shewing it to the people he in like manner counterfeiting the priest took up a little dog by the legs and held him over his head shewing him unto the people for this he was by and by apprehended and condemned to the fire and burned and the dog with him About the same time John Longland Bishop of Lincoln burned two upon one day the one named Thomas Bernard and the other James Morton the one for teaching the Lords Prayer in English and the other for keeping the Epistle of St. James translated into English Richard Mekins a boy not past the age of fifteen years was condemned to be burnt by Boner for speaking against the Sacrament of the Altar In Oxford also the same time or not much there-about recanted one Master Barker master of Art of that University a man excellently learned who being called up to Lambeth before the Archbiâ—hop Thomas Granmer was in his examination so stout in the cause of the Sacrament and so learnedly defended himself therein neither Cranmer himself nor all they could well answer to his allegations brought out of Auâ—eu wherein he was so promp ripe of himself that the Archbiâ—hop with the residue of his company were brought in a great admiration of him notwithstanding by compulsion of the time and danger of the six articles at last he relented and returning again to Oxford was there caused to recant After which the good man prospered not but wore away The year 1541. The King was divorced from the Lady Anna of Cleve which was his fourth wife and married to the fifth which was to Lady Cathren Howard Nice to the Duke of Norfolk and Daughter to my Lord Edmund Howard the Dukes brother but this Marriage likewise continued not long At this time were six Popish Monks executed for denying the Kings Supremacy Now as touching the late Marriage between the King and the Lady Howard this Matrimony endured not long for in the year next following 1542. the said Lady Cathren was accused of the King of incontinâ— nâ— living not only before her marriage with Frances Durham but also of spouse breach since her marriage with Thomas Culpeper for the which both the men aforesaid by act of Parliament were attained and executed for high Treason and also the said Lady Cathren late Queen with the Lady Jane Rochford Widow late Wise to Georg Bullen Lord Rochfords Brother to Queen Anna Eullen were beheaded for their deserts within the Tower The King missing Cromwell his old Counsellour Earle of Essex and smelling somewhat the wayes of Winchester began a little to set his foot again in the cause of religion And therefore in the same year after the execution of this Queen the King understanding some abuses yet to remain unreformed namely about pilgrimages and Idolatâ—y and other things moe besides to be corrected within his dominions directed his letters unto the Archbishop of Canterbury for the speedy redress and reformation of the samâ— A proclamation concerning white meats as milk egges butter cheese and such like during the time of lent without any scruple or grudg of conscience any law constitution use or custom to the contrary notwithstanding All this time great was the persecution in Caleice for Religion Amongst the rest one Adam Damlip was falsly accused for Treason and innocently put to death At his death Sir Ralph Elleker Knight then knight marshall there would not suffer the innocent and godly man to declare either his faith or the cause he died for but said to the executioner dispatch the knave have done Sir Ralph Elleker saying that he would not away before he saw the traitors heart out But shoâ—tly after Sir Ralph Elleker in a skirmish or road between the French-men and us at Eullen was amongst others slain whose only death sufficed not his enemies but after they had stripped him stark naked they cut off his privy members and cut the heart out of his bodie and so left him a terrible example to all bloody and mercilesse men for no cause was known why they shewed such indignation against the said Sir Ralph Elleker more then against the rest but that it is â—ritten faciens justitias Dominus judicia omnibus injuria pressis It is reported of a certain poor labouring man of Caleice who being in a certain company said that he would never believe that a priest could make the Lords body at his pleasure whereupon he was then accused and condemned by one Harvie Commissary there which Harvie in time of his judgement inveying against him with approbrious words said that he was an Heretick and should die a vile death The poor man answering for himself again said that he was no Heret ck but was in the faith of Christ and whereas thou sayest said hee that I shal die a vile death thou thy self shal die a viler death and that shortly and so it came to passe for within half an year after the said Harvie was hanged drawn and quarterd for Treason in the said town of Caleice Here is a notable example of Gods judgement upon a bloody Persecutor The rigour of the six Articles were a little aswaged in a Parliament Anno 1544. Mistrisse Anna Askew was brought before the Inquisitors and examined and after that sundry times examined and put to great trouble and put to the rack because she would not confesse what Ladies or Gentlewomen were of her opinion and therein sayes she they keeped me along time and because I lay still and did not cry my Lord Chancellor and M. Rich took pains to rack me with their own hands till I was nigh dead then the Leivtenant caused me to be loosed from the Rack incontinently I sowned and then they recovered me again After that I sat two long hours reasoning with my Lord Chancellor upon the bare floor whereas he with many flattering words perswaded me to leave my opinion but my Lord God I thank his everlasting goodnesse gave me grace to persevere and will do I hope to the very end then was I brought to an house and laid in a bed with as weary and painfull bones as ever had patient Job I thank the Lord my God therefore Then my Lord Chancellor sent me word if I would leave my opinion I should want nothing if I would not I should forth to Newgate and so be burned I sent him again word that I would rather die then to break my faith heareafter she is condemned to be burnt for her opinion touching the Sacrament for holding that after the Priest hath spoken the words of Consectation there remaineth bread still they both say and also teach it for a necessary Article of faith that after these words be once spoken there remaineth no bread but even the self same body that hang upon the Crosse on goodfryday both flesh blood and bones to this belief of theirs said I nay for then were ouâ— common Creed false which saith that he sitteth on the right hand of God the Father
Almighty and from thence he shal come to judge the quick and the dead Lo this is the heresie that I hold and for it must suffer the death But as touching the holy and blessed Supper of the Lord I believe it to be a most necessary remembrance of his glorious suffering and death Moreover I believe as much therein as my eternall and only Redeemer Jesus Christ would I should believe She is brought into Smithfield to her execution in a Chair because she could not go on her feet by means of her great torments there she patiently endured death with sundry moe that at that time was burnt with her Then Urisley Lord Chancellor sent to Anna Askew Letters offering to her the Kings pardon if she would recant who refusing once to look upon them made this answer again that she came not thither to deny her Lord and Master Then were the Letters offered unto the other who in like manner following the constancy of the woman denyed not only to receive them but also to look upon them whereupon the Lord Major commanding fire to be put to them cryed with a loud voice fiat Justitia Queen Catherine Parre late Queen and wife to King Henry the eight was in great danger for the Gospel the Chancellor Bishop of Winchester and others of their conspiracy but she was graciously preserved by her kind and loving Husband the King King Henry died in the thirty eight year of his Reign King Henry of his own nature and disposition was so inclinable and forward in all things vertuous and commendable that the like interprise of redresse of Religion hath not lightly been seen in any other Christned Prince as in abolishing the stout and almost invincible authority of the Pope in suppressing Monâ—steries in repressing custome of Idolatry and Pilgrimages c. which interprises as never King of England did accomplish though some began to attempt them before him so yet to this day we see but few in other Realmes dar follow the same So long as Queen Bullâ—n Thomas Cromwell Bishop of Cranmer and such like good counsellours were about him he did much good So again when sinister and evil counsell under subtill and crafty pretences had gotten once the foot in thrusting truth and verity out of the Princes ears how much Religion and all good things went prosperously forward before so much on the contrary side all revolted backward again Prince Edward succeeded his father being of the age of nine years and Reigned six years and eight months and eight dayes and deceased Anno 1553. He was a vertuous and religious Prince of admirable gifts and graces far beyond his years Religion flourished in his time for by the advise of his Governours especially by his Uncle Lord John Simer Duke of Somerset Protector of the Realm that monstrous Hydra with six heads the six Articles I mean who devoured up so many men before was abolished and taken away the holy Scriptures were restored to the Mother Tongue Mastes extinguished and abolished these that were before in banishment for the danger of the truth were again received to their Countrey for the most part of the Bishops of Churches and Diocesses were changed Such as had been dumb Prelats before were compelled to give place to others then that would preach take pains Besides other also out of foraign Countreys men of learning and notable knowledge were sent for and received among whom was Peter Martyr Martin Bucer and Paulus Phagius which were set into the Universities Of the old Bishops some were committed to one Ward some to another but these meek and gentle times of King Edward under the Government of this noble Protector hath this one commendation proper unto them for that amongst the whole number of the popish sort of whom some privily did steal out of the Realm many were crafty dissemblers some were open and manifest adversaries yet of all that multitude there was not one man that lost his life for during all the time of King Edwards Reign which was about six years neither in Smithfield nor any other quarter of this Realm any was heard to suffer for any matter of Religion either Papist or Protestant either for one opinion or other except only two one an English-woman called Joan of Kent and the other a Dutch-man named George who died for certain Articles not much necessary here to be rehearsed Besides these two there was none else in all King Edwards Reign that died in any manner or cause of Religion but that one Thomas Dobbie who in the beginning of this Kings Reign was apprehended for speaking against the Idolatry of the Masse and in the same Prison died whose pardon notwithstanding was obtained of the Lord Protector and should have been brought him if he had continued The horrible and bloody Time of Queen MARY QUeen Mary succeeded her brother King Edward to the Crown ingyring her self by force and violence notwithstanding that Lady Jane was proclaimed Queen before her by King Edwards testament and the consent of the Nobility She altered Religion that was in King Henries time and King Edwards she made an Inhibition by proclamation that no man should preach or read openly in the Churches the word of God the Masse is set up and a proclamation that no man should interrupt any of these that would say masse the Popes Authority is restored In a word she banished the Gospel and true Religion and brought in the Antichrist of Rome with his Idolatry supperstition turned the English service into Latine again c. About this time a priest of Canterbury said masse the one day and the next day after he came into the Pulpit and desired all the people to forgive him for he said he had betrayed Christ but not as Judas did and there made a long Sermon against the Masse Marriage is concluded between Queen Mary and the King of Spain Strange sights were seen before the comming in of King Philip and subversion of Religion for in the month of February 1553. there was seen within the City of London about the 9. of the clock in the forenoon two Suns Shining at once the one a good pretty way distant from the other At the same time was also seen a rain bow turned contrary and a great deal higher then hath been accustomed it stood with the head downward and the feet as it were upward In the second year of Queen Mary there was a Cat hanged upon a Gallows at the crosse in Cheap apparelled like a priest ready to say masse with a shaven crown her two fore feet tyed over her head with a round paper like a wafer cake put between them whereon arose a great ill-will against the city of London for the Queen and the Bishops were very angry withall and therefore the same afternoon there was a proclamation that whosoever could bring forth the party that did hang up the Cat should have twenty Nobles but none could or would earn it Philip
and pilgrimages are nothing worth and avail not to purchase heaven c. All these and many moe were forced to recant and put to penance We are not here to let passe the fearfull and miserable end of Pope Alexander who before was called Roderick Borgia that fell out at this time in the year 1502. who made a covenant with the Devill that he might attain to the Popedome and being inquisitive how long he should raigne It was told him that hee should raign the space of eleven and eight which was an ambiguous answer for the Pope promised to himself the tyme of nineteen years in his Popal dignity but Satans meaning was but eleven years and eight moneths the time being expyred and his death drawing near on a certain day as he made ready an exceeding great banquet for certain rich Senators and Cardinals and had recommended to his son Valentine that hee should give Wine to drink unto one of the said Cardinals wherein there was poyson put It came to passe that he that had the charge to deliver the Wine unwitting he gave unto the Pope of that flagon wherein the poyson was who being of great age was taken with a languishment and grievous paine he had by the space of eleven years and ceretain moneths excessively oppressed Italy and troubled the world Being then detained in his Bed as John Baleus saith he commanded one of his men called Madena which amongst all them of his Court and House was his most faithfull and familiar to go into his Gard rob or Wadrop and to bring him a certain little Book inriched with Gold and precious stones which was in an armory which hee specified but this little Book contained all manners and kinds of illusions and inchantments of Necromancies whereby the old man thought to inform himself to be certified of the close and end of his life The servant obeying the commandement of the Pope his Master and going unto the place specified And after hee had opened the door he was ready to have entered into the Chamber he saw a certain person sit in the Popes Chaire who was altogether like unto his Master at whose sight being supprised with an horrible fear and astonishment and as it were half dead without taking the book ran back again toward Alexander unto whom he rehearsed what he had seen namely that in his Wardrop he found such a Pope as himself set in a Chaire Alexander after he had understood the thing and seeing his servant exceedingly afraid suffered him to rest a while after he did so much perswade him that he returned unto the said Wardrop to see if again hee could find the said Pope The servant then being entred found in the said chamber him whom before hee had seen and that more is being asked by him that sate there what cause brought him into that place and what businesse hee had there he being taken with a sore trembling and as it were out of breath answered he came to take a certain garment for the Pope All which words the Devill being then in the chaire making an horrible noise said what Pope I am the Pope But after that these things were reported unto Alexander his evill began to encrease and death aproach A short day after a man apparalled like a carrier or Lackie came and fiercly knocked at the Chamber door wherein the Pope was deteined sick saying the must needs speak with him The door being opened and he admitted partly with the Pope all others drew aside and the Pope and hee spake together as two use to do in secret causes yet men may see a great and marvelous strife and debate betwixt them two and that the Pope was not content for he said unto him how goes this My tearm is not accomplished thou knowest that thy promise was 19. years whereof I have brued but eleven and eight months Unto which words the Lucky hardly answered yee understand not well the speach but are with it abused for I said not nineteen years as ye imagined but I said yee should remain Pope eleven years and eight moneths the which are come and passed and therefore ye must needs die But although the Pope was very active to require and to pray instantly that he would have regard to his life and to the tearm that he had granted him in his Popedome yet it was as to speak to a deaf man and to plead in vain for all his allegations remonstrations exceptions and requests profited nothing so that they which were in the chamber and heard this marvelous debate and difference might judge that Sathan was more expert in the Art of Arithmetick then the Pope was and they might easily conclude that Alexander erred in his account Finally to close up the matter even as Sathan went and departed from the place in like manner also with great cryes sighs and fearful sobs the Popes soul as it were following his steps dislodged and miserably departed from his Body This miserably and ungodly died this Pope Alexander leaving to his Son his Seigniory altogether wasted and ruinous and to the Italians their common-wealth all confused perverted and wasted to the end hee might be a publick example to all ages how things evil gotten melt away and are wickedly and unluckily spent This Pope had with his said Son a daughter called Lucretia with whom both he and his Son lay as Potantus and Samazarias have left written Now to come to the Persecutions that were in King Henry the eight his Raign During the time and Raign of King Henry the eight there was great alteration of things as well to the civile State of the Realm as especially to the State Ecclesiasticall and matters of the Church appertaining for at last by him was exiled and abolished out of the Realm the usurped power of the Bishop of Rome idolatry and superstition some what supprest Images and pilgrimages defaced Abbeyes and Monasteries pulled down Sects of Religion rooted out Scriptures reduced to the knowledge of the vulgar tougue and the estate of the Church and Religion redressed There was at this time a fierce contention which long before had troubled the Church and now this present year 1509. was renewed afresh between two certain orders of begging Friers to wit the Dominick Friers and the Franciscans about the Conception of the Virgin Mary the Mother of Christ The Franciscans or Gray-fries held that the Virigin Mary prevented by the grace of the Holy Ghost was so sanctified that she was never subject one moment in her conception to Original sin As for the Dominicks which were commonly called Black-friers or Preaching Friers held that he Virgin Mary was conceived as all other Children of Adam be so that this priviledge only belongeth to Christ to be conceived without Original sin not withstanding the said blessed Virgin was sanctified in her Mothers womb and purged from the Original sin so as John Baptist Jeremiah or any other priviledged person This frivolous Question kindling
our Lord 1200. for this cause they were often accused and complained of to the King as contemners and despisers of the Magistrats and Rebels they were oftentimes persecuted and many put to death for their Profession in end the Court or Parliament at Province gave out a cruell sentence against Merindol and condemned all the Inhabitants to be burned both Men and Women sparing none no not the little Children and Infants the Town to be razed and their Houses to be beaten down to the ground also their trees to be cut down as well Olive-trees as all other and nothing to be left to the intent it should never be inhabited again but remain as a Desert or Wildernesse The violence and execution of this cruell and bloody sentence was for a time restrained and the rage of the adversaries repressed till Minerius a bloody persecuter and the Kings Lievtenant of Province forged a most impudent lye against these innocent Christians giving the King to understand that they of Merindol and all the Countrey near about to the number of twelve or fifteen thousand were in the field in Armour with their Ensigne displayed intending to take the Town of Mansfield and make it one of the Cantons of the Switzers and to stay this enterprise he said it was necessary to execute the Arrest manumilitari and by this means he obtained the Kings Letters Patents though the help of the Cardinall of Tournon commanding the sentence to be executed against the Meridolians notwithstanding the King had before revoked the said sentence and given strait commandement that it should no wayes be executed After this he gathered all the Kings Army which was then in Province ready to go against the Englishmen and took up all besides that were able to bear Armour in the Chief Towns of Province and joyned them with the Army which the Popes Lâ—gat had Levied for that purpose in Avinion and all Countries of Venice and imployed the same to the destruction of Merindol Cabriers and other Towns and Villages to the number of 22. giving Commission to his Souldiers to spoyl ransack burn and destroy all together and to kill Man Woman and child without all mercy sparing none no otherwise then the Infidels and cruel Turks have dealt with the Christians So Merindol without any resistance was taken ransacked burnt razed and laid even with the ground and killed all both young and old whom they found in the Town When he had destroyed Merindol he laid siege to Catriers and battered it with his Ordinance but when he could not win it by force he with the Lord of the Town and Powling his chief Captain perswaded with the Inhabitants to open their Gates solemnly promising that if they would so do they would lay down their Armour and also that their cause should be heard in Judgement with all equity and justice and no violence or injury should be shewed against them Upon this they opened their Gates and let in Minerius with his Captains and all his Armie but the Tyrant when he was once entred falsified his promise and raged like a Beast for first of all he picked out about thirty men causing them be bound and carried into a Meadow near to the Town and there to be miserably cut and hewn in pieces by his Souldiers then because he would not leave no kind of cruelty unattempted he also exerciâ—ed outrage and fury upon the poor silly women and caused fourty of them to be taken of whom diverse were great with child and put them into a Barn full of Straw and Hay and caused it to be set on fire at four corners And when the silly women running to the great Window where the Hay is wont to be cast into the Barn would have leaped out they were keeped in with Pikes and Halberds then there was a Souldier which moved with pity at the crying out and lamentation of the Women opened a door to let them out but as they were comming out the Tyrant caused them to be slain and cut in pieces opening their bellies that the children fell out whom they trod under their feet with many other cruel and barbarous acts against the poor innocents This done this Tyrant more cruel then ever was Herod commanded one of his Captains with a Band of Ruffians to go into the Church where was a great number of Women Children and young Infants to kill all whom he found there which the Captaine at the first refused to do saying that were a cruelty unused among men of War Whereat Minerius being displeased charged him upon pain of Rebellion and disobedience to the King to do as he had commanded him The Captain fearing what might ensue entreth with his men and destroyed them all sparing neither young nor old We are not here to passe by the fearfull Jugement of God that fell upon Minerius the cruel Persecuter of thir innocents being stricken with a strange kind of bleeding at the lower parts in manner of a bloody Flux and not being able to avoid any Vrine thus by little and little his Guts within him rotred and when no Remedy could be found for this terrible disease and his Intrals now began to be eaten of Worms a certain famous Chirurgeon named La Motte which dwelt at Arles a man no lesse Godly then expert in his Science was called for who after he had cured him of this difficulty of making Water and therefore was in great estimation with him before he would proceed further to search the other parts of his putrified body and to search out the inward cause of his Maladie he desired that they which were present in the Chamber with Minerius would depart a little aside Which being done he began to exhort Minerius with earnest words saying how the time now required that he should ask forgivenesse of God by Christ for his enormous crimes and cruelty in shedding so much innocent blood and declared the same to be the cause of this so strange profusion of blood comming from him These words being heard so pierced the impure conscience of this miserable wretch that he was therewith more troubled then with the agony of his disease in so much that he cryed out to lay hands upon the Chirurgeon as an Heretick La Motte hearing this eftsoones convyed himself out of sight and returned again to Arles notwithstanding it was not long but he was sent for again being intreated by his friends and promised most firmly that his comming should be without any perill or danger and so with much adoe he returned again to Minerius raging and cast out most horrible and blasphemous words and feeling a fire which burnt him from the Navel upward with extream stinck of the lower parts finished his wretched life whereby we have notoriously to understand that God through his mighty arm at length confoundeth such persecuters of his innocent and faithfull servants and bringeth them to nought to whom be praise and glory for ever The Persecutions of the
Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor of the Kingdom enemy of Gods Word THe next moneth after the burning of Doctor Ridley and Mr. Latimer which was the moneth of November Stephen Gardiner Bishop and Chancellor a man hated of God and all good men ended his wretched life The same day when as Bishop Ridley and Mr. Latimer suffered at Oxford came the servant of the said Winchester posting in all possible speed from Oxford bringing intelligence to the Bishop that Ridley and Latimer were burnt he came out rejoycing and saying to the old Dâ—ke of Norfolk being then in his house Now saith he let us go to dinner Whereupon they being set down meat was immediatly brought and the Bishop began merrily to eat but what followed The bloodyly â—yrant had not eaten a few bits but the sudden stroak of God his terrible hand fell upon him in such sort as immediatly he was taken from the Table and so brought to bed where he continued for the space of fifteen dayes in such intollerable anguish and torments that all that mean while during these fifteen dayes he could not avoid by order of Urine or otherwise any thing that he received whereby his body being miserably inâ—amed within who had inflamed so many good Martyrs before was brought to wretched end And therefore no doubt as most like it is came the thrusting out of his tongue from his mouth so swolen and black with the Inflamation of his body a spectacle worthy to be noted and behold of all such bloody persecuters Moreover it is recorded concerning the said Bishop that when Doctor Daie Bishop of Chicester came to him and began to comfort him with words of Gods promise and with the free justification in the blood of Christ our Saviour repeating the Scriptures to him Winchester hearing that What my Lord quoth he will ye open that gap now then farewell altogether to me and such other in my case ye may speak it but open this window to the people then farewell altogether The Martyrdome of Mr. John Philpot Arch-deacon was burnt for the defence of the Gospels cause against the Antichristian See of Rome After long â—mprisonment oft Examination he is condemned as an Heretick and delivered to the Secular Power to be burnt When he came to the place of suffering to wit in Smithfield he kissed the Stake and said Shall I disdain to sâ—ffer at this Stake seeing my Redeemer did not refuse to suffer most vile death upon the Crosse for me and then with an obedient heart full meekly he said the 106.107 and 108. Psalms and when he had made an end of all his prayers he said to the Officers What have ye done for me and every one of them declared what they had done and he gave to every one of them money then they bound him to the Stake and set fire unto that constant Martyr who in the midst of the firey flames yeelded his soul into the hands of the Almighty God and like a Lamb gave up his breath his body being consumed into ashes The writings and examinations of Mr. Phipòt were by the providence of God preserved from the sight and hands of his enemies who by all manner and means sought not only to stop him from all writing but also to spoil and deptive him of that which he had written for the which cause he was many times stripped and searched within the prison by his Keeper but yet so happily these his Writings were couveyed and hid in places about him or else his Keepers eyes so blinded that notwithstanding all this malicious purpose of the Bishops are yet remaining and come to light There were seven Martyrs that suffered together at one fire in Smithfield at London for the testimony of Christs Gospel in the second year of persecution under Qâ—een Mary five men one wife and one maid all which seven as they were burned together in one fire so were they likewise all upon one sort and form of Aâ—ticles condemned in on day Amongst the rest of the Articles objected against them were that they misliked the Sacrifice of the Masse and the Sacrament of the Altar refusing to come to their Parish Church to hear Masse and that they did expresly say that in the Sacrament of the Altar is not the very body and blood of our Saviour Christ really substantâ—â—ly and truly and hath affirmed expresly that the Masse is idolatry and abomination and that in the Sacrament of the Altar there is none other substance but only materiall bread and materiall wine which are tokens of Christs body and blood and that the substance of Christs body and blood is no wayes in the Sacrament of the Altar c. As for the first of these seven to wit Thomas Whitlie Minister upon perswasion and counâ—â—l râ—canted and subscribed a Bill of submission to renounce all errors and heresies against the Sacrament of the Altar c. And I do protest and declare by these presents that I do both now hold obâ—erve and keep in all points the Ctaholick â—aâ—th and belief of Christs Church according as this Church of England â—eing a member of this Catholick Church doth now profess and keep and in no wayes to swerve decâ—ine or go from the said faith during my naturall life submitting my self fully and wholly to you reverend Father my said ordinary in all things concerning my reformation and amendement at all times Now when he had thus done he was troubled in his mind and conscience for forsaking the crosse of Christ and had no rest till he obtained again the submission he had subscribed which havinâ— gotten he was very glade and returned again and with great constancy and fortitude stood to the defence or Christ Doctrine to the fire against the Papists Five other Martyrs in Canâ—erbury four Women and on Man at two staiks and one fire altogether burned who when the fire was flaming about their ears do sing Pâ—alms Where at the good knight Sir John Norton being there present weeped bitterly at the sight thereof The Martyrdome of Thomas Cranmer Arch-Bishop of Canterbury THe Martyrdom of the reverent Pastor and Prelat Thomas Cranmâ—r Aâ—ch-Bishop of Canterbury who was burned at Oxford â—nder Queen Marie for the confession of Christs true Doctrine he was a gentleman born of good parentage he attained to great knowledge and learning and was reader of Divinity lecture in the Colledge of Cambridge and was in such special estimation and reputation with the whole University that being Doctor of Divinity he was commonly appointed one of the heads which are two or three of the chiefest learned men to examine such as yearly professe in comencement either Batchelors or Doctors of Divinity by whose approbation the whole University licenseth them to proceed unto their degree and again by whose dissalowance the University also rejecteth them for a time to proceed untill they be better furnished with more knowledge When the great and weighty cause of Kiâ—g Henry
about this time a blind boy named Thomas Drowrie put to death at Glochesâ—er in his examination besides Doctor Williams then Chancellor of Glocester amongst other Articles he urged the Article to Transubstantiation saying dost thou not believe that after the words of Consecration spoken by the Priest there remaineth the very real body of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar the blind Boy answered that I do not Then â—aid he then thou art an Heretick and shall be burned but who hath taught thee this heresie Ye Mâ—ster Chancellor when and where did I teach so when ye preached naming the day a Sermon to all men as well as to me upon the Sacrament Ye said the Sacrament was to be received spiritually by faith not carnally and really as the Papists have therefore taught Then said the Chancellordâ— as I have done and thou shalt live as I do and escape burning Then said the Boy though ye can so easily dispense with your self mock with God the world and your consciâ—nce yet will I not so do then said the Chancellor God have mercy upon thee for I will read the condemnatorie sentence against thee Gods will be done said he The Register being herewiâ—h somewhat moved stood up said to the Chancellor Fye foâ— shâ—me man will ye read the sentence against him and condemn your self away away and substitute some other to give sentence and judgement No said the Chancellor to the Register I ill obey the Law and give sentence my self according to mine office and so he read the sentence condemnatory against the Boy with an unhappy tongue and more an unhappy conscience delievering him over to the Secular power So he was bâ—ought to the fire burnt who constantly suffered for the defence of the truth There were burned at one fire at Stratford the Bow by London eleven men and women whole dwellings were in sundry places in Essex the eleven men were tyed to three Stakes the two women looâ—e in the midst without any Stake and so were all burnt with such love to each others and constancy in our Saviour Christ that it made all the beholders to marvel The Sheriff that attended upon them came to the one part and told them that the other had recanted and their lives theâ—efore should be saved willing and exhorting them to do the like and not to cast away themselves Unto whom they answered that their faith was not builded upon man but on Christ crucified Then the Sheriâ—ff perceiving no good â—o be done with them went to the other part and said like a liar the like to thâ—m that they whom he had been with before had recanted and should therefore not suffer death counselling them to do the like and not wilfully to kill themselves but to play the wise men c. Unto whom they answered as their brethren had done before that their faith was not builded on man but on Christ and his sure word The Martyrdome of a learned and vertuous young man called Julius Palmer some time Fellow of the Magdalen Colâ—edge in Oxford burned at Newberie This young man in all King Edwâ—rds daies when the Gospel was preached professed was a Papist within the University of Oxford and so obstinat that he did utterly abhorre all godly prayer and sincere preaching and almost of all them with whom he lived was therefore likewise abhorred and as I may say pointed at with the finger yet did after in Queen Mariâ—s time when the Gospel was surpressed and the Masse let up suffer most cruel death so the Lord does call when and whom it pleases him according to his good will and pleasure and animats and strengthens them to give their life for his cause When Palmer came to the fire and two other with him they fell all three to the ground and Palmer with an audible voice pronounced the 31. Psalm but the other two made their Prayers secretly to Almighty God And as Palmer began to arise there came behind him two popish Priests exhorting him yet to recant and save his soul Palmer answered and said away away tempt me no longer away I say from mee all ye that work iniquity for the Lord hath heard the voice of my tears and so forthwith they put off their rayment and went to the Stake and kissed it and when they were bound to the Post Palmer said good people Pray for us that we may persevere unto the end and for Christs sake beware of Popish teachers for they deceive you As he spake this a servant of one of the Bailiffs threw a Fâ—ggot at his face that the blood gushed out in diverse places for the which fact the Sheriff reviled him calling him cruel tormenter and with his walking staffe brake his head that the blood ran about his ears And when the fire was kindled and began to take hold upon their bodies they lift their hands towards Heaven and quietly and chearfully as though they had felt no smart they cryed Lord Jesus strengthen us Lord Jesus asist us Lord Jesus receive our souls And â—o they continued without any strugling holding up their hands and knocking their hearts and called upon Jesus untill they had ended their mortal lives Among other things this is also to be noted that after their three heads by force of the raging and devouring flames of fire were fallen together in a plump or cluster which was marvelous to behold and that they all were judged already to have given up the ghost suddenly Palmer as a man awaked out of sleep moved his tongue and jaws and was heard to pronounce this word Jesu So being resolved into ashes he yeelded to God as joyfull a soul confirmed with the sweet promises of Christ as any one that ever was called beside to fuffer for his blessed Name The Martyrdome of three women with a young infant burned to wit the mother her two daughters and the child in the Isle of Garnsey for Christs true Religion the year of our Lord 1556. Among all the Martyrdomes of this Book rehearsed there is none almost either in cruelty to be compared or so far off from all compassion and sense of humanity as this mercilesse fact of the Papists done upon these women their challenge was for not coming to the Church Upon rash information given before their cause was tried was condemned and ordained â—o be burnt foâ— Hereticks and notwithstanding that these three women were willing to be conformed to the Queens ordinances were condemned they made their appeal to the Queen but could not be heard One of the women being great with child by the vehemency of the flame the infant being a fair man child fell into the fire and eftsoones being taken out of the fire by one standing by and was laid upon the grasse then was the child had to the Provest and from him to the Bayliff who gave censure that it should be carried back again and cast into the fire and so was the child
Town called Patrick Lermond refused to be his temporall Judge to whom it appertained if the cause had been just Also the B. Chamberlane beeing therewith charged would in no wayes take upon him so ungodly an office yea the whole Town were so offended with his unjust condemnation that the B. servants could not get for their money so much as one cord to tye him to the Stake or Tar-barrel to burn him but were constrained to cut the cords of their own masters Pavilion to serve their turn Neverthelesse one servants of the B. more ignorant and cruel then the rest called Allexander Somervel interprysing the office of atemporal judge in that part conveyed him to the fire While he was exhorting the people there was gâ—eat mourning and lamentation of the multitude for they perceiving his patience stournesse and boldnesse constancy and hardinesse were greatly moved and stirred up and their hearts mightily inflammed for him This Walter Mill was the last Martyr that died in Scotland for Religion and his death the every death of Popry in this Realm John Knox returns again from Geneva to Scotland and joynes himself to the congregation for the Reformers of Religon at this time were called the congregation he preached to them at Perth where the Reformation began The people having heard how odious idolatry was in Gods presence what commandment he had given for the destruction of the Monuments thereof and what idolatry and what abomination was in the Masse they were so inflammed that neither could the exhortation of the Preachers nor the commandment of the Magistrat stay them from destroying the place of idolatry So the Monastry at Perth was demolished the Charterhouse a building of exceeding cost and largnesse was not only ruined but the stones and timber so quickly taken away as in lesse then two dayes space a vestige thereof was scarce remaining to be seen the Images were publled down at Cowper in Eyfe which the Curat took so heavily as the night following he put violent hands in himself And so the Images Altars and Monasteries were demolished throughout the Country and by the just judgement of God in the same place where Walter Mill was burnt the Images of the great Church of the Abbey which passed both in number and costlinesse were burnt as the rest were When Q. Regent heard what was done at Perth she was so inraged that she did vow utterly to destroy St. Johnston Man Woman and Child and to consume the same by fire and the reafter to salt it in sign of a perpetuall desolation The congregation labours to pacifie the Q. Regents rage by their Letters directed unto her but her rage and the Priests could not be stayed but forward they move against these who then were in St. Johnston a very few and mean number of Gentlemen who perceiving the extremity to approach did write to all their brethren to repair toward them for their relief to the which they found all men so ready bent that the work of God was evidently to be espied for the Earle of Glencarn and the brethren of the West came with all haste for the relief of St. Johnston by whose presence the tyranny of the enemy was bridled There is an appointment concluded between Q. Regent and them and so the Lords departed out of the Town but before their departure they make a new Covenant to concur and assist one another for the mentinance of Religion The Q. entered into the Town the Duke Monsieur Dosel and the Frenchmen who in discharging their volley of Harquebuts killed a Son of Patrick Murray about ten or twelve years of age who being brought to the Q. presence and understanding whose Son he was said It is pity it chanced on the Son and not on the Father but seeing it is so chanced we cannot be against fortime She erects idolatry against the appointment The Q. began to rage against all godly and honest men their houses were oppressed by the French the lawful Magistrats as well Provest and Bâ—illies were unjustly and without all order deposed from their Authority She left four colours of the Souldiers to abide in the Town to mantain idolatry and to ressist the congregation and so she left the Town in extream bondage but shortly after from this bondage was the Town delivered by the Congregation and the French forced to leave the Town and made parent to all the Kings subjects When the Nobility and Gentry and others of the Congregation saw that their just petitions was rejected of Queen Regent for Reformation of Religion and strangers brought in to suppresse them their commonwealth and posterity Idolatry mantained and Christ Jesus his true Religion despised while idle bellies and bloody tyrants the Bishops maintained and Christs true Messengers persecuted while finally vertue contemned vice extolled and while that a great part of the Nobility and Commonallity are most unjustly persecuted after consultation and good advice they deprive her from all regiment and authority amongst them and this was divulgaâ— by sound of Trumpet at the Mercat crosse of Edinburgh and proclamed by officers of Arms in head Burrows within the Realme of Scotland The day following all the Souldiers in Leith French and Scots are summoned by sound of Trumpet to depart out of Leith within the space of 12. hours defyance is given whereupon there was Skirmishing without great slaughter and preparation of Scalls and Ladders was made for the assault which was concluded by common consent of the Nobility and Barrons The French Souldiers issued many a time out of Leith and did great harm through the Country the Congregation not able to suppresse them Queen Regent her faction they were constrained to implore the Q. of England her aid and support which she most willingly granted upon certain conditions specified in a Treaty past at Barwick betwixt the Duke of Norfolk Lievtenant to her Majesty on the one part and certain of our Commissioners on the other part The Army she sent by Land was esteemed ten thousand men the Town is assaulted The Queen Regent sate all the time of the assault which was both terrible and long upon the fore-wall of the Castle of Edinburgh and when she perceived the overthrow of us and that the Ensignes of the French were again displayed upon the walls she did laugh heartily and said now I will go to the Masse and praise God for that mine eyes have seen The French proud of the victory stripped naked all the slain laid their dead carcasses before the Sun along the wall where they suffered them to ly more dayes then one And here we may see the inhumanity of the mercilesse French The siedge is continued and 2000. fresh men sent for that purpose which the Camp greatly comforted began to forget the former discomfiture and to sustain the daily Skirmishing as they did before In the which the French after the day of the assault did ever receive the hurt and the repulse At this