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 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,

* 1.1 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,* 1.2 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,

* 1.3 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,* 1.4 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:* 1.5 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,* 1.6 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,* 1.7 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,* 1.8 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.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Rich. Wood∣man appre∣hended the 15th day of the Moneth call'd March 1556.
• * 1.2

  Q. Mary. An. 1556.
• * 1.3

  Q. Mary, An. 1557.
• * 1.4

  Woodman ••••us•••• to be B•••••••••• to the good be, haviour.
• * 1.5

  S. Miller Elizabeth Cooper Mar∣tyrs.
• * 1.6

  The Priests Letter to stir up Persecu∣tion.
• * 1.7

  Nine Mar∣tyr burntin Essex, and one died in Pison.
• * 1.8

  G. Eagles Maryr.