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.

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.

* 1.1 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.

* 1.2 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.

* 1.3 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;* 1.4 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,* 1.5, 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,* 1.6 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.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Rob. Smith brought a∣gain before the Bishop and the L. Mayor.
• * 1.2

  Note the said Robert Smith be∣ing charg∣ed ••alsly in the said Ar∣ticles turn∣ing to the Mayor, said.
• * 1.3

  Verses con∣taining good Ex∣hortations, written by R. Smith.
• * 1.4

  Will. Haile Martyr.
• * 1.5

  Rob. Samuell Martyr.
• * 1.6

  Will. Allen Martyr