is drawn up and subscribed by him the Doctors and Prelats without delay caused the same to be imprinted and set abroad in all mens hands this made the Papists greatly to rejoice all this while Cranmer was in no certain assurance of his life although the same was faithfully promised to him by the Doctors The Queen having now gotten a time to revenge her old grief received his recantation very gladly but of her purpose to put him to death she would nothing relent The Queen appoints Doctor Cole to make his Funerall Sermon before his death At the day of his execution he makes his Sermon at S. Maries Church in Oxford there was a Stage set up over againâ—t the Pulpit of a mean height from the ground where Cranmer had his standing waiting untill Cole made him ready to his Sermon The lamentable case and sight of that man gave a forrowfâ—ll spectacle to all christian eyes that beheld him he that late was Archbishop Metropolitane and Primat of England and the Kings privie Counsellour being now in a bare and ragged Gown and ill favouredly cloathed with an old square Cap exposed to the contempt of all men did admonish men not only of his own calamity but also of our state and fortune wherein he declared against him that being a traitor he had dissolved the lawfull Matrimony between the King her Father and Mother besides the driving out of the Popes authority while he was Metropolitane that he had been an heretick c. Besideâ— these there were other just and weighty causes which seemed to the Queen and Counsell which was not meet at that time to be opened to the common people c. He encâ—urageth him to take his death patiently by many places of Scripture Doctor Cole rejoyced in his conversion but that lasted not long After the Sermon Cranmer was required to declare his faith he declared the true confession of his faith without all collour or dissembling for now is no time to dissemble whatsoever I have said or written in time past I believe in God the Father Almighty maker of Heaven and Farth c. And now I come to the great thing that so much troubleth my conscience more then any thing that ever I did or said in my whole life that is the setting abroad of a writting contrary to the truth which here now I renounce and refuse as things written wiâ—h my hand contrary to the truth which I thought in my heart and written for fear of death and to save my life if it might be c. And for asmuch as my hand offended writing contrary to my heart my hand shall first be punished therefore for may I come to the fire it shall be first burned And as for the Pope I refuse him as Christs enemy and Antichrist with all his false Doctrine And as for the Sacrament I believe as I have taught in my Book against the Bishop of Winchester the which my Book teacheth so true a Doctrine of the Sacrament that it shall stand at the last day before the Judgement of God where the Papisticall Doctrine contrary thereto shall be ashamed to shew her face Here the standers by were all ashamed marvelled were amazed did look one upon another whose expectation he had so notably deceived Some began to admonish him of his recantation and to accuse him of falshood briefly it was a world the Doctor beguiled of so great an hope I think there was never cruelty more notably or better in them deluded and deceived for it is not to be doubted but they looked for a glorious victory and a perpetual triumph by this mans recantation so the Papists were in a great chafe against him he is plucked down from the Stage by Friers and Papists for the true confession of his faith he is led to the fire when he is brought to the fire he putteth his right hand which subscribed first in the fire which he held so stedfast and immoveable saving that once with the same hand he wiped his face that all men might see his hand burned before his body was touched his body did so abide the burning of the flame with such constancy and stedfastness that standing alwayes in one place without moving of his body hee seemed to move no more then the Stake to which he was bound his eyes were lifted up unto heaven and oftentimes he repeated his unworthy right hand so long as his voice would suffer him and using oft the words of Stephen Lord Jesus receive my spirit in the greatnâ—sse of the flamme he gave up the Ghost At this time in Suffolk at Ipswich Agnes Potten and Joan Trunchfield were burnt for affirming that in the Sacrament was the memoriall only of Christs death and passion for said they Jesus Christ is ascended up into heaven and is on the right hand of God the Father according to the Scriptures and not in the Sacrament as he was born of the Virgin Mary for this they were burned which they constantly suffered which was to be wondered at who being so simple women so manfully stood to the confession and testimony of Gods word and verity The burning of Agnes Potten was revealed to her before in her sleep for being asleep in her bed saw a bright burning fire right up as a Pole and on the side of the fire she thought there stood a number of Queen Maries friends looking on Then being asleep she seemed to muse with her self whether her fire should burn so bright or no and indeed her suffering was not far unlike to her dream Hugh Laverock Painter an old lame man of sixty eight years John Apprice a blind man Martyrs were burned at Stratford the Bow In this discourse of this parcel or part or History I know not whether more to marvell at the great and unsearchable mercies of God with whom there is no respect in degrees of persons but he chooseth as well the poor lame and blind as the rich mighty and healthfull to set forth his glory or else to note the unreasonable or rather the unnaturall doings of these unmercifull Catholicks I mean Bishop Boner and his complices in whom was so little favour or mercy to all sorts and kinds of men that also they spared neither impotent age neither lame nor blind as may well appear by these poor creatures They after their tryall and examination by B. Boner were condemned and delivered unâ—o the civill power to be burnt At their death the old lame man casting away his Couch and comforting the blind men his fellow Martyr said unto him be of good comfoâ—t my brother for my Lord of London is our good Physitian he will heal us both shortly thee oâ— thy blindnesse and me of my lamenesse so patiently these two good Saints of God together suffered After the burning of this lame and blind man were brought to the fire aâ— Smithfield a widow and three maids they constantly suffered for the cause of Christ There was also
the Revelation in these words And I saw an Angel descending from Heaven having a key of the bottomlesse pit and a great chain in his hand and he took the Dragon the old Serpent which is the Devil and Satan and bound him for a thousand years and put him into the bottomlesse dungeon and shut him up and signed him with his seal that he should no more seduce the Gentiles till a thousand years were expired and after that he must be loosed again for a little space of time c. The thousand years being now expired Satan let loose he begins again to persecute the Church of God and the professors of the truth in the person of Wickliff in the year of our Lord 1371. in the dayes of Edward the third King of England This Wickliff was an English-man and a Professor of Divinity in Oxford a man of great spirit and of great learning he came to such a degree or erudition that he was thought the most excellent amongst all the Theologians at that time he perceiving the true Doctrine of Christs Gospel to be aduldeâ—at and defiled with so many filthy inventions of Bishops Sects of Monks and dark errors and after long debating and deliberating with himself with many secret sighs and bewalings in his mind the generall ignorance of the whole world could no longer sâ—ffer or abide the same he at the last determined with himself to help and remedy such things as he saw to be wide and out of the way and so he began as from a deep night to draw out the truth of the Doctrine of the Son of God with the purity of the Doctrine which hee taught he also lively touched the abuses of the Popedome in so much that the Locusts that is to say the Monks and begging Friers listed themselves up against him to persecute him with all the rable of the Popish Clergie but the Lord gave him for a Protector King Edward the third the Duke of Lancaster the Kings son and Lord Henery Peircy the Marshaâ—l of England for all the time of King Edwards raign he had great liberty of his profession and that the King carried a speciall favour and good-will to him appears in this that he sent him with his Ambassadour over into the parts of Italy to treat with the Popes Legats concerning affairs betwixt the King and the Pope with full commission This King Edward was a good man and hath this commendation that he was Orphanis quasi Pater afflictis compations miseris condolâ—ns oppressis relevaâ—s cunctis indigentibus impendens auxilia opportuna that is to the Orphans he was a Father competient to the afflicted mourning with the miserable releiving the oppressed and to all them that wanted a helper in the time of need c. Pope Gregory being informed of Wickliffs Doctrine that was pred abroad through the land He wrot to the Archbishop of Canterbury and to the Bishop of London to cause apprehend the said John Wickliffe and to cast him into prison and that the King and Nobles of England should be admonished not to give any trust to the said John VVickliffe or to his Doctrine in any wayes As also he wrote unto King Edward or rather unto King Richard who succeeded King Edward to persecute this VVickliff but God shortned the rage and fury of this cruel Prelate against him for that in the same year or in the beginning of the next year following the forsaid Pope Gergory the eleventh turn'd up his heels and died Yet the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London did vex trouble him and held sundry meetings of the Clergy against him to condemne him and his Doctrine And here is not to be past over the great miracle of Gods Divine admonition or warning for when as the Archbishop and Suffraganes with the other Doctors and Lawiers with a great company of babling Friers and Religious persons were gathered together to consult as touching John VVickliffs books and that whole sect When as I say they were gathered together at the Gray-friers in London to begin their businesse upon St. Dunstanes day after dinner about two in the cloak the very hour and instant that they should go forward with their businesse a wonderfull and terrible earthquake fell throughout all England whereupon diverse of the Suffraganes being feard by the strange and wonderfull demonstration doubting what it should mean thought it good to leave off from their determinat purpose But the Archbishop as the chief Captain of that Army more rash and bold then wise interpreting the change which had happened clean contrary to another meaning and purpose did confirm and strengthen hearts and minds which are almost danted with fear stoutly to proceed and to go forward in their attempted enterprise who then discoursing VVickliffs Articles not according to the sacred Cannons of the Holy Scripture but unto their own private affections and traditions pronounced and gave sentence that some of them were simply and plainly Hereticall other some false erroneous other irreligious some seditious and not consonant to the Church of Rome John VVickliff a long time after this returning again either from his banishment being banished by King Richard or from some other place where he was secretly keeped repaired to his Parish at Lutterworth where hee was Parson and there quyetly departing this mortall Life sleept in peace in the Lord 1384. Here is to be noted in this Man as in diverse others whom the Lord so long preserved in such rages of so many enemies from all their hands even to his old age This VVickliff had written diverse and sundry works the which in the year of our Lord 1410. were burnt at Oxford And not only in England but in Bohemia Likewise the Books of the said VVickliff were set on fire by the Archbishop of Prage who made diligent inquisiition for the same and burned them The numbers of the Volumes which he is said to have burned most excellently written and richly adorned with bosses of Gold and coverings as Aeneas Silvius writes were about the number of two hundred Great was the testimony given out by the Vniversity of Oxford touching the commendation of the great Learning and good Life of John VVickliff as also great was the testimony and commendation of Master John Hus concerning John VVickliff who affirmed that he was no Heretick and yet the Counsel of Constance condemned him for an Heretick and caused his Body and Bones to bee raised and burnt 41. years after his Death and took his Ashes and threw into the River thinking thereby utterly to extinguish and abolish both the Name and Doctrine of VVickliff for ever for though they digged up his Body and burnt his Bones and drowned his Ashes yet the Word of God and truth of his Doctrine with the fruit and successe thereof they could not burn which yet to this day for the most part of his Articles do remain After the Death of Pope Gregory
are invented by Devils 7. That Baptisme ought to bee administred with water without cream oyle spittle and such pollutions 8. That the Temple of God is the world That such as build Churches Monastaries and Oratories therein to inclose him do inclose Majestie which is incomprehensible 9. That the Ornaments of Priests chasubles corporalls chaleices plates vestiments and Altars are all but vanitie 10. That in vain we implore the help of Saints and that it is time lost using the Cononicall hours 11. That fastings merit nothing 12. That the Eucharist ought to be administred under both kinds 13. They rejected the Masse and received only the communion of the Supper the word and prayer and many other Articles draw from the holy Scripture Before we come to the Counsel of Constance where John Hus compeared was condemned It shall not be impertinent nor out of purpose to repeat a certain merry History and worthy otherwise to be noted that fell out at that time Pope John 23. of that name holding a Synod at Rome In the first Session of the Synod as the aforesaid John was sitting on an high seat after the Masse of the holy Ghost was sung there came an owle who placing her self upon one of the balks of the Temple and looking directly upon the Pope Saluted him in a strange manner with her fearful Song such as were there present began to wonder looking one at another and also casting their view upon the Pope they could skant keep to be much ashamed to sweat to bee sore anguished and tormented in himself finally finding no other mean whereby he might remedy his so great confusion after he had given leave to such as were assembled he rose up and retired There was an other Session after this wherein came the like for this Owle could not be chased away neither for any cryes no nor yet for stones and staffes which were cast at it There was then many which by this spectacle were induced to believe that such spirituall pillars have long time governed the Church of Rome In the year of God 1414. there was a General Counsel holden at Constance by Sigismund the Emperor and Pope John the 23. for the pacifying of the Schisme in the Church which was then between three Popes striving for the Popedome The first was John whom the Italians set up the second was Gregory whom the French men set up the third was Benedic whom the Spainards placed all three were deposed â—nd Martin is chosen Pope he is inthronized with great solemnity the Emperor on foot leading his horse by the bridle on the right hand and the Marquesse of Brandeburg Prince Elector likewise leading his horse on the left hand the Pope himself ryding in the mids upon his Palfrey This Counsel of Constance continued for the space of four years and had in it 45 Sessions wherein many things were concluded as here it was inacted that the Popes Authority is under the Counsel and that the Counsel ought to judge the Pope And touching the Communion in both kinds althogh the Counsel could not deny that it was by Christ and his Apostles used yet notwithstanding by the same Counsel it was decreed to the contrare Great was the convention at this Counsel of Constance The number of Prelats conveened at this Counsel were 346. Of Abbots and Doctors 564. Secular men Princes and Dukes Earles and Knights Esquyers 16000. besides common women belonging to the said Counsel 450. Barbars 600. Minstrels Cooks and Jesters 320. So that the whole multitude which were viewed to be in the Town of Censtance between Easter and Whitsuntide were numbered to be 60500. Strangers and Forrainers at the Counsel At this time Wencâ—laus King of Bohemia was required by the Counsell to send John Hus that he might purge himself of the slanders that was raised upon him who went thither with the Emperors safe conduct given him he is brought before the Pope and the Cardinals and of them is slanderously accused of many crimes he is keeped a while in prison amongst them during which time hee wrot certain Books that is to say Of the Ten Commandements Of the love and knowledge of God Of Matrimony Of Pennance Of the enemies of Mankind Of the Prayer of our Lord And of the Supper of our Lord After Pope John fled out of Constance the Popes servants delivered up the Keyes of the prison where John Hus was unto the Emperor Sigismund and to the Cardinals then by the whole consent of the Counsell the said John Hus was put into the hands of the Bishop of Constance who sent him to a Castle of the other side of the River of Rhine not very far from Constance where he was shut up in a Tower with fetters on his legs that he could scarcely walk in the day time and at night he was fastened up to a Rack against the Wall hard by his Bed In the mean season the Nobles of Bohemia did all their endeavour to purchase hid deliverance having respect to the good renown of all the Realm the which was wonderfully desamed and slandered by certain naughty persons and to this effect the Nobles of Bohemia gave in a Schedul or Bill to the Counsell humbly entreating that John Hus might be delivered out of prison and defend his own cause openly he is brought before the Counsell where many things were falsly said to his charge by his adversaries whereof he cleared himself yet he is condemned for an Heretick and a teacher of false and erroneous Doctrine when sentence and judgement was given out against him kneeling down upon his knees he said Lord Jesus Christ forgive mine enemies by whom thou knowest that I am falsly accused and that they have used false witnesse and slanders against me forgive them I say for thy great mercies sake This his prayer and Oration the greater part and especially the chief of the Priests did deride and mock he is first degraded and deprived of all the Priestly ornaments and priviledges and before they deliver him over unto the Secular power they put this reproach upon him they caused to be made a certain Crown of Paper almost a cubit deep in the which were painted three Devils of wonderful ugly shape and this Title set above their heads Haeresiarcha the which when he saw he said My Lord Jesus Christ for my sake did wear a Crown of Thorns why should not I then for his sake again wear this light Crown be it never so ignominious truly I will do it and that willingly When it was set upon his head the Bishops said now we commit thy soul unto the Devil But I said John Hus lifting up his eyes towards the heavens I commit my spirit unto thy hands O Lord Jesus Christ unto thee I commend my spirit which thou hast redeemed These contumelous opprobries thus ended the Bishops turning themselves towards the Emperor said this most sacred Synod of Constance leaveth now John Hus which hath no more any
office or to do in any Church of God unto the Civill Judgement and power Then the Emperor commanded Lodovieus Duke of Bavaria which stood before him in his Robes holding the Golden Apple with the Crosses in his hands that he should receive John Hus off the Bishops and deliver him unto them which should do the Execution by whom as he was led to the place of Execution before the Church doors he saw his Books burning whereat he smiled and laughed And all men that passed by he exhorted not to think that he should die for any error or heresie but only for the hatred and ill-will of his adversaries which had charged him with most false unjust crimes all the whole City in manner being in Armour followed him When as he was brought to the place of Execution he kneeled down upon his knees and lifting up his eyes to heaven he prayed and said certain Psalms and especially the 50. and 31. Psalms and they which stood hard by heard him often times in his prayer with a merry and chearfull countenance repâ—â—t this verse In thy hands O Lord I commend my spirit c. Which thing when the Lay-people beheld which stood next unto him they said what he hath done before we know not but now we see and hear that he doth speak and pray very devourly and godly In the mean time while he prayed as he bowed his neck backward to look upward unto heaven the Crown of Paper fell off from his head upon the ground Then one of the Souldiers taking it up again said let us put it again upon his head that he may be burned with his Masters the Devils whom he hath served When as by the commandement of the Torments he was risen up from the place of his prayer with a loud voice he said Lord Jesus Christ assist me and help me that with a constant and patient mind by thy most gracious help I may bear and suffer this cruell and ignominious death whereunto I am condemned for the preaching of thy most holy Gospel and Word Then as before he declared the cause of his death unto the people in the mean time the Hangman stripped him of his garments and turning his hand behind his back tyed him fast unto the Stake with Ropes that was made wet And whereas by chance he was turned towards the East certain cryed out that he should not look toward the East for he was an Heretick so he was turned toward the West Then was his neck tyed with a Chain unto the Stake the which Chain when he beheld smiling he said that he would willingly receive the same Chain for Jesus sake who he knew was bound with a far worse Chain Under his feet they set two Fagots admixing Straw withall and so likewise from the feet up to the chin he was inclosed in round about with Wood. But before the Wood was set on fire Lodovicus Duke of Bavaria with another Gentleman with him which was the son of Clement came and exhorted John Hus that he would be yet mindfull of his safeguard and renounce his errours To whom he said what errour should I renounce when as I know my self guilty of none for as for these things which are falsly alledged against me I know that I never did so much as once to think them much lesse to preach them for this was the principall end purpose of my Doctrine that I might teach all men pennance and remission of sins according to the verity of the Gospel of Christ Jesus and the exposition of the holy Doctors wherefore with a chearfull mind and courage I am here ready to suffer death When he had spoken these words they left him and shaking hands together they departed Then was the fire kindled and John Hus began to sing with a loud voice Jesus Christ the Son of the living God have mercy upon me And when hee began to say the same the third time the wind drave the flamme so upon his face that it choaked him yet notwithstanding he moved a while after by the space that a man might almost say three times the Lords Prayer When all the Wood was burned and consumed the upper part of the body was left hanging in the Chain the which they threw down stake and all and making a new sire burned it the head being first cut in Gobbets that it might the sooner be consumed into ashes The heart which is found amongst the bowels being well beaten with staves and clubs was at last pricked upon a sharp stick and roasted at a fire a part untill it was consumed Then with a great diligence gathering the ashes together they cast them into the River of Rhine that the least remnant of the ashes of that man should not be left upon the earth whose memory notwithstanding cannot bee abolished out of the minds of the people neither by water neither by any kind of torment And here is to bee considered that notwithstanding the Emperor had promised unto Master John Hus safe conduct that he might come freely unto Constance but also that he should return again unto Bohem without fraud or interruption yet the Emperor is forced by the importunity of the Cardinals and Bishops to breake promise for said they that no defence could or might be given either by safe conduct of or by any other mean unto him which was suspected or judged to be an heretick Not long after followed the burning of that famous and learned man and godly Martyr of Christ Master Jerome of Prage burned at Constance for like cause and quarrel as Master John Hus was This Jerome grievously sorrowing for the slanderous reproach and defamation of his countrey of Boheme And also hearing tell of the manifest injuries done unto that man of worthy memory Master John Hus freely and of his own accord came unto Constance to declare openly before the Counsel the purity and sincerity of his faith and his innocency and how to purge himself of Heresie whereof he was slandered and defamed and gave intimation set up in diverse places of the town of Constance charging his slanderers of what Nation or Estate soever they be which will object against him any crime of error or heresie to come forth openly before him in the presence of the whole Counsell to object against him and he shall be ready to answer openly and publickly before the whole Counsel of his innocency and to declare the purity and sincerity of his true Faith And finding no safe conduct to compare before the Counsel the Nobles Lords and Knights specially of the Bohemian Nation present in Constance gave unto Master Jerome their Letters parents confirmed with their Seals for a testimony and witnesse of the premisses with the which Letters the said Master Jerome returned again into Bohemia but by the treason and conspiracy of his enemies he was taken and brought back again bound with fetters and chains and was cited to compear before the Counsel and
night and burn him before the people should know it as he came to his defence to answer They with a confused multitude of people came unto him in the night and drew him naked out of his bed bound his hands hard behind him and carried him away then he being marvellous weary and faint required to be set on horse-back for his feet were all cut and hurt with the yce because he was led all night barefoot when they heard him say so they mocked and laughed at him saying must we hire an horse for an Heretick he shall go on foot whither he will or not and after a world of indignities mockings striking and bustetting him he was burnt without any judgement his cause not being heard In the mean time a certain Woman as he passed by offered her self to suffer a thousand stripes and to give much money so that they would pacifie the matter and keep him in the prison untill that he might plead his matter before the whole convocation of the countrey people When they heard these words they waxed more mad and threw the Woman down under feet and trod upon her and beat the said Henry unmercifully the fire as often as it was kindled would not burn notwithstanding they satisfied their minds upon him striking and pricking him with all kind of Weapons the said Henry standing in the mean time in his shirt before all the rude people at the last they having gotten a great Ladder bound him hard thereunto and cast him into the fire And when he began to pray and to repeat his Creed one strake him upon the face with his fist saying thou shall first be burnt and afterward pray and prat as much as thou wilt Then another treading upon his breast bound his neck so hard to a step of the Ladder that the blood gushed out of his mouth and nose This was done to strangle him withall for they saw that for all his sore wounds he would not die After that with their weapons they had killed him they rosted him upon the coals for the Wood as often as it was set on fire would not burn out And thus this godly Preacher finished his Martyrdome and many moe godly Preachers were burnt About the same time many other godly Persons and such as feared God for the testimony of the Gospell were thrown into the River of Rhene and into toher Rivers were their Bodies afterward were found and taken up In the same year of God 1524. the Town of Mihtemherge in Germany was taken and ransacted and diverse of the inhabitants there slain and many impriâ—oned for mantaining and keeping with them Carolastadius to be their preacher The lamentable Martyrdom of John Clerk of Melden in France Melden is a Citie of France ten miles distant from Paris where John Clark was first apprehended and taken for setting up upon the Church door against the Popes pardon lately sent thither from Rome in which Bill hee named the Pope to be Antichrist for the which his punishment was this that three severall dayes hee should bee whipped and afterwards have a mark imprinted in his forehead as a note of infamy his mother being a Christian Woman although her Husband were an adversary when she beheld her son thus pitionsly scourged and ignominously deformed in the face constantly and boldly did encourage her son crying with a loud voice blessed be Christ and welcome be these prints and marks thereafter leaving the Town he came to Merz in Lotharing where he remained a certain space applying his Vocation being a Wool-carder in his Occupation whereas he the day before that the people of that City should go out to the Saburbs to worship certain blind Idols thereby after an old use and custome amongst them received being inflamed with the zeal of God went out of the City to the place where the Images were and brake them all down in pieces tryall being taken who should be the doer thereof this man was suspected and examined upon the same at first confesseth the fact rendering also the cause which moved him so to do he was condemned and led to the place of Execution where he sustained extream torments for first his hand was cut off from his right arm then his nose with sharp Pinsons was violently plucked from his face after that both his armes and his papes were likewise pluckt and drawn out with the same Instrument To all them that stood looking upon it was an horrour to behold and dolefull sighs of his pains Again to behold his patience or rather the grace of God giving him the gift to suffer it was a wonder Thus quietly and constantly he endured in his torments pronouncing or in a manner singing the Verses of the 115. Psa Simulachra corum sunt argentum aurm c Their Images be silver and gold the work only of mans hands c. The residue of his life that remained in his rent body was committed to the fire and therewith consumed A certain godly Priest in Suevia being commanded to come and give good counsell to sixteen Countreymen that should be beheaded afterward was bid himself to kneel down to have his head cut off no cause nor condemnation further being laid against him but only of meer hatred against the Gospel After that George Sherter had instructed the people in knowledge or the Gospel in Rastar ten miles distant from Saltzburg was accused of his adversaries and put in prison where he wrot a Confession of his Faith he was condemned to be burned alive but means was made that first his head should be cut off and his body afterward be cast into the fire going toward his death he said crying aloud that ye may know said he that I die a true Christian I will give you a manifest sign and so he did by the power of the Lord for when his head was taken off from his shoulders the body falling upon his belly so continued the space while one might well eat an Egge after that it softly turned it self upon the back and crossed the right foot over the left and the right hand over the left at the sight whereof they which saw it were in a great marvell The Magistraces which before had appointed to have burned the body after the beholding seeing this miraâ—â— would not burn it but buried it with other Christian mens bodies and many by the same example were moved to believe the Gospel Thus God is able to manifest the truth of his Gospel in the midst of persecution who is to be blessed for ever Amen Giles of â—rasels as he was brought to the place of burning where he saw agreat heap or Wood pyled he required the greater part to be taken away and be given to the poor a little said he would suffice him Also seeing a poor man coming by as he went that lacked shooes he gave his shooes unto him better said he so to do then to have his shooes burnt and the poor to
perish for cold Standing at the Stake the Hang-man was ready to strangle him before but he would not saying that there was no such need that his pain should be mitigated for I fear not said he the fire do therefore as thou art commanded And thus the blessed Martyr lifting up his eyes to Heaven in the middle of the flame was extincted to the great lamentation of all that stood by After that time when the Friers of that City would go about for their Almes the people would say it was not meet for them to receive Almes with bloody hands At this time also was great Persecution in Gaunt and other parts of Flanders as Charles ths Emperor did lye in Gaunt the Friers and Doctors there obtained that the Edict made against the Lutherians might be red openly twise a year which being obtained great persecution followed so that there was no City nor Town in all Flanders wherein some either were not expulsed or headed or condemned to perpetuall prison or had not their goods confiscat neither was there any respect of Age or Sexe At Gaunt especially many there were of Head men which for Religion sake were burned Afterward the Emperor comming to Brusels there was terrible slaughter and persecution of Gods people namely in Brabant Hennegow and Artoys the horrour and cruelty whereof is almost incredible in so much that at one time as good as two hundreth men and women together were brought out of the Countrie about into the City of whom some were drowned some burnt quick some prively made away others sent to perpetuall prison whereby all prisons and towers were replenished thereabout with prisoners and captives and the hands of the Hang-man tyred with slaying and killing to the great sorrow of all them which knew the Gospel being now compelled either to deny the same or confirm it with their Blood Ursula and Maria virgins of noble stock were burned for the Goâ—pel in Delden a Town in lower Germany First Mary being the younger was put to the fire where she prayed ardently for her enemies commending her soul to God At whose constancy the Judges did greatly marvell Then they exhorted Ursula to turn or if she would not at least that she should request to be beheaded To whom she said that she was guilty of no error nor defended any thing but which was consonant to the Scripture in which she trusted to preserve unto the end And feared not the fire but rather would follow the example of her dear Sister that went before This was marvelous that the executions could in no wise consume their dead bodies with fire but left them whole lying upon the ground white which certain good Christians privily took up in the night and burned thus God many times sheweth his power in the midst of Tâ—ibulations At Dornick in Fanders Marion wife of Adrian Tailyour for the Goâ—pell of Christ was burned quick she was inclosed in an iron grate formed in shape of a paslie was laid in the earth and burned quick A certain Prince in Germany about Hungary or the parts of Pannonia his name is not expressed put out the eyes of a certain Priest in Germany for no other cause but for that he had said the Masse to be no Sacrifice in that sense as many Priests do take it Neither did the cruâ—l Prince immediatly put him to death but first keeped him in prison a long time afflicting him with diverse torments then he was brought forth to be degraded after a barbarouâ— and tyrannous manner first they shaved the crowr of his Head then rubbed it with Salt that the blood came running down his shoulders After that they razed and paired the tops of his Fingers with cruel pain that no savour of the holy oyl might remain At last the patient and godly Martyr four dayes after yeelded up his life and spirit Joannes Diazius a Spainyard Martyr was killed of his own brother at Neoberge in Germany In Hungary a certain godly Priest preached that the eating of flesh is not prohibited in the Scripture for the which the cruel Bishop after he had imprisoned him certain weeks caused him to be brought out and his body to be tyed over with Haires Geese and Hens hanging round about him and so the beastly Bishop made Dogs to be set upon him which cruelly rent and tore whatsoever they could catch And thus the good Minister of Christ beeing driven about the City with the barking of Dogs died and was Martyred The sight whereof as it was lamentable to the godly so it seemed ridiculous to the wicked but within few dayes after the impious Bishop by the stroak of Gods just hand fell sick and became horn mad and so raving without sense or wit misarably died Great likewise was the persecution in Bohemia for two hundreth Ministers and Preachers of the Gospell were banished out of Bohemia for preaching against the Superstition of the Bishop of Rome and extolling the glory of Christ Besides these Germanus above specified and others a great number there was both in the Higher and Lower Countries of Germany which were secretly drowned or buried or otherwise in prison made away whose names although they be not known to us yet they are Registrated in the books of life But leaving to speak any further of the Martyrs which suffered in Germany which were many we come to speak of the French Martyrs And because it is impossible to name all that suffered for the cause of Christ we shall make choise to some select ones The French MARTYRS ANd first John Cornon a husband man of Mascon uncleetered but to whom God gave such wisdome that his judges were amazed when hee was condemned by their sentence and burned Stephen Brune a husband man at the place of his burning the wind â—oâ—e and blew the fire so from him as he stood exhorting the people that he there continued about the space of an hour in manner not harmed or scarce touched with any flamme so that all te Wood being wasted away they were compelled to begin the fire again with new faggots and vessels of oyl and such other matter and yet neither could he with all this be burned but stood safe Then the hangman took a staffe and let drive at his head to whom the holy Martyr being yet alive said when I am Judged to the fire do yee beat me with staffes like a Dog with that the hangman with his Pike thrust him through the belly and the guts and so threw him down into the fire and burned his body to ashes throwing away his ashes afterward with the wind Constantinus a Citizen of Rhone with three other for the defence of the gospel being condemned to be burned were put in a dung Cart who the reat rejoycing said that they were reputed here as excrements of this world but yet their death was a sweet odour unto God Aymoâ—d Dâ—lavoy a Preacher of the Gospel being accused to have teached false Doctrine and
still with the other what time the fat water and blood dropped out at his fingers ends untill by renewing of the fire his strength was gone and his hand did cleave fast in knocking to the iron upon his breast So immediatly bowing for wards he yeelded up his spirit Doctor Tailyour was burned at Hadley for the testimony of the Gospel when he was going to execution the people greatly lamented him and cryed one to another Ah good Lord there goeth our good Sheepherd from us that so faithfully hath taught us so fatherly hes cared for us and so godly hath governed us O mercifull God what shal we poor scattered Lambs do What shall come of this wicked world Good Lord strengthen him and comfort him with such other most lamentable and pitious voices And he cryed to them I have Preached to you Gods word and truth and am come this day to seal it with my blood Coming against the Almes-house which he well knew he cast to the poor people money which remained of that good people had given him in time of his imprisonment As for his living they took it from him at his first going to Prison so that he was sustained all the time of his imprisonment by the charitable Almes of good people that visited him he is not permitted to speak at his death and therefore he kneeled down and prayed and a poor woman that was among the people stepped in and prayed with him but her they thrust away and threatned to tread her down with horses notwithstanding she would not remove but abode and prayed with him When he had prayed he went to the Stake and kissed it and set himself in a pitch Barrel which they had set for him to stand in and so stood with his back upright against the Stake with his hands folded together and his eyes toward Heaven and so he continually prayed So stood he still without either crying or moving with his hands folded together till Soyce with an Halbert stroke him on the head that the brains fell out and the dead Corps fell down into the fire and burnt The Lord Chancellor and other his fellow Bishops caused the Image of Thomas Becket that old Romsh traitor to be set over the Mercers Chappel-door in Cheapside in London in the form and shape of a Bishop with Miter and Crosier howbeit within two days after his erection his two blessing-fingers were first broken away and the next day his head also was stricken off whereupon arose great trouble and many were suspected among whom one Master John Barnes Mercer dwelling over against the same Chappel was vehemently by the Lord Chancellor charged withall as the doer thereof and though rather for that he was a Professor of the truth wherefore he and three of his servants were commited to Prison and at his delivery although it could not be proved upon him he was bound in a great sum of money as well to build it up again as often as it should be broken down and also to watch and keep the same And therefore at his compelled charges the Image was again set up the second day of March then next ensuing but for lake belike of careâ—ull watching the 14. day of the said month in the night the head of that dangerous beast over whom there was such a charge given was again the second time broken off which thing was so hainously taken that the next Day there was a proclamation made in London that whosoever would tell who did strik off his head though he were of counsel and not the principal doer he should have not only his pardon but also an hundreth crowns of Gold with hearty thanks but it was not known who did it Thomas Tomkins of the Diocesse of London having first his hand burned after was burnt himself by Bishop Boner for the constant testimony of Christs true profession This Tomkins was a weaver by his occupation he was of so godly life and disposition that if any woman had come to him with her Web as some time they did three or four in a day he would alwayes begin with prayer Or if any other had come to talk with him of any matter he would first begin with prayer and if any had sought unto him to borrow money he would shew him such money as he had in his purse and bid him take it and when they came to repay it again so far off was he from seeking any usury at their hand or from strait exaction of his due that he would bid them keep it longer while they were better able When Boner saw that by no means he could prevail with Tomkins to forsake the truth he found out a cruel device First he burnt his hand at a Taper or wax-candle supposing that by the smart and pain of the fire being terrified he would leave off the defence of his Doctrine which he had received In the time that his hand was in burning the said Tomkins afterward reported to one James Hinse that his spirit was so rapt up that he felt no pain In the which burning he never shrunk till the veins shrunk and the sinnews brust and the water did spirt into Mr. Harpfields face one that was with the Bishop insomuch that the said Mr. Harpsfield moved with pitie desired the Bishop to stay saying that he had tried him enough this burning was in the hall at Fulham and such was the cruelty of this Boner that he was not contented with the burning of his hand rested not till he had consumed his whole body into ashes at London in Smithfield Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor seeing he could not prevail by cruelty to reduce men to the unity of the Catholick faith and to call them from their errors and heresies he gave over his murthering office to Boner Bishop of London who supplied that part right doughtily as in the further processe of this History hereafter evidently and too much may appear William Hunter a young man of nineteen years a Prentise in London is burnt for the Gospels sake when hee is condemned to die his father and his mother came to comfort him and desired heartily of God that he might continue to the end in that good way which God had begun and his mother said to him that she was glad that ever she was so happy to bear such a Child which could find in his heart to lose his life for Christs name sake As he came to the place of execution The Shireff said unto him here is a letter from the Queen if thou wilt recant thou shalt live if not thou shall be burned No quoth William Hunter I will not recant God willing then he went to the staik and prayed saying Son of God shine upon me and immediatly the Sun in the Element shined out of a dark cloud so full in his face that he was constrained to look another way whereat the people mused because it was so dark a little
What said he If God was so angry for an Apple that he cast our first parents out or Paradise for the same Why may not I being his Vicar be angry then for a Peacock since a Peacock is a greater matter then an Apple Behold here good Reader by this Pope the holiness of that blasphemous See and yet thou shalt see how what affection was born unto this Pope here in England by the Dirigies Hearses and Fâ—nerals commanded to be had and celebrated in all Churches by the Queen and her Counsel At what time it chanced a woman to come into St. Magnus Church at the Bridge foot in London and there seeing an Hearse and other preparation asked what it meant and others that stood by said it was for the Pope and that she must pray for him nay quoth she that will I not for he needeth not my prayer and seeing he could forgive us all our sins I am sure he is clean himself therefore I need not to pray for him she was heard to speak these words of certain that stood by which by and by carried her to the Cage of London Bridge and bade her cool her self there In the close of the Examination of John Simpson and John Audely two Husband-men is to be noted the sudden fear of Bishop Boner and his Doctors which was thus there was assembled at that time a great multitude of people that because the Consistory was not able to hold them they were fain to stand in the Church near about the said Consistory waiting to see the said prisoners when they should depart and hearing the Bishop say Have him speaking to Simpson being in a rage at his stout answers Have him away Now the people hearing in the Church these words and thinking because the day was far spent that the prisoners had their judgement they being desirous to see the prisoners had to Newgate severed themselves one running one way another another way which caused such a noise in the Church that they in the Consistory were all amazed and marvelled what it should mean wherefore the Bishop also being somewhat afraid of this so sudden fear asked what there was to do The standers by answering said that there was like to be so tumult for they were together by the ears When the Bishop heard this by and by his heart was in his heels and leaving his seat he with the rest of that Court betook them to their legs hastning with all speed possible to recover the door that went into the Bishops house but the rest being somewhat lighter of foot then my Lord did soon recover the door thronging hastily to get in keeped the Bishop still our and cried Save my Lord save my Lord but meaning yet first to save themselves if any danger should come whereby they gave the standers by good matter to laugh at the rediculous fear of Boner and his Doctors and so thereafter thir two godly persons Simpson and Audely were burnt The Counsell of Trent was in this Pope Julius his time betwixt the first and last Session thereof were eighteen years In it all the Articles of the Popish Doctrine were confirmed At this time by the Popish Clergy the bones of Martin Bucer and Paulus Phagins which had lyen almost two years in their graves were taken up and burned at Cambridge besides this they caused Peter Martyrs wife a woman of worthy memory to be digged out of the Church-yard to be burned on the dung-hill A little before Thomas Hawkes Gentleman his death some of his aqâ—â—intance friends which seemed not a little to be confiâ—med by the example of his constancy and by his talk yet notwithstanding the same again being feared with the sharpnesse of the punishment which he was going to privily desired that in the midst of the flamme he would shew them some token if he could whereby they might be more certain whether the pain of such burning were so great that a man might not therein keep his mind qâ—iet and patient Which thing he promised them to do and so secretly between them it was agreed that if the rage of the pain were tollerable and might be suffered then he should lift up his hands above his head towards Heaven before he gave up the Ghost In the fire when he continued long when his speech was taken away by violence of the flamme his skin also drawn together and his fingers consumed with the fire so that now all men thought certainly that he had been gone suddenly and contrary to all expectation the blessed servant of God being mindfull of his promise made before reached up his hands burning in a lighâ— fire which was marvellous to behold over his head to the living God and with great rejoycing as seemed did strike or clap them three times together At the sight whereof there followed such applause and out-cry of the people and especially of them which understood the matter that the like hath not commonly been heard And so the blessed Martyr of Christ straight way siâ—king down into the fire gave up his spirit Mr. John â—radfoord Preacher most constantly suffered for the tâ—stimony of Christ and his truth he was long in prison he had many conflicts with his adversaries he was burnt at Smithfield many Doctors and Bishops did talk with him in prison and two Spanish Friers dealt with him to recant and to leave his errors but he abode constant in the truth When he came to the Stake he took a Fagot in his hand and kissed it and so likewise the Stake And when he had so done he desired of the Sheriffs that his servant might have his rayment for said he I have nothing else to give him and besides that he is a poor man and the Sâ—eriff said he should have it And so forthwith Mr. Bradfoord did put off his Rayment and went to the Sâ—â—ke and holding up his hands and casting his countenance to Heaven he said thus O England England â—epent thee of thy sins beware of Idolatry bâ—ware of false Antichrists take heed they do not deceive you but he was commanded by the Sheriff to be quiet At that time with him was burnt a young man named John Lease a Prentise of ninteen or twenty years whom he greatly encouraged said to him be of good comfort brother for we shall have a merry supper with the Lord this night he spak no moe words that any man did hear but imbracing the reed sâ—id thus strait is the way and narrow is the gate that leadeth to eternal salvation and few there be that find it Here is not to be passed by a notable example of Gods hand upon Wâ—droff one of the Sheriffs that would not suffer him to speak but dealt churlishly with him It happened within half an year after the burning of this blessed Martyr that he was so stricken on the right side with such a Palsie or stroak of Gods hand whatsoever it was that for the space
chief thing objected against her as against all the rest was touching the real and corporall presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar many other matters was objected against them as for not comming to the church for speaking against the masse for dispising their Ceremonies and new found Sacraments with diverse other fond and trifling toyes not worthy any mentioning This woman being exhorted to recant she said do what ye will for if Christ was in an errour then am I in an errour upon which answer shee was adjudged and condemned as an Heretick and so delivered unto the secular power to be by them put to death and so she was burnt George Tankerfield a little before his execution prayed his Host to let him have a good fire in his Chamber he had so and then he sitting on a Form before the fire put off his shoos and hose and stretched out his leg to the flame and when it had touched his foot he quickly withdrew his leg shewing how the flesh did perswade him one way and the Spirit another way The Spirit said be not afraid for this is nothing in respect of fire eternall The flesh said leave not the company of thy friends acquaintance which love and will not let thee lack nothing The Spirit said the company of Jesus Christ and his glorious presence doth exceed all fleshly friends The flesh said do not shorten thy time for thou mayest live if thou wilt much longer The Spirit said this life is nothing unto the life in Heaven which lasteth for ever c. And when he came to the place of execution after he ended his prayer he arose and with a joyfull faith he said that although he had a sharp dinner yet he hoped to have a joyfull supper in Heaven While the Fagots were set about him there came a Priest unto him and perswaded him to believe â—n the Sacrament of the Altar and he should be saved But George Tankerfield cryed out vehemently and said I defy the Whore of Babylon I I defy the Whore of Babylon fy on that abominable Idol good people do not believe him Then the Major of the Town commanded to set fire to the Heretick and said if he had but one load of Fagots in the whole world he would give them to burn him There was an certain Knight by and went unto Tankerfield and took him by the hand and said good brother be strong in Christ this he spoke softly and Tankerfield said O Sir I thank you I am so I thank God so he was put to the fire and burnt Robâ—rt Samuel a very godly and right faithfull Pâ—eacher of Gods Word in King Edward his dayes was now apprehended and cast into prison and miserably handled under the Bishop of Norwich Doctor Hopâ—on an unmercifull Prelat he so far exceeded the bounds of piety and compassion in tormenting their poor brethren as this Bishop did in such sort that many of them he perverted and brought quite from the truth and some from their wits also he is keeped in strict prison where he was chained bolt upright to a great poast in such sort that standing only on the tiptoe he was fain to stay up the whole poise or weight of his body thereby and to this they added a far more grievous to ment keeping him without meat and drink whereby he was unmercifully vexed through hunger and thrist saving that he had every day allowed two or three mouthfuls of bread and three spoonfuls of water to the end rather that he might be reserved to further torment then that they would preserve his life O worthy constancy of the Martyr O pitilesse hearts of Papists worthy to be complained of and to be accursed before God and nature O the wonderfull strength of Christ in his members whose stomack though it had been made of Adament stone would not have relented and these intollerable vexations and extream pains above nature how often times would he have drunken his own water but his body was so dried up with his long emptinesse that he was not able to make one drop of water At the last when he was brought forth to be burned which was but a trifle in comparison of these pains that he had passed certain there were that heard hâ—m what strange things had hapened unto him during the time of his imprisonment to wit that after he had been famished or pined with hunger two or three dayes together he then fell into a sleep as it were one half in a slumber at which time one cloathed all in white seemed to stand before him which ministred comfort unto him by these words Samuel Samuel be of good cheer and take a good heart unto thee for after this day shalt thou never either be hungry or thirsty which thing came even to passe accordingly for sppedily after he was burned and from that time that he should suffer he feit neither hunger nor thrist And thus declared he to the ends as he said that all men might behold the wonderfull works of God Many more like matters concerning the great comfort he had of Christ in his afflictions he could utter he said besides this but shamefastnesse and modesty would not suffer him to utter it The report goeth among some that were there present and saw him burnt that his body in burning did shine as light and white as new tryed silver in the eyes of them that stood by After the suffering of Robert Samuel was burned William Allen in Walfinghame a labouring man he being brought before the Bishop and asked the cause why he was imprisoned answered that he was put in prison because he would not follow the Crosse saying that he would never go in procession Then being willed by the Bishop to return again to the Catholick Church he answered that he would turn to the Catholick Church but not to the Romish Church and said that if he saw the King and Queen and all other follow the Crosse or kneel down to the Cross he would not for the which sentence of condemnation was given against him and he burned who declared such constancy at his martyrdom and had such credit with the justices by reason of his upright and well tryed conversation amongst them that be was suffered to go untved to his suffering and there being fastned with a Chain stood quietly without shrinking untill he died There were five worthy Martyrs burned at Canterbury in one fire because they denied that Christ was corporally and bodily in the Sacrament Master Robert Glover at Coventree being apprehended for suspiâ—ion of Heresie and imprisoned was burnt for the testimony of the truth There was one Austen Bernher a Minister and a familiar friend of his testified this of him After he was condemned by the Bishop and was now at the point to be delivered out of this world It so happened that two or three dayes before his heart being lumpish and desolate of all
spiritual consolation felt in himself no apâ—nesse nor willingness but rather a heaviness and dulnesse of spirit finding much discomfort to bear the bitter crosse of martyrdome ready now to be laid upon him and here we see that Gods Saints may be destitute for a time of the Lords comfort Unto whom the said Austen answering again willed and desired him patiently to wait the Lords pleasure and how soever his present feeling was yet seeing his cause was just and true he exhorted him constantly to stick to the same and to play the man nothing misdoubting but the Lord in his good time could visite him and satisfie his desire with plenty of consolation whereof he faid he was right certain and sure and therefore desired him whenâ—oever any such feeling of Gods heavenly mercies should begin to touch his heart that then he would shew some signification thereof whereby he might witnesse with him the same and so departed from him The next day when the time came of his martyrdome as he was going to the place and was now come to the sight of the Stake although all the night before praying for strength and courage hee could feel none suddenly he was so mightily replenished with Gods holy comfort and heavenly joyes that he cried out clapping his hands to Austen and saying in these words Austen he is come he is come and that with such joy and alacrity as one seeming rather to be risen from some deadly danger to liberty of life then as one passing out of the world by any pains of death And so he was put to the fire and burnt for the testimony of the truth Denton being afrayed of burning said to Wolsey that he cannot burn but he that could not burn in the cause of Christ was afterward burned against his will when Christ had given peace to his Church for his house was set on fire and while he went in to save his goods he lost his life with two other that were in the same house Not much unlike to this was also the example of Mr. West Chaplain to B. Ridley who refusing to die in Christs cause with his masters said masse against his conscience and soon afterward died The Death and Martyrdome of Bishop Ridley and Bishop Latimer MAster Ridley Bishop of London and Latimer Bishop sometimes of Worcester men of memorable leaning and incomparable ornaments and gifts of grace joyned with no lesse commendable sincerity of life as all the Realm can witnesse sufficiently were burnt at Oxford for the testimony of the truth This B. Ridley was descended of a stock right worshipfull he was born in Northumberland-shire After he past his course at Cambrige made Doctor of Divinity he went to Paris and after his return was made Chaplain to King Henry the eight and promoted afterward by him to the Bishoprick of Worcester and so from thence translated to the Seâ— and Bishoprick of London in King Edwards days now in Queen Maries time they were laid hands upon and committed to prison and accused as Hereticks Great was the conference and godly talk that was between them while they were in prison Mr. Ridley wrote many letters from the prison as a letter from him and his prison-fellows unto Mr. Braidford and his prison-fellows in the Kings bench at Southwark and to many others And besides these letters of his diverse other tracttations were written by him partly out of prison and partly in prison As for Mr. Latimer that famous Preacher and worthy Martyr of Christ and his Gospel he was a long time a zealous and superstitious Papist and in this blind zeal he was a very enemy to the professors of Christs Gospel as both his Oration made when he proceeded Batchelor of Divinity against Philip Melancton and also his other works did plainly declare but he through the goodness of God was converted by Mr. Bilney unto the truth so that whereas before he was an enemy and almost a persecuter of Christ he was now a zealous seeker after him howbeit as Satan never sleepeth when he seeth his kingdom begin to decay so likewise now seing that this worthy member of Christ would be a shrowd shaker thereof he raised up his impious Impes to molest and trouble him He wrote also many letters from the prison Touching the memorable acts and doings of this worthy man amongst many other this is not to be neglected what a bold enterprise he attempted in sending to King Henry a present the manner whereof was this There was then and yet remaineth still an old custome received from the old Romans that upon new years day being the first day of January every Bishop with some handsome new years gift should gratifie the King and so they did some with gold some with silver some with a purse full of money some with one thing and some with another but Mr. Latimer being Bishop of Worcester then amongst the rest presented a new Testament for his new years gift with a napkin having this poesie about it Fornicatores adulteros judicabit Dominus Now in Queen Mariâ—s time after their long imprisonment they are brought forth to their finall examination and execution are degraded and condemned as Hereticks and delivered to the Secular power to be put to death When they came to the fire they brought a Eagot kindled with fire and laid the same down at Doctor Ridleys feet to whom Mr. Latimer spake in this manner be of good comfort Mr. Ridley and play the man we shall this day light such a Candle by Gods grace in England as I trust shall never be put out And here we see the Church to be lightened by the Martyrdome of Saints And so the fire being given to them when Doctor Ridley saw the fire flaming up toward him he cried with a wondeâ—ful loud voice In manus tuas Domine commendo spiritum meum Domine sujcipe spiritum meum and after repeated this latter part often in English Lord Lord receive my spiâ—it Mr. Latimer crying as vehemently on the other side Oh Father of Heaven receive my soul who receiving the flame as it were embracing of it After as he had stroaled his face with his hands as it were bathed them a little in the fire he soon died as it appeared with very little pain or none Bâ—t Mr. Ridley by reason of the evill making of the fire unto him he was long in burning he câ—ied to let the fire come to him for his nether paâ—ts were burnt before the fire touched his upper parts yet for all this to ment he forgot not to call upon God still it moved hundreds to tears in beholding this horrible sight for I think there was none that had not clean exiled all humanity and mercy which would not have lamented to behold the fury of the fire so to rage upon their bodies Thus thir two godly and learned men ended their lives for the cause of Christ and testimony of his truth The death and end of
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
apprehended and at one time 22. prisoners were sent up together for Gods word to London from Colchester all whom bloody Boner B. of London was minded to have executed by perswasion of the Cardinal he was stayed This Cardinal was a Papist but no bloody papist alwayes for fear of stir among the people to see so many execute at once upon a reasonable submission were sent away again yet the rage of the persecution ceased not so that sometime ten at once sometime seven sometimes five excuted and burnt in Smithfield and some in other parts of the Countrey A certain woman being condemned of the Bishop to be burnt at Canterbury had two children named Patience and Charity who then said to the Bishop that if he would need burn her she trusted that he would take and keep Patience and Charity meaning her two children Nay quoth the Bishop by the faith of my body I will meddle with none of them both for the Bishop will neither keep patience nor charity At Colchester there were three men and three women burned in the forenoon besides four other burned at afternoon There that were put to the fire before noon they clapped their hands for joy in the fire that the standers by which were very many cryed generally all almost the Lord strengthen them the Lord comfort them the Lord pour his mercies upon them with such like words as was wonderfull to hear thus yeelded they up their souls and bodies into the Lords hands for the testimony of his truth Cicely Ormes was burnt at Norwich she was a very simple woman but yet zealous in the Lords cause she did for a twelve month before she was taken recant but never after was she quiet in conscience untill she was utterly driven from all their Popery between the time she recanted and that she was taken she had gotten a letter made to give the Chancellor to let him know that she repented her recantation from the bottome of her heart and would never do the like again whilest she lived but before she exhibited her bill she was taken and sent to prison and going to execution she said unto the people I would ye should not think of me that I believe to be saved in that I offer my self here unto the death for the Lords cause but I believe to be saved by the death of Christs passion and this my death is and shall be a witnesse of my faith unto you all here present Good people as many of you as believe as I believe pray for me Note well this saying of hers Then she came to the Stake and kissed it and said welcome the sweet crosse of Christ and so gave her self to be bound thereto After the Tormenters had kindled the fire to her she said my soul doth magnifie the Lord and my spirit rejoyceth in God my Saviour And in so saying she set her hands together right against her breast casting her head and eyes upward and so stood having up her hands by little and little till the very sinews of her arms brast asunder and then they fell but she yeelded her life unto the Lord and quietly as she had been in a slumber or as one feeling no pain So wonderfully did the Lord work with her his name therefore be praised for evermore Amen In this furious time of persecution was burned John Rough Minister he was born in Scotland At the age of 17. years he entred into the order of the black Friers at Sterling he remained the space of 16. years untill such time as the Lord Hamiltoun Earle of Arrane and Governour of the Realm of Scotland casting a favour unto him did sue unto the Archbishop of St. Andrews to have him out of his professed order that as a Secular Priest he might serve him for his Chaplaine At which request the Archbishop caused the Provincial of that house having thereto authority to dispense with him for his habit and order This sute being thus by the Earle obtained the said Rough remained in his her service one whole year during which time it pleased God to open his eyes and to give him some knowledge and thereupon was by the said Governour sent to preach in the freedom of Air where he continued four years and then after the death of the Cardinal he was appointed to abide at St. Andrews and there he had assigned unto him a yearly pension of twenty pound from King Henry the eight King of England howbeit at last weying with himself his own danger and also abhorring with himself the idolatry and superstition of his countâ—ey and hearing of the freedome of the Gospel within the Realm of England he went to England in King Edwarâ—s time and there was preferrâ—d by the Duke of Somerset as a Preacher to serve at Caâ—lill and other placâ—s but in the beginning of the raign of Queen Mary he fled with his wife into Friesland there labouring truly for his living in knitting of Capes Hose and such like things till about the end of the moneth of October last before his death At which time lacking yarn and other necessarie provision for the maintenance of his occupation he came over again into England here to provide for the same he joyneth himself to the Congregation at London and was there Minister and thereafter he was betrayed and apprehended and sent to Newgate he is brought to his examination before Boner After his examination he is condemned as an Heretick and degraded exeeming him from all bene fits and priviledges of their Church and committed his body to the Secular power Touching him two things may be noted first he being in the north Countrey in the dayes of King Edward the sixth was the mean to save Doctor Watsons life who in Queen Maries time was Bishop of Lincoln for a Sermon that he made there The said Watson after that in the said dayes of Queen Mary being with Boner at the examination of the said Mr. Rough to requite the good turn in saving his life detected him there to be a pernicious Heretick who did more hurt in the north parts then an hundred beside of his opinion Unto whom Mr. Rough said again Why Sir Is this the reward that I have for saving your life when ye preached erroneous Doctrine in the dayes of King Edward the sixth 2. Being before Boner among other talk he affirmed that he had been twise at Rome and there had seen plainly with his eyes which he many times heard of before namely that the Pope was the very Antichrist for there he saw him carried on mens shoulders and the false named Sacrament born before him yet was there more reverence given unto him then unto that which they counted to be their God When Boner heard this rising up and making as though he would have torn his garments hast thou said he been at Rome and seen our holy father the Pope and dost thou blaspheme him After this sort and with that flying upon him he plucked