price I cannot afford it yet had I rather break it in pieces yea saith the Inquisitor break it let me see thee Rochus with that he took up a chissâ—l and dashed it upon the face of the Image wherewith the nose or some othe part of the face was blemished The Inquisitor seing that cryed out as he were mad and commanded Rochus forthwith into prison To whom Rochus cryed again that he might do in his works what he listed And if the workmanship of the image were not after his fantasie what was that to them But all this could not help Rochus but within three dayes after sentence was given upon him that he should be burned and so was he committed to the Executer As Rochus was entering the place there to be burned he cryed with a loud voice asking among the multitude which there stood by if any man of Flanders were there It was answered Yea and also that there were two Ships already fraught and appointed to sail to Flanders Then said he I would desire some of them to signifie unto my father dwelling in Antwerp that I was burned here in this City and for this cause which ye all have heard And thus after his prayers made to God this good man being wrongfully condemned after his godly lâ—fe made this blessed end And thereafter a certain Spainard coming to Antwerp made diligent Inquisition there among the Image-makers to find out the Parents of this Rochus and signified to them what had happened toward their son as hath been by his said Parents and friends declared And the Father at the hearing of the said message for sorrow thereof died shortly after many were imprisoned and died in prison The execrable Inquisiton of SPAIN THe cruell and barbarous Inquisition of Spain first begun by King Ferdinandus and Elizabeth his Wife and was instituted against the Jews which after their Baptism maintained again their own Ceremonies that now it is practised against them that be never so little sâ—spected to favour the verity of the Lord the Spainards and especi lly the great Divines there do hold that this holy and sacred Inquisition cannot erre and that the holy Eathers the Inquisitors cannot be deceived Three sorts of men most principally be in danger of these Inquisiâ—ors they that be greatly rich for fear the spoil of their goods they that be Learned because they will not have their misdealings and secret abuses to be espied and detected they that begin to increase in honour and dignity lest they being in Authority should work them some shame or dishonour The abuse of the Inquisition is most execrable If any word shall passe out of the mouth of any which may be taken in evill part yea and though no word be spoken yet if they bear any grudge or ill-will against the Party incontinent they command him to be taken and put into an horrible Prison and then find out crimes against him at leasure and in the mean time no man living is so hardy once to open his mouth for him If the Father speak on word for his child he is also taken and cast into Prison as a favourer of Hereticks neither is it permitted to any Person to go in to the Prison but there he is alone in such a place where he cannot see so much as the ground where he is and is not suffered either to read or write but there endureth in darknesse palpable in horrours infinite in fear miserable wrestling with the assaults of death And moreover to these distresses and horrours of the Prison the injuries threats whippings and scourgings Irons Tortures and Racks which they endure And thus are they detained there some many years and murthered by long torments and whose dayes together entreated much more cruelly out of all compassion then if they were in the Hang-mans hand to be slain at once During all this time what is done in the Processe no person knoweth but only the Holy Fathers and the Tormenters which are sworn to execut the Torments c. By the vigour and rigour of this Inquisiton many good true servants of Jesus Christ have been brought to death especially in the laâ—ter years since the Raign of Queen Elizabeth In the Town of Valedolid where commonly the Counsell of the Inquisition is wont to be keeped the Inquisitors had brought together many Prisoners both of high and low estate to the number of thirty also the Coffin of a certain Noble-woman with her Picture lying upon it which had been dead long before there to receive Judgement and Sentence To the heating of which sentence they had ordained in the said Town there might be Theaters or Stages Upon the first was placed Dame Jane sister to King Philip and chief Regiment of his Realms Also Prince Charles King Philips son with other Princes and Estates of Spain Upon the other Scaffold mounted the Archbishop of Sivill Prince of the Synagogue of the Inquisitors with the Counsel of the Inquisition also other Bishops of the Land and the Kings Counsel with them After all were set and placed in great pomp were brought forth as a spectacle and triumph the poor servants and witnesses of Jesus Christ to the number of thirty clothed with their Sanbenito as the Spaniards do call it which is a manner of Vesture of yellow Cloath comming both before them and behind them spangled with red Crosses having burning Clerges in their hands also before them was born a Crucifix covered with black Linnen-cloath in token of mourning Moreover they which were to receive the sentence of death had Miters of Paper upon their heads which the Spaniards call Coracas After this followed a Sermon made by a Dominick Frier which endured about an hour After the Sermon was finished the Procurator Generall with the Archbishop went to the Stage where the Princes and Nobles stood to Minister a solemn Oath unto them upon the Crucifix painted in the Masse Book the tennor of which Oath was this Your Majesties shall swear that ye will favour the holy Inquisition and also give your consent unto the same and not only that ye shall by no manner of way hinder and impeach the same but also ye shall imploy to the uttermost of your help and endeavour hereafter to see all them to be executed which swerve from the Church of Rome and adjoyn themselves to the Entherian Hereticks without all respect of any person or persons of what estate degree quality or condition soever they be Item your Majesties shall swear that ye shall constrain all your Subjects to submit themselves to the Church of Rome and to have in reverence all the Laws Commandements of the same And also to give your aid against all them whosoever shall hold of the Heresie of the Lutherians or take any part with them After the Oath the Archbishop lifting up his hand gave them his Benediction saying God blesse your Highnesse and give you long life In end the poor Captives Prisoners were called our
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
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
unto him and when he felt the fire he cryed mercy calling belike unto the Lord and so the Prince immedialy commanded to take away the Tun and quench the fire The Prince his commandement being done asked him if he would forsake Heresie to take him to the faith of Holy Church which thing if he would do he should have Goods enough promising also unto him a yearly Stipend out of the Kings Treasury so much as should suffice his contentation but this valiant Champion of Christ neglecting the Princes fair words and promises continued constant in his profession then the Prince commanded him straight to be put again into the Pipe or Tun and that he should not afterward look for any grace or favour and so he was burnt to death Other servants of God good religious men were accused of Heresie and brought before the Archbishop of Canterbury as VVilliam Thorp who gave a large and notable confession of his Faith and answered wisely and godly to all the points whereof he was accused by the Archbishop where he suffered mocking and scorning and threatning what became of this good man and blessed servant of God is not at yet in Story specified by all conjecture it is thought that the Archbishop Thomas Arundell being so hard an adversary against him would not let him go much lesse it is to be supposed that he would ever retract his sentence and opinion which he so valiantly maintained before the Bishop neither doth it seem that he had any such recanting spirit Again neither is it found that he was burned wherefore it remaineth most likely to be true that he being committed to some strait Prison according as the Archbishop in his Examination before did threaten him was so straitly keeped that either he was secretly made away or else there he died by sicknesse The like end also I find happen to John Ashton another good fellower of VVickliff he was condemned by the Bishops and because he would not recant he was committed to perpetuall Prison wherein the good man continued till his death And as great was the constancy of the true professors so many did shrink and did revolt and renounce for danger of the Law In those dayes great was the pride and glory of the Clergie of England that none durst stir or once mute against them having the King so full on their side armed moreover with Laws Statutes Punishments Imprisonments Sword Fire and Fagot reigned and ruled as they listed as Kings and Pâ—inces within themselves So strong were they of power that no humane force was able to stand against them so exalted in pride and puft up in glory that they thought all things to be subject to their reverend Majesties whatsoever they set forth or decreed it must be of all men received and obeyed What greater shew of arrogancy and pride could there be then in this When Thomas Arundell Archbishop of Canterbury passed by the high Street of London and because they did not ring their Bells for a triumph of his coming took great snuffe thereat and did suspend all such Churches in London not only with the Steeple and Bells but also with the Organs so many as did not receive his coming with the noise of Bells The like stir for Bell-ringing and for Processions had almost happened between the Archbishop of Canterbury Successor to this Thomas Arundell named Henry Chicâ—ly on the one part and the Abbey of St. Albons on the other part had not the Abbot in time submitting himself to the Archbishop so provided that the ringing of their Bells at his comming might not redound to any derogation of their Liberties whereunto the Archbishop granted by his Lettert direct to them To expresse moreover and describe the glorious pomp of these Princely Prelates in those blind dayes of Popish Religion reigning then in the Church I though to adjoyn hereunto another example not much unlike neither differing much in time concerning certain poor men cited up and enjoyned strait pennance by VVilliam Courtney predecessor of the said Thomas Arundell for bringing Litter to his Horse not in Wains as they should do but in privie Sacks in a secret manner under their Cloaks or Coats for the which so hainous and horrible trespasse the said Archbishop sitting in his Tribunall-seat did call and cite before him the said persons pro litera 1. For Litter after his own Latin and after their submission injoyns them Pennance that is that they going leafurly before the Procession every one of them should carry openly on his shoulder his Bag stuffed with Hay and Straw so that the said Hay or Straw should appear hanging out the mouths of the Sacks being open whereupon it was said This Bag full of Straw I bear on my back Because my Lords Horses his Litter did lack If ye be not good to my Lords Graces horse Ye are like to go bare foot before the Crosse King Henry the fourth had a Prophesie that he thould die in Jerusalem and lying sick in a fair Chamber at VVestminster and lying on his Bed he asked how they called the said Chamber and they answered and said Jerusalem and then he said it was his Prophesie that he should make his end in Jerusalem And so disposing himself toward his end in the foresaid Chamber he died upon that sicknesse whether of Leprosie or of some other sharp disease I have not to affirm The like Prophesie we read of Pope Sylvester 2. to whom being inquisitive for the time and place where he should die it was answered that he should die at Jerusalem who then saying Masse in a Chappel called likewise Jerusalem perceived his end there to be near and died Sir John Oldcastle the Lord Cobham a most worthy and religious Knight was suspect of Heresie and to bee a favourer and maintainer of VVickliffs Doctrine and the professors thereof for the which he was apprehended and accused and falsly condemned for Heresie In his examination before the Archbishop Arundell and his Clergy he answered wisely and Religiously to every point he was posed upon especially anent the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and constantly and zealously maintained the Truth but in end he is falsly and unjustly condemned as an Heretick After that the Archbishop Thomas Arundell had read the bill of his condemnation with most extremity before the whole multitude the Lord Cobham said with a most chearfull countenance though ye judge my body which is but a wretched thing yet am I certain and sure that ye can do no harm unto my Soul no more then could Satan unto the Soul of Job hee that created that will of his infinit mercy and promise save I have therein no manner of doubt And as concerning these Articles of my Belief that I have given in unto you I will stand to them even unto the very death by the grace of my Eternall God And therewith he turned him unto the People casting his hands abroad and saying with a very loud voice
Good Christian people for Gods love be well war of these men for they else will beguile you and lead you blindfold into Hell with themselves for Christ saith plainly unto you If one blind man lead another they are like both to fall into the ditch After this he fell there down upon his knees and thus before them all prayed for his Enemies holding up both his hands and his eyes toward Heaven and saying Lord God Eternall I beseech thee of thy great mercy sake to forgive my persewers if it be thy blessed will And then he was delivered to Sir Robert Morley and so led forth again unto the Tower of London there to be imprisoned but he escaped afterward out of the Tower how and by what means it is uncertain and was in VVales about the space of four years at which time a great summe of Money was proclaimed by the King to him that could take the said Sir John Oldcastle either quick or dead about the end of which four years being expired the Lord Powes whether for love or greedinesse of the money or whether for the hatred of the true and sincere Doctrine of Christ seeking all manner of wayes how to play the part of Judas at length obtained his bloody purpose and brought the Lord Cobham bound up to London and was brought before the Parliament and being out-lawed in the Kings binch and excommunicated before the Archbishop of Canterbury for Heresie where he was adjudged that he should be taken as a Traitour to the King to the Realm What was the point of Treason is not expressed that he should be carried to the Tower of London unto the new Gallows in St. Giles without Temple-bar and there to be hanged and burned hanging Treason was falsly surmized against him his execution arose principally of his Religion which first brought him in hatred of the Bishops the Bishops brought him in hatred of the King the hatred of the King brought him to his death martyrdome The Clergy then tanqâ—am Leones rugientes ceased not to roar after Christian blood and whatsoever else was in fault still the Clergy cryed Crucifie Christ and deliver us Barrabas for then all horrible facts and mischiefs if any were done were imputed to the poor Lollards whom they so misnamed that is withered Darnell Lollard by the Popes interpretation is a word derived of Lollium that is Darnell Yet after the burning of the Lord Cobham the Bishops and priests were in great discredit both with the Nobility and Commons partly for that they had so cruelly handled the good Lord Cobham and partly again because his opinion as they thought all at that time was perfect concerning the Sacrament The prelats feared this to grow to further inconvenience toward them both wayes wherefore they drew their heads together and at the last consented to use another practice somewhat contrare to that they had done before they caused by and by to be blown abroad by their hyred servants friends and babling Sir John's that the said Lord Cobham was become a good man and had lowly submitted himself in all things unto the holy Church utterly changing his opinion concerning the Sacrament and thereupon they counterfeited an abjuration in his name that the people should take no hold of his opinion by any thing they heard of him before and so to stand the more in aw of them considering him so great a man and by them subdued At this time Thomas Arundell Archbishop of Canterbury died and this may seem strange that the same Thomas Arundell who a little before sat in Judgement against the Lord Cobham and pronounced sentence of death upon him did himself feel the stroak of death and the sentence of God executed upon him before the other who would have thought but that the Lord Cobham being so cast and condemned definitely by the Archbishops sentence should have died long before the Bishop but such be the works of Gods Almighty hand whoso turned the Wheel that this condemned Lord survived his condemner three or four years Now to leave England for a while and to take a view of the Church of Bohemia and the persecution there for the profession of the Gospel of Christ in the year of our Lord 1400. there was great divisions in Religion in the Country of Bohemia The Emperor Charles the fourth instituted the University of Prage and provided it of learned men and as a Prince given to Letters adorned often with his presence the Disputations made in Schools but because theâ— Teutonians or Almains in that University seemed to carry away the praise and honour there in Disputations above the Bohemians they were greatly ashamed that strangers should surmount them It came to passe that one of the Bohemians having recovered the Books of VVickliff communicated them to his companions and they drew out of them great Arguments which the Teutonians could not resist whereupon many dissentions fell amongst them even to Batteries and Murthers The Teutonians seeing this forsook the place in so much that more then 2000 Schollars on one day went out of Prage and came to Lipse where they began an University after leave obtained John Hus then had the greatest renown a man that came out of a Village called Hus which signisieth an Hen whereof he took his name he was of a great and quick spirit and well spoken beginning to recommend the Doctrine of VVickliff in his Sermons to the people the occasion how the Doctrine of wickliff came to Bohemia was this there chanced at this time a certain Student of the Countrey of Bohemia to be at Oxford one of a wealthy house and also of a noble stock who returning home from the University of Oxford to the University of Prage carried with him certain Books of wickliffs who being communicated to John Hus a man of great knowledge and of a prognant wit took such pleasure in reading of them that not only he began to defend this Author openly in the Schooles but also in his Sermon commending him as a good man an holy and heavenly man wishing himself when hee should die to bee there placed whereas the Soul of wickliff should bee The Bohemians being instructed with his Doctrine began first to set against the Pope esteeming him no more Honourable nor great nor other Bishops or Priests and thereupon reformed the Doctrine by the conclusions and Articles following First that the dignity makes not the Priest or Bishop honourable but Sanctity of life and good Doctrine 2. That souls separat from the bodies go right unto eternall pains o straight obtain happy life 3. That there is no witnesse in all the Scripture whereby can be proved that there is purgatory after this life 4. To make oblation and Sacrifices for the dead is an invention of the covetousnesse of Priests 5. Images of God or Saints benedictions of waters and such like things are forged of men against the Word of God 6. That the orders of begging Friers
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
this Disputation continued fifty dayes where many things were alledged on either part In end after long dispute and reasoning between the Bohemians and the Counsel there was a concord and unity concluded between them The Counsel permitted the Bohemians to Communicate under both kindes as a thing lawfull by the authority of Christ and profitable and healthfull to all such as duely received it As for the other three Articles the Bohemians promised to receive the Declaration of the Church touching them and confirmed it setting to their hands what the determination was of these three Articles I find it not Thus the Bohemians did constantly defend and maintain their Religion that Bishop of Rome could never yet divert them from it especially from the Communion of both kinds In the year of God 1438. The noble Art of Printing with Letters made in Brasse was found out a very Divine Invention worthy of memory and admiration yet were it more admirable if it ware not so much prophaned The Invention was Germanick and very strange at the beginning and of great profit John Gutemberge Knight was the first Author of this goodly Invention The thing was first essayed at Magance sixteen years before it was divulged in Italy One saith that John Faustus called Gutman Invented it with Peter Scheffer Now to leave the estate of the Church of Bohemia for a while we return to speak of the Persecutions in England and elsewhere for if we will read and mark and take a view of the stirres that have been from time to time for Religion we shall finde that in England is more burning and slaying for Religion and more blood shed amongst them then in any other Countrey or Nation in Christendome besides and because we cannot name all that hath been troubled and persecuted amongst them for Religion we shall name some of the most memorable And first of all in the first year of King Henry the sixth his Raign was burned the constant witnesse-bearer and testis of Christs Doctrine William Taylor a Priest under Henry Chichelie Archbishop of Canterbury for maintaining erroneous and hereticall Doctrine as they alledged as that prayer ought to be directed to God alone and to pray to any creature is to commit idolatry After long imprisonment with great constancy did consumat his Martyrdome Next William White Priest he was a follower of Iohn Wickliff and a Priest not after the common sort of Priests but rather reputed amongst the number of them whom the Wise-man speaks he was as the Morning Star in the midst of a Cloud c. This man was well learned upright and a well spoken Pâ—iest he was apprehended and taken by the Bishop of Norwich and of him condemned and burnt in Norwich this man was of so divine and holy life that all the people had him in great reverence and desired him to pray for them insomuch that one Margret Wright confessed that if any Saints were to be prayed unto she would rather pray to him then any other when he was come unto the Stake thinking to open his mouth to speak unto the people to exhort and confirm them in the verity one of the Bishops Servants took him on the mouth thereby to force him to keep silence And thus this good man receiving the Crown of Martyrdome ended this mortall life to the great dolour and grief to all the good men of Norfolk About this time also was burned Father Abraham of Colchester and John Waddon Priest for suspected Heresie Many both men and women in those dayes in the time of King Henry the sixt being suspect of Heresie or Lollaroy were apprehended and accused and cast into prison and greatly vexed and after their abjuration brought into open shame in Churches and Markets the form of the Popish pennance was this three fuistgations or displings in procession about the Cathedrall church three severall Sundays and three displings about the market place three principall market dayes his head and neck and feet being bare and his Body covered only with a short shirt or vesture having in his hands a taper of Wax of a pound weight which the next Sunday after his pennance hee should offer to the Trinity and that for the space of three years after every Ash wednesday and Munday and thursday he should appear in the Cathedrall Church before the Bishop or his Vicegerents to do open pennance among the penetentiaries for his offences In the year of God 1430. shortly after the solemn coronation of King Henry the sixt a certain man named Richard Hoveden a woll-winder and a citizen of London was burnt for suspition of Heresie This man when hee could by no perswasions be withdrawn or plucked back from the opinions of Wickliff he was by the rules of the Church condemned for Heresie and burned hard by the town of London Thomas Bagely a Priest being a valiant Disciple and adherent of Wickliff was condemned by the Bishop of Heresies at London and was degraded burnt in Smithfield In the dayes of King James the first Anno 1431. was deprehended in the University of St. Andrews one named Paul Craw a Bohemian and delivered over to the Secular power to be burnt for holding contrary opinions unto the church of Rome touching the Sacrament of the Lords Supper the worshipping of Saints Auricular confession with others of Wickliffs opinion they put a ball of Brasse in his mouth to the end he should not give confession of his Faith to the people neither yet that they should understand the defence which they had against their unjust acculation and condemnation Richard Wich Priest a man suspect of Heresie was degraded and burned at the Tower-hill It is testified of him that before his death he spoke as prophesying that the posterior of the Tower should sink which also afterward came to passe wherefore of many of the people hee was counted for an holy man in so much as it is affirmed they came to the place where he was burnt and there made their oblations and prayers and a red great heap of stones and set up a crosse there by night so that by this means a great clamour ran upon the Church men and especially upon such as put him to death Then to cease therein more the King gave commandement to punish such as went thither on pilgrimage Here is to be remembred the lamentable losing of Constantinople in the year of God 1453. Constantinus Palaeologus being Emperor of Constantinople was taken by the Turk Mahometes after the siege of fifty four dayes which siege began in the beginning of April The Emperor was slain and the Turks sacking and ranging about streets houses and corners did put to the sword most unmercifully whomsoever they found both aged and young Matrons Virgins Children and Infants sparing none The Noble Matrons and Virgins were horriblie ravished the Goods of the City the Treasures in houses the Ornaments in the Churches were all sacked and spoyled the Pictures of Christ opprobriously
so often or so long as it pleased their ordinary to appoint by which long rigorous and open punishing of them they meant as it should seem utterly to terrifie and keep back all others from the true knowledge of Jesus Christ and his Gospel But the Lord be evermore praised what effect their wicked purposes therein have been taken these our most lightsome dayes of Gods glorious Gospell doe most joyfully declare William Sweting and John Brewster were put to death and burnt together in Smithfield the chiefest case of Religion alledged against them in their Articles was their Faith concerning the Sacrament of Christs Body and Blood which because it differed from the absurd grosse and Capernaiticall opinion of the new School men was counted as most hainous Heresie John Brown was put to death and burned at Ashford in the year of God 1517. about the fourth year of King Henry the eighth upon the declaration of a Priest in a conference between him and the Priest who took him for an Heretick whereupon he was apprehended and committed to Prison the same night as he was in the Stocks at Ashford where he and his Wife dwelt his Wife came and sat beside him all the night before he should be burned to whom he declaring the whole story how he was handled shewed and told how that he could not set his feet to the ground for they were burned to the bones and told her how by the two Bishops Warham and Fisher his feet were heated upon the hote coals and burnt to the bones to make me said he to deny my Lord which I will never do for if I should deny my Lord in this World he would hearafter deny me I pray thee therefore said he good Elizabeth continue as thou hast begun and bring up thy Children vertuously and in the fear of God and so the next day this godly Martyr was burned commending his spirit into the hands of the Lord At the fire the Bayllie Arrant bade cast in his Children also for they would spring said he of his ashes This blessed Martyr John Brown had born an Faggot seven years before in the dayes of King Henry the 7. Richard Hunne Merchand Tailyour dwelling within the City of London and free-man of the same who was esteemed during his life and worthily reputed and taken not only for a man of true dealing and good substance but also for a good Catholick man this man was suspect of Heresie and committed to the Lollords Tower where he was first murthered by his adversaries the Priests and by them hanged whereupon they made the people to believe that he had desperatly hanged himself and after his death led a processe against him and condemned him of Heresie and at last burned him in Smith-field Thomas Man for alledged Heresie suffered much trouble and long imprisonment and in end was condemned and burnt in Smithfield This Tomas Man called Doctor Man confessed that he turned seven hundred people to his Religion and Doctrine for the which he thanked God Against the faithfull Christians of Amershame was great trouble and persecution in the time of William Smith Bishop of Lincolne At which time diverse and many were abjured and it was called abjuratio magna the great abjuration and they which were noted of that Doctrine and profession were called amongst themselves by the name of known men or just fast men as now they are called by the name of Protestants At this time although publick authority then lacked to maintain the open Preaching of the Gospel yet there were many in secret good Christians and true Professors of the Gospel truly the fervent zeal of those Christian-dayes seemed much superiour to these our dayes and times as manifestly may appear by their sitting up all night in reading and hearing also by their charges and expenses in buying of Books in English In which rarity of books and want of Teachers this one thing may be much marvelled and mused at to note in the Registers and to consider how the word of truth notwithstanding did multiplie so exceedingly as it did amongst them wherein is to be seen no doubt the marvellous working of Gods Almighty power for so it is found and observed in considering the Registers how one neighbour resorting and conferring with another oft seemed with a few words of the first and second Table did win and turn their minds to that wherein they desired to perswade them touching the truth of Gods Word and their Sacraments To see their travells their earnest seeking their burning zeal their readings their watchings their sweet assemblies their love concord their godly living their faithfull meaning with the faithfull may make us now in these our dayes of free profession to blush for shame Four prinipal points they stood in against the Church of Rome in pilgrimage adoration of Saints in reading of Scripture-books in English and in the carnall presence of Christs Body in the Sacrament After the death of William Smith succeeded John Longland a bloody and cruell persecutor of the Saints of God he caused the Wife to detect the Husband the Husband the Wife the Father the Daughter the Daughter the Father the Brother to disclose the Brother and Neigbour the Neighbour neither were there any Assemblies nor readings kept but both the persons and also the books were known neither was one word so closely spoken nor Article mentioned but it was discovered So subtilly and slightly these Catholick Prelats did use their inquisions and Examinations that nothing was done or said among these known men fifteen or twenty years before so covertly but it was brought at length to their intelligence as appears in a Table describing the grievous afflictions of good Men and Women in the Diocesse of Lincolne under John Longland their Bishop with the names both of the accusers and of them that were accused also with the crimes to them objected out of the Registers of the said Diocesse all these were constrained to abjure and do penance and they which were Relapse were committed to the Secular power and burnt As touching the burning of John Scrivener here is to be noted that his Children were compelled to set the fire unto their Father in like manner as Joan Clerk also Daughter of William Tylesworth was compelled to give fire for the burning of her own naturall Father The example of which cruelty as it is contrary both to God and Nature so it had not been seen nor heard of in the memory of the Heathen Now to leave England for a while and to take a view of other Countreys and the Persecutions for Religion there we shall begin first with Germany OF MARTIN LUTHER by whom God began the Reformation of his CHURCH MARTIN LUTHER born at Isleben in Saxonie one Augustine Frier arose in the year of God 1516. to detect and discover the errors of the Church of Rome and to cry out against indulgences upon this occasion Leo the tenth of that name Pope of Rome
spread in further Realms and Countries the one part called of Luther Lutherians the other having the name of Sacramentaries Notwithstanding in this one unity of opinion both the Lutherians and Sacramentaries do accord and agree that the Bread and Wine there present is not transubstantiat unto the Body and Blood of Christ as said but is a true Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ Many conflicts he had with the Pope his Cardinals and Clergy and notwithstanding their furie and rage and plots against him and the great power of his adversaries the Emperor and the King of Spain and other Potentats yet they could not prevail against him God keeping and defending him that they could not bereave him of his life but died peaceably in his own country where he was born teaching and preaching Christ the space of 29 years Many dangers he escaped especially these two which are not to be passed by wherein appears the great providence of God toward him First when a certain Jew by his enemies was appointed to come to destroy him by poyson yet was it so the will of God that Luther had warning thereof before and the face of the Jew sent to him by picture whereby he knew him and avoided the perill Another time as he was sitting in a certain place upon his stool a great stone there was in the Voult over his head where he did sit which being stayed miraculously so long as he was sitting assoon as hee was up immediatly fell upon the place where hee sate able to have crushed him all in pieces if it had light upon him And what should I speak of his prayers which were so ardent unto Christ that as Melancton writes they which stood under his window where he stood praying might see his tears falling and dropping down Again with such power he prayed that he as himself confesseth had obtained of the Lord that so long as he lived the Pope should not prevail in his country After his death said he let them pray who could Again it is reported of him that a young man about Wittemberge who being kept bare and needy by his Father was tempted by way of Sorcery to bargain with the Devill or a familiar as they call him to yeeld himself body and soul into the Devils power upon condition to have his wish satisfied with money so that upon the same an Obligation was made by the young man written with his own blood and given to the Devill Upon the sudain wealth and alteration of this young man the matter first being noted began afterward more and more to be suspsuspected and at length after long and great admiration was brought unto Martin Luther to be examined the young man whether for shame or fear long denyed to confesse and would bee known of nothing yet God so wrought being stronger then the Devil that he uttered unto Luther the whole substance of the case as well touching the money as the Obligation Luther understanding the matter and pittying the lamentable estate of the man willed the whole congregation to pray and he himself ceased not with his prayer to labour so that the Devill was compelled at the last to throw in his Obligation at the window and bade him take it again unto him And as he was mighty in his prayers so in his â—â—â—mons God gave him such a grace that when like preached they which heard him thought every one his own temptations severally to bee noted and touched Whereof when signification was given unto him by his friends and he demanded how that could bee my own manifold temptation said he and experiences are the causes thereof For Luther from his tender years was much broken and exercised with severall conflicts for he confessed that he was afflicted and vexed with all kind of temptations saving only one which was with covetousnesse With this vice he was never said he in all his life to be troubled nor once tempted Pope Leo the tenth of that name bare an irreconciliable heatred unto the Gospel of the Kingdom of God which he persecuted in the person of Luther and many others for as one day the Cardinal Bembo uttered before him a certain thing drawn from the Gospel he answered him mocking It hath ever sufficiently been known what profit that sable of Jesus hath brought us and our company O execrable blasphemy Luther died in the year of our Lord 1546. being 63. years of age The Prayer of Luther at his death was this My Heavenly Father eternall and merciful God thou bath manif sted unto me thy dâ—ar Son our Lord â—esus Christ I have taught him I have known him I love him as my life my health and my redemption whom the wicked have persecuted maligned and with injury afflicted draw my soul to thee After this he said as ensueth thrise I commend my spirit into thy hands thou hast redeemed me O God of truth God so loved the World that he gave his only Son that all these that believe in him should have life everlasting Joh. 3. The Martyres of GERMANY MAny after the death of Luther were troubled for their Religion some tost from place to place same exiled out of the Land for fear some cauâ—ed to abjure some driven to Caves in Woods some racked with torment and some pursued to death with fagot and fire And because we cannot name all that were persecuted and put to death for their Religion we shall name some few of the choisest And first there were two young men burnt at Bruxlies the one named Henry Voes being of the age of twenty four years and the other Iohn Esh which before had been of the order of the Augustine Friers for that they would not retreat and deny their Doctrine of the Gospel which the Papists call Lutheranisme As they were led to the place of Execution they went joyfully and merrily making continually protestations that they died for the glory of God and the Doctrine of the Gospel believing and following the holy Church of the Son of God saying also that it was the day which they had long desired After they were come to the place where they should be burned and were dispoyled of their garments they tarried a great space in their shirts and joyfully embraced the Stake that they should be bound to patiently and joyfully enduring whatsoever was done unto them praising God with Te Deum laudamus and singing Psalms and rehearsing the Creed in testimony of their death One of them seeing that fire was kindled at his feet said me thinks ye do straw Rose under my feet finally the smoak and the flame mounting up to their face choaked them The next year after the burning of these two young men before rehearsed was Henry Sutphen put to death by the conspiracy of the Monks and Friers without all order of judgement or just condemnation about the City of Diethmar in the borders of Germany in the year 1524. they resolved to take him by
having intelligence that he was to be apprehended was willed by his friends to flee and shift for himself but he would not saying that he had rather that he had never been born then so to doe It was the office of a good shepherd he said not to flee in time of perill but rather to abide the danger least the flock be scartered or least peradventure in so doing hee should leave some scruple in their minds thus to think that he had fed them with dreams and fables contrary to the word of God therefore beseeching them to move him no more therein he told them that he feared not to yeeld up both body and soul in the quarrel of that truth which hee had taught saying with St. Paul that hee was ready not only to be bound for the testimony of Christ in the City of Burdeaux but also to die the Somner came and was in the City three days during which time Aymondus preached three Sermons the people in defence of their Preacher flew upon the Somner to deliver him out of his hands But Aymond desired them not to stop his Martyrdom seeing that it was the will of God that he should suffer for him he would not said he resist Then the Consuls suffered the Somner and so Aymond was carried to Burdeaux there he was accused and false witnâ—sse brought in against him all their accusation was only for denying purgatory after long and miserable imprisonment he is put to death and burnt Frances Bonbard was said to be Secretary of the Cardinall of bellare who being also for the Gospel condemned after his tongue was cut off did with like constancy sustain the sharpnesse of burning The enemies of the Gospel seeing that these that were condemned to die at the place of the Execution moved many with their speech therefore they obtained a decree of the Judges that all which were to be burned unlesse they recanted at the fire should have their tongues cut off which Law diligently afterward was observed Michael Michelot a Taylour being apprehended for the Gospels sake was judged first if he would turn to be beheaded and if he would not turn then to be burned alive who being asked whether of these two he would choose answered that he trusted that he which hath given him grace not to deny the truth would also give him patience to abide the fire He was burned at Warden by Turney Seven men and women of the City of Langres for the Word and Truth of Christ Jesus were committed to the fire wherein they died with much strength and comfort but especially Joan which was Simon Marshall his Wife being reserved to the last place because she was the youngest confirmed her Husband and all the other with words of singular consolation declaring to her Husband that they should the same day be married to the Lord Jesus to live with him for ever Anne Andebert an Apothecaries Wife and Widow going to Geneva was taken and brought to Paris and by the Counsell there judged to be burned at Orleance When the Rope was put about her she called it her Wedding girdle wherewith she should be married to Christ And as she should be burned upon a Saturday upon Michaelmas-even upon a Saturday I said she I was first married and upon a Saturday I shall be married again And seeing the Dung-cart brought wherein she should be carried she rejoyced thereat shewing such constancy in her Martyrdome and made all the beholders to marvell Among many other godly Martyrs that suffered in France a story of a poor Taylour of Paris that dwelt in the Street of St. Antony is not the least and worst to be remembred his name is not expressed he was apprehended of a certain Officer in the Kings house for that upon a certain Holy-day he followed his Occupation and did work for his living before he was had to the Prison the Officers asked him why he did labour and work giving no observation of the Holy-day to whom he answered that he was a poor man living only upon his labour And as for the day he knew no other but the Sunday wherein he might not lawfully work for the necessity of his living he is clapt into Prison word hereof coming to the Kings ears the poor man was sent for to appear that the King might have the hearing of him who being come before the King the King commanded Petrus Castellanus Bishop of Mascon to question with him The Taylour being entred and nothing appalled at the Kings Majesty after his reverence done unto the Prince gave thanks to God that he had so greatly dignified him being such a wretch as to bring him where he might testifie his truth before such a mighty prince Then Castellanus entring talk began to reason with him touching the greatest and chiefest matter of Religion Whereunto the Tailyour without fear or any halting in his speach with present audacity wit and memory so answered for the sincere Doctrine and simple truth of Gods Gospell as was both convenient to the purpose and also to his Questions aptly and fitly correspondent notwithstanding the Nobles there present with cruell taunts and rebukes did what they could to dash him out of countenance yet all this terrified not him but with boldnesse of Heart and free Liberty of Speech he defended his cause or rather the cause of Christ the Lord neither flattering with their persons or fearing their threats which was to them all a singular admiration to behold the simple poor Artificer to stand so firm and bold answering before the King to these Questions propounded against him Whereat when the King seemed to muse with himself as one somewhat amazed and which might soon have been induced at that present to further knowledge the egregious Bishop and other Courtiours seeing the King in such a muse said he was an obstinate and a stubborn person obfirmed in his own opinion and therefore was not to be marvelled at but to be sent to the judges and punished and therefore least he should trouble the eares of the said King Henry he was commanded again to the hands of the Officers that his cause might be informed and so within few dayes after he was condemned by the high Steward of the Kings house to be burned alive And least any deep consideration of that excellent fortitude of the poor man might further peradventure pierce the Kings mind the Cardinalls and Bishops were ever in the Kings ear telling him that these Lutherans were nothing else but such as carried vain smoak in their mouths which being put to the fire would soon vanish Wherefore the King was appointed himself to be present at his excution which was sharp and cruel before the Church of Marie the Virgin where it pleased God to give such strength and courage to his servant in suffering his Martyrdome that the beholding thereof did more astonish the King then all the other did before Thomas Sanpaulinus a Young Man of the Age of
Prince of Navar. To this pretended Marriage it was divised that all the chiesest Protestants or France should be invited and meet in Paris being met and conveened that same night of the Marriage Souldiours were appointed in diverse places of the City to be ready at a watch-word to break in into the Protestants houses at which watch-word given they brust out to the slaughter of the Protestants first beginning with the Admirall who was slain in his bed and thrown out at a window into the street where his head being first striken off and embalmed with Spices to be sent to the Pope At this time there was slain in three dayes above ten thousand Men and Women old and young of all sorts and conditions yea and slew all the Protestants they knew or could find within the city Gates inclosed So great was the rage of the Heathenish persecution that not only the Protestants but also certain whom they thought indifferent Papists they put to the sword in steed of Protestants In the number of them that were slâ—â—n of the more learned sort was Petrus Ramus Lumbinus and others And not only within the Walls of Paris was this uproar contained but extended further into other Cities and quarters of the Realm especially Lyons Orleance Tholous and Roan In which Cities it is almost incredible nor scarlely ever heard of in any Nation what cruelty was shewed what numbers of good Mâ—n were destroyed in so much that within the space of one month thretty thousand at least of Religious Protestants are numbred to be slain Furthermore here is to bee noted that when the Pope first heard of this bloody stir he with his Caâ—dinals made such joy at Rome with their procession with their Gun-shot and singing Te Deum that in honour of that lawful festival Act a Iubile was commanded by the Pope with great indulgence and much Solemnity whereby thou hast here to discern and judge with what spirit and charity these Catholicks are moved to maintain their Religion withall which otherwise would fall to the ground without all hope of recovery Likewise in France no lesse rejoycing there was the King commanding publick processions through the whole City to be made with Bone-fires Ringing and singing where the King himself with the Queen his Mother and his whole Court resorting together to the Caurch gave thanks and laud to God for that so worthy victory archieved upon St. Bartholomews Day against the Protestants whom they thought to be utterly overthrown and vanqâ—ished in all the Realm for ever And in very deed to mans thinking might appear no lesse after such a destruction of the Protestants having lost so many worthy and noble Captains-as then were cut off whereupon many for fear revoking their Religion returned to the Pope diverse fled out of the Realm such as would not turn kept themselves secret durst not be known or seen so that it was past all hope of man that the Gospel should ever have any more place in France but such is the admirable working of the Lord where mans help and hope most faileth there he sheweth his strength and helpeth as here is to be seen and noted by stirring up Rochel to stand to the defence or their Religion against the Kings power by whose example certain Cities hearing thereof took no little courage to do the like as Mountaban and others who being confederat together exhorted one another to be circumspect and take good heed of the false dissembling practises not to be trusted of the mercilesse Papists intending nothing but blood and destruction Rochel standing to the defence of their lives and consciences and to adventure the worst whereupon began great siege and battery to be laid against Rochell both by sea and land which was Anno 1572. The whole power of France is set against Rochel Thus the whole power of France being gathered against one power town had not the mighty hand of the Lord stood on their side it had been impossible for them to escape Daring the time of this siege which lasted about seven months what skirmishes and conflicts were on both sides it would require a long tractation In all which assaults ever the Popes Catholicks had the worst Concerning the first assault thus I find written that within the space of 26. dayes were charged against the walls and houses of Rochel to the number or thretty thousand shot of iron Bullets and globes where by a great breach was made for the adversary to invade the city but such was the courage of them within not men only but also of Women Matrons and maids with spites fire and such other weapons that came to hand that the adversary was driven back with no smal slaughter of their Souldiours Likewise in the second assault 2000. great field pieces were laid against the Town whereupon the adversary attempted the next day to invade the Town but through the industry of the Souldiers and citizens and also of women and maids the invaders were forced at length to flee away faster then they came No better successe had all the assaults that followed Mâ—ny were the tokens of Gods gracious dealings with them during the time of the siege and amongst the rest this was very memorable at Rochel whereas the poorer sort began to lack corn and victual there was sent to them every day in the River by the hand of the Lord no doubt a great multitude of fish called Surdones which the poor people did use in stead of bread Which fish the same day as the siege brake up departed and came no more testified by them which were present there in Rochel all the time The King in end being weary of those chargeable wars there was a peace agreed and concluded between the King and the Protestants of Rochel in which were included other Cities of the Protestants granting to them benefite of peace and liberty of Religion The next year following died Charels the 9. the French King and the Cardinal of Lorain brother to Guise The King died of the age of 25. years and the manner of his death is to be noted The constant report To goeth that his blood guishing out by diverse parts of his body he tossing in his bed and casting out many horrible blaâ—phemies laid upon pillows with his heals upward and head downward voyded so much blood at his mouth that in few hours he dyed Which story if it be true as is recorded and restified may be an spectale and example to all persecuting Kings and Princes polluted with the blood of Christian Martyrs The cruel Persecution and Bloody Boutchery of the MERINDOLIANS FOllows the Tragicall Persecution and horrible murther of the faithfull flock of Christ inhabiting in Merindol in the Countrey of Province in France this people of a long continuance and custome had refused the Bishop of Rome his Authority and observed ever a more perfect kind of Doctrine then others delivered them from the Father to the Son ever since the year of
WALDENSES Or WALDOYES THe Waldenses otherwise called Pauperes de Lugduno have their beginning of one Petrus Waldus Citizen of Lyons their first teacher and instructer by violence oâ— persecution being driven out of Lyons were dispersed abroad in diverse Countreys of whom some fled to Massilia some to Germany Livonia Bohemia Calabâ—ia and Apulia diverse strayed to the Countreys of France especially about Province and Piemont of whom came these Merindolians above mentioned they which were of the Countrey of Tolousa of the place where they frequented werâ— câ—lled Albii or Albigenses Against the which Albigenses Friers Dominicus was a great doer labouring and Preaching against them ten years together and caused many of them to be burned And albeit great was their Persecution in all parts where they were scattered yet could they never be utterly destroyed nor yet compelled to yeeld to the superstitious and false Religion of the Church of Rome but ever abstained from their corruption and Idolatry as much as was possible and gave themselves to the word of God as a Rule both truly to serve him and to direct their lives accordingly It happened that John Martin of Briqueras a mile from Angrogne which vaunted every where that he would slit the Ministers nose of Angrogne Was assaulted by a Wolf which bit off his nose so that he died thereof mad This was commonly known to all the Town thereabout this was the just hand of God upon this Persecutior As the President of St. Julian comming to Angrogne to vex the people there by the way he enquired for one dwelling at St. Johns near to Angrogne and examined him whether he had not baptized his child at Angrogne and wherefore he had so done The poor simple mans answered that he had baptized his child at Angrogne because baptisme was there ministred according to the institution of Châ—ist Then the President in a great rage commanded him in the Kings name to baptize his child again or else he should be burnt And here we see how the Papists play the Anabaptists The poor man desired the President that he might be suffered to make his prayer to God before he should make answer thereunto which after he had done in the Hall before all the company there present he required the President that he would writ and signe it wiâ—h his own hand that he would discharge him before God of the danger of that offence if he should baptize his child again and that he would take the perrill upon him and his The President hearing this was so confounded that he spake not one word a good while after Then said he in a great fury away thou villan out of my sight and after that he never was called again any more Barbarous was the cruelty that the enemies of the Gospel did to a good Minister of St. German in the valley of Perouse they sent a company of Ruffians by night who brought him out of his house and after sore impriâ—onment they put him to a cruel death for they rosted him by a small fire and when half his body was burnt he confessed and called upon the Lord Jesus with a loud voice In all these parts at this time was great Persecution great robbery and spoyling of mens goods and lives In their cruel outrages against those innocent people of the Waldoyes this is not to be passed by A certain old man about threescore years of age whose name was Odut Gemet being apprehendit of them suffered a strange and cruel death for when they had bound him they took all kind of beasts which live in horse dung called in French Escarborz and put them unto his navel covering them with a Dish the which within a short space pierced into his belly and killed him In that fight between the lord of Trinity the Angronguians there were burned about 1000 houses of Angrogne And here is not to be forgotten that they often times set fire upon the two Temples of Angrogne where the word of God was preached but they could never burn them A notable miracle of God in keeping the temples of the Gospel from burning So did they also to the Ministers house which notwithstanding remained whole the houses round about being all consumed with fire That day none of Angrogne was slain or hurt saving only one that was hurt in his thigh There were in all Angrongne but two that were enemies to the word of God which that same day were slain by the souldiers not in the coÌ„bat but for their riches they had about them as they were running away The one of them was a very covetous wretch and had great store of gold and silver and would spend nothing either to help himself or succour others no not his poor parents All this was spoiled by the souldiers with a hundreth or two hundreth Crowns besides which he had about him Besides these two there was not one of Angrogne slain that day In the overthâ—ow of the Lord of Trinity his Army by the Walloyes the rest that retired cryed out with a loud voice God fighteth for them and we do them wrong The next day one of the principall Captains of the Army surrendred his charge to the Lord of Trinity saying unto him that he would never fight against this people any more upon that he departed It is a marvelous thing and worthy of perpetuall memory that in that combat there were but two or the Waldoyes flain and two hurt through the whole country of Piemont every man said God fighteth for them One of the Captains confessed that he had been at many fierce assaults and combats and sundry battels foughten but yet he never saw souldiers so faâ—nt-hearted and amazed yea the souldiers themselves told him they were astonished that they could not strike Moreover they said that this people never shot but they hurt and killed some of the Souldiers Some other said that the Ministers by their prayers conjured and bewitched them that they could not fight and indeed wondrous is it and marvelous are the judgements of God that notwithstand so many combats and conflicts so great assaults and adventures so much and so terrible shot continually made against this poor people yet all in a manner came to no effect so mightily Gods holy power wrought for his people In end after many battels and conflicts there is agreement made up and agreed upon between the Lord of Raconis on the part of the Duke of Savoy his Highnesse their Master and them of the valleys of Piemont called Waldoyes through the mediation of the Dutchesse The first Article is a promise of forbearing armour against his Highnesse 2. That it shal be lawfull for them of Angrongron and the rest of the valleyes to have their congregations sermons and others ministers of their Religion in places accustomed 3. The goods already â—eased as forefault shal be restored to all the inhabitants of the said valeyes all their franchizes freedoms and priviledges shall
time at the fact and men yet alive the story whereof was this There was at Antwerp on a time amongst a company of Merchants as they were at supper a certain Juglar which through his Diabolicall inchantments or Art magicall would fetch all kind of Viandes and Wine from any place they would and set it upon the table incontinent before them with many other such like things The fame of this Jugler being much talked of It chanced that as Master Tindal heard of it he desired certain of the Merchants that he might also bee present at Supper to see him play his parts To be brief the supper was appointed and the Merchants with Tindall were there present Then the Juglar being required to play his feats and to shew his cunning after his wonted boldnesse began to utter all that he could do but all was in vain At the last with his labour sweating and toyling when he saw that nothing would go forward but that all his enchantment were void he was compelled openly to confesse that there was some man present at Supper which disturbed and setted all his doings So that a man even in the Martyrs of these dayes cannot lack the miracles of true faith if miracles were now to be desired After King Henry his Marriage was declared to be unlawfull and being divorced from Lady Cathren he married Lady Anna â—ullen who three years after she was married was had to the Tower with the Lord Rochford her brother and the nineteen day thereafter was beheaded The words of this worthy and christian Lady at her death were these Good Christian people I am come hither to die for according to the Law by the Law I am judged to death and therefore I will speak nothing against it I am to accuse no man nor to speak any thing of that whereof I am accused and condemned to die but I pray God to save the King and send him long to raign over you for a Gentler or more mercifull Prince was there never to me he was ever a Good a Gentle and a Soveraigne Lord. And if any person will medle of my cause I require them to judge the best And thus I take my leave of the World and of you all I heartily desire you all to pray for me so she was beheaded Whatsoever the cause was or quartell objected against her life this was a great commendation she left behind her that during her life the Religion of Christ most happily flourished and had a right prosperous course for she was an enemy to Popery she was a great giver of alms beyond all other Queens and the Revenues almost of her estate in so much that the almes which she gave in three quarters of a year in distribution is summed to the number of fourteen or fifteen thousand pounds beside the great peece of money which Her grace intended to impart unto four sundry quarters of the Realm as for a stock there to be imployed to the behoove of poor Artificers and occupyers Again what a zealous Defender she was of Christs Gospel all the world doth know and her acts do and will declare to the worlds end After the suffering of Queen Anna the King marrid Lady Jane Seimer of whom came King Edward as great an enemy to Gods enemies the Pope as ever his father was and greater too Shorâ—ly after his birth Queen Jane his Mother the second day after died in Child bed and left the King again a Widower which so continued the space of two years together After this Religion bâ—gan to go backward as appears in the condemnation burning and martyrdom of John Lambert and others For as the King was ruled and gave over some time to one some time to another so one while Reliâ—ion went forâ—wâ—rd and at another time as much backward again and sometimes clean altered and changed foâ— a season according as they could prevail which were about the King so variable was the change and mutation of Religion in King Henries days for the state of R ligion decayed all the residâ—e of King Henry A Parliament is summoned at Westmi ster in the ear 15 〈◊〉 through the devise and practiâ—â— of certain of the Popes factors about him Alâ—o a Synod or convocation of all the Archbishops Bishops and other leaâ—nâ—d of the clergy of this realm to be in like manner assembled In which Parliament Syâ—od or convocation certain articles matters and qâ—estions touching religion were decreed to the numbâ—r especially of six comonly called the six Articles or the whip â—ith six strings to be had and receivâ—d among the Kings Sâ—bjects in pretence of Unity The first Article in the present Parliament accorded and agreed upon was this that in the most blessed Sacrament of the Altar by the strength and efficacy of Christs mighty word it being spoken by the Priest is present really under the form of Bread and Wine the naturall body and blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ conceived of the Virgin Mary and that after the consecration there remaineth no substance of Bread or Wine or any other substance but the substance of Christ God and man Secondly that the Communion in both kinds is not necessary ad salutem by the Law of God to all persons and that it is to be believed and not doubted of but that in the flesh under the form of Bread is the very Blood and with the Blood under the form of Wine is the very flesh as well in parts as they were both together Thirdly that the Priests after the order of Priesthood received may not marry by the Law Fourthly that the vows of chastity of Widowhood by man or woman made to God advisedly ought to be observed by the Law of God and that it exeemeth them from other liberties of Christian people which without that they might enjoy Fifthly that it is meet and necessary that privat Masses be continued and admitted in this English Church and Congregation as whereby good Christian people ordering themselves accordinâ—ly do receive both godly and goodly consolations and benefites and it is agreeable also to Gods Law Sixthly that Auricular Confession is expedient and necessary to be retained and contained used and frequented in the Church of God All agreed to these six Articles except Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury who stood openly in the Parliament against them bringing forth such Allegations as might easily have helped the cause nisi paucos major vicisset ut saepe solet meliorem Great was the trouble and persecution at London for these six Articles and else-where through the land Doctor Barnes Garret and Hicrome were burnt for the Gospel at Smithfield At this time when Lambert was burnt there was one Colins at London sometime a Lawyer and a Gentleman being distracted of his wits coming into a Church where a Priest was saying Masse and was come to the place where they use to hold and shew the Sacrament he seeing the Priest holding the host over his head and
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
of eight years after till his dying day he was not able to turn himself in his bed but as two men with a sheet were fain to stir him and withall such an insatiable devouring came upon him that it was monstrous to see And thus continued he the space of eight years together This godly Eradfoord and Heavenly Martyr during the time of his imprisonment wrote sundry comfortable Treatises and many godly Letters of which some he wrote to the City of London Cambridge Walden to Lancashire and Chasshire and diverse to his privat friends and to his mother brethren and sisters Bradfoord was a godly and learned man while he was in prison he teached twise a day continually unlesse sickness hindered him where also he ministred the Sacrament often Preaching Reading and Praying was all his whole life and he was in great credit with his Keeper that he might go out and in when he pleased He counted that hour not well spent wherein he did not some good either with his Pen Study or in exhorting of others c. He was had in great reverence and admiration with all good men that a multitude that never knew him but by fame greatly lamented his death yea and a nâ—mber of the Papists themselves wished heartily his life In his Letter to his mother he disswades her from the Masse and tells her the difference betwixt the Lords Supper and the Masse The Supper was ordained to be received of us in the memoriall of his death for the confirmation of our faith that his body was broken for us and his blood shed for pardon of our sins But in the Masse there is no receiving but the Priest keepeth all to himself alone Christ saith Take eat no saith the Priest Gape peep There is a sacrificing yea killing of Christ again as much as they may there is Idolatry in worshipping the outward sign of Bread and Wine here is all in Latine yea cannnot tell what he saith To conclude there is nothing as God ordained wherefore my good mother come not at it In mortem Johannis Bradfordi constamissimi Martyris Discipulo nulli supra liâ—et esse Magistrum Quique Deo serrit tristia multa ferret Corripit omniporens natum quem diligit omnem Ad Coelum stricta est difficilisque via Has Bradforde tuo dum condis pectore voces Non hominum rigidas terribilesque minas Sed nec blanditias non vim nic vincula curas Tradis accensae membra cremanda pyrae There were at this time also two Ministers Rland and Frankish Sheterden and Midletoun burnt at Cauterbury at two severall Stakes but all in one fire together where they in the sight of God and of his Angels and before men like true Souldiers of Jesus Christ gave a constant testimony of the truth of his Gospel Sheterden wrot sundry Letters from the prison in Westgate and one to his mother before his execution to whom he gives warning to beware of the great idolatry and blasphemous Masse O let not that be your God which Myce and Worms can devour behold I call Heaven and Earth to record that that it is no God yea the fire that consumeth it and that moistnesse that cauâ—eth it to mould and I take Christs Testament to witness that it is none of his Ordinances but a meer invention of men and a snare to catch innocents blood and now that God hes shewed it unto you bewarned in time O give over all customes and become new in the truth what state soever your fathers be in leave that to God and let us follow the counsell of his Word Thomas Jueson Carpentar being earnestly travelled with all to recant said in this wise I would not recant and forsake my opinion and belief for all the goods in London I do appeal to Gods mercy and will be none of your Church nor submit my self to the same and that I have said I will say again and if there came an Angel from heaven to teach me any other doctrine then that which I am in now I would not believe him Which answer thus made he was condemned as an heretick and committed to the secular power and burned at Chicesher persuing him in his constant faith unto the end Among many that travelled in these troublesome days to keep a good conscience there was one James Ables a young man which through compulsion of the tyranny then used was inforced to his part with his brethren in wandring and going from place to place to avoid the peâ—il of apprehending but when time came that the Lord had another work to do for him he was caught by the hands of wicked men and brought before the Bishop of Norwich Doctor Hopton who examining him of his Religion and charging him therewith very sore both with threats and fair speach at the last the said poor James did yeeld and resented to their naughty perswasions although his conscience consent not thereto Now when he was dismissed and should go from the Bishop the Bishop calling him again gave him a piece of money which when the said James had received and was gone from the Bishop his conscience began to throb and inwardly to accuse his fact how he had displeased the Lord by consenting to their beastly illusions In which combat with himself being pitteously vexed he went immediatly to the Bishop again and there threw him his said money which he had received at his hand and said it repented him that ever he gave his consent to the wicked perswasions and that he gave his consent to the taking of his money Now this being done the Bishop with his Chaplaines did labour a fresh to win him again but in vain for the said James Abbes would not yeeld for none of them all although he had played Peter before through infirmity but stood manfully to his Masters quarrel to the end and above the force of the fire to the consuming of his body into ashes which tyrany of burning was done in Berie Mâ—ster John Denly at Uxbridg was burnt for the testimony of the truth being set in the fire with the burning flamme about him he sang in it a Psalm Then cruell Doctor Story being there present commanded one of the toâ—mentors to huâ—le a Faggot at him whereupon being hurt therewith upon the face that he bled again he left his singing and clapt his hands upon his face truly quoth Doctor Story to him that hurled the Faggot thou hast marred a good old song The said John Denly being yet still in the flame of the fire put his hands abroad and sang again yeelding at the last his spirit into the hands of God through his Son Jesus Christ There was six godly Martyrs burnt at one fire at Canterbury for the testimony of the Truth Elizabeth Narne widow that was one of them that was burnt at Stafford bow nigh unto London her husband was burnt before for the profession of the truth in the month of May last by past 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
to spare these men then to put them to death whereat the idiot Doctors offended said what will ye do my Lord Will ye condemn all that my Lord Cardinall and the other Bishops and we have done If ye so do ye shew your self enemy to the Church and us and so we will repute you be ye assured At which words the faithlesse man afraid adjudged the innocents to die according to the desire of the wicked and so they were burnt constantly triumphing over death and Satan in the midst of the fire The King at this time was ruled wholly by the Cardinal and made a solomn vow that none should be spared that was suspect of heresie yea although it were his own son which put many into fear The fearfull vision which the King had by night much terrified him that he withdrew his mind wholly from the extremities on which the Clergy had set him The King died in the year of the Lord 1542. being overwhelmed with grief and passion for the losse of his Army received at Solway by the Englishes he departed this life at Falkland in the 32. year of his age some few dayes before he died he had advertisement that his Queen was deliveaed of a daughter at Linlithow at which time it is said he brust forth in passion saying it came with a Laste meaning the Crown and will go with a Lasse fie upon it after which he was not heard to utter many words The Earle of Arran Lord Hammilton was chosen Regent and Governour of the Realm At this time there was a certain act of Parliament made giving priviledge to all men of the Realm of Scotland to read the Scripture in their Mother tongue and language secluding neverthelesse all reasoning conference convocation of people to hear the Scriptures read or expouned Which liberty of private reading being granted by publick proclamation lacked not his own fruite so that in sundry parts of Scotland thereby were opened the eyes of the elect of God to see the truth and to abhor the Papistical abominations Now there was certain in St. Johnstoun that were apprehended and accused for transgressing the act of Parliament before expressed and then conference and assemblies in hearing and expounding the Scripture against the Tenor of the said act All these were condemned and judged to death as Robert Lamb William Anderson James Hunter and his wife Helen Stirk and others and that by an assise by violating as was alledged the act of Parliament in reasoning and conferring upon the Scripture for eating flesh upon the dayes forbidden for dishonouring of images c. There was great intercession made by the Town in the mean season for the life of these persons aforenamed to the Governour who of himself was willing to have done that they might have been delivered But the Governour was so subject to the appetite of the cruel Priests that he could not do that which he would yea they menaced to assist his enemies and to depose him except he assisted their cruelty the men were hanged and the women drowned Robert Lamb prophesied of the ruine and plague that came upon David Beton the Cardinal thereafter The Martyrdome of Mr George Wisher This Mr. George was a brother of the house of Pittarrow in Merns a great knowledge c. He made his chief resort in the Towns of Dundie and Montrose where hee taught publickly with great profite and applause He is discharged from preaching at Dundie he goeth to the West where the Archbishop of Glasgow seeketh to apprehend him In end he is apprehended and put to his tâ—yall and condemned to be burnt as an heretick As he came forth of the Castle gate there met him certain beggars asking his almes for Gods sake To whom he answered I want my hands wherewith I should give you almes but the mercifull Lord of his benignity and aboundance of grace that feedeth all men vouchafe to give you necessaries both unto your bodies and souls then afterward met with him two false fiends I should say Friers saying Mr. George pray to our Lady that she may be Mediatrix for on to her Son to whom he answered meekly cease tempt me not my brethren After this he was led to the fire with a rope about his neck and a chain of iron about his midle After his prayer made to God and his exhortation to the people the hangman that was his tormentor â—ate down upon his knees and said sir I pray you forgive me for I am not gullty of your death to whom he answered come hither to me when that he was come to him he kissed his cheek and said Lo here is a token that I forgive thee my heart do thy office and by and by he was put upon the Gibbet and hanged and there burnt to powder At his execution he prophecies of the Cardinals death he who from you higher place beholdeth us with such pride shal within few dayes lye in the same as ignominiously as now he is seen proudly to rest himself The Cardinals death is conspired by Normond Lesly brother to the Earle of Rothesse John Lesly his Unckle William Kirkaldy of Grange Peter Carmichel of Fyfe and James Melvill one of the house of Carnbie they met at St. Andrews and entered into the Cardinals chamber and killed him in his chamber The people of the town crying for a sight of the Cardinals corpes was brought to the very same place where he sat be holding Mr. George Wishart his execution many then did call to mind the Martyr his last words were thereby confirmed in the opinion they had of his piety and holinesse After this David Betoun succeeded John Hammilton Archbishop of St. Andrews who to the intent that he would in no wayes appear inferiour to his predecessor in augmenting the number of the holy martyrs of God in the next year following called a certain poor man to judgement whose name was Adam Wallace he was accused for teaching saying and teaching of abominable heresies which are particularly laâ—d to his charge as first thou hast said and taught that the bread and wine on the Altar after words of consecration are not the body and blood of Christ He turned to the L. Governor who was there present with a number of Noblemen and of the Câ—ergy saying I said never nor taught nothing but that I found in this book and writ having there a Bible at his belt in French Dutch and English which is the word of God and if ye will be content that the Lord God and his word be judge to me and this his holy writ here it is and where I have said wrong I shall take what punishment ye shal put to me for I never said nothing concerning this that I am accused of but that which I find in this write c. They gave forth sentence and condemned him by the Laws and so left him to the hands of the secular power in the hands of S. J. Campbâ—l Justice Deputy who
word of God John Knox returned again to France to visite that little flock of his which he had in Geneva of the Englishes which the wickednesse of men had compessed him to leave Immediatly after his going away the Bishop summoned him for non-appearance burnt him in Effigie at the Cross of Edinburgh in the year of our Lord 1555. from the which unjust sentence the said John made his appellation and caused to print the samine and directed it to the Nobility and Commons of Scotland which is yet to be seen But John Willock returning again from Emden and others as William Harlaw John Dowglas and others began in Edinburgh and others Towns of the Country publickly to exhort The Nobility and Gentry and others being by them godly instructed and comforted they keep their conventions and held Counsels with such gravity and closnesse that the enemies trembled The Images were stollen away in all parts of the Countrey And in Edinburgh was that great Idol called St. Gile or Sanctus Egidius first drowned in the north Loch after burnt which raised no small trouble in the Town for the Friers rooping like Ravens upon the Bishops the Bishops ran upon the Queen who to them was favourable enough but that she thought it could not stand with her advantage to offend such a multitude as then took upon them the defence of the Gospel and the name of Protestants and yet consented she to summond the preachers whereat the Protestants neither offended nor yet thereof afraid determined to keep the day of summonds as that they did which perceived by the Prelats and Priests they procured a Proclamation to be publickly made that all men that were come to the town without commandement of the authority should with all diligence repair to the Borders and there remain fifteen dayes for the Bishop of Galloway in this manner of ryme said to the Queen Madam because they are come without order I rid you send them to the Border Now had God so provided that the quarter of the West-land in the which was many faithful men was that same day returned from the Border who understanding the matter to proceed from the malice of the Priests assembled themselves together and made passage to themselves till that they came to the very privie Chamber where the Qâ—een Regent and the Bishop were The Gentlemen began to complain upon their strange entertainment considering that her Majesty had found in them so faithfull obedience in all things lawfull While the Queen began to craft a zealous and bold man James Chalmers of Gaithgyrth said Madame we know that this is the malice and device of the Iewels and of that Bastard meaning the Bishop of St. Andrews that standeth by you we avow to God we shal make a day of it they oppress us and our Tennants for feeding of their idle bellies they trouble our Preachers and would murther them and us shall we suffer this any longer no Madame it shal not be and therewith every man put on his stee bonnet There was heard nothing of the Queens part but my joyes my hearts what ailes you me meanes no evill to you nor to your preachers the Bishops shall do you no wrong ye are all my loving subjects I know nothing of this proclamation the day of your Preachers shall be discharged and we will hear the controversie that is betwixt the Bishops and you they shall do you no wrong My Lords said she to the Bishops I forbid you either to trouble them or their preachers unto the Gentlemen who were wondrously commoved she turned again and said O my hearts should you not love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your minds and should ye not love one another as your selves With these and the like words she keeped the Bishops from buffers that time and so the day of summonds being discharged began the brethren universally further to be encouraged but yet could the Bishops in no fort be quiet for St. Geils day approaching they gave charge to the Provest Baillies and Counsell of Edinburgh either to get again the old St. Gile or else upon their expenses to make a new Image The Counsel answered that to them the charge appeareth very unjust for they understood that God in some places had commanded idols and Images to be destroyed but where he had commanded Images to be set up they had not read and desired the Bishop to find a warrand for his commandement Whereat the Bishop offended admonished under pain of cursing which they prevented by a former appellation appealing from him as a partial and corrupt Judge unto the Popes holinesse and so great things following that passed in oblivion Yet would not the Priests and Friers cease to have that great Solemnity and manifest abomination which they accustomedly had upon St. Giles day to wit they would have that Idole born and therefore was all preparation duly made A Marmouset Idol was borrowed from the Gray-friers Thus the Priests and the Friers carried with Tabors and Trumpeters Bâ—nners and Bâ—g-pipes and who was there to lead the ring but the Queen Regent her self with all her shavelings for honour of that feast well about goeth it and cometh down the high street to the Bow The Queen Regent dyned that day in Alexander Carpenter his house betwixt the Bowes and so when the idol returned back again she left it and past into her dinner The hearts of the brethren were wonderfully inflamed to see such abomination so manifestly maintained and so immediatly after that the Q. was entered into the lodging some of them drew nigh unto the Idol and willing to help to bear him and getting the ferror upon his shoulders c. And some began to cry down with the idol down with it and then without delay it was pulled down and broken the Priests and Friers fleed Queen Regent laid up this amongst her other inventions till that she might have seen the time proper to have revenged it After this some Noblemen and Barrons and others resolving upon a Reformation of Religion their petitions put up to the Queen Regent taking no effect joyning in Counsel did bind themselves by oaths and subscriptions to assist one another and hazard their lives and substance to advance the cause of Religion and so proceed peace and peace till the Reformation was established Shortly after these things that cruel tyrant and unmerciful hypocrite falsly called B. of St. Andrews apprehended that blessed Martyr of Christ Jesus Walter Mill a man of decreeped age whom most cruelly and unjustly he put to death by fire in St. Andrews in the year of God 1558. Which thing did so highly offend the hearts of all godly that immediatly after his death began a new fervency among the whole people yea even in the Town of St. Andrews began the people plainly to condemn such unjust cruelty his constancy moved so the hearts of many that the B. steward of his Regality Provest of the
departed this life the 24. of March in the 70 year of her age and 44. of her raign The same day in the forenoon the King of Scots was proclâ—imed King first at the Palace of White hall next at the Crosse in Cheapside within the City of London with an infinite applause of all sorts of people But leaving the prosecution of any moe occurences that fell out in this our Realm which late Histories at large does declare I shall close this part with one or two remarkable things specially concerning Glasgow in reckoning out the Bishops of Glasgow till the Reformation I find St. Mungo to be the first This City was made famous at first by Kentigern commonly called St. Mungo He was begotten by Engenius the third King of the Scots upon Thametis Daughter to Loth King of Picts His Mother finding her self with child out of shame and fear of her Fathers wrath stole privily away and entering into a little Vessel that she found in the nearest coast was by the wind and waves cast on land where the town of Culrosse is now situated and there was delivered of her birth and leaving the Child with a Nurse returned home His Parents bâ—ing unknown he was brought to Servanus and baptized and bred up by him yet it seems by the Hymne they did ordinarly sing in the Festivals that made his Father afterwards to be known They repo t of him that a Lady of good place in the Country having lost a King which her Husband gave her as she crossed the River of Clyde and her Husband waxing jealous as if she had bestowed the same upon one of her lovers she did mean her self unto him in râ—ating his help for the safty of her honour and that he going to the river after he had used his devotion willâ—d one who was making to fish to bring him the first that he caught which was done in the mouth of the fish he found the Ring and sending it to the Lady she was thereby fred of her Husbands suspition The credit of this I bâ—lieve upon the reportes but howsoever it be the sea and City do both of them wâ—ar in their Arms a fish with a ring in the mouth even to this day He was certainly a man of rare piety and to the poor exceeding bountifull lived to a great age beyond the ordinary course of men to wit nine score and five years as in the conclusion of the hyme is said Cum octogenos centum quâ—que quinque vir annos Complerat sanctus est Closgow sunere sunctus He laid the foundation of the high Church of Glasgow and was therein at his dâ—ath interred After his death for many ages the See was in a manner desolate unto the raign of Malcolm the third who restored the same to some integrity The first Bishop I find named after the restitution was 1. John Achaian who took great pains in building the Cathredal and having brought it to a reasonable perfection did dedicate â—he same in the year 1137. Jocelin Abbot of Melrosse was his successor in his time the City of Glasgow was erected a Burgh royall Williâ—m Babinton Chancellor of the Kingdom was after him elected Bishop In his time as Boeth writeth the fabrick of the Church of Glasgow was fully accomplished his words are absolutum est ea tempâ—state Templum Catâ—edrâ—le Glasgu nsis sedes profeâ—to magnifica cujus â—aud exignam partem Guilielmus ibid m Epise pus iberalitate sua extruxerat nec dâ—u operi perfecto supersuit He died the 25. of January 1261. William Rae the 19. Bishop a good and zâ—aloâ—s man build the stone Brid e of Glasgow and died in year 1367. In the time of Mr. Mathew Gl n linniâ—g the 21. Bishop the steeple which was all built of timber wâ—s burnt by lightning in place whereof he intended to build one of stone and made therefore great preparation but was prevented by death in the year 1408. His successor William Lawder finished the work he was Chancellor of Scotland Mr. VVilliam Tuâ—â—bull the 25. Bishop founded the Colledge of Glasgow The cruel persecutiâ—n of Châ—istians under the TURKISH Emperors NOw last of all having spoken of the persecutions of the Christians under the Roman Emperoâ—s in a tractate by it self and of the persecutions of the Roman Bishops in this place for the professing of the Gospel of Christ Jesus we shall speak a little of the miserable persecutions slaughter and captivity of the Christians under the Turks thus from time to time the Church of Christ almost hath had little or no rest in this earth what for the heathen Emperors on the one side what for the proud Pope on the other side on the third side what for the barbarous Turk for these are and have been from the beginning the three principall and capitall enemies of the Church of Christ signified in the Apocalypse by the Beast the false lamb and the false prophet from whom went out three foul spirits like Frogs to gather together all the Kings of the Earth to the battel of the day of the Lord God Almighty Apoc. 16. The cruelty and malice of these enemies against Christs people hath been such that to judge which of them most exceeded in cruelty of persecution it is hard to say but it may bee thought that the bloody and beastly tyrranny of the Turks especially above all the rest incomparable surmounteth all the afflictions and cruel slaughters that ever were seen in any age or read of in any story in so much that their is neither History so perfect nor writter so diligent who wryting of the miserable tyranny of the Turks is able to expresse or comprehend the horrible examples of the unspeakable cruelty and slaughter exercised by these twelve Turkish tyrrants upon poor Christian mens bodies within the compasse of these later three hundreth years Where of although no sufficient relation can be made nor number expressed yet to give to the Reader some generall guesss or view thereof let us first perpend and consider what Dominions and Empyres how many countries Kingdoms Provinces Cities Towns Strong holds and forts these Turks have surprised and wone from the Christians in all which victories beeing so many This is secondly to be noted that there is almost no place which the Turks ever came to and subdued where they did not either slay all the inhabitants thereof or led away the most part thereof into such captivity and slavery that they continued not long after alive or else so lived that death almost had been to them more tollerable Like as in the time of the first persecutions of the Roman Emperors the saving was that no man could step with his feet in all Rome but should tread upon a Martyr so here may be said that almost there is not a town city or village in all Asia Grecia also in a great part of Europe and Africa whose streets have not flowed wi h the blood of the Christians whom the