrates that he might be set at Liberty, which he enjoyed not long, being so persued by Sr. Thomas Moor Chancellor, who persecuted him both by Sea and Land, promising great reward to any that could bring news or tydings of him; soon after he was apprehended and committed to the Tower of London,

where he had many conflicts with the Bishops, but especially in wri∣ting with the Chancellor, and afterwards was carried to Lambeth, be∣fore the Bishop of Canterbury, and from thence to Croyden, before the Bishop of Winchester, and last of all he was brought before the Bishops in a common Assembly at London, the whole matter of his Examina∣tion before them was comprehended in two special Articles (that is to say) of Purgatory, and of the substance of the Sacrament, to which he answered very fully and wisely, and in great moderation and up∣rightness, but no Reason would prevail against the force and cruelty of his Adversaries: The twentieth day of the moneth called June 1533. he was brought before several Bishops at Pauls, who seeing that by no means, they could perswade him to Recant, the Bishop of London condemned him to be burnt, and past Sentence against him to that effect.

* 1.52 About this time one John Chapman, Andrew Hewet and John Tibauld, being men Zealous for Religion and Piety, were informed against, and by the Bishop of London's Chancellor and others were apprehend∣ed and carried to the Bishops House; Andrew Hewet was sent to the Lollard Tower, and Chapman and Tibauld kept asunder in the Bishops House till the next day that he came from Fulham, who then examined them not liking their Confession, Chapman he committed to the Stocks, with this threat, that he should tell another Tale, or else he should sit there till his Heels did drop from his Arse; Tibauld he shut up in a close Chamber, but afterwards delivered him out of Prison upon this Injunction, that he should not come within seven Miles of his own House; Chapman after five weeks imprisonment, three weeks whereof he set in the Stocks, by Suit made to the Chancellor on his behalf, after many threatnings was discharged out of Prison; Andrew Hewet being brought before the Bishops, and asked, what he thought concerning the Sacrament, answered, even as Frith doth, at which the Bishops smiled, and one of them said, why Frith is an Heretick, and is condemned to be burnt, and except thou revoke thy Opinion, thou shalt be burnt with him; truly, said he, I am contented there∣with; whereupon he was sent to the Prison to Frith, and on the fourth day of the month called July he was carried to Smithfield with Frith, and there burned.

* 1.53 Thomas Bennet School-master in Exeter, a man of a godly con∣versation, and a favourer of such as suffered for their zeal to the true Religion, after he had lived in a retired condition six years, could no longer contain but he must bear a Testimony against the Idolatry of those times, though his blood were shed for the same, the beginning of his troubles was, he wrote a Paper, and set it up∣on one of the Steeple-House-doors of the City, in which was writ∣ten, The Pope is Anti-christ, and we ought to Worship God only, and no Saints; which Paper being seen, great search and inquiry was made what Heretick should set it up, but seeing they could not find the Au∣thorout at that present, they agreed, that the sentence of a Curse should be pronounced against him that did it; the manner of which Curse was as followeth.

The Priest being in the Pulpit clothed in white, and the Monks and Friars standing about him, the Cross was held up with Candles fixed to the same, then said the Priest; By the Authority of God the Fa∣ther Almighty, and of the blessed Virgin Mary of Saint Peter and Paul, and of the holy Saints, we Excommunicate, we utterly Curse and Bann, commit and deliver to the Devil of Hell him or her, whatsoever he or she be, that have in spite of God,* 1.54 and of Saint Peter whose Church this is, in Spite of all holy Saints, and in Spite of our most holy Father the Pope, Gods Viccar here in Earth, and in Spite of the reverend Father in God John our Diocesian, and the Worshipfull Cannons, Masters Priests and Clarks which serve God daily in this Cathedral Church, fixed up with wax such Cursed and Heretical Bills, full of Blasphemy, upon the Doors of th••s, and other holy Churches within this City, Excommunicate be h•• she or they plaenally, and delivered over to the Devil as perpetual Malefactors and Schismaticks, accursed they be, and given Body and Soul to the Devil, Cursed be they he or she, in Cities and Towns, in Fields and Wayes, in Houses and out of Houses, and all other places, standing, lying, or rising, walking, running, waking, sleeping, eating, drinking, and whatsoever thing they do besides; we seperate them him or her from the Threshold, and from all the good Prayers of the Church from the participation of the holy Mass, from all Sacraments, Chappels and Altars, from Holy Bread, and Holy wa∣ter, from all the Merrits of Gods Priests and religious men, and from all their Cloisters, from all their Pardons, Priviledges Grants and Immunities which all the holy Fathers Popes of Rome have granted to them; and we give them over utterly to the power of the Devil, and let us quench their Souls if they be dead this night in the pains of Hell-fire, as this Candle is now quenched, and put out: (and with that he put out one of the Candles) and let us pray to God, if they be alive, that their ey's may be put out, as this Candle light is; (so he put out another Candle) let us pray to God, and to our Lady, and to Saint Peter and Paul and all holy Saints, that all the Sences of their bodies may fail them, and that they may have no feeling, as now the Light of this Candle is gone, (and so he put out the third Candle) except they he or she come openly now, and confess their Blasphemy and by repentance (as in them shall lie) make satisfaction unto God, our Lady, Saint Peter, and the Worshipfull Company of this Cathedrall Church.

Thomas Bennet being not able to digest these Fopperies, writ other Bills, and caused them to be set up upon the Gates of the Grave yard, but the person that set them up being taken in the action, Thomas Bennet was thereby discovered, and being apprehended, confest they were his Bills, and that he could do it again to discover the Abomi∣nable Blasphemy of their Anti-christ the Pope, and to let people see that he is the B••ar come out of the Wood, which destroyeth and throweth down the Hedges of Gods Church. Whereupon he was committed to Prison, and the next day was had to the Bishop, who committed him to Prison again, where he was kept in the Stocks with strong Irons, with as much favour as a Dog should find, then his Hou••e was Searched for Books, and his wife shamefully abused, which she bore with patience, being contented to bare the Cross with

her Husband, and to fare hardly with him, and eat Course meat and drink: A gray Fryar possessing Thomas Bennet with the many dangers that he was lyable to fall into in that condition, Thomas re∣plyed, my life is not dear to me, I had rather by death (which I know is not far off) depart this Life then to partake of your detest∣able Idolatries and Superstitions, or be subject to Anti-christ your Pope.

During the time of his imprisonment the hate of the people through ignorance was great against him, notwithstanding they could never move his patience; during his imprisonment, his wife provided Sustenance for him, when she Lamented he Comforted her, and gave her many good and godly Exhortations, and desired her not to move him to comply with his Adversaries. After the Clergy saw they could by no means cause him to recant, they Con∣demned him to be burnt, and delivered him to the Sheriff of Devon∣shire to see him Executed; the mild man rejoycing to see his end approach so near, as the Sheep before the Shearer yielded himself with all humbleness to abide and suffer the Cross of Persecution; be∣ing brought to his Execution in a place called Livery Dole, without Exeter, he gravely and soberly spake to the people to seek the honour of God, and the knowledg of him, and to leave the devices and immaginations of mens inventions, and saying, Oh Lord receive my spirit, patiently endured the Cruelty of the Fire untill his life was ended.

Thus the Reader hath an Account of such as sustained death for Christs Cause through the rigorous Proclamation aforesaid, set out in the name of the King, but indeed procured by the Bishops, and by them so strictly Executed, that no good man could peep out with his head never so little, but he was caught by the back, and either brought to the fire or else forced to abjure their Religion, a great number of which are particularly mentioned in Foxe's Acts and Monuments, which for Brevity sake are here omitted.

Thomas Phillip being one of them that was prosecuted, and being asked by the Bishop, whether he would abjure or not, he said, except ye shew me cause wherefore I should abjure, I will not say, yea or nay to it, but will stand to my appeal, then the Bishop read openly the Bill of Excommunication against him, charging all men to have no company, or any thing to do with him; after this Excommunication what became of him, whether he was burnt, or died in the Tower, no mention is made in the Register, I mention him because a Letter that was found in his Pocket, and the sub∣stance of one Tracy's Will, are worth the taking notice of, which are as followeth.

A Letter directed to Thomas Phillip in the name of the Brethren, and given him by the way going to the Tower, is as followeth,

The favour of him that is able to keep you, that you fall not, and to confess your name in the Kingdom of Glory, and to give you

strength by his Spirit to confess him, before all his Adversaries, be with you ever Amen.

The Brethren think that there be divers false Brethren craftily crept in among them to seek out their freedom in the Lord, that they may accuse them to the Lords Adversaries, as they suppose they have done you; wherefore, if it be so that the Spirit of God move you thereunto, they as Councellers desire you above all things, to be stedfast in the Lords Truth, without fear, for he shall and will be your help, according to his promise, so that they shall not dimi∣nish the least hair of your head without his will, unto the which will submit your self, and rejoyce; for the Lord knoweth how to deliver the Godly out of Temptation, and how to reserve the Un∣just, unto the day of Judgment to be punisht; and therefore cast all your care on him, for he careth for you; and in that you suffer as a Christian man, be not ashamed, but rather glorifie God on that behalf, looking upon Christ the Author and Finisher of our Faith, who for the joy that was set before him, abode the Cross and dispised the shame; nevertheless, though we suffer the wrong after the example of our Master Christ, yet we are not bound to suffer the wrong cause, for Christ himself suffered it not, but reproved him that smote him wrongfully, likewise Paul, Acts 23. saith, we must not suffer the wrong, but boldly reprove them that sit as Righteous Judges, and act contrary to Righteousness; therefore according both to God and mans Law, you are not bound to make answer to any cause till your Accusers came before you, which if you require, and thereon do stick, the false Brethren shall be known to the great comfort of those who now stand in doubt who they may trust, and also it shall be a means that they shall not craftily by Questions take you in Snares, and Acts 20. its written, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man that he should perish, before he that is accused have his Accuser before him, and have License to answer for himself, as pertaining to the Crime whereof he is accused; and also Christ said, that in the mouth of two or three Witnesses all things shall stand; wherefore seeing that in Accusations such Witnesses should be, you may with a good Conscience require it; and thus the God of Grace settle, strengthen and establish you, that to him may be the glory and praise for ever.

This is the Substance of the Letter; now follows the Substance of Tracy's Will.

William Tracy of Taddington in the County of Gloucester in his Will declared amongst other things, that touching the burying of his bo∣dy it availed him not whatsoever was done thereto when he was dead, for, said he, Funeral pomps are rather for the Solace of them that live, then the wealth and comfort of them that are dead: Which Will be∣ing brought by his Son, his Executor, to the Bishop of Canterbury to be proved, the Bishop shew'd it to the Convocation, who past a Sentence that a Commission should be sent to Doctor Parker, Chancellor of the

Diocess of worcester, to take up Tracy's dead body, and to burn him as an Heretick for making such a Will, which accordingly was Executed, notwithstanding he had been buryed almost two years before.

About this time the House of Commons assembled in Parliament put up a Supplication by way of Complaint to the King against the Clergy, this Complaint the King seemed at first not to take much notice of, yet afterwards coming to have a clear understanding of the abuses and enormities of the Clergy, especially of the corrupt Authority of the See of Rome, provided certain Acts against the same, and wholly excluded the Popes Authority out of his Realm; but thinking the work not sufficiently done, as long as Abbies and Priories kept their Station, which were as it were his Fortresses and Pillars, there was not long after means found to have them suppressed; for aspersions being laid upon them, of Adulteries and Murders, they by Act of Parliament at least near four hundred of them were sup∣pressed, and all their Lands and Goods conferred upon the King, and afterwards all the rest, and all Colledges, Chanteries, and Hospi∣tals; also the same Parliament enacted, that Bishops should pay no more Annals or Money for their Bulls to the Pope, and that no Person should appeal for any Cause out of this Realm to the Court of Rome, and an Act was made, that the King should be the Supream head of the Church of England, &c.

But although the Popes Wings were thus cut, and his Power and Authority in England abrogated by Act of Parliament, as before is mentioned, yet the Bishops here went on persecuting such as they accounted Sectaries and Hereticks; but before I give an account of such as further suffered here in England for Religion, it falls in order to give an Account of the Sufferings of William Tindal beyond Sea.

This William Tindal was burnt near Wales,* 2.1 and being a man Zealous for Reformation and Religion, and considering, that if the Scripture were turned into the vulgar Speech it might much conduce to ••he propagating thereof; and finding his purpose could not be well effected here in England by reason of the strictness of the Bishops and Chancellor, he travelled into Germany, and there he first translated the New Testament, and then the Old, and writ several other Books against the irreligious Practice of the Prelates, which Books being published and sent over into England, it cannot be spoken what a door of Light they opened to the whole English Nation, who before were many years shut up in darkness.

But though the spreading of these Books wrought much good to the upright, and such as had in any measure a desire to advance the Truth, yet the envious and persecuting Spirit of the Bishops was also much more stirred up thereby, seeking by all means how to stop them from being spread, lest their Hypocrisie and works of Darkness should he discerned, wherefore they made great stir and search, as Herod did at the birth of Christ, and sought out by what means they might hinder the travels of this Tindal, and of his Printing and Pub∣lishing the said Books, and set persons to search and examine at

Antwerp how things stook with Tindal, which when the Bishops and Chancellors in England understood how things were, they sent over one Henry Phillips to betray him into the hands of the Empe∣rors Procurator General at Brussells, the said Procurator, through the treachery of Phillips, seized upon all Tindalls Books, and apprehend∣ed him and sent him Prisoner to Filford Castle, eighteen English Miles from Antwerp, being brought to his Tryal, they offered him to have Councel to plead for him, he refused, saying, he would answer for himself; after much reasoning and Dispute, he was Condemned by virtue of the Emperors Decree made in the Assembly at Aus∣brough, and upon the same was brought to the place of Execution at Filford, Anna 1536. being ryed to the Stake, he cryed with a fervent zeal, and a loud voice, Lord open the King of Englands eyes, and so was burnt to death.

When the King had taken the title of Supremacy from the Bishop of Rome, and Stated the same to himself, he perceived by the Wis∣dom and advice of Thomas Cromwell, one of his Privy Councel, that the corrupt State of the Church had need of Reformation in many things.

This Cromwell was through the goodness of God raised up to be a friend and a favourer of those that profest the Gospel, who though but a Smiths Son, born at Putney, for the pregnancy of his wit, he was first entertained by Cardinal Woolsey, and by him em∣ployed in many great Affairs; the Cardinal falling, the King took him unto his Service, and finding his great Abillities, advanced him for his worth to great places of Honour and Trust, through whose perswasions several Injunctions were put out by the King for Refor∣mation in Religion; and he was the great Instrument in overthrow∣ing Abbies, Monasteries and Friaries, which were a little before by Act of Parliament given into the Kings hands: Whereupon, not only their Houses were rased, but their Possessions were divided amongst the Nobility, insomuch that all Friars, Monks, Cannons, Nuns, and other such Sects, were so rooted out of this Land from the Foundation, that there seemed to be no room left for such Weeds to grow here any more.

But as this Thomas Cromwell was raised up for good, and being so greatly in favour with the King, used all means he could to perswade him to reform the enormities in the Church; on the other hand, Satan raised up his Instrument, which was Stephen Gardner, Bishop of Winchester, who used all wilds and subtill means he could to per∣swade the King against the same, casting upon the Professors of Truth the name of Hereticks, Sectaries, Anabaptists, and Sacra∣mentaries, and so far prevailed with the King, that by the Kings Authority certain Injunctions were published prohibiting the pub∣lishing any Books in English, written by the Sectaries and Sacramen∣taries, under the pain of the forfeiture of all their goods and Chat∣tels, and their Bodies to be Imprisoned during the Kings pleasure: And further, this Stephen Gardner instigated the King, not only a∣gainst the Queen (who was a favourer of Religion and Reformation)

but also against this Thomas Lord Cromwell, who no doubt had brought the encrease of true Religion, according to his understand∣ing, to more prefection, had not this Gardner, and other Malignant Opposers thereof set themselves against it, to hinder the prosperi∣ty thereof: but now through the said Gardners evill advise, the King, who before had raised the said Thomas Cromwell for his worth and integrity, now for his pleasure took him off, and suffered him to be Beheaded: After his death Religion, and the Reformation more and more decayed, whereby the Reader may see how variable the State of things stood in reference to Religion at this time, and with what difficulty any thing of Light and Truth came forth, how often things changed, even as the King was ruled and gave ear; sometimes it went a little forward, and then backward again, accord∣ing as the persons prevailed that were about the King.

And now the King being led through Gardners suggestions, began to withdraw shewing any favour to the Reformation in Religion, concluding so to do was most for his safety both at home and abroad, having so much displeased the Pope, and other Popish Princes, in what he had already done; and though he had rejected the Popes Authority, he would declare himself nevertheless to be a good Catho∣lick Son of the Mother Church, and a withstander of new Heresies; and then calling a new Parliament, and Convocation of Prelates, there was six Articles decreed concerning Religion, which was after∣wards commonly called a whip with six Srings, it was pretended for the Unity of the Church, but what Unity followed, the groaning hearts of many that suffered death by the same, both in this Kings time, and in Queen Maries time, may declare.

The Six Articles of the Bishops Condemning all to be burnt as Hereticks that should hold,

• First, That the Body of Christ was not really present in the Sacra∣ment after Consecration.
• Secondly, That the Sacrament might not truely be administred un∣der one Kind.
• Thirdly, That Priests entred into holy Orders might Marry.
• Fourthly, That Vows of Chastity entred into, upon mature deli∣beration, were not to be kept.
• Fifthly, That private Masses were not to be used.
• Sixthly, That Auricular Confession was not to be used in the Church.

Before these Articles were published, Bishop Gardener having ob∣tained his desire with the King, he and the rest of the Prelates began again fresh to persecute the Protestants, & the first they stretched forth their Hands against was John Lambert a Norfolk man, and one zealous for the Spreading of the Truth, according to the Manifestation of it then broke forth; and to that end was conversant with Tindal and Frith at Antweep, until by the Instigation of Sr. Thomas Moor he was

apprehended and brought to London, where he was first brought to Examination at Lambeth, and then at the Bishops House at Oxford, before Worham Arch-bishop of Canterbury, and others, where fourty five Articles were objected against him, to all which he answered in writing very fully, and wisely, both according to the Scriptures and Reason; the Articles, and his Answers may be read at large in Foxe's Acts and Monuments.

The Bishop of Canterbury shortly after dying, whereby Lambort for that time was delivered out of Prison; and coming to London it was not long before he fell into trouble again; for having a private Con∣ference with one Doctor Tayler, what past between them in their dispute in private grew at last a publick and common talk, which coming to the Arch-bishops Ear, he sent for Lambort, and forced him to defend his Cause openly; in that Disputation Lambort appealed to the King from the Bishops.

Upon this appeal Bishop Gardener goes to the King, and privately possesses him, that now he had an opportunity to quiet the minds of the people who were offended with him for abolishing the Bishop of Rome's Authority, and subverting of Monasteries and Abbies, &c. he might now remedy these troubles, if he would manifestly appear in this matter against Lambort, and shew himself stoutly to resist the Hereticks; the King immediately received this wicked Counsel of the Bishop, and forth with sent out a general Commission, command∣ing all the Bishops and Nobles of the Land, to come with all speed to London to assist the King against Hereticks; these preparations be∣ing made, a day was set, upon which Lambort should appear be∣fore the King, and the rest assembled with him, to be Tryed and Judged.

The day being come, the King ascended his Throne, clothed all in white, he lookt upon the Prisoner with a sterne Countenance, as if his mind was full of Indignation, and then called forth the Bishop of Chichester, and commanded him to declare to the People the Causes of that Assembly, the Substance of the Bishops Speech tended to this, That the King would have none to conceive, that whereas the Au∣thority and Name of the Bishop of Rome being utterly abolished, he would also extinguish all Religion, or give Liberty to Hereticks to trouble the Churches of England without punishment; the Bishop having ended his Speech, the chief thing that the King prest Lambort to declare, was, what Opinion he held touching the Sacrament of the Altar; to which he answered fully, and the Dispute held chiefly con∣cerning that point for some hours until the King and Bishops, enra∣ged against him, forced him to silence at last.

The King being minded to end the Dispute, said to Lambort, What sayest thou after all these Labours and Reasons of these learned Men? Art thou yet satisfied? Wilt thou live or die; thou hast yet free choice?

Lambort answered, I yield and submit my self wholly unto the will of your Majesty.

Then said the King, commit thy self unto the hands of God, and not unto mine.

Lambort, I commend my Soul unto the hands of God, but my Body I wholly yield and Submit unto your clemency.

Then said the King, if you do commit your self unto my Judg∣ment, you must die, for I will not be a patron to Hereticks, and so caused the Sentence of Death to be read against him: Shortly a••••er he was had to Smithfield, and there burnt; in the midst of the Flames he cryed unto the people in these words, None but Christ, none bu•• Christ; and so ended his life.

The aforesaid six Articles being consented unto, and concluded by the King and Parliament, the Bishops caused further to be enacted, that whosoever denyed Transubstantiation; or whosoever should be Alders, Comforters, Counsellors, Consentors, and A bettors therein, should be adjudged Hereticks; That every such Offender should have and suffer Judgment, Execution and pain of death by way of burning, without any Abjuration, benefit of the Clergy, or Sanctuary, and should forfeit to the King all their Land, and Tenements, Goods and Chattels, as in Cases of high Treason: And for all such as did preach, teach, uphold, maintain or defend any thing contrary to the five last Articles should be adjudged as Fellons, and lose both life and goods, as in the Case of Fellony.

When these Articles were in debate in the Parliament house, Doctor Cranmer, in favour to the Professors of the Truth, earnestly disputed in defence of the Truth against them; but notwithstanding all his opposition, the Act was past.

By reason of these fix Articles a great Number were apprehended in London and other Places, so that all the prisons in London were too little to hold them, and many were imprisoned in Halls.

Amongst whem was one John Porter of London,* 2.2 who for reading to people in a Bible, was sent for by Bonner, and sharply reproved, Porter answered, he trusted he had no way offended contrary to the Law thereby; Bonner charged him for making expositions upon the Text, and for gathering Multitudes about him, this Porter denyed; yet did Bonner send him to Newgate, where he was miserably Loaden with Irons, both hands and legs, with a great Collor of Iron about his neck, whereby he was fastned to the Wall in the Dungeon; after a while he sent for a Kinsman of his, who by bribing the Keeper, ob∣tained, that he was put amongst Thieves and Murtherers; but Porter hearing and seeing their Wickedness, exhorted them to amendment of life, giving them good instructions; for this he was complained of, and carried down into the lowest Dungeon; where he was so cruelly oppressed with Bolts and Irons, that within few daies after he was found dead.

In the year 1544. One Robert Testwood living at Windsor, being a favourer of the Lutherans,* 2.3 and seeing People licking and kissing a white Alablaster Image that stood behind the high Altar, at which his Zeal was so stirred, that with a Key that he had in his hand he

struck off the Images nose; saying, see good People what it is, it cannot help it self; how then would you have it help you: The noise hereof being spred abroad, one Simonds a Lawyer took up the Nose, and said, one day it should be a dear Nose to Testwood.

And further, upon a day whereon every one was to carry a Relick in procession, Testwood, amongst others, had Beckets Rochet pro∣ferred him, but he pusht it from him, saying if they gave it him he would wipe his Tayle with it.

These doings so offended the Clergy, that they said he was a Here∣tick, and would roast a Fagot one day for this geer, but notwithstanding their Threats he lived in quiet till the death of the Lord Cromwell, and till Winchester had insinuated into the affections of the King, and wholly ruled; at which time Testwood being sick in bed, was fetched out and cast into Prison, together with one Anthony Person, John Mar∣beck and Henry Filmer, and after a while they were all brought forth to Judgment be fore Doctor Capon ••i••••op of Salsbury and others: Test∣woods Indictment was, for that when the Priest lifted up the Sacra∣ment, he said, what wilt thou lift it up so high? what yet higher? take heed that thou let him not fall: As also, that at such times, when the Sacrament was lifted up, he used to look down on his Book, or another way, that he might not see the Sacrament; whereupon, he said, Whereon did he look that marked me so well: Marry, quoth the Kings Attorney, he could not be better Occupied, then to mark such Hereticks. The Prisoners being Condemned, they spent the greatest part of the night (before their Execution) in prayer, that the Lord would strengthen them and enable them with stedfast Faith, and power, to go through their Exercise.

About this time there rose a great Persecution in Callice in France, which was then under Englands power,* 2.4 there was at one time twelve persons Imprisoned for their Religion, but the Lord Cromwell (so cal∣led hearing of it, wrote immediately to the Commissioners in Callice, in the Kings Name, requiring, that the Hereticks, with their Ac∣cusers, should be sent over into England; forthwith, the Commissio∣ners loading them with Chains, sent them over; as soon as Cromwell heard they were arrived, he sent for them to his House, and smi∣ling upon them, said, Go your ways to the Fleet, and Submit your selves Prisoners there, and be of good cheer; for if God give me life, you shall shortly go home with as much honesty, as ye came with shame. But it pleased God that shortly after this Cromwell was beheaded; so that the poor men then had no hope but in the Providence of their Heavenly Father, who comforted them in their deep Troubles, that as their Afflictions abounded, their joyes and consolations abound∣ed much more; for when all hope was past, the Lord Audley Chan∣cellor of England, sent for them; and without any further ex∣amination discharged them of their Imprisonment.

In the year 1541. The King sent out a Commission for apprehending of such as offended against the six Articles, and when the Commissio∣ners sat•• at Mercers-Chapple, being such as were chosen on purpose, they enquired not only for such as offended against the six Articles,

but of such as came seldom to Church (as its called) and received not the holy Bread and Water; so that they indicted above five hundred persons, most of which had either died in Prison, or been burnt in Smithfield, but that the King (being informed by the Lord Audley, that they were indicted of malice) granted them his Pardon.

* 2.5 About the same time one Richard Meekins, a boy of fifteen years old, was accused for spaking some words against the Sacrament of the Altar, and when the first Jury would not find the indictment against him, they were soundly ratled by the Bishop of London, and another Jury impannelled that found it, and so the poor Boy was burnt in Smithfield.

* 2.6 By reason of the diligent preaching of Adam Damplip and one William Smith at Callice, the Devil raised up his Instruments to Per∣secute them, and others their Hearers, and Letters were wrote over to the Council in England, suggesting, that by the means of Damplip, they were infected with horrible Heresies and Errors, Persons accused were Thomas Brooke, Ralph Hare, James Cock, and James Barber, who were sent for over and committed to Prison at VVestminster, afterwards they were brought before the Bishops; grievous Let∣ters were written against them from Callice by their Adversaries, so that if God had not preserved them, they had all certainly Pe∣rished.

One of these, viz. Ralph Hare, though so unlearned, that he could scarce read, yet was very zealous, and so holy and inofensive in his life, that none of his Adversaries could accuse him of evil; he was charged for speaking against Auricular Confession, holy Bread, holy Wa∣ter, as also for that he would not Swear, nor use any Pastime, but used to be in a Corner by himself, looking on his Book, when others were at Liberty. Thus being charged, he said to the Commissioners, I take God to Witness, I would not willingly maintain any Error or Heresie; wherefore I beseech you, let my Accusers come before me face to face; for if they charge me with that I have spoken, I will not deny it; and if it be Truth I will stand to it, if an Error, I will with all my heart forsake it; I mean, if it be against Gods holy Word; for, the Lord is my Witness, I daily pray to God that I may know the Truth, and shun Errors, and I hope God will preserve me from them. The Bishop of Winchester said, I perceive now thou art a naughty Fellow: Alas, said Hare what evil have I spoken? Bishop re∣plyed, Marry Sir, you said, the Lord, the Lord, and that is Symbolum Hereticorum; what is that said Hare? Thou art naught, thou art naught, said the Bishop, and further said, I pity thee, for I think thou art a good simple man and meanst well enough if thou hadst not bad bad School-masters, and then Thomas Brook was called for; who was charged with sediti∣on, and that he had contributed towards maintaining Adam Damplip, and that he should say, that what the Priest held up at Mass was not

the Body of Christ; Brook denyed the charge, and after some debate was for that present dismissed,

The Suffering and Martyrdom of Anne Askew.

Anne Askew being apprehended for her Religion, and examined be∣fore one Christopher Dare an Inquisitor, who asked her, if she did not believe the Sacrament of the Altar to be the real Body of Christ: To this question she refused to answer: Then he told her that she was accu••ed for reading, that God dwelt not in Temples made with ha••ds, thereupon she shewed him the 7 and 17. Chapters of the Acts for it: Then he asked her, how she understood those texts, she answered, that she would not cast Pearls before Swine; Then he charged her for saying that she had rather read five lines in her ••ible, then hear a Mass; she said, the rea∣son was, because one did greatly edifie her, and the other did not; and after other questions askt her, he had her before the Mayor of London; The Mayor, after some discourse with her, ordred her to be had to Prison; she askt, if Sureties would not serve turn; he said, he would take none, but after some time she was released from that im∣prisonment; but not long after was apprehended again and carried before the Kings Council, where the Chancellor askt her, her Opi∣nion about the Sacrament, she said, that she believed that so oft as she received the Bread in remembrance of Christs death, she received therewith the fr••••••s of his most glorious Passion; the Bishop of Winchester bid her answer directly; she answered, she would not sing the Lords Song in a strange Land; The Bishop told her, she was a Pariat: To which she replied, that she was willing not only to re∣c••••ve rebukes from him, but whatsoever should follow besides, and that gladly; after much other debate, she was imprisoned until the next day; at which time, they asked her again, what she said to the Sacrament, she answered, that she had said what she could say.

Then the Bishop of Winchester said, he would speak with her familiarly, she said, so did Judas when he unfriendly betrayed Christ; Then de∣sired the Bishop to speak with her alone, but she refused; he asked h••r Why? she said, that in the Mouth of two or three Witnesses every matter should stand, after Christ and Pauls Doctrine.

Then the Chancellor began to examine her again of the Sacrament;* 2.7; she askt him, how long he would halt on both sides; then would be needs know where she found that, she said, in the Scripture? then he went his way: Then the Bishop told her she would be burnt, she answered,* 2.8 that she had searched all the Scriptures, and could never find that either Christ or his Apostles put any Creature to death, and told them God would laugh their threatings to scorn.

After much other arguing, wherein she answered them wifely and holily, they dismissed her; a few dayes after she was taken very sick like to die, in which extremity of her sickness they sent her ••o New∣gate.

After a time she was brought to her Tryal at Guild-hall, where she

was required to recant, or else she was condemned by the Law for an Heretick; she answered, she was no Heretick, neither deserved death by the Law of God; Then they asked, if she would deny the Sa∣crament to be Christs Body and Blood; she said, yea; They wished her to shrive her self to a Priest, at which she smiled and said, she would confess her faults to God, for she was sure he would bear her with favour.

Then they would know of her whether the Bread in the Box were God or no; she said, God is a Spirit and will be worshipped in Spirit and Truth; After she was Condemned she wrot a few li••es to the King, to this effect.

I Anne Askew of good memory, although God hath given me the Bread of Adversity and the Water of Trouble, yet be it known that for asmuch as I am by the Law condemned as an Evil Doer; here I take Heaven and Earth to record, that I shall die in my innocency, and as I said at first, I say at last, I utterly abhor and detest all Here∣sies, and concerning the Supper of the Lord, I believe so much as Christ hath said therein, which he confirmed with his most blessed Blood, I believe so much as he willed me to follow, for I will not for∣sake the Commandment of his holy Lips, but look what God hath charged me with his Mouth, that have I shut up in my Heart; and thus briefly I end,

Anne Askew.

Shortly after she was sent from Newgate to the sign of the Crown, where, she said, one Rich and the Bishop of London, used all their power by flattering words, to perswade her from God, but they pre∣vailed not with her; one Nicholas Shaxton counselled her to recant, as he had done; she told him, it had been good for him he had never been born; then Rich sent her to the Tower to be racked, where first he and one of the Councel examined her, telling of her, that the King was informed, that if she would, she could name a great num∣ber of her Sect; she answered, that the King was as well deceived in that, as he was in other Matters.

The manner of her Racking was thus, she was first lead down into a Dungeon, where the Lievtenant of the Tower commanded the Goaler to pinch her with the Rack, which being done, so much as he thought sufficient, he went about to take her, down but Wristley, the Chancellor, not contented that she was loosed so soon, confessing nothing, but lay still, and did not cry, commanded the Lievtenant to strain her on the Rack again, which because he denyed to do, ten∣dering the weakness of the Woman, the Chancellor threatened him he would signifie his disobedience to the King; Then Rich and the Chanceller took pains to Rack her themselves, till she was near dead; first asking her whether she was with Child; to whom she answered, you ••hall not need to spare for that, but do your wills upon me, and so quietly and patiently praying unto the Lord, she abode their Tyran∣ny, till her Bones and Joynts were almost pluckt assunder; after she

was loosed from the Rack, she swooned, but they recovered her again, and she was carried away in a Chair to a house, and laid in a bed, with weary and painful Bones; the Chancellor sent her word, that if she would leave her Opinion she should want for nothing, if she would not, she should be forthwith sent to Newgate, and so be burned; she sent him word again, that she would rather die then break her Faith.

The Prayer of Anne Askew before her Death.

O Lord, I have more Enemies now, then there be Hairs on my Head, yet, Lord, let them never overcome me with vain words; but fight thou, Lord, in my stead, for on thee cast I my Care; with all the spite they can imagine they fall upon me, which am thy poor Creature; yet, Lord, let me not set by them which are against me, for in thee is my whole delight; and Lord, I heartily desire of thee, that thou wilt of thy most merciful Goodness forgive them that Violence which they do, and have done unto me; open also thou their blind Hearts, that they may hereafter do that thing in thy Sight which is only acceptable before thee, and to set forth thy Truth aright, without all vain Fantasie of sinful men: So be it, O Lord, so be it.

The day of her Execution being appointed, she was brought into Smithfield in a Chair, because she could not go on her feet by means of her great Torments; when she was brought to the stake, she was tied by the middle with a Chain that held up her Body; and so encom∣passed with the Flames of Fire, as a blessed Sacrifice unto God, she re∣signed up her life, in the Year 1546. leaving behind her a singular ex∣ample of Christian-Constancy, for all men to follow; there was at the same time three others burnt with her in Smithfield.

After the death of this Woman, the Ponish Clergy consulted toge∣ther, how they might further proceed to keep the Truth under and down, and to that end obtained another Proclamation, in the Kings name, for the abolishing the Scriptures in English, and all other Eng∣lish Books, which might give any light to the People, which made

sore work and caused Persecution for a time, but it was not long that it continued by reason of the Kings death, which was shortly after.

But before there be a full Conclusion of the Transactions in this Kings reign, its necessary a short Account be given of the rise and fall of Thom is Cromwel; of whom mention is made before; especially, seeing he was a man so Zealous for Reformation of both Church and Common-wealth.

He was born at Putney, his Father being a Smith, as is before rela∣ted, in his youthful dayes, it is said, he had little regard to God and Religion, but travelled beyond Seas, and for a time was there a Souldier; at length getting the New Testament in English, by often reading in it he began to be touched, and something opened in his un∣derstanding, and coming into England again, Cardinal Woolsey enter∣tained him in his service, where, after some yoars remaining, he was preferred to be Solicitor to the Cardinal. After the fall of Cardinal Woolsey, he was by the Master of the Roles preferred to the King (who had then to do against the Pope) as a fit person to be imployed by him, and being brought to the King at his Garden in Westminster, where he possessed the King that his Authority was abused by the Clergy, and by being sworn to the Pope they had run themselves into a Premunire, and that now the King had an Opertunity to inrich him∣self: To this the King gave ear, and liked well his advice, and admit∣ed him into his service, and sent him to the Convocation-house a∣mongst the Bishops, where he made a Speech to this effect, that in as∣much as they had sworn to the Pope, contrary to their Fealty due to the King, they had forfeited all their Goods, Chattels, Lands, Possessions to the King, &c. This amazed the Bishops at first, but after a little pause, they began to shrink, and before they could be quit of the Premunire, by Act of Parliament it cost them to the King no less then One hundred eighteen thousand eight hundred and forty pounds.

After this Cromwel grew greatly in favour with the King, and was made one of his Privy Council, and Master of the Rolls, and after∣wards Knight of the Garter, and Earl of Essex; and now being come into such Authority, and seeing the Superstition, Blindness Hypocrisie and Idolatry of the Monks, and Fryars, and Papists, whose filthy stink did breath up a most pestiferous fume, as Matthew Paris said in the like case of Rome: Wherefore Cromwel, like a Cham∣pion, was raised up to root them up, which while the King favoured him, he prosecuted with effect, as before is related; but when the Popish Bishops saw the Popes power abolished out of England, they never gave over using all their uttmost Endeavours, and Po∣litick Contrivances, till they had laid a Plaister to his Wounded Head.

It would be too long to recite what benefit this Cromwel by his Pru∣dence and Zeal wrought in a little time for the publick good, what good Orders he established, what Wickedness and Vices he suppres∣sed,

what Corruptions he reformed, what Abuses he brought to light, and Popish Idolatry and Images he suppressed, (One called, The Rood of Grace) wherein a man stood inclosed with a hundred Wyres within the Rood, to make the Image goggle its Eyes, nod its Head, hang the Lip, and move and shake his Jaws, according to the value of the Gift offered; if it were a small piece of Silver, then would he hang a frowning Lip, if it were a piece of Gold, then should his Jaws go Merrily: Thus were poor peoples Souls seduced, and their pockets pickt by these Idolatrous Forgers, until Cromwel caused the said Image to be carried publickly to Pauls, where the People tore it in pieces.

He was a man not only Zealous for the publick Reformation, but also always ready to help private persons that were in distress; and though its common amongst men that are raised from low estate to great place and outward preferment; to forget themselves what they formerly were, and the persons from whom they received benefits; It was not so with him, for in his Travels beyond Sea, be∣ing brought to a low condition, and being relieved by a Rich Mer∣chant in Florence, and entertained in his House, when he was in great distress, and when he was minded to return to England, the Merchant gave him a Horse, Money and Apparel, which Cromwel re∣ceived with great thankfulness.

This Merchant not long after (through great losses fell to decay; and having money owing him in England, came over to see if he could get it, and arriving at London, not thinking of the kindness he had shewed to Cromwel; but as he was travelling the Streets, Cromwel, as he was riding along espied him, and knew him, and alighted, and took notice of him, and of his former kindness, and invited him to Court, who coming there, after he had dined with him, he had the Merchant into a private Room, and paid him fully for all he had of him at Florence, and gave him sufficiently over, as a Recompence for his kindness, and kept him in his House all the time of his remaining in England. This is but one example of many that might be mentioned to shew this Cromwells Gratitude and Courtesie.

His care and Zeal for the setling the Protestant Religion was that which brought him to his end, for that, for the better estalishing thereof he devised to effect a Marriage between the King and the Lady Anne of Cleeve, whose Sister was Married to the Duke of Saxony, a Protestant Prince, by which Marriage, it was supposed, there would be established a perpetuall Peace and Amity between this Kingdom and the Protestant Princes of Germany, which would much strengthen the Protestant Party against the Tyranny and Oppression of the Pope and his Adherents: But presently after the Marriage, Stephen Gardner, who had soon after crept into favour with the King (as is before related) suggested to him some occasions of distaste against the Duke of Saxony, and some apprehensions, of fear by reason of that Odium which he had pulled upon himself, by rejecting the Pope, and demolishing Abbies and Monasteries,

whereby (as he told him) he had made the Pope the Emperour, the King of France, and the King of Scotland his Enemies; but especial∣ly his own Subjects, who were much distasted with the Innovations in Religion, and that the only way to heal all, was to shew himself Sharp and severe against the new Sectaries: This occasioned the King to withdraw his favour from Cromwell; for being one day in the Council Chamber, he was suddainly apprehended and committed to the Tower of London; at the hearing whereof many good men were much troubled, the charge laid against him was, that he was a supporter of Hereticks, and a Spreader of their Books, and that he had caused to be translated into English Books wrote a∣gainst the Sacrament of the Alter, and that he had spoke words a∣gainst the King; but whatever he was accused of, he was soon after condemned in the Tower, without coming to his Answer, and was beheaded; his death the King shortly after bewailed, wishing he had his Cromwel alive again; so that it appears it was more the malice of his Adversary, that stirred up the King against him, then any real cause by him given or acted that might justly occasion his death.

In this year viz. 1545. one John Athee was indicted by the Kings writ for speaking certain words against the Sacrament; That he would not believe in the thing that the Knave Priest made, neither in that which Longs wife selleth, but only in God which is in Heaven; and when it was told him, that God through his Word could make it Flesh and Blood, he answered, so he might if he would turn it into a Chickens leg.

Here followeth a Narative of a sudden Fear and Surprizal that fell upon the Doctors and others at Mary's Steeple-house in Ox∣ford, by reason of a mans Crying Fire in the Street, and what hapned thereupon.

There being a Sermon to be preached in the aforesaid Steeple-house at the Recantation of one Malory; the Priest had no sooner got into the Pulpit, and Malory come forth with his Faggot on his Shoulder, accompanied with a great Congregation of people, but one in the Street seeing a Chimney on Fire, cryed out Fire, Fire, which so ala∣rumed the People in the Steeple-house that the Doctor and Congre∣gation were amazed, expecting the Steeple-house had been on Fire, and at last they all generally concluded it was on Fire and that the Hereticks had set it on Fire, and with eagerness running on heaps to get forth, they raised such a dust, that it seemed like Smoak of Fire, and thrusting many together to get out, they stopt up the Doors, that few could pass; and thus being afrighted, as if great Danger or present Death were at hand, did they crowd one upon another; the Heretick throwing down his Faggot, and shifting as well as he could among the rest, the Doctor that was preaching his Recantation, cry∣ed out, Lord have Mercy upon me, this is the Hereticks doings: amongst

the rest a Monk, one of the Auditors, fearing the Danger, and see∣ing the way to escape stopt; he got up to a Window and breaking the glass thrust himself part thorow, but there stuck, and could get no further, neither in nor out; a Boy also endeavouring to escape got upon the Door, and jumping down, jumpt into a Monks Cowle, as it hung at his Back, the Monk hearing one in his Cowle, cryed out, who is that at my Back? The Boy cryed, I am Bertrams Boy: Who art thou, said the Monk? I am Bertrams Boy; good Master let me go? and with that the Cowle began to crak, the Monk took him out, and the Boy ran away: Some lost their Clothes in the throng, and some their Money in this Surprizal and Fright at the noise of a Fire that did them no hurt.

About this time one Sr. George Blague of the Kings Privy-Chamber was falsly accused for speaking against the Mass; whereupon Wrisly the Lord Chancellor sent him to Newgate, and the next day he was arraigned and Condemned at Guild-Hall, and within a day or two af∣ter should have been burnt in Smithfield; but some of the privy-Chamber making suit to the King on his behalf, the King was much offended that they should come so neer him as his Privy-Chamber without his knowledge and Consent, sent for the Chancellor, and commanded him presently to draw up his Pardon himself, whereby he was set at liberty: George Blague afterwards coming into the Kings Presence, the King said to him, Oh, my Pig! (for so he used to call him) Yea, said he, if your Majesty had not been better to me then your Bishops were, your Pig had been roasted before this time.

The Troubles of the Queen Katherine Parr, for showing fa∣vour to the Professors of the Truth, and how the Lord made way for her Deliverance,

About this time the King coming from Bullein, information was given him, that the Queen, Katherine Parr, was much given to reading the Scriptures, and entertained divers godly persons in confe∣rence about spiritual Matters: At first the King seemed to like well of it,* 3.1 which made her the more bold sometimes freely to debate with the King about Religion, often beseeching him, That as he had to the glory of God and his own Eternal Fame began a good work in banish∣ing the Popes supremacy, that he would perfect what he had begun, and thorowly to cleanse away the dregs of Popery, whereof much re∣mained yet behind. The King though he was grown very teasty and froward, yet out of his singular Affection to her, was content to bear with her; for never did Maid more seek to please her Mistriss then she did withal painful endeavour apply her self by all virtuous means in all things, to please his Humor. She was a Woman very beauti∣ful, virtuous and of a comely personage, which greatly delighted the King: But some subtil and malicious Instruments of Satan,* 3.2 fear∣ing what might be the Issue of it, sought by all means to set the King against her; these were the Bishop of Winchester, Wrisly the Chan∣cellor, and others of the Council and Privy-Chamber, hoping

that if they could but take away her, that was such an Encou∣rager of the Professors of the Truth, they might soon destroy the rest.

The King growing sickly and froward left off his accustomed man∣ner of visiting the Queen, and therefore she took all opportunities to visit him, and did earnestly solicite him to be Zealous in the Reforma∣tion of the Church; Winchester being present at one time, and percei∣ving the King not to be very well pleased with her; when she was gone he maliciously endeavoured to stir up the Kings Indignation a∣gainst her, possessing the King, That under his Favour, he with others of the Council, could in a short time disclose such Treason cloaked with the vail of Heresie, that his Majesty should easily perceive how dangerous it was to nourish such a Serpent in his Bossom; this so stirred up the King that he gave them leave to draw up Articles against her, and thus far they got their end; the next thing was, to suborn Witnesses to betray and accuse her, and to find out what Books she had in her Closets that were forbidden by Law, and to search her Closets, and to apprehend the Queen, and send her by Barge to the Tower. The King being made privy to this devise by Winchester and Wrisly, he politickly seemed to approve it, that he might see how far the malice of the Bishop would carry him; and thus the Day, Time and place for the Apprehending the Queen, and some about her was conclu∣ded of.

The King at this time lay at White-hall, and by reason of his dis∣temper seldom stirred abroad, and the time approaching for the ap∣prehension of the Queen; she suspected nothing of it, and therefore used after her accustomed manner, when she came to the King, still to deal with him about Religion, as formerly she had done; but one night after she had taken her Leave of him, the King imparted the whole design to Doctor VVendy, enjoyning him not to spake of it to any Creature; but by Providence these Articles drawn up against her, & signed by the King fell from of the Bosom one of these Coun∣cellors, and was immediately carried to the Queen, who reading the Articles, knowing the Kings hand was supprised with such a sudden fear, that she made pitious Mean and Lamentation; The King hearing that she was in peril of her Life, sent his Physicians to her, and Doctor VVendy knowing the cause better then the other, began secretly to break with her about the Articles, tilling her, that he knew well of them, though he stood in danger of his Life by revealing of them, yet to quiet his Conscience he could not but give her Warning of them, intreating her somewhat to conform her self to the Kings mind, not doubting but that by her humble sub∣mission, she should find him favourable to her; shortly after the King hearing of her dangerous Condition went to her, to him there∣fore she uttered her Greif, fearing, as she said, lest he had taken dis∣pleasure against her. Whereupon he like a loving Husband with sweet and comfortable Words somewhat eased her perplexed Mind, so that she began to recover; the King being departed she caused all her Books which the Law was against to be conveyed away, and taking

a fit season in an Evening, she went to visit the King, who was con∣fering with some of his Bed-Chamber. When he saw her, he in∣tertained her Courteously, and began to Commnue with her a∣bout Religion, seeming desirous to be resolved by the Queen of certain doubts which he proposed to her; she perceiving his drift, with mild and reverend Conutenance answered him thus. Your Majesty knows right well, neither am I ignorant what weakness attends our Sex, and therefore we are inferiour and Subject to man, our Head, whence all our directions must pro••eed; God hath made man in his own Likeness, endued him with more exellent Gifts, &c. But he hath made Woman of Man, by whom she is to be governed and directed: seeing therefore that God hath appointed such a Naturall Difference, and you being of so excellent. Wisdom; and I a poor sily VVoman, so much in feriour to you, why should your Majesty propose such difficult Cases to me? yea, when I have said what I can, I must and will refer my self unto your Wisdom, as my Supream H••ad under God, by whom I must be d••rected. This that she decla∣red, and other discourse that passed between them at that time, so pleased the King, that he shewed great favour unto her, as hereto∣fore he had done. Her Adversaries knew nothing of this, and there∣fore were providing for her Apprehension, which was to be next day, at which time they intended to carry her to the Tower; the Day, and almost the Hour being come, the King intending to take the Air, went into the Garden, whither the Queen also went to him, being sent for by him, where the King being merrily disposed with her, on a sudden, in the middst of the mirth in came VVrisly the Chancellor, with forty of the Kings Guard at his heels, whom the King sternly beholding, went to him, and upon private conference together, the King called him Knave, Arrent Beast, and Fool, withal commanding him out of his Presence. The King after his depar∣ture returned to the Queen, who perceiving him to be much chafed, with Sweet words endeavoured to qualifie his displeasure, saying, that though she knew not what might be the cause, he was Offended, but desired him, if it were not hainous; that for her sake he would pass it by, Ah poor Soul, said the King, little dost thou know how ill he deserves this Grace at thy hands, on my word, Sweet Heart, he hath been towards thee an Arrant Knave, and so let him go.

And thus the Queen through Gods Providence, and the Kings Fa∣vour escaped the Hands of her bloody Persecutors, who sought to have destroyed her.

Persecuted in Scotland.

In the year 1534. the Arch-Bishop of Andrews convented before him David Stratton and one Norman Gourlay, the first of these having a Fisher-boat that went to Sea, the Bishop of Murray demanded Tythe-Fish of him; to whom he answered, That if they would have Tythe of that which his Servants caught in the Sea, they should take it in the Place, where it was caught, and so caused his Servants to throw the tenth Fish into the Sea again. All this while he had nothing in

him for Religion; But when hereupon he was summoned to answer for Heresie, it troubled him exceedingly, and then he began to fre∣quent the company of such as were godly, and here appeared a Wonderful change in him; so that, whereas before he despised the Scriptures, now all his delight was in hearing them read to him; and he became a vehement Exhorter of all men to peace and concord, and contempt of the World; he much frequented the company of the Laird of Dun Ariskin, whom God in these dayes had marvelously illuminated, and hearing that Text read (for he could not read him∣self) He that denyeth me before men, or is ashamed of me in the midst of this wicked Generation, I will deny him before my Father and holy Angels; at those words, being suddenly as one revived, he fell upon his Knees, and stedfastly lifting up his Eyes and Hands, at length he burst out into these words, O Lord I have been wicked, and justly mayst thou with∣draw thy Grace from me; But, Lord, for thy Mercies sake, let me never deny thee nor thy Truth, for fear of Death or any Corporal Pain. soon after Norman and he were brought to Judgment to Holy Rood house, the King himself being present, much means was used to draw this David Stratton to make a Recantation; but he persevered in his constan∣cy, still denying that he had offended, and so they were both condem∣ned to the Fire, and after dinner they were both first hanged and then burnt.

Not long after the burning of these two, there was one Thomas Forret a Dean, who used to preach every first day to his Parishoners the Epistles and Gospels, this was counted a great Novelty in those time; for none used to preach but the Fryers, and therefore they envying him, accused him to the Bishop of Dunkelden for an Heretick, and one that re rad the Mysteries of Scriptures to the vulgar People, the Bi∣shop instigated by the complaint of the Fryers called the said Thomas Forret before him, to whom he said, My joy, Dean Thomas, I love you well, and therefore I must give you Council how to govern your self; The Dean thanked him, and then he proceeded, My joy, Dean Thomas, I am informed that you preach the Epistles and Gospels every Sunday to your People, and that you take not your Dues from them, which is very prejudi∣cial to the Church-men, and that therefore my joy, Dean Thomas, I would have you to take your Dues, or else its too much to preach every Sunday; for by so doing you make the People think, that we should do so also.

Thomas answered, My Lord, I presume none of my Parishoners complain for my not taking my Dues, and whereas you say, its too much to preach every Sunday; I think it is too little; and wish that your Lordship would do the like.

Nay, nay, Dean Thomas, said the Bishop, let that be, for we are not ordained to preach; and Dean Thomas, go your wayes, and let all these Fancies be; for if you persist herein, you will repent you, when it is too late.

I trust, said the Dean, my cause is good and just in the presence of God, and therefore I care not what follows thereupon; and so went away, but shortly after he was summoned to appear before the Car∣dinal,

by whom he was condemned and burned for a chief Heretick, and Teacher of Heresie.

But, notwithstanding their bloody Tyranny, the Knowledge of God did Wonderfully encrease in this Country, partly by reading, and partly by brotherly Conference, which in those dangerous dayes were much used, to the Comfort of many, which so enraged the Popish Party, that in the year 1538. there were burned in one Fire four Persons.

The year after Jeremy Russel and Alexander Kenedy were appre∣hended and brought before the Bishop, the said Jeremy being a man of a meek and quiet Nature; Alexander was a young man about eight∣teen years old, Alexander at first was faint, and would fain have re∣canted, but when all place of Repentance was denyed him, the Spirit of God began to refresh him, yea, the inward Comfort began to burst forth as well in his Vissage as in his words, and he cryed in prayer to God, Oh Eternall God, how Wounderful is thy Love and Mercy, who hast made me to feel Heavenly Comfort, which takest, from me that ungodly fear, which before I was oppressed with; now I defie death; do with me what you please; I praise God I am ready. Then did they rail upon him and Jeremy, who also said unto them, This is your hour and power of darkness: Now sit ye as Judges, and we stand wrongfully Accused, and more wrongfully to be Condemned; but the day will come when our Innocency will appear, and ye shall see your own blindness to your Everlasting Confusion: Go forward, & fulfill the measure of your Iniquity. Shortly aft'r th'y were Condem∣ned to die, & as they went to Execution Jeremy comforted Alexander, saying to him, Brother, fear not, greater is he that that is in us, then he that is in the World; the pain that we are to suffer is short, and shall be light, but our Joy and Consolation shall never have end: Let us therefore strive to enter into our Master and Saviours Joy by the same Strait Way which he hath taken before us; Death cannot hurt us, for it is already destroyed by him, for whose Sake we now Suf∣fer. And thus they constantly continued stedfast in the Flaming Fire till they finished their Course by Death.

In the year 1543. George Wiseheart a man of a Courteous, Modest and Temperate Behaviour, fearing God and hating Covetousness, very charitable and moderate in his Apparel and Diet, and for his Innocency was a man well beloved; he was accused on several Ar∣ticles by the Bishops, and afterwards Condemned by them as an He∣retick to be burnt; when he came to the fire he said, Father of Hea∣ven, I commend my Spirit into thy holy Hands; and then turned him to the People, and said these Words, I beseech you Christian Brethren and Sisters, that you be not offended in the Word of God for the affli∣ction and Torments which you see already prepared for me; but I Exhort you, that you Love the Word of God, and suffer patiently, and with a comfortable heart for the Words sake, which is your un∣doubted Salvation and Everlasting Comfort.

Moreover I pray you, shew my Brethren and Sisters, which have heard me oft before, that they cease not, nor l••••ve off the Word of

God which I taught unto them, after the Grace given to me, for any Persecutions or Troubles in this World, which lasts not; and shew unto them, that my Doctrine was no Old Wives Fable, after the Con∣stitution made by men; and if I had taught mens Doctrine, I had gotten great thanks of men, but for the Word and true Gospels sake I suffer this day by men, not sorowfully, but with a glad Heart and Mind; for this cause I was sent, that I should Suffer this Fire for Christs Sake, this grim Fire I fear not, and so I pray you to do, if that any Persecution come unto you for the Word's sake; and fear not them that Kill the Body, and afterwards have no power to Kill the Soul.

Then he prayed for them which accused him, saying, I beseech thee, Father of Heaven, to forgive them that have through Ignor∣ance, or an evil Mind, forged Lyes against me; I forgive them with all my heart, and I beseech Christ to forgive them who have Condemned me to death this day ignorantly. So being first Hanged, he was then burnt, many People bewailing his death.

VVabter Mille, amongst the rest of the Martyrs of Scotland, his Con∣stancy is not to be past over with silence, out of whose Ashes Sprung thousands of his Religion in Scotland; many Articles were drawn up against him, for which he had sentance pronounced against him, that he should be delivered to the Temporal Judge, and punisht as an Heretick, which was to be burnt.

Now when all things were ready for his death, and he conveyed with Armed men to the Fire, Andrew Olifant Judge, that past sentence upon him, bad him Go to the Stake; he said, Nay, except thou pull me up with thy hand, for I am forbidden by the Law of God, to lay hands of my self: then Olifant put him up with his hand, thereupon he went glad∣ly, saying, I will go to the Altar of God, and desired that he might have time to speak to the People, which his Executioner denyed, saying, That he had spoken over-much, and that the Bishops were o••fended that the matter was so long continued, but some young men that stood by de∣sired him to speak what he please; so, after he had prayed, he rose up, and standing upon the Coles, said on this wise.

Dear Friends, the Cause why I suffer this day, is not for any Crime laid to my Charge, but only for the defence of the Faith of Christ Jesus, for which, as the faithful Martyrs have heretofore gladly offered themselves, being assured, after the Death of their Bodies, of Eternal Felicity; so this day I praise God, that he hath called me of his Mercy, among the rest of his Ser∣vants, to seal his Truth with my Life; which as I received it of him, so willingly I offer it to his Glory: Therefore as you will escape the eternal death, be no more seduced by the Lyes of Priests, Monks and Bishops, and the rest of the Sect of Antichrist, but depend only upon Jesus Christ, and his Mercy, that you may be delivered from Condemnation.

All that while there was great Mourning and Lamentation of the multitude, for they perceiving his Patience, Stoutness, Boldness, and Constancy, were not only moved and stirred up, but their hearts also were so inflamed, that he was the last Martyr that died in Scot∣land for Religion; after his prayer he was hoised up on the Stake, and

being in the Fire, he said, Lord have Mercy on me; pray People while there is time, and so be constantly departed.

The Persecutions in the Reign of Edward the sixth.

Henry the Eighth being dead, Edward the sixth succeeded him at the Age of nine years; he was a Youth of a meek nature and dispo∣sition, much inclined to Clemency and Mercy, yea, so much, that when one Joan Butcher being condemned to be burnt for Heresie, all the Council could not move him to set his hand, saying to Cranmer, what, will you send her quick to the Devil in her Error? Doctor Cranmer perswaded him, with much ado at last to put his hand, to whom he said, He would lay all the charge thereof upon Cranmer as before the Lord.

But though this King was of so mild a Nature, and a Person incli∣ning to love Religion from a Child, being very Zealous for a further Reformation in the Church, abolishing the Mass, &c. and a Protector being appointed during his Nonage, which was his uncle the Duke of Somerset, a man also very Zealous for Reformation, and an Encou∣rager of such as profest the Gospel; but in the midst of these meek and gentle times, on the other hand, the P••pish party having a great power in the Kingdom used all the Means and Endeavours to stir up Persecu∣tion, and to hinder that good they found the King and his Uncle in∣clinable to, yet the most of this Kings Reign, which was but short, the Sword was taken out of their hands, so that they had not power to shed much Blood all his Reign; yet some there were that suffered for Religion, viz. Joan of Kent, an English woman, and one George a Dutch∣man, and one Thom••s Dobb, who was apprehended for speaking against the Idolatry of the Mass, and committed to Prison, where he died.

The cause of the Imprisonment of Thomas Dobb was as followeth.

The said Thomas Dobb being a Man fervent and zealous for Religion, and as it is recorded of him, a man so Innocent, that he was like a Dove, without any Gall or Bitterness, and more apt to receive In∣jury then do wrong to any one: It happened, that as he was passing by Pauls in London, seeing the Priest at Mass, being at the Elevation as he passed by, the young man filled with godly Zeal, pitying the Igno∣rance and Idolatry of the People in honouring that so devoutly which the Priest lifted up, was not able to forbear, but opened his Mouth, and turning to the People, exhorted them, testifying against their Ido∣latry, for which cause he was presently apprehended by the Mayor, and being accused by the Bishop of Canterbury, was Committed to the Counter in Bredstreet, where falling sick he soon after died.

In this Kings time there was also one John Hume, a servant to one Lewnax, accused by his Master, of denying the Sacrament of the Altar to be the real Flesh and Blood of Christ: And for saying, That he would never vail his Bonnet to it, if he burnt therefore: And for saying, That

if he heard Mass he should be damned. For these things he was accused of his Master and Mistress, and sent up by them to the Bishop of Can∣terbury, with Letters, desiring that he might be severely punished for the same, but no mention is made of his Execution, and so that may be past by, and return may be to give a short account of the Reformati∣on in this Kings time, and how far it extended.

Injunctions were set out in his time, viz, that Bibles in Eng∣lish should be placed in some convenient place in the Church (so called) that the People might read in them when they pleased, and rather be furthered to read them, then hindred by the Priests or Curates.

And the Priests or Curates should not at any time haunt Taverns or Ale-houses, neither spend their time Idly in unlawful Games, but should give themselves to read and hear the Scriptures read, and every Benificed-Preacher to preach twice a year, and that all Monuments of Idolatry in Churches (so called) and Houses, and Windows should be taken away, and that Homilies should be read every Sunday.

He took away and abrogated all Acts made by former Kings for re∣formation of Hereticks and Lollords, and the Act of the six Articles, and all Acts published prohibiting the speading the Scriptures in English.

He also sent out a Letter to the Arch-Bishop, signed by the Council, to abolish Images, and that the Altars should be taken down, and a Ta∣ble set up instead thereof.

Though this may be acounted but a little Reformation to what is since, yet it so troubled the Popish Adversaries, that they sought all the wayes and means they could to hinder its further proceeding and growth, and would not be satisfied untill they had found out a way to answer their Wicked purposes. And now the old Adversary of all good put it in the Heads of the Popish Party, to charge the Duke of Somerset, the Kings Vncle and Protector of his Person, and the Realm, as that he was the occasion of all the Sedition that had hap∣pened in the Realm, &c.

And though he was in a high state, yet that could not, nor did not preserve him; and indeed it is a vain thing for man to put Trust or Confidence upon the brickle Pillars of Worldly Prosperity, how high soever it seemeth, considering that where vertue is most prefect, it is there most envied by Wicked men, as in the Example of this Duke appears.

This Edward Seymour Duke of Somerset being Protector, had a Brother who was high Admiral of England; these two Brethren, so long as they were knit and joyned together in Love and Concord, preserved themselves, the King and whole Common-Wealth, from the Violen••e and Fear of Danger of all their Adversaries: But the old Subtil Serpent alwayes envying mans felicity, through Slanderous Tongues sought to sow matter, first of discord between them, then of Suspition, and last of all of Extream Hatred, inso∣much that the Protector suffered his Brother, being accused (whether true or false, the Lord knoweth) to be Condemned, and to lose his

Head whereby it came to pass that not long after he himself was over-matched by his Adversaries, and overthrown by them, and being cast into the Tower, at last lost his Head also, to the great Lamentation of many good men, and so the fall of one Brother was the Ruin of the other; for it was not long after the Admiral was beheaded but that Insurrections began in several parts of the Kingdom; but after they were subdued, several of the Lords as∣sembled at Baynard; Castle, and at the Mayor of Londons House, and had great Consultations against the Protector, who was then with the King at Hampton Court, which the King hearing of, sent the Secretary to them with a Message, to which they made no answer, and not long after published a Proclamation in the City against the Protector, charging him with divers Crimes, as that he should be the chief Occasion of all the Sedition that had of late happened in the Kingdom and that he did what in him lay to cause Variance between the King and the Nobles, and desired the City to aid them; the King also sent the Mayor and City a Letter, requiring aid likewise. This made the Mayor and Citizens in a strait, some being for help∣ing the King, and some on the other side, for helping the Lords, and against the Protector; the Recorder prest the Citizens to assist the Lords against the Protector, who, he said, had abused the King and the whole Realm, and prest the Common Council for an Answer, and that they would declare what they would do; but they were silent in the matter until one Ge••rge Stadlow stood up and told them, It is good to consider of things p••st, to avoid dangers in things to come, and then related to them, what inconveniences & damage befel the Citi∣zens in assisting the Barons in their Wars against King Henry the third: In conclusion the Lords hearing what past in the City, assembled in the Star-Chamber next day, & sent a Messenger to the King to VVindsor, who so ordered his matter with the King, that the Protector was apprehended, and shortly after was had to the Tower in London, and there was charged with several Articles, and a terrible Proclamation put out against him, but through the Kings Love and labouring in his behalf, he was shortly after let out of the Tower, and the Proclamation called in again; after which trouble he continu∣ed two years at Liberty, though not restored to his former Office.

But after this respite, he was again apprehended and committed to the Tower, from whence he was in a short time after convey'd through the City, (with the Tower-Ax carried before him,) to VVestminster, and there tryed by the Peers, where in a quiet, patient and Suffer∣ing Spirit, he Modestly Behaved himself, shewing himself an Ex∣ample of Meekness, yea, wisely replying to the Articles, object∣ed against him, and was at last cleared of the Treason laid to his charge, which the People understanding, were greatly rejoyced at; but his Adversaries quickly found out another Snare; for they charged him with Felony, for intending and purposing the death of the Earl of Northumberland, which was by them adjudged Felony according to a Law, wherein it was enacted, That it should be Felony

for any Subject to seek or procure the death of any P••••••y Councillor; and being condemned he was again conveyed to the Tower, and shortly after from thence was had to the place of Execution, where neither his Voice nor countenance changed, but after his usual manner he spake to the people to this effect. Dearly beloved Friends, I am brought hither to suffer death, though I never offended the King neither in Word nor Deed, and have been always as faithful and true to this Realm as any man hath been: And after other words, he said, morecover, Dearly beloved Friends, there is yet somewhat that I must put you in mind of, as touching Christian Religion, which so long as I was in Auth••rity I alwayes dilligently furthered to my power, neither do I repent me of my doings, but rejoyce therein, seeing the state of Christian Religi••n cometh nearer to the order of the Princitive Church, which thing I esteem as a great benefit given of God both unto you and me, most heartily exhorting you all, th••t this which is most purely set forth unto you, you will with the like thankfulness unbrace and accept of, and shew forth the same in your living, which thing if you do not, without doubt greater mischief and Calamity will follow. And af∣ter other Good exhortations to the people he kneeled down, without shewing any token of Trouble or Fear, but like a meek Lamb received the Stroak of Death.

As touching his disposition and Conversation whilst alive, (as it is written of him) it could not be sufficienly commended according to his worth, being a man of so meek and gentle a nature, as is rare to be found in so high an estate; he was alwayes ready to give ear to the com∣plaints of the Poor, and very attentive unto the Affairs of the Com∣mon Wealth; he was a man ignorant of all Craft and Deceit, and as void of Pride and Ambition, as he was from doing injury, being indeed void of both; he was of a gentle Disposition, m••re apt and ready to be deceived, then to deceive; and last of all, he was a man Zealous for the Religion and Truth, so far as it appeared, and was broken forth in that day; and in all likelyhood he had been a good Instrument in the work of Reformation, had not this difference be∣tween the Lords and him happened, which put a period to his dayes, for so long as they agreed, and that there was Concord among them, the two great persecuting Bishops Winchester and Bonner were kept under, and their power was but little, which afterwards upon seeing the great division amongst the Nobles they then again began to have hopes they should have another Day and Time, further to execute their presecuting power, which soon after then had, for the next year af∣ter the death of the Duke of Somerset the King died, and Queen Mary reigned next, and of the bloody work that was made in her Reign a Relation will herein be given in its place.

A Relation of the Lamentable Suffering of William Gardner an English Merchant in Portugal, for his Testimony to the Truth against Popish Idolatry.

William Gardner was born at Bristol of honest Parents, he was natural∣ly given to gravity, of a mean stature of Body, but of a comely and pleasant Countenance, but in no part so excellent as in the inward qualities of the mind which from a Child he had kept without spot of reprehension; being a Prentise with a Merchant in Bristo••, his Master sent him a Voyage into Spain, but by accident the Ship arri∣ved at Lisbon in Portugal; where after he came ashore, he was very strict in keeping himself, lest he should be defiled with the Portugals Superstition, whilst he remained there a great Marriage was to be solemnized between the King of Portugals Son and the King of Spains Daughter, the which amongst other People he going to the Publick place to see, and there beholding the Peoples great Idolatry, the young man was sore pricked and moved in his Conscience against it, but had not an opportunity to bear his Testimony against it at that time, but left the place and went away with a great Burthen upon him, and so it continued upon him insomuch that he sought out secret and solita∣ry Places where he might call upon God with Tears, and ease his mind, bewaling himself for neglecting his duty in testifying against the Impiety and Superstition of that People; concluding in his mind to take another opportunity to clear himself, and to that end he made up his accounts with all men, and then gave himself continually to Prayer and Meditation on the Lord, taking little Meat by Day, or Sleep by Night.

And shortly after he went on a Sunday (so called) to the Publick Place of Worship again where the King was present, and a great As∣sembly of people, getting as near to the high Altar as he could, ha∣ving a Testament in English in his hand, in which he read while the Mass was celebrated by the Cardinal, until the Cardinal took the Host in his hand, and then William being moved with Zeal, and not longer able to forbear, he stept speedily and snarched the Cake out of the Priests hand and trod it under his Feet, and overthrew the Chal∣lice: This made the People all amazed, and to rise in a great Tumult, and one run him into the Shoulder with his Dagger, and immediately they would have killed him, but that the King commanded he should be saved.

After the Tumult Ceased, he was brought before the King, who askt him, What Country man he was, and how he durst be so bold to do such an Action in Contempt to him and the Sacrament of the Church?

William Gardner, told him, He was an English man, and came thither a Merchant, and seeing so great Idolatry in so famous an Assembly, he was not satisfied in his Conscience until he had acted what he had done, further telling the King; there was

not any thought in him of acting any ••••••ing in Contempt to his Presence.

Then he was urged, to discover the persons that instigated him to the Action; He desired there might be no such suspicion conceived of him, saying, He was not moved thereunto by any man, but by his own Conscience, and that he did it as required of God, and for the Peoplé Salvation.

While he was thus examined, he was ready to faint with the wound he received, whereupon Chirurgions were sent for to cure him, if possible, to the end he might be further examined, and receive grea∣ter punishment; for they were fully perswaded some others had stir∣red him to do the Action, and thereupon the English Merchants were apprehended, and his bed-fellow was examined, and cruo••ly tormen∣ted, and kept in Prison two years after, and having ••••••ched William Gardner's Chamber, thinking there to find out ••••me of the Authors of the interprize, but finding none they repa••••ed to him again, urg∣ing him to discover who was the Author or Instigator of him to do the fact, using an unheard of piece of Cruelty 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••••ke him ••••••fess, which was thus, they made fast a threed to a Cl••th B••ll•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••••st it down his Throat, and then pluckt it up again, and so pluckt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and fro for some time, till they were wearyed and seeing they could work nothing that way, they askt him, whether he did repeat of his wicked Deed? he answered, That he thought, that if is were to do again he should do it.

After they had used divers Torments to make him confess, and saw it was to no purpose, they had him to Execution; but first they carryed him into the Vestry, and cut off his Right Hand; then he was had into the Market-place, and there they cut off his Left Hand; then his Arms were bound behind him, and his Feet under the Horses Belley, and so was carryed to the place of Execution, where he was let down by a pulley into the Fire, and then pluckt up, and let down again, all which cruelty he endured with a constant Spirit, saying, O Eternal God, Father of all Mercies, look down upon thy Servant, and with patience he suffered, till at last the Rope burning he fell down into the Fre, and was consumed. This was in the year 1552.

Persecutions in the Reign of Queen Mary, beginning Anno 1553.

After the Death of Edward the fixth, Queen Mary succeeded; and after the was setled in her Throne, a Sinod was assembled for con∣sulting about matters of Religion, and the point, especially of the real Presence in the Sacrament, after a long Disputation, where Rea∣son and Scriptures were not so much weighed as Voices numbred, the Papal side, as having most voices, carried it, and thereupon was that Religion again restored, and the Mass commanded again in all Churches (so called) to be celebrated after the ant•••••• m••••••.

And shortly after, Cardinal Poole, and English man, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fed

to Rome for Succour in the former time,* 3.3 was sent for over again to England by the Queen, who was no sooner come, but the Attaindor upon Record against him, was by Act of Parliament taken off, and he restored; and a few days after, coming to the Parliament, before the Queen, and both Houses assembled; after the Bishop of VVinchester, who was Chancellor, had made a short speech to them, signifying the presence of the Cardinal, and that he was sent from the Pope, as his Legate, for their good and benefit: Then the Cardinal stood up, and made a long Oration to them, thanking them for resto∣ring him, whereby he was made a Member of their Society: Then Exhorting them to return into the Bossom of the Church, for which end he was come, not to Condemn, but to Reconcile; not to compell, but to call and require; and for their first work of Reconcilement, requiring them to repeal and abrogate all such Laws as had former∣ly been made in derogation of the Catholick Religion.

After which Speech, the Parliament going together, drew up a Supplication, which within two dayes after, they presented to the King and Queen, wherein they shewed themselves to be very penitent for their former Errors, and humbly desired them to inter∣ceed for them to the Cardinal and the See Apostolick, that they might be pardoned of all they had done amiss, and be received into the Bossom of the Church, being themselves most ready to abrogate all Laws prejudicial to the See of Rome.

This Supplication being delivered to the Cardinal, he then gave them Absolution in these words, We, (by the Apostolick Authority, given unto us by the most holy Lord Pope Julius the third, Christs Vicegerent on Earth) do absolve, and deliver you, and every of you, with the whole Realm and Dominions thereof from all Heresie and Schism, and from all Judgments, Censures and Pains, for that cause incurred; and also we do restore you again to the unity of our Mother the holy Church. The report hereof coming to Rome, was cause that a solemn Procession was made for Joy of the Conversion of England to the Church of Rome.

And now all Bishops which had been deprived in the time of Edward the sixth, were restored to their Bishopricks, and the new removed, and all that would not turn and forsake their Religion were turned out of their Livings; and Stephen Gardner and Bonner became again to be had in favour, and were restored to their former places, and several old Laws were again revived by Act of Parliament for the tryal of Heresie and Commissions, and Inquisitors were sent abroad into all parts of the Realm; whereupon many were appre∣hended and brought to London, and there Imprisoned, and afterwards most of them burnt to death, or else through cruel usage died in Prison, and were buryed in Dunghils in the Fields, to the Number of near three Hundred Persons, Men and Women, in the short Reign of this Queen.

And now Bonner being re-invested into his Bishoprick, he sends forth Injunctions, that six in every Parish (upon their Oaths) should present before him such as would not conform; and soon after, about threescore Inhabitants of the City of London were apprehen∣ded

and imprisoned, for dispersing and selling certain Books, sent over into England out of Germany, and other Countries.

About this time, the people going a Procession in Smithfield, and the Priest being under the Canopy with the Box,* 3.4 according to the usual Custom, one John Street, a Joyner in Coleman-Street, going by in haste about his business, by chance went under the Canopy by the Priest, at which the Priest was so surprized, and overcome with fear, that he let the Pix fall down; the people being amazed, pre∣sently apprehended the poor man, and committed he was to the Compter; and the Priest accused him to the Council, as if he came to slay him; from the Compter, he was removed to Newgate, where he was cast into the Dungeon, and there chained to a Post, and so miserably used till he lost his Sences, and then they sent him to Bedlam.

* 3.5 These were but in the beginnings of Bonners Cruelty in this Queens time; the next thing he did was, he put out a Mandate to the Curates within his Diocess, requiring them to abrogate and blot out all Scrip∣ture Texts wrot upon the Walls in Churches (so called) in Edward the sixths time; which he said was opening a Window to all Vice; and further, commanded that comely Roods should be again set up in all Churches.

The same Injunction for setting up Roods was published in other Diocesses at this time; for at Cockram in Lancashire, the Parishoners and Wardens had agreed with a Carver to make them a Rood, and to set it up in that they called their Church, at a certain prise, which the Carver did; but the Rood being made of an ugly grim Counte∣nance, they disliked it, and refused to pay the Work-man that made it; whereupon by Warrant he brought them before the Mayor of Lancaster, who was a favourer of the Protestants, and a man against Images; when they came before the Mayor, he askt them, Why they did not pay the man according to their Agreement? they reply∣ed, they did not like the grimness of its Vissage; saying, they had a man formerly with a hansome Face, and they would have had such another now; well, said the Mayor, though you like not the Rood, the Poor-mans Labour has been never the less, and its pity he shold loose; but I tell you what you shall do, pay him the Money you promised him; and if it will not serve you for a God, you may make a Devil of it, at which they laughed, and so de∣parted.

About this time, about thirty Men and Women were taken at a Religious Assembly, in Bow-yard in Cheapside, and were Committed to Prison; their Preacher, one Rose, was had before the Bishop of VVinchester, S. Gardner, and by him Committed to the Tower.

* 3.6 Shortly after, Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer, three Bishops, were sent to the Tower, and from thence Conveyed to Oxford; there to Dispute with Oxford and Cambridge men in points of Religion, but especially of the Eucharist; the Oxford men were Cole, Chadsey, Pye, Harpsfield, Smith, and Weston Prolocutor; the Cambridge men were, Young, Seaton, Watson, Fecknam, Atkinson, and Sedgwick; the

matter was so carried by these twelve men, that it went against the Prisoners; and after the Disputation was ended, the Prisoners were brought again upon the Stage, and demanded, whether they would persist in their Opinion or recant? They affirming they would persist, they were all three adjudged Hereticks, and Con∣demned to the Fire, but their Execution was not till a year or two after.

* 3.7 In the mean time we have an account of John Rogers, who was the first Martyr in this Queens time, who was burnt in London, after a long and fore suffering by Imprisonment. Soon after him was burnt Lawrence Saunders,* 3.8 who was by order kept straitly in Prison, and none suffered to speak with him, not so much as his Wife suffered to visit him; in his Examination the Chancellor threatning him that he should not live many dayes. Saunders said, Welcom shall the Will of God be, either Life or Death, for I have learned to die; but I Exhort you to beware of shedding Innocent blood, Truly it will Cry. As the Officers were leading him away from his Examination, he exhorted the People to Repentance, warn∣ing them to defie Anti-christ, Sin, Death, and the Devil, that they might receive blessing and favour from the Lord; being Condemned, he was carried down to Coventry to be burnt, where he was put into the common Goal, where he slept little, but spent the Night in Prayer, and instructing others, and the next day was burnt; during the time of his Imprisonment, he wrote several good Epistles, to comfort and strengthen such as were under the like Suffering with him: I shall only insert the Substance of one to his Wife, by which may be perceived the seriousness and Zeal that was stirred up in him against his Adversaries, forbidding his Wife to seek any way for his delivery.

Lawrence Saunders his Letter to his Wife.

Grace, Mercy and Peace in Christ our Lord, entirely beloved Wife, even as unto mine own Soul and Body, so do I daily in my Prayer wish unto you, daily remembring you: And I do not doubt, dear Wife, but that both I and you, as we be written in the Book of Life, so we shall together enjoy the same Everlastingly, through the Grace and Mercy of God, our dear Father, in his Son Christ; and for this present life, let•• us wholy appoint our selves to the Will of our God, to glorifie him either by Life or by Death; the Lord make us worthy to Honour him either way, as pleaseth him. I am cheerful, I thank God in Christ, in whom, and through whom I know I shall be able to fight a good fight, and finish a good Course, and then re∣ceive the Crown which is laid up in Store for me, and all the true Souldiers of Christ; wherefore, Wife, let us in the Name of our God, fight to overcome the Flesh, the Devil, and the World; what Weapons are used in this fight, look in the sixth Chap. of the Ephesians; and pray &c. I would that you make no suit for me in any wise; thank you know whom, for her most sweet and comfortable putting

me in remembrance of my Journey, whither I am passing, I have too few such Friends to further me in that Journey, which is in∣deed the greatest friendship; the blessing of God be with you all, Amen.

A Prisoner in the Lord Lawrence Saunders.

* 4.1 Shortly after were burnt for Religion, John Hooper, and one Rowland Taylor, the one at Gloucester, and the other at Hadley: The time of Rowland Taylor's Execution drawing nigh, his Wife and Son coming to see him, and one John H••••••, that had been his Servant; after he had supt, he turned to his Son, saying, Thomas, my dear Son, God Almighty bless thee, see that thou fear God always, and flee from Sin, and wicked living; be vertuous, and apply thy self to thy Book; and in any wise see thou be obedient to thy Mother, love her, serve her, & be ruled by her in thy Youth, and follow her good Coun∣sel in all things: Beware of Lewd Company of Young men that fear not God but follow their lewd lusts; flee from Whoredom, and hate all filthy living; and when thy Mother is old, forsake her not, but provide for her to thy power, and see that she lack nothing; then will God bless thee, and give thee long Life upon Earth, and Prosperity. To his Wife, he said, my dear Wife, continue sted∣fast in the fear and Love of God; keep your self undefiled from Po∣posh Idolatries and Superstitions; I have been unto you a faithful Yoke-fellow, and so have you been to me, for which I doubt not, dear Wife, but God will reward you: Now the time is come that I shall be taken from you; The Lord gave you unto me, and the Lord will take me from you, Blessed be the Name of the Lord; I believe they are blessed which die in the Lord; The Lord is my Light, and my Salva∣tion, whom then shall I fear; God is he that justifieth, who is he that can condemn: In thee O Lord I have trusted, let we never be confounded: On the next day by two of the Clock in the Morning, he was taken out of the Compter by Officers, and had to Chelmsford, and there was he delivered to the Sheriff of Suffolk, who was commanded to see him burnt.

* 4.2 About this time One St. James Hailes, on of the Justices of the Common-Pleas, at an Assizes in Kent, giving charge upon the Sta∣tutes of Henry the Eighth, and Edward the Sixth, in derogation of the primacy of Rome; when he was before the Chancellor in Westminster Hall, being there among other Judges to take his Oath, the Chan∣cellor said:

Chancellor,

I am informed you have Indicted certain Priests in Kent for saying Mass.

Hailes,

I Indicted none, but certain Indictments of that Nature were brought before me at the Assizes in Kent, and I did according to Law therein, and according to Conscience; and if it were to do again I could do no less then I did.

Chancellor,

Your Conscience is known well enough.

Hailes,

You may do well to search your own Conscience; for mine is bet∣ter known to my self then to you.

This and other talk at that time so displeased the Bishop, that not many dayes after this discourse in Westminster Hall, Judge Hailes, was by the Commandment of the Bishop, committed to the Kings Bench, where he remained some time, and then was com∣mitted to the Compter in Bred-Street, and from thence carried to the Fleet; being in the Fleet, some endeavoured to perswade him to Compliance; how far he yielded to those Perswasions and Assaults of the Enemy, it was not known; but shortly after he fell into a great horrour and terrour in his Conscience, and in the anguish of his Spirit stabbed himself with his Pen-Knife, and so thought to end his misery, but through providence he was disappointed of destroying himself at that time: But this Action being noised abroad, as it was occasion of great sorrow and trouble to many that had a great Esteem of him, being reputed so worthy a Judge, and so just a man, so it also opened the Mouth of his Adversary, the Bishop, who openly in the Star-Chamber blasphemed against such as profest the Truth, calling the Doctrine of the Gospel, the Doctrine of Desperation. But it was not long before the Judge was set at Liberty, but he had not been long at home, (but his trouble encreasing upon him) he watch an apportunity, and drowned himself in a shallow Water neer his House.

Now, Stephen Gardner, Bishop of Winchester, having got the Law and outward Sword on his Side, he thought to Rule as he pleased; and having taken off (either by Imprisonment or Death) most of the principal Preachers, of those he counted Sectaries, he concluded the rest would be thereby terrified, and kept under; but his Expecta∣tions herein were frustrated.

For within a few Weeks after the Apprehension and Execution of the aforesaid persons,* 4.3 there were six more raised up to testifie against the Popish Idolatry then established by a Law; their names were William Piggot, a Butcher, Stephen Knight, a Barber, Thomas Tom∣kins, a Weaver, Thomas Hawkes, John Lawrence, and William Hunter; these Persons being brought before B. Gardner, he was so concerned to see his former devices so little effect the end he intended, that he refu∣sed to Act any more against them; but being wholy discouraged, turned them over to Bonner Bishop of London, who Prosecuted all that were brought before him to the utmost of his power, not sparing to act his cruelty, as from time to time he had an opportunity, to the uttermost.

* 4.4 Upon the 8th day of the Moneth called February 1555. The a∣foresaid six persons were brought before B••nner, at the Consistory at Pauls, where nhe next day he past Sentence of Death upon them, shewing himself a rash and cruel Judge, to pass Sentence so sud∣dainly upon so many Innocent mens Lives; but he gave them a little time before they were put to death, which was till the Mo∣neth following.

The most remarkable Passages that I find at their Tryals and Examinations, are briefly related as followeth.

Thomas Tomkins a Weaver, dwelling in Shoreditch, a man accounted by such as were acquainted with him Zealous and Godly,* 4.5 much given to Prayer; during the time of his Imprisonment, which was half a year, the Bishop Bonner beat him sorely about the Face, and pluckt him by the Beard (being long) and caused his Beard to be Shaved off; but though the rage of the Bishop was great, the con∣stancy and patience of the poor man was as great; for he was not mo∣ved at the Bishops cruelty; the Bishop seeing the course he had taken would no wayes prevail, he fell from Beating to Burning; for ha∣ving a great Candle burning in his Hall at Fulham, he took Tomkins by the Fingers ends holding his hand over the flame of the Candle, trying him whether he would Recant, but with patience he bore this cruelty also, until Doctor Harpsfield standing by, moved with pity, told Bonner he had tryed him enough, and then Bonner let his Fingers go.

The last time Thomas Tomkins appeared before Bonner, there were several other Bishops present, one of which earnestly exhorted him to leave off his Opinions; to whom he answered, I was Born and brought up in Ignorance until of late years, and now I know the Truth, I shall continue in the same until Death; which Bonner hearing, thought it time to pass Sentence upon him; and as he had be∣gun to burn his Hand, so sentenced his Body to be burnt, delivering him to the Sheriff of London, who carried him to Newgate, where he remained untill the 16th day of the Moneth called March, and then sealed his Faith in the Flames.

The 26th day of the aforesaid Moneth, followed the Martyr∣dom of another of these six persons, viz. VVilliam Hunter, a Zeal. ous Young man for Religion;* 4.6 who was about the Age of ninteen years when he suffered; he was born of godly Parents, by whom he was not only Instructed in godliness, but also confirmed by them until Death.

William Hunter, being an Apprentize in Coleman-Street in London, with one Thomas Taylor a Silk-weaver; the beginning of his trouble was, for refusing to hear Mass, and to receive their Eucharist, for which the Priest of the Parish threatned to have him before the Bishop; his Master fearing lest he should come to suffer, by reason of Williams not conforming, desired him to depart from him, where∣upon William went home to his Fathers, to Burntwood in Essex, where after he had remained a little time, happening to go into the Chap∣pel of Burntwood, and finding a Bible lying upon a Desk he read therein; while he was reading, one Atwell, a Sumner, coming in, reproved him, saying, Wherefore meddlest thou with the Bible? William answered, I read in it for my comfort; Atwell replyed, It was never a good World since the Bible came abroad in England; William answered, say not so, it liketh me well, and I pray God we may have the Bible amongst us continually.

Atwell,

I perceive you are one of them that mislikes the Queens Laws, and therefore you came from London; but you must turn another Leaf, or else you will Broyl for it, and in a fury went away, saying, he would fetch one that should talk with him, and went to an Ale-house hard by, and fetch out the Viccar of Soutweld, who coming into the Chap∣pel, and hearing William read, said, Sirrah who gave thee leave to read in the Bible? William answered, I read for my Comfort, and shall read while I Live; and told the Viccar, He ought rather to en∣courage, then discourage people in reading the Scriptures.

Viccar,

Doth This become thee to tell me what I have to do, thou Heretick?

William Hunter

said, I am no Heretick.

V••ccar,

What sayst thou to the blessed Sacrament of the Altar? be∣lievest thou in it? and that the bread and wine is transubstantiated in∣to the very Body and Blood of Christ?

William Hunter,

I learn no such thing in the Scriptures, as you speak of; you understand Christs Words much like the Carnal Cappern••tes, who thought that Christ would have given them his Flesh to feed upon, which opinion Christ corrected, when he said, The Words which I speak unto you are Spirit and Life.

Viccar,

I have found you out now; I see thou art an Heretick in∣deed, and that thou doest not believe in the Sacerament of the Altar.

William Hunter,

whereas you doubt my belief, I would it were tryed, whether you or I would stand fastest in our Faith.

Viccar,

Thou Heretick, wouldst thou have it so tryed?

William Hunter,

In that way which you call Heresie, do I serve the Lord my God; I would you and I were even now tyed fast to a Stake, to prove which of us would stand firmest in our Faith.

Viccar,

It shall not be so tryed.

No, quoth William, I think so, for if it might, I know who would soonest Recant; I durst set my Foot against yours, even to the death.

That we shall see, quoth the Viccar, and so departed, threatning William to complain of him; Shortly after, according to his words, he instigated one Justice Brown against William, who shortly after sent for a Constable, and for William's Father to come before him; Wil∣liam being gone from home, the Justice threatned his Father, He would make him tell where he was, or else he would send him to Pri∣son; the Old man said, Would you have me seek my Son to be burn∣ed? If thou bring him to me, saith the Justice, I will deal well enough for that matter, and with flatterings and threatnings perswaded him to seek his Son out.

When the old man had found his Son he told him what the Justice said; William told his Father, I will go home with you, and save you harmless, what ever comes on it; as soon as he came home, he was apprehended by the Constable, and put in the Stocks, and the next day was had before the Justice.

Justice Brown,

Ah Sirrah, are you come; I hear say you are a Scripture-man?

What say you to these words, where Christ saith the Bread is his Body?

William Hunter,

the Scripture saith, that Christ took Bread; but not that he changed it into another Substance, but gave that which he took, and brake that which he gave, which was Bread, as is evident by the Text, else he should have had two Bodeis.

At which the Justice began to be angry, and called him Naughty Boy, saying, Doth not Christ call the Bread his Body plainly, and thou wilt not believe that the Bread is his Body after Consecration, thou goest about to make Christ a Lyar.

William Hunter,

We ought earnestly to search what the mind of Christ is in that holy Institution, wherein he commendeth unto us the remembrance of his Death, Passion, Resurrection and coming again, saying, This do in remembrance of me; And though Christ calls the Bread his Body, so he did also say, that he is a Vine, a Door, &c. Yet is not his Body turned into Bread, no more then he is turned into a Door or Vine; wherefore Christ called the Bread his Body by a figure.

* 4.7 At these words, the Justice was enraged, calling him Villain, and the next day sent him and a Letter by an Officer to Bonner, Bishop of London; When he came before the Bishop, at first the Bishop began to flatter him, telling him, he should have no harm for any thing he had done or said, if he would be ruled by him; saying further, It may be thou mayest be ashamed to bear a Fagot, a Recant openly of what thou hast said; but if thou wilt Recant thy sayings, I pro∣mise thee, what thou speakst between me and thee shall go no fur∣ther, and thou shall go home again without any hurt, so that thou wilt go to Church and continue a good Catholick.

W. Hunter,

I will not do so for all the World.

Then said the Bishop, If you will not do so, I will make you sure enough, I warrant you.

William,

You can do no more then God will permit you.

Bishop,

Wilt thou not Recant indeed, by no means?

William,

No, never while I live.

Then the Bishop commanded his Men to put him in the Stocks, in his Gate-house, where he sate two dayes and two nights, only with a Crust of brown Bread, and a Cup of Water; at the two dayes end, the Bishop came to him, and finding the Cup of Water, and crust of Bread still by him upon the Stocks, he said to his men, take him out of the Stocks, and let him Breakfast with you; whereupon they took him forth of the Stocks, but would not suffer him to eat with them, but called him Heretick.

He told them, He was as unwilling to be in their company as they were to be in his.

After Breakfast, the Bishop sent for him, and askt, whether he would Recant?

He answered, No, he would never Recant that which he had confest before men, concerning his Faith in Christ.

Then the Bishop sent him to Prison, and commanded the Keeper

to lay Irons upon him, as many as he could bear, and askt William how old he was?

He told him, he was nineteen years Old.

Well, said the Bishop, you will be burnt ere you are twenty year old, if you do not Recant.

William

answered, God strengthen me in his Truth, and so he parted from the Bishop. He continued in Prison three quarters of a year, in which time, he had been before the Bishop five times, besides the time when he and five more were Condemned in the Consistory in Pau••s, which was on the ninth day of the Month, called February, be∣fore the Se••••ence was past; the Bishop askt him, if he would Recant; but finding ••un to stand firm in his Faith, said, I have alwayes found thee at this Point; I see no hope of reclaiming thee to the Catholick Faith, but thou wilt continue a corrupt Member: And then pro∣nounced Sentence upon him, how that he should go from that place to Newgate, for a time, and from thence to Burntwood, Where, said he, Thou shalt be Burnt.

After he had Condemned the rest, he called for William again, and would have perswaded him to Recant; saying, if thou wilt Recant, I will make thee a Free-man of the City; and I will give thee forty Pounds to set up thy Trade with, or I will make thee Steward of my House.

William

Replyed, I thank you for your great Offers, if you can∣not perfwade my Conscience with Scriptures, I cannot find in my Heart to turn from God for the love of the World; for I count all things worldly but loss and Dung in respect of the Love of Christ.

Then said the Bishop, If thou diest in this mind, thou art damn∣ed forever.

William

answered. God Judgeth righteously, and justifieth them whom man condemneth unjustly.

Then the Bishop departed, and William and the rest were sent to Newgate, where they remained about a Month, and then William was carried down to Burntwood, where his Father and Mother com∣ing to him, hartily desired of the Lord, that he might continue to the end in that good way in which he had begun, counting them∣selves happy, that they had a Child that could lose his Life for Christ's sake.

Many people resorted to the Inn to see him, whom he exhort∣ed to leave the Abomination of Popisn Superstition and Idolatry. At his Execution he desired the people to pray for him.

Justice Brown,

that first apprehended him, standing by, said I will pray no more for thee, then I would for a Dog.

William

answered, Now you have what you sought for, I pray God it be not laid to your charge at the last day, I forgive you.

Brown

said, I ask no forgiveness of thee.

William,

If God forgive you not, I shall require my Blood at your Hands.

The Fire being kindled, William said, I am not afraid; and lifting

up his Hands, said, Lord receive my Spirit, and so sealed his Testimony with his Blood to the praise of God.

Justice Brown,

commanded an Officer to take Robert Hunter, William's Brother, and put him in the Stocks, until he came back from the burning of Higbed, at Hornden on the Hill; on the same day, after he was taken out of the Stocks, and brought before the Justice, he askt him, If he would do as his Brother had done? Robert Hunter, answered, If I do as my Brother hath done, I shall have as he hath had; Thou mayest be sure of that, said the Justice. But after some further Examination, he bid him go home.

* 4.8 The next that suffured, were Higbed and Canston, both of Essex, two men so fervent for Religion, that in these blind and Idolatries times, could not lie long hid in obscurity, but were constrained to bear their Testimony, though it were by Death.

Bonnet perceiving these men were men of repute in their Country and such as were called Gentlemen, was so much the more concerned to bring them off their Profession, that he went down to Colchester him∣self, to seek to reclaim them; sometimes using fair Promises and flattering Enticements; other times threatning them, with high words to terrifie them; in fine, seeing them both constant and un∣moveable in their Zeal for their Religion, he caused them, and some others at the same time and for the same cause apprehended in that Country, to be brought up to London Prisoners, where they were committed close Prisoners, where they were first privately examined, and urged by all means to forsake their Opinions by the Bishop and his Chaplain: But when the Bishop saw that way would work no alteration, he caused them to be brought to open Examination at the Consistory at Pauls, the seventeenth day of the Mouth called February, 1555. where being further pressed to Recant of the Errors they said they held, and to return to the unity of the Church, which they still refused; whereupon, a great List of Articles were delivered them, and their Answers thereunto the next day required of them.

At the second time of their publick appearance and tryal their Answers were read, and Canston being first called, was exhorted a∣gain to be conformable to the unity of the Church, into which (they said) they were ready to receive him; He replyed, you lay Snares and Gins to catch us, but mark, what measure you meet shall be mea∣sured to you again.

Then Higbed was called, to whom the like perswasions were used; but to as little purpose as the other; for he told them, he had been sixteen years in that mind he was then in, and should not alter now.

At their last appearance before them, the Prisoners declared (cal∣ling God to record) that their persisting in that stedfastness, was not in wilfulness, as some might judge, but for Conscience sake; for, said they, we sought the Lord, that we might do nothing contrary to his bles∣sed

Word, and in that he hath shewed his Power in our weakness, we cannot but praise him, unto whom we give thanks through Christ Jesus our Lord.

When they had thus spoken, the Bishop began to pronounce the Sentence against Canston; to whom Canston said, it was a rash Judg∣ment without Love and Mercy; Then was sentence also pronounced against Higbed, and both delivered to the Sheriffs, who sent them to Newgate, where they remained fourteen dayes contiunally praising God, not so much concerned at their Afflictions as rejoyced in their Consolations, praying, and earnestly desiring they might per∣severe to the end, to the praise of the Eternal God, and Comfort of the Brethren.

The fourteen dayes being expired, they were by four a Clock in the Morning led from Newgate to Algate, and there delivered to the Sheriff of Essex, who conveyed them to the places where they were Executed, viz. Higbed to Hornden on the hill, and Thomas Canston to Rayly, where they both with great constancy finished their Testimonies in the Fire, greatly rejoycing and giving the glory to God.

The next that suffered were William Pyget, Stephen Knight and John Lawrence,* 4.9 at their Examinations it was demanded of them, to declare their Opinion concerning the Sacrament of the Altar; to which they answered, to this effect; That in the Sacrament of the Altar, under the forms of Bread and Wine, there is not the substance of the Body and Blood of Christ: This Answer being given, the Bishop caused Articles to be read against them, to which they answer∣ed. The second time they were brought before him; he prest them to recant, which they refusing, saying, They should stick to their Faith. Wherefore, the third time being brought before him, he past Sentence upon them, and committed them to the Custody of the Sheriffs of London, who sent them to Newgate; where they re∣mained in much Joy and comfort, and at last were had down to Essex, and there burnt. When Stephen Knight came to the Stake, which was at Maulden, he kneeled down and prayed; some Sentances of which Prayer are as followeth.

O Lord Jesus Christ, for whose Love I leave willingly this Life, and desire rather the bitter Death of the Cross, with the loss of all Earthly things, then to abide the Blasphemy of thy most holy Name, or to obey men in breaking thy holy Commandment; Thou seest, O Lord, that where I might live in Wordly Wealth, to Worship a false God, and honour thine Enemy, I choose rather the Torment of the Body, and the loss of this Life, and have count∣ed all things but Vile, Dust and Dung that I might Win thee; which Death is Dearer unto me then thousand of Gold and Silver; such Love, O Lord, hast thou laid up in my Breast, that I Hun∣ger for thee, as the Deer that is Wounded desireth the Soil; send thy holy Comforter, O Lord, to Aid, Comfort, and Strengthen this Weak piece of Earth, which is empty of all strength of it self;

Thou rememberst, O Lord, that I am ••ut 〈◊〉〈◊〉, therefore as thou of thy Love hast bidden me to this Banquet, and accounted me worthy to drink of thine own Cup amongst thine Elect, even so give me strength, O Lord, that so through me strength of thy holy Spirit, I may pass through the rage of this fire, into thy Bossom, according to thy Promise, and for this Mortal receive an Immor∣tall, and for this Corruptible put on Incorruption; accept this burnt Sacrifice and Offering, O Lord, not for the Sacrifice, but for thy Sons sake, for whose Testimony I offer this Free-will-Offering with my Soul; into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my Spirit, Amen.

The next day John Lawrence was brought to Colchester, and being not able to go, his Legs being so worn in Prison with heavy Irons, and his Body weak, he was carried in a Chair to the Fire and burnt sitting.

After these, suffered two persons in Wales, viz. Robert Farrar, in Carmarthen,* 4.10 who was a Bishop of a place called St. Davids, and one Rawlins white, a Fisher-man, burnt at Cardiff: This Rawlins, for the love that was in him to the Truth, and delight he took in hearing the Scriptures read, trained up his Son at School on purpose to read to him, because he could not read himself; and by often hearing the Scriptures read, having a good Memory, he so retained them, that he at last became an Instructor and Teacher to People, and travelled from place to place, with his little Boy with him, visiting such where he saw any hopes of receiving the Truth; ha∣ving thus continued for five years, in Edward the sixths time he be∣came a noted Preacher, until by the Bishop of Landaff he was com∣mitted Prisoner to Chepstow, and from thence was removed to Cardiff Castle, where he continued a Prisoner a whole year, which tended to the ruin of his poor Wife and Children in this World; yet he, as a man unconcerned at the loss of the World, continued exhor∣ting and speaking to such as came to visit him, declaring the Way of Salvation to them, according to the best of his understanding, ad∣monishing them to beware of false Prophets, that come to them in Sheeps Cloathing. At his Examination, the Bishop speak to him to this effect, that they had taken pains to reduce him from his O∣pinions, but seeing he continued still obstinate and willful, he must condemn him as an Heretick; but, said the Bishop to the People, before we proceed any further, let us pray that God may turn his heart; after Prayer, the Bishop askt him, how it was with him? and whether he would recant? He answered, Rawlins you left me, and Ralwins you shall find me: Thereupon he was carried again to Cardiff, and ordered to be put in the Town Prison, a very dark loathsom bad Prison, where he continued about three week, before he suffered, in which time the Enmity of his Persecutors was such, that they would have burnt him before the Writ de hareticis Comburendis came from London, had not the Recorder of the Town stopt them, tel∣ing them if they should so do they were liable to be called in question; when the Writ came, as they had him to Execution, his Wife and

Children met him by the way,* 4.11 with great Weeping and Lamen¦tation, at the Suddain sight whereof, his heart was so pierced, that the tears trickled down his Face; yet on he went cheerfully to the Stake, and being fastned thereto with a Chain, and the Fire kin∣dled, he give up his life, crying, O Lord, receive my Soul; O Lord, receive my Spirit.

About this time the Pope knowing how things stood in England in reference to Religion, and how the Power of the Sword was turned against such as had been the chief Instruments in reforming Religion, he thought it was now a good time to stir, to redeem and cause to be restored to the Church such Rites as not long before had been taken from her; for Queen Mary signifying to the Council, that in her Conscience she was not satisfied until she had restored Abbey Lands to the former Proprietors: The Council objected against it upon this account, for that it brought in such an incom to the Crown, without which possessions, they said, it could not well be furni∣shed, nor maintained; she answered, the Salvation of her Soul was more to her then ten Kingdoms (a zealous Expression, and could not have been discommended, had it been spoken in a good cause) The Pope hearing this, sends over a Bull, with all speed, with full Authority to Command the Restitution of Abbey Lands, thun∣dring out Excommunication against all such as should detain them; but many of the chief, both of the Clergy, and others being against the alteration of those Laws that had given them to the Crown, considering the profit they brought in, over-ballanced that good will and affection they had to observe the Popes Directions and Command, which no doubt they were ready enough to incline to, had it not been in a matter wherein the Revenues of the Crown would have been so lessned, if the Bull had been prosecured; and therefore it was let fall without taking so much notice of it as to see it performed: but to return to shew the next that suffered.

The Sufferings and Examination of George Marsh Martyr, at West∣chester the 24th day of the Moneth called April 1555.

The said George Marsh was born in the Parish of Deane,* 4.12 in the County of Lancaster, about the Age of twenty five years, he Married, and took a Farm towards the Maintenance of himself and Family; for favouring the Protestant Religion, and Preaching a∣gainst the Anti-Christian Doctrine of the Papists; he was at length apprehended and committed to Prison: The beginning of his trouble was thus; there was strict search made for him in Boulton, with intentions, if he had been apprehended to have him before the Earl of Derly, there to be examined concerning his Religion; divers of his Friends and Relations hearing of it, advised him to escape their hands, laying before him the danger that might ensue if he did not, which caused him to consult with himself, and to be full of trouble, not knowing what course he had best to take; but soon after a Friend writ to him, counselling him, that he should not flee,

but abide, and boldly confess the Faith of Jesus Christ, at which words he was so confirmed and established in his Conscience, that from thenceforth he consulted no more, but was resolved to appear before those that sought after him, and patiently to bear such Cross as it should please God to lay upon him; upon which Conclusion be found great peace and quietness in his Conscience. And appear∣ing before one Barton that had sought for him, Barton shewed him a Letter from the Earl of Darby, wherein he was Commanded to send the said George Marsh and others to Latham; when he came to Latham he was brought before the Earl of Darby, who after he had ask his name, enquired further of him, whether he was not one that sowed evil seed and diffention among the People, which thing he denied, desiring to know who were his Accusers; and after many more Questions askt him, in Conclusion they committed him to Ward, in a cold windy Stone House, where was little room, where he lay two nights without any bed, saving a few great Canvas Tent Cloths; and after two nights he had a pair of Sheets allowed him, but no Woolen clothes, and there was kept without any being suffered to come at him, only twice a day the Keeper when he brought him Victualls; shortly after he was brought before the Earl again, who examined him of the Sacrament, at his Answers the Earl seemed to be somewhat pleased, and hoped he would be conformable, and commanded that he should have a bed, and fire, and liberty to go amongst his Servants; when he departed he was much troubled in his Spirit, for fear lest he had given advantage to his Adversaries, in not confessing Christ so boldly as he ought to have done, and was much grieved, but considering his condition, he cryed earnestly unto the Lord, saying, Strengthen me with thy holy Spirit, with boldness to confess thee, and deliver me from their enticing words, that I may not be spoiled through their Phylosoply and vain deceit: A day or two after, he was sent for before two Priests, who began to discourse with him concerning the Mass, asking him, what part of the Mass offended him? he answered, the whole Mass did offend him; upon which discourse, and other matters that past between them, Ar∣ticles were drawn up against him, and they exhorted him to recant his Opinions; he told them he could not change nor alter, and de∣sired them to speak to the Earl, that during his Imprisonment, his Friends might be suffered to relieve him with necessaries, they still presisted to advise him to forsake his Opinions, not regarding any Worldly shame; he answered, what he did was not for avoiding Worldly shame, nor yet for any vain praise of the World, but in the re∣verent fear of God; they told him, it was pity such a well-favoured Young man should so foolishly cast away himself; he answered them to this effect; My Wife, Children and other delights of this World, are as Sweet to me, as another mans may be to him, and I am as unwilling to lose them, as another would, if I might enjoy them with a good Conscience, but my trust is, said he, that God will strengthen me to lose them all for his sake; for I do not say or do any thing either out of Stubbornness, will∣fullness, vain Glory, or any other Worldly purpose, but with a good Con∣science

in the fear of God; and farther said, I commit my cause unto God, who hath numbered the hairs of my head, and appointed the dayes of my life, who is a Righteous Judge, and will make inquisition for my blood.

From Latham he was carried to Lancaster Castle, where he was threa∣tened for preaching to the people out of the Prison; shortly after he was carried to Lancaster, the Bishop of Chester came thither, and sent for the Goaler, and rebuked him for suffering George Marsh to fare so well, and from thence he was removed to Chester, and being brought before the Bishop, he was further examined concerning the Sacra∣ment, and other matters, and Articles drawn up against him; and the last time he was brought before the Bishop, the Bishops Chancel∣ler made a Speech to the people, to this effect;

The Bishop, said he, as a good Shepherd, doth see to his Flock, that no Scabby diseased Sheep infect the other, wherefore his Lordship hath sent for this George Marsh, as a Scabby Sheep, to weed him out, lest he corrupt others;

and then read the Articles against him, and askt him, if he would have mercy; Marsh said, he durst not deny Christ; then the Bishop read the Sentence against him; and committed him to the Northgate Prison, and there was he kept in a dark Dungeon, where none dared to come to him, that had any Friendship towards him for fear of the Bishops threats, so that he was kept very strictly in Prison, until the time that he suffered death, having little comfort or relief from any worldly Creature; sometimes in an Evening, some Citi∣zens (at a hole upon the Wall of the City that looked into the dark Prison) would call to him, and ask him how he did, he would answer them chearfully, that he did well, and thanked God that he of his Mercy had appointed him to be a Witness of his Truth, and to suffer for the same, wherein he did rejoyce, desiring that he might not faint under the Cross, but patiently bare the same to Gods Glory, and the Comfort of his Church; once he had ten pence cast him in at the said hole, and another time two shillings, which did help to supply his necessity; shortly after, he was led to the place of Execution, with a Lock upon his Foot; he began to exhort the people, but one of the Sheriffs would not suffer him to speak, saying, We must have no Sermon now; so with patience he ended his dayes in the Fire.

Whilst he was a Prisoner he wrot several Epistles to his Friends and Relations, and such as had been assistant to him in the time of his Sufferings; the Epistles being large, I shall only insert some of the Principle heads of some of them; which if the Reader pernseth, he will find them to be worth ••oting, considering the time they were wrot in; and first, I shall begin with a letter he wrot to the Faithful Professors at Langton.

An Epistle by George Marsh to his Friends at Langton.

Grace be unto you and Peace be multiplied in the knowledge of Je∣sus Christ our Lord Amen. I thought it meet to write unto my belo∣ved in the Lord at Langton, to stir up your minds, and to call to your remembrance the Words, which have been told you before, and to exhort you (as that Good Man, and full of the holy Ghost, Barnabas did the Antiochians) That with purpose of heart you continually cleave unto the Lord, and that ye stand fast, and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel when Persecution ariseth because of the word; do not fall away like shrinking Children, and forsake the Truth, for after this life the Godly being delivered from their Tribulations and Pains, shall have a most quiet and joyful rest; whereas the Wicked and Ungodly contrary wise shall be tormented for evermore, as Christ by the Parable of the rich Glutton and wretched Lazarus doth plainly declare; these ought we to have before our Eyes alwayes, that in the time of Adversity and Persecution we may stand stedfast in the Lord, and endure even unto the end, that we may be saved; for un∣less we like good Warriors of Christ Jesus, endeavour our selves to please him, who hath chosen us to be his Souldiers, and fight the good sight of Faith even unto the end, we shall not obtain the Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord, that is a righteous Judge, shall give to all them that love his Coming.

Let us therefore receive with meekness the word that is grafted in us, which is able to save our Souls, and ground our selves on the sure Rock Christ; for as the Apostle saith, Other Foundation can no man lay then that which is already laid, which is Jesus Christ, if any man build on this Foundation Gold, Silver, Pretious-Sones, Timber, Nay, Stub∣ble, every mans work shall appear, for the day shall declare it, and it shall be shewed in Fire; and the Fire shall try every mans work what it is; if any mans work which he hath builded upon abide, he shall receive a Re∣ward; if any mans work burn he shall suffer Loss; but he shall be saved him∣self yet as it were through Fire.

By Fire here the Apostle understands Persecution and Trouble, for they which do truely preach and profess the Word of God, which is called the Word of the Cross, shall be railed upon, and abhor∣red, hated, thrust out of the Company, persecuted, and tryed in the Furnace of Adversity, as Gold and Silver are tryed in the Fire.

By Gold, Silver, and pretious Stones, he understandeth them that in the midst of Persecution abode stedfast in the Word: By Timber, Hay, and Stubble are meant such as in the time of Persecution do fall away from the Truth; and when Christ doth purge his Floor, with the Wind of Adversity, these scatter away like Chaff, which shall be burnt with unquenchable Fire.

Wherefore, my beloved, give diligent heed, that ye as living Stones be built upon this sure Rock, and be made a spiritual House, and holy Preistood, to offer up Spiritual Sacrifices acceptable

unto God by Jesus Christ; for we are the true Temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in us, if so be that we continue in the Doctrine of the Gospel; we are also a holy and Royal Priesthood, to offer up spiritual Sacrifices and Oblations.

And thus I commend you, Brethren, unto God, and to the Word of his Grace, which is able to build you further, and to give you an Inheritance amongst all them that are sanctified, beseeching you to help me, and all them that be in bonds for the Gospel sake, with your Prayers to God for us, that we may be delivered from all them that believe not, and from unreasonable and froward Men; and that this our Imprisonment and Affliction may be to the glory and profit of our Christian Brethren in the World, and that Christ may be magnified in our Bodies, whether it be by death or by life, Amen. Salute me to all the faithful Brethren, let them hear my Letters; the Grace of our Lord be with you all, Amen.

George Marsh.

In another Letter dated from Lancaster the thirtieth of August 1555. directed to his Friends at Manchester, he writeth thus.

Confider what I say, the Lord give us understanding in all things; Brethren, the time is short, it remaineth that ye use this World as though you used it not, for the fashions of this World vanisheth away; see that ye Love not the World, neither the things that are in the World, but set your affections upon heavenly things, be meek, and long suffering, serve and edifie one another with the gift that God hath given you; beware of strange Doctrine, lay aside the old con∣versation of greedy Lusts, and walk in a New Life, beware of un∣cleanness, covetousness and foollish talking; rejoyce and be thank∣ful towards God, and submit your selves one to another; cease from sin, be sober and apt to pray, be patient in trouble, love each other, and let the Glory of God and profit of your Neighbour be the only mark you shoot at in all your doings; repent ye of the life that is past, and take better heed to your doings hereafter.

Another Letter to a Friend.

Grace be with you, and Peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God, and Jesus the Lord. After hearty Commendations and Thanks to you for your large token, but much more for your loving Letters full of Consolation to me, as touching my person unknown to you, these shall be to certifie you, that I rejoyce greatly in the Lord when I perceive to see the minds of my Friends stirred up to bear part with me in this my costly imprisonment, sending me things not only ne∣cessary for this persent life, but also comfortable Letters, encouraging & exhorting me to continue grounded and established in the Faith, and not to be moved away from the hope of the Gospel, whereof accor∣ding to my small Tallent I have been a Minister; and daily I call and cry unto the Lord, in whom is all my trust, and without whom I

can do nothing, that he which hath begun a good work in me, would go on with it until the day of Jesus Christ, being surely certified in my Conscience of this, that he will so do, for as much as he hath given me, that not only I should believe on him, but also suffer for his sake. The Lord strengthen me with his holy Spirit, that I may be one of the number of those Blessed, which enduring to the end shall be saved.

And whereas you say that my suffering of Persecution with Christ is a thing to you most comfortable: I answer, that in all my Adver∣sities and Necessities, nothing on your behalf is greater Conso∣lation unto me, then to hear of the Faith and Love of others, and how they have good remembrance of us alwayes, even as the Apostle said by the Thessalonians: Now are we alive, if ye stand stedfast in the Lord; be strong, let your hearts be of good com∣fort, and wait ye still for the Lord, he tarrieth not that will come; look for him therefore, and faint not, and he will never fail you. Yours.

George Marsh.

The next that suffered were John Cordmaker,* 7.1 John warn Upholster of London, John Ardly and John Simson of Wigborrough in Essex husband∣men; against these four persons many Articles were drawn up, for not conforming to the Doctrine of the Popish Church; according to common course of the Consistory Court they were several times cal∣led, and the Articles against them read, which Articles were much alike against them all; and for refusing to recant they were all con∣demned and burat about the Month of May.

The Examinations, Sufferings and Martyrdom of Thomas Hawkes (called a Gentleman) written by himself.

The said Thomas Hawkes,* 7.2 was condemned when Thomkins and the rest with him were condemned, which was in the Month cal∣led February, but his Execution was not till the Month called June fol∣lowing, and now coming in order to that Month it falls in course to relate his Tryals and Sufferings as followeth.

As touching his Education he was born in Essex of an honest stock, and bred up a Courtier, his Person and Stature very comly, and his mind endued with excellent qualities, a man of a gentle behaviour, and of a fervent love to true Religion and godliness; he was also sin∣gularly adorned with valour and courage, whose Example therein was a good president to the rest of his Brethren; and as it is recor∣ded of him, few men stood more notably, or triumphed more glori∣ously then this young man; for he was so wise in the Cause of God, and so godly in his life, and so constant to the death, that he shined as a Star most clear in the Church by his Example. But to the Relati∣on of his Sufferings, his Trouble first began for refusing to sprinkle his Child after the Papistical manner, for which the Earl of Oxford (to whose family the said Thomas Hawkes had not long before been a re∣tainder)

being apprehended and brought before the said Earl, he forth∣with sent him to Bonner to London, with a Letter, signifying his Crime; his Examinations and Answers before the Bishop are very long, and therefore I have thought meet to insert only some of the chief or most principal matters contained therein.

Being brought before the Bishop, the first question he askt him, was; Why he left his Child unchristned so long?

Hawkes,

Because I am bound to do nothing contrary to the Word of God.

Bonner,

Why Baptism is commanded by the word of God.

Hawkes,

His Institution therein I do not deny.

Bonner,

What deny you then?

Hawkes,

I deny things invented and devised by men.

Bonner,

What things are those that so offend you?

Hawkes,

Your Oyle, Spittle, Cream, Candle, and Conjuring Water.

Bonner,

Will you deny that the whole World and your fore-Fathers were contented withall?

Hawkes,

What my Father and all the World have done, I have no∣thing to do with, but what God hath commanded me to do, to that I stand.

Bonner,

The Catholick Church hath taught it.

Hawkes,

What is the Catholick Church?

Bonner,

It is the Faithful Congregation wheresoever it be dispersed throughout the World.

Hawkes,

Who is the head thereof?

Bonner,

Christ is the head thereof.

Hawkes,

Are we taught in Christ, or in the Church now?

Bonner,

In John, Its said, he would send the Comforter which should teach you all things.

Hawkes,

I grant the Comforter was to lead into all Truth; but that was not to teach a New Doctrine.

Bonner,

Ah, Sir, you are a right Scripture man, you will have nothing but the Scripture; there are a great number of your Country men of your Opinion; and askt him, if he knew one Bagget?

He said, Yea.

Whereupon Bagget; by the Bishops order was called; the Bi∣shop telling Hawkes, (in mean time) that he was a proud stubborn man.

It seemeth so to you, said Hawkes, because I do not bow to you.

Then Bagget appearing, the Bishop said, Do you know this man?

Bagget,

Yes.

Bishop,

He refuseth to have his Child Baptized after the custom now used in the Church, what say you to it?

Bagget,

I say nothing thereto; said the Bishop, Ile make you tell me whether it be laudable, and ought not to be used in the Church.

Bagget,

I beseech you parden me, he is old enough, let him answer for himself.

Bonner,

Ah, Sir Knave, are you at that point; go call me the Por∣ter, said the Bishop, Thou shalt sit in the Stocks, and have nothing

but bread and water; I perceive I have kept you to well; have I made thus much of you, and have I you at this point? The Porter being not in the way, the Bishop took him aside, and bid one of his men talk with Thomas Hawkes the while; who enquired of Hawkes, whom he knew in Essex, and who were his Teachers?

Hawkes,

replyed, when I see your Commission Ile make you an∣swer; and then returned the Bishop again, and sitting under a Vine in his Orchard, called for Bagget and Hawkes to him; and to Bagget he said, How say you now to Baptism; Ought it to be used as now it is in the Church?

To which Bagget said, yes, it is good.

Bonner,

I befool your heart could you not have said so before? you have wounded this mans Conscience. Then the Bishop turned to Hawkes, and said, How say you now, Sir, this man is turned, and Con∣verted.

Hawkes,

I build my Faith neither upon this man, nor upon you, but upon Christ only.

Bonner

I perceive you are a stubborn Fellow, I must work ano∣ther way with you to win you.

Hawkes,

Whatsoever you do, I am ready to suffer it; for I am in your hands, and must abide it.

Bonner,

Well; you are so, come on your wayes, you shall go in, and I will use you Christian-like; you shall have meat and drink; but in any wise talk not.

Hawkes,

I purpose to talk nothing but the Truth.

Bonner,

I will have no Hercsie talkt on in my House.

Hawkes,

Why, Is the Truth become Heresie?

Bonner,

If you will have my favour take my counsel.

Hawkes,

then let your Doctors and Servants give me no occasion; for if they do, I will surely utter my Conscience.

After Dinner, some of the Chaplains fell in discourse with Thomas Hawkes, and whilst they were reasoning, in came the Bishop, who said, Did not I give you a charge not to talk?

Hawkes,

answered, Did not I desire your Servants should give me no occasion?

Then went he into his Orchard,* 7.3 and took his Doctors and Hawkes with him: to whom he spoke to this effect.

Bonner.

Will you be content to tarry here, and your Child shall be baptized, and you shall not see it, so that you will agree is it?

Hawkes,

If I would have done so, I need••d not to have come to you, for I had the same counsel given me before.

Bonner,

Do you not think that the Queen and I cannot command it to be done in spite of your Teeth?

Hawkes,

I shall not question what the Queen can do; but my con∣sent you get never the sooner for that.

Bonner,

Well, you are a stubborn young man; I perceive I must work ano∣ther way with you.

Hawkes,

You are in the hands of God, and so am I.

Bonner,

Whatsoever you think, I would not have you speak such words to me; thou art a proper young man, God hath done his part

unto thee, I would be glad to do thee good; thou knowst that I am thy Pastor, and one that shall answer for thee, if I do not Teach thee well.

Hawkes,

That I have said I will stand to it, God willing, there is no way to remove it.

Bonner,

Nay, nay, Hawkes, Thou shalt not be so wilful; remember Christ bid two go into his Vineyard, the one said he would, and went not, the other said he would not, and went.

Hawkes,

The last went.

Bonner,

Do thou likewise, and I will talk Friendly with thee; How sayst thou; It is in the sixth of John, I am the Bread of Life, and the Bread that I will give is my Flesh, &c. Do you believe this?

Hawkes,

I must needs believe the Scripture.

Bonner,

Then I hope you are sound concerning the Sacrament.

Hawkes,

I beseech you put no more to my Conscience then what I am accused of to you.

Bonner,

Well, well, let us go to Evensong, with that Hawkes turned his back to go out of the Chappel.

Bonner,

Why, will you not tarry?

Hawkes,

No, I will not; It will not edifie me.

Then said the Bishop, I pray you tarry, you may pray by your self.

He replyed, I will not Pray in this Place, nor in no such.

Then said one of the Chaplains, let him go, my Lord, and he shall not pertake with us in our prayers.

Hawkes,

I think my self best at ease when I am furtherst from you.

So to prayer they went, and Tho. Hawkes walkt in a Court, between the Hall and the Chappel, till they had done, and then he was cal∣led up into the Bishops Bed-Chamber, where he examined him con∣cerning the Sacrament; saying, you could not have your Conscience ex∣amined any further, then in that you were accused of.

Hawkes,

I thought you would not be both my Accuser and Judge.

And the Bishop speaking further of the Sacrament of the Altar.

Hawkes

said, I do not know it.

Bonner,

Well, we will make you know it, and believe in it too before we have done with you.

Hawkes,

No, you shall never do that.

Bonner;

Yes, a Fagot will make you do it.

Hawkes,

No, no, a point for your Fagot, what God thinketh meet to be done that shall ye do, and more shall ye not do.

Bonner,

How say you to the Mass, Sirrah?

Hawkes,

I say it is Destable, Abominable, and Profitable for no∣thing.

Bonner,

What nothing Profitable in it; what say you to the Epistle and Gospel?

Hawkes,

Its good, if it be used as Christ left it to be used.

Bonner,

Well, I am glad that you somewhat Recant.

Hawkes,

I have not, nor will not Recant.

Bonner,

How say you to Confiteor?

Hawkes,

I say, it is Abominable, Detestable, and Blasphemy against God and his Son Christ, to call upon any, to turst to any, or to pray to any but to Christ Jesus.

The next day he was brought before Bonner, and another old Bi∣shop; to whom Bonner said, This young man hath a Child, and will not have it Christened, and was very angry with Tho. Hawkes, cal∣ling him Fool.

Hawkes

meekly replyed, A Bishop ought to be blameless, sober, dis∣creet, no Chider, nor given to Anger.

Then said the old Bishop that stood by, Alas, young man! you must be taught by the Church, and by your Antients, and do as your fore∣fathers have done before you.

Then said Bonner, No, no, he will have nothing but the Scriptures, and them he understands not; he will have no Ceremonies in the Church; what say you to holy Water?

Hawkes,

I say to it as to the rest, and to all that be of his making that made them.

Bonner,

Why? the Scriptures allow it; and we read that Elisha threw Salt into the Water.

Hawkes,

It's ture, Elisha threw Salt into the water, and the water became sweet and good, which before was Corrupted; when our waters are corrupted, if by throwing in your Salt you can make them sweet and wholsome, we will believe better of your Cere∣monies.

Bonner,

You believe no Doctrine but that which is wrought by Mi∣racles.

Hawkes,

No, these tokens said Christ shall follow them that be∣lieve in me, they shall speak with new Tongues, they shall cast out Devils, and if they drink any deadly Poyson it shall not hurt them.

Bonner,

With what new Tongues do you speak?

Hawkes,

Whereas heretofore I was with my Tongue a foul Blasphemer, a filthy Talker; since I came to the Knowledge of the Truth, I have praised God, and given thanks to him: Is not this a new Tongue?

Bonner,

Did you ever drink any deadly Poyson?

Yes, that I have, for I have drunk of the Pestilent Traditions and Ceremonies of the Bishop of Rome.

Bonner,

Now you shew your self to be a right Heretick; you shall be burnt if you continue in this Opinion.

Hawkes,

Where prove you that Christ or his Apostles did kill any man for his Faith.

Bonner,

Did not Paul Excommunicate?

Hawkes,

Yes; but there is a great difference between Excommuni∣cating and Burning.

Bonner,

Have you not read of the Man and the Woman in the Acts of the A••ostles whom Peter destroyed?

Hawkes,

Yes, I have read of one Annanias and Saphira his wife, who were destroyed for Lying against ••he holy Ghost, which serveth nothing to your purpose.

After some other words the Bishop went to Dinner, and Hawkes to the Porters Lodge.

After Dinner the old Bishop by Bonners advice took Hawkes into his Chamber, and sitting him down in his chair, said to him, I would to God I could do you some good; you are a young man, and I would not wish you to go too far.

Hawkes,

I will bear with nothing that is contrary to the Word of God.

And he looked that the old Bishop should have made him an answer, but he was fallen fast asleep; then Hawkes departed our of the Cham∣ber, and went to the Porter's Lodge again. The next day Fecknam camo and discoursed with him.

Fecknam,

How say you, Christ took bread and brake it, and said, take, cat, this is my body.

Hawkes.

Is every word to be understood as Christ spake it? Christ said, I am a door, a Vine. I am a King away, &c.

Fecknam

Christ spake these words in para••les.

Hawkes,

And why spake he these in P••rables more then when he said, take, eat, this is my Body; for after the same phrase of speech that he said the one, he said the other?

Then Fecknam stood up, and said; Alas, these places serve no∣thing for your purpose; I perceive you build upon them at Ox∣ford.

Hawkes.

I build my Faith upon no man, for if those men, and as many more should recant, and deny that they have said or done, yet will I stand to it, and by this shall you know that I build my Faith up∣on no man.

Bonner,

If any of those recant, what will you say to it?

Hawkes,

When they recant I will make you an answer.

Then Fecknam departed, and Hawkes went to the Porters Lodge again.

The next day Doctor Chadsey, and the Bishop entered discourse with him; he told Chadsey this man is Stubborn and will not Christen his Child, but is against the Ceremonies of the Church.

Bonner,

He thin••eth there is no Church but in England and Ger∣many.

Hawkes,

And you think there is no Church but the Church of Rome.

Chadsey,

What say you to the Church of Rome?

Hawkes,

I say, it is a Church of a Sort of vicious Cardinals, Priests, Monks and Fryars which I will never credit nor believe; after much more discourse, Chadsey at his parting said, it is pity thou shouldst live, or any such as thou art.

Hawkes

answered, In this Case I desire not to live, but rather to die.

The next day Chadsey was to preach in the Bishops Chappel, where

Bonner would have had Thomas Hawkes to have gone in to hear him, but he would not go into the Chappel, but stood at the Door. After Dinner, the Bishop askt him, How he liked the Sermon.

To whom he replyed, as I like all the rest; then said the Bi∣shop, it was made on purpose for you.

Said Howkes, I am sorry he should bestow so much labour upon one that so little regarded it.

The next day, the Bishop called him into his Chamber, and said, you have been with me a great while, and you are never the better, but worse and worse, and therefore I will delay the time no longer, but send you to Newgate.

Hawkes,

You can do me no better pleasure.

Bonner,

Why would you so fain go to Prison?

Hawkes,

Truly I did look for none other when I came to your hands.

Bonner,

Come on your wayes, you shall see what I have written; And then shewed him several Articles he had drawn up against him; whereupon he thought he should have been carried to Prison the next day, and so he had, but that he was kept till Doctor Harpsfield had some discourse with him; who began to perswade him concer∣ning the Sacrament, and the Ceremonies; and after much talk, he said, That the Sacrament of the Altar was the same Body that was born of the Virgin Mary, which did hang upon the Cross.

Hawkes,

He was upon the Cross both alive and dead; which of them was the Sacrament?

Harpsfield, Alive.

Hawkes,

How prove you that.

Harpsfield,

You must believe, he that believeth not is condemned already.

Hawkes, John,

saith, he that believeth not in the Son of God is con∣demned already, he does not say, he that believeth not in the Sacra∣ment is condemned already.

Harpsfield,

There is no talking with you.

Then said Hawkes, Why is the Roodloff set between the Body of the Church and the Chancel?

Harpsfield,

You have askt a question you cannot answer your self.

Hawkes,

Yes, that I can, for this, saith one of your own Do∣ctors, that the Body of the Church doth present the Church Milli∣tant, and the Chancel the Church Triumphant; and so because we cannot go from the Church Millitant to the Church Triumphant, but that me must bare the Cross of Christ, this is the cause of the Roodlof•• being between the Body of the Church and the Chancel.

Harpsfield,

This is well and Clarklike concluded.

Hawkes,

As all the rest of your Doctrines, and so the discourse end∣ed, and Thomas Hawkes returned again to the Porters Lodge.

The next day being the first day of the Mon••th, called July, the Bishop went to the Porters Lodge himself, and called Thomas Hawkes to him; and commanded him to make ready to go to Prison, and writ a Warrant, and sent two men with him to the Gate-house

at Westmenster; in the Warrant he writ to this effect to the Keeper, to keep him safe Prisoner, and let none speak with him; for that (said he) he is a Sacramentary, and one that speaketh against Bap∣tism, a seditious and perilous man; some dayes after his com∣mitment, the Bishop sent two of his men, to see how he did, and whither he was the same man still; to whom he answered, I do like a Prisoner, and am not changed; They said, my Lord would be glad that you should do well: If he will do me any good, said Hawks, let him suffer my Friends to come to me, so they departed, but Hawkes heard no more of the Bishop till the third day of the Mon••th, called September, following: And then Bonner brought a charge against him, and required him to set his hand to it, but he refused, saying, I shall set my hand to nothing of your making or devising: then the Bi∣shop in great anger thrust him on the breast, and said, he would be even with him, and with all such proud Knaves in Essex.

Hawkes,

You shall do no more ther God shall give you leave: And as for your Cursings, and Railings, I care not for them, for I know the Moths an•• Worms shall eat you.

Bishop,

I w•••••• be even with you, when time shall come.

Hawkes,

You have been even with some of us already; you may in your Mallice destroy a man, but when you have done, you cannot do so much as make a finger.

Bonner,

If I do thee any wrong, take the Law of me.

Hawkes,

Soloman saith, Go not to Law with a Judge, for he will judge according to his own honour.

Bonner,

Soloman saith, Give not a Fool an answer; and I count thee a Fool, and so dost thou me, but God forgive thee.

Hawkes,

Thought is free.

Then took Bonner the Bill of Articles, and read it again; when he saw he could not have Hawkes hand to it, he bi•• him take it into his hand, and give it him again.

Hawkes,

What needeth that Ceremony? It shall neither come in∣to my hand nor heart.

After these private Conferences between the Bishop and Thomas Hawkes, the Bishop seeing no hopes to win him to his Wicked Wayes, he was fully bent to proceed openly against him; and to that end caused him to be brought to the publick Consistory; where Bonner brought the Articles (he refused to sign) against him, the Bi∣shop adding four more to them; to the which Hawkes answered publickly; then the Bishop exhorted him to return to the Mother Church; but in a constant resolution he satisfied them he should never recant, so long as he lived; whereupon Bonner past the Sentence of Death upon him and shortly after he was delivered to the Sheriff of Essex, and burnt at a Town called Coxhall.

This following Epistle he wrote to the Congregation.

* 8.1 Grace Mercy and Peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Je∣sus Christ be alwayes with you all (My Dear Brethren and Sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ) for ever; and his holy Spirit conduct and lead you in all your doings, that you may alwayes direct your deeds according to his holy Word, that when he shall appear to re∣ward every man according to their works, you may as Obedient Children, be found Watching, ready to enter into his Everlasting Kingdom, with your Lamps Burning; and when the Bridegroom shall shew himself, ye need not to be ashamed of this life that God hath lent you, which is but transitory, vain, and like unto a vapour, that for a season appeareth, and vani••heth away; so soop passeth away all our terrestial honour, glory and felicity; For all Flesh saith the Prophet, is grass, and all his glory as the Flower of the Field, which for a season sheweth her beauty, and as soon as the Lord bloweth upon it, it withereth away, and departeth. For in this transitory and danger∣ous Wilderness we are as Pilgrims and Strangers, following the foot-steps of Moses, among many unspeakeable dangers, beholding nothing with our outward man, but all vanities and vexation of mind; subject to hunger, cold, nakedness, bonds, sickness, loss, la∣bour, banishment, in danger of that dreadfull Dragon and his sinfull seed, to be devoured, tempted and tormented, who ceaseth not be∣hind every Bush to lay a bait, when we walk awry, to have his pleasure upon us; casting abroad his Apples in all places, times and seasons, to see if Adam will be allured, and enticed to leave the Living God, and his most holy Commandments, whereby he is as∣sured of everlasting life, promising the World at will, to all that will fall down in all Ages, and for a mess of pottage sell and set at nought the Everlasting Kingdom of Heaven; so ••rail is Flesh and Blood; and especially Israel is most ready to walk awry, when he is filled with all manner of Riches, as saith the Prophet.

Therefore I am bold in bonds (as intirely desiring your everlast∣ing health and felicity) to warn you, and most heartily desire you to watch and pray, for our estate is dangerous, and requireth con∣tinual prayer, for on the high Mountains doth not grow most plen∣ty of grass; neither are the highest Trees furthest from danger, but seldom sure, and alwayes shaken of every wind that bloweth; such a deceitfull thing, saith our Saviour, is honour and riches, that without Grace it choketh up the good Seed sown on his Cren∣tures, and blindeth so their seeing, that they go groping at noon-day in darkness; it maketh a man think himself somewhat, that is no∣thing at all; for though for our honour we esteem our selves, and stand in our own light, yet when we shall stand before the Living God, there shall be no respect of persons, for Riches helpeth not in the day of Vengeance, neither can we make the Lord partial for Money, but as ye have ministred unto the Saints, so shall you receive the reward, which I am fully perswaded and assured shall be plenti∣ously

poured forth upon you all; for the great goodness shewed to the Servants of the Living God; and I most heartily beseech almighty God to pour forth a plentious reward upon you, for the same, and that he will assist you with his holy Spirit in all your doings, that ye may grow, as ye have begun, unto such a perfection as may to be Gods honour, your own Salvation, and the strengthning of the weak Members of Christ; for though the World rage and blaspeme the Elect of God, you know that it did so unto Christ, his Apostles, and to all that were in the Primitive Church, and so it shall be unto the Worlds end.

Wherefore believe in the Light, while you have it, lest it be taken away from you; if you shall seem to neglect the great Mercy of God that hath been opened unto you, and your hearts consented unto it that it is the very and only Truth pronounced by Gods only Son Jesus Christ, by the good will of our heavenly Father; therefore, I say, in the bowels of my Lord Jesus Christ, stick fast unto it; let it ne∣ver depart out of your Hearts and Conversations, that you with us, and we with you, at the great day, being one Flock, as we have one Shepherd, may arise to the Life Immortal through Jesus Christ our only Saviour, Amen.

Yours, in him that liveth forever, Thomas Hawkes.

The Sufferings, Examinations and Martyrdom of Thomas Watts.

The said Thomas Watts, of Billery Key, in the County of Essex,* 8.2 Lin∣nen Draper, expecting for his non Conformity to be shortly appre∣hended, he disposed of his Estate for the benefit of his Wife and Chil∣dren; and according to his expectation, not long after he was had be∣fore the Judges at Chelmsford, where one called the Lord R••ch, spake to him to this effect; Watts, You are brought hither, because you will not obey the Queens Laws, and will not go to Church, nor hear Mass, but have your Conventicles in Corners.

Watts,

replyed, If I have offended a Law, I am here subject to the Law.

Then Justice Brown said to him; Watts, who first taught thee this Religion?

Watts,

You taught it me, and none more then you; for in King Edwards Dayes, in open Sessions you spoke against this Religion now used, calling the Mass abominable, exhorting people not to believe in it, but to believe in Christ only.

Then said Justice Brown, what a Knave is this, to b••ly me to my face: Hereupon a letter was writ and signed by the Justices, and Watts sent up to Bonner, as a Non-conformist; what entertainment he received from the Bishop at their private conference no mention is made of it; but about the beginning of the Month called May, he was brought to the publick Consistory, where Articles were objected a∣gainst him for denying the Sacrament of the Altar, and saying the Mass was abominable; being brought the second time into the Consistory;

the Bishop counselled him to Recant; to which he answered, I am weary to live in such Idolatry as you would have me to live in: He was several times afterwards brought before them, and continuing sted∣fast in his Religion, which the Bishop perceiving, fell to his last and strongest Argument, which was to pass Sentence of Death upon him, and delivered him to the Sheriff of London; where he continued till the ninth day of the Month called June, and then was carried to Chelmsford, where his wife and his six Children met him; to whom he said, My Wife and Children, I must now depart from you, therefore henceforth know I you no more, but as the Lord hath given you unto me, so I again give you unto the Lord; charging them to fear and obey him and to beware of the abominations of Popery, and so sealed his Testimo∣ny in the Fire.

After this Watts there were three others suffered in this County of Essex, viz. Thomas Osmond Fuller, William Bamford Weaver, Nicholas Chamberla Weaver, all of Coxhall; one and the same Articles were objected against them all, viz. for denying the Sacrament of the Altar, Auricular Confession, &c. according to the accustomed manner, they were several times brought to the Consistory, where they were some∣times flattered, and sometimes threatened, to see if they would re∣cant, after the common usage of the Ecclesiastical Court, and at last were condemued as Hereticks, and delivered to the Sheriffs, and shortly after were all three burned in Essex.

* 8.3 The next that suffered were John Bradford, and one John Lease, an Apprentize to a Tallow-Chandler; the chief matter for which they suffered was, for denying the real presence in the Sacrament, Auricular Confession, &c.

The said John Lease, after he had been examined by the Bishop, had the Articles of his Confession sent to him to the Courter Prison to sign, after he hard them read, because he could not write, in stead of a Pen he took a pin, and pricking his hand sprinkled the blood upon the paper, and bid the Messenger tell the Bishop, he had sealed them with his blood already.

The Words that John Bradford spoke at the Stake, were to this effect; O England, England, repent thee of thy Sins, repeat thee of thy Sins, beware of Idolatry, beware of false Anti-christs, take heed they do not deceive you, Strait is the Way, and Narrow is the Gate that leadeth to Eternal Salvation, and few there be that find it.

This John Bradford, during the time of his imprisonment, exerci∣sed himself in writing several consolating Letters, not only to particu∣ler persons, but to several Towns and Counties where he had labou∣red, shewing his great Zeal for the encreasing and spreading the most reformed Religion, earnestly exhorting all men, and tenderly com∣forting the heavy hearted, confirming and encouraging all to continue stedfast in the Way he had taught them.

* 8.4 Shortly after were four others burnt at Canterbury, viz. John Bland, John Frankish, Nicholas Shetterden, and Humfrey Middleton, all con∣demned for their denying the real Presence in the Sacrament.

Shetterden, being at first illegally committed, when he was brought

before the Chief Pri••sts, and examined upon certain Articles, he re∣quired 〈◊〉〈◊〉 see their Commission, which they shewed, and read to him, whereby he perceived that upon suspition they might examine upon two A••••ieles, viz. ••hather Christs real Presence were in the Sacrament (so called) and whether the Church of England were Christs Catholick Church.

Whereupon Sh••••terden said, I have been a Prisoner three quarters of ••••••ar, and as I think wrongfully, reas••n would therefore that I should answer to those things wherefore I was first 〈8 letters〉〈8 letters〉ed.

The Sus••••agan said, his Commission was, You m••st ans••er directly, yea, or ••••y.

Sh••tterden,

This Commission was not general to examine whom you woodd b••t upon just s••sp••••ion.

Sus••ragan

said, You are suspected, and presented to me.

Shetterden,

I require the Accusation may be shewed.

Suffr.

I am not bound to shew it.

Shetterden,

For what I have done I ask no favour; but as I am a Subject, I require Justice.

Suffr.

You are suspected.

Shetterden,

Prove vour suspition, or shew the cause of it.

Suffr.

Thou wast cast into Prison for that cause.

Shetterden,

Because I was cast into Prison contrary to the Law of God; must I now to make me amends be examined upon suspition, with u••a cause, to hide all the wrong done to me before?

Then said the Bishop, I my self do suspect thee.

Whereby, said Shetterden?

Suffr.

It is••n•• matter whereby you are suspected.

Shetterden,

It is not meet for you to be my Accuser and my Judge: If I have offended the Law, let me be punished, I ask no favour.

Then said they, You are obstinate, and will not answer.

Shetterden,

Because you greedily seek Blood, I will answer only to what you have against me.

Suffr.

No, we seek not thy Blood, but thy Conversion.

Shetterden,

That we shall s••e, if you first prove that you have a∣gainst me before you condemn me upon suspition.

Sh••r••ly after he was had before the Bishop of Winchester.

Bishop,

I have sent for you, because I hear you are indictedof Heres•••••• and being called before the Commissioners, you will not answer, nor submit your self.

Shetterden,

I did not refuse to answer, but did plainly answer, that I had been in Prison a long time, and I thought it was but reason that I should b•• charged or discharged for that, and not to be exami∣ced upon Articles, to hide my wrong imprisonment; neither did I know any Indictment against me; if there were any, it could not be just; for I was not abroad since this Law was made.

Bishop,

Yet if you be suspected you ought to clear your self.

Shetterden,

I thought it sufficient to answer to my Offences, &c.

Bishop,

If thou wilt declare thy self, thou shalt go, and then thou wayst have a Writ of wrong Imprisonment.

Shetterden,

I am not minded to sue, but require Justice to be done me; and if I have offended the Law, let me be punished; and after some other discourse the Bishop departed.

Middleton

being examined (who was one of the four burnt at this time) concerning his belief in the Sacrament, he said, he believed in his own God, my living God, and no dead God.

After their Examinations they were condemned by the Bishop of Dover the five and twentith day of the Month called June 1555. and were delivered to the secular power, and all burnt in one Fire at Can••erbury.

Nicholas Shetterden,

before his death, prayed to this Effect.

O Lord my God and Saviour, which art Lord in Heaven and Earth, Maker of all things visible and invisible, I am thy Creature, and Work of thy Hands, Lord God look upon me, and other thy People which at this time are oppressed of the Worldly minded for thy Lawes sake; Yea, Lord, thy Law it self is now trodden under foot, and mens Inventions exalted above it, and for that cause do I, and many thy Creatures refuse the Glory Praise and Commodity of this Life, and do choose to suffer adversity, and to be bani∣shed, yea, to be burnt with the Books of thy Word, for the hopes sake that is laid up in store; for, Lord, thou knowest, if we would but seem to please men in things contrary to thy Word, we might by their permission enjoy these Comodities that others do, as Wife, Children, Goods, and Friends, all which I acknowledge to be thy Gifts, given to the end I should serve thee; and now, Lord, that the World will ••ot suffer me to enjoy them, except I offend thy Laws, behold, I give unto thee my whole Sp••rit, Soul and Body, I leave all the pleasures of this life, in hopes of Eternal life, purchased by Christs Blood for all them that are content to suffer with him for the Truth.

In the conclusion of his Prayer he cryed, Lord Jesus receive my Spi∣rit into thy Hands, Amen.

In the same Month, next after the suffering of the aforesaid Ken∣tish men,* 8.5 followed the death and Martyrdom of Nichola•• Hall Brick∣layer, and Christopher Waid of Dartford, both condemned by the Bi∣ship of Rochester, about the last day of the Mouth called June, upon Articles much to the same effect as the Kentish mens were; As that they should hold and maintain, that in the Sacrament of the Al∣tar, under the forms of Bread and Wine, is not the very Body and Blood of Christ; and that the Mass was nought and Abomi∣nable.* 8.6

In the Month called July, three others were condemned by the same Bishop, whose names were Joan Beech widdow, John Harpolt of Roche∣ster, and Margery Polly.* 8.7

The twenty second day of the same Month Derick Carver was burnt at Lewis in the County of Sussex, and the next day John Launder was

burnt at Stenning, in the same County; they were first apprehended by one Edward Gage, as they were at prayer within the dwelling house of the said Derick Carver, and by him sent up to the Council, who after examination, sent them to Newgate, and shortly after were ex∣amined privately by Bonner, who used many fair words to perswade them to recant of their Religion, who when he saw that way would not do, he caused them to be brought to the publick Consistory at Pauls, where the Bishop first beginning with Derick Carver, causing his Articles and Answers to be openly read, asking him, whether he would stand to the same, to whom Derick replyed, he would; for, said he your Doctrine is Poyson and Sorcery, and if Christ were here, you would put him to a worse death then he was put to before: your Ceremonies are beggerly, and your Auriculer Confession is very Poyson.

The Bishop seeing his constancy, and that neither his accustomed flatteries, nor yet his cruel threatnings could once move him to en∣cline to their Idolatry, he pronounced his usual Sentence against him, and also against John Launder, and delivered them both to the She∣riffs, who conveyed them to the aforesaid places in Sussex, wh••re they were both burnt.

When Derick Carver came to the Stake he bore Testimony to the people to this effect, as followeth, Dear Brethren and S••sters, Witness to you all, that I am come to Seal with my Blood Chr••sts Gospe••, because I know that it is true, and because I will not deny here Gods Gospel, and be obedient to mans Laws, I am condemned to die; and he said further, O Lord my God, thou hast written, he that will not fors••ke wife. Children, House, and all that ever he hath, and take up the Cross and follow thee, is not worthy of thee; but thou, Lord, knowest that I have forsaken all to come unto thee; Lord have Mercy upon me, for unto thee I command my Spi∣rit, and my Soul doth rejoyce in thee.

At Chichester about the same Moneth was burnt one Thomas Jveson of Godsto••e in the County of Surrey Carpenter;* 8.8 his Examination and Ar∣ticles were much like Derick Carver and John Launder's; when the Bi∣shop prest him to recant, he said, he would not recant for all the goods in London; I do apeal, said he, to Gods mercy, and will be none of your Church, nor submit my self to the same, and what I have said I will say again, and if there came an Angel from Heaven to teach me any other Doctrine then that which I am now in, I would not believe him, for which answer he was condemned as an Heretick, and shortly after was burnt at Chichester as before is mentioned.

James Abbies, a Young man,* 8.9 which through compassion (of the Tyranny then used) travelled from place to place to avoid the peril of the times, but at last happened to be apprehended, and to be brought before the Bishop of Norwich, who examining of him con∣cerning his Religion, and very strictly charging him, sometimes with threats, and other whiles with flatteries, perswading him at last, the Young man did yield to their perswasions, although against his Conscience; then the Bishop dismist him, giving him a small piece of Money; he was no sooner gone from the Bishop, but his Con∣science

began to work, and inwardly to be Accused, how that he had displeased the Lord, by consenting to their delusions; whereupon he immediately went back to the Bishop, and threw him his Money a∣gain, saying, I repent that ever I consented to your wicked perswasions, and received your Money: Upon this the Bishop, with his Chaplins, fell a labouring to reduce him again, but all was in vain, for he would not yield to them at all, but with constancy suffered death for his Religion, being burnt in Bury the second day of the Moneth called August 1555.

The next that suffered were John Denly, John Newman and Pa∣trick Packington,* 8.10 the manner of their apprehending was as follow∣eth.

One Edmund Terril a Justice in Essex having been at the Execu∣tion of certain Martyrs, met with John Denly and John Newman (both of Maidstone in Kent, travelling upon the way, and going to ••i∣sit their Friends; upon sight of them, the said Terrill suspected them to be religious persons, and caused them to be apprehended, and searched, and at last sent them up to London to the Queens Commissi∣oners, who shortly after sent them to Bishop Ben••er, who, accord∣ing to his accustomed manner, would have perswaded them to recant; to whom, Denly said, God keep me in the mind that I am in, and from your Counsel; for that you count Heresie I take to be the Truth: Shortly after they were brought to the open Consistory, where Articles were drawn up against them, but their unmovea∣ble constancy appearing, they were soon condemned for Here∣ticks, and delivered to the Sheriffs of London, to see them Exe∣cuted.

The Chief heads of the Examination of John Newman, be∣fore Doctor Tornton and others, are as followeth.

How say you to this, This is my Body which is given for you.

Newman,

It is a figurative speech, one thing spoken, and another meant, as Christ saith, I am a Vine, I am a Door, I am a Stone; Is he therefore a material Stone, a Vine, and a Door?

Docter,

This is no figurative speech, for he saith, This is my Body which is given for you, and so saith, he not of the Stone, Vine, or Door; but that is a figurative speech.

Newman,

Christ saith, this Cup is the New-Testament in my Blood, if ye will have it so meant, then let them take and eat the Cup.

Doctor,

Nay, that is not so meant; for it is a common Phrase of speech among our selves, we say to our Friend, drink a Cup of drink, and yet we account he should drink the drink in the Cup.

Newman,

Why, if you will have the one sound erstood, you must so understand the other.

Thornton,

Well, how say you, is the Body of Christ really in the Sacra∣ment or no?

Newman,

No, I believe it not.

Thornton,

Well, will you stand to it?

Newman,

I must needs stand to it, till I be perswaded by a fur∣ther truth.

Many other Questions Thornton asked, which for brevity sake are omitted, being not very material to be inserted.

* 8.11 About this time there suffered death for the same Cause seven per∣sons, viz. one Richard Hooke, burnt at Chichester in Sussex, and the other six were all burnt at Canterbury, viz. William Coker, William Hopper, Henry Lawrence, Richard Colliar, Richard Wright, and William Steer; the last six were persecuted by the aforesaid Thornton Bishop of Dover, for denying the real presence in the Sacrament, and Auri∣cular confession, &c. Henry Lawrence being charged, for not putting off his Cap, when Mention was made of the Sacrament by the Suffergan; the said Lawrance told them, It was not so holy that they need put of their Caps to it, calling it an Idol, &c. Richard Wright, another of the Prisoners, being asked what he believed concerning the Sacrament of the Altar, he said, he allowed not of it, nor of the Mass, but was ashamed to speak of them.

At this time the Prisons at London began to be filled with the Ser∣vants of God, many being daily committed, being sent up to the Commissioners from one part of the Nation or another, and now here is an account of Ten persons sent by the Commissioners, to Bon∣ner, at one time, as appears by the following Letter.

A Letter sent by the Commissioners to the Bishop of London.

After our hearty commendations to your good Lordship, we send you here John Wade, William Hale, George King, Thomas Leyes of Thorpe in Essex, Thomas Fust Hosier, Robert Smith Painter, Stephen Harwood Brewer, George Tankerfield Cooke, Elizabeth Warne and Joane Layshford of London Sacramentaries, all which we desire your Lord∣ship to examine, and to order according to the Ecclesiastical Laws, praying your Lordship to appoint some of your Officers to receive them at this Bearers hands, and thus most heartily fare your Lordship well; from London this second of July.

Your Lordships loving Friends, Nicholas Hare, Richard Rede, William Roper, William Cooke.

An Account of the most remarkable Passages at their Exami∣nation and Executions, are as followeth.

* 9.1 Elizabeth Warne of London Widdow, her Husband being not long before her death, burnt for the same cause she was first apprehended at a Meeting in Bow-Lane, where she, with others, were at prayer, and was first carried to the Counter, and from thence to Newgate; be∣ing brought before Bonner, the common Articles usally administred to the Martyrs, and such as had before suffered were objected a∣gainst her: In the end, being brought divers times before him,

and urged to recant, she said, do what you will; for if I am in an Error, Christ was in an Error, upon which answer he condemned her as an Heretick, and she was burnt at Stratford-Bow neer London, about the latter end of the Month called May, 1555.

George Tankerfield of London, Cook, born in the City of York, Aged about twenty seven years,* 9.2 at his first conversion, being some∣thing touched in his understanding; he desired the Lord would open his Truth to him; according to his Request there was wrought in him daily a further detestation of the Mass, and such Idolatrous stuff, so that he did abhor the same, and his mind came more and more to be enlightened, that at length such a Flame was kindled in him, that he began not only to reprove, and declare against his own for∣mer ignorant actions, but exhorted others to repent, and to return to the Truth; but no sooner did this good thing stir in him, but the bad stirred in his Adversaries against him, who sent one to his House to apprehend him; when the Messenger came for him, he was from home, but the Messenger declaring to his Wife a Lye, saying that he was come for her Husband to dress a Banquet for the Lord Paget; the Woman mistrusting no evil in the matter, sought out her Hus∣band, and acquainted him of the business; the poor man, when he heard the Message, said, A Banquet Woman, indeed its such a Banquet as will not be very pleasent to the Flesh, but Gods will be done; and went home with her, where he was soon apprehended, and had to Newgate: shortly after he was brought to Examination before Bonner, where the common Articles concerning the Sacra∣ment, and Auricular Confession, &c. were objected against him, and for refusing to recant, Sentence was past against him, and he was delivered to the Sheriff of Hartford-Shire, and burnt at Albions upon the 26th of the Moneth called August 1555.

The Sufferings and Examination of Robert Smith who Suffered for the Truth in the Month called August 1555.

Robert Smith, was brought to Newgate the fif••h of the Month called November, by John Mathew, yeoman of the G••ard, by order of the Council; this Smith first served in the house of Sir Thomas Smith Knight, being then Provest of Eaton, from thence he was pre∣ferred to Windsor, having there in the Colledge a Clerk n••p of ten pounds a year, of stature he was tall and slender, a••••••e ••••bout many things: In Religion he was fervent; after he had ••••ce ••••••••d the Truth, at the coming of Queen Mary to the Crown he was ••eprived of his Clerkship by her Visitors, and not long after w••s appreheaded and brought to Examination before Bonner, as here followeth, written and testified with his own hand.

The principal heads of the first Examination of Robert Smith before Bishop Bonner, written by himself.

About nine of the Clock in the Morning I was among the rest of my Brethren, brought to the Bishops house, and I first of all was brought before him into his Chamber, to whom the Bishop said as followeth, after he had asked my Name.

Bonner,

How long is it ago since the time that you were confessed to any Priest?

Smith,

Never since I had years of discretion for I never saw it need∣ful, neither commanded of God to come to shew my faults to any of that sinful number, whom ye call Priests.

Bonner,

Thou shewest thy self even at the first chop to be a rank Heretick, which being weary of painting art entred into Divinity, and so fallen through thy departing from thy vocations into Heresie.

Smith,

Although I have understanding in the said Occupation, yet (I praise God) I have had little need all my life hitherto to live by the same, but have lived without the same, in mine own house, as ho∣nestly in my vocation as ye have lived in yours, and yet used the same better then ever you used the Pulpit.

Bonner

How long is it ago since you received the Sacrament of the Altar? and what is your opinion in the same?

Smith,

I never received the same since I had years of discretion, nor never will by Gods Grace, neither do esteem the same in a∣ny point, because it hath not Gods Ordinance, neither in Name, nor in other usage, but rather is set up and erected to mock God withal.

Bonner,

Do you not believe that it is the very Body of Christ, that was born of the Virgin Mary, naturally, substantially, and really after the words of Consecration?

Sm••th,

I shewed you before, it was none of Gods Ordinances, as you use it, then much less to be God, or any part of his Substance, but only bread and wine erected to the use aforesaid; yet neverthe∣less, if ye can prove it to be the Body that ye speak of, by the Word, I ••ill believe it, if not I will, as I do, account it a detestable Idol, not God, but contrary to God and his Truth.

Then after many raging words, and vain Objections, he said, There was no remedy but I must be burned.

Smith,

Ye shall do no more unto me then ye have done to better men then either of us both: but think not thereby to quench the Spirit of God neither thereby to make your matter good; for your sore is too well seen to be healed so privily with Blood, for even the very Children have all your deeds in derision, so that although ye parch up one place with Authority, yet shall it break forth in forty to your shame.

Then after much ado; and many railing sentences, the Bishop said, throwing away the Paper of mine Examination; Well, even

now, by my Troth, even in good earnest, if thou wilt go and be shriven, I will tear this Paper in pieces.

Smith,

To which I answered, it would be too much to his shame to shew it to men of discretion.

After which Answer, I was carried down to the Garden with my Goaler, and there remained until my Brother Harwood was examined, and then being again brought up before the said Bonner, he demand∣ed, if I agreed with Harwood in his Confession, upon this Articles following.

Bonner,

What say you to the Catholick Church; do ye not confess there is one in Earth?

Smith,

Yesverily, I believe that there is one Catholick Church or faithful Congregation, which, as the Apostle saith, is builded upon the Prophets and Apostles, Christ Jesus being the head Corner-Stone, which Church in all her words and works maintaineth the Word, and bringeth the same for her Authority, and without it doth nothing, nor ough•••••• do, of which I am assured, I am by Grace made a Member.

Bonner,

You shall understand, that I am bound, when my Brother offendeth, and will not be reconciled, to bring him before the Congregation; now if your Church be the same, where may a man find it, to bring his Bro∣ther before the same.

Smith,

It is written in the Acts of the Apostles that when the Tyranny of the Bishops was so great against the Church in Jury, they were fain to Congregate in Houses, and private places, as they now do, and yet were they nevertheless the Church of God; and seeing they had their matters redressed, being shut up in a Cor∣ner, may not we do the like now adayes?

Bonner,

Yea, their Church was known full well, for St. Paul writ to the Corinthians to have the man punished and Excomunicated, that had committed evil with his Fathers Wife, whereby we may well perceive it was a known Church, but yours is not known.

Smith,

Then could you not Persecute it as ye do, but as ye say the Church of God at Corinth was manifest both to God and Paul, even so is this Church of God in England, whom ye Persecute both known to God, and also even to the very Wicked, although they know not, nor will not know their Truth nor Conversation; yea, and your sinful number have professed their Truth, and maintained the same a long season.

Bonner,

Well, Thou sayest that the Church of God was only at Corinth when Paul writ unto them, and so will I put in Writing, shall I?

Smith,

I do marvel greatly that you are not ashamed to lay Snares for your Brethren on this manner; this is now the third Snare you have laid for me; first to make me confess that the Church of England is not the Church of Christ: Secondly, to say it is not known: Thirdly, to say the Church of God is not Universal, but Particular, and this is not the office of a Bishop; for if an Innocent had come in your way you would have done your best I see to have intangled him.

Harpsfield,

Well, Friend, quoth one of the Chaplains, you are no In∣nocent, as appeareth.

Smith,

By the Grace of God I am that I am, and this Grace in me I hope is not vain.

Bonner,

Laughing, said, tell me, how sayest thou of the Church?

Smith,

I told you whereupon the true Church is builded, and I affirm in England to be the Congregation of God, and also in Om∣nem Terram, as it is written, their sound is gone forth into all Lands, and that is the afflicted and persecuted Church, which ye cease not to Imprison, Slay and Kill: And in Corinth, was not all the Con∣gregation of God, but a number of those holy and elect People of God? for neither Paul nor Peter were present at Corinth, when they wrote, and yet were they of the Church of God, as many thousands more, which also Communicate in that holy Spirit.

Bonner,

What call you Catholick, and what call you Church?

Smith,

Catholick, is universal; and Church, is a Congregation knit together in unity.

Then after much like vain talk, it was laid to his charge, that his fellow and he spoke one thing; whereof he praised God; and was sent again to the Garden; where after a while, as his Brother Har∣wood and he had been together, came one of the Chaplains that much desired to commune with him, demanding first, if he were a Pri∣soner.

Smith,

I am in this flesh a Prisoner, and subject to my Master and yours; but I hope yet the Lords Free-man through Christ Jesus.

Doctor,

I do much desire to talk with you lovingly, because you are a man that I much lament, with many other sweet words.

To which I answered, sub melle lates venenum; and after much ado about his God, I compelled him to say, that it must needs enter into the Belly, and so fall into the draught, to which he an∣swered.

Doctor,

What deragation was it to Christ when the Jews spit in his Face?

Smith,

If the Jews being his Enemies, did but spit in his Face, and we being his Friends, throw him into the draught; which of us have deserved the greatest Damnation? Then by your Argu∣ments he that doth injury to Christ shall have a most Plenteous Sal∣vation.

Then start he away, and would have his humanity in comprehen∣sible, making a comparison between our Soul, and the Body of Christ, bringing in to serve his turn, which way Christ came in among his disciples the Doors being shut?

Smith,

Although it be said that when he came the doors were shut, yet have I as much to prove that the doors opened at his coming, as ye have to prove he came through the door; for that mighty God that brought the Disciples out of prison, which yet when search came were found shut, was able to let Christ in at the door although it were shut; and yet it maketh not for your purpose, for they saw

him, heard him, and felt him, and so cannot we say ye do; at which answer he made many scoffs, and departed, and we were carried into my Lords Hall, where we were baited of my Lords Band almost all the day, until our Keeper seeing their misorder shut us up in a fair Chamber, while my Lord went into his Sinagogue to condemn M. Dealy and John Newman.

* 9.3 Then brought they up the Lord Mayor to hear our matter above in the Chamber, and I first of all was called into the Chamber, where the Bishop intended to Sup, where the Lord Mayor being set, with the Bishop, and one of the Sheriffs, Wine was walking on every side, I standing before them, as an outcast, which made me remember how Pilate and Herod were made Friends; but no man was sorry for Josephs hurt; but after the Bishop had well drunk, my Articles were sent for, and read, and he demanded whether I said not as was written?

Smith,

That I have said, I have said, and what I have said, I do mean utterly.

Bonner,

Well, my Lord Mayor, your Lordship hath hard somewhat what a stout Heretick this is, and that his Articles have deserved death; yet nevertheless, for as much as they do report me for to seek Blood, and cast me Bloody Bonner; whereas, God knoweth, I never sought any mans blood in all my life, I have stayed him from the Consistory this day, whether I might have brought him justly, and yet here before your Lordship I desire him to turn, and I will with all speed dispatch him out of trouble, and this I profess before your Lordship and all this Audience.

Smith,

Why do you put on this fair visor before the Lord Mayor, to make him believe that ye seek not my Blood to C••o••k your Murthers through my stoutness, as you call it? Have ye n•••• had my Brother Tomkins before you, whose hand, when you had burned most cruelly, ye burn also his body, and not only him, but a great many of the numbers of Christ, men that feared God, and lived Vertuously, and also the Queens true Subjects; and seeing to these Saints you have shewed so little mercy, shall it seem to my Lord, and this Audience, that ye shew me more favour; no no, my Lord, but if you mean as you say, why then examine you me of that I am not bound to answer you unto?

Bonner,

Well, what sayest thou by the Sacrament of the Altar, is it not the very body of Christ, Flesh, Blood and Bone, as it was born of the Virgin?

Smith,

I have answered that it is none of Gods order, neither any Sacrament, but mans own vain invention, and shewed him the Lords institution: But when he was so earnestly before the Au∣dience, declaring that we knew nothing, bringing out his hoc est Cor∣pus meum to lay in my dish; I proved before the Audience, that it was a dead God; declaring the distinction appointed between the two Creatures of Bread and Wine, and that a body without Blood hath no life, at which Harpsfield found himself much offended, and took the Tale out of my Lords mouth, saying,

Harpsfield,

I will prove by the Scriptures that you blaspheme God in

so saying, for it is given in two parts, because there is two thing shewed that is to say, his Body, and his Passion, as saith St. Paul, and therefore is the Bread his Body, and the Wine the representation of his death and blood shed∣ding.

Smith,

You falsify the Word, and rack it to serve your purpose; for the Wine was not only the shewing of his passion, but the Bread also; for our Saviour saith, so oft as you do this, do it in remem∣brance of me; and St. Paul saith, so oft as you eat of this Bread, and Drink of this Cup, you shall shew the Lords death till he comes; and here is as much reverence given to the one, as the other.

Then rose up the Lord Bishop; and the Lord Mayor desired me to save my Soul.

To whom I answered, I hope it was saved through Christ Jesus, desiring him to have pity on his own soul, and remember whose Sword he carried.

At which I was carried into the Garden, and there abode until the rest of my Friends were Examined, and so were we sent away with many foul farewels to Newgate again; the Lord Bishop giving the Keeper a charge to lay me in Limbo.

The Substance of another Examination of Robert Smith, be∣fore the said Bishop.

Upon Saturday, at Eight of the Clock, I was brought to his Cham∣ber again, and there by him examined, as followeth.

Bonner,

Thou Robert Smith sayst, that there is no Catholick Church here on Earth.

Smith,

You have heard me both speak the contrary, and you have written it as a Witness of the same.

Bonner,

Yea, but I must ask thee this question how sayst thou?

Smith,

Must you of necessity begin with a Lye; it maketh mani∣fest that you determine to end with the same; but there shall no Lyars enter the Kingdom of God; nevertheless, if you will be an∣swemed, ask mine Articles that were written yesterday, and they shall tell you, that I have confessed a Church of God, as well in Earth, as in Heaven, and yet all one Church, and one mans Members, even Christ Jesus.

Bonner,

Well, what sayest thou to Auricular confession, is it not neces∣sary to be used in Christs Church; and wilt thou not be shriven of the Priest?

Smith,

It is not needful to be used in Christs Church, as I answer∣ed yesterday; but if it be needful for your Church, it is to pick mens purses, and such pick-purse matters is all the whole rabble of your Ceremonies; for all is but money matters that ye maintain.

Bonner,

How art thou able to prove that Confession is a Pickpurse matter, Art thou not ashamed so to say?

Smith,

I speak by experience, for I have both heard and seen the fruits of the same; for first we see it hath been a bewrayer of Kings

secrets, and the secrets of other mens Consciences, who being deli∣vered, and glad to be discharged of their sins have given to Priest great sums of money to absolve them, and sing Masses for their Souls health; and began to tell him an Example of a Gentleman in Norfolk, who being bound in Conscience, through the perswasion of the Priest gave away a great part of what he had; the which thing when his Brother heard, he went to London, and declaring it to the Council, how that by subtilty the Priest had robbed his Wife and Children, he recovered a great part again, to the value of two or three hundred pounds; as I was relating this, the Bishop saw it savoured not to his purpose, but began to revile me, and said; By the Mass, if the Queens Majesty were of his mind, I should not come to talk before any man, but should be put into a Sack, and a Dog tyed unto the same, and so should be thrown into the Water.

Smith,

To which I answered again, saying, I know you speak by practice, as much as by speculation; for both you, and your predecessors have sought all means possible to Kill Christ secretly, Witness M. Hunn, whom your predecessors caused to be thrust in at the Nose with hot burning needles, and then to be hanged, and said he hanged himself; and also a good Brother of yours, a Bishop of your profession, having in his Prison an Innocent man, whom because he saw he was not able by the Scriptures to be overcome, he made him privily to be Snarled, and his Flesh to be torn, and p••••kt away with a pair of Pinsors, and bringing him before the People said the rats had eaten him: Thus according to your Oath is all your dealing, and hath been, and as you taking upon you the Office do not wit••out Oaths open your Mouths, no more do you without Murther maintain your Traditions

Bonner,

Ah you are a Generation of Lyars there is not one true Word that cometh out of your Mouthes.

Smith,

Yes, my Lord, have said that Jesus Christ is dead for my sins, and risen for my Justification, and this is no Lye.

Bonner,

How sayst thou Smith, to the seven Sacraments, believest thou not that they be Gods order, that is to say the Sacrament of &c.

Smith,

As for the Sacrament of the Altar, and all your Sacra∣ments, they may well serve your Church, but Gods Church hath nothing to do with them; neither have I any thing to do with them, nor you to examine me of them.

Bonner,

Why is Gods order changed in Baptism, in what point do we dif∣fer from the Word of God?

Smith,

First in Hallowing your Water, in Conjuring the same, in Baptizing Children, with Annointing, and Spitting in their Mouths, mingled with Salt, and with many other lewd Cere∣monies of which not one point is able to be proved in Gods order.

Bonner,

By the Mass, this is the most unshamfaced Heretick that ever I heard speak.

Smith,

Well sworn, my Lord, you keep a good Watch.

Bonner,

Well, Mr. Controler, you catch me at my Words, but I well Watch thee as well, I warrent thee.

John Mordant being by, said, By my Troth my Lord, I never heard the like in all my life; but I pray you, my Lord, mark well his answer for Baptism, he disalloweth therein holy Oyntment, Salt, and such other laudable Ceremonies, which no Christian man will deny.

Smith,

That is a shameful Blasphemy against Christ, so to use any mingle-mangle in your Baptism.

Bonner,

I believe, I tell thee, that if they die before they are Baptized they are damned.

Smith,

You shall never be saved by that belief; but I pray you, my Lord, shew me, are we saved by Water or by Christ?

Bonner,

By both.

Smith,

Then the Water died for our Sins, and so must you say, that the Water hath life, and it being our Servant, and created for us is our Saviour?

Bonner,

Why, how understandest thou these Scriptures, except a man be born of Water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God? And again, suffer, saith our Saviour, these Children to come unto me, if thou wilt not suffer them to be Baptized, after the laudable order, thou lettest them to come unto Christ.

Smith,

Where you alleadge, except a man be born, &c. And will thereby prove the Water to save. The Apostle asked the Cala∣thians, whether they received the Spirit by the deeds of the Law or by the Preaching of faith? And where you say, I let the Children from coming unto Christ, it is manifest by our Saviours Words, that you let them to come, that will not suffer them to come, with∣out the necessity of Water, for he saith suffer them to come unto me, and not unto Water; and it is not, saith St. Peter, the washing away of the filth of the Flesh, but in a good Conscience converteth unto God; and to prove that the Water only bringeth not the holy Ghost, it is written that Simon received Water, and would have received the holy Ghost for Money; and many received the holy Ghost before Baptism, and to Judge Children damned that be not Baptized, it is Wicked.

Mordant

By our Lady, Sir, but I believe that if my Child dye without Water he is damned.

Bonner,

Yea, and so do I, and all Catholick men, good Master Mordant.

Smith,

Well, my Lord, such Catholick, such Salvation.

Bonner,

Well, Sir, what say you to the Sacrament of Orders.

Smith,

You may call it the Sacrament of Misorders, for all orders are appointed of God, but as for your Shaving, Anointing, Crea∣sing, Poling and Rounding, there are no such things appointed in Gods Book, and therefore I have nothing to do to believe your orders; and as for you, my Lord, if you had grace, or intelligence, you would not so dis-figure your self as you do.

Bonner,

Sayst thou so now, by my Troth, and I will go shave my self to anger thee; withall, desiring me before he went to answer to these Articles.

Bonner,

What say you to the holy Bread and holy Water, to the Sacra∣ment of Anointing, and to all the rest of such Ceremonies of the Church?

Smith,

I say they be Baubles for Fools to play withall, and not for the Children of God to exercise themselves in, and therefore they may go among the refuse.

Then went away M. Mordent, and my Lord went to shaving, leaving there certain Doctors, as he called them, to assay what they could do, of whom I was baited half an hour; of whom I asked this question, where were all you in the dayes of King Edward, that you spake not that which you speak now?

Doctor,

We were in England.

Smith,

Yes, but then you had the Faces of men, but now you have put on Lyons Faces again; you shew your selves as full of ma∣lice as may be, for you have for every time a visor; yea, and if ano∣ther King Edward should arise, ye would then say down with the Pope, for he is Antichrist, and so are his Angels.

Then they reviled me, and had me away, but brought me before them again, and one of them asked me, if I disallowed con∣fession.

Smith,

To whom I answerd, look in my Articles and they will show you what I allow.

Doctor,

In your Articles you confess that you allow not auricular Con∣fession.

Smith,

I allow it not, because the Word alloweth it not, nor com∣mandeth it not.

Doctor,

Why, it is written, thou shalt not hide thy Sins and Of∣fences.

Smith,

No, I do not, when I confess them to Almighty God.

Doctor,

Why you cannot say that you can hide them from God, and there∣fore your must understand the words are spoken to be uttered to them that do not know them.

Smith,

You have made a good answer, then must the Priest confess himself to me, as I to him, for I know his faults and secrcets no more then he knows mine; and David said, I will confess my Sins unto thee, Lord: And after some more words passed between me and the Doctors, came in the Bishop from shaving, and asked me, How I liked him?

Smith,

Forsooth, you are even as wise as you were before you were shaven.

Bonner,

Well, How standeth it, Master Doctors, have you done any good?

Doctor,

No, by my Troth, my Lord, we can do no good.

Smith,

Then it is fulfilled which is written, How can an evil Tr•••• bring forth good Fruit?

Bonner,

Nay, naughty fellow, I set these Gentlemen to bring thee home to Christ.

Smith,

Such Gentlemen, such Christs, and as truly as they have that Name from Christ, so truly do they teach Christ.

Bonner,

Well, wilt thou neither hear them nor me.

Smith,

Yes I am compelled to hear you, but you cannot compel me to follow you.

Bonner.

Well, thou shalt be burnt at a Stake in Smithfield, if thou wilt not turn.

Smith,

And you shall burn in Hell, if you repent not. But, my Lord, to put you out of doubt, because I am weary, I will strain Curtesie with you; I perceive you will not with your Doctors come unto me, and I am not determined to come unto you, by Gods Grace, for I have hardned my Face against you, as hard as Brass. Then after many railing sentences, I was sent away: And thus have I left the Truth of my Answers in writing, being thereunto de∣sired by my Friends, that you may see how the Lord hath, accor∣ding to his promise, given me a Mouth and Wisdom to an∣swer in his Cause, for which I am condemned and my Cause not heard.

The Substance of the last Examination of Robert Smith before Bishop Bonner, with his Condemnation in the Consistory.

The second day of July I was with my Brethren brought into the Consistory, and mine Articles read before the Mayor and the She∣riffs, with all the Assistants, unto which I answered as follow∣eth.

Bonner,

By my faith, my Lord Mayor, I have shewed him as much fa∣vour as any man living might do, but I perceive all is lost, both in him and all his Company.

Smith,

At this word, which he coupled with an Oath, came I in, and said, my Lord, it is written you must not Sware.

Bonner,

Ah, Master Controler, are you come, Lo, my Lord Mayor, this is Master Speaker, pointing, to my Brother Tankerfield; and this is Master Controler, pointing to me, and then began to read my Articles.

Smith,

I require you, my Lord, in Gods behalf unto whom pre∣taineth your Sword and Justice, that I may here before your pre∣sence answer to these Objections that are laid against me, and if any thing can be proved Heresie that I have said, I will recant before this Auditory.

Mayor,

Why Smith thou canst not deny but this thou saydest.

Smith,

Yes, I deny that which he hath written, because he hath both added to, and diminished from the same; but what I have spoken I will never deny.

Mayor,

Why, thou speakest against the blessed Sacrament of the Altar.

Smith,

I denied it to be any Sacrament, and I do stand here to make proof thereof, and if my Lord here, or any of his Doctors, be able to prove either the name or usage of the same, I will recant mine error.

Then spake my Brother Tankerfield, and defended the probatio∣n

of things which they called Heresie, unto which the Bishop an∣swered.

Bonner,

By my troth, Master Speaker, you shall Preach at a Stake.

Smith,

Well sworn, my Lord, you keep a good Watch.

Bonner,

VVell, Master Controler, I am no Saint.

Smith,

No, nor yet good Bishop; for a Bishop, saith St. Paul, should be faultless, and a dedicate Vessel unto God; and are you not ashamed to sit in Judgment, and be a Blasphemer, condemning Inno∣cents?

Bonner,

VVell, Master Controler, you are faultless.

* 9.4 Smith speaking to the Mayor, said, I require you in Gods name, that I may have Justice; we are here this day a great many Inno∣cents, that are wrongfully Accused of Heresie, and I require you, if you will not seem to be partial, let me have no more favour at your hands, then the Apostle had at the hands of Fest•• and Agrippa, who being Heathens, and Infidells, gave him leave not only to speak for himself, but also heard the probation of his Cause; this require I at your hands, who being a Christian Judge, I hope will not deny me that right which the Heathen have suffered; if ye do, then shall all this Audience, and the Heathen speak shame of your fact; for a City, saith our Saviour, that is builded on a hill cannot be hid; if they therefore have the Truth, let it come to light; for all that well do come to the Light, and they that do evil hate the Light.

Then the Mayor hanging down his head said nothing; but the Bishop told him he should preach at a Stake, and so the Sheriff cryed with the Bishop, Away with him.

Thus came he before them four times, desiring Justice, but could have none, and at length his Friends requiring, with ou•• voice, the same, but could not have it, they had Sentence; and then being carried out, were brought in again, and had it every men seve∣rally given.

But before the Bishop gave Sentence on Richard Smith, he told him in derision of his Brother Tankerfield, a Tale between a Gentle∣man and his Cook.

To which he answered, you fill the Peoples Ears with Fantasies, and foolish Tales, and make a laughing matter at Blood; but if you were a true Bishop, you should leave these railing Sentences, and speak the Words of God.

Bonner,

Well, I have offered to that naughty fellow, Master Speaker, your Companion the Cook, that my Chancellor should here instruct him, but he hath here with great disdain forsaken it. How sayst thou, wilt thou have him instruct thee, and lead thee in the right way?

Smith,

If your Chancellor shall do me any good, and take any pains, as you say, let him take mine Articles in his hands that you have objected against me, and either prove one of them Heresie, or any thing that you do to be good, and if he be able so to do, I stand here with all my heart to hear him; if not, I have no need, I praise

God, of his Sermon; for I come to answer for my life, and not to hear a Sermon.

Then began the Sentence in Dei Nomine.

To which Smith answered, that he began in a wrong name, re∣quiring of him, where he learned in Scriptures to give sentence of death against any man for his Conscience sake.

To the which he made no answer, but went forward to the end; and immediately cryed, Away with him.

Then Smith turned to the Mayor and Sheriffs, and said, Is it not e∣nough for you, that ye have left the strait way of the Lord, but that, you must condemn Christ causless.

Bonner,

Well, Master Controller, now you cannot say but I have offer∣ed you fair to have Instruction; and now I prithee call me bloody Bishop, and say I seek thy Blood.

Smith,

Well, although neither I, nor any of this Congregation, do report the truth of your fact, yet shall these Stones cry it out, ra∣ther then it shall be hidden.

Bonner,

Away with him, away with him. Woodrofe, Away with him, take him away.

Smith,

Well, good Friends, ye have seen and heard the great wrong that we have received this day, and ye are all Records, that we have desired the probation of our cause by Gods Book, and it hath not been granted, but we are condemned, and our cause not heard; nevertheless, my Lord Mayor, forasmuch as here you have exercised Gods Sword c••••sless, and will not hear the right of the poor, I com∣mit my cause to Almighty God, that shall judge all men according unto right, before whom we shall both stand without Authority, and there will I stand in the right to your great confusion except your repent, which the Lord grant you to do, if it be his will; and then was I, with the rest of my Brethren, carried away to Newgate.

Thus, gentle Reader, as neer as I can, I have set out the Truth of my Examination, and the verity of mine unjust condemnation for the Truth, desiring God that it may not be laid to the ch••rge of thee, O England, requiring your hearty prayers unto God for his Grace and Spirit of boldness, with hope even shortly to set to my Seal at Uxbridge, the eighth of August, by Gods Grace, pray that it may be to his honour, my Salvation, and your Consolation, I pray you Dagloriam Deo, Robert Smith.

Thus, Reader, thou hast a full Relation of the Christian fortitude and valour of this faithful Martyr, who so valiantly and manfully stood in the defence of his Masters cause; and as thou seest him here boldly stand in Examination before the Bishop, and Doctors; so was he no less comfortable also in the Prison among his Fellows, who be∣ing tog••••••••r Prisoners in Newgate, did daily pray and exhort one

another, and his care was not only for those in the ••ame Prison with him, but for other Prisoners, to whom he sent several good Epistles of love and Exhortation; and many were converted by him from the Iniquity of the times, some of which Epistles are as fol∣loweth.

O Ye that Love the Lord, see that ye hate the thing that is Evil.

A Letter of Robert Smith's to his Wife in Meetre.

* 9.5 THe God that giveth Life and Light, and leadeth into rest, That breaketh bonds, and bringeth out the Poor that are opprest, And keepeth mercy for the Meek, his treasure and his store Encrease thy Life in perfect Love, both now and evermore; That as thou hast begun to ground in Faith and fervent Love, Thou mayst be made a mighty Mount that never may remove, That thine ensample may be shewed among all thine encrease, That they may live and learn the like, and pass their time in peace, Thy Salutations that were sent, I heartily retain, And send thee seventy times as much to thee and thine again; And for because I know the Gold that thou dost most desire, I send thee here a paper full, is fined in the Fire, In hope thou wilt accept it well, although it be but small, Because I have none other good to make amends withall; For all thy free and friendly facts which thy good will hath wrought, I send thee surely for a shift the thing that cost me nought; Abstain from all ungodliness, in dread direct your dayes, Possess not sin in any wise, beware of wicked wayes Hold fast your Faith unfeignedly, build as you have begun, And arm your self in perfect Faith to do as you have done, Lest that the wicked make a mock that you have took in hand, In leaving of the perfect Rock to build upon the Sand; Beware these filthy Pharisees, their building is in Blood, Eat not with them in any wise, their Leaven is not good, Their Salt is all unsavory, and under good intents They maintain all their knavery, and murther Innocents; They seek to set in Christs seat, and put him out of place, And make all means that may be made, his doings to deface; They keep him down with Bills and Bats that made the blind to see; They make a God for Mice and Rat•••••• and say the same is he; They shew like Sheep, and sweat like wolves, their baits be all for Blood, They kill and slay the simple Souls, and rob them of their good; The dark illusions of the Devil hath dimmed so their Eyes, That they cannot abide the Truth to stir in any wise; And if you keep the perfect path, (as I have hope you do) You shall be sure to have such shame, as they can put you to, For all that lead a goodly life shall surely suffer loss, And eke the World will seek their shame, and make them kiss 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cross;

Ye shall be kild saith Christ your sorrows shall not cease, And yet in your afflictions, I am your perfect peace; For in the World you shall have w••, because you are unknown, And for because you hate the World, the World will love his own. Be fervent therefore to the death against all their Decrees, And God shall surely fight for thee against thine Enemies: Commit thy cause unto the Lord, revenge not any evil And thou shalt see the wicked want, when thou shalt have thy will, For all afflictions that may fall, that they can say or do, They are not sure of the Wealth we shall attain unto; For I have seen the sinners spread their branches like a bay, And yet ere one could turn his head were withered clean away; Beware that money make you not in riches to arise Against the goodness of the Lord, among the worldly wise; For many mischiefs it hath made, that may not be exprest, And many evils it hath begun, which may not be redrest; For money maketh many one, in riches to rebel; And he that maketh Gold a God, he hath a Soul to sell; It maketh Kings to kill and slay, and waste their wits in War, In leaving of the Wolf at home, to hunt the Fox afar: And where they should see Justice done, and set their Realm in rest, By money they be made a mean, to see the poor opprest; It maketh Lords obey the Laws that they d•• ill and nought; It maketh Bishops suck the Bl••ol, that God hath dearly bought; And where they should be faithful Friends, and Fathers to the Flock, By money they do turn about even like a Weather-Cock: The Priest doth make a money mean, to have again his whores, To p••t away h•••• wedd••d Wife and Children out of doores: It h••ldeth back the Husband man, which may not be forborn, And will not suffer him to sow and cast abroad his Corn; In like case▪ it doth let again, when that the Seed they sow, It choake••h up the Corn again, so that it cannot grow; The H••sband he would have a Wife, with Nobles new and old, The wife would have the Husband hangd, that she might have his Gold. It ••a••eth M••rthers many a one, and beareth much with Blood; Th•• Child would see the Parents slain to seize upon their good: And though it be a blessed thing, created in the kind, It is a ••••••••ss••ry evil annexed to the mind; For who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 playeth with the pitch, his fingers are defild, And he that waketh Gold a God, shall surely be beguild: Be friendly to the Fatherless, and all that are opprest, Assist ••hem alwayes out of hand, and see them set at rest; In all your doings, and your deeds, let mercy still remain; For with the measure that you meet, shall ye be met again; Be alwayes lowly in your life, let love enjoy her own, The highest Trees are seldom sure, and soonest overthrown. The Lyons lack and suffer sore in Hunger and in Thurst, And they that do oppress the poor continue still accurst;

The Bee is but a little Beast in body and in sight, And yet she bringeth more encrease then either Crow or Kite; Therefore beware in any wise keep well your watch alway, Be sure of Oyl within your Lamp, let not your light decay; For death dispiseth them that lack, and hateth them that have, And treadeth down the rich and poor, together in the grave. Exhort your Children to be chaste, rebuke them for their ill, And let not them in any wise be wedded to their will; Laught not with them, but keep them low, shew them no merry cheer; Least thou do weep with them also, but bring them up in fear, And let your light and living shine, that ye be not suspect To have the same within your self, for which they are correct; Be meek and modest in a mean, let all your deeds be done, That they which are without the Law may see how right you run; Keep well the member in your Mouth, your Tongue see that you tame, For out of little sparks of Fire proceedeth out a flame; And as the poyson doth express the nature of the Toad, Even so the Tongue doth manifest the Heart that feareth God, For therewith bless we God above, and therewith Curse we men, And thereby Murders do arise through Women now and then; And seeing God hath given a Tongue, and put it under power, The surest way is for to set a hatch before the door; For God hath set you in a seat of double low degree, First unto God, and then to man a subject for to be; I write not that I see in you those things to be suspect, But only set before your Face how sin should be correct; For flesh and Blood I know you are, as other Women be, And if ye dwell in Flesh and Blood, there is infirmity; Receive a Warning willingly, that to thy teeth is told, Account the gift of greater price then if he gave thee Gold; A wise man, saith Solomon, a warning will imbrace, A Fool will sooner (as he saith) be smitten on the Face; And as your members must be dead from all things that are vain, Even so by Baptism you are born to live with Christ again; Thus farewel free and faithful Friend, the Lord that is above Encrease in thee a perfect faith, and lead thee in his Love; And as I pray with perfect Love, and pour out bitter tears For you and all that are at large abroad among the bryars, Even so I pray thee to prefer my person and my bonds Unto the Everlasting God, that hath me in his Hands, That I may pass out of this Pound wherein I am opprest, Inclosed in a clod of Clay that here can have no rest; That as he hath begun in me his mercies many one, I may attain to overtake my Brethren that be gone, That when that death shall do his worst, where he shall point a place, I may be able like a man, to look him in the Face, For though he catch away my Clo••k, my body into dust, Yet am I sure to save a Soul when death hath done his worst;

And though I leave a little dust dissolved, without blood I shall receive it safe again when God shall see it good; For my Redeemer I am sure doth live for evermore, And sitteth high upon the Heavens for whom I hunger sore, Even as the Deer, with deadly wounds, escaped from the spoile, Doth haste by all the means he may to seek unto the soile, Of whom I hope to have a Crown that always shall ••emain, And eke enjoy a perfect peace for all my wo and pain; The God that giveth all encrease, and seeketh still to save, Abound in thee that perfect peace which I do hope to have; And I beseech the living God to hold thee in his Hands, And wish thee even withal my heart the blessing of my bands, Which I esteem of higher price then Pearl or precious Stone, And shall endure for evermore when earthly things are gone; For though the Fire do consume our Treasure and our Store, Yet shall the goodness of the Lord endure for evermore; And where thou art a Friend to him that is to me full dear, The God of might make thee amends when all men shall appear That hath shewed Mercy to the meek, and rid them out of pain. And thus the Lord possess thy Spirit till we do meet again. If thou wilt have a Recompence Abide still in obedience.

The Exhortation of Robert Smith, unto his Children.

GIve ear my Children to my words, whom God hath dearly bought; Lay up my Law within your heart, and print it in your thought; For I your Father have foreseen the frail and filthy way, Which flesh and blood would follow fain, even to their own decay. For all and every living beast their Crib do know full well, But Adams heirs above the rest are ready to rebel; And all the Creatures on the Earth full well can keep their way, But man above all other Beasts is apt to go astray; For Earth and Ashes is his strengh, his glory, and his reign, And unto Ashes at the length shall he return again; For flesh doth flourish like a flower, and grow up like a Grass, And is consumed in an hour, as it is brought to pass: In me the Image of your years, your treasure, and your trust, Whom you do see before your face dissolved into dust; For as you see your Fathers flesh converted into Clay, Even so shall ye my Children dear consume and wear away; The Sun and Moon, and e••e the Stars that serve the day and night, The Earth and every earthly thing shall be consumed quite, And all the Worship that is wrought, that have been heard or seen, Shall clean consume and come to nought, as ift had never been

Therefore that ye may follow me your Father and your Friend, And enter into that same life which never shall have end; I leave you here a little Book for you to look upon, That you may see your Fathers Face when I am dead and gon, Who for the hope of heavenly things, while he did here remain, Gave over all his golden years in Prison and in Pain; Where I among mine Iron bands enclosed in the dark, A few dayes before my death did dedicate this work To you mine heirs of earthly things which I have left behind, That ye may read and understand and keep it in your mind; That as you have been heirs of that which once shall wear away, Even so you may possess the part which never shall decay; In following of your Fathers foot in Truth, and eke in Love, That ye may also be h•••• heirs for evermore above; And in example to your youth, to whom I wish all good, I preach you here a perfect faith, and seal it with my Blood: Have God alwayes before your Eyes in all your wh••le intents, Commit not sin in any ••ise keep his Commandments, Abhor that arrant Whore of Rome, and all her blasphemies, And drink not of her decretals, nor yet of her decrees; Give honour to your Mother dear, remember well her pain, And recompence her in her age in like with love again; Be alwayes ai••ing at her hand, and let her not decay, Remember well your Fathers fall, that should have been her stay; Give of your Portion to the poor, as Riches doth arise, And from the needy naked soul turn not away your eyes; For be that will not hear the Cry of such as are in need, Shall cry himself and not be heard when he would hope to speed; If God hath given you great increase, and blessed well your store, Remember you are put in trust to minister the more; Beware of foul and filthy last, let whoredom have no place, Keep clean your Vessels in the Lord, that he may you imbrace, Ye are the Temples of the Lord, for ye are dearly bought, And they that do defile the same shall surely come to nought: Possess not pride in any case, build not your nests too high, But have alwayes before your face that ye be born to die; Defraud not him that hired is your labours to Sustain, But give him alwayes out of hand his penny for his pain; And as ye would that other men against you should proceed, Do you the same again to them when they do stand in need; And part your portion with the poor, in money and in meat, And feed the fainted feeble soul with that which ye should eat, That when your members lacketh meat, and cloathing to your back, You may the better think on them that now do live and lack; Ask counsel at the wise, give ear unto the end, Refuse not you the sweet rebuke of him that is your Friend; Be thankful alwayes to the Lord with prayer and with praise; Desire you him in all your deeds for to direct your wayes,

And sin not like that swearing sort whose bellys being fed, Consume their years upon the Earth from belly unto bed; Seek first I say the living God, set him alwayes before, And then be sure that he will bless your hasket and your store; And thus if you direct your dayes according to this book, Then shall they say who see your wayes how like me you do look; And when you have so perfectly upon your fingers ends Possessed all within your book, then give it to your Friends; And I beseech the living God replenish you with grace That I may have you in the Heavens, and see you face to fact, And though the sword have cut me off, contrary to my kind, That I could not enjoy your love according to my mind; Yet do I hope when that the Heavens shall vanish like a scrole, I shall receive your perfect shape in body and in soul; And that I may enjoy your love, and ye enjoy the the Land, I do beseech the living God to hold you in his hand: Farewel my Children from the World where ye must yet remain, The Lord of Hosts be your defence till we do meet again; Farewel my Love, and loving Wife, my Children and my Friends, I hope to God to have you all when all things have their ends; And if you do abide in God, as you have now began, Your course Ile warrant will be short, ye have not far to run; God grant you so to end your years, as he shall think it best, That ye may enter into Heaven where I do hope to rest.

Robert Smith to his Brother.

AS Nature doth me bind, because thou art my blood, According to my kind to give thee of my good, That thou mayst have in mind how I have run my race, Although thou bide behind but for a little space, I give thee here a Pearl, the price of all my good, For which I leave my life, to buy it with my blood; More worth then all the World, or ought that I can note, Although it be clad, in such a simple Coate; For when I had obtained this pearl of such a price, Then was I sure I gained the way for to be wise, It taught me for to fight, for to dispise my flesh, To stick unto the Light, and for to leave the Lyes, In sending out my Seed with bonds and bitter tears, That I might reap with joy in Everlasting years, And have for all my loss, my travail and my pain, A thousand times and more of better goods again; And for because the good that hath been got and gain'd, And that the Lords Elect hath evermore obtain'd, Is closed in this book, which I do give to thee, Wherein I have my part, as thou thy self mayst see;

In which I hope thou hast a stock also in s••ore, And wilt not cease to sayle till God has made it more; I will thee to beware, be sure thou keep it well, For if thou do it loose, thy part shall be in Hell; And here I testifie before the living God, That I detest to do the things that are forbad; And as my Judgment is, my body to be brent, My heart is surely set therewith to be content, And sith it is his will to put me in his Power, Upon his holy Hill to fight against this Whore Full well I am content, if he allow it so, To stand with all my might, the Whore to overthrow: Even with a willing mind, the death I will out-face, And as I am assured, the Battel to imbrace, That they which hear the Truth, how I have past the pike, May set aside their youth, and learn to do the like; And though it be my lot, to let her suck my blood, Yet am I well assured, it shall do her no good; For she is set to kill the thing she thinks accurst, And shall not have her fill of blood until she burst: And when as thou shalt see or hear of my decease, Pray to the living God, that I may pass in peace; And when I am at rest, and rid out of my pain, Then will I do the like for thee to God again; And to my woful wife and widdow desolate, Whom I do leave behind in such a simple state, And compassed with tears, and mournings many one, Be thou her staying staff when I am dead and gone; My mouth may not express the dolours of my mind, Nor yet my heaviness to leave her here behind; But as thou art my Bone, my Brother, and my Blood, So let her have thy heart, if it may do her good; I took her from the World, and made her like the Cross, But if she hold her own, she shall not suffer loss; For where she had before a man, unto her make, That by the force of fire was strangled at a Stake; Now shall she have a King, to be her helping hand, To whom pertains all things, that are within the Land; And eke my Daughter dear, whom I bequeath to thee, To be brought up in fear, and Learn the A B C; That she may grow in Grace, and Ruled by the Rod, To learn to lead her Life, within the fear of God, And alwayes have in mind, thy Brother being dead, That thou art left behind, a Father in my stead; And thou my Brother Dear, and eke my Mothers Son, Come forth out of all fear, and do us I have done; And God shall be thy Guide, and give thee such encrease, That in the Flames of Fire, thou shalt have perfect Peace;

Into Eternal Joy, and pass out of all pain, Where we shall meet with mirth, and never part again:

If thou wilt do my Daughter good, Be mindfull of they Brothers Blood.

Teach me O Lord, to walk thy Wayes, my living to amend, And I shall keep it all my dayes, even to my lives end; Give me a mind to understand, so shall I never start, But I shall keep all thy precepts, even wholy with my heart; Make me to go a perfect pace in that I have begun, For all my love and my delight is in thy Wayes to run; Encline my heart unto thy Wayes, set thou thereon my thought, And let me not consume my dayes to covet that is nought: O quicken me in all thy Wayes the VVorld for to despise, And from all fond and foolish toyes, turn thou away mine Eyes: O plant in me thy perfect VVord, which is to me so dear, Lay up thy Laws within my heart, to keep me still in fear; Aed rob me of that great rebuke, which I do fear full sore, For all thy Judgments and thy Law endure for evermore: Behold, O Lord, in thy precepts is all my whole delight, O quicken me in all thy Wayes, that I may walk aright.

The Substance of an Epistle written by Robert Smith to the Persecuted Flock of Christ.

To all which Love God unfainedly, and intend to lead a godly life, accor∣ding to his Gospel, and to persevere in his Truth unto the end, Grace and Peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Be not afraid, most dearly beloved in our Saviour Jesus Christ, at these most perilous dayes, wherein by the suffering of God, the Prince of Darkness is broken loose, and rageth in his members a∣gainst the Elect of God withal cruelty, to set up again the Kingdom of Anti-christ, against whom see that ye be strong in faith to resist his most devilish Doctrines with the pure Gospel of God, arming your selves with patience, to abide whatsoever shall be laid to your charge for the Truths sake, knowing that thereunto you are called, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him: Oh, how happy are ye that in the sight of God are counted worthy to suffer for the Testimony of Christ, quit therefore your selves (O my loving Brethren) and rejoyce in him for whom ye suffer, for unto you do remain the unspeakable Joyes, which neither the Eye hath seen, nor the Ear hath heard, nei••••••r the heart of man is able to comprehend in any wise: Be not ••••••raid of the bodily Death, for your names are written in the Book of Life; and the Prophets do record, that in the sight of the ••••••d pretious is the Death of his

Saints; Watch therefore and pray that ye be not prevented in the day of Temptation; now cometh the day of your Tryal, wherein the Waters rage, and the Stormy Winds blow; now shall it appear whether you have builded upon the fleeting Sand, or upon the un∣movable Rock Christ, which is the Foundation of the Prophets and Apostles, whereon every House that is builded groweth into an holy Temple of the Lord, by the mighty working of the holy Ghost, now approacheth the day of your Battel, wherein it is required that you shew yourselves the valiant Souldiers of Christ Jesus, with the Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand fast against all the crafty assaults of the Devil; Christ is your Captain, an•• you are his Souldiers, whose Cognisance is the Cross to the which he willingly humbled himself, even unto the Death, and thereby spoiled his Enemies, and now triumpheth he over them in the glory of his Fa∣ther, making intercession for them that do here remain to suffer the A••••lictions that are to be fulfilled in his mysti••al Body; it behoveth therefore every one that will be accounted his Schollor, to take up his o••n Cross, and follow him, as y••u have him for Example; and ••ssure you that he being on your side, nothing shall be able to prevail against you, and that he will be with you even to the Worlds ••nd; you have his promise in the 28th of Matthew; he will go forth with his Host as a Conqueror to make a Conquest; he is the man that si••••eth on the white Horse crowned with Immortality, and ye Bre∣thren are his Fellowship, whereof he is the Head; he hath your hearts in his hand, as a bow bent after his godly will, he shall direct the same according to the riches of his glory, into all spiritual and heavenly Cogitation; he is faithfull and will not suffer you to be further ass••••••ced then he will give you strength to overcome, and in the most danger he will make a way that you may be able to bear it. Shrink not therefore, dear ••earts, when ye shall be called to answer for the hope that is in you, for ••eb••••e the Comforter, even the Spirit of Truth which was sent from the Heavens to teach us; he shall speak in us, he shall strengthen us; what is he then that shall be able to confound us? Nay, what Tyrant is he that now boasteth himself of his strength to do mischief, whom the Lord shall not with his Spirit, by the Mo••th of his Servants strike down to Hell-fire; yea suddainly will the Lord bring down the glory of the Proud Philistians by the hands of his Servant David; their strength is in Shield and Spear, but our help is in the Name of the Lord, which made both Heaven and Earth; he is our Buckler, and our Wall, a strong Tower of defence; he is our God, and we are his People; he shall bring the counsels of the ungodly to nought, he shall take them in their own Net, he shall destroy them in their own Inventions, the Right Hand of the Lord shall work this Wonder; his Power is known amongst the Children of men; their Fathers have felt it, and are confounde•• in like manner shall they know that there is no counsel against the Lord, when their secrets are opened to the whole World, and are found to be against the Living God, work they never so craftily, buil•• ••hey never so strongly, yet down

shall their Babel fall, and the Builders themselves shall then be scat∣tred upon the face of the Earth as Accursed of God; the Just shall see this, and be glad, and praise the Name of the Lord, that so Marvelously hath dealt with his Servants, as to bring their Enemies under their feet; then shall the fearfull Seed of Cain Tremble and Quake; then shall the mocking Ishm••elites be cast out of the Door; then shall the Proud Nemborth see his labour lost; then shall the Beast of Babylon be trodden under foot; then shall the Scribes and Pharisees for madness fret and rage; then shall their painted Wis∣dom be known for extream folly; then shall the bloody Dragon be void of his prey; then shall the Whore of Babylon receive double Vengence; then shall they scratch their Crowns, for the fall of their Mistress Harlot, whom they now serve for filthy lucre, when no man shall buy their Wares any more; then shall the Popish Priesthood cry, Weal away, with care, even when the Lord shall help his Servants, which day is not far off, the day wherein the Kingdom of Anti-christ shall have an end, and never raise any more; in the mean time, abide in certain and sure hope cleaving unto the promises of God, which in their own time shall be fulfilled. What better Quarrel can you have to give your lives for, then the Truth it self? That man that giveth his life for the Truth, taketh the readiest way to life; he that hath the Popes curse for the Truth, is sure of Christs Blessing. Well then, my Brethren, what shall now let but that you go forwards as ye have begun? Nay, rather run with the Runners, that ye may obtain the appointed glory; hold on the right way, look not back, have the Eye of your heart fixed upon God, and so run that you may get hold of it; cast away all your Worldly Pelf, and Worldly respects, as the favour of Friends, the fear of men sen∣sual Aff••ction, respect of Person, Honour, Praise, Shame, Rebuke, Wealth, Poverty, Riches, Lands, Possessions, carnal Fathers and Mothers, Wife and Children, with the love of your own selves and in respect of that Heavenly treasure you look for, let all these be de∣nied and utterly refused of you, so that in no condition they do abate your zeal, or quench your Love towards God; in this case make no account of them, but rather repute them as vile in comparison of Everlasting life; away with them as Thorns that cheak the Heavenly Seed of the Gospel, where they be suffered to grow; they are bur∣thens of the Flesh, which encumber the Soul, exch••••ge th•••• there∣fore, I beseech you, for advantage; doth not he gain that findeth Hea∣venly and immortal treasure, for Earthly and corruptible Riches; looseth that man any thing which of his carnal Father and Mother is forsaken, when therefore he is received of God the Father to be his Child and Heir in Christ Heavenly for Earthly, for Mortal Immortal, for transistory things permanant is great gains to a Chri∣stian Conscience.

Therefore as I began, I exhort you in the Lord not to be afraid; shrink not my Brethren, mistrust not God, be of good comfort, rejoyce in the Lord, hold fast your Faith, and continue to the end; deny the World, and take up the Cross, and follow him which is

your Lead man, and is gone before; if you suffer with him you shall reign with him? What way can you glorifie the Name of your Heavenly Father better, then by suffering death for his Sons sake? What a Spectacle shall it be to the World to behold so godly a fellow∣ship as you Servants of God, in so just a Quarrel as the Gospel of Christ is, with so pure a Conscience, so strong a Faith, and so lively a hope, to offer your selves to suffer most cruel Torments at the hands of Gods Enenies, and so to end your daies in Peace to receive in the resurrection of the Righteous life Everlasting.

Be strong therefore in your Battel, the Lord God is on your side, and his Truth is your cause, and against you be none but the Enemies of the Cross of Christ, as the Serpent and his Seed, the Dragon with his Tail, the marked man of the Beast, the Off-pring of the Pharisees, the Congregation Malignant, the Generation of Vipers and Murtherers, as their Father the Devil hath been from the beginning. To conclude such are they as the Lord God hath alwayes abhorred, and in all Ages resisted and overthrown, God from whom nothing is hid, knoweth what they are, he that searcheth the hearts of men, he hath found out them to be crafty, subtle, full of Poyson, Proud, Disdainfull, Stiff-necked, Devourers, Ravenours, and Barkers against the Truth, filthy and shameless; and therefore doth the Spirit of God by the Mouthes of his holy Prophets and Apostles call them by the names of Foxes, Serpents, Cockatrices, Lyons, Leopards, Bulls, Bears, Wolves, Dogs, Swine, Beasts, teaching us thereby to understand that their natural inclination is to deceive, poyson and destroy as much as in them lyeth, the faithfull and Elect of God; but the Lord with his right Arm shall defend his little Flock against the whole rabbler∣ment of these Worldlings, which have conspired against him; he hath numbered all the hairs of his Childens Heads, so that not one of them shall perish without his Fatherly will; he keepeth the Spar∣rows, much more will he preserve them whom he hath purchased with the Blood of the Immaculate Lamb; he will keep them until the hour appointed wherein the Name of God shall be glorified in his Saints; in the mean time, let them work their wills, let them Envy, let them Malign, let them Blasphem, let them Curse, Ban, Betray, Whip, Scourge, Hang and Burn; for by this means God will try his Elect, as Gold in the Furnance, and by these Fruits shall they also bring themselves to be known what they be, for all their Sheep skins; for as he that in suffering patiently for the Gospel of God, is thereby known to be of Christ, even so also is the Persecutor of him known to be a member of Anti-christ: Besides this, their extream cruelty shall be a means the sooner to provoke God to take pity upon his Servants, and to destroy them that so Tyranniously entreat his People, as we may learn by the Histories as well in the Bondage of Israel under Pharaoh in Eygpt, as also in the miserable Captivity of Judas in Babylon, where when the People of God were in most ex∣tream thraldom, then did the Lord streath forth his mighty Power to deliver his Servants, though God for a time suffered them to be

exalted in their own pride, yet shall they not escape his Ven∣geance.

To conclude, my Brethren, I commit you to God and the Power of his Word, which is able to establish you in all Truth, his Spirit be with you, and work alway, that ye may be mindfull of your duties towards him, whose ye are both Body and Soul, whom see that ye Love, Serve, Dread, and Obey, above all worldly Powers, and for nothing under the Heavens defile your Conscience before God; dissemble not with his Word, God will not be mocked? Nay, they that dissemble with him deceive themselves, such shall the Lord deny, and cast out at the last day; such I say as bear two faces in one hood; such as play on both hands; such as deny the known Truth; such as obstinately rebel against him; all such with their partakers shall the Lord destroy; God defend you from all such, and make you perfect unto the end, your Sorrow shall be turned into Joy.

This aforesaid Robert Smith, the valiant and constant Martyr of Christ, thus replenished, as you have read, with the fortitude of Gods Spirit, was condemned at London by Bishop Bonner the 12th day of the Moneth called July, and suffered Death at Uxbridge the Eighth day of the Moneth called August, Anno 1555.

A Letter sent to his Wife Anne Smith.

The God and Father eternal which brought again from death our Lord Jesus Christ keep thee, dear Wife, now and ever Amen, and all thy Parents and Friends; I praise God for his Mercy, I am in the same state that ye left me in, rather better then worse, looking daily for the living God, before whom I hunger full sore to appear and re∣ceive the Glory of which I trust thou art willing to be a partaker; I give God most hearty thanks therefore, desiring thee of all loves to stand in that Faith which thou hast received, and let no man take away the Seed that Almighty God hath sown in thee; but lay hands of Everlasting Life, which shall ever abide when both the Earth and all earthly Friends shall perish, desiring them also to receive thankfully our trouble which is momentary and little, and as St. Paul saith, not Worthy of the things which shall be shewed on us, that we patiently carrying our Cross, may attain to the place where our Savi∣our Christ is gone before, to the which I beseech God of his Mercy bring us speedily; I have been much troubled about your deliver∣ance, fearing much the perswasions of Worldlings, and have found a Friend, which will I trust, find a mean for you, if you be not al∣ready provided; desiring you, in any case, to abide such order as those my Friends shall appoint in God, and bear well in mind the words which I spake at our departing, that as God hath found us, and also elected us worthy to suffer with him, we may endeavour our selves to follow uprightly in this our Vocation; desiring you to present my hearty commendations to all our Friends, and especially to your Parents, keeping your matter close in any wise; give most

hearty thanks to my Friends which only for our Cause are come to Windsor: continue in prayer, do well, be faultless, in all things be∣ware of Abominations, keep clean from sin, pray for me as I do for you; and most entirely desire you to send me word if you lack any thing: The Lord Jesus preserve you and yours, Amen. From New∣gate the fifteenth of April.

By your Husband Robert Smith.

A Sententious Letter of Robert Smith's to his Wife.

Seek first to Love God, dear Wife, with your whole heart, and then shall it be eafie to love your Neighbour.

Be friendly to all Creatures, and especially to your own Soul.

Be alwayes an Enemy to the Devil and the World, but especially to your own Flesh.

In hearing good things, joyn the ears of your head and heart to∣gether.

Seek unity and quietness with all men, but especially with your Conscience; for he will not easily be entreated.

Love all men, but especially your Enemies.

Hate the sin•• that are past, but especially those to come.

Be as ready to further your Enemy, as he is to hinder you, that you may be the Child of God.

Remember that God hath hedged in your Tongue with the Teeth and Lips, that it might speak under correction.

Be ready at all times to lock to your Brothers Eye; but especially to your own Eye; for he that warneth others of that he himself is faulty, doth give his Neighbour the clear Wine, and keepeth the Dregs for himself.

Shew mercy unto the Saints for Christs sake, and Christ shall re∣ward you for the Saints sake.

Amongst all other Prisoners visit your own Soul, for it is inclosed in a perillous Prison.

If you will love God, hate Evil, and you shall obtain the reward of well doing.

Thus fare you well, good Anne; have me heartily commended to all that love the Lord unfainedly; I beseech you have me in your prayer while I am living, and I am assured the Lord will accept it; bring up my Children and yours in the Fear of God, and then shall I not fail but receive you together in the everlasting Kingdom of God which I go unto,

Your Husband Robert Smith.

Robert Smith to all faithful Servants of Christ, exhorting them to be strong under Persecution.

Content thy self with patience with Christ to bear the Cross of pain, Which can and will thee recompence a thousand fold with Joyes again: Let nothing cause thy heart to quail; Launch forth thy Boat, hail up thy Sail, Put from the Shore, And be thou sure thou shalt attain Unto the Port that shall remain For evermore.

About this time died Steven Harwood at Stratford, and Thomas Fust at Ware.

About the same time VVilliam Haile of Th••rp in the County of Essex, was condemned and burnt;* 9.6 when he received the Sentence of condemnation, he gave this exhortation to the lookers on; Ah, good People, said he, beware of this Idolatry, and this Anti-christ, point∣ing to the Bishop of London; he was burnt at Barnet.

George King, Thomas Leys, and John VVade, being Prisoners in Lollards Tower, fell sick and died, and were buried by some of the faithfull Brethren.

VVilliam Andrew being twice brought before Bonner upon Exami∣nation, manfully stood in the defence of his Religion, at length through strait handling in the Prison of Newgate, there he lost his life.

Robert Samuell, committed to Ipswich Goal,* 9.7, and from thence re∣moved to Norwich, where Bishop Hopton or his Chancellor were the cause of his being kept very close Prisoner at his first coming, where he was Chained bolt upright to a Post, keeping him for some time without meat and drink, except it were a small morsel of Bread, and a little Water; he Suffered Death the 31th of August, 1555.

Next after Robert Samuell was burnt, William Allen of VValsingham,* 9.8 Labourer; upon Examination, the Bishop askt him, why he was im∣prisoned, he said it was because he would not follow the Cross; and said, if he saw the King and Queen follow the Cross or bow down to it, he would not; for which Sentence of Death was given against him; he was burned about the beginning of September at VValsingham, who declared such Constancy at his Martyrdom, and had such Credit with the Justices, by reason of his upright and well tryed Conversation among them, that he was suffered to go un∣tyed to his suffering, and there being fastned with a Chain, stood quietly without shrinking untill he died.

The Martyrdom of Roger Coo of Melford in Suffolk Sheer-man, first Examined before the Bishop of Norwich, and by him Condemned 12th. of August, 1555.

Bishop,

Why was you Imprisoned?

* 9.9 Coo, At the Justices Commandment.

Bishop,

There was some cause why?

Coo,

Here is my Accuser, let him declare.

Accuser,

He will not receive the Sacrament?

Bishop

said, he thought he had transgress••d the Law?

Coo,

There is no Law to transgress, that I know?

Accuser,

Nor will not know, my Lord, ask him when be received the Sacrament?

Coo

seeing the Accuser so bold, said to the Bishop let him sit down and examine me himself; but the Bishop would not hear that; but after some other discourse, the Bishop askt him, whether he would not obey the Kings Laws?

Coo,

As far as they agree with the Word of God, I will obey them.

Bishop,

Whether they agree with the Word of God or not, we are bound to obey them, if the King were an Infidel.

Coo,

If Sydrach Mesack and Abed••eg•• had so done, Nebucad••nezzer had not confessed the Living God.

In the same Moneth was Thom•••• Cobb of Haveril Butcher,* 9.10 burned in the Town of Thatford.

Upon the third day of the sixth Moneth called August, were brought before Thornton, Bishop of Dover, George Catmer of Hithe, Robert Streater of Hithe, Anthony Burward of Calet, George Brodbridge of Brom∣field, James Tutty of Brenchly, and were examined particularly touch∣ing the Sacrament of the Altar, Aurticular Confession, and other such like Ceremonies.

To which Catmer answered on this wise, Christ, said he, sitteth in Heaven on the Right hand of God the Father, and therefore I do not believe him to be in the Sacrament of the Altar, but he is in the worthy Receiver, and your Sacrament, as you use it, is an abomi∣nable Idol.

George Br••dbridge

said, as for your holy Bread and holy Water, and your Mass, I utterly defie them.

They were all five condemned and burnt at Canterbury the sixth day of the 7th Moneth 1555.

* 9.11 About the middle of the same Moneth Thomas Hayward and John ••oreway, were both burnt at Lichfield.

The Persecutions and Sufferings of Robert Glover

About the Moneth called September 1555. there was a privy Com∣mission sent down to the Mayor of Coventry to apprehend John Glover Brother of the said Robert;* 9.12 but John having some notice of the Of∣ficers coming, escaped; but they searching in an upper Room, found Ro∣bert Glover lying sick in Bed, and had him away before the Sheriff, who being detained till the Bishop came, and was then examined, a Relation of his Troubles and Conflicts he had with the Bishop: He sent his Wife in a Letter some Passages, most material of which are as fol∣loweth.

To my intirely beloved Wife Mary Glover.

The peace of Conscience which passeth all understanding, the Sweet Consolation, Comfort, Strength and Boldness of the holy Ghost, be continually increased in our hearts, through a servant ear∣nest and stedfast faith in our most dear and only Saviour Jesus Christ Amen.

I thank you heartily most loving Wife for your Letters sent un∣to me in my imprisonment, I read them with tears more then once or twice, for Joy and Gladness, that God had wrote in you so mer∣ciful a work: These your Letters, and the hearing of your most god∣ly proceedings, and constant doing from time to time, have much relieved and comforted me at all times, and shall be a goodly Testimony with you at the great Day.

If I would have given place to worldly reasons, these might have moved me, first the foregoing of you, and my Children, the con∣sideration of the state of my Children, being yet tender of Age, and young, apt and inclineable to virtue and learning, and so having the more need of my Assistance, being not altogether destitute of gifts to help them withal, possessions above the common sort of men; because I was never called to be a preacher or minister (be∣cause of my sickness) fear of death in imprisonment before I should come to my answer, and so my death to be unprofitable.

But these and such like, I thank my heavenly Father, who of his infinite mercy inspired me with his holy Ghost for his Sons sake, pre∣vailed not in me, but when I had by the wonderfull permission of God fallen into their hands, at the first sight of the Sheriff, Nature a little abashed yet ere ever I came to the Prison, by the working of God, and through his goodness, fear departed; I said to the Sheriff at his coming, unto me what matter have you to charge me withal: He answered, you shall know when you come before the Masters; I lookt to have been brought before the Masters, and to have heard what they could have burthened me withal, but contrary to my ex∣pectation I was committed forthwith to the Goal, not being called to my answer; little Justice being shewed therein, but the less Justice

a man findeth at their hands, the more Consolation in Conscience shall he find from God, for whosoever is of the World, the World will love him.

After I came into Prison, and had reposed my self there a while, I wept for Joy and Gladness my belly full, musing much of the great mercies of God, and as it were saying to my self after this sort: Oh, Lord, who am I, on whom thou shouldest bestow this great mercy, to be numbered among the Saints that suffer for the Gospel sake. And so beholding, and considering on the one side, my imperfection unableness, sinfull misery and unworthiness, and on the other side, the greatness of Gods mercy, to be called to so high promotion; I was as it were amazed, and overcome for a while with joy and glad∣ness, concluding thus with my self in my heart: Oh, Lord, thou shewest Power in Weakness, Wisdom in Foolishness, Mercy in Sinfulness, who shall let thee to choose where and whom thou wilt? as I have zealously loved the confession of thy Word, so ever thought I my self to be most unworthy, to be a partaker of the affliction for the same.

Not long after came unto me M. Brasbridge M. Phinees, and M. Hopkins travelling with me to be dismissed upon bonds; to whom my answer was (to my rememberance, after this sort) for as much as the Masters have imprisoned me, having nothing to burthen me withal; If I should enter into bouds, I should in so doing Accuse my self, and seeing they have no matter to lay to my charge, they may as well let me pass without bōnds as with bonds.

And when they were somewhat importune, I said to one of them, that liberty of Conscience was a pretious thing, and took as it were a pause, lifting up my heart to God, earnestly for his aide and help, that I might do the thing that might please him; and so when they had let their sure fall, my heart me thought was wonderfully com∣forted.

Afterward, debating the matter with my self, these considerations came into my head; I have from time to time with good Conscience (God I take to record) moved all such I had Conference withal, to be no dalliers in Gods matters, but to shew themselves after so great a light and knowledge, hearty, earnest, constant, and stable, in so manifest a Truth, and not to give place one jot contrary to the same; now thought I, if I shall withdraw my self, and make any shifts to pull my own neck our of the Collar, I shall give great offence to my weak Brethren in Christ, and advantage to the Enemy, to slander Gods Word; it will be said, he hath been a great boldner of others to be earnest and fervent to fear no worldly perrils, or dangers, but he himself will give no such example.

Wherefore I thought it my bounden duty, both to God and man, being (as it were) by the great goodness of God marvelously called and appointed hereunto, to set aside all fear, perril and dangers, all worldly respects, and considerations, and like as I had hereto accor∣ding to the measure of my small gift, from the bottom of my heart unfeignedly moved, exhorted and perswaded, all that profess Gods

Word, manfully to persist in the defence of the same, not with Sword and Voilence, but with suffering, and loss of life, rather then to defile themselves again with the Whorish abominations of the Romish Anti-christ; so the hour being come with my fact and Example to ratific and confirm the same to the hearts of all true Believers, and to this end (by the assistance of Gods holy Spirit) I resolved my s••lf with much peace of Conscience, willingly to sustain whatsoever the Romish Anti-christ should do against me: So I remained a Prisoner a∣bout ten daies in Coventry, being never called to my Answer, con∣trary to Law, they having no Warrant to apprehend me, but my elder Brother; God lay not their extream doing against me to their charge at the great Day.

The second day after the Bishops coming to Coventry, the Goaler was ordered to carry me before him, when I came before the Bishop he said, he was my Bishop for lack of a better, and willed me to submit my self.

I said, I am not come to Accuse my self, what have you to lay to my charge?

He asked me whether I was learned?

I answered, smally learned.

The Chancellor standing by, said, I was a Master of Art.

Then the Bishop laid to my charge, my not coming to Church.

Here I might have dallied with him, and put him to his proofs, knowing that none of the Citizens were able to prove any such mat∣ter against me; but I answered, I neither had, nor would come at their Church, as long as their Mass was used there, to save, if I had them, five hundred lives; I willed him to shew me one jot or tittle in the Scripture for the proof and defence of the Mass.

He answered, he came to teach, and not to be taught.

I was content, I said, to learn of him so far as he was able to teach me by the Word of God.

Bishop,

Who shall judge the Word?

Glover,

Christ was contend the People should judge of his Do∣ctrine by searching the Scriptures, and so was Paul; I am content the Primitive Church next the Apostles time shall judge betwixt you and me. But he refused to be judged by these.

Then he said, I am your Bishop, and therefore you must believe me.

Glover,

If you say black is white, must I say as you say?

Here the Chancellor noted me to be arrogant, because I would not give place to my Bishop.

Glover,

If you must be believed because you are a Bishop, why find you fault with the People that believed L••timer, Ridly, and Hooper, who were Bishops?

Bishop,

Because they were Hereticks.

Glover,

And may not you err.

To which the Bishop, instead of making answer, asserted his Au∣thority, &c.

The next day after I was had to Liechfield, which at first discouraged

me, considering my weakness of body, until I considered the same God that had preserved me was able to preserve me there, so long as I put my trust in him. When I came to Liechfield, the same night I was put in a Prison, where I continued until I was condemned, in a place next to the Dungeon, a narrow Room, strong of building, and very cold, with small light, and there I was allowed a bundle of Straw, instead of my Bed, without any thing to sit down upon; but God of his great Mercy (through prayer) gave me great patience that night, so that if it had been his pleasure I could have been con∣tented to have ended my life; the Bishops man came to me in the morn∣ing, who was my Keeper, to whom I said, this is a great extea∣mity, God send us patience, and no more.

Then they were content that I should have a Bed of my own pro∣curing, but I was allowed no help night nor day, nor company of any man, notwithstanding my great sickness, nor yet Paper, Pen or Ink, or Books, save my new Testament in Latine, and another little Book which I got in privately.

About two dayes after, the Chancellor and one Temsey a Preben∣dary came to me to the Prison, and exhorted me to conform to the Bishop, and to the Church.

I said, I refused not to be ordered by that Church that was order∣ed by the Word of God.

Chancellor, How know you the Word of God but by the Church.

Glover said to the Chancellor, The Church sheweth which is the Word of God, therefore the Church is above the Word of God: This is no good reason in Learning, for its like unto this, John shew∣ed the People who was Christ, ••ergo John was above Christ.

The Chancellor said, he came not to reason with me; so I remain∣ed without any further Conference with any man by the space of eight dayes, till the Bishop came, in which ti•••• I gave my self con∣tinually to prayer and meditation; I found in my self daily an a∣mendment of health in my body, and increase of peace in Con∣science, and many consolations from God by the help of his holy Spirit, and sometimes a taste and glimmering of the Life to come, though the Enemy ceased not many times sundry wayes to assault me.

When the Bishop came to Liechfield, I was had before him in a by Chamber, next my Prison, when I came and saw none but his Of∣ficers, Chaplains, and Servants, except and Old Priest, I was partly amazed, and lifted up my heart to God for his mercifull help and as∣sistance.

Some discourse at that time the Bishop had with this faithfull Mar∣tyr concerning the Sacrament and Confession, the usual Snares; but his last Examination, when he was condemned, I do not find upon Record; but this I find noted, that after Condemnation, this Ser∣vant of the Lord was under some exercise of heaviness, and dulness of Spirit, and desolate of all Spiritual Consolation, and full of much discomfort and unaptness to bear the bitter Cross of Martyrdom, ready to be laid upon him.

Whereupon, he fearing in himself lest the Lord had utterly with∣drawn his wonted favour from him, made his condition known to one Austen Bernher, his faithfull Friend, how that he had earnestly prayed day and night to the Lord, and yet could receive no motion nor sense of any comfort from him.

Austen exhorted him patiently to wait the Lords pleasure, and how∣soever his present feeling was, yet seeing his Cause was just and true, to stick constantly to the same, and not to doubt but the Lord in his good time would visit him, and satisfie his desire with plenty of Consolation; the next day, as he was going to the place of Execution he was so mightily replenished with holy Comfort, and Heavenly Joyes, that he cryed out to Austen Bernher, and said, Austen, He is come, he is come.

In the same Fire, with him was burned Cornelius Bongey of Coventry,* 10.1 and condemned by the said Radulph Bishop of Coventry and Liech∣field.

The 9th day of the Moneth called October, were condemned to be burnt William Woolsey,* 10.2 and Robert Pygot of Wisbidge in the Isle of Ely, by John Fuller, the Chancellor to the Bishop of Ely, and o∣thers.

Doctor Fuller and some others, coming to visit William Woolsey in Prison, VVilliam heard all they had to say to him, and then spake these words, W•• be unto you Scribes and Pharisees, ye Hypocrites, for ye shut up the Kingdom of Heaven before men, ye your selves go not in, nei∣ther suffer ye them that come to enter in.

Not long after the Doctor came to VVilliam again, and said to him, thou troublest my Conscience, wherefore I pray thee depart, and rule thy Tongue, so that I hear no more complaint of thee, and come to the Church when thou wilt, and if thou be complained up∣on, so far as I may, I promise thee I will not hear of it.

VVilliam

said in reply, I was brought hither by a Law, and by a Law I will be delivered; at the Sessions the said VVilliam was com∣mitted to the Castle at VVisbidge.

Robert Pygot▪ a Painter by Trade, was at the same Sessions present∣de for not going to Church, and being called before Sr. Clement Higham Judge of the Sessions, who said to Pygot; Ah, are you the holy Father, the Painter? How chance you come not to Church?

Robert Pygot,

I am not out of the Church, I trust in God.

No Sr. said the Judge, this is no Church, this is a Hall.

Rob. Pygot,

I know very well it is a Hall, but he that is in the true faith of Jesus Christ, is never absent, but present in the Church of God.

Ah Sirrah, said the Judge, you are too high learned for me to talk withal, wherefore I will send you to them that be better learned; and committed him to the Goal where VVoolsey lay, and from thence they were both carried to Ely where they remained Prisoners till the day of their death.

About the nineteenth day of the same Month they were had to

Judgment, before Doctor Fullor then Chancellor and others, who laid several Articles to their charge, viz. that they denied the Sacra∣ment of the Altar, whereunto their answer was, that the Sacrament of the Altar was an Idol: One of the Commissioners drew up a Paper that he would have Robert Pygot sign.

No, said Pygot, that is your Faith, and not mine.

When these two men were burnt, there was a great Sheet knit full of Books, burnt with them.

It is further testified concerning those two Martyrs, by one William Fulk of Cambridge, that they were burnt at Ely; Pygot, he said, was milde, humble and modest, promising that he would be conform∣able to his Persecutors if they could perswade him by the Scriptures; Wolsey, he said, was stout, strong and vehement, and detested all their doings, as of whom he was sure to receive nothing but Cruelty and Tyranny; he was wonderous jealous over his Companion, fear∣ing least his gentle Nature would have been overcome by the flater∣ing inticements of the World, and therefore the same day that they were burned, when they would have talked with him alone, he pul∣led him away from them almost by force.

* 10.3 About the same time were burned at Oxford, Nicholas Ridley and Hugh Latimer, both Bishops; when the Faggot was brought, kind∣led, and laid at Nicholas Ridley's feet▪ Latimer spake to him in this man∣ner, Be of good comfort, we shall this day light such a Candle, by Gods Grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.

* 10.4 About the thirtieth of the Month called November 1555. John Web, George Roper and Gregory Porke were all burnt together in one Fire at Canterbury, abiding most patiently the torment, counting themselves happy and blessed of the Lord, that they were made worthy to suffer for Christs Gospel sake.

William Wiseman a Clothworker of London, the thirtieth of December following died a Prisoner for the Gospel in Lollards Tower; after he was departed, the Papists commanded that no man should bury him, but he was cast out into the fields, accounting him as a prophane per∣son, and worthy of no burial, yet some faithful Brethren buried him in the evening, as they did the rest thrown out in like sort, whom they were wont privily by night to bury.

In the same Month James Gore died Prisoner in Colchester for the Truth of Gods Word.

* 10.5 The next followeth the Martyrdom of John Philpot, who suffered for the sake of the Gospel of Christ, and a Witness against the Anti∣christian Sea of Rome: He was a Knights son, and was born in Hamp∣shire, and was brought up in learning; he was of a pregnant wit, of singular courage, and zealous in Religion. When Queen Mary came to the Crown, she caused a Convocation to be held, where this John Philpot was present, where he vindicated the cause of the Gospel, man∣fully against the adverse party, for the which cause he was called to account by Bishop Gardner the Chancellor, notwithstanding the Li∣berty of the House promised before; after Gardner had examined him,

he sent him to Bonner and his Commissinors,* 10.6 with whom he had sun∣dry conflicts, the most material passages in which examinations I have here inserted.

Doctor Story looking on him, said, He was well fed.

Philpot,

If I be fat, it is no marvel, since I have been staled up in Prison a year and a half in a close corner.

Roper,

We here say you are out of the Catholick Church, and have been a disturber of the same; wherefore, if you will come into the same you shall be received, and find favour.

Philpot,

I am come before you, and I would know my Offence, and if I have done nothing contrary to the Laws, I desire I may have the benefit of a Subject, and be delivered out of my wrong impri∣sonment.

Story,

Thou art an Heretick, and holdest against the blessed Mass.

Philpot,

What I spoke in the Convocation House, the Queen and Council gave Liberty to every man of the House to utter his Consci∣ence, and to speak his mind freely of such matters in Religion as were propounded by the Prolocutor, for which I ought not to be molested, nor compelled by you to answer for the same.

Story,

Thou shalt go to the Lollards Tower, and there shalt thou be handled like a Heretick as thou art, and be Judged by the Bishop of London.

Philpot,

I have been Examined and imprisoned by the Chancellor, mine Ordinary, and by the Law I may have exceptionem fori, and its against all equity that I should be twice vexed for one cause; and that by such as by the Law have nothing to do with me.

Story,

Thou shalt be had to the Lollards Tower.

Philpot,

Since you will needs shew me this Extremity, I desire to see your Commission that gives you Authority so to do.

Roper,

Let him see the Commission.

Story,

Shall we lit every vile person see our Commission?

Cholmly,

Let him go from whence he came, and on Thursday he shall see our Commission.

Story,

No, let him lie in the mean while in the Lollards Tower; I will sweep the Kings-Beach, and all the other Prisons of these Hereticks; so that they shall not have that resort as they have had to scatter their Heresies.

Philpot,

You have power to transfer my Body from place to place at your pleasure, but you have no power over my Soul, and I pass not whither you commit me, for I cannot be worse entreated, then I am kept all day in a close Chamber.

Story,

Marshall, Take him home with you again, and bring him on Thursday, and then we shall rid your fingers of him, and afterwards of your other Hereticks.

Philpot,

God hath appointed a day shortly to come, in the which he will surely Judge us with righteousness; howsoever you judge of us now.

After some further discourse with him, he was, with four others, had to the Keepers House in Paster-noster-row, where the Arch Dea∣con

of Londons Servant,* 10.7 in his Masters name, offered John Philpot a Bed for that night. To whom he gave thanks, but said, it would be a grief to him to lie well one night, and the next night worse; wherefore, said he, I will begin as I am like to continue, and take such as my Fellows do; whereupon they were brought to the Bishops Cole-house, unto which is joyned a little blind house, with a pair of Stocks, where they found one person sitting, with his hand and foot in.

At his fifth Examination, as he was going to the Cole-house, he met with Bonner, who said to him, Philpot, If there be any plea∣sure I can shew you in my house, I pray you require it, and you shall have it.

Philpot,

The pleasure that I require of you is to hasten my Judg∣ment, which is committed unto you, and to dispatch me forth of this miserable World, unto my Eternal rest.

Note, for all this fair Speech, I could never attain hitherto this fort∣night space, neither Fire, nor Candle, nor good Lodging.

Another time, being sent for before Bonner, Bonner said, I charge, you to answer to such Articles as my Chaplain and my Register have from me to object against you.

Philpot,

Omnia Judicia debet esse publica, All Judgment ought to be publick; therefore if you have any thing to charge me lawfully with∣al, let me be in Judgment lawful and openly called, and I will an∣swer, otherwise in Corners I will not.

At which the Bishop was angry, and called him foolish Knave, and bid them, put him in the Stocks.

Philpot, Indeed you handle me with others, like Fools, and we must be content to be made Fools at your hands; Stocks and Vio∣lence is your Bishop like Almes: so he was put in the Stocks alone, in the house seperate from his Fellows, for which he praised God that he thought him worthy to suffer any thing for his Names sake.

Not long after, the Bishop coming to view the Cole-house, saying, he was never there before, (and his coming then was for no good) for he thought the place too good for John Philpot; and called for the Kee∣per, and caused him to put the said John Philpot in another place, by himself, where the Keeper pluckt off his Gown, and searched him, and took away his Pen, and Ink, and Papers.

At another Examination the fourth of December, Chadsey said, You shall be constrained to come to us at length whether you will or no.

Philpot said, Hold that Argument fast, for it is the best you have; for you have nothing but violence.

Soon after Bonner pronounced the Sentence against him, and then delivered him to the Sheriffs whose Officers had him to New∣gate (in his way he said, Ah good People, Blessed be God for this day.)

At Newgate he was cruelly handled by the Keeper, having Irons put on, because he had not wherewithal to satisfie the unreasonable Goalers demand for Fees.

Upon the 17th day of December the Sheriff sent a Messenger to him, to bid him make ready, for the next day he should suffer, and be burnt at a Stake.

He answered, I am ready, God grant me strength; so he went in∣to his Chamber, and poured out his Spirit unto the Lord God, gi∣ving him thanks that he of his mercy had made him worthy to suffer for his Truth; and when he came into Smithfield, he kneeled down, saying these words, I will pay my Vows in thee O Smithfield; and so died a constant Martyr,

* 10.8 About this time died one of the great Persecutors, viz. Stephen Gardner, Bishop of Winchester, at his House in Southwark, of whose death its memorable, that the same day in which Ridley and Latimer suffered at Oxford, he would not go to Dinner till four a Clock in the after-noon, though the old Duke of Norfolk was come to Dine with him, the reason was, because he would first hear of their being burnt; and as soon as word of that was brought him, he presently said, now let us go to Dinner; where sitting down, and eating merrily, upon a suddain he fell into such an Extreamity, that he was fain to be taken from the Table, and carried to his Bed, where he continued fifteen dayes without voiding any thing, either by urine, or otherwise, which caused his Tongue to swell in his Mouth, and so he died.

* 10.9 About the 27th of January were burned in Smithlfield, London, these seven persons hereafter following, viz.

• ...Thomas VVhittle.
• ...Bartelet Green.
• ...John Tudson.
• ...John VVent.
• ...Thomas Browne.
• ...Isabel Foster.
• ...Joane VVarren,
• ...alias Lashford.

At which seven as they were burned together in one Fire, so were they likewise upon one sort and form of Articles condemned in one day.

This Thomas VVhittle, one of these Sufferers, was the person that Jo. Philpot found in the Stocks, when he was put into the Bishops Cole∣house, Thomas Whittle was sorely beaten, and heardly used by the Bi∣shop, for two nights he lay on a Table without Bed or Straw; the Bishop telling him, he should be fed with Bread and Water; the Bi∣shop sometimes giving him fair words, and sometimes threatning him, and Doctor Harpsfield perswaded him very much to forsake his Opinions; Thomas answered, he held nothing but the Truth; but he had made a Bill for Thomas to subscribe, to this effect, that he should detest all Errours and Heresie against the Sacrament of the Altar, and other Sacraments, and to believe the Faith of the Catho∣like Church, and live accordingly.

Now after he had signed it, he was under great condemnation, as appears by this Testimony under his hand, the Substance of which is as followeth.

To the Bill I did indeed set my hand, being much desired, and coun∣selled so to do, and the Flesh being alwayes desirous to have liberty, I considered not throughly the inconveniences that might come there∣upon; and respite I desired to have had, but earnestly they desired

me to subcribe: Now when I had so done I had little joy thereof, for by and by my Mind and Conscience told me I had done evil, by such a slighty means to shake of the sweet Cross of Christ; and yet it was not my seeking, as God he knoweth, but altogether came of them, O the crafty Subtilty of Sathan in his Members, let every man that God shall deliver into their hands, take good heed, and cleave fast to Christ, for they will leave no corner of his Conscience unsought, but will attempt and guilefull and subtil means to corrupt him, to fall both from God and his Truth.

The night after I had subscribed, I was sore grieved, and for sor∣row of Conscience could not sleep; for in the deliverance of my Bo∣dy out of Bonds, which I might have had, I could find no joy nor confort, but still was in my Conscience tomented more and more, being assured by Gods Spirit, and his Word, that I through evil coun∣sel and advisement had done amiss, and with the disquietness of my Mind, and other cruel handling, I was sick lying upon the ground, when the Keeper came, and so I desired him to pray Doctor Harps∣field to come to me, and so he did.

And when he came, and the Register with him; I told him, that I was not well at ease, but especially, I told him, I was grieved very much in my Conscience and Mind, because I had subscribed; and I said, that my Conscience had so Accused me, through the just Judg∣ment of God and his Word, that I had felt Hell in my Conscience, and Sathan ready to devour me, and therefore I pray you, said I, let me have the Bill again, for I will not stand to it, so he gently com∣manded it to be fetcht, and gave it me, and suffered me to put out my name, whereof I was right gl••d, when I had so done, although death should follow; and hereby I had experience of Gods Providence and Mercy towards me, who tryeth his People, and suffereth them to fall, but not to be lost; for in the midst of this Temptation and Trouble he gave me warning of my deed, and also delivered me, his name be praised for evermore, Amen.

By me Thomas VVhittle.

Bartlet Green, born in the City of London, in the Parish of Ba••inghal, of the age of twenty five years,* 11.1 being examined by Bishop Bonner, with whom he had sundry Conferences, and publick Examinations, but in the end, Bonner seeing his stedfastness to the faith of Christ to be such, as against the which neither their threatnings, nor yet their flattering promises could prevail: After he he had condemned the other six, he called for Bartlet Green, and pronounced the definitive sentence against him, and so committed him to the She∣riffs of London, who sent him to Newgate; and when he came to Prison, he was often exercised in prayer and godly meditations and exercises, until the twenty eighth day of the month called January, when he with his other above mentioned Brethren, went most che••r∣fully unto the place of their Torments, at the stake repeating these Latine verses following,

Christe de us sine te spes est mihi nulla salutis Te duce vera sequor,* 11.2 te duce falsa nege,

In English, thus;

O Christ my God, sure hope of health besides thee have I none, The Truth I love, and falshood hate, by thee my Guide alone.

After these seven above rehearsed martyred together in Smithfield, shortly after, in the same Month, being the one and thirtieth day of the Month called January,* 11.3 four Women, and one Man were burnt for the Faith of the Gospel at Canterbury, their names are as follow∣eth, viz.

• John Lomas, a young man of the Parish of Tenterden.
• ...Anne Albright.
• Joan Catmer of the Parish of Hyth.
• Agnes Snoth Widdow, of Smarden
• Joan Sole Wife, of the Parish of Horton.

The aforesaid five persons were burnt at two Stakes, and one Fire, ratifying and confessing the true faith of Christ Jesus, and when the flame was about their ears they sung for joy, whereat John Norton, called Knight, standing by, wept bitterly to hear and see what was done.* 11.4

The Judges and others Assistants which face upon these Martyrs, were, Richard Faucet, John Warren, John Mills, Robert Collins, and John Baker the Notary.

Now we come to the time of Cranmers Execution, who the year before (as I have mentioned) was condemned and degraded by Com∣mission from the Pope,* 11.5 after which being by the subtylty of some, put in hope of life, out of frailty, he subscribed to a Recantation which yet did him no good; for whether it were that Cardinal Pool would no longer be kept from being Aron-Bishop (which he would not be, as long as he lived) or that the Queen could not be gotten to forget his being the chief Instrument of her Mothers divorce, his Execu∣tion was resolved to be in the same place at Oxford, where Ridley, and Latimer five Months before had suffered; before the Execution Doctor Cole preached; who to make use of Cranmers recantation, told the People they should do well to hearken to this learned mans Con∣fession, who now at his death, and with his death, would testifie which was the true Religion, never thinking Cranmer would have denied his former Recantation; but Cranmer being brought to the Stake(contrary to expectation) acknowledged that throught frailty, he had sub∣scribed it, praying God heartily to forgive it, for that he had set his hand contrary to the Truth that was in his heart; and now for a pu∣nishment that hand which had done ••••should first suffer; and there∣withal thrusting his Right hand into the Fire, he there held it, till i•• first, then his whole Body was consumed.

The next that suffered, were Agnes Potter, and Jone Trunchfield, in the County of Suffolk, both Married Women, dwelling both in one Town, they were burnt in Ipswich; when they had prepared them∣selves ready for the Fire, they exhorted the people very earnestly to lay hold on the Word of God, and not upon mans devices and inven∣tions, despising the Ordinances and Inventions of the Romish Anti∣christ, with all his Superstitions and rotten Religion.

After these two Women were burnt, three Men at one Fire in Salsbury, their names,

• John Spicer, Free-Mason.
• William Coberly, Taylor.
• John Maundrel, Husbandman.

The beginning of their Imprisonment was after this manner, going into a Steeple-house, and seeing the Idolatry by the people perform∣ed, in following the Idol in procession, exhorted the people to re∣turn to the living God, speaking more particularly to one Robert Berksdale, head man of the Parish, but he took no regard to their words; soon after the Priest came into his Pulpit, who being about to read his Bedral, and prayer for the Souls in Purgatory, Jo. Maundrel speaking with an Audible voice, said, that that was the Popes Pinfold, after which words, by commandment of the Priest, they were had to the Stocks, where they remained till their Worship was done, and then were had before a Justice of Peace, and the next day were all three had to Salsbury, and presented before Bishop Capon, and William Geoffry, the Chancellor of the Diocess, by whom they were impri∣soned, and often Examined of their Faith in private, but seldom openly: in their Answer to the Articles charged against them, they said, that the Popish Mass was abominable Idolatry, and injurious to the Blood of Christ; and being asked, whether the Pope was supream head of the Church, they said, he usurped Authority; and said, Christ was the head of the Church; and said, Christs Blood pur∣ged away their Sins, and not the Popes Purgatory; and being asked, whether Images were necessary in the Church, John Mundrell said, Wooden Images were good to rost a shoulder of Mutten, but evil in the Church, whereby Idolatry was committed; when the Articles were answered, the Chancellor read their Condemnation, and so deliver∣ed them to the Sheriff, to whom John Spicer said, now you must be their Butcher, that you may be guilty also with them of Inno∣cent Blood before the Lord. The 24th day of the Moneth called March they were had to the place of Execution, where they kneeled down and prayed secretly, and then being disclothed to their Shirts, John Mundrell spoke with a Loud voice, Not for all Salsbury, which words men judged to be an answer to the Sheriff, who offered him the Queens Pardon, if he would recant; and after this, in like man∣ner spake John Spicer, This is the joyfullest day that ever I saw. Thus did they most constantly give their Bodies to the Fire, and their Souls to the Lord for a Testimony to his Truth.

* 11.6 About the 23th day of the Moneth called April 1556 were burn∣ed in Smithfield at one Fire these six persons, viz. Robert Drakes,

William Tymis, Richard Spurge, Thomas Spurge, John Cavel,* 11.7 and George Ambross, they were all of Essex, and so of the Diocess of Lon∣don, they were sent up at sundry times by Lord Rich, and others, and by Gardner Bishop of Winchester, then Lord Chancellor of England, committed some to the Marshal-sea, and some to the Kings-Bench, where they remained almost the whole year before they were brought to Examination: Some Passages in their Examination, are as followeth.

After six or seven hours discourse between the Bishop of London and Bath with William Tymis, they were weary, and began to pity Tymis's case, and to slater him, saying, Ah, good Fellow, thou art bold, and thou hast a good fresh Spirit, we would thou hadest learning to thy Spirit.

I thank you, said he, and both you be learned, and I would you had a good Spirit to your learning.

The Bishop seeing Tymis his hoase part white, and part of a sheeps russet, in a mocking manner said, Ah, Sirrah, are you a Dea∣con?

Yea, that I am, said he.

So me thinketh, said the Bishop, you are decked like a Deacon.

Said Tymis, Me-thinks my Vesture doth not so much vary from a Deacon, but your Apparel doth as much vary from an Apostle.

And one of the Bishops men said, Scoffingly, my Lord give him a Chair, a Tost and Drink, and he will be Lusty.

But the Bishop said, Have him away till another time.

The 28th day of March, the aforesaid six Martyrs were brought to the open Consistory in Pauls, before Bishop Bonner, to be condemn∣ed for Heresie.

Bishop said, Tymis, Ile begin with thee, for thou art, and hast been the Ring-leader of these thy Companions, thou hast taught them Heresies, and Confirmed them in their Err••ous Opinions, endeavouring to make them like thy self.

Tymis said, I Marvel, you will begin with a Lye, you call me the Ring-leader and Teacher of this Company. There is none of all these my Brethren, which are brought hither as Prisoners, but when they were at liberty, and out of Prison, dissented from you and your doings as much as they do now, and for that cause they are now Prisoners, so that they learned not their Religion in Prison; and as for me, I never knew them till I was committed Prisoner with them; and as for my fault which you make so greivous, whatsoever you judge of me, I am well assured that I hold no other Religion then Christ Preached, the Apostles Witnessed, the Primitive Church received, and now of late hath been faithfully taught by Evangelical Preachers, for which you have cruelly burned them, and now you seek our Blood also, proceed on hardly by what rule you will, I fear not.

Then the Bishop proceeded to pass the Sentence upon him, and then upon the rest, and after he had condemned them he ridded his

bloody hands of them, delivering them to the Sheriffs of London, who sent them to Newgate, where they remained till the 14th day of the Moneth called April, and then sealed their Faith with their Blood.

The Substance of a Letter of William Tymis to his Friends in Hookly.

The Grace of God the Father through the Merrits of his dear Son Jesus our Lord and only Saviour, with the continual aid of his holy and mighty Spirit to the performance of his will, to our Ever∣lasting comfort be with you, my dear Brethren, both now and ever∣more, Amen.

My dearly beloved, I beseech God to reward the great goodness that you have shewed unto me, seven fold into your Bosoms; and as you have alwayes had a most godly love unto his Word, even so I beseech him to give you grace to love your own Souls, and then I trust that you will flee from all those things that should displease our good and mercifull God, and hate and abhor all the Company of these that would have you to Worship God any otherwise then is contain∣ed in his holy Word; and beware of those Masters of Idolatry, that is, these Papistical Priests. My dear Brethren, for the tender mercy of God, remember well what I have said unto you, and also written, the which I am now ready to seal with my Blood; I praise God that ever I lived to see the day; and blessed be my good and mer∣cifull God that ever he gave me a body to glorifie his Name. And dear hearts, I do now write unto you for none other cause, but to put you in rememberance that I have not forgot you, to the end, that I would not have you forget me, but to remember well what I have simply by word of Mouth, and Writing taught you, the which, although it were most simply done; yet truely, as your own Con∣science beareth me record; and therefore, in any case, take good heed, that you do not that thing which your own Conscience doth condemn; therefore come out of Sodom, and go to Heaven-ward with the Servants and Martyrs of God, least you be partakers of the Vengeance of God, that is coming upon this Wicked Nation, from the which the Lord God defend you, &c. Thus now, I take my leave of you forever in this World, except I be burned amongst you, which thing is uncertain unto me as yet.

By me your poorest, and most unworthy Brother in Christ Wil∣liam Tymis;

in Newgate; the 12th day of April, condemned to die for Christs Truth.

Joan Beech of Tumbridge, and John Harpool of Rochester, were both condemned for the Truth of the Gospel by Morrice, Bishop of Roche∣ster, and were Sufferers together at one Fire in Rochester the first day of the Moneth called April 1556.

The next day after suffered in the like Cause at Cambridge one John Hullier.

Some Sentences taken out of a Letter, written by the said John Hullier, are as followeth

John Hullier being of long time Prisoner, and now openly judged for the Testimony of the Lord Jesus, wisheth heartily to the whole Congregation of God the strength of his holy Spirit to their Ever∣lasting health both for Body and Soul.

I now (most dear Christians) having the Sweet Comfort of Gods saving health, and being confirmed with his free Spirit (be he only praised therefore) am constrained in my Conscience, thinking it my very Duty to admonish you, as ye tender the Salvation of your Souls, by all manner of means, to seperate your selves from the Company of the Popes Hirelings, considering what is said in the Revelation of St. John by the Angel of God touching all men, the words be these; If any man Worship the Beast and his Image, and receive his Mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink the Wine of the Wrath of God, which is poured into the Cup of his wrath, and he shall be punished with Fire and Brimstone before the holy Angels, and before the Lamb; and the Smoak of their Torment ascendeth up evermore.

Come out from among them and joyn not your selves to their un∣lawfull Assemblies; yea, do not once shew your selves with the least part of your Body to favour their Wicked doings, but glorifie God (as most right is) so well in your whole Body outwardly, as inward∣ly in your Spirit, or else you can do neither of both well; for your Bo∣dy doth belong to God as well asyour Spirit; at the Dreadfull Day of judgment we shall all receive the Works of our Bodies according to that we have done, whether it be good or bad.

Therefore whatsoever we do we may not bring the Spirit in bond∣age to the Body, but contrary wise we may subdue the Body, and the will of the Flesh to the Spirit, that the Spirit may freely accom∣plish the will of God in all things; for otherwise we shall never be Partakers of his Promise, with the true Children of Abraham, for, as Paul saith, they which are the Children of the Flesh, are not the Children of God; if we live according to the Flesh, we shall die; for to be carnally minded is Death, but to be Spiritually minded is Life and Peace, because that the fleshly mind is Emnity to God, for it is not obedient to the Law of God, neither can be so, then they that are in the Flesh cannot please God.

Now choose you which way you will, take either the narrow Way that leadeth to Life, which Christ himself, and his faithfull Fol∣lowers, have gone through before; or else the broad Path-way which leadeth to Destruction, which the Wicked Worldlings take their pleasure in, for a while; I for my part have now written this short Admonition unto you of good will (as God be my Witness) to ex∣hort you to that Way which at length you your selvos shall prove and find to be best, yea, and rejoyce thereof: And I do not only write this, but I will also (with the assistance of Gods Grace) ratifie, con∣firm

and s••al the same with the effusion of my Blood, when the full time shall be expired that he hath appointed, which (so far forth as I may judge) must needs be within these few dayes: Therefore, I now bid you all most heartily farewell in the Lord, whose Grace be with your Spirit; Amen; Watch and Pray, Watch and Pray, Pray Pray, so be it.

John Hullier.

On the 24th day of April (so called) there were six men burnt at one fire in Colchester,* 13.1 where the most part of them did inhabit, there names were,

• Christopher Laster, of Dingham, Husband-Man.
• John Mace, of Colchester, Apothecary.
• John Spencer, Weaver, of Colchester.
• Symon Joyne, Sawyer.
• Richard Nicholes, of Colchester, Weaver.
• John Hammond, of Colchester, Tanner.

Being had to the Bishops House at Fulham, several Articles were objected against them concerning the Sacrament of the Altar, and other things the same in effect that were propounded to others that suffered before them; to the which they made there several An∣swers, agreeing altogether there in one Truth, and standing most firmly unto their Christian-profession, though they were by divers wayes and means tryed and proved, whether they would revoke their Faith, and return to Anti-christs-Church; which thing, when they refused, the Bishop stoutly pronounced the Sentence of condem∣nation against them, committing them unto the temperal power, who receiving the writ De Hereticis Comburandis, the 28th day of the Mon. called April, as aforesaid, they cheefully ended their lives to the glo∣ry of God, and the great encouragment of others.

The next that suffered were Hugh Laverock of Barking,* 13.2 a Lame man, and John Apprice a Blind man. They were Accused of some of their Neighbours to the Bishop, and others; and being sent for by an Officer were brought to the Bishops House, where he Examined them upon his nine Common-Articles, to the which they having answered, were sent to Prison till further Examined, which was a∣bout nine dayes after in the Consistory at Pauls, where he urged them to recant their Opinions against the Sacrament of the Altar; Hugh Laverock said, I will stand to mine answers, and I cannot find in the Scriptures, that the Priests should lift up over their heads a Cake of Bread. John Apprice said, your Doctrine you teach is so agreeable with the World, and imbraced by them, that it cannot be agreeable with the Scriptures of God.

The Bishop soon after pronounced the Sentence against them, and delivered them to the Temperal Officer, and on the 15th day of the aforesaid Month, they were carried in a Cart from Newgate to Strat∣ford, where most quietly in the Fire, they praised God, yielding up their Souls into his hands.

The next day after they were burnt, there suffered Death at the Fire in Smithfield three Women, viz.

• Katherine Hut, of Bocking, Widdow.
• Joan Hornes, of Billerica, Maid.
• Elizabeth Thackvell, of Great-Bursted, Maid.* 13.3

Bonner brought his usal form of Articles against them, to which when they had answered, he past his Sentence upon them.

Katherine Hut, Widdow, at her last Examination told the Bishop, she denyed their Sacrament to be God, because, said she, it is a dumb God; and made with mens hands.

Joan Hornes said, That Way you call Heresie, I trust to serve the Lord my God in.

At the same time there was one Margaret Ellis, who for the same Truth was brought in Question, and was by Bonner adjudged and condemned, but before the time of her burning came, she died in Newgate, whose Innocent suffering was also thought meet to be re∣corded with the rest of her Faithfull Friends.

A Relation of the burning of Thomas Drowry, a Blind Boy, and Thomas Croker Bricklayer.

In Examination before Doctor Williams, Chancellor of the Consisto∣ry Court at Gloucester, amongst other Articles,* 13.4 he chiefly urged the Articles of Transubstantiation saying,

Chancellor,

Dost not thou believe, that after the Words of Consecrea∣tion spoken by the Priest, there remaineth the very real Body of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar?

To whom the Blind Boy answered, No, that I do not.

Chancellor,

Then thou art an Heretick, and shalt be burnt, but who hath taught thee this Heresie?

Boy,

You.

Chancellor,

Where I pray thee?

Boy,

Even in yonder place, pointing towards the Pulpit,(the Court being held near it.)

Chancellor,

When did I teach thee so?

Boy, When you Preached there upon the Sacrament, you said, the Sacrament was to be received Spiritually, by Faith, and not car∣nally, as the Papists have heretofore taught.

Chancellor,

Then do as I have done, and thou shalt live as I do, and escape burning.

Boy,

Though you can so easily dispence with your self, and Mock with God, the World and your Conscience, yet, I will not so do.

Chancellor,

Then God have Mercy upon thee, for I will read the Sen∣tance against thee.

Boy,

Gods will be fulfilled: And soon after he and Thomas Croker were both burnt in Gloucester.* 13.5

About the Moneth call May Thomas Spicer of Winston, John Duny and Edmund Poole, being brought to Examination before Duming

Chancellor of Norwich, who objected against them the common Ar∣ticles, and after they had answered, because they would not recant, he read the condemnation, and delivered them to the Secular power, and about the 21th of the aforesaid Moneth they were all burnt for their Testimony in one Fire in Beckless in the County of Suffolk.

In this Moneth William Slech Prisoner in the Kings-bench, for the Confession of the Truth there died.

On the sixth day of the Moneth called June there were four per∣sons burnt at Lewis,* 13.6 in Sussex, for the Profession of the Truth, viz. Thomas Harland of Woodmancet, Carpenter, John Oswald of the same, Husband-Man, Thomas Auington of Ardingly, Turner, and Thomas Read. These four, after a long Imprisonment in the Kings-Bench, Suffered at the aforesaid place; John Oswald denied to answer any thing until his Accusers were brought face to face before him, and said, Fire and Faggots could not make him afraid; but as many good men were gone before him, he was ready to Suffer, and follow after.

In the same Moneth, and in the same Town of Lewis were burnt Thomas Wood and Thomas Mills.

William Adheral, and John Clement, being Prisoners, died in the Kings-Bench about the 24th day of the same Moneth.

The 26th day of the same Moneth a Young man-servant to a Mar∣chant was burnt by the Papists at Liecester.

The 27th day of the same Moneth there suffered thirteen Persons at one Fire at Stratford near Bow by London, cleaven Men, and two Women; the cleaven Men were tyed to three Stakes, and the two Women were loose in the midst without any Stake. In the company of these thirteen were three more condemned to die, viz. Thomas Freeman, William Stamard, William Adany.

The Names of the thirteen that were burnt, were as followeth, Ralph Jackson, Henry Adlington, Lyon Cawch, Wil. Halnoell, George Sear∣les, John Ronth, John Darisall, Henry Wye, Edmund Hurst, Lawrence Parn∣ham, Thomas Bowyer, Ellis Pepper, Agnes George.

After they were condemned the Dean of Pauls declared in his Ser∣mon that they held as many Opinions as there were persons, where∣fore, they drew up a Declaration of their Faith, to which they all signed; some particulars of which were.

That the Sea of Rome was the Sea of Anti-christ, the Congrega∣tion of the Wicked, &c. Whereof the Pope is head, under the Devil.

Also, that the Mass was not only a prophanation of the Lords Supper, but a Blasphemous Idol:

That God was neither Spiritually nor Corporally in the Sacrament of the Altar, and there remaineth no Substance in the same, but on∣ly the substance of Bread and Water; for these Articles of our Be∣lief (said they) we being condemned to die, do willingly offer our corruptible Bodies to be dissolved in the Fire, all with one Voice as∣senting and consenting thereunto.

When they were fixamined before the Bloody Bishop, and said,

they would believe all he or they could prove by Scripture, he said, he would not stand to prove it with Hereticks; but said, they were the holy Church, and you ought (said he) to believe us, or else be cut off like withered Branches.

About this time Thomas Parres, Martin Hunt, and John Norrice di∣ed Prisoners in the Kings-Bench, who were all buried in the back-side of the Prison.

* 13.7 The 30th of the Moneth called June there were three persons burnt in one Fire at Edmundsbury in Suffolk, whose names were, Roger Bern∣ard, Adam Foster, and Robert Lawson.

When Roger Bernard came before Doctor Hopton, Bishop of Norwick upon Examination, the Bishop askt him, Whether he had been with the Priest at Easter to be shriven; and whether he had received the Sacrament of the Altar or no?

Bernard

said, No, I have not been to confess to the Priest, but I have confessed mysinsto Almighty God, and I trust he hath forgiven me; wherefore, I shall not need to go to the Priest, for such matters, who cannot help himself.

Bishop,

Surely Bernard, thou must needs go and confess thy self unto him.

Bernard,

That shall I not do, by the Grace of God, while I live.

Bishop,

What a stout Boyly Heretick is this? How malipertly he answer∣eth.

Bernard,

It doth not grieve me (I thank God) to be called Heretick at your hands, for so your Fore-fathers called the Prophets and Con∣fessors of Christ, long before this time.

After some other words past between them, the Bishop rose up sore displeased, and Commanded the Goaler to take him away, and lay Irons enough on him, for, said he, I will tame him ere he go from me.

The next day being brought before him again, Bishop asked him, if he remembred himself, since the day before.

Bernard

said, Yes, I remember my self very well, for I am the same man I was yesterday, and I hope shall be all the dayes of my life concerning the matter you talked with me of.

Then one of the Guard being by, undertook to Examine him, who had him to an Inn, where many Priests were assembled together, who first began to flatter Roger Bernard, and then seeing that would not do, they threatned him with Whipping, Stocking, Burning, and such like.

Bernard tenderly replying, said, Friends, I am no better then my Master Christ and the Prophets, which your Fore-fathers served af∣ter such sort, and I for his Names sake am content to suffer the like at your hands, if God shall so permit, trusting that he will strengthen me in the same according to his promise.

When they saw he would not relent, or yield, they said, behold, a right Schollar of John Fortune, whom they had then in Prison; so they carried him again to the Bishop, who immediately condemned

him as an Heretick, and delivered him to the secular power; he was a single man, a Labourer, dwelling in Fransden in Suffolk, and was first apprehended for refusing to go the Church (so called.)

A Relation of the Examination of John Fortune of Hintlesham Suffolk Black-Smith, about in the 20th day of the Moneth called April, before' Doctor Parker and the Bishop, written with his own hand.

This John Fortune was a man of a Zealous Spirit, and ready in the Scriptures, in Christs Cause Stout and Valiant, and no less patience in his wrongful Suffering, then constant in his Doctrine.

The Examination is as followeth.

First, Doctor Parker asked, How I believed in the Catholick Faith?

Fortune,

I asked him which Faith he meant, whether the Faith that Stephen had, or the Faith of them that put Stephen to death?

Parker being moved, said, What a naughty Fellow is this, you shall see anon he will deny the blessed Sacrament of the Altar, and said, How sayest thou by the blessed Mass?

Fortune,

And I stood still, and made no answer.

Then said one Foster, Why speakest thou not, and make the Gentleman an answer?

Fortune,

I said, Silence is a good answer to a foolish Question.

Parker,

I am sure be will deny the blessed Sacrament of the Altar.

Fortune,

I said, I knew none such.

Parker,

You deny the order of the seven Sacraments; and why dost thou not believe in the Sacrament of the Altar?

Fortune,

Because it is not written in Gods Book.

Foster,

You shall be Whipped and Burnt for this.

Fortune,

If you knew how these words do rejoyce my heart, you would not have spoken them.

Away with him, said he, for he is ten times worse then Samuel, and so he was carried away to Prison again.

At the second Examination.

Bishop asked me, If I did not believe in the Catholick Church?

Fortune,

I believe that Church whereof Christ is the head.

Bishop,

Dost thou not believe that the Pope is Supream head of the Church?

Fortune,

No, Christ is Head of the true Church.

Fortune,

Then I asked him, whether the Pope were a Spirtual Man?

To which he said, Yea.

Fortune,

I said, They are spightfull men, for in seventeen Months

there were three Popes one Poisoned another, for that presumptous seat of Anti-chhist.

Bishop,

It is Malishiously spoken, for thou must obey the power, and not the man; well, said he, What say you to the Ceremonies of the Church?

Fortune,

All things that are not planted by my heavenly Father shall be blucked up by the roots, saith Christ.

Bishop,

They are good and godly, and necessary to be used.

Fortune, Paul

called them weak and beggerly.

At the third Examination.

Bishop,

How believest thou in the Sacrament of the Altar? Dost thou not believe that after the Consecration there is the real substance of the Bo∣dy of Christ?

Fortune,

That is the greatest Plague that ever came into Eng∣land.

Bishop,

Why so?

Fortune,

If I were a Bishop, and you a poor man as I am, I would be ashamed to ask such a Question; for a Bishop should be apt to teach and not to learn.

Bishop,

Is it Idolatry to Worship the blessed Sacrament or no?

Fortune,

God is a Spirit, and will be Worshipped in Spirit and Truth.

At another Examination.

Bishop asked me,

If I would stand to my Answers that I had made him before?

Fortune,

Yea, for I have spoken nothing but the Truth: And after that he made a great Circumstance upon the Sacrament.

Then I desired him to keep to the Text, and he read the Scrip∣ture which said, I am the Bread which came down from Heaven; believest thou not this?

Fortune,

Yea, truly.

Bishop,

Why dost thou deny the Sacrament?

Fortune,

Because your Doctrine is false.

Bishop,

How can that be false which is spoken in the Scripture?

Fortune,

Christ said, I am the Bread, and you say, the Bread is he; therefore your Doctrine is false.

Bishop,

Dost not thou believe the Bread is he?

Fortune,

No.

Bishop,

I will bring thee to it by the Scriptures.

Fortune,

Hold that fast, for that is the best Argument you have yet.

Bishop,

Thou shalt be burnt like an Heretick.

Fortune,

Who shall give Judgment upon me?

Bishop,

I will judge a hundred such as thou art, and never be shreven for it.

Fortune,

Is not there a Law for the Spirituality as well as for the Temporality?

Clement Higham

said, Yes, what meanest thou by that?

Fortune,

When a man is perjured, by the Law he is cast over the Bar, and sitteth no more in judgment; and the Bishop is a perjured man, and ought to sit in Judgment of no man.

Bishop,

How provest thou that?

Fortune,

Because you took an Oath in King Henry's dayes to resist the Pope; so both Spiritual and Temperal are perjured, that here can be no true Judgment.

Bishop,

Thinkest thou to escape Judgment by that, no, for my Chancel∣lor shall judge thee, he took no Oath, for he was then out of the Realm.

Clement Higham,

It is time to Weed out such Fellows as you be in∣deed.

The Bishop commanded the Bailiff to take him away; thus much touching the Examination of this man, but whether he died by Fire, or were otherwise prevented by Death is not recorded, only his Sen∣tence of Condemnation was drawn up, and registred by the Register of Norwich; but most certain it is, he never recanted.

John Careless Examined before Doctor Martin.

Martin askt him, Where he was born?

Careless said,* 13.8 At Coventry.

Martin

said, How camest thou hither?

Careless,

By a Writ.

Martin,

Thou art a hansom man, and its pity but thou shouldest do well, and play the Wise mans part.

Careless,

I put you out of doubt, that I am most sure and certain of my Salvation by Christ Jesus, so that my Soul is safe already, what∣soever pains my Body suffer here for a little time.

After much more discourse between them about predestination.

Martin

said, The Lord knows that I would gladly make some means to preserve thy life, but thou speakest so much of the Lord, the Lord; How sayest thou, wilt thou be content to go into Ireland, and serve the Queen there?

Careless,

I am ready to do service to the Queen, or her Officers, but if they require me to do any thing contrary to Christs Religion I am rea∣dy also to do my service in Smithfield for not observing it, as other my Brethren have done.

He endured Imprisonment two whole years in Coventry, and the Kings-Bench, where at last he died, and was buried in a Dunghill in the Fields.

Sentences taken out of a Letter written by John Careless, in the time of his Suffering, and Imprisonment

To my most dear and faithful Brethren in Newgate condemned to die for the Testimony of Gods Everlasting Truth.

The Everlasting Peace of God in Christ Jesus, the continual

Joy, Strength and Comfort of his most pure, Holy and Mighty Spirit, with the increase of Faith, and lively feeling of his Eternal Mercy be with you my most dear and faithful loving Brother Tyms, with all the rest of my dear hearts in the Lord you faithful fellow Souldiers, and most constant Companions in bonds, yea of men Con∣demned most cruelly for the sincere Testimony of Gods Everlasting Truth, to the full finishing of that good work which he hath so gra∣tiously begun in you all that the same may be to his glory the commo∣dity of his poor afflicted Church, and to your Everlasting comfort in him, Amen.

Ah, my most sweet and loving Brethren, and dearest hearts in the Lord, what shall I say, or how shall I write unto you in the lest point or part to utter the great joy that my poor heart hath conceived in God, through the most godly Example of your Christian-constancy, and sincere Confession of Christs Truth; truly my Tongue cannot declare nor my Pen express the aboundance of Spiritual mirth and gladness that my mind and inward man hath felt, ever since I heard of your hearty ••oldness and modest behaviour before the Bloody Butcher, in the time of all your crafty Examinations, especially at your cruel Condemnation in their cursed Consistory place; blessed be God the Father of all Mercy, and Praised be his Name, who hath not only given you continual Aid, Strength and Comfort of his holy and migh∣ty Spirit to the faithful Confession of Christ, for whose Cause (Oh, most happy man) ye are condemn'd to die, but hath also given you such a Mouth and Wisdom, as all your Wicked Enemies were not able to resist; my dear Brethren, this is an evident proof that God is on our side.

Therefore, my dearly Beloved, Cease not so long as ye be in this life to praise the Lord, for that of his great mercy and infinite good∣ness he hath counted you Worthy of this great dignity, to suffer for his sake, not only the loss of Goods, Wife and Children, long Im∣prisonment, Cruel Oppression &c. But also the deprivation of this mortal life, with the dissoluation of your Bodies in the fire.

Ah, my most dear Brother Tyms, whose time resteth altogether in the hands of the Lord, in a full happy time camest thou into this Troublesome World; but in a much more blessed hour shalt thou depart out of the same, so that the sweet saying of Soloman, or ra∣ther of the holy Ghost, shall be full well verified upon thee, yea, and on all thy faithfull Fellows, better is the day of Death, saith he, then the day of Birth: This saying cannot be verified upon every man, but upon thee, my dear Brother, and such as thou art, whose Death is most pretious before God, and full dear shall your Blood be in his sight; blessed be God for thee, my dear Brother, that ever I knew thee; for in a most happy time came I first into thy Company; pray for me, dear Brother, pray for me, that God will once vouch me Worthy of that great dignity whereunto he hath now brought you.

Ah, all my faithfull Brethren, what shall I say, or what shall I write unto you, but the same that Elizabeth said to Mary, Happy art thou which hast believed,* 14.1 for all things which the Lord hath spoken to thee

shall be fulfilled; so I say to you, my dear hearts in the Lord, happy are ye all, yea, twice happy shall you be for evermore, because you have stedfastly believed the most sweet Promises which God the Fa∣ther hath made unto you, with his own Mouth, in that he hath Pro∣mised you (which are the faithfull Seed of the believing Abraham) that ye shall be blessed ever World without end; and as you do believe, so do you bear record that God is true, the Testimony whereof you have full worthily born to the World, and shortly will full sure∣ly seal the same with your Blood, yea, even to Morrow, I do understand.

Oh Constant-Christians! Oh Valliant Souldiers of the high Cap∣tain Jesus Christ, who for your sake hath conquered the Devil Death, Sin and Hell, and hath given you full Victory over them for evermore. Oh Worthy Witnesses, and most glorious Martyrs, whose invincible Faith hath overcome that Proud, Sturdy-Bragging Prince of the World, and all his Wicked Army, over whom you shall shortly triumph for evermore.

Thus committing you all to Gods most merciful Defence, whose Quarrel you have defended, whose Cause you have promoted, whose glory you have set forth, and whose Name you have constantly confes∣sed; farewel my dear Hearts in the Lord, I will make as much haste after you as I may.* 14.2 All our dear Brethren Salute you, they pray for you, and praise God for you continually; Blessed be the Dead that die in the Lord, for they rest from their Labours and their Works follow them.

John Careless.

About the same time that John Careless died, Julius Palmer, John Gwin and Thomas Askin were burnt together in Newberry, in the County of Berks.

Julius Palmer,* 14.3 was born in Coventry, his Father had been Mayor of Coventry, who bred Julius a Schollar. This Julius was a man of a prompt and ready memory, a wit sharp and pregnant, he was of be∣haviour courteous, without curiosity, of countenance chearfull, with∣out high looks, of Speech pleasant, he was affable and lo•• as a Child, and yet quick Spirited, and vehement in reasoning, he practi••ed no deceit towards any man, for he was of such simplicity, that he was apter to be deceived then to deceive: In King Edward's time, he was a Papist, and an utter Enemy to the Protestant Religion then appearing, for which he was expelled the House or Colledge he belonged to; but in Queen Maryes reign was again restored to the said House, but seeing the Constancy of the Martyrs that Suffered in Queen Maryes reign, and hearing a Relation of the cruelty inflicted on some of them, he cryed out, O raging Cruelty, O Tyranny, and more then Barbarous, and set himself to search into the Religion of the Protestants that suffer∣ed, and soon after was so far converted from Popery, that he could not bow to several Popish Ceremonies, so that he was constrained in a short space to yield up his Fellowship in Oxford, and betook himself to teach School at Reading, where he had not continued long, but

some envious p••••••••us against the Tr••th sought Occasion aganst him, and finding an opper••••••••ty, searched his Closet, where they found some Books and Writings, written by him against the Popish Pro∣ceedings, and espec••lly against their brutish Tyranny executed against the Martyrs; whereupon they threatned him, that except he did without delay depart their Coasts, they would produce the Books before the Councel; whereupon he was forced to depart from the Town of Reading, leaving in the hands of his Enemies what he had there, and took his Journey to Evisham, where his Mother dwelt, hoping to get what his Father left him when he died; his Mother understanding his Condition, as soon as she saw him, and had a short discourse with him, said to him, I require thee to depart from my House, and out of my sight; as for Money and Goods I have none of thine, thy Father bequeathed nought for Hereticks, Faggots I have to burn thee, more thou gets not at my hand; so with a soft answer and a few sweet words to her, the tears running down his cheeks, he departed from her, which so mollified her hard heart, that she threw an old Angel after him, and said, take that to keep thee a true man. This poor man being destitute of worldly Friendship, and cast off by her whom he took to be his surest Friend, knew not which way to go, at last he concluded to go to Oxford to some Friends there, where a School was proposed to him in Gloucestershire, which he accepted, and as he was travelling it came into his mind that there was a quar∣ters stipend due to him at Reading for teaching School, and to look after his other things he had there, he resolved to go to Reading; where though he used what endeavours he could to be retired and pri∣vate, he was by the treachery of some Hypocrites discovered and ap∣prehended, being taken out of his Bed by Officers, to whom he opened not his Lips, but was led away as a Lamb to the Slaughter, and was committed to Prison, where the Keeper like a Ravening Woolfe gree∣dy of his prey, put him into a blind stinking and dark Dungeon, and there left him for a time hanging by the hands and feet in a pair of Stocks; in this Dungeon he remained about ten dayes, under the Tyranny of this unmercifull Keeper.

After this he was brought before the Mayor, where he was Accused (by those that had Pilledged his Study, of divers grieous Crimes) but when he came to his Answer he did so deface their Evidence, & defend his own Innocency, that the Mayor was ashamed that he had given so much credit to them, and sought how they might convey him privi∣ly out of the Country; when these Bloody Adversaries saw this Stra∣tagem would not serve their turns, they found another Snare, which was to Accuse Palmer of Heresie, and he was again called out of Prison before the Mayor and Justices, to render an Account of his Faith be∣fore them, and when they had intrapt'd him, they caused him, and a Bill of Instruction with him to be sent to Newberry to be Examined by Doctor Jeffery at the Visitation at Newberry, the 16th of the Month called July 1556. In the mean time he Suffered some hard∣ships in Reading Goal, for want of Money to supply his Occasion.

The publick Examination of Julius Palmer at Newbery before Doctor Jefferies, Bishop of Sarum, and others.

Bishop called Palmer, and said, Art thou the jolly Writer of three half penny books we hear of?

Palmer,

I know not what you mean.

Bishop,

Have you taught Latine so long, that now you understand not English.

To this he answered Nothing.

Bishop,

We understand by your Articles that you are convict of certain Heresies; that you deny the Popes Holiness Supremacy; that the Priest shew∣eth up an Idol at Mass, and that there is no Purgatory, &c.

Bishop askt him, Whether he wrote some Books, and he shewed him the Books.

Palmer answered, yea, he did.

Bishop

threatned him, that he would make him recant, and would wring peccavi out of his lying Lips ere he had done with him.

Palmer,

I know, that though of my self I am able to do nothing, yet if you and all mine Enemies should do your worst, you shall not be able to bring that to pass, neither shall you prevail against Gods mighty Spirit, by which we understand the Truth, and speak it so boldly.

Bishop,

Ah, are you full of the Spirit, are you inspired with the holy Ghost?

Palmer,

No man can believe but by the inspiration of the holy Ghost; therefore if I were not a spiritual man, and inspired with Gods holy Spirit, I were not a true Christian; he that hath not the Spirit of Christ is none of his.

Bishop,

I perceive you lack no words.

Palmer,

Christ hath promised not only to give us store of words necessary, but with them such force of matter as the Gates of Hell shall not be able to confound or prevail against it.

Bishop,

Christ made such a promise to his Apostles; you will not compare with them?

Palmer,

With the Apostles I may not compare, yet this promise I am certain pertaineth to all such as are appointed to defend Gods Truth against his Enemies in the time of their Persecution for the same.

Bishop,

Then it pertaineth not unto thee.

Palmer,

Yes, I am right well assured that it pertaineth unto me, as it shall appear if you give me leave to dispute with you before this Audience, in the defence of all that I have there Written.

Bishop,

Thou art but a beardless Boy, start up yesterday out of the Schools, and darest thou presume to offer Disputation, or to encounter with a Doctor?

Palmer,

Remember M. Doctor, the Spirit breatheth where it pleases, &c. and out of the Mouthes of Babes, &c. And thou hast

hidden these things from the wise, &c. God is not tyed to time, wit, learning, place nor person.

The Register said if you suffer him thus impudently to trifle with you he will never have done.

Then the Bishop said, It was not in his Commission to dispute with him, but had a great deal more discourse with him, and after he had done exami∣ning of him, the high Sheriff after Dinner sent for Julius Palmer to speak with him, and exhorted him to revoak his Opinion, to spare his young years wit and learning, and told him that if he would be conformable he would give him his meat and ten pound a year, &c.

Palmer thankt him, and said, that as he had already in two places renounced his living for Christs sake, so he would, with Gods Grace, be ready to surrender and yield up his life also for the same, when God should send time.

Then one Winchcom upon the Bench said, Take pity on thy golden Years and pleasant Flowers of lusty Youth, before it be too late.

Palmer, I long for those springing Flowers that shall never fade away.

Winchcom, If thou be at that point. I have done with thee.

Then was Palmer had to the Blind-house, and in the afternoon John Gwin and Thomas Askin had the sentence of Condemnation, and were delivered to the Sheriff, and the next morning Palmer was con∣demned, and the same afternoon they were all three burnt; About an hour before they were executed Palmer comforted his Fellow-suffer∣ers with these words, Happy are you when me•• revile you and persecute you for righteousness sake, rejoyce and be glad for great is your reward in Hea∣ven; fear not them, that kill the Body, and be not able to touch the Soul, God 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Faithful and will not suffer us to be tempted further then we shall be able to bear it; and being brought to the Stake, and the Fire kindled, they cryed, Lord Jesus strengthen us, Lord Jesus assist us, Lord Jesus re∣cei••e our Souls, until they ended their lives.

A Remarkable Providence, whereby Agnes Wardall was preserved from her Violent Persecutors, in the Town of Ipwich.

This Agnes Wardal was a Woman that lived in Gods fear, and was at defiance with their Romish Trash,* 14.4 desiring rather with hard Fair and ill Lodging to be abroad, then to be at home in her House among the Tents of the ungodly, her Husband also being a man living in the fear of God, and for the Testimony of his Conscience being also hunted by force of the Law, was constrained to leave his House and to go to Sea for a livelyhood, an imployment he was unaccustom∣ed to; Agnes Wardal coming home one day to see her Children (which she had left wholely to the care of the Maid-servant to look after) one Doctor Argentine, a great Persecutor having notice of her coming home, stirred up the Constable and Watch to apprehend her, who in the night beset the House, and knocking at the door the the Maid heard them, and aw••ked her Mistriss, who immediately got up, and creeping through a ditch full of Nettles she got into a Parlour

wherein stood a Cupbord with a fair Press,* 14.5 into the which the Maid lockt her, and then going into a Chamber next the Street, spake to the Watch, who threatned to break the door down, if she did not open it, with that she opened the door, and the Watch searched the House very narrowly and came into the Room where Agnes was in the Press, and one of them said, here is a fair Cupbord, and laid his hand on it; she may be here for any thing that is done, that is true, said another; yet they looked no further, but went into an∣other Room, and when they had searcht the House, they went into the Fields, at the back-side of the House, and in the mean time the poor Woman was almost smothered in the Press, but at last by a Neighbour (with much ado) for being a stranger she could not in a long time unlock the Press, was let out, and being let out she got through the Garden Pales into the Fields, and there hid her self in the Ditch, whereby she escaped these envious Persecutors who sought in their cruelty to have Ruined her.

Thomas Moore, * 14.6a Husbandman, and a Servant in the Town of Lei∣cester for saying that his Maker was in Heaven, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Pix, was apprehended; the person that examined him, po••ting to the high Altar, asked him, whether he did not believe his Maker to be there?

Thomas Moor said, No.

Bishop,

What is that thou seest above the Altar?

Thomas Moor,

I cannot tell what you would have me to see, I see there fine Cloathes with golden Tassels, and other gay gere hanging about the Pix, what is within I cannot see.

Bishop,

Dost not thou believe Christ to be there, Flesh, Blood and Bone?

Thomas Moor,

No, that I do not.

Whereupon he was immediately condemned to die, and was the twenty sixth day of the Moneth called June burnt in the Town of Leicester.

The Examination of John Jackson before Doctor Cook.

When first I came before him,* 14.7 he railed, and called me He∣retick.

Jackson, I said, I am no Heretick.

Cook,

M. Read told me, that thou wast the rankest Heretick of all them in the Kings-Bench.

Jackson,

I said I knew him not.

Cook,

No, quoth he, yes, he examined thee at the Kings-Bench.

Jackson,

He examined five other, but not me.

Cook,

what sayst thou to the blessed Sacrament of the Altar.

Jackson,

It is a diffuse question to ask me at the first Dash, you pro∣mising to deliver me.

Cook,

What a Heretick is this?

Jackson,

It is easier to call a man a Heretick then to prove him one.

Cook,

What Church art thou of?

Jackson,

What Church, quoth I, I am of the same Church that is builded on the Foundation of the Prophets and Apostles, Jesus Christ being the head Corner-stone.

Cook,

Thou art an Heretick.

Jackson,

How can that be, seeing that I am of that Church? I am sure you will not say that the Prophets and Apostles were He∣reticks.

Cook,

No, but what sayest thou to the blessed Sacrament of the Altar?

Jackson,

I find it not written.

Cook,

No: Keeper, away with him.

But I had some further discourse with him, and then he called again to the Keeper to have me to Prison.

Jackson,

I am contented with that and so we parted, and I answer∣ed no further, in this matter, because I thought he should not have my blood, in a Corner; but I hope in the living God, that when the time shall come before the Congregation, I shall shake their build∣ing in another manner of fashion; for they build but upon Sand, and their Walls be daubed with untempered Morter, and therefore they cannot stand long: Therefore, good Brothers and Sisters, be of good cheer, for I trust in my God, I and my other Prison-fellows shall go joyfully before you, Praising God most heartily, that we are counted worthy to be Witnesses of his Truth.

John Jackson.

The next that suffered was one Joan Wast a poor Blind Maid about twenty two years of Age.* 14.8

This poor Woman had such an esteem of the Scriptures, that though she was blind, and had little Money, she saved so much Money together as would buy her a New-Testament (which in those dayes was but scarce) and she would give Money to some at their spare time to read to her, whereby she became perfect in the Scrip∣ture, so that she retained several Chapters in her memory, and in King Edwards time she was zealous for the Religion then established, and when he died, she could not but continue constant in her Consci∣ence, and refused to back-slide with the Multitude to Popery, but retained her Zeal until she was apprehended, and being Examined was Condemned, and was led from the place where she was con∣demned to a place called the Windmill-pit, near to the Town of Der∣by, and holding her Brother Roger Wast by the hand; she desired the People to pray for her, and called upon Christ to have mercy upon her, and so with patience suffered Martyrdom.

The Sufferings of William Dangerfield.

William Dangerfield of Wooton near Bristol, for fear of Persecution kept abroad from his House and Family, and coming home to visit Wife and Children his House was soon beset, and he apprehended and imprisoned, where under Bishop Brook's his cruelty, he was so handled for some time, yea, so long till the flesh was fretted off his Legs with Irons; and after he was apprehended, his Wife likewise was taken with a young Child but fourteen dayes old, and was put into the Common Goal amongst Thieves and Murderers, where she was kept without any fire, but was forced to warm her Childs clothes in her own Bossom, in the mean season while the Husband and Wife lay in two Prisons, the Bishop began to practice, not with the Woman first, as the Serpent did with Eve, but with the Man, crafti∣ly deceiving his simplicity with fair words, falsly perswading him that his Wife had recanted, and when he perceived he was inclin∣able and consented, he suffered him to go to his Wife in the Com∣mon Goal, where they with melting hearts opened their minds one to another, and he told his Wife how the Bishop with his subtil flatteries had circumvented him, at the hearing of which the Womans heart clave assunder; and she said, Alack, thus long have we continued one, and hath Sathan so prevailed; but the sence of the Action re∣flicted so much upon his Conscience that it brake the mans heart, so that in a short time after he died, after he had endured twelve weeks imprisonment.

Sometime after his Wife was had in Examination before the Bi∣shop, what her Answers were at her Examination are not recorded, but she was kept in Prison with her tender Infant till they both died; the Child was sent out of the Prison, but it was past remedy, first being almost starved with cold and want of things necessary, and the Mans Mother, a woman of eighty years of Age, being left in the House after their apprehension, for lack of comfort, there perished also.

About this time there were five persons famished in Canterbury Castle, by the unmerciful Tyranny of the Papists, as by the Coppy of this following Letter which the Prisoners threw out of the Castle Window my appear.

The Letter.

Be it known to all men that shall read or hear read these our Let∣ters that we the poor Prisoners of the Castle of Canterbury, for Gods Truth are kept and lye in cold Irons, and our Keepers will not suffer any meat to be brought to us to comfort us; and if any do bring any Bread, Butter, Cheese, or other Food, the Keeper will charge them to carry it back, or else keep it for himself, so that we have nothing thereof; insomuch that there are four of us Prisoners for Gods truth famished already, and thus is it his mind to famish us all, and we think he is appointed thereunto of the Bishops and Priests,

and Justices so to famish us, and not only us of the said Castle, but also all other Prisoners in other Prisons, for the like Cause, to be also famished; notwithstanding, we write not these our Letters to that intent we might not aford to be famished for the Lord Jesus sake, but for this cause and intent, that they having no Law so to famish us in Prison, should not do it privily, but that the Murderers hearts should be openly known to all the World, that all men may know of what Church they are, and who is their Father.

Out of the Castle of Canterbury.

About this time there was a consultation held at Cambridge by the Clergy, concerning Martin Bucer and Paulus Phagius,* 15.1 two persons dead three or four year before; and after much debating they agreed altogether in this determination, that they were Sectaries and fa∣mous Hereticks, and a supplication should be made to the Lords Commissioners in the Name of the whole University, that their dead Carcases might forthwith be digged up, for that it was against the rule of of holy Canons that their Bodies should be buried in Chri∣stian burial.

And Cardinal Poole sent a Commission to make inquest upon Heresie; now after the aforesaid Condemnation was past, and the said Commission was read from the Cardinal, Doctor Pern desi∣red process might be sent out for Bucer and Phagius to appear, or any other that would take upon them to plead their Cause, to which the Commissioners condecended, and the next day process went out to cite the Offenders, which Citation was fixed up in several publick places in Cambridge, and soon after Witnesses were sworn and examined a∣gainst Martin Bucer and Phagius, and a time was set for a Jury to bring in their Verdict, and in the mean time a Commandment was given forth by the Commissioners, for bringing in all Heretical Books; and a day there was appointed, for Judgment to be given against these He∣reticks; but when the day came, and that neither Bucer nor Phagius would appear at their call in the Court, nor that any put forth himself to defend them, yet the curteous Commissioners would not proceed to Judgment (which for their contumacy in absenting them∣selves they might have done) considering how that day was peremto∣ry, but to shew their mercy and equity, had rather shew some favour then to take the extent of the Law.

Whereupon, Vincent published the second Process; and stuck it up in publick places as before, putting off the day of Judgment from the eighteenth to the twenty sixth day of the same Moneth, which day being come, the Mayor and Burgesses were warned to be present when the Sentence was published, which was done by Doctor Scot Bishop of Chester, in which Sentence he condemned Bucer and Phagius of Heresie; after the Sentence, the Bishop commanded their Bodies to be digged out of their Graves, and being degraded from holy Or∣ders, delivered them into the hands of the secular Power; then the Cardinal was advertised how far they had proceeded, and he was desired that the Writ De Heretico Comburendo might be sent to Smith

Mayor of Cambridge, else the business could not be finished; in the mean time while the Writ was coming, and order was made that the Books before commanded to be searcht for, should be thrown into the Fire with them; the Writ being come, and the dead Bodies be∣ing taken up, they were Guarded to the Market place, a great train of People following them, and there Chained to a Post, Fire was set to them the Books were thrown in and burnt with them; and thus ends this piece of Popish folly.

And because one University should not mock the other, the like piece of folly was acted upon the dead Body of Peter Martyrs Wife at Oxford, and honest grave and sober Woman while she lived, and of poor People alway a great helper; she died in the year 1552. The Cardinals Visitors coming to Oxford, among other things had in Com∣mission to take up this good Woman out of her Grave, and to con∣sume her Carcass with Fire.

Stephen Kemp, William Hay, William Walterer, William Prowting, William Lowick and Thomas Hudson, were all burnt in Kent in the Month called January 1557.

* 15.2 The next that suffered were these five persons following, viz. Thomas Loseby, Henry Ramsey, Thomas Thirtet, Margaret Hide and Agnes Stanley, who were Examined upon the general Articles before Bonner's Chancellor, to which they particularly answered, being thereunto required before Sentence, and to declare whether they would recant, and what they had to say, why he should not pro∣nounce the Sentence of Condemnation.

Thomas Loseby, first answered, saying, God give me strength to stand against you and your Sentence, and your Law, which is a devou∣ring Law, for it devoureth the Flock of Christ, and I perceive there is no way with me but Death, except I would consent to your de∣vouring Law, and believe in that Idol the Mass.

Thomas Thirtel said, If you make me an Heretick, then you make Christ and his Apostles Hereticks; for I am in the true Faith, and I will stand in it; for I know full well I shall have Eternal life therefore.

Henry Ramsey said, Will you have me to go from the Truth that I am in?

Margaret Hide said, You have no cause to give Sentence against me, for I am in the true Faith, and will never forsake it, and I do wish I were more stronger in it; and the second time being called before the Bishop, she said, I will not depart from my sayings till I be burned.

Agnes Stanley said, I had rather every hair of my head were burn∣ed, if it were never so much worth, then that I should forsake my faith, which is the true Faith.

After they had been twice called and Examined, they were con∣demned, and about the 12th day of the Moneth called April were all burnt in one Fire in Smithfield.

After these, in the Moneth called May, three others suffered in

Georges-fields in Southwark, viz. William Morrant, Stephen Gratwick, and one King.

This St. Gratwick in his Examination was very hardly and illegally deal with; for first, he was condemned by the Bishops of Winchester and Rocester, to whose Diocess he did not belong. Secondly, when he made his appeal from these incompetent Judges to the Bishop of the Dio∣cess he lived in, his appeal would not be allowed; when they had no other shift to colour their inordinate proceedings withall; they procured a Priest to counterfeit himself to be Bishop of Chester, and brought him to sit as Judge over him.

When he was before the Bishop of Winchester in Mary-Overs Steeple-house, because the People cryed out, God strengthen thee; the Bishop threatned, saying, Now let me see him here, that dare open his Mouth to bid God strengthen thee; he shall die the death that thou shalt die.

Gratwick answered, I know your cruelty doth extend more largly then your pity. They further shewed their injustice against him, in that they brought in Articles against him, which were not ground∣ed upon his own Examinations and Confessions; and because he re∣fused to answer to them, though they had no other just matters a∣gainst him, but only for saying these words, viz. That which I have said, I have said; they proceeded to read the Sentence of Death against him.

When he was asked whether he would recant, he said, My Faith is grounded more stedfastly then to change in a moment, its no pro∣cess of time can alter me, unless my faith were as the Waves of the Sea: When the Sentence was read, the Bishop delivered him into the hands of the Sheriff to be carried Prisoner to the Marshalsea, whereupon the Prisoner with a loud voice, desired God, that he would not lay his blood to their charge, if it were his will, and as he was passing away, because he spake to the People, his Persecutors cryed out, Cut his Tongue out, Stop his Mouth; and so he was had to to the Marshalsea, and put in Irons, and shortly after was burnt in Georges-Fields, with one Morrant, and one King, about the later end of the Moneth called May.

* 15.3 By reason of a Proclamation published in the Moneth called Febru∣ary, the Storm of Persecution grew rather greater in many places then before, but especally in the Diocess of Canterbury whereupon the 18th day of the Moneth called June, seven Persons were burnt at Maidstone, the Relation of whose Apprehension Examination and Execution is not registed, excepting something concerning Edmund Allen of Frytenden in Kent, Miller, who for reading the Scriptures, and expounding upon them, was complained of by John Taylor, Parson of the Parish, to the Justice, who sending for him, commit∣ted both him and his Wife to Prison, but not long after they were set at liberty, and went over to Callice, where his Conscience being troubled; after some time the Lord discovered to him that he had work for him to do in England, and thereupon he and his Wife short∣ly after returned home to Kent; Parson Taylor hearing of their return,

although he was in the midst of his Mass, when the News was brought him, he turned to the people and commanded some with all speed to go and apprehend them, when his Mass was over, he went and apprehended the said Allen, and had him before (one cal∣led) Sr. John Baker a Justice, who sent him to Prison, and caused an Inventory to be made of his Goods, and they took thirteen pounds in Money away from him; when he was brought before Baker the Justice;

The Justice said, Who gave thee Authority to Preach?

Allen,

Give me leave to answer, I am perswaded that God hath given me this Authority, as he hath given to all other Christians? Why are we called Christians, if we do not follow Christ, nor read his Laws? Is not Christ our Father, shall not the Son follow the Fa∣thers steps? Is not Christ our Master, and shall the Scholler be hindered from Learning and Preaching his Precepts? Is not Christ our Redeemer, and shall we not praise his Name, and serve him that hath Redeemed us from Sin and Damnation? did not Christ be∣ing but of twelve years of Age dispute with the Doctors, and in∣terpret the Prophet Isaiah, although he was not of the Tribe of Levi, which were Priests, but of the Royal Tribe of Judah, neither had taken any outward Priesthood? wherefore, if we be Christians we must do the same.

One Collins standing by, said to the Justice, What a Knave is this that compareth himself with Christ?

Justice Baker,

Let him alone, he will pump out an infinite heap of Here∣sies; hast thee any more to say for thy self?

Allen,

Yea, that I have, Adam was Licensed of God, and Abraham was commanded to teach his Children and Posterity, and David teacheth in divers Psalms, and Soloman also preached to the People as the Book of the Preacher proveth, where he teacheth, that there is no immortal felicity in this Life; and Noah taught them that were disobedient in his days, and therefore is called the eighth Preacher of Righteousness: Moses chose seventy Elders to help him to teach, and Rule the People. Eldad and Medad preached in their Tents, where∣fore, Josuah being Offended, complained to Moses that Eldad and Medad did preach without License, to whom Moses answered, I would all the People could do the like.

Justice Baker,

Thou saidst thou didst feed the People both Bodily and Spiritually?

Allen,

We are all Kings to rule our Affections; Priests to Preach out the virtues of God; and lively Stones, to give light to others, for as out of Flint-Stones cometh forth that, that is able to set all the World on fire, so out of Christians should spring the Beams of the Gospel, which should inflame all the World; what availeth it a man that hath Meat, and will eat none, and Apparel, and will ware none? Is not every Christian a Follower of Christ? And doth not Paul forbid quenching the Spirit? Doth he prohibit any man that hath gifts, that they shall not exercise the same?

The Justice askt him, Why he refused to Worship the Sacrament of the Altar?

Allen,

Because it is an Idol.

Baker,

Away with him, and then was he carried to Prison, and shortly after burnt at Maidstone.

The 30th day of the Moneth called June, there were four men and three Women more burnt at Canterbury.

Alice Benden, one of the seven, being brought before one Roberts of Crambrook, who askt her, Why she would not go to Church, because,* 15.4 said she, I cannot with a clear Conscience, there is so much Idolatry committed there against the glory of God; for the which she was committed to Prison, but her Husband being troubled at it, got a Certificate from some of the chief men of Staplehurst to the Bishop of Dover desiring her liberty. When she came before the Bishop, he askt her, If she would go home and go to Church? she said, If I would have so done, I need not to come hither. Well, said the Bishop, Go thy wayes home, and go to Church when thou wilt; thereupon she was set at Liberty; but shortly after she was again committed for the same cause, and her Husband went again to desire her liberty, but the Bishop told him, She was an obstinate Heretick, and therefore he could not deliver her; then her Husband desired the Bishop, that he would keep her Brother from coming to her, for, said he, he relieves her, and comforts her, and perswades her not to recant; this request was no sooner made, but it was granted by the Bishop, who com∣manded that she should be put into a place called Mundayes-Hole, be∣ing a Vault under ground, and gave a strict charge that if her Brother came at her, he should be apprehended, however he used what means he could to find where she was, and to get at her; and one morning hearing her voice, as she was pouring out her sorrowfull complaints unto the Lord, he invented a way how he might relieve her, which was by putting Money in a loaf of bread, and sticking the same upon a pole, and so reaching it to her, and this was five weeks after her coming thither, all which time no Creature was known to come at her, except her Keeper; her Lodging in this Vault was only upon a little Straw, between a pair of Stocks and a Stone-wall, being al∣lowed three farthings a day, that is half Peny Bread, and a Farthing Drink, neither could she get any more for her Money, wherefore she desired to have her whole allowance in Bread, and used Water for her drink, and thus she lay nine weeks without shifting her apparel all the time; at her first committing to this place she much lamented her condition, dolefully mourning that the Lord should so sequester her from her Friends; but in the midst of her Supplications, she con∣sidered the Right hand of the most high could change all, and received comfort therein; shortly after she was called before the Bishop again, who askt her, Whether she would go home, and go to Church, she reply∣ed, your extremity towards me hath thorowly satisfied me, that you are not of God, who seeks my utter Destruction, shewing him, how lame she was with lying in the cold, and for lack of Food; then the Bishop sent her from that filthy hole to Westgate Prison, and short∣ly

after she was called before the Bishop, and others, who condemn∣ed her, and committed her to the Castle Prison, where she continu∣ed till the 19th day of the Moneth called June, and then with six o∣thers aforementioned was burnt in Canterbury.

The Substance of the Examinations and Answers of Matthew Plaise Weaver of the Parish of Stone,* 15.5 in the County of Kent, before Thomas Thornton Bishop of Dover, and others.

When he came before the Bishop, he askt him, where he dwelt, he answered, at Stone in Kent.

Then said the Bishop, You are indicted by twelve men at Ashford at the Sessions for Heresie.

Matthew,

That's sooner said then proved, and said, let me hear it, and I will answer to it:

Then the Bishop said, He would not do so, but you shall answer to the Article against you, yea or nay,

Matthew

answered, he could not, for I was not at Ashford, said he, but I perceive you go about to lay a Net for my Blood.

Arch-Deacon said, Peace, Peace, we do not desire thy Blood, and said, you are suspected of Heresie, and therefore, we would have you con∣fess what you believe concerning these Articles; and the Bishop charged him again, in the King and Queens Name, to answer yea, or nay, to the Articles.

Mathew,

Then I commanded him in his Name that should come in Flaming Fire with his mighty Angels to render Vengance to the Disobedient, and to all those that believed not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, which should be punisht with Everlasting Dam∣nation, that he should speak nothing but the Truth, Grounded upon Christ and his Apostles, and then I would answer him, or else not.

Then the Bishop was angry, and said, If you will not answer, I will condemn you.

Matthew,

Well, said I, if you do, you shall be guilty of my blood, and prove your self a Murderer.

The Bishop further Examined him concerning the Catholick Church, and said, Tell me whether is the King and Queen of that Church or not?

Matthew,

Well said I, now I perceive you go about to be both mine Accuser and Judge, contrary to all right, I confess Christ hath a Church upon Earth, which is built upon the Apostles and Prophets, Christ being the Head thereof; and as touching the King and Queen, I answer, I have nothing to do with any mans Faith but mine own.

Then said the Bishop, Is there no part of that Church here in England?

Matthew,

Well, I perceive you would fain have something to lay to my charge, I will tell you what Christ saith, where two or three is gathered together in his Name, there is he in the midst of them.

Then the Arch-Deacon stood up, and in a mocking manner said,

You have no wit to think that we have been deceived so long time,* 15.6 and that the Truth is only made known to half a dozen of you in a Corner, and read the Article of the Sacrament, and said, you deny the real Pre∣sence to be in the Sacrament after Consecration; much talk they had a∣bout this point, but at last the Bishop was so angry, that he said, If you will not answer yea or nay, I will condemn you.

Mathew said,

I have answered, and if you condemn me, my life is not dear unto me, and I am sure you shall not escape unpunished, for God will be revenged upon such Murderers.

Then the Deacon entreated him to be ruled by him, and take Mercy while it was Offered; for if you are condemned, you must be burnt: And whether he died in Prison, or was burnt, no mention is made in the Register.

* 15.7 On the 22th day of the Moneth called June, in the year 1557. Ten persons were burnt for Religion in Lewis in Sussex, viz. Richard Woodman, George Stevens, William Mainard, Alex. Hoseman's Servant, Tomazin Wood, Margery Morris, James Morris her Son, Dennis Burgis, Ashdon's Wife, and Grove's Wife.

The Sufferings, and Principal Heads and Matter of the Examination of Richard Woodman, being written by his own hand, which being large I could not avoid abreviating them for the benefit of the Reader, as followeth.

Woodman,

* 15.8 Reader, hereby you shall see how the Scriptures are part∣ly fulfilled on me, being one of the least of his poor Lambs; first, you may understand, that since I was delivered out of the Bishop of London's hands, which was the 18th day of December 1555. which was the same day Philpot was burnt, I lay in his Cole-house eight weeks lacking one day, and before that, I was almost a year and a half in the Kings-Bench after my first apprehending for reproving a Preacher in the Pulpit, in the Parish of Warbleton, where I dwelt for which I was had to two Sessions before I was sent to Prison, and carried to two more Sessions while I was in Prison; twice before the Bi∣shop of Chichester, and five times before the Commissioners, and then sent to the Bishop of Londons Cole-house, and many times called be∣fore him, as it appeareth by my Examinations, which the Bishop of Chichester now hath, for they were found in my House when I was taken, also several had Copies of the same of me, when I was in the Cole-house.

And it pleased God to deliver me, with four more out of the But∣chers hands, requiring nothing else of us, but that we should be honest men, and Members of the true Catholick Church, which we affirmed we were Members of, and purposed by Gods help therein to die; hereupon we were delivered, and he wisht us several times to speak well of him, and no doubt he was worthy to be praised, be∣cause he had been so faithfull a helper in his Master the Devils busi∣ness, for he had burnt John Philpot the same morning, in whose blood his heart was so drunk, that he could not tell what he did, as it appear∣ed

to us,* 15.9 both before and after; for but two dayes before he promi∣sed us, that we should be condemned that same day we were delive∣red; and the next day after he had delivered us, he sought earnestly to take some of us again, he waxed dry after his great drunkenness; wherefore, he is like to have Blood to drink in Hell, as he is worthy, if he repent not with speed; the Lord turn all their hearts if it be his Will.

After I was delivered, the Papists said, I had consented unto them, rejoycing thereat; the which I praised God, was not the least in my thoughts, but they perceived the contrary in a little time; for I went from Parish to Parish, and talked with them, to thirteen at least, and that of the chiefest in the County, which so angered them, that the Commissioners complained against me to Sr. John Gaye, Lord Cham∣berlain, who sent out four or five Warrant to apprehend me, but having warning of their laying in wait for me, I kept out of their way, so that the Bailiffs mist of their prey, and were much displea∣sed; but three dayes after the Lord Chamberlain sent three of his men to apprehend me, I being at Plough with my Folks in the way coming to my House, not mistrusting them, came to them, and spake to them; they said, that they Arrested me in the King and Queens Name, and that I must go with them, which suddain words made my Flesh to Tremble and Quake; yet I answered them, that I would go with them, and desired them to go to my House first, they said I should. Then I remembered my self, saying in my heart, why am I thus afraid, they can lay no evil to my charge, if they Kill me for well doing, I may think my self happy; I remembred how I was formerly contented, and glad to die in that Quarrel, and so had continued ever since; and should I now fear to die, God forbid that I should, for then were all my Labour in vain; then I praised God, I was satisfied, having considered it was but the frailty of my Flesh, which was loath to leave Wife, Children and Goods; I saw nothing but present Death before mine Eyes, and as soon as I was perswaded in my mind to die, I had regard of nothing in this World, but was as joyfull as ever I was: This Battel lasted not a quarter of an hour, but I dare say, it was sharper then Death it self for the time.

When I had got my Breakfast, I desired them to shew me their Warrant, thinking thereby I might see wherefore I was Arrested, that I might be the better able to make my defence; but one of them answered, they had not their Warrant there; at which words, God put it into my minde, that I need not to go with them unless they had their Warrant; and I said, it's much you'l come to take a man without a Warrant, and therefore set your hearts at rest, I will not go with you, unless you carry me by force, and so I rose up from the Board, and stept into my Chamber, thinking to go from them, if I could possible, seeing God had made the way so open for me; I meant to play Peters part with them, but God would not have it so, but sent a fear amongst them, that before I came out of my Chamber again they were gone out of my House.

When I saw that, I knew it was Gods doing to set me at liberty once again; yet I was compelled to spake to them, saying, if you have a Warrant I desire you to shew it me, and I will go with you, if not, I defire you to depart in peace, for surely I will not go with∣out the order of the Law; I have been too simple in such things al∣ready, for when I was sent first to Prison the Justices sent for me by one of their men, without any Warrant, and I went gently to them to two Sessions, and they sent me to Prison, and kept me there almost a year and three quarters, contrary to right and equity, and it seemeth strange to me that I should be thus evilly handled; therefore, I will go to none of them hence forward without legal order. Then one of them said, we have not the Warrant here, but it is at my House, the worst is, you can but make us fetch it: Then said I, fetch it if you will, and so I shut my door, and before they came back with a Constable, as God would have it, I was gone forth, but they searched every corner of my House, and at night there came se∣ven men and a Constable to search again, but I kept abroad; and because I supposed they would lay wait for me, and thinking they would not mistrust that I dare be nigh home, I told my Wife I would make my Lodging in a Wood near my House, as I did, under a Tree, and there had my Bible, Pen and Ink, and other necessaries, and there I continued six or seven weeks; then there came word into the Coun∣try, that I was seen and spoken with in Flanders, whereupon they left laying wait for me, for God put in my mind that they would lay wait for me at all Sea-Coast Towns, as they did.

So when all was husht, I went abroad among our Friends and Bre∣thren, and at length I went beyond the Seas, both into Flanders and France, but I thought the time long till I came home again; I was there but three weeks, but it was known among Baals Priests, who could not abide it, but got Warrants and searched my House for me, sometimes twice in a week, sometimes I went privily, sometimes openly from home, staying abroad two or three weeks together, o∣therwhile living a Moneth together at home, doing openly such work as I had to do, and yet mine Enemies laid no hands on me, till the hour was fully come, and then mine own Brother, according to the flesh, delivered me into their hands.

The Examination of Richard Woodman before the Bishop of Chi∣chester, Doctor Story, Doctor Cooke, and others.

Bishop,

What is your name? My name is Richard Woodman. Then said the Bishop, I am sory for you, you have been a man of good report and esteem in your Country till now of late; therefore, look to your self, your Wife and Children, and Friends, and be ruled, and think not your self wiser then all the Realm, but be informed, and you shall have their favour as much as ever you had.

Woodman,

My Life, my Wife and my Children, I love them, but they are all in Gods hands, and I have them as if I had them not.

Bishop,

* 15.10 The Sheriff told me, that you were desirous to spake with me.

Woodman,

I thought meet to appeal to you, because you have taken upon you to be the Physitian of our Country, for many unjust things are laid to my charge; and they seek my Blood, and I have appealed unto you, that if my blood be shed unrighteously it might be required at your hands.

Doctor Story,

Is not this a perverse Fellow, dost thou think thou shalt be put to death unjustly, and that thy Blood shall be required, no said he, and further added, that he could condemn a hundred such Hereticks, and threatned that he would help to rid him.

Then Woodman would have answered, but the Bishop desired them both to give him place.

Bishop,

Well, Neighbour Woodman, I call you Neighbour, because you are one of my Diocess, and you are sent to me, that I should give you spiri∣tual counsel, for I am your Spiritual Pastor, therefore hear what I say unto you.

Woodman,

First, I desire you to hear me a few words; you have said, you will give me Spiritual counsel, are you sure you have the Spirit of God?

Bishop,

No, I am not sure of that, I dare not be so bold to say so.

Woodman,

Then you are like the Waves of the Sea, Tossed about with every wind, and unstable in all your wayes, and can look for no good thing at the Lords hand, yea, you are neither hot nor cold, and therefore, God will spue you out of his Mouth.

Then in a fury Story said, What a perverse Fellow is this, he hath a Devil in him, and is mad; and the Bishop said, He is sent to me to learn, and taketh upon him to teach me.

Then Richard Woodman seeing their Blindness, and Blasphemy, it made such an impression upon him, that his heart was melted, and and his eyes gusht out with tears, and he spoke to them after this manner: The Jew's said to Christ, he had a Devil, and was mad, as you have here said to me, but I know the Servant is not above his Master, and God forbid that I should learn of him that confesseth he hath not the Spirit of God.

Bishop,

Why do you think that you have the Spirit of God, you boast more then ever Paul did, or any of the Apostles, the which is great pre∣sumption.

Woodman,

I boast not in my self, but in the Gift of God, as Paul did, who said, He verily believed that he had the Spirit of God, making there∣of no question, 1 Cor. 7.

Chichester,

It is not so, you bely the Text.

Woodman,

If it be not so, let me be burnt to morrow.

Story,

Thou shalt not be burnt too morrow, but I will promise thee thou shalt be burnt within six dayes.

Bishop,

If it be so, it's wrong Translated, as it is in a thousand places more

Woodman,

Take heed that you bely not the Translators; I believe they had the fear of God more before their Eyes, then you report of

them, but if that place be wrong translated, I can prove by places enough that Paul had the Spirit of God.

Bishop,

How prove you that?

Woodman,

No man can believe that Jesus is the Lord but by the holy Ghost, for he that hath not the Spirit of Christ is none of his; and again, we have not received the Spirit of Bondage to fear any more, but we have received the Spirit of Adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father, the same Spirit certifieth us, that we are the Sons of God; also, John saith, he that believeth not that Christ is come in the Flesh, is an Anti-christ, and denieth both the Father and the Son; and he that believeth in God, dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Story,

What an Heretick is this, why do you here him, send him to Pri∣son to his Fellows in the Marshalsea, and they shall be dspatcht within these twelve dayes.

Woodman,

When I heard him say so, I rejoyced greatly in my heart, desiring God, if it were his will to keep them in that mind; for I ex∣pected to have been sent to the Bishop of Londons Cole-house, or Lol∣lards Tower, but they sent me to the Marshalsea to my Brethren and old Prison-Fellows, whereby it pleased God that the burden I look∣ed for, was something eased; when they saw I rather rejoyced, then feared imprisonment, the Bishop said, My thinks he is not afraid of the Prison.

Woodman,

No, I praise the Living God.

Story,

He hath the right terms of an Heretick, the living God, &c. I pray you be there deads Gods, that you say the Living God?

Woodman,

Are you angry with me for speaking the words writ∣ten in the Bible?

Story,

Bibble Babble, what speakest thou of the Bible? there is no such word written in all the Bible.

Then said Woodman, I am much to blame, and brought several Scriptures to prove that there was a Living God, and dead Gods; for David said, My Soul hath a desire, and longing to enter into the Courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh rejoyce in the living God.

Story,

My Lord I will tell you how you shall know a Heretick by his words, that is, they will say (the Lord) and we praise God) and the (Living God) &c.

Woodman,

The Lords Name be praised from the rising of the Sun, until the going down of the same, also as many as fear the Lord, say alwayes, the Lord be praised.

Story,

My Lord this is an Old Heretick, send him to Prison, you will do no good on him, I will leave you and go to Church.

The second Examination of Richard Woodman.

The Bishop began with the common Snare, asking him, What he said to the seven Sacraments, for there we left off, and there we will begin, said he: Woodman replyed, If he could prove them, he should believe them; hereat the Bishop was moved, and swore by his troth, whereupon Woodman reproved him, saying, a Bishop should be blameless, and you use much swaring, which is a great fault in a Bishop above all other,

which should be an Example to the Flock: Then said the Bishop, in a rage. I perceive this man is worse then he was, for he takes upon him to teach me to speak. Woodman replyed; I am commanded to do that I do, I dare not for my life hold my peace, for if I should, I should bare your sin.

Bishop,

Where do you find that you are commanded to reprove me?

Woodman,

If thou see thy Brother Sin, reprove him. A Priest stand∣ing by, said, My Lord this man is past cure.

Bishop,

So my thinks, I will talk no more with him, since he has been with his Fellows in the Marshalsea, he is worse then he was; call M. Sto∣ry, and let him do with him what he will.

Woodman said,

My Faith hangeth upon no man, but upon God: The Priest standing by, said, My Lord, I think he is not the worse for them, but I fear they are the worse for him. Then Woodman speaking to the Bishop said, Look well to it, you will deliver me to other men to shed my Blood, and so think to wash your hands of me, as Pilate did by Christ, but you cannot be so discharged: Then the Bishop replyed to this effect; I have nothing to do with you, I am not yet Consecrated, the Cardinal may Examine you, and condemn you, or the Bishop of London, in whose Diocess you now are; and after other dis∣course, he askt him, What he said to the Sacrament of the Altar?

Woodman,

Do you mean Christ to be the Altar?

Bishop,

I mean the Sacrament of the Altar, in the Church.

VVoodman,

What the Altar of Stone?

Bishop,

Yes, 'tis that Altar I mean, how d•• you understand the Altar otherwise?

VVoodman,

It is written that wheresoever two or three are gather∣ed together in Christs Name there is he in the midst of them, and whatsoever they ask in his Name it shall be given unto them; when thou comest to Offer thy Gift at the Altar, and there remembrest that thy Brother hath ought against thee, leave there thy Offering, and go first, and be reconciled to thy Brother, and then come and offer thy Gift.

A Priest standing by, would have interrupted him, but the Bishop said, Let him alone.

Then VVoodman said, By these two places of Scripture I prove that Christ is the true Altar whereon every Christian, that is in the Love and Charity, ought to offer their Gifts

Bishop,

I never heard any man understand the Altar so, no, not Lu∣ther the great Heretick, that was condemned by a general Council, and his Picture burnt.

VVoodman,

If he were an Heretick I think he understood it not so indeed, but I am sure all Christians ought so to understand it; and after further discourse they laughed at him, and said, This is a Here∣tick indeed, it is time he were burnt.

Then VVoodman replyed, judge not least you be judged, for in that way you call Heresie I serve my God with.

Then Story said, VVhat you are a Preaching. You shall Preach at a

Stake shortly with your Fellows, carry him to the Marsh•••••• ••••••••n, and let him be kept close, and let none come to speak with him.

At another time being brought before the Bishop of Winchester, and others, the Bishop spoke to him to this effect; Woodman, When you were l••st before us, you would not confess that you were sent to P••i••on for Heresie, but called for your Accusers, and stood stoutly in defend of your self.

Woodman replyed, saying, You said, I was sent to Prison for He∣resie, I told you wherefore I was sent to Prison, which was upon the breach of a Statute, for speaking to a Priest in the Pulpit,* 15.11 and for that cause, the Justices of that Country thought I had offended the Statute, and sent for me before them, and would have bound me to the good behaviour, and because I refused they sent me to Prison.

He was at his Examination before the Bishop of Winchester prest to answer to several things objected against him, but he refused, saying, he was not of his Diocess.

The Bishop being displeased at his answers, called him, Perverse Villian, and Obstinate Fool, and Heretick, and cryed, Hold him a Book I'le make him sware, and answer, or else I will condemn him; hold thy hand on the Book said the Bishop; I will lay no hand on the Book for none of you all, said Woodman; and looking on the People, the Bishop cry∣ed, See how he lookes about for help. I look for no help (said he) from men, for God is on my side, and therefore I do not care who is a∣gainst me.

Then they cryed, Away with him, and bring us another.

At another time being brought before the Bishop of Winchester, the Bishop askt him, His belief concerning the Sacrament of the Altar. To which Richard Woodman replyed, to this effect. I pray you, said he, be content, I will answer no more Questions, for that I perceive you go about to shed my blood.

Then said the Bishop, No, hold him a Book, if he refuse to sware, he is an Anabaptist, and shall be Excommunicated.

Woodman made answer, I will not sware, Excommunicate me if you will.

After some more words past between them, the Bishop past the Sentence against the said VVoodman, and then they cryed, Away with him, away with him, not suffering him to speak any more for himself, and so was had away to the Marshalsea again: And thus the Reader hath the chiefest and most weighty matters that past at his Examina∣tions, from time to time. After the Sentence was past, he was burnt at Lewis with nine more, viz. five Men, and four Women, as be∣fore some mention was made of them.

Several Sentences taken out of a Letter of Richard Woodman's, to one Roberts of Hawkhurst.

Grace Mercy and Peace from God the Father, and from his Son our only Saviour Jesus Christ, by the operation and Working of the

holy Ghost, be multiplied plentifully upon you, dear Sister, that you may the more joyfully bear the Cross of Christ that you are under, to the end, to your only Comfort, and Consolation, and to all our Brethren and Sisters in those parts that love our Lord unfainedly, certifying you, that I and all my Brethren with me are joyful, praised be God, looking daily to be dissolved from these our mortal Bodies, according to the good pleasure of our heavenly Father, praising God also for your constancy, and kindness shewed unto Gods People in this troublesome time of Persecution; Blessed are the Merciful, for they shall obtain Mercy: The Fruits alwayes declare what the Tree is, for a good Man or Woman out of the good Treasure of their hearts bringeth forth good Fruits.

Wherefore, dear Sister, let our Faith be made manifest to the World by our deeds, and in the midst of a crooked and perverse Na∣tion, as St. Paul saith, Let your Light shine as in a dark place.

O dear hearts, now is the Gospel of God overwhelmed with ma∣ny black and troublesome Clouds of Persecution, for the which cause very few go about to have their Eyes made clear by the true light of the Gospel, for fear of loosing their Treasures of this World, which are but vain, and shall Perish.

Let us not therefore, be like unto them which light their Candle, and put it under a Bushel, but let us set our Candle upon a Candle∣stick, that it may give light unto all them that are in the House; that is to say, let all the People of the Houshold of God see our good works, in suffering all things patiently that shall be laid upon us for the Gospel sake, if it be Death it self; for Christ died for us, lea∣ving us an Example, that we should follow his steps; and as he hath given his Life for us, so ought we to give our Lives for the De∣fence of the Gospel to the comfort of our Brethren.

How is it then that some will say, that their Faith is good, and yet they do all the deeds of Anti-christ the Devil; St. Paul saith, To be∣lieve with the heart justifieth, and to confess with the Mouth maketh a man safe: Here may all see, that no man or woman can have a true Faith unless they have deeds also, and he that doubteth, is like the Waves of the Sea, Tossed about of the Wind, and can look for no good thing at the Lords hands: Now is the acceptable time that Christ spoke of, yea, even now is the Ax put to the Root of the Tree, that so every Tree that bringeth not forth good Fruit, must be hewn down and cast into the Fire.

Now is the Lord come with his Fan in his hand to try the Wheat from the Chaff, the Wheat he will gather into his Barn, and the Chaff he will burn: Now is the time come that we must go meet the Bridegroom with Oyle in our Lamps; we are also bidden to the Feast, let us make no excuses, our Master hath delivered Talents un∣to us: Now is the Lord come to see if there be any Fruit upon his Trees, if he find none, he will serve us as he did the wild Fig-Tree, that is, Never Fruit shall grow on him more: If we go to meet the Bridegroom without Oyle in our Lamps, and should go to buy, the doubt is, we should be served as the Foolish Virgins were, to whom

God said, Depart I know you not: If we use not our Talents well, they shall be taken from us, and given to others, and all such un∣profitable Servants shall be cast into Hell, where shall be Weeping and Gnashing of teeth.

May not all People now perceive that this is the time that our Ma∣ster Christ speaketh of, that the Father should be against the Son, and the Son against the Father, and one Brother against an other, that the Brother shall deliver the Brother to death; yea, and that the Wicked shall say all manner of Wicked sayings against us for his Name sake, the which I have found by experience, I praise God that gave me strength to bear it.

I have no mistrust but that the World shall see and know my Blood shall not be dear in my own sight, whensoever it please God to give my Adversaries leave to shed it; I do earnestly believe, that God which hath begun this good work in me, will perform it to the end; for when I have been in Prison, sometimes wearing Blots and Shackles, lying on the bear ground, and sometimes sitting in the Stocks, and bound with Cords, that my Body was swelled, and I like to be over∣come with pain, sometimes lying in the Woods and Fields, wan∣dring to and fro, brought before Justices, Sheriffs, Lords, Doctors, and Bishops; called Dog, Devil, Heretick, Whoremonger, Traytor, Thief, Deceiver, and such like: Yea, even they that did eat of my Bread, that should have been most my Friends by Nature have betrayed me; yet for all this I praise God, that hath seperated me from my Mothers Womb, all this that hath happened unto me hath been easie, for I praise God, they are not able to prove one tittle of their sayings to be true, but that way which they call Heresie I serve my Lord God; and at all times, before whomsoever I have been brought, God hath given me Mouth and Wisdom, against which my Adversaries have not been able to resist; wherefore, dear Sister, be of good comfort, with all your Brethren and Sisters, and take no thought what you shall say, for it shall be given you the same hour according to the promises, as I have alwayes found, and as you and all others of Gods Elect shall well find, when the time is full come; and whereas I and many o∣thers have hoped that this Persecution would have been at an end ere this time; now I perceive God will have a further Tryal, to Root out all Dissemblers, that no man should rejoyce in himself, but he that rejoyceth should rejoyce in God; wherefore if Prophecy should fail, and Tongues should cease, yet Love must indure, for fear hath painfulness, but a perfect Love casteth out all fear, which Love I have no mistrust, but God hath poured it upon you so abundantly, that no∣thing in the World shall be able to seperate you from God, neither High nor Low, Rich nor Poor, Life nor Death, shall be able to put you from Christ, but by him I trust you shall enter into New Jerusa∣lem there to live forever.

After his Examination, Sentence was past upon him, and upon the 22th day of the Moneth called June, he and nine more were burnt at Lewis, as mention is made before.

The next Moneth following Simon Miller, and Elizabeth Cooper were

burnt at Norwich:* 15.12 This Simon Miller dwelt in Lyn, he was a zea∣lous man for the Lord and his Truth in those dayes, detesting and ab∣horing the forced. Religion of the Papists, going from Lyn to Nor∣wich, and standing in the press of People, as they were coming from their Popish service, he spake some words to them, at which some marvelled to hear and see his boldness, but shortly after he was brought before Dunning Chancellor of Norwich, when he was before him, having his Confession of his Faith written, and put in his Shoe, part of which appearing was taken out, which the Chancellor per∣using, askt him, If he would stand to that Faith, to which he said he should; whereupon, he was committed to Ward, and shortly after was by the Bishop of Norwich and his Chancellor condemned, and burnt with the ••••••esaid Elizabeth Cooper: When Elizabeth first felt the Fire, the shrunk, and cryed out; Simon Miller put his hand be∣hind him toward her, and wisht her to be strong, so they both end∣ed their lives joyfully.

About this time several persons Persecuted in Colchester suffered in Essex, being Prosecuted by one Thomas Tye Priest, who wrote a Letter to Bonner against them to this effect.

They assemble, said he, together upon the Sabbath day, during the time of Divine Service, sometimes in one House, and sometimes in another, and there keep their private Conventicles, this Letter of the Priests caused a Storm to arise against such as profess the Truth in Es∣sex, and the House of William Mant was beset by one Terril, and the Officers with him,* 15.13 who told William Munt and his Wife, they must go with them to Colchester Castle: The woman being sick in Bed, desired her Daughter might first fetch her some Drink, for she was ill at ease, Terrill giving her Daughter leave, as she was coming back with the Drink, and a Candle in her hand, He wisht her, to give her Fa∣ther and Mother good counsel; the Maid replyed, they have a better Instructer then me, for I hope the holy Ghost doth teach them, which will not suffer them to err; then said Terril, Art thou in that mind, thou naughty Houswiff, marry, it is time to look upon such Hereticks indeed; the Maid replyed, with that you call Heresie, do I worship my Lord God: Terril said, Then I perceive Gossip, you will burn with the rest for Company sake; no, said she, not for Company sake, but for Christ's sake; if I am compelled; and I hope, if he call me to it, he will en∣able me to bear it: Then the said Terril took the Candle out of her hand, and held her wrest and the burning Candle under her hand, say∣ing, Thou young Whore, wilt thou not cry? She replyed, she had no cause to cry, but rather to rejoyce, and quietly suffered his rage for the time; at the last she said, have you done what you will do? he said, Yea and if thou think it not well, then mend it: Mend it said she nay, the Lord mend you, and give you repentance; and now, if you think it good, begin at the Feet, and burnt the Head also; for he that set you on work, shall pay you your wages, so the said Terril searched the

House, and took one John Thurston, and Margeret his Wife, and wil∣liam Munt and his Wife, and Rose his Daughter, whose hand he had burnt, and carried them to Colchester Castle immediately; there was in all ten persons Prisoners in Colchester for not conforming, and for de∣nying the real presence in the Sacrament, who were all severally Sent∣enced to be burnt. When Rose Alen, whose hand was burnt by Terril, Examined concerning her belief, concerning Auricular Confession, and the Mass, &c. She said, they stunk in the Face of God; and be∣ing asked, What she said concerning the Sea of Rome, and whether she would obey the Bishop of Romes Authority; she answered boldl•••• she was none of his, and as for his Sea, it is for such Ravens and Crowes as you be, to swim in, for I shall not swim in that Sea while I live, neither will I have any thing to do therewith; whereupon she was condemned as the rest were. After these poor Lambs were con∣demned, they were delivered into the hands of the Secular Power, and were by them committed every one unto the Prison from whence they came, where they remained with much joy and great comfort, in continual reading and calling upon God, ever looking for,* 15.14 and ex∣pecting the day of their dissolution, which was upon the second day of the Moneth called August following; and because some were in the Castle Prison, and some in the Town Prison, called the Mote-hall, therefore it was agreed by the Officers, that they in the Mote-hall, viz. William Bongeer, William Purcas, Thomas Benold, Agnes Silverside, ali∣as Smith, Ellen Ewring, and Elizabeth Fowlks should be burnt in the forenoon, and William Munt, and his Wife and Daughter, and John Johnson, Prisoners in the Castle, should be burnt in the afternoon, who when they were tyed to the Stakes, they called upon God, and earnestly exhorted the People to flee from Idolatry, and so ended their Testimonies joyfully, and as for John Thurston, before mentioned, he died in Prison.

The next that suffered, was George Eagles, a man of a good Utter∣ance,* 15.15 and Eloquent in speech, though but a Taylor by Trade, in this time of great Persecution, he left his Trade, and travelled about from place to place to comfort and strengthen such as had received the Truth in any measure, sometimes Lodging in the Fields and Woods, and because he travelled much abroad, he was called Trudgever; in his Diet he was sparing, and for his Drink it was mostly Water for three years, to which necessities of denying himself he was drove to; through the ••ear of this time of Persecution, for he was fain to keep pretty much in Woods and Holes, for the Queen had put out a Procla∣mation in four Counties for apprehending of him, and twenty pounds was to be given to the party that took him, and shortly after he was taken in a Corn-Field in Essex, and being apprehended, was had Prisoner to Colchester, and from thence within four dayes was had to Chilmsford, where he abode one night, and did neither sleep nor eat nor drink, and the next day he was carried to London, and there Examined by the Bishop or Councel, and from thence sent back to Chilmsford again, and at the Sessions there, he was indicted for Trea∣son, for having Meetings contrary to the Law, and for praying that

God would turn Queen Maryes heart, or else take her away; the which words, that God would take her away, he denyed that he spake, nevertheless, he was condemned, and executed for the same.

The Sufferings of Richard Crashfield of Wymondham, Examined before Dunning Chancellor of Norwich.

The Chancellor said,

* 15.16 How say you, Sirrah, to the Ceremony of the Church? What Ceremonies, said Crashfield?

Chancellor,

Do you believe in the Sacrament of the Altar?

Crashfield said,

He knew not what it was.

Chancellor,

Do you not believe that Christ took Bread, gave thanks, break it, and said, Take eat, this is my Body?

Crashfield,

Even as Christ spake, so did he perform the work.

Chancellor,

How say you to the Confession to the Priest, when were you Confessed?

Answ.

I confess my self daily unto the Eternal God.

Chancellor,

Do you not then take the confession to the Priste to be good?

Answ.

No, but rather Wicked.

Chancellor,

What say you to Singing, and the Organs, is that godly?

Answ.

I perceive said he, no godliness in it, and yet he said, he ap∣proved of Spiritual Songs, but yours is of the Flesh, and of the Spi∣rit of Error, and though to you it be pleasant, and glorious, yet to the Lord it is bitter and odious.

Then said the Chancellor, Stand nearer Country-man, why stand you so far off?

Answ.

I am near enough, and a little too near; and further said, I have done with you.

Chancellor,

What shall I tell my Lord of you?

Answ.

If you have nothing to tell him, your Arrant will be the sooner done.

Chancellor,

Will you turn from this wicked Error? (you have been an evil example, by your wicked reading; you have perswaded simple women to this Error) and you shall have mercy.

Answ.

I ask mercy of God, whom I have offended, and not of you.

Chancellor,

When were you at your Parish Church, you have been Ex∣communicated this two years and therefore you are condemned; and so past Sentence upon him; and he was shortly after burnt at Norwich.

The next that suffered, was one Joyce Lewis, Wife to Thomas Lew∣is of Manchester; this Joyce Lewis, was a woman finely brought up in the pleasures of the World,* 15.17 she was turned from the Popish Re∣ligion, by seeing the great Sufferings and Death of Lawrance Saunders at Coventry; and being afterwards inflamed with the love of God, she purposed to abstain from those things that displeased him; but her Husband being furious against her, compelled her to go to Mass; but being there, in Testimony against their Idolatry, when they sprinkled the holy Water, she turned her back toward it, for which she was short∣ly

after accused before the Bishop; the told the Bishop, by refusing their holy Water, she neither offended God nor his Laws, the Bishop thereat was offended, and Bound her Husband in a hundred pound Bond for her appearance a Moneth after, the Moneth being ended, her unnatural Husband carried her himself to the Bishop, who ask∣ed her, Why she would not go to Mass, and receive the Sacraments? She answered, because she found them not in the VVord needfull, for mens Salvation, wherefore she was condemned; after her condemnation she continued a year in Prison, where her behaviour both in word and deed was such, that her death was greatly lamented; when the She∣riff brought her news of the hour of her death, she said to him, your Message is welcome to me; when the Fire was set to her, she never struggled, nor strived, but ended her life patiently.

* 15.18 About the seventeenth day of September were burnt at Islington Ralph Allerton, James Austoo, Margery Austoo his Wife, and Richard Roth.

Ralph Alerton, after his apprehending, was kept a whole year in Prison before he was condemned, he was first accused before the Lord Darsey of Chichester, for not conforming to the Idolatry and Super∣stition of the times, and for praying and exhorting the People of the Parish where he lived, not being a Priest; before he was apprehend∣ed he kept himself in Woods and Barnes, and other solitary places; and at last being apprehended, was sent up to the Councel, and from them to Bonner Bishop of London; in his Examination he told the Bi∣shop, there were three Religions in England; then said Bonner, Which be these? Allerton replyed, The first is that which you hold; the second is clean contrary to the same; and the third is a Neuter: Then said Bonner, Of which of these three art thou of? Allerton said, I am of that which is contrary to that which you teach to be believed on the pain of death; after some other discourse between them, the Bishop in a rage called him Knave, and Whorson Prick-louse, and demanded what he had to say, why he should not pronounce the Sentence of condemnation a∣gainst him? to which he answered. You ought not to condemn me, for I am a Christian, but do as you have determined, for I see right and truth are suppressed, and cannot appear upon the Earth; these words ended, the Bishop pronounced the Sentence of death against him, and delivered him to the temperal Officers, who on the day afore∣said, caused him and the other three to be burnt.

There is not much Recorded what past in the Tryal of the other three, only James Austoo, when he was brought upon Examination before the Bishop in his Chappel at Fulham, the Bishop said to him, Dost thou know where thou art, and before whom; to which he replyed, I know where I am, for I am in an Idol-temple, whereupon the Bishop past Sentence against him and his Wife, who suffered deeply, a Pri∣soner in the Bishops House, being kept in his Dog-kennel, under a pair of Stairs. One Article against Richard Roth, one of the four that was burned, was, that he was a Comforter to Hereticks, and to that

end had VVrit a Letter, to certain Persons that were burnt at Colchester.

The Substance of which Letter written by him, and directed to his Bre∣thren and Sisters in Christ, condemned at Colehester, and ready to be burned for the Testimony of the Truth, is as followeth.

Oh, dear Brethren and Sisters, how much have you to rejoyce in God, that he hath given you such Faith, to overcome this blood thirs∣ty Tyrant thus far, and no doubt he that hath begun that good work in you, will fulfill it unto the end: Oh, dear hearts in Christ, what a Crown of Glory shall ye receive with Christ, in the Kingdom of God: Oh, that it had been the good will of God, that I had been ready to have gone with you, for I lye in my Lords little ease in the day, and in the night, I lye in the Cole-house, from Ralph Allerton, or any other, and we look every day when we shall be condemned, for he said, that I should be burnt within ten dayes, before Easter; but I lye still at the Pools-brink, and every man goeth in before me; but we abide patiently the Lords leisure with many Bonds in Fetters, and Stocks; by the which we have received great joy in God: And now fare you well, dear Bre∣thren and Sisters, in this World.

Oh Brother Munt, with your Wife, and my dear Sister Rose, how blessed are you in the Lord, that God hath found you worthy to suf∣fer for his sake; with all the rest of my dear Brethren and Sisters, known and unknown. Oh, be joyfull even unto death, fear it not, saith Christ, For I have overcome death, saith he: Oh, dear hearts, seeing that Jesus Christ will be our help, Oh tarry you the Lords leisure, be strong, let your hearts be of good comfort, and wait you still for the Lord, he is at hand, yea, the Angel of the Lord pitch∣eth his Tent round about them that fear him, and delivereth them which way he seeth best, for our lives are in the Lords hand, and they can do nothing unto us, before God suffer them; therefore give all thanks to God; Oh, dear hearts, you shall be clothed with long white Garments upon Mount Zion, with the multitude of Saints, and with Christ Jesus our Saviour, which will never forsake us; Oh, blessed Virgins, you have plaid the wise Virgins part, in that you have taken Oyle in your Lamps, that you may go in with the Bridegroom when he cometh, into the everlasting joy with him; but as for the Foolish they shall be shut out, because they made not themselves ready to suffer with Christ, neither go about to take up his Cross; Oh, dear hearts, how pretious shall your death be in the sight of the Lord, for dear is the death of his Saints; Oh, fare you well, and pray; the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all Amen, Amen, pray, pray, pray.

By me R••chard Roth, written with my own Blood.

I mentioned before, how that ten persons suffered at Colchester, a∣mongst whom was one Agnes Bengeer, who should have suffered with

them six that went out of Mote-hall, but her Execution was suspend∣ed for a time, her name being mistaken in the Writ, and instead of Agnes Bengeer, called Agnes Boyer; this poor woman, when she saw she was seperated from her Prison-fellows, and sent back to Prison, and might not suffer with them, for she had given up her self to suffer, having provided a Nurse for her sucking Child, and provided all things necessary for her suffering; but when she saw she was put back, she wept bitterly, and made pitious m••an to her self, esteem∣ing her self as naked and desolate, and bemoaning her condition when she was seperated from her Companions; and this is written that the Reader may see how zealous these persons were in those dayes, who esteemed death rather then life for their Testimonies sake; but shortly after a Writ came down from London, wherein her name was rightly incerted, and she was burnt at Colchester.

Shortly after, one John Noyes of Lacksfield, in the County of Suf∣folk Shoe-Maker;* 16.1 he was apprehended for not going to their publick Service and Mass, by one Thomas Levell and others, who beset his House on both sides, where they found John Noyes in his backside going forth; one of the Persecutors seeing of him, called to him, and said, Whether goest thou? John replyed, to my Neighbours; the Persecu∣tor said, Your Master hath deceived you, you must go with us now: John replyed, Take heed your Master deceive not you, so they apprehended him, and had him before the Justices next day, who committed him to the Dungeon, where he lay for some time, and then he was had to Norwich before the Bishop; and soon after Sentence of death was pro∣nounced against him; when he was bound to the Stake, he speak these words, Fear not them that can kill the Body, but fear him that can kill both Body and Soul, and cast them into Everlasting Fire: And seeing his Sister weep, and make moan for him, he bid her that she should not weep for him, but weep for her sins, and so he yielded up his life.

Whilst he was burning one John Jarvis standing by, said, How the Sinews of his Arms shrink up; two of the Sheriffs men hearing of him speak, apprehended him and having him before the Justices, they affirmed he should say, what Villianous Wretches are these? Whereupon the Justices commanded, that he should be set in the Stocks next Mar∣ket day, and whipt about the Market naked; but the Constable, in friendship to him, did not set him in the Stocks, till that called Sun∣day morning, and in the afternoon they whipt him about the Market with a Dog-whip, having three Cords, and so they let him go.

Whilst John Noyes was Prisoner, his Wife desiring him to send her some tokens of Rememberance of him, thereupon he sent her several Sentences of Scripture for a Rememberance, as followeth.

Dearly beloved, be not troubled with this heat that is now come among you, to try you, as though some strange thing had happened unto you, but rejoyce, insomuch as you are partakers of Christs Suf∣ferings,

that when his glory appeareth, you may be glad; if ye be railed on for the Name of Christ, happy are you, for the Spirit of Glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.

It is better, if the will of God be so, that you suffer for well-doing, then for evil-doing, 1 Pet. 3.

So 1 Pet. 4. See that none of you suffer as a Murderer, or as a Thief, or an Evil-door, or as a Busie-body, in other mens matters; but if any man suffer as a Christian-man, let him not be asham'd, but let him glorifie God in this behalf; for the time is come that Judgment must begin at the House of God: If it first begin at us, what shall the end of them be that believe not the Gospel of God? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the Will of God, commit their Souls to him in well-doing.

St. Paul saith, 2 Tim. 3. All that will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer Persecution.

St. John saith, 1 John 2. See that ye love not the World, neither the things that are in the World; if any man love the World, the love of the Father is not in him: For all that is in the World, as the lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life, is not of the Father, but is of the World, which vanisheth away and the Lust there∣of; but he that fulfileth the Will of God abideth forever

St. Paul saith, Collos. 3. If ye be risen again with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God: Set your affection on things that are above, and not on things which are on Earth.

Our Saviour Christ saith, Math. 18. Whosoever shall offend one of these little ones, that believe in me, it were better for him that a Milstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were cast into the Sea.

The Prophet David saith, Psal. 84. Great are the troubles of the Righteous, but the Lord delivereth them out of all; fear the Lord ye his Saints; for they that fear him lack nothing.

When the Righteous cry, the Lord heareth them, and delivereth them out of all their troubles; but misfortune shall slay the ungodly, and they that hate the Righteous shall perish.

Hear, Oh my People, I assure thee, Oh Israel, if thou wilt heark∣en unto me, there shall so strange God be in thee, neither shalt thou Worship any other God: Oh that my People would obey me; for if Israel would walk in my wayes, I would soon put down their Ene∣mies, and turn my hand against their Adversaries.

Our Saviour Christ saith, The Disciple is not above his Master, nor yet the Servant above his Lord; it is enough for the Disciple to be as his Master is, and that the Servant be as his Lord is, if they have cal∣led the Master of the House Belzebub, how much more shall they call them of his Houshold so; fear not them therefore.

St. Paul saith, 2 Cor. 4. Set your selves therefore at large, and bear not a strangers Yoke with the Unbelievers, for what fellowship hath Righteousness with Unrighteousness? What Company hath Light

and Darkness? Either what part hath the Believer with the Infidell, &c? Wherefore come out from among them, and seperate your selves now, (saith the Lord) and touch no unclean thing; so will I receive you, and I will be a Father unto you; and you shall be my Sons and Daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

For neither Eye hath seen, nor the Ear hath heard, neither can it enter into the heart of man, what good things the Lord hath pre∣pared for them that love him, 1 Cor. 2.

Ye are brought neither with Silver nor Gold, but with the preti∣ous Blood of Christ, 1 Pet. 1.

There is none other Name given to men wherein we must be sa∣ved, Acts 4.

So fare ye well Wife and Children, and leave worldly care, and see that ye be dilligent to pray.

Take no thought (saith Christ, Mat. 6.) saying, what shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed (for after all these things seek the Gentiles) for your heavenly Father know∣eth that ye have need of these things; but seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven, and the Righteousness thereof, and all these things shall be ministred unto you.

The Sufferings of Cicely Ormes, Wife of Edmund Ormes of Norwich, Worsted-Weaver, burnt about the twenty third day of September.

The occasion of her first apprehending was for that she being per∣sent at the death of two Martyrs burnt in the Lollards-pit,* 16.2 without Bi∣shops-gate in Norwich, for that she said, she would pledge them of the same Cup that they drunk of; she was apprehended and had before the Chancellor, who Examining her concerning the Sacrament of the Altar: He askt her, What it was the Priest held over his head, she re∣plyed, It was Bread, and if said she, you make it any better it is worse: Whereupon the Chancellor, with threatning words, sent her to the Bishops Prison; shortly after she was brought before him again, who offered her, If she would go to Church, and keep her Tongue, she should be at liberty, but she refusing his offer, he past Sentence of Death up∣on her, and delivered her to the Sheriff, to see her burnt; when she came to the Stake, she said, Welcome the sweet Cross of Christ; and when the Fire was kindled about her, she said, My Soul doth Magnifie the Lord, and my Spirit rejoyceth in God my Saviour, and so finished her Testi∣mony in patience.

At this time, the rage of Persecution was very hot in many Coun∣ties, and many were Persecuted at Litchfield, and about seventeen were put to death in Sussex in the Diocess of Chichester, a particular Relation whereof there is little left upon record to make manifest, but the Popes Tyranny was great in many Counties in England in this Queens time.

The Examination of Thomas Sprudence before the Chancellor of Norwich

Chancellor askt him, Whether he had been with a Priest and confest his sins?* 16.3 He replyed, I have confest my sins to God, and that is suf∣ficient for me.

Then said the Bishop, Wilt thou be sworn to the Pope, as supream head of the Church? No, said he, not as long as I live, for you cannot prove by the Scripture, that the Pope is head of the Church: Yes, said the Bishop, As the Bell-weather, which weareth the Bell, is head of the Flock of Sheep; even so is the Pope the head of the Church of Christ; and now, good fellow, thou hast wandered long out of thy way like a scattred Sheep, therefore hear this Bell-weather, and come home with us to thy Mother the true Church again.

Thomas answered, All this is but Natural reason, and no Scrip∣ture.

Oh, said the Bishop, I see you are stout, and will not be answered, there∣fore you shall be compelled by Law.

Thomas replyed, So did your Fore-fathers intreat Christ and his Apostles, they had a Law, and by their Law they put him to death; and likewise you have a Law, which is Tyranny, and by that you would force me to believe as you do; but I trust the Lord will assist me a∣gainst all your beggerly Ceremonies, and make your Foolishness known to all the World.

Then said the Bishop, When were you at Church?

Thomas said, Never since I was born.

How old are you then, said the Bishop?

I think said he, about forty: Then the Bishop not well understand∣ing him, he explained himself, saying, never since I was born anew; for Christ said unto Nicodemus, Except you be born again, you cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.

Then the Bishop told him, He was a stubborn Fellow, and an Here∣tick, and speaking to him of Obedience to the Laws of the Realm.

Thomas relyed, You must consider that I have a Soul and a Body, and my Soul is none of the Queens, but my Body and Goods is the Queens; and I must give God my Soul, and all that belongeth unto it; that is, I must obey the Laws and Commandments of God, and who∣soever commandeth obedience to Laws contrary to Gods Laws, I may not obey them, lest I loose my Soul, but must rather obey God then man; and further told the Bishop, that their graven Images and Cere∣monies, were but the Inventions and Imaginations of their own brain.

Then one standing by, said to the Prisoners, Are you wiser then all men? Will you willingly cast away your selves? My Lord would fain save you, therefore chuse some man where you will, and take a day, my Lord will give it you.

Then Thomas replyed, If I save life, I shall lose it, and if I lose my life for Christs sake, I shall find life Everlasting; and if I take a day,

when the day cometh, I must say then even as I say now, except I will lye, and therefore that needeth not.

Well then, said the Bishop, Have him away, and after he had been kept some time a Prisoner in Bury in Saffolk, he was burnt in No∣vember.

In the same Moneth were three persons put to death in Smithfield, viz. John Hallingdal, William Sparrow, and Richard Gibson,* 16.4 they were several times brought before Bonner, who produced several Articles against them, and used Arguments to perswade them to recant, be∣fore he past Sentence upon them, to which John Hallingdal replyed, Because I will not come to your Babylonical Church, therefore you go about to condemn me, then the Bishop askt him, Whether he would persevere in his Opinions? He replyed, He should persist in them un∣til the death; whereupon Bonner read the bloody Sentence against him; William Sparrow being asked the same Question by the Bishop, he made answer to this effect, That way which you call Heresie, is good and godly, and if every hair of my head were a man, I would burn them all rather then go from the Truth; and said, their Laws and Mass was naught and abominable; whereupon the Bishop Im∣mediately read the Sentence of death against him, and delivered him to the Secular Power, who sent him again to Prison.

After the Bishop had ministred several Articles against Rich. Gibson; the said Richard proposed several Articles to him to answer, yea or nay, or else to say, he could not tell, viz. Whether any man by the holy Ordinance of God ever was, is, or shall be Lord over mens faith? And by what Lawfull Authority any man of what dignity Estate or cal∣ling by Office soever he or they be, may use Lordship, or Power o∣ver any man for Faith or Conscience-sake?

By what lawful authority or power any man of what dignity, estate, or calling soever he or they be, may be so held as to alter or change the ho∣ly Ordinances of God, or any of them, or any part of them?

By what evident tokens Anti-christ and his Ministers may be known, seeing it is written that Satan can change himself into the simillitudo of an Angel of Light?

What is the Beast which maketh War with the Saints of God, and doth not only kill them, but also will suffer none to buy nor sell, but such as worship his Image, or receive his mark in their right-hands, or in their fore-heads, his Name or the number of his Name, or do worship his Image which by the just and terrible Sentence of God al∣ready decreed, shall perish in Fire and Brimstone, before the holy Angels, and before the Lamb, and they shall have no rest day nor night, but the smoke of their torment shall ascend up for evermore?

Also what is the Gordious Glittring Wh••re that sitteth upon the Beast, with a Golden Gup in her hand, full of Abominations, with whom the Kings of the Earth have committed Fornication, and the Inhabitants of the Earth, and she her self also is drunken with the blood of the Saints, which is the Wine of her Fornication, whose flesh the ••orns of the Beast shall tare in pieces, and burn her with Fire?

At the last time of his appearing at the Consistory before the Bishop

the Bishop asking him, If be knew any cause, why Sentence should not be past against him? He answered, That they had nothing against him, justly to condomn him for; the Bishop replyed, saying, He was an evil man; Richard Gibson answered, I may say so of you also: Then the Bishop hastning on to his Sentence, Admonisht him to remember himself, and save his Soul; Gibson told the Bishop, He would not hear his babbling; and said further, blessed am I, that am cursed at yours hands; and so the Sentence was read against him, and he was com∣mitted to Prison; and shortly after was burnt with the two before mentioned.

At the bottom of his Articles he incerted these two Scripture following.

Ascribe unto the Lord, Oh ye mighty, ascribe unto the Lord wor∣ship and strength; give unto the Lord the Honour of his Name, and bow your selves to the Majesty of the Lord. I will hearken what the Lord God will say, for he shall spake peace unto his people, that they turn not themselves unto foo∣lishness. April the 6th 1557. By me Richard Gibson.

* 16.5 In this furious time of Persecution J. Rough and Margaret Mearing, were also burnt at London on the 22th day of the Moneth called De∣cember; this John Rough was born in-Scotland, and in his zeal for the Truth, he abhorred the Idolatry and Superstition in Religion practiced in that Country; and therefore traveled into England, where after the death of King Edward the sixth, perceiving the alteration that was like to be in Religion, and the Persecution that would thereupon a∣rise, and looking at his own weakness fled with his Wife into Freez∣land, where they laboured with their hands for their maintenance; but shortly after he returned again into England, and arriving at London, he heard of a Society of godly People that assembled privately in Re∣ligious Exercise, to whom he joyned himself, and continued Exerci∣sing his gift in preaching unto them, until he was through the trea∣chery of a false Brother betrayed and apprehended by the Vice-Chamberlain of the Queens House, being taken at a religious Meeting at the Sarrisons head in Islington; after Examination before the Coun∣cil, he was sent to Newgate, and his Examination in a Letter to Bonner, to proceed against him as an Heretick.

Bonner being minded to make quick dispatch with him, within three dayes after the receipt of the Letter sent for him from Newgate, to his Palace at London, where he had several Articles ready drawn up against him, for denying the seven Sacraments, the Latine Ser∣vice, and the Popes Supremacy, &c. After he had answered to these Articles, he was dismissed till next day, and then he was brought again before the Bishop and others, who perceiving his constancy to his profession, they ordered him to be brought the next day to the o∣pen Consistory, and there condemned him as an Heretick, and de∣livered him to the Secular Power, who sent him to Newgate, and

shortly after he was burnt in Smithfield,* 16.6 at half an hour past five a clock in the morning.

A Letter written by John Rough, unto certain of his Friends, confirming, and strengthening them in the Truth.

The comfort of the holy Ghost make you able to give consolation unto others, in these dangerous dayes when Satan is let loose, but to the tryal only of the chosen, when it plea••eth our God to sift his Wheat from the Chaff; I have not leasure and time to writ, the great Temptations, I have been under, I speak to Gods Glory, my care was to have the sences of my Soul opened, to perceive the voice of God, saying, Whosoever denyeth me before men, him will I deny before my Father, and his Angels, and to save the life Corporal, is to lose the life Eternal; and he that will not suffer with Christ, shall not reign with him; therefore most tender Ones, I have by Gods Spirit given over the Flesh, with the fight of my Soul, and the Spirit hath the victory, the Flesh shall now ere it be long leave off to sin, the Spirit shall reign Eternally; I have chosen the death, to confirm the Truth by me taught; what can I do more? Consider with your selves, that I have done it for the confirmation of Gods Truth; pray that I may continue unto the end, the greatest part of my assault is past I praise my God: I have in all my assaults felt the present aid of my God, I give him most hearty thanks for it; look not back, nor be a∣shamed of Christs Gospel, nor of the Bonds I have suffered for the same, thereby you may be assured it is the true Word of God, the holy Ones have been sealed with the same, (Mark.) Its no time for the loss of one man in the Battel, for the Camp to turn back, up with mens hearts, blow down the daubed Walls of Heresie, let one take the Banner, and another the Trumpet, I mean not to make corporal re∣sistance, but pray, and ye shall have Elias's defence, & Elizeas Company to right for you; the cause is the Lords: Now my Brethren, I can write no more, time will not suffer, and my heart with Pangs of Death is assaulted, but I am at home with my God; yet alive, pray for me, and satute one another with a holy Kiss; the Peace of God rest with you all, Amen.

From Newgate Prison, in haste, the day of my Condemnation. John Rough.

Another Letter of John Rough's, written to the Congregation two dayes before he suffered.

The Spirit of all Consolation be with you, aid you, and make you strong to run to the fight, that is laid before you, wherewithal God in all Ages hath tryed his Elect, and hath found them worthy of him∣self, by coupling to their Head Christ Jesus, in whom, who so desi∣reth to live godly, the same must needs suffer Persecution, for it is gi∣ven unto them not only to believe, but also to suffer; and the Servant,

or Scholler cannot be greater then his Lord or Master: But by the same way the Head is entered, the Members must follow; no life is in the Members which are cut from the Body; likewise we have no life but in Christ; for in him we live, move, and have our being; dear Hearts, now departing this life to my great advantage; I make change of Mortallity with Immortallity, of Corruption to put on Incor∣ruption, to make my Body like to the Corn cast into the ground, which except it die first, can bring forth no good Fruit, wherefore Death is to me great advantage; for thereby the Body ceaseth from sin, and afterwards turneth into the first Original, but after it shall be chang∣ed, and made brighter then the Sun or Moon; what shall I writ of this corporal death, seeing it is decreed of God that all men shall once dye, happy are they that dye in the Lord, which is to dye in the Faith of Christ, professing and confessing the same, before many Witnesses; I praise my God, I have past the same Journey, by many Temptations; the Devil is very busy to perswade, the World to entice with promises and fair words, which I omit to write, least some might think I do hunt after vain glory, which is farthest from my heart: Lastly the danger of some false Brethren, who before the Bishop of London purposed to confess an Untruth to my face; yet the God that rul'd Balaam moved their hearts, where they thought to speak to my Accusation, he made them speak to my purgation, what a Journey (by Gods power) I have made, these eight dayes before this day, it is above Flesh and Blood to bear; but as Paul saith, I may do all things in him which worketh in me, Jesus Christ. My course, Brethren, have I run, I have fought a good fight, the Crown of Righteousness is laid up for me, my day to receive it is not long to; pray Brethren, for the Enemy doth yet assault; stand constant unto the end, then shall you possest your Souls; walk worthily in that vocation wherewith you are called, comfort the Brethren; salute one another in my name; be not ashamed of the Gospel of the Cross by me preached, nor yet of my suffering; for with my Blood I affirm the same; I go before, I suffer first the baiting of the Butchers dogs; yet I have not done what I should have done, but my weakness, I doubt not is supplyed in the strength of Jesus Christ, and your Wisdoms and Learning will ac∣cept that small Talent, which I have distributed unto you (as I trust) as a faithful Steward; and what was undone, impute that to frailty and ignorance, and with your love cover that which is and was naked in me; God knoweth ye are all tender unto me, my heart bursteth for the love of you, ye are not without your great Pastour of your Souls, who so loveth you that if men were not to be sought out (as God be praised, there is no want of men) he would cause stones to Minister unto you; cast your care upon that Rock, the Wind of Temptation shall not prevail; fast and pray, for the dayes are evil; look up with your Eyes of hope, for the Redemption is not far off: And also that which is behind of the blood of our Brethren, which shall also be laid under the Altar, shall cry for your relief; time will not now suffer me to write longer Letters; the Spirit of God guide you in and our, rising and sitting, cover you with the Shaddow of his Wings, defend

you against the Tyranny of the Wicked, and bring you happily un∣to the Part of eternal felicity, where all tears shall be wiped from your eyes, and you shall alwayes abide with the Lamb.

John Rough.

The Sufferings, and cruel Torments sustained by Cutbert Simson, of London, at the hands of the cruel Papists.

This Cuthbert Simsion was a man of a zealous and faithful Spirit for Christ, and the true Flock in London,* 16.7 in that day wherein they greatly suffered, he ceased not daily to labour and earnestly to endea∣vour their preservation from the corruption of the Popish Religion, his pains, zeal, travil, patience and sidelity was not easily to be expressed, as saith the Record. A Relation of his cruel Usage in the Tower, is as followeth.

On the 13th day of the Moneth called December he was sent to the Tower by the Councel, and on the Thursday following, he was cal∣led into the Ware-house before the Constable of the Tower, and the Re∣corder of London, who prest him to discover the persons he had wil∣led to come to the Meeting he belonged to; but he answered, he would declare nothing, whereupon he was set in the Rack of Iron the space of three hours, then they asked him, If he would tell them, he answer∣ed as before, then was he loosed and carried to his Lodging, and on the day called Sunday following was brought to the same place again, before the Lievtenant and Chelmly Recorder of London, who again Ex∣amined him, he answered as before: Then the Lievtenant swore by God, he should tell, and caused his two fore-fingers to be bound together, and put a small Arrow betwixt them, and drew it threw so fast that the blood followed, and the Arrow broke; then they Rackt him twice, and then carried him to his Lodging again; and ten dayes after the Lievtenant asked him, If he would confess, to whom he answered, He had said as much as he would; then about five weeks after, he sent him to a high Priest, who past the Popes curse upon him forbearing Wit∣ness to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. When he was brought be∣fore Bonner, several Articles were objected against him, as denying the Sacraments and Ceremonies of the Church, and for being at several great Meetings, Assemblies and Conventicles. At the same time there were two other persons Examined before Bonner, viz. Hugh Fox,* 16.8 and John Devenish, against whom the general common Articles were produced, and they were condemned and burnt with Cuthbert, Simson in Smithfield, upon the 28th day of the Moneth called March, for whose constancy to the Lord in his Quarrel, his Name be exalted for evermore.

Some Passages wrote in a Letter from Cuthbert Simson to his Wife, out of the Cole-house, are as followeth.

Dearly beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, I cannot writ as I do wish unto you; I beseech you with my Soul commit your self under

the mighty hand of our God, trusting in his Mercy, and he will sure∣ly help us, as shall be most unto his Glory, and our everlasting comfort, being sure of this, that he will suffer nothing to come unto us, but that which shall be most profitable for us; for it is either a Correction for our Sins, or a Tryal of our Faith, or to set forth his glory, or for all together, and therefore must needs be well done, for there is nothing that cometh unto us but by our heavenly Fathers providence; and therefore pray unto our heavenly Father, that he will ever give us his Grace to consider it; let us give most hearty thanks for these his fa∣therly corrections, for as many as he loveth he correcteth: And I be∣seech you now, be of good chear, and count the Cross of Christ greater Riches then all the vain-pleasures of England: I doubt not but you have Supped with Christ at his Table, I mean believed in him, for that is the effect, and then must you drink of his Cup, I mean his Cross (for that doth the Cup signifie unto us) take the Cup, and then shall you be sure to have the good Wine Christ's Blood to thy poor thirsty Soul; pray continually, in all things give thanks. In the Name of Jesus shall every knee bow.

Cuthbert Simson.

One thing more I thought meet to mention, which I find upon record concerning this Cuthbert Simson, which some may hard∣ly believe who are apt to think all things incredible, which vary from the common course and order of Nature, and may look upon this to be more a Phantasie, then a real Vision, but I shall relate the matter in short, as I find it, and so leave it to the tender Reader to judge of it.

The day before this Cuthbert Simson was condemned, he being in the Stocks in the Bishops Cole-house, Cluny the Keeper, about nine at night (according to his usual manner) came to see whether his Prisoner was safe, and lockt the Doors, about two hours after Cuthbert heard one coming in to him, first opened the Outward-door, then the Inner∣door, and though there was no Candle, yet he saw a great brightness and light, most comfortable and joyful to his heart, and this he de∣clared to one Austen and others, and expressed much joy and solace in declaring of it; and the Vision that he saw was comfortable unto him.

Soon after suffered William Nichol, who was burnt for the same cause at Haverfordwest in Wales, and William Seaman, Thomas Carman, and Thomas Hudson suffered in Norfolk.

William Seaman, was an Husbandman, of the age of twenty six years, dwelling in Mendlesham in the County of Suffolk;* 17.1 he was persecuted by one Sr. John Terril, who searched his house for him by night, but missing of him, he set his servants to search for him, and when they had apprehended him, brought him before their Master, who ask∣ed him, why he would not go to Mass, and receive the Sacrament, Seaman replyed, because it was an Idol he would not receive it; wherefore Terril sent him to Hopton Bishop of Norwich, to deal with him, who after he had examined him, soon passed his bloody sentence of death against him; This Seaman, when he died, left behind him a

Wife, and three young Children, which her Husband being taken away, one would have thought should have moved those pretended Christians to some pity towards her, but instead of shewing pity, they persecuted her out of the Town of Mendlesham, because she refused to hear Mass; and one Coles, Lord of the said Town, caused all her Goods, and Corn, to be seized and taken away.

Another of these Sufferers, was Thomas Hudson, of Ailesham in Norfolk, he was thirty years of age, by trade a Glover, and a very honest poor man, having a Wife and three Children, and labouring alwayes dilligently in his imployment, being zealous for that Truth which bore testimony against the Papists blasphemous preaching, who put the Draugh and Darnel for the Wheat, and that he might avoid their Idolatries, and Superstition he absented from his house, and went into Suffolk a long time, and there remained, traveling from one place to another, at last he returned home again to comfort his Wife and Children, being troubled at his absence, when he was come home, he conceiving his continuing there would be dangerous, he and his Wife devised to make him a place among his Fagots, to hide himself in, where he remained all day exercising himself in rea∣ding and prayer, and thus he continued for about the space of half a year; but at last his Zeal and Courage arose, and he walked abroad several dayes openly in the Town, crying out continually, against the Mass, and such like trumpery, and for three dayes and three nights together refused meat, or to talk with any; one Berry Vicar of the Town, and one of the Bishops Commissaries, caused the Officers to watch for him, who upon the twenty second day of the Month called April, apprehended him by the break of the day, and led him to Berry the Commissary, who examined him after this manner.

Doest thou not believe, said Berry, in the Sacrament of the Altar, what is it?

Hudson replyed, it is worms meat, my belief is in Christ.

Berry, Dost thou not believe the Mass to put away Sins?

Hudson, No, God forbid, it is a patcht Monster, and a disguised Puppet, more longer a piecing, then ever was Solomons Temple.

At which words Berry stamped and fumed, and said, Well, thou Villain, I will write to my Good Lord the Bishop.

Hudson said, There is no Lord but God.

Then he asked Hudson, whether he would Recant? to which he re∣plyed, the Lord forbid; I had rather die many deaths then do so.

This Thomas Hudson, and the other two being brought to the Lollards-pit, and there standing with Chains about them, on a sud∣dain Thomas Hudson came forth from under the Chain, which made some to doubt that he would have recanted, but his two Compani∣ons at the Stake exhorted him, and comforted him, in the Bowels of Christ; but Hudson felt more in his Heart and Conscience then they did conceive was in him, for he was compassed with great grief of mind, not for his death, but for lack of the feeling of Christ, for which he kneeled down, and prayed earnestly unto the Lord, who at last according to his mercies gave him comfort, and then he said,

now I thank God I am strong, and so went to the Stake to his Fel∣lows again, and they all suffered constantly, and joyfully to the Mag∣nifying of the Lords Name.

Before I proceed to give a further Account of such as suffered Mar∣tyrdom, its necessary to give a short Account of the said end of this Persecuting Commissary Berry, who Persecuted Thomas Hudson, and others to death, as I find it recorded.

This Berry in his rage was very fierce against many godly People in the Town of Ailesham, he burnt all good Books he could get, and persecuted men for their Consciences, and compelled many to Idola∣try, and being Rich, and in great Authority, he had the more power to Persecute; he divorced many men and women for Religion, he was a great Swearer, and given to Women, (to write saith the Histo∣ry) how many Concubines and Whores he had, would be incredible; but mark what Judgments the Lord brought upon him for his wickedness.

On a time, a poor man speaking a word to him, he struck him such a blow, with the swingle of a staile, that he presently died thereon, for which (as is said) Berry held up his hand at the Bar.

And shortly after one Alice Oxes, of the Parish of Ailesham, com∣ing into his House, and going into the Hall, he met her (and being before moved) smote her with his fist, whereby she was fain to be carried home, and the next day was found dead in her Chamber.

When this Priest heard that Queen Mary was dead, and that the glory of their triumph quailed, the day called Sunday following, he made a great Feast,* 17.2 and had one of his Concubines there present, with whom he was in his Chamber after Dinner, until he went to that he called his Evening-song, where he Ministred Baptism, and as he was going home, between the Grave-Yard and his House, he fell down suddainly to the ground with a heavy graon, and never stirred after, and thus the Judgments of God was evidently seen to be Executed up∣on him, by all that beheld him.

In the same Moneth that the aforesaid three suffer'd at Norwich, there was two men and one woman burnt at Colchester, viz. William Har∣ris, Richard Day, and Christian George.

In the next Moneth, being the Moneth called June, a short, but sharp Proclamation came forth to prohibit the spreading several good Books, therein condemned under the title of Heresie and Sedition, laying the injunction so strickt, that whosoever should be found to have any such Books in their custody after the Proclamation came forth, should be reputed as Rebels, and to be Executed forthwith accor∣ding to the order of Martial Law.

Shortly after several persons were apprehended, being assembled in a religious exercise in a back Close near Islington, two and twenty of whom were committed to Newgate, and there remained seven weeks before they were Examined, seven of these two and twenty were afterwards burnt in Smithfield and six at Brainford.

One of them, viz. Reginald Eastland being required by the Bishop to answer upon Oath to the Articles charged against him, refused,

saying an Oath was to end strife, but to begin strife (said he) and Oath is not lawful; and therefore choosed rather to suffer what punish∣ment they would inflict upon him, then to swear the matter against himself.

After Bonner had past Sentence upon Roger Holland, one of them that was burnt in Smithfield, Roger spoke to this effect; I am said he Moved by the Spirit of God to say, that God will shorten your hand of cruelty, and after this day in this place shall there not be any put to the Tryall of Fire and Faggot, and as he was speaking and exhort∣ing the People, the Bishop turned back and charged the Keeper, that none should speak with him without leave; being brought to the Stake, he spake after this manner; Lord I most humbly thank thy Ma∣jesty that thou hast called me from the state of Death, unto the Light of thy heavenly Word, and now unto the fellowship of thy Saint••, that I may sing and say, holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts; and Lord into thy hands I commit my Spirit; Lord bless these thy People, and save them from I∣dolatry.

Amongst these persons apprehended at Islington, some of them were Scourged or Whipped by Bonner with his own hands; upon his deformed Effigies in Whipping them, one made some Latine Ver∣ses, the which in English are as followeth.

Muse not so much, that Natures work, is thus deformed now: With belly blown, and head so swoln, for I shall tell you how; This Canibal in three years space two hundred Martyrs slew, They were his food, he lov'd so blood, he spared none he knew.

It should appear that blood feeds fat, if men lye well and soft: For Bonners belly waxt with blood, though he seem'd to fast oft. Oh, bloody Beast, bewail the death of those that thou hast slain; In time repent, since thou canst not their lives restore again.

Thomas Hinshaw, and John Wills were taken and sent to the Cole-house, and from thence Wills was had to Fulham, and there was kept eight dayes in the Stocks; in which time Bonner much abused him, oftentimes raping him on the head with a Stick, and flirting him under the Chin, saying, He looked down like a Thief, and then had him into his Orchard, and in an Arbour, where he Whipt Tho. Henshaw, he Whipt him; first, with a Willow-rod, and then with a Birchen∣rod, labouring and dealing his blows so long as his fat panch could endure with breath, oftentimes the Bishop speak to Wills to this effect,

They call me (said he) bloody Bonner, I would fain be rid of you, a ven∣geance on you, you have a delight in burning: If I might have my will, said he, I would sow up your Mouthes, and put you into a Sack and drown you; and thus much concerning the two and twenty taken at Islington.

* 17.3 The next that suffered was Richard Yeoman; after the Persecution arose, at which time he was put out of his Living, he was put to great straits, so that he was forced to travel from place to place, sel∣ling Pins and Laces to get a livelihood to maintain his Wife and Chil∣dren, at last was apprehended by order from one called Justice Moyle, who set him in the Stocks a day and a night, but having no evident matter to charge him with, let him go again, and returning home to Hadley, Persecution against him was so hot, that his Wife kept him privately a whole year in a Room lockt up all day, where he carded Wool to get Bread for his Family, although he was Seven∣ty Years Old; at last the Priest of the Town, one Newall, having in∣telligence of it, searched his House one night, and took him out of his Bed, and put him in the Cage and in the Stocks until day.

At the same time the said Newall had caused to be put into the Stocks one John Dale, and there had kept him two or three dayes, for speaking to him in the time of his Executing the Romish Service, and saying, O Miserable Blind Guides, will ye ever be Blind Leaders of the Blind? Will ye never amend? Will ye never see the Truth? Will neither Gods Threats, nor Promises enter into your Hearts? VVill the Blood of Martyrs nothing mollifie you? O Crooked and Perverse Generation. Out of the Stocks they were both taken, and bound like Thieves, and set on Horse-back, and their Legs bound under the Horses belly, and so carried to the Goal at Bury, where they were put in Irons, and thrown into the lowest Dungeon, where John Dale fell sick and died; after he was dead Richard Yeoman was removed to Norwich Prison, where after close Imprisonment for some time, being Examined and Requi∣red to submit himself to the Pope, he said, I defie him, and all his detasteble Abominations; whereupon he was condemned and burnt.

There was also a Young man, one Joh. Alcock, a Sheer-man by Trade, who being in the Market at Hadley, and Newall the Priest coming by with procession, because he would not move his Cap, nor shew any sign of reverence, he catcht hold on him, and called for a Con∣stable, and said, Here's an Heretick, and a Traytor, have him to the Stocks, and afterwards he was committed to Prison, and shortly after carried him up to London, where he was long time kept Prisoner in New∣gate; where after many Examinations, and Troubles, for refusing to submit to the Romish Religion, he was thrown into the lower Dun∣geon, where falling sick he died in Prison.

* 17.4 Thomas Benbridge of the Diocess of VVinchester, a Single man, and one called a Gentleman, who thought he might have enjoyed the plea∣sures of the World, if he would have conformed, yet he rather chu∣sed quietness and peace of Conscience, and therefore manfully with∣stood the Popish Doctrines, and was therefore condemned by Doctor

VVhite Bishop of VVinchester, but being brought to the Stake, they used many insinuations, to cause him to recant, to whom at first he said, Away Babyloaon, away; the Fire being kindled, he was suprised with fear, so that he cryed out, I recant, but before they would take him from the Stake, his Adversary caused him to subscribe Articles upon a mans Back, and then he was taken from the Stake, and com∣mitted to Prison, where being troubled in Conscience that he had subscribed the Articles, he signified so much unto his Enemies, who about a week after brought him again to the Stake and there burnt him.

In this same Year, which was the last Year of Queen Mary, Jo. Cook a Sawyer, Robert Miles a Sheer-Man, Alexander Lane a Wheelright, and James Ashly a Batchellor, they were all four Examined before Hopton Bishop of Norwich, Edward VValgrave Knight, and others; the chief thing they demanded in there Examination, was, to know why they refused to go to Church (so called) to which they answered, to this effect, that it was against their Consciences, and that they could not follow false Gods; after their Examination they were all four condemned, and burnt at Edmundsbury about the beginning of the Moneth called August, which was not long before Queen Mary fell sick.

* 17.5 In the Month called November following Alexander Gouch and Alice Driver suffered at Ipswich: The Woman in her Examination Smiling upon Doctor Spencer that examined her, he said, Woman, why dost thou laugh us to scorn?

She replyed, whether I do or no, I may well enough, to see what Fools you be.

Then the Chancellor askt her, Wherefore she was brought before im.

Alice Driver, Wherefore, said she, I think I need not tell you that, for you know it better then me, and if you know not, you have done me much wrong to keep me in Prison, and know not the cause why.

Chancellor,

Woman, Woman, What sayst thou to the blessed Sacrament of the Altar? To which she made no answer, till he askt her the se∣cond time, and then she told him, she knew not what he meant there∣by, having not read in all the Scriptures of such a Sacrament; and askt him, what a Sacrament was?

The Chancellor replyed, It is a Sign, and another Doctor standing by, said, It was a Sign of an holy thing.

Alice answered, Its true, it is a Sign indeed, and therefore cannot be the thing signified; thus far we do agree.

The Doctor standing by, said, Christ said to his Disciples, Take eat this is my Body; Ergo.

Alice Driver,

Whether was it Bread he gave unto them?

Doctor,

No, It was his Body.

Alice,

Then, was it his Body they did eat over night?

Doctor,

Yes, it was his Body.

Alice,

What Body was it then was crucified next day?

Doctor,

It was Christs Body.

Alice,

How could that be, when his Disciples had eaten him over night, except he had two Bodies; then the Chancellor commanded the Goaler to take her away.

Alice,

Now you are not able to resist the Truth, you command me to Prison again; well the Lord in the end shall judge our cause, and to him I leave it.

The next day she was brought before them again, The Chancellor askt her, What she said to the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar?

Alice,

I will say nothing to it, for you will neither believe me, no•• your selves; for yesterday I askt you what a Sacrament was, and you said it was a sign, and I agreed thereto; and now you ask me again of such a Sacrament, which I never read of in the Scrip∣tures.

Chancellor,

Thou naughty Woman, thou lyest, we did not say it was a Sign.

Alice,

Why, are not you the men that you were yesterday; will you eat your own words; are not you ashamed to lye before all this Multitude here present, who heard you speak the same. The Doctor that sat by, told her she was deceived, there was three Churches.

Alice said, Is there mention of so many in the Scripture; shew me the place where it is written?

The Doctor feeling for a Bible, but had none.

Alice said, you are a good Doctor, to sit here a Judge, and have not the Book of the Law by which you should Judge.

Doctor,

Have you one? No, said she, Then said he, I am as good a Doctor as you.

Alice,

I had one, but you took it from me (as you would take me from Christ if you could) Then the Chancellor having no more to say, rose up, and read the Sentance in Latine against her, and com∣mitted her to the secular Power, and shortly after A. Gouch and she were burnt together at Ipswich.

Shortly after Philip Humfrey, John David, and Henry David his Bro∣ther were all three burnt in Bury in Suffolk, for the cause of Religion, being prosecuted by Clement Higham Knight, the same Month that Queen Mary died.

About this time also suffered at Exeter a poor Woman whose name was Prest, this Woman going into Peters Steeplehouse in Exeter, and seeing one making new Noses to certain Images which were disfigu∣red in King Edwards time, she reproved him, saying, what a mad man art thou to make them new Noses which within a few dayes shall all lofe their heads; for these words she was clapt fast and close in Prison; this poor Woman was by many wayes tryed both by hard imprisonment, throatnings, taunts and scorns, but neither frowns nor flatteries would prevail to move her from her profession, but she continued an Example of Constancy to all that professed the Truth, which her Enemies perceiving, they removed her from the Bishops

Prison to Guild-Hall, where she was exhorted to leave her fond O∣pinions, telling her, she was not fit to meddle with such high matters.

Though I am not, said she, yet with my death I am content to be a Witness of Christ's death: And I pray you, make no longer de∣lay with me, for my heart is fixed, and I will never turn to your su∣perstitious doings.

Then the Bishop said, The Devil did lead her.

No said she, it is the Spirit of God which leadeth me, and which called me in my Bed at Midnight, and opened his Truth to me. Then the Priests and others, Shouted and laughed at her: When the Sen∣tence was read against her, and she was condemned to be burnt to death; she lifted up her Voice, and said, I thank thee my Lord, my God, this day have I found that which I have long sought for: At which words, They mockt her, and so being brought to the Stake, she was as lively and cheerful in her Countenance, as if she had been prepared for that day of her Marriage, to meet the Lamb; and so she ended this Mortal Life. She was a Woman very patient in her Words and Answers, in her Apparel, Meat and Drink, moderate and sober, and would never be Idle, and was a great comfort to such as talked with her; and in her trouble she refused to take Money, saying, whilst I am here God has Promised to feed me, and I am going to a City where there is no need of Money: And in the time of her suffering she forsook Husband Children, who Persecuted her because she would not stoop to Idolatry, and when after Sentence and Judgment was gi∣ven against her, they offered her that if she would recant and turn, her life should be spared: Nay, said she, God forbid that I should lose life Eternal for this life; I will never turn from my heavenly Hus∣band to my earthly Husband, from the fellowship of Angels to Mor∣tal Children. If my Husband and Children were faithful, then am I theirs; God is my Father, my Sister, my Brother, and my Friend most faithful.

* 17.6 We are now come to a stop of the Issue of Blood, and the rage of Persecution; for the Testimony of Truth in Queen Maryes time, and the last that suffered in her time, were five that were burnt at Canter∣bury, about six dayes before her Death, viz. John Cornford of wor∣tham, Christopher Browne of Maidstone, Jo. Hurst of Ashford, Alice Sloth, Katherine Tynley, which five persons being in the custody of the Arch-Deacon of Canterbury, who being at London, and understanding the danger of the Queens dying, Posted home to dispatch them out of the way; in the which fact, the Tyranny of this Arch-Deacon, seemeth to exceed Bonner's cruelty; for several that were under his custody, were delivered by the Death of the Queen; after they had suffered many great Exercises and Tryals.

Here followeth an Account of such who suffered Tryals and Imprisonments for their Profession of the Truth, and who in all likelihood had also been burnt for the same, had not God, through his Mercy and Provi∣dence preserved them by the Death of the Queen.

At this time divers there were in many places of the Realm Im∣prisoned, whereof some were but newly taken, and not Examined, some begun to be Examined, but were not condemned, several were Examined and condemned, but no Writ being sent down escaped; o∣thers were condemned, and the Writ sent down for there burning, but the Bishop, Chancellor, and Queen happning to die together, about one time, they were Marvelously preserved, amongst whom was one John Hunt, and Richard white, both Imprisoned at Salisbury, and other places,* 17.7 where they lay above two years, and were often trou∣bled by Priests and Bishops; Richard White being brought before Capon Bishop of Salisbury, and Brookes Bishop of Gloucester, and a great num∣ber of other Priests; Bishop Brookes said, Is this the Prisoner? and said, Friend, wherefore comest thou hither?

VVhite,

I trust to know the cause, for the Law saith, in the Mouth of two or three Witnesses, things must stand.

Dr. Capon.

Did not I Examine thee of thy faith?

VVhite,

No, you did not Examine me, but commanded me to the Lollards Tower, and that no man shoeld speak with me, and now I do require mine Accuser; say what I have said, and I will answer you.

Then the Chancellor said, Thou shalt corfess thy Faith ere then depart, and my Lord of Gloucester shall Examine thee.

VVhite,

I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, because it is the power of God to Salvation to all that believe; and St. Peter saith, If any man do ask thee a reason of the hope that is in thee, make him a direct answer, and that with meekness: And being referred to the Bishop to Examine him, he said, Will you take the pains to wet your Coat in my blood? Be not Guilty thereof, I warn you, and that before hand.

Brookes,

I will do nothing contrary to our Law, declare thy faith (said he) concerning the Sacrament of the Altar.

VVhite,

What is a Sacrament? I find not that word Sacrament in the Scriptures.

Much discourse they had concerning the Sacrament of the Altar, which for brevities sake is omitted; and at last the Bishop cryed, A∣way with him to the Lollards Tower, and dispatch him as soon as you can; this was the Substance of his Examination.

The occasion of his and his Companions long detainment in Pri∣son, and not Executed, was the moderation of the Under-Sheriff, who when he had received the Writ to burn them, said, I will not be guilty of these mens blood, and immediately burnt the Writing; within few dayes after, the said John Hunt and Richard White, being in a low

and dark Dungeon, in an Evening fell upon their knees to prayer, but could not utter words for weeping and tenderness of Heart, and so continued a great while in tears, the next morning news was brought them that the Chancellor their great Enemy was dead, who died a∣bout the same time that they were in such a weeping frame; how∣ever, they there continued in Prison till the coming in of Queen Elizabeth, and then were set at Liberty.

At this time also was delivered by the Providence of God, one John Fetty, a poor Taylor of Clarkenwel, whom his Wife complained of to the Priest of the Parish, for that he would not go to Mass, and be partaker of their Idolatry, notwithstanding this unkind fact of his Wife, yet did he cherish her and provide well for her, but notwith∣standing his gentle dealing with her, and that she had recovered her health, having been ill, did again accuse him, whereupon he was apprehended, and by one of the Queens Commissioners sent to the Lollards Tower, where he was put into the painful Stocks, and had a dish of Water set by him with a Stone put in it, after he had layn there about two weeks hanging in the Stocks, sometimes by one Leg and one Arm, and sometimes by the other, and sometimes by both; it happened that one of his Children, a Boy of the Age of about eight or nine Years came to the Bishops House, to see if he could see his Fa∣ther, at his coming thither, one of the Bishops Chaplains asked him, What he lackt? The Child answered, that he came to see his Father; the Chaplain said, VVho is your Father? The Boy pointing towards Lollards Tower, told him, that his Father was in Prison there. VVhy, said the Priest, thy Father is an Heretick: No, said the Boy, my Fa∣ther is no Heretick; but you are an Heretick, for you have Balaams mark.

With that the Priest took him by the hand and led him into the Bi∣shops House, and there stript him naked amongst them, and in a most shameful manner, without all pity, Whipt and Scourg'd this poor Child, till he was all in a gore blood, and then caused Cluney the Keep∣er to carry him in his Shirt to his Father in Prison, the blood running down by his heels.

The poor man seeing his Child, cryed out for sorrow, Alas, Will, who has done this to thee, the Boy answered, As I was seeking to come to see you, a Priest with Balaams mark, took me into the Bishops House, and there I was so used. Cluney the Keeper heering this, pul∣led the Boy out of his Fathers hands, and carried him back again to the Bishops House, where they kept him three dayes, at the three dayes end, the Childs Father was brought before Bonner, and com∣ing into the Bishops Chamber, he said, God be here, and Peace.

Then said Bonner, That is neither God speed, nor Good morrow.

Then said Fetty, if you kick against this peace, this is not the place that I seek for, and espying a Crucifix lying in the Window, he asked the Bishop, whether Christ was handled so cruely as he was there pictured?

Yea, That he was said the Bishop.

Fetty, Even so cruelly do you handle such as come before you; for you are unto Gods people as Caiphas was unto Christ.

Then said the Bishop thou art a vile Herotick, and I will burn thee, or else I will spend all that I have to my Gown.

Nay, said Fetty, you were better give your Gown to some poor body, that he may pray for you. But notwithstanding this talk the Bishop considering what danger the Child was in, by reason of their cruel whipping, and cruelty used towards him, let the father and him both go at Liberty, but within fourteen dayes after the Child dyed.

The Martyrdom of Nicholas Burton Englishman, and Merchant in Spain.

* 17.8 The fifth day of November in the year 1560. Nicholas Burton, Mer∣chant of London, being in the City of Cadiz, was apprehended by the Officers of the Inquisition, who knowing himself clear, asked them that did Arrest him, what they laid to his Charge, they answered nothing, but commanded him with cruel threatnings to hold his peace, and so carried him to the common Prison of the Town, where he remained in Irons fourteen dayes amongst Thieves; and because he declared the Truth amongst the Prisoners, according to the Tal∣lent that God had given him, exhorting them to reject the Popes Traditions, which being known to the Officers of the Inquisition, they conveyed him, loaden with Irons, from thence to the City of Civil, into a more cruel and strait Prison, called Triana, where the persecuting Fathers of the Inquisition proceeded against him accor∣ding to their accustomed tyranny, that never after he could be ever suffered to write or speake to the English Nation.

In December following they brought him, with a great number of other Prisoners for professing the true Christian Religion, into a place in the City, called the Awto, where the Inquisitors sate in Judgment; Nicholas Burton they had cloathed with a Canvas Coat, whereupon in divers parts was painted a huge Devil, tormenting a Soul in a flame of Fire, and on his head a Coppintanke of the same work.

His Tongue was forced out of his Mouth with a Cloven-stick fast∣ned upon it, that he should not utter his Conscience and Faith unto the people, and so he was set with another English man of South ••••pton, and divers other condemned men for Religion, as well French men as Spaniard upon, Scaffold over against the said Inquisition, where Sentence and Judgment was pronounced against them, and immedi∣ately after the Sentence was given, they were all carried to the place of Execution without the City, and after he was burnt, they imme∣diately seized all the Goods and Merchand••••••, both of his own and other mens that he was intrusted with as Factor.

A Merchant of Bristol who had sent Goods to him, hearing of this, sent over an Agent to Civel, to recover his Goods out of the Inquisi∣tion so wrongfully seized.

At length, after he had spent four Moneths time, and great charges he was at, was by the Inquisitors still, shifted off from time to time, Posting him from one to another, till he had spent his Money and could get no relief; but being earnest to be dispatched, he was at last himself also shut up in a close Prison, where being two or three dayes, after brought before the Court, where because he demanded his Goods, they bid him say his Avemary, and sent him to Prison a∣gain as an Heretick, and afterwards brought him forth upon the Stage in a disguised manner, where Sentence was given against him that he should lose all the Goods he sued for, thought they were none of his own, and suffer a Years Imprisonment besides.

The Scourging of Thomas Green.

Thomas Green Servant to one VVayland a Printer, for dispersing a Book called Anti-christ, was bought before Docter Story, who asked him, Where he had that Book, and called for Cluney the Keeper of the Lollards Tower, and bid him set him in the Stocks; he had not been two hours in the Lollards Tower, but Cluney took him out and carryed him to the Cole-house, where he took a French-man out of the Stocks, and putting a Bolt and Fetter upon Thomas Greens right Leg, and left Hand, he set him cross Fettered in the Stocks, and took the French-man away with him, and there he lay a day and a night; the next day the Keeper came, and said, Let us shift your Hand and your Leg as you may not be lame, and there he remained six dayes, and then was sent for by Doctor Story, who asked him, Where he had the Book, he told him, He had it of a French-man; How came you acquainted with him, said the Doctor?

Thomas Green replyed, Coming to Newgate to my Friends who were put in for Truth's sake, where the French-man also came, and there we were acquainted.

Then Story required him to bring two Sureties; Thomas Green told him, He could find no Sureties.

Then said Story to the Keeper, Lay him safe in the Cole-house, Ile make him tell another tale at his next coming, so he lay in the Stocks day and night for ten dayes before he was called again; and then the Doctor asked him, Whether he would tell the Truth?

Thomas Green replyed, I can tell no other Truth then I have told al∣ready, and thereupon was committed to Prison for fourteen dayes more.

Then Story sent for him again, and calling him into the Garden be∣fore a Chaplain and two others, who said, The Book had both Treason and Heresie in it, and asked Thomas Green, What he said of it? he said, He knew no evil by it: The Doctor in a chafe, said, He would hang him up by the hands with a Rope and cut out his Tongue, and out off his Ears, and called him Heretick, and bid Cluney lay him fast in the Cole-House, where he was kept alone without Company, in a place cal∣ed the Salt-house, having upon his Leg a Bolt and a Fetter, and his

hands manackled together with Irons,* 17.9 and there continued ten dayes; having nothing to lye on but bare Stones, or a board.

Whilest he lay there in Prison two women being brought in, he was carried to the Lollards Tower and put in the Stocks, and there kept night and day more then a Moneth, and none suffered to come to him or speak with him, but the Keeper who brought him meat; short∣ly after he was sent for before one Hussey, who threatned him he should be whipped: So Thomas thanked him, and went away with his Keeper to the Lollards Tower again, where he remained two or three dayes, and then was brought to the Gray-Friers, now called Christs-Hospital, where he was whipt, and delivered him to the Portor, who put him into a stinking Dungeon, after he had remained a Priso∣ner a Moneth, Dr. Story came to him, and calling for two Beadles, and Whips to Whipt him, and caused him to be stripped, and to be Whipt with Rods; the Doctor standing by, commanded to give him one hundred stripes, crying, If I might have my will, I would cut out his Tongue: But upon the intreaty of some that stood by, who had more pity then the Doctor, he received not so many stripes, and then after they had Whipt him, they bid him go his wayes.

About his time, one William Living, and John Lithal suffered deep∣ly in the Cause of the Gospel.

William Living being brought before Bonner's Chancellor, where after short Examination, he commanded Cluny to take him to the Cole∣house, and took from him his Purse, Girdle, and New-Testament, and put him in the Stocks, saying, Put in both your Legs and your Hands also, and except you pay your Fine, I will put a Collar about your Neck; What is the Fine, said William? Forty Shillings, said the Keeper, I am never able to pay it, said VVilliam.

A Kinswoman seeing him in this condition, gave the Keeper forty pence to take him out of the Stocks, he took her Money, and let him out to eat his Supper, and at seven of the clock he put him in the Stocksagain, and so he remained till two of the clock the next day.

The Thursday following, in the afternoon, he was had to the Lol∣lards Tower, and there put in the Stocks having the favour to put his Legs in the same holes that John Philpots leg had been in, and so lay all night, no body coming to him either with meat or drink; and shortly after two men were surety for him, and paid his Fees and he was discharged.

When John Lithal was Examined before the Chancellor, who asked him, What Church he was of, and why he came not to his Parish Church?

Lithal answered, I am of the Church of Christ, the Fountain of all goodness.

He was used with great extreamity and cruelly by Cluny the Keeper at Lollards Tower, who hanged him in a great pair of Stocks, where he lay three dayes and nights, till he was so lame that he could not stir nor move: In the time of his great suffering several of his Neighbours Importuned the Chancellor for his deliverance, whereupon the Chancellor sent for him, and spake to him to this e∣ffect, will you that your Neighbours enter into Bonds for you or not.

Lithel, By my mind they shall not; wherefore I defire you that you would not bind me,* 17.10 but let me serve God with my Conscience free∣ly; for it is written, they that lead into Captivity shall go into Cap∣tivity, and they that strike with a Sword shall perish with the Sword; I desire you, said he, that be my Neighbours, that you would not enter into bond for me, it goeth against my Conscience that you should.

Chancellor, I will not bind you to do any thing against your Consci∣ence.

Then the Bond was made, but he would not seal it; wherefore the Chancellor said, its pity thou hast so much favour shewed thee, for these honest mens sake I will discharge thee.

The Examination of Elizabeth Younge before M. Hussey.

He Examined her of many things; First, Where she was born; and who was her Father and Mother?

Elizabeth Younge,

Sir, all this is but vain talk, and very superflu∣ous, I think you have not put me in Prison to know who was my Father and Mother; but I pray you go to the matter that I came hi∣ther for.

Hussey,

Wherefore wentest thou out of the Realm?

Elizabeth,

To keep my Conscience clear.

After some other discourse, he asked her, What age she was of, she replyed, forty and upwards.

Hussey,

Twenty of those years thou wentest to Mass.

Elizabeth,

Yea, and Twenty more I may, and yet come home as wise as I was at first; for I understand it not.

Hussey,

Why wilt not thou go to Mass?

Elizabeth,

My Conscience will nor suffer me, for I had rather all the World should accuse me then my own Conscience.

Hussey,

But why wilt not thou swear upon the Evangelist before a Judge?

Elizabeth,

Because I know not what a book Oath is.

Hussey,

Woman thou art come from beyond Sea, and hast brought books with thee of Heresie and Treason, and thou must confess to us who tran∣slated them, and printed them, and who sent them over, else thou shalt be racked Inch-meal, thou trayterous Whore and Heretick, but thou shalt swear before a Judge before thou go; yea, and thou shalt be made to confess how many Books thou haft sold, and to whom.

Elizabeth,

I understand not what an Oath is, and therefore will take no such thing upon me.

Then said Docter Martin to her (who had formerly delivered her, being brought before him at Westminster; I delivered thee (said he) and thy Husband, and I thought thou wouldest have done otherwise then now thou doest; for if thou hadest been before any Bishop in England, and said the words thou didest before me, thou hadst fryed a faggot; and though thou didst not burn then, thou art like to burn or hang now.

Elizabeth,

* 17.11 Sir, I promised you then that I would never be fed with an unknown Tongue, and no more will I yet.

Dr. Martin,

Thou shalt be fed with that which shall be smally to thine ease.

Elizabeth,

Do what God shall suffer you to do, for you shall do no more

Martin charged the Goalers Wife to give her one day bread, and another day water.

Elizabeth,

If you take away my meat I hope God will take away my hunger, and then she was shut up under two Locks in the Clink as she was before.

At another Examination, Doctor Martin said, Wilt not thou confess, and keep thee from the Rack?

Elizabeth,

Sir, I can confess no more, do with my Carkass what you will.

At another time Doctor Cook said, let her head be trussed in a small Line, and make her to confess.

Then said the Bishop, Why wilt not thou swear before a Judge, that was the right trade of the Anabaptists?

Then said she, I will not swear that this hand is mine; my Lord Christ saith, that whatsoever is more then Yea Yea, and Nay Nay, it cometh of Evil.

Roger Cholmly being by, said, It was a man in Womans Cloathes: Think you so, said Bonner? Swear her upon a Book, seeing it is but a Question.

Then Doctor Cook brought her a Book, and commanded her to lay her hand thereon.

Elizabeth,

(but she refused) saying, I will not swear.

Docter Cook

said, swear before us, whether thou be a man or a Wo∣man.

Elizabeth,

If you will not believe me, send for Women into a secret place, and I will be tryed.

Cholmly,

Thou art an Ill-favoured whore.

Then said Bonner, How believest thou in the Sacrament of the Altar? and after some other Questions they cryed, Away with her.

And speaking of Spirit and Faith, Cholmly said, What nothing but Spirit and Faith Where?

Then was she carried into the Cole-house, and searched for Books, and put into the Stock-house, and a Knife, girdle and Apron taken from her, and there both her hands were Manacled in one Iron, for several dayes, and afterward she was removed into the Lollards Tower, and there she remained with both her feet in the Stocks and Irons, till the next time of her Examination.

But shortly upon the request of two Women, who sought for her Liberty, and became surety for her appearance before the Bishop of London, she was set at Liberty.

In the Town of Bodfeild, in the County of Suffolk, was an ancient Woman, one Elizabeth Lawson, apprehended by the Constable of the Town as an Heretick, because she would not go to hear Mass, for

which they laid her in a Dungeon,* 17.12 and after that she was carried to Norwich, and from thence to Bury-Goal, where at last she was condem∣ned to be burnt. After Sentence was past Sir John Sylliard the high Sheriff took her home to his house, where she was hardly kept, and wrapt in Irons, till at length, when by no means they could move her to Recant, she was sent to Prison again with shameful revilings.

Thus she continued in Prison the space of two years and three quar∣ters; in the mean time there was burnt her Son and many others, where by she would often say, Lord what is the cause that I may not come to thee with thy Children? well, thy blessed will be done, and not mine.

Through the death of Queen Mary she was preserved, although she had been before condemned to die.

It is also very remarkable to read and consider the many preserva∣tions from time to time (that these People persecuted so hotly) recei∣ved through the Lords goodness in their Meetings in the City of Lon∣don; for they met is private places, sometimes one hundred, some∣times two hundred, about the latter end of Queen Mary they great∣ly encreased, and one remarkable Passage of their preservation was as followeth; one Cuthbert Simpson, one of their Church, usual∣ly carrying a little Book in his Pocket of the Names of such as were Members of the Congregation the which had been found about him when he was apprehended, had not Rough their Minister been warn∣ed in a Dream of the danger thereof, and thereupon sent to Cuthbert Simpson to leave the Book out of his Pocket, which he did, otherwise all their Names had been discovered.

At this time the Popish Party so much abhor'd these despised Peoples Preaching, or strengthning one another at the time of their Suffering and Martyrdom, that the Queen put forth a Proclamation, which was Proclaimed at Newgate, and at the Stake where seven were con∣demned to suffer, strictly for bidding any to pray or speak to them, or any wayes to comfort them; but not withstanding this Proclama∣tion one Bentham one of their Ministers, in his Christian Zeal and Charity opened his Mouth, and aloud said, I know they are the People of God, and therefore cannot chose but wish well to them, and say, God strengthen them, which words many People standing by, confirmed, saying, Amen, Amen; so that then so many appea∣red to speak well of them, that the Officers knew not what to say nor who to Accuse.

The said Bentham was another time marvelously preserved, for as, he was passing the Streets, he was taken hold on to be a Quest man, upon the death of a man found drowned, being loath to meddle, he was very earnest with the man to be excused, alledging he had little experience in such a matter, and desired them to take another that might have more Skill, but finding what he had said would not satis∣fie them to excuse him, he further alledged, that he was a Schollar of Oxford, and thereby priviledged from being of any Inquest; the Coroner demanded the sight of his priviledge, he said, if he would give him leave. he would fetch it; then said the Coroner, the Queen

must be served withour delay,* 17.13 and constrained him to stay and hear the matter; when the Book was offered him to swear upon, Bentham opening the Book, and seeing it a Popish Primmer, refused to swear thereupon, speaking against the superstition therein contained; what, said the Coroner, I think we shall have an Heretick among us, and after further reasoning committed him to an Officer till further examinati∣on; but mark, what hapned, for while these matters about Here∣sie were in debate, suddainly came the Coroner of the Admiralty and discharged the first Inquest, saying, it belonged to his Officer to choose a Jury and Sit there, by reason of which Bantham escaped their hands, and had no more said to him.

The Suffering and Preservation of Richard Bartie of Lincolnshire and Katherine, Dutchess of Suffolk, his Wife.

In the Reign of Queen Mary, Stephen Gardner Bishop of Winchester surmising the Dutchess of Suffolk to be one of his Antient Enemies, because he knew he had deserved no better of her, began to practice some revenge upon her for former grudges, and thereupon sub∣paened her Husband Richard Bartie to appear before him at his House at Mary-Overs, when he came before him, after much discourse, at last he said, If I may ask the question of my Lady your Wife, is she as ready now to set up the Mass as she was lately to pull it down? Doth she think her Lambs now safe enough, who said to me, when I vailed my Bonnet to her out of my Chamber Window in the Tower, that it was merry with the Lambs now the Wolf were shut up.

Richard Bartie, after he had heard him, endeavoured to moderate things, saying, that though them words seemed at that season bitter, yet if the cause were considered one would purge the other, and for setting up of Mass, she had learned by the perswasions of excellent men for Six Years past, inwardly to abhor, and if she should then outwardly allow it, she should shew her self a false Christian, and to her Prince a Masking Subject; you know my Lord one by Judgment reformed is more worth then a thousand transformed Temporizers, to force a Confession of Religion by Mouth, contrary to that in the Heart, work∣eth Damnation, where Salvation is pretended.

Then said the Bishop, That deliberation would do well, if she were re∣quired to come from an Old Religion to a New, but now she is to returned from a New to an Antient Religion.

My Lord, said Bartie, in answer to that, not long since she answered a Friend of hers, using your Lordships speech, that Religion went not by Age, but by Truth, and therefore she was to be turned by perswa∣sion, and not by Commandment.

The Dutchess and her Husband daily understanding by their Friends, that the Bishop intended to call her to Account for her Faith, and considering the Sufferings and Extremity that might follow, en∣deavoured to get the Queens Licence to travel beyond Sea, which in a few dayes he obtained, and then first went over by himself, leaving

the Duchess behind, who had agreed to follow him,* 17.14 which with much difficulty she did, and in their travels beyond Sea they suffered very much, for having taken a House in a Town called Santon, a Haunce Town, under the Duke of Cleves Dominion, to which Town divers Wallons were fled for Religion, it was muttered about the Town, that the Dutchess and her Husband weregreater persons of note then they discovered themselves to be, and the Magistrates being not very well inclined to Religion, a suddain order was given out that the Dutches and her Husband should be Examined of their Condition and Religion; Bartie hearing this, took his Wife and Child, and two other with him, and on Foot travelled forthwith towards VVeesell, which proved a wet and wearisome Journey, being not used to Foot it, and Passage otherwayes they could not hire; he being fain for some part of the way to carry the Child himself, and she to earry his Cloak, and that which was worse, when night approached coming to Weesel they could get no entertainment at Inns; the Inn∣holders suspecting him to be a Launce Knight, and the Dutches his Woman; so that they were brought to a great straight, for it rained hard, the Child with cold cryed, and the Mother wept; the Hus∣band seeing themselves destitute of Succor, resolved to get some Straw and Coals, and lay them in a Porch that night, if he could get no better Lodging; but in the midst of this hardship he met with two Boyes that spoke Latine, through their directions he found out a Wallons House, where he met with one of his acquaintance, and one that had been a Friend to him, who meeting together, and seeing the Dutchess and her Husband in such a dirty wet condition could not speak for some time to each other for tears; but at last the comfort they received from their Friend revived them, and in a few dayes he hired a fair House for them, and it was soon noised about the Town what they were, and the uncivility of the Inn-holders towards them was openly and sharply rebuked by the Preachers in their Pulpits, for being so unkind to Strangers; but they were not long settled here, but they were unsettled again, for a Snare was laid to apprehend them there, which through the kindness of the English Embassadour they had intimation of whereupon they travel'd to the Palsgraves Country, and after some time of abode there, the King of Poland hearing of their troubles, invited them into his Country, where they were quiet∣ly and honourably entertained till the Death of Queen Mary.

The Sufferings and Preservation of Thomas Rose, Aged Seventy six Years, in the Town of Luton, and Country of Bedford.

This Thomas Rose for his zeal for the Gospel was informed against to the Council, who sent a Messenger down to Hadley in Suffolk to ap∣prehend him, being before the Council, the charge against him was, that he was privy to the burning of the Rood of Dover-Court, for this he was committed to Prison to the Bishop of Lincolns House in Holburn, and there remained from the time called Shrovetide till Mid∣summer, very sore Stocked, the Stocks being very high and great, so

that day and night he did lye with his back on the ground upon a little Straw, with his heels so high, that the blood fell from his feet, so that his feet were almost without sence for a long time, and he fell sick, in∣somuch that the Keeper pittying him, acquainted the Bishop there∣with, and told him, He would not keep him to die under his hands; whereupon the Bishop extended some charity, and gave him some more ease and liberty; but would not suffer Thomas Rose his own Mo∣ther to visit him, but bid her go home, for she might not see him; but she giving the Keeper four Shillings, he let her speak to him through a Grate; from thence he was removed Prisoner to Lambeth, but was shortly after delivered, and after he was at liberty, for preaching a∣gainst Auricular Confession, Transubstantiation, and such other Points contained in the six Articles (which then so to do was Death by the Law) wherefore he was narrowly sought after by the Duke of Nor∣folk, who being Lievtenant, commanded that whosoever should take him, should hang him on the next Tree; Thomas having notice of what was intended against him, was conveyed into Flanders, where he remained some Years, and afterwards coming over into England again, was received by the Meeting at London to be their Preacher, who at their Assembles would often at a night gather ten pounds for the Assistance and help of such as suffered in Prisons for the Truths sake.

He was secretly preserved often times in this Assembly at London, yet at length through treachery was taken with thirty five at a Mee∣ting in Bow-Yard in Cheapside, at a Sheer-mans House on the day called New-years-day, and was had before Stephen Gardner to be Examined, who committed him to the Clink till a seasonable time to do it: He was several times brought before the Bishop upon Examination, where the chief discourse was upon the common Snares of Transubstantiation, Auricular Confession, &c. And after long Disputations privately to and fro betwixt them; the Bishop took him by the hand, and said, Fa∣ther Rose, you may be a worthy Instrument in the Church, and so com∣mitted him only to his own Lodging that night, and afterwards be∣ing set at liberty by the hand of Providence, he travelled beyond Sea, and there remained till the Death of Queen Mary.

A true Relation of the Martyrdom of Richard Atkins, an English man, by the bloody Papists at Rome, Anno 1581.

Richard Atkins born in Hartfordshire,* 17.15 about the Moneth called July, in the Year aforesaid, came to Rome, and having found the English Colledge, Knockt at the Door, to whom divers of the Students there came forth to welcome him, hearing he was an English man; amongst other talk had with him, they wisht him to go to the Hospital, and there to receive his Meat and Lodging according as the order was ap∣pointed; whereunto he answered, I came not (my Country-men) to any such intent as you judge, but I came lovingly to rebuke the great disorder of your lives, which I grieve to hear, and pity to behold; I come likewise to let your proud Anti-christ understand, that he doth

Offend the heavenly Majesty, Rob God of his Honour, and Poi∣son the whole World with his Abominable Blasphemies, making them do Homage to Stocks and Stones, and that filthy Sacrament, which is nothing else but a foolish Idol; when they heard these words, one Hugh Griffen a Welch-man, and Student of the Colledge, caused him to be put in the Inquisition; what he answered there to their Ex∣aminations is not recorded, but after some dayes he was set at Liber∣ty again.

And one day going in the Street he met a Priest carrying the Sacra∣ment, which so offended his Conscience to see the People crouch and bow d••wn to it, that he catched at it to have thrown it down, but missing of his purpose, and it being judged by the People that he did catch at the holiness (that (they say) cometh from the Sacrament) upon meer devotion he was let pass and nothing said to him; a few dayes after he came to the place called Saint Peters Church, where di∣vers being hearing Mass, and the Priest at the Elevation, without shew∣ing any reverence he stept amongst the People to the Altar, and threw down the Chalice with the Wine, striving likewise to pull the Cake out of the Priests hands, for which divers rose up and beat him with their fists, and one drew his Rapyer, and would have slain him; and away he was carried to Prison, where he was Examined, wherefore he had committed so hainous an offence; he answered, that he came purposely for that intent to rebuke the Popes Wickedness, and their Idolary; upon this he was condemned to be burnt, which Sentence (he said) he was right willing to suffer, and the rather, because the sum of his offence pertained to the Glory of God; during the time he remained in Prison, sundry English-men came to him, wishing him to be sorry for what he had done, and to recant of his Damnable Opi∣nion; but all the means they used were in vain; he confuted their dealings by divers places of Scripture, and willed them to be sorry for their Wickedness, while God did permit them time, else they were in danger of Everlasting Damnation; these words made the English∣men depart, for they could not abide to hear them: Within a while after he was set upon an Ass, without any Sadle, being from the midle upward naked, having some English-Priests with him to talk with him; but he regarded them not, but spake to the people in as good Lan∣guage as he could, and told them, they were in a wrong way, and therefore wished them to have regard to the saving of their Souls. All the way as he went, there were four that did nothing else but thrust at his body with burning torches, whereat he never moved nor shrunk one jot, but with a cheerful Countenance laboured to per∣swade the People to good; at which the People not a little wondered; thus he continued almost the space of half a mile until he came to the Place of Execution, which was before the Mass-house, called Saint Peters; where they had made a device, not to make a Fire about him, but to burn his legs first, which they did, at which he was no whit dismayed, but suffered all cheerfully, at which the People much admired. Then they offered him a Cross to embrace, in token that he died a Christian, but he put it away with his hand, calling them

evil men to trouble him with such poltery stuff when he was prepa∣ring himself to God, whom he beheld in majesty and mercy, ready to receive him into the Eternal rest: they seeing him in this mind, de∣parted, saying, Come, let us go and leave him to the Devil whom he serves. Thus ended this faithful Souldier, and Martyr of Christ his life, a Wit∣ness against the Pope and his Followers wickedness.

Persecuted by the Papists in Forreign Parts, &c.

A brief Relation concerning the Horrible Massacree in France, Ann. 1571.

When the Admiral was wounded in both his Arms he Immediate∣ly thereupon said to Maure, O my Brother, I do now perceive that I am beloved of my God, seeing that for his Name sake I do Suffer these Wounds; at this time were many great persons cruelly mur∣thered; two thousand were murthered in one day.

At Meldis Two hundred were cast into Prison, and being brought out as sheep to the slaughter were cruelly murthered.

At Orleans a Thousand Men Women and Children were Mur∣thered.

The Citizens of Augustobona, when they heard of the Massacree at Paris, shut the Gates of their Town, that no Protestant might escape, and cast all that they suspected into Prison, which afterward were brought forth and Murthered.

At Avericome in like manner the suspected for religion were cast into Prison.

At Roan five hundred were put to death; Thuanus who writeth the History of these things, writeth thus; this Example, saith he, passed into other Cities, and from Cities to Towns and Villages, so that it is by many Published, that in all the Kingdom above thirty thousand were in these tumults divers wayes destroyed by the Papists.

There was wonderful joy in Rome for this Massacree, and the Pope with his Cardinals went a Procession, to give thanks unto God for this great benefit bestowed upon the See of Rome, and the Chri∣stian World; a Jubily also was published; and in the Evening the great Ordinance was shot off at the Castle: Thus did this unholy Father delight to hear of the destruction of so many Innocent People; well might Christ say, You are of your Father the Devil, and the Lusts of your Father you will do; he hath been a Murtherer from the beginning, and abode not in the Truth, because there is no Truth in him.

An Account of four Martyrs burnt at Lile in Flanders,* 17.16 in the year 1556. whose names were Robert Ogvier, and Jane his wife, Baudicon and Martin his two Sons.

Few places can be named where the Truth was more freely, and with greater zeal received then in this City of Lile, where Anti∣christs Tyranny was great; For three years together it was secretly preached amongst them sometimes in Houses, in Woods, in Feilds, and in Caves of the Earth, not without hazarding of their Lives, if they had been discovered; yet could not these apparent dangers under such Ty∣ranny cool or abate the burning Zeal, which almost consumed the hearts of his People, hungering and thursting after the spiritual food of their Souls.

What was amongst them preached, was accordingly practiced; works of Mercy and Charity were there exercised, not only towards those of the Houshold of Faith, but even towards them which were without, so as many by means hereof were drawn and brought on to the knowledge of Christ: They ordained certain Persons, who were men fearing God, and approved of, who went weekly from house to house to collect the Alms of such as they knew to be faithful, admo∣nishing every one how to carry themselves in their Vocations, and of their duty in contributing towards the relief of the poor Saints.

And thus each one according to his place endeavouring to express and manifest his Faith by the Fruits thereof, namely, good works, in a short time the Lord raised up a flourishing Meeting in this place, so that they consisted of a competent number of Men, Women and Children, not only of the City, but of the Villages nigh.

In the mean while Satan and his Adherance ceased not to storm and rage hereat, not being able long to endure these their holy Meet∣ings.

Upon the sixth of the Moneth called March, about ten at night, the Provest of the City, with his Sergeants, armed themselves to make search if they could find any met together in houses, but as then there was no Assembly; therefore they went to the house of Robert Ogvier, and there violently entered, seeking here and there for their prey; they found certain Books, which they carried away, but he whom they principally aimed at was not then in the House, viz. Baudicon the Son of the said Robert, who, according to his usual man∣ner, was gone abroad to visit some Brethren, but returning home, knocking at the Door, his brother Martin watching his coming, bid him be gone, wishing him not to come in, he thinking his Brother took him for some other, said, it is I, open the Door, with that the Sergeants drew nigh, and opened it, and he came in.

Then said the Provest, I arrest you all in the Emperors name and commanded each of them to be Bound, to wit, the Husband and his Wife with their two Sons, leaving their two Daughters to look to the House; now as they conveyed them along through the Streets, Baudicon, with a voice somewhat extended, which might

easily be heard at that time of the night, said Assist us, O Lord by thy Grace, not only to be Prisoners for thy Name sake, but to confess thy holy Truth in all purity before men, so far as to seal the same with our Bloods, for the edification of thy poor Church.

Thus were they brought into several Prisons, where they were se∣verally handled, yet ceased they not to bless and praise the Lord with one consent; within a few dayes after, they were brought before the Magistrates of the City, and Examined, who first spoke to the Father in these words, It is told us, that you never come to Mass, and also diswade others from coming thereto, and that you maintain Conventi∣cles in your House, whereby you have Transgressed the Laws of the Em∣perial Majesty.

Robert answered to this effect, We read not in all the Scriptures that either Christ or any of his Apostles ever said Mass; for they knew not what it meant: As for the second Accusation, I cannot, nor will deny, but there have met together in my House Honest Peo∣ple fearing God, I assure you not with intention to wrong or harm any, but rather for the advancement of Gods Glory, and the good of many; I knew indeed that the Emperour had forbiden it, but what then, I know also that Christ had commanded it, who said, Where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them. Thus you see I could not well obey the Emperour, but I must disobey Christ; in this case then, I chose rather to obey my God then man.

When they were brought to the Fire, the last words they were heard to pronounce were, Jesus Christ, thou Son of God, into thy hands we commend our Spirits; and so they ended their Testimo∣ny. Within eight dayes after Jane the Mother, and Martin her Son were both Executed in the same City.

The manner of the Merciless Inquisitors Tormenting such as are brought into the Popish Inquisition in Spain.

When they purpose to torture any one, the Gaoler is commanded to bring forth his Prisoner into the accustomed place where it is to be given, which place is under the Earth, and very obscure, then go∣ing thorow many turnings, and thorow sundry Doors, so as the hor∣rible cries of those who are there tortured can in no wise be heard, there is a Seat prepared for the Inquisitors on high, with a Rigister also, to behold their Tragical Act; the Torches being lighted, those who are to Act their parts in this woful Tragedy are brought in, the Tormentor who attends their coming is covered all over with a black Garment, close to his Body, and on his Head a black Hood, which hides his Face from being seen, having only two or three holes made therein for himself to see and to breath at; and all this is to terrifie the more the poor patient, who beholdeth as it were a grim Devil ready to Torment him; these Fathers being set upon their Seat, begin again to charge the Prisoner voluntary to con∣fess the Truth, which if he refuse to do, and if it then happen, that

Arm, or any other Member of his Body be broken, or that they die on the Torture (for that is all the favour he hath shewed him) they made it his own fault, and none of theirs; after they have used all the terrible threats that can be, they cause him or her to be stripped stark naked, whether Man, Woman or Maid, though they be never so mo∣dest and bashful, many having fallen into their bloody fingers thus to to have their nakedness discovered in the sight of others, was more greivous then all their Torments besides which they endured, laying aside then all Humanity in unclothing them, they put upon them linnen Bretches, as if their secret parts were better and more honestly covered with Bretches then with Shirt or Smock, or as if the Tor∣ments they meant to put them to would not pierce deep enough as well in the one as in the other; with such shameless Spectacles the chast Inquisitors fed their Ages, and with such cruel Lust, satisfied their infamous and detestable virginity.

The Man or Woman standing naked, then only covered with lit∣tle Bretches, they beckon to the Tormenter, (who is well aquainted with their secret sign and watch word, and can readily discern what Torments the holy Fathers would have them put to, to teach them the Faith of the Roman Church.

Then standing thus naked, they exhort them once again to tell the truth. If the Patient be to endure the Cord, they tye his hands behind his back pulling him up eight or ten times, according to the number of twitches limited by the Inquisitors to the Tormentor, that so nothing may be done there without order; at the first encounter are reckon∣ed up to him all his Articles, and then, besides binding his hands, they tye his Thumbs together with a small Cord, then they tye his Hands and Tumbs unto a greater Cord, hoisting him up by a Pulley very high, which done, they put upon his Legs heavy Bolts, if he have not them on before, to which are yet added for the first pull, an Iron weight of twenty five pounds, which is hanged to those Bolts between his Feet; being thus arrayed the Tormenter draws him up on high, the Register and Inquisitor mixing therewith their for∣mer Exhortations, confess; when he comes to touch the Pulley with his Head, they urge him yet then to confess; if he obey, they present∣ly let him down, if not, then they let him hang in this condition un∣til he have answered their demands; now after he hath hung thus without making any Confession, they let him down to redouble on his feet the former weight, and then pulling him up again, threat∣ning him, to hang there till he die, if he declare not to them, what they ask of him, commanding thet Tormenter to let him hang a long while, that through the heaviness of the weight, which hangs at his Feet, all his Members and Joynts are stretched out beyond mea∣sure; when the Patient through the extremity of Torment which he endures cryes out, they in like sort cry as loud as they can, that he should now confess what he knows, if not, then they let him fall; for when they perceive he continues constant, then they command∣ed the Officer to let go the Cord, which is as soon done as spoken, yet not wholly and altogether to the mid way, but a certain stop which

hinders his falling to the ground, by reason whereof he receives such a suddain check, his Body is pitifully and miserably stretched.

But yet this sufficeth not, for then if through their importunity he will confess nothing, they augment the weight the third time, and if the poor creature, in regard of his intollerable pain, call upon the Lord to help him, and desire to be let down, then they Scoff and Mock at him, pressing him to confess, telling him, that is not all, threatning him by the Strappado, as before. This Hellish Torture be∣ginneth at nine, and lasteth till one a clock; and when they please to make an end, they ask the Tormenter, if he have the other Engines ready, and at their going, all the comfort they give their dissolate Patient, is thus; this shall suffice, say they, for this time, but look between this and to morrow, thou advisest thy self well, what thou oughtest to confess, other wayes, thou art like to die under Torture; nor think to escape by what thou hast endured, for that is but a Bed of Roses in regard of the Torment which is to come; they being gone, his clothes is put on, and if he be not able to go, he is carried again unto Prison; a few dayes after they send for him again, re∣newing their threats, that if he will not reveal those that are of his O∣pinion, he must prepare himself for the Torture, wherein if he any way miscarry, or Death follows, the fault shall be his, and not theirs; if he continue unmovable in his mind, they cause the Goaler to bring him to the place of Torture, and there they sitting in their Tribunal com∣mand him to be stripped naked, and then tormented after the same manner as is before related; besides, as an addition thereunto, they tye his thighes and hamstrings together with a small Cord, forcing the same with pieces of Wood, so that the Cords do eat into his very Flesh, in which extremity they leave him for three or four hours plying him the whilst with infinite threats and derisions, which is all the comfort that they minister unto him in this his most miserable condition.

Thus in short the Reader hath an Account of the cruel Inquisition of these pretended Christians in Spain. Now I shall proceed to give a further Account of some that suffered under these Papists cruelty in divers parts of France and Flanders.

A Woman of Tours (whose Husband the Papists had not long before drowned) having an Infant sucking at her Brest, about seven weeks old, and a Daughter about sixteen Years Old, who was very beautiful; this Woman accompained with her Children, they hailed to the River side, where kneeling down, she prayed to the Lord, the Child suc∣king at her Brest, then she shifted her Child in the Sun, and laid it up∣on the Grass, commending it to God, in the mean while this Hellish Crew used many words to turn the Young Maid from her Religion; the Mother being ready to be plunged into the Water, exhorted her Daughter to persist in the Truth; the Daughter beholding their out∣rage, cryed out in these words, I will, said she, live and die with my Mother, whom I know to be a virtuous woman; as for your threats and promises, I regard them not, do with me what you please: The

Mother was not yet dead when these merciless wretches threw in the Daughter also,* 17.17 and so they yielded up their Souls together as Witnes∣ses against the Papists cruelty; the Infant was taken up by a Souldier, who having kept it a day and a night, laid it in a Steeple-House-Porch, whence being taken and given to a Nurse to keep, it would never take the Brest after, but within two dayes it died.

In the same City suffered one Glee an honourable woman, and con∣stant to her Profession, and when news was brought her, that she was condemn'd to be hang'd, she received it with joy, being conducted with the rest of the Prisoners about the second hour in the afternoon towards the place of Execution, they would have put a lighted Torch into her hand, and have had her to acknowledge she had offended God and the King. Away, away with it, said she, I have neither offended God nor the King, I need no such light to help me ask for∣giveness of my sins, use such things your selves, who sit and walk in the Darkness of Ignorance and Errour.

The one of her Kindred meeting her in the way presented to her veiw her little Children, praying her to have compassion on them, seeing that by renouncing your Religion, you may preserve your life. This caused the tears to flow down, and this answer she made, I must needs say, I love my Children dearly, but yet neither for love I bear to them, or any thing else in this World, will I renounce the Truth, or my God, who is and will be a Father unto them; and therefore to his Provi∣dence and Protection I commend and leave them; and so passed on, and with cheerfulness finished her Testimony with the loss of her life.

The Body of Coqueville being stripped naked, was dragged by the Murtherers from Valongues (being low Normandy) up and down his House with derision into a Chamber, where they used to meet, and there spurning the dead body with their feet, they bid him, Now pray to his God, and preach if he could; the Priests stuffing the dead Mouth with the leaves of Bibles, and said to the dead Corps, Preach the Truth of your God, and call upon him now to help you.

A Letter written by Wouter Oom, Prisoner and Martyr in the City of Antwerp, full of Consolation, against the fear of Persecution, directed to a Brother and Sister of his.

Grace and Peace from God the Father, and from his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen:

Well beloved Brother and Sister, whom I love dearly for the Truths sake, and for your Faith in Christ Jesus; these are to certifie you, that I am in bodily health, and enjoy the comfort of a good Consci∣ence, I praise my Lord God therefore, who is able to encrease the same more and more by the powerful Operation of his holy Spirit; whosoever they be that will forsake this present evil World, and be∣come Followers of their Captain Christ, must make account to meet with many Persecutions, and Afflictions; for Christ hath told us a∣fore-hand, That we should be Hated, Persecuted, and Banished out of the

for his Names sake;* 17.18 and this they will do, saith he, Because they have neither known the Father nor me; but be not afraid, saith he, for I have overcome the World; St. Paul also Witnesseth the same thing, saying, All that will live godly in Christ Jesus, must suffer Persecution. And a∣gain, To you it is given for Jesus Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake: And doth not our Lord Jesus Christ say, Blessed are you, when men persecute you, and speak all manner of evil falsly against you for my Names sake: Rejoyce therefore and be glad, for great is your reward in Heaven: Now whereto serveth all this, my belo∣ved, but to bring us into a conformity with our Lord and Master Jesus Christ? For Christ hath suffered for us, saith the Apostle Saint Peter, leaving us an Example, that we should walk in his steps; who also en∣dured the Cross, and despised the shame, for the obtaining of that joy which was set before him, and became Poor to make us Rich, 2 Cor. 8, 9.

By him also are we brought by faith into that state of Grace where∣in we stand rejoycing in the hope of the Glory of God, knowing that Tribulation worketh Patience, &c.

Wherefore, dear Brother and Sister, be not afraid of the fiery Try∣al which is now sent among us to prove us, for what Father loving his Child, doth not correct it? Even so doth the Lord chastice those whom he loveth; for if we should be without correction, whereof all true Christians are partakers; then were we Bastards, and not Sons. And therefore Solomon faith, My Son, despise not the Chastning of the Lord, neither faint when thou art corrected of him, for whom the Lord loveth, the same he correcteth, even as a Father the Son in whom he delighteth; fear not then to follow the footsteps of Christ, for he is the Head, and we are his Members, even as Christ then hath obtained full Joy and Glory by suffering of Anguishes and Sorrows; so we al∣so according to his Example, must through many Tribulations enter into the heavenly places, even into the New Jerusalem. Let us then say with Saint Paul, Christ unto me is in life, and in death advantage: Let us cry out with him, O wretched Creatures that we are! who shall deli∣ver us from this Body of Death? See here how the Faithful have desi∣red to be with Christ; for with Abraham they had an Eye to that ho∣ly City, which hath Foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God. Let us then, my beloved, cheerfully and willingly follow the Lord, possessing our Souls by Patience; For it is a good thing, as saith the Prophet Jeremiah, both to hope and quietly to wait for the Salvation of the Lord; and good also it is for a man to bear the Yoke, in his Youth; for such the Lord will comfort in the end, and restore unto them the joy of his Salvation.

Lo here, dear Brother and Sister, what Consolations our God hath treasured up for us in his holy Word; for us, I say, whose desire it is to fear the Lord, and to trust in his Grace and Mercy, for the Salva∣tion of the Righteous is of the Lord, he is their strength in the time of Trouble; wherefore giving all diligence, let us add to Faith Virtue, and to Virtue Knowledge, and to Knowledge Temperance, and to Temperance Patience, and to Patience Godliness, and to Godliness Brotherly Kindness.

and to Brotherly Kindness Love; for if these thing be in us, and abound,* 17.19 they will cause us neither to be idle nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ: The which, God our Father grant us for his Sons sake our Lord, Amen.

Out of my Hole December the 11th 1562.

Wouter Oom, Prisoner for the Truth.

A Relation of such things as fell out under the Goverment of Alva; And of many men put to death, Anno 1567.

The Afflictions of the Protestants in the Low-Countries were multi∣plyed this year under the Dominion of Ferdinando of Toledo Duke of Alva.

It is well known that the Spaniards using all their endeavorus to rule over this Country at their pleasures had no better opertunity, to accomplish their designs then to establish among them their Inquisi∣tion, thereby todomineer over the goods, honors and lives of every one; the noble Citizens and Commons did what they could to op∣pose the same, to which purpose they had instantly besought the King to afford them his Royal presence, that hearing once their Complaints, his Majesty might take some order for matters of so great Impor∣tance, alledging to this end the Example of the Emperour Charles his Father, who upon a business far inferiour to this, adventured him∣self with much diligence to pass through the Enemies Country, who were but a while before reconciled, only to stay some Mutinies be∣gun in the City of Cand. These things had so moved the King that he made them a promise by Letters of his coming; but his intentions were broken of by such as were the upholders of the Inquisition, that so they might with the more facility attain the end of their desires, instead of their King then, they had sent unto them the Duke of Alva, who at his Entrance found the Prisons replenished with Gentlemen, and other Personages of note, whom the Dutchess of Parma had left in bonds after her death.

Long did they languish in this Captivity, whilst the Duke of Alva by fair promises dissembled a kind of meek and gentle carriage of mind towards them giving them some hope of a General pardon, pro∣ceeding from the Kings Clemency, that thus he might catch the Lords, and Governours the more cunningly into his Nets, whereof the Lord Lemoral Earl of Egmond, Prince of Gaud Governour of Planders and Artois, and others of quality gave but too Lamentable experience, who being led with vain hopes were at length inhumanly put to death.

The sixteen Provinces also subjecting themselves under this new Government, lost their antient Liberties and Priviledges, which evi∣dently appeared by the exploits done from the year 1567. hitherto by a new Council of twelve, elected and setled there by the Duke, the principal of which were Vergas and Elrio Fathers of the In∣quisition, which Council was commonly called, the Council of BLOOD.

In the year 1568. the Duke of Alva began to declare to the World his feigned meekness,* 17.20 puting to death two Brethren, Barons of Battembourg,* 17.21 and several others he Executed at the same time at Brussel. These two Brethren from the flower of their youth had con∣stantly professed the pure Doctrine of the Gospel, and in the end were put to death for their Testimony to the same.

Shortly after there were taken and imprisoned at Antwerp several persons whose constancy to Death will appear by what they writ to certain of their Brethren, Dated the 17th of March, as fol∣loweth.

Seeing it is the will of God, that we should suffer for his holy Name and in the Quarrel of his Gospel; we certifie you, Brethren, that we are hitherto of good courage, howsoever the flesh continually rebels a∣gainst the Spirit, counselling it ever and anon according to the ad∣vice of the Old Serpent; but we are well assured that Christ who hath bruised, will also still bruise the Serpents Head, and not leave us com∣fortless; true it is, we are now and then pricked in the heel, but that is all the Serpent can do, nor are we discouraged, but keep our faith close to the Promises of God, who is the Lord of Heaven and Earth, having created all things of nothing: He forsook not Joseph in Eygpt, nor left the three Young Men in the fiery Furnace; no nor Daniel in the Lyons Den; this is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and of their Righteous Posterity, so that we can without fear say with the Prophet David, The Lord is my Help, Tower, Strength and Refuge: By such, and the like Scriptures, dear Brethren, we com∣fort our selves in our Bonds, rejecting all confidence in man whatso∣ever; be not dismayed then, good Brethren and Sisters, for our Bonds and Imprisonment, for so is the good will of God now towards us; and therefore pray rather, that he would give us grace to persevere constantly unto the End, so be it.

One of these three imprisoned in Antwerp wrot a few Lines to the Church of God in Antwerp, as followeth; Brethren, I write unto you, being left alone; whereas we were three in number, John Hues is now dead in the Lord, I did my best to comfort him whilest he breathed so as now I am alone, and yet not altogether alone, seeing the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is with me, he is my exceeding great Reward, and will not fail to reward me as soon as I have laid down this earthly Tabernable: Pray unto God that he would strengthen me to the end, for from hour to hour I expect the dissolu∣tion of this house of Clay.

When Joris one of the three was examined before the Magistrates, the Marquess said unto him, I have hitherto spared you, hoping to see you recant, but you grow worse and worse.

Joris replyed, during the time of my Imprisonment I have shed many tears; and further said, he was now become resolute, and could not fashon himself according to their desire, although they burnt him as they had done his Brother Schoblant.

Marquess, I can tell you, it will cost you but little better cheap.

Joris, I am ready if it be to morrow.

Then said one of the Standers by, he has neither Wife, Child nor Goods to lose, and that makes him so willing to dye.

Joris, You shall answer these your doings at the last day, where you must all appear, and then there will be no respect of persons.

Marquess, We have heard you preach too long; take him Goaler, and cast him into the Hole; then was he put among Thieves as a Lamb among so many Wolves: Thus this constant Witness remained firm till death.

The Spectacles of dead Bodies slain by the Bloody Inquisition was a Dreadful sight, being gazed on in a manner, in every place, especial∣ly in the City of Tournay, and of the Valentians; in regard of the multitudes of Believers, both of men and women; who had long Languished in sundry Prisons, in great miseries and necessities. Now that we may not forget what fell out in the beginning of this Year 1569. Thus it happened in the City of Valence, seven and fifty persons were executed for no other cause but for cleaving to the true Faith of Christ Jesus, not without much astonishment of the poor people of that City.

Among these sad Relations, a little to quicken and refresh the Spi∣rit of the Reader, I will here insert a Letter, full of Consolations, written out of Prison, to the Faithful, by one William Tovart, Merchant, who had his dwelling in the City of Lile in Flan∣ders.

This honourable person being come to the Age of Eighty Years, or thereabouts, used his House for the space of Fourteen or Fifteen Years for the Assembly in the City of Lile to meet in: Being cha∣sed and Banished thence in the Year 1561. he withdrew himself for a while to Tournay, whence he was constrained to flie, and to go to Amiens and Moundediea, Cities of Prickardy; afterwards returning into his own Country, he came to reside in the City of Antwerp, where after he had continued many Years, he was at length condem∣ned to be burnt with two others, who suffered for the same cause, but they put him to another kind of Death, for they drowned him by plunging him in a Cistern of Water in Prison. Amongst many Letters which he wrote, during the time of his Imprisonment, my Author hath selected out this one, which here followeth.

Dear Brethren and Sisters in Jesus Christ,

I most humbly thank my God, that he hath so fortified and comforted me by his Grace, that I feel my self more cheered by lying in this dark Prison, then if I were walking in the open Streets or Fields; I say, this I feel accor∣ding to the Spirit, for as touching the Flesh, what doth it apprehend here, but stinking Vapours and Smoke. Wherefore, my beloved, if it so fall out, that you be apprehended for the Name of Jesus Christ; fear not the prison, nor those that have power to Kill the Bo∣dy, for having done that, they can go no further; be not afraid then, seeing it is the reward which our good Captain Jesus Christ hath Pro∣mised to all his Faithful Souldiers and Servants; he who turns his back in this conflict goes by the loss; but whosoever fights manful∣ly, obtains in the end the Crown; not a Crown of Gold, but of

Glory Immortal; we here lay down a fading life, filled with griefs and troubles, to change the same for a Life Everlasting; we put off the Rags of this Mortal Flesh, to be clothed with Robes Immortal; we forsake a loathsome Life, for joy and felicity eternal; ought any gain or exchange to be compared with this? O sweet and happy Mar∣tyrdom! how dost thou dignifie and inrich us in despite of the World, Devil, and our own Flesh? and which of us now can com∣plain, seeing our Soveraign Lord and Master has so expresly foretold it to all his Followers? will any man come after me, saith he, Let him then take up his Cross, and follow me; Let us bear, Oh, let us then bear the Cross cheerfully, and with joyfulness, that we may be re∣ceived in the presence of his heavenly Father; for it is not only given us for to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for his sake; and if we suffer with him, then we shall also Reign with him.

Oh, that we could admire his bounty, who no sooner imployes us in his Work, but hath the Wages ready in his Hand wherewith to recompence us; your sorrow, saith he, Shall be turned into joy; let us then cast off every weight that presseth down, and whatsoever else that stands in our way to Heavenward, be it Father, Mother, Bro∣ther, Sisters, Husband, Child, yea, and our own life also; let us with the wise Merchant-man sell all, that with him we may purchase that pretious Pearl; how happy do I esteem them that are called to suffer, and leave their Life for confessing the Name of Jesus Christ, for the Eternal Son of God will confess their Names before his heavenly Father and his holy Angels; they shall be clad with white Robes, and shine as the Sun in the Kingdom of Heaven filled with gladness in the Presence of the Lamb; they shall eat of the Fruit of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God: Let us fix the Eye of our Minds upon these so great and pretious Promises of Jesus Christ, which he hath made to all those who persevere in well-doing unto the end. Oh! how happy shall we be when we are delivered from these Bodies of Death to live forever with our God? Let us then continu∣ally pray with the Disciples, Lord increase our Faith. Oh, dear Bre∣thren, remember me alwayes in your prayers, who am bound here in the Bonds of Anti-christ; remember those also who are in Bonds, as if you were bound with them: Pray, I say, without ceasing, for our Adversary the Devil is alwayes compassing us about to cause our Hearts to faint, and you are not ignorant what a potent Enemy our own Flesh is unto us; but I confidently believe that our God, who hath begun this good Work in me, will perfect the same, even unto the Day of Christ.

Farewel.

When the Massacrees began to play their parts in Rovan, they coun∣selled those of the Religion,* 18.1 to get themselves into the Prisons as into places of greatest security, from the fury and rage of the people, but such as followed this advice were there even ready to be devoured, as poor Sheep, by these greedy Wolves at their pleasure.

Those who were murdered in the City in a few dayes, some in

their Houses, and others in the Prisons amounted to six thousand, besides more then fifty Women, unto whom they exercised no less Cruelty then upon men.

Their names for brevity sake are here omitted, their dead bodies being piled together were conveyed out of the City in Tumbrils, and thrown by heaps one upon another into great pits, digged for that purpose: Their garments being washed in the River, from their Blood, by certain poor Women, were afterwards distributed here and there to the Poor by the Papists, that they might seem with their merciless and unjust Cruelty to mingle some Works of Justice and Charity.

* 18.2 Upon the eight day after the Massacree at Paris, about eight of the Clock in the Morning, the chief of the Papists at Tholouse, received Advertisement of that which had passed, with Letters directing them what they were to do, then a Council was called; at the breaking up whereof, the great Gates of the City were shut, only the little Wickets left open, and shortly after, they entered into the houses of those of the Religion, whom they imprisoned in sundry Prisons of the City, about three weeks after they put all these Prisoners together into the Consciergery, which is a special Prison, deferring the Slaughter of them until they received Warrant and Authority from Paris, which having received, the Prisoners were called down to the Stairs foot, one after another, and there Massacred, not permitting them so much leasure as to speak; the Councellors who were of the Reli∣gion, after they had Massacred them, they hanged them up in their Gowns upon a great Elm which was in the Court of the Palace, and in the mean time sacked and pillaged their houses.

An English Man burnt at Rome.

In the year 1595 a young man, about the age of twenty five years being at Rome, was much stirred in a Religious Zeal, against their hornble Idolatry, as the Bishop was going a Procession the young man pluckt the Pix out of his hand, and threw it to the ground, cal∣ling, Wretched Idolater, for which he was apprehended and sent to pri∣son, and shortly after Pope Clement the eighth hearing of it, or∣dained, that he should be immediately burnt, but some of the Car∣dinals advised, that he might rather be kept till a further exami∣nation; and accordingly they kept him eight dayes in prison, but when they see nothing could be drawn from him, but these words, viz. such was the will of God: Then they stripped him naked to the middle, and put on the form of a Devil or Dragon upon his head, and then bound him in a Cart, and carried him to the place of Exe∣cution, where he was burnt alive.

* 18.3 I find also a Relation of three other English-men, put to death at Rome, the manner of their sufferings are as followeth: They meeting together entered into a Conference, concerning the state of the Church at that time, complaining that the Zeal of Gods Glory was wonderfully cooled amongst men; yea, and that even those of the Religion, were

grown but too worldly wise; that Sathan by little and little was sow∣ing the seed of Atheism every where, by rocking men asleep in the Cradle of Security; whereupon, commending themselves into the hands of God, they determined to take their Vogage to Rome, and there to encounter, with the Adversary of Christ; thither they came, and after two or three dayes, two of them behaving themselves mo∣destly, did in secret manifest to some the Truth of the Gospel, who being betrayed, were imprisoned and put to death, without any further ado; the third resolved to bear his Testimony more publick, and therefore taking an opportunity, when the Pope was in the midst of his Massing devotion, stept quickly to him, and pluckt the host out of his hands, and trod it under his feet, testifying against the Mass and Antichrist; the people in a rage fell upon him, beating and bruising of him, and he was forthwith bound and set upon an Ass, and the Executioners with lighted Torches burnt his Face, Mouth and Tongue first, when the flames came overthwart his Cheeks, he was heard to cry, Lord forgive them, they know not what they do; and then they consumed his body with Fire to Ashes.

And herein the Reader hath seen the invinceable Constancy, of these Martyrs, who in their burning Zeal for Religion, dryed up the Rivers of Persecution; and were never tyred in Suffering, until the Persecutors swords were blunt with the slaughter.

Blessed are they that are Persecuted for Righteousness sake, for their is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Rev. 13.
• * 1.2

  William Saw∣tery Suffer∣ed.
• * 1.3

  The Martyr against swearing o•• a Book.
• * 1.4

  John Pur∣vey M••rty
• * 1.5

  Roger Acton and other Persecuted.
• * 1.6

  A Judg∣ment on a Persecutor.
• * 1.7

  A Woman Preacher.
• * 1.8

  A remarka∣ble story and worthy no∣••ing.
• * 1.9

  n="‖" Chilton by name
• * 1.10

  Thomas man martyr.
• * 1.11

  [Note]
• * 1.12

  John Esch and Henry Voes Mar∣••yred.
• * 1.13

  Henry Stut∣ven Mar∣tyred in ••••r∣many.
• * 1.14

  John Clark Perscuted in France.
• * 1.15

  George Car∣pender Mar∣tyred.
• * 1.16

  The suffer∣ing of Ween∣dal Muta.
• * 1.17

  John Pisto∣rius Martyr.
• * 1.18

  One Nicho∣las of Ant∣werp Mar∣tyr.
• * 1.19

  The terror of Persecuti∣on caused some to re∣volt from the Truth.
• * 1.20

  One man be∣headed, and two women buryed a∣five
• * 1.21

  Justus Jus∣berge Mar∣tyr.
• * 1.22

  Giles Tilman Martyr.
• * 1.23

  The Edict against the Lutherans to be read twice a year.
• * 1.24

  Martin Hoeurblock Martyr.
• * 1.25

  Nicholas and Francis Thiesten Martyrs.
• * 1.26

  Adrian Tay∣ler and Ma∣rion his wife Martyr.
• * 1.27

  Peter Bruly Martyrs.
• * 1.28

  Peter Moice Martyr.
• * 1.29

  Nicholas Frenchman Martyr.
• * 1.30

  Bertrand Le Blais Martyr.
• * 1.31

  James Fa∣ber and three others Martyrs.
• * 1.32

  Godfry Ha∣mell Martyr.
• * 1.33

  Dennis Renix Mar∣tyr.
• * 1.34

  Stephen Polliard Martyr.
• * 1.35

  Florent Venote Mar∣tyr.
• * 1.36

  A poor Tay∣lor in Paris Martyred.
• * 1.37

  John Joyer and his Ser∣vant and his Ser∣vant Mar∣tyrs.
• * 1.38

  Mathias Dimonetus Martyr.
• * 1.39

  A Relation of the man∣ner of the Spanish In∣quisition.
• * 1.40

  Eighty eight per∣son, But∣chered for Religion in Calabria
• * 1.41

  Persecuted in Merindol and Cabries.
• * 1.42

  The Cruel∣ty of the Papists.
• * 1.43

  The Just Judgment of God a∣gainst a cru∣el Persecu∣tor.
• * 1.44

  Anno 1525.
• * 1.45

  Thomas Bil∣••ey Martyr.
• * 1.46

  Richard Bayfield Martyr.
• * 1.47

  John Tew∣kesberry Martyr.
• * 1.48

  Edward Freese Mar∣tyr.
• * 1.49

  James Bain∣ham Mar∣tyr.
• * 1.50

  Three men executed for pulling down an I∣dol and burnin it.
• * 1.51

  John Frith Martyr.
• * 1.52

  John Chap∣man A. He∣wit J. Ti∣bauld Mar∣tyrs.
• * 1.53

  Thomas Bennet Mar∣tyr.
• * 1.54

  The Popes Curse by Bell Book and Candle.
• * 2.1

  William Tindal Marryr.
• * 2.2

  John Porter died in Pri∣son.
• * 2.3

  Robert Test∣wood Mar∣tyr.
• * 2.4

  Persecution in Callice.
• * 2.5

  Richard Meekins Martyr, be∣in•• a Boy of fifteen years old.
• * 2.6

  Persecuted at Callice.
• * 2.7

  Math. 18.2 Cor. 13.
• * 2.8

  3 Kings 18.
• * 3.1

  Her Coun∣cil to the King.
• * 3.2

  Popish Sub∣tilty.
• * 3.3

  Q. Mary.
• * 3.4

  John Street persecuted.
• * 3.5

  Roods Commad∣ed to be a∣gain set up in the places called Churches.
• * 3.6

  Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer ap∣prehended.
• * 3.7

  John Rogers Martyr.
• * 3.8

  Lawrence Saunders Martyr
• * 4.1

  John Hoo∣per and Rowland Taylor Martyr.
• * 4.2

  The suffer∣ing of Hailes.
• * 4.3

  The appre∣hending of Thomas Tomkins and five others.
• * 4.4

  They were all condem∣ned by B••n∣nor.
• * 4.5

  The Ex∣amination of Thomas Tomkins.
• * 4.6

  William Hunter Martys
• * 4.7

  William Hunter ••ent up to Bonner.
• * 4.8

  Higbed and Canston Martyr.
• * 4.9

  Pyget, Knight, Lawren•• Martyr.
• * 4.10

  Robert Farrar and Raw∣lins White Maryrs in Wales.
• * 4.11

  Q. Mary. An. 1555.
• * 4.12

  George Marsh Mar∣tyr.
• * 7.1

  John Cord∣maker, and three other Martyrs.
• * 7.2

  Thomas Hawkes Martyr.
• * 7.3

  After he had been a while in the Orchard, they went to the Chapple, and had Hawkes with them.
• * 8.1

  An Epistle written by Thomas Hawkes.
• * 8.2

  Thomas Watts Mar∣tyr.
• * 8.3

  John Brad∣ford and John Lease Martyrs.
• * 8.4

  Bland, Fran∣kish, Shetter∣den and Middleton Marytr.
• * 8.5

  Nicholas Hall and Christopher Waid Mar∣tyrs.
• * 8.6

  Three o∣thers burnt in Kent.
• * 8.7

  Derick Car∣ver, John Launder Martyrs.
• * 8.8

  Tho. Jveson Martyr.
• * 8.9

  James Ab∣bies Martyr.
• * 8.10

  John Deuly John New∣man, and Patrick Packington Martyrs.
• * 8.11

  Six persons burned at Canterbury, and one at Chichester.
• * 9.1

  Elizabeth Warne Martyr.
• * 9.2

  G. Tanker∣field Mar∣tyr.
• * 9.3

  Rob. Smith brought a∣gain before the Bishop and the L. Mayor.
• * 9.4

  Note the said Robert Smith be∣ing charg∣ed ••alsly in the said Ar∣ticles turn∣ing to the Mayor, said.
• * 9.5

  Verses con∣taining good Ex∣hortations, written by R. Smith.
• * 9.6

  Will. Haile Martyr.
• * 9.7

  Rob. Samuell Martyr.
• * 9.8

  Will. Allen Martyr
• * 9.9

  Robert Coo Examined.
• * 9.10

  Tho. Cobb Martyr.
• * 9.11

  Two burnt at Lichfield.
• * 9.12

  Rob. Clover Martyr.
• * 10.1

  Cornelius Bongey bur∣ned.
• * 10.2

  Will. Wool∣sey and Rob. Pygot Mar∣tyrs.
• * 10.3

  Ridley and Latimer burnt at Oxford.
• * 10.4

  Three burnt at Canter∣bury.
• * 10.5

  John Philpot Martyr.
• * 10.6

  Q. Mary. An. 5515
• * 10.7

  Q. Mary. An. 1555
• * 10.8

  The death of the Per∣secuting Bi∣shop of Win∣chester.
• * 10.9

  ••556 Seven Mar∣tyrs burnt in Smith∣field.
• * 11.1

  Bartlet Green Mar∣tyr.
• * 11.2

  Q. Mary. An. 5515
• * 11.3

  Four Wo∣men, and one Man burnt at Canterbury.
• * 11.4

  The Perse∣cutors names.
• * 11.5

  Cranmers Martyr∣dom.
• * 11.6

  Six persons burnt in Smithfield.
• * 11.7

  Q. Mary, An. 1556
• * 13.1

  Six men burnt at Colchester.
• * 13.2

  Hugh Lave∣rock and Jo. Apprice Martyrs.
• * 13.3

  Three Wo∣men burnt in Smithfield.
• * 13.4

  Thomas Drowry and Tho. Croker Martyrs.
• * 13.5

  Tho. Spicer, John Dun∣ny, and Ed∣mund Fools Martyrs.
• * 13.6

  Sufferers in Sussex.
• * 13.7

  Three burnt at Edmunds∣bury.
• * 13.8

  John Care∣leses Exami∣nation.
• * 14.1

  Luke 2.
• * 14.2

  Rev. 11.
• * 14.3

  Julius Pal∣mer Martyr.
• * 14.4

  Agnes Wardals Sufferings.
• * 14.5

  Q. Mary. An. 1556.
• * 14.6

  The Exami∣nation and Martyr∣dom of Tho. More.
• * 14.7

  The Exami∣nation of Jo. Jakson.
• * 14.8

  Joan Wast Martyr.
• * 15.1

  The dig∣ging up and burning Martin Bu∣cer, and Paulus Pha∣gius's Bones.
• * 15.2

  Five Persons burnt in Smithfield.
• * 15.3

  Seven per∣sons burnt at Maid∣stone in Kent
• * 15.4

  Seven more burnt at Canterbury,
• * 15.5

  Exami∣nation of Matthew Plaise.
• * 15.6

  Q. Mary. An. 1557.
• * 15.7

  Ten persons burnt in Sus∣sex.
• * 15.8

  Rich. Wood∣man appre∣hended the 15th day of the Moneth call'd March 1556.
• * 15.9

  Q. Mary. An. 1556.
• * 15.10

  Q. Mary, An. 1557.
• * 15.11

  Woodman ••••us•••• to be B•••••••••• to the good be, haviour.
• * 15.12

  S. Miller Elizabeth Cooper Mar∣tyrs.
• * 15.13

  The Priests Letter to stir up Persecu∣tion.
• * 15.14

  Nine Mar∣tyr burntin Essex, and one died in Pison.
• * 15.15

  G. Eagles Maryr.
• * 15.16

  Rich Crash∣field Mar∣tyr.
• * 15.17

  Joyce Lewis Martyr.
• * 15.18

  Four per∣sons burnt at Islington.
• * 16.1

  John Noyes Martyr.
• * 16.2

  Ci••ely Ormes Martyr.
• * 16.3

  Tho. Spancer Martyr.
• * 16.4

  Three per∣sons burnt in Smithfield.
• * 16.5

  John Rough & Margaret Mearing Martryrs
• * 16.6

  Q. Mary, An. 1558.
• * 16.7

  Cuthbert Simson Martyr.
• * 16.8

  Hugh Fox and Jo. De∣venish Mar∣tyrs.
• * 17.1

  William Seaman Martyr.
• * 17.2

  A Judg∣ment of God upon a Persecutor.
• * 17.3

  Rich Yeoman Martyr.
• * 17.4

  Thomas Benbridge Martyr.
• * 17.5

  Alexander Gouch and Alice Dri∣ver Martyrs.
• * 17.6

  Five per∣sons burnt at Canter∣bury.
• * 17.7

  This Exam∣nation was on the 26th of April, 1557.
• * 17.8

  Nicholas Burton Martyr in Spain.
• * 17.9

  Q. Mray, An. 1558.
• * 17.10

  Q. Mary, An. 1558
• * 17.11

  Q. Mary, An. 1558.
• * 17.12

  Q. Mary An. 1558.
• * 17.13

  Q. Mray, An. 1558
• * 17.14

  Q. Mary, An. 1558
• * 17.15

  Rich. Atkins Martyr at Rome.
• * 17.16

  Q. Mary, An. 1559.
• * 17.17

  An. 1562.
• * 17.18

  An. 1562.
• * 17.19

  An. 1567.
• * 17.20

  An. 1568.
• * 17.21

  The names of three Martyrs, Imprisoned at Antwerp, were Schob∣lant, Son of Barthel, Jo. de Hues and Joris Comans.
• * 18.1

  Persecution and Massa∣cree at Ro∣van.
• * 18.2

  A Massacree at Tholouse.
• * 18.3

  Three Eng∣lish men put to death at Rome.